Exeter City Council

Keeping Exeter’s waterways safe and free from obstructions

Vital work to keep the Exe Estuary free of navigational obstructions has been carried out by the city’s Harbour Patrol Team.

The Team, who work for the City Council as part of the city’s Port Authority, spent much of Sunday night re-floating a 28ft abandoned yacht on the banks of the River Exe near Turf Lock.

The yacht had been left to decay in the water and was considered a navigational danger to other vessels in the estuary, as well as a threat to wildlife and the environment.

The Team, under the watchful eye of Harbour Master Grahame Forshaw, waited for high...

Residents urged not to leave glass beside full recycling banks

People in Exeter are being encouraged not to leave glass bottles around recycling banks in the city and to take them home instead if the banks are full.

The request comes following the breakdown of the Council’s glass collection lorry.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for Recycling & Waterways, apologised for the inconvenience the breakdown has caused. She said: “We are doing everything we can to clear glass from sites around the city and to limit the impact this will have on residents, but please do not leave your glass on the floor around the banks.”

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Exeter’s Pyramids leisure centre prepares to close after 80 years

By Ollie Heptinstall, local democracy reporter

Exeter’s Pyramids leisure centre has been praised as a “good old dame of the service” as it prepares to close.

The swimming pool on Heavitree Road will shut for good when the landmark new St Sidwell’s Point leisure centre opens in the spring – ending more than 80 years of service.

It opened in 1941 during the Second World War, costing £56,000 according to the Exeter Memories’ website. An Egyptian-themed makeover in the eighties then prompted a name change to The Pyramids.

Portfolio holder for leisure...

Exeter Valley Park set for upgrade

A Devon-based conservation charity is set to make ‘substantial’ improvements to one of Exeter’s most beautiful green spaces.

Barley Valley Park – one of six Valley Parks in Exeter managed by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of their owners, Exeter City Council – will undergo a series of improvements this spring to improve access for local people and other visitors.

Devon Wildlife Trust has been awarded a grant of £12,800 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, which will pay for improving path surfaces, replacing steps and boardwalks. New benches and an on-line guide...

Finishing touches at St Sidwell’s Point ahead of long-awaited opening

New images reveal Exeter’s iconic new leisure centre St Sidwell’s Point as the finishing touches are put in place ahead of opening in the spring.

St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first leisure centre built to the super energy efficient Passivhaus standard.

The unique facility in the heart of the city centre has been funded by the City Council and constructed by Kier.

It features an eight-lane, 25m main pool and four-lane, 20m learner pool, both with moveable floors making learning to swim accessible to all who visit.

St Sidwell’s Point, which is next to...

Bin, food, waste, red container, council depot

Food waste collections about to start as phased roll-out gets underway

The long-awaited roll-out of food waste collections in Exeter is about to begin, the City Council has announced.

The roll-out will begin with 1,300 households in Alphington having the weekly service added to their waste and recycling collections – starting on 4 November - before the initiative is introduced gradually across the whole of the city. Other areas will be added to the roll-out as and when vehicles, drivers and containers are available and this will be dependent on the supply chain which is currently an issue across the UK.

Although the City Council encourages...

Former Exeter City Council leader Pete Edwards dies

Former Exeter City Council Leader Pete Edwards has died in hospital following a short illness, the City Council has announced.

He served the city of Exeter as a councillor for 30 years, from 1984 to 1988 in the then Barton ward and then from 1995 to 2019 in the Mincinglake and Whipton ward.

He was Leader of the Council from 2011 until his retirement in 2019. Previously he had served as Lead Councillor for Housing under the leadership of Cllr Roy Slack. He was also Lead Councillor for Environmental Health and Leisure for a short period.

During his time as Leader...

Council gets behind scheme to help the homeless

Exeter City Council is backing a scheme which gives members of the public an alternative way of making a donation to help homeless people in the city.

The Council will be placing QR codes in all of its buildings - including leisure centres and the Civic Centre – allowing the public to donate money towards supporting homeless people in Exeter.

The scheme is being run by the Exeter Homeless Partnership (EHP), of which the City Council is a partner. A new campaign is being launched to make people aware of how they can get involved in the initiative.

More than 40...

Grants available for stair lifts and other works to adapt homes

People who may need a stair lift in their home are being encouraged to apply for a grant.

Disabled Facilities Grants are available from Exeter City Council for those who cannot use their homes freely or safely.

People who are registered or could be registered disabled can apply for grants to adapt their properties.

Grants are also available for works including widening doors, installing ramps or bathroom adaptions.

Applications for stair lifts are no longer means tested, making funding more accessible for those in need.

To find out...

Grants available for stair lifts and other works to adapt homes

People who may need a stair lift in their home are being encouraged to apply for a grant.

Disabled Facilities Grants are available from Exeter City Council for those who cannot use their homes freely or safely.

People who are registered or could be registered disabled can apply for grants to adapt their properties.

Grants are also available for works including widening doors, installing ramps or bathroom adaptions.

Applications for stair lifts are no longer means tested, making funding more accessible for those in need.

To find out more,...

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