Local members of Buckfastleigh Town Council had a tour around the former Axminster Carpets’ spinning mill on Wednesday 3 July with representatives of the site’s new owners Buckfast Abbey.

The Abbey has undertaken this ambitious project having bought the 9.24 acre site, running adjacent to its land, from administrators at the end of March. Whilst the administrators are still clearing the site, consultants are working with the Abbey to draw up plans to transform the site although no firm decisions have been made.

Father James Courtney, the Abbey’s Bursar, said: “Whilst our...

Research released by the National Office of Statistics has uncovered that only 6% of divorcing couples consider pensions within their settlement, emphasising the frightening financial state many people find themselves post-divorce.

The Prudential agree, adding that 40 per cent of those planning to retire in 2013 have been divorced. In general they are less likely to have private pensions, more likely to retire with debts, and less likely to believe they are financially well prepared for retirement.

Top South West divorce lawyer, Liz Allen, explains: “There are so many...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority members voted to carry all the proposals put to them by Service Officers to meet a significant Government grant reduction on 10 July at the Service Headquarters in Exeter. Proposals aimed at providing an affordable and effective service, without removing fire stations, fire engines or making compulsory redundancies, were developed for public consultation earlier this year.

The changes to be implemented include:

• Increasing the Service’s work in the community to prevent fires • Changing the way some fire engines are crewed,...

With summer finally here and hot weather expected for the next month, a doctor from Devon has reminded people to take care and look out for elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours.

The Met Office has predicted a heatwave for most of the country for the rest of July and possibly into August.

Dr Prue Mitchell, a GP from Exmouth and clinical lead for cancer for the Eastern Locality of Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said people should try to stay out of the heat and cool themselves down, look out for others and to take precautions...

Trainees on a pilot scheme to refurbish and re-sell bicycles in Exeter have been demonstrating their skills to MP and cycling enthusiast Ben Bradshaw.

The project, run by city charity Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI), is designed to give training and skills to the unemployed as well prevent unwanted bikes from being dumped in landfill.

Mr Bradshaw said he was very impressed with what Exeter Community Bikes had achieved so far and felt it was an excellent idea for a social enterprise. “I think this is a fabulous project because it does so many different things.

“It...

The Labour Party was born out of the trades union movement. As the industrial working class organised to protect itself against exploitation they needed a political party to fight for them in Parliament.

Despite the decline in mass membership of unions over the years, that relationship is as important today as it was in the past. With the scandal of zero hours contracts and a Government intent on tearing up health and safety protection and other employee rights, it is vital that the voices of ordinary working people are heard in our political debate.

In Exeter Labour Party...

Is your make-up or skincare toxic? Most people can't even pronounce some of the ingredients in their beauty, skincare or bath products – yet they continue to use them, unaware of the long-term repercussions on their health.

For many consumers, ignorance is bliss, but keeping educated on toxins and chemicals in products we ingest, rub into our skin or inhale might just prevent sickness and disease later on. Due to numerous sensitivities such as allergies and coeliac disease, many people are becoming more aware of the chemicals and toxicity of products on the market.

For some...

A burgeoning Exeter-based business is lending its support to a city childrenʼs centre.

Educational software specialist Paritor has chosen the music therapy service at Honeylands, a facility for young children with complex special needs in Pinhoe Road, as its charity of the year.

Employees of the firm, which designs software to help schools and colleges manage the performing arts, will undertake a series of fundraising initiatives as well as volunteering their time and expertise.

While Honeylands caters primarily for older children, the music therapy service supports...

If it’s the hottest show in town you’re looking for, look no further than Exeter Corn Exchange this Sunday 14 July at 6pm. Exeter’s only independent theatre arts school, Stage by Stage, is putting on a gala show to celebrate 20 years of making young people’s show business dreams come true.

Tickets are available from 01392 211244.

The gala performance at Exeter Corn Exchange, which will be attended by Exeter’s Lord Mayor Councillor Rachel Lyons, will feature highlights from Stage by Stage’s hit shows of the last two decades. These include Bugsy Malone , which was the first...