A block of flats in Budleigh Salterton was evacuated this afternoon following a fire scare.
Two appliances were sent to a report of smoke in the corridor of a block of flats in Norman Crescent at 12:28 today.
On arrival at the scene crews confirmed the building was heavily smoke logged and was evacuated.
Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service confirmed a building consisting of three floors was evacuated after a fire in a ground floor light fitting in the communal area.
Crews inspected and made the scene safe.
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Budleigh Salterton block of flats evacuated after fire in communal area
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Viridor suspends work on Exeter waste plant after admitting 'it was noisier than we expected'
THE company responsible for a waste-to-energy plant in Exeter have admitted it was "noisier than expected" and work has been stopped as a result.
Viridor Waste Management have confirmed this morning (Thursday) that following several complaints from residents across the city, they are now attempting modifications to quieten the steam blowing process.
Work will now resume on Tuesday with scheduled ten minute blows at 10am and 2pm for two weeks.
The huge Marsh Barton site had been described as sounding like a plane flying overhead on Tuesday with residents across the city complaining they had not been informed.
A Viridor spokesman said: "What happened on Tuesday was that the noise from the steam blowing was much louder than anyone expected.
"What we have done following a number of concerns is we have stopped the steam blowing and are putting in place modifications in place to help quieten future blows.
"This work does need to happen to clean out the tubes of grit, dust and dirt.
"We are pushing the steam through there under high pressure. It is a noisy process but was a lot noisier than anticipated.
"Relative to the noise we were anticipating we had informed local residents. But as it was noisier than we thought we did not go far or wide enough with this. In the time taken with the postponement we intend to send letters to all residents and do more media to get the word out there and we want people to be aware of what is happening."
Ian Crummack, Project Director at TIRU UK, the company constructing the plant said: "We are very sorry for any alarm caused by these two incidents. On Tuesday, we set two steam blows, which lasted for about 8-10 minutes.
"Whilst it is a perfectly safe procedure that is a vital part of commissioning the plant, the noise was nonetheless extremely loud - far louder than we had anticipated, so we have halted the process.
"This will enable us to talk to the local community, let them know what we're doing so that they are aware, and also make some changes to the process to try and mitigate the noise.
"I must emphasise that process is a one off and when the plant is in operation it will be barely audible beyond the boundary of the facility. However, we do not want to cause any inconvenience to anyone so we are stepping up our communications to ensure more people know what to expect. "
Residents said more should have been done to pre-warn them of the noise.
Brian Fear, 69, of Rivermead Road, said: "It was really loud and sounded like about half a dozen jets taking off. My wife could not hear the television in the kitchen. I was in the garage and had to leave as it was vibrating so hard. The worst part was that we were not informed about it.
"They could have told us this was going to happen instead of just springing it on us.
"I understand they have to do testing but no apology or forewarning does seem remiss."Video:
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Met Office records wettest winter for at least 250 years
This winter has been the wettest for at least a quarter of a millennium with the Westcountry receiving double the seasonal average rainfall, new figures out today have revealed.
The announcement comes after a bruising few months for the region with large parts of Somerset still under feet of water.
The Met Office said the incessant rain – which saw just one dry day recorded in Devon and Cornwall during two months – is the worst since records began in 1766.
The Exeter-based weather forecaster said provisional rainfall figures from December 1 to February 25 confirm the UK has had its wettest winter since national records began in 1910.
But it has also been the wettest winter in the long running England and Wales Precipitation series going back as far as 1766, the year William Pitt the Elder became Prime Minister.
Forecasters in Exeter had not anticipated the deluge and actually told councils in November to expect "drier than usual" conditions this winter.
But analysis of the three-month period showed that 17 inches (435mm) of rain was recorded up to Monday this week, beating the previous record of 423 mm set in 1915.
A spokesman for the met Office said: "We have seen some contrast between the south and north of the UK, with northern Scotland having received a third more rainfall than its long term average in contrast to the almost two and a half times seen in southeast and central southern England.
"The main reason for the mild and wet winter weather is that we have seen a predominance of west and south-west winds, bringing in mild air from the Atlantic - as well as the unsettled and at times stormy conditions."
The UK is on target for a warmer than average winter - typically by around 1.5C.
With very little snow and ice, the UK average mean temperature for the winter so far is 5.2C making it the 5th warmest since the national series records began in 1910.
It is the warmest since 2007 which was 5.6C and the record was set in 1989 which averaged 5.8C.
The South England has seen 12% more sunshine than average while receiving 83 % more rain, while Scotland has only seen 78 % of average sunshine hours while receiving almost 50% more rain.
February saw heavy rain for much of the UK with southeast and central southern England receiving 133.3mm, almost two and a half times the monthly average.
South West England and south Wales received 201 mm, double the average amount.
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The month ahead: What's on in and around Exeter
Last night of the Rotary Proms
Exeter Cathedral
Saturday, March 1, 7.30pm
The Rotary Club of Exmouth & District is holding a Last Night of the Rotary Proms charity concert to celebrate the Centenary of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. Performers include the Military Wives Choir. Tickets from £12 to £25. Call 01392 665885 or visit www.exeter-cathedral.org.ukPhil Beer Band
Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Sunday, March 2, 8pm
Best known for his multi-instrumental wizardry as one half of England's top acoustic/roots duo Show of Hands, Phil is touring again with his own band. Tickets £16.
Call 01392 270891 or visit the theatre's website
www.barnfieldtheatre.org.ukMartin Harley
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Sunday, March 2, 8pm
A life-long devotee of acoustic guitar music, especially the ageless blues/roots sounds, Martin has travelled the globe absorbing a plethora of diverse influences and honing his craft. Tickets cost £12. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukOysterband
Exeter Corn Exchange
Wednesday, March 5, 8pm
Oysterband emerge from their hugely successful collaboration with June Tabor, the multi-award-winning Ragged Kingdom, with a brand new album of original songs full of big, open melodies and uplifting, insightful lyrics, and take to the road. Tickets £18.
Call 01392 665938 or visit the Corn Exchange website www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangeNewton Faulkner
Great Hall, Exeter
Friday, March 7
The double number one, multi-platinum-selling, Brit-nominated acoustic guitar virtuoso is back with new album Studio Zoo. Tickets £19.50. Visit www.gigsandtours.com35th Anniversary Tour: The Selecter
Exmouth Pavilion
Friday, March 7, 8pm
Too Much Pressure, released by the influential platinum selling band in 1980, remains a classic touchstone for a generation of ska lovers. The Selecter will be playing the album in its entirety plus a selection of other much-loved tracks and some surprises. Tickets £16.50. Call 01395 222477 or visit www.ledtickets.co.ukExeter Symphony Orchestra and Exeter Philharmonic Choir
Exeter Cathedral
Saturday, March 8
The two local choirs will be performing together for a concert in aid of ABF The Soldier's Charity, and will feature Beethoven's Symphony No 9 – The Choral Symphony; Wagner's Die Meistersinger and Parry's Blessed Pair of Sirens. It will celebrate the centenary of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Tickets £12 to £25. Call 01392 285983 or visit www.exeter-cathedral.org.ukSolarference – Jekyll and Hyde
Exeter Phoenix
Sunday, March 9, 8pm
Award-winning electronic musicians and singers Solarference perform an electrifying live soundtrack to accompany the classic 1920 silent film Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Tickets £10.
Call 01392 667080 or visit the Phoenix website www.exeterphoenix.org.ukThe Answer
Exeter Phoenix
Wednesday, March 12, 8pm
After a two-year stint supporting AC/DC, Irish foursome The Answer will bring an astonishing live performance to delight classic rock fans. Tickets £14.50. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukBournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Great Hall, Exeter University
Thursday, March 13, 7.30pm
The programme will include Chopin: Piano Concerto No 1, and Rachmaninov: Symphony No2. Tickets £12.50 to £36.50, under 18s £1. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.bsolive.com Vibraphonic Festival
Various venues
Friday, March 14 to Saturday, March 29
Dreadzone and Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show are just some of the acts announced for this year's Vibraphonic Festival. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukDreadzone
Exeter Phoenix
Friday, March 14, 8pm
Celebrating their 20th anniversary sees Dreadzone return with unique live performances of their classic tracks and highlights from their latest album Escapades. Tickets £15.50. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukMad Dog McRea
Exeter Phoenix
Saturday, March 15, 8pm
To celebrate St Patrick's Day, Mad Dog Mcrea will raise hands, lift feet and start parties with their spellbinding recipe of folk, pop, rock, jazz, bluegrass and 'shake your ass' music. Tickets £13. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukThe Fortunes Past and Present
Exeter Corn Exchange
Saturday, March 15, 8pm
The hit band of the '60s and '70s present a brand new show which include The Fortunes hits and others drawn from their times in other bands, along with untold anecdotes and stories. Tickets £15. Call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangeBombay Bicycle Club
Great Hall, Exeter University
Monday, March 17
North London band Bombay Bicycle Club are in the midst of their first major UK headline tour in two years following the release of their fourth album. Tickets £19. Call 0844 811 0051 or visit www.gigsandtours.comThe Feeling
Exeter Phoenix
Wednesday, March 19, 8pm
Five-piece indie-popsters The Feeling have a string of recognisable, radio-friendly hits under their belts aided by their unadulterated brand of 'proper' pop. Tickets £18.50. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukCrikey It's a Party
Exeter Castle, Castle Street, Exeter
Saturday, March 22, 8.30pm to 1am
The Crikey It's Vintage event features lives music from Jack Rabbit Slim, The Sugar Bullets, DJ Louie Louie and burlesque. Visit www.crikeyitsvintage.co.ukThe Endellion Quartet
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Sunday, March 23, 7.30pm
Renowned as one of the finest quartets in the world, the concert will feature Haydn, Beethoven and Schumann. Tickets £16. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukKathryn Williams
Exeter Phoenix
Sunday, March 23, 8pm
Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams performs songs from her new album Crown Electric as well as classics from her lengthy body of work. Tickets £12. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukLee Scratch Perry
Exeter Phoenix
Wednesday, March 26, 7.30pm
With a career spanning more than five decades, Lee Scratch Perry is one of the most iconic figures in reggae and dub.Tickets £18. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukThe Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show
Exeter Phoenix
Friday, March 21, 8.30pm
Craig Charles' club DJ shows brings the same eclectic mix of songs as his show on BBC6 Music, covering northern soul, funk, soul and modern remixes. Support comes from local funk hero Lack Of Afro. Tickets £12.50. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.ukBroadway Big Band Big Noise
Exeter Cathedral
Saturday, March 29, 7.30pm
Four Devon choirs are coming together to present showstoppers from some of the biggest hit musicals in aid of charity. Tickets cost £11 to £16. Visit www.bignoisechorus.co.ukStiff Little Fingers
Exeter Phoenix
Monday, March 31, 8pm
Stiff Little Fingers were at the forefront of the punk movement and are renowned for classic singles such as Suspect Device and Alternative Ulster. Tickets £18.50. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
Reduced Shakespeare Company in The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)Exeter Northcott Theatre
Sunday, March 2, 5pm and 8pm
Expect an affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgment as the bad boys of abridgement tackle great theological questions. Tickets £19. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukTony Hawks
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Sunday, March 9, 8pm
Comedian, author and filmmaker Tony Hawks combines storytelling, stand-up, musical comedy and film clips in an entertaining show. Tickets £16. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukAbove Bored
Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
Monday, March 10, 7.30pm
This original psychological drama by Owdyado Theatre is a captivating two-hander where the actors double as both cops and suspects. Tickets £12. Call 01392 434169 or visit www.bikeshedtheatre.co.ukIolanthe
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Wednesday, March 12, to Saturday, March 15, 7.30pm
Exeter University Gilbert and Sullivan Society return in their 46th year with the critically acclaimed and hilarious political satire Iolanthe. There will be a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets £10 to £16. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukTranslations
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Tuesday, March 18, to Saturday, March 22, 7.30pm
Set in Rural Ireland in 1833, farm girl Máire finds herself torn between the affections of the local school teacher and the love of a British soldier. There will be a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets £13.50 to £21.50. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukThe Provoked Wife
Matthews Hall, Topsham
Tuesday, March 25 to Friday, March 28, 7.30pm
Estuary Players are staging a roaring '20s version of Vanburgh's thoughtful but ribald comedy The Provoked Wife. Call 01392 873043 or visit Topsham Stores.Exeter Comedy Club
Exeter Corn Exchange
Friday, March 7, 8.30pm
Four top comedians hoping to become the stars of the future will grace the stage for another night of laughter. Tickets £12. Call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangeRoy Chubby Brown
Exeter Corn Exchange
Friday, March 21, 7.30pm
Roy Chubby Brown returns with his bluest show yet as his rip-roaring brand of banter continues to burst bellies across the country. Tickets £19.50. Call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangeLee Hurst
Exeter Corn Exchange
Saturday, March 29, 8pm
In his new tour, stand-up comic Lee Hurst is travelling throughout Britain to find out what really winds you up. Tickets £16. Call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangeThe BCA Western Classic Cheerleading Competition
Westpoint, Exeter
Saturday, March 1, to Sunday, March 2, 8am
It's time to get the pompoms at the ready now that Westpoint has been chosen as a new venue to host a major regional cheerleading competition.
Spectator tickets are £15 for adults, £10 under-12s. Call 0844 562 3324 or visit www.cheerleading.org.ukRichard Alston Dance Company
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Tuesday, March 4, to Wednesday, March 5, 7.30pm
A programme which matches the shimmering beauty of Ravel with smouldering tango and the exhilaration of Benjamin Britten. Tickets £11.50 to £19.50. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukThe Sugar Dandies' Tea Party
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Saturday, March 8, 2pm
A modern and fun twist on an old-fashioned afternoon tea dance. The award-winning Sugar Dandies, as seen on Britain's Got Talent, serve up performance, social dancing and party games. Dancers and non-dancers of all ages welcome. Tickets £18 (tables on stage) or £14 (main auditorium). Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.ukCinderella
Exeter Corn Exchange
Wednesday, March 12, 7.30pm
Vienna Festival Ballet is presenting its new spring ballet, the classic tale of Cinderella. It features a collection of music taken from the vast array of great Italian composer Rossini. Tickets £20 adults, £15 under-16s. Call 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchangePlant a Memory: Snowdrop Weekend
Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter
Saturday, March 1, to Sunday, March 2, 11am to 4pm
Leave a lasting memory for somebody special by planting snowdrops in Killerton's chapel grounds. Please bring a trowel. Suggested donation £2. Normal admission charges apply.The Devon National
Exeter Racecourse
Tuesday, March 4, 2pm
The Devon National is the equine equivalent of running a marathon. Some of the region's best-loved horses will set out on a steady gallop for nearly four miles with the eventual winner adding their name to the prestigious trophy. Tickets cost from £13 if booked in advance. Call 0844 5793005 or visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.ukLunchtime lecture: The Coral Reef
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Wednesday, March 5, 1pm
Expedition leader and photographer Pam Kemp will take visitors on a journey beneath the waves to explore a coral reef: its unique structure, the creatures that inhabit it and its special place within our world today. Tickets £6. To book call 01392 265858.Premier League Darts
Westpoint, Exeter
Thursday, March 6, 7pm
Darts' biggest roadshow event will celebrate its 10th staging next year, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen to defend his title against the likes of six-time winner Phil Taylor across 16 weeks of action around the UK and Ireland, live on Sky Sports. Tickets £35 to £40 for table seats or £20 tiered seating. Call 08444 99 99 55 or visit www.ticketzone.co.ukBasic Butchery and Charcuterie Day Course
West Town Farm, Ide, Exeter, EX2 9TG
Sunday, March 9, 9.30am
Good Game and West Town Farm have teamed up together to show how to butcher the main cuts of pork and make bacon, sausages and charcuterie. Call 01392 811257 or visit www.westtownfarm.co.ukRockSolidRace
Escot Park, Ottery St Mary
Saturday, March 15
RockSolidRace is an obstacle course race like no other with a cocktail of mud, sweat and team work. Competitors can choose between the 5k Dash or the 10k RockSolid followed by an after party. Visit www.rocksolidrace.com Charlie Dimmock – A Passion for Gardens
Exmouth Pavilion
Sunday, March 16, 7.30pm
Be inspired in your garden with TV gardening guru Charlie Dimmock, one of Britain's best known and best loved gardeners, hosted by BBC Radio's Paul Harris. Tickets £18.50. Call 01395 222477 or visit www.ledtickets.co.ukJohn Lewis Charity Fashion Show
Exmouth Pavilion
Thursday, March 20, 7pm
Exmouth Raleigh Rotary Club will present a fashion show in association with John Lewis in aid of Hospiscare Exmouth & Lympstone and Rotary Charities. The evening will also feature a demonstration by the internationally renowned hairdresser Daniel K Neaves. Tickets £12 to £14, including a glass of bucks fizz. Call 01395 222477 or visit www.ledtickets.co.ukCrikey It's Vintage
Exeter Castle, Castle Street, Exeter
Saturday March 22, 10am to 4pm
Back with a new venue and more on offer is Crikey It's Vintage. The day includes 20 classic cars and hot rods, more than 80 stall holders, pop-up beauty parlour, tattoo parlour, fashion shows dedicated rooms for clothes sellers, vintage and retro sellers as well as steampunk exhibitors. The event is followed by Crikey It's a Party. Visit www.crikeyitsvintage.co.ukWestpoint Antiques and Collectors Fair
Westpoint, Exeter
Saturday, March 22, to Sunday, March 23, 10am to 5pm
The fair has up to 400 stands from all over the UK, offering an extensive range of antiques and collectables. Adults £5, under-16s free. Call 01584 873634 or visit www.continuityfairs.co.ukLord Mayor's Charity Wedding Fayre
Exeter Guildhall
Sunday, March 23, 10am to 4pm
Meet a range of local wedding suppliers and enter a prize draw to win the chance to get married in the Guildhall for free. Fayre entry is free.Hunter Chase Raceday
Exeter Racecourse
Wednesday, March 26, 2.10pm
Exeter Racecourse is hosting four hunter chases, culminating in a prestigious final on May 6. Tickets £13 in advance. Call 0844 5793005 or visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.ukThe BIG Cake Show
Westpoint, Exeter
Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, 9.30am to 6pm, and Sunday, March 30, 10am to 5pm
The baking extravaganza includes pre-bookable workshops, demonstrations and meet-and-greets with baking celebrities including Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and Phil Vickery, plus regional chefs and children's kitchens. One-day tickets £12 adults, £10 senior citizens, £6 children five to 12, £32 family of four. Two-day entry (Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday) £18 adults. Call 01392 829945 or visit www.thebigcakeshow.comUnique Boutique
Exeter Phoenix
Saturday, March 29, 11am to 4pm
The latest Unique Boutique will be dedicated to parties. Find wedding favours, room and table decorations, hen party ideas, the right hair piece, earrings or handbag for your new outfit, and gifts for every occasion. All the goods on sale are designed and/or made in the South West. Free entry.Edward Chell: Soft Estate
Spacex, Preston Street, Exeter
Saturday, March 8, to Saturday, May 3
Prints made using road dust and etched car parts, a film of roadside shrines, and a new essay by nature writer Richard Mabey are just some of the highlights of the exhibition.Watercolour Painting Workshop
Park House Gallery, Queen's Terrace, Exeter
Friday, March 14, to Sunday, March 16
Beginners and improvers are invited to join in the small group workshop with Alexander Winter, a renowned watercolour artist, teacher and colour designer from Germany. The cost is £165. Call 01392 966376 or visit www.alexanderwinter.co.uk Friends Art Auction
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Wednesday, March 19, 6.30pm
An evening reception and auction of artworks donated by local artists to raise money towards the purchase of a portrait of the Devon artist Francis Hayman by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The evening includes live music. Tickets £12.50. Call 01392 265858.Gilbert & George
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Saturday, March 22, to Sunday, June 22
Gilbert & George are among the most celebrated artists to have emerged from the art scene in the late 1960s. The exhibition represents major aspects of the artists' career from 1969 to 1991.S Mark Gubb: History is Written By the Winners
Exeter Phoenix
Friday, March 28, to Saturday, May 10
Cardiff-based artist S Mark Gubb presents a solo exhibition of recent works including installation, sculpture, photography and performance.Exeter Open Studios
Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30
Various venues
EOS is packed with exhibits created by more than 100 painters, illustrators, sculptors, jewellers and ceramicists which will be on display at almost 60 venues across the city. Visit www.exeteropenstudios.co.ukBritish Wildlife Photographer Award 2013
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Saturday, March 29, to Sunday, July 20
A showcase of some of the finest images captured by photographers practising in Britain. Subjects range from the familiar to the rare.
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Seven alternative ways to raise finance for your business
When I left a banking career behind me in 2005, I had no idea that the world of banking would soon change forever and that in 2014, as a self-employed businessman, I would have such a direct interest in the direction it was taking.
Increasingly, I am contacted by businesses that need a cash injection for a number of reasons. For example, they are now looking to expand, creating a need for more working capital or, after a number of years of hunkering down without replacing plant or equipment, the business feels confident enough to invest in new assets.
In these situations, the businesses sometimes fail to obtain the funding required through their clearing bank and, in some cases, their financial advisers have seen this as the final word without pursuing other options.
However, the reality is that the pre-recession world of the big clearing banks dominating the marketplace has changed forever and businesses of all sizes need to be aware of the new choices they have.So what's going on?
It's worth remembering that businesses of all sizes have struggled through the recession and the main clearing banks are no different. All are still, to differing extents, repairing their balance sheets, faced with further significant unexpected losses from the PPI selling scandal and potential bad debts from their loan portfolios.
Accordingly, many are still being very conservative when assessing new finance requests, with the following results:
- They have strengthened their view of sectors that they will lend to (or not), and if your business is in an industry that is viewed as too risky it is unlikely they will relax their lending rules, regardless of the strength of the business.
- If your business has had a bumpy financial record unless the bank sees a more positive current trading profile through financial figures, the bank is highly unlikely to increase its exposure further.
- Even if you have plenty of assets to offer as security or want to buy assets that retain their value over time, the banks will still not always be prepared to change their stance.
So in these circumstances you will either need to convince them that your record as a business owner is worthy of their support – possible but difficult – or you will need to pursue other options.What other options are there?
The range of options is larger than ever, with just a sample of them shown below:
1. Newer banking players. There are some alternative banks, such as Handelsbanken, Santander and Triodos, who have noticed that the UK business banking market is a significant potential market and are exploiting the opportunities created by the stance of the more traditional banks. These banks can be more flexible as their risk models will not be constrained by the same issues of rebuilding the overarching bank balance sheet.
2. Niche lenders. There are a broad range of niche lenders who look to finance standalone asset purchase, as long as they have the commitment of the owner (often through a director's guarantee) and the borrowing relative to the overall net worth of the business is reasonable. Also as interest rates are historically low the cost of borrowing from them is not prohibitive.
3. Social investment. There are funds around that draw on European funds to support businesses that can provide a significant social impact. For instance, finance for growing businesses of up to £50,000 is available through the South West Investment Group: www.swigfinance.co.uk/south-west-loans-fund
4. Start–up funding. New loans can be obtained specifically for start-ups such as the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA) – www.cdfa.org.uk/funding-and-development/start-up-loans/ – or through the South West Investment Group: www.swigfinance.co.uk
5. Grants. Grant schemes come and go, so you need to keep your eyes open for relevant opportunities. One current scheme provides innovation vouchers for up to £10k available for businesses to buy in additional expertise to support innovation: www.usw.ac.uk/business.
6. Equity. If you are prepared to give up equity, business angels are an option and a network such as SWAIN can be the good place to start: www.swain.org.uk
7. Crowdfunding. Possibly the most exciting area of new funding available, suitable for any business that needs cash and is prepared to access this through an internet platform accessing a large number of investors who are looking for a financial return. You will need to package your requirement in a compelling way and be prepared to be very open about why you need the investment.So what should you do next?
Regardless of your requirement and which route you want to follow, the following tips will help:
1. Get advice. Either through your financial adviser or through other sources such as the South West Investment Group – www.swigfinance.co.uk – or Growth Accelerator, a Government backed advice and coaching service for fast growth businesses: www.growthaccelerator.com
2. Information. Make sure you have up to date financial information and, if seeking a substantial amount, a business plan.
3. Cash flow. Related to 2 above, make sure you are clear that your business can service additional borrowing. Additional finance will be an unwanted burden, particularly if interest rates increase over time.
4. Be flexible. You may need to be flexible to get the funding your business requires, perhaps either on the amount of borrowing or the security that may be requested.
5. Be resilient. Don't accept it if you are told there are no alternatives, unless you have exhausted all the above options.Chris Lorimer is an independent business consultant based in Devon. He has 15 years' experience operating in the banking industry. For an informal discussion, contact Chris through chris@lorimerconsulting.co.uk
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East Devon District Council portion of Council Tax frozen for fourth year in a row
For the fourth year running there will be no increase in East Devon's share of the Council Tax, which is still the lowest in Devon and 16th lowest in the country.
Introducing the new Budget at EDDC's Full Council meeting on Wednesday (26 February), Council Leader Paul Diviani said:
"For the fourth year in a row we have received a reduction in our formula grant settlement. The Coalition Government austerity measures mean a reduction in the size of the state and that means we again have to play our part.
"All members have approached this difficult budget setting process in a professional and committed way – and as a result we have £1.125m of savings recommended by Overview & Scrutiny.
Revenue Income
"We have frozen Council Tax and we will again deliver a wide range of important public services to the communities we serve at considerably less cost to Her Majesty's Government than was the case when the Coalition came to power. From speaking with Ministers, it is quite clear that this formula is set to continue.
Council Tax
"We have the lowest Council Tax in Devon. We are currently the 16th lowest in the country and likely to be even lower in the coming year. I intend again to recommend we freeze our Members' allowances for next year as we cannot expect people to understand why we should consider our circumstances to be any different from the majority of the population.
Assets
"We have assets valued at just short of £100m across the district, although many of these are unrealisable. We must make them work harder on behalf of Council Tax payers so we can continue to deliver key frontline services despite downward pressure on taxation. A classic example of this is the Office Relocation Project whereby we will sell some assets in order to bring our service delivery into the modern era.
Capital Budget
"£19.5mm is proposed to be approved in our Capital Budget, but this will need additional funds in future years. The New Homes Bonus (NHB) this year contributes £372,000, with increasing sums in future years. With the New Growth Point housing delivery accelerating, this will augment the derisory interest payment on our reserves. Despite a hiccup at the LGA Conference in Manchester, the Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Brandon Lewis, has confirmed that the NHB is now to be considered a regular part of our Central Government Grant and is not ring-fenced or top-sliced for the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Over time, I expect the Central Government grant to diminish and be replaced by top-sliced NHB and Business Rates and we will be expected to play our part in re-distribution throughout the South West.
Recycling
"We have a budget that will continue our expansion of recycling. Iain Chubb and his team cover the district with our enhanced collection and we have seen collection levels rise above 50% and waste going to land fill dropping. With the waste collection contract due for renewal in 2015, our aspirations for kerbside collection of plastic and cardboard is likely to form an integral part of the tendering process.
The New Growth Point
"Our £1 billion development in East Devon's West End continues to attract attention from Ministers and the rest of the country. Cranbrook will live up to its unique position as the first new town built in Devon since Medieval times and we now have over 500 completions and are building out at a rate of 500 a year. The recent £20m investment we won from the DCLG coupled with £8m from the Regional Growth Fund all ensure the continued advance. The Town Centre and the two further schools and a railway station are progressing.
Economy
"SkyPark, Science Park and the Intermodal Freight Park – which has seen Sainsbury' SW Distribution Depot faltering – are all proceeding but these are still difficult times. On SkyPark the Eon Energy Centre for district central heating is commissioned and the Emergency Services HQ is nearing completion. Eagle One have moved into their new HQ on the Science Park along with the blur group, who are one of the most progressive IT companies in the world.
"But it is not just the West End. We support employment growth across the district in all our towns and parishes and especially the substantial regeneration initiatives in Seaton and Exmouth.
"A key feature in Economic delivery is the planning function and our Local Plan is currently with the Inspector. Although much has been made of the lack of a five-year land supply – in common with many other Planning Authorities – the key issue is that when we refuse something we have good planning reasons for doing so. Where this is the case we will be supported at appeal and our performance at appeal is currently very good, as the residents of Seaton and the East Devon AONB will confirm.
And finally
"Our new council was given the task of meeting a funding gap in our medium term financial plan but we have achieved a balanced budget for 2014/15 and we are a good way there for 2015/16. Looking ahead, we have further work to do in meeting future funding gaps, but this work is already in hand.
"This budget is our continued defence against an economic downturn. We recognise that the Public Sector needs to work more closely together for the benefit of all by reducing our running costs, sharing services and systems, where a dedicated local team can best deliver and a prime example of this is the work on IT we are sharing with Exeter and Teignbridge.
Council Tax Requirement
"I recommend that the Council Tax requirement for 2014/15 be set at £6.582m with a resulting Council Tax Band D of £121.78 – for a fifth consecutive year.
"Chairman, officers and fellow members I should like to thank you all for your co-operation and input in the preparation of this budget.
"When we all work together irrespective of political parties we can all do the job we are elected to do and give the people of East Devon the best possible service at the lowest possible price, this is what we have done each year, every year and fully intend to continue so to do".
EDDC also added some important messages for people who pay Council Tax, following yesterday's agreement to freeze the East Devon portion of the Council Tax for a fourth year in succession.
Over 65,000 Council Tax bills will be sent out around 13 March and this year the envelope will feel a little lighter. Following Government guidance on Council Tax information and to save costs there is no explanatory booklet. All the usual information about how your money is spent will be on EDDC's website. Other councils in Devon are following the same practice this year.
A council spokesman said:
"If anyone thinks they are going to struggle to pay this priority bill then the earlier they talk to someone the better. Contact the Council and we may be able to reduce the amount of Council Tax you have to pay and change the date you have to pay it. We also offer free independent and confidential help and advice.
"As our phones will be extremely busy in the middle of March, you may prefer to email us at counciltax@eastdevon.gov.uk
"The easiest way to ensure your Council Tax is paid on time is to set up a Direct Debit. You can chose to pay on the 1st, 17th or 25th of the month just by calling 01395 517446".
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Four of Swords' Macbeth: Something wicked this way comes
Standing out from the crowd is what Exeter-based theatre company Four Of Swords is all about. The company's reputation for staging energetic stories in unusual surroundings is about to get even more dramatic.
Following the success of its sold out performances of Jekyll & Hyde at the historic Poltimore House on the outskirts of the city last year, its latest production is set to be even more spectacular.
This year is the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth and to mark the anniversary, Four of Swords will perform a striking new adaptation of Macbeth in Beer Quarry Caves. It will run on Wednesday to Saturdays from April 30 to May 10.
It is the first time a theatrical production has been staged at the 2,000-year-old site between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis.
Philip Kingslan John, co-director of Four of Swords, said: "Although it's not a traditional theatre space, it's certainly dramatic. We're inside so it doesn't matter if it's raining, and the caves maintain a constant temperature of nine degrees. I'm most excited about using the cave walls to project our film sequences, and the acoustics are amazing."
Adventurous theatregoers will be guided through the labyrinth of the caves by The Witches, whose prophecies predict and, just perhaps, steer Macbeth's actions and seal his fate.
Audience members are advised they will be standing and walking throughout the one-hour show. Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are recommended, and hard hats will be provided.
Four of Swords was formed in 2012 by Sarah White and Philip Kingslan. Its previous shows include Gawain & Green Knight, performed at Exeter Phoenix last December.
Tickets for Macbeth cost £10.
Call 01392 434169 or visit www.four-of-swords.com
See a gallery of more images by EX photographer Matt Austin here.
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Met Office: 'Risk of snow' for Southwest this weekend
The Southwest could see snow this weekend, the Met Office has said.
The Exeter-based office's forecast for Devon this weekend has said snow could fall on high ground in the Southwest between Friday and Sunday.
According to forecasters this weekend the region will see showers or longer spells of rain on Friday and Saturday. Also a risk of snow, mainly over hills, and gales in exposure.
The news comes as a weather warning of snow has been issued for Wales on Friday, the day that is supposed to mark the last official day of winter.
A Chief forecaster at the Met Office said of the warning for Wales: "An area of low pressure is expected to move eastwards on Friday. There is considerable uncertainty in its track and therefore on the risk and location of any snow.
"This warning will be kept under review and the public are advised to keep up to date with the forecast and warnings."
Before the weekend Devon will see a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers, which are likely to be heavy at times, with hail and thunder also possible.
The office also added that more persistent rain and strong winds are likely on Thursday night.
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Exeter man admits abducting and sexually touching a child on Boxing Day
A drifter has admitted abducting and sexually touching a child in Barnstaple on Boxing Day.
Johnathan Grant, aged 32, pleaded guilty to sexual touching of a girl under 16 and child abduction when he appeared before Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, at Exeter Crown Court.
The judge adjourned sentence and remanded Grant in custody so a psychiatric report could be prepared, which will include an assessment of his dangerousness.
Grant had a permanent address at a hostel in St David's Hill, Exeter, but was living rough or staying with friends in Barnstaple at the time the offences took place between Christmas Day and December 28 last year.
No details of what he did were given during a short procedural hearing at which he entered his plea.
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Professional shoplifter caught red handed after CCTV coincidence in Exeter shop
A shop security officer spotted a professional shoplifter at work in his store at the very moment when he was showing a detective CCTV footage of an earlier theft by the same man.
Alan Webber was arrested at the Coop shop in Exeter at the end of a year-long crime spree in which he stole high value goods and sold them to feed his crack cocaine habit.
The 35-year-old serial thief has been given a final chance to beat his addiction after being freed from Exeter Crown Court and ordered to attend rehabilitation.
Webber stole more than £5,000 goods from shops in Seaton, Sidmouth and Exeter and was branded as a 'real nuisance' by a judge.
He has a long history of petty crime and has been to jail several times before for similar shoplifting offences.
Webber, of Everest Drive, Seaton, admitted burglary, six count of theft and asked for another 12 shopliftings to be taken into consideration.
He was jailed for two years, suspended for two years and ordered to receive drug rehabilitation treatment as part of 12 months supervision by Recorder Mr James Waddington.
Miss Eleanor Purkiss, prosecuting, said Webber had carried out thefts at shops including Sport and Leisure in Seaton, he Coop in Sidmouth, and Boots and the Coop in Exeter.
He took £424 worth of fishing reels at the Seaton store and cosmetics, gift sets, alcohol and food at the others and the total value came to £5,683.
He was arrested on January 14 in Exeter when he returned to the same Coop shop he raided in July. In the meantime he broke into the Boots shop at Exe Bridges where he was caught by a nightwatchman.
Miss Purkiss said:"On that occasion he stole goods worth £1,051.32 and was caught on CCTV. The store security staff were reviewing the footage with a police officer when they saw the same man in the store selecting items and removing tags.
"He was arrested and has since made full and frank admissions and cooperated with the police to clear up all his outstanding offences."
Mr Edward Bailey, defending, said Webber had been assessed as suitable for drug rehabilitation despite failing to attend a single appointment when sent on a similar course in May last year.
He said Webber has recently become a father and is determined to turn his back on heroin and crack cocaine to give himself a chance of being with his child, who is currently with foster parents.
Recorder Mr Waddington told Webber:"You are a real nuisance to your community because you are a professional shoplifter and have been for many years.
"You have been to prison numerous times and it is clear the primary motivation arises from your drug addiction. It is in the interests of the community in the long term that you deal with that."
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Concern over plans to close Exeter's children's homes
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw has spoken out against proposals by Devon County Council to close its children's homes.
The authority is planning to cease services provided at Rifford Road Children's Home, in Wonford, the Blossom Corner home in Beacon Heath, which was rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted, and Birchen Lane home in Tiverton.
Around 50 staff work across the three homes and are in consultation over their futures with the county council.
Services at Rifford Road and Birchen Lane are already currently suspended.
Mr Bradshaw said: "So disappointed Devon County Council is to close all Exeter children's homes including "outstanding" Blossom Corner, in spite of strong case to keep open."
Councillors have also expressed concern about the plans, which will be debated at the People's Scrutiny Committee at a special meeting March 10.
In a statement county councillors Frank Biederman, Alan Connett and Alistair Dewhirst said the move "is not in the interest of Devon's looked after children and is also in breach of their own duties as corporate parents".
Cllr Dewhirst said "Clearly this decision is detrimental to the wellbeing of the most vulnerable young people in Devon's care.
"It could result in some of them being exported out of the County away from friends and family and away from homes that are publicly scrutinised. The criteria for placement may well be solely based on cost and not be in the interests of vulnerable children".
In its consultation document the county council says: "Devon County Council believes it is unsafe to resume a children's home or any other service for children and young people at Birchen Lane.
"The council therefore proposes to formally cease this service. If the service does cease the future use of the site will be considered by the council. Feedback from this consultation process will be used to inform the decision to implement the proposal and, if applicable, the considerations regarding the future use of the site.
"Devon County Council proposes to formally cease the services at Rifford Road and Blossom Corner Children's Homes.
"If the service does cease the future use of the sites will be considered by the council, including the potential to develop them into supported living accommodation. This will be actively pursued by Devon County social care commissioners and appropriate partners. Feedback from this consultation process will be used to inform the decision to implement the proposal and, if applicable, the considerations regarding the future use of the site.
"Devon County Council proposes to continue its work to secure and support increased capacity within its Fostering Services, support Foster Carers and work closely with independent and voluntary sector providers to develop specialist capacity."
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Wembley debut for Exeter's Tom's Pies as Sunderland face Manchester City in Capital One Cup final
Hungry football fans will be feasting on pies from Devon at this weekend's League Cup final at Wembley.
It comes after Tom's Pies, based at Clyst St Mary, near Exeter, secured a contract to supply the national stadium in north west London.
The independent food company's handmade pies will be served to season ticket holders and corporate box guests at various bar areas as well as a branded kiosk on Level 2 of Club Wembley, which seats 15,000 members and houses 163 boxes.
The pies will make their Wembley debut on Sunday, when Sunderland take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
Tom Cull, director and creator of Tom's Pies, said: "We are incredibly proud of our contract with Wembley and it's simply a testament to how hard the whole Tom's Pies team work.
"Not only to gain a route in to such an epic venue, but to then be able to carry this through to production and know we can happily fulfil the orders and see our Devon pies being enjoyed in the one and only Wembley Stadium. Yes, it's what you might call a good week."
The company's big day at Wembley will be swiftly followed by the start of British Pie Week, during which it will be holding a number of tasting events at outlets including Darts Farm, River Cottage and Selfridges in London.
Tom's Pies has also discounted wholesale prices to encourage stockists up and down the country to run their own special offers from March 3 to 9.
Tom is also the founder of outside catering company Dartmoor Kitchen.
It all started with the pies which were originally created by Tom on his family's organic farm in the heart of Dartmoor, at first supplying small grocers and cafes locally.
Word soon spread and the gourmet pies are now sold at the deli counters of the UK's most famous food halls such as Harrods and Fortnum & Mason.
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Exeter Chiefs change five for Exiles clash
Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has made five changes to his starting XV for the home game against London Irish on Saturday (3pm).
That includes handing a first Premiership start to hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, who comes in for an injured Jack Yeandle.
Full-back Luke Arscott is recalled, having been dropped for the trip to Saracens last weekend, with Phil Dollman reverting to the centre.
Gareth Steenson has been demoted to the bench, with Henry Slade starting at fly-half in his place, and Tom James also returns, having not been risked on Saracens' artificial pitch.
Baxter has already told his players nothing less than a win will do against the Exiles this weekend.
"We've got a huge game against London Irish this weekend which I've already challenged the players, if we want our season to take any steps forward, is a must-win game for us," said Baxter.
"I don't think I have ever said to the players before 'next week is a must-win game for you' but I said it to them after last week's defeat because, the way this season is going, the end of season has got a lot of opportunities for us.
"It's not just about seeing where we can go in the league table but also how we challenge ourselves and how I can challenge the players.
"We're going to approach a few games a bit differently because I want to test them and their mental resolve and see which players enjoy playing under a bit of extra pressure.
"These are things we have to develop if we want to be a top-class side. If we want to win semi-finals and finals and the crucial games that get you into the top four, the importance of every game is only going to increase as you get closer to the big goal."
Baxter added: "I don't think there's anything wrong with challenging ourselves to experience those feelings and not just say 'everything's okay, let's just see what happens'. We need to start to go beyond that as well.
"We have to start producing the goods. I'm more than happy to put a bit of pressure on the players to make sure they understand the importance of this game."
The Exiles have named an attacking side for the match, bringing speedsters Topsy Ojo and Marland Yarde into the starting line up and switching Aussie star James O'Connor to inside centre.
Former Plymouth Albion lock Nic Rouse and Cornish Pirates back-rower Blair Cowan are named in the pack.
Exeter Chiefs: Arscott; Jess, Whitten, Dollman, James; Slade, Lewis; Moon, L Cowan-Dickie, Tui, Mumm, Welch, Johnson, White, Ewers. Reps: Bateman, Rimmer, Brown, Armand, Horstmann, Thomas, Steenson, Vainikolo
London Irish: Ojo; Lewington, Sheridan, O'Connor, Yarde; Geraghty, Allinson; Yapp, Paice, Hagan, Skivington, Rouse, Low, Cowan, Treviranus. Reps: Mayhew, Parr, Halavatau, Sinclair, Gough, Ellis, Humphreys, Hoadley
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Shops selling "legal highs" are "deeply unhelpful", says Home Office minister
A HOME Office minister has said shops selling so-called "legal highs" are "deeply unhelpful" in the battle to crack down on the growing phenomena already blamed for deaths in Exeter.
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker yesterday held the first meeting of an expert review looking at how the UK's laws and enforcement against psychoactive substances, known as legal highs, can be improved.
The number of deaths related to the substances, mostly created in laboratories in East Asia, are rising since first emerging in Britain around five years ago.
Deaths blamed on the hallucinogenic drugs include student Grant Mace, whose body was found in water off the Hoe in 2011, and Andrew Dan, who died after he fell from the window of his third-floor flat in Devonport in 2012.
Legal highs are marketed at young people and presented in bright packaging. Readily available, even reportedly being sold from ice-cream vans outside schools, the substances are often sold in high-street "head shops".
Suppliers can sell many of them legally as long as they write "not for human consumption" on the packets. They are often sold as plant food or bath salts.
Mr Baker told The Herald at the summit: "(Head shops) are deeply unhelpful on the high street because they give the impression of mystique to these substances.
"They also reinforce the incorrect view of young people that these substances must be safe because they are being sold in a shop and therefore presumably the Government would have stopped them had they been unsafe.
"But that's a mis-assumption. That's what these shops do – they give the impression something is legal and safe when actually it's maybe illegal and certainly not safe."
The Government has imposed bans on more than 250 legal highs, but more emerge every week. The minister said it makes it difficult to prohibit them and close down retailers.
He added: "If they are selling products that haven't been banned – and they are selling products that are legal – it's difficult to argue what can be done about it.
"You can't just say 'I don't like your shop I'm shutting it down'. They will go straight to the courts and say 'I've got a legal business here, I'm breaking no laws, the government can't just shut you down'."
He said the Home Office was attempting to get a grip, but legal highs were an "international problem, not just a national one".
He said: "To date our approach has been more effective, I think, than any other country in the world.
"We've had temporary control orders. We've been able to get drugs banned pretty quickly in a matter of weeks.
"We've even banned substances that don't even exist yet because we've anticipated where the chemists will go.
"I think we've been ahead of the game in so much as any country has been. But we've all been behind the curve because there are new substances being created on a weekly basis.
"The first time we learn about them sometimes is when we have a death."
Aside from bans, there may be an issue for educating young people of the dangers. "Drink-driving was something that was acceptable," he said. "And it became deeply unacceptable. It may be there's some psychology to do with young people."
The minister has announced Britain will not sign up to European drugs laws as it will hamper the Government's ability to crack down on legal highs.
"The EU's rules are unhelpful and less effective than what the UK is doing at the moment. We are not perfect and have some way to go, but the EU answer is even slower," said Mr Baker.
"It's not about saying we have all the best answers but let's not hamper or shackle ourselves by adopting legislation which is unhelpful."
The Government has also strongly disputed the EU's claim that 20% of legal highs have "legitimate commercial and industrial uses".
The number of cases in which legal highs were identified as the cause of death in Britain rose from 10 in 2009 to 68 in 2012, according to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths.
A panel of experts including Government drug tsar Professor Les Iversen and Gordon Meldrum, director of the National Crime Agency's organised crime command, will convene for their first meeting yesterday.
The review's findings are expected to be completed by the summer.
Mr Baker said the panel would be considering a number of different models such as those adopted in Ireland, New Zealand and the United States.
"A new generation of drugs are being created on a weekly basis in laboratories in China, India and elsewhere. They are designed specifically to be outside existing drug laws," added the MP for Lewes.
"I find it astonishing that someone would take a substance in a nightclub or festival without any basic knowledge of what it is they're taking."
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Devon dog owner's warning after pet becomes critically ill after eating poisonous material washed up on beach
A distraught Devon dog owner whose pet is critically ill after digesting poisonous material washed up on a beach is desperately trying to warn others to be vigilant.
Frantic Fiona Crook and her family are waiting with bated breath to find out if their dog – called Dave – will survive.
Vets say his kidneys and liver have been horrendously damaged by the substance he ate.
Dave, a lurcher Staffie cross, is now receiving specialist care in Bristol in a desperate bid to save his live.
Fiona was too upset to speak but her sister Joanne James told The Plymouth Herald: "Fiona regular uses the beaches around us, she lives in Newton Ferrers and took Dave onto Morthecombe beach last Thursday.
"She saw he was eating something and thought at first it was a seagull or something.
"She ran over and saw he was eating a strange substance but didn't know what it was."
It turned out Dave had been chewing on a lump of palm oil, which had probably come from a ship and been washed up on the beach during the storms.
Joanne continued: "The next day he started being sick and, it sounds disgusting, he had diarrhoea and it smelled of diesel.
"Fiona took him the the vet and they took advice from a poisoning agency.
"He was put on medication and seemed to get a bit better over the weekend. He became extremely poorly on Wednesday and was hospitalised.
"On Thursday, Fiona was told he probably won't make it through the night but he did and now he's being taken to a specialist place in Wellington near Bristol.
"They hope that if the treatment kicks in, his liver will start regenerating but he's been given a 50/50 chance."
Fiona, her husband Stephen and their children Lucy, 13, and Kerry, six, are now playing a waiting game.
Joanne continued: "The girls are distraught. He's such a huge part of the family, they can't bear the thought of losing him.
"They rescued him from Gables when he was still an excitable young pup. He's grown into a lovely dog.
"He sits and waits for Lucy to come home from school. He seems to know the time of day she comes in."
Dave's vet at Woodlands Veterinary Hospital at Manadon said that dog owners should stay away from beaches until the winter passes.
Jo Manby explained: "We don't know a lot about palm oil – this is a fairly new thing.
"It can cause liver failure and gastrointestinal problems.
"The best advice we can give is not to walk on beaches at the moment. Dogs can walk ahead of their owners and they may be unaware their pet is scavenging something.
"There's obviously something in the palm oil that attracts them.
"We don't how this situation with Dave will pan out."
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Snow possibility for Devon as Met Office warn winter is not over
Gale force winds and heavy rain is set to give way to freezing conditions this weekend as the Westcountry is on the receiving end of another bout of wild weather.
The Met Office says that temperatures will plummet to below zero across the region this evening with snow a possibility.
The warning comes after much of the Westcountry woke up to either howling gales this morning or a sprinkling of the white stuff on higher ground.
According to the Met Office, there will be cloud and outbreaks of rain today.
The early rays of sunshine will be replaced by snow in parts of Devon and Dorset.
The rain is due to move east during the course of the day, but overnight temperatures will drop to -1C in many places giving people a chilly start to March, supposedly the first day of Spring.
Tomorrow is expected to be a largely dry day with bright spots and occasional showers, which will increase in severity.
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Plea date set in Sandford arson case
A date has been set for a plea to be taken in the case of a man accused of setting fire to his home in a Mid Devon village.
Steven Dykes, aged 62, was not present at Exeter Crown Court when Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, authorized his continued detention at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish and set a timetable for the progress of the case.
Dykes, who prefers to be known as Paulaue Saulaue, will be brought to court on March 13 and will be required to plead to a charge of arson being reckless whether life was endangered.
Psychiatric tests have showed the defendant is fit to plead and the case is likely to result in an order which will lead to his return to hospital.
Dykes was arrested after a fire damaged his bungalow at St Swithun's Gardens in Sandford, near Crediton in April 2013. He was found suffering from smoke inhalation after firefighters were called to the scene.
Judge Gilbert said he hoped progress could be made at the next hearing, although an updated psychiatric report will be needed before the case proceeds to sentence.
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Chicken plucker admits holding knife against his girlfriend's throat
A chicken plucker held a knife to his girlfriend's throat and forced her to take refuge in an upstairs bedroom after accusing her of having an affair.
Dainius Sadauskas threatened his partner with a piece of cable and slapped her around the head during a drunken confrontation at their home in Tiverton.
He held the knife like a dagger to her throat as he accused her of seeing another man, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Chicken factory worker Sadauskas, aged 41, formerly of Priory Road, Tiverton, admitted battery and making threats to kill and was jailed for 16 months, suspended for two years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC.
He was also banned by a restraining order from returning to the house where his ex partner still lives with her two children.
The judge told him:"I sentence you on the basis of plea in which you say you took up the knife and told your partner you would rather go to prison for murder than for assault.
"You say you would not have carried out the threat, although she thought you may, and when you hit her later it was with flat-handed blows.
"You say you did what you did because you thought she was having an affair and that made you upset and to behave completely out of character and that you now regret the incident.
"You have had two months in custody to get over that and so I am able to suspend the sentence."
Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the violence started two days after Christmas when Sadauskas came home drunk and accused his partner of infidelity.
He said:"He was drunk and aggressive and approached her as she sat in a chair holding a knife in his right hand like a dagger. He held it to her throat, causing a red mark, and said he would slit her throat.
"The victim managed to escape and went elsewhere in the house and took refuge in a room with her children and her dog.
"He entered and started calling her names such as whore. He had a cable in his hand behind his back. He started pushing and hitting her. He hit her back and shoulder and hands as she defended herself.
"He had previously locked to house and hidden the keys and effectively prevented her from escaping. The incident ended and police were called and he made no comment.
"He has a previous caution involving the same victim in which he used a broom to assault her."
Mr Jeremy Harris, defending, said Sadauskas deserves credit for his guilty plea and has already been punished by spending two months in custody since his arrest.
He said he is keen to return to his job at a chicken factory at Willand.
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South West Water fined for polluting Devon holiday beach
South West Water has been ordered to pay £35,937 in fines and costs for a series of sewage spills at Hope Cove in South Devon. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.
A court heard how between September 2011 and December 2012 there were several incidents where sewage was seen escaping from manholes in a lane in front of Shippen Cottages and from a manhole at Outer Hope, upstream of a sewage pumping station.
On July 7, 2012 health warning signs were erected on Harbour Beach after sewage effluent drained from manholes and onto the beach. The illegal discharge continued for at least four hours and an area of the beach remained closed for around five days.
On August 1, 2012 the chairman of the harbour commissioners at Hope Cove noticed what he described to the Agency as a second 'heavy leak of foul water, sewage and toilet paper' running down a lane and onto the beach. The leak continued all morning and caused concern to holidaymakers on the beach.
When the spillages were investigated they were found to have been caused by a combination of electrical and physical problems that resulted in sewage backing-up and escaping from the lowest points in the system, through a series of manholes around the harbour.
The Environment Agency had previously (May 2011) issued South West Water with a formal caution following an earlier series of sewage spills at Hope Cove in August 2010. Specialist contractors were brought in to identify the cause of the illegal discharges that included a build up of fats and grease in the sewer, blockages in storm screens and pump capacity problems.
'It is important water companies ensure their sewerage systems are properly maintained and operate to a high standard. South West Water was aware of problems at Hope Cove after spills in 2010, but only addressed some of the issues that were causing pollution. The company's failure to implement all the suggested improvements resulted in further sewage discharges at this popular holiday resort,' said Pete Ball for the Environment Agency.
Appearing before Torquay magistrates, South West Water of Peninsular House, Rydon Lane, Exeter was fined £24,000 for discharges from manholes at Hope Cove between September 2011 and December 2012 and £5,000 for an illegal discharge from Outer Hope Pumping Station on August 1, 2012. The company, that pleaded guilty to both offences, was also ordered to pay £6,787 costs plus a victim surcharge of £150.
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LET IT BE comes to Torquay on first ever UK and Irish tour in February 2014
Following its hugely successful run in London's West End, the hit Beatles show LET IT BE will tour the UK and Ireland from 28 February 2014. Tickets go on sale today at www.LetItBeonTour.com.
The tour is announced just a few days after LET IT BE celebrated its first birthday in the West End with a celebrity gala performance at its London home, the Savoy Theatre. By popular demand, the London run has also been extended and is now booking until 8th February 2014.
Echoing The Beatles' own early UK tours, LET IT BE will play the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, visiting Manchester, Torquay, Birmingham, Sunderland, Stoke, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol, Southampton, Cardiff, Northampton, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Sheffield and Southend.
At the Liverpool Empire and the Princess Theatre in Torquay, LET IT BE will play on the very same stages that The Beatles played on their 1963 UK tour. In fact, The Beatles played the Liverpool Empire five times in all, in 1963 (three times), 1964 and 1965.
The tour will begin on Friday 28th February 2014 at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, with an official opening night on Monday 3rd March at the same venue.
Several of the original London cast will tour with the show, with some new faces joining. The full company will be announced shortly.
LET IT BE showcases the music of the world's most successful rock'n'roll band, in a spectacular theatrical concert charting the band's meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool's Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces.
The show is packed with over forty of The Beatles' greatest hits including: I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Hard Day's Night, Day Tripper, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Strawberry Fields, When I'm 64, Get Back and many more.
LET IT BE has delighted audiences around the world, including New York, Germany and Monaco, with upcoming dates in Japan and Moscow.
LET IT BE UK Tour is produced by Jamie Hendry Productions and Annerin Productions.
Tickets and more information available from the LET IT BE website – www.letitbeontour.com
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