Devon News
-
Treasure trove of Devon history set to be unearthed in new book
One of Devon’s last great untapped sources of history will reveal some of its best-kept secrets with the publication of a new book this week.
-
Halloween Safety Warning from Trading Standards
With Halloween (October 31) fast approaching, Trading Standards is urging families to prioritise safety when buying costumes, decorations and novelty items.
-
Bereavement charity 2wish launches support services locally
Bereavement charity 2wish has today officially launched the expansion of its vital support services locally, as part of a wider rollout across multiple English counties.
-
Come Rain or Shine – Why using water wisely is important all-year round
South West Water is reminding customers of the importance of using water wisely all-year round following the warmest summer on record for the UK.
-
Three weeks left to have your say on strategy to safeguard Counties environment
There’s still time for Devon residents to help shape a new strategy aimed at reversing the decline in wildlife and restoring the county’s natural environment.
-
Adoption: Children need a ‘welcome home’, not a perfect one
Devon County Council are asking families and residents from all walks of life to consider adoption — not because they’re perfect, but because they’re ready to offer a child a safe, loving home.
-
People in Devon at risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu this winter are being urged to get their flu vaccine.
People in Devon most at risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu this winter are being urged to get their flu vaccine as cases of flu start to rise.
-
Devon MP says pharmacy staff ‘begging for pay’
Devon MP Richard Foord has highlighted the plight of pharmacy staff in his constituency who claim they have had to resort to “begging for pay”.
-
Devon councils announce proposal for new local government structure for the county
Devon’s district councils have collaboratively joined forces to respond to government proposals to reorganise local government in the county.
-
Lib Dems challenge own potential parking charge hikes
Six Liberal Democrat councillors have collaborated on a bid to challenge a decision by their own cabinet member that could allow parking fee hikes of up to 50 per cent
-
Village complains over police response to playpark damage
A Devon village has complained about what it believes is a “disappointing” response from police over a spate of vandalism.
-
Prosper business support programme extended to March 2026
Devon County Council has announced the extension of its successful Prosper business support programme until March 2026, offering a vital lifeline to entrepreneurs and small businesses across East Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter
-
£15.5 million to continue South West health research partnership
A partnership that carries out vital health research across the South West Peninsula to directly benefit patients and NHS services has been awarded £15.5 million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
-
New report puts co-production at the heart of Devon’s SEND transformation
Devon County Council has published the findings of transformative project to reshape the county’s approach to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
-
High Court grants relief in Devon Reform UK expenses row
A Devon councillor at the centre of an election expenses row has been granted relief by a High Court judge who declared there had been “no bad faith”.
-
Urgent need for more digital forensic officers is being tackled in Devon
Devon is leading the way to address an urgent need to recruit more digital forensic officers to work in police forces.
-
Green-fingered supporters raise thousands of pounds for hospice
Gardeners opened their gates to the public this summer and raised more than £55,000 to help fund local end-of-life care.
-
Libraries help neurodiverse families explore Devon’s outdoors
Libraries Unlimited, the charity commissioned by Devon County Council to run the libraries in Devon, has launched a new leaflet and set of resources to help children, young people and families with neurodiverse conditions explore some of Devon’s more accessible outdoor spaces.
-
Vulnerable could be key battleground in council tussle
Vulnerable children and adults could be a key battleground amid a once-in-a-generation tussle between councils facing a radical overhaul
-
Devon County Council welcomes national report supporting protection of vital care services
Senior councillors at Devon County Council have welcomed a major new report from the County Councils Network (CCN), which warns that breaking up county councils into smaller unitary authorities could seriously harm the delivery of essential care services.
-
Devon’s public health leaders have ‘significant concerns’ about extending licencing hours
Both the Devon County Council cabinet member and director of Public Health in Devon have expressed ‘significant concerns’ following reports that the Government is considering extending the licencing hours of pubs into the early hours in a bid to boost economic growth.
-
Towns and parishes urged to act now to regain control of community facilities
Devon’s towns and parishes are being urged to act “before it is too late” if they want to regain control over key facilities in their areas.
-
Hundreds of children get wise about farming
More than 1,600 primary school children from across Devon got ‘Farmwise’ on this week and saw for themselves where our food comes from and how it’s made.
-
A reminder to bike users to have lights at night.
Police are appealing to parents, guardians, grandparents and anyone who may care for a young person to ensure that the young people are as safe a possible when they are out on their bikes in darkness.
-
Residents to be asked for their views on the future of Devon’s library service
Devon County Council are preparing to reshape its library services to better suit the changing habits of its users, and from November residents will be asked for their ideas and views.
-
New action plan to support education, employment and training
Devon County Council’s Cabinet have approved a new Brighter Futures Action Plan, 2025 to 2028, to help young people move confidently into education, employment or training.
-
Devon warm hubs offered help for winter
Community efforts to tackle fuel poverty and keep people in Devon warm this winter are being offered free financial support from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED).
-
Don’t feed the sewer monsters! South West Water urges customers to help prevent blockages and fatbergs this Unblocktober
Hidden beneath the streets of the South West, sewer monsters are forming every day – and South West Water needs help from customers to stop them from growing.
-
Children’s winter flu vaccine now available at pharmacies across Devon.
Two and three-year-olds in Devon can now get their free flu vaccination at a community pharmacy, thanks to a new NHS service.
-
New proposal for Devon councils shake-up
A new contender has emerged in the race to decide the shape of Devon’s new councils.
-
It’s Flood Action Week next week – are you prepared?
Devon County Council are supporting and empowering communities across the county by raising awareness of flood risk, and promoting practical steps that will help residents feel more confident and prepared for flooding.
-
UKHSA Urges those Celebrating Diwali in the South West to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on those celebrating Diwali across the South West to come forward for their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if they are eligible, so they can be 'winter-proof' and have a safe and healthy celebration.
-
New action plan to support education, employment and training
Devon County Council has launched a new ‘Brighter Futures’ action plan to help young people move confidently into education, employment or training.
-
Devon & Cornwall Police Launch Police Boat Neptune
The Marine Policing and Underwater Search team has taken delivery of a new Government funded support boat.
-
Devon & Cornwall Police lead regional rural crime operation
Officers were joined by neighbouring police forces last week as part of a day of action to reduce rural crime in the south west.
-
Major motion picture to be filmed on Dartmoor
A major motion picture starring Hollywood A-lister Willem Dafoe is to be filmed on Dartmoor this autumn after planners gave permission for two temporary movie sets to be created near Widecombe in the Moor and Postbridge.
-
Trading standards winter fuel scam warning
Residents across the region are being warned of text message winter fuel payment scams.
-
Significant concern as Devon’s NHS targets ‘staggering’ £255m savings
Severe concerns have emerged over moves by Devon’s health service to target a “staggering” £255 million in savings.
-
Volunteers and tech eyed to help maintain library service
Volunteers and technology could be vital pillars for the future of Devon’s libraries as a public consultation on a possible overhaul gets ready to start.
-
New CEO named for South West Water and Pennon Group
Pennon Group, the parent company of South West Water, has appointed Keith Haslett as its new chief executive.
-
Get your flu vaccination now before winter illnesses arrive
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is rolling out the national flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster programme from today, Wednesday 1 October.
-
12,000 extra ‘pairs of eyes’ - How AI helps South West Water unblock the pipes
South West Water is exploring the power of artificial intelligence to help tackle one of the water industry’s biggest challenges - blockages and pollution. Clever tools and future-facing thinking are being combined to keep the network flowing.
-
Pioneering new support to deter young people from crime
Innovative ways are always being sought to deter young people away from crime and for the first time the Police and Crime Commissioner is now providing funding for pioneering football-related schemes.
-
Swap to don't shop this Halloween
Devon Libraries and Recycle Devon help save pennies and the planet with Halloween Costume Swaps