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WHEN Paul Diviani was elected Leader of East Devon District Council he made the pledge that he and his administration would be "clean, green and seen". Clean? I am not sure what he meant, it might have been a promise about rubbish collection, but the scandals that have beset him – particularly that of disgraced ex-councillor Graham Brown – have ensured that "clean" cannot apply to our council at this time.. He was simultaneously a builder, planning consultant, councillor in charge of drafting the Local Plan, and chairman of the dubious East Devon Business Forum (a group of developers totally funded by EDDC and with one of EDDC's senior officers as its busy honorary secretary). Green? We have no Local Plan (in preparation since 2007 and recently thrown out by a planning inspector for having plucked housing numbers "out of thin air"), leaving us at the mercy of rapacious developers. Our areas of outstanding beauty are under threat from these same developers and Gittisham, a small village, has been assessed as being a "sustainable" development despite protests from the county council (inadequate school places), the National Health Service and Natural England and having non-existent infrastructure nor any to be provided. Seen? Are they having a laugh? Restrictions on public speaking, secrecy about the move of their HQ from Sidmouth to the far western edge of the district (22 miles from Seaton, five miles from Exeter city centre) that has led to the council appearing in Exeter Magistrates Court to appeal a decision by the Information Commissioner who says at least some of the secret information should be shown to us, the public, who are paying for the move which needs the council to sell their land in Sidmouth and Honiton (the latter for yet another supermarket). The general concensus of opinion in East Devon seems to be that the democratic process has been abandoned and we are at the mercy of a group that is totally out of touch with the wishes and needs of its electors, but totally in touch with the wishes and needs of its developers. How can we get out of this mess? By standing for election as truly independent district councillors (and not the paper independence of some who will shrug off party loyalty to get elected again this time and support that party thereafter), by voting in May 2015 for truly independent district councillors and by voting for a truly independent MP who will represent the district 100 per cent of the time and with 100 per cent of their commitment.Sandra Semple Seaton

Reader’s Letter: Time for East Devon Council to change ways

Teignmouth rock band Muse have emerged among the favourites to headline the 2015 Glastonbury festival. No headliners have been confirmed yet, but bookies have made Muse, Fleetwood Mac and AC/DC their favourites during the final week of registration for ticket-buyers. Fleetwood Mac are William Hill's favourites to close the event in the prestigious Sunday night slot at 4/1, while Muse and AC/DC are 5/1 to play. Kate Bush and Oasis are also rumoured with odds of 8/1, while Radiohead, U2, Coldplay, The Stone Roses, Elton John, Foo fighters, Prince, The Libertines and Iron Maiden all feature further down the list. Outside bets include David Bowie, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Arctic Monkeys at 20/1 and Adele and Robert Plant at 25/1. Ladbrokes have also named Fleetwood Mac their favourites with evens odds, while Paul McCartney, Prince and Morrissey are their next top tips. Take That and One Direction are outside bets to perform at 33/1. Only those who have registered in advance with photo ID and contact details will be able to buy tickets from Sunday onwards. Festival-goers will need to pay a £50 deposit per person at glastonbury.seetickets.com, with the full price for 2015 set at £220. Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks has confirmed that Glastonbury is "being discussed" ahead of promised UK gigs next spring.Muse - Live at Glastonbury Festival 2010

Glastonbury 2015: Muse favourite to headline festival

A trailer for Taken 3 starring Liam Nesson has been released. The movie, Directed by Taken 2's Olivier Megaton, will see the star travel to France, Spain and California it has been revealed. In the Taken threequel, Neeson returns father Bryan Mills who goes on the run to find out who killed his wife - all while protecting his daughter . 'Don't trust anyone,' he warns his panicked daughter (played by Maggie Grace) as he tries to explain why everyone's after them. 'There are things I've done in my life.' Despite the series massive success, the actor recently said that the series is over. 'I think this is the end,' he recently confessed of the mega-successful franchise. Maggie Grace and Famke Janssen both return to the supporting cast, with Forest Whitaker, Dougray Scott and Sam Spruell new additions. Tak3n will be released on January 8, 2015 in the UK.

Taken 3 trailer released with release date

Fire crews rescued two people who had become stuck in a lift in an Exmouth care home last night. Two fire engines from Exmouth fire station attended reports of two people stuck in a lift at Exmouth House on 12 Long Causeway at 22:07. Upon arrival, crews found two people stuck in a lift. Crews released two people from the lift using small tools.

Pub giant JD Wetherspoon are thought to be in talks over taking over a Cullompton hotel. In a deal worth £650,000 Wetherspoon is looking into a takeover of Cullompton's Manor Hotel. Last year the company made no secret of its interest in opening a venue in Cullompton. A spokesperson said: "We are not looking at any particular properties however we are keen to find a suitable site in Cullompton." In March the company announced it was planning to open more sites in Devon after unveiling an increase in half-year profits. Tim Martin, the Exeter-based chairman of JD Wetherspoon, said: "The first half of the financial year resulted in a good sales performance and reasonable growth in profits and free cash flow. "The biggest danger to the pub industry is the continuing tax disparity between supermarkets and pubs. There is a growing realisation among politicians, the media and the public that a level tax playing field will create more jobs and taxes for the country." The budget pub chain was rumoured to have attempted to take over the pub in 2011 but plans fell through, but discussions about a deal have resumed since the building was vacated by tenant landlords a month ago. Jimmy Sivlal, who owns the historic coaching inn, has placed the property on the market for £650,000. But the Grade II listed Fore Street building is in need of extensive repair work.

Wetherspoon pub chain in talks over £650,000 Cullompton hotel

FUN Kitchen, based in Exeter, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Small Cookery School and the Best Specialist Cookery School categories of the 2014 British Cookery School Awards. With more than 500 cookery schools now operating across the country, the awards honour cookery schools that go above and beyond to deliver a top notch experience. Award-winning teacher Joe Mann, who runs the Fun Kitchen, said he is pleased to be a finalist. "It is really gratifying to be involved with the awards which attract a magnificent number of entries who prove to be amazingly diverse," he added. You can show your support for the cookery school by voting online. The People's Choice Award is now open by e-mailing info@britishcookeryschoolawards.co.uk or tweet using #bcsapeopleschoice (voting closes October 8). The winners will be revealed on November 7.

A motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital yesterday evening with a suspected broken leg after a collision involving an ambulance on the A361 near South Molton. Emergency services were called at 5.20pm to the crash on the A361 at Bish Mill Gate. Police said a motorcyclist on a black Honda was involved in the collision with an ambulance. A helicopter airlifted the man, who is from Ilfracombe, to North Devon District Hospital. The road was cleared by 6.30pm.

Man airlifted to hospital following collision between motorcycle and ambulance

Following the success of their 2012 and 2013 calendars, the Royal Marine Wives and Girlfriends (RM WAGs) have teamed up with boudoir-extraordinaire Nicola Grimshaw-Mitchell again to produce a new calendar for 2015. Produced this year in collaboration with benefactor the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF), this calendar promises to be their most striking yet, taking a new and refreshing angle on traditional boudoir with exciting themes for each month. Organised once again by RM WAGs Committee members Becci Parriss and Jenny Robey, the girls, including Kim from Exeter, have taken the endorsement of the charity very seriously and are aiming to raise more money than ever before for the RMCTF. In order to do this, this year's calendar girls have been challenged with individual fundraising targets and to date have already raised £3,900. Becci and Jenny took a break from organising the calendar last year to focus on the RM WAGs Calendar Support Network, a Facebook group which provides a secure and friendly place for women whose partners are either serving or are veteran Royal Marines. The network has gone from strength to strength and has brought together women who would otherwise feel very alone, particularly when their partners are away. However this is not to say that the fundraising stopped! In 2013 the support network collectively raised more than £10,000 through various events and group and individual challenges. Jenny said: "We're really proud that the calendar has grown into something so big where we get to help our fellow wives and girlfriends cope with the very unique situation of being the partner of a member of the armed forces. With the endorsement of the RMCTF, we're able to provide support in areas where they don't necessarily have the resources, at times this means no more than lending a listening ear!" The 2015 calendar is now available to buy from (http://royalmarinesshop.com/ ) for £10.00 with all proceeds going to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (www.rmctf.org.uk).

Pictures: Royal Marine WAGs return with striking 2015 Calendar

ONE of the defendants accused of murdering an Exeter man at his home has told the jury he tried to stop him being stabbed. Ryan Singleton claims he did not know of a plot to rob drug dealer Stephen Crook at his home in Alphington Road. He insisted he had believed they were going to Mr Crook's house to buy drugs and said the first he knew of any knives was when one of his co-defendants stabbed the victim. Singleton is the first of the five defendants to give his version of events about what occurred in Mr Crook's house on the evening of November, 21 last year. Steven Webster, aged 40, of East Street, Okehampton; Ryan Singleton, aged 26, of Howcotte Green, Canley, Coventry; Darren Twigger, aged 40, of John Rous Avenue, Canley; Bradley Richardson, aged 18, of Prior Deram Walk, Canley; and Anthony Martin, aged 22, of Gerard Avenue, Canley, all deny murder and robbery. Singleton said he went to Mr Crook's home with Martin, Twigger and Richardson while Webster waited outside as he owed money to Mr Crook. Singleton said he saw Mr Crook and asked him if he had the heroin. "He said he would be back with it in ten minutes," he added. "The next thing I know is seeing the blade coming straight past me and he gets stabbed. "The knife was in Twigger's hand. I flinched as it came past me and moved my head out of the way." Once inside the house Singleton said Richardson was "ram-sacking the place" and claimed that Twigger and Martin both had knives in their hands. "I was shouting at them," he said. "They had used me to set up a drug deal. If I had known what they really planned to do, I would not have not have wanted to be any part of it. They did not say anything about it to me before. I was going mental as this was on my and Webster's head. "Twigger was stabbing him and demanding to know where the drugs were. Martin stood there doing nothing but he had a knife in his hand." Singleton said that by this stage Mr Crook was bleeding heavily and holding his head. "I grabbed him and pulled him from behind me," he added. "I then got stabbed by Twigger in my forearm. He kept stabbing Mr Crook so I put my hand out to stop him. I was trying to pull him out the way. Singleton said he ended up in the hallway with the victim. "I went out there to see if he was ok," he said. "He was leaning against the wall, holding his head and groaning. "I turned around to see what the others were doing but I could only see Bradley - the other two had gone. "If he was still alive he would say I was the only one who tried to help him. I did not know that was what was going to happen.He was bleeding heavily. He turned around and I left. I did not think he was going to die." Singleton said he did not call for medical help as he did not have a charged mobile phone and did not know where he was. "I could not get help," he added. "I panicked. I had not seen or been near anything like that in my life. I was scared." Singleton told the jury he had met Webster when they were both serving prison sentences at Channings Wood in Newton Abbot. He knew Martin as they worked together in the drug dealing business. "I knew Anthony was having problems with his supply of drugs," he said. "He owed a large amount of money to someone – just over £10,000. "He was no longer able to get drugs how he used to so he asked me to help get a large amount of heroin. I had become close to Webster in prison and he had told me about a big drug dealer he knew. "We stayed in contact and ten months later I asked him about if he could get drugs for us." Singleton said he initially travelled to Devon with Martin and Twigger to meet Webster and buy a "tester" of the heroin on Monday, November 18. "The arrangement was if it was any good we were going to buy a lot more," he said. "The reports we got back was that it was a lot better and a lot cheaper than what we were getting before. Singleton said he thought the purpose of the return visit was to buy nine ounces of heroin for around £7,000. "I was only the middle man and was only going to make £100 from the deal. "As far as I was concerned the purpose of the trip was to pick up a nine bar of heroin. Anthony Martin was going to pay for it. I did not see the money but I presumed he had it." Singleton said on the way down the group drunk Stella lager and smoked cannabis on the way down. After picking up Webster from Okehampton they travelled to Sainsbury's in Alphington Road. "I needed cigarettes," he told the jury. "I did not know that Darren Twigger was going to buy knives in the store and did not give him money to buy anything. "The first time I was aware that anyone had a knife was when the man first got stabbed," he said. Singleton told the jury he did not steal anything from the property. He said they all drove off to an underpass where some property was dumped before travelling to Exmouth. "Twigger wanted to go and rob more drug dealers," he claimed. "I said I wanted nothing to do with it so me and Webster went to the Spice Lounge." He said that what the jury saw on CCTV that was described as a "re-enactment" of the killing was him "talking with his hands" to Webster about what he had just witnessed. He said he only used a knife to later "cut up cannabis" while staying that night at the Exeter Arms Hotel. The trial continues.

Murder accused says he tried to stop Exeter drug dealer from being stabbed

The University of Exeter has apologised to local residents after numerous complaints were made about the behaviour of its students during Freshers' Week. Thousands of new students arrived in the city in mid-September for the annual induction week. But despite various efforts to minimise trouble the university admitted it received a "high level" of complaints about the antics of a minority of its apprentices. Police and senior managers are investigating a number of concerns raised by locals residents relating to antisocial behaviour and noise. In a letter to residents, the university's chief operating officer Geoff Pringle, said: "We understand that you may have experienced some unusual levels of noise and disruptive behaviour, particularly in the evenings. "The University is extremely sorry if this has affected you and has been working very hard to try and minimise this where possible." It promised that – where it was able to identify students causing distress and disturbance to residents – it would take appropriate disciplinary action, including "severe sanctions". A university spokesman added: "We are fully committed to working with our neighbours, and works hard to educate students on their responsibilities to the local community." Teams of student volunteers and staff members were deployed in the city to help new students and encourage them to consider the local community when in residential areas at night. Brightly coloured messages were sprayed on street pavements to remind students to be considerate of those sleeping in neighbourhood areas of the city. But some undergraduates criticised the campaign of attempting to "shut students up" as being "futile". Two university sports clubs have also come under the spotlight followed reports of illicit activities during the week. A Rugby club member was spoken to by police after supposedly performing a sexual act outside Timepiece nightclub. The university confirmed it was aware of the incident. In an article published by the student newspaper Exeposé, the football club was accused of conducting an 'initiation-style' ceremony – despite such rituals being banned. New students at the event were allegedly forced to consume high levels of alcohol and kiss a dead conger eel, according to the newspaper. The university banned initiation ceremonies after an 18-year-old student died from alcohol poisoning on a night out in the city centre in 2006. A university spokesman said: "The University operates strict codes of conduct that clearly prohibit initiation type activities and/or peer pressure to drink excessively at events, and neither condone nor tolerate this type of behaviour."

University apologises to Exeter residents following complaints during Freshers’ weeks

EXMOUTH seafront business holders are still "in limbo" over whether they will be trading next summer under East Devon District Council's ambitious redevelopment proposals. The £10m, 9.3-acre site, which extends from the old lifeboat station to the Maer on Queen's Drive, has been marketed by estate agents Jones Lang LaSalle since the spring and the council is now in "very constructive discussions with potential developers". The scheme is part of East Devon District Council's vision for Exmouth to be improved and regenerated, boosting the local economy for the benefit of residents and visitors. The proposed transformation will include the realignment of the road, a water sports centre, a large indoor and outdoor play and recreation area, retail areas, restaurants and cafés, holiday accommodation, a public square and parking for 250-plus cars. But the ambitious plans have left a number of tenants with "sleepless nights" because they are so worried about their futures. Seafront businesses first voiced their concerns over the scheme two years ago when the council released initial designs. Since then, the Echo has covered the concerns of Dawn Hirst, whose family has been the tenants and managers of the Harbour View Café for around 35 years, and Chris Wright, who owns Exmouth Fun Park, which has been in his family for almost four decades. Both want to be included in the authority's plans, but maintain they "still don't know what's going on". The council has set up a series of meetings with tenants, some of which have taken place, with others imminent, to update them on potential time scales. But council officials have admitted it is difficult to be clear about details at the moment. Father-of-six Dean Gardner has run DJ's Diner for 11 years. He too would like to be involved and said he was told in early summer that he could expect to be issued six months' notice in August, but it never came. He said that in his meeting with an East Devon District Council representative on September 25, the information was "vague" about what he and other tenants could expect. "We're human beings with families to support, this not knowing has been going on for years now, it's not fair," he said. Mr Gardner said he loses money keeping his business open during the winter months, some years spending in excess of £30,000 so needs to know whether he'll be trading next year. "We're being messed about by the council, which is holding us back," he continued. "It goes on about the seafront needing to be updated, but I can't go to my bank manager for a loan in order to refurbish without a lease," he added. "They're being really vague and it's got to the stage where I'm so worried I'm having sleepless nights." Mrs Hirst has a meeting on October 3, with a council official to receive an "update". Her lease expired in July and she has therefore not been able to invest in her business. "We had a meeting in August which didn't tell us anything," she said. "It was an 'accept your fate and embrace change' sort of meeting. "Although I'm grateful for any time we get, we're going into another winter not knowing if we have another season. "It's really stressful and it's really taking its toll." Mr Wright, added: "We're all still in limbo regardless of whether our leases have expired or not. "I'm still not clear on what's happening. Words can't describe how I'm feeling." A council spokesperson, added: "It is difficult to be precise with dates and timings until we have secured the developers and agreed detailed proposals of a timetable for construction. "This takes time, sensitive discussion and requires cabinet and then planning approvals. "The tenants have known since December that outline planning consent was approved for the site. "In some cases, their leases have ended and we have encouraged them to take advice on their individual way forward.".

Traders ‘in the dark’ over Exmouth seafront revamp

With the deadline to apply for tickets for the World Cup having passed on Monday evening, there are banners up all around Exeter promoting the event. Sandy Park will host three matches in the biggest sporting event to hit the city, and demand has been high for tickets. Two of the matches – Tonga v Namibia and Italy v Romania – were set to go to a ballot long before the window closed at 6pm on Monday. People travelling around the city would have had their memories jogged about the tournament by the signs up in various places. As well as images of fans, one face dominates the posters – that of Harlequins' England captain Chris Robshaw. So perhaps it was appropriate that a year and a day before the stadium hosts its first match in the global spectacular that Robshaw graced the turf with his fellow Quins players. But while he is the man whose national fame is helping to promote the event locally, it was someone local who was the main talking point nationally afterwards. If the pundits get their way, Chiefs centre Henry Slade will be running out at Twickenham in a white jersey alongside Robshaw before too long. The 21-year-old has won rave reviews in all four matches this season, having switched to the No. 13 jersey from his more accustomed position of fly-half. The Devonian has been assured in defence – even against human wrecking ball Manu Tuilagi – has shown a fleet of foot to expose gaps in defences and his long-range kicking has complemented Gareth Steenson's deadly boot superbly. If his prospects of a rapid rise up the international pecking order were being talked up before Sunday's 36-13 win, his showing only served to help turn the whispers into a crescendo. Overcoming a cut above his left eye in the warm-up, the former England under-20s playmaker turned in another impressive display alongside Sam Hill in the midfield, capped by scoring his first Premiership try. He kicked two penalties from distance and wide angles along the way for good measure. There is no doubt that Slade is well thought of within the England hierarchy, having been vice-captain for their non-cap game against the Barbarians in June. However, he had only started one league match in the centre for Exeter before this season so there are some parts of the clamour to get him into the England starting XV ASAP that sit uncomfortably with me. He needs time to properly learn his new position, let alone the demands required at the highest level of all. But Slade seems to be taking everything in his stride so far, and certainly has all the attributes required to be successful in the international arena. The risk is Stuart Lancaster promoting him too soon and breaking his confidence or stunting his growth as a player if things don't work out as wished in an England jersey. On the flip side, no one will ever know if he's ready unless he's given a chance, and with England crying out for a distributor in the midfield – Billy Twelvetrees hardly fits the bill – Slade could see his opportunity arrive in the very near future. The World Cup is now less than a year away, and although Robshaw is the face of the build-up, Slade could be the one talked about more afterwards.

Chiefs opinion: Henry Slade in line to join World Cup poster boy Robshaw

Newcastle have lost their last 20 league games, but Rob Baxter thinks that puts the pressure on his Exeter Chiefs players ahead of Sunday's match. While the visitors will be odds-on favourites to win at Kingston Park, Baxter knows what will be going through the minds of the Falcons players. This time last week the talk was that Exeter had only won one league match at home in 2014, and they responded with a 36-13 defeat of Harlequins. So the head coach is expecting the hosts to be fired up to stop people talking about their shocking run of form. To cope with that, he wants to ensure his players' desire to push on in the league – a win would probably leave the Chiefs in the top three – surpasses Newcastle's hunger to record a rare victory. "I think if anything it (Newcastle's run) puts a bit of pressure on us," said Baxter. "Look at the weekend we've just had – all of the talk was that Exeter couldn't win at home and we produced a very good performance. "It's all very well people saying Newcastle can't win a game of rugby but the truth is they can win a game of rugby and it's going to happen at some stage. "We've got to make sure we put in a level of performance that deserves a result. When we do that we tend to get what we want out of matches, but we're aware every game of Premiership rugby has to be won. "The battle for us is to make sure the ambition to be at the right end of the table is a bigger driving force for us than Newcastle's ambition to get a win and get themselves away from the bottom of the table. "That's always the first battle you have to win. You can't win any other battle until you win the energy, endeavour and toughness battles and I have told the players that a lot this week. "We won that battle against Harlequins and when you win that battle you give other parts of your game a chance to develop and come to the fore." Sunday's game promises to be a special one for Baxter as it will be his 500th league match as a player or coach with the Chiefs. He made 275 appearances as a player – from his debut as an 18-year-old at Nuneaton in October 1989 until marking his final game with a try at Rotherham in April 2005 – and has been involved in various coaching capacities since January 2006. The best present for the boss would be a fourth win out of five attempts this season. But Baxter's troops will have to contend with something different at Kingston Park as Newcastle had an artificial surface installed over the summer. It is nothing new for the Chiefs as they have played on similar surfaces against Saracens and Cardiff Blues in the past, as well as having one to train on at Sandy Park, but Baxter admits it will come into their planning this week. "It is a factor to a degree because you know it's going to be relatively firm under foot and the way the ball can bounce can be a little bit different," he said. "For the kickers the ball doesn't tend to skid as much but it will bounce and roll. There are some variations but nothing that should affect the way we prepare for the game." While Baxter has no fresh injury concerns for the match, he hopes scrum-half Haydn Thomas will be available after a blow to his head ruled him out of last weekend's match. Other injured players are also close to returning. "Luke Cowan-Dickie and Dave Lewis are joining in with some parts of rugby training this week, and Dean Mumm will do some rugby elements next week, so we are starting to get guys back," said Baxter

Newcastle Falcons v Exeter Chiefs: Match preview

The vision for Exeter in 2000 In April 2000 the Exeter Vision Partnership, with members from all of the main public, private and voluntary organisations in the city, published Vision 20:20, which set out a strategic vision for the city. Peter Lacey, Chair of the Exeter Vision Partnership commented: "The partnership assessed the city's strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats and to set out where Exeter wanted to be in 20 years time. In 2000, it concluded: "Exeter is a city of which we can be justly proud. Its foundations are based on heritage of over two thousand years of trade and culture, boasting a few of the finest and most enviable buildings in the country. It is situated in one of the most beautiful counties in the whole of Britain, minutes from both sea and countryside. Over the years it has attracted considerable private wealth. Yet for all these positives, there are underlying negatives that we must all endeavour to eradicate. Alongside beautiful historic buildings we find the worst in mundane post-war architecture. For all its wonderful geography, it attracts only a minority of the country's influx of visitors. And for all its individual wealth, there are significant concentrations of poverty and an emphasis on lower and middle market retail and leisure facilities... To ensure the success of Vision 20:20 we must invest to change the identity that the city portrays and present Exeter as a city capable of moving forward with purpose and vision." The Vision Partnership also clarified where Exeter wanted to be:• Recognised as the Regional Capital• Recognised nationally as a centre for business and culture• Perceived as a place which is comfortable with change• Perceived as a great place to live with good facilities for people of all ages The city has been on a great journey since 2000. The council has played a key role in taking forward these aspirations, investing in the future of the city and working closely with partners in the Vision Partnership and others to make Exeter a stronger city.Here and now• We have moved along way towards the ambitious vision set out by the Vision Partnership in April 2000.• Over the last 14 years Exeter has established itself as a major regional economic centre with a strong retail market that outperforms other larger towns and cities and has been successful in attracting the relocation of major organisations• More than 8,000 houses have been built in the city since 2000. 1,276 new affordable homes have been delivered since April 2005.• The city has become more resilient and capable of coping with the major economic upheaval• The council has played its part by working closely with businesses, the University, neighbouring councils and other key agencies to deliver economic priorities including increased housing supply, major strategic infrastructure improvements and employment growth – such as Princesshay, Exeter Science Park, SkyPark and working towards the Exeter Bus Station redevelopment. • between 2003 and 2013 the number of people visiting Exeter has increased by 14% to 2.2 million per year and visitor spend by 17% to £194 million per year ,which supports an estimated 4,822 jobs in the city• Between 2008 and 2011 the number of employees in high value added professional, scientific and technical roles grew by over 1,300 to approximately 8,000. Developments like Exeter Science Park and SkyPark will continue to help this go further with wider benefit for people who live here.• Over the last 14 years the council has contributed more than £10m of grants to the city's arts and cultural organisations, events and community facilities. Vision for our future Continued success is based upon a growing economy and the creation of both jobs and suitable housing Additional income generated through increased business rates and commercial activity will enable the council to support further regeneration and capital investment To realise this additional funding the council needs to address the £4m financial deficit by delivering services that meet people's needs and priorities To ensure further development of Exeter, the council will focus on: • developing the emerging knowledge economy within and surrounding Exeter• improving the skills, qualifications and employability of the residents of the city• supporting business growth and investment with its partners • achieving the right conditions to attract inward investment and business relocations• providing a safe and welcoming city• facilitating improvements to the various aspects of the city which contribute to its much valued and enviable quality of life The city's economy proved resilient throughout and after the economic downturn, but there is no room for complacency. The key to Exeter's future success will be closer working with our neighbouring councils, a wide range of businesses, and the institutions and agencies located in and outside Exeter. Finally although we need to deliver savings of £4m each year, as a city we still need to invest in order to expand, create jobs and wider prosperity. This is not an easy task and achieving the balance between savings and investment will be key to the city's long term success. This is your chance to help set the future agenda of this great city.

The vision for Exeter's future

Exeter City Council looks after our five riverside and valley parks, 46 playing pitches and associated changing facilities, 71 play areas and 1,500 allotments and three cemeteries. The council manages more than 250 acres of public open space, including residential parks, play areas and playing fields. The council is also responsible for street cleansing and 22 public toilets. Keeping the streets clean is important in ensuring Exeter remains an attractive destination for shoppers and other visitors. As the council looks to reduce spending by £4m per year, new and sometimes difficult ways of saving money will need to be considered. This could possibly include closing some toilets and reducing the frequency of street cleansing and maintenance levels in parks and playing fields. This consultation process will give residents a chance to tell the council how they use and value services and how they think savings could be made. Councillor Keith Owen, Lead Councillor for Environment, Health and Wellbeing, said: "Some parks and public places are more important to the citizens of Exeter than others, but street cleaning and open spaces are very sensitive because that's what many people see when they go out their front doors in the morning. I look forward to you telling us what you think through the consultation process."

Stronger Exeter: Parks and public places

Exeter City Council has an important role to play in helping residents, including some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The customer service centre at the Civic Centre deals with a wide variety of enquiries about council services, council tax and benefits every day. Exeter City Council owns and maintains over 5,000 homes and 900 garages across the city. It is also responsible for providing emergency accommodation for homeless people and those seeking refuge from domestic violence. A local council tax support scheme currently gives working age households on low incomes up to 80 per cent discount on the full council tax bill, at a cost of £600,000 a year. Potential ways of saving money include encouraging people to use online services and payment systems to enable staff to spend time on those with more complex issues. Possible changes to services could include a reduction in opening hours and the introduction of an appointments-based system at the Civic Centre helpdesk. The council could also consider reducing the amount of council tax support it provides. Councillor Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Housing and Customer Access, said: "One of the council's corporate aims is community resilience. There has to be an emphasis on self-reliance and personal responsibility. With reducing funding, not simply within the council, but across the public sector, people will need to be more self reliant enabling the public sector to concentrate its limited resources."

Stronger Exeter: Helping people

A thriving cultural and artistic scene is a key part of what makes Exeter a vibrant place where people want to live and work and the council supports a range of activity and events in the city. The award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum currently costs the council £2.2 million a year to operate and maintain. The council also provides £350,000 in funding for several arts and entertainment venues and organisations. In addition, the council gives grants to individuals and organisations to support sporting or artistic initiatives, as well as helping other groups to organise festivals, markets and other community events. The Corn Exchange hosts a variety of music, dance and comedy events throughout the year. And the council organises the Unexpected Exeter festival, which next year will coincide with the Rugby World Cup when Exeter is a host city. Maintaining the heritage attractions of St Nicholas Priory, the Quay House and the Underground Passages is also the authority's responsibility. The above paints a picture of how the city council supports the city's cultural life. However, if we are to reduce spending by £4m per year, these cannot continue to operate in their current form. Options we need to consider could include closing certain facilities, reducing the provision of others and working more closely with partners across the city. Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: "Most of us are involved in the cultural life of the city, whether we like going to the theatre, watching live music, visiting the museum or even playing sport or supporting our local teams. "I believe that all of these are important to people, so my question, as we start to reduce funding, is: how do we make sure things like this still happen? If we want Exeter to be a city where there is lots to do, we may need to do things in a different way than we do at present."

Stronger Exeter: Cultural city

Ensuring that Exeter remains a safe place for residents and visitors is a priority for the council as well as its partners in the emergency services. But difficult decisions about what the council's role will be in the context of less money from central government are inevitable. Exeter City Council spends £720,000 a year on providing CCTV in the city centre. The network of 150 cameras is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping to prevent crime and warn businesses when shoplifters are in the area. The council's Home Call alarm service provides emergency help, reassurance and advice to elderly or vulnerable residents. And its officers are also responsible for carrying out food safety inspections on more than 1,000 premises, dealing with issues such as dangerous dogs as well as anti-social behaviour. As the council is forced to reduce spending, options it will need to investigate could include understanding the real impact of CCTV and exploring if alternative options, such as reducing CCTV coverage and additional enforcement might be a more effective solution whilst still reducing costs. To help the council decide where resources should be focused, it wants to understand when and where you feel most safe or unsafe in Exeter. Councillor Ollie Pearson, Lead Councillor for Enabling Services, said: "People's perception of safety in the city centre is generally very good. But when the council has £4 million less to spend each year, if we are going to keep doing many of these really important things, then we are going to have to do them differently and get a deep understanding of what all of us, as Exeter residents, value about the services the council provides."

Stronger Exeter: Safer city

Like all councils, Exeter City Council faces some difficult budget decisions. Reductions in the amount of money the government spends on local councils and their services mean that by 2018 Exeter City Council will need to spend £4 million less, each year, than it does today. By being responsible and saving £4.7 million since April 2012 we have made time for the opportunity to reflect on how a future with even less money from central government will look for Exeter, and to allow all of us, as residents, to have a say in this. However, looking ahead, we will need to do more than make efficiency savings - we will need to do some things differently and stop doing some things altogether.Your views sought We want to inform you about the challenges we face and we want you to inform the spending plans that will build a Stronger Exeter and shape the services that you value.Council investment in the city is critical Exeter has weathered the recession better than most parts of the South West. Business confidence is high and it's no surprise to me that Exeter received national recognition when it was named in a recent Sunday Times 'hot list' as one of Britain's top 10 places to live and work during the economic recovery. But this growth has not happened by chance. Faced with dwindling money from the government, investment in long-term growth has been critical for the city's prosperity. Major housing and commercial developments have been delivered to the east and Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Exeter College and others have made significant investments in the city. Collaboration and partnership working has been the bedrock of our approach. The council has played its part by being the first to put its hand in its pocket to pledge £3 million of capital investment to secure government funding for the Exe Flood Relief Scheme. We have invested £1 million in the Exeter Science Park and funded Exeter's role as a host city for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.Investment for growth and the services we all depend on Investment has boosted Exeter's economy over the last fourteen years. Investment in businesses and housing is now more important than ever for the city because:• a vibrant city, especially a busy city centre with lots to see and do, is good news for existing and new businesses as well as jobs. All major cities are competing for the same investment and we need to be the city of choice.• The council can no longer rely on government grant, instead we need to secure income from delivering a successful economy At the same time as a significant fall in our government grant we can keep 40% of the additional business rates we generate - £1 million for 2014-15.The wider benefits of council investment in the city As we look at making some difficult budget decisions for the next three years we must take in to account the importance of future investment in the city and its impact on our future spending. This is central to our planned investment in a new, high-quality swimming pool and leisure complex on the site of the bus and coach station, a facility that will: • replace the existing swimming pool at Pyramids, which requires major investment to meet leisure demands from a growing population;• benefit from £6.7m of New Homes Bonus to provide a complex at the heart of a new leisure quarter on the site of the bus station, dovetailing with a new mixed development of restaurants, retail and leisure to further enhance and regenerate the city centre;• provide a new bus station;• generate increased business rates, and additional income for the council in the longer term. What matters to you? Against this backdrop, I am keen to hear your views on the challenge we face over the next few years. To date, most people will not have seen major changes in the way their services have been delivered, in spite of us reducing our budget by about 25 per cent because we have worked hard to minimize the effects of these deep cuts through more efficient working. But, it is inevitable that this will change, so during this budget consultation I would like to hear about what you value most in the services the council provides. Over the next four weeks, under the four headings of Parks and Public Places, Helping People, Cultural City and Safer City, we will explain the services provided by the council, the challenges we face, some of the options for change, and we hope you will take a moment to complete a brief survey on each. An introduction to each of these themes is set out below. I look forward to hearing your contribution to a Stronger Exeter.Cllr Pete Edwards Leader, Exeter City Council

Stronger Exeter: An introduction from council leader Pete Edwards

Devon politicians and a Muslim leader have condemned the beheading of British hostage Alan Henning by Islamic State jihadists. A video, apparently showing Mr Henning being murdered by a knifeman dressed in black in a desert setting, was released on the internet late on Friday. The 47-year-old aid worker and former taxi driver from Salford, Greater Manchester, had been held by so-called Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists since he was kidnapped last December. Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: "This is a revolting and despicable act, roundly condemned by all decent people including the overwhelming majority of Muslims who believe in tolerance and peace. "Those who perpetrated this vile act showed no mercy to a man who was engaged in providing vital humanitarian assistance and simply doing his best to help others in need. My thoughts are with Alan's wife Barbara and his family as they come to terms with their loss." Dr Sarah Wollaston, Totnes MP, also condemned the actions of Islamic State. She posted on Twitter: "Remember #AlanHenning as all that is best in humanity, not as his vile murderers demand. Rest in Peace." Kevin Foster, prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservative party for Torbay in next year's General Election said: "Alan Henning just wanted to help his fellow man & lost his life for it. My prayers are with his family & our forces as they tackle this evil." Torbay Cllr Darren Cowell added: "The barbaric murder of Alan Henning has nothing to do with true Islamism. Thoughts are with his family. We will not yield to terrorists." Mohamed Abu Muganzi, director of the Piety Islamic centre in Plymouth, added: "We have condemned it in the strongest terms. "What ISIS is doing is not in the teachings of our Prophet (peace be upon him). "Everyone should condemn what these people are doing. We have signed a memorandum from all the UK imams saying that the hostages should not come to any harm. "Mr Henning went to Syria to help people on humanitarian grounds. "What ISIS is doing is against our beliefs." Prime Minister David Cameron said the "brutal murder shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are", and vowed to "do all we can to hunt down these murderers and bring them to justice".

Murder of Alan Henning condemned by Devon political leaders

Reader's Letter: Time for East Devon Council to change ways