Local News from Friday, October 30th, 2026

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.