Blogs

Media coverage of the Government’s recent planning changes was dominated by the controversy over a free-for-all on house extensions and the potential problems that might cause between neighbours. But changes to the rules governing retail premises could have just as big an impact on our city centres and shopping streets.

Exeter City Council has confirmed that it shares the fears expressed by the Labour Party nationally that the changes could be extremely damaging to the quality and character of our shopping streets.

The new rules threaten to destroy independent retailers and...

In a recent blog I highlighted the constructive dismissal claim being brought by former Apprentice winner, Stella English. Miss English subsequently lost the case.

In particular, I highlighted the comments of the Employment Tribunal Judge in the judgment that “the case should never have been brought in the first place”. I thought that might spark Lord Sugar’s company into making an application for costs, a rare thing in the Employment Tribunal.

Sure enough, it has today been reported (here) that Miss English is being pursued for up to £35,000 in costs, according to sources...

This year has been quite a momentous one for Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI).

We have successfully taken on two extra Children's Centres (Sure Start) in Wonford and Countess Wear to accompany our existing Flying Start Children's Centre.

We have had a change of Chief Executive. I stepped into Alistair Macintosh's large shoes in July 2012 and have been getting to grips with the job over the last year and making changes so ECI is facing the challenges of the future head on.

We said a sad goodbye to our Harvest project, which has played such a big role in our work...

It is sad to note that as we may enjoy the sights and sounds of Spring around us, our natural history is in serious trouble. That is the conclusion of the recent State of Nature report published by a coalition of leading British conservation and research organisations.

Scientists working side-by-side from 25 wildlife organisations have compiled a stock take of our native species – the first of its kind in the UK. The report reveals that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing...