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University lecturers and staff in the Westcountry are set to strike in a second day of industrial action today, trade unions have announced. UNISON, Unite and University and College Union (UCU) staff previously took strike action in October, including some at Exeter and Falmouth. The three unions also confirmed their members would walk out again in three weeks' time and could be joined by Scottish education union the EIS. Union members have been angered by a 1% pay offer, which has seen their pay fall in real terms by 13%. The squeeze on staff pay comes at a time when pay and benefits for university leaders increased, on average, by more than £5,000 in 2011-12, with the average pay and pensions package for vice chancellors hitting almost £250,000. UNISON head of education and children's services, Jon Richards, said: "Members have had enough. It is a disgrace that universities are sitting on billions of pounds, but are not ready to reward those who make UK universities the best in the world. "The 1% pay rise on offer is an insult to the services they deliver, especially to those staff who are currently paid below the Living Wage. "We are calling on employers to get back into talks as a matter of urgency."

A Cornish tea producer and a Devon sausage maker have joined the Prime Minister on his trade mission to China. Jonathon correct Jones, of the Tregothnan Estate, which started supplying England's first tea in 2005, boarded the delegation plane on Sunday. Also part of the British contingent was Charles Baughan, who runs Westaway Sausages, based near Newton Abbott. The pair hope to spread news of the Westcountry's growing reputation for food and drink into the Asian market. Mr Baughan, whose company is already exporting to Hong Kong, said Asia was a "fascinating and vibrant place". "There are so many cultures out there and they are traders – it is fast-moving and exciting and as a businessman I am really interested in that," he added. Tregothnan has already struck a deal which will see tea shipped to China – the birthplace of tea – and the Chinese Embassy's trade minister has visited the Cornwall plantation, at St Michael Penkivel, near Truro. David Cameron has promised to throw his full political weight behind a free trade agreement between the European Union and China which he believes could be worth tens of billions of pounds a year. Mr Cameron's call came as he arrived in Beijing at the head of the largest British trade delegation ever to visit the far eastern country, which has emerged to become the world's second biggest economy in recent years. The European Commission is due to begin investment treaty negotiations with China early in the New Year to cut back some of the barriers to trade. But in talks with premier Li Keqiang yesterday, Mr Cameron was set to become the first EU leader to champion a full-scale free trade agreement, which Downing Street said could be worth £1.8 billion annually to the UK alone. Writing in Chinese magazine Caixin, Mr Cameron declared his ambition to use this week's visit to help forge "a partnership for growth and reform that can help to deliver the Chinese dream and long-term prosperity for Britain too." He welcomed signals from last month's crucial Third Plenum of the ruling Communist Party that China is ready to open up further to the rest of the world under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, who took up office a year ago. And he said that he wanted to send the message that "an open Britain is the ideal partner for an opening China". "Britain is uniquely placed to make the case for deepening the European Union's trade and investment relationship with China," said Mr Cameron. Jaguar Land Rover chief executive Ralf Speth was among the 120-strong business delegation accompanying Mr Cameron, along with executives from major exporters like Rolls-Royce, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Barclays, HSBC, GlaxoSmithKline, Arup and Virgin. But the bulk of the delegation was made up of smaller firms, including Moulton bicycles and the Cambridge Satchel Company, which Mr Cameron believes have great opportunities in the fast-expanding Chinese market. Also travelling with the group was Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, and ex- footballer Graeme Le Saux.

Devon sausage maker joins PM on trip to China

A ZEBRA crossing planned for Tiverton is worrying residents. The new £45,000 crossing will be in Leat Street, near the the entrance to the Heathcoat factory. It will become part of one of the primary walking routes for people heading to the Tiverton District Hospital, Tiverton High School and Petroc Community College. Pedestrian safety issues along the road have been raised and a petition of 345 signatures has been presented to Mid Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee. Work is expected to start in January and it is hoped the crossing will improve safety for vulnerable road users and promote safer walking routes to schools. However, local councillors consulted are concerned about the location. Cllr Gerald Luxton said: "It should be the other side of the mini roundabout, nearer to The Shillands where children from Farleigh Meadows and Rackenford Road cross to go to school. "There are also parked cars there and my worry is children will run out from behind them and get knocked down so it would be safer to have a crossing there. "There is also an area there with steps and it is difficult for anyone with a pushchair or with mobility problems to get up and down, so a crossing slightly further down by The Shillands would be better." Cllr Alan Griffiths added: "I expressed to Devon County Council when we made the site visit that I would have preferred it to be at the bottom of Longdrag Hill. This new crossing will mean people will have to go a long way round to cross over and I just can't see the schoolchildren doing that. They want to get to school and back by the shortest and quickest route. "When the new development at Farleigh Meadows starts there could be on average another 600 children that need to use that crossing and more traffic in the area, too. I just don't think it will benefit the people of Rackenford Road." David Whitton, head of highways at Devon County Council, said: "Alternative locations were considered but due to differences in ground levels and the visibility restrictions imposed by the roundabout, the closest and most convenient point of Leat Street was chosen."

OBJECTORS to a proposed 1,500-home development on the outskirts of Tiverton crowded a council meeting as part of their attempts to block the plans. The protection of bats and potential problems with sewerage were among the issues raised during a heated debate on the eastern urban extension. It came as outline planning permission for 330 houses was submitted by Waddeton Park Ltd. The 153-acre development is proposed for land around Post Hill and Uplowman Road, and was discussed at a cabinet meeting of Mid Devon District Council on Thursday. The hearing was only a matter of weeks after councillors said they were unsatisfied with details of a proposed masterplan which details how roads and services would be laid out. The now-revised document proposes 1,500 homes, a school and a road network linked to the A361 North Devon Link Road. More than 50 members of the public packed the meeting room at Phoenix House, Tiverton. The cabinet took questions from 15 people who raised a variety of concerns. Jeremy Salter was worried about air quality with the increase in traffic, and other problems involving crime prevention. He said: "A safe and well-lit walking route should be established. The proposed path is along the former railway line, which has deep cuts and no lights after dark. There have also been attacks along this route." Mr Salter, along with Glebelands Road resident Goff Welchman, raised concerns over whether the sewage treatment plant would be able to keep up with the extension. Several people brought up environmental issues, particularly about bats who roost in the proposed development area. Linda Hall, who moved to Tiverton in 1988 from Hertfordshire, was concerned for other wildlife. She said: "There's so much roadkill on the North Devon Link Road – badgers, foxes and birds. "Has the planning committee chatted with organisations like RSPB on the importance of local wildlife? We are keen to protect it because it makes Devon what it is." Other people were worried about a bank which could be built in front of their homes, blocking their views of fields and countryside, and some about plans for a gypsy site marked for the west of the development, while there is one already in the east. Some councillors were still disgruntled, even with the revised masterplan, which planning officers had been working on for several months. Jenny Clifford, professional services manager in the planning department, said: "The masterplan is still in its draft form and we will be holding a public consultation." She outlined a series of dates over the coming weeks when people would be able to look at the plans. Cllr Neal Davey suggested that this period should be extended until February 1 because many people would be going away or too busy over the festive season. Cllr Bob Deed, from the community wellbeing department, agreed that people should not be forced into making a quick decision. He said: "I don't see what the rush is. We should not feel like we have to make this decision with a gun held to our heads." The land was given final approval for housing in 2010 in the district's development plan document, a blueprint for the area until 2016. Without an approved masterplan, developers are able to put forward proposals for the area. Even if they were rejected at district council level they would be likely to succeed on appeal, because of the 2010 allocation of the land for housing. A public consultation exercise will get underway next Monday at venues in Tiverton and Halberton, with times the council says will be convenient to most people, including evenings and weekends. Meanwhile residents of Follett Road, who are opposed to the scheme, have been printing and distributing leaflets telling others about the proposals. Chris Downs, a 67-year-old former logistics worker, said he thought Tiverton was "sleepwalking" into an unsuitable development. He was part of a group which successfully fought development on greenfield in the area 25 years ago. "We were told then we didn't have a cat in hell's chance and we didn't accept it," he said. "We're being told the same again and I think if enough people make their voices heard then we stand a good chance. "What people don't realise is the effect all this will have on Tiverton."

UNIVERSITY of Exeter completed the first half of the NOW:Pensions England Hockey League season on a winning note, with a 2-1 home victory over Cardiff & Met. Sunday's win came courtesy of early goals. Ian Haley got Exeter off to a flying start with his fourth-minute opener and top scorer Nick Cooper doubled the Greens' lead on 12 minutes as Exeter avenged an earlier 4-2 defeat at Cardiff. Robin Lovegrove replied for Cardiff in the 22nd minute. Fourth-placed Exeter return to league action at Cheltenham on February 9. Isca ended the calendar year on a low note as they went down 4-0 against Bath Buccs. Defeat for the Exeter side and a 2-0 win for basement boys Guildford at Fareham means the Blues will start the new year – and the second half of the season – at the bottom of the table. Isca resume with crucial back-to-back February home matches at the University of Exeter Sports Park against Indian Gymkhana and relegation rivals Guildford. Exeter-based Exe will start the second half of the 2013/14 Women's Conference West season also at the foot of the table following a 5-0 defeat at Swansea Spartans. Exe face a tough start to 2014, away to Oxford Hawks on February 8. Isca University's next opponents are Swansea, at the University Sports Park on February 8, as they seek to improve on a 1-1 home draw with Bristol's Firebrands. The country's leading women's national hockey league scorer Claire Thomas claimed her 16th goal in 11 matches to put Isca ahead after 42 minutes. The game remained tight, with Firebrands forcing a couple of fine saves from keeper Lottie Winnett but they eventually equalised a minute before time. Isca had a final chance to win, only for Thomas to be denied by a fine save from Firebrands keeper Issie Rosie.WOMEN'S HOCKEY West Premier 1 Isca A 3 Bournemouth 0 Jen Bury scored her first goal for Isca against her old team as the city side's seconds beat Bournemouth 3-0. Despite a strong start from Isca, they missed some great chances as the game was goalless at half-time. Isca came out stronger in the second half and took the lead through Bury before Lorel Wallis doubled their advantage from a short corner. Jen Lynch scored the third goal. Exe A 7 Clevedon 2 Exe seconds took full advantage of facing a Clevedon side low in confidence by putting seven past them – despite going behind. In a turgid first half, Clevedon scored in the first five minutes. However, two quick goals from Emma Scott and Mel Vaggers just before the break settled the nerves. A lapse in concentration saw Clevedon draw level, but Exe stuck to their task and a goal from Nicole Thackray and two each from Bridget Culver and Charlotte Howard produced a comfortable and deserved win. Rosie Karakusevic was named Exe's player of the match. West Premier 2bIsca B 1 Teign 3 Isca thirds were left to rue a number of short corner opportunities that went begging as they lost 3-1 against Teign. Teign broke open a tight game with two goals on the counter-attack, but Izzie Moore pulled one back from a flick as an improved Isca started to threaten. However, Teign scored again in the last five minutes from a pass and nudge in from the post. Petroc Division 1 Isca C 2 Torbay 4 Jo Burrington scored twice for Isca fourths, but Torbay scored four times between her two strikes to win the game. After Burrington opened the scoring, league leaders Torbay went 2-1 up at the break and were 4-1 clear before her consolation.Petroc 2 Exe C 0 Dart A 1 Megan Wright starred on her debut in midfield for Exe, but could not prevent the fourth team falling to a 1-0 defeat against Dart seconds. Exe were very strong in the first 10 minutes, passing well and getting the ball into the Dart D to give the forwards a couple of chances at goal. However, Dart scored the only goal of the match in the second half.

University of Exeter beat Cardiff go into halfway break on a winning note

Exeter Rowing Club's Jerry Copping has received a highly commended award for his outstanding contribution to the sport. Copping attended the British Rowing Volunteers and Coach of the Year Awards ceremony in London where he received the accolade. A spokeswoman for Exeter Rowing Club, said: "His passion for the sport of rowing as well as his unlimited willingness to share his knowledge and skills for the sport have enabled wide variety of scullers to achieve their full potential. "Jerry is a great ambassador for rowing as a sport for all. He is unselective in those that he coaches, from learn-to-row juniors to masters with many years' experience competing at the World Masters. This year Jerry has coached crews to wins at Masters National Championships, Henley Masters Regatta, the Men's West of England Amateur Rowing Association Championships and the Masters World Championships. Exeter Rowing Club teenager Anna Newton as been invited to join the junior GB training camp this month having impressed in trials. Despite having only taken up the sport less than a year ago, Newton achieved three personal bests at the trial event in Boston, Lincolnshire. As a result Newton has been invited to GB Juniors training camp this December, in Nantes, France. The club is keen to get sponsorship for this talented young rower, to enable her to attend GB training camps throughout 2014. Anyone interested in sponsoring here is asked to contact Exeter Rowing club through the club website. Lucinda Saunders and Eleanor Burke, also from Exeter Rowing Club, scooped victory in the in the women's veteran B quad class in London over the weekend. The pairing made up half of a Falmouth, Totnes and Exeter composite crew which was the second women's boat at the event and a respectable 62nd overall.

The Government has rebuked claims it is failing to respond to a housing supply crisis by pointing to large scale investment supporting projects such as Cranbrook in Devon. Local Government and Communities Minister Baroness Stowell of Beeston dismissed claims from Labour that the Government should show "a bit more Attlee and a bit less apathy" and start building a new wave of garden cities. Speaking in the House of Lords, shadow infrastructure minister Lord Adonis had hit out at the failure of ministers to publish a policy paper on new cities following a proposal made by Prime Minister David Cameron last year. He asked Baroness Stowell at question time in the House of Lords "Do you not agree that in the face of a housing supply crisis this inaction is deplorable? "It took the Attlee government precisely one year to enact legislation for new towns and to designate Stevenage as the first one and within five years 10 new towns had been started. "We need a bit more Attlee and a bit less apathy." However, Lady Stowell told peers: "I like to think I'm an action kind of girl. That is exactly what this Government is doing." She said Lord Adonis' frustration was "misdirected" as his Government had "promised five and then 10 eco towns" and none of them had got off the ground. "What we are doing is working with local councils who have locally led proposals and we are working with them now," she said. "A large number of these larger sites are being unblocked and are ready to start because of our support." She said between 2013 and 2015 the Government was investing £474 million "to support large scale housing and commercial development in places such as Wokingham in Berkshire and Cranbrook in Devon". And she added: "An additional £102 million of investment is available for 2015-16 and we will publish a prospectus inviting bids for this funding in the spring." The first residents moved in to Cranbrook in East Devon in 2012, with at least 100 houses occupied at the beginning of this year. The intention is to expand the final total to 6,300 homes with the first community building completed in October, known as the Younghayes Centre. Tory former Cabinet minster John Gummer, who sits in the Lords as Lord Deben, said garden cities had originally been introduced because "our towns were unpleasant and not good places to live in". He added: "They now are good places to live in. Will you make sure the new houses are built in our old towns regenerating them and not built on open countryside where we need the land to grow food." Lady Stowell said the Government was ensuring proposals were "locally led and had local support".

Government point to Cranbrook to rebuke housing supply crisis

A MAJOR project to create a "landmark" building for Exeter university that will bring 240 new jobs to the city has been given the green light – by the narrowest of margins. The University of Exeter wants to convert and extend a former student accommodation block on its St Luke's Campus into a four storey block of offices for its medical department. A decision on the application had been deferred from a previous meeting for concerns over highways and the impact the building would have on the surround area to be addressed. While some residents still were not happy with the height and scale of the proposal - and perceived issues that would caused by the lack of parking - changes made to the application were enough to satisfy Exeter's planning committee this week. The application was approved by a vote of four to three. The number of new jobs would be in addition to 260 jobs that would be transferred from another site at Salmon Pool Lane to the development. The university said that the knock-on impact, in relation to the spending in the city centre, would be huge. Cllr Pete Edwards said: "I have no problem with the building as it is framed. Since the application has gone back it does look a lot better. The colour has been lightened. "The jobs it creates will be highly skilled and will bring a lot of money to the city. We are desperately trying to make it a growth city and the people who study and work there will not have far to go shopping in the city centre. "Some cities would give their life to have an opportunity like this – having such a high calibre of employees right in the city." One of the major concerns that was expressed was the lack of parking - there are no new spaces proposed - and the impact this would have on the surrounding roads. There were also fears it could lead to extra traffic and congestion. "Over the transport, this will always sought itself out," added Cllr Edwards. "I have been on the council 20 years and lost count of the amount of times I hear that something will cause gridlock. But apart from rush hours the traffic in this city moves pretty well." The university said it had tried to alleviate fears over the intrusive nature of the building by setting it back, adding glazing, and lightening the colour. Cllr Keith Owen, said, for him, the changes, had not gone far enough. He said: "The jobs may be very valuable but we must not allow jobs to outweigh planning considerations. "I still have two concerns. The effect on the conservation area. It does not preserve or enhance the conservation area. And I am not convinced on highway grounds so can not see myself able to support the application." Local resident Lucy Mallet, spoke about the perceived impact on the amenity of those living in College and Raleigh Road. "It is out of character and there has only been a cosmetic change from the last meting," she said. "The university wants this to be a visible signpost for campus. But the neighbours will be dwarfed by the added storey." The highways authority had no objections to the proposal. City council chief executive Karime Hassan said: "This is a strategically important project for the city and the number of new jobs it will create is significant. It is the same number of jobs created by John Lewis."

Major jobs boost for city as Exeter University plan approved

THE union-jack draped coffin of teenage soldier Kieron Blight was carried from the church through a guard of honour as shots fired into the grey Devon sky. Following closely behind were grieving members of the 19-year-old's family; his parents Stephen and Mandy, sister Hayley and girlfriend Emily among them. During the hour long ceremony at Christow's St James' Church in the Teign Valley, the commanding officer of Kieron's squadron, Major Claire James gave the parting words: "Smile, as he will always be smiling back at you." But many of those, who had come to say a final farewell to the promising young soldier following his death in a car crash on Armistice Day, struggled to hold their emotions at bay. Loved ones had opted for a full military funeral for Kieron, who was a Sapper with the 26 Engineer Regiment based at Perham Down near Tidworth. They arrived early on Tuesday for the service and as the grey hearse pulled up six pallbearers, in full military attire, side-stepped to orders before linking arms to carry the coffin, adorned with his military hat and wreath, into the church. With every space occupied inside, loudspeakers were put up in the churchyard as the crowds, young and old, military and civilian, united in a solemn respect to listen to the service.

The hymn Abide With Me was sung and several prayers were read. There was a tribute by Dick Parker and a eulogy from Major Claire James, the Commanding Officer of 33 Armoured Engineer Squadron. She described him as a "young, professional and dedicated soldier who had a great sense of humour and an enthusiasm for life." "He would be the first to volunteer to anything. He would enjoy the daily banter," she added. "He was tough in the field and extremely comfortable. He would take everything in his stride. There was no doubting he had an exciting future ahead of him." In his address the Rev G Smith, spoke of his "great sense of humour," and his "caring, considerate and out-going nature." "He will leave a big hole in the lives of all those who knew him. "And of course, his smile," he added. After further prayer readings, the Last Post was played and a silence was observed. As Sapper Blight was carried aloft, the ten-strong firing team let off three rounds each. He then began the last leg of his final journey to Exeter Crematorium, where a private family service was held. At the time of his death, tributes poured in for Kieron, a former Teign School student from Bridford, who died when a silver Mazda MX5 he was a passenger in collided with a tree. The commanding officer of 26 Engineer Regiment,Lieutenant Colonel John Ridge, said: "If you were to sit down and list the qualities required of the perfect sapper, they would sum up what we had in Sapper Kieron Blight. He was keen, professional, courteous and bright. "Above all, he loved his armoured engineer trade. During our recent deployment to Canada, whenever he got the chance, he would race off to clamber all over our tanks and chat to his fellow crewmen: anything to learn more about armour and how to get the best from it. Canada was his first big exercise, but it was already clear that he had huge promise, so much so that he had recently been selected to attend training to be a Junior Non Commissioned Officer. "Despite his young age and boyish looks, his maturity and professionalism made him naturally respected amongst his peers. I have no doubt that he would have been a Lance Corporal before most of them. "We are all shocked by his death, but know how little our loss compares to that of his parents Stephen and Mandy, his sister Hayley, and his beloved girlfriend Emily."

Video and pictures: Hundreds turn out for funeral of teenage soldier killed in car crash

A trio of men arrested in connection with a major national demonstration by a controversial far right-wing group in Exeter have appeared in court. Kurtis Coyle, Daniel Holmes and Steven Hart were brought before Exeter Magistrates today following the English Defence League (EDL) march in the city on November 16. Coyle, 21 from Heavitree, was given a suspended prison sentence of four weeks after he admitted the possession of a knuckle duster in the The Chevalier Inn, Fore Street as well as the possession of a class A drug. He claimed he was planning to take the weapon "to a mate's house" after apparently buying it online for £10, the court heard. Coyle was ordered him to pay costs of £165, and was told the drugs - 1.4g of cocaine - would be destroyed. Daniel Holmes, 30 from Exwick, issued no plea after being charged with the possession of a knife on Queen Street. He was granted unconditional bail and his case will be heard at Exeter Crown Court on January 3. Steven Hart, 48, from the Pinhoe area of Exeter, was given a custodial discharge of six months after admitting being drunk in a public place. Hart, who was described as a "long-term alcoholic", was found lying down on a pavement under the influence of alcohol and unable to stand unassisted, the court heard. A fourth man arrested - a 49-year-old Surrey man - had been given a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly in the city centre on November 15. Chief Inspector Jim Gales, of Devon and Cornwall Police, described the day as a "success" for the force. "We had to intervene at times to prevent outbreaks of disorder, making a very small number of arrests," he said. "But what we [were] able to do [was] to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and allow the inhabitants of Exeter to go about their daily business safely." More than 200 people travelled from across the country for the EDL march and rally in the city centre. But a total of 1,000 people, under the banner of Exeter Together, paraded down the streets earlier in the day and gathered for a rally to condemn the group. A mounted police unit from South Wales were among a total of 400 officers from as far away as Birmingham who were tasked with patrolling activities. City centre manager John Harvey described the police operation as "excellent", saying the force ensured it remained "business as normal". "It could have been a day that tarnished the city, but actually it enhanced its reputation. On lots of levels, we can be very proud," he added. Some 225 EDL supporters gathered at the Locomotive pub on New North Road before marching along the road, down Queen Street to Rougemont Gardens flanked by police. Angry exchanges took place between opponents and protestors who chanted "You're English no more" and "whose streets, our streets" as they marched. Two protestors donned burqas - traditional Islamic dress - and were seen to imitate Muslim prayer in the middle of a street.

Three men appear in court following arrests at EDL march in Exeter

University lecturers and staff have staged a walk-out for the second time in six weeks in an " increasingly bitter" pay row. Numerous academics and other staff members at the University of Exeter participated in the day of action on Tuesday that saw classes cancelled and facilities disrupted. Dozens of staff members joined early morning picket lines at campus entrances before they gathered for an 'after-party' at the Imperial pub near the city centre. Juliette Stephenson, a senior lecturer in Economics, said: "Education is hugely important, and the workers are a core part of the learning environment. There's been a lot of investment across the Higher Education sector in infrastructure and buildings. We need to invest in the people who deliver and make this university a fantastic place." Some 30 students held an overnight occupation of the Queen's building on the Streatham campus to show solidarity with the industrial action. Ciaran Daly, a Sociology and English student, said: "We're here as part of a wider campaign against cuts in staff wages and privatisation of student loans. "We've made banners to educate people as they go past, eaten pizza and had escapades with security every couple of hours. They eventually told us to clear-out and threatened us with police action." Unions estimated that as many as 500 staff members had gone on strike and pledged to take additional action unless an agreement was reached. But university said it was "business as usual" on its campuses, with only 6% of staff having taken part in the previous strike on October 31. Students suffered a day of disruption during the penultimate week of term as many neared coursework deadlines ahead of January exams. A university spokesman, speaking ahead of the strike, said it expected "some disruption to normal services" but stressed that it would seek to minimise the impact. Lecturers, tutorials and other classes were cancelled, while some suggested whole buildings were closed due to lack of staffing. Dr Richard Bowyer, a lecturer in the Law School, said: "As far as we're concerned, part of the reason for the strike is the disruption that it causes. We want to shut down the campus." Any staff taking part in the strike will be docked one days' pay, with the money being donated to the student hardship fund. A Students' Guild spokesman said: "Happy and properly paid staff are a vital part of Exeter's continued growth and improvement and therefore we urge all parties to meet at the earliest opportunity to end this impasse." It was the second coordinated strike action involving members of the University and College Union (UCU), UNISON and Unite. Members of unions rejected a "miserly" 1% pay offer and say their income has fallen 13% in real terms over the past four years. Brett Crane, branch secretary of Unite, said: "Nobody wants to be giving up a day's pay before Christmas. But we feel there are some really important issues at stake. People's living standards are suffering, there's a lot of people this winter who will face choosing between turning the heating on or putting food on the table."

University of Exeter staff strike again in nationwide pay row

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1 EXETER CITY 1

(Exeter won 3-0 on penalties)

Exeter City moved through to the last four of the Devon St Luke's Challenge Cup at the expense of arch-rivals Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday evening, but they needed a penalty shoot-out in which to do so.

Two goals in the final seven minutes by Exeter's Matt Jay (83) and Argyle's on-loan striker Caolan Lavery (90) saw the game finish in a 1-1 draw, but the Grecians held their nerve from the spot with an easy 3-0 shoot-out win.

Exeter dominated possession for much of the game, but chances were at a premium. Jake Gosling curled a free-kick against the outside of the post from 35 yards or more in the first half, while Hamza Bencherif was wildly off target with a shot from distance in a cagey opening period.

The second half started in much the same way, with Exeter playing the better football but struggling to penetrate the Argyle back line. The one time they did so, Jacob Jagger-Cane's superb pass sent Gosling clear, but he lashed a shot high over the bar.

Guy Branston scuffed a good chance wide at the back post for Argyle before he inadvertently headed a Gosling shot just wide at the other end.

The veteran defender then took exception to a strong tackle from Nichols by kicking him and then grabbing his throat, but, after a handshake between the two, the referee let off both players with a stern warning.

Nichols was then denied by a brilliant stop from Jake Cole, but Christy Pym bettered that for Exeter as Plymouth countered. He got down low to his right to keep out Bencherif's drilled shot.

However, City went in front when substitute Jamie Reid slipped the ball through to Jay and he dinked the ball over Cole from 12 yards.

The Pilgrims equalised in the 90th minute and sent the game to penalties when Lavery rose to nod in as Exeter failed to clear a long throw.

Boco and Lavery blasted high with the first two Argyle spot kicks, while Gosling and Reid scored for Exeter.

Then, when Pym saved Paul Wotton's blasted effort, Nichols sent Cole the wrong way to send City through to the semi-finals.

Plymouth Argyle (4-4-2): Cole; Purrington, Wotton, Branston, Richards; Vassell (Hutchinson 90), Asumadu-Sakyi (Wheatley 66), Bencherif, Blackman (Stark 87); Lavery, Boco. Substitutes (not used): Hannah (gk), Bentley.

Goal: Lavery 90.

Exeter City (4-5-1): Pym; Dawson, Baldwin, Tillson, Moore-Taylor; Jay, Keohane (Reid 62), Doherty, Jagger-Cane, Gosling; Nichols. Substitutes (not used): Hamon (gk), Rigg, Wannell, Chamberlain.

Goal: Jay 83.

Spot-on Grecians progress at Pilgrims' expense in Devon Cup

EXETER City manager Paul Tisdale and his relationship with the fans is wearing a bit thin and without them he would not have a job. His applauding of the booing, after taking off our second best player David Wheeler, was ununacceptable. The substitution made no sense at all. Our best player was without doubt Matt Grimes, who stood head and shoulders above anyone else, followed by Tom Nichols – when he came on for the final 20 minutes he was excellent. He scored, he should have had a penalty, he had an effort cleared off the line and another went just wide and to be fair he should have scored the winner. Is it a coincidence that those three players are all youngsters? Let us see a few more young ones given a chance, we will probably see Nichols again in about three months' time. How some of the senior pros keep their place I don't know. As for Pat Baldwin being on the bench, that beats me too – he is our best defender by a mile. Some of the other players seem undropable no matter how badly they perform. Let's hope for a side full of passion, commitment and youth, with an attacking formation for the remainder of the season. Kenny Cleal Feniton I was interested to read your article on the barking fans during the Southend game in Thursday, November 21's edition of the Express & Echo. My seat is close to the dugouts and I believe the 'barking' was City fans impersonating Phil Brown barking out his orders to players on the pitch. You also mention the long balls going up to Sam Parkin. It has seemed obvious to me over the last several games that the only way our strikers stand any chance of scoring is by wingers taking the ball up to the byline and sending in crosses for them to run onto. R Greening Via e-mail Have your say! Leave your comments or responses to the letters above in the comments box below.

CITY POSTBAG: Relationship between fans and manager wearing thin

The father of environmental activist Alex Harris has spoken of his shock at watching his "Devon country girl" daughter become the public face of the Greenpeace Arctic 30 campaign. Cliff Harris described the bizarre feeling of sitting at home in Winkleigh watching Alex, 27, tell the 10 o'clock news how she used a radiator pipe, a spoon and an alphabet code to communicate with her friends and keep herself going in a freezing Murmansk jail. The 63-year-old agronomist said when the family said goodbye to Alex in Norway in early September, all they were expecting was for the digital communications officer to have a little adventure and see the beauty of the Arctic for herself. "They were just going to highlight the dangers of oil drilling in the Arctic," her father told The Guardian. "It was quite a shock when we saw the footage of the Russians boarding the ship." Just before she left, she sent an email to Becky Mercer and some of her other university friends. "It's possible that we could be arrested," it said. "But it's a pretty low possibility. If you hear protesters have been arrested, that's not me. But if you hear that the crew have been arrested, then panic. LOL." According to her father, although Alex cares deeply about the environment, she could hardly be described as a direct activist. "When she was a young child, if ever there was a documentary or any news items about animals losing their habitat or facing extinction, she would watch it and you could see she was concerned about what she was hearing and seeing," he said. Graduating with a marketing degree from Bournemouth University, Alex worked in Abu Dhabi before taking a few months off to travel. On a visit to the Amazon she saw what oil spillages could do to an ecosystem. She has lived in Australia for the past four years and worked for Greenpeace for the last two. Despite the fact that six Britons – including Devon video journalist Kieron Bryan – remain in St Petersburg on bail, much of the attention has focused on Alex. In a letter sent to her parents in October she detailed her struggle to cope with life in an Arctic jail. "Being in prison is like slowly dying," she wrote, in a letter that put her at the heart of the campaign to free those held. "You literally wish your life away and mark off the days." Iain Rogers, from Exeter, and Kieron Bryan, from Shebbear were also thrown in jail. Mr Bryan met Alex for the first time as they boarded the Arctic Sunrise, only to discover that they had grown up a few miles from each other in North Devon. "I saw a picture of her in court looking so upset and that was really moving and really hard to take," he said, "but I kind of expected her to stay strong."

Father of “Devon country girl” Greenpeace activist speaks of shock

IT has often been described as the 'jewel in Exeter's crown' and now it is likely to have a diamond tipped chain saw at its disposable. Exeter Cathedral is seeking planning permission from the county council to extract five cubic metres of stone each year for the next 10 years from the Beer Quarries. The cathedral's latest quinquennial has revealed that there are a number of restoration projects to be undertaken (a quinquennial is an inspection required every five years by the Church of England for every church building). If given approval, the stone will be removed between April and October to avoid disruption to bats. The restoration at the cathedral will allow it to take on two new stonemason apprentices.

Exeter Cathedral seeks permission to extract stone from Beer Quarries

An Exeter Neighbourhood Team have started a campaign in response to complaints due to the parking around schools at drop off and pick up times. Parents have parked their cars across zig zags outside of school gates clearly endangering the children as they leave the school. Parents are also parking on pavements forcing the children to walk into the road and obstructing their view when they attempt to cross the road. PCSO Rich SHELTON has worked closely with Pinhoe Primary School and developed a poster which is shown below to highlight to parents the dangers caused by their parking. The majority of parents welcome the campaign with parents commenting that there have been several near misses due to the dangerous parking. PS Rob Bolt said: "The safety of school children is of paramount importance and it is disappointing that parents will endanger their childrens lives as they are not prepared to park safely." The neighbourhood beat team will be policing local schools to reinforce this campaign.

Exeter police crackdown on school gate parking

WHEN the Echo asked if anyone could top Les Brailey's record of living in the same house for 92 years and 30 days, no one really expected it to be beaten. But it has – by no less than five years – by Edmund Miller, who lived in his house for 97 years. Sadly Mr Miller passed away on the very day the Echo featured Mr Brailey moving out of his Heavitree home. Mr Miller was born and brought up in Town End, Broadclyst, the house where his parents had lived all their lives. His daughter-in-law Anne Miller, who lives in Chancellors Way, Beacon Heath, said: "He was born in the house and went to school in Broadclyst before going on to work at the Silverton Mill. "He married local girl Mary, and they had a son called Michael, who is my husband. Mary died in 2002 and after that he lived on his own in the house. He was very independent and he loved his garden, and particularly his greyhounds. "He would walk them for miles, twice a day, and raced them at Exeter, Taunton and Bristol. He was quite successful at it and really enjoyed it. "After his wife died he was able to look after himself, cooked and washed, and we also went out there either to take him meals or bring him here. "I was a farmer's daughter and was working at Broadclyst House for the Molland-Hibbert family when I met Mike, who worked for the butchers and was delivering meat to the house. "Edmund was a bit of a loner really. I use to suggest he join some of the clubs in Broadclyst, but he wouldn't, saying they were for 'old people'. "He fell and broke his hip four years ago and stayed with us, but he wanted to go back home after just a few weeks. "You don't get people staying in one place the way you used to but having said that we have been here over 30 years and I am not moving." Mr Miller spent his last days at Hill Barton House and died aged 99. His Broadclyst home was a National Trust property.

A new record? Exeter man's 97 years in the same home

The Chancellor should give priority to infrastructure projects that can deliver the greatest economic benefit, such as upgrading the A30 and A303, rather than providing funding to those next in the queue, according to one of the Westcountry's leading business figures. Tim Jones, chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Project, has backed a call from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for tomorrow's (Thursday) Autumn Statement to strategically choose schemes with greater potential to fuel economic growth. At present, priority is given to infrastructure projects, such as road and rail maintenance, according to their order in the pipeline. But Mr Jones, who is also chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, argues that by focusing first upon schemes such as improvements to the A303 and A30 – the second main highway between London and the South West – George Osborne will deliver greater economic benefit faster. He said: "It is exactly the type of regional investment we think would be absolutely essential... the payback would be huge." Giving priority to infrastructure schemes such as the upgrading of the second major highway between London and the South West would deliver the greatest economic benefit, the Chancellor has been warned ahead of tomorrow's Thursday Autumn Statement. Tim Jones, the chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, has backed a call from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the Government to prioritise infrastructure projects that will produce the biggest economic benefit rather than those that happen to be "next in queue". Currently, priority is given to projects, such as road and rail maintenance, according to their position in the infrastructure investment pipeline. However, Mr Jones and the RICS feel that a shift in emphasis would bring about the greatest economic reward. The Transport Secretary said last week (Nov 27) that making the case for upgrading the A303-A30-A358 "old London road" between Devon and Hampshire would "take time", with a feasibility study not expected to be complete before the 2015 general election. However, Mr Jones said the project would bring a pay back "20 times" the outlay. He said: "It is exactly the type of regional investment we think would be absolutely essential... the payback would be huge." The plea forms one of a number being made by the RICS to the Chancellor in what it is calling its Autumn Statement "wish list". It also backs a call from Lord Heseltine for the Government to empower Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and get the regional growth fund 'single pot' allocated to viable schemes. Jeremy Blackburn, head of policy at the RICS, said quality infrastructure development and maintenance projects can bring big economic benefits to the areas they serve. He said: "We would like to see this addressed and projects given the go-ahead based on their economic potential, not merely because they appear next in the infrastructure investment pipeline." "Legislation around business rates is still causing problems for the high street. What we require is regular revaluations to lower the burden on businesses." Simon Hendra, owner of Lemon Street Market in Truro and president of Truro Chamber of Commerce, said a business rate revision would stimulate town centres. He said: "Giving a business rate reduction for properties that are being refurbished would ensure they... are more attractive both externally and internally and raise the quality of the location."

Build a better A30, Osborne told before Autumn Statement

Exeter triplets Richard, Michael and Lee Channing who each weighed less than a bag of sugar at birth, are celebrating their 18th birthdays today. The boys were a wonderful and early surprise for parents Jodie and Roger Channing. It was a dream-come-true for Jodie when she discovered she was pregnant for it followed three years of fertility treatment Initially she was expecting quadruplets and the couple's joy was cut short when doctors advised Jodie and her husband, Roger, to abort two of her babies to increase the chance of giving birth to twins. Part of the decision was taken out of the Exeter couple's hands when a heartbeat couldn't be found for one of the four at Jodie's third scan. Unable to choose between the remaining three, Jodie went ahead with the pregnancy — its outcome left to fate. Nearly 27 weeks into the pregnancy she went into labour. During the emergency caesarian, she gave birth to premature triplets. The babies were due on March 4 but were born on December 4 — three months premature. They held the record of being the most premature babies born in the world for six months, and missed out on a place in the Guinness Book of Records by just one day. Jodie didn't hold them until four days after their birth and it was a further three months before they could finally take them back to their Pinhoe home.

Exeter triplets celebrate 18th birthdays

WHILE Exeter Cricket Club is looking to build homes on part of its grounds to safeguard the future of the club this would involve the demolition of the current pavilion. There has however been an application for the pavilion to be listed. An English Heritage spokesman said: "We have received a request to spot-list the Exeter Cricket Pavilion. "We have carried out a site visit and are currently consulting on the building's historical and architectural interest with all those who have an involvement in the case. "There is no set time frame for dealing with listing cases but where a building is potentially under threat from demolition, we hope to submit our advice to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as quickly as possible." There is to be a public consultation on the plans for the cricket ground in the Flybe Suite at Exeter City Football Club between 3pm and 7pm on Friday, December 13 and from 10am to noon on Saturday, December 14.

Plan to spot-list pavilion to save Exeter Cricket Club building

Lecturers strike over 'insulting' 1% pay rise today