More than 4,700 people in Devon are set to spend their second successive Christmas on the dole, according to TUC research published today (Thursday, 20th Dec).
The TUC analysis of official unemployment figures shows that the number of people on Jobseekers’ Allowance for more than 12 months is 1,005 in Torbay, 1,685 in Plymouth and 2,040 in the rest of Devon, rising to 20,305 across the whole South West.
Nigel Costley, regional secretary of the South West TUC, said: “While the recent fall in unemployment has brought some seasonal cheer, the number of people spending their...
As the people of Exeter gather to speak directly to staff from local authorities and agencies such as the Environment Agency and Devon County Council to raise any concerns they may have with regards to flooding (4.30-7pm on 18th Dec), Devon is due yet another amber warning from the Met Office.
From approximately 6pm on Wed 19th December until 3pm on Thursday 20th Dec, the Met Office has forecast periods of heavy rain will affect Cornwall and much of Devon, including Exeter. This additional rainfall, possibly as much as 70-75mm, following the rain due earlier on Wednesday, means...
Update: Police enquires have established that Robin Prescott got off a train at Liskeard at around 9.50am on Thursday 13th December.
Police are appealing to the public to inform them if they have seen the missing man in Cornwall, to contact them on 101 quoting police reference 0758 131212.
Police searching for missing Tiverton man Robin Prescott have released CCTV footage in the hope that someone may have seen him.
The footage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-0dkZ6kHDA shows Mr Prescott at work the day before he disappeared and frequenting a betting shop in...
Plans to create a single ambulance service for the South West are nearing completion with a recommendation to approve the process now with the Secretary of State for Health.
Approval will see South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) take on services currently provided by Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS) from 1st February 2013 – creating an organisation serving a resident population of over 5.3 million people.
Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of both organisations, said:
“The two trusts’ desire in October 2011 to create a partnership...
A plethora of jump racing stars are set to line up in the re-routed The Levy Board Peterborough Chase, which takes place at Exeter on Thursday (Dec 20th).
David Bridgewater has no fears about the step back in trip for The Giant Bolster, saying: “He won very easily over 2m5f at Cheltenham when he won the Murphy Group Chase so I’m sure he’ll be fine. But you never know until you run them. He’s very well at home and he’s come on from his race at Haydock. I’m very please with him and I’m delighted that Exeter is staging the race.”
Update: Pinhoe Road is likely to be closed until at least 5pm
The B3212 Pinhoe Road in Exeter is currently closed in both directions between the Hamlin Lane junction and the Mount Pleasant Road junction, because of a serious accident. There is a diversion in operation taking drivers via Polsloe Road, Heavitree Road and Fore Street.
Devon and Cornwall Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety and welfare of a man who is missing from his Tiverton home.
Robin Prescott, 49, has not been seen since 6am on Thursday 13th December when he left home in Burlescombe to travel to work in Wellington, Somerset.
A man matching Robin’s description was seen getting on the 7.38am train from Taunton to Penzance on that Thursday morning. Police found his car abandoned at Taunton railway station.
Robin is close to his family and is described as being a loner, keeping himself to himself. This type...
Police are encouraging people to keep safe and have a good time during the festive period as part of the Force’s 12 Days of Christmas Advice.
The message for day five is: Alcohol – know when to stop! It’s the party season when many people’s alcohol consumption increases and their common sense is left at home. Have fun but know your limits, know when to stop drinking and plan your evening.
Traditionally the number of incidents involving alcohol and violence (including assault, sexual offences and domestic abuse) increase over the festive period and this year is no exception...
A team from the Environment Agency is returning to the Grand Western Canal at Halberton today in a final attempt to rescue some of the remaining fish from a temporary lake that was created following last month's torrential rain.
Thousands of fish, including pike, perch, bream, tench, roach and eels, were washed out of the canal after a section of bank near Halberton gave way following torrential rain.
Water from a two-mile section of the canal flooded surrounding fields creating a temporary lake. A team of Environment Agency officers, assisted by members of...
