Farmers’ leaders in the South West say the lack of response from Defra ministers to letters highlighting problems with the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is ‘disappointing and insulting’.
The NFU’s South West regional board wrote to Environment Secretary Liz Truss and Farming Minister George Eustice in February (12th) expressing their frustration at the way the RPA had ‘utterly failed’ and asking them to look into ‘the inadequacies of the RPA’s system… as a matter of urgency’ but so far there has been no reply.
Many farmers are still waiting for their payment, with those in the...
An Exeter man has scooped the title of Apprentice of the Year from his employer Western Power Distribution (WPD).
Daniel Bickham, 24, from Kingsteignton, Newton Abbott, won the coveted title for the company’s South West region after joining WPD in September 2013 as an apprentice Jointer.
WPD Distribution Manager, Paul Elsen who nominated Daniel, explained: “Our apprentice recruitment programme continues to flourish and to produce outstanding nominations for the annual apprentice shield which recognises individuals who have demonstrated high standards in both their practical...
At a time when 1 in 10 young people have a diagnosable mental health issue, Devon Libraries are today launching a scheme to support them with expert endorsed books available to borrow for free.
Reading Well for young people is a national scheme, part of the hugely successful Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme, which will provide 13-18 year-olds with high-quality information, support and advice on a wide-range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm, and difficult life pressures, like bullying and exams.
The Devon Lions, the county’s first openly Gay Friendly football team, are preparing to defend their Exeter City Futsal title this Sunday (17 April).
They will be taking part in the third annual Exeter City One Game One Community Futsal tournament which takes place at the University of Exeter Sports Centre, starting at 11am.
Entries have been particularly sought from local black and minority ethnic players and other community teams. Afghan United won the inaugural tournament in 2014.
The event has been organised by Exeter City Football in the Community and has been...
Following growth in corporate business over the last year, leading Devon law firm Kitsons has recruited an Associate to meet client demand.
Corri Pedrick has joined Kitsons’ Corporate Team, previously having worked in Litigation and Compliance. Corri will be advising on a range of issues for clients including commercial contracts, partnerships and business purchases and sales.
Corri has particular interest in commercial drafting and with a strong background in Litigation she is particularly skilled at assessing risk within commercial agreements.
East Devon District Council has almost completed its annual cliff inspections at Sidmouth’s Connaught Gardens, Beer’s East Beach and East Cliff at Budleigh Salterton.
As a matter of emergency, Seaton West Walk cliffs were done earlier in the year, due to a recent cliff fall. It is anticipated that all the inspections will be finished by mid April.
East Devon inspects ten cliff sites across the district on a regular basis and the purpose of the inspections is to ensure the safety of the public by identifying any unsound areas of cliff face, which are then removed or dealt...
People in Exeter are being given the chance to quiz councillors on any key issues for the city.
Exeter residents are invited to put forward questions to members of the joint County and City Councils' Exeter Board, at their next meeting on Thursday 28 April at 5:30pm at the Civic Centre in Paris Street.
The Board allocates 15 minutes for their ‘open forum’, with 3 minutes per speaker, with a maximum of 3 - 4 speakers to allow time for discussion.
Previously, residents have prompted debate about issues including street lighting, homelessness and waste collection....
Here in Devon we are proud of our beautiful landscapes that offer all of us the opportunity to get outdoors and soak up the delicious views.
Just in time for the summer season a new book is coming out which will provide everyone with the chance to get out and explore the wonderful area.
Entitled "Wild Swimming Walks - Dartmoor and South Devon, 28 Lake, River and Beach Days Out", the book was written by Sophie Pierce and Matt Newbury who both hold the area close to their hearts.
Sophie said: "For years now I have been having fantastic adventures with my friends and...
Real Estate specialists at Foot Anstey have advised on the new site of the Exeter Cookery School on Exeter's historic Quayside.
Senior Associate Nicholas Burt and Associate Rebecca Haynes advised the landlord and developer EIC (Exeter) Limited on the transaction which will bring much needed regeneration to the area. Exeter Cookery School owners are planning a contemporary New York loft-style interior coupled with the latest kitchen equipment which is due to be completed and operational by the summer.
As well as having a significant property portfolio across Exeter, EIC is a...
Business continues to go from strength to strength for an Exeter family farm.
The Freemantle family has been farming pigs at Kenniford Farm on the outside of Exeter for more than 20 years.
And the farm had just signed a deal with a local pub chain Webb Enterprises to supply three local pubs with its Red Tractor approved pork.
Webb Enterprises specialises in running traditional pubs and restaurants and owns the Halfway Inn on the A3052, The Saddlers Arms at Lympstone and The Bowd Inn, Sidmouth.
Andrew Freemantle, of Kenniford Farm, said: ‘We are delighted to...
