Local News

People across the area are being invited to hear about advancements in neighbourhood health and care services at a public event taking place at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) and online

Almost 45% of secondary school-aged pupils (149,067) across the South West went without a flu vaccine last winter, new figures show. UKHSA South West warns that older children are increasingly falling through the gaps in protection from flu as they move through school.

A Devon council has come under fire after charging the local health trust to put its mobile breast screening unit in its car parks.

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, the University of Exeter’s public museum of film and moving image, has been awarded Designation status by Arts Council England.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Alison Hernandez has said a report issued by the policing inspectorate highlights exactly why police reform must strengthen, not weaken, local accountability.

A Board has been created to provide strategic leadership, bring public sector partners together and help coordinate the infrastructure, investment and planning needed to support sustainable growth. It will play a key role in making sure Marlcombe is planned as an infrastructure-first community, with transport links, schools, healthcare and green space alongside other essential services from the outset.

Extra staff are being taken on to help make Teignbridge council’s waste and recycling services more reliable.

A rise in urgent dental appointments has been secured in Devon for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Devon councils have already spent millions of pounds preparing for a local government shake-up which has just been put on ice.

It has been another busy summer, with Sidmouth lifeguards responding to a wide range of incidents both on the beach and in the water. From treating more than 40 minor injuries in a single weekend - including weever fish stings, jellyfish stings, cuts and grazes - to managing medical emergencies, the team has been there when people needed them most.

Messages promoting a supposed premium service called "WhatsApp Gold" are circulating once more.

Whizz Kidz is warning that young wheelchair users are still being shut out of key parts of school life, as its latest frontline data shows satisfaction with school-related activities at just 2.5 out of 10 before they receive the right wheelchair

Older and vulnerable people are seeing millions of pounds stolen from them with the fraud committed by those closest to them, according to new figures released today.

South Western Railway (SWR) has become White Ribbon accredited for its action to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Sidmouth is gearing up for an uplifting new addition to its events calendar with the launch of Sidmouth Health and Wellbeing Week, running from 12–19 September. Designed to energise, inspire and bring the community together, the week will showcase the very best of Sidmouth’s growing wellbeing scene, from movement and mindfulness to creativity and connection.

Devon’s High Sheriff Mark Ansell has made Restorative Justice the focus of his year in office and is bringing together key stakeholders from across the criminal justice system to look at how to increase the numbers of victims and offenders accessing it.

Demolition work is set to begin at Rennes House in Exeter this week, marking an important milestone in the regeneration of the Whipton Gardens area and paving the way for a new generation of energy-efficient council homes.

A massive overhaul of Devon’s councils could be scrapped under a review set to be confirmed in Parliament.

Two youths arrested for the arson attack on Poltimore House in 2024 will now face prosecution following an initial decision not to prosecute by the CPS has been overturned .

Women from across Devon are being invited to volunteer as mentors to help year nine schoolgirls build confidence, raise aspirations and explore future career opportunities.

Devon residents are being encouraged to help change the narrative on suicide this World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) by learning how to start supportive conversations, recognising when someone may be struggling, and knowing where to find help and support.

The rural ‘rump’ of Devon left behind after the coming reorganisation of local councils may never be sustainable, according to one of the county’s MPs.

The University of Exeter Business School’s unswerving commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible leadership and technological transformation has been recognised by a major national awards programme.

A pioneering project designed to educate secondary school students about coercive control and healthy relationships has secured funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, enabling it to be rolled out in schools in early 2027.

Carers in Devon can now sign up to email updates and visit a new webpage to find the latest information on the forthcoming new arrangements for carers’ services in the county.

Members from across the political divide helped orchestrate a tactical vote that led to their council backing legal changes in planning policy but expressing huge anger at the new rules.

Dartmoor remains vulnerable to potentially-devastating fires despite recent rainfall, the moor’s guardians have been told.

Devon’s tourism businesses have hailed a positive summer season with strong visitor numbers and solid spending, but heatwaves and last-minute bookings have been a challenge.

A lead Devon Councillor has welcomed the restoration of cheque deposit services for Lloyds Banking Group customers at Post Offices, describing it as a significant boost for rural communities, local businesses and residents across Devon.

A major Devon holiday park is applying to extend the number of weeks it can open during the year so it can benefit from an extra school holiday.

A man has been given a suspended sentence for an assault outside an Ottery St Mary pub.

Exeter City Community Trust has secured more than half a million pounds to help tackle homelessness in the city - part of a landmark £37 million Government investment in voluntary, community and faith sector organisations across England.

Blood Pressure UK’s annual campaign, Know Your Numbers Week, runs from the 7-13 September 2026 and aims to reach those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control. The campaign marks one year since the launch of a blood pressure monitor loan scheme in Devon’s libraries.

The University of Exeter has marked a major milestone in its global strategy, welcoming the first cohort of undergraduate students to the Exeter-Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT) Joint Education Institute in China.

Specialist surveys will be carried out on the A377 between Crediton and Newton St Cyres in September to help develop more detailed plans for the proposed Boniface Trail.

Learn Devon’s latest programme of free adult education courses is getting underway across Devon this month (September).

Exeter needs better hydration, according to councillors who are pressing the city to install more public water stations.

A massive new development in the centre of Exeter could go ahead without replacing an ‘iconic’ footbridge, after the developers have come back to Exeter City Council seeking permission to make a number of changes to their plans.

The results of the 2025 Adult Inpatient survey are in, and the Royal Devon has scored in-line with the national average, receiving positive feedback for respectful and compassionate care.+

Overnight maintenance work will be carried out on the A380 from Monday 14 September. The essential work is scheduled to take place overnight for four nights from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September. This includes re-tensioning safety barriers, line marking, grass cutting, gully emptying and joint seal repairs.

Another Devon council is planning to challenge the government in the courts over its plans for a complete transformation of the way the county is run.

More than 100 homes could be built in a vital area of land that helps an East Devon village maintain its separation from a fast-growing neighbouring town.

The £6million transformation of an outdated Exeter leisure centre has moved a step closer.

Britain’s biggest banks have come under fire from MPs over the ‘decimation’ of rural services which is leaving people in places like Devon out in the cold.

More than 6,000 people have signed petitions calling on the government to reverse its plans for local government reorganisation across the county.

Plans for a vital extra school in Devon’s newest town have been reluctantly approved after being dubbed a “missed opportunity”.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a car collided with another vehicle in Exeter and failed to stop at the scene.

South West Water is asking customers to make small adjustments to their daily routines as prolonged hot, dry weather continues to place increased demand on water supplies. Individual actions may seem small, but collectively they can make a meaningful difference. These simple changes also provide an opportunity for families to adopt more water-efficient behaviours and reduce water use at home in the long term.

From today (1 September 2026) pregnant women are eligible for their free winter flu vaccination.

Recent weeks have seen the introduction of a new AI-assisted system across the country to help direct some non-police calls away from the 101 service and towards the organisations best placed to help.

Households across Devon are being reminded that help is available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund as energy bills are set to rise again this autumn.

From today, more families will be able to access free school meals for their children. Even if you haven't been eligible before, it's worth checking and applying.

Exeter Cathedral Library & Archives has become the first archive service in the UK to be awarded Accredited Archive Status for the third time.

Police spoke to drivers during an operation earlier this month to keep people and animals safe at Dartmoor National Park Authority.

New solar panels have been installed at East Devon Business Centre, supporting East Devon District Council’s work to decarbonise its estate while adding to the centre’s appeal as a base for local businesses.

Proposals for a new primary school and nursery have been dubbed as “uninspiring” and “lacking imagination” ahead of a possible decision to approve the scheme.

A former Royal Marine is demanding answers from the Ministry of Defence after a high-profile settlement involving Marines and soldiers who say they were exposed to dangerous asbestos during military exercises more than 25 years ago.

Latest data shows signs that vaccine uptake by the time children start primary school in the South West is stabilising, and continues to outperform the England average.

South West Water is offering customers free water-saving devices designed to help households reduce water consumption and save money on bills when on a water meter.

A potentially serious recycling vehicle fire was avoided in Exeter on Wednesday after a waste collection crew spotted smoke coming from the back of their lorry while on their round.

A lane closure on Bridge Road’s bascule bridge in Exeter will remain in place while engineers prepare essential repairs to the structure beneath the bridge deck.

Police are appealing for information and are aware of a video which had been circulating on an Exmouth community group social media page, showing an assault taking place in Exeter on Tuesday.

The East Devon District Council Countryside Team plays a vital role in maintaining 19 miles of the South West Coast Path, managing the majority of the 26-mile East Devon section between Exmouth and Lyme Regis. The team’s work helps keep this internationally renowned stretch of coastline safe, accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

Police are appealing for the public's help to locate 58-year-old Jonathan Pratt.

Exeter gardeners are being invited to apply for a chance to feature in a new TV wildlife programme.

Old bodyboards collected at Devon County Councils recycling centres are helping the Environment Agency protect some of the county’s most important coastal habitats.

The new Dinan Way extension in Exmouth will open on 9 September as work begins on the final phase of the scheme.

A new community roadshow designed to raise awareness of fostering and encourage more local people to support children in care is launching next month.

Exeter’s award-winning museum – home to the iconic Gerald the Giraffe – has been handed a lifeline.

Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) have confirmed that full-length access to Platform 2 at Paignton station has been restored, enabling the return of nine-carriage trains four days earlier than previously expected.

People across Exeter and the wider area are being invited to help shape the delivery of neighbourhood health across Devon.

Devon’s farmers are being ‘pushed to the limit’ by a combination of drought and disease.

Heritage Open Days returns to Exeter next month with a chance to step inside some of the city’s most fascinating buildings…and it’s all for free!

A Devon council has pledged to use its powers to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Parents and carers across Devon are being encouraged to start conversations now with young people who are preparing to leave home for college, university or other independent living opportunities.

A number of major changes are taking place to the bus network from later this month, these include the withdrawal of some services.

Devon and Cornwall Police will be deploying their live facial recognition van to Exmouth on Friday 28th August. This is only the second time the unit has been used for this purpose anywhere in the force area.

Whether you’re at the beach, or taking a walk along the coast path, this bank holiday the NHS in Devon, is reminding residents and visitors of ways to stay safe and enjoy a healthy summer.

Mill Street footbridge is due to be replaced, the works are planned to commence on Tuesday 8th September 2026 and be completed by Friday 2nd October 2026. A number of diversions will be in place during this time.

With the Sidmouth Regatta Air Show taking place over Sidmouth on Friday 28 August, the Town Council request that spectators and in particular, boat, jet ski and kayak/paddleboard owners take note of the Air Display Water Safety Zone which has been issued.

Wales & West Utilities is shortly starting the final section of the first phase of a project to upgrade the gas pipes in the Alphington area of Exeter.

Exeter’s Ukrainian community has joined civic representatives and supporters to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

Zoos and animal attractions in Devon are open for “business as usual” throughout the bluetongue outbreak that is sweeping the county as the disease does affect humans.

As millions of people head to the South West for their summer holidays, South West Water is urging visitors to do their bit in protecting the region’s precious water resources by using water wisely during their stay.

The lane closure on Exeter’s Bridge Road bascule bridge will remain in place after further investigations uncovered previously hidden cracks and significant corrosion beneath the bridge deck.

Witnesses are being sought to a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Tedburn St Mary in which a young girl was seriously injured.

Teenagers who took part in a pioneering project led by educational experts to tackle the South West’s “NEET” crisis are celebrating GCSE success.

Exeter is to get almost £2million in government money to tackle rough sleeping.

Exeter is set to take its first steps towards a new annual tradition with the city’s inaugural Exeter Walking Festival, taking place from 14 to 20 September.

The recent wildfires seen across the region serve as a stark reminder of the growing impact prolonged hot, dry weather is having on our environment. To help support the emergency services tackling major wildfires across the South West, maintain supplies for customers, and protect the environment, South West Water is asking customers to be more water efficient by making small water-saving changes at home.

Work to stop erosion from taking away huge areas of a popular Devon holiday beach may not be completed until 2030 despite a call from local campaigners for urgent action.

After years of hard work, students at St Luke’s Church of England School were celebrating today, Thursday 20th August, as they collected their GCSE results.

A refurbished community hub has officially reopened at Trumps Court in Sidmouth, with residents invited to celebrate the improvements at a special afternoon tea and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Research led by experts at the Royal Devon and the University of Exeter could help identify hidden type 1 diabetes in young people referred for specialist genetic testing.

Former Devon & Cornwall Police officer James Stillman, 32, of Chard, has been jailed for two years and four months after pleading guilty to three counts of Misconduct in Public Office. He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 19 June.