Local News from Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

It has been another busy summer, with Sidmouth lifeguards responding to a wide range of incidents both on the beach and in the water. From treating more than 40 minor injuries in a single weekend - including weever fish stings, jellyfish stings, cuts and grazes - to managing medical emergencies, the team has been there when people needed them most.

Messages promoting a supposed premium service called "WhatsApp Gold" are circulating once more.

Whizz Kidz is warning that young wheelchair users are still being shut out of key parts of school life, as its latest frontline data shows satisfaction with school-related activities at just 2.5 out of 10 before they receive the right wheelchair

Older and vulnerable people are seeing millions of pounds stolen from them with the fraud committed by those closest to them, according to new figures released today.

South Western Railway (SWR) has become White Ribbon accredited for its action to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Sidmouth is gearing up for an uplifting new addition to its events calendar with the launch of Sidmouth Health and Wellbeing Week, running from 12–19 September. Designed to energise, inspire and bring the community together, the week will showcase the very best of Sidmouth’s growing wellbeing scene, from movement and mindfulness to creativity and connection.

Devon’s High Sheriff Mark Ansell has made Restorative Justice the focus of his year in office and is bringing together key stakeholders from across the criminal justice system to look at how to increase the numbers of victims and offenders accessing it.

Demolition work is set to begin at Rennes House in Exeter this week, marking an important milestone in the regeneration of the Whipton Gardens area and paving the way for a new generation of energy-efficient council homes.