Husband 'furious' that wife's attackers have escaped justice as CCTV was not recovered in time

February 28, 2014, 6:41 am

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THE partner of a woman who has been scarred for life by a vicious attack as passers-by ignored her cries for help said he is 'furious' that no-one has been brought to justice. Terrified Norma Thomas was attacked by two men on her way to work in Exeter and was robbed of her phone and punched in the face. She suffered facial injuries and had to undergo emergency dental work to remove her front tooth. Four months on from the incident and Norma is still suffering from the physical and mental effects of the attack. And her husband Paul has now spoken of the couple's anger that the offenders escaped justice as potentially vital CCTV was not recovered in time. Detectives said they attended a property in Commins Road to view the footage from a woman's own CCTV system on the day they were made aware of it. But by then it was too late and the footage had been wiped. However, Mr Thomas claims he had attended Heavitree Road Police Station to report it to the police days before. He claims he left a message at the front desk that never reached detectives and it was only when he was contacted several days later about another aspect of the investigation that they became aware of it. He claims that if they had acted sooner, the culprits may have been identified and brought to justice. But with no further evidence forthcoming, the case has been left on file. He said: "I found out that a nearby home had CCTV cameras at the front and back of her property. The lady was more than happy to pass on the footage to police but didn't know how to get it off. "I went to the police station and reported this but the investigating officer was away. I gave them the lady's details. When the investigating officer did get back to me a few days later, he hadn't been made aware of it at all. He went straight around there but by that time the footage was gone. "We do feel let down as the original information I gave them appears to never have been followed up. She had CCTV in her front and back garden that would have shown the culprits running away. "A couple of weeks later the case was dropped with no further evidence coming forward. "Norma has managed to go back to work and is slowly building her confidence up again. But she has to put her teeth in and take them out every day and is scarred for life on her face. She has a permanent reminder of the attack. "I am fuming that no-one is going to be brought to justice for this and disappointed in the police that this was not followed up straight away." The original attack took place on October 26, 2013 around 6.30am outside Martin's Pie Shop on the corner of Pinhoe Road and Commins Road. Mrs Thomas, 43, who lives in Whipton, said at the time: "I was screaming, 'Someone help me, someone help me – please.' His mate then came over and just punched me right in the face and they both ran off. My face was pouring with blood and I was waving at cars for them to help me. Yet no one stopped to help me. Why did cars not stop? Why did no one intervene?" A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The offence occurred on October 26 2013. On November 5 2013, officers were informed that a local resident in Commins Road had CCTV covering the front and back of their property. "A detective attended that same day, but unfortunately the footage only went back as far as October 30 2013."

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Emergency meetings held to help domestic violence victims when Exeter Women's Refuge closes

February 28, 2014, 6:51 am

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Exeter City Council has held emergency meetings to see what help it can give victims of domestic violence who could find themselves homeless when Exeter Women's Refuge closes in April. The centre houses women who have fled abusive relationships, giving them a safe place to live while they attempt to escape violent partners. It has been in Exeter for more than two decades and has been a temporary shelter for hundreds of women during that time. But charity Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE), formerly Exeter Women's Aid, was recently told it has lost its core funding from Devon County Council, and the new Wiltshire-based supplier of services will not be providing refuge provision from April. A Facebook page calling for the facility to be saved has been backed by more than 1,500 people. Supporters say the Exeter Refuge has had a consistently high occupancy rate of 96 per cent. Councillor Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Housing and Customer Access at Exeter City Council, said: "The decision to move support services for victims of domestic violence to a new supplier was made by Devon County Council following a tendering process. Exeter City council was not involved in this. "However, in response to this, I called a set of emergency meetings with key stakeholders to find out exactly what was going on and how vulnerable people will be looked after and kept safe in the near future. It was important to work out what impact these changes will have for the individuals concerned who are experiencing these serious and traumatic issues and also the possible additional housing and budget pressures for the city council. "I have also raised these matters with all those concerned at Devon County Council and Exeter City Council, including the leaders and chief executives of both organisations, the Director of Public Health, and have requested a full and open briefing." An action group has been set up to address these issues. The group is made up of Cllr Hannaford, Devon County Councillor Jill Owen, who is the former ADVA Chair, and Exeter City Councillor Moira Macdonald, who is part of the SAFE partnership, plus key and senior officers. Cllr Hannaford added: "We are very keen to get a meeting set up with the new providers and owners of the refuge to discuss the way forward, and we would like to reassure anyone who becomes a victim of domestic abuse and comes to us in need of a safe place to stay, that we will find them immediate, temporary accommodation. We will then work with the individual or family to help them find longer term, safe accommodation." For more information, please go to www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

UPDATE: Police appeal after suspected arson attack on van this morning

March 1, 2014, 1:00 am

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Police are treating a van fire in the early hours of this morning on the outskirts of Exeter as arson. A white Citroen Relay van was completely destroyed in the blaze on a rural road near Farringdon in East Devon at 3.30am. Police are investigating the cause of the fire and are appealing to anyone who may have seen an suspicious activity in the area at the time to contact them. When a fire crew from Exeter's Middlemoor arrived at the scene on a road just off the A3052 between Denbow Cross and Farringdon they found the van well alight. Fire officials subsequently requested police assistance believing the cause to be suspicious. Officers were at the scene until around 4.25am and their investigation continues. The van is registered to a local address. Anyone with any information that could help is urged to phone the police on 101, quoting log number 185 of 1/3/14.

Emergency services called after 2am car crash at Kenton

March 1, 2014, 1:12 am

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Police, a fire crew and an ambulance were called to deal with a one vehicle car crash near Kenton in the early hours of this morning. On arrival at the scene at Southtown, around 1.55am, the fire crew from Middlemoor made the vehicle safe. More updates when we have them.

Experts issue safety warnings as amateur fossil hunters flock to Jurassic Coast

March 1, 2014, 1:26 am

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Every cloud has a silver lining, but in the case of the giant landslips presently threatening the Westcountry's Jurassic Coast the element of good news is many millions of years old. That's because the landslides – caused by the heavy rain of this winter's storms – disgorge the remains of creatures that have been lying deep underground for millennia. But the great fossil bonanza of the West Dorset coast has a cloud of its own attached to what is a muddy rather than a silver lining… Thousands of amateur palaeontologists have been drawn to the area by news of the fossil-finds over the past few weeks, but many have been unaware of the risks they are taking by climbing or searching too close to the falling cliffs. "The trouble is we get idiots climbing cliffs – often it's kids, but the cliffs are not a playground for children even though people, unbelievably, seem to think they are," said a leading Jurassic Coast geologist. Paddy Howe, geologist at Lyme Regis Museum, took us to the town's Monmouth Beach where we watched as a constant stream of mud and small boulders fell from the cliff-sides. "Weather like we've been having does bring out more fossils, but of course it can be very dangerous," said Paddy, who has been collecting in the area since childhood. "More people do come to town looking for those fossils – which is fine as long as they go about it safely. "Most of the best things you find are down on the beach anyway – not in the cliff-face – you should not be clambering up the cliffs. "We've seen rocks falling this morning," he added. "They can fall at any time – you don't necessarily need stormy conditions." Paddy went on to explain: "This was the bed of a shallow tropical sea about 200 million years ago – most of the things we find are maritime, but we do get fossils from the land like occasional dinosaurs or flying reptiles. "We are very lucky here. In large parts of the world you are not allowed to collect fossils, but here – if we don't collect the fossils – the sea will destroy them all. The tide would do far more damage in a day than fossil hunters have ever done. And then they're lost forever. "A lot we find are in the process of being destroyed as we collect them. "This must be one of the only towns in Europe which makes part of its living from fossils," he added as we came across several ammonites. "Lyme has a special place in the history of palaeontology through Mary Anning who was the local famous fossil hunter." Paddy's museum runs fossil-walks. "We know where you can and can't go – we can even advise which is the right kind of hammer to use," he said. Meanwhile Dorset County Council geologist Richard Edmunds – who is also a member of the local coastguard unit – told the WMN: "If people are sensible then fossil-hunting is a wonderful thing to experience – but stay away from the cliffs. "Yes, the fossils are coming out of the cliff-falls – but they are impossible to find in the mud. People do get stuck which is why we have mud rescue teams in the coastguard." Mr Edmonds advised: "It's best to look on the beach, where the sea has done all the hard work of cleaning the fossils."

PICTURES: Lorry collides with five cars and house near Bovey Tracey this morning

March 1, 2014, 3:20 am

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A lorry crashed off a road and collided with a house and five vehicles at Heathfield this morning. Emergency services were called to the incident on Old Newton Road near Bovey Tracey just before 3.30am. Police, fire and ambulance attended the scene. One fire engine from Bovey Tracey and one from Newton Abbot were sent out after a report of a road traffic collision involving a large goods vehicle. A fire spokesman said: "The incident involved a lorry that had left the roadway, collided with five smaller vehicles and ended up entering a garden and hitting a house. "The property was severely damaged by the lorry as were the five smaller vehicles. Power lines were also brought down and a large amount of debris strewn across the road." The road was closed by police. The lorry driver was treated at the scene by paramedics. Fire crews made all the vehicles safe using small tools and an environment pack was also used to stem the flow of coolant leaking from the lorry. Western Power attended to deal with the damaged overhead electricity cables. The road was still closed and diversions were in place at 9am while police accident investigators worked at the scene.

Celebrating a cave's link to Ottery St Mary's most famous son - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

March 1, 2014, 3:36 am

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Hunting for beavers on the River Otter the other day, Martin Hesp stumbled upon a small cave with a big history – here is what he found out about the Pixie Parlour The Westcountry is rich in literary landmarks great and small, famous and obscure – but none, perhaps, is quite so humble in terms of being linked to a poetic genius than a low sandy-floored cave lurking at the base of an ancient Devonian river cliff. Even the river in question has long since turned its back on the place – the Otter's stream now runs 100 metres away from the sandstone cliff that once bordered its shore – but residents of Ottery St Mary are so determined that the tiny cavern linked to Samuel Taylor Coleridge should be remembered, the council has created a special themed trail that passes its mouth, and has also produced an explanatory leaflet. The town is rightly proud of its most famous son. Coleridge is more often linked to the Quantock village of Nether Stowey 50 miles away, where he penned some of his best known poems – but he was born in Ottery in 1772 and spent his childhood there. His father, the Rev John Coleridge, was vicar at St Mary's Church and there is no doubt the young poet knew the shallow cave – partly because the Pixie's Parlour, as it long been known, has legendary links with the town that go back for many centuries (see panel). But Coleridge's link with the cave is more concrete than mere legend. It is believed he and his brothers all scratched their names in its soft red sandstone walls but, if they did, their signatures have long since been covered by other scratchings and scrawlings, including some weird and wonderful faces that have been etched into the rock. What is known for sure is that the poet returned to town from university when he was 21 and for some reason took a bevy of young ladies to visit the cave one summer day when he apparently declared himself to be Prince of Pixies and crowned one of the girls (a Miss Boutflour, or Beaufleur) as his Fairy Queen. Not bad going, in flirtatious terms at least, for a boy who had been something of a taciturn recluse in childhood – but the result of the amorous adventure was a poem (see below). The rather lovely, albeit youthful, poem seems to act as a reminder of innocent days along the banks of the Otter – but what is better documented is another of the young poet's meetings with the river, this time in less happy circumstances. I was told this story by Chris Wakefield who is a local expert on the poet and who, in that light, has helped an organisation called the Coleridge Memorial Project to put together an informative leaflet on what is now known as the Coleridge Link – a footpath which connects Ottery St Mary to the East Devon Way by two separate routes. It was Chris who introduced me to a letter Coleridge wrote to Nether Stowey's Tom Poole in 1797 in which he described a family row caused, somewhat prosaically, by a lump of cheese… Basically, young Samuel asked his mother to leave his portion in a single lump so he could toast it, but his brother made mischief by crumbling it into pieces. The two boys fought, and the mother caught Samuel flying at his brother with a knife in hand… "I expected a flogging and struggling from her I ran away to a hill at the bottom of which the Otter flows. There I stayed, my rage died away, but my obstinacy vanquished my fears." Coleridge remained outdoors in the gloaming saying his prayers "with inward and gloomy satisfaction how miserable my Mother must be!" "It grew dark and I fell asleep," he wrote. "It was towards the latter end of October and it proved a dreadful stormy night. I felt the cold and dreamt that I was pulling the blanket over me – and actually pulled over me a dry thorn bush. "In my sleep I had rolled from the top of the hill to within three yards of the river, which flowed by the unfenced edge of the bottom. In the meantime my Mother waited, expecting my return when the sulks had evaporated. "I not returning, she sent into the churchyard and round the town. Not found! Several men and all the boys were sent to seek me – in vain! "My Mother was almost distracted and at ten o'clock at night I was cry'd by the crier in Ottery, and in two villages near it – with a reward offered for me. No one went to bed – indeed, I believe, half the town were up all night! "About five in the morning I was broad awake and attempted to get up and walk – but I could not move. I saw the shepherds and workmen at a distance and cried – but so faintly that it was impossible to hear me – and there I might have lain and died. "But by good luck Sir Stafford Northcote, who had been out all night, resolved to make one other trial, and came so near that he heard my crying. He carried me in his arms, when we met my father and Sir Stafford's servants." It seems that the region very nearly lost its finest poet that night – and all because of a lump of cheese! I would have liked, in the interests of journalistic symmetry, to have reported that Coleridge sheltered in Pixie's Parlour, but he obviously did not. You can go and see the place for yourself thanks to the work of the Coleridge Memorial Project – and why not visit the town's excellent tourist information centre. The Coleridge Link Leaflet is available at the TIC or downloadable from www.coleridgememorial.org.uk/walking

South West traffic warning - Airbus plane on M4 will cause delays

March 1, 2014, 4:13 am

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POLICE are warning of possible traffic congestion on the M4 this weekend as the massive fuselage of an Airbus A321 plane trundles across the region. The plane is being taken from south Wales to the 'plane graveyard' at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, and will take up two lanes of the M4 tomorrow and on Sunday. Measuring 20ft wide, 16ft high and 151ft long, it weighs 58 tonnes and will be 'slow moving' as it travels east along the M4 from Wales past Bristol tomorrow. On Sunday it will head towards Wiltshire before heading north along the A417 to the east of Swindon to Cirencester, and then down the A419 to Kemble. Police said the timings would vary depending on progress, but it is due to be at the Tormarton junction of the M4, the turn-off for the A46, at around 1.30pm on Sunday. "Due to the size of this transporter it will be slow moving and will have the potential to create congestion," said a police spokeswoman. "Wherever possible, disruption will be kept to a minimum but hauliers and motorists are asked to please be patient if they come across this load. "Anyone travelling over this period to catch a flight or meet appointments should allow sufficient additional time." The abnormal load was due to travel on the second weekend of February but the journey was postponed because of storms.

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First day of spring brings sunshine not snow!

March 1, 2014, 4:30 am

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Sunshine and a few showers are to characterise the first day of Spring today. The Met Office said the wild and windy weather had largely swept through the Westcountry paving the way for a slightly better weekend. Officials yesterday withdrew a warning of snow over higher ground after a weather system tacked south of the region instead of across it. This means that after a night of heavy rain and gale force winds in places, the outlook is generally sunnier for the Westcountry. A Met Office spokeswoman said: "It is an improving picture. "There is a risk of some ice and first in the morning, but tomorrow is looking like a dry day and possibly even a bit sunny in places. "There will be the odd shower however." On Sunday, winds will start to pick up around midday as a weather system hits Cornwall first and then moves east. The spokeswoman said there could be some heavy showers as a result and winds could pick to gusts of up to 50 mph in exposed areas. There is no weather warning in place yet, but the Met Office and the Environment Agency are monitoring the situation to see if the windy weather coincides with spring tides on Sunday evening.

Tiverton Town v Yate Town: Matchday live

March 1, 2014, 5:38 am

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Tiverton Town will look to put their play-off charge back on track with a crunch game today against Yate Town at Ladysmead. Boosted by their superb 3-1 midweek win over Hungerford Town to make the final of the Red Insure Cup, the Yellows should be confident in what is their first home league fixture since January 11. Opponents Yate sit one place above Tivvy, with the two sides separated by goal difference. Follow the link below for regular live updates of all the action from today's game.

 

Flood warning issued for entire Devon coastline tomorrow and Monday

March 1, 2014, 6:28 am

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The entire Westcountry coastline is again facing a flood warning. Strong winds, tidal surge and large waves are expected to cause flooding for coastal communities all across Devon and Cornwall. The wild weather will begin tomorrow and roll into Monday. This latest battering is just the latest in what has been worst season of storms in Cornwall in a generation and the wettest winter in the UK for 250 years. The Environment Agency has warned that locations with damage to defences, buildings and structures would be especially vulnerable to the predicted large waves. Swell of up to 33ft is expected to hit Sennen in West Cornwall on Monday. An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Strong winds are forecast for the period and large waves are expected to build during Sunday and through Monday." A flood warning means that flooding is expected and action is required. In Devon, flood warnings have been issued for all tidal areas between Plymouth and Lyme Regis on the south coast and tidal areas between Hartland Point and Lynmouth, including the Taw Torridge Estuary. The Environment Agency said the areas in Cornwall likely to be affected included Penzance, Newlyn Green, Marazion, Longrock, Porthleven, St Mawes, Pentewan, Looe, Seaton, Kingsands and Cawsands on the south coast. On the north coast the locations included Bude, Newquay, Perranporth, Portreath and St Ives. Somerset, too, is under threat, particular in and around the already flood-hit Somerset Levels and coastal towns along the Bristol Channel. Likewise, similar warnings are in place along the Dorset coastline The Environment Agency spokesman warned people to stay away from the coast during the flood warning. He said: "Conditions in exposed locations will be dangerous so please remain a safe distance from coastal frontages."

York City v Exeter City: Matchday live

March 1, 2014, 6:46 am

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Follow all the action as Exeter City travel to play York City in League Two this afternoon.

 

Fire crews called to Topsham after burning smell

March 2, 2014, 12:29 am

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Two fire engines were called to an address in Topsham last night following a report of a burning smell. On arrival to the property on Retreat Drive at around 9pm, the crews from Topsham and Middlemoor found that there had been a small fire involving a warming plate. The cause of the fire, which was out on their arrival, was accidental.

UPDATE: Police appeal for witnesses of car crash which trapped woman inside her car near Axminster last night

March 2, 2014, 12:33 am

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Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed a crash at Kilmington near Axminster last night to contact them. Two fire crews, from Colyton and Axminster, went to the scene of the incident involving two cars, at around 8.50pm at Kilmington Cross on the A35. They immediately set about releasing the woman from one of the cars who was trapped inside. The female casualty was transported to hospital by ambulance and a male was also taken to hospital. A police spokesperson confirmed their injuries were not thought to be life threatening. Police partially closed the road for around two-and-a-half hours until 11.15pm. The cars involved were a red Vauxhall Corsa and a blue Honda Civic. Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact police on 101 quoting log number 884 of 1/3/14.

Exeter independent fishmonger 'beats' supermarkets in quality battle

March 2, 2014, 12:45 am

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The city's longest-serving independent fishmongers has declared victory over the supermarkets in a long-running battle over fish quality and price. Nick Steer, owner of Fishes Exeter, said at least 90% of his stocks were fresher and cheaper than the big four supermarkets. "Our fish are caught and sold as soon as possible. We have a fast turnover of stock because we pride ourselves on freshness and quality. The supermarkets cannot compete," he said. The fishmonger was established in its current location on Wardrew Road, St Thomas in 1939 before the start of the Second World War. Mr Steer and his wife bought the business in 1987, and more than three quarters of a century after it first opened its doors – it continues to serve the whole city and surrounding areas. "A lot of our trade is generated by word of mouth. We don't need to push advertising the shop, because people hear about us and want to come back," he said. Many of the 30 varieties of fish are sourced in the Westcountry, and all are delivered and sold on the same day. A recent study by the Daily Mail Online analysed 12 supermarket samples and found that a third failed to meet the minimum level of acceptability of ten days since the fish was caught. Mr Steer said: "People are recommended to visit us because we provide high-quality, fresh fish. And once they get to know what we do and how we operate, they trust us." Other city fishmongers – on Sidwell Street, Fore Street and even in the Harlequin Shopping Centre – have closed down over the years. But Fishes and Gibson's Plaice – that was established in 1992 – ensure people can buy their fish from trusted, local suppliers. Mr Steer said: "We have a lot of regular customers who we know by name. Many people have been coming in for decades and some 'Golden customers' for more than 50 years." This year the fishing industry has suffered weather-related losses that could run into millions of pounds. The January and February storms prevented fishermen going out to sea for longer than a few days, affecting the supply of popular fish. Mr Steer was forced to source produce from overseas in an effort to ensure people could still buy 'prime' varieties of fish. Mr Steer said: "It has been an absolute nightmare. Some of our prime fish weren't available, but we managed to produce from abroad. Fortunately things have improved over the past couple of weeks and now are back to normal."

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Should councillors declare if they've been lobbied over development proposals? Further debate planned by East Devon District Council

March 2, 2014, 2:00 am

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A leading East Devon district councillor's call for fellow members to declare if they have been lobbied on development proposals, has been referred for further consideration. At February's full East Devon District Council meeting, Independent district and county ward member for Ottery St Mary, Councillor Claire Wright proposed that "in the interests of openness and transparency", at Development Management Committee and Planning Inspections Committee meetings, members should declare if and who they have been lobbied by regarding items on the agenda. Cllr Wright's motion was seconded by councillor Roger Giles and supported by councillors Susie Bond, Ben Ingham and Trevor Cope. After an apparently "confused" discussion at the meeting on Wednesday, February 26, members voted for the motion to be referred to the Standard's Committee for further clarification. Cllr Wright explained that she put forward the motion as a "continuation" of the council adopting national guidelines as per the Probity in Planning document produced by the Local Government Association. "The adoption of this motion would be a further step towards greater transparency and openness," said Cllr Wright. "People need to know if lobbying takes place. "There was a lot of confusion at the meeting over what was meant by lobbying. "It would have been nice if the council had voted in favour of the motion but I'm glad it is due to be debated further by the Standards Committee."

South West house prices continue to rise faster than inflation

March 2, 2014, 2:49 am

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Property prices rose for the fourteenth successive month in February while house-building in the South West saw an above-average increase of more than a third, new surveys show. UK house prices increased by 0.6% last month and were 9.4% higher than a year ago, according to the Nationwide's index, which also said prices remain around 3% below 2007 peak. A separate analysis from the Land Registry, considered the most reliable guide by industry experts, put the national increase at 1% from December to January and 4.2% since a year ago. Its market trend data for the South West recorded a 0.3% monthly climb and 2.6% annually, which left the average home worth £168,356 in England and Wales and £176,308 in the six-county region. Nationwide's analysis, which is drawn from figures agreed at the post-survey stage of house sales, also cautioned that price rises were being fuelled by a lack of supply as the construction of new homes remained well below "pre-crisis levels". Nationally, around 109,500 new homes were built in 2013, 38% below the level recorded in 2007 and around half the number required to meet future demand, the company said. Despite the shortfall, in a separate report the National House Building Council (NHBC) said the number of new homes registered in the UK in January showed a 14% increase compared to the same month last year. In total 11,489 new homes were registered - 8,312 private and 3,177 in the public sector - in January, an increase on the 10,112 last January. In the three months up to and including January, the number of registrations was 31,482, a 26% increase on the same period last year (24,999). However, in the six-county region, 3,275 were registered, a climb of 36% compared to the same rolling quarter last year when the figure was 2,398. NHBC commercial director Richard Tamayo said: "Both private and public sectors reported growth on the same month in 2013 and we look forward to hopefully seeing this trend continue throughout the year to help meet the demand for new homes." The Nationwide calculates an average rise of £15,000 in UK house prices in the past year, from £162,000 to £177,000, though much of this is driven by the booming London market where average rises of up to 14% have been seen. Analysts also report a bigger proportion of sales are now cash transactions, partly because less mortgages are being agreed but also because investors see property as more lucrative than the lower returns offered elsewhere due to low bank interest rates. In the South West, where second homes are popular, almost 45% of sales were cash-based, compared to an average of 35%.

Will Alan Pardew receive the same punishment as Yates did for headbutt on Exeter City's Elam?

March 2, 2014, 2:54 am

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As the furore continues around Alan Pardew headbutt on David Meyler at Hull City on Saturday, the question is being asked as how long the Newcastle United manager will be banned for the incident? Many experts have said that Pardew should face severe punishment and that they have never seen an incident like it in the game. However, a precedent has already been set following a match between Kidderminster Harriers and Exeter City in 2007. Now Cheltenham Town boss Mark Yates received a four-match touchline ban for headbutting City player Lee Elam, when he was in charge at Kidderminster. The incident came at the end of the match when City were leading 2-0. At an FA hearing he was fined £350 and handed a four-match suspension. However, it is not the first time Pardew has been in trouble on the touchline and it remains to be seen how long his ban will be. The BBC's Robbie Savage has called for Pardew to be banned for 10-games, saying he shouldn't be even allowed inside the ground. Newcastle United have already fined their manager £100,000 and give him a formal warning, but he is set to face further punishment with FA chairman Greg Dyke saying they would be investigating the incident. What are your thoughts? Does the Elam incident set a precedent? How long should Pardew be banned for? Leave your comments below.

Exeter charity boss urges insurance companies to resolve flooding damage claims quickly

March 2, 2014, 3:13 am

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The chief of Exeter's leading support and advice charity has issued a plea to insurance companies to swiftly resolve claims as a result of the recent atrocious weather and flooding. Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau chief executive, Steve Barriball has warned about the impact a repeat in the sluggish response by insurance companies after the floods in 2007, could have on people's well being. This winter the UK suffered its wettest winter in records dating back to 1910 with local authorities in Devon still picking up the pieces after storms wreaked havoc across the region, including in Exeter, Topsham and Exmouth, for days on end, this January and February. As households continue to recover, Mr Barriball said insurers should do all they can to ensure a fast resolution to people's claims. He added: "Insurers must not drag their feet in helping people recover from flooding. "After the storms of 2007, people were still going to their local Citizens Advice Bureau more than a year after the initial floods, because their insurance provider had let them down. "People whose homes and possessions have been wrecked by storms simply can't afford for insurers to add to their pile of problems with unfair or slow service. "We are pleased that Government is working with insurers to make sure people are treated fairly and can get back on track as quickly as possible. "Problems from flooding remain long after floodwater has receded. "It is not just insurance claims that people will struggle with – people may have been unable to get to work because their employer had been flooded, resulting in lost wages and significant financial stress." Anyone requiring more information about this issue can visit, www.exetercab.org.uk

Advice Exeter: Exeter charities collaborate to stay strong against budget cuts

March 2, 2014, 4:00 am

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A mixture of charities offering crucial support to people-in-need in the Exeter area have collaborated in a bid to rise up against the affects of widespread budget cuts and provide an even better service. Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK Exeter, Community Housing Aid, Homemaker Southwest, Shelter and Young Devon have teamed up to form the Advice Exeter partnership – a free advice and information service. Charity officials said that as austerity measures and funding cuts are leaving more people in need of help, while reducing the resources available to advice charities such as those in Advice Exeter, the need for new ways of working together is "greater than ever". The venture, which has been supported by a grant from the Big Lottery's Advice Services Transition Fund, has been developed to improve the way the organisations work and to ensure that there is 'no wrong door' when it comes to helping their clients. The aims of Advice Exeter are:•To improve access to advice services, by means of a new online enquiry portal,•To empower people to solve their problems through increased awareness and new resources,•To use the evidence of the charity's clients to campaign for improvement to the policies that affect people's lives. Following intensive planning and preparation, Advice Exeter will be unveiled at an invite only launch event on Wednesday, March 12. Representatives from Devon County Council, Exeter City Council and other non-profit sector organisations, are set to attend. Iain Large, Advice Exeter partnership development officer, said: "Over the past six months we have been looking at ways of improving the service we offer to our clients by working in collaboration. "The launch is our chance to tell people about the plans we have and how we intend to deliver them across the city. "There is a growing need for advice organisations to work collaboratively and innovatively to meet the challenges that lie ahead. "The launch will also give us a chance to discuss the potential benefits of sustained and committed partnership working in the changing funding landscape." The event, which will be held in the ballroom of Exeter Community Centre, will include a presentation from a successful partnership in Bristol and a leading authority on collaborative working. The partnership will celebrate a full public launch in Exeter in the summer. For more information visit, www.adviceexeter.org.uk, or follow, @AdviceExeter on Twitter.