Sleeping away from the family home is linked to health risks for badgers, new research by the University of Exeter and the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has revealed.
Scientists found that badgers which strayed away from the family burrow in favour of sleeping in outlying dens were more likely to carry TB.
The 12-month study of 40 wild badgers was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and could have implications for the management of bovine TB in parts of the UK.
The behaviour of individual animals is thought to be a...
Ashfords LLP's multi award-winning conveyancing team has gained further recognition for the quality of its service at the 2012 Equity Release Awards, which took place at the end of last month (note: 27 November) at Merchants Taylors’ Hall in London.
The firm’s Equity Release team, led by Partner Peter Barton, was the overall winner in the National Equity Release Conveyancing category, beating Equilaw and Goldsmith Williams to win the award, which was voted on by participating advisors and providers.
Peter Barton, Partner and Head of the Equity Release practice at Ashfords,...
Devon County Council is warning motorists to take care when travelling today as the county continues to experience the effects of persistent rain.
All main routes remain open this morning - flooding has been reported on B3180 in both directions in Woodbury at the B3179 junction - but there is an increased risk of both surface water and river flooding as well as the potential for fallen trees and landslips.
Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, says:
"It is really important that we are all alert to the potential of...
With just a few days to go before Christmas, John Lewis Exeter has revealed its top selling gifts for the festive period, with shoppers in Devon favouring luxury gifts and technology must haves.
The Nespresso U Coffee Machine, which offers perfect espresso at the touch of a button, and the Edinburgh Preserves Condiment For Steak gift set, which includes sauces to complement steak, are proving popular for gifts this Christmas.
However, the new Kindle Fire, which features a 7” touchscreen perfect for browsing, watching, playing and reading content, is the shop’s biggest...
More than 4,700 people in Devon are set to spend their second successive Christmas on the dole, according to TUC research published today (Thursday, 20th Dec).
The TUC analysis of official unemployment figures shows that the number of people on Jobseekers’ Allowance for more than 12 months is 1,005 in Torbay, 1,685 in Plymouth and 2,040 in the rest of Devon, rising to 20,305 across the whole South West.
Nigel Costley, regional secretary of the South West TUC, said: “While the recent fall in unemployment has brought some seasonal cheer, the number of people spending their...
As the people of Exeter gather to speak directly to staff from local authorities and agencies such as the Environment Agency and Devon County Council to raise any concerns they may have with regards to flooding (4.30-7pm on 18th Dec), Devon is due yet another amber warning from the Met Office.
From approximately 6pm on Wed 19th December until 3pm on Thursday 20th Dec, the Met Office has forecast periods of heavy rain will affect Cornwall and much of Devon, including Exeter. This additional rainfall, possibly as much as 70-75mm, following the rain due earlier on Wednesday, means...
Update: Police enquires have established that Robin Prescott got off a train at Liskeard at around 9.50am on Thursday 13th December.
Police are appealing to the public to inform them if they have seen the missing man in Cornwall, to contact them on 101 quoting police reference 0758 131212.
Police searching for missing Tiverton man Robin Prescott have released CCTV footage in the hope that someone may have seen him.
The footage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-0dkZ6kHDA shows Mr Prescott at work the day before he disappeared and frequenting a betting shop in...
Plans to create a single ambulance service for the South West are nearing completion with a recommendation to approve the process now with the Secretary of State for Health.
Approval will see South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) take on services currently provided by Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS) from 1st February 2013 – creating an organisation serving a resident population of over 5.3 million people.
Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of both organisations, said:
“The two trusts’ desire in October 2011 to create a partnership...
A plethora of jump racing stars are set to line up in the re-routed The Levy Board Peterborough Chase, which takes place at Exeter on Thursday (Dec 20th).
David Bridgewater has no fears about the step back in trip for The Giant Bolster, saying: “He won very easily over 2m5f at Cheltenham when he won the Murphy Group Chase so I’m sure he’ll be fine. But you never know until you run them. He’s very well at home and he’s come on from his race at Haydock. I’m very please with him and I’m delighted that Exeter is staging the race.”
