A car fire caused traffic problems on Alphington Road, Exeter this afternoon.
One fire crew from Middlemoor attended a report of a vehicle on fire in Alphington at 12:38 today.
The car was severely damaged by fire and the crew used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel to deal with the incident.
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Crews called to car fire in Alphington, Exeter
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Exeter burglar blames toothache as he is jailed for 5 years after crashing stolen car
A serial burglar has been jailed after the medication he was taking for acute toothache led him to break into a house and steal a car.
Matthew Jackman was a recovering heroin addict but returned to crime after using morphine patches to control the agonising pain of toothache.
He broke into the back door of a house in Sidmouth and stole a bottle of bourbon and the car keys before driving off and crashing into a wall.
Grey haired Jackman, aged 51, has a 30-year-long criminal history including 11 burglaries but had stayed out of serious trouble since being released from his last sentence in 2010.
He slipped back into his old ways after borrowing the morphine patches and drinking heavily to dull the pain from his toothache, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Jackman, of Cowick Lane , Exeter , admitted burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and driving while disqualified and was jailed for a total of five years.
Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, told him:"You have a very bad record for dwelling house burglary. On this occasion you burgled a house in Sidmouth through an insecure back door and stole a bottle of bourbon and the keys to a Renault Clio.
"The house was occupied with the owners sleeping upstairs and at 4 am the same night you crashed the car at Wilmington , which is several miles away.
"Police found it crashed into a wall and seriously damaged and you were standing nearby wondering what to do next. You came up with a story about being the passenger and gave three different names for the driver, which was not helpful."
Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said Jackman broke into the house in Arcot Road , Sidmouth, and took the keys and the car, which he crashed later the same night.
He said Jackman's previous convictions for burglary made him subject to the 'three strikes and you're out' rule which imposes a minimum sentence for three years.
His previous offending includes a five year term for burglary in 2008 and a ban and short jail sentence for drink driving earlier this year, meaning he was in breach of his disqualification.
Mr Stephen Nunn, defending, said:"He is 51 and has not been in trouble for a long time. He has heart problems and had difficulty with toothache, for which a friend gave him morphine painkilling patches.
"He had been on methadone and he also used alcohol before committing the offence. He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity."
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Man found slumped over his steering wheel with two bottles of vodka at 7.45am is jailed
A Polish motorist who was more than four times over the drink drive limit when he crashed into the back of a car on Monday morning, has been jailed for 14 weeks.
Bogden Wotsowkz, 32, was found slumped over his steering wheel with two bottles of vodka in his car at 7.45am on Monday.
It was his second drink drive offence in a short time and he said at the scene:"It was my fault, I have done it again."
Exeter magistrates court heard he ploughed into the back of another car waiting at a roundabout on the A361 near Tiverton, Devon.
He was breath tested and had 145 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath – the legal top limit is 35.
The Pole, who was sofa surfing with friends in Tiverton and Willand, admitted drink driving and will now spend Christmas and New Year behind bars.
Miss Sam James, defending, said:"He has no recollection, no explanation. He has a severe alcohol problem."
She said he wanted he return to Poland to see his 20 month old son but had been in trouble before in England for another drink drive offence and a domestic violence assault.
The court jailed him for 14 weeks and banned him from driving for four years.
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Comic Tony Hawks to take baby pig around Devon in charity stunt
Comedian Tony Hawks is spending this week cycling around Devon – with a small pig!
The author and funnyman is cycling from coast to coast with the micro pig called Titch.
Tony – who hitch hiked around Ireland with a fridge and played the entire Moldovan national football team at tennis – is doing his latest stunt to raise money for kids with cerebral palsy at a centre he opened in Moldova.
Tony, who lives in Devon, will set off on his trek on Tuesday from Barnstaple and hopes to cross the finishing line with his little porcine friend on Friday in Plymouth.
He will carry Titch in a basket on the front of his Axcess electric bike which he is being loaned by a company in Honiton but has also installed a pet pannier on the back in case of rain.
He said:"I am doing it for a bet and to raise money for charity. I chose a pig because someone bet me that I couldn't walk round Devon with their pet pig which was called Dave.
"They then disappeared but they'd already whet my appetite for the idea. I am carrying a micro pig because it is all I get can into the basket of a bike.
"The pig will be in the basket at the front - and if it rains - in a pet carrier on the back. My route will take me just over 100 miles.
"I'm not taking the fridge this time but it will be there to see us off. It's too old for this kind of thing now."
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Accrington 2 Exeter City 3: Match Highlights
Watch match highlights from Exeter City's 3-2 win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
City took a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Tom Nichols (2) and Alan Gow before getting pegged back.
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Former marine who claimed he was ordered to spy on Princess Diana admits sex assault
A former Royal Marine has been warned he could face jail after he admitted a sexual assault.
Glyn Jones, who once claimed he was part of an elite surveillance team that spied on Princess Diana, admitted the assault on the first day of his trial at Exeter Crown Court.
Jones, aged 60, of Berry Close, Exmouth, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by penetration which dates back to November 19 last year.
Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, adjourned sentence to February and ordered a probation pre sentence report. He bailed Jones but told him:"All options including custody will remain open."
He ordered Jones to sign onto the Sex Offenders' Register before leaving the building.
The details of the allegations will be set out when the case is heard in February.
Mr Rupert Taylor, defending, said his client is due to have exploratory surgery on his bowel two days before the date of the next hearing after an earlier hospital appointment was cancelled.
Jones made headlines all around the world in 1994 when he revealed he had been part of a secret surveillance team who monitored Princess Di's movements to ensure her safety.
He said he had hidden in undergrowth close to the back garden of her lover James Hewitt's then home in Ebford, near Exeter, and seen them having alfresco sex.
He has featured in newspaper articles around the world more recently in which he has supported theories that British special forces may have had some role in the Princess' death in 1997.
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Sponsored content: Guide to festive breaks in Devon
December, Christmas and the New Year are busy times at the Langstone Cliff Hotel with a whole host of activities throughout the Festive period.
We commence December with our season of Midweek special Christmas Lunches -
Each Sunday in December we offer our Christmassey Sundays - Click Here for Details
And in the evenings on the weekends we present Langstone Christmas Special Dinner dances The Christmas Holiday begins on 24th December.
Twixmas is our next offering with some super value deals for those odd few days between Christmas and new year. with rooms from £100.00 per person Full board i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Cakes, Dinner and entertainment. Our usual discounts for children sharing accommodation apply throughout the Christmas holidays.Special Reductions for Children
Sharing Family Rooms and Suites
Throughout the year – including peak season, Christmas and Easter• Up to two (2) children under 10 years of age are completely free, food and accommodation, when sharing with two adults.• Additional children under 10 years are charged at quarter tariff. • Children 10 – 16 years of age, sharing as above are charged at half tariff.• Single parent families or one adult travelling with children please ask for special tariff.• Where three or four adults share family accommodation they will each be charged at 85% of the tariff.
All of which nicely completes the lead in to the New Year Holiday - full details available here. Christmassey Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd December 2013
Christmassey Sundays at the Langstone become increasingly popular year on year. The lunch menu includes all the Christmas favourites but ensures a good choice – so "Turkey and Pud" are not compulsory. Lunch is served between 12.30 and 2.00pm.
Our "magical piano" sets the mood with seasonal songs and carols. Good quality hats and crackers ensure a party
atmosphere though lunch. The Children's Party keeps the kids amused for an hour or so before tea with homemade
scones, Devonshire Cream and Strawberry Jam – a proper Christmassey Sunday!
Christmassey Sunday Lunch, Children's Entertainment and Tea from £24.00 per person
Lunch only from £22.00 per personMid-Week Special - Christmas Lunch and Tea
These offer wonderful value for the more mature Ladies and Gentlemen of our society – but anyone can come!
Lunch is served between 12.30 and 2.00pm and includes a pleasing Christmassey menu, complete with a glass of wine or soft drink, easy going live entertainment with Christmas favourites – just listen, dance or sing-a-long – winding up with a warm mince pie and a cuppa before departure.Great value at £20.50 per person including VAT @ 20.00%• Wednesday 4th December• Thursday 5th December• Monday 9th December• Wednesday 11th December• Thursday 12th December• Monday 16th December• Wednesday 18th December• Thursday 19th December
Transport can get right to the main entrance. There is level or ramped access to all hotel facilities. There is a separate toilet for wheelchair users. There is ample free parking for cars and coaches.Celebrate the New Year in style in South Devon
In addition to it's Christmas and Twixtmas holidays The Langstone Cliff Hotel presents a full New Years Eve holiday programme including both accommodation, all meals that is breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner as well as drinks on selected occasions.
You can also download our Autumn and Winter special events brochure with all the details from here.
The New Years Eve package is either 3, 4 or 5 days and is full board and can run from any day to any day but must include 31st December. The programme of events is laid out below but may be extended either way by arriving early or departing later.Click Here to book onlineThe 2013 Programme is:
Monday 30th December Afternoon entertainment for the children.
Dinner and Dance with Galaxy Disco
Tuesday 31st December Afternoon entertainment for the children.
Gala New Years Eve Dinner Dance with disco and fabulous 10 piece band with three front-line Vocalists. Soul Funktion. Cocktail Reception, Champagne at Midnight, late-nite-bites, hats, crackers and all the party paraphernalia you can think of.
Wednesday 1st January Brunch 9.00am - 11.00am.
Extended Lunch 1.30 to ……. Hot and Cold Buffet with Desserts, Cheese and Coffee
Dinner, Dance and Disco with Karaoke - A New Year's Day tradition
Alternatives special weekend:
From the 23rd December to the 2nd January all residents are on a "full board" tariff which includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and all entertainment
Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th January 2014 we present the Alternatives Special Weekend
The original concept of our alternatives weekend was to appeal to the many guests who by work commitments, family obligations or whatever are unable to take a break on either Christmas day or new years eve. The alternatives hopefully recreates the atmosphere and fun of these two celebrations rolled into one weekend.
On the Friday evening we present the same menu that we offer on Christmas day at lunchtime followed by dancing to the hugely popular 60s style 5 piece band Carnaby Street and galaxy disco.
Saturday brings the alternative New Years Eve with the same band, the fabulous 10 piece Soul Funktion, same disco, same menu and includes champagne at midnight.
There is pre dinner drinks and wine on both evenings for all guests. Furthermore, on the alternative Christmas Day there is a Christmas Gift for all resident guests at the hotel, all in all a super fun and value weekend.
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Woman with petrol can arrested in Devon village after making 'threats to kill'
A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in a sleepy Mid Devon village this morning.
Police were called to an incident at a property in Chawleigh at 8.30am.
A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesman said: "Due to the nature of the threats the fire service was called and attended the address as a precaution.
"Police negotiators and firearms officers were also called to the property."
Officers say they arrived at the scene to find a woman in possession of a petrol can and was making threats to harm herself, others and property.
A 62-year-old woman was arrested at around 12pm.
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Volleyball: Excoll storm to the top of the league
Storm Excoll won 4-1 away at Torexe Phantoms to go top of Division One of the Exeter & District Volleyball League.
Michael Osinski was their star player as they won the first two sets comfortably.
A slip-up in the third allowed the Phantoms back into the match, but Excoll powered home with 25-16 and 15-8 victories in the fourth and fifth sets.
There was a narrow away victory for Torexe Hunters as they won the first two sets of their match away at PMVC Pocket Rockets.
They also lost the third set before clinching the match with a 25-21 victory in the fourth. Joel Stevens' height proved vital for the Hunters.
The Hunters then backed up that win with a comfortable 4-1 victory against Wanderers Cardinals. It was a close match throughout with the second and fourth sets being separated by only a few points.
However, it was not until the match was over that the Cardinals managed to get a set on the board.
In Division Two, Torexe Vulcans raced into a 2-0 lead against Taunton Lighting.
New signing Jeremie Brusini immediately made his presence felt by dominating the centre of the net. Taunton found their form in a very closely fought third set, edging it out in the final points and went onto tie the match in the fourth set. This set up a deciding set, in which Taunton took an early lead. However, the Vulcans dug deep to take the set and the match by three points.
It was a much more straightforward victory for the Wanderers Raptors as they thrashed Torexe Spitfired 5-0.
Sam Curtis was their player of the match as they won the sets 25-10, 25-10, 25-8, 25-15 and 15-9.
Exeter Birdmen came from 2-1 down to beat the Torexe Jaguars. A crucial 15-12 win in the fifth and final set saw them take the victory.
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Golf: Sansom's success at East Devon
EAST DEVON
Brian Sansom beat 84 others to win the December medal by four shots with a nett 65.
Sansom also topped division two ahead of David Handford with a nett 69. Charlie Collins just pipped Glen Tucker to third place on a countback as both recorded a nett 71.
Division one was won on a countback by Tony Beck from Andy Pelosi after both had a nett 69. Three players recorded a level par nett 70, with Geoff Walden beating Alan Forte and Mark Lavers on a countback for third.
A nett 72 was enough for club secretary Julian Reynolds to win division three.
David Adamson was second – his better back nine putting him ahead of Alex Bannon as both scored a nett 74. Taff Powell edged junior Sam Corney on a countback with a nett 75 for fourth.
Jan Harvey swept the other 78 competitors aside in the ladies' December stableford, winning the competition with a four-under-par 40 points.
Harvey also topped the bronze division by four points from Annie Dent in second (36). Barbara Middleditch came third with 35 points and Val Humphrey fourth with 34.
Elaine Bright's better back nine was enough to see her top the silver division ahead of Sally Underwood as both scored 36 points. Alison Corney was third two shots behind with 34 points.
Sarah White headed a group of five all on 33 points – her better back nine put her ahead of Sue Owen-Pawson, Sue Fowler, Judy Murray and Jo Goldsworthy.
WOODBURY PARK
Dave Freeman and John Man won the fourball better ball competition with 49 points, with Richard Wallace and Richard Thomason second on 46.
Lyn Playford and Wendy Taylor led the ladies with 36 points, with Kay Foster and Norma Foster (29) the runners-up.
The mid-week competition was won by Robin Dummelow (41), with Steve Newman (39) fending off John Fuller and Steve Jarman for second on a countback.
Peter Stone, Mike Dickens and Roy Barber won the seniors' roll-up with 84 points.
With 36 players taking part in the toadstools and tiddlers-format event – with two scores to count on all holes except the fifth and the 16th where only one counted – Ray Dwan, David Morris and John Man did well to come second on 78.
TIVERTON
Mike Holder and Mike Eastmond fired a bogey score of +5 to win the fourth and final qualifier for the men's winter foursomes on Saturday.
The veterans had already progressed to the knock-out stages by coming fifth in the first qualifying event in November.
Simon Legassick and Les Jones went through as the leading pair on Saturday after also scoring +5.
Russell Jarman and Tony Sykes, Ian Turner and Charlie Durnan plus juniors Bradley Scott and Charlie Sampson all scored +3 to safely reach the last 32.
Also going through were David Jack and Mark Davitt (+2), Mark Griffiths and Mark Woodman (+2), Darren Lowman and Steve Jack (+1) and father-and-son Neville and Ollie Taylor (+1).
Anne Warne and Marg Sampson posted 33 stableford points to win the ladies' nine-hole hidden pairs competition on Wednesday.
PADBROOK PARK
Ashley Pym won the festive spirit challenge after scoring 31 points, and had a very good back nine to thank for his victory.
Results, festive spirit challenge: 1 A Pym 31pts, 2 A Held 30, 3 C Manley 29, 4 M Want 29, 5 S Held 29
Mark Want has the early lead in the order of merit with 15 points after the first three of more than 30 events. Tom Evans and Chris Manley are a point behind.
Order of merit (after three events): 1 M Want 15pts, 2 T Evans, C Manley 14, 4 S Held, P Moore, A Held 13
Winter foursomes, round 1 results: R Broomfield & K Taylor lost to J Smith & C Edwards, S Palmer & N Clift lost to N Cowley & A Pym, P Knight & G Stevenson lost to A Rooker & T Martin, S Vicary & D Silversides lost to R Williams & D Hepburn, P Waters & I Carvell bt J Reed & P Reed, K Curtis & B Colbourne lost to A Gill & R Asson. Round 2 draw: J Palmer & M Perott v M Rawlings & S Vile, J Smith & C Edwards v N Cowley & A Pym, A Rooker & T Martin v R Williams & D Hepburn, P Waters & I Carvell v A Gill & R Asson
FINGLE GLEN
Den Andrews won the Christmas fayre stableford with 42 points, with Keith Lovelock second on 40.
Terry Webster, Brian Ridgeway and Jon Bristowe all shared 39 points, followed by Geoff Baker, Sam Holmes and top-scoring lady Mary Smith on 38.
Roger Haley, Jon Durbin, Luke Burchell and Andrew Vickery were the remaining players shooting under par with 37 points.
Jeff Maynard came first in Tuesday's Christmas spirit medal with a seven-under nett 63.
Colin Durbin and Roger McAndrews were a shot back with 64, followed by club captain David Cardy on 66.
OKEHAMPTON
Alan Stokes and Richard Prouse won division one of the fourball better ball stableford with 54 points.
Johnny Rattenbury and Barry Down claimed second with 51 points, followed by Gareth Holt and Andrew Parry (48), beating Mark Curtis and Evan Rees on count back.
Division two was won by Gerry Lock and Michelle Widdows with 46 points, with Pete Okopski and Bob Barrett a point behind in second.
Third place went to Matthew Parry and Robin Webb with 44 points after a countback, with Bob Collett and Ray Grey fourth.
DOWNES CREDITON
Saturday's three-player team stableford was won by David Woodstock, John Warren and Colin Wheatcroft.
They returned a score of 80 (-8), with David Slee, Andy Frankum and Steve Lay second with a 76 (-4). Gary Price, Alan Lawrence and Tom Long took third place with 73 (-1).
Colin Wheatcroft, Tom Berry and Wally Phillips won the seniors' Texas scramble on Monday with a score of 63 (-7).
In second with a score of 64 (-6) were John Cann, Colin Cole and Richard Burston, with Brian Kelly, David Jones and Stuart Lewis two shots further behind in third.
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Devon firefighters to strike over pensions again on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
Firefighters campaigning against government attacks on their pensions will strike in England and Wales on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the Fire Brigades Union has announced.
Strikes will take place between:
- 7pm and midnight on Tuesday 24 December
- 6.30pm on Tuesday 31 December and 12.30am on Wednesday 1 January
- 6.30am and 8.30am on Friday 3 January
FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said: "Firefighters provide a first-class standard of service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and these strikes will remind government just how reliant they are on our members' professionalism, commitment and flexibility.
"However, there should be no need for industrial action, and it's absurd that firefighters' concerns over pensions have not been addressed already.
"The government must stop claiming they are negotiating when they have refused to talk for two months and insist on forcing through proposals that are unaffordable, unworkable and unfair.
"By simply conceding common sense and allowing firefighters a fair deal, the government could end this industrial action today."
As with previous strikes, on the three dates all FBU members in England and Wales will stop work apart from those working in control centres.
However, on top of these strike periods — the seventh, eighth and ninth to take place — on Christmas Eve all members in Scotland and those working in control centres across England, Scotland and Wales will refuse to work voluntary overtime, meaning every firefighter in the three nations will be taking part in industrial action together for the first time.
And between 7pm on Friday 27 and 7pm on Sunday 29 December, all firefighters in England, Scotland and Wales except those working in control will refuse to work voluntary overtime.
The ban on voluntary overtime comes after a second ballot of FBU members voted by almost nine to one for additional industrial action on top of strikes.
Although negotiations in Scotland have so far prevented strikes action, no settlement has yet been reached and the dispute remains live.
Firefighters' pension schemes are amongst the most expensive for workers anywhere in the public or private sector, but amongst the cheapest proportionally for the government.
Most firefighters who take home approximately £1,650 a month already pay £320 or more a month into their pensions, and from April 2014 this would rise for the third year in a row to over £340 a month (£4,000 a year), with many facing a fourth consecutive rise of 2.2% in 2015.
The union claims that the government's proposals are "designed to fail" because they ignore the physical demands and fitness standards required by the occupation.
Evidence suggests that at least two thirds of the current workforce will face dismissal or their pension reduced by almost half because they are unable to maintain the fitness standards required by the fire service beyond the age of 55.
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Police widen search for Exeter armed robber and child kidnapper who is on the run
POLICE in Exeter are understood to be widening their search to trace a convicted armed robber and paedophile who has gone on the run.
A huge manhunt is continuing to find dangerous Mark Sleman after fled from his bail hostel following his release from prison earlier this year.
The 43-year-old, who also goes by the name of Archie Sleman, had his licence withdrawn by the Probation service as they were no longer able to supervise.
Officers initially released an appeal in September along with advice to members of the public not to approach him if they saw him but call 999 immediately.
The widespread publicity generated a number of fresh leads for police.
Despite this, three months later, he has still evaded capture.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said today: "Mark Sleman is still at large and we are looking at different ways to track him down.
"We are continuing to search for him and are looking at widening the field to do this."
It is understood this could involve some form of national appeal.
Sleman had once been convicted for kidnapping and trying to rape a 10-year-old child. He was released earlier this year on licence as part of a seven-year sentence for robbing a homeless man at knifepoint and attempting to rob a garage shop supervisor in Exeter, again armed with a knife.
Reports about Sleman's "support for" or "links" with the far-right group the English Defence League also surfaced - with the Exeter division speaking out to publicly distance themselves from him.
The police spokesman added: "It is still very much a valid search. He is still on the run and we are still very keen to get hold of him. We have had a very good response from the public since the appeal went out. That has given us some leads we are looking into but there is nothing firm at this particular moment.
"The hunt does continue so if anyone has any further information we would be very keen to hear about it.
"No one wants him out on the streets and the information we get from the public will hopefully lead to a quick arrest. If anyone thinks they know someone who has information or knows of his whereabouts they can contact us directly on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously."
Anyone who knows the current whereabouts of Sleman or has seen him recently is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference DE/13/8408.
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Bid to give Exe Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status
THE Exe Valley could be granted Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.
That is the hope of one Mid Devon councillor who will this week bring forward a motion that the local council seeks to secure the coveted status for the tranquil and beautiful valley.Cllr Jenny Roach, who represents Silverton, is hoping to create debate on a possible AONB bid by bringing a motion before all councillors at their meeting tomorrow evening (December 18).
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status provides extra safeguarding for precious landscapes whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to preserve them.
There are a total of 38 AONBs in England and Wales, including the Blackdown Hills and East Devon.
Natural England, and their counterpart organisations in Wales and Northern Ireland, are responsible for formally designating AONBs and advising on policies for their protection. They act as national 'watchdogs' over AONBs, to ensure they are successfully conserved and enhanced.
The concept of AONBs was created by the legislation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act passed by parliament in 1949.
The benefits of gaining AONB status are that it raises national awareness of a specific area and can lead to increases in walkers and cyclist wishing to visit areas celebrated for their scenery. This could bring economic benefits to the area as many of these visitors are likely to want to stay in local establishments and eat locally-produced food during their stay.
Cllr Frank Rosamond, who is a member of the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership, said he thought there could well be support for the idea of an AONB bid among his fellow councillors, however, he said more would need to be known about the possible financial implications.
Cllr Rosamond said: "The costs of a bid could be quite substantial but I think in principle there will be support for the idea."
The issue is due to be discussed at a meeting of Mid Devon District Council this week.
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Healthy turnout for new Budleigh outdoor gym facility voting
There was a healthy turnout for a voting event held by Budleigh Salterton Town Council for residents to choose their new free-to-use outdoor gym.
The interest shown was impressive, with 139 residents from all age-groups coming along to vote at the late-night shopping event.
Residents got to vote on which one of three designs they wanted installed, the winner with 47% of all votes was Option C, a design from Proludic. The result now needs to be ratified by Budleigh Salterton Town Council and EDDC to release the available money.
East Devon District Council (EDDC), a group of Budleigh Salterton Town Councillors and healthcare professionals have been working together to provide Budleigh Salterton residents with the free-to-use outdoor gym that they want.
The outdoor gym facility has been proposed and chosen by the local community. Earlier in the year, EDDC and Budleigh Salterton Town Council asked community groups, residents and other organisations to put forward their ideas as to how £35,000 of the sports funding accumulated from recent Budleigh Salterton housing developments (Section 106 money) should be spent.
These ideas were then taken out to residents and they got to vote on which ones they wanted to happen in Budleigh Salterton. One of the winning ideas was to spend £15,000 on free-to-use outdoor gym facilities. The other project, the provision of a cycle path across The Green, is being progressed.
Budleigh Salterton Town Council, EDDC and the healthcare professionals researched possible locations and what types of equipment could be provided. It was decided that most of the gym equipment will be best placed in a group on The Green and the rest will be put near Lime Kilm car park next to the children's play area.
Councillor Tom Wright, East Devon District Councillor for Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton Town Councillor and a member of the Steering Group for the outdoor gym, said: "What came across was the real enthusiasm of those who came out to vote. There was some scepticism that the community was actually going to get what it had asked for. They are looking forward with great anticipation to see it happen. Thanks are due to Dr Richard Mejzner, Mark McGlade of Home Instead and Mrs Janice Kitson for their valuable input".
Councillor Chris Kitson, Budleigh Salterton Town Councillor, and a member of the Steering Group for the outdoor gym, said: "The community have chosen the facilities they need for the Town, these will be of benefit to all ages. This includes the cycle track across the Green and outdoor gym facilities at Lime Kiln car park adjacent to the existing children's play area and on the Green, close to the shelter".
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Plans for new East Devon hotel submitted
PROPOSALS for a four-storey hotel on the outskirts of Honiton have been submitted to East Devon District Council.
Property developers Yelverton Properties have submitted a planning application for a 66-bedroom hotel at the site of the Honiton Motel on Turks Head Lane.
The plans include the demolition of the existing motel buildings and the erection of a replacement hotel building with ancillary restaurant/bar.
Premier Inn has been proposed as the operator of the hotel. The plans also include a 63-space car park and associated landscaping works.
It is anticipated that 25 full time staff will be needed.
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Exeter timeshare man denies compensation scam
A timeshare specialist has told a jury that he was running an honest business which helped victims of mis-selling get out of crippling maintenance contracts.
Niel Mendoza says he did not receive a single complaint from any of his customers and was shocked when trading standards officers raided his business in Exeter.
He denied getting customers to meetings under false pretences or using scare tactics to bully them into paying his firm large fees to get out of the timeshare deals.
He insisted he had been providing a valuable and useful service at the Marsh-Barton company called Devon Based Associates.
Michael Girvin, aged 53, of Salterton Road, Exmouth, and Mendoza, aged 59, of Cordery Road, Exeter, deny three charges of breaching consumer protection legislation.
They were both cleared of the more serious charge of fraudulent trading on the direction of Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court.
He ruled there was no direct link between the alleged dishonesty in getting clients to meetings and the subsequent transactions in which they handed over money to get out of timeshare contracts.
The prosecution allege the two former timeshare salesmen devised a scam to prey on disgruntled timeshare owners who had been lumbered with deals they did not want.
The Crown says the two men lured potential customers to their offices by offering to enlist them into a class action against the timeshare industry which may generate up to £20,000 compensation apiece.
It is alleged customers were then subjected to a sales pitch for the service offered by Devon Based Associates in which they charged up to £7,800 to enable owners to relinquish timeshare properties or points.
The prosecution allege they made misleading claims about the likely future liabilities and overcharged for the service they offered, which actually cost around £800.
The jury have been told the two defendants worked together previously at St Francis Marketing, a timeshare selling operation which was investigated after complaints from customer.
Girvin and two fellow directors admitted breaches of consumer law but no action was taken against Mendoza.
Mendoza told the jury he was a director of Devon Based Associates and was working with a reputable firm called the International Timeshare Recovery Agency to collect 25,000 names for a class action.
He denied giving customers the impression that his company had any legal expertise and said all 109 who attended its meetings during the six months it operated were aware they would be offered advice on how to relinquish their timeshares.
He said:"We never suggested we were lawyers or legally qualified. We did not mislead anyone into coming to meetings.
"Most timeshare owners are very sceptical about phone calls and they would have checked us out on our website before they arrived. They would have been in no doubt what we were about.
"The figures we gave them for the likely amount they may get from legal claims came from ITRA. I do not accept that anything we were telling people was misleading.
"We never had any complaints from customers so you can imagine my shock when the trading standards department walked in. They had not been in contact before.
"They turned up and proceeded to empty the office of every document and all the computers. The took the whole lot off and put it into a van and did the same at my house as well.
"We never had anyone ring us to complain. The ones who decided they did not want to go through with relinquishment were refunded.
"As far as I know everyone we dealt with was happy."
Girvin will give evidence later. He also denies misleading any customers either about the meetings or the service offered at them.
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Clarkson insists Paulton Rovers win is not crucial for Tiverton
John Clarkson has assured Tiverton Town fans that Saturday's crucial clash with Paulton Rovers will not dictate the rest of their season.
The Yellows head into the game three places and 10 points behind the visitors.
Tivvy have a poor record against their Somerset opponents having lost six of their last seven contests between the two sides, including a 4-0 defeat in Clarkson's second league match in charge.
But they are on a six-match unbeaten run, which includes Tuesday's 2-0 Devon St Luke's Bowl quarter-final win at Barnstaple Town.
And Clarkson claims that, with so much of the season left to play, there is still plenty of time for either side to put together a concerted title charge.
"It is a big game but it is not the end of the world if we lose," said Clarkson.
"Merthyr are top now and look to be having a run, but North Leigh have had a run and so have Cirencester.
"Three points would be good but if you go on a run of six, seven or eight games then you will be right up there, no problem."
Tuesday's win over Barum gave the manager an opportunity to test players likely to feature against Paulton.
Left-back James Richards could keep his place after following up his goal in Saturday's 3-0 win at Fleet Town with another long-range effort.
Michael Nardiello also scored to add to the poacher's goal he bagged at the weekend – his first since returning to Ladysmead.
Max Kowal scored his maiden goal in Yellow on Saturday, and he and Nardiello could feature with Matt Wright suspended and suffering from a hamstring injury.
New signing Aiden Chainey, 19, impressed on his debut in midfield on Tuesday shortly after signing for the club.
Tom Gardner also started for the first time since returning from his honeymoon, and he will partner John Heveran in defence with Matt Villis injured and Ed Palmer suspended.
"We came through Tuesday okay. We have Ed and Wrighty missing for Saturday but Tom Gardner came in and looked decent," Clarkson said.
"I think he needed that game before Saturday and he will slot in with John Heveran next to him at the back.
"The first goal was a really good 20-yarder from James Richards – it was a very good goal," continued Clarkson.
"Nards finished off a good team move. He is looking like he is back to full sharpness so that is good. We had Dean Stevens and Aiden playing and they both did very well too.
"I don't think they had a shot at goal in the first half. They put up more of a fight in the second but we saw the game out. It was a very, very good performance.
"In the first half we could have scored a lot more. The pitch made ours look good – it was like trying to play in glue."
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Christmas shopper left baffled after car damaged by height restriction barriers on way out of Exeter car park
Exeter Christmas shopper David White was left scratching his head after he used the city's Guildhall car park.
What went in smoothly for Mr White certainly didn't come out the same way - and now he is left wondering why and who's going to pay the bill.
It all started well from Mr White and his family as they drove their Toyota people carrier into the car park off Paul Street which has height restriction barriers at the bottom of the ramp, at the top and then on the actual car park itself.
Mr White said: "My car went under all without touching any. When we came to leave, with our shopping, the vehicle hit nearly every roof beam on the way out, ripping off the roof bars, and badly damaging the roof of my vehicle.
"I obviously wasn't happy about the damage, and stopped the vehicle outside of the car park, and went back in on foot to discuss the matter with the manager, Paul Mackie, who was very helpful and understanding. We walked around the car park together so I could show him where my vehicle had struck the ceiling."
Now the council's insurance company has been in touch with Mr White telling him they are not liable, as the height restriction was clearly marked as 1.8m, and his vehicle was taller.
Said Mr White: I just want other drivers to know that you may be able to get into the car parks.
"It seems absurd that you can enter under all the height restrictions, therefore suggesting your vehicle is under the maximum height, but not exit."
The complaint is the third in one week against City council car parks. It comes after two families contacted the Echo to report that an enjoyable day's shopping had turned into a costly and frustrating experience when their cars were locked in after the car park closed. Read the full story here.
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Fall in Devon's jobless total stalls in run-up to Christmas
The downward trend in Devon's unemployment figures has stalled in the lead-up to Christmas, new data revealed today.
Official statistics showed 6,579 people across the county were claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in November – broadly static at just 66 more claimants than the previous month.
It breaks a run of eight months during which the number of people on the dole has steadily fallen.
That trend continued in Exeter, albeit marginally, with 1,430 people claiming unemployment benefit last month – eight fewer than in October.
But in East Devon the claimant count increased by 25 to 826. Mid Devon and Teignbridge both saw slight falls.
The number of JSA claimants in all district and city council areas in Devon remains well below that seen a year ago, with the total across the county down 2,628 year-on-year.
It means 1.5 per cent of Devon's working age population (1.8 per cent in Exeter) are currently claiming JSA, compared with 2 per cent across the South West and 3 per cent across the UK as a whole.
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Exeter City v Chesterfield: Matchday live
Follow live updates from St James's Park as Exeter City take on Chesterfield in League Two.
Paul Tisdale's side will be looking to build on last week's victory against Accrington Stanley, while Chesterfield will be aiming to continue their good form which has seen them reach second in the table.
Updates to start from 7pm.
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