Homes & Gardens

As river levels rise following last night's torrential rain, the Environment Agency has issued advice about what to do if you've suffered flooding in your home.

*Take care. There may be dangers in the water such as sharp objects and raised manhole covers.

*Flood water may have caused structual damage to buildings.

*Flood water can contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste. Always wear waterproof outerwear, including gloves, wellington boots and a face mask.

*If your electricity supply is not already switched off at the mains, get a qualified person to do...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service want you to have a joyful and fire safe Christmas this year. Fire safety is important at anytime of the year, but with the extra distractions of Christmas it’s especially important to be vigilant. Dry Christmas trees, colourful decorations and wrapped presents are all extra fuel for a potential fire into your home.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to accidental fires in the home, so take extra care this season to ensure that your families, loved ones and neighbours are all protected from the extra Christmas fire...

The amount of long term unfurnished empty properties in Teignbridge stood at 385, a reduction of 156 since the same time four years ago.

The figures have been released during National Empty Homes Week which is aimed at highlighting the waste of empty property nationwide and to celebrate the success of numerous examples and new initiatives to bring empty homes back into use.

Properties become empty for a variety of reasons, including owners moving into nursing homes or other properties going into probate. In most cases owners of empty properties do not want to leave them...

Househunters in Exeter are encouraged to head down to The Harringtons to get their pick of the plots as Redrow releases the second phase of properties at their popular development. Visitors will also be able to check out the latest 3D model of the extended site.

The second phase of The Harringtons development will offer a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties from Redrow’s New Heritage Collection, which is influenced by the traditional character of Arts and Crafts house design. The wide selection of properties available include the four bedroom Oxford + and four bedroom...