Devon

Police appeal for witnesses after attempted robbery in Teignmouth

Police are hunting for a masked offender who threatened two shop assistants with a knife during an attempted robbery in Teignmouth. The man struck at Tesco in Bitton Park Road around 11.50pm on Sunday (21 April) as staff members were closing the store. A female member of staff was disposing of empty packaging at the back of the store when she was approached by the offender who was carrying a knife. He grabbed hold of her but she banged on the window to alert colleagues. She managed to get away from the offender. He then went into the store and grabbed a second female shop assistant,...

Businesses to hear the benefits of planning at next Exeter Energy Exchange

Businesses will have a chance to find out more about the current planning system and its impact on energy projects at the latest Exeter Energy Exchange, which takes place on 23 May. The event is being organised by leading South West law firm Stephens Scown and renewable energy consultancy Granted Ltd, and will also look at methods of project planning. Speakers will include Chris Tofts, a specialist planning solicitor at Stephens Scown, Mike Chapman, Senior Project Manager for Renewable Energy at Granted Consultancy and Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewable Energy at Stephens Scown. Sonya said...

Help support the conservation of shells at A la Ronde

A la Ronde, the National Trust's quirky 18th century 16-sided house near Exmouth, needs extra volunteers to help with fundraising activities in order to support the conservation of its fragile shell-encrusted gallery. If you enjoy meeting people and have an interest in history or conservation then we would be delighted to meet you.

The role is that of Volunteer Fundraiser, selling raffle tickets to visitors to support vital conservation work. Usually based in house, the Volunteer Fundraiser can also spend time in the garden during fine weather. A la Ronde House Steward, Nicola...

Stimulate local economies by unlocking unused heritage

Today, as the first comprehensive analysis of how the UK’s historic buildings are used by businesses is published, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has launched Heritage Enterprise, a pioneering new funding programme designed to stimulate local economic growth by unlocking the commercial potential of unused historic buildings and sites.

With a commitment of at least £25 million per annum over the next five years, HLF’s new scheme will empower not-for-profit organisations, such as community groups and social enterprises to work in partnership with the private sector to rescue and...

Therapy Works supports Devon Air Ambulance Trust Staff

Hard working Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) staff got a treat recently from local company Therapy Works South West, who came in to demonstrate their seated acupressure massage in the work place scheme. Each member of staff was treated to 30 minutes of treatment which combines warming and loosening strokes (to back, neck and arms) with pressure point work (to back, forearms and hands). They personalise each treatment & apply advanced massage techniques to assist clients with their specific issues. Sarah Collier of Therapy Works South West said “DAAT provide an invaluable service to...

Devon's buses rated amongst the best in the country

Bus passengers using Stagecoach are more satisfied with their service than customers using other national UK operators, according to new independent research.

Consumer watchdog Passenger Focus found that 86% of Stagecoach bus passengers were either fairly or very satisfied with their overall service, with only 5% dissatisfied.

The overall customer ratings for Stagecoach were higher than three other national UK bus operators: Arriva (85%), First (81%) and National Express (78%). Passenger Focus does not include Go Ahead in the national operator results due to the small...

Chiefs on top form against London Wasps

London Wasps 24 - Exeter Chiefs 37

On the day when 35,000 runners took to the streets of London for the annual marathon, Exeter Chiefs showed little sign of fatigue as they produced arguably their best display of the season to keep alive their hopes of Heineken Cup rugby again next season.

While hosts London Wasps withered in the heat of a pulsating battle, Rob Baxter’s men duly rose to the occasion claiming maximum reward from an oustanding display at Adams Park. Tries from Jack Yeandle, Jack Nowell, Damian Welch and Haydn Thomas, together with 17 points from the boot of...

Golfers needed for charity fundraiser for Exeter's WESC Foundation

WESC Foundation is looking for teams of four to take part in their charity golf day on Friday 10 May at Crediton Downes Golf Club.

The golf day, sponsored by Michelmores, will raise vital funds for the children and young people at WESC Foundation who contend with sight loss and complex needs. For just £170 per team, the day includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf, refreshments at the 10th hole and a delicious two-course evening dinner, complete with brilliant raffle and team prizes.

Partners and friends are welcome for the evening for just £15. Companies unable to attend but...

EDDC signs up to Sustainable Communities Act

East Devon District Council is committed to taking up the opportunities offered by the Sustainable Communities Act.

Although councils do not have a legal duty to support the Act, EDDC has chosen to do so, as it did in 2009, and it is now looking for residents’ help in putting forward proposals for action to central Government.

The Sustainable Communities Act aims to divert power and funding from central government and passes it to councils and local people, giving them a new opportunity to improve their local communities.

Ideas about what government could change to...

Devon and Cornwall magistrates urged to impose fewer prison sentences

Magistrates in Devon and Cornwall are more than twice as likely to send someone to prison as courts in other parts of the country, figures obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveal today (22 April).

New research by the charity shows that people who have been convicted of a crime in England and Wales face a postcode lottery when they are sentenced.

A growing number of magistrates’ benches are making good use of community sentences which reduce crime and help people to turn their lives around.

However, some benches are still imposing prison sentences in...

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