Local News

Rail services are severely affected after last-minute talks to avert a 48-hour strike on First Great Western (FGW) services failed.

Services between London, the west of England and Wales are hit by the walk-out which staeted at 18:30 BST yesterday.

The industrial action is also likely to affect fans heading to the first Ashes test match in Cardiff.

The dispute centres on plans to axe guards and buffet cars on FGW's new Hitachi Inter City Express trains.

General Secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT members across First Great Western are solidly supporting the 48...

On 2 July 2015, Visual Impairment (VI) was put under the spotlight at a special conference hosted by the WESC Foundation in Devon, where experts from around the world came together to reveal their latest research findings and technological advancements to Special Educational Needs (SEN) and healthcare professionals, carers, local authority representatives, and specialist schools and colleges.

The day covered all the latest developments in medical technology, such as stem cell therapy, optogenetics, gene therapy and vision prosthesis (bionic eyes) to help combat retinal eye disease...

With summer in full swing, pet owners from Exeter show a surprising lack of awareness when it comes to their pet’s hydration and are happy to let them drink puddle water, milk and even the nation’s favourite brew – tea. A survey carried out by pet product expert, PetSafe®, to raise awareness about the importance of pet hydration, has found that over 6 in 10 (60%) of Exeter pet owners are unclear about how much water to give their pets to drink. Most worryingly, the survey revealed that over half of Exeter pet owners (55%) wouldn’t know how to tell if their pet was dehydrated. Further...

Responding to today's budget, Steve Barriball, Chief Executive of leading local advice charity Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “Whilst this Budget provides help to the low paid, those at the sharp end of welfare cuts will really struggle. The growing economy needs to lead to a more secure future for all; whether you are starting out as self employed; a parent trying to balance work with childcare or someone who is in work but needs extra support.

“Ultimately a government serious about making significant savings to the welfare bill needs to tackle problems at the source...