Devon

East Devon praises tenants for paying rent on time

East Devon District Council’s recently published sixth annual report to tenants, which reviews the housing service’s performance over the past year (2014-2015), reveals that the council’s housing service is continuing to make positive progress (exceptional in some areas) with its housing stock and service to tenants.

A customer survey of satisfaction, which was undertaken with a thousand tenants in October 2014, showed that overall there was still a high level (90%) of satisfaction with the repairs and maintenance service. However, the council is striving to improve this figure as...

Exeter experts receive €700k grant to study the future security of water, food and energy provision

Researchers from the University of Exeter are leading a pioneering international research project to deliver new guidance for governments to safeguard long-term provision of crucial natural resources.

Experts from Exeter’s Centre for Water Systems and Energy Policy Group are collaborating on the key research project, which aims to investigate how policy makers can develop strategies to meet the challenges that climate change could have on water, food and energy provision.

The team have been awarded a substantial grant worth €700k by the European Commission for the H2020...

Jewellery stolen in two Exeter burglaries

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 02/24/2016 - 5:25pm

Detectives are appealing for information after several distinctive items of jewellery were taken during two burglaries in Clyst St Mary, Exeter.

Two properties in Clyst Valley Road were broken into while the victims were away on holiday.

During the first burglary, that happened sometime between Saturday 13 February and Wednesday 17 February, Australian dollars were stolen, as well as a number of unique and distinctive pieces of jewellery (crime reference CR/ 011053/16).

  • An 18 carat gold necklace chain (pictured) with a unique design handcrafted in Pakistan,
  • ...

Excellent results for Trust in NHS survey

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 02/24/2016 - 11:57am

The NHS Trust that runs community hospitals and community health and social care services across Exeter, Mid and East Devon ranks better than similar Trusts in nearly three quarters of all indicators, according to a national survey of staff published yesterday (23 February).

When compared to other Trusts that run acute and community services, the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust was rated better than average in 23 of the 32 key findings that make up the NHS Staff Survey for 2015.

The Trust was ranked average in nine areas and was not below average in any.

It also...

Ice warning issued for Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 02/24/2016 - 11:55am

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning of ice for Devon as temperatures are set to fall below freezing tonight.

The warning says: "Temperatures will fall below freezing on Wednesday night, with a risk of scattered wintry showers falling on sub-zero surfaces.

"This leads to a risk of icy patches on untreated roads and pavements on Thursday morning.

"In addition, light snow showers may give a temporary dusting of snow away from coasts.

"Please be aware of the risk of some locally difficult driving conditions, and some low level travel disruption...

Police appeal after caravan burglary

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 02/24/2016 - 11:32am

Officers investigating a high-value burglary at a residential caravan in the Kennford area of Exeter are appealing for information.

The caravan, at Kennford Caravan Park, was broken into at around 9.50pm on Sunday 14 February when the offenders smashed a window to gain entry.

Several expensive items of jewellery were taken including a silver flat curb chain-linked necklace and bracelet valued at £8,500; an Oyster Perpetual Rolex watch worth £5,000; an Armani watch; a brown leather strap watch (with gold mechanisms visible through the watch face); and a yellow gold diamond...

£310,686 committed to cancer care in Devon

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 02/24/2016 - 11:19am

As 2016 gets underway, a local fundraiser is sending out a message of thanks to all who raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support last year.

Bridget Hill, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for South, Mid and East Devon said: "Because of all your support, in 2015 Macmillan was able to commit £310,686 in Devon, helping to support over 35,000 people living with or beyond cancer locally. That means there are now over 50 Macmillan professionals working in the county.

"I want to say a personal thank you to everyone who hosted or attended coffee mornings, volunteered their time, took...

New Satellite Applications Catapult Centre of Excellence for SW

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 02/24/2016 - 10:18am

The University of Exeter will be better able to support business growth thanks to a new partnership with the UK Space Agency.

Experts at the University will help run a new Centre of Excellence using satellite data. This will allow academics to work with industry, particularly small businesses, to ensure new products and services become commercially available.

The Satellite Applications Catapult’s South West Centre of Excellence, which is co-funded by the UK Space Agency, will use data obtained through satellites to generate global trade opportunities for the South West. It...

Construction disputes expert joins Stephens Scown

With the multi-million pound regeneration of Exeter city centre in full swing and increased construction a priority nationally, leading South West law firm Stephens Scown LLP has recruited a partner specialising in construction disputes to its growing disputes resolution team.

Jim Gorrod joins the firm’s Exeter office from Foot Anstey LLP. Jim specialises in construction law and in particular resolving disputes relating to building projects. His considerable expertise in this area has led to him being recognised as a leader in his field in Chambers and Partners – an independent...

Comedy masterclass from Ireland's number one comedian

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 02/23/2016 - 3:21pm

REVIEW: Tommy Tiernan, Exeter Corn Exchange

Calling the tour 'out of the whirlwind' is as an apt description of an evening with 'Ireland's number one comedian', Tommy Tiernan, as you could possibly get.

The experience leaves you ruffled, refreshed and somehow cleansed but ultimately rewarded in the humour stakes for hearing him out and following his acerbic outpouring that resonates strongly with the Devon crowd.

Tommy Tiernan's appearance at Exeter's Corn Exchange, as part of the mostly excellent LOL Festival which is now it it's 7th year, transported the audience...

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