Local News

A significant drop in demand for rural land was reported in H1 2016, and with continuing modest supply increases, expectations have been pushed further into negative territory. Across the country, 49% of contributors now expect prices to fall across all farm types over the coming year. Anecdotal evidence from respondents suggests that several factors are combining to dampen sentiment in the market which include increased uncertainty due to the EU Referendum, increased localised pricing with less fashionable areas facing difficulties, and low commodity prices.

Commercial farmland...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service remind everyone that buying cheap, unsafe chargers may put their home and loved ones at risk.

Fire crews recently attended a small electrical fire in Exmouth. The fire was caused by a faulty replacement lead or appliance.

Watch Manager Gareth Sydenham said: “The fire was small but could have easily spread to something worse When we arrived the occupier had already smothered and extinguished the fire, which resulted in them receiving a slight burn injury that required hospital attention. The occupier had been using non genuine...

Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants in Devon are at a new historic low after falling by 58 during July, with the total claimant count now standing at 3,029.

Of Devon’s eight districts six experienced falls , ranging between one and 34 claimants.

In Exeter the number of claimants rose by 30 claimants and in South Hams the number increased by just one. The largest fall of 34 claimants was seen in East Devon.

The claimant rate (proportion of the county’s working age population claiming JSA) remained largely the same with East Devon, Teignbridge and Torridge falling...

Officers from East Devon District Council’s StreetScene service have had a busy past few weeks helping find homes for 17 life-sized dinosaur models, previously roaming free in Exmouth.

Nick Christo, East Devon’s StreetScene Area Manager West, is relieved to report that all the prehistoric reptiles are now confined to easily accessible public sites, forming an educational trail throughout the town, ready for an exciting launch event at the Strand on Saturday August 20, 11am to 6pm.

The StreetScene team members have become so attached to one of the dinosaurs – a massive...