Devon News

The British Medical Association (BMA) is taking strike action involving resident doctors at a number of NHS trusts, including the Royal Devon, from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026.

Refreshed Met Office weather app now contains beach forecast information and water safety advice for Easter weekend.

New figures show that raw sewage was spilled into a Devon river for more than 103 days in 2025.

Devon County Council’s Rural Affairs lead, Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, says rising costs are hitting rural areas hard and has written to the Chancellor urging action, warning some residents report heating oil and red diesel prices doubling within days.

Leaders from across the political spectrum have welcomed the Government’s decision to back two key transport schemes at the M5 in Cullompton and Bridge Road in Exeter. which are vital for the county’s economy and future. 

A rapist has been jailed for 26 years for despicable crimes relating to women and children spanning three decades. Christopher Welch, aged 66 of Westlands, Wrafton in Braunton, was convicted at Exeter Crown Court on 25th February.

A proportion of funds seized by Devon & Cornwall Police from the Tate brothers is being used to help create a pioneering male allyship pilot to encourage men and boys to make a stand opposing violence against women and girls (VAWG).  

Litter Heroes across the South West pledged to collect 35,837 bags of rubbish during the Great British Spring Clean, as a local man and an animal charity won awards. The region backed Keep Britain Tidy’s call to support the nation’s biggest campaign.

The Met Office’s refreshed weather app now includes beach forecasts and water safety advice for Easter weekend. With unsettled conditions expected, visitors to the coast are urged to check forecasts regularly before heading out.

Easter in Devon is one of the busiest times of the year as thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the county’s beaches, countryside and attractions.

Are you planning a road-trip getaway during the Easter break? We all know holiday traffic can be a nightmare at times, and while you can’t always prevent traffic jams, planning your route, picking the best time to travel and getting your car and kids ready in advance can help make the journey smoother.

The reality of Devon & Cornwall Police failing to receive what had been hoped for in this year’s policing funding settlement awarded by the government means that behind the scenes, much work is being done to see how it can achieve savings of £10million.

The Devon SEND Funding Framework, including revised funding values for bands, has been formally agreed.

A national watchdog has kept the heat on Devon’s fire service on the back of an inspection to measure how well it is scaling a host of challenges.

Smaller councils could be asked to take over the running of some of a Devon district’s “most valued community assets”.

A chaotic Government department has put the lives of vulnerable people at risk by breaking up adult and children’s services through swingeing changes to the way services will be delivered, Devon County Council’s leader has said.

The Community RePaint scheme has gone from strength to strength since launching in Devon’s Household Waste Recycling Centres last summer, supporting thousands of households and community projects while cutting waste and promoting reuse across the county.

Residents stuck in broadband ‘not-spots’ across Devon are being urged to secure cash to help get them connected before a looming deadline.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has reached 25 years of keeping beaches safer by delivering a world class lifeguard service to coastal communities around the UK. As the charity marks this milestone, its lifesavers are training ahead of the 2026 season and the Easter school holidays.

Families living in or visiting the South West who are also planning a trip to an open farm or farm attraction this Easter half-term, are being urged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals, and to remain tick aware when spending time outdoors.

Railway stations across the South West could unlock 238,000 jobs and £14.25 billion by 2035, according to new research. A report by Development Economics highlights the “Rail Catalyst Effect”, showing stations drive investment, opportunity and growth.

From April, the SEND Operations service is changing. A new locality model will be introduced to give families clearer, quicker and more joined-up support at key stages of the Education, Health and Care Plan process.

Reports of meningitis cases in Kent may be concerning, but Devon’s local risk remains unchanged with no evidence of wider spread. Still, be aware of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and stay vigilant as they can develop rapidly.

Devon County Council and Devon & Cornwall Police are urging dog owners to act responsibly around farm animals as new legislation to tackle livestock worrying comes into force today Wednesday (18 March).

Devon is to receive an additional £1.3 million from government to help eligible low-income households who rely on heating oil cope with rising fuel costs driven by global events.

A new four-year strategy to improve support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation has been approved by Devon County Council’s Cabinet.

South West Water has opened applications for a fun run at Roadford Reservoir to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

An urgent plea for help has been made on behalf of Devon’s rural residents and farmers who have been battered by the spike in fuel prices and are set to face “extremely difficult choices”.

Complaints about alleged code of conduct breaches by members of Devon’s biggest council have spiked, with social media being a major cause.