Local News

A popular ferry which carries passengers across the River Exe has had to be modified after an incident involving a drunken passenger and a heavy electric bike.

The government’s controversial ‘tourist tax’ proposals have been created to benefit big cities, according to a Devon MP, at the expense of rural holiday locations.

Campaigners opposing a proposed 700-home site on the edge of Exmouth have been assured key concerns will be raised with ministers. David Reed MP held a community meeting to hear residents’ views on the plans.

Operation Seabird visited Salcombe, offering free forensic marking for high-value marine equipment, including jet skis and outboard motors. Police also gave boat owners advice on protecting valuables and avoiding disturbing wildlife along the coast.

Devon & Cornwall Police are warning residents to be vigilant over a phone scam involving fraudsters posing as police officers. They have been informed that people are being called by scammers under the guise of 'assisting with an investigation'.

A report reviewed by Cabinet sets out where housing services have fallen short, what tenants have told the council and improvements being made, including investment in extra resources to help resolve issues more effectively.

Exwick Heights Primary School won the primary category at the Ted Wragg Trust’s Innovation Competition. Five Year 5 pupils spent six months researching, designing and building their “out of this world” project before presenting it to judges.

The CHORUS study is exploring treatment for fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a chronic lung condition causing inflammation and scarring. It affects around 11 in 100,000 people, with about 2,000 UK cases diagnosed each year.

Experts including speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, occupational therapists and specialist teachers will work with mainstream schools to support inclusion, upskill staff and provide quick, flexible access to specialist advice.

Exeter’s City Grant programme offers groups and organisations up to £2,500 to support events, festivals and projects that encourage community participation. Funding is available across the city, but there is no guarantee of the full amount requested.

The concrete bases for the new facility in Heavitree Pleasure Grounds were this week being completed and will require a 28-day curing process. This will mean that the play facility will not now open before the end of the Summer – as was previously hoped – but will instead open next Spring.  

Warm hubs, village halls and community groups helping people through the colder months can now apply for funding from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), as part of a drive to support Devon households this winter. 

A campaign has launched 100 days before new UK smokefree generation laws take effect on 1 January 2027. Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold tobacco. The law does not affect adult smokers.

People are encouraged to attend Sunday’s event even if swimming remains off-limits. East Devon District Council has advised against swimming at Exmouth beach since 11 September, after a potentially toxic blue substance was found in Littleham Brook.

The Community Fun Day marked a major milestone, showcasing sports and social facilities now available for public and club hire. Activities included sports games, free trials, demonstrations, family activities and refreshments at the community café, culminating in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Train4Tomorrow, run by Devon County Council as part of the Government’s Skills For Life programme, has received £3.3 million from the Department for Work and Pensions this year to provide free training for more than 800 adults in Devon. Skills Bootcamps aim to help people to upskill, change careers or explore new job opportunities.

Exmouth Town gain another 3 points in the Southern League .

Exeter City Football Club is inviting supporters to be part of history on the weekend of September 19 and 20, as St James Park plays host to a landmark double celebration - the club's 125th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of Exeter City Women.

Ishbel Zuurmond scored a spectacular 98th minute equaliser to steal a point on the road for City Women, as they fought back in dramatic fashion twice to draw 4-4 with Cheltenham Town.

Exmouth Town ended a fine week with a close 1-0 win against Shaftesbury, at the Search4Local Stadium.