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Exeter City striker Sam Parkin said he was pleased with hard-fought 2-1 win against York City. Alan Gow came off the bench to get both goals in the victory. Listen to Parkin's verdict on the victory here:

AUDIO: Parkin pleased with hard-fought win over York

Alan Gow says he was happy to get minutes on the pitch and score both goals in Exeter City's 2-1 win over York City. The Scottish forward scored with his first touch and then hit a long-range effort midway through the second half. Listen to Alan Gow's post match interview here:

AUDIO: Gow happy to get on the pitch and take chances

PAUL TISDALE admitted he took more satisfaction from Saturday's 2-1 win over York City than the recent win over AFC Wimbledon, as the Grecians maintained their 100 per-cent home record. The win against the Minstermen was achieved after City had fallen behind and they showed great character in turning a potential defeat into victory. It was also achieved without them playing the fluid kind of football that saw to Wimbledon in their last home encounter and Tisdale said he was delighted with the fighting qualities his team displayed. "It is more satisfying because we pulled ourselves up from our boot straps," Tisdale said. "Steve Perryman made the comment and it is right, because we improved our performance as we went on. "It is three wins out of three at home and let's hope it bodes well for our home form compared to last year. That is something we are conscious of, and I am pleased with how it is going. "York City played really well," he added. "I thought they were excellent and I am surprised they have had a poor start. I am not sure whether we were a bit low-key in the first half or they were excellent. "They worked really hard for their manager and stopped from doing what we wanted to do and we had to pull ourselves up from our shoelaces." City were trailing and things appeared to go from bad to worse when John O'Flynn limped off with a hamstring pull. But, within 20 seconds of his introduction, Alan Gow hauled Exeter level before he won the game with a brilliant long-range strike in the second half. "It was far from an inspired substitution because it was forced. That is not the way you want it, as John O'Flynn went off with a slight hamstring pull," Tisdale said. "Alan has trained very well over the last few weeks, he has had an interrupted pre-season, but I have been waiting for an opportunity, he has been waiting for an opportunity, and it presented itself. On he came, and scored. "He played really well and it wasn't just about his goals. He looked fluid in his play, he was mobile, he retained the ball well and moved it and some things we talked about recently he did. He did what he was asked to do. It was a terrific performance, but is anyone really surprised? I'm not, because he is capable of it." Gow has struggled to find the form he is capable of this season, after a pre-season disrupted by injury. At times, he appears to be trying too hard, but Tisdale believes he benefited from a pep talk in the manager's office this week. "We spent a really hard week on working with Alan and what he does when he comes on the pitch so that, when he comes on, he makes an impact," Tisdale said. "It didn't quite work for us when he came on at Morecambe last week. "We sat him down in my office and discussed, when he comes on and he plays on the right or up front or on the left, what is he going to do, and it was a really useful chat. "I wasn't expecting John O'Flynn to come off, but Alan came on and did exactly what we discussed. We want him to be focused on what he can do because it can be hard for a player to sit there, sometimes they can drift and go off the boil. But he is on the boil at the moment, so that was a really useful chat. "The first goal was a real pressure finish because it was his first touch, but the second was a really good finish. He kept his head over his knee and kept it low, there is nothing worse than the ball going over the crossbar – I hate that!"

Paul Tisdale pleased as Exeter City grind out a win over York City

The family of a motorcyclist who died in a collision in Wellington last week have paid tribute to him. Nik A'Court-Willis, aged 56 and from Ilminster, died when he was involved in a collision in the Wellington area on Thursday August 29, 2013. "Two cars were travelling along the road in the direction of Hemyock. The car in front wanted to turn right into a roadside parking area. "A motorcycle which was following both cars passed the second and following car and was then in collision with the car waiting to turn right. The rider was thrown from his bike." Police are now appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident. Paying tribute to Nik, his family said: "A keen biker for many years Nik A'Court-Wills has successfully owned and ran his hairdressing salon 'Nichares' in the centre of Taunton, along with his wife and wonderful caring staff. "He was a loving son, brother and husband and devoted father to his two children. His death has shocked and devastated his family and friends and he will be missed terribly by all who knew him. The family have asked to respect their privacy in such a difficult time." Anyone able to help is asked to contact the collision investigation unit on the force number 101.

Loving tributes paid to motorcyclist who died in collision near Tiverton

A reading of a test result for the amount of iron in an Exeter School's water supply was deliberately reduced. Devon County Council spokesman has confirmed that an employee of Carillion, the company which runs the city's secondary schools, attempted to cover up the high levels of metals found in St Peter's C of E School water supply. The falsified document read that only 184 micrograms per litre of iron was found in the supply, when in fact 1,840 was found, almost ten times over the legal limit of 200. Carillion, who provides infrastructure services at six schools in Exeter, said the person to blame for the falsification of the documents has since resigned. It said: "Unfortunately, on this occasion, the actions of a single individual failed to meet our high standards." Devon County Council said it was "appalled" by the company's actions. Students had to drink bottled water for several months after high levels of metals were found in the supply. Carillion was attempting to resolve the problem. As a result, an investigation was launched which also revealed metal contamination in water supplies at the other five schools Carillion looked after. It also found legionella, the bacteria which can cause Legionnaires' disease, in one school - West Exe College. In the past students and staff at St Peter's had to rely on bottled water for six years after blue water was detected coming out of a drinking fountain.Updates and more information as we have it.

Company falsified results showing dangerous amount of iron in Exeter school's water supply

Alan Gow will be hoping to get more game time under his belt when Exeter City take on Wycombe Wanderers at St James' Park in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight (7.15pm). The 30-year-old Glaswegian made a match-winning impact as a substitute in the Grecians' 2-1 win over York City at the weekend and, with John O'Flynn limping out of that game with a hamstring injury, Gow is poised to play from the start tonight. "I haven't had many minutes on the pitch, but that's one of those things in football," Gow said. "People forget that I've only played one 90 minutes since January because I had a serious injury when I ruptured my ankle. "I probably came back a bit early and I played in the last game of the season and that's the only full game I've played since the end of January. "It has taken me a while to get fit, but I've been working hard on my days off to get fit, so hopefully it pays off. I'm not fit yet, I know that, but once I get fully fit then I know I can play well." Gow is yet to start a League game for the Grecians and his lack of match action led to some fans questioning his worth to the club, with manager Paul Tisdale opting to start the season with O'Flynn and Sam Parkin up front. However, Gow took less than 20 seconds to notch after replacing O'Flynn on Saturday to silence one or two doubters in the crowd. The rest were duly hushed when he smashed an unstoppable winner to make it three wins from three for Exeter in home League Two games this season. "I don't really care what anybody thinks about me, to be honest, I just go out and play football and try and enjoy it. It's just one of those things," Gow said. "If someone hasn't played for four or five months, it's a long time. It's the first time in my career I've missed that amount of months and it's hard to come back to it, but I've been working hard with the physio to make sure my ankle is strong enough. "I think the manager and the coaches know that I'm a good player. They don't doubt that I have ability, but maybe some people question my fitness. "I've been working hard on that and that is all you can do. You can only play what you are given, so, if I play ten minutes or an hour, that's life." However, his introduction on Saturday will certainly live long in the memory and Gow could not have dreamed of a better impact. "I was obviously happy to be on the pitch and take the chances I got. I was a bit tired at the end because I haven't played much football," he added. "Things always happen in football and you have to make sure you're ready. You may only get one chance in a game, but I wasn't really going to miss a one-on-one with my stronger foot. "The second one was one of the best I've scored for a while, that's for sure. "I have scored a few early ones, actually, just like that with my first touch at various clubs throughout my career. But it was good to come on and have that kind of introduction, and going on to win the game was obviously the most important thing." It is a break from League action tonight, though, with Exeter looking to progress in the Trophy. They exited at the first-round stage last season to Aldershot Town, who won a penalty shoot-out at St James' Park. Supporters are reminded that the game kicks off at the earlier time of 7.15pm.

Alan Gow glad to be back among the goals for Exeter City

The family of a young athlete who died while training for a 100 mile cycle ride have completed the challenge in her memory. Rebecca Scott, of Clyst St Mary near Exeter, was killed last month at the age of just 24 when she lost control of her bike and hit the wall of a house. She was riding with her father Alan in Branscombe at the time in preparation for the Lochaber 100 event that took place in Scotland on Saturday. But in an emotionally-charged ride Alan joined up with Rebecca's mother Sue, brother Matt and three friends, Chris Tripp, Nicky Quant and Pete Harris, to take her place and complete the challenge. The team are raising money for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital that cared for Rebecca in the first month of her life and the Devon Air Ambulance that attended her fatal accident. Mr Scott said: "At her funeral I said I believe that Rebecca's gone off to find us the cleanest and clearest water to swim in, the smoothest roads with the least traffic to ride on and the freshest trails with the best views to run on. "She had chosen this event because they promote it as less of a race and more of a go and do it to enjoy the scenery type of event. That was what she loved. "It was Matt's idea that we took her place. I think that because I was training with her at the time of her accident the thought had crossed my mind that I would go and do it. But Matt was adamant straight away that we do. "The three of us all ended up with a 'buddy' to help provide a bit emotional support." Mr Scott said the team were greeted to a sudden downpour on arrival and subsequently took around six and a half hours to complete the ride. He said: "We were soaked with about 97 miles to go. I feel Rebecca would have been laughing with us at that time. It is the furthest I have ever cycled and I was tired before lunchtime. But it was something that had to be done." Rebecca, a former pupil of Clyst St Mary Primary School and Clyst Vale Community College, graduated from Falmouth University with a degree in English and Creative Writing. Returning to her home village at the end of her studies, she took a job at Friends Life in Winslade Park. Around 200 people are estimated to have attended her funeral that Mr Scott described as a "celebration of her life". He said: "There was a massive turn-out, which shows just how much she was loved. We had a reading of a poem she had written at the age of eight that got published. Afterwards we went onto the cricket pitch at Friend's Life for a Pimms, which was her favourite drink. It was not only where she worked but somewhere she spent a lot of time when she was growing up. "We have had so many cards and there has been so many donations it is just fantastic. So many people have been getting in touch asking how they can help. "Having something to focus on with the bike ride has helped keep me busy. But the support we have had has also really helped. I am absolutely amazed by it." Mr Scott said the two charities were chosen as they "book-ended" his daughter's life. He said: "If other families can gain a life through the work of the SCBU and in the future the air ambulance can save a life through this then that would be fantastic. "I would have done the ride just for Rebecca but people kept suggesting we should set up a just giving page. It just seemed the right thing to do and people have been incredibly generous. "I am glad we did it although I am not sure I am ready to do something like that again." Rebecca was a keen member of the Exeter Triathlon Club and Mr Scott said the club and both her schools are looking at creating an on-going event or award in her honour. To make a donation to the SCBU and the Devon Air Ambulance visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RebeccaScott

Family take place of tragic athlete who died training for cycle challenge

Scotland Yard have confirmed that armed police attended an address in Exeter on Saturday night as a man was being held against his will. A large residential area around Monk's Road was sealed off for more than an hour during the incident just after 8pm on Saturday. Several firearms officers were involved in the incident. One man was arrested and has now been released on police bail. And a spokesman for the Met police confirmed today: "As part of an on-going intelligence led investigation officers from the Met's Kidnap and Specialist Investigations Unit, with the assistance of Devon and Cornwall police, attended an address in Monks Road, Exeter on Saturday 31 August at around 8.15pm. "A man in his 30's who had been held against his will was recovered unharmed. A 37 year old man was arrested on suspicion of blackmail and firearms offences and he was released on bail whilst an investigation continues."

Met police confirm armed response was for Exeter kidnapping

Police have released CCTV images as part of an investigation into a an assault in Exmouth city centre that left a man with a broken cheekbone. On Saturday 24th August 2013 at 11pm there was a dispute in Exmouth town centre in the road outside AJ taxis / Prezzo and the Clipper pub. The occupants of a 4x4 vehicle got into a dispute with a group of males after the 4x4 vehicle was struck by one of the group of males The dispute ended with an occupant from the vehicle recieving a broken cheekbone. The vehicle was also damaged. PC Adam Johnson said: "I would like to identify the following people from this incident. I am also interested in hearing from anyone who witnessed the incident. "If you have any information please call 101 and quote crime reference number KE/13/1996."

Police in CCTV appeal after late night assault

A heartbroken dog-owner whose pet was mauled to death in full view of horrified on-lookers has a new puppy but is still too terrified to take it to the park. Pensioner Diana Walton said nothing will ever replace Folly, the nine-year-old Yorkshire Terrier she saw killed by a "Staffie-type dog" at Belmont Park in front of her eyes. Since the incident nearly two weeks ago, debate has raged over whether further laws needed to be introduced to control dogs. And Ms Walton, who supports the introduction of a by-law to keep all dogs on leads in the park, said she had been seeking solace in her new puppy Bella. She said: "I knew I could not live without a dog as I have always had one in the house. If I didn't I don't think I would ever have a reason to get up again. "I rang every dog rescue place in the country but they were all closed. I then rang a friend who helped me find a Yorkie on the internet. Bella is a dear little dog who sits on my knee. She is not supposed to be a replacement but nothing can ever replace Folly for me. "I haven't gone to the park with her yet. But I think I am going to have to make myself at some stage. At the moment we are just going on short little walks. "The thing that worries me is that this man has still got that dog and it will kill again." Following the incident a meeting was held at Belmont Park attended by councillors, officials and police to look at what action could be taken to protect the public and their pets from dangerous dogs. The possibility of introducing a by-law for all dogs to be kept on leads was agreed to be looked into. There was some support for introducing it on a seasonal basis but the public view will be sought before a decision is made. Ms Walton said she would be in support a by-law. "There is no such thing as a bad dog – just bad owners," she said. "This man just walked out of the park and left me with my dead dog lying by my feet. "I want to see the dog destroyed – if it was a small child he would have gone straight for her. "I liked to see Folly wondering around freely in that park for nine years but I don't know if I would ever dare to let this one go. "I don't like it but while there are dogs like this roaming the parks then there needs to be a law that they are kept on leads. "It is a shame for the vast majority of responsible dog owners. I like my dog to have its freedom. But at the moment I don't see any other option." Chairing the meeting this week was Cllr Richard Westlake, who was also present during the attack. He said that other dog owners had approached him to voice their concerns about large, dangerous dogs running off the lead. "They wanted something done about it," he said. "So we have to make a response. This meeting has been called to see what can be done and what needs to be done." The meeting heard there was a group that use the park with five large dogs that present a regular problem this time of year. PSCO Kate Rees said: "This is the heart of Newtown and is a family park. "The only way to make a difference is to have dogs on leads. There is no guarantee that will come into play. But it is important we know what to tell dog owners and what message to send out. "We will have to wait and see what can be done. This has been really impactful on the community. But the lady has had massive support, which has been really good for her."

Devastated owner of dog mauled to death seeks solace with new puppy

TEIGNMOUTH teenager Luke Friend made a lasting impression on the judges of X Factor last week when viewers saw him go through to the next round. But the 17-year-old singer is not the only hopeful flying the flag for Devon. Xtra Factor new host Matt Richardson has revealed in an interview with the Echo that he visited Exeter last week to record some footage with a female singer from the city. Until the day before each contestants auditions are aired on television, the show is refusing to give anyone's identity away. However, comedian Matt, who is coming to Exeter Corn Exchange in December with his first stand-up show, said: "I was in Exeter on Wednesday (August 28) filming with a contestant who is female and from Exminster. We did some filming in John Gandy's." The live shows will be aired in Octobers. Viewers are still waiting to hear the fate of Luke who appeared on the launch night of the new series of ITV's X Factor last Saturday. The episode saw Luke win himself a place at the big arena auditions in London. He said on the show: "I want to get out of Devon because I've been gigging around Devon for a long time." Judge Nicole Scherzinger was amused by Luke's "sweet" last name and also wanted to know more about his hair. However, she got more information than she bargained for and when she asked the teenager how he achieved such an impressive look, he said: "I haven't washed it in about nine months." Luke performed Ben E King's Stand By Me with fellow judge Sharon Osbourne gushing: "Luke I am crazy about you! You are quite fabulous." Viewers will next get to see the Coombeshead Academy student sing in front of the judges once more, as well as a live audience of 4,000 people. After last Saturday's show was aired, Luke took to Twitter to thank fans for their support, saying: "Means so much you lovely people". There has even been a fanpage of his hair created on Twitter. Luke is no stranger to talent show success. Earlier this year he won a national singing contest Teen Star.

Star visits Exeter to film mystery X-Factor contestant

TWO new railway stations for Exeter are coming closer to reality – and the next big challenge is provide a new bus and coach station for the city. Plans for the new community at Newcourt have always included a station, and the scheme now has a green light, with Devon County Council having granted planning permission in July. The station is now slated to be built before the end of next year. The train service will provide direct links to the city centre and beyond. Meanwhile, the plan to provide a station at Marsh Barton, just across the tracks from the new Energy from Waste plant, has also been successful in terms of investment. It was one of five schemes recently selected for investment by the newly-formed Local Transport Board for Devon and Somerset, while talks continue apace between the county council and Viridor, the operators of the Energy from Waste plant, on the question of access to the new station. Councillor Rachel Sutton, the city's portfolio holder for development, said: "This is very exciting for the city. "Rail travel has huge potential for taking traffic off the city's busy roads. Exeter will have a total of ten stations when these are up and running; what other city of our size can claim that?" Exeter's councillors are to receive the good news about the stations on Thursday, September 5 in a special report about transport issues affecting the city. The report highlights the need for a new bus station as the next key challenge, to provide a more fitting welcome for people arriving in the city centre by bus or coach.

Full steam ahead for two new Exeter railway stations

THE Magdalen Chapter in Exeter has been named as City Hotel of the Year beating a host of top London properties. The announcement was made at a star-studded award ceremony held at The Savoy Hotel on Monday. The Exeter hotel was one of six finalists in the category of The Food & Travel Magazine Readers Awards. Others included London's Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Savoy, The Arch London, The Zetter Townhouse and Blythswood Square in Glasgow. General manager Fiona Moores and sales manager Jo Thomas, were at the ceremony when the announcement was made. A delighted Fiona said: "Words cannot express our elation at being named as City Hotel of the Year. The calibre of the other finalists was so high that to have been named as the winner is really fantastic. "These awards are voted for by readers of Food and Travel Magazine so I must extend our thanks to guests who have stayed or dined with us at The Magdalen Chapter for supporting us in this journey." The Magdalen Chapter has made a huge impact both regionally and nationally since it opened in June last year. The hotel, with its top restaurant led by Head Chef Ben Bulger and luxury REN spa, has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. It has also been shortlisted as a finalist in The Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2013. The hotel was formerly the West England Eye Hospital and the 19th century building was sympathetically restored by award winning architects, Fielden Clegg Bradley, to become an intimate and stylish hotel. Original Edwardian features have been maintained and striking new extensions were added to create bright public spaces. Contemporary interiors, furniture and lighting, state-of-the-art technology, as well as modern art complete the transformation of this iconic property. To celebrate the property's original features and layout, every bedroom has a slightly different design. Twenty-first century comforts come as standard, with free Wi-Fi as well as iPad 2s and a complimentary minibar in every room. For more information about The Magdalen Chapter, visit www.themagdalenchapter.com

Exeter Hotel named hotel of year beating host of top London properties

Exeter City 0 Wycombe Wanderers 2

Exeter City's dismal record in cup competitions continued last night as they turned in a dismal performance to match in losing 2-0 at home to Wycombe Wanderers in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Not since a 2-0 win over Yeovil Town on August 9, 2011, have City tasted a cup victory and they never looked like ending that run against a hard-working Wycombe side who were far better on the night.

Manager Paul Tisdale made five changes to the side that beat York City. Scot Bennett came in for captain Danny Coles and partnered Jordan Moore-Taylor at centre-half, with skipper for the night Pat Baldwin at right-back.

Tommy Doherty and Liam Sercombe were paired together in midfield, while Alan Gow, a two goal-hero on Saturday, featured from the start at the expense of hamstring victim John O'Flynn.

Named among the substitutes was 17-year-old youth team striker Matt Jay, who bagged a superb hat-trick for the Under-18 XI in a 5-0 thrashing of Torquay last weekend, meaning that nine of the 16 men on duty had come through the ranks at St James' Park.

Wycombe also made several changes to the side that played at the weekend, but they took no time in getting into the game. Matt McClure stung the palms of Artur Krysiak with a blistering shot from distance, while several other efforts at goal were off target. Exeter took an age to get into their stride.

It came as no surprise when Wycombe went in front on 30 minutes. Doherty lost the ball in midfield and the Exeter defence was left hopelessly exposed. The rest was inevitable; the ball was played through to McClure, who rolled it under Krysiak and into the net.

McClure almost added a second after skipping past Doherty and rounding Krysiak, but he fell off balance and scuffed his shot into the keeper's arms.

In a word, Exeter were dreadful. They could not get their passing game going and the home fans' frustrations grew with a number of close offside calls that went again their players.

Wycombe, very much like York last Saturday, were playing well and pressed City all over the pitch and forcing Exeter into unforced errors.

Finally, the Grecians had a shot on goal and it came in the 40th minute. Gow's snap-shot from 25 yards was tipped over the bar by Matt Ingram and, from the resulting corner, David Wheeler saw his header cleared off the line.

That was as good as it got for Wheeler, whose disappointing evening came to an end when he was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Matt Grimes. It was also as close as Exeter came to scoring.

The change certainly led to en encouraging start to the second half with Sercombe firing high with his left foot and a promising City attack, led by the rampaging Sercombe, ended with Gow being caught unnecessarily offside.

It was all so disjointed, though. Sam Parkin headed a rare chance over the bar from Gow's cross and it was no surprise when Tisdale threw on Jay for his City debut. Doherty was the man to make way.

His introduction to the professional game was met with a crunching tackle from Wycombe's Kortney Hause, but the youngster got to his feet and admirably got on with the game.

Sercombe saw a free-kick pushed behind by Ingram, but City's dismal evening was completed when Antony Stewart powered a superb header into the roof of the net from a left-wing cross. It was no more than the Chairboys deserved.

Exeter City (4-4-2): Krysiak; Moore-Taylor, Baldwin, Bennett, Woodman; Wheeler (Grimes h-t), Sercombe, Doherty (Jay 70), Gosling; Gow (Reid 78), Parkin. Substitutes (not used): Pym (gk), Dawson.

Wycombe Wanderers (4-4-2): Ingram; McCoy (Fletcher 90), Stewart, Hause, Wood; Arnold (Craig 74), Lewis, Knott, Kretzschmar (Bloomfield 80); Kuffour, McClure. Substitutes (not used): Harrison (gk), Morgan.

Goals: McClure 30, Stewart 82.

Bookings: Wood, McCoy.

Referee: P Gibbs (West Midlands).

Attendance: 1,654.

Grecians suffer yet another first-round exit in cup competitions

A "FREE" school in Exeter will be among the second wave of the coalition Government's flagship education policy to open this week. In total, 93 free schools are due to admit pupils for the first time this week, the Department for Education (DfE) said, bringing the overall number of open free schools to 174. They include the Steiner Academy in Exeter, two in Plymouth – the School of Creative Arts and the Marine Academy Primary – Sparkwell All Saints Primary on the outskirts of the city and Route 39 Academy at Higher Clovelly, north Devon. The Steiner Academy will initially open in a temporary premises in Gloucester Road, while it intends to move to a permanent home in Thomas Hall, a former university halls in Cowley Bridge Road. Free schools are semi-independent schools set up by groups including parents, teachers and charities. Of the 93 schools opening this month 35 are primaries, 42 are secondaries, 11 are all-age schools and five will cater for 16 to 19-year-olds. When these schools are full, they will provide an extra 46,000 places for pupils, the DfE said. Prime Minister David Cameron insisted that free schools "are one of the most important reforms to education in this country for a generation" and are "allowing people with a passion for giving children the best start in life to set up schools and making sure teachers in those schools have more freedom to do what they think is best". Education Secretary Michael Gove said these schools were "an integral part of the growing success story of state education in England". There are also 12 universal technical colleges (UTC) and 13 studio schools opening this term, including the Devon Health Studio in Torbay and UTC Plymouth. From next September, Exeter University is to help open a new free school specialising in maths. The university will jointly run one of the government's flagship free schools with Exeter College, with a fifth of pupils will be able to stay at the university between Monday and Thursday in a bid to attract youngsters from across the South West. Cornwall already boasts a new private catholic secondary school at Camborne, called St Michael's, a free school. Free schools are established by groups including parents, teachers, faith groups and charities and have powers to decide how they spend their budgets and set their own curriculum, teaching hours and term-times. Teaching unions have claimed that they adversely affect neighbouring schools.

Exeter Steiner School starts as new wave of schools open

SUPERMARKET giant Asda is expected to make an announcement soon on where it plans to open a store in Exeter. Sources say that a decision is anticipated shortly over where Asda will build the store. The store has made no secret of its desire to come to Exeter - it is the only major supermarket without a presence in the city - and has been looking at possible sites for many years. It is understood that two possible locations are still being looked at. These are the bus station in the city centre and the Exeter Royal Deaf Academy on Topsham Road although no contract is yet in place. At the beginning of July a spokesman for Asda told the Echo it hoped to reveal its plans "within a month or two." That timescale has now almost past and although the store themselves are currently remaining tight-lipped over any new developments there is hope an end to the long-running saga is almost in sight. It is understood the council has long hoped to have Asda as the anchor tenant of the huge re-development of the bus station. And the Deaf Academy is understood to be reliant on selling its current site to the store to finance its high-profile move across the city that it now has planning permission for. The Asda spokesman said: "We would absolutely still love to open up a store in Exeter and we have not ruled out any site. Exeter is one of the hardest places to develop as there are so few available sites. "What we will do is make sure that when a contract is in place it is in the best site in the city. We need to make a balance between keeping people in the town centre and the need for people to access the store." In a recent poll on the Express and Echo website the Deaf Academy site was backed by 69 per cent of visitors with 31 per cent saying they would prefer to see an Asda on the bus station site. Last week Morrisons unveiled its plans for a new store at Middlemoor in Exeter with 418 car parking spaces and a petrol station. It will create 350 jobs for the store which will have its main entrance from Honiton Road at its junction with Wilton Way. A planning application for it has been submitted.

Exeter ASDA decision gets closer

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has been given the green light to add to his squad following the club's cash injection from Scott Golbourne's sale from Barnsley to Wolves last week. The 25-year-old Bristolian left St James' Park for Barnsley in a cut-price deal in January 2012, but the Grecians negotiated a sell-on clause into the deal. That came to fruition last week when the former Bristol City and Reading youngster dropped down from the Championship to join Kenny Jackett's League One side in a deal reportedly worth £700,000. Tisdale did not reveal how much Exeter received as their part of the deal, but after the club have used some of it to address one or two other issues, the City chief will receive some money which will allow him to add to his squad. "I don't think we'll get all of it, but some of it," Tisdale said. "The club will find areas to put it into first and leave me a little bit and I am not sure what that percentage will be. I think I will have to wait and see what (players) are available. "I understand the situation and we push ourselves to the limit anyway. We are all the same team together and we don't want to overspend because if there are a few gaps that need to be filled because we have overspent, then they have to be filled. "I am looking to see what's out there – as I am in other positions. But that (right-back) would be a priority for me." So far this season, Jordan Moore-Taylor and Arron Dawson have battled it out for a starting role with no specialist right-back within the City ranks. Kevin Amankwaah was released at the end of last season and has since joined Northampton, while Steve Tully also departed and now plies his trade at Tiverton Town. And with Moore-Taylor a natural left footer and Dawson's preferred role in midfield, Tisdale is keen to bring a right-back to the club if he can find the right player at the right price. Pat Baldwin played there in the second half of the League game against York City and again in Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. Baldwin did a gallant job, but Tisdale is sure to be reluctant to split up his Baldwin-Danny Coles central defensive partnership that has been so effective over the last year or so and play him regularly at right-back. "We all know that we don't have an out-and-out right-back in the squad. Pat did very well there in the second half on Saturday and I wanted to have another look at him," he said. "I know he is versatile, he did very well at Tranmere at left-back two seasons ago in a very tough game... we know he's a centre half, but it may work for the team. I thought he was terrific there."

Paul Tisdale given some money to strengthen his Exeter City squad

No new admissions are being taken at a Devon children's care home after concerns that young girls were at risk of sexual exploitation outside the home. The Birchen Lane Residential Home at Tiverton has not closed but currently has no residents. No details of the exploitation outside the home are available but it is understood that the girls were supplied with alcohol and propositioned by men. It is thought the police were called in after the girls failed to return to the home at the appropriate time. The home caters for children aged eight to 18 years of mixed gender, who have emotional and/or behavioural problems which prevent them from living with a family. Some staff have been transferred to other children's homes - including Exeter's Rifford Road Children's Home, which is currently the subject of an inquiry into inappropriate use of restraints on children. Councillor Will Mumford, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Children's services, said: "Birchen Lane residential care home for children has not been closed, but a decision was taken earlier this year to place an embargo on admissions. "It follows a decision to review our strategy for children's homes, a desire to see more placements into fostering provision on the back of the remodelled foster service and also some concerns regarding young people being placed at risk of child sexual exploitation outside of the home in response to intelligence provided to us by partners. "The three young people who were placed in the home have now settled at the alternative placements found for them. "A decision to suspend placements at Birchen Lane was taken following a strategy meeting attended by senior managers and the police. " Staff from Birchen Lane have been redeployed, on a temporary basis, across our children's services, including Rifford Road Children's Home. "We hope to be able to share the findings of the Barnardo's review and our strategy in the near future. Until then our primary concern is the well being of the children in our care and ensuring the most suitable and supportive placements for them." Last month(aug) Devon County Council admitted that practices at the Rifford Road home had been "unacceptable" and a report from watchdog Ofsted, yet to be published, is expected to describe the services at the facility as inadequate. The council insisted steps have already been taken to address Ofsted's concerns and said new management had been brought in from another of the council's children's homes, which was rated good by Ofsted. Bichen Lane won a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors only 12 months ago.

Admissions halted at children's home amid

PAUL Tisdale was disappointed to see his side crash out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the first round stage as Exeter City went down to a 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. The Grecians were second best all evening and turned in a wretched performance with the Chairboys winning thanks to goals in each half from Matt McClure and Antony Stewart. "I thought Wycombe did extremely well at what they set out to do and you have to give them credit for that," Tisdale said. "We set out to pass the ball and we didn't do it well enough or often enough. "We didn't have enough shots or crosses into the box or threaten the goal enough. It didn't quite synchronise. You get judged on what you execute and we didn't execute. I am really disappointed." Tisdale made several changes to his side with many of those coming in failing to have an impact on the game. One player that did though, was 17-year-old youth team striker Matt Jay, who was handed his first-team debut as a second half substitute and caught the eye on what was otherwise a bad night for City. "I loved Matt Jay," Tisdale said. "That was a really good plus for the team. He came onto the pitch and looked a proper player and for a 17-year-old, that was a big plus for us. "I watch the Under 18s fleetingly, obviously I can't watch them all the time, but I have seen him in training and for the reserves and he is mentally very bright, he's tough beyond his size and he retains the ball and makes good decisions with the ball. "There is very little compromise with that and if you can do all that, then you have a really good chance. He makes decisions as good as anybody within our group." Asked whether Jay's performance had put him into first team contention on a more regular basis, Tisdale said: "You get judged on your execution and if you continue to do well, then why not? Matt Grimes has forced his way into first team contention in seven or eight weeks and I am open minded to Matt [Jay] being in contention as well." Wycombe went in front when Tommy Doherty lost possession and the ball was played through for McClure to score past Artur Krysiak after 30 minutes. Exeter's first – and best – attempt at goal came five minutes before half-time when Alan Gow's shot was saved. City were marginally better after the break, but didn't test the Wycombe goal enough and it was no great surprise when Stewart finished them off with a towering header eight minutes from time.

Matt Jay's debut the one positive on a disappointing night for Exeter City

Making its comeback yesterday after several years is much-loved Billy Smart's Circus. Regarded as one of Europe's top circus shows, it is embarking on its first full tour of Great Britain for more than 30 years. Among the places it is visiting will be Exeter. The circus has descended upon Alphington Roundabout from Tuesday, September 3, to Sunday, September 8. To celebrate its return, the new show is brimming with a dazzling combination of theatre, music and dance. The performance will include an Australian flying trapeze act, Desiree's hand balancing act in which she fires a bow and arrow with her feet, acrobats, jugglers, breath-taking aerialists and even a fireman who works his routine on a flaming ladder. Tony Hopkins, from New World Circus, said: "There are no animals and quality and innovation are at the top of the agenda for this sensational company of performers. "Billy Smart's Circus has always been ahead of its time and is probably the most famous name under the British big top. "We have not tried to re-create the 'old' Smart's. It would be too big to tour in these times, and styles have changed. This is a modern, compact version, designed for 21st century audiences. "It is an event you won't want to miss and a circus show that will be talked about for at least the rest of the year." Billy Smart's New World Circus began in 1946 when the highly successful showman – known to his family and staff as The Guv'nor – bought a big top and added circus performances to his funfair as an 'extra attraction'. The circus soon took precedence. Over the next 25 years, Billy Smart's Circus became a household name, touring under a massive 5,000 seat big top. A television Tribute to Billy Smart made history as BBC TV's first-ever colour programme, and TV broadcasts continued as a Christmas tradition long after regular touring last ceased in 1971. The circus as we know it was invented in London in 1768. Throughout its history, circus has always adapted and changed. Tony added: "Billy Smart's Circus has changed, but to make this new version of our circus, we've kept two essential ingredients – quality to the very highest standard of performance, and magic, the true magic of the big top. "And we've also kept to the principle of including fresh young artistes. This is a young company, a young show and a new generation of Billy Smart's Circus." During its visit to Exeter, there will be two daily performances from Tuesday to Friday at 4.45pm and 7.30pm; three on Saturday at 2pm, 4.45pm and 7.30pm; and two on Sunday at 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Tickets cost from £10. To book call 0844 415 5228 or visit www.billy-smarts-circus.co.uk

Pictures: Billy Smart's Circus back in Exeter