Devon

New way to report fraud helps free up local police time

The way in which fraud is reported and investigated is changing from today. Victims of fraud and internet crime should now contact Action Fraud directly to report a fraud instead of the police.

This can be done by either calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or reported via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk . Non-emergency police call handlers who receive reports of fraud will direct callers to contact Action Fraud. There are circumstances in which the police should still be called and will respond: • If the victim is in immediate danger. • If there is a chance that the suspect...

Behind-the-scenes at the Environment Agency

In the relative calm after one of the most challenging storms to hit the South West in 100 years, The Exeter Daily was offered a behind the scenes look at the Environment Agency's (EA) South West Headquarters by Team Leader for Flood Risk Management, George Arnison. As I passed through the EA's offices, there seemed to be a distinct sense of relief that, for now at least, the rain had stopped and the rivers were receding. And more importantly that one of Devon's key flood defences had held up. Although it felt to Twitter followers on Saturday night that it got very close, with The Prospect...

Council welcomes extra funding for flood defence

£120 million in new funding will speed up the delivery of flood defences that could protect up to 60,000 homes and deliver up to £1 billion of economic benefits, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury announced on Friday (30th November). In response, Councillor John Hart , Leader of Devon County Council said: “I welcome this positive announcement and hope that some of the funding will come to Devon. It does show that the Government is listening and has responded fast. It is vital that Exeter flood defences are improved, not only for the protection of thousands of homes but also for the local...

More than 300 households could be hit by ‘bedroom tax’

Local charity, Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, is warning people of working age renting from social landlords that their Housing Benefit may be cut from April 2013 under Government reforms of the welfare system. The CAB understands that more than 300 households could be affected by these changes.

Under the new rules, commonly known as ‘the bedroom tax’, if households have more bedrooms than the government says they need, their home will be counted as being too big for them. If this is the case, they may lose some or all of their Housing Benefit. The home will be deemed too...

See how perfect your wedding day could be

Event Date: 
10/03/2013 - 10:00am
Venue: 
Holne Park House, Ashburton

Holne Park House is opening its doors on Sunday 10th March 2013 to prospective brides & grooms in order to see how Holne Park House could be their dream wedding venue.

Five reception rooms will be on show and fully decorated as if poised waiting for the guests and bridal party to arrive.

The Inkwell - for arrival drinks and greeting guests.

The Dawson Room - for the ceremony.

The Ballroom - for the wedding breakfast.

The Ashburton Room - for your evening entertainment.

The Music Room - to entertain children.

The Wedding...

Vibrant city community hub to get funding boost

A community hub in the centre of Exeter will be one of the first to benefit from a new fund designed to help residents shape local services.

Members of Exeter Board have granted St Sidwells Centre almost £14,000 so they can develop their volunteer programme.

The popular centre, which opened in 2001, offers a wide range of services, activities and facilities for the local community, including affordable room hire, internet access and a community garden and café.

Over 20 local groups use the centre, and last year it attracted over 25,000...

Police appeal for information following a burglary

An isolated property in Cove, near Tiverton, was entered between Midday on Tuesday 27th November and 5.00pm on Wednesday 28th November by smashing a kitchen window. Once inside, following an untidy search, several items were stolen, many of sentimental value.

The stolen items included a pair of silver fighting cocks that are about 6in to 8in in height. These were a present to celebrate the victim’s 25th wedding anniversary.

A garrad gent’s wrist was also stolen which was a retirement present. It was inscribed; ‘Presented to Eric Hayes in appreciation of 35...

Local Police officers are recognised for bravery

Police officers from around the county have been awarded for their individual acts of bravery and for displaying exemplary acts of frontline policing.

The awards were presented by Superintendent Chris Eastwood, police commander for the areas of Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

Supt Eastwood said, “These awards recognise the excellent work that goes on, both on the frontline and behind the scenes, to keep the areas of Exeter, East and Mid Devon safe. I am proud to be the commander of such a professional and hard working team of officers”.

Commander certificates awarded...

Flood-hit residents invited to discussions at drop-in events

Communities affected by the devastating floods of the past few days have the chance to speak directly to local authorities and agencies at a series of drop-in sessions next week.

The events, organised by Devon County Council and the Environment Agency, with support from Teignbridge District Council, East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council and South West Water, will be an opportunity for residents and businesses to raise their concerns and explain the problems they encountered.

It will also give the Councils and the Environment Agency the...

Humanists warn Exeter families of Samaritan’s Purse

Authored by Kevin Dixon
Posted: Thu, 11/29/2012 - 11:11am

Devon’s Humanists have warned schools and parents of the American evangelical group behind the Samaritan’s Purse shoe-box initiative.

Humanist Chair Keith Denby said: “As we near Christmas children have been bringing home shoe-boxes to fill with toys and presents for children in need in Africa and Eastern Europe as part of the initiative 'Operation Christmas Child'."

“On the face of it, the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal is a benign initiative simply intending to give gifts to needy children at Christmas time. But how many...

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