Exeter & East Devon News

Former Lord Mayor of Exeter Percy Prowse has become an Honorary Alderman of the City during a ceremony at the Guildhall in recognition of his services to the council.

There’s just one month to go until City Council elections in Exeter, as people are being urged to make sure they are on the electoral register.

South West Water has reached a major milestone in its work to build a new storm tank at The Ham in Sidmouth, to improve the town’s sewage network, reduce the use of storm overflows and protect the quality of its bathing waters.

People in Exeter who visit nature reserves and parks just outside the city are being asked to take part in a survey.

Wales & West Utilities is investing nearly £3.9 million over the next few years to upgrade gas pipes across the East Devon Coast area, helping ensure a safe and reliable supply for around 1,750 customers for decades to come.

The charity that runs Exeter’s oldest building – and rents it for the ‘fee’ of one loaf of bread a year – has welcomed a unanimous vote by the city council to foot the bill for urgent repairs.

Detectives are investigating a reported burglary at a property in Exeter in March and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Devon’s police have predicted £300,000 of income from its vehicle recovery scheme in a year.

A bid for nearly £2 million in National Lottery funding will be made in a bid to amplify an East Devon town’s “natural crown jewels”.

A six-day planning inquiry in August could finally bring an end to a long-running wrangle over a massive building site on the edge of Newton Abbot.

Efforts to tackle a host of coastal issues in an East Devon town are like “spinning plates” as work continues to ensure swift and safe repairs.

Building a giant block of apartments on the site of an Exeter car park risks obliterating relics of Roman history, city councillors have been warned.

The Fairlynch Museum in Budleigh Salterton has reopened for the 2026 season with many new displays on show

Exeter Sea Cadets have been out in force to help keep the city clean, taking part in a successful litter pick as part of the national Great British Spring Clean campaign.

Sidmouth Town Council has announced the successful repair of over 400 potholes in 12 months across the town by a team of dedicated Road Wardens and volunteers.

Sidmouth Town Council has announced that the Red Arrows have confirmed their attendance at the Sidmouth Regatta Airshow 2026. They will also be joined for the first time at Sidmouth, by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Douglas C47 Dakota.

Residents are being asked to give their views on how nature can be protected and supported in Exeter and how it can thrive in the future.

The leaking roof of Exeter’s oldest building is to be repaired, with the city council having to foot most of the bill after the government’s heritage guardians turned it down.

A Devon raceway that was recently blocked from expanding its number of annual race days has applied for extra permissions to hold a one-off event.

People are being warned about the temporary closure of a pedestrian bridge connecting a multi-story car park and a city centre street in Exeter.  Exeter City Council will be carrying out essential engineering works to the King William Street footbridge, starting on Monday 20 April.  

Wales & West Utilities is investing over £2.6 million over the next few years to upgrade gas pipes across the wider Exeter area, helping ensure a safe and reliable supply for around 1,500 customers for decades to come.

The plan has been refined following extensive public engagement. A major consultation in late 2025, alongside collaboration between EDDC, Devon County Council and Exmouth Town Council, ensured feedback shaped the final version adopted this week.

Police are seeking the public’s help to trace a 39-year-old wanted man from Exeter. Andrew Murphy is wanted in relation to a report of intentional strangulation and assault.

East Devon District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a new community at Marlcombe. The new town is expected to grow to around 25,000 residents, who will need to be supported by a wide range of services and employment opportunities. 

Celebrating Exmouth Town Council’s Town Hall purchase, East Devon District Council (EDDC) Chair, Councillor Eleanor Rylance, ceremonially handed over the keys to Exmouth Mayor, Councillor Graham Deasy, on Monday 30 March 2026.

The Devon charity, based in Exeter, is currently constructing The Warren, a brand new rabbit and guinea pig facility that will provide modern, purpose-built accommodation for some of the most overlooked animals in rescue across the UK.

Wales & West Utilities is investing over £775,000 over the next few years to upgrade gas pipes across Honiton, helping ensure a safe and reliable supply for customers across the town for decades to come.

An Exeter man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for rape & other offences. Colby Hill, 22, was convicted of two rapes after trial. He also admitted strangulation and other charges, and was given an extended licence & indefinite restraining order.

Stronger, more cost-effective flood and coastal protection is set for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole after a Cabinet decision. A shared South West service, launched with East Devon in 2024, is boosting expertise, funding bids and project delivery.

Exeter residents have until 20 April to register to vote in May’s local elections. Anyone not registered won’t be able to vote in the City Council poll on 7 May. The electoral register lists eligible voters, and people can sign up online in minutes.

Police are investigating a serious road traffic collision in Ebford on the outskirts of Exmouth and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Friends Charity Pledges £2 million towards Exeter Cathedral’s new lighting and sound systems in the Nave.

Efforts to reopen a railway station in a Devon town remain on track thanks to a confirmation of funding by the government.

An historic Exeter pub which boasts a mysterious skeleton in its cellar has been protected as part of a massive project to restore the fire-ravaged Royal Clarence Hotel.

Children living in temporary accommodation in Exeter won’t go without a chocolate treat this Easter thanks to the generosity of people in the city.

An East Devon town has named its Citizen of the Year, its annual ritual of recognising the efforts of a selfless resident.

There’s still time for residents to take part in our online survey and give their views on how to improve air quality in Exeter.

Topsham residents fighting a new housing development in the town say they fear the building project will disturb migrating birds using a nearby nature reserve.

Every home in Exeter can now have food waste collected from the kerbside, Exeter City Council has revealed.

The University of Exeter has recorded sweeping success in the latest prestigious international ranking, reflecting its strong teaching and research excellence.

A wreath has been laid in the Falkland Islands on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Exeter in memory of all those who lost their lives in the 1982 conflict.

A Devon MP has been reassured that money will be found by the government to police new  towns when they spring up in the local countryside.

Footballers from eight to 85 will benefit from a £4million project to transform an ageing and run-down Exeter sports facility.

The Devon family behind a food education and distribution firm have taken their bid to create a new centre to appeal after it was blocked by local planners.

Police are appealing for witnesses and relevant footage following a report of outraging public decency in Exmouth.

Students at Sidmouth College have raised money to support a brave eight-year-old girl battling a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer who urgently needs a liver transplant.

The University of Exeter is to partner with France’s international development agency on a new programme supporting countries in the Global South with their economic policy in the face of climate change

Members of the construction partner team have scrubbed in for a different kind of procedure – starting to lay the structural foundations for the brand-new Centre of Excellence day surgery hub for children and adults at RD&E (Heavitree) Hospital.

Plans for a large employment site at the entrance to an East Devon town have passed their first test after securing the backing of planners.

The Manor Pavilion Theatre Sidmouth has announced its reopening following the refurbishment of its auditorium.

A new Community Safety Charter highlighting the steps being taken to ensure Exeter remains safe and welcoming has been developed by key partners in the city.

A new community safety project in Exeter will help tackle the city’s anti-social behaviour problems and make it a safer place for residents and visitors.

Detectives are looking for witnesses following reports of a stabbing last night [Monday 23 March] in Exeter.

Wales & West Utilities has finished its work to upgrade the gas pipes in the Buddle Lane area of Exeter, ahead of schedule.

A £4million project to transform one of Exeter’s best-loved green spaces is to be partly funded by developers building homes around the city.

A bid to allow motorbikes to use a lane reserved for walkers, cyclists and horseriders has been blocked after decisionmakers declared it would be against policies aimed at encouraging health and wellbeing.

Plans have been submitted by an Exeter-based firm for 14 small-scale industrial units at a major Devon hub.

Officers in Exeter seized six e-bikes and made four arrests as part of efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and organised crime. On 12 March, neighbourhood police conducted an operation targeting illegally modified e-bikes in the city.

East Devon District Council and Devon County Council are challenging the government’s decision not to select Marlcombe for the next phase of the national New Towns programme, as consultations are launched by the housing ministry today.

Developer contributions for Exeter homes could help fund a £6m Wonford leisure centre revamp. Sport England may add a third, creating a new hub in the city’s most deprived area with poor health and low activity levels.

Proposals have been submitted for a major Ottery St Mary site to allow storage, offices, professional services or light industry. East Devon District Council’s planning committee will debate it on 24 March amid local disagreement despite officer approval.

Staff at Exeter City Council are celebrating after being Highly Commended at the Exeter Sustainability Awards. The team was recognised for working with Great Western Railway and partners to encourage train travel to the city’s green spaces.

Exeter has secured £20 million in Pride in Place funding to strengthen communities. The investment will be spent over ten years in Whipton and Heavitree, giving residents a central role in decision-making to reflect local needs, ideas and ambitions.

Exeter has a vital role to play in Devon’s forthcoming devolution deal despite being in the ‘second tier’ of councils involved.

Supporters across the heart of Devon opened their gardens to raise vital funds for hospice charity amidst funding deficit. 55 gardens opened during 2024 in support of Hospiscare, the local hospice charity for Exeter, Central and East Devon.