Local News

Police are appealing for witnesses and relevant dash-cam footage following a fatal road traffic collision on the A30 near Honiton.

Devon County Council Leader Julian Brazil has congratulated the University of Exeter for gaining an “exceptional” rating from Ofsted for its Degree Apprenticeships programme.

A rogue roofer who pressured customers into paying thousands of pounds for poor or incomplete work has been given a suspended 21-month prison sentence following a prosecution by trading standards.

Support for unpaid carers in Devon will continue as Devon County Council introduces new arrangements from 1 October 2026.

Discount supermarket Lidl is hoping to check out the views of residents in Devon’s newest town ahead of possible plans for a store there.

South West Water has announced it will introduce temporary restrictions on hosepipe use for all customers across Devon, Cornwall, parts of Dorset and Somerset and the Isles of Scilly as prolonged dry weather, significantly below average rainfall and continued high demand place increasing pressure on the region's water resources.

A consultation finishes on Friday 14 August and people are being encouraged to complete a short survey which takes around ten minutes to complete.

Friction is emerging as Devon races to put forward proposals for new boundaries that will define the distinct areas in which residents will be able to vote.

Exeter residents are being invited to share their views on how easy it is to stay active in the city through the annual Local Active Lives Survey.

Faster testing, financial support and better communication are among the demands being made by Devon to push the government to better tackle the bluetongue outbreak.

South West Water is encouraging customers across the region to carry out a simple check at home to identify hidden toilet leaks which could be wasting thousands of litres of water every year.

Police are investigating a report of an alleged serious assault in Exeter and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

A property in Exeter has been issued with a closure order following successful action by Devon & Cornwall Police working in partnership with housing association SNG (Sovereign Network Group).

City councillors hoping for a homes bonanza as a result of rebuilding the fire-hit Royal Clarence Hotel have had to lower their sights.

A dangerous cycle path set-up in Exeter is creating a constant stream of arguments between drivers and cyclists, it has been claimed.

Police are seeking the public’s help to trace a 39-year-old man from Exeter.

A driver slapped with a parking ticket while walking her dog has hit out at the charge because of her claims over poor signage.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has praised the measures in place to help police in Devon and Cornwall keep communities safe as the population increases dramatically during the four months of the summer.

Detectives have issued an e-fit image of a man they wish to identify and talk to in connection with an assault on Exmouth seafront.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Teignmouth Hospital on Monday 3 August.

Devon’s four Conservative MPs have confirmed they will fight the next general election when it is called.

Residents and visitors will soon see improvements to two play spaces, with work expected to start at Higher Brook Meadow in Sidford in mid-August and Phear Park in Exmouth in mid-September.

Exeter residents could be set to enjoy their best view of a solar eclipse in almost thirty years when it arrives on Wednesday 12 August.

As national attention remains focused on helping families with the cost of living, people across Devon are being reminded that the Crisis and Resilience Fund can provide targeted support when unexpected costs or a sudden loss of income put households on low income under financial pressure.

People with lived experience of adoption are being invited to help shape the future of adoption services across the South West through a new Voice & Influence Reference Group.

A rising number of budding bakers looking to prove themselves with their own small enterprise has prompted a Devon council to review its policies.

Hundreds more children in Devon could become eligible for free school meals this September following a change to Government rules.

South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex) have launched a major crackdown on ‘short-faring’ - where customers deliberately buy a ticket only for part of their journey instead of paying the correct fare for the full distance travelled – after identifying widespread misuse of barcode tickets and e-tickets by customers deliberately avoiding paying the correct fare.

A derelict Grade II listed building in Dawlish could finally return to use after Teignbridge District Council granted planning permission for its restoration and conversion into seven homes.

Plans have been submitted for 29 homes on a parcel of land next to a Devon village industrial estate.

On Saturday 1 August an initial tasking for the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI from H.M. Coastguard evolved into three separate incidents. The pagers first sounded at 2.21pm to assist an 8.5m motorboat with engine failure at Budleigh Salterton.

The University of Exeter Medical School has continued a run of success at a prestigious national neuroanatomy competition for students, scooping a trio of prizes.

Teignbridge District Council has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and intimidation directed at councillors and staff.

Parents and carers across Devon are being encouraged to have open and supportive conversations with young people ahead of festivals and summer events.

Families of children who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals are reminded that there are places available on our Holiday Activities and Food programme this summer holiday.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a new yellow heat health alert from 9am on Sunday 2 August through to 9am on Wednesday 5 August across the South West.

A massive £150 million water tank on the outskirts of Exeter will give high-tech firms the chance to test new underwater drone technology.

Devon’s Reform leader has criticised a reprimand that requires him to apologise and undertake code of conduct training as a “stitch-up”.

Flared tempers led to a meeting about Devon’s efforts to try and secure a mayor being abruptly adjourned.

Work is underway to create a new water play facility in an Exeter park.

Residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have sent a “very clear message” that they do not support Devon & Cornwall Police becoming part of a larger police force, says Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.

Officers are appealing for information after a series of overnight burglaries at businesses across Exeter and South Devon.

Disabled children, young people and their families across Devon are benefiting from improvements to the county council’s Short Breaks offer, with work now underway to create an even broader range of support through a new county-wide quality assured provider offer.

The names of Devon’s four new councils that are set to be launched in under two years have been confirmed with a stark cut in councillor numbers.

An Exeter city centre church could be transformed into a circus complete with its own museum and a training centre for would-be performers.

Between January and June 2026, the unstinting efforts of Devon & Cornwall Police investigators has brought about the conviction of 138 perpetrators of sexual offences. 55 of these convictions were for rape.

Residents are being encouraged to lend a helping hand to young trees across Exeter as prolonged dry weather puts them under increasing stress.

Fears that a move to make the Teign Estuary a protected ‘national landscape’ could mean ruin for Teignmouth’s busy docks have been allayed.

A new Exmouth Youth Directory has been created to help young people, parents, carers and families discover the wide range of clubs, activities and organisations available throughout Exmouth.

With a drought now officially declared across Devon and Somerset. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to help reduce the risk of wildfires and use water responsibly as hot, dry conditions continue.

East Devon District Council has received a planning application for a proposed development of up to 2,000 homes on land between the A3052, near Crealy Theme Park & Resort, and the A376 near Clyst St George.

A Devon councillor who worked alongside Ann Widdecombe says ‘emotive and dishonest’ language from political leaders is putting grassroots politicians in danger.

South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex) will introduce a temporary timetable on the West of England line between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids from Monday 10 August.

The South West is experiencing an exceptionally warm and dry period, with prolonged sunshine, low rainfall and high temperatures placing growing pressure on water resources across the region.

A new support programme is launching across Devon to help people who are finding work difficult because of their physical or mental health.

Almost 3,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging sockets will be installed in communities, car parks and on streets across Devon and Torbay over the next few years.

Plans for a second M5 junction at Cullompton have received a major boost, after the Government this week awarded £1.3 million to develop the next stage of the scheme.

A Devon business will be able to serve up its ‘educatering’ facility after winning an appeal that it launched after its plans were blocked.

A £3 million project to upgrade play parks across Teignbridge has been approved by councillors today (Tuesday 28 July 2026).

The new Whitehills Roundabout (Jetty Marsh) is expected to open during the first half of August, replacing the old triangle junction on Exeter Road.

On Monday 27 July 2026 at around 11.30am, the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to support local coastguard rescue units, Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team and Beer Coastguard Rescue Team. The reported casualty, a dog called Charlie, had gone over the cliff just east of Sandy Bay.

Staff and students at the University of Exeter have been recognised for their commitment to boosting social mobility in the South West and beyond.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and footage following an alleged unprovoked attack in Teignmouth which saw a man hospitalised with serious injuries after coming to the aid of his two friends.

Exmouth Town Council wishes to reassure residents that the recently announced proposals for local government reorganisation in Devon, including the creation of new unitary authorities and the eventual dissolution of East Devon District Council, will not affect the role of Exmouth Town Council.

East Devon District Council has announced that a supplier has now been appointed for the design and delivery of Sidmouth and East Beach Coastal Defence Scheme – marking a major milestone in progressing this vital project. 

People who are passionate about Whipton and Heavitree are being invited to help shape the future of their community.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued updated heat-health alerts for parts of England, warning that rising temperatures this week may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The Royal Devon, like many NHS Trusts, continue to experience significant capacity challenges with ongoing high attendances at its emergency departments. The consistent challenges they face have significantly impacted their urgent and emergency services.

People can explore the rich history and sweeping beauty of the Bellever area more easily, thanks to the introduction of two all-terrain scooters.

Police are appealing for witnesses after 81 lambs were discovered missing from a farm in Kenn near Exeter.

Do you need help with heating oil costs this winter? If you live within the Teignbridge District Council boundary and domestic heating oil is your main source of home heating, if you are on a low income or receive means tested benefits, then you may be eligible.

A brand-new free coastal adventure programme, Beach Heroes, is launching in Exmouth this summer, giving children the chance to discover the coast, build confidence on and around the coast, and learn how to enjoy and protect the natural environment.

Young people from across Devon have been recognised for the difference they are making to services and opportunities for children and young people across the county.

Council tax bills are something that virtually all residents pay attention to, but their focus on the levy could become even keener amid Devon’s prospective overhaul.

Exeter’s military veterans, pet owners and people with neurodiversity will be among those to have a say in deciding the future of fireworks.

A hundred protesters fighting to preserve Torbay’s health services greeted Torbay councillors as they met to answer questions on the issue.

Conservative Lee Mason has ensured his party held onto an Exmouth seat in a hotly-contested by-election.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West is urging festival-goers to make the most of the summer while staying safe, particularly when it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and weather-related illness.

Students at St Luke’s Church of England School in Exeter have completed a Mental Health Champions training programme in partnership with charity Heads Up.

A 19 year-old-man from Exmouth has been jailed for four years and nine months following months of work by police to tackle crime in Exmouth.

People living in Exeter are being asked to give their views on a variety of topics ranging from what it’s like living in Exeter, air quality, physical activity and planning charges.

Hundreds of job losses across Exeter will have a knock-on effect on services across the city, councillors have been warned.

A major Devon council is hoping to bag up to £9 million from the sale of property and land it no longer needs by April next year.

An Exeter car park once described as a urine-smelling ‘dystopian film set’ where pedestrians fear to tread is to be transformed.

Campaigners are urging Devon County Council to aim higher when it replaces two key bridges over the Exeter Ship Canal.

It was a busy day for the Exmouth volunteer lifeboat crew on Wednesday, 22 July, supporting two separate multi-agency incidents alongside our emergency service partners.

Water safety experts have been raising awareness on Exeter Quayside ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday 25 July.

People are now able to enjoy using the first completed section of the Newtown Community Project.

Co-ordinated efforts are being launched to tackle an outbreak of anti-social behaviour at a Devon town’s marina where young people are increasingly putting themselves at danger.

Members of Devon’s coastguard staged a protest with their Cornish counterparts amid their ongoing battle over pay and their legal status as workers.

An Exeter office building that has one of the city’s busiest nightclubs in its basement could soon become a block of student accommodation.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage following an assault on the Exmouth seafront.

West Exe School is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors recognised student progress, positive relationships and the wide range of opportunities available across the school.

Wales & West Utilities is shortly starting work to upgrade the gas pipes in the Alphington area of Exeter.

A new Volunteer Warden Scheme is being launched at the Grand Western Canal Country Park, giving local residents the opportunity to play an active role in caring for one of Devon’s most cherished green spaces.

The Children’s Commissioner for England has launched ‘The Big Future’, a national survey designed to hear directly from children and young people about their experiences of growing up today.

Lower speed limits are set to be implemented on a stretch of a “high casualty road” on the outskirts of Exeter.

Frustration has been aired about the protracted analysis over a possible pedestrian crossing for an East Devon village that its residents believe is long overdue.

The first preparatory steps for a possible legal challenge against government attempts to carve up Devon are underway.

Officers are appealing for caravan owners to be vigilant after two high end caravans were stolen in the middle of the night from a farm in Awliscombe.

A section of the A379 at the Devon Hotel roundabout will be closed for two nights next month so road markings can be refreshed.

As schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays with a warmer than average summer forecasted by the Met Office, the UKHSA is urging families to take simple steps to enjoy the summer break safely and protect their family’s health.

Hundreds of businesses and community groups in Teignbridge have received lasting benefits thanks to government funding administered by Teignbridge District Council.

Exmouth Town Council has welcomed plans by the Environment Agency and South West Water that are designed to improve water quality at Exmouth Beach and reduce the risk of sewage pollution caused by storm overflows.

Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park have, once again, been named as two of the best parks in the country after receiving this year’s Green Flag Award.

Devon’s new local government shake-up has been blasted as a ‘disaster for rural Devon’ by environment watchdogs.

Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after being charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

As visitor numbers increase and temperatures rise, so too does demand on policing. Busier roads can mean more collisions, popular destinations attract larger crowds and major events and festivals all place additional pressure on emergency services.

Countryside lovers with restricted mobility are now able to enjoy one of Devon’s most picturesque locations, thanks to a partnership arrangement that gives them access to a special self-drive all-terrain vehicle.

Archaeologists have uncovered a rare and intricate polychrome mosaic within the remains of a Roman villa sitting beneath Devon farmland.

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.