Exeter

Some exempt council tax payers may be charged next year

Some people in Exeter who are currently exempt from paying council tax will probably have to pay a small monthly charge next year.

The government has decided to abolish the council tax benefit scheme that supports residents on a low income to pay their council tax bill.

Instead, the responsibility for providing that support will transfer to local councils beginning next April. The cut in government funding means Exeter will need to save over £1 million in the first year alone.

Everyone, apart from pensioners (who are protected by law), will have to pay something...

New contracts manager for South West sealant specialist

A Bristol-based sealant specialist has employed a new contracts manager to lead the company’s expansion in the South West of England, which will include a new office in Exeter.

Joe Prowse, who is originally from Torquay, has been taken on by S&D Sealants, who specialise in the supply and fit of sealants and mastics to the construction trade across England, Scotland and Wales.

Mr Prowse has over 15 years’ experience in the mastics industry and will be responsible for building recognition of the S&D brand and winning new clients for the company. He...

Doorstep crime doubles in parts of the West Country

The amount of money lost to doorstep crime in parts of the West Country has doubled during the past two years, according to new figures.

Council trading standards teams in Devon, Torbay, North Somerset and Poole and have reported increases in complaints from residents about rogue traders.

In Devon just over £50,000 was reported to be lost to doorstep crime in 2010, whereas the figure this year is already almost £100,000.

However, these figures are just an indication of the actual amount of money people have lost, which is undoubtedly far...

Changes to benefit system could have far-reaching consequences

Sweeping changes to the benefits system, due to come into force next year, could see a rise in the number children being taken into care and more homeless people in Exeter, according to charities and welfare organisations in the city.

Earlier this year the Government announced a series of reforms designed to target those avoiding work because benefits are more lucrative for them.

However at a summit of Exeter groups last week, concerns were expressed that the some of the changes will affect the most vulnerable.

Devon County Councillor...

Exeter teenager attacked after Ottery tar barrels event

Police have reported that a 16-year-old girl from Exeter was savagely beaten in Ottery St Mary following the recent tar barrels event on Monday 5th November.

The girl is said to have been involved in an altercation with a group of females earlier in the evening, and was grabbed from behind by a male while she was taking a shortcut near Broad Street. The male, who it seems was a stranger to her, covered her mouth and eyes and then pushed her to the ground and kicked in the head and back. He was then joined by a group of females who continued kicking her until she started...

Exeter band win South West video award

Exeter-based band Casitas are celebrating after scooping Best Music Video 2012 at the South West Music Awards.

The video was produced by first time director Felix McCabe, 19, who also took the pictures that make up the band's EP artwork.

The band is composed of Barnaby Bowles-Bray (lead vocals, keyboard), Felix Bush (lead guitar), Jack Knox (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), James Lapraik (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Edmund Wiilkinson on drums.

Their latest single, 'Places In Dreams' follows the current trend of incorporating a more...

Exeter remembers our lost service men and women

Remembrance Day is a time to pause, to reflect on the conflicts that have led to so many fine young men and women losing their lives, and to those still fighting to maintain a world order for the good of others.

But it is also to highlight to those who did not live throught the First and Second World Wars the sacrifices that were made to ensure we live in the free society that we enjoy today. Yesterday the great and the good of Exeter gathered around Cathedral Green and process through the city to pay their respects to lost and service men and women of the armed forces.

Business Network (SW) Limited – Business Lunch

Over 70 decision makers from the local business community attended the recent Business Networking (SW) lunch held at the Exeter Golf & Country Club. Guests were welcomed with a glass of wine and enjoyed a two-course sit-down lunch followed by a presentation by Nigel Wilkinson of WNW Design. In the afternoon a free afternoon seminar ‘A unique take on Business’ was hosted by Cathy Towers of Exeter Mind and Body Clinic.

Award-winning Developer Acquires Land in Exeter

A 24-acre development site off Harrington Lane in Pinhoe, Exeter, has been purchased by housebuilder Redrow. The new site, The Harrington’s, comes with detailed planning permission for 230 properties consisting of 172 private homes, plus 58 affordable houses and a care home. Infrastructure works will commence imminently, with show homes and the first properties being available in early spring 2013.

The Harrington’s, formerly the Brick Works, is situated just outside Pinhoe, Exeter, on the edge of the Devonshire countryside. The underutilized brownfield site will be brought...

Carcass collector conviction upheld by Exeter Crown Court

A judge has dismissed an appeal by a South Devon-based licensed slaughter man and fallen stock collector who was convicted of offences under Animal By-Products regulations last month following an investigation by Devon County Council.

His Honour Judge Gilbert QC told Andrew Goatman, 33 of North Huish, South Brent, that he had already been dealt extremely leniently and there was no merit in his appeal. He ordered Mr Goatman to pay an additional £250 towards prosecution costs for the appeal, and warned that had it not been for the mitigation offed on his behalf, he would...

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