With the clocks going back this Sunday (29 October), Devon County Council is reminding all road users to help play their part in keeping each other safe. Everyone using Devon’s roads is being urged to take extra care this autumn and winter. Motorists are asked to look out for more vulnerable road users as daylight hours are reduced and to give them plenty of time and space. Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and horse riders are all encouraged to “be bright, be seen”, by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing to ensure they can be seen clearly. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon...
As winter approaches, the Exeter branch of RGB Building Supplies is providing advice to property owners on how to get ready for the colder months. With unpredictable weather conditions, it's crucial to ensure a home is winter-ready both inside and out. Neglecting to do so can result in costly damage and higher energy bills due to draughts.
Paul West, branch manager at RGB in Exeter, explains why it’s important to prepare now before the weather worsens:
“Winter can take a toll on various parts of a home, including the roof, gutters, windows, doors, and insulation. Without...
Thousands of people across Devon can now book their flu and covid-19 vaccines online, as the NHS booking system opens ahead of what could be a challenging winter for the health service.
As part of the NHS’s commitment to make it ever more convenient for people to book in for their winter vaccines, all eligible adults can book their vaccination appointment through www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well , by downloading the NHS App or by calling 119.
New figures show more than 127,000 people in Devon have already received their flu jabs since the start of...
As the winter months loom on the horizon, many people in Devon are concerned about how they will meet their energy bills as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
Citizens Advice is launching a new campaign to encourage take-up of the Energy Relief Scheme, which can provide up to £100 towards meeting energy bills for those struggling to pay their supplier.
Citizens Advice Exeter Chief Executive, Sue Julyan, said: “Last year, local Citizens Advice offices across Devon helped thousands of people with emergency funds through the fuel voucher scheme, and this year, the...
People invited to share their feedback in online survey
Devon’s health and care services are inviting feedback from local people on their experience of campaigns and messaging over the busy winter period.
Health and care services in Devon work together each winter to develop messages that support people to find the right service for their needs.
This includes how and where to find vaccination clinics, where to find urgent medical advice when you need it, and what to do when your child is unwell.
Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Devon, said: “We...
With plummeting temperatures due to return this week, it is important to make sure our four-legged friends are prepared for the cold. After a fairly mild Christmas for most across the UK, temperatures are set to drop below 0°C over the next few days. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is issuing guidance to owners about how to keep your dog safe and warm during the cold snap, including how to avoid potential hazards on your winter walks. Runa Hanaghan, Deputy Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: “There are lots of simple things you can do to help your dog stay safe and...
Cases of winter illnesses like covid-19, flu and norovirus are rising in the South West and people are urged to take steps to prevent the spread
NHS Devon is reminding people to stay safe and well this winter by wearing a face mask in healthcare settings, washing their hands regularly and practicing social distancing whenever they can.
Darryn Allcorn, Chief Nurse at NHS Devon said: “We are seeing a worrying increase of flu, Covid-19 and norovirus cases in Devon this week and high numbers of patients being admitted to Devon’s hospitals with potentially infectious respiratory...
A trial to treat some of Exeter’s busiest cycle routes during cold weather is being extended by Devon County Council this winter and it’s already being put to good use during the current cold spell.
Following the success of initial trial runs last winter, more routes will now be “de-iced” when conditions are freezing, supporting the authority’s efforts to promote active travel and meet its net zero carbon emission targets.
A small Powerflex vehicle is being deployed to use a liquid de-icer on around 14 miles of selected routes around the city, with a similar solution...
With temperatures forecast to drop next week Devon’s highways teams say they’re prepared to face whatever the elements throw at the county’s roads over the next few months.
Gritting depots across the county are fully stocked with around 24,000 tonnes of salt and Devon County Council’s upgrade of its winter fleet has continued, with eight of its 37 frontline gritters replaced with newer models this year.
These latest gritters are kitted out with touchscreen controls to adjust the position of the plough attachments, enabling drivers to pull over and make adjustments...
