Rail, maritime and transport union RMT announced today that the organisation has continued to increase its membership in the past twelve months in the teeth of the most savage attacks on jobs and working conditions for a generation.
Membership figures released by the union today show that RMT has put on a net gain of 1,456 members through 2012, taking the total to 77,549 – an annual growth of nearly 2% in the most challenging circumstances.
The union has increased its membership year-on-year from the 59,277 total when General Secretary Bob Crow was elected in 2002.
Tributes have been paid to Obie Ebanks, the Exmouth man who was tragically killed on Christmas Eve in a traffic accident on the A30 near Honiton. It is thought that his car may have aquaplaned on water that had spilt out onto the road between Rawridge and Monkton, although investigation is still under way.
A keen chess player at the Exmouth Chess Club, Obie had been living in Exmouth after moving to the town from Leytonstone in East London. After a period of unemployment, he had recently got work as a hospital car driver for the South West Ambulance Service.
People wishing to use Stagecoach services are advised of the following service disruptions...
North Devon Following police road closures: 21: suspended between Chivenor and Ilfracombe 308: suspended between Chivenor, Croyde and Georgham
Exeter, Plymouth & rural services X38: due to road closures resulting from flooding we're not currently serving Ivybridge plus 6.45 from Plymouth running over an hour late 50, 51, 315: we are currently operating these services however customers are advised to check the latest travel news as the Crediton road is likely to close within...
Extensive rain overnight throughout the area has caused localised flooding and disruption to roads. This has again been a significant and challenging event and the emergency services together with partner agencies have worked hard throughout the night and will continue to do so to respond to calls from the public.
Police are advising residents to take all possible precautions to protect their property.
They warn that if you have to travel to plan your journey, allow extra time and drive to the road conditions as many roads remian closed or passable with care.
Exeter International Airport has reminded passengers travelling to friends and relatives for the festive period that Christmas crackers are not permitted in hand/cabin baggage.
If the crackers are in a sealed box (original packaging, cellophane not broken) they may travel in hold (checked-in) baggage. However, party poppers are not permitted in hand or hold baggage.
There are no hand (cabin) baggage restrictions on Christmas cakes but passengers should be aware of the DfT 'Liquids' regulations and airline hand (cabin) baggage limits.
Customers waiting for the 57 service at Exeter Bus station were delighted to see they had a very special seasonal bus driver – Santa Claus!
Between now and Christmas, Santa (also known as Clint Woodman from Stagecoach South West's Exmouth depot) is busy raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and certainly put a smile on everyone’s faces.
In fact, Stagecoach are already getting letters and Facebook comments from happy customers who are saying how much he's cheered their day up with one mum commenting "It made my children's day and they haven’t stopped talking about...
Travel update: Due to an earlier burst water main, one lane is still closed with expected delays on the A377 Alphington Road inbound in Exeter at the Cowick Lane junction.
Stagecoach has just reported that the road between Halberton and Sampford Peverall has been closed by the fire brigade, with the closure due to remain in place for the remainder of the day. "Our 1 service will therefore not be able to serve stops between Halberton and Uffculme, diverting on the 1A route and then returning to its route from Uffculme onwards."
National Rail have provided links to some photos to inform passengers the extent to the flooding, which is currently causing disruption to South West rail services. Some services resume, but This is the latest update:
All the changes listed below are showing correctly for today in the real time Journey Planner ,
The following video and images show the extent of some of the flooding:
Check out Stagecoach's update on service disruptions before you head out on your journey this morning.
Breaking news: 157 unable to serve Otterton due to flooding
Update: 55 and 155 services are now resuming their normal routes
X38 cannot currently serve Bittaford
57 cannot serve Topsham therefore diversion via Countess Wear is in place, with those travelling to Topsham advised to change here onto the T service. 50, 51 and 315 running as normal. 380 cannot serve gittisham
