Motorists urged to take care on Devon's roads tonight as Met Office issues severe weather warning of ice

January 10, 2014, 7:50 am

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Sub-zero temperatures are expected across Devon this evening prompting the Met Office to issue a severe weather warning of ice. The Exeter-based weather agency has issued yellow-graded warnings for the whole of Devon and Cornwall from 9pm tonight until 10am tomorrow. It warns of temperatures dropping below zero which, combined with surface water from recent rainfall, will make for icy roads. A chief forecaster at the Met Office said: "Surface temperatures will fall to around or just below freezing later on Friday evening "Large amounts of standing water remain on the ground in many places following recent wet weather and flooding. Combined with Friday's rain this will result in icy stretches forming in places. "The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel on the roads."

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Save Exeter badgers petition launched on City Council website

January 10, 2014, 7:55 am

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A campaign has been launched to protect Exeter badgers from being culled. An epetition that has gone up on the Exeter City Council website calls for the council to prohibit the culling of badgers on council-owned land and invest in vaccination programmes locally. It states: "We ask this because we believe culling to be inhumane, inefficient and unscientific. "This is a national issue which will be of direct concern to the people of Exeter when DEFRA rolls out its culling policy in 2014. "The object of the petition is to ensure that Exeter's badger population is as safe as possible from slaughter and that the already available injectable badger vaccine against bTB is used in as many cases as possible." Earlier this month Labour councillors in Devon were angry that a debate on plans to ban badger culls on Devon County Council land was delayed for a second month. The group proposed a motion at the county council meeting in December, following culls trial expert Lord Krebs' remarks that the Government's pilot schemes had become a "fiasco". The move, which follows a similar move to ban hunting by the authority in 1993, which was passed but never enacted as policy, was deferred for a cabinet discussion before any vote. But at thr cabinet meeting, council leader John Hart again ruled out a debate and instead shunted the matter back to the full council meeting earmarked to consider £25million budget cuts. The epetition runs until May 5 and has been signed by 74 people to date.View the petition by clicking here.

Bully guilty of Honiton pub attack that wrecked dream of Royal Marine career

January 10, 2014, 8:03 am

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A pub bully has been found guilty of attacking a young student after a jury rejected his claim he was acting in self defence. James Stainer left victim Harry Sparks with a broken foot and so terrified that he has stopped going out since the attack in the centre of Honiton more than a year ago. The injuries ruined his dream of becoming a Royal Marine and the shock of the assault led him to drop out of college. Stainer, aged 26, of Langford Avenue, Honiton, denied causing actual bodily harm but was found guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court and his sentence was adjourned for reports by Recorder Mr Adrian Hughes, QC. During a three day case the court heard how the trouble flared up four days after Christmas and arose from an incident on the previous New Year's Eve between Mr Sparks' parents and Stainer's girlfriend Rachel Doxey. Both sides accused the other of assaulting them and an argument broke out when Harry Sparks met Miss Doxey by chance at the Orange Tree pub in Honiton High Street. The victim said she had grabbed his face and he was fending her off when Stainer rushed from the pub, knocked him down with a blow to his temple, and kicked him while he was defenceless on the ground. Door staff from the pub saw Stainer hit Mr Sparks to the side of the head and kick him while unconscious on the floor. He left the scene but was traced by police and told them 'he was pushing my missus around, what would you do?'. Stainer said he was acting to protect himself and his girlfriend from a perceived threat from Mr Sparks, who he alleged had been acting aggressively.

Video: Blur Group plans to expand in Exeter as global s-commerce takes off

January 10, 2014, 8:36 am

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Exeter-based technology firm Blur Group Plc has outlined ambitious plans for further growth in 2014 – including a second building at Exeter Science Park – following its most successful year to date. The company's global services exchange – which enables businesses to buy and sell services online – enjoyed a record-breaking fourth quarter of 2013, with 719 projects submitted. The total project value of $64.52m was up a massive 1,509 per cent on the same period in 2012. Speaking about Blur's ongoing development, chief executive Philip Letts said: "We can look forward to the next phase of the development of our head office in Exeter, with our second building going up towards the end of the year. "And we will continue to invest wisely, driven by increasing amounts of data and intelligence, to help us make sure that we don't just pioneer the s-commerce space but we lead it and continue to lead it globally over the next few years." Blur Group said its metrics showed more companies around the world are recognising the importance of a platform-based approach to services selection and delivery, which delivers increased choice of service provider, shorter timescales and reduced costs. Mr Letts added: "We've described 2013 as the year of s-commerce adoption. This quarter not only confirmed that s-commerce is changing business globally, particularly evidenced by growing project submissions from Asia Pacific, but also showed how high-value, long term projects with staged delivery cycles provide visibility of Exchange use and uptake through 2014. "This quarter saw us build the organizational infrastructure to shape our business for the next three years, allowing us to grow and scale globally. Building on the exceptional growth in s-commerce adoption 2013, 2014 will see a focus on enterprise s-commerce and mobile s-commerce accelerating the uptake globally." The total value of projects submitted to the exchange is now over $115m, with $64m in the last quarter alone. A total of 2,086 projects were submitted throughout 2013, meaning on average nearly six projects were submitted daily, as compared to two in 2012. Some 3,129 new expert service providers joined the exchange in the quarter. The transition of Blur Group's headquarters to Exeter, and the subsequent establishment of regional offices for the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and the US, as well as a strategy centre in California, saw its teams grow in both size and calibre, with significant hires across the business. Staff numbers are expected to continue growing this year, having doubled from 40 to 80 during 2013, with plans for a new office to serve the Asia Pacific region.

Tisdale wishes Torquay United manager Chris Hargreaves the best of luck

January 10, 2014, 10:00 am

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Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale wished new Torquay United manager Chris Hargreaves the best of luck as he bids to get the Gulls out of relegation trouble. Hargreaves, who was appointed Torquay United manager on Monday, was a former youth coach at St James's Park having played for a number of clubs in the lower leagues of English Football. Tisdale says Hargreaves seems like the appropriate choice for Torquay United as they try to battle their way out of relegation trouble. "It seems an appropriate decision from Torquay United, he fits the bill in terms of someone who understands the league and knows the club," said Tisdale. "He is ambitious, he is articulate, he understands the game and it won't be a surprise to him the football he is stepping into and the type of football Torquay will be having to play to settle their season. "It's always difficult making a managerial appointment, there are lots of good managers out there but everyone now and then someone crops up who is young and has the potential and it seems Chris is one of those. I wish him the best of luck. It seems, on the face of it, a good appointment." Asked if he felt Hargreaves could turn around Torquay United's fortunes, Tisdale added: "I think it is very difficult job. "No matter what players you have, when a team is in a rut and they haven't got too many results, it's difficult. "But we have all got our own problems and we have got ours. "I can't talk too much expertise on their problems, but it seems they have got a bit of a fight on their hands. "However, I think Chris will be well acquainted to that, he'll understand that. "I don't think it will be a surprise to him, going into League Two football and Plainmoor and knowing what they have to do. "Things can turn around very quickly and you can get the wheels turning very quickly and a season can turn around in the space of two or three games. So fingers crossed for them, apart from when they come to St James's Park when I hope it goes wrong for them."

Police appeal after a spate of crimes in Exmouth

January 11, 2014, 2:35 am

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Police in Exmouth are appealing for information following a spate of crime this month. At around 4am on Wednesday, January 1, a man was attacked near to St Andrews Road and suffered injuries to his face and mouth. A police spokesperson said that a group are likely to be responsible for what they describe as a "mindless and unprovoked" attack and bragged about it afterwards. Police are very keen to hear from anybody with any information that could lead to the identification of the attackers. Crime number: KE/14/9. Some time between 3pm on Wednesday, January 1, and 8am on Thursday, January 2, a garage in the Canterbury Way area of Exmouth was burgled. Damage was caused to the wooden up-and-over garage doors on entry. Once inside the garage a mens red and white Specialised Hardrock mountain bike and green, all-in-one motorcycle leathers were stolen. Crime number: KE/14/21. At around 2am on Saturday, January 4, the rear nearside window of a silver Toyota Yaris parked on Park Road, was smashed. Crime reference: KE/14/44. Anyone with any information about any of the above crimes is urged to call the police on, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on, 0800 555111 and quote the corresponding crime number.

Hospiscare plans fundraising men's walk in Exeter

January 11, 2014, 3:04 am

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Hospiscare is once again organising a fundraising 10k men's walk this year. As usual the walk will culminate with a pint, a pasty and three Six Nations rugby matches. The walk will commence from Sandy park on Saturday, March 15. The walk goes through Ludwell Valley Park before heading back to the finish line at Sandy Park. Hospiscare event fundraiser Hannah Slater said: "The chance to spend a day out with your mates or for fathers and sons to get together has made this 10k walk an extremely popular event in the Hospiscare calendar. "This is a really fun event which is open to anyone aged 12 years upwards. Over the past two years, the Men's Walk has made its mark as a way for people across all generations, from grandfathers to grandsons, to enjoy a lads' day out together." Registration is now open and costs just £10 if you sign up by Monday, January 20. After that date the price will be £15. After the walk those taking part will be able to watch the Italy v England, Wales v Scotland and France v Ireland rugby matches on big screens, along with a free pint from Otter Breweries and a delicious pasty from Chunks of Devon. Exeter Chiefs' prop, Carl Rimmer, said: "Exeter Chiefs are happy to support Hospiscare, it's a great organisation and the walk is a brilliant idea - what better way to top off a 10k walk than with rugby and a pint." More than 400 men braved hailstones and sweeping rain to take part in the walk last year, raising over £40k for local charity Hospiscare. The event is being sponsored by Wilkinson Grant who will also be entering their own team for the walk. Hannah said: "We have some exciting new twists to keep everyone entertained during the walk this year, and there is also the opportunity for someone to win a signed 2012/2013 England Rugby jersey. "Whether you choose to complete the walk with a team of family, friends or colleagues or even want to complete the walk on your own, the atmosphere and camaraderie at such a fantastic venue is sure to make this a day to remember whilst also raising money for Hospiscare." For more information or to register for the walk call Hannah on 01392 688062 or visit www.menswalk.co.uk.

Storms have changed our coastline forever, according to Exeter University expert

January 11, 2014, 4:29 am

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The immensely powerful storm which battered the Devon last week caused monumental damage, smashing into pieces a number of well-known landmarks, including iconic rock formations, piers and harbour walls. The human cost of the extreme weather has also been high – a man and a woman have died in seas off the region's coast while another man remains missing after going out to photograph the remarkable event. Storm Hercules may have passed, leaving locals to mop up seafronts and re-build walls and cafés, but experts believe the effect of the pounding waves and high tides may last much longer, leaving weakened, sodden cliffs at increased risk of landslide as the weather dries out. Dr Robin Shail, a geologist working for Exeter University, said the impact had been the biggest since the winter storms of 1991. He predicts more damage is likely to emerge when people begin returning to less-visited places, and says the process of erosion appears to be speeding up as a result of climate change. "The landscape which we see and love and cherish is forever changing – people assume it is fixed but it is an ever-moving canvas," Dr Shail added. "What we are seeing within the debate about climate change is that one-in-50-year events are becoming one-in-20-year ones– we are moving to a situation where change is occurring more rapidly – it is like pressing the fast forward button. "Some of these rocks which have been destroyed are very big but they are being hit by very big waves, hundreds of tonnes of water in a single impact, which is enough to break them up." The most eye-catching losses were Dorset's Pom Pom Rock, the landmark Cornish rock arch in Porthcothan Bay and the end section of Porthreath pier, the Monkey House. But there was widespread damage to sea-front buildings, harbour walls and breakwaters. The raging seas also reclaimed vast amounts of sand, turning Whitsand Bay into a beach of boulders and leaving Perranporth's famous Watering Hole perched on an eight-foot, sandy cliff face. The South West Coastal Path did not escape the ferocity of the weather with routes damaged and a path at Appledore in now shut to the public. Mark Owen, national trails officer, said the full extent may not be known until people begin using the route. He added: "Surprisingly we have not had any new reports of cliff falls since the weekend but we haven't had time to fully assess – there may be other damage we are not aware of and sections lost." Cornwall Council has estimated its repair bill to be around £2 million mark. South West insurance firm Cornish Mutual says claims for damage to homes and businesses already top £500,000. Mark Davidson, an associate professor and member of Plymouth University's 'storm chasers' team, said a rare combination of meteorological circumstances had combined to produce a storm of "immense power". "It is a testament to the strength of Hercules that it destroyed rock formations which have stood for hundreds of years," he added. "It was the convergence of a so many contributing factors: a weather system about as bad as it gets and some of the biggest waves we have seen – it was a pretty rare event, no question about that. "It produced a storm surge in excess of 2.5m, which compared to a predicted rise of half a metre over the next century was five times the sea level rise we might get due to global warming. "It is becoming more common and it could be that increased storminess has a bigger effect than the sea level rise itself." Fossil 'gold rush' but cliffs now in peril The stunning Jurassic coastline hit the headlines in 2012 and into last winter when months of drought and heavy rain weakened the unstable cliffs and produced a series of dramatic falls. Now there is concern that the pummelling from waves, in some places rising as high as 27ft (8m), may have softened up the area ready for a fresh set of landslides in the spring and summer. Academic and 'storm chaser' Mark Davidson, said cliff erosion and landslides were now a serious concern after waves reached areas of the coastline previously untouched by sea water. "In some cases the shoreline was moved up to 150 metres up the beach with the sea hitting parts that have never been wet before or for a long time," he added. "As the storm impacts on the coast it eats away, undercutting the cliff – parts will have been rendered unstable and we may well see cliff falls because of the storm. "There will be an effect on how we plan our infrastructure. "We will always have beaches and coastal tourism but coastal defence is going to cost much more in future." The giant rollers may have wreaked havoc around the shore but the scouring effect of the powerful surf has also provided some unexpected treats, with rare dinosaur fossils emerging from the muddy shale along the East Devon coast and unknown boat wrecks were uncovered in Newquay and Penzance. Established local fossil hunters were stunned when a day-tripper snatched a 200 million-year-old dinosaur one from under their noses. Amateur enthusiast Alan Saxon uncovered the complete skeleton of a 5ft-long ichthyosaur – a giant, toothy marine reptile that resembled a dolphin – embedded in rocks at Charmouth Beach, near Lyme Regis, just 500 metres from the heritage centre. Tony Gill, owner of the Charmouth Fossil Shop, said the beach was littered with cliff falls making it hard to navigate up and down. "I have never seen so many collectors out there as now – but I have also never worked so hard for so little," he added. "We always look forward to a good storm here – unfortunately we haven't had the falls in the right places as there are only one or two layers where you find fossils "The storm washed a lot of muck away but the cliffs are protected by a heap of mud –once that disappears it will cause some damage."I think it will do something later, especially after the rains."

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Hundreds of East Devon residents protest against Government's planning rules

January 11, 2014, 6:26 am

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A mass of residents and campaigners from across East Devon descended on the village of Feniton this morning in a show of solidarity against the Government's controversial planning policy that, they claim, will "damage" the district. It was no coincidence that the peaceful protest, supported by MP for Tiverton and Honiton Neil Parish, was staged in Feniton in the midst of a "super inquiry" into whether three separate developers should be granted the right to build 235 homes there and increase its size by 40 per cent. Today's march, which included speeches by East Devon district councillor for Feniton Susie Bond and the MP, was organised by the East Devon Alliance and the Fight for Feniton's Future action group. The key messages of the 300-strong swarm which included many young families, was that the Government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) document which came about last March to give local authorities broad guidelines on planning and development, favoured the will of developers rather than local communities which, as a result, faced being swallowed up by mass development. Conservative MP Mr Parish explained he was opposed to his party's current guidelines because the issue of associated infrastructure with housing developments is not a big enough consideration. He also said the time scale for developments should be over a period of time not all at once at the detriment to a community. "The NPPF is not taking enough consideration over the local infrastructure," he said. "And the problem we have in Feniton is that the drainage and sewerage systems are over run – you wouldn't expect London to increase by 40 per cent." The MP said he had raised the issue with planning minister Nick Boles. He describes Feniton as a "test case". Speaking to the crowd about the super inquiry, he added: "I will see it all the way through with you and I believe we will be successful in stopping these homes." Campaigners claim the Government's guidelines mean local authorities must demonstrate they have enough land to satisfy the likely demand for housing over the next five years, which the district council cannot yet do, leaving East Devon in a "vacuum of uncertainty" over where development should happen. Feniton is beset with flooding and is allocated 35 houses in the council's emerging Local Plan document which will be scrutinised by a Government inspector next month, yet will increase by almost half again if all three developments are granted on the back of the inquiry. Ian McKintosh, chairman of the East Devon Alliance, added: "Today's protest in Feniton represents the struggle of local communities everywhere to have a say about their futures. "It's about making localism matter, at the moment it's a sham. "In the absence of a Local Plan or a five year land supply, it's a case of an open shoot on the grouse moor for developers." He added: "The number of people at the protest from across the district shows the apprehension at what is happening throughout the country. "This is the people of East Devon lending support to the people in Feniton. The alliance formed so we could all support each other."

MATCH REPORT: Bristol Rovers 2 Exeter City 1

January 11, 2014, 8:56 am

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Exeter City's poor run of results continued and it was another hard luck story as John-Joe O'Toole's injury time goal saw Bristol Rovers claim a 2-1 win at the Memorial Stadium. The Grecians looked good value for their point after a dominant second half, but their lack of quality in the final third was costly as O'Toole hooked a spectacular volley into the net in the last minute of stoppage time. Earlier, Exeter had gone in front when Lee Brown inadvertently put the ball into his own goal, but Rovers' response was immediate with O'Toole equalising from the penalty spot after a silly foul by Danny Butterfield inside the box. Exeter welcomed captain Danny Coles back for the game and he lined-up alongside Pat Baldwin in central defence. Scot Bennett was moved into midfield with Sam Parkin making way and Tom Nichols playing as a lone striker. Rovers had the first shot at goal with Ollie Clarke firing high from distance, but the Gas really should have gone in front on six minutes. Ellis Harrison skipped down the left wing after breaking a poor Exeter backline and crossed for Elliot Richards, who inexplicably shot wide from inside the six yard box and with the goal gaping. It was one way traffic and after Matt Harrold won a free kick against Danny Coles, Rovers had another good chance with a free kick 25 yards from goal, but the chance was wasted as Brown fired straight into the Exeter wall. The Grecians earned brief respite when David Wheeler, starting on the left wing with Gow on the right, winning a free kick, but Nichols' effort was over the bar and Wheeler was off target with a header that looped over from Butterfield's cross. However, the deadlock was broken on 19 minutes when Gow, Nichols and Wheeler combined. Nichols tried to play the ball through to Wheeler, whose was tackled by Brown, but the ball looped high into the air, over the head of Steve Mildenhall and into the net. But within 60 seconds, Rovers were level as Exeter committed football suicide. Richards was allowed to run at the defence, Butterfield made a clumsy tackle to give away an inevitable penalty and O'Toole fired into the corner. Coles scrambled behind as Harrison nearly git in again on the Exeter left, while Gow saw a shot deflect narrowly wide after good build-up play by Grimes and Nichols. The half petered out with no real chances and it would have been Exeter the happier of the teo teams going in at half-time. They had found themselves under pressure for much of the half with Harrison and Richards looking lively on the two flanks for the home side. Rovers started the second half well with Brown's free kick headed just wide by O'Toole, but as City countered, Gow won a free kick after one of his trademark dribbles at the heart of the Rovers defence. It was central and right on the D, but Gow's free kick was poor and into the wall. The Scot then saw another shot go wide after good work by Nichols. Clarke skied high after forcing his way past Coles and that was the captain's last involvement as he was replaced by Arron Davies soon after. Davies won a free kick after being fouled by Harrison, something which earned him a yellow card, but it came to nothing and the Exeter attacker then gave Gow another chance, but his shot deflected over. From the resulting corner, taken by Sercombe, the ball was flicked on at the back post, but Wheeler could not turn it in at the back and with Exeter in the ascendency, Paul Tisdale went for it by replacing Nichols and Wheeler with Parkin and John O'Flynn. Clarke was off target with a first time shot from 20 yards and Davies shot straight at Mildenhall for Exeter as the game swung from end to end. Gow forced Mildenhall into another sprawling save and Parkin's follow-up was deflected wide for a corner. At the other end, Clarke was again off target from distance and Baldwin blocked brilliantly to deny O'Toole. However, Rovers won it in stoppage time as substitute Chris Beardsley crossed and O'Toole spectacularly hooked in from 15 yards to claim a vital, but undeserved three points for the Gas. Bristol Rovers (4-4-2): Mildenhall; Smith, Parkes, McChrystal, Brown; Harrison (Clarkson 73), Lockyer (Beardsley 65), Clarke, O'Toole, Richards (Woodards 85); Harrold. Substitutes (not used): Gough (gk), Norburn, Harding, Keary. Goals: O'Toole (pen) 21, 90 Booking: Harrison Exeter City (4-5-1): Krysiak; Butterfield, Baldwin, Coles (Davies 61), Moore-Taylor; Gow, Sercombe, Bennett, Grimes, Wheeler (Parkin 72); Nichols (O'Flynn 72). Substitutes (not used): Pym (gk), Woodman, Gill, Keohane. Goal: Brown (og) 19 Referee: A Madley Attendance: 6,674

Police searching for missing Devon teenager Harry Martin confirm a body has been found

January 11, 2014, 10:17 am

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Police searching for missing teenager Harry Martin have confirmed that a body has been recovered. It is understood to be the body of 18-year-old Harry, from Membland, Newton Ferrers, but formal identification has not yet taken place. Inspector John Livingstone told the Herald Express: "A body has been recovered from Carswell Cove in the Noss Mayo area. "The body was discovered by members of the public in canoes and kayaks at 10.40am today (Saturday). "The body was transferred from kayak to lifeboat and then to the coroner's office. Formal identification will take place early next week. We can't say it's Harry, but Harry's family are aware of the situation." The student went missing at around noon on January 2. It is thought that he went out to take photographs of the stormy weather. Police made an announcement on Friday that the search for Harry would be scaled back from active to responsive, based on a 'completed assessment which highlights that all potential areas for searching have been exhausted'. Friends and family gathered on the coast at 8am on Saturday morning to conduct their own search, with 130 people signing up for the unofficial operation.

Tributes paid to Exeter launderette death man

January 11, 2014, 2:02 pm

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Tributes have been paid to a man who died after being found unconcious in an Exeter launderette. Police are investigating the circumstances of the death after a man was found inside a city launderette, unconscious and not breathing on Saturday morning. A spokesperson from South West Ambulance Service confirmed that the man was discovered in a state of cardiac arrest. Police were first on the scene and immediately requested the ambulance. Paramedics took over administering CPR to the man as he was taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers were called to the Well Street launderette behind the Odeon Cinema, close to the Duke of York pub, at around 12.20pm. A police spokesperson confirmed enquiries into the man's death are continuing and it is too early to reveal the cause, or if they may want to speak to anyone else in connection with his death. It is believed the man discovered was homeless. The area is a popular area for students and is sometimes used by homeless people. Several readers have left tributes to the man on Echo's Facebook page after the story was posted online. One wrote: "He was once a great sports man with a large family around him. Bad things happen in people's lives and not everyone is strong enough to get through it without turning to drink as a way out. "Unfortunately some people can only help themselves." Another wrote: "I was here around this time and it's quiet upsetting, I know some of the homeless and they're great people if you get to know some of them. RIP." Another comment read: "Very sad, and sympathies for the family." A passerby who asked not to be named, said: "I was walking into town with my son around 12.20pm and noticed several policemen and an ambulance leaving. "It was quite a shock to walk past and see the area cordoned off, I wasn't sure what was going on. "There are often people hanging around the launderette, inside and out, drinking."

More heavy rain in Exeter over the next two days, according to the Met Office

January 12, 2014, 1:25 am

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More heavy rain is on its way to Exeter and the rest of Devon until Tuesday, forecasters have warned. Heavy rauin began to fall at midday on Sunday. It is predicted to last throughout the afternoon and into the early evening before dying away, according to the Met Office. There will also be strong gusts of winds and the afternoon will feel stormy. Gusts could reach more than 30mph. It is likely to remain dry overnight and into Monday morning, before more heavy rain is predicted throughout the day. Although the land is still saturated from weeks of heavy downpours, there are no weather warnings issued and further flooding is not thought likely.

Picture special: our gallery of the weekend's big development protest demonstration

January 12, 2014, 1:59 am

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A mass of residents and campaigners from across East Devon descended on the village of Feniton at the weekend to protest against over development of the area. The march and rally, supported by MP for Tiverton and Honiton Neil Parish, was staged in Feniton in the midst of a so-called super inquiry into whether three separate developers should be granted the right to build 235 homes there and increase its size by 40 per cent. The demonstration included speeches by East Devon district councillor for Feniton Susie Bond as well as Mr Parish, and was organised by the East Devon Alliance and the Fight for Feniton' Future action group. Scroll through to see the striking images captured by our photographer.

Police plan banners outside an Exeter school warning parents on the school run about the dangers of bad parking

January 12, 2014, 8:14 am

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Police are planning to put up banners outside an Exeter school to warn parents about the dangers of bad parking. Officers have been working with Pinhoe primary school to address the problems associated with the school run for months. They fear bad parking among parents dropping off and picking up children could lead to an accident. The banners, which warn of the need to park sensibly, have been funded through the Community Safety Parnership. PCSO Richard Shelton said: "PC Lou Western and I have been working with Pinhoe Primary school regarding problems with dangerous parking outside the school at dropping off and picking up times. "Thanks to funding from the Community Safety Partnership we have produced some banners which give safe parking advice with an aim to putting them up on the school fence in Harrington Lane." The banners will be put up on Friday, January 24. Officers have invited Pinhoe's local councillors and pupils at the school to help put them up.

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Exeter sex offender jailed for five years for terrifying young girls in a play park

January 12, 2014, 9:54 am

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A notorious pervert who cut the crotch out of his trousers has been jailed for terrifying two young girls at a play park. John Clements defied a ban on visiting any play area in Britain or wearing less than two layers of clothing over his private parts when he exposed himself to the girls as they played on swings. He is one of Britain's most infamous flashers after notching up nine different convictions in places all over the West Country from Plymouth to Bristol. His technique is to cut out a dinner plate sized hole in his trousers and cover it up with a coat or a plastic bag until he is within feet of his victim. He then pulls away the bag to reveal his private parts to the horrified women and children he targets, Exeter Crown Court was told. He has been banned under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) from going near any school, play area or park in the country or from wearing his specially adapted trousers but has been jailed twice in the past for defying the order. Clements, aged 46, of Margaret Road, Exeter, admitted two offences of exposing himself at a play area at Horfield Road, Bristol, in March, and one of breaching his SOPO. He was jailed for a total of five years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, who told him he was a danger to the public and highly likely to offend again if allowed to go free. The judge told him:"You went up to these two girls in a children's play area in Bristol wearing a pair of trousers with a hole deliberately cut in the front. "You were holding a coat which covered the missing part. You got the girls' attention and then revealed yourself to them. "You have a long list of previous convictions and started committing sexual offences when you were just 22 and were prohibited from entering any public play area. "You have been assessed as posing a high risk and it is concerning that while your two previous offences involved adult woman on this occasion you targeted two young girls and that is an escalation. "These offences were committed in Bristol while you were living in Exeter and you went there hoping to escape detection by getting away from an area where your method of operating is well known to the police." Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said police were called to the play area at Horfield Road in Bristol in March after two girls aged 11 and 12 complained someone had exposed themselves while they were playing on swings. Both made victim impact statements saying they were shocked and disgusted by the incident. He said Clements has a previous conviction for gross indecency and nine for exposure and previous offences have taken place in Teignbridge, outside the Notre Dame School in Plymouth, in Exeter and at Babbacombe Road, Torquay. Mr Robert Linford, defending, said the best way of stopping Clements from committing more offences was for him to attend a sex offenders' course in the community rather than going to jail.

Train local young people if you want to build in Exeter, council leader tells developers

January 13, 2014, 5:52 am

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Developers of future housing schemes and other major projects in Exeter could be urged to hire and train local workers under plans put forward by the city council. The authority's leaders are keen to follow areas including Sedgemoor and Eastbourne, which have pioneered so-called local labour agreements. Under the policy, firms seeking planning permission for 10 or more houses and larger commercial premises would be encouraged to sign up to a formal agreement aimed at maximising employment and training opportunities for local people. Requirements on developers could include promoting all vacancies to local jobseekers and ensuring at least 25 per cent of construction work goes to small and medium sized businesses. Council leader Pete Edwards said: "Developers who want to build in this city should be putting something in towards the training of youngsters and apprenticeships. "In the past we've seen jobs go elsewhere. We want to make sure work that comes here helps local people." Exeter is working with East Devon and Teignbridge district councils on a joint approach to local labour agreements, which would be negotiated on a case by case basis depending on the size and nature of the project. Though not legally binding, the council expects the agreements to be taken seriously by developers. Richard Ball, assistant director of economy, said officers would monitor whether companies were delivering on their pledges. "It is important that we have constructive and meaningful discussions with investors and businesses to secure training and employment opportunities at both the construction and operational phase of new development," he added. "With any agreement of this sort, where there's a level of trust and confidence in each other, if an organisation really doesn't follow through with its promises this may reflect on future relationships." The policy could come into force soon if approved by the council's executive next week. Councillor Edwards is expecting a mixed reaction from developers, but said: "I think if they are going to do business in Exeter they should have some responsibility to local people. We are giving them the opportunities to build and so we should make sure some of that employment or training is given back to the city." The council leader added that local labour would be a key consideration when it comes to selecting a contractor for the redevelopment of the bus station site in the coming years. And Mr Ball played down concerns that developers could be scared off by the prospect of onerous requirements, saying: "We would expect with the strength of the economy and hopefully the way it's going that Exeter is a very attractive proposition and we are hopeful that a responsible attitude will be taken towards the labour that they're looking to employ and their contribution back to the area that's giving them the opportunity." It comes as a report shows that despite relatively low unemployment in Exeter, 16 to 24-year-olds still make up a disproportionately high percentage of benefit claimants, with pockets of youth unemployment in the Priory, St David's, Exwick and Whipton Barton wards. Councillor Edwards said: "I do believe as a nation we've lost an opportunity during the recession. It now looks like we're coming out of it in a smallish way and already people are telling me they can't get labour, particularly in areas like bricklaying and plumbing. At the same time, you've got all these youngsters on the dole who could have been trained up in that period, which is very sad. "It is a lost opportunity and with this proposal we hope it will be local jobs for local people. I think we should have done this some time ago. When Princesshay was built none of this was ever done."

Son reunited with father's war medal after it was found on eBay 40 years later

January 13, 2014, 6:17 am

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A man who lost his father's war medal when he moved house has found it for sale on eBay 40 years later. Terry Snow feared he would never see his dad Gilbert's First World War 'Victory Medal' again. Terry moved home in the 1970s and the 100-year-old honour was accidentally sold in a box of items during a house clearance. Retired businessman Terry then spent years trying to find the medal and was stunned when he spotted it for sale on eBay – on his 75th birthday. Terry, of Cullompton, found the distinctive pip engraved with his dad's initials being sold by a medal collector 250 miles away in Lincoln. He paid £23 to buy the medal and now has it back – after a 40 year wait. Terry said: "I've wanted to find the medal for so many years so it's fantastic to have it back. I couldn't believe it when I opened eBay up on the morning of my birthday and saw it there – it was a great feeling. "I messaged the seller straight away who told me I could have it for £23 including postage and packaging . "It's unbelievable really that it turned up on my birthday – it was all very emotional." "After it went missing I never thought I'd see it again. I have no idea how it ended up all the way in Lincoln." The insignia was kept at Terry's former house in Exeter, but vanished during a house clearance before they sold up in the early seventies. He searched high and low and scoured the internet until he discovered the medal for sale on January 4 – his 75th birthday. Granddad-of-three Terry had checked the website hundreds of times over 15 years in his search for the campaign medal. He was certain the medal belonged to his father, Gilbert Snow, as his name was embossed on the rim. The eBay seller told Terry he had purchased the medal, along with several others, from an antiques fair in Lincoln. First World War Victory Medals were awarded to servicemen who fought in the Great War. The honour was given to Terry's father when he fought in the Battle of Amiens which led to the end of the conflict in 1918. But Terry's search for his father's memorabilia continues as he is still trying to track down his British War Medal – which remains missing. The Great War started 100 years ago and Terry's father served with the Middlesex Regiment between 1917 and 1918. He served as a Lewis Gunner – a soldier who used a light machine gun called a Lewis Gun – but he did not share many of his experiences with his family. Gilbert survived the war and died in the 1970s.

Police helicopter called in lucky escape for elderly woman who became stuck in mud on Dartmoor

January 13, 2014, 6:55 am

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Police have rescued a woman in her 70s who was walking on Dartmoor and managed to get trapped in a bog. At about 1.45pm on Saturday 11 January police received a call from a woman who said she was stuck on the moors. Mobile phone reception was poor and it was not clear initially where she was or why she was stuck. After several calls it became evident she was stuck in mud and things became more serious when she was heard to say: "It's now up to my..." and then the line dropped out. After a lot of rapid enquiries, including requests to mobile phone providers, it was established at about 2.15pm that the woman was not far from Brent Tor, north of Tavistock. The police helicopter was deployed as well as officers from Tavistock and Okehampton, and at 2.42pm the helicopter crew spotted the woman and directed officers to her. With assistance from a family of farmers, a ladder and an old door, officers managed to reach the woman and slowly extract her from the mud. PC Adrian Taylor, an air observer for the National Police Air Service, said: "When we were called to assist we knew we needed to find her quickly as she was very distressed, cold and uncomfortable. "Without the assistance of the helicopter, officers could have searched for hours without locating her. "The woman was completely stuck, up to her waist in thick mud, and unable to move. She was in the course of a small river and had simply sunk into an unexpectedly deep section of mud. "The depth and consistency of the mud was very unpredictable and clearly hazardous in places." By 3pm the woman was safely back on solid ground and the farmers helped further by allowing her to shower and dry off at their home, and even providing her with fresh clothes. The woman suffered no serious injuries, just bruising as a result of her ordeal. PC Taylor added: "As an experienced walker, she was well equipped for most occasions but was very unlucky to get trapped as she did. "The incident does serve as a reminder that even experienced, competent walkers can get into difficulties very suddenly on Dartmoor. "Fortunately she had a mobile phone with her and it was in an accessible place so she was able to reach it and call for help. "The rescue was a fantastic team effort with assistance from the police helicopter, officers on the ground and the local farmers. "The officers who got her out were all very muddy by the end but we are thankful it was a happy ending."

Jeweller cleared of heroin dealing after a jury told 'mysterious supply of cash' came from selling scrap

January 13, 2014, 6:59 am

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A metal trader has been cleared of drug dealing after a jury were told his mysterious supply of cash came from selling scrap rather than heroin. John Griffiths was accused of heroin dealing after his flat in Tiverton was raided twice in 18 days and more than £700 cash was seized by police. Officers also recovered around £2,000 worth of heroin, a set of digital scales and the cut out fingers of latex gloves from home in Chapel Street. The case against him was withdrawn at Exeter Crown Court after it emerged that he had a legitimate income as a self employed jeweller and metal trader. Griffiths had already admitted simple possession of heroin but had always insisted that he was not selling to anyone else and the large amount of the drug at his home was the result of a bulk purchase at bargain rates. His flat was raided by police twice in November 2012. On the first occasion a package of drugs was found on a grassy bank beneath his bedroom window and on the second the heroin was in a cellophane wrapped pepperpot hidden behind a bin store. Griffiths, aged 43, of Quarry Court, Chapel Street, Tiverton, denied two counts of possession of heroin with intent to supply on November 9 and 27 last year and was found not guilty on the direction of the judge. He admitted possession of the drug and will be sentenced later. Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said the Crown were offering no evidence because inquiries had shown that Griffiths had a legitimate income at the time and that two sums of cash seized on other occasions had been returned to him. The police seized £1,700 on July 16, 2012 and £1,585 on April 11, 2013. Both sums were returned after Griffiths produced receipts showing the money came from scrap or precious metal dealing. Mr Richings said:"The police now concede he had a legitimate income from scrap metal. It was a main plank of our case that while we had no direct evidence of dealing, he could never have afforded the drugs he possessed without by selling them on to others. "We now accept he had a legitimate source of income and that the two amounts seized were reimbursed to him. Without the cash, a substantial piece of the jigsaw puzzle is missing." Mr Brian FitzHerbert, defending, said Griffiths has succeeded in getting off heroin with the help of an implant which neutralises the effect of the drug. He urged the judge to pass a suspended sentence. Recorder Mr Andrew Maitland adjourned the case for confirmation of Griffith's drug treatment.