Government point to Cranbrook to rebuke housing supply crisis

December 3, 2013, 8:48 am

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The Government has rebuked claims it is failing to respond to a housing supply crisis by pointing to large scale investment supporting projects such as Cranbrook in Devon. Local Government and Communities Minister Baroness Stowell of Beeston dismissed claims from Labour that the Government should show "a bit more Attlee and a bit less apathy" and start building a new wave of garden cities. Speaking in the House of Lords, shadow infrastructure minister Lord Adonis had hit out at the failure of ministers to publish a policy paper on new cities following a proposal made by Prime Minister David Cameron last year. He asked Baroness Stowell at question time in the House of Lords "Do you not agree that in the face of a housing supply crisis this inaction is deplorable? "It took the Attlee government precisely one year to enact legislation for new towns and to designate Stevenage as the first one and within five years 10 new towns had been started. "We need a bit more Attlee and a bit less apathy." However, Lady Stowell told peers: "I like to think I'm an action kind of girl. That is exactly what this Government is doing." She said Lord Adonis' frustration was "misdirected" as his Government had "promised five and then 10 eco towns" and none of them had got off the ground. "What we are doing is working with local councils who have locally led proposals and we are working with them now," she said. "A large number of these larger sites are being unblocked and are ready to start because of our support." She said between 2013 and 2015 the Government was investing £474 million "to support large scale housing and commercial development in places such as Wokingham in Berkshire and Cranbrook in Devon". And she added: "An additional £102 million of investment is available for 2015-16 and we will publish a prospectus inviting bids for this funding in the spring." The first residents moved in to Cranbrook in East Devon in 2012, with at least 100 houses occupied at the beginning of this year. The intention is to expand the final total to 6,300 homes with the first community building completed in October, known as the Younghayes Centre. Tory former Cabinet minster John Gummer, who sits in the Lords as Lord Deben, said garden cities had originally been introduced because "our towns were unpleasant and not good places to live in". He added: "They now are good places to live in. Will you make sure the new houses are built in our old towns regenerating them and not built on open countryside where we need the land to grow food." Lady Stowell said the Government was ensuring proposals were "locally led and had local support".

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Major jobs boost for city as Exeter University plan approved

December 3, 2013, 9:37 am

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A MAJOR project to create a "landmark" building for Exeter university that will bring 240 new jobs to the city has been given the green light – by the narrowest of margins. The University of Exeter wants to convert and extend a former student accommodation block on its St Luke's Campus into a four storey block of offices for its medical department. A decision on the application had been deferred from a previous meeting for concerns over highways and the impact the building would have on the surround area to be addressed. While some residents still were not happy with the height and scale of the proposal - and perceived issues that would caused by the lack of parking - changes made to the application were enough to satisfy Exeter's planning committee this week. The application was approved by a vote of four to three. The number of new jobs would be in addition to 260 jobs that would be transferred from another site at Salmon Pool Lane to the development. The university said that the knock-on impact, in relation to the spending in the city centre, would be huge. Cllr Pete Edwards said: "I have no problem with the building as it is framed. Since the application has gone back it does look a lot better. The colour has been lightened. "The jobs it creates will be highly skilled and will bring a lot of money to the city. We are desperately trying to make it a growth city and the people who study and work there will not have far to go shopping in the city centre. "Some cities would give their life to have an opportunity like this – having such a high calibre of employees right in the city." One of the major concerns that was expressed was the lack of parking - there are no new spaces proposed - and the impact this would have on the surrounding roads. There were also fears it could lead to extra traffic and congestion. "Over the transport, this will always sought itself out," added Cllr Edwards. "I have been on the council 20 years and lost count of the amount of times I hear that something will cause gridlock. But apart from rush hours the traffic in this city moves pretty well." The university said it had tried to alleviate fears over the intrusive nature of the building by setting it back, adding glazing, and lightening the colour. Cllr Keith Owen, said, for him, the changes, had not gone far enough. He said: "The jobs may be very valuable but we must not allow jobs to outweigh planning considerations. "I still have two concerns. The effect on the conservation area. It does not preserve or enhance the conservation area. And I am not convinced on highway grounds so can not see myself able to support the application." Local resident Lucy Mallet, spoke about the perceived impact on the amenity of those living in College and Raleigh Road. "It is out of character and there has only been a cosmetic change from the last meting," she said. "The university wants this to be a visible signpost for campus. But the neighbours will be dwarfed by the added storey." The highways authority had no objections to the proposal. City council chief executive Karime Hassan said: "This is a strategically important project for the city and the number of new jobs it will create is significant. It is the same number of jobs created by John Lewis."

Video and pictures: Hundreds turn out for funeral of teenage soldier killed in car crash

December 3, 2013, 9:42 am

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THE union-jack draped coffin of teenage soldier Kieron Blight was carried from the church through a guard of honour as shots fired into the grey Devon sky. Following closely behind were grieving members of the 19-year-old's family; his parents Stephen and Mandy, sister Hayley and girlfriend Emily among them. During the hour long ceremony at Christow's St James' Church in the Teign Valley, the commanding officer of Kieron's squadron, Major Claire James gave the parting words: "Smile, as he will always be smiling back at you." But many of those, who had come to say a final farewell to the promising young soldier following his death in a car crash on Armistice Day, struggled to hold their emotions at bay. Loved ones had opted for a full military funeral for Kieron, who was a Sapper with the 26 Engineer Regiment based at Perham Down near Tidworth. They arrived early on Tuesday for the service and as the grey hearse pulled up six pallbearers, in full military attire, side-stepped to orders before linking arms to carry the coffin, adorned with his military hat and wreath, into the church. With every space occupied inside, loudspeakers were put up in the churchyard as the crowds, young and old, military and civilian, united in a solemn respect to listen to the service.

The hymn Abide With Me was sung and several prayers were read. There was a tribute by Dick Parker and a eulogy from Major Claire James, the Commanding Officer of 33 Armoured Engineer Squadron. She described him as a "young, professional and dedicated soldier who had a great sense of humour and an enthusiasm for life." "He would be the first to volunteer to anything. He would enjoy the daily banter," she added. "He was tough in the field and extremely comfortable. He would take everything in his stride. There was no doubting he had an exciting future ahead of him." In his address the Rev G Smith, spoke of his "great sense of humour," and his "caring, considerate and out-going nature." "He will leave a big hole in the lives of all those who knew him. "And of course, his smile," he added. After further prayer readings, the Last Post was played and a silence was observed. As Sapper Blight was carried aloft, the ten-strong firing team let off three rounds each. He then began the last leg of his final journey to Exeter Crematorium, where a private family service was held. At the time of his death, tributes poured in for Kieron, a former Teign School student from Bridford, who died when a silver Mazda MX5 he was a passenger in collided with a tree. The commanding officer of 26 Engineer Regiment,Lieutenant Colonel John Ridge, said: "If you were to sit down and list the qualities required of the perfect sapper, they would sum up what we had in Sapper Kieron Blight. He was keen, professional, courteous and bright. "Above all, he loved his armoured engineer trade. During our recent deployment to Canada, whenever he got the chance, he would race off to clamber all over our tanks and chat to his fellow crewmen: anything to learn more about armour and how to get the best from it. Canada was his first big exercise, but it was already clear that he had huge promise, so much so that he had recently been selected to attend training to be a Junior Non Commissioned Officer. "Despite his young age and boyish looks, his maturity and professionalism made him naturally respected amongst his peers. I have no doubt that he would have been a Lance Corporal before most of them. "We are all shocked by his death, but know how little our loss compares to that of his parents Stephen and Mandy, his sister Hayley, and his beloved girlfriend Emily."

Three men appear in court following arrests at EDL march in Exeter

December 3, 2013, 11:08 am

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A trio of men arrested in connection with a major national demonstration by a controversial far right-wing group in Exeter have appeared in court. Kurtis Coyle, Daniel Holmes and Steven Hart were brought before Exeter Magistrates today following the English Defence League (EDL) march in the city on November 16. Coyle, 21 from Heavitree, was given a suspended prison sentence of four weeks after he admitted the possession of a knuckle duster in the The Chevalier Inn, Fore Street as well as the possession of a class A drug. He claimed he was planning to take the weapon "to a mate's house" after apparently buying it online for £10, the court heard. Coyle was ordered him to pay costs of £165, and was told the drugs - 1.4g of cocaine - would be destroyed. Daniel Holmes, 30 from Exwick, issued no plea after being charged with the possession of a knife on Queen Street. He was granted unconditional bail and his case will be heard at Exeter Crown Court on January 3. Steven Hart, 48, from the Pinhoe area of Exeter, was given a custodial discharge of six months after admitting being drunk in a public place. Hart, who was described as a "long-term alcoholic", was found lying down on a pavement under the influence of alcohol and unable to stand unassisted, the court heard. A fourth man arrested - a 49-year-old Surrey man - had been given a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly in the city centre on November 15. Chief Inspector Jim Gales, of Devon and Cornwall Police, described the day as a "success" for the force. "We had to intervene at times to prevent outbreaks of disorder, making a very small number of arrests," he said. "But what we [were] able to do [was] to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and allow the inhabitants of Exeter to go about their daily business safely." More than 200 people travelled from across the country for the EDL march and rally in the city centre. But a total of 1,000 people, under the banner of Exeter Together, paraded down the streets earlier in the day and gathered for a rally to condemn the group. A mounted police unit from South Wales were among a total of 400 officers from as far away as Birmingham who were tasked with patrolling activities. City centre manager John Harvey described the police operation as "excellent", saying the force ensured it remained "business as normal". "It could have been a day that tarnished the city, but actually it enhanced its reputation. On lots of levels, we can be very proud," he added. Some 225 EDL supporters gathered at the Locomotive pub on New North Road before marching along the road, down Queen Street to Rougemont Gardens flanked by police. Angry exchanges took place between opponents and protestors who chanted "You're English no more" and "whose streets, our streets" as they marched. Two protestors donned burqas - traditional Islamic dress - and were seen to imitate Muslim prayer in the middle of a street.

University of Exeter staff strike again in nationwide pay row

December 3, 2013, 12:56 pm

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University lecturers and staff have staged a walk-out for the second time in six weeks in an " increasingly bitter" pay row. Numerous academics and other staff members at the University of Exeter participated in the day of action on Tuesday that saw classes cancelled and facilities disrupted. Dozens of staff members joined early morning picket lines at campus entrances before they gathered for an 'after-party' at the Imperial pub near the city centre. Juliette Stephenson, a senior lecturer in Economics, said: "Education is hugely important, and the workers are a core part of the learning environment. There's been a lot of investment across the Higher Education sector in infrastructure and buildings. We need to invest in the people who deliver and make this university a fantastic place." Some 30 students held an overnight occupation of the Queen's building on the Streatham campus to show solidarity with the industrial action. Ciaran Daly, a Sociology and English student, said: "We're here as part of a wider campaign against cuts in staff wages and privatisation of student loans. "We've made banners to educate people as they go past, eaten pizza and had escapades with security every couple of hours. They eventually told us to clear-out and threatened us with police action." Unions estimated that as many as 500 staff members had gone on strike and pledged to take additional action unless an agreement was reached. But university said it was "business as usual" on its campuses, with only 6% of staff having taken part in the previous strike on October 31. Students suffered a day of disruption during the penultimate week of term as many neared coursework deadlines ahead of January exams. A university spokesman, speaking ahead of the strike, said it expected "some disruption to normal services" but stressed that it would seek to minimise the impact. Lecturers, tutorials and other classes were cancelled, while some suggested whole buildings were closed due to lack of staffing. Dr Richard Bowyer, a lecturer in the Law School, said: "As far as we're concerned, part of the reason for the strike is the disruption that it causes. We want to shut down the campus." Any staff taking part in the strike will be docked one days' pay, with the money being donated to the student hardship fund. A Students' Guild spokesman said: "Happy and properly paid staff are a vital part of Exeter's continued growth and improvement and therefore we urge all parties to meet at the earliest opportunity to end this impasse." It was the second coordinated strike action involving members of the University and College Union (UCU), UNISON and Unite. Members of unions rejected a "miserly" 1% pay offer and say their income has fallen 13% in real terms over the past four years. Brett Crane, branch secretary of Unite, said: "Nobody wants to be giving up a day's pay before Christmas. But we feel there are some really important issues at stake. People's living standards are suffering, there's a lot of people this winter who will face choosing between turning the heating on or putting food on the table."

CITY POSTBAG: Relationship between fans and manager wearing thin

December 3, 2013, 1:52 pm

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EXETER City manager Paul Tisdale and his relationship with the fans is wearing a bit thin and without them he would not have a job. His applauding of the booing, after taking off our second best player David Wheeler, was ununacceptable. The substitution made no sense at all. Our best player was without doubt Matt Grimes, who stood head and shoulders above anyone else, followed by Tom Nichols – when he came on for the final 20 minutes he was excellent. He scored, he should have had a penalty, he had an effort cleared off the line and another went just wide and to be fair he should have scored the winner. Is it a coincidence that those three players are all youngsters? Let us see a few more young ones given a chance, we will probably see Nichols again in about three months' time. How some of the senior pros keep their place I don't know. As for Pat Baldwin being on the bench, that beats me too – he is our best defender by a mile. Some of the other players seem undropable no matter how badly they perform. Let's hope for a side full of passion, commitment and youth, with an attacking formation for the remainder of the season. Kenny Cleal Feniton I was interested to read your article on the barking fans during the Southend game in Thursday, November 21's edition of the Express & Echo. My seat is close to the dugouts and I believe the 'barking' was City fans impersonating Phil Brown barking out his orders to players on the pitch. You also mention the long balls going up to Sam Parkin. It has seemed obvious to me over the last several games that the only way our strikers stand any chance of scoring is by wingers taking the ball up to the byline and sending in crosses for them to run onto. R Greening Via e-mail Have your say! Leave your comments or responses to the letters above in the comments box below.

Exeter Cathedral seeks permission to extract stone from Beer Quarries

December 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

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IT has often been described as the 'jewel in Exeter's crown' and now it is likely to have a diamond tipped chain saw at its disposable. Exeter Cathedral is seeking planning permission from the county council to extract five cubic metres of stone each year for the next 10 years from the Beer Quarries. The cathedral's latest quinquennial has revealed that there are a number of restoration projects to be undertaken (a quinquennial is an inspection required every five years by the Church of England for every church building). If given approval, the stone will be removed between April and October to avoid disruption to bats. The restoration at the cathedral will allow it to take on two new stonemason apprentices.

Exeter police crackdown on school gate parking

December 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

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An Exeter Neighbourhood Team have started a campaign in response to complaints due to the parking around schools at drop off and pick up times. Parents have parked their cars across zig zags outside of school gates clearly endangering the children as they leave the school. Parents are also parking on pavements forcing the children to walk into the road and obstructing their view when they attempt to cross the road. PCSO Rich SHELTON has worked closely with Pinhoe Primary School and developed a poster which is shown below to highlight to parents the dangers caused by their parking. The majority of parents welcome the campaign with parents commenting that there have been several near misses due to the dangerous parking. PS Rob Bolt said: "The safety of school children is of paramount importance and it is disappointing that parents will endanger their childrens lives as they are not prepared to park safely." The neighbourhood beat team will be policing local schools to reinforce this campaign.

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A new record? Exeter man's 97 years in the same home

December 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

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WHEN the Echo asked if anyone could top Les Brailey's record of living in the same house for 92 years and 30 days, no one really expected it to be beaten. But it has – by no less than five years – by Edmund Miller, who lived in his house for 97 years. Sadly Mr Miller passed away on the very day the Echo featured Mr Brailey moving out of his Heavitree home. Mr Miller was born and brought up in Town End, Broadclyst, the house where his parents had lived all their lives. His daughter-in-law Anne Miller, who lives in Chancellors Way, Beacon Heath, said: "He was born in the house and went to school in Broadclyst before going on to work at the Silverton Mill. "He married local girl Mary, and they had a son called Michael, who is my husband. Mary died in 2002 and after that he lived on his own in the house. He was very independent and he loved his garden, and particularly his greyhounds. "He would walk them for miles, twice a day, and raced them at Exeter, Taunton and Bristol. He was quite successful at it and really enjoyed it. "After his wife died he was able to look after himself, cooked and washed, and we also went out there either to take him meals or bring him here. "I was a farmer's daughter and was working at Broadclyst House for the Molland-Hibbert family when I met Mike, who worked for the butchers and was delivering meat to the house. "Edmund was a bit of a loner really. I use to suggest he join some of the clubs in Broadclyst, but he wouldn't, saying they were for 'old people'. "He fell and broke his hip four years ago and stayed with us, but he wanted to go back home after just a few weeks. "You don't get people staying in one place the way you used to but having said that we have been here over 30 years and I am not moving." Mr Miller spent his last days at Hill Barton House and died aged 99. His Broadclyst home was a National Trust property.

Build a better A30, Osborne told before Autumn Statement

December 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

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The Chancellor should give priority to infrastructure projects that can deliver the greatest economic benefit, such as upgrading the A30 and A303, rather than providing funding to those next in the queue, according to one of the Westcountry's leading business figures. Tim Jones, chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Project, has backed a call from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for tomorrow's (Thursday) Autumn Statement to strategically choose schemes with greater potential to fuel economic growth. At present, priority is given to infrastructure projects, such as road and rail maintenance, according to their order in the pipeline. But Mr Jones, who is also chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, argues that by focusing first upon schemes such as improvements to the A303 and A30 – the second main highway between London and the South West – George Osborne will deliver greater economic benefit faster. He said: "It is exactly the type of regional investment we think would be absolutely essential... the payback would be huge." Giving priority to infrastructure schemes such as the upgrading of the second major highway between London and the South West would deliver the greatest economic benefit, the Chancellor has been warned ahead of tomorrow's Thursday Autumn Statement. Tim Jones, the chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, has backed a call from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the Government to prioritise infrastructure projects that will produce the biggest economic benefit rather than those that happen to be "next in queue". Currently, priority is given to projects, such as road and rail maintenance, according to their position in the infrastructure investment pipeline. However, Mr Jones and the RICS feel that a shift in emphasis would bring about the greatest economic reward. The Transport Secretary said last week (Nov 27) that making the case for upgrading the A303-A30-A358 "old London road" between Devon and Hampshire would "take time", with a feasibility study not expected to be complete before the 2015 general election. However, Mr Jones said the project would bring a pay back "20 times" the outlay. He said: "It is exactly the type of regional investment we think would be absolutely essential... the payback would be huge." The plea forms one of a number being made by the RICS to the Chancellor in what it is calling its Autumn Statement "wish list". It also backs a call from Lord Heseltine for the Government to empower Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and get the regional growth fund 'single pot' allocated to viable schemes. Jeremy Blackburn, head of policy at the RICS, said quality infrastructure development and maintenance projects can bring big economic benefits to the areas they serve. He said: "We would like to see this addressed and projects given the go-ahead based on their economic potential, not merely because they appear next in the infrastructure investment pipeline." "Legislation around business rates is still causing problems for the high street. What we require is regular revaluations to lower the burden on businesses." Simon Hendra, owner of Lemon Street Market in Truro and president of Truro Chamber of Commerce, said a business rate revision would stimulate town centres. He said: "Giving a business rate reduction for properties that are being refurbished would ensure they... are more attractive both externally and internally and raise the quality of the location."

Exeter triplets celebrate 18th birthdays

December 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

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Exeter triplets Richard, Michael and Lee Channing who each weighed less than a bag of sugar at birth, are celebrating their 18th birthdays today. The boys were a wonderful and early surprise for parents Jodie and Roger Channing. It was a dream-come-true for Jodie when she discovered she was pregnant for it followed three years of fertility treatment Initially she was expecting quadruplets and the couple's joy was cut short when doctors advised Jodie and her husband, Roger, to abort two of her babies to increase the chance of giving birth to twins. Part of the decision was taken out of the Exeter couple's hands when a heartbeat couldn't be found for one of the four at Jodie's third scan. Unable to choose between the remaining three, Jodie went ahead with the pregnancy — its outcome left to fate. Nearly 27 weeks into the pregnancy she went into labour. During the emergency caesarian, she gave birth to premature triplets. The babies were due on March 4 but were born on December 4 — three months premature. They held the record of being the most premature babies born in the world for six months, and missed out on a place in the Guinness Book of Records by just one day. Jodie didn't hold them until four days after their birth and it was a further three months before they could finally take them back to their Pinhoe home.

Father of "Devon country girl" Greenpeace activist speaks of shock

December 3, 2013, 4:00 pm

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The father of environmental activist Alex Harris has spoken of his shock at watching his "Devon country girl" daughter become the public face of the Greenpeace Arctic 30 campaign. Cliff Harris described the bizarre feeling of sitting at home in Winkleigh watching Alex, 27, tell the 10 o'clock news how she used a radiator pipe, a spoon and an alphabet code to communicate with her friends and keep herself going in a freezing Murmansk jail. The 63-year-old agronomist said when the family said goodbye to Alex in Norway in early September, all they were expecting was for the digital communications officer to have a little adventure and see the beauty of the Arctic for herself. "They were just going to highlight the dangers of oil drilling in the Arctic," her father told The Guardian. "It was quite a shock when we saw the footage of the Russians boarding the ship." Just before she left, she sent an email to Becky Mercer and some of her other university friends. "It's possible that we could be arrested," it said. "But it's a pretty low possibility. If you hear protesters have been arrested, that's not me. But if you hear that the crew have been arrested, then panic. LOL." According to her father, although Alex cares deeply about the environment, she could hardly be described as a direct activist. "When she was a young child, if ever there was a documentary or any news items about animals losing their habitat or facing extinction, she would watch it and you could see she was concerned about what she was hearing and seeing," he said. Graduating with a marketing degree from Bournemouth University, Alex worked in Abu Dhabi before taking a few months off to travel. On a visit to the Amazon she saw what oil spillages could do to an ecosystem. She has lived in Australia for the past four years and worked for Greenpeace for the last two. Despite the fact that six Britons – including Devon video journalist Kieron Bryan – remain in St Petersburg on bail, much of the attention has focused on Alex. In a letter sent to her parents in October she detailed her struggle to cope with life in an Arctic jail. "Being in prison is like slowly dying," she wrote, in a letter that put her at the heart of the campaign to free those held. "You literally wish your life away and mark off the days." Iain Rogers, from Exeter, and Kieron Bryan, from Shebbear were also thrown in jail. Mr Bryan met Alex for the first time as they boarded the Arctic Sunrise, only to discover that they had grown up a few miles from each other in North Devon. "I saw a picture of her in court looking so upset and that was really moving and really hard to take," he said, "but I kind of expected her to stay strong."

Plan to spot-list pavilion to save Exeter Cricket Club building

December 3, 2013, 4:02 pm

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WHILE Exeter Cricket Club is looking to build homes on part of its grounds to safeguard the future of the club this would involve the demolition of the current pavilion. There has however been an application for the pavilion to be listed. An English Heritage spokesman said: "We have received a request to spot-list the Exeter Cricket Pavilion. "We have carried out a site visit and are currently consulting on the building's historical and architectural interest with all those who have an involvement in the case. "There is no set time frame for dealing with listing cases but where a building is potentially under threat from demolition, we hope to submit our advice to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as quickly as possible." There is to be a public consultation on the plans for the cricket ground in the Flybe Suite at Exeter City Football Club between 3pm and 7pm on Friday, December 13 and from 10am to noon on Saturday, December 14.

Paul Tisdale third favourite for next Portsmouth manager

December 3, 2013, 4:05 pm

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Exeter City' boss Paul Tisdale has been linked to yet another manager job, this time at Portsmouth Town Football Club. The longest serving manager in the football League is currently third favourite for the job, with odds of just 4/1 with Bet Victor. Tis is favourite behind former Crawley Town manager Richard Barker and current Oxford United boss Chris wilder. Both managers are at 1/1 for the job. It was reported on Tuesday that Oxford United have given League Two rivals Portsmouth permission to speak to manager Chris Wilder. Tisdale was orignally at 40/1 but his odds dropped dramatically yesterday morning. Just last week Tisdale was linked to both Bristol City and Crawley Town. Former Portsmouth manager Guy Whittingham was sacked from Portsmouth in late November. Whittingham initially took charge of the Hampshire club on a temporary basis on 7 November 2012, following the departure of Michael Appleton to Blackpool. Exeter lost 3-2 to Portsmouth when they played them in November. Click the link above to read Tisdale's thoughts after the match.

Exeter staff and pupils hit the road in support of teacher

December 4, 2013, 4:00 pm

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STAFF, pupils and friends at Exeter's St James School have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity in support of a teacher. Staff from St James School took part in the Great West Run to raise money for Cancer Research UK in support of colleague and humanities teacher Paul Campbell who has been battling cancer since he was diagnosed in October 2011 with T cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The team of 14 staff, some of who had run before, others who were doing it for the first time, were joined by nine friends and ex-colleagues who were also running as part of Campbell's Crew – all wearing T-shirts donated by Trump Engineering. Staff and students of St James, also showed their support by raising £1,000 from a fun run, cake sale and non-uniform day in which they dressed up as their sporting heroes. Altogether, staff and students have raised close to £3,000. Paul has worked at St James for more than 17 years and said he wanted to thank everyone for their 'incredible efforts'. "I ran the GWR three years ago so know just how tough it is," he said. "I'm overwhelmed by how many colleagues, friends and family have committed themselves to run it, especially as I know that a number of them aren't regular runners. "I'd really like to thank them and for the support they are showing for me and my family. "I think it says something about the compassion of a school when something like this happens. Fighting cancer is obviously never an easy thing to deal with, but it has shown me how blessed I am to have such amazing friends and family around me for support. It makes the fight that little bit easier." Paul was diagnosed with T cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma two years ago, and was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, before going into remission six months later. Unfortunately, the cancer came back in December 2012. Paul underwent a stem cell transplant at the Bristol Royal Infirmary that involved three months of chemotherapy and body and cranial irradiation, which strips the body of its immune system to make way for the donor stem cells to replace his own. Paul is now recovering from the transplant, which is a slow process, but his doctors are pleased with his progress. Moira Marder, headteacher at St James, said: "I am so proud of the staff and students for raising money for such a fantastic cause. "Paul has been an important part of the St James success story and we are so pleased to see him fighting back to full fitness." Anyone wishing to show their support can visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/campbellscrew

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In Court: Cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court

December 4, 2013, 4:00 pm

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Every week, the Echo will list the results of cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court. As these details are in the public domain, please do not contact us asking if we will leave cases out. Lee Greenham, @ 33, of Browning Close, Wonford, Exeter, has been banned from driving for 44 months after pleading guilty to drink driving and other motoring offences. On November 22 he drove a Ford Transit van on Litchfield Road in Exeter and was found to have a reading of 83mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, that exceeded the prescribed limit. He also admitted driving without the proper licence and insurance and failing to stop at the scene of an accident when damage was caused to another vehicle. He was also given a community order to carry out 100 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay a victim surcharge and costs totalling £145. Ian Mahoney, @ 35, @ of Woodfield Cottage, Torquay, has admitted destroying a mattress in Exeter worth £90 belonging to Devon and Cornwall Police. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting police community support officer Emma Crane in the execution of her duty. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge for the offences and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge. Brian McCurry, @ 35, of Patches Road, Tiverton, has been fined £200 after pleading guilty to driving a Mitsubishi car on Park Hill on May 20 without the proper insurance. He must also pay £60 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for six months because of repeat offending. Peter Thorpe, @ 33, of Newport Street, Tiverton, has admitted damaging a police car belonging to Devon and Cornwall Police in Tiverton on September 28. He was fined £100 in addition to £50 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Joshua Wilson, @ 20, of Exe Street, Exeter, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour during an incident in Exeter on September 30. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Ceri Freeman, @ 34, of Scott Avenue, Exeter was given a suspended prison sentence by magistrates. She pleaded guilty to three charges. The first was that between October 31, 2011, and May 6, 2013, she failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances she knew would affect her entitlement to income support, namely that she was maintaining a common household with Kenneth Bones, who was in employment. The second charge relates to claims for housing and council tax benefit between October 31 and May 6 while the third relates to claims for jobseeker's allowance between August 2, 2012, and May 1, 2013. He was given 18 weeks in prison for each offence, to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months. Magistrates said this was because it involved "substantial amount of money over a long period of time" and she was in "full knowledge" that she was not entitled to the benefits. She was also given a three-month curfew. Martin Ratty, @ 46, of Pondhu Crescent, St Austell, has been fined and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £492 after being caught breaking the 70mph speed limit on the A30 at Okehampton on May 24. Matthew Bailey, @ 31, of The Seasons, Exeter, stole 12 bottles of Standard Russian vodka, worth £120, from Sainsbury's in Exeter on November 15. He was given a community order to attend Engage for 10 days. He must also pay £120 compensation but no order was made for costs. Nathan Belmont, @ 41, of Farm Hill, Exeter, has admitted intentionally exposing his genitals on October 4, "intending that someone would seen them and be caused alarm or distress". He was given a community order to attend appointments with a responsible officer. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and £85 costs. Brian Carter, @ 65, of Woolsery Avenue, Exeter, has admitted stealing a purse with £30 to £50 cash, bank cards and a driving licence. Magistrates gave him a 12-month conditional discharge and he must also pay £50 compensation, costs of £50 and a £15 victim surcharge. Daniel Carthew, @ 32, of Summerway, Exeter, has been given a six-month conditional discharge after he admitted being in possession of 6.14g of cannabis, a controlled class B drug, in Exeter on July 21. He was also made to pay a £15 victim surcharge and an order was made for the drugs to be destroyed. James Plant, @ 26, of Mayflower Close, Dartmouth, must carry out 60 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months after admitting assaulting a male victim in Exeter on September 29. He was also ordered to pay £60 compensation. No separate penalty was given to the additional charges of possession of 0.3g of cannabis and threatening and abusive behaviour. Lauren Willdigg, @ 18, of Holly Road, Exeter, has been fined £70 after pleading guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour during an incident in Exeter on 26 October. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20. Ashley Williams, @ 22, of Clarence Road, Exeter, has admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Exeter on October 26. He was fined £165 and must pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Nicola Buttler, @ 35, of Bampton Street, Tiverton, has been banned from driving for 28 months after being caught over the legal drink drive limit. She was stopped on October 27 at Bickleigh and gave a reading of 115mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. In addition to her ban she must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months. She must also pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £145. William Clarke, @ 33, of no fixed abode, admitted stealing a bottle of Smirnoff vodka from Tesco in Exeter on November 1. he was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay a victim surcharge of £15. Sonia Gibbings, @ 41, of Beacon Avenue, Exeter, has admitted causing harassment, alarm, or distress to another that was racially aggravated. She must now carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £60. Rickey Noakes, @ 19, of College View, Tiverton, has admitted a charge that on August 14 in Tiverton he damaged a window of the Flying Pickle worth £75. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must also pay compensation of £100 and a £15 victim surcharge.

Shop owner demands change to rates policy

December 4, 2013, 4:00 pm

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AN East Devon independent businesswoman claims the Government's policy to not to reassess business rates more frequently could force her out of business. Katy Gooding, who has run bespoke vintage shop What Katy Did on Budleigh Salterton High Street says she and other small, independent business owners are at risk of losing their livelihoods under the current scheme. Business Rates – the tax businesses pay to their local authority – are set by the Government's Revenue and Customs department. The amount is calculated by using a rateable value based on the annual rent a business holder pays – so the higher the rent, the higher the business rates are. Current rateable values broadly represent the yearly rent that a property could be let for on the open market April 2008. But Katy, a former teacher, said that around six months after moving into the shop in 2011 her rent was almost halved. She explained that had her business rates been reassessed she would be eligible for a 100 per cent discount, saving her hundreds of pounds each year. However instead, because the reassessments are only made every five years, Katy is having to pay almost £2,000 a year (which takes account of a 50 per cent rate relief). Furthermore, the next reassessment has been pushed back another four years to 2017. Those businesses whose rent have gone up however will benefit. Katy has criticised the Government scheme calling for more frequent assessments and accused East Devon District Council for not doing more to help independent businesses. "I feel absolutely desperate," said the 39-year-old. "If a business's rent decreases, like mine has, this should be reflected in the business rates immediately, not in years down the line. "Budleigh is a thriving town full of independent shops which is something to be proud of. "People come from far and wide to my shop and many say it's so nice to have something like this in a place as nice as Budleigh, but I'm not going to be here much longer if I don't start getting help." Katy explained that she is struggling to break-even, her monthly out goings, including rent, business rates and bills often more than what her income is. "It's been a nightmare," she continued adding that she has found the council to be "unsympathetic" to her plight while acknowledging that their "hands are tied". "I'd like to see the council be more proactive in helping small businesses," she continued. "But what I'm given are court summons letters." Katy said she has been forced to look for a part time job in order to keep the shop going and cover her own mortgage and house bills. "If it wasn't for my landlord being so understanding, I'd have gone a long time ago," she added. "I'm fortunate that my landlord wants me to succeed and believes I have a good business. "I know other people who aren't so lucky. "The stress it's causing me is unbelievable and puts a strain on your relationships. "Small businesses aren't being nurtured the way they should be by the Government and that's why high streets are dying." A district council spokesperson, added: "The council is proactive in encouraging take-up of Small Business Rate Relief when a property's rateable value meets the qualifying criterion. "We also try to help struggling businesses by referring them to BIP – an independent enterprise agency that provides support for small businesses – for information and advice."

Appeal launched to help typhoon victim rebuild life

December 4, 2013, 4:04 pm

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Fran McElhonenew pics on grid of keith clearing the schoolTHE brother of a former Exmouth English teacher whose home and school he founded in the Philippines were devastated in Typhoon Haiyan, has launched an appeal to help him rebuild his life. After re-training as a teacher of English as a foreign language, well known Exmouth businessman Keith Wakefield, 61, moved to the Philippines six years ago where he founded the English Language Academy. About 10,000 people are thought to have died in Tacloban City out of a total of nine million affected across the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Keith's school, which occupied rooms in the ground floor of a building in Tacloban was destroyed when the typhoon, one of the most powerful storms on record to make landfall, struck last month. Through the pages of the Echo, Keith also described how his home which he shared with his Filipina wife and adopted 20-year-old daughter was destroyed in the disaster. He explained how he thought they may have died as he and his neighbours huddled in the 20ft shipping container which was all that remained of their family home. Keith's brother John from Exmouth who works as a porter at the university has set up an appeal fund which has already raised a few hundred pounds. Every penny will go on funding new equipment to get the school, which has around 30 students including nurses, up-and-running again and help Keith rebuild his life. "We knew a typhoon was going to hit the country," recalled John. "But for four days we heard nothing because Keith had no way of communicating, so we didn't know if he and his family were alive or dead. "It was terrible. I was trawling the internet for any information I could find and contacting anyone I could think of who may have heard how he was. "Finally we heard that they were alive but that their house, which they built around a large container, had been destroyed and he and about 15 others were living in there." John explained that his family rallied round and sent Keith some money to keep him going, but as he and his wife, who was a computer technician at the school, have both lost their livelihoods, they need to get the school up and running as soon as possible. "Everything was destroyed in the typhoon," he continued. "All the school's equipment has gone and the ground floor is full of sludge." John said he's asked Keith for a list of items that are most needed to open the school again. He said he hasn't set a target but hundreds, if not thousands of pounds are needed. He explained that the relief effort is progressing slowly out there and aid is not always readily available. "All Keith had left after the storm was a pair of flip flops and a pair of wellington boots," he added. He's one of those people that if he's given £100 or a bag of rice, he'll make sure everyone around him is okay too.." John said there are currently six of them living in the container which was one room in the house they constructed around it but was washed away. To donate to the English Language Academy Relief Fund there is a Nationwide Building Society account in the name of John Wakefield set up at the Exmouth branch with the sort code: 070246 and account number: 42754563. Anyone who knew Keith personally and wants to donate directly to him should use the same account but also email John at, johnhwakefield@talktalk.net.

Councillor 'shocked' at confidentiality accusations

December 4, 2013, 4:08 pm

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A LONGSTANDING East Devon councillor said he was left "shell shocked" following a meeting where he was accused of a breach of confidentiality. At the full council meeting of Ottery St Mary on Monday, December 2, the majority of councillors voted that independent councillor of 22 years, Roger Giles was guilty of divulging information deemed confidential by fellow members. The matter related to a planing meeting held on November 18, when councillors agreed that information about a developer's interest in building on land at West Hill should be kept confidential – an item that was not listed on the agenda. As previously reported by the Echo, Persimmon Homes has since confirmed its intention to submit a planning application for houses in the village. Following the planning meeting, Cllr Giles informed district and county councillor for the ward, Claire Wright about the town council's plans to meet with the developer. However this information was deemed confidential by fellow town councillors. At Monday's full council meeting a vote was taken that Cllr Giles be suspended from the planning committee. However this motion was defeated. Cllr Giles, who said he felt "bullied" at the meeting, remains adamant that councillors should not be discussing plans for development in private and that he did not think he was in breach of confidence by passing the information on to the district ward member. "The planning meeting in November was improperly held in the first place as the item was not even on the agenda," he said. "But in all innocence I spoke to Cllr Wright about the plans for the council to meet with the developer believing that I was perfectly entitled to do so. "This information should not be confidential anyway," he added. Cllr Giles said he asked for the minutes of the future meeting due to be held with the developer to be made public but this was refused. The mayor and deputy mayor were unavailable for comment.

A letter from Mel Stride: Tories out in force to secure EU vote

December 4, 2013, 4:08 pm

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FRIDAYS in Westminster are given over to Private Members Bills. These PMBs are sponsored by individual MPs but due to the lack of time allocated to them seldom become law. So Fridays in Parliament are usually poorly attended with most MPs going to their constituencies. Last Friday was an exception – on the Conservative benches at least – as we continue to promote James Wharton's Private Member's Bill to secure a referendum on our membership of the EU. Virtually every Conservative MP was present, with barely a dozen of the other parties' MPs turning up. Due to determined time management and two previous Friday sittings, last week Conservatives managed to get the Bill through its various stages in the Commons. Next is the House of Lords where the legislation will go through the same stages as in the Commons before being returned to our House for further debate. The likelihood is that Labour and the Lib Dems will kill the Bill in the Lords. The importance of a referendum on our membership of the EU is vital. We have been drawn ever further into a federalist super-state that many of my constituents feel is far removed from the concerns of local people. So why though if this issue is so important are we relying on the precarious route of a PMB to try to deliver a referendum? The answer is that the Conservatives do not have a majority – we govern in coalition – and neither Labour or our Lib Dem partners are willing to give the people their say. Even if the Bill does fail in the Lords, I am proud that my party will have done all that it possibly can, within this parliament, to deliver a referendum. RECENTLY I met with the Devon Association of Primary Headteachers to discuss fair funding for Devon schools. With 46 state schools in my constituency and with my particular interest in education I fight very hard in this area. Devon has been near the bottom of the funding league table for a long time now – and my own campaigning on this issue goes back seven years to well before I became an MP, when I spent many hours pounding the streets raising signatures for a major petition to Number 10. Now that I am working more closely at the centre of government, I have been in a good place to continue my lobbying. It is a big mistake for anyone to assume that rural areas are just comfortable places that do not need robust funding. Sparsity of population and smaller school sizes mean higher costs. Children in my constituency are just as important as those living in inner cities. The signals that I am currently getting from ministers are that we might have better times from April 2015 – in the meantime I will continue to pile on the pressure. PARLIAMENT was recently in recess for a few days, which gave me valuable additional time in the constituency. In Widecombe-in-the-Moor I joined a consultation on local healthcare hosted by the local Clinical Commissioning Group – this new body is led by GPs and will commission local care services. A number of residents made important contributions. The following day I visited Dartmoor Prison to join a prisoners' discussion group, tour the training facilities and catch up with the governor. I have a growing interest in prisoner rehabilitation and recently led my own debate on this in the Commons. Then I was off to a fundraising lunch with Ann Widdecombe as speaker. Ann was hugely entertaining covering everything from EU referendums to what they do with the dresses after they have been used on Strictly Come Dancing. Along with holding four MP advice surgeries I visited Clive Parker Opticians in Bovey Tracey where I learned more about the ways in which local optometrists can help to identify health conditions. That evening I met the Devon Association of Primary Headteachers in Okehampton to discuss fairer funding for Devon schools. Based on my lobbying in Westminster I am hopeful that Devon will fare better from 2015. In Moretonhampstead I held a meeting at the local hospital. There is huge concern in the area that the hospital's beds remain closed and there now needs to be a fully informed debate about future services. I also visited an affordable housing scheme in Okehampton along with Okehampton Golf Club to discuss their plans for encouraging younger people to participate. My visit concluded with a tree planting at Morchard Bishop, ably assisted by children from the local primary. It reminded me of the 'Plant a Tree in 73' campaign – which only seems like yesterday!