Travel disruption as flooding between Exeter St Davids & Taunton closes lines

December 24, 2013, 2:44 am

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Thousands of people in Exeter will face further travel misery today after train services across the county were cancelled and dozens of roads closed. First Great Western announced this morning that trains between Exeter, Tiverton and Taunton had been cancelled after the line had to be closed due to heavy flooding caused by yesterday's storms. First Great Western have confirmed that flooding mean all lines are closed and a very limited Road Shuttle is operating between the two in both directions. Further updates on this situation will be provided in future messages. The rail firm also said train services between Barnstaple and Exeter had been cancelled again today due to further flooding on the Tarka line. The closures have put Christmas travel plans under threat as thousands attempt to travel across the country in time for Christmas Day. Currently the Environment Agency has 78 flood warnings, 61 flood alerts and one severe flood warning across the South West.

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Man charged with Axminster Co-op robbery

December 24, 2013, 5:27 am

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A 26-year-old has been charged with robbery after cigarettes and a bottle of vodka were stolen from a Co-operative in Axminster. Samuel Murphy, 26, from Axminster, is due to appear in Exeter Magistrates Court today regarding the incident, which occurred just after 9pm on Saturday.

Update: Man dies after being swept away in river when trying to rescue dog

December 24, 2013, 5:29 am

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A man has died after entering a river in Newton Abbot to rescue his dog. Witnesses saw the 46-year-old local enter the River Lemon near to the Asda store at Bakers Park at around 11.15 am. The man is thought to have been trying to rescue his dog which had gone in to the fast-flowing water. The man was then swept away by the water and later spotted some distance downstream by police officers near to the Tucker Maltings site, near Brunel Industrial Estate. Three police officers managed to retrieve the man from the river and other officers arrived and CPR procedures were carried out until the air ambulance took him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he remains at this time. The dog managed to escape from the water unharmed. Police are reminding members of the public not to enter fast-flowing water for any reason.

Man appeals to Twitter users after his grandfather is stranded in Tiverton because of flooding

December 24, 2013, 5:35 am

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A MAN has used the power of Twitter to ask followers if they can get food to his grandfather who has been left stranded alone in Tiverton by the storms. Twitter user Alexis (@toddlerlex), who is believed to be based in London, posted the message at about 10.30am today (Christmas Eve). He said: "Twitter #help please! My grandad is stuck alone in Devon because of the storms- is anybody near #Tiverton able to drop some food in for him?" Hundreds of people began sharing the message with their followers and within minutes Alexis already had several offers from members of the public in the area. He later tweeted that his grandad lives at Gooding Rise in Tiverton. First to respond was Blair (@red_hairy_blair), whose mum lives near Alexis' grandad, and delivered him some supplies within an hour of the message first being posted. Alexis has now praised Blair's mum saying she is 'a secret santa'. He also thanked his Twitter followers: "Hey everyone, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Such an amazing response, some fantastic offers of help from some truly amazing people. Will update soon x" Social media users are now tweeting about how his story has left them with that heart-warming feeling right before Christmas. @paulj85 said: "Warmed my heart seeing all the responses you got - hope it all works out!" @JoPlattTweets said: "What a great conversation to follow. Glad it's sorted."

Fresh weather warning of heavy rain issued for Devon on Friday

December 24, 2013, 5:44 am

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The storm which battered Devon yesterday continued throughout the night and eased up this morning. However, although there are currently no weather warnings in place for Christmas Day or Boxing Day, a fresh weather warning of wind has been issued for Devon on Friday. A less-severe 'yellow-graded' weather warning is in place from midnight on Thursday until 11.59pm on Friday. A chief forecaster at the Met Office said wind speeds would pick up again on Boxing Day evening but peak on Friday with gusts of around 80mph forecast again. He said: "Another spell of stormy weather is expected to affect many areas, winds increasing later on Boxing Day but likely to peak during Friday. Gusts of 70-80 mph are possible especially in exposed parts of the west and south. "Bands of heavy rain are also expected to affect many areas but particularly in the south and west, where a further 30 to 50 mm may fall."

Pictures: Exeter Quay on flood alert

December 24, 2013, 6:10 am

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These pictures show the River Exe on flood alert this afternoon. The River has burst its banks at parts by the Quay however the flood prevention channel would seem to be doing its job. The River was place on flood alert at 15:30 on Sunday. A representative of the Environment Agency said. "Frontal rain has passed through Devon. Only isolated showers are expected today and tomorrow. River levels will remain high and there is still standing water. We will update this Flood Alert as the situation changes and look to remove as soon as possible. Further stormy weather is expected after Christmas although significant rainfall totals are not currently being forecast."Video: River Exe on flood alert:

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Update: Reduced services continue to run on South West trains network

December 24, 2013, 8:58 am

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A reduced service continues to run across the South West Trains network due to flooding and fallen trees blocking many miles of track. Following some of the worst storms to hit the region in many years, more than 60 trees have fallen across the South West Trains network and there is flooding at nine separate locations. Maintenance teams have worked through the night to carry out repairs and clear lines. However, there are still dozens of trees to be removed from the track and flooding at several sites is being monitored. As a result, a reduced number of services are running, and no trains are currently operating on the following routes: •West of England line between Salisbury and Exeter •Strawberry Hill to Shepperton •Wokingham to Reading •Weybridge to Virginia Water •Guildford to Havant (via Portsmouth) South West Trains is continuing to advise people not to travel unless absolutely necessary and passengers planning to return home from London this evening are strongly advised to travel as early as possible. Last services from Waterloo are currently planning to depart between 19.00 and 21.00 and full details of the individual train services can be found at southwesttrains.co.uk. Trains will be operating at maximum capacity but are expected to be extremely busy. Due to the ongoing service disruption, all services are also subject to change and passengers are therefore strongly advised to travel early. Passengers who have to travel should check the latest service information at southwesttrains.co.uk and on Twitter #StormSWT. Ticket flexibility has been increased to allow passengers to change their time of travel if necessary. Several train operators in the London area started services later than normal to allow trains to check lines are safe to run passenger services. Hundreds of homes in the south west of England are without power as a result of the storm, and a number of roads are blocked by fallen trees. Flights are also subject to delays and disruption. A spokesman for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance said: "We are working hard to provide as many services as possible for our passengers, but due to the severity damage caused by the storms, there are still large parts of our network that remain either blocked or flooded. "Our advice continues to be that passengers should avoid travel wherever possible, and as our attention now turns to the end of the day, we are also strongly advising people to leave London as early as possible rather than wait until the very last train. "We appreciate this is a very difficult and anxious time for our customers and we are sorry they have faced significant disruption. We would like to assure them that we are doing everything we possibly can to get them home for Christmas."

Crews called to building fire in Exeter

December 24, 2013, 9:55 am

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Fire crews were called to Exeter this morning after reports of a building fire The emergency services were called to Barnfield Road, Exeter at 09:44 following a report of an electrical fire. Two appliances one from Danes Castle and Middlemoor were and on arrival crews confirmed a strong smell of burning and got to work with thermal image camera to investigate. A small fire involving light fitting scene inspected and made safe.

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Two cars destroyed and four cars damaged in Axminster car park fire

December 24, 2013, 10:01 am

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Fire crews were called to a Tesco car park in Axminster this morning after a car burst into flames. One appliance from Axminster was mobilised at 11:14am following a report to the Fire Service Control of a vehicle on fire in Shand Park. On arrival at the scene crews confirmed two private cars in public car park well alight and got to work using breathing apparatus and hose reels. Two vehicles were severely damaged by fire a further four vehicles were damaged by heat and smoke, two hose reels, two breathing apparatus and small tools were used to extinguish the fire.

Man and woman rescued from flood water in Powderham near Exeter

December 24, 2013, 10:07 am

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Two people were rescued from flood water near Exeter this evening. The fire service received a call from police reporting a person stuck in their car in flood water on Exe Valley Way, Powderham at 16:57 today. One fire appliance from Middlemoor Exeter, one fire appliance from Dawlish and the specialist rescue team from Exeter were mobilised. Fire crews released one adult male and one adult female from floodwater using dry suits.

Christmas message from the Lord Mayor, Cllr Rachel Lyons

December 24, 2013, 4:00 pm

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IT'S been another eventful year for the city, with the announcement that the Rugby World Cup is coming to Exeter in 2015, putting the city on the world map and giving thousands of fans the chance to see what Exeter has to offer. Our visitors this year included their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex, to open the new sport facilities on the Quay and to attend the Two Moors Musical festival concert in the Cathedral. The Cycling Tour of Britain brought Sir Bradley Wiggins speeding through the city on the way to Dartmoor. I was also privileged to receive and hand on the Olympic Flame of Hope, on its way to Bath for the Special Olympics. On a wet Monday in October, RAF Brize Norton received the Freedom of the City, with a Hercules aircraft flying the length of the High Street just under the clouds. I am looking forward to HMS Defender receiving the same award next year. The local food stalls in the Guildhall Shopping Centre have attracted visitors and locals alike, to taste locally sourced meals. A bigger Christmas market, with stalls on Cathedral Green and in the High Street, has made the city centre vibrant in the run up to Christmas. There has been a lot of hard work done by so many people right across the city and for that, I, as Lord Mayor of Exeter, would like to give my thanks to them all. To all my staff at the civic centre, museum, parks department, cleansing services, and everyone else at the city council, I thank you all for the efforts you bring to keep this city looking great. Finally, to all of you, the citizens of this historic and great city, I know 2013 has been a difficult one for so many in many different ways but may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year. Rachel C.Lyons

Devon County Council reminds people to recycle over Christmas

December 24, 2013, 4:00 pm

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DEVON County Council is urging Devon residents to have a 'Green Christmas' and recycle over the coming week. The council is asking people to remember that wrapping paper, cardboard, bottles and even Christmas trees can all be recycled or taken to recycling centres. In many areas across the region, the council will be operating a collection service for Christmas trees to make sure they are taken for chipping and composting. DCC is advising people that fake trees can be passed on to someone else via reuse sites such as Freegle, Freecycle or sold via Gumtree, Preloved, Amazon or Ebay . People are also being reminded about food waste, with the average household wasting up to £60 worth of food a month, which the council has said gets higher at Christmas time. Wrapping paper and Christmas cards can be recycled from the beginning of January, and many charity shops are especially grateful at this time of year for any unwanted gifts. Cabinet member with responsibility for waste, Councillor Roger Croad said the council will make recycling as easy as possible for Devon residents. He said: "An enormous amount of extra waste is produced at this time of year, packaging, wrapping, plastic, additional bottles and so on so it's important we dispose of it responsibility. "Devon residents have proved to be great recyclers and I'm sure this year will be no exception."

South West voted happiest place to live in the UK

December 24, 2013, 4:00 pm

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THE South West is one of the happiest places to live in the UK, according to a new report. The South West of England and the North West have been found to be the happiest regions to live in, with 53% of people in the West Country saying they were happy or extremely happy with their level of success. The survey, commissioned by General Electricals, asked participants how satisfied they were with four aspects of their lives – their skills, their networks of friends and family, their emotional and physical health and finally their community interests, such being involved in a local charity. The survey found that just 42% of people elsewhere in the North of England were happy with their success, but found that people in Scotland had the best balance of happiness across all four categories. Those in the South West also rated health as the most important factor for personal happiness overall and it was found to be particularly important to those over the age of 55, whereas people aged 16 to 24 voted their social network of friends most important to their happiness. Overall the South West scored the second highest happiness rating, the fourth for happiness levels and the sixth for the right balance of life. Mark Elborne, CEO of General Electrics in the UK and Ireland said: "Success is not just about fame and fortune; it is about achieving your goals. Having a strong network of friends and family, good health as well as skills or interests are seen by people as the measure of personal success. "The research clearly shows that a balanced approach to life helps people feel happy and successful."

The 10 most read Express And Echo online articles of 2013

December 24, 2013, 4:00 pm

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2013 has been a year packed with news, and The Echo has been there every step of the way to bring you unrivalled coverage online and in print. Here we present a run-down of the top 10 most read articles on expressandecho.co.uk this year.1On the run: Public warned not to approach "psychopath" paedophile believed to be in Exeter2 Update: Police release video of vicious Exeter attack which broke victim's arm340,000 people sign petition against Exeter Apprentice star Katie Hopkins after 'unacceptable' tweet4Taxi driver told to remove St George's flag sticker by council 'because it puts those who aren't English at a disadvantage'5 What are the odds? Exeter man receives five identical birthday cards6 Police appeal after woman, 25, raped in Honiton car park7 Pictures: Doc Martin star Martin Clunes sees heavy horses in action at Exeter Racecourse8Picture: Wind turbine blown over by wind in Devon9 Nobody attends English Defence League 'vigil' in Exeter10Mobile speed camera locations in and around Exeter

Christmas message from John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council

December 24, 2013, 4:00 pm

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I AM very lucky at this time of year to be invited to a lot of festive events and activities representing Devon County Council and my wife and I have always enjoyed the set-piece, civic ceremonies and concerts held in grand locations such as Exeter Cathedral. But for me the essence of Christmas is all wrapped up with family and friends. The start of the season always used to be signified by my children's school nativity plays. These days it is being able to watch our grandchildren re-telling the age-old story of Christmas with the wonder that only the young have. So I hope you will be able to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends and I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. We continue to live through a time of great austerity and I am afraid that, early in the new year, I and my colleagues on the county council will be wrestling with a very tough budget that will see us having to reduce services. Nevertheless, national and locally there are encouraging signs that the economy is on the mend. Exeter continues to expand with Cranbrook, the Science Park and Skypark proceeding apace. Councils can't create jobs. But we can help bring about the climate for business to create jobs and, working closely with Exeter and East Devon councils, we look forward to the creation of good quality, well-paid jobs for local people. We are also pressing on with the delivery of superfast broadband to many rural parts of Devon. The Kingskerswell bypass is well under way to boost the economy of South Devon and we are also making good progress with the Crediton link road. These are all developments which have been on the stocks for some time and which will make a positive difference to local people. So we can look forward to 2014 with some optimism and we will continue to do our best to make Devon an even better place to live.

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Christmas message from council leader Pete Edwards

December 24, 2013, 4:00 pm

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AS our thoughts turn to Christmas, it's good to reflect on what's been another eventful year for Exeter and look forward to 2014. This year my focus has been on maintaining momentum in the Exeter economy. We have worked hard with partners and the private sector to help support growth. At the city council we have taken a lead in introducing a 'living wage' for all of our employees. Not only does this take people out of poverty but also cuts down on the benefits bill and allows more cash to be ploughed back into the local economy. I would encourage any companies that are able to do so, to follow our lead. The number of national awards won by companies and institutions within the city has been astonishing and a tribute to the way the Exeter is flourishing. Embracing every aspect of the life in the city we have examples of national excellence: The Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter Chiefs, RAMM, John Lewis, Exeter College, and the University of Exeter, are just some who have rightfully received national recognition. I think equally remarkable has been story of Exeter City Football Club's supports Trust that is celebrating 10 years, a model that is unique in the football league. All over Exeter I see examples of organisations making the city a stronger place and improving the quality of life. I believe 2014 will see Exeter continue to go from strength to strength. In particular we will build on the legacy of investment that has been made in infrastructure that put us in an extremely advantageous position relative to all other locations in the peninsular. The opening of Exeter Science Park is but one of the very real statements that the city is making a step change in the offer to future employers. The city council continues to be focused on bringing forward investment in the city centre and is determined to make Exeter the strongest centre outside of Bristol. Lots to look forward to, including the Rugby World Cup 2015 which comes to Exeter and Sandy Park in less than two years! Have a peaceful Christmas and all the best for 2014.

VIDEO: X Factor star Luke Friend's joy at being home for Christmas

December 24, 2013, 4:28 pm

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X Factor star Luke Friend has returned to his home in Teignmouth just in time for Christmas.

The 17-year-old flew the Devon flag high in the hit TV singing contest and took third place in the national talent search, which saw thousands enter. "It's back to normality for a week or so," he told the Herald Express.

"It's great to sleep in my own bed and eat food home cooked by my mum. I got home and the first thing I did was see my dog Gizmo and then play my guitar."

The former Coombeshead Academy student found time on his break home to visit youngsters at the Meadow Centre, Kingsway, to perform a surprise gig and hand out signed photos to youngsters.

He performed Ben E King's Stand By Me, One Direction's hit What makes you Beautiful and Skinny Love.

Sarah Holmes, centre manager, said: 'It's awesome he did this for us. We had to keep it a secret for so long that he was coming.

"He's a lovely bloke to come here and do this."

Fan Zoe Speed, 13, who was at the centre said: "It's the first time I've seen him live before.

"I'm so happy I nearly cried."

Cllr David Cox who attended the surprise gig said: "I'm delighted he supported the Kingsway Residents Association Christmas dinner and talent show. I'm sure he'll inspire the youngsters who performed."

Staging was donated by Teignbridge Council last minute through Dawlish Leisure Centre.

Luke also cut a special guitar shaped cake made by Newton Abbot firm Teddy's Cakes, which was later enjoyed by the families at the centre.

The star said he was thrilled he got so far in the contest.

"It's been crazy and a fantastic opportunity," he said.

"I loved being on the show and if I had to do it again I'd have a lot better knowledge. I have made friends for life."

He said he is pleased fellow contestant Sam Bailey won the competition. She received more than one million votes.

"I think the right person won," he said.

"I knew from the start she would do well. I'm lucky as I haven't won, I've got a few extra days off," he joked.

Since leaving the show, just before Christmas, he's had meetings galore with record labels and management companies.

"It's all looking good, I can't say a lot yet," he said.

"I just know it's going to a busy year next year."

He's now 'chilling' at home after an 'amazing' journey on the X Factor, but f

After his Christmas break he'll start rehearsals for the X Factor tour.

Video and Pictures: Thousands brave the cold for Exmouth's Christmas Day swim 2013

December 25, 2013, 4:20 am

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With a scent of mulled wine wafting through the crowds, thousands of festive spirited people braved the chilly waters for Exmouth's Christmas Day swim to the delight of hundreds of onlookers lined up along the promenade. With its roots in the late 1960s, when a group of six friends including Ken Cunningham decided to take the plunge, the event still has no official organisers but it thought to be one of the biggest to take place in the UK. Unperturbed by a brief hail storm, as the skies cleared and the sun began to shine, the turn-out was as impressive as ever. Adding to the frivolous and friendly atmosphere the event has become renowned for, many opted to take a dip in fancy dress – there were sumo wrestlers, whoopee cushions and of course plenty of festive themed outfits from snowflakes to Santa and his elves. Others took the opportunity to raise funds for charity. Some decided to bob around for several minutes while others dashed in and dashed out but there was plenty of splashing and even more laughter. Anticipating the surge of swimmers every year, the Exmouth RNLI crew launch the all-weather lifeboat and keep watch with town crier Roger Bougein leading the countdown. The Exmouth swim at 11am follows the Budleigh Salterton bash at 10am, where hundreds of swimmers brave the waves and the pebbles as well the cold, so extra hardy souls can opt for both. Mark Worsley, 40, from Exmouth said it was easy to persuade his Boys Brigade Hand Bell Ringers to don elf outfits and take part. "It wasn't hard to convince them," he smiled. "It's a bit of fun," he added. For the last few years, Cathy Cornish, 24, from Exmouth and her school friends have taken part, each year taking on a different guise. This year they were snowflakes. "We've been reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees and Santas," she said. "We're running out of ideas! The swim is a lovely way to see your friends at Christmas." Nicola Yukon, 41, from Exmouth and her sister in law and partner took the opportunity to raise hundreds of pounds for Diabetes UK. "We're cold already!" she said moments before the countdown. "We've never done it before but always watched. The atmosphere is always great, there's a brilliant turn out again. It's fantastic every year, Exmouth is well known for it." Jon Waller, 24, from Exeter and his pal, took part as a dare to raise funds for Shelterbox - their frolic in the waves a prequel for their drive to Mongolia in 2014 to raise funds for the charity. "The cold was a bit of a shock," he laughed. "But all the cheering from everyone helped."Video:

Crews called to shed fire in Exeter

December 25, 2013, 10:08 am

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A shed has been destroyed by a fire in Exeter. Fire Control received multiple calls stating that smoke could be seen coming from a property on Stoke Valley Road at 15:49 today. Two fire appliances from Danes Castle attended and crews found a wooden shed approximately 2m x 4m on fire in the garden of a domestic property. Crews used two sets of breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze. Crews used a thermal imaging camera and turned over and damped down the contents. The shed was severly damaged by fire.

Devon monks: 'Don't blame our wine for crime in Scotland'

December 25, 2013, 11:14 am

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Monks in Devon have hit back at claims that their tonic wine is to blame for crime in Scotland. Buckfast Abbey Tonic Wine has been linked to almost 6,500 crime reports in Scotland in the last three years, a freedom of information request has revealed. The monastery, which has been brewing Buckfast for nearly 100 years, said it was "not fair" to blame the tonic with the company behind the drink saying it will take legal action to stop the police adding its own anti-crime labels to bottles. Abbot David Charlesworth of Buckfast Abbey says the monastery's tonic wine "is not made to be abused". He told BBC News: "We don't make a product for it to be abused. That's not the idea. "We make a product which is a tonic wine. "It annoys me to think that these problems, all the social deprivation of an area of Scotland, is being put on our doorstep. "That's not fair. I'm not producing drugs, which I know are going to be used abusively." He said the abbey had attempted to address problems, for example employing a youth worker in an area where the problems with the tonic wine were occurring. "If I say I don't feel any responsibility that makes me sound like a heartless so and so. That's not the case. "Am I upset about how tonic wine is used? Of course I am. It would be ridiculous to say otherwise. "I don't want Buckfast Abbey to be associated with broken bottles and drunks. "But is the product bad? No." He added: "I've heard people say we should ban Buckfast. "If you ban Buckfast, ban Scottish whisky. It's alcohol, much stronger. But oh no they wouldn't do that. "So they are picking on a particular thing as a sort of conscience salver." Buckfast represents 0.5% of Scottish alcohol sales, according to the Scottish government.