South West Directors of Public Health welcome Tobacco and Vapes Act becoming law – and urge the 520,000 people who smoke to take the moment to quit

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• Scam letters requesting payment

  Devon & Cornwall Police have received reports of residents receiving scam letters purportedly from South West Water, which have been hand delivered.

• Matford Brook Academy Expands Facilities for New School Year

  Matford Brook Academy in Exeter has expanded its facilities for the new school year, with additional accommodation providing more space for teaching, creative learning, sport and play.

• County Council backs renewed support for Devon farmers hit by bluetongue

  Devon County Council has agreed to reinstate its Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme, providing dedicated support for farmers facing the ongoing impacts of the 2026 bluetongue outbreak

• Get vaccinated and don’t visit patients if unwell, health leaders urge as flu hits local hospitals

  Flu and other winter viruses are already circulating across Devon, and local hospitals are starting to see the impact. Public Health and NHS leaders are urging residents to take simple steps now to protect themselves, their loved ones and those most at risk of serious illness.

• Severe drought declared as reservoir levels fall

  Parts of southern England have been declared in severe drought following months of below-average rainfall and increased demand for water during the hottest summer on record.

• All Souls Day Festival returns to Exeter

  A local community-led festival honouring those who have passed away is set to take place in St Thomas later this month.

• Starcross family raise £10k for Hospital ICU Garden Appeal

  Friends and family of a well-known Starcross resident have rallied to raise nearly £10,000 to thank the hospital that saved his life earlier this year.

• 25 months in jail for woman who smuggled Thai cannabis

  A 45-year-old woman from Hemyock has been jailed for 25 months after admitting smuggling 51.2kg of cannabis from Thailand on a flight to the United Kingdom, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

• Homes plan lodged for former Exeter leisure centre

  The site of a former Exeter leisure centre is set to become a huge development of affordable ‘extra care’ homes.

• A Crowdfunding campaign has launched to raise some of the funds needed to build a permanent community “village green by the sea” in Exmouth.

  A campaign has been launched by Sideshore Community, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company which runs year-round events and workshops focusing on sea safety and environmental awareness while promoting wellbeing. Sideshore Community has been operating from a small hut since it was established two years ago.

• Fire Service issues enforcement notice for fire safety breaches at Torbay hospital

  Torbay Hospital must make changes immediately to make sure people can escape during a fire, after warnings from both fire and health regulators.

• Unsung heroes’ who keep Exeter looking good honoured at awards

  The “unsung heroes of Exeter” – council workers who keep Exeter spick and span - have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

• County Council backs plan to help young people build a future in Devon

  Plans to give young people more opportunities and help them build a positive future in Devon have been backed by councillors.

• Householders urged to fight fly-tipping by choosing reputable removers

  People in Exeter are being urged to play their part in helping to crack down on illegal fly-tipping. 

• Multi-million pound funding boost to Devon’s road’s

  Devon County Council’s Cabinet has rubberstamped an extra £4.5 million to be spent repairing local roads, improving key diversion routes and tackling drainage problems across Devon.

• ‘Frustration’ as £5million Newton Abbot market stays shut

  The long-awaited opening of Newton Abbot’s new Market Hall remains on hold while ‘due diligence’ is carried out around its future operations.