Devon News

The NHS in the South West is encouraging all eligible people to get their winter flu vaccine in the lead up to the Christmas period – and is making it easier than ever to find out where clinics are in your local area.

The public will see 121 more police officers on the frontline in Devon and Cornwall by April next year.

South West Water has welcomed the Government’s decision to ban wet wipes containing plastic, recognising it as an important step in reducing sewer blockages and protecting rivers, seas, and wildlife.

Online shoppers looking for savings over the festive period are being urged to stay alert to potential scams and secure their accounts ahead of the Black Friday sales.   

Only a few weeks after celebrating his 18th birthday, one ‘stupid’ decision changed Seth Marks’s life and future plans forever – but it has now led him to become an advocate for a powerful Restorative Justice (RJ) service for victims called Make Amends, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Designated drivers are being offered free soft drinks at over 260 pubs, clubs and restaurants across Devon and Cornwall throughout December.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated forensic inpatient or secure wards at Langdon Hospital, run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust as requires improvement and taken action to protect people following inspection in April and May.

Two veteran Army doctors, one diagnosed with a rare form of dementia at just 60, are calling for end to unfair VAT rule that adds 20% to dementia care cost and leaves families unable to afford the care they need.

South West Water is reminding customers of the simple steps they can take to protect their homes against burst pipes with weather warnings in place this week.

The number of complaints made about Devon County Council that were referred to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) increased last year (2024-2025) to 165 compared to 151 the previous year.

A call for reliable train travel for passengers between Exeter and North Devon is set to be made directly to rail ministers after students and commuters faced more than a week of cancellations due to flooding.

The NHS, in collaboration with the British Burn Association, is urging the public to avoid using steam inhalation as a remedy for coughs and colds, following a rise in burn injuries linked to the practice.

A call has been issued for local councils in Devon to come together and take the opportunity to improve services, whatever decision government makes on the restructure of local government.

A new report reveals that the South West of England could support a reintroduction of European wildcats after more than a 100-year absence from the area, marking a vital next step in helping to secure the future of the UK’s most critically endangered mamma

Patients in Devon are being reminded of the benefits of ordering repeat prescriptions using the NHS App.

As carbon monoxide awareness week (17 – 23 November) begins, the company that operates the gas distribution network, Wales & West Utilities, is urging everyone to test their carbon monoxide (CO) alarms today and take a simple, potentially lifesaving step to protect themselves and their loved ones from the ‘silent killer’.

Police are appealing for witnesses and relevant footage following a single vehicle collision on the A30 near Pathfinder Village in Devon.

Councillors have been running the rule over Devon’s proposals for the reorganisation of local government in the county.

Devon and Cornwall Police have reported a 9.4% higher criminal charge rate for retail crime reported through a crime intelligence platform, compared to more traditional reporting channels (101 and via the Force website).

A Devon council is predicting it will overspend by nearly £8 million this year as government grant cuts and spending pressures in key services combine.

An education czar who specialises in inclusion will help Devon push forward with its bid to schools reform efforts.

The UK Health Security Agencies' early season data shows vaccination remains best defence alongside good respiratory hygiene as flu activity rises

South Western Railway and Network Rail are set to restore the full West of England Line timetable on Saturday 29 November. A reduced service has operated since August due to the UK’s driest ever spring and summer, which affected track conditions from Yeovil to Exeter

A £2m Nature Recovery Fund created by South West Water to support local community groups with a focus on the environment is now open for applications.

Funding support for zero emission buses across Devon and improvements to bus travel in Newton Abbot have been approved by Devon County Council.

Communities affected by antisocial behaviour (ASB) are being asked where they would like to see a new noise camera being deployed.

From April Devon’s foster carers will benefit from improved fees and allowances for looking after a child.

Devon County Council is set to appoint a strategic transformation partner, Newton Consulting Ltd, to help reshape its adult social care services amid rising demand and financial pressures.

Devon & Cornwall Police are taking part in a national week of action in a bid to tackle business crime and continue to strengthen relationships with retail outlets, employees and security staff.

Serious claims of wrongdoing have been made against Devon’s health service by a family that believes the NHS is trying to ditch the costs of their disabled son’s care.

A Devon man has been jailed after being convicted of rapes and other non-recent sexual abuse committed against two children.

A new employment scheme is being launched in Devon to help support almost 6,000 people into work over the next five years.

Communities are at the heart of Devon County Council’s business case for the future of local government in the county, which has now been published.

Four new coworking spaces have joined Devon’s successful Work Hub network. The Good Space in Dawlish, Propeller in Exmouth, Tiverton Work Hub, and UNIT 2 CoWorking in Kingsbridge, are the latest additions to the expanding number of independently run, locally-focused work hubs across the county.

At 11am this morning people across the County paused to remember just as others have done for over 100 years. Remembering those who had fought in Two World Wars and conflicts since, remembering especially those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom.

Devon County Councils successful child pedestrian safety training for primary schoolchildren has received additional funding from Vision Zero South West to continue through to March 2028.

The UKHSA South West are concerned that many people at risk may not know they are eligible for a flu vaccine

A pair of Devon MPs have added to pressure on property management companies which charge residents a raft of additional fees for living in their homes.

More than 1,000 pupils who weren’t getting the free school meals they qualified for will now secure them thanks to a significant change in Devon.

Pupils at primary schools across Devon will soon be receiving a visit from Bonster, the food waste eating Monster, as part of Recycle Devon’s Waste Education Programme.

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 Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

From this week you can book your child onto the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the Winter break. The offer is four sessions per child.

In the last five years to March 2025, automatic fire alarms have alerted the Service almost 58,000 times. On average, only 1.7% of the automatic fire alarms attended by the Service were classed as emergencies.

Officers are seeking witnesses after a single car collision on Dartmoor which left a woman critically injured.