South West

Council applauded for consultation about its budget

A campaign to encourage local communities to have their say on what public services matter most to them has been applauded by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in this year's Local Public Service awards.

Devon County Council's 'Your Community, Your Choice' consultation, 2011/12, included a range of public meetings, supported by an interative website, to involve and engage with the public about difficult decisions the Council faced as it set last year's budget.

Describing the campaign as 'well-thought out', judges awarded it the winner of this year's...

Horse meat scandal shows that British is best, says the NFU

It is vital that the high welfare standards and traceability that UK farmers meet are replicated further down the supply chain as the horse meat and DNA revelations continue to undermine consumer confidence in the food they eat, the NFU said today.

As news emerged that Findus has removed one of its products – which in some cases were 100 per cent horse meat rather than beef – the NFU wants to emphasise to consumers that this issue had nothing to do with the integrity of UK farmed products. Consumers who are seeking reassurance in the food they buy should look to 100 per cent...

Steenson insists mood at Sandy Park remains positive

Gareth Steenson insists the hard work has already started as Exeter Chiefs quickly look to banish the disappointment of Friday's Aviva Premiership defeat to lowly Sale Sharks.

Seemingly in control at 16-5 up early in the second half thanks to 11 points from Steenson and a try from Fijian newcomer Watisoni Votu, the Chiefs then appeared to implode as they allowed the Sharks to fight their way back into the contest, eventually undoing their Devon rivals 21-16 to claim only their third top flight win of the season.

It was indeed a disappointing outcome for Rob Baxter's side,...

Business School part of 3 million Euro research grant win

The University of Exeter Business School has won a bid for European research funds to work on ‘sustainability-driven innovation’ (SDI). Research and training in Exeter will concentrate on Biomimicry, creating business innovations inspired by nature. The total budget for the consortium is just under 3 million Euros over three years, of which the Business School will receive just over 300,000 Euros.

Exeter is part of a multi-partner consortium of eight international universities, coordinated by the European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS). Preliminary research suggests that...

'Check' out the chess boards in Seaton's Seafield Gardens

There will be another attraction this summer in Seaton, with East Devon District Council starting work on the new design for Seafield Gardens today (11th February). The completed feature will include seating, interpretation panels and chess and draughts boards where people can play their own games.

The £35,000 refurbishment of Seafield Gardens in Seaton to replace a broken, worn out and costly water feature is an important scheme for the town and has involved the community at every stage.

Work is expected to be completed in five weeks, but it is a complex project involving...

Test an elderly person's smoke alarm and help save a life

As well as encouraging you to test your smoke alarms regularly, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue are working alongside a Fire Kills campaign to encourage you to test the smoke alarms of older relatives, friends and neighbours.

Testing smoke alarms can often be a tricky operation for an older person. The position of the alarm makes it harder to reach as well as the changing of the batteries.

Did you know they are four times more likely to die in a fire if they do not have a working smoke alarm?

An early warning is vital for everyone to make a safe escape in a...

Exeter College still top of class in new league tables

Exeter College has been ranked the best performing further education college in Greater Devon for the third year running in the latest league tables released by the Government for students studying level 3 courses, using total points score per student and average points per exam – the key measures used by the media.

The new government league tables have become far more detailed and complicated, but what has not changed is the essential ingredient that is required to progress to further study, employment or University.

Exeter College is delighted that 92% of students on...

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