Exeter City deny that Portsmouth will be given the Big Bank for opening game of the season

July 28, 2014, 6:35 am

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Exeter City chief executive Guy Wolfenden has said the club has no plans to put Portsmouth supporters in the Big Bank for the opening game of the season. Rumours have been circulating on fans' forum Exeweb recently that City were going to attempt to boost the attendance for the opening game of the season by allowing Porstmouth supporters to take over the Big Bank stand. Portsmouth, who were a top flight club less than five years ago, have the biggest fanbase in League Two and as a result there is a lot of demand for tickets from their supporters for away games. City have been struggling with attendances at St James's Park recently, with gates dropping below 3,000 for some matches last season. However, Wolfenden said the club hasn't even considered putting Portsmouth supporters in the Big Bank. "It is a rumour that has been washing around for weeks, but it has never been anything more than people making comments," said Wolfenden. "It is certainly not in our plans and it certainly never has been in our plans."

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Subway opens new Exeter branch as fast food chain's global expansion continues

July 28, 2014, 6:40 am

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Fast food giant Subway has opened its fifth branch in Exeter – and more could be on the way. Around 10 jobs have been created at the new franchise, situated near the University of Exeter's Streatham campus within Cowley Bridge Road service station. Richard Benson, from store owners Rontec, said: "We're delighted to bring a Subway store to the Shop'N Drive Esso service station in Exeter. It's ideally placed next to the university which enjoys a high volume of passing traffic." The new store brings the number of Subway outlets in the city to five, with existing branches in Queen Street, Sidwell Street, Honiton Road and Cowick Street. The latest opening forms part of ambitious development plans by Subway to launch a further 15 stores over the next four months in the Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Channel Islands territory. Regional development agent Kevin Graham said: "It's fantastic to see the Subway brand establish a presence within the Esso service station in Exeter. "We have very ambitious growth plans for the South West region and are looking to have opened 120 new stores by 2020." Subway is the largest quick service restaurant brand in the world, with more than 40,000 locations in 102 countries. There are currently more than 1,800 Subway stores in the UK and Ireland. Rontec is one of the largest independent petrol filling station companies in the UK, operating more than 200 locations nationally under the Shop'N Drive brand and selling as branded wholesalers Esso and BP fuel. It has ambitious plans to open 40 Subway sites as franchisees in its petrol stations by the end of February 2015.

Hot weather creates busy time for Devon's lifeguards

July 28, 2014, 7:15 am

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The hot weather has made it a busy time on and off the beach for those who patrol Devon's seaside. RNLI lifeguards, coastguards and paramedics treated a young boy with a suspected broken leg behind the lifeguard unit at Dawlish. The boy had been playing football when he hurt his leg. His friend came to the lifeguard unit to tell them and they went over to the scene with their responder bag. The lifeguards assessed the boy and began administering treatment and reassurance until paramedics arrived. He was transported to hospital for further care. At Teignmouth, RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat crew worked together to assist a man who had suffered a suspected broken leg after a jet ski accident. The man and his female passenger were thrown off the machine, and the man hit the craft damaging one of his legs. A friend of the man alerted the lifeguards to the incident and they responded on the rescue watercraft (RWC). They arrived first on scene and stabilised and reassured the man until the lifeboat crew arrived. He was put on a stretcher and into the lifeboat and taken ashore where he was transferred to hospital by a waiting ambulance. Two kayakers were rescued off Sandy Bay, Exmouth, when their kayak started sinking, and two men were rescued from an inflatable floating out to sea as they were unable to make their own way back in. The lifeguards also rescued a dog which had been missing for over 12 hours. The dog had been hit by a car the night before and run away, and the owner had been searching for it all night. Lifeguards were setting up the beach on Sunday morning when they heard a dog crying at the bottom of the cliff about 100m away. A lifeguard waded through waist deep water to reach him and reunite him with his owner. Kate Berridge, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: 'With the summer holidays now upon us we've seen an influx in people visiting the area and enjoying the beaches. The charity's lifeguards had a particularly busy weekend dealing with a host of incidents in the water and ashore, illustrating just how valuable their training is as they're able to adapt their skills in changing pressurised environments. 'We encourage people to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach this summer where people can be safe in the knowledge that there is a team of highly trained lifeguards on hand if needed. Our advice is to swim between the red and yellow flags, take heed of safety signage and lifeguard advice and should you get into trouble in the water, wave your arm and shout for help.'

East Devon public speaking restrictions are "stifling democracy" says councillor

July 28, 2014, 7:22 am

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A STRING of restrictions on public speaking rights at meetings to discuss planning applications in East Devon have been described as "stifling democracy" by a leading district and county councillor. At the full meeting of East Devon District Council earlier this month, councillors voted through a series of alterations to public speaking rules at Development Management Committee meetings as a way of improving the system. The vote followed the decision in April by Development Management Committee members who backed stricter public speaking rights at its meetings. A working party had previously been set up following concerns at how long some meetings were taking, with some lasting several hours, and the impact this could have on decision making and the public. The Committee minutes were due to be approved by full council in May, but after challenges at the April full council meeting by the independent group led by Cllr Claire Wright the matter was discussed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee first. The now-passed recommendations include the pre-registration of all public speakers before the publication of the agenda. In addition, only those who have previously submitted a comment as part of the consultation are allowed to subsequently register to speak. Those permitted to speak on minor applications will be limited to four – two in favour and two against, with an additional slot for the applicant or agent. And on major applications, the limitation will be five in favour and five against, with an additional slot for the applicant. This was criticised at the time by Councillor Roger Giles who said everyone should be able to register to speak regardless of whether they had previously commented or not. Cllr Wright previously described the alterations as "too restrictive and prescriptive". "This is an example of democracy being stifled," she said, adding that her concerns were also felt by a number of cross-party councillors. "In the absence of a Local Plan and with the lack of five year land supply, there are going to be more major planning applications going before the committee which people will understandably want to speak on. "It's going to hugely limit people's ability to get involved in planning meetings and their ability to address committee members directly." Cllr Wright claimed many councillors believed the hold-up during meetings was not down to the public anyway, rather due to drawn-out discussion among members which is not moved towards a vote. At the full council meeting on July 23, Cllr Wright requested that the decision be deferred until the Local Plan had been finalised however this was voted down. In April, the district council's Draft Local Plan 2006-26 was deemed "unsound" with "serious evidential failings" by a Government planning inspector. He confirmed what the council already knew – that it must demonstrate a five year land supply but can only demonstrate just over four years. Members of the council's planning policy team set about producing an action plan showing the extra work it intends to do and the timing of each stage. The council expects to update the inspector in the autumn. Cllr Wright added: "Myself and Cllr Giles have tried to amend the proposals several times but they've been voted down, so to get the decision deferred until after the finalisation of the Local Plan was a last ditch attempt."

Breaking News: Exmouth workshop fire cancels trains

July 28, 2014, 7:36 am

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An ongoing fire in Exmouth has cancelled all trains in the area. A lineside fire on Carter Avenue Exmouth means trains cannot run between Topsham and Exmouth. National rail have said buses will run between these stations, extending journey times by up to 30 minutes. Fire crews confirmed they are currently on the scene in Carter Avenue were a workshop has been severely damaged by the blaze.updates as we have them

West Devon cycle path cleared by offenders

July 28, 2014, 7:45 am

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An overgrown stretch of the National Cycle Network near Sourton in West Devon has been cleared by a group of offenders as part of work to repay the community for the wrong they have done. The offenders, who have all been convicted crimes in the local area, cutback hedges and cleared away vegetation on Route 27 to make the path safer and more accessible for cyclist and wheelchair users. It is part of Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust's Community Payback Project which is supported by West Devon Borough Council and the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership. The offenders worked free of charge on Friday, July 4 and 11 as part of their community sentence. There is a fee of £160 to cover the Probation Trust's costs, and all the money is reinvested in work to help stop reoffending. Borough and Devon County Councillor for Okehampton, Cllr Kevin Ball, funded the project from his locality budget. He said: "This is demanding, unpaid work which not only acts as a means to punish offenders but also gives something back to the community. "I'm pleased to be able to support this project and hope it will make a difference for users of the cycle route and aid the rehabilitation of the offenders." It is the second Community Payback Project in West Devon to be completed in recent weeks. In April, a team of six offenders cleared debris and foliage from a stretch of the cycle path along Old Exeter Road in Tavistock. More than 200,000 hours of Community Payback are completed every year in Devon and Cornwall which equates to over £1 million of labour provided to local communities as offenders pay back for their crimes. The Community Safety Partnership is continuing to work with local communities across West Devon to bring forward further Community Payback Projects in the coming months.

Exeter service manager Mr Broom celebrates 50 years at one of Exeter's best known car dealerships

July 28, 2014, 8:40 am

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SERVICE manager Bob Broom is celebrating working 50 years for one of Exeter's best known car dealerships. Bob joined Kastner as an apprentice in 1964 when the dealership was a Ford franchised operation in Honiton and owned by Noel Kastner. Four years latr Kastner took on the Volvo franchise and in the early 1970s Bob moved with the dealership to Magdalen Road in Exeter when they out grew the Honiton branch. Then, in 1997, Kastner's settled in the current location on Matford Park in 1997. Over the 50 years of working for the group, Bob has overseen huge advances in vehicle technology, site renovations and four changes of ownership during his time with the company. When his career began in the Singing Sixties, Kastner employed ten members of staff, however after sustained success the dealership has since grown in size and now has more than 30 staff on its books. Having worked in the service department for the duration of his employment, the nature of Bob's job has changed dramatically over the half century of working. After initially writing invoices and job cards all by hand it is now all become automated with a dealership management system which has streamlined the service process. Bob, who lives near Tiverton, said he has thoroughly enjoyed his half century with the prestigious car dealership, which is one of the best known in Exeter. He said: "I'm delighted to reach such a significant milestone of my employment with Kastner. "My job has changed beyond recognition but I still retain the same passion that I did when I started here in 1964. "It's certainly a lot busier these days compared to when I started and things have changed dramatically but I wouldn't change my time here for the world." Kastner Exeter franchise director Mike Lloyd paid tribute to his long serving employee. He said: "Bob is a fantastic asset to this dealership and consistently delivers outstanding customer service. "In the nicest possible way, he's part of the furniture here now and we're very lucky to have him."

Campaign launched in Exeter to help singer Sophie suffering from incurable illness

July 28, 2014, 8:47 am

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A campaign has been launched in Exeter to fund vital treatment for a young woman suffering with an incurable illness. Sophie Barker, 21, who grew up in Exeter, was diagnosed with lupus last year after being stung by an insect. The condition involves the body's defence mechanism attacking itself, causing inflammation and damage in the joints, muscles and other organs. It has exacerbated to such an extent that Sophie, a talented singer, was restricted to a wheelchair due to the severity of her joint pain. She is also forced to wear tinted glasses because her eyes can no longer process light properly. Unfortunately because Sophie and her family moved to Guernsey four years ago she is not entitled to free healthcare treatment on the NHS. She has spent much of the past 12 months trying to raise funds towards the £2,500+ cost of private treatment. Her friend Clare O'Riley, 36, who lives in Exeter, is organising a fundraising day next month to raise money for her treatment. She said: "Lupus means that, internally, there is a war going on that she frighteningly has no control over and that causes joint pain to a level that she could never have imagined. "As you can imagine, it is truly heart-breaking to see a friend and someone so young and full of life in so much pain. Two years ago Sophie and her dad, Danny sang for us at our wedding. Sophie loves musical theatre and had the voice to wow our guests. Unfortunately now, she cannot sing as it causes her so much difficulty - hence the name 'Sing for Sophie'." The campaign has already gathered plenty of support, with Stephen Fry, Liverpool Football Club and local businesses donating to the cause. The fundraising day takes place on Sunday August 24 at the Kings Arms on Cowick Street. For more information visit the 'Sing for Sophie' Facebook page here

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Update: Arson attack blamed for fire that stopped Exmouth trains

July 28, 2014, 8:48 am

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Arsonists are thought to be responsible for a fire which temporarily stopped the trains running in Exmouth. Firefighters were called to land known to be used by rough sleepers near the railway station at Carter Avenue on Monday afternoon. A shed was well alight when firefighters arrived and the fire was in danger of spreading. It is thought that the shed had recently been used by rough sleepers. Notices at the site suggested that they were facing eviction. The emergency services put a 200m cordon around the fire after a number gas cylinders were spotted at the site. The fire was brought under control after around 20 minutes and trains began running again at 4pm. Stephen Johncock, fire incident commander, said the trains were stopped as a precaution. He said: "After establishing there was no-one in there, a cordon was set up because the risk had the potential of spreading in all directions, given how dry it. There was also the added risk of explosions from the gas cannisters."

Residents speak of shock as Exmouth residential home Bystock Court to close

July 28, 2014, 9:06 am

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Residents of an Exmouth residential home for people with learning disabilities are coming to terms this afternoon with the news that their home will close. For some residents Bystock Court has been a home, community and place of work for decades. Some were too emotional to speak and convey their upset at the decision by Guinness Care & Support to close the home which is operated by the Devon Sheltered Homes Trust Charity but overseen by Guinness. A consultation process was launched in February over the home's future. Families of residents were told that as a result of changes in Government policy and local authorities' commissioning plans, provision of services at Bystock are considered "outdated" and it is "financially unviable" to continue as they no longer receive referrals from commissioners. Instead the vision for Guinness Care and the trust is for the home to close and residents to instead move into smaller houses in a "supported living environment with a more personalised service". Residents were informed in a meeting today of the closure of their home provoking anger and concern at the capability of some residents to cope with such information. Some family members received a letter informing them of the closure. It said that the decision had been a difficult one and "not taken lightly". And it said that the closure would not happen until everyone has been re-provided for. Emma Knight's brother James, 45, has severe learning difficulties and a mental age of three, has lived at Bystock Court for almost three decades. She said: "We're feeling sick with worry. These are vulnerable people, this is so wrong." A statement on behalf of Devon Sheltered Homes Trust and Guinness Care and Support, said: "We have taken the decision to close Bystock Court and instead provide services in smaller homes in the local community. This decision has not been made lightly. "With the number of customers at Bystock Close declining and this trend more than likely to continue, the services at Bystock will be no longer viable. However, by making this decision now we will be able to continue to provide care, support and training for customers in smaller homes both now and in the future. "We understand this may be a difficult time for some and we are committed to working with customers, their families and local authorities to help deliver the best outcome for each individual and to make the transition as smooth as possible. The closure of Bystock Court will not take place until everyone has been re-provided for."

Two taken to hospital after car hits wall in Newton Abbot

July 28, 2014, 11:11 am

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Two taken to hospital after Newton Abbot collision Two people were taken to hospital this evening after a collision in Netherton, Newton Abbot. The service, Ambulance and Police were sent to a single car Road traffic colllision, with two people trapped at 16:49 today. On arrival, the incident fire commander confirmed this was a single car road traffic collision with a wall. One Male was released prior to arrival of the Fire and Rescue Service, but crews worked with hydraulic rescue equipment and stabilisation techniques to the female in the car. The casualties were then conveyed to hospital by land ambulance.

Crews called to camper van fire in Honiton

July 28, 2014, 11:14 am

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Crews were called to a camper van fire in Honiton this afternoon. Two fire appliances were mobilised, one from Honiton and Ottery St Mary, following a call to the Fire Service Control Room of vehicle on fire at the above location. On arrival at the scene crews confirmed a small fire in the engine compartment of a van involving turbo. The scene was made safe.

Report reveals South West pensions gap

July 28, 2014, 4:01 pm

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PENSIONERS in the South West could be forced to work well into old age or be left to survive on just £15.94 per day, according to a new report. The true scale of a growing pension crisis was revealed after a year-long research project into savings and debt habits in the UK which said millions could face poverty and state-dependency in retirement. But despite the gloomy forecast of uncertain financial stability, retirement is still seen as a positive experience, a second report has found. High inflation, austerity, low interest rates and access to payday loans has combined with poor financial education and complicated regulations to create a savings gap, financial services firm True Potential claimed. The Tackling the Savings Gap report found that 32 percent of people said they need between £16,000 and £25,000 per year. To achieve an annual income of that size, they would need a fund of £400,000, which requires an annual saving of £8,888 over a 45-year working life. However, the data shows that savers in the South West today are only managing to put £2,578.44 each year towards their pension pot, building a fund of £116,030 which would only leave them with an annual income of £5,801 or a daily wage of just £15.94 in retirement. This figure is just a penny below the UK average.

Fire crews called to Honiton after power cables fall down

July 28, 2014, 4:02 pm

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Fire crews were called to Honiton last nght after a power cable came down. The fire service received a call to a power cable down in Upottery at 20:38. On arrival crews made sure the area was clear and laid out a covering jet for protection. Crews awaited the arrival of the electricity company and sure the area was safe before leaving.

Exeter museum to showcase creator of Jason and the Argonauts work

July 28, 2014, 4:09 pm

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IF you can remember Jason and the Argonauts and can't forget Raquel Welch in One Million Years BC, then you should be heading for Exeter's cinema museum. Both films featured the work of Ray Harryhausen, a legendary figure in the history of animation through the models that he created Now, a selection of items from The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation's collection will be on show at The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum at the University of Exeter until October 7. The exhibition provides an opportunity to see models he made, including creatures such as Kali and Talos, as well as artwork and storyboards. There are some original items from the films and a large number of copies made by Ray used also for production. The late Ray Harryhausen and his wife Diana lived in London for many years where Ray made most of his films following his move from Hollywood and the Foundation that bears their name continues to promote Ray's work. The influence of Harryhausen's art is as strong as ever, with fans including Tom Hanks, Tim Burton, Nick Park, Peter Jackson, James Cameron and John Landis. Many contemporary big budget fantasy film epics owe a debt to the models, characters and effects that he created. Dr Phil Wickham, Curator of The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum said:"We are thrilled to be hosting this exhibition as, Ray's work remains extraordinarily popular with audiences of all ages. This exhibition at the South-West's own cinema museum offers the chance to see over 30 artefacts from across his career and experience his creative process. We look forward to welcoming fans and families to our museum this summer". Tony Dalton, the Curator of The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation and Ray Harryhausen's biographer said:"The Foundation is delighted that this exhibition is to be held at one of the great UK film museums. It is our task to show people how unique and imaginative Ray was. "This exhibition will show that he didn't just animate but that he conceived, designed and constructed his iconic creatures". A free lecture on Ray Harryhausen's work will be given by Tony Dalton at the museum on Wednesday, September 17. The exhibition is at the entrance to The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum in the Old Library building at the University's Streatham Campus. It is accessible to members of the public everyday between 10am and 5pm and is free of charge.

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Met Office work experience gives students an insight into the science of weather

July 28, 2014, 4:16 pm

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STUDENTS from St Peter's School in Exeter, Uffculme School and the King's School in Ottery St Mary were among those who enjoyed a week's work experience at the Met Office. The Exeter weather forecasting centre hosted 45 students from across the country. The lucky participants were selected from more than 155 applicants. They spent half the week working with volunteer host managers across the Met Office's various departments. Around half the students, aged 14 to 17, came from the South West, with Okehampton College, Kingsbridge Community College and Wells Cathedral School also among those represented. Working in teams, the students undertook a set activity on one of four topics: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Met Office – more than just forecasting the weather, Weather Apps or Social Media. At the end of the week they presented their findings to a large audience. Other activities included an induction morning, a creative session with the Innovation Academy, experiments, presenting the weather and a presentation from a STEM ambassador on Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements research aircraft. As well as offering an insight into a world leading organisation, the Met Office work experience programme is designed to inspire students at an age when they are making key decisions about their future. The week also helps develop their self confidence, team work and communication as well as practical skills to assist in preparing for the world of work, such as time keeping. At the end of a challenging week the students left with a certificate, memorabilia and further career information. It is hoped some of them will return to the Met Office as summer placement students in future.

Teenager jailed for robbing young footballers in gunpoint mugging

July 29, 2014, 3:42 am

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A teenager has been jailed for robbing three young footballers in a terrifying gunpoint mugging. Craig Cozens had a grudge against the three victims and threatened to lead a gang attack on their homes if they reported him to the police. He produced a realistic looking handgun and forced the three youngster to hand over their mobile phones before fleeing, Exeter Crown Court was told. Cozens, aged 18, of Teignmouth Road, Torquay, admitted three robberies and possessing an imitation firearm and was jailed for three years and four months in a young offenders' institution by Judge Phillip Wassall. The Judge told him:"You pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun. It is now said to be an imitation but that makes no difference because the victims thought it was a real gun. "They must have been scared to death. You told them you knew where they lived and what would happen to them. You said you would send your boys up in a car. "You had only turned 18 a few days earlier and I take that into account. However, this was at night and was a street robbery with an imitation firearm." Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the three boys, all aged 17 or 18, were walking home after playing football on July 1 when they were intercepted by Cozens in Hookhills Grove, Torquay. Cozens complained one of the three had assaulted one of his friends and then produced the black gun, which had a yellow flash on the side and is thought to be a BB gun. Mr Bowen said:"He demanded their mobile phones and issued threats that if they told anyone he knew where they lived and would send his boys up in a car. "One of the victims has made a statement saying he was shocked and confused because what was going on was so unexpected." He said the gun and phones have not been recovered. Cozens has previous convictions for criminal damage, taking a moped without consent and possessing cannabis. Mr Paul Dentith, defending, said the whole incident had only taken 30 seconds or so. He said:"It is clear there had been some bad feeling between the group and the defendant in the past." He said Cozens had only turned 18 six days before the robbery, his previous convictions are for very different offences, and he had admitted his guilt at his first court appearance.

Liam Tancock helps England reach medley relay final

July 29, 2014, 3:47 am

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Exeter's Liam Tancock helped England book their place in this evening's 4x100m medley relay final at the Commonwealth Games. The swimmer, who won individual bronze in the 50m and 100m backstroke in Glasgow, got England off to the best possible start as he got to the first change over in first place. Australia came back in the final 50m of the race to win the second heat, with England progressing to the final with the third fastest time. Read more from Tancock in this week's Echo after his medal success.

Decorator admits stealing 20 iPads from village school

July 29, 2014, 4:12 am

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A handyman has admitted stealing more than £5,000 worth of tablet computers while he was decorating a village school in South Devon. Farese Dowrah stole 20 iPads from Ilsington Primary School, near Newton Abbot and gave one to his son as a birthday present. He gave another to his partner and admitted to her he had taken it from the school where he was working as a painter and decorator. Dowrah, aged 32, of Sherwell Lane, Torquay, admitted theft and handling when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court and Judge Erik Salomonsen adjourned his sentence for a probation report. He told him:"An aggravating feature is that you have numerous previous convictions. This was at a school but was not in breach of trust. "I cannot say without seeing a pre sentence report if it will be immediate custody. You will receive credit for your guilty plea." Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said there is likely to be a claim for compensation from the insurers, who paid out for the loss of the 20 iPads, which were worth a total of £5,250 and were replaced in time for the new term. Dowrah had been working as a handyman and decorator at Ilsington Primary School during the summer holidays and the iPads were stolen over a weekend when he was left unsupervised. He gave one of the stolen tablets to his son as a birthday present but later claimed he had bought it from a man in Newton Abbot. He gave another to a woman who is now his ex partner and who was due to give evidence that he told her it came from the school. He changed his plea on the morning of his trial after last-minute consultations with his solicitor Mr Kevin Hopper. Mr Hopper told the court Dowrah is in full time employment and living on his own at his home in Torquay. He asked the judge to adjourn for a pre sentence report.

Exmouth police appeal after man assaulted outside nightclub

July 29, 2014, 4:50 am

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POLICE in Exmouth are appealing for information after a man was assaulted after leaving a town night spot. The victim was assaulted some time after 2am outside the Q Club in the area of Elm Grove and Manchester Street, on Thursday, July 3. Witnesses of the incident, or anyone with any information about the assault, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CR/088200/14. ends