Devon News

Devon County Council has brought in four temporary social workers to boost responses to safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults, helping the council meet its two-day target for addressing cases and improving support for those at risk.

More than 100 people were arrested across the South West as police targeted illegal drugs and child exploitation. In a week of coordinated action, officers seized drugs and weapons, arrested suspects, and safeguarded vulnerable people.

Running throughout December, the campaign will share practical advice and timely reminders on a wide range of safety topics – from fraud prevention and online security to personal safety, home security and road safety, so that everyone can celebrate Christmas safely.

Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs officers and Roads Casualty Reduction team have joined forces with the British Horse Society and the Mounted Section at Avon & Somerset Police to educate motorists about the importance of passing horses safely.

The Great South West Partnership has welcomed the Government’s newly published Critical Minerals Strategy, which identifies Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset as areas of national strategic importance for the future of the UK’s clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.

The grant will allow girls in school years 7 and 8 to attend twice-weekly training sessions for free for 6 weeks. If the girls attend regularly and enjoy the training, they can attend for an additional 6 weeks for free.

Devon County Council is asking residents to help shape the future of the county’s 50 libraries, as a major 12-week public consultation opens today (Monday). 

Devon Air Ambulance’s Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation (IMPACT) has been awarded the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, recognising its outstanding contribution to improving global road safety.

Devon & Cornwall Police has launched a new website to provide information and guidance around knife crime and keeping our communities safe.

Our Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor James Buczkowski, has criticised the Government for failing to confront the growing crisis in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in today’s Budget

At least 101 Devon homes look likely to be hit with a ‘mansion’ surcharge announced in the Budget, but many more could also trigger the additional levy.

Between 10-16 November the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) worked alongside all UK police forces to help remove uninsured vehicles from the road. The week-long safety initiative also provided education for otherwise law-abiding motorists on the often innocent mistakes they may be making.

Devon’s carbon emissions fell four per cent between 2022 and 2023 and by 29 per cent since 2010 according to the latest figures.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is currently in year seven of a ten-year rolling programme to upgrade and modernise its frontline fleet.

Devon and Cornwall Police are dealing with around 60 protests a month as a result of community unrest, a police and crime panel has been told.

An apology has been made by the most senior official of a Devon council about the performance of its fostering service.

An ongoing street lighting trial is on track to deliver major savings in energy, carbon emissions and costs – and a decision is due to be made early next year to decide whether to make the changes permanent.

This winter Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are sharing ways that everyone can stay safe this season.

The NHS in the South West is encouraging all eligible people to get their winter flu vaccine in the lead up to the Christmas period – and is making it easier than ever to find out where clinics are in your local area.

The public will see 121 more police officers on the frontline in Devon and Cornwall by April next year.

South West Water has welcomed the Government’s decision to ban wet wipes containing plastic, recognising it as an important step in reducing sewer blockages and protecting rivers, seas, and wildlife.

Online shoppers looking for savings over the festive period are being urged to stay alert to potential scams and secure their accounts ahead of the Black Friday sales.   

Only a few weeks after celebrating his 18th birthday, one ‘stupid’ decision changed Seth Marks’s life and future plans forever – but it has now led him to become an advocate for a powerful Restorative Justice (RJ) service for victims called Make Amends, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Designated drivers are being offered free soft drinks at over 260 pubs, clubs and restaurants across Devon and Cornwall throughout December.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated forensic inpatient or secure wards at Langdon Hospital, run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust as requires improvement and taken action to protect people following inspection in April and May.

Two veteran Army doctors, one diagnosed with a rare form of dementia at just 60, are calling for end to unfair VAT rule that adds 20% to dementia care cost and leaves families unable to afford the care they need.

South West Water is reminding customers of the simple steps they can take to protect their homes against burst pipes with weather warnings in place this week.

The number of complaints made about Devon County Council that were referred to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) increased last year (2024-2025) to 165 compared to 151 the previous year.

A call for reliable train travel for passengers between Exeter and North Devon is set to be made directly to rail ministers after students and commuters faced more than a week of cancellations due to flooding.

The NHS, in collaboration with the British Burn Association, is urging the public to avoid using steam inhalation as a remedy for coughs and colds, following a rise in burn injuries linked to the practice.

A call has been issued for local councils in Devon to come together and take the opportunity to improve services, whatever decision government makes on the restructure of local government.

A new report reveals that the South West of England could support a reintroduction of European wildcats after more than a 100-year absence from the area, marking a vital next step in helping to secure the future of the UK’s most critically endangered mamma

Patients in Devon are being reminded of the benefits of ordering repeat prescriptions using the NHS App.

As carbon monoxide awareness week (17 – 23 November) begins, the company that operates the gas distribution network, Wales & West Utilities, is urging everyone to test their carbon monoxide (CO) alarms today and take a simple, potentially lifesaving step to protect themselves and their loved ones from the ‘silent killer’.

Police are appealing for witnesses and relevant footage following a single vehicle collision on the A30 near Pathfinder Village in Devon.

Councillors have been running the rule over Devon’s proposals for the reorganisation of local government in the county.