Devon

Replanting Knightshayes with 12,000 trees

The woodland at Knightshayes, near Tiverton, is undergoing a programme of regeneration, with the ranger team replanting over 12,000 trees over the next three years. Throughout the last century, the woodland has undergone numerous changes. Originally farmer’s fields before being planted with larch in the 1950’s, the estate’s popular Impey Walk fell victim to the tree disease Phytophthora ramorum in 2011 and, since then, has been a tangle of impenetrable bracken and bramble. The replanting, costing over £30,000, will consist of almost entirely native broadleaf species, the perfect habitat...

‘Get connected’ for National Libraries Day

Devon County Council is encouraging residents to ‘get connected’ with their local library next week as part of National Libraries Day (Saturday 7 February).

Libraries across Devon will be asking their users to provide their email address and mobile phone number so they can get in touch with information about their loans more easily and keep them up to date with news, as well as save the council money.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library service, explains:

“We currently spend around £6,000 on postage every...

Man charged with Dawlish murder

James Luke McDonald, 36, from Dawlish has been charged with the murder of Sophie McDonald and remains in custody to appear at Exeter Magistrates Court tomorrow (Saturday 31st January).

Police were called at around 6.40pm on Wednesday 28th January following reports of a missing person, and an extensive search was undertaken by specialist officers and volunteer search and rescue groups.

Sophie’s body was later discovered at a property in Iddesleigh Terrace, Dawlish at around 3am, Thursday 29th January.

The family of Sophie said: “The family have released a photo of a...

Highways teams prepared for winter weather

Devon County Council’s highways teams are geared up to respond to whatever the weather throws at the county this weekend.

A weather warning has been issued for the possibility of snow showers and ice in the county over the next few days. Although it is mainly expected to affect higher ground, wintry showers cannot be ruled out at lower levels.

Road surface temperatures will be below freezing across most of the county overnight, and with a risk of icy patches in the morning, gritters will be heading out across Devon’s main salting routes.

Motorists are urged to...

Baxter: Parling can have a positive influence

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter believes new signing Geoff Parling can have a “positive influence” on and off the field at Sandy Park after he today agreed terms with the Aviva Premiership club.

The England and British Lions lock, who has penned a two-year deal with the Chiefs, joins from league rivals Leicester Tigers, where he has amassed 89 appearances in total since signing in 2009 from former club Newcastle Falcons.

As one of two new arrivals confirmed by Baxter today, the other being Bath speedster Olly Woodburn, Baxter believes he has recruited two proven, top-...

Saltrock fighting coastline destruction

Saltrock now charges 5p for every carrier bag given out in all stores across the country, and every penny collected is donated directly to coastal charity Surfers Against Sewage. Saltrock hopes that by taking this company wide decision it can raise both awareness and funds for the charity to fight the causes of coastal damage. “Surfers Against Sewage is a cause close to our hearts here at Saltrock,” says Saltrock spokesperson Katie Goodfellow.

“SAS are a fantastic team who are passionate about what they do and fight hard to protect something vitally important to all of us – our...

Exeter players join local business chiefs

Members of the Exeter Chiefs rugby team turned out in force last night for a business forum hosted by The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) at Sapphire Living Space in Topsham.

Organised as part of the Player Development Programme (PDP), players from the Senior and Academy squads met representatives from local industry sectors including Sapphire Spaces, Rhead Group and Bluesoup.

The Rugby Players’ Association represents the interests of professional rugby players with three areas of focus, player welfare, player development and The RPA’s Official Charity, Restart. The Player...

Charge your car at Sainsbury's in Exeter

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 01/30/2015 - 2:27pm

Tesla has opened a new supercharger station at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Exeter.

The Pinhoe Road store is one of three Sainsbury’s stores in the South of England to install Tesla superchargers.

These latest additions to the network are part of a rapid expansion that will soon allow Model S owners to drive anywhere in the country.

Georg Ell, Tesla’s UK Country Director, said: “We’re excited to partner with Sainsbury’s to continue the expansion of the country’s fast-charging network for long-distance travel in electric cars. With Sainsbury’s, Model S drivers can stop...

Did you witness fatal M5 crash near Exeter?

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 01/30/2015 - 12:40pm

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses following a collision on the M5 northbound near Cullompton in which a woman died.

Police and other emergency services were called to the scene of the fatal collision involving a car and a lorry just after 12.10pm on Tuesday 27 January.

The collision involving a heavy goods vehicle and a silver Vauxhall Omega happened about one mile before junction 28, Cullompton.

Investigating officers would like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the southbound carriageway of the M5 in the opposite direction, and who may have...

Expert advice for Exeter landlords

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 01/30/2015 - 11:45am

Exeter City Council and the National Landlords Association (NLA) invite landlords in Exeter and the surrounding areas to its next branch meeting on Wednesday 4 February to help prepare for risks that threaten the success of their lettings business.

Hannah Darling, NLA representative, will discuss how the NLA’s latest campaign, Rent Risk Resolve can help mitigate against the risks of rent arrears, rising interest rates, local licensing activity and the potential introduction of rent control, in order to ensure a happy and successful lettings business.

Hannah said: “Landlords...

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