Fire service opts to restrict water usage amid severe drought hitting Devon

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• More than 4 in 10 South West school leaders say their schools face redundancies or restructuring

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• RNLI urges public to stay safe in the South West during Storm Austen

  The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers as Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South West from late Thursday into Friday.

• Natural flood defences shown to protect flood-prone Devon communities.

  Natural flood defences such as ponds, ‘leaky’ wooden dams and trees can significantly reduce the risk of Devon’s most vulnerable communities from flooding, researchers have found.

• South West Water urges customers to check for leaking toilets as drought reaches critical phase

  South West Water is urging customers to check their toilets for hidden leaks as the region enters a critical phase of an exceptionally prolonged drought.

• One week left to have your say on Devon's mayoral plans

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• Storm Austen: Check before you travel as strong winds impact rail services in Devon and Cornwall on Friday

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• Revised plans to repair Exeter’s Trews Weir revealed

  Latest plans for the repair of Exeter’s Trews Weir are beginning to emerge.

• Road users urged to take care as Storm Austen approaches

  Road users are being reminded to prepare for possible disruption as strong winds and rain are forecast for Devon this week.

• Councillors on patrol to see how Exeter is being kept safe and welcoming

  Exeter’s Community Safety Team is making a real difference for visitors and businesses in the city centre, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment.

• Exmouth Sixth Form Football Academy Expands to Girls

  Exmouth Community College’s Sixth Form Football Academy has welcomed its first female players this season, expanding the programme to girls following strong demand for its boys’ programme, which is now full.

• New research finds no evidence that bigger councils deliver better services

  A new report has found no evidence that councils serving more than 500,000 people are automatically more efficient, financially sustainable or effective.

• Go-ahead for Newton Abbot HMO despite concerns

  A plan to turn a former care home in Newton Abbot into 18 homes for ‘young, working professionals’ has been given the go-ahead despite concerns over parking and potential anti-social behaviour.

• Get snapping now and capture prizes in tree photo competition

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• Devon MPs issue air ambulance funding plea to chancellor

  A group of Devon’s MPs have rallied round the county’s iconic air ambulance which is seeking to fill a funding gap to pay for a vital new headquarters.

• Keeping the region’s water flowing as the drought reaches a critical phase

  The South West has entered a critical phase of an exceptionally prolonged drought. Recent rainfall is welcome, but we have not seen nearly as much as was previously forecast for October, and certainly not enough to remove the pressure on water supplies.