Construction workloads increased in the South West in the final quarter of 2014, albeit at a slightly slower rate, and private housing saw the strongest growth despite the shortage of bricklayers reaching a record high.
Over a third (36% net balance) reported that workloads in the construction sector had grown in the region in Q4 2014 with 57% more respondents saying that the private housing sector was fuelling the greatest growth, followed by the private commercial sector (48%).
Around 60% of respondents across the UK reported that material shortages, skill shortages and...
The A379 remains closed in both directions between Sandygate roundabout and the Old Rydon Lane junction, because of a police incident.
Police closed the road shortly before 9.30 this morning after receiving reports of a man threatening to jump from Baker Bridge near the David Lloyd Leisure Centre.
The man is believed to have a rope around his neck.
The incident caused chaos in the area around Sandygate Roundabout, with traffic queues stretching back to the M5.
Sixteen selected graduates and early career makers challenge and celebrate traditional notions of design with fresh new approaches to contemporary crafts
With Central Government funding (via the Environment Agency) of up to £100,000 in place, East Devon District Council has begun coastal defence beach recycling work at Sidmouth’s main beach.
As scheduled, work on the six-week project commenced on Monday 5 January and a digger has begun removing the surplus build-up of shingle from the western end of the main beach(over the Bedford groyne).
Dumper trucks will redistribute the shingle at the eastern end (from the York groyne and beyond) travelling over a temporary ramp on the rock groyne opposite the Bedford Hotel and using...
Exeter City Council are providing drop off sites for Exeter residents to take their real Christmas trees for recycling this weekend (Saturday 10 January and Sunday 11 January 2015).
The trees will be shredded and used in the city's parks or sent for composting just outside Exeter.
Trees put out for normal rubbish or recycling collections will not be collected.
Over 40 per cent of parents in the South West worry about their children’s mental health, more than any other health issue, Action for Children reveals today.
Action for Children runs more than 200 children’s centres across the UK working with parents and young children to provide a range of support including early action to try and nip problems in the bud and stop them from reaching crisis point.
The charity has been concerned by the rise in support needed by children because of mental health and emotional wellbeing problems. Recent research by the charity found over half...
Plans to change the funding arrangements for school crossing patrols will be considered by Devon County Council’s Cabinet next week (Wednesday 14 January).
The authority is facing a £50 million reduction in its funding in the next financial year and, as part of that, it is looking to reduce its school crossing patrol budget by around £100,000 per year in the next two financial years.
Councillors are being asked to approve the criteria that determines whether an existing school crossing patrol qualifies for funding from the County Council. They are also being asked to...
The latest trend in south west corporate activity is likely to be an increase in Family and Management Buy-Outs or FAMBOs.
FAMBOs are an efficient method of transferring company ownership between generations while allowing senior managers to be part of the buy-out team ensuring continuity of the family line and the retention of key operational skills.
According to Andrew Killick, an experienced FAMBO adviser with chartered accountants Francis Clark, this type of deal structure is very appropriate for many Westcountry businesses where owner/managed businesses predominate....
Police are asking for the public’s help to identify two men in connection with the theft of a valuable bike from a hospital car park in Exeter.
The white Trek Cobia mountain bike, valued at £1,100, was stolen from the car park at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last November.
Offenders cut the security chain with bolt cutters to steal the bike which had been left locked and secure at the cycle rack.
Police have released a CCTV image of two men they would like to speak to in connection with this incident and are appealing to the public to come forward with any...
