Local News

Wales & West Utilities is undertaking urgent work to repair a gas leak in the Queen Street area of Exeter.

Students at Thomas Hall School in Exeter, part of Reach South Academy Trust, marked the end of the first half of term with a non-uniform day that gave something back to the local community.

A £20 million research hub led by the University of Exeter will build the artificial intelligence and data systems the NHS needs to prevent dementia.

Cameras which detect unsafe and distracted driving behaviour will now cover the M5 Motorway for the first time after the initiative was expanded by road safety groups.

A property development company and one of its directors have been prosecuted after carrying out unauthorised work to protected oak trees in Kingsteignton.

Devon County Council has set out an ambitious vision for the future of its County Farms Estate, positioning it as a national leader in supporting food security, farming opportunities and sustainable rural growth.

East Devon District Council’s Cabinet received a progress update on work to find a safe, long-term solution for the failing retaining wall above Sidmouth’s Millennium Walkway.

East Devon District Council’s policy of charging higher council tax on second homes and long-term empty properties is helping to free up homes for local people to buy.

A plea for a meeting with the prime minister has been sent by a Devon council leader to work out how the sewage system can be improved to cope with housing growth in the major district.

Campaigners lobbying on both sides of a controversial road closure in Exeter are preparing for the final phase of their battle.

People who use telecare equipment at home to help them stay safe and independent are being encouraged to check with their telecare provider and telephone company ahead of the national switch from analogue to digital phone services.

As we move into the winter months, Devon & Cornwall Police is continuing to receive reports of dogs attacking and worrying livestock across our rural communities.

Five closure orders in Torquay have been extended for problem properties in the town after police acted on community concerns.

A prestigious national award has been presented to the Devon Food Partnership in recognition of its work to promote healthy, sustainable and local food.

Devon County Council has welcomed a major new report from England’s Chief Medical Officer which says the health challenges facing rural communities must be treated as a national, not simply a local, issue.

Young people across Devon are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Make Your Mark vote and help shape the issues that matter most to them.

People in Exeter are being warned to watch out for fake text messages in relation to the government’s announcement of a new £100 household energy payment.

Devon’s district councils are expecting to find out in March next year how long they have left to live.

Exeter’s historic Guildhall has been decorated with beautiful, knitted poppies in readiness for Remembrance.

Crumbling rock faces and disappearing dunes pose a fresh threat to rail services in and out of Devon and Cornwall, local MPs have warned.

An Exeter College learner has been crowned Student/Apprentice Chef of the Year at the prestigious South West Chef of the Year 2026 competition.

Bonfire Night is one of the highlights of the autumn calendar, bringing communities together to enjoy spectacular fireworks and celebrations. But every year, fireworks and bonfires cause serious injuries, fires and preventable call-outs for emergency services.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is taking strike action involving consultants at a number of NHS trusts, including the Royal Devon from 7am on Wednesday 25 November until 7am on Friday 27 November 2026. The industrial action is a national dispute between the Government and trade unions about terms and conditions.

Police Cadets have been helping to keep communities safe as they took part in a recent test purchase operation at licensed premises across Torquay Town Centre.

Women and girls are being asked for their feedback on safety whilst moving around Exeter.

New ‘Respect Orders’ to tackle anti–social behaviour have been welcomed by politicians in Exeter.

An overhaul of how Devon’s libraries are staffed has led to 19 people being made redundant, prompting concerns from campaigners about the impact.

Changing work habits which have seen millions of people turning their backs on the office to work from home instead have forced Exeter to think again about a massive new development.

Volunteers in Exmouth who rely on a temporary beach front shelter to carry out their vital environmental work say a bigger, permanent hub would mean they could make an even bigger impact in the community.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Diwali at the University of Exeter, with students hosting a spectacular event featuring fireworks, dancing, food and games.

Work is ongoing across the South Western network to keep customers moving through tough weather conditions this autumn and winter.

The Chair of Sidmouth Town Council, Councillor Hilary Nelson is inviting veterans, serving armed forces and youth service groups to take part in the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service of Remembrance which is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. This year, Remembrance Sunday is on Sunday 8th November.

The Community Governance Review for Cranbrook and the surrounding areas has concluded, with changes to parish boundaries due to take effect from 1 April 2027.

Double council tax on second homes look set to remain in East Devon thanks to the extra income and the charge prompting some properties to become permanent homes.

Police recently seized six e-bikes and two e-scooters as part of targeted action in Torquay to tackle their illegal and dangerous use.

A Devon council is being urged to show its support for Britain’s lifeboat volunteers.

From Monday 2 November, parents and carers can book places on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) winter programme for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Exeter’s Remembrance Sunday Service will take place in Northernhay Gardens on Sunday 8 November, and everyone is welcome to attend.

A Devon council is being urged to think again about handing over parks, toilets, car parks and green spaces to local communities.

A 52-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of a teenager in Torquay.

More than £86,000 was stolen in just nine days by fraudsters pretending to be from Amazon.

Residents and businesses across Devon are being urged to cut unnecessary water use now to help avoid further restrictions and protect the county’s most vulnerable residents.

A funding bid is being put together to secure cash to develop a fungus that could help battle a future bluetongue outbreak as the virus blights the county.

Two Exeter organisations working with some of the city’s most vulnerable people have had their work highlighted in Parliament.

The Rural Affairs Team at Devon & Cornwall Police has been working with VIN Chip to deliver specialist training to officers, strengthening their ability to identify stolen plant, agricultural machinery and equipment and recognise key indicators of theft.

New national planning rules come into force on 31 October, bringing a more consistent approach to planning decisions. The new rules will enable Planning Committees to focus on developments with the greatest impact on local communities.

People in Exeter are being asked to consider others when setting off fireworks over the coming days.

The death of a woman in Torquay is no longer being treated as suspicious, following a forensic post-mortem.

East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Wild About Seaton Wetland Connections project. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to restore important wetland habitats, improve access to nature, celebrate local heritage, and create stronger connections between Seaton’s wildlife, natural history and visitor attractions.

Budding photographers are being encouraged to take part in Exeter City Council’s Tree Photography Competition.

A controversial overhaul of Devon’s councils has been withdrawn by the government as part of a widespread re-think by ministers.

People in Exeter are being asked to help shape the City Council’s budget for 2027/28.

A decision will be made on the future of Teignmouth Lido in December.

A large-scale international study offers new insights for understanding Alzheimer’s disease and developing future treatments.

Halloween is a chance to have fun with family and friends, whether you’re carving pumpkins, dressing up, or heading out trick-or-treating. But every year, preventable accidents happen because of candles, costumes, and poor visibility after dark.

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Torquay.

You will be able to park for less than £2 at most EDDC car parks for up to two hours. Free parking will also continue to be offered on Sundays in Axminster, Honiton and Ottery St Mary. At Seaton car parks, all-day parking will cost just £1 on Saturday 28 November for the Christmas lights switch-on.

Stormy weather saw a number of boats rescued in the Exe Estuary over the last week.

A white cat called Ignatius D Flufflesworth has taken centre stage in a Westminster debate about the death toll of household pets killed on British roads.

Work begins this week on the second phase of the Newtown Active Travel Scheme in Exeter, making it easier, safer and more attractive for people to walk, wheel and cycle around the area.

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay have been given a boost towards greater control over their own future. In today’s Budget, the Government confirmed it is minded to proceed with a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering the whole area.

Tackling Exeter’s largest fire since the Second World War was understandably a huge pressure on Devon’s fire service. The blaze at the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter’s Cathedral Yard started 10 years ago on 28 October, and no fire in the city since has – thankfully – been bigger.

Exmouth Town Council is delighted to welcome Open Door Exmouth to Exmouth Town Hall from January 2027

University and innovation leaders from Exeter’s French twin city Rennes visited Exeter Science Park to discuss a shared commitment to research, innovation, enterprise and the exchange of ideas.

Three remarkable women who are making communities safer, supporting survivors and driving change across the South West have been named finalists in the 2026 West Country Women Awards.

Exeter’s community car club has clocked up more than 16,000 miles and attracted 138 members in just six months.

A creepy baby doll lurking in a sewer, a lone shoe recovered from the depths underground and a pair of pants discovered somewhere they shouldn’t have been. These are just some of the strange and spooky finds uncovered by South West Water’s teams while working beneath our streets this year, where the unexpected is often found lurking in the sewer network.

Exeter College Apprenticeships and Great Western Railway (GWR) are celebrating a decade of developing exceptional apprentice talent for Britain’s railways, with the partnership on track to enrol its 1,000th apprentice by the end of the year.

Devon councils have saved around £24 million after a decade-long drive to cut household waste and reduce treatment and disposal costs with, the money ploughed back into local waste services.

Members of the public are invited to take part in a silent auction to help veterans who are suffering in silence. 

With Halloween fast approaching, families across Devon are being encouraged to enjoy the celebrations safely, consider others in their communities and make choices that help reduce waste.

RNLI lifeboat crews spent nine hours searching the sea and coastline around Torbay after reports that a man had entered the water and disappeared during Storm Austen.

Residents and visitors to Dawlish are being asked to help rat control measures succeed by reducing food sources that can attract rats.

Exeter’s Riverside Leisure Centre is taking part in a global running competition, allowing runners to compete against people across the world for top prizes.

Organisations from across Devon gathered together to focus on improving job opportunities and access to education for young people.

Offenders serving community sentences have helped remove harmful waste from popular Devon beaches as part of a national event.

The plight of one of the nation’s rarest bats has been raised as a possible issue by campaigners opposing a potential monster housing allocation in Exmouth.

Devon MPs are demanding action from Royal Mail after local people missed vital appointments because their post was delayed.

Devon’s fire service has voluntarily opted to restrict its water usage as the drought situation in the county worsens.

Funding shortfalls and falling school rolls are putting teachers and leaders’ jobs at risk and threatening children’s education in the South West, a leading union is warning ahead of the Budget.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers as Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South West from late Thursday into Friday.

Natural flood defences such as ponds, ‘leaky’ wooden dams and trees can significantly reduce the risk of Devon’s most vulnerable communities from flooding, researchers have found.

South West Water is urging customers to check their toilets for hidden leaks as the region enters a critical phase of an exceptionally prolonged drought.

Devonians have just one week left to have their say on the county’s bid to become a Mayoralty.

Train customers are being asked to check before they travel in Devon and Cornwall on Friday as Storm Austen brings high winds to the South West.

Latest plans for the repair of Exeter’s Trews Weir are beginning to emerge.

Road users are being reminded to prepare for possible disruption as strong winds and rain are forecast for Devon this week.

Exeter’s Community Safety Team is making a real difference for visitors and businesses in the city centre, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment.

Exmouth Community College’s Sixth Form Football Academy has welcomed its first female players this season, expanding the programme to girls following strong demand for its boys’ programme, which is now full.

A new report has found no evidence that councils serving more than 500,000 people are automatically more efficient, financially sustainable or effective.

A plan to turn a former care home in Newton Abbot into 18 homes for ‘young, working professionals’ has been given the go-ahead despite concerns over parking and potential anti-social behaviour.

The search is on to find the best tree photographs in Exeter, with great prizes up for grabs in the City Council’s 2026 Tree Photography Competition.

A group of Devon’s MPs have rallied round the county’s iconic air ambulance which is seeking to fill a funding gap to pay for a vital new headquarters.

The South West has entered a critical phase of an exceptionally prolonged drought. Recent rainfall is welcome, but we have not seen nearly as much as was previously forecast for October, and certainly not enough to remove the pressure on water supplies.

Two teams from the University of Exeter are celebrating after reaching the final stages of a prestigious national student innovation competition.

Police are appealing for footage and information following the theft of a pregnant heifer in East Devon.

The Priority Services Register is a free service that gives extra support to customers who may need it. This includes help if your water, electricity or gas supply is ever interrupted.

Families across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Plymouth, and Torbay are being encouraged to consider adoption this National Adoption Week and discover how the everyday moments of family life can mean everything to a child.

Free digital support sessions will launch at four libraries in Devon from late November. The project will help people develop practical skills, including using smartphones and tablets, accessing the NHS app, applying for jobs and managing online banking.

A Devon resident has expressed dismay at not being able to recoup money for train tickets as part of a scheme overseen by a housing developer aimed at encouraging sustainable travel.

Former Devon & Cornwall Police officer James Stillman, 32, of Chard, has been jailed for two years and four months after pleading guilty to three counts of Misconduct in Public Office. He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 19 June.