Essential tree works at Exmouth’s Manor Gardens to begin on 8 December

More from Exeter & East Devon News

• Ofsted praises major improvements for care leavers in good news for children’s services

  Devon County Council has won praise from Ofsted for big improvements in care-leaver services. Leader Julian Brazil says the endorsement shows the progress made since the new administration made children its top priority after May’s elections.

• More than 800 homes planned on former Exeter police station site

  Developers plan 800+ student and co-living apartments on Exeter’s old police station and magistrates court site, claiming past planning issues are resolved. The seven-block scheme could be approved at the city council planning meeting on 8 December.

• Go-ahead for homes in the ‘Topsham Gap’

  Over 50 homes are planned for the ‘Topsham Gap’ after planners agreed they would be out of sight. Heritage Developments will build 54 houses on the former Topsham Golf Academy driving range off Exeter Road, having previously developed nearby Berkeley Park.

• Police invite the public to share CCTV and doorbell footage

  Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thorne said the digital evidence system aims to deliver faster results for crime victims. Since introducing NiCE Investigate in summer, police have completed over 1,600 business requests and 12,000 citizen requests.

• Help shape the future of culture in Exeter

  Exeter residents are invited to help shape a new cultural strategy. The city council and local cultural groups are urging people to complete an online survey on Exeter’s cultural future. The survey runs until 12 December and takes only a few minutes.

• WANTED | Martin McFetridge, Exeter

  Police are seeking 33-year-old McFetridge after an incident on the 28th November in Exeter involving threats of violence and criminal damage. He is from Exeter with local links. He is about 5ft 3in, medium build, with brown hair and a light brown beard.

• Trading Standards urges shoppers to check toys before they buy this Christmas

  With rising costs and tempting online bargains, parents may choose cheaper toys—but these can hide risks. Heart of the South West Trading Standards warns that toys bought from non-UK sellers or unverified sites may fail safety standards.

• Exeter ‘skyline’ homes scheme thrown out

  Members of the Exeter City Council planning committee voted unanimously to reject a plan from developer Waddeton Park for 65 homes off Nadder Park Road after hearing how the new homes would be visible right across the city.