A HOSPITAL has apologised to a patient for causing him 'emotional distress' after a cancer scare blunder when he was given the wrong medical notes.

Barry Wakefield was given a discharge summary which contained wrong information about the procedure he had just undergone.

The 64-year-old, from Exmouth, spent several days fretting that he had cancer after a lesion on his vocal chord that needed a biopsy.

But that information was totally wrong and the surgery he had for a pouch staple in his throat had been a success.

Former special constable Barry said he suffered three days of 'real worry and upset' fearing that the medical staff had discovered the possibility that he had cancer.

The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital has now apologised to him and his consultant also contacted him personally to reassure him that there was no lesion or need for a biopsy.

Barry said: "The consultant was very apologetic. It appears there was an administrative mistake and I was sent home with the wrong notes. I was elated that I had nothing nasty but it was a very worrying three days."

The hospital issued a statement saying: "Due to an administrative error Mr Wakefield received a discharge summary containing all his own personal information, but it had the wrong information about the procedure he had undergone whilst in our care.

"No other patient was involved in, or affected by, this error. We have apologised to Mr Wakefield for the emotional distress caused to him, and reassured him that neither he nor any other patient has come to any clinical harm or received any inappropriate treatment as a result of this error.

"We will now carry out a detailed internal investigation to understand how this error occurred and to identify whether there are measures that we could take to prevent a similar mistake occurring in future. We will be very happy to share the outcome of that investigation with Mr Wakefield."

Barry was discharged last Saturday after the pouch staple surgery the previous afternoon.

However, he did have to receive treatment at his own local hospital for a bladder retention problem which he described as very painful soon after leaving the Exeter hospital and a catheter had to be fitted. But he said: "I feel sorry for the hospital staff because they are under tremendous pressure."

THIS is a deceptively-spacious detached property which really must be viewed to appreciate.

The accommodation at Tophayes is arranged over three floors and comprises a hallway, cloakroom, well-equipped kitchen open to a well-proportioned living/dining room and double glazed conservatory on the ground floor.

On the first floor are three double bedrooms (one with an en-suite shower room) and bathroom and on the second floor is a master bedroom, dressing room and spacious en-suite bathroom.

There are excellent views over Topsham to the Haldon Hills from the bedrooms and the property benefits from gas underfloor heating and double glazing.

Outside there is a garage, enclosed front garden and south-facing rear garden with attractive tiled seating area, lawn and mature shrubs.

The property is on the market with Fulfords for £495,000. For more information or to arrange a visit call 01392 875057 or visit www.fulfords.co.uk

A MOTHER is angry that the county council is refusing to fund her blind son a place at the region's specialist school for the blind in Exeter.

Reama Airoud, said she contacted Devon County Council nine months ago to let them know of her plans to move to the Exeter area from Plymouth.

She hoped her 10-year-old son Jago, who is virtually completely blind and has learning difficulties, could attend the West of England School for Children with Little or No Sight Foundation (WESC).

Miss Airoud, who has three other children, said she contacted the school several months ago and received an acceptance letter for Jago from them, but she claims the council has refused to fund his place due to the extra cost.

Despite moving to Bradninch from Plymouth about two months ago, she claims the authority still hasn't found Jago a place at an alternative school.

She said she will visit alternative schools such as Mill Water in Honiton, but is holding out for the WESC because she believes her son will receive the care he needs there.

WESC refused to comment. But details on its website confirm that the school offers prospective pupils an assessment in consultation with local authority advisers and where a placement at WESC is appropriate, the funding agency is made aware of the results of the assessment.

Placements at the school are subject to the availability of funding.

"Jago was in a special school in Plymouth but because of his visual impairment, he needs the specialist care WESC can give him, for example he needs regular braille classes," Miss Airoud explained.

"He was in a lovely school but stopped learning about two years ago because the resources he needs access to weren't available. I knew it was going to be a battle but I didn't realise it was going to be so hard – I keep getting told that they are looking into other special needs schools in the area – but two months down the line and he still hasn't been offered anything. If this was the other way round and I was keeping my son out of school, I'd be in a lot of trouble."

Miss Airoud said her son is keen to go back to school and is becoming very frustrated at home, where she cannot teach him what he needs to learn.

"He's such a smart boy and is getting so frustrated at home now," she said.

"I'm at the end of my tether, I'm so angry and upset.

"The bigger Jago gets, the less socially acceptable it is to be different in society – it's breaking my heart."

Miss Airoud said a visit to Mill Water was organised but the school needed to cancel. She claims the county team have not rearranged the visit.

A spokesman for the council said the team believes Mill Water special school at Honiton has the facilities to support him. A spokesman said: "We normally try to offer a place within the maintained sector first.

"This includes one of our special schools for those with more complex needs.

"We are confident that Mill Water will be able to provide the support that Jago needs, but school staff have to visit the family to produce a full assessment before we can officially offer a place and so far they have been unable to arrange a suitable date."

A YOUNG couple from Newton Abbot have got on the property ladder thanks to the Government's Help to Buy scheme.

Steve Mardell, 28, and Charlie Bailey, 22, who are due to be married in March next year, move into their new three-bedroom Broadway home at The Fairways in mid-June.

Steve said: "Charlie and I have been renting together but this is the first house we've bought, so it's a very exciting time for us, especially with our wedding on the horizon next year.

"We knew we wanted to set up home with a garden and extra bedrooms as we're planning for a family down the line, but we never thought we'd be able to afford a three-bedroom house for our first property.

"Having to provide only a five per cent deposit has enabled us to move more quickly than we had previously thought and jump a couple of steps up the property ladder at the same time.

"Doing the sums attached to Help to Buy and realising that our dream of owning a brand-new three-bedroom home was within our reach was incredible – we couldn't be happier!"

Steve and Charlie bought a home at The Fairways, a Redrow development in the town.

Emma Solman, area sales manager for Redrow, said: "We very much welcome the 'Help to Buy' initiative as it dramatically improves the outlook for many who want to move to a new home, but do not have the large deposit required by many lenders.

"It's wonderful to be able to reassure homebuyers like Steve and Charlie who are losing hope of ever owning their own home that it is possible and we can help."

Unlike the Government's FirstBuy scheme, all types of purchasers can apply for an equity loan through 'Help to Buy', not just first-time buyers.

It is available exclusively on new homes up to £600,000 and will run for three years. Buyers who have saved a five per cent deposit can take out an equity loan from the Government for up to 20 per cent of the purchase price, meaning buyers then only need to secure a 75 per cent mortgage.

For more information about Help to Buy, visit: www.redrow.co.uk/helping-you-move/help-to-buy.

MORE than 100 estate agents from throughout the South West attended the Property Sharing Experts conference.

Sponsored by the South West Media Group, which owns the Express & Echo, as well as Cornwall & Devon Media, the Mortgage Advice Bureau and Expert Agent, the conference began with the trade exhibition in which a collection of local and national suppliers showcased some of the latest products and services on offer to the industry.

Compere for the event was Richard Worrall, consultant auctioneer for the network.

First of the guest speakers to stand was Charlie Snell from Rethink Marketing, who explained the importance of branding and what it entails.

Next up was Peter Brodnicki, CEO of the Mortgage Advice Bureau, who presented a knowledgeable insight into the UK mortgage market with some interesting facts and figures.

Samantha Ashdown, owner of specialist marketing consultancy HomeTruths, illuminatingly delivered her top tips for estate agents' successful use of social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter.

The highlight of the event was the hugely inspirational keynote speaker, Ben McBean – a Plymouth-based ex-Royal Marine Commando and double amputee, who left a lasting impression in everyone's hearts and minds with his deeply moving yet highly-entertaining account of his time serving in Afghanistan.

Ben, now 26, completed the 32 weeks of gruelling Commando training and in February 2008, just five months into his first tour of duty, he was blown up by a Taliban landmine sustaining horrific injuries, which led to the loss of his right leg and left arm and two years of rehabilitation. There was an uncertainty whether he would live or die.

Ben ran the London Marathon in both 2009 and 2010 and has since completed an expedition to Everest Base Camp as well as the Three Peaks Challenge.

Speaking at the conference, Ben said: "For me, making the most of life is what being a Royal Marine is all about. My life isn't a misery, I have a good family and good friends, what more could I want?"

Steve Moir, chairman of the Property Sharing Experts and himself an ex-Royal Marine, said: "The conference was excellent. The event is about getting together with old and new colleagues to share experiences, news and views; providing our members with useful and practical information, industry updates, opinions and advice from industry figures and invigorating with the motivational speaker.

"Ben certainly stole the show with his remarkable story of bravery and determination, which touched, humbled and inspired us all."

For further information on the Property Sharing Experts or to find your nearest office, visit www.thepropertysharingexperts.co.uk

A WORKMAN is recovering in hospital after being trapped under a collapsed building at a primary school.

Emergency services were called to Lympstone Primary School at School Hill, in the East Devon village.

A 50-year-old male was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with neck and leg injuries. They are not thought to be life threatening.

The casualty was a workman who was demolishing a long standing temporary building at the school. The incident happened during lunchtime and was witnessed by several schoolchildren.

The school's headteacher Tony Priest said the man who was trapped was one of three workmen in a building that was being demolished.

He said: "The school is going through a period of expansion and as a result some of the older rooms are being demolished.

"This particular building was a temporary structure that had been in use for many years.

"During the lunch time two of the walls and the roof of the building came down. There were three workmen on the site, two managed to get clear but the other was caught under the roof.

"He was well and truly trapped by his legs under the rubble. The emergency services arrived promptly and used specialist jacks to raise the rubble. It took about two hours to free the man.

"The site was very effectively and robustly fenced off for the work and there were no children involved. It happened at lunchtime so there were children out and about and some saw and heard what happened.

"We finished the lunch break early and the children were back in class quickly.

"It is awful to think what might have happened had there been children inside."

Mr Priest said the new build would provide two new classrooms that would help the school, which is already over-subscribed.

It is understood the construction worker for Mercury, who was helping to demolish a 40-year-old temporary classroom with two others, is recovering in hospital with non-life changing leg and back injuries.

The building collapsed at around 12.30pm.

The injured man, in his 50s, was released at around 3pm. The Devon Air Ambulance attended but the man was not flown to hospital.

Mr Priest added: "It was a dramatic day for the school but it was handled as well as it could have been.

"There were 200 children in the playground at the time who could see what was going on and our staff dealt with getting them inside very calmly and professionally.

"Our first aiders were on the scene within a minute and assisted with the two men who managed to escape unscathed."

A SEXUAL predator has been jailed for grooming and abusing children online.

Tony Bradbury became so arrogant about his abuse of children that when an undercover police officer contacted him on Facebook under the guise of a teenage schoolgirl, he arranged a meeting almost straightaway.

But awaiting the 41-year-old taxi driver at Exeter Central station in December last year was not his next intended victim – it was a team of detectives and a set of handcuffs.

Bradbury, from Whitchurch Avenue, Exeter, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody at Exeter Crown Court for a string of sexual offences.

But the full scale of his criminal activity could still be much greater and police believe there may be many other victims out there who are yet to come forward.

Concern about Bradbury's behaviour prompted officers to set up their sting by creating a fictional 13-year-old girl from Newton Abbot named Holly James. Within days of opening a Facebook page Bradbury was sending sexually explicit invitations.

He arranged a meeting at McDonald's in Newton Abbot but when this rendezvous fell through he asked the girl to take a train to meet him in Exeter.

He was arrested as he prepared to pick her up in his car.

After his arrest shocked detectives then discovered that he had made contact with six real girls on the internet and gone on to abuse one after luring her to his home.

He persuaded others to commit sex acts on webcam which he recorded on his computer, Exeter Crown Court was told.

His online victims were all picked because they lived within easy reach of his home in Exeter. Bradbury admitted two offences of sexual activity with a child, two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, two of causing a child to create pornography, one of attempting to meet a girl after grooming and 13 offences of distributing, taking or making indecent images of children.

During his sentencing Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, praised the way the police had trapped him.

He told Bradbury: "You arranged to meet what you believed to be a 13-year-old girl called Holly. You sent her messages encouraging her to have intercourse with you."

The judge also ordered the seizure of the Citroen car, a former taxi with his personalized number plate of T40TWB, which he used to ferry one victim to his home from her school in East Devon.

After the case Detective Sergeant Brian Slade, of Devon and Cornwall police's child exploitation unit, warned that other predators would face the same fate.

He said: "This has been a complicated and extensive enquiry. It has uncovered a number of children who are victims of Bradbury.

"Bradbury used the internet to groom children and sexually abuse them online, he then went on to meet children and abuse them in person.

"We believe there may be other victims of Bradbury and we would encourage those who may have been a victim of abuse to come forward."

EXETER MP Ben Bradshaw has backed a petition to pardon the 'Bideford Witches' who were hanged in Exeter in 1682.

He has signed the petition 'Pardon Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards, Mary Trembles'.

The three women – Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards and Mary Trembles – were hanged in August 1682.

Lloyd was arrested first after she was accused of communicating with the devil and using witchcraft to cause a woman to fall ill.

Local constables in Bideford, Devon, then held Trembles and Edwards – who lived with Lloyd and begged for food with her.

The three women – known as The Bideford Witches – were hanged at Exeter Prison in Devon a month later.

They died just as the 17th century witch-hunts came to an end and were the last three people hanged in England for witchcraft.

But writers at the time said they were the victims of 'hatred and ignorance" and were targeted because they were old and suffered dementia.

The e-petition states the pardon would "acknowledge their innocence and that of over 450 others executed in the name of good government."

The full petition reads: "We ask HM Government to Pardon Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards and Mary Trembles of Bideford for the crime of Witchcraft. They were hanged on August 25 1682 at Heavitree, Exeter, convicted for actions they could not have committed, under a law that no longer exists.

"They were convicted on hearsay evidence under the 1604 Statute against Witchcraft devised under King James I – who believed his cousin had tried to assassinate him by raising a storm at sea using witchcraft.

"Leading theologians abetted their conviction by defining the "Attributes of Witches" and by declaring "to deny witchcraft is to deny God".

"The assizes Justices did not believe them guilty but responded to an angry mob that called for a hanging."

The petition has so far received 128 signatures.

IF you're lucky enough to have outdoor space, it deserves as much attention as your indoor rooms.

A survey by Lloyds TSB Insurance has found that over the last year Britons spent £14bn turning their gardens into luxury havens. Our holiday budgets may still be tight, which is all the more reason to make the most of the summer at home.

The survey found that furniture, hot tubs and summerhouses are increasing in popularity while sales of plants declined.

"We are valuing our garden spaces more as the trend to improve rather than move continues," says Frances Tophill, presenter of ITV's Love Your Garden.

"As homeowners have become too time-poor for gardening, features like decking, summerhouses and leisure items have moved into prime position in our gardens."

On average, our individual spend is £900 on outdoor furniture and accessories, with the equipment in our gardens totalling about £2,000.

"People now want to create the 'wow' factor when they entertain outdoors. The modern approach is literally to take the indoors out and conjure a sophisticated, beautifully-furnished area which seamlessly blends with the interior," said Tina Mahony at Go Modern.

White delight

Pure white has been a star on the fashion catwalk and is playing a key role on patios this summer.

"The disadvantage of white furniture, that it was hard to clean, has disappeared with the use of durable, modern materials," says Luke Albery at Encompass Furniture.

"White reflects the light, and can make a space look larger and is an ideal choice for those who want to make an impact with a makeover."

Colour craze

Raise the temperature in the garden no matter what the weather with zingy-coloured garden furniture teamed with bright accessories. The setting will be reminiscent of the dazzling shades of foreign hotspots.

"The colour revival indoors is being reflected outdoors," says Tina Mahony at Go Modern.

"Vibrant pops of colour – bright yellow, sky blue, pink and leaf green as well as interwoven patterns – enliven a space and give it an exotic far-away vibe."

Wood winners

Natural materials like wood and stone are in favour indoors, and they're perfectly at home outdoors too.

"Wooden furniture is a classic with many ranges needing little maintenance, and weathering over the years adds to their charm," says Nicola Gidlow, buyer for outdoor living at John Lewis.

Weave a spell

Ensure your space works as well as an indoor room by keeping a close eye on design as well as comfort. Woven or rattan-style furniture is ideal.

"Woven furniture collections have an advantage in that they sit well in a conservatory area, or outside on a terrace," says Nicola Gidlow at John Lewis.

Down to the wire

Metal and wirework seating is an elegant choice and works particularly well in small spaces, including balconies and compact urban settings.

"Decorative ironwork is enjoying huge popularity because of its good looks and also, I believe, because there's a renewed interest in craftsmanship," says Adrian Rayment, founder of Rayment Wire.

"We often find people feature a piece in a room adjoining the garden and another outside, which helps to bring continuity between the outdoor and indoor space."

IKEA is planning hundreds of new homes in its proposals for a major new store in Exeter, the company has revealed.

It is about to start public consultation over its huge development in the city.

And it has unveiled a bid to include 220 new homes at the site near Sandy Park.

The Swedish furniture giant has confirmed it wants to build the development on land bounded by the A379, Newcourt Way and the railway line near the rugby ground.

The planning application will shortly be lodged with the city council, and will include proposals for up to 220 homes on half of the site. Before the plan is submitted the company says it wants to get feedback on how the store should be developed.

A spokesman for Ikea said: "We will look to work with a housing developer to fulfil the development once outline planning has been granted for the entire site."

Richard Short, Exeter's assistant director of city development, said: "Any housing approved would contribute to the total of 12,000 already required by the core strategy, such as the 3,500 at Newcourt."

The plans for the new store are to go on public display in Exeter next week, with Ikea saying that it wants to gauge public opinion before lodging a formal planning application.

The store is expected to have a floor space of around 20,000 square meters and would create around 300 new jobs.

People can view the plans on Friday, June 21 in the County Suite at Sandy Park, from 1pm to 8pm, and on Saturday, June 22 in Exeter's Guildhall from 10am to 5pm.

Council Leader Pete Edwards, said: "I am delighted that Ikea is moving ahead with their plans and I am sure there will be a lot of excitement generated by the public consultation.

"The large number of jobs created by this investment will represent a timely boost to the local economy and a further sign of confidence in the city."

Karime Hassan, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, said: "Ikea's interest in investing in the city is further evidence that Exeter is the destination of choice for the private sector.

"Ikea pulls from a wide catchment area and this should increase the number of visitors to the city.

"It is important that we now look at the detailed issues raised by the proposed store in the identified location, such as the ability of the highway network to accommodate the numbers that will want to visit the city.

"The public exhibition will be the first opportunity for the public to see the details."

Derek Phillips, vice president of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said: "With regard to the store, the arrival of IKEA will strengthen Exeter's claim to be the shopping centre in the South West.

"And with all the jobs that will be created with the Skypark it is important that we have new houses available."

Roger Cooper, Ikea UK Expansion Manager, said "We have an ambitious growth agenda in the UK and are working to improve the shopping experience in our current stores and to give our customers greater access to our multi-channel services.

"At the same time we are actively looking for potential new store sites to give more people access to our great quality, low price home furnishings over the coming years.

"We have identified a potential store site to the east of Exeter and will now be meeting with the community in Exeter about our proposals in order to listen to their views before a planning application is submitted.

"If and when we can open a store in Exeter, it will contribute significantly to the local economy and jobs market, while making Ikea more accessible to consumers in the South West of England."

However, Topsham city councillor, Rob Newby, has said that he has reservations about the scheme. Cllr Newby said: "We need homes but we need the infrastructure to go with them.

"All our schools are at capacity, the school at Countess Wear has had to bring in temporary classrooms."

A PUBLIC consultation to discuss what sort of Bishop Devon needs is set to be held in the city.

It will take place at County Hall, Topsham Road, next week.

The consultation is open to anyone who would like to have their say on the person needed for the role, which becomes vacant at the end of August.

The current Bishop, the Right Reverend Michael Langrish, has served for 13 years.

His farewell service will be at Exeter Cathedral at 11am on Saturday, June 29.

The consultation meeting will be attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury's Appointment Secretary, Caroline Boddington, and the Prime Minister's Appointment Secretary, Sir Paul Britton.

The meeting will run from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday, June 20. People can also email their views to newbishop@exeter.anglican.org

Six members from the diocese will be elected to join the Crown Nominations Committee, on which both archbishops sit.

This committee will put forward a suggested candidate to the Prime Minister and the Queen for approval.

The diocese is hoping that the name of the new bishop of Exeter might be confirmed by the New Year.

MOTORING fanatic Reg Imray has been driving for more than 70 years – and he's never had an accident.

And the 91-year-old's amazing record is all the more impressive considering he's driven all over the world.

The former speedway rider from Exmouth, who owns a collection of vintage cars and mottorbikes, has driven through Canada and Mexico, and right across America from west coast to east, among other locations.

Reg, who still drives most days, first got behind the wheels while the Second World War was still in its infancy.

And he's very proud of his clean driving licence.

He said: "I have been driving for 72 years and I've never had an accident.

"I have driven cars and motorocycles all over the world since 1941."

Reg, who was born deaf, estimates that he's owned well over 170 vehicles throughout his lifetime.

And many are still on display at the World of Country Life museum at Sandy Bay, Littleham and the Bicton Park museum.

There's nothing he enjoys more than to head for the open road in a 1958 Austin Healey Sprite soft-top or getting astride a Harley-Davidson motorbike.

The former rally driver has won more than 300 trophies, medals and certificates.

He said: "My first taste of motoring came when I passed my test on a BSA motorbike, affectionately known as a Bantam. From then on, I just kept collecting everything I could lay my hands on and, quite frankly, have loved every minute of it."

He worked for aircraft manufacturers De Havilland and helped build the famous Mosquito planes during the Second World War. His amazing collection can be seen at the World of Country Life at Sandy Bay, near Exmouth.

Can you beat 72 years behind the wheel with no accidents and a clean licence? Email echonews@expressan decho.co.uk

MORE space is always high on the priority list, whatever your lifestyle, and the freedom to choose how you will use it can be a great asset.

Located in arguably one of Exeter's best addresses; The Foster four bedroom home at Greenacres, built by Persimmon Homes, gives you all the flexibility you need to live life on a new level.

This is a stunning four-bedroom home set over three floors.

The kitchen is the heart of every home and this design offers both space in which to cook and enjoy an informal breakfast.

The lounge/dining space is the perfect place to retreat to, and you'll find French doors that open onto the rear garden for those who enjoy al fresco cuisine.

The first floor provides a stunning guest room and there are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The 'pièce de résistance' of this home is revealed on the second floor – a stunning master bedroom really does provide the ultimate sanctuary to escape the stresses of everyday life, and is complete with en-suite shower room.

At Persimmon we realise taste is a very personal thing. That's why we have introduced Finishing Touches, a fully integrated interior and exterior design solution that allows you to personalise your new home.

Through our range of options and upgrades, your kitchen could become a culinary masterpiece, your bathroom or en-suite the perfect place the soak away stress, and your bedroom that perfect place to unwind.

With so much choice the possibilities are endless.

Persimmon Homes can offer a part-exchange service for those who have a home to sell and are looking for a fast and convenient move.

Or why not consider the fantastic Help to Buy scheme – you will just need as little as a five per cent deposit.

Visit Greenacres today and experience The Foster showhome for yourself – fabulous living on every level.

Register your details on our website to

receive exclusive offers – persimmonhomes.com

Greenacres is at 30 Admiral Way, Exeter, EX2 7GA.

Two, three, four and five bedroom homes are available from £189,995 to £475,000

The marketing suite is open daily from 10am until 5pm. For more information call 08434 870912.

DRIVING licences were introduced in 1903 with the Motor Car Act – although no test was required. Holders of the sulphur-yellow coloured document were entitled to "drive a motor car or motor cycle".

The wording changed in 1930 after which holders were allowed to "drive or steer a motor car or to drive a motor cycle".

A test for disabled drivers was introduced by the Road Traffic Act 1930 and four years later legislation for compulsory testing was introduced for all new drivers with the Road Traffic Act 1934. The test was initially voluntary June 1, 1935.

The driving theory test was introduced in July 1996 as a written examination which was updated to a computer-based test in 2000. The hazard perception test was introduced in November 2002.

The only person not required to have a driving licence in order to drive is the Queen.

THE very nature of today's economic climate, partially fuelled by a downturn in the property market, means primarily that less mortgages are being arranged and therefore less transactions being completed.

Confidence in the system is the main issue and this very negative and 'computer says no' outlook also contributes to fewer and fewer people looking for property – you may say in ever decreasing circles.

Northcott Beaton Insurance Brokers (along with DAS – Europe's largest Legal Expenses Insurer) have developed an extremely simple and cost effective remedy to the continuation of purchasers and vendors failing to commit to a successful residential property transaction, however long the chain.

This policy, to borrow a phrase, 'does exactly what it says on the tin' – Residential Abortive Transaction Insurance – and covers you, the buyer and/or seller, for any legal fees and disbursements, mortgage arrangement fees, lender fees, valuation report fees and homebuyers survey fees if the property transaction fails to complete for any reason beyond your control in any part of the transaction chain.

As we all know, the above costs incurred can escalate rapidly in our haste to move into our new abode. This innovative product could give conveyancers the confidence to proceed with the searches earlier in the process and potentially afford their clients an earlier-than-average completion date.

Many of the larger conveyancing outfits have started to offer a 'no transaction, no fee' service.

This appears to be an attractive prospect in times of hardship and continuing economic gloom, but this policy ensures that you, the client, are protected to the same level while using your own, trusted, local solicitors.

In terms of value for money, your above fees could run anywhere up to £1,500 for a straight purchase or sale and double that if you are purchasing and selling.

This policy incurs a nil excess and will keep you safe in the knowledge that any financial investment made in trying to pave the way to a smooth completion will be returned to you should the worst happen.

It is fair to say that this is more than good value for money, it is a relative necessity.

For further details, pricing or to find a local conveyancer who is offering this cost saving aid, please email andy@northcottbeaton.co.uk or call 01392 426046.

THERE have been 2,291 home purchases completed in the first year under the NewBuy Guarantee scheme in England – seemingly a fraction of what ministers originally hoped.

The figure, released by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is for up until March 31. CLG also reports that taxpayers' liability by then had reached £23.1m, although none of the money had been paid out.

The scheme was launched on March 12, 2012, and is a mortgage guarantee available to purchasers of new homes who have just a 5 per cent deposit.

The Government indemnifies 5.5 per cent of the property's sale value, while developers in the scheme deposit 3.5 per cent into the fund.

Costs would be incurred only when and if the property had to be possessed by the lender and then sold at a loss.

Geographically, the scheme has met with very patchy take-up, petering out in swathes of the North and the Westcountry. The place with the highest number of NewBuy completions has been Dartford, Kent, where there have been 40 sales.

THE number of £1m-plus properties on Primelocation that have had their asking prices cut has fallen to the lowest level for three years.

The proportion is now 18 per cent, compared with 27 per cent a year ago.

Rickmansworth in Buckinghamshire tops the list of places where the highest proportion of £1m homes are currently being offered at less than the original asking price. Almost half (48 per cent) have had price cuts.

By contrast, only four per cent of prime properties on the market in Guernsey have been reduced in price.

The smallest price reductions on £1m-plus properties on offer in the market are to be found in the Surrey towns of Walton-on-Thames (4.3 per cent) and Guildford (4.2 per cent). The largest price cuts are in Bath and Edinburgh.

Lawrence Hall of Primelocation said: "The prime property market is a law unto itself and one which has largely defied gravity in recent years, even during the recession. But the drop over the past 12 months in the number of prime properties with reduced asking prices has been significant."

PEOPLE living in the South West countryside are more pleased with their lives than those residing in the city of London, according to new research.

The Office for National Statistics asked 160,000 people to rate their satisfaction with life, feeling that their life is worthwhile, how happy they felt yesterday and how anxious they felt yesterday on a scale of one to 10.

Rural dwellers in the region scored themselves higher on all four benchmarks compared to those in urban areas in the greater South West.

And regardless of whether someone lived in the South West town or country, life is better in the West compared to the capital.

The "life satisfaction" score of a person living in a rural area of the South West is 0.15 points higher than the rating of the person living in London.

Only rural dwellers in the East Midlands were more pleased with life in the whole of the UK.

The results are part of the happiness survey, which was launched by David Cameron to assess the state of the nation beyond economic factors.

The research underlines why people are flocking to the Westcountry to work and retire, which is having a positive knock-on effect for the economy but is putting pressure on public services and fuelling the over-heated housing market.

The ONS said: "Generally across regions, people living in rural areas give higher ratings for their well-being than those living in urban areas."

The statisticians benchmarked the 10 regions of the UK against London and found of the South West:

Life satisfaction – in rural areas this was 0.15 points higher than a person living in London. In urban areas the figure was 0.04 points higher

Feeling that their life is worthwhile – rural: 0.18 points higher; urban: 0.09 points higher

How happy they felt yesterday – rural: 0.1 points higher; urban: 0.04 points higher

How anxious they felt yesterday – rural: 0.24 points less anxious; urban: 0.29 points less anxious.

The ONS also found people who are married or in a civil partnership have a higher sense of well-being than cohabiting couples or those who are single or widowed.

It also said that living alone has a negative impact on happiness, whether someone is in a relationship or not.

The analysis of the annual population survey data found those living with at least one other person recorded higher scores for feelings that their lives are worthwhile and they were satisfied with their life.

Single people rated their happiness on average 0.4 of a point lower than those who are either married or in a civil partnership.

The scores were even lower for those who are widowed, who rated their happiness 0.6 of a point lower.

Anxiety is also higher for single, widowed or divorced people, being between 0.1 and 0.2 of a point above their counterparts who are in a civil partnership or married.

The factor most likely to have an impact on well-being was how healthy people consider themselves to be, with employment status and relationship status following behind, said the ONS.

An ONS spokesman said: "Gaining an understanding of what influences personal well-being is an important aspect of national well-being, but is only part of a broader picture that draws on a range of economic, social and environmental statistics to show how the country is doing."

A UNIVERSITY cleaner has been jailed after he groped students and shoppers in a four day bottom pinching spree.

Szczepan Majcherczyk propositioned a terrified student in the library of Exeter University and attacked two others in the street as they walked home to their digs late at night.

He was caught on CCTV as he touched a young visitor at Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum and approached a stranger in Tesco to ask her for sex. Majcherczyk worked as a cleaner at Exeter University and used his pass to get into the library where he spent an hour staring at a female student before offering her a condom, which he left on her chair after she went to report him. He faces deportation to Poland after being jailed for 21 months by Judge Francis Gilbert at Exeter Crown Court. He was put on the sex offenders' register and told to pay a £100 victim surcharge. Majcherczyk, 32, of Powderham Crescent, Exeter, admitted three sexual assaults and two of threatening behaviour.

A FOUR storey budget hotel for Exmouth seafront and 350 homes on fields on the outskirts of the town have been approved by East Devon District Council.

Despite widespread opposition among Exmouth residents and concerns by Liberal Democrat town councillors, members voted in favour for a 60 bedroom Premier Inn to be built on the site of the Elizabeth Hall, 11 to one.

And despite unanimous objection by Exmouth Town Council amid concerns over flooding and the impact on the road network, councillors on the Development Management Committee voted in favour, by eight to six, for the Plumb Park development at Littleham.

Jilly Green, chairman of the Friends of Elizabeth Hall campaign group, which organised a petition bearing 12,000 names against the sale of the site in order to save the hall for the community, said: "It is only just dawning on the majority of people in Exmouth what is about to happen to their seafront. I think people are going to be shocked.

"The debate had an inevitable feeling about it, it was a farce. And the petition was discredited because visitors had signed it too.

"There is no community hall like this in Exmouth and we believe the council has deliberately under promoted it.

"We were determined to do what we could for Exmouth.

"Council tax in East Devon is among the highest in the country, we're appalled the council wants to exploit Exmouth like this. The community doesn't count as far as the council is concerned."

The Plumb Park development, submitted by landowner Clinton Devon Estates, also includes public open space, woodlands, a community orchard, cycle routes and footpaths linking it with the town centre, seafront and bus routes.

But major concerns have been expressed that the existing infrastructure in the Littleham area will not be able to cope with such a large development.

Town councillor and East Devon district councillor for Littleham, Tim Wood, said: "The debate went well but I was disappointed with the result.

"The fact there's going to be housing there is inevitable as the site has been identified in the Local Plan, but there are serious concerns locally including access arrangements for a site for 350 homes.

"Hopefully an agreement to address the issue of flooding will be reached by South West Water and the developer to deal with drainage, but I believe the development will create a serious problem for the roads."

It is estimated that the development will create a further 400 to 500 more vehicle movements through Littleham a day.

"There's already a serious problem with traffic congestion at Littleham Cross, let alone in the future," Cllr Wood added.

"Officer strongly advised councillors against voting in opposition of the plans due to the risk of the applicant appealing but I am disappointed at this warning as Clinton Devon have always indicated they would rather seek an agreement than appeal."

Devon County councillor for Littleham, Eileen Wragg, said that she raised concerns that the flood risk manager for Devon County Council had not been consulted on the plans.

"When I raised this it seemed to throw the table into a state of flux," she added. "My main concerns from a county perspective are transports, roads, flooding and education."

John Bates, head of acquisitions for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, which owns the Premier Inn chain, added: "The Elizabeth Hall site is an ideal location for a new Premier Inn hotel and restaurant.

"Achieving planning consent for the scheme is great news and will create year-round jobs."