Approval granted for main road for new phase of development at Cranbrook

December 10, 2013, 2:42 am

≫ Next: Superb fightback sees Willand through in cup

≪ Previous: Tisdale feels Exeter City could be at start of fine form

$

0

0

Planning approval has been granted for the extension of a main road which will open up the second phase of the development of the new community of Cranbrook in East Devon. East Devon District Council has approved the 'detailed plans' for using £6m for roads and infrastructure needed to develop a new town centre, which will enable work to start in earnest early next year. This work is a key part of the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA's) £20 million investment to ensure the pace building of new homes in Cranbrook is maintained. The remaining £14m of funds will support the construction of a new secondary school and a second primary school as part of the next phase of Cranbrook's development. Access and layout details have been approved for the alignment of the main route that will link the phase one Younghayes area with the secondary school and second primary school for Cranbrook which gained planning approval in March this year. East Devon District Council Leader Cllr Paul Diviani said: "We have worked hard to ensure the funds pledged by Government have been acted upon swiftly and efficiently. We will have over 500 homes in the initial Younghayes phase of Cranbrook by Christmas. Given that the first households didn't move in until July 2012 that's pretty impressive progress. "Cranbrook sits in one of the most dynamic growth areas in England, providing the opportunity to live close to the workplace, and is in line with our vision to be a major player in the knowledge industry and drive up quality employment opportunities. This is not an opportunity waiting to happen; we are getting on with it!" The route will link across the Country Park and through the area of the planned town centre. The approval also includes details of a new junction onto the B3174 (former A30) to provide a direct route into the planned town centre. Further details of materials and landscaping along the route will be provided under current and future planning applications. With the layout and access of the route approved, preliminary work on the main road linking Younghayes (phase one of Cranbrook) to what will become phase two of Cranbrook can start straight away. This investment in infrastructure is expected to accelerate the pace of the delivery of new homes from 300 a year to up to 500. Steve Jackson, HCA Area Manager, said: "This is a great way to end an exciting year for Cranbrook, which continues to attract families into the hundreds of newly completed homes. This latest approval means we will be starting 2014 as we have ended this one, and people can expect to see partners building on the progress that has been made. These are exciting times for Cranbrook and it is good to see our investment is making a difference on the ground." Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, added: "The County Council is pleased to see the new community at Cranbrook progressing at pace, with approximately 500 homes already completed and occupied in the Younghayes area of the new town. The approval of the route is another example of how the public and private sectors in Devon are working in partnership to deliver strategic infrastructure projects. The main local route will provide the spine of the new community, linking the Younghayes area to the new education campus, which will feature primary and secondary schools, and enable the new town centre and other community facilities to come forward. This is an exciting new phase in the continuing development of Cranbrook which is key to providing homes and economic development in the county." Nick Duckworth of Hallam Land Management on behalf of the New Community Partners commented: "We are delighted that the last three years hard work, and effective delivery with our partners EDDC, DCC and HCA, has been rewarded with a further funding allocation which will allow us to deliver on the future educational and recreational needs of the new community and its residents much earlier than would otherwise have been the case. In addition, during 2014 we expect the Neighbourhood Shops to be open as well as the railway station. 2014 looks to be a busy and exciting year!"

---

Superb fightback sees Willand through in cup

December 11, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Compensation offer turned into demand for £4,700

≪ Previous: Approval granted for main road for new phase of development at Cranbrook

$

0

0

Willand Rovers produced one of the comebacks of the season to reach the quarter-finals of the Graddon Vending Devon Premier Cup with a sensational 7-5 victory at Exwick Villa. The South West Peninsula League Division One East leaders were left dumbfounded after losing a 4-1 lead to a Willand side which defied belief. Nathan Haskins was the Rovers star with a hat-trick, withJosh Luxon and Aiden Moyle bagging doubles. A scratch Tiverton Town side beat Stoke Gabriel 4-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 at their Peninsula League hosts. Ben Ashford earned the Yellows extra time and they held their nerve to convert all four penalties. The most polished performance came from Newtown, who completed the trio of teams to beat higher-league oppoents when they won 3-0 at Okehampton Argyle. Niall Powell, Chris Phillips and Ash Barker scored for the current Premier Division leaders, who were missing six members of their regular side. Only Feniton went out, losing 1-0 at Brixham, but they put up a brilliant effort only to be denied by a stunning performance from the Brixham keeper. In the Premier Division, St Martins routed Heavitree United 10-2 at Wingfield Park to close within three points of leaders Newtown. It was a demoralising debut for new Heavitree manager Graham Bedford against his former club, but Saints were in demonic form, with Ace High getting four goals. The remainder came from Andy Brooks, Nathan Melton, Kevin Pike, Richard Pears, Dax Vincent and Johnny Walkey. Kenny Smith and Scott Jones were the Heavitree scorers. Hatherleigh won 4-0 at Beer Albion, with Luke Reynolds, Mark Lake, Alex Berry and Robert Cockwill scoring, while Thorverton came from behind to beat the University 2-1, with Adam Darcy-Wilson netting both goals. Topsham Town and Budleigh Salterton shared a goalless draw and the star man for Topsham was 16-year-old Nathan Antat making his debut. Budleigh's Carl Wilson was red carded but stand-in keeper Joe Sellick had a terrific match. It finished 1-1 between Seaton Town and Chard Town. Bow AAC made the Firewatch Devon Senior Cup quarter-finals with a 5-1 win over Plymstock. Four-goal Kieran Stone and Chris Leach were Bow's scorers. Honiton Town beat Halwill 4-2, with Tim Genders (2), Shaun Cox and Brad Groves scoring. South Zeal lost 7-6 on penalties at Ashwater after drawing 2-2 – Harley Cann hit both goals. Pinhoe lost in extra time 2-1 at East Allington, and Exmouth Town were put out 2-0 by Park United. In Division One, Elmore beat Exmouth Amateurs 7-1 as Kieran Rapo (2), Kevin Mills (2), Jordan Copp, Jordan O'Leary and Callum Old scored. Sidbury United won 3-0 at neighbours East Budleigh, while Witheridge went third with a 3-0 win against Tipton St John. Tom Williams (2) and Ciaron Lishman were Withy's scorers. Alphington beat Cullompton 6-3 in an entertaining contest. Ryan Moody (2), Brad Phillips, Carl Stackman, Adam Hart and man-of-the-match Jake Hopton scored. James Parker (2) and manager Paul Dugard replied for Rangers. Heavitree United drew 2-2 at the University, with Dexter Booth netting both, but Beacon Knights went down 2-0 at Wellington. Bickleigh were relieved to get two late goals to win 3-1 at Newton Poppleford, whose Mark Tett scored their only goal. In Division Two, Dolphin edged Topsham Town 3-2, with Jimmy Lee-Shaw (2) and Daniel Hall getting them home. Mark Seward had both Topsham goals. Newton St Cyres beat Culm 8-3, with Carl Todd, Tom Keating and Dave Burt scoring for Culm. Clyst Valley won 3-0 against Colyton, with Steve Brown (2) and Ben Barlow scoring, a result emulated by Lympstone against Exwick Villa. Dawlish and Westexe drew 2-2, with Lee Woodman and Tez Singleton on target for Rovers. Upottery won 4-2 at the University in Division Three, while Hemyock were held 2-2 at Sidmouth. Newtown lost 3-1 at Chagford, whose Andrew Davis, Paul Penberthy and Tom Stanbury scored. Division Four leaders Axmouth United won 3-0 at Winkleigh, while the Lords XI lost 1-0 at Newtown. Cheriton Fitzpaine lost 6-4 to Thorverton while Awliscombe drew 0-0 at the University. A Phil Greenslade hat-trick earned Division Five leaders Morchard Bishop a 3-1 win over Dawlish United, while Lapford won 7-1 against Seaton Town. Shane Leach (2), Dan Tucker, Josh Williams, Jack Weeks, Dom Stapleton and Toby Parker scored for Lapford. Bow drew 1-1 at Amory Park Rangers thanks to a Jamie Jackman goal, and Feniton did likewise against Countess Wear. Shane Tregale and Matt Dowling hit the goals. Ricky Baker, Ricky Lait and Lee Phillips were the Westexe scorers in their 3-0 victory over Beer. In Division Six, Fluxton secretary and Oliver Paget scored a hat-trick in the 10-0 win over Amory Green Rovers and then changed into his wedding suit before his marriage to Amelia an hour later. Other Fluxton goals came from James Santer (2), Stephen Howe (2), Richard Rapps, Graham Hughes and Matt Sercombe. Honiton Town were held 1-1 by Ottery St Mary, while Stoke Hill beat Newton St Cyres 4-2 with Dan Fleming, Robert Fleming, Alan Sowden and James Tooley scoring. Mike Rowley and Ricardo Ramos were the Silverton marksmen in their 2-1 win against Exwick Village. In Division Seven, Alphington won 2-0 at Offwell Rangers via Josh Hole and Adam Westle goals, while Kentisbeare won 4-0 at Newtown thanks to a Carlos Paive hat-trick and Kris Roper. Langdon won 2-1 at the Met Office, whose Leighton Curtis scored. Division Eight leaders Alphington beat Open Space International 6-5, while Shane Mears hit a hat-trick for Bickleigh who beat Bampton 6-0. Lee Butler (2) and Alex Greening also scored. Henry's Cronies beat Bradninch 2-1 and reach the area semi-finals of the Devon Intermediate Cup. Niall Martin and Ryan Burrows were the Cronies' scorers. Otterton won 6-1 at neighbours Woodbury, with Kev Pitt claiming a hat-trick. Lee Mitchell, Ben Yoemans and Ryan Mitchell scored. Langdon won 4-1 at St Martins, and Starcross Generals came through 3-2 after extra time against Uplowman, whose Ben Galloway scored to add to an own goal to earn them an added 30 minutes.

Compensation offer turned into demand for £4,700

December 11, 2013, 7:03 am

≫ Next: Police release cctv after man allegedly touches schoolgirl on Exmouth to Exeter bus

≪ Previous: Superb fightback sees Willand through in cup

$

0

0

A timeshare owner who went to a meeting to discuss how she could sue for compensation was asked to hand over £4,700 to save her family from being ruined by spiraling charges. Customer Anne MacDougall was warned that the £250 annual maintenance fee on her timeshare in Gran Canaria was likely to increase to £28,000 in a decade unless she bought her way out of the contract. Mrs MacDougall told a jury at Exeter Crown Court how they became suspicious about what was happening at a meeting with an Exeter based consultancy. They refused to hand over any money to Devon Based Associates, which operated out of serviced offices in Marsh Barton. Former timeshare salesmen Michael Girvin and Niel Mendoza are on trial accused of running a scam in which they overcharged desperate owners to get them out of timeshares they no longer wanted. Both men had previously worked for St Francis Marketing, of which Girvin was director and Mendoza sales manager. The jury have been told that Girvin admitted three offences after the collapse of the company and Mendoza was not prosecuted. The Crown allege they went back into business with a scam in which they got unhappy timeshare owners through their door with the promise of legal action but then overcharging them for a service in which they bought themselves out of their contracts to avoid future service charges. Mrs MacDougall said she wanted to get rid of her timeshare because her two children had died tragically, one from cancer and another in an accident, and the holiday home held painful memories. She said she was contacted by an organisation which claimed to be organising a class action against timeshare companies and travelled to Devon to attend a meeting in Exeter. She was told any court action would have to wait until 75,000 claimants were registered and not to expect any money from it for three years. She and her husband were then joined by a man who took their contract to a back room where he said it was studied by lawyers. He returned and warned them that their family faced an indefinite financial millstone from maintenance charges. Mrs McDougall said:"He said if we died our children would be responsible in perpetuity. I was a bit annoyed and told him they would be hard pressed to get money out of my children because they were both dead. "He said there were other relatives they would go after and he did calculations for the maintenance charges and came up with a figure of £28,000. I could not see how it could go up from £250 to £28,000 in 20 years. "By that stage we had been there for two hours and we were feeling a bit brainwashed. He said he would go away and speak to the people on Gran Canaria. "We thought that was odd because we knew they did not work at weekends and this was a Saturday. When he came back he said they had confirmed the maintenance fees but said if we handed over £4,700 he could get us out. "My husband said something to the effect he was daft. My husband was quite angry. We had given up the whole morning and he thought it was a lot of nonsense and said so. "He said we just did not believe it and he was adamant there was no way we were going to pay then any money. I knew there was a catch. If we knew we were going to be asked for money we would never have gone there." Girvin, aged 53, of Salterton Road, Exmouth, and Mendoza, aged 59, of Cordery Road, Exeter, deny fraudulent trading and three charges of breaching consumer protection legislation. They say they were offering a genuine business service and did not mislead customers at any stage.

Police release cctv after man allegedly touches schoolgirl on Exmouth to Exeter bus

December 11, 2013, 7:31 am

≫ Next: New Alphington Road Co-op creates 14 jobs

≪ Previous: Compensation offer turned into demand for £4,700

$

0

0

Police in Exmouth have issued a CCTV Image of a man they wish to speak to following an incident on a bus. The incident occurred between 7.30am and 7.45am on Wednesday 4th December on a number 57 bus whilst it travelled from Exmouth to Exeter. The victim, a schoolgirl, was travelling on the top deck of the bus when a male suspect engaged her in conversation and coaxed her to sit with him. Whilst he talked to her he constantly stroked the girl's leg whilst making comments. This continued until other passengers got onto the bus. The suspect is described as being aged between 20 and 30 years, with a foreign accent. He wore a green/grey beanie hat. Police would like to hear from anyone who either recognises this man or was travelling on the bus at the time. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference KE/13/2885.

New Alphington Road Co-op creates 14 jobs

December 11, 2013, 7:44 am

≫ Next: Pears eyes 'must-win game' for Exmouth Town

≪ Previous: Police release cctv after man allegedly touches schoolgirl on Exmouth to Exeter bus

$

0

0

14 jobs have been created with the opening of The Southern Co-operative's new store in Alphington Road, Exeter. This was officially opened by the charity, Voluntary Organisation for Young people and Children (VOYC Devon) with the help of store manager Rob Gillings (6 December). Rob said: "With a good range of produce including an in store bakery, plus newspapers and magazines, an ATM, paypoint and ample free parking, we hope that our new store will prove to be a convenient stopping point for locals needing to top up their food shopping." He added: "The shop is housed in such an attractive old building which was originally a Georgian merchant's mansion house. It stands out and is full of character, and The Southern Co-operative was careful to preserve the historic part of the building, doing a very sympathetic restoration as it is of local historic interest." Customers have the chance to win £150 vouchers to spend at the store, which is open 7am-11pm daily, simply by giving their feedback about it by 20 December. The Southern Co-operative donated £500 to VOYC as a thank you for opening the store. VOYC Devon is a well respected specialist infrastructure network for those voluntary and community sector groups that work with and for children and young people in Devon. VOYC President, Robin Wakinshaw, said: "We very much welcome the support of The Southern Co-operative as this money will go towards the Devon Children and Young People's Awards on 26 June next year. We have a group of young people from Exeter who have agreed to lead the planning and running of the event and they will be delighted to have received the backing of The Southern Co-operative in this venture." The Southern Co-operative, which is an independent society owned by its members with over 180 shops across southern England, also recently opened a store in Buddle Lane, Exeter.

Pears eyes 'must-win game' for Exmouth Town

December 11, 2013, 7:45 am

≫ Next: Tiegnmouth face Stoke Gabriel in crunch clash

≪ Previous: New Alphington Road Co-op creates 14 jobs

$

0

0

Richard Pears has labelled Saturday's visit from Tavistock a 'must-win' game as they look to get their title challenge back on track. Exmouth briefly led the South West Peninsula League Premier Division standings, but a 2-2 home draw with Ivybridge – which saw Ton thrown away a two-goal lead – and a week of not playing has seen them drop to fourth. Pears says a win is vital against fourth-from-bottom Tavistock, particularly with a crunch game against Plymouth Parkway to follow a week later. "It is a must-win game for us. We have slipped down to fourth in the table so it is vital we win on our return to league action," said Pears, whose side played a friendly against Bideford last night (Wednesday). "We need three points and then we need to get ready to throwing everything at Plymouth Parkway – the kitchen sink, the toilet, everything. "Having not played and slipping down the table does put extra pressure on us. "It was a break we certainly could have done without and I'd always rather have points on the board than games in hand." Despite looking ahead to the Parkway game, Pears – who should have a fully-fit squad for the game – insists he is not looking too far ahead. "We will not be taking anything for granted though on Saturday. That is what I will be telling the lads - we will be going full steam ahead," he said. "They will probably be defensive so it will be up to us to open the doors." Elsewhere, Elmore's Pete Buckingham feels striker James Blake 'owes' Saturday's opponents Launceston something as it was in the corresponding fixture earlier this season in which he picked up a serious injury. Blake limped out of the 2-0 defeat to Launceston in early-August, and was later diagnosed with a combination of medial knee ligament damage and a hairline fracture of a tibia. He returned to action in late October but has been in fine form since and scored twice – including a 90th-minute penalty to draw the 10-man Eagles level – in their 2-2 draw at Tavistock. "We are away to Launceston next and ironically that was the game Blakey picked up his injury in so he definitely owes them one," he said. "Having Blake back has certainly made a difference to us, while Lee Radford has also made a good impact for us since he joined. Also, we have only lost once in the last six so we have to be pleased with that." Cullompton Rangers manager Mike Taylor admits his side need to find the net more often ahead of their trip to Ivybridge Town. Taylor's men lost a keenly-contested derby 2-1 to rivals Witheridge on Saturday, but should have scored more given their levels of possession. "I think we are desperate for a goal and that is the honest assessment of it," said Taylor. "I think sometimes we rush things and we are a little bit rash at times because we are desperate to score. We do need a little bit more composure in that final third, but it will come." Jack Towill scored Cully's only goal of the match 15 minutes. Kyle Bassett and Dave Rowe netted for Withy, and manager Chris Vinnicombe was particularly impressed with the latter's strike. Rowe hit a first-time left-footed that flew into the top corner from 35 yards. "It is probably goal of the century from our point of view," said Vinnicombe. "Dave Rowe never comes up with many goals, but when he does score they are normally good and that one will probably go down in anyone's book as goal of the season. "He doesn't really score a lot in training either. He is normally at the back or defending where he should be, so for him to pop up with a strike like that is definitely one to savour." Bovey Tracey visit Torpoint Athletic having lost 1-0 at home to Elburton Villa last time out.

Tiegnmouth face Stoke Gabriel in crunch clash

December 11, 2013, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Banned Safer Sex ball relaunched at Exeter University after CCTV footage scandal

≪ Previous: Pears eyes 'must-win game' for Exmouth Town

$

0

0

Teignmouth joint-player manager Geoff Breslan admits his side can't afford to slip up this weekend at home to title favourites Stoke Gabriel if they hold genuine hopes of winning the league. The Teigns, who sit second in the table, head into the match in an excellent vein of form, having last tasted defeat in the league in August. The Fishermen remain favourites for the title as they trail the Teigns by just two points with three games in hand. And Breslan feels that, while defeat would all but end their title hopes, victory would keep them alive. "It is a big game if we seriously want to win the league. We can't really afford to drop any more points if we do," he said. "If we can beat Stoke and win a few more then maybe we will give ourselves a chance. "Even if we do win though it does not automatically mean we are going to win the league. There is all to play for and every point is very precious. "If they beat us and win their games in hand they could be 10 points clear of us. That would be a tall ask for anyone, even Exwick Villa who I do not think are as strong as Stoke. "Saturday is a chance for us to pit ourselves against the best in the league because I think whoever finishes above them will win it." The Teigns – who should be at full strength for the clash – head into the match in fine fettle, having defeated Plymouth Parkway Reserves 2--1 on Saturday in the third round of the Devon Premier Cup thanks to Hayden Roe's double. It was arguably Alphington who secured the best result of the weekend as they warmed up for their clash at Sidmouth Town with an 8-1 walloping of Galmpton United. Amazingly, it was the hosts who took the lead as the Alphas struggled early in the contest, but they roared back with doubles from Pete Darke, Ryan Leverton, Tom Bath and Franz Garhrdsson, leaving joint-player manager Shaun Lyne-Ley understandably delighted. "Their manager summed it up well afterwards by saying that they were slightly off-colour but we were absolutely on fire," he said. "It was an incredible game and we could have scored more in all honestly, although we were actually a goal down and struggling after 20 minutes and Sean Adderley cleared one off the line. "There were some outstanding performances. Our captain Gary Wills really came of age for us after stepping won from Peninsula Premier level while Sean Adderley alongside him in midfield was also superb. "We have shown glimpses of that in games and looked very positive but this time it just clicked." Opponents Sidmouth had their fine recent run ended by Newton Abbot Spurs, who scored a last-minute winner through Joe Andrews. Adam Dyson had earlier scored for Spurs – who host Appledore on Saturday – only for Jake Boyland to level from the spot after Andy Isaac had earlier missed from 12 yards. Despite that setback, and Alphington's astonishing win, Lyne-Ley warned his side not to take the points for granted. "It was typical me really but afterwards I told the players that if we do not get a result against Sidmouth then that win will be quickly forgotten," he said. "We need to build on that and I don't want people thinking we're one of those inconsistent teams that only turns it on at certain times. "We played Sidmouth at the start of the season and although a lot of people did not fancy them I thought they were strong. "They have been a bit inconsistent and you always fear that inconsistency but I guess it is the same with us that season. "We need to be more consistent if we are to get that top-six finish we desperately want." Unfortunately for Lyne-Ley, he is not the only manager who has his sights set on the top six, as Crediton United's Matt Trenaman wants the same. Kirton visit Budleigh Salterton having secured a late 2-1 win over Totnes & Dartington last time out. Joint-player manager Perry Carpenter opened the scoring from the spot only for the visitors to level, but Trenaman scrambled home a late winner to give them the points. "I think the top four have broken away to an extent and will be hard to catch but I think anywhere in the top six is more than achievable," he said. "However, top six is probably the aim for a lot of clubs in this division and lots could still do it. "Alphington won 8-1 at Galmpton so that shows that anybody really can beat anybody and a few bad results can easily drop you down again. "Having said that, we are just over halfway through the season and have played every team and we are up there on merit and are not afraid of anyone." Opponents Budleigh thumped Liverton United 5-0 with a double from Jack Greeenslade helping them along. Mark Lever, Sam Woodin and George Pannell also scored. Exeter University host Exwick Villa in an all-Exeter affair on Saturday and with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats. The Students lost 2-1 at Axminster Town, with a double from Ben Turner winning it for the Tigers despite Myles Blenkinsop. Villa exited the Devon Premier Cup after a 7-5 home loss to Willand Rovers reserves. Matt Byrne, Callum Hoare, Danny Burwood, Neil Pointing and Harry Taylor scored for Vila. Axminster visit Totnes & Dartington on Saturday, while Okehampton Argyle visit Galmpton United having lsot 3-0 at home to Newtown.

Banned Safer Sex ball relaunched at Exeter University after CCTV footage scandal

December 11, 2013, 8:04 am

≫ Next: Work starts on producing new Beach Management Plan for Sidmouth

≪ Previous: Tiegnmouth face Stoke Gabriel in crunch clash

$

0

0

A long-running "safer sex"-themed student ball that was cancelled after becoming embroiled in controversy has been rebranded. The University of Exeter inaugural Prohibition Ball will replace the infamous Safer Sex Ball (SSB) that was banned earlier this year after CCTV footage was leaked showing students engaged in sexual activity during the event. Two members of staff at the Students' Guild were sacked in January after the video recorded at the event, held just before Christmas 2012 and designed to promote safer sex, was circulated on the internet. The new ball will be held at the Exeter Phoenix in February will be based on prohibition in the 1920s and will have an "underground" theme. Laura Yonish, of organising group RAG (Raising and Giving), said: "We're really excited about this, it has all the components of a fantastic event and we cannot wait to reveal more in the coming weeks. "We're very focused on creating a legacy for the new era of RAG and we hope that this event will continue a wonderfully successful year for the society." The 21-year-old charity ball was one of the country's biggest Aids-awareness events – raising thousands of pounds for charity each year. But it was prohibited in February after the university made headlines around the world when news of the CCTV footage broke. The two Guild employees were held responsible for filming and sharing the footage of the couple performing a sex act in the student bar. Guild senior management said it had taken the "strongest possible" disciplinary action over the leaked video following a "rigorous" investigation. Prior to the event, dozens of academics and university staff petitioned against a "tribal" theme – dubbed racist by some students. In 2011 organisers were forced to apologise over an "incredibly insensitive" rape joke which was printed to publicise the event. The new ball will have a capacity of 500 compared to 2,000 at last year's SSB, and tickets will cost £25. All proceeds from the event will go to RAG's nominated charities for 2013/14: Devon Freewheelers, Rainbow's Trust, Concern Universal and Community Action. Jak Curtis-Rendall, Guild vice president for participation and campuses, said: "I am immensely proud of the Students' Guild's Raise and Give committee who have already raised more than £40,000 for nominated charities this academic year. I am confident that our students will apply their proven skills to the brand new Prohibition Ball and turn it a huge fundraising success."

---

Work starts on producing new Beach Management Plan for Sidmouth

December 11, 2013, 8:20 am

≫ Next: Rogers looks to benchmark Willand progress

≪ Previous: Banned Safer Sex ball relaunched at Exeter University after CCTV footage scandal

$

0

0

East Devon District Council has announced the start of a 12 month project to create a new Beach Management Plan for Sidmouth – designed to maintain and improve the town's coastal defences whilst enhancing the area as an attraction for beach-users. The Council is to spend an estimated £75,000 on a data-collection and options appraisal aimed at producing maintenance and capital options that could attract funding from a number of sources, including the Government. The project is split into 5 stages: information gathering, baseline studies, issues, options and plan production. A key part of the process will be talking and listening to the community. This started on Monday of this week when a preliminary meeting was held with representatives of the fishermen, sailing club and inshore lifeboat. There will be two special public engagement events – one in January and another later in the New Year, with dates to be confirmed. The public will be invited to help in the information gathering phase of the project and then later will be able to comment on the alternatives from which a preferred option will be put forward to DEFRA, along with any bid for funding. The District Council is tackling Sidmouth's coastal defence issues in partnership with Environment Agency, Devon County Council, Sidmouth Town Council, the South West Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme and the Cliff Road Action Group (CRAG), following the setting up of a working group in 2011. Research work aimed at gathering information to inform the new plan is now under way, with CH2M HILL Halcrow appointed as consultants. The company – formerly Halcrow Consulting – is now part of CH2M HILL, global consultants in design, construction and operations. Halcrow have previous experience of Sidmouth's shoreline due to previous consultation work they have done for EDDC. The Working Group, chaired by EDDC Deputy Leader Andrew Moulding, was set up to promote the production of a Beach Management Plan (BMP) for Sidmouth and East Beach. The aim is to ensure that Sidmouth's sea defences are performing as expected and to address the increase in erosion along East Beach, which is threatening Alma Bridge, the River Sid flood defences (and in turn the town centre) as well as cliff-top properties. Consultants CH2M HILL Halcrow have been commissioned to produce a Beach Management Plan for the coast from Jacob's Ladder to approximately 200 metres east of the River Sid, and including the River Sid up to the Weir. Councillor Moulding said: "We believe it's vital to include the local community in the development of the BMP. That's why we will be producing briefing notes to inform people about the project and we will be holding two drop-in events so that local people can have their say. "There is a wealth of knowledge among local people, about the coast, the topography and history of the area and also the various activities that take place on and from the beach. It's important to take this into consideration so that any eventual proposals are not simply engineering solutions but something that enhances Sidmouth's beach appeal". Beaches have a wide variety of uses and functions, including amenity, recreation, commercial and community uses and coast defence, habitat and earth science functions. All of these have social, environmental and economic value. In this case their coastal defence function is to help protect Sidmouth town centre from tidal flooding and to protect Sidmouth's cliffs from tidal erosion. Beach Management Plans are a way of providing a coastal defence plan for beach management at a local level that takes into account and, where possible, promotes or enhances the other uses and functions of a beach. A BMP establishes a means to control the physical form of beaches and the general beach environment, and to promote good practice within the environment. It does not include day-to-day amenity or recreational activities such as beach cleaning, bathing safety and water quality management. The 1998 Sidmouth Sea Defence Scheme relies on the offshore breakwaters, the rock groynes, minimum beach profiles between Chit Rocks and the River Sid and the sea wall to provide protection. Because the beach is mobile, these profiles need to be maintained over the 100-year lifetime of the scheme, so the Scheme included a plan for maintaining them – the Sidmouth Beach Management Plan (BMP1). The purpose of the new project is to review the existing Sidmouth BMP and develop it to include the beach to the east of the River Sid, 'East Beach', where significant cliff erosion is taking place, and produce a Sidmouth and East Beach Beach Management Plan (BMP2). The purpose of BMP2 is to provide a detailed plan for managing the structure and profile of the two beaches. The aims will be to: 1. Maintain the 1990s Sidmouth Coastal Defence Scheme's Standard of Service. 2. Reduce the rate of beach and cliff erosion to the east of the River Sid to an agreed historic rate. 3. Carry out (1) and (2) in an integrated, justifiable and sustainable way. BMP2 will check the viability of options for achieving these aims over a 100-year planning horizon and recommend preferred options for doing so. It will also set out what monitoring and maintenance work needs to be carried out over the five years that follow publication and adoption of the Plan. Anyone who wants to be involved should visit the two community engagement events. They will be exhibition/drop-in type events at which members of the community can ask questions and provide comments and information for the project team. The first community engagement event is scheduled for January 2014. It will provide information about the project, what it is aiming to achieve in more detail (including the objectives) and more information about Stages 1 to 5. It will be an opportunity to find out more about the project and comment on its Aims and Objectives, as well as sharing local knowledge with the project team. Details of the first community engagement event will be made public early in the New Year through the Press and EDDC's website and social media channels. The second community engagement event will be held during the option development phase, Stage 4, to allow the local community to give their views on the management options identified by the project team. Details of when and where this second community engagement event will be held will be publicised nearer the time.

Rogers looks to benchmark Willand progress

December 11, 2013, 9:00 am

≫ Next: In Court: Cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court

≪ Previous: Work starts on producing new Beach Management Plan for Sidmouth

$

0

0

Player-manager Scott Rogers says Willand Rovers' next two matches will show just how far the team has come under his guidance this season. Rovers visit Longwell Green Sports on Saturday before making the trip to Sherborne Town the following week. They find themselves in a fine run of form – as shown by Saturday's emphatic 5-0 win over Winterbourne United – although their away form has cost them at times. And Rogers wants to see his players start performing to the same level away from Silver Street. "Those two games will really test us and see just how well we are really playing at the moment," said Rogers. "We have been very strong at home all season but we have been a bit of a different animal away from home so it will be good to see if we can change that. "We have a few players suspended for a few games and that is going to make things tricky for us. "Bobby Hopkinson is suspended, Russell Jee is banned and Simon Hill has a two-match ban as well, so that is a blow for us. "That will make what is already a big test for us even harder, particularly when you have quite a small squad like we do." In-form Craig Veal bagged a hat-trick on Saturday, taking him into double-figures for the season after just eight games for Rogers' men. Man-of-the-match Luke Alden opened the scoring after a fine dribble and shot, before Veal doubled the lead shortly after half-time. Two more Veal goals wrapped things up before Kevin Hill – playing for Willand as Exmouth Town were not in action – capped off a fine performance by heading home Bobby Hopkinson's corner to wrap up a convincing victory. Despite the impressive result, Rogers confirmed he was still on the look-out for additions to his squad as he looked to bolster their challenge for the top-six finish. "We are still looking to strengthen the squad," said Rogers. "We are still looking to add a couple of players and if they become available then we will go in for them. "We are just trying to consolidate a top-six spot at the moment and see how far we can push on after Christmas and see where we end up."

In Court: Cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court

December 11, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Pictured: Seizures made by Exeter police during landmark legal high investigation

≪ Previous: Rogers looks to benchmark Willand progress

$

0

0

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. Jamie Vokes, @ 25, of Mincinglake Road, Exeter, has pleaded guilty to dishonestly receiving stolen goods, namely two laptop computers worth £600. He was given a community order which involves a 12-week curfew to remain at his home address between 8pm and 6.30pm. He must also pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. Daniel Jordan, @ 20, of the Strand, Starcross, has admitted two charges of assault by beating. Both offences took place on November 11 in Exeter and involved two different male victims. He was ordered to pay fines, costs, compensation and a victim surcharge that added up to a total of £305. Sarah Hampshire,@ 40, of Exwick Road, Exeter, has pleaded guilty to two charges of driving without the relevant insurance. They relate to offences in Knights Road and Exwick Road in Exeter on June 25 and August 29. She was fined £150 and must pay £60 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. She was also disqualified from driving for six months. Aaron Hoaken, @ 22, of Smythen Street, Exeter, has admitted threatening and abusive words or behaviour during an incident in Exeter on December 1. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and made to pay a £15 victim surcharge. Shantelle Bennett, @ 23, of Rydal Mews, Exeter, was found guilty of assaulting a female victim on July 20 in Exeter by beating. She has been given a community order to attend ten sessions with engage Women. She must also pay compensation of £100. Ashley Brennan, @ 20, of no fixed abode, has been sent to a young offender institution for 30 days, after failing to attend appointments as directed by a supervising officer in Exeter on November 7, 8, and 11. Magistrates said this was because of his "willful and persistent failure to comply with the requirements of a community order." Jamie Frost, @ 28, of Exeter has been given a conditional discharge for 12 months after pleading guilty to possession of 1.83 grams of cannabis and eight and a half tablets of Subutex on December 1 in Exeter. He must pay a £15 victim surcharge and an order was made for the drugs to be destroyed. Illilyas Sanchez, @ 49, of Smythen Street, Exeter, stole four fragrances from Boots in Exeter worth £102 on December 1. He was fined £100 and must pay a victim surcharge of £20. Jess Tighe, @ 19, of Swallowfields, Totnes, admitted a charge of being in possession of a quantity of ketamine, a controlled class C drug, in Exeter on September 21. He was given a community order to carry out 40 hours unpaid work and must pay a victim surcharge of £60. An order was also made for the drugs to be destroyed. Nicholas Wright, @ 46, of Western Walk, Frome, has admitted drunk driving. On May 28 in Exminster he gave a reading of 185 mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood while driving an Audi on the A379. He was given a 20-month driving ban and a two year conditional discharge. No separate penalty was added for further offences of driving without the correct licence or insurance. Jacqueline Leach,@ 47, of Barris View, Lapford, Crediton, has admitted a charge of assault by beating on August 26 in Lapford. She was given an 18 months conditional discharge and must pay compensation of £50. Alan Webber, @ 21, of St Davids Hill, Exeter, has admitted a charge of assault by beating in Crediton on March 27. He must pay compensation of £50, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and a restraining order not to contact the named victim. Christian Allebone, @ 35, of Poughill, Bude, has been ordered to pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge of £360 after admitting breaking the 70mph speed limit on the M5 close to junction 27 at Sampford Peverell on August 3. His licence was also endorsed with six points. Steven Ferguson, @ 33, of Haldon Road, Exeter, admitted stealing mobile phone batteries worth £80 on November 4. He was given a community order by magistrates which states he must not enter the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Exeter. The exclusion requirement lasts for four months. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60. Kieron Townsend, @ 22, of Newton Road, Torquay, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing harassment, alarm or distress through threatening, abusive or insulting words and behaviour during an incident in Exeter on November 5. He was given a six week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Magistrates gave a custodial sentence as "it is so serious, as it took place on licensed premises causing fear to staff members. During the incident the defendant had a pool cue. He has also been given an exclusion order not to enter the Mint Public House, Fore Street, Exeter for 12 months. In addition he must pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85. Suzanne Eccleshare, @ 41, of no fixed abode, has been jailed by magistrates for a total of 14 weeks after pleading guilty to theft offences. On November 5 she stole two packs of bacon worth £4.40 belonging to Nisa Stores in Hoker Road, Exeter. Then on November 10 she, jointly with another, stole seven packs of gammon ham worth £35 from the One Stop shop in Burnthouse Lane, Exeter. She was given two weeks prison for each offence to run concurrently. Magistrates also imposed a 12-week suspended sentence for an earlier offence that will run consecutively. The reason for giving a custodial sentence was because of previous convictions, a long history of offending, failing to comply with supervision and offending while on a suspended sentence. No order was given for costs or compensation. Phillip Moore, @ 35, of Whipton Lane, Exeter, pleaded guilty to stealing clothes worth £324.92 from the TK MAXX store in Exeter. Magistrates gave him an 18-month conditional discharge and he must also pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £100. Malgorzata Rubin, @ 45, of St Stephens Road, Enfield, has been banned from entering Devon for 12 months after pleading guilty to two charges of theft. On November 16 in Okehampton she stole clothes worth £36 from Peacocks and cosmetics from Boots worth £750. She must pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £145. Alhagie Saine, @ 29, of Northumberland Place, Teignmouth, has admitted a charge that on August 25 in Exeter he had in his possession ammunition, namely one Hornady Magnum Rim-Fire cartridge, 17 calibre, without a firearm certificate. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £100. Simon Slade, @ 54, of Lowdens Heath, Broadclyst, has been banned from driving for three years after admitting a charge of drunk driving. He was stopped in a black Ford Ka on Station Road, in Broadclyst on November 7 and have a reading of 71 mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. In addition to the ban he was fined £180 and must pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Pictured: Seizures made by Exeter police during landmark legal high investigation

December 11, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Campaigners angry over changes to big Bovis Homes development between Alphington and Exminster near Exeter

≪ Previous: In Court: Cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court

$

0

0

Alarming spike in hospital admissions which led to a landmark conviction THREE years ago police noticed more people ending up in hospital in Exeter after taking so-called "legal highs". The alarming trend sparked an investigation that ended last week with the convictions of two shop owners Simon Tomlin and Paris Newton for intent to supply controlled drugs – the first time the industry has been brought to task on a commercial scale. The pair were ordered by a judge to pay more than £210,000 in fines, costs and confiscation orders. And the small team of officers that gathered the evidence to secure a conviction said they hope the landmark case will act as a warning to the legal industry – that it needs to take more control over what it sells. Investigating officer Detective Constable Stu Peters said: "No police force in the country has taken it to this extent and there has been no investigation of this kind on a commercial scale. There has never been a series of shops taken to task because of the difficulty with the legislation. "In addition to the hefty fines and court costs they have been ordered to pay, the re-sale value of what we have seized is just over £250,000. This will be destroyed." And after the sentencing DC Peters reflected on what he described as the biggest and most complex case he had ever been involved in. "Back in 2010 we were receiving reports of people getting ill on the back of legal highs that had been purchased from the Hush shop on Fore Street in Exeter," he said. "Sales continued so we decided to execute a misuse of drugs warrant in December 2010 at the Exeter store where a large quantity of powders and substances were seized – a total of 13 kilos." The haul was sent off for analysis and results showed it contained controlled substances. DC Peters continued: "On the back of this intelligence continued to flow and a further set of warrants were issued in March 2011 – that included the Hush shops in Exeter and Exmouth and two shops in Torquay as well as at the home addresses of the two defendants. "Along with further large quantities of powers and capsules, in excess of £42,000 in cash was also seized and both men were arrested. "Uniquely, as the goods were openly being sold in a shop, the issue of supply was clear from the outset. But the biggest challenge officers faced was establishing knowledge and involvement. "They claimed they had bought them from suppliers in good faith believing them to be legal products. "Then there was an issue over the purity of the substances as it was claimed it was trace quantities. But we managed to secure an internationally-renowned professor in London who carried out independent tests able to prove the purity was well beyond that of trace levels." This month the case had been listed for a two-week trial but the duo ended up changing their plea to guilty. "It has not been a straightforward case," DC Peters acknowledged. "There have been issues along the way. But the bottom line is drugs found at shops and homes of the defendants and tests showed they contained controlled substances. "In light of the evidence we were able to gather, two defendants admitted intent to supply on the basis they were negligent and ought to have suspected they contained controlled drugs." He praised the work of his small team including PC Scott Robertson and financial investigator Tony Reynolds, but acknowledged that they were always playing a "chasing game" with the industry. "They have top end scientists working on their behalf to design products that escape the current legislation," he said. "The Government has to look at these for some time to see effects and scale to determine whether legislation is needed. It is a chasing game and we are chasing the industry. On occasions such as this we take a step or two forward and get them on the back foot. They are not regulated about what they sell and there is no legal requirement for them to test. "Since this job they have been a bit more thorough. Negligence is not a good enough excuse and they need to take a more positive role in safeguarding the production on sale to the public. They can no longer blame their suppliers. "It is satisfying to think this will make the legal high industry consider whether it should be doing more and questioning whether it is lawful. As this case is the first of its kind, word I am sure will get out among the legal high community and it will have nationwide implications. "This is a massive hit for them but also shows the profitability of the industry. "We will be keeping a close watch on their activities, which will be an ongoing process with more emphasis on intrusive monitoring. But a lot of the owners are happy to have us being involved where we can work with them. "I am really proud of the result and it is certainly the biggest job I have been involved in." PC Robertson said: "Hopefully this will impact nationally and make other shop owners and people selling them think twice about sitting back and doing nothing. They will know they have to take steps to make sure it is legal. "From such small beginnings to see it come to such a positive conclusion is phenomenal."Shop owners convicted of intent to supply illegal substances A JUDGE has imposed massive fines on two shopkeepers who had illegal drugs at their chain of shops which claimed to be dealing in legal highs. Simon Tomlin and Paris Newton were ordered to pay more than £210,000 in fines, costs and confiscation orders after they admitted having banned substances at their shops. The penalties imposed at Exeter Crown Court came at the end of a long legal battle which is seen by the police to be a key test case in their efforts to control the industry in designer drugs. Tomlin and Newton were co-directors of one of the region's biggest legal high businesses and ran shops in Exeter, Exmouth, Torquay and Taunton. They were found with recently banned chemicals worth up to £220,000 when they were raided in December 2010 but it has taken until now for them to admit their involvement. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, said the fines reflected the value of the illegal drugs and the huge profits which both men were making from the trade. They were each taking salaries and profits of about £140,000 a year and the shops had a turnover of more than £1m a year. The illegal drugs were almost six kilograms and 126 tablets of a mixture of two chemicals called BZP (benzopiperazine) and TFMPP (triflouromethypiperazine). When combined they make up a designer drug which has a number of street names. They were selling with names like Benzo-Fury or Sidewinder but at the time it was also known as Rapture and was a widely used rave drug until it was banned in December 2009. Tomlin runs the Hush shops in Fore Street, Exeter, The Strand in Exmouth, and Bridge Street, Taunton. Newton runs the Mushroom head shop in Torquay. Tomlin, 30, of St David's Hill, Exeter, and Newton, 41, of Thurlow Road, Torquay, both admitted possession of BZP and TFMPP with intent to supply. Newton also admitted possession of cannabis and a mixture of BZP and TFMPP at his home. Tomlin was fined £72,000 and Newton £83,000 and they were each ordered to pay £25,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act and £3,500 costs. The total amount adds up to £212,000. The judge told them: "You were the directors and controlling minds of a successful business selling legal highs. You were both running a very profitable business but had products for sale with a significant percentage of illegal substances. It was your responsibility to check what was in them." He said they put staff and customers at risk of prosecution and users at risk of physical and psychological harm through mislabelling of the products, which were sold as plant food or research chemicals. He said: "I very much doubt if your customers were gardeners or research chemists. This was a cynical and very transparent attempt to hide the fact there was something questionable about these products without saying so. Selling legal highs puts a very high duty on you to make sure that nothing illegal is for sale on the premises. "In some respects this is even more serious than selling illegal drugs on the streets. If someone buys heroin, cocaine or cannabis they know what they are buying. "If they go to a shop that purports to sell legal highs but the products are not labelled adequately, that is more culpable, if anything." Jonathan Barnes, prosecuting, said the drugs mimicked the effects of ecstasy or amphetamines and were made illegal a year before the raid on the Hush shops. The illegal drugs were found at the Exeter shop and Newton's home and their value was estimated at between £120,000 and £230,000. Martin Meeke, QC, defending Tomlin, said he and Newton had bought what they believed to be legal substances but had been deceived by suppliers who were keen to get rid of their stocks after they were made illegal. He said his client now checks the legality of his products by monitoring the Home Office website and submitting them for analysis to ensure their authenticity. He also checked the age of customers. Brendan Moorhouse, for Newton, said his client's position was no different from that of major supermarkets who were caught up in the horse meat scandal because he had not intended to break the law but been let down by his suppliers. He said the pills seized at Newton's home had been stock he removed from his shop when the law changed but had not got round to throwing away.Distraught mum's plea for legal high legislation A MOTHER from Exeter whose young daughter almost died because of her addiction to "legal highs" has led calls for a crackdown on the industry. Following the convictions of shop owners Simon Tomlin and Paris Newton for intent to supply illegal substances at their shops, one city woman, who is not being named to avoid identifying her daughter, said she hoped it would build momentum for action to be taken. Her daughter, who is under the age of 16, has been taking legal highs for more than a year and has ended up in hospital several times as a result. On one occasion the family were told she was not expected to make it through the night. She said: "My daughter is regularly taking legal highs that are bought for her by adults from the shop in Exeter. "She said she is taking something legal and will not accept she has a problem. "They have made her very ill. She has been in hospital four times after overdosing and she is addicted to them. "They have almost killed my daughter. After the last one she admitted having hallucinations and that it frightened her, and she said she would never take it again. A week later she was back on it. "We really need to raise the profile of this to other parents as kids think this is ok. "The worst incident came when she had a fit after she had taken King B. Doctors thought she was not going to get through the night. "I know they were prosecuted for intent to supply illegal substances but we need to look at the issue as a whole. The industry is bringing out new ones all the time to get around the legislation. "We are distraught as parents. There is support for the young person if they admit they have a problem. The stumbling block here is they don't see that they have a problem. "There needs to be Government legislation and they need to use this case to start clamping down. You only have to look at their website and I believe it is quite obvious what they are selling it for. "It is so stressful and very upsetting and we really need to build some momentum on the back of this case. "There should be something in place to support the families. Yet there is seemingly nothing we can do. We really don't know what to do. Our big fear is that she will overdose on this stuff. I also worry it is causing her brain damage. "When we try to talk to her we are met with denial and anger. She doesn't see it as a problem and thinks we are overreacting. "It is a really big problem – this stuff is awful and is a wide-spread problem. Things need to change. It may be legal but it really alters behaviour. She is out of it and off her head." Simon Tomlin, owner of the Hush chain, was unavailable to comment this week. But he previously told the Echo the substances are sold as research chemicals. He said a lot of customers are professionals who are looking for an alternative to illegal substances. The Hush shops have a "no ID no service" policy, and Simon is voluntarily and regularly in touch with Trading Standards officials. "What people do with them is up to them," he said. "We try to educate people and we operate a strict over-18s policy." He agreed it is a concern that it is hard to know the effects of legal highs, but called for better regulation of drugs, such as the legalisation of MDMA and cannabis, which could reduce their demand.

Campaigners angry over changes to big Bovis Homes development between Alphington and Exminster near Exeter

December 12, 2013, 8:51 am

≫ Next: Blockbuster stores including ones in Exeter and Exmouth to close on Monday after no buyer is found

≪ Previous: Pictured: Seizures made by Exeter police during landmark legal high investigation

$

0

0

Campaigners against a major housing development on the edge of Exeter have expressed shock after the developer announced changes to the original plans. Residents of Alphington and Exminster are concerned about the impact of at least 2,500 proposed homes on nearby green fields. The multi-million-pound plans by Bovis Homes are intended to transform the area - bringing hundreds of affordable homes, a new school and a Park and Ride facility. Members of the Alphington Village Forum are worried that the revised plans for the SWE1-3 part of the Teignbridge Local Plan will lead to urban sprawl - the uncontrolled spread of development. Juliet Meadowcroft, chairman of the forum, said: "What can we do to stop Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council from dumping so many new dwellings on our beautiful Exeter and destroying our quality of life?" The group is "absolutely livid" at changes to the original plans including moving the location of 700 dwellings towards Alphington. It has also raised safety concerns after it emerged that the site of the proposed new school has been moved away from the village. Mrs Meadowcroft said: "We wanted the school on our side as our local school is choc-a-bloc and access to it is highly dangerous too. "This change means that Alphington children and all the other children in the 1,000 new Teignbridge houses on the north side of the road will have to cross the dual carriageway. How can they possibly cycle or walk to school if they have to cross over such a busy road at traffic lights?" Another "big unwelcome change" is the locating of a Park and Ride facility for 700 cars on Matford River Valley Park to replace the existing site. Mrs Meadowcroft added: "The current Park and Ride at Matford is perfect position for all traffic, whereas the new one will be difficult to access from Dawlish and Exminster." The group is also fighting against up to 500 new homes in the village itself that they say would exacerbate traffic congestion and push infrastructure to the limit. Proposals for the biggest development - comprising of up to 1,350 homes at Matford - came under scrutiny on Monday when residents were given a chance to have their say at a public exhibition. Caroline Aird, chairman of Exminster Parish Council, said: "This is a whole new community on green fields within a community. It will undoubtedly have a major effect on Alphington, Exminster and Exeter." Other concerns were voiced over potential traffic congestion in the area as well as the "lack" of new community and healthcare facilities in the plans. Andrew Penna of AP Planning appointed by Bovis Homes for the development, said: "What we are proposing is a big development between two existing communities, promising to be of great benefit to the area. We want to build upon the success of Cranbrook, providing much-needed new homes as well as boosting the local economy." There will be another chance to see the plans at the Victory Hall in Exminster on Monday December 16. Plans are likely to be formally submitted to Teignbridge District Council in the New Year.

Blockbuster stores including ones in Exeter and Exmouth to close on Monday after no buyer is found

December 12, 2013, 9:04 am

≫ Next: Date set for inquest into M5 horror crash that killed Exeter manager

≪ Previous: Campaigners angry over changes to big Bovis Homes development between Alphington and Exminster near Exeter

$

0

0

Blockbuster is to shut down all its remaining stores within days after administrators were unable to find a buyer. The 91 outlets will cease operating by Monday, with the loss of 808 jobs. The company has stores in Cowick Street in Exeter, Chapel Street in Exmouth and Queen Street in Newton Abbot. The business has been hit hard by competition from supermarkets, as well as the rise of online rentals. Joint administrators Simon Thomas and Nick O'Reilly said: "It is with regret that we have to make today's announcement, we appreciate this is a difficult time for all concerned and would like to thank staff for their professionalism and support over the past month. "Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a buyer for the group as a going concern and as a result had to take the regrettable action to close the remaining stores." All remaining stock will be sold by Sunday with discounts of up to 90 per cent.

Date set for inquest into M5 horror crash that killed Exeter manager

December 12, 2013, 9:43 am

≫ Next: Westcountry MPs' anxiety at 11% pay rise

≪ Previous: Blockbuster stores including ones in Exeter and Exmouth to close on Monday after no buyer is found

$

0

0

A date has been set for an inquest into the deaths of seven people - including an Exeter manager - who died in a crash on the M5 near Taunton two years ago. The pile-up and fire in November 2011 was one of the worst motorway accidents in the country. Among the victims was Malcolm Beecham, who was the manager of the Exeter Calor gas centre. Geoffrey Counsell, who staged a fireworks display at nearby Taunton Rugby Club ground, was cleared last week of breaching health and safety laws amid claims drivers could not see because of smoke drifting across the road. And West Somerset Coroner, Michael Rose says he will now hold a full inquest at Taunton on March 31 next year.

---

Westcountry MPs' anxiety at 11% pay rise

December 12, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Watchdog pans lack of PCC election leaflets

≪ Previous: Date set for inquest into M5 horror crash that killed Exeter manager

$

0

0

Westcountry MPs have variously criticised their pay and perks watchdog for proposing a 11% pay rise in 2015. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), set up following the expenses scandal, confirmed they deserve a "one-off uplift" in their annual salaries to £74,000. They currently earn £66,000. Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Opposition leader Ed Miliband have all indicated an inflation-busting increase is unacceptable amid austerity and public sector pay restraint. However, Ipsa chairman Sir Ian Kennedy said the deal spells the end of "political deals cooked up in Westminster". He said: "We are sweeping away the out-of-date and overly generous benefits, and introducing a one-off uplift in pay. Crucially, thereafter MPs' pay will be linked to everyone elses." Ipsa also recommended scrapping resettlement payments worth tens of thousands of pounds, introducing a career average pension at the expense of a final salary scheme, and a tighter expenses regime, including ending the provision for evening meals. Ipsa said the package would not cost the taxpayer more. MPs in the region offered a range of reactions, with some indicating support for pay reform even if the timing was badly-judged. Nick Harvey, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, said: "It would clearly be inappropriate in the present economic circumstances. "However, the proposal covers the 2015-2020 period. No one can know today how the economy and general salary progression will work out over the next seven years. "It seems to me that the matter should be kept under review as it remains to be seen to what extent the economy recovers and normality returns over that seven year period." Gary Streeter, Conservative MP for South West Devon, renewed his claim that Ipsa appeared to be on a mission to "destroy the credibility and public confidence in MPs". He said: "My blood is boiling. It remains my view historically that MPs are underpaid, most people in communities would recognise that we are historically underpaid, but we shouldn't be discussing it now at a time of austerity." And Sarah Wollaston, Conservative MP for Totnes, warned a "Dutch auction" will "exclude many candidates and favour wealthy". She went on: "Either we want MPs to set their own pay and pensions or we don't. I don't." Others pledged not to benefit if re-elected. Anne Marie Morris, Conservative MP for Newton Abbot, said: "Should this rise go through in 2015, I will make sure that I do not personally benefit from it, but after tax and NI will put the additional money into a separate account and use it for the benefit of my constituency and constituents." Sarah Newton, Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: "I have always been clear that pay restraint affecting the public sector should apply to me, along with public servants in my constituency. "It is clear to me the public don't want candidates squabbling over whether or not they should accept a rise in 2015, they want the proposals dropped, and dropped now. My absolute focus is on achieving this." Adrian Sanders, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, said: "If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected to serve my home town in Parliament in 2015 I will be able to work out how much my overall income will have risen or fallen as a consequence of this package, and if it rises above inflation I will give the surplus to charity." Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, said: "I have always made clear that if they do impose an above-inflation rise after the election, and I am still an MP, I would give any extra to charity." Other MPs argued the recommendations are not final. Hugo Swire, Conservative MP for East Devon, said: "The Government made it clear in the consultation that Ipsa should take into account overall public service pay and pensions restraint when addressing the issue of MPs' pay. We are disappointed that Ipsa has not done so. "We will continue to make the case that Ipsa should take into account overall public sector pay and pensions restraint, and that the cost of politics should go down." Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: "The party leaders should now get together and come up with a cross-party request to Ipsa to re-consider the whole package." Oliver Colvile, Conservative MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "My first priority is to get re-elected, so this will not be an issue until it comes up after the election. The important thing is to reduce the size and cost of politics."

Watchdog pans lack of PCC election leaflets

December 12, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Westcountry wildlife lovers: Where have all the garden birds gone?

≪ Previous: Westcountry MPs' anxiety at 11% pay rise

$

0

0

The Government has been criticised for ignoring calls by an independent watchdog to hand out information booklets to every household in the run-up to the next elections for police and crime commissioners (PCC). The Electoral Commission recommended a printed candidate leaflet be sent to all voters after it found just one in five people were able to make an informed decision when voting for their PCC. The lack of leaflets was among many complaints about the Devon and Cornwall PCC elections in which Tony Hogg was elected. One of the candidates said the lack of information means the Government had only done "half a job" on one of its flagship policies Just 15.1% of registered voters took part in the November 2012 PCC election – the lowest recorded level of participation at a peacetime non-local government election. Chairman of the Electoral Commission Jenny Watson said: "The Government has failed to learn the lessons from last November's PCC elections. Turnout was 15%. People told us they wanted more information about candidates so they would know who to vote for. Candidates said they found it hard to communicate across large constituencies. "We are disappointed that the Government has not accepted our recommendation that a candidate information booklet should be sent to every household at the next elections. They should reconsider while there is still time." The commission said the Home Office needs to make clear by May 2014 how and when they will make changes to existing PCC legislation, ahead of the next polls in 2016. In its response to the commission's report, which was published in March, the Government yesterday said it would keep the issue of leaflets "under review". It added: "Any change to the existing legislative requirements would need careful consideration in the context of wider legislation on the provision of information to electors at statutory elections."

Westcountry wildlife lovers: Where have all the garden birds gone?

December 12, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Devon set for a wet Christmas

≪ Previous: Watchdog pans lack of PCC election leaflets

$

0

0

A worrying lack of garden birds this winter has prompted a stream of calls to the RSPB by Westcountry wildlife lovers. People looking forward to the familiar sight of birds, including goldfinches and great tits, flying to tables and feeders have so far been left disappointed. The RSPB said gardens were unusually quiet for the time of year with only a low number of birds around. And the conservation charity said it had received a number of calls from people who were worried they might have done something wrong, causing the birds to stay away. Tony Whitehead, from the RSPB in the South West, said yesterday: "We are receiving calls from people who are worried that they are somehow responsible for the lack of garden birds at the moment. "Many can't understand why feeders aren't being visited, despite being full of high-energy foods, which are usually in high demand by December. "The answer is almost certainly down to the unusually mild weather we're experiencing at the moment. "Birds will still be able to get hold of natural food in the wider countryside, in the fields and hedgerows, so haven't had to call upon us humans for help just yet. "But that could all change very quickly if the weather turns and temperatures drop. "We're urging people to continue to put out a little food and water as some birds will still be visiting garden feeders, but feed in moderation when fewer birds are present, to avoid wasting uneaten food. "As soon as the weather gets colder, those gardens that have food out will be birds' first port of call and normal service will be resumed." Mr Whitehead added: "With the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch coming up after Christmas, keeping your feeders, tables and bird baths topped-up when the weather does turn will not only make sure your garden visitors are well-fed and looked after, it will also encourage them into your garden just in time for you to take part in the world's biggest wildlife survey." The RSPB's annual garden birds survey is being held on January 25-26. This year for the first time, as well as birds, participants are being asked to log some of the other wildlife they see in their gardens too. To take part, people are asked to spend just one hour at any time over the weekend noting the highest number of each bird species seen in their gardens or local park at any one time. They then have three weeks to submit their results to the RSPB, either online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or by post.

Devon set for a wet Christmas

December 12, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: East Devon MP warns of 'menace' of Spain 'hoovering up' fish

≪ Previous: Westcountry wildlife lovers: Where have all the garden birds gone?

$

0

0

DEVON residents looking forward to a crisp and perhaps white Christmas are in for a disappointment, experts say. Scientists think that this year's December 25 is going to be one of the warmest in years for the southern part of the country. Although it won't be expected to set any records for snowfall, it may be one of the dampest of recent memory. And high winds could cause problems for travellers as a period of extended unsettled weather moves in. Met Office spokeswoman Laura Young said: "We have seen some mild weather for the time of year because of the wind direction, and this is likely to continue, bringing cloud and rain to the southern England and especially Devon in the next couple of weeks "This will be interspersed with some very cold weather in the north of the country as some weather is brought in from the arctic. This may reach southern counties so we may experience the odd colder day. "But for most days in the run up to Christmas we are anticipating daytime temperatures reaching the high teens and it won't get much below 10C during the day, so I'm afraid a white Christmas is very unlikely for Mid Devon residents." The Met Office is advising people in the district to make the most of a sunny spell expected on Saturday morning, before the cloud, wind and rain stay for the festive period.

East Devon MP warns of 'menace' of Spain 'hoovering up' fish

December 12, 2013, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: 'Why are fares so high?' - Stagecoach boss answers YOUR questions

≪ Previous: Devon set for a wet Christmas

$

0

0

Spain is a menace that is "hoovering up fish" from anywhere it can find it, a Westcountry MP has said. Tensions between Spain and the UK have risen since the construction of an artificial reef by the Gibraltar government earlier this year, which the Spanish said interfered with their fishermen. But Neil Parish, Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton, told the Commons no other country more than Spain "muscles in" when it comes to fishing. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee member was speaking during a debate on the fishing industry as discussion turned to reforms to the European Union's common fisheries policy (CFP), which seeks to improve fish stocks. After Tory Anne McIntosh had referred to Spain having historic rights to fish in UK waters before 1973, Mr Parish told her: "When you talk about Spain and Spain getting access to basically what was historically our waters I think one of the problems is right back to the Common Fisheries Policy, because once you have a Common Fisheries Policy then everybody muscles in – and nobody more than Spain. "Spain will hoover up fish not only off of our shores but off the shores of Africa, anywhere she can find it and she is a menace and I am quite happy to say that in this House." The new CFP has yet to be agreed, but it intends to ban discards and give regions more say. Elsewhere in the debate, Sarah Wollaston, Conservative MP for Totnes, whose constituency includes vessels operating along the coastline from Bantham round to Torbay, warned fishermen are under "extraordinary pressure". She said in 2011, 22% of fishermen's turnover went on fuel costs, but that increased to 27% in 2012. The MP also warned of "huge pressure from the impact of changes to quota", problems with fishermen in the region stopping catching haddock and reductions to catching western channel Dover sole that is "iconic to Brixham". She said: "As the minister goes into the negotiations, I hope that he will consider the enormous economic importance of this export industry and do everything he can to support our fishermen as we go forward." Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, who represents the port of Newlyn, criticised some quota cuts, arguing the reasoning behind some of the reductions was "unjustifiable and, in many cases, counter-productive because no fish are saved". In response to the debate, Fishing Minister George Eustice said: "We have over 6,400 vessels, nearly 12,500 fisherman and we produce as the UK 627,000 tonnes of fish per year with a value of £770 million – so this is an incredibly important industry to the UK. "I think the single biggest development we have had this year has been what I regard as quite a radical reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. "The reformed CFP includes three major UK priorities. The first is an end to the wasteful practice of discarding, the second is an end to the one-size-fits-all approach, with regional decision-making, and the final is a commitment to fish at sustainable levels. "We aim to negotiate a fair and balanced package of fishing opportunities [with European neighbours], consistent with our high-level objectives – firstly, following the best available scientific evidence, secondly achieving best achievable yield and thirdly minimising discards."