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An Exeter nightclub has announced that it will close next month. The Cellar Door club and venue on Exeter Quay posted the news on its Facebook page today. It will officially close on Saturday 19th July after three years of trading. In a Facebook post, the owners said: "On Saturday 19th July The Cellar Door and The Revelry will close their doors for the final time. "We would like to thank everyone who we have worked with over the last three years and especially thank all of you who have partied with us. "It has been a fantastic time for us and we are all sad that the time has come to move on but also excited for the future." The news comes just a month after two other Exeter nightclubs announced they will close. The Tobacco House on the Quay cancelled of all future events, just over three months after it opened on May 30 and Charlie's Live Lounge in Cowick Street also closed earlier this month.

Exeter Quay nightclub to close

Ongoing investment in new facilities is paying off for an East Devon holiday park, with bosses reporting a high level of bookings for this summer. Ladram Bay, near Otterton, unveiled its revamped swimming pool changing rooms and showers, including a new steam room and Jacuzzi, earlier this year. A second phase of the development will see a new swimming pool ready for next year's tourism season. General manager Claire Williams explained that major works like these had to be carried out between mid November and the start of March, when the park is closed. The latest projects bring the total invested in new facilities and refurbishment since 2007 to more than £10m. "It's definitely an ongoing process," said Claire. "Every time we think we are slowing up it just doesn't happen. "We are so conscious of making what we offer down here the best it can be, and to do that we need to keep investing in both our facilities and staff training. People's expectations are becoming higher and higher, without a doubt."

The park was a finalist in the Best Tourism & Hospitality Business category at this year's Express & Echo Business Awards after impressing judges with recent developments, including a new shower block for touring holiday makers and new instructor-led activities to enhance the entertainments programme. Claire said feedback about the latest changes from returning visitors so far this summer had been very positive. "A high percentage of our business is repeat visitors and they love the updated facilities," she said. "Our occupancy has risen steadily since 2007, and this year alone we are at least eight per cent up on last year. We are already practically full for the school holidays this year, which is quite unusual. Normally people leave it until the last minute to book." Ladram Bay currently employs around 160 people, with that number set to rise further during the peak summer season, when more than 3,000 guests are expected to be staying at any one time. The development of the park over the past seven years has been spearheaded by Ladram Bay directors Zoe House and Robin Carter, whose late father Frank Carter started the business. "We take a lot of pride in working in conjunction with and supporting local businesses in order to promote East Devon and its surroundings as the ideal destination for a family holiday," added Claire.

Ladram Bay holiday park set for a busy summer as investment fuels rise in bookings

Belgium must prepare for their last-16 match against the USA without the services of Steven Defour after the midfielder was shown a straight red card in the victory over South Korea. Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen pounced in the last 15 minutes to make sure Belgium sewed up Group H with a perfect record but Defour's transgression, for a dangerous tackle on Shin-Wook Kim just before half time, marred the win. Nonetheless Belgium's qualification marks a remarkable turnaround in fortunes in their first World Cup since 2002, as South Korea head home with just a point against Russia – while Algeria qualify in second – to show for their efforts. With Chelsea target man Romelu Lukaku dropped to the bench and Eden Hazard rested, Belgium decided to line up without a recognised striker. It heralded Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj's first World Cup start for his country and together with Everton's Kevin Mirallas, who was furthest up field for Belgium, looked lively early on. But South Korea – needing a win by two goals to stand any chance of qualifying – showed plenty of endeavour themselves, culminating in Ja-Cheol Koo going down in the box after a hefty tackle from Tottenham midfielder Moussa Dembele. The challenge was deemed a fair one and before long Belgium were appealing for their own penalty, as Young-Gwon Kim was judged to have fairly shielded the ball from right-back Anthony Vanden Borre in the area. Midway through the first half, clever work from Mirallas saw the winger wriggle free on the right to whip in a dangerous cross – but nobody was there to apply a simple tap-in. Moments later however he carved out a glorious chance for Dries Mertens who, from eight yards out, blazed his shot over the crossbar. On the half-hour mark South Korea fired a warning shot across the bows after Sung-Yong Ki forced Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois into a fine save from long-range. Favourites Belgium continued to only flicker brightly in patches and on the stroke of half time, were firmly on the backfoot because of Defour's rashness. The 26-year-old raked his studs across Shin-Wook Kim in a wild challenge and was immediately shown a red card by referee Benjamin Williams. Buoyed on, South Korea seized the initiative after the break as a vigilant Courtois raced out to nip the ball from the feet of Keun-Ho Lee. Down at the other end another penalty shout was waved away after Januzaj played in United teammate Marouane Fellaini, who appeared to trip under the attentions of Jeong-Ho Hong. Mertens then went close with a rasping right-footed effort from 25 yards out, which Seung-Gyu Kim neatly palmed away. And in the face of mounting pressure, the Koreans finally buckled when Kim parried a shot from substitute Divock Origi – who scored Belgium's winner against Russia – into the path of Vertonghen. The left-back was deemed to have stayed onside by the narrowest of margins and still Belgium pressed with sub Eden Hazard going close in the dying stages in a lively cameo. South Korea then nearly signed off from the World Cup in style through Chung-Yong Lee, but Courtois was equal to the Bolton winger's shot. Attendance: 61,397 Referee: Benjamin Williams (Australia) South Korea 0 Belgium 1 Vertonghen 77 South Korea: (4-2-3-1): Seung-Gyu Kim, Yong Lee, Suk-Young Yoon, Young-Gwon Kim, Jeong-Ho Hong, Kook-Young Han (Keun-Ho Lee, 46), Ja-Cheol Koo, Sung-Yong Ki, Chung-Yong Lee, Heung-Min Son (Dong-Won Ji, 73), Shin-Wook Kim (Bo-Kyung Kim, 66) Subs not used: Sung-Ryong Jung, Beom-Young Lee, Tae-Hwi Kwak, Seok-Ho Hwang, Joo-Ho Park, Chang-Soo Kim, Jong-Woo Park, Dae-Sung Ha, Chu-Young Park Belgium: Courtois, Vanden Borre, Van Buyten, Lombaerts, Vertonghen, Fellaini, Defour, Dembele, Mertens (Origi, 60), Mirallas (Hazard, 87), Januzaj (Chadli, 60) Subs not used: Bossut, Mignolet, Alderweireld, Ciman, Witsel, De Bruyne, Lukaku

South Korea 0 Belgium 1: Match report - Steven Defour sees red in victory

Islam Slimani rose highest to head home and secure Algeria a 1-1 draw with Russia and send his side through to the last 16 of the World Cup finals for the first time in their history. The Sporting Lisbon striker nodded home on the hour-mark, equalising Aleksandr Kokorin's early opener and condemning the Russians to another early exit from the tournament. It was another personal nightmare for Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev who was at fault for Lee Keun-ho's goal in the 1-1 draw with South Korea, this time coming to claim a Yacine Brahimi free-kick and completely missing the ball, giving Slimani an empty net to nod into. It was Russia who struck the first blow, however, after a cagey opening six minutes at the Arena de Baixada. There didn't seem to be any danger when Oleg Shatov swung over a deep cross from the left wing but Kokorin had space between the two Algerian centre backs and bulleted a header into the top right corner to make it 1-0. The goal was particularly galling for Algeria who were down to ten men at the time, Sofiane Feghouli off the pitch getting a wound bandaged after clashing heads with teammate Carl Medjani leaving the Algeria's right flank empty for Shatov to gallop into. Algeria had their first sniff of goal on 13 minutes when Brahimi exchanged a one-two on the edge of the box with Feghouli and poked the ball across the six-yard box where Slimani was lurking but Akinfeev was off his line quickly to snuff out the danger. Shatov was continuing to cause problems for the Algerian defence, cutting inside from the right flank and bursting away from Feghouli to curl a shot narrowly wide, the Algerian continuing to struggle with his head problem after a second spell on the sidelines. At the other end Akinfeev produced some impressive acrobatics to paw away a Slimani header from a flicked-on corner but the referee had already blown for an infringement in the box. Algeria continued to probe but all too often their attacks foundering against a well-drilled Russian defence, and Djamel Mesbah found himself in the referee's notebook for a foul in the corner on Aleksandr Kerzhakov. Russia continued to struggle at set pieces, another Bramini corner finding Slimani unmarked ten yards out but he could only head straight into Akinfeev's hands. Russian made a great start to the second half, Aleksandr Samedov breaking forward and playing a one-two with Kokorin only for Rais M'Bolhi to rush off his line and block the shot. But it was all square when full-back Aleksei Kozlov brought down Abdelmoumene Djabou in the corner and Akinfeev could only watch helplessly as Brahimi's free-kick soared over his head to the unmarked Slimani for his second goal of the World Cup. Russia looked to respond immediately, substitute Igor Denisov tested M'Bolhi with a low effort that the keeper dealt with at the second attempt. Kerzhakov then forced the keeper into another save after he shot from an angle but M'Bolhi was always behind the ball. After that Russia rung the changes up front with Russia manager Fabio Capello throwing on Alan Dzagoev and Maksim Kanunnikov as they searched for a winner but in truth they created little, a resolute Algeria clinging on for a famous result. Algeria 1 Slimani 60 Russia 1 Kokorin 6 Referee: Cüneyt Çakir Attendance: 39,311 Algeria (4-5-1): M'Bolhi, Mandi, Mesbah, Bentaleb, Belkalem, Halliche, Feghouli, Medjani, Slimani (Soudani, 91), Brahimi (Yebda, 70), Djabou (Ghilas, 76) Subs not used: Mohamed, Bougherra, Ghoulam, Lacen, Zemmamouche, Cadamuro, Taïder, Mahrez, Mostefa Russia (4-4-1-1): Akinfeev, Kozlov, Kombarov, Glushakov (Denisov, 45), Berezoutski, Ignashevitch, Kerzhakov (Kanunnikov, 80), Faizulin, Kokorin, Shatov (Dzagoev, 67), Samedov Subs not used: Schennikov, Semenov, Lodygin, Granat, Mogilevets, Ryzhikov, Zhirkov, Ionov, Eshchenko

Algeria 1 Russia 1: Match Report - Slimani heads his side to the last 16

Luis Suarez's unprecedented four-month ban from football by Fifa has been met with widespread anger in Uruguay, with captain Diego Lugano calling for his country to remain 'proud' of the controversial Liverpool forward. Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder in the clash between Italy and Uruguay on Tuesday – a match which the South Americans went on to win to progress to the World Cup's last 16. And in a Fifa press conference on Thursday it was announced that Suarez is to serve a ban of nine international matches, as well a blanket ban of four months from 'all footballing activity', for his role in the incident. Not only does this mean Suarez's World Cup is over – after masterminding England's downfall with two goals in Sao Paulo – but he will be kept out of action with Liverpool until late October. But Suarez's countrymen have leapt to his defence, with Uruguay FA president Wilmar Valdez confirming that his association will appeal the 'excessive' punishment. The 27-year-old has also received backing from much of the country's media and his international captain, Lugano, who insists an injustice has been done. Lugano said: "We'd all like a fairer world, but that world simply does not exist. Those who rule, rule, and the strong ones are the strong ones. "Keep feeling proud of Suarez, he deserves it. "Nothing will stop us. We will carry on with humility, union, determination, recognition of mistakes, and with our heads always high." Suarez, who must also pay a fine of £66,000, is no stranger to controversy. The attacker served a seven-match ban while at Ajax for sinking his teeth into PSV Eindhoven player Otman Bakkal, before becoming embroiled in a similar incident with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013. On that occasion Suarez was handed a ten-game ban, but this time he will be forced to sit out of at least nine Premier League matches and three Champions League ties before returning to the field for Liverpool. And such is the profile of his latest transgression, Uruguayan politicians are also wading into the debate. Uruguay sports minister Liliam Kechichian said: "This disproportionate sanction hurts us. We now have to see how we can help the human being (Suarez) and how the team shows the best it has and its love for the country's colours." Suarez, who won acclaim for his 31 Premier League goals last season, played down his role in the incident with Chiellini immediately after the match in Natal. He said: "These situations arise on the pitch, I've collided with his shoulder, he drove me a little crazy too but these things happen on the pitch, there's no need to make a story out of it."

Suarez bite: Uruguay stand by Liverpool striker

Protestors gathered outside an emergency meeting in Exeter yesterday to fight a decision to close almost 40 care homes and day centres. Campaigners joined opposition councillors to challenge Devon County Council's plans to shut all but two of its 22 residential care homes to save £10.7 million. Around 750 jobs may be lost, and another 250 jobs could go in council-run day centres as the authority closes 17 of them to reduce its spend by £1.7m a year. About 260 residents in the council-run homes face moving into private homes over the next 18 months, subject to the plans being approved. Opponents are demanding a U-turn on the controversial programme of cuts that they say is "morally wrong". Distressed, worried and confused relatives of those needing to move have voiced their concerns that alternative arrangements in private care homes do not exist, councillors say. Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors invoked a special procedure to 'call-in' the proposals for discussion at a scrutiny meeting at County Hall on Thursday. In spite of wet weather, around 20 protestors stood outside the council chamber holding banners and placards saying 'Save Devon's Care Homes'. Unions were furious at a council ruling that families and carers of those affected were not allowed to speak at the committee meeting, accusing the administration of "choking off" public debate. Steve Ryles, Devon county branch secretary of union Unison, said the council's decision was "wrong". He said: "They need to slow down and think again. They need to walk and stop running." He said the council had taken a "one size fits all" approach to the homes and needed to examine them on an individual basis. But the council's People Scrutiny Committee – that independently monitors how the authority makes decisions – rejected the opposition member motions, meaning the proposals still stand. The Conservative-controlled council says the homes and day care centres are too expensive to run as it tries to cut its spending by a third to £400m a year by 2017. The authority previously said it would be "working very closely" with affected residents and their families.

Exeter protest fails to stop Devon County Council care home closure plan

A plumber turned his loft into a cannabis factory to pay off debts after he lost all his money in an ill-judged venture into the solar panel business. Mark Davey had already made more than £7,000 from the hydroponic system in his home in Honiton and hoped to make another £5,000 every few months from his crop. He started growing drugs and selling them to friends after sinking his savings into a solar panel business just before the Government reduced its subsidy for the industry. Davey's problems got worse when he injured his arm while fitting a panel on a roof and suffered a hairline fracture which was not diagnosed and treated for almost two years. He started taking cannabis to cope with the pain and moved on to setting up his own growing room in his attic, Exeter Crown Court was told. Davey, aged 38, of Hill Crescent, Honiton, admitted producing cannabis and possessing cocaine. He was jailed for eight months, suspended for a year and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid community work by Judge Erik Salomonsen. The judge told him:"Following the failure of your business, rather than do what most people do and find another job, you found another source of income by producing cannabis. "You say you were selling cannabis for £120 a ounce to friends. You must have had a lot of friends in Honiton. When asked if you were aware it was illegal you said it was a stupid thing to do. That is certainly the case." Miss Bathsheba Cassel, prosecuting, said police raided Davey's home in December last year and found 26 mature plants growing in a sophisticated hydroponic system with lights and ventilation plus 44 seedlings. They also found £400 worth of cocaine and a £495 bundle of banknotes and Davey told officers he hoped to make £4,000 to £5,000 from selling his crop and had made £7,000 to £8,000 from selling previous harvests to a wide circle of friends. Miss Emily Cook, defending, said it was social supply rather than large scale dealing and he had started growing cannabis because of financial problems. She said:"He was a plumber who in 2012 started a solar panel business and invested a significant quantity of money into it shortly before the Government reduced the grant, with the result that he lost over £100,000 in business. "He also went through a marriage breakdown and injured his shoulder when he was on a roof and hit by a panel he was fitting. The full extent of the injury was not diagnosed at the time. "He started using cannabis when he was seeking to avoid becoming addicted to pain killers. He suffered the destruction of his business which led to significant debts." Miss Cook said Davey deserved credit for his exceptional honesty to the police and now shares parenting duties for his three children, who would suffer if he went straight to jail. She said he is a charity fund raiser who has organised a Three Peaks Challenge for a cancer charity and that he has now re-started his plumbing business and taken on an apprentice.

Honiton plumber turned to cannabis growing to pay off solar panel business debts

A drug dealer has been jailed after he was caught red handed selling crack cocaine just yards from Exeter Quay. Joshua Murphy was bullied into coming to Devon from Liverpool after running up drug debts of his own and lived rough for a week as he tried to get rid of £1,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine. He tried to flee down the towpath at the Canal Basin after being spotted in the middle of a transaction in the car park of a pub on Haven Banks by a Police Community Support Officer. He was chased down by the PCSO and other police who joined the hunt and found with 35 street deals in his pocket and £350 cash hidden in his sock. He claimed he was on holiday in Devon and had just bought the drugs with the intention of experimenting with them but later admitted he was a street dealer. Murphy, aged 19, from Liverpool, admitted two offences of having heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for two years and eight months in a Young Offenders' Institution by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court. The Judge told him:"It is a fact of life that people who get involved in the drugs world will be used by dealers who will employ violence or threats to get them involved. "You chose to come and sell drugs in Devon rather than telling the authorities and that made you part of a chain of supply. You may have been doing it to pay off a debt but you played a significant role in the chain." Mr Lee Bremridge, prosecuting, said PCSO William Malcolm was on duty near Exe Bridges on November 1 last year when he saw suspicion activity in the car park of the Harvester restaurant. He said:"Murphy walked towards the PCSO then did a dramatic u-turn when he saw the officer and ran off but was stopped after a short time on the footpath near the river after other officers went to the area." He was found with 31 wraps of crack cocaine worth £620 and four £10 deals of heroin and £352.90 cash in his sock. He said he was from Liverpool and was sleeping rough in Exeter but initially claimed to be a buyer rather than a seller of drugs. Miss Eleanor Purkiss, defending, said Murphy had been pressurised to come to Devon by dealers in Liverpool who threatened him with violence unless he worked for them to pay off a debt. She said he had been held responsible for debts run up to drug dealers by a friend who had borrowed his phone.

Crack cocaine dealer arrested at Exeter Quay was bullied into coming to Devon after running up drug debts

An Exeter mum suffering from a rare combination of two terminal illnesses will return to England after making a "heartbreaking decision" to leave Thailand where she was to receive 'pioneering medical treatment'. Jo, who is mum to three-year-old Rudey, and lives in Broadhembury, near Honiton, suffers from Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and lymphatic cancer sufferer She is believed to be the only person in the world to suffer from both conditions and cannot undergo treatment for the cancer because of the risk to her heart and lungs which have been weakened due to the PH. She also cannot be put on a waiting list for a heart and lung transplant, because of the cancer. The Breathe for Jo campaign to raise £30,000 in 30 days was launched in the Echo on April 10, and 15 days later readers and other well-wishers smashed the ambitious target a fortnight ahead of schedule. It is the generosity and compassion of people who reacted to Jo's story which has made the former Exeter College student's journey to the Far East possible. But The Breathe for Jo community has now announced that the former Exeter college student will return to England after fears over her treatment in Thailand. Posting on Facebook they announced that Jo will not complete her treatment abroad adding that the money raised will now be put to use on "better treatment elsewhere". The full post states: "This is an announcement we were never expecting to have to make. It is with great sadness & disappointment that Jo has made the extremely difficult decision not to continue her treatment with the Better Being Hospital in Thailand. "It became clear very quickly that Jo was not going to receive the care necessary to cure either of her conditions. "The organisation and communication within the hospital is extremely poor, during our time in Bangkok the hospital failed to find Jo & I adequate accommodation. "They also failed to provide her with the promised meals which were a fundamental part of her treatment plan. "Despite paying the hospital a deposit of £15,000 they did not in any way provide us with any evidence to suggest that Jo was in good hands, from putting her in a damp and squalid hotel room to not having any form of treatment plan in place other than acupuncture. "The air in Bangkok is severely polluted and has been making Jo's breathing considerably worse. However we are now out of the city where the quality of air is far better. "We are currently waiting for a full refund as promised from the hospital and will be returning home to our families as soon as the money is back in Jo's account, so that she may seek treatment elsewhere." It adds that there is good news in that fact that others have come forward offering strong evidence for other treatments to help Jo in the UK. Going on to say: "We have had a really tough time here in Thailand, we are confident we have made the right decision and that the money raised for Jo will be far better spent on treatment elsewhere, Jo is still in good spirits, there are still options out there and we are still very positive we can cure her." "The hospital have acknowledged the poor patient care Jo has received and have apologised sincerely calling our experience "An absolute nightmare." We will be home as soon as possible, see you all soon, thank you all for your continued support."

Double illness Exeter mum Jo to return to England after concerns raised over care in Thailand

A retired football coach is to face trial at Exeter Crown Court after pleading not guilty to sexual assaults on boys in the 1970s. Anthony Mitchell, aged 77, denied five charges and a date has been set for a trial in December of this year by Judge Erik Salomonsen. Mitchell, of Foxhayes Road, Exeter, denies indecency with two boys and inciting them to indecency with each other between 1974 and 1975. He also denies two indecent assaults and assault with intent to commit a sexual offence on a third boy aged 12 to 15 between 1974 and 1977. The final charge alleges indecent assault on a boy aged 11 to 13 between 1973 and 1976. The judge granted Mitchell bail and set his trial for December 1, when it is expected to last more than a week.

Update: Trains have begun running again between Honiton and Exeter St Davids at reduced speeds following a vehicle striking a bridge. ------------------------------------------- Trains were cancelled between Honiton and Exeter Central after a lorry hit a bridge in Exeter . Police have closed off Chancel Lane in Exeter due to the incident. It is not clear when the road will reopen. South West Trains reported on Twitter: "Owing to a vehicle striking a bridge between Honiton and Exeter Central all lines are blocked. Engineers will be on site shortly." Adding: "We currently anticipate the next Exeter bound train (14:16 from Honiton) will complete its full journey." A representative of Stagecoach said: "Trains are not currently able to run between Honiton and Exeter as a result of a vehicle having struck a bridge in the Pinhoe area. "Train tickets are instead being accepted on local bus services. Engineers are inspecting the bridge and it will be reopened as soon as they advise it is safe to do so.

Update: Trains cancelled after lorry hits bridge in Pinhoe, Exeter

A hearing into the case of a lorry driver accused of causing the death of a motorist in a crash on the M5 near Cullompton has been adjourned without a plea being taken. Julian Ketcher was due to be arraigned at Exeter Crown Court in relation to the death of Alan Clements who died in an accident on the Hele Straight near junction 28 on December 12 last year. Scania HGV driver Ketcher, aged 42, of Warwick, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving but his plea and case management hearing was adjourned to allow him time to take further legal advice. A provisional trial date has already been set for November. Mr Clements, aged 47, from Hengoed, Oswestry, died as a result of an accident when his black Ford Focus car was one of five vehicles involved in a pile up on the Northbound carriageway.

Police have released an image of the man they are searching for after a school in Cornwall was closed following a gun-related incident. Officers are looking for Derrel Weaver, a 60-year-old Elvis impersonator, from Higher Widlake Farm, Widegates. Mr Weaver is wanted in connection with an investigation which began following a domestic incident at the farm at around 9.30pm last night. Trenode Church of England Primary School nearby in Looe has been closed this morning after fears Weaver could be at large in the South East Cornwall area. Superintendent Jim Pearce said: "We would ask the public to be vigilant at what is obviously a disturbing time for local communities. "If any member of the public sees Mr Weaver we would ask them to ring 999 and not to approach him. "There are currently significant enquiries on going to locate Mr Weaver and this includes the chance he may be in possession of a firearm. "There is currently no suggestion that Mr Weaver is any risk to members of the public, but we need to locate him as soon as possible. "There is already extensive work on going to contact and speak to Mr Weaver by trained police co-ordinators and this also remains on going. Police were called to a property at a rural location in Widegates, near Looe, shortly after 9.30pm on Thursday. Police say they are not able to share much detail at this time but can say that this is a domestic situation and it is understood one of the occupants has access to firearms. Supt Pearce added: "Police are aware of this and are doing everything possible to maintain the safety of the community, but we would ask all local people to be patient at what is obviously a disruptive time." The head teacher of Trenode Church of England Primary School made the decision to close the school this morning as a precautionary measure and all members of the public are advised to avoid the area while the operation is ongoing. Yvonne Hand, who lives near the school and whose two children attend Trenode, said: "Police have been here since 9.30pm last night, we heard dogs and lots of car through the night. "There are lots and lots of police around, a lot of armed police, and my children are both off school. "There are quite a few farms down by the school and quite a few farmers have guns. "There are also a lot of back lanes and police have sealed some off."

Armed police hunt for Elvis impersonator 'gunman' near Plymouth after school closed by firearms alert

This month could be on its way to being the warmest on record, the Exeter based Met Office has said. The news comes as a weather warning of heavy rain has been issued for the region for today and tomorrow. The office has said early figures have put this June as joint sixth warmest across the UK in the records stretching back to 1910, with an average temperature of 14.4C (57.9F) up to June 25. It is likely to be in the top 10 warmest Junes once the final figures are in, the Met Office said. The warmest June on record came in the scorching summer of 1976, when the average temperature for the month was 15C (59F). "This continues a run of seven months where the UK mean temperature was warmer than average, with all the months from December through to April each being at least 1C warmer than the long-term average," the Met Office said on its blog. Scotland has experienced its second warmest June on record so far, with an average temperature of 13.2C (55.8F), beaten only by 1940 when temperatures averaged 13.5C (56.3F) In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, June is currently the ninth warmest on record. The Met Office figures also show sunshine totals have been near normal, with June seeing the sunniest weather over south-west England and Wales but duller conditions in Scotland. And rainfall totals have been below normal overall.

Met Office say June 2014 could be warmest on record

An eleventh-hour effort in Exeter to stop the closure of almost 40 care homes and day centres has failed. Campaigners demanded a U-turn on Devon County Council's plans to shut all but two of its 22 residential care homes to save £10.7 million. Opposition councillors challenged the decision by the Conservative authority to shut 20 homes as well as 17 day centres to reduce its spend by £1.7m a year. But a scrutiny committee at County Hall on Thursday rejected a number of motions asking for leadership to reconsider, meaning the proposals still stand. The controversial plans will force 260 vulnerable and elderly residents to move into private facilities and will result in around 1,000 job losses. Before the meeting around 20 protestors stood outside the council chamber holding banners and placards saying 'Save Devon's Care Homes'. Steve Ryles, Devon branch secretary of Unison, said the closure plan was "morally wrong" and based on inaccurate figures. He accused the council of taking a "one size fits all" approach to the homes and said it needed to examine them on an individual basis. Cllr Roy Hill, county councillor for Alphington and Cowick, described the decision as "appalling". He said "These elderly people and their families are being kicked in the teeth." Cllr Margaret Clark, city councillor for Alphington, added: "One woman whose husband is over 90 is worried he may not survive another move. It's very unsettling and stressful for them." Relatives of those needing to move have voiced concerns that alternative provision in the private sector either do not exist or do not match in terms of quality. Trisha Smethurst, 51, who mother is currently in Davey Court, Exmouth, said: "We don't know where she's going to go. She's always lived in Exmouth, and has brought up 11 children who are all in the area to visit her. Everything is up in the air." Union members, families of residents and staff packed-out the emergency meeting – but there was frustration that the committee did not examine evidence from the public. A Devon County Council spokesman said the scrutiny committee was simply examining the portfolio holder and not re-visiting the entire consultation process, which had already closed. Liberal Democrat Devon leader Alan Connett said it was a "sad day" for the cross-party committee. "We were assured there would be independence of mind and spirit but it is the Conservative party which has won," he told the meeting. Richard Westlake, Labour county councillor for Newtown and Polsloe, claimed the Conservative members of the scrutiny committee had been "whipped into voting against every resolution". Cabinet member Stuart Barker said the unpopular move was necessary because of a vastly reduced grant from Government that will see £200 million cut from budgets by 2017. "The issue is to provide the best service for as many people as we can for as long as possible," he added. "No one will lose the service, it will simply be provided by the private sector."

Protestors fail to stop Devon County Council care home closures

PINHOE'S Chancel Lane is still closed to traffic after a lorry struck Chancel Bridge earlier this afternoon. Closed signs have been placed on both Harrington Lane and at Venny Bridge. For a time trains running between Exeter central and Honiton were stopped prior to the bridge being inspected by engineers. South West trains are now running again between the city and Honiton but at a reduced speed. Trains were cancelled between Honiton and Exeter Central after a lorry hit the bridge in Exeter . South West Trains reported on Twitter: "Owing to a vehicle striking a bridge between Honiton and Exeter Central all lines are blocked. Engineers will be on site shortly." Adding: "We currently anticipate the next Exeter bound train (14:16 from Honiton) will complete its full journey." A representative of Stagecoach said: "Trains are not currently able to run between Honiton and Exeter as a result of a vehicle having struck a bridge in the Pinhoe area. "Train tickets are instead being accepted on local bus services. Engineers are inspecting the bridge and it will be reopened as soon as they advise it is safe to do so.

Exeter's Chancel Lane remains closed after collision that cancelled trains

The fifth annual Exe Valley Challenge run by Isca Academy in Exeter is being held on Sunday 29th June. The eventchallenges students aged between eight and 12 to independently navigate their way around Exeter. This year around 100 teams are expected to take part. All students have to reach a number of checkpoints as they navigate the route and must stick to the strict time limit for each leg. Students in the senior age category (school years 6 and 7) will complete a 10-mile circuit. Students in the junior age category (school years 4 and 5) will complete a 7-mile circuit.

A drug dealer has been told he faces a long jail sentence after a Judge ruled he was selling cocaine on a commercial scale. Zachary Gardener admitted selling cocaine to a few friends but text messages and thousands of pounds in cash payments showed his operation was on a far greater scale. His trial at Exeter Crown Court was stopped by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, who ruled that the issues before the jury would not make any difference to his eventual sentence. The judge discharged the jury from reaching verdicts on one count of supplying cannabis and three of money laundering. He told the jury that after hearing prosecution and defence evidence he was sure that Gardener's basis of plea was not accurate and that his scale of drug dealing was far greater than he admitted. The issues over more than £40,000 cash paid into Gardener's three bank accounts will now be settled under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Graphic designer Gardener, aged 25, of Mitre Court, Holsworthy, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine on the first day of the trial on a written basis of limited social supply which the Judge rejected. The remaining cases of supplying skunk cannabis and money laundering will be ordered to lie on file at the sentencing hearing in five weeks time. Judge Gilbert remanded him in custody and told him a lengthy jail sentence is inevitable. He said:"I reject his basis of plea. All the evidence, not just the texts, show he was involved in the supply of drugs including cocaine on a commercial scale for profit." The Judge pointed to clear links between texts from two men in Plymouth asking for drugs and payments by them into bank branches in Mutley and Armada Way a few days later. He said he was satisfied from the evidence of police drugs expert Detective Constable Jane Dyer that drugs and mixing agents at his home, linked with the money and texts messages showed a pattern of dealing. He said:"The officer's opinion was such a large quantity of messages indicated Gardener was he dealing amounts measured in multiple ounces of cocaine and would appear to be dealing similar quantities of skunk cannabis and MDMA. "There is overwhelming evidence of drug dealing taking place." Judge Gilbert also criticised Gardener for changing his story repeatedly, describing the different accounts he gave in two police interviews, two defence statements, his basis of plea and his evidence in court as 'shifting sands'. During the week long trial the jury heard how Gardener and his customers used drugs slang as code to hide their dealing in a trail of thousands of text messages. The were given a lesson how to decode the messages by DC Dyer who explained that terms like snow, lively and posh to denote cocaine; cheese and red diesel for skunk. Other drugs had other nicknames, with Ecstasy known as Mad or Mandy and Valium called Valerie. They also had code words for different amounts, such as Hen for an eighth of an ounce, short for Henry VIII, and Kellogg for kilogram. Trips to buy or sell drugs were described as missions, deliveries as tickets, money as paper, and drugs or personal use as Percy. Ex public schoolboy Gardener claimed the money paid into his accounts came from organising dance events in North Devon or the repayment of loans to friends. He said he had sold legal highs and some of the cash credits shown on bank statements came from this. He admitted sharing drugs with friends but insisted he was never a commercial dealer and never made any money. He said:"There was a time when on five to ten occasions over a period of about six months I did supply a few people. It was social supply of cocaine to close friends without any financial gain whatsoever. "I have never been involved in supplying cannabis and I have never put anything into my bank accounts from the sale of controlled substances. "Over the time when I was using drugs heavily I started using another legal substance and I sold some of it on and some of the money paid back to me was from the sale of that." He will be sentenced next month.

Offering sun cream to two inmates who climbed on to a jail's roof during hot weather has been branded as "foolishness" by the Prisons Minister. The prisoners rejected the offer during an incident in hot weather at Dartmoor prison in Devon on June 19. Prisons Minister Jeremy Wright said today that he had ordered an immediate review into the matter. "This should not have happened," Mr Wright said. "There should be no policies in place which promote this kind of foolishness and I have ordered an immediate review of this incident to ensure that it does not happen again." It is not clear how the prisoners managed to get on to the roof or which building on the site in Princetown was involved. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the offer of sun cream was part of negotiations with the prisoners and there was no obligation under health and safety rules to provide it. John Hancock, from the Prison Officers' Association in the South West, said the decision was "absolutely ludicrous". Mr Hancock said: "They shouldn't have been up there in the first place. "It's only going to encourage other inmates to get on the roofs and expect sun cream, and possibly cold drinks and ice creams as well." Dartmoor prison, which is able to hold 659 inmates, was originally built to hold French and American prisoners of war in 1809.

Sun Cream Offer To Dartmoor Inmates who climbed onto jail's roof 'Foolish', says minister

Exeter City Council has come under fire for its decision to only invite ethnic minority applicants to apply for a job at Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM). The Council has faced criticism from a potential applicant after she went to apply for the seven month trainee placement at The Museum but saw it was only offered to ethnic minorities. The job description reads: "This 7 month placement will provide a positive opportunity to obtain and develop museum skills and experience across the broad spectrum of museum work. As a RAMM museum trainee, your programme will involve induction, shadowing and projects involving managing and interpreting the collections for a range of audiences. "This traineeship is hosted by RAMM to address areas where black and ethnic minority individuals are under-represented in the workforce. "It is offered to Black and Minority Ethnic people only (Section 37 [1] of the Race Relations Act 1976). It is based on the principles of positive action which means helping people from under-represented minorities to compete on an equal basis for jobs by helping them to develop the necessary skills and experience to take a first step on the career ladder. Public institutions have a duty to promote the Race Relations Act and to ensure that the communities they serve are represented within the make-up of their workforce." The process is legal under the Race Relations Act 1976 that states that if a racial group is under-represented councils can offer training to individuals from that group. The potential applicant, who raised the advert to The Echo, said: "I was shocked to see the reason why I couldn't apply. "I am searching for a job and thought it would be great to work at the museum, when I saw the wording I was just so surprised that the council could do this. "I think I can understand why they would want to hire more black or ethnic people but I just didn't think they could advertise a job like that. "To be honest I'm not even sure I would get the job as I feel I may not be fully qualified but I am just shocked I can't because I am white. "Surely this isn't equal opportunities; I thought people should be made aware that the council are doing this. I have never seen anything like it. " No one from the RAMM or Exeter City Council was available for comment at this point but it is understood that the position has been created to help with an imbalance in the ethnic mix of the council's workforce.

Job seeker's shock as Exeter council advertise museum job for ethnic minorities only