The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is due to strike between 6:30am and 8:30am tomorrow morning (3 January) during a period of high flood risk.
The Met Office Yellow Weather Warning is to stay in place until late on friday night and heavy rainfall is expected tomorrow morning.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have remained neutral on the dispute but have said: “It is important that the public recognise this will have an impact on our normal arrangements during the periods of dispute. Chief Fire Officer for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Lee Howell, said...
Devon and Cornwall Police, together with Her Majesty’s Coastguard , are appealing to local residents and visitors to the region not to enter the sea during the bad weather.
This follows two incidents over the past two days where people who have gone swimming in the sea in rough conditions have either drowned or been reported missing.
A police spokesperson said: “There are people who enjoy swimming in all weathers as well as those who may underestimate the danger a rough sea can pose. During the current bad weather, we would appeal to everyone to use common sense and not put...
With the 31 January tax return deadline just around the corner, HMRC has revealed the ‘Top 10 oddest excuses’ for sending in a late return.
The following bizarre, exotic and flimsy excuses have all been used by tardy taxpayers:
1. My pet goldfish died (self-employed builder) 2. I had a run-in with a cow (Midlands farmer) 3. After seeing a volcanic eruption on the news, I couldn’t concentrate on anything else (London woman) 4. My wife won’t give me my mail (self-employed trader) 5. My husband told me the deadline was 31 March, and I believed him (Leicester hairdresser) 6. I’...
An elderly woman has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Exmouth earlier today, Thursday, (2 January). The collision took place at around 12.40pm on Barrowdale close, Brixington and involved the woman and a blue BMW car. The woman has been taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The road has been closed at its junction with Jubilee Drive and is not expected to be re-opened for some time.
Police were called to Porthleven Sands Beach in Cornwall this morning (2 January) after the discovery of a man’s body. Officers attended the beach around 9am after a call from a member of the public. Next of kin are being informed although formal identification has not yet taken place. The death is not thought to be suspicious.
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Police and Coastguard are continuing with the search for a missing 27-year-old man who went swimming with friends at Loe Bar Beach, Porthleven, Cornwall, in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The Environment Agency has warned of life-threatening flooding around the Devon Coast.
The agency has issued 14 ‘Severe’ flood warnings ahead of further extreme weather conditions including for the communities around Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
Low lying and exposed communities between Exmouth and Lyme Regis, including sea front areas of Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Seaton are asked to be aware of the severe warning and take immediate action to stay safe.
Warnings have also been issued for the coastline between between Start Point and Dawlish Warren...
Some Commuters could see their travel costs rise to over £5,000 a year as the rail fares increase nationwide.
Industry organisation, the Rail Delivery Group, have said that increase is the smallest increase in the last four years but campaigners have said the fares are still rising three times faster than average incomes.
On average UK rail fares are set to rise by 2.8% but some regulated tickets, such as season tickets and off-peak travel tickets have risen by 3.1%.
This could see some commuters spending more than £5,000 a year on travel costs.
Sam Alford and Sam White, both from Exmouth, are starting a bike recycling project at Bicton EaRTH in East Devon. It is one of few such projects based in the heart of a rural community where there is a need for low-cost, independent transport – especially for young people.
After working for various charities and youth projects they are now establishing EaRTH Cycles and want the public to donate their old bikes, rather than throwing them away.
“We’ve secured support for the project from Devon County Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund, Making it Local and Awards For...
A whole host of inspiring people from Devon are to be rewarded with New Year's Honours.
Those from the County to be recognised include:
MBE (Member of the British Empire)
Betty and John Insley are set to receive MBE's for their services to children and families. Michael Christopher Duffield has been recognised for services to sailing following his role as president of the Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association. Ms Tracey Louise Green, from Yelverton, will be recognised for her services to children and families. Environmental campaigner Rosemary Day from...
Neil Parish, MP for Mid Devon has met with Uffculme resident and guide dog owner, Tilly Trotter, to discuss the recent incident that resulted in her guide dog, Gwyn, having to retire.
Tilly, who is registered blind, relied on Gwyn, a three year old German Shepherd Dog, to guide her.
Tilly and Gwyn were walking in Uffculme when a pet dog attacked Gwyn and as a result of the physical and psychological injuries sustained Gwyn is no longer able to work as a guide dog.
As a result Tilly has lost her independence and is not able to go out safely unless someone is...
