Devon

Stimulate local economies by unlocking unused heritage

Today, as the first comprehensive analysis of how the UK’s historic buildings are used by businesses is published, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has launched Heritage Enterprise, a pioneering new funding programme designed to stimulate local economic growth by unlocking the commercial potential of unused historic buildings and sites.

With a commitment of at least £25 million per annum over the next five years, HLF’s new scheme will empower not-for-profit organisations, such as community groups and social enterprises to work in partnership with the private sector to rescue and...

Therapy Works supports Devon Air Ambulance Trust Staff

Hard working Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) staff got a treat recently from local company Therapy Works South West, who came in to demonstrate their seated acupressure massage in the work place scheme. Each member of staff was treated to 30 minutes of treatment which combines warming and loosening strokes (to back, neck and arms) with pressure point work (to back, forearms and hands). They personalise each treatment & apply advanced massage techniques to assist clients with their specific issues. Sarah Collier of Therapy Works South West said “DAAT provide an invaluable service to...

Devon's buses rated amongst the best in the country

Bus passengers using Stagecoach are more satisfied with their service than customers using other national UK operators, according to new independent research.

Consumer watchdog Passenger Focus found that 86% of Stagecoach bus passengers were either fairly or very satisfied with their overall service, with only 5% dissatisfied.

The overall customer ratings for Stagecoach were higher than three other national UK bus operators: Arriva (85%), First (81%) and National Express (78%). Passenger Focus does not include Go Ahead in the national operator results due to the small...

Chiefs on top form against London Wasps

London Wasps 24 - Exeter Chiefs 37

On the day when 35,000 runners took to the streets of London for the annual marathon, Exeter Chiefs showed little sign of fatigue as they produced arguably their best display of the season to keep alive their hopes of Heineken Cup rugby again next season.

While hosts London Wasps withered in the heat of a pulsating battle, Rob Baxter’s men duly rose to the occasion claiming maximum reward from an oustanding display at Adams Park. Tries from Jack Yeandle, Jack Nowell, Damian Welch and Haydn Thomas, together with 17 points from the boot of...

Golfers needed for charity fundraiser for Exeter's WESC Foundation

WESC Foundation is looking for teams of four to take part in their charity golf day on Friday 10 May at Crediton Downes Golf Club.

The golf day, sponsored by Michelmores, will raise vital funds for the children and young people at WESC Foundation who contend with sight loss and complex needs. For just £170 per team, the day includes breakfast, 18 holes of golf, refreshments at the 10th hole and a delicious two-course evening dinner, complete with brilliant raffle and team prizes.

Partners and friends are welcome for the evening for just £15. Companies unable to attend but...

EDDC signs up to Sustainable Communities Act

East Devon District Council is committed to taking up the opportunities offered by the Sustainable Communities Act.

Although councils do not have a legal duty to support the Act, EDDC has chosen to do so, as it did in 2009, and it is now looking for residents’ help in putting forward proposals for action to central Government.

The Sustainable Communities Act aims to divert power and funding from central government and passes it to councils and local people, giving them a new opportunity to improve their local communities.

Ideas about what government could change to...

Devon and Cornwall magistrates urged to impose fewer prison sentences

Magistrates in Devon and Cornwall are more than twice as likely to send someone to prison as courts in other parts of the country, figures obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveal today (22 April).

New research by the charity shows that people who have been convicted of a crime in England and Wales face a postcode lottery when they are sentenced.

A growing number of magistrates’ benches are making good use of community sentences which reduce crime and help people to turn their lives around.

However, some benches are still imposing prison sentences in...

Do you want to make a difference to flood risk in the South West?

Over five million people are at risk from the devastating effects of flooding in the UK, with thousands of properties at risk in the South West. And the Environment Agency is looking for enthusiastic people to advise on the management of flood risk throughout the South West and make a real difference to people’s lives and to the environment we live in.

The Agency is looking for people from all walks of life to fill vacancies on both the South West and Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs). Being an RFCC member is an exciting opportunity to help guide local flood and...

Over 98 per cent of Devon children get one of their preferred primary schools

More than 98 per cent of Devon’s five-year-old children have been offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools this year.

94.7 per cent of the families who applied to Devon County Council have been offered their first choice school.

Three per cent have been offered their second choice and 0.45 per cent their third option.

That’s despite an increase in the number of children requiring places across the county.

Altogether, 7,764 children have been offered places compared with 7,601 last year.

Devon’s Head of Education, Sue Clarke, said: “I...

Chiefs side to face London Wasps

Rob Baxter knows the rewards of another hard year in the Aviva Premiership are within his side's grasp as his Exeter Chiefs squad prepare to travel to London Wasps in their penultimate game of the season on Sunday (2pm).

Four wins in their last five top flight fixtures have helped propel the Chiefs into the all-important top six as the battle for qualification in next season's Heineken Cup reaches boiling point.

Entering into this weekend's fixtures, the Chiefs hold a slender advantage over both Bath (2 points) and Wasps (3 points) for the final European spot - and Baxter...

Pages