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A3052 in Newton Poppleford closed after collision

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The A3052 was closed in both directions this afternoon after a two car collision. Police were called to the scene in Newton Poppleford just before 1pm today. The collision involved two cars, a Citroen and a Volkswagon. Police confirmed no one was injured in the incident but the road was closed in both directions. Emergency service were on the scene at 1:30pm to remove the cars.

Sixty per cent chance of Southwest being hit by ex-hurricane Bertha

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Comments (0) A tropical storm that has been battering the Caribbean has a 60% chance of hitting the South West, the Met Office has warned. The remains of hurricane Bertha, which has now weakened in to an Atlantic storm, will come steadily towards the UK during the next few days. Forecasters now predict it is expected to pass over, or close to, the UK from early on Sunday after initially believing the UK was "likely" to stay out of its path. While the south of England is most at risk, there is a 30% chance the storm could pass across the north of France and just miss the UK or an even lower probability it could hit Wales and northern UK. The Met Office's chief forecaster, Eddy Carroll, said: "There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding this weekend's weather, with the potential for heavy rainfall and strong coastal winds, along with large waves. "However, there is a chance that the system may pass to the south of the country, or spread heavy rain even further north. Rain and strong winds may well bring disruption, especially in the south, and people should stay up to date with the latest Met Office warnings." The storm is moving away from the western side of the Atlantic, after hitting the Caribbean islands with gusts of more than 90 mph (145 kph), leaving thousands of homes without power. Meanwhile heavy rain is expected in many parts of England in the next day, bringing with it a risk of flooding. Craig Woolhouse, the Environment Agency's flood risk manager, said: "Heavy downpours, some slow-moving, bring a risk of localised surface water flooding to parts of the Midlands, the north-west and eastern areas of England on Friday. "On Sunday and Monday a combination of high spring tides and strong westerly winds brings a possible risk of flooding to the south-west coast of England and along the Severn Estuary while heavy rain may also lead to localised surface water flooding in parts of southern and central parts of England. However, the forecast remains uncertain so we advise people to regularly check the flood risk situation over the next 48 hours. "The Environment Agency is continuing to monitor the situation closely along with the Met Office and local authorities." To sign up to receive free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation visit www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding

Sixty per cent chance of Southwest being hit by ex-hurricane Bertha

Crews called to grill pan fire in Exeter

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Fire crews were called to Quarry Lane, Broadfields in Exeter today after reports of a grill fire. Fire Engines from Middlemoor and Danes Castle were sent to a report of a fire within an oven at 12:28pm. The crew confirmed that this was a small fire in the grill pan of the oven and removed it to fresh air. The cause was described as accidental.

Guy Wolfenden leaves as Exeter City chief executive

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Guy Wolfenden has left his role as Exeter City chief executive, the club have announced. The move comes exactly two weeks after Ed Chorlton left his position as club chairman, with both roles vacant as the Grecians start their league campaign at home against Portsmouth tomorrow. And a club spokesman said it was not yet known whether City would be looking to recruit a new chief executive to take over from Wolfenden. The former Warwickshire County Cricket Club commercial director only took over from Julian Tagg on October 1 last year. But after falling attendances last season led to club officials taking out a £100,000 loan from the Professional Footballers' Association, meaning they are currently under a transfer embargo, a City statement issued today said that Wolfenden had left his role with immediate effect. Wolfenden said: "I would like to thank everyone at the club for all their hard work over the previous months. The young, talented playing squad have great potential and I hope the supporters can get behind Paul Tisdale and his team this year. I wish the club every success in the future." Tagg, the club's vice-chairman who is expected to take over the running of the Grecians on a day-to-day basis, said: "The club would like to thank Guy for his professionalism in his time with us and we wish him well in his future endeavours. With Portsmouth at St James Park tomorrow, the club and the team will now focus all their efforts on the coming season." Tagg has been involved at Exeter in a variety of roles for around 18 years, previously stepping up as acting chief executive in 2011 following the departure of Norrie Stewart and combining the role with his responsibilities as executive director of football. Chorlton quit his post as chairman after four-and-a-half years in charge at St James's Park.

Guy Wolfenden leaves as Exeter City chief executive

Update: Young Exeter man who died at Cowick home named as Ashley Kelly

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A young man who was found dead in Exeter this morning has been named locally as Ashley Kelly. Mr Kelly, who is in his 20s, was pronounced dead by paramedics just after 7am at a property on Merrivale Road, Cowick. Police attended the scene and have been carrying out enquires but a spokesman said the cause of death was not being treated as suspicious. A file is currently being prepared for the coroner. No further details have been released publicly about the circumstances surrounding his death at this time. Mr Kelly was a former student at Exeter College. Some of his friends have already begun to pay tribute to him on social media. Commenting on the Echo's facebook page one wrote: "R.i.p Ash. Thinking of ur family at this sad time." Another wrote: "R.i.p mate, you will be missed." If you knew Ashley and would like to pay tribute to him you can e-mail us at echonews@expressandecho.co.uk

Update: Young Exeter man who died at Cowick home named as Ashley Kelly

Marvellous Mayhem in the Comedy of Errors

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The acclaimed Festival Players are taking an all-male tour of The Bard's shortest comedy across the UK and into Europe this summer.

And the popular company will be bring The Comedy of Errors to the historic Powderham Castle, near Exeter, this month.

In Shakespeare's 450th birthday year, The Players mainly al fresco tour will see them step on stage for some 40 performances of the riotous farce, directed by the Minack Theatre's former artistic director, Michael Dyer.

Focusing on two sets of accidentally separated identical twins it is awash with puns and slapstick and will head to Devon on Thursday, August 21.

Audiences will be able to enjoy the production in the picturesque setting beside the Exe estuary in the grounds of the 14th century castle.

A small cast of seven will be playing multiple roles demanding quick costume changes, as well as performing as musicians.

"It is a brilliant farce of mistaken identities with a few darker undertones and we will perform it very much as a colourful, entertaining romp," said Michael, who will also play the role of Duke Solinus.

"Our shows are never longer than two hours and we always try to make them crystal clear and an amalgam of energy, entertainment and colour – we set out to take audiences of all ages on a journey and make them feel very much part of the production.

"It is of course totally authentic – we are following in the footsteps of Shakespeare's own Globe Theatre when all roles were taken by men. The Players have built a reputation for strong, all-male shows over the past decade."

The play tells of a master and his servant arriving in a foreign port which, unbeknown to them, is the home of their long-lost twin brothers. Mayhem ensues in a riotous train of mistaken identity and pursuit.

Advance tickets for the 7pm performance are available on 01626 890243 price £12 (adults) and £10 concessions. Tickets on the night will be £14 adults and £12 concessions. The grounds will open at 6pm for picnics.

The performance will take place in the castle courtyard and audience members should bring their own seating. Details: www.powderham.co.uk

Marvellous Mayhem in the Comedy of Errors

INTERVIEW: Beautiful Days headliner Jimmy Cliff

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Legendary reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff is back on tour and what better place to stop off this summer than Devon's award-winning music festival Beautiful Days? The annual three-day celebration of eclectic music at Escot in Ottery St Mary, always sells out months in advance and this year is no different. Festival-goers lucky enough to have got their hands of tickets can look forward to another outstanding weekend of music from August 15 to 17, which includes the likes of Steve Earle and the Dukes, Seasick Steve, the Levellers, the Undertones, Dead Kennedys and Easy Star All-Stars. Multi-talented Jimmy, whose career has spanned almost 50 years, takes a break during his tour dates in America to reveal all to the Echo's Anita Merritt about what lies in store for the Devon crowd, and how the best is yet to come

What are you up to at the moment?

I'm doing quite a bit of touring all over Europe and also in the US. I've been to Devon before, but I certainly haven't done Beautiful Days.

What's in store for the crowd at Beautiful Days?

I always like to be current as an artist, so I will be showing my fans what I've been working on and some songs might not have even been recorded yet. There may be some songs from my last album and, of course, I have to do some of the songs I'm known for. The show is exciting; I'm an exciting performer and I'm energetic. I enjoy what I do and when I feel the music I just move. It's a natural thing.

I'll be bringing along my guitar. I also play the keyboard and quite a few different percussion instruments.

How have you managed to keep coming up with fresh material during a career that has spanned almost 50 years?

Writing is a release for me. It's my way of letting out my emotions whether I'm happy, sad or if something has touched me. Mostly I write about personal experiences or just what I see happening in life and in the world. I'm consistently being inspired to expose all of that.

What keeps you striving for success to break back into the mainstream?

I absolutely still love music and my best work is still to come. I do feel that deep inside of me. My fans will say, and this world will say: "Who is that guy?"

Everyone has a different kind of journey. Some people are sprinters like Usain Bolt or 800m runner like Sebastian Coe. I'm like a 800m guy.

My life has turned out the way it was meant to be. I have always been in control of my destiny and I'm always conscious I'm the one who makes my destiny. That is life.

Why did you take seven years to releases your latest album Rebirth album?

The reason is because of all the things that go on in the business side of the industry. You have to get the right songs and the right manager. You keep changing things and have to wait until things settle down. I do the creative part. In between that time I had three albums I just put out. In this modern age it's great you can put things out straight away on the internet.

I'm with new management and I worked with producer Tim Armstrong who was recommended to me and is thought of a punk icon. I was kind of reluctant to go back to the same sound I used to do, but it kind of felt good so I went along with it and I'm really happy with what's come out.

When can we expect your next album to come out?

I'm working on a new album. There's a lot of new music going on right now. I've done some good songs and written some good songs over the years but my best songs have not yet come out. I want commercial hits.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of The Harder They Come, one of the most significant Jamaican films to have ever been released. Do you have more movies in the pipeline?

I have always felt myself to be a better actor than a singer. I've made four movies but, of course, I've not won an Oscar so I'd like to. I'm working on a movie script, actually more than one in fact.

One is the sequel to The Harder They Come. The script has been written and once everyone is on board it will move forward.

I'm proud of the original because it's a trademark historic reggae film. It made a huge mark and exposed reggae to the world. It brought about new music and culture and made its mark as a piece of music history as well as a piece of film history. I didn't know it would have the impact it did, but we wanted to make our mark.

Where is home for you now?

I still live in Jamaica; I love its energy. I have lived all over the world and spent quite a few years living in the UK. I also spent some time living in Paris and South America. I can speak some French as well as Spanish and Portuguese. I've stayed in many countries all over the planet but Jamaica is home.

What songs are you the most proud of?

Outside of movie soundtracks, the songs people recognise me for are ones likes Vietnam, Wonderful World and Many Rivers to Cross. My favourites though are sleepers like Beyond the Boundaries and Born to Win. They were hits in other countries but not in Europe and the US.

I do feel my new songs could be commercial hits. I'm going to test them out on the audience when I'm at Beautiful Days.

What's the best piece of advice you've received/ lesson you've learned?

It was from my grandmother who told me: "Be yourself."

When were you happiest?

Whenever I write a great song. When I feel it in my heart it's like, wow.

What's your biggest regret?

Well, there's quite a few, but too few to mention! One is wishing I had taken the time to tour when Wonderful World became a huge hit in Europe. I should have gigged and cleaned up as they say in the business. I would have made a lot of money and I should have let fans see me.

What's your greatest triumph?

One example is my first number one hit in Jamaica in the mid '60s.

What's the secret of life?

Taking care of yourself spiritually, physically and mentally. You need to stay positive and take the positive things from life. I take care of myself by eating properly, sleeping properly, living properly and loving properly. If you love yourself you will fall in love with the world.

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

I don't think I would do anything differently. Everything I have done I have learnt so much from.

What qualities do you admire in the people closest to you?

Honesty; it's very important to me and it's a rare quality.

Tell us a secret about yourself ...

If I tell you then it won't be a secret anymore! What I will share is I have some ambitions I have not fulfilled yet. By sharing that I might be able to energise it.

INTERVIEW: Beautiful Days headliner Jimmy Cliff

Exeter City welcome Portsmouth to St James's Park

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Portsmouth visit St James's Park on Saturday to take on Exeter City as the Football League gets back under way. The Grecians welcome the South Coast club, as they both look to make a strong start to their League Two campaigns. Pompey make the journey on the back of successive pre-season defeats to Ebsfleet, Bournemouth and Charlton. Midfielder Danny Hollands has dismissed the importance of the results and claims Portsmouth are raring to go. "Maybe results in certain games haven't gone too well but I think that's good because it gives you that edge that you want to get back to winning ways," he said. "Our last two performances have been very good against teams two leagues above us. With Bournemouth, I think they will be in and around the play-offs come the end of the season so there are no negatives losing 3-2 to them. "Pre-season is a fitness exercise for most of the team and we looked fit and are in good habits. We can take that into tomorrow." Hollands is one of nine summer signings made by Portsmouth during the transfer window, joining on a permanent basis after a loan spell from Charlton last season. Another player joining Fratton Park from the capital is on-loan Millwall favourite Paul Robinson, who is expected to make his Portsmouth debut against City. The new faces at Pompey have allowed manager Andy Awford to strengthen his options ahead of the season, a privilege which City's transfer embargo has seen chief Paul Tisdale go without. A clutch of youngsters including Matt Jay are in the mix to face Portsmouth, whilst the visitors may be without Ricky Holmes and Ryan Taylor who are doubts after only returning to full training this week, adding to their growing injury list.

Exeter City welcome Portsmouth to St James's Park


Dragon shaped hot air balloon collides with lamppost

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Traffic came to a standstill when a huge Dragon-shaped hot air balloon landed with a bump just metres from a road and collided with a lamppost.

The colourful balloon was one of more than 100 taking part in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta this weekend.

The fun-shaped canopy got into difficulty after a flight of around eight miles from Bristol's Ashton Court on Thursday evening.

Motorists screeched to a halt as the balloon rapidly descended at Bridgeyate in South Gloucestershire.

Local Aaron Hanks was filming the other balloons when he spotted the dragon descending quickly.

His film shows the balloon hit the lamppost, then a tree, before sinking beside the pole and coming to a stop near the road.

Half a million people are expected to flock to the city for the annual spectacular, now in its 36th year.

The four day festival runs until Sunday.

Dragon shaped hot air balloon collides with lamppost

WHAT'S ON: Our best picks in and around Exeter

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Woodbury Garden Club Flower and Vegetable Show

Woodbury Village Hall

Saturday

Every summer, Woodbury Garden Club hosts its annual August flower and vegetable show. There are competitions to suit everyone including children, novices and all of the usual classes you would expect to find. Entry is free to view the exhibits from 2pm. There will also be a raffle.

Dolls House and Miniatures Fair

Westpoint, Exeter

Sunday

Experience the exquisite world of dolls house miniatures with exhibitions, displays and demonstrations by some of the leading crafts people in the field. It is open from 10am to 4pm and entry is £3 adults, £1.50 children. Visit www.wendysworldfairs.co.uk

Pirate Week

Powderham Castle

Sunday to Friday

Captain Jack and his lively crew are back from Tortuga for some more pirate antics. There will be a pirate trail for children to follow around the grounds to win a prize. Sessions take place at set times throughout the day. This event is included in a child's standard admission.

Superheroes Day

Crealy, Exeter

Tuesday

Superman, Batman and Captain America will fly into Crealy for a series of meet and greets at intervals throughout the day. Children are invited to dress as their favourite superhero.

RNLI Ugbrooke House Open Garden

Ugbrooke House, Chudleigh, TQ13 0AD

By kind permission of Lord and Lady Clifford, the gardens of Ugbrooke House are being opened to raise funds for the Teignmouth Lifeboat. Visit the extensive parklands, lakes and gardens as well as stalls and refreshments. For an additional charge you can take a guided walk around the house. The Newton Bushell Morris Dancers will be performing at noon and 2pm. The garden is open from 11am to 4pm and entry is £3 adults, accompanied children free. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

WHAT'S ON: Our best picks in and around Exeter

Exeter man escapes jail after exposing himself on webcam to girl, 14

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An Exeter man had cyber sex with a 14-year-old girl who lived 500 miles away in Scotland after contacting her on Skype. Tristan Acres, aged 20, performed sex acts on webcam in Devon at the same time as a girl he had met through social networking touched herself on screen. Acres escaped a jail sentence after a Judge was told he suffers from learning difficulties which mean he has the emotional age of a much younger adolescent. He was in touch with a number of girls on social networks and the 14-year-old was the only one who was under age, Exeter Crown Court was told. Acres, of St Katherines Road, Exeter, admitted inciting the girl to send him indecent images and sending her indecent images. He was ordered to receive two years supervision and made subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which restricts his internet use and allows police access to his computer. Judge Phillip Wassall told him:"You were 19 when you used a social networking site to make contact with a girl of 14 in Scotland and sent messages which became increasingly sexualised. "You started talking on Skype and ended up asking her to expose herself and you took part in sexual acts while she touched herself. "Those facts do not show you are of good character and have significant learning difficulties and function at a younger age than your 19 years. "There were also quite a number of sexualised messages with girls over 16 and this was the only one with a girl of her age, so this is not the case of a predator looking for 14-year-old girls to groom." The judge said Acres will need help from the probation service to improve his cognitive and social skills and appreciate what is and is not appropriate in relationships. Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the offence came to light when the Scottish girl's mother became concerned about her online behaviour and checked her computer. She contacted the police who raided Acres home and found more evidence on a computer which belonged to his brother but which he had access to. Mr James Parkhouse, defending, said Acres now accepts he made a massive mistake and regrets what he did. He said:"His emotional age is far lower than his chronological age."

Exeter man escapes jail after exposing himself on webcam to girl, 14

Sidmouth man who attacked his sister's boyfriend spared jail after judge told they have patched up their quarrel

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A man who attacked his sister's boyfriend in a family dispute has been spared jail after a judge was told they have patched up their quarrel. Sean Day kicked and punched Richard Hudson during the argument which happened as his sister Samantha was moving furniture around Sidmouth. He left him with facial bruising but within days they had sorted out their differences and Mr Hudson went to the police to try to withdraw his complaint. A Judge said he was pleased to hear that 'everyone was behaving like adults' and all three are now reconciled. Day, aged 34, of Lock Close, Sidmouth, admitted causing actual bodily harm and was ordered to do 140 hours unpaid community work by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court. He said:"There were problems on both sides and you became very animated aboutwhat you perceived as his behaviour towards your sister. "The way you have both behaved since indicates you are now dealing with issues properly as responsible people. People have started behaving like grown-ups." Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the incident happened in Ashley Crescent, Sidmouth, when there was an argument in the street which led to Day becoming distraught. He kicked and punched Mr Hudson, who was taken to hospital for an X ray on his cheekbone which showed it was not broken. He said the victim had made a withdrawal statement and said Day has apologised to him. Mr Nick Bradley, defending, said:"Relations have improved to to the extent they are getting on well."

Sidmouth man who attacked his sister's boyfriend spared jail after judge told they have patched up their quarrel

Gang jailed for axe robbery at Dawlish holiday camp

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A robbery gang have been handed long jail sentences for a brutal raid on a holiday camp in which they attacked a worker with an axe and hammer. The four men from Somerset travelled to Dawlish Warren on the last night of the August Bank Holiday last year and lay in wait for the manager of the Golden Sands Holiday Park as he banked the bumper £10,000 takings. The masked men forced their way into the office, attacked a doorman who tried to resist and left him with serious injuries after battering him with a fireman's axe as he tried to shelter behind a washing machine. Victim Timothy Harrison suffered deep cuts to his body and legs from the axe, a broken cheekbone, arm and shoulder and wounds to his head from a hammer. At one point he was cowering on the ground and Lockyer continued raining blows from the axe while shouting;"I'm going to f***ing finish you off." He is still off work and receiving treatment and counselling for the psychological effects of the attack, Exeter Crown Court was told. The gang were caught because the quick witted owner of the neighbouring Lady's Mile site was suspicious of a car parked in a lane nearby and took a picture of it. Craig Lockyer, aged 28, of Hillside Close, Radstock; Karl Daniels, aged 35, of Wookey, Somerset; and Dean Smart, aged 27, of Southlands, Bath, admitted robbery. Getaway driver Michael Kelly, aged 21, of Liddiatt Lane, Bath admitted conspiracy to burgle. Lockyer was jailed for 12 years, Daniels for 11 years six months, Smart for eight years and Kelly for three years and nine months by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC. He told the gang:"The most serious aspect of this case is the extreme violence which was used with Lockyer and the axe and by one of the others. "Daniels and Smart did not have the axe but did nothing to prevent Lockyer from inflicting very serious injuries. You knew he had the axe and it was to be used at the very least to threaten. "There was pre planning. You were wearing disguises, the offence was at night and you targeted a significant sum of money. The level of gratuitous violence takes this out of the sentencing guidelines." Mr Adrian Chaplin, prosecuting, said Kelly drove the other three to the Golden Sands and waited in a lane while they his in bushes until manager Mr Joshua Youens-Stunell and maintenance worker Mr Timothy Harrison emerged from the entertainment complex and went to the office to put the £10,000 takings in the safe. Lockyer, Daniels and Smart were all wearing balaclavas, gloves and dark clothing and Lockyer was armed with an axe. Mr Chaplin said:"They told Mr Harrison to get down and threatened him with a fireman's axe. He struggled with Lockyer, who he said was acting like a beast and a raging bull. "He was extremely violent and Mr Harrison was pushed up against a wall where he felt a blow to the back of his head. He went to the ground and a man hit him from behind with a hammer. "He curled up to protect himself with his head jammed against a washing machine and the man with the axe shouted 'I'm going to f***ing finish you off'." Mr Charles Rowe, for Lockyer, said he was under the influence of drink and cocaine and needed money to pay off debts. Mr Piers Norsworthy, for Kelly, said he owed money to Lockyer and agreed to drive him to the raid without realising the level of violence which would be used. Mr Richard Crabb and Mr Kevin Hopper, for Daniels and Smart, said they had not taken weapons to the scene and not taken part in the violence. They had both admitted their involvement.

Gang jailed for axe robbery at Dawlish holiday camp

Exeter City fans urged to 'Sing for Stanno' to mark fourth anniversary of Adam Stansfield's death

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EXETER City fans are being encouraged to 'Sing for Stanno' this weekend on what is the fourth anniversary of the popular striker's death. Tomorrow (Sunday) will mark four years since the club's number 9 Adam Stansfield lost his life to bowel cancer. The number 9 remains retired in memory of the former Hereford and Yeovil striker, and the Adam Stansfield Foundation – the charity set up in his name – continues to raise an incredible amount of funds for the benefit of youth football in Devon, Somerset and Herefordshire. During the Grecians' Capital One Cup fixture against AFC Bournemouth next Tuesday, volunteers will be shaking buckets to collect for AS9 – and the club has asked fans to donate generously for to help the charity continue its work in the community. But before that, Exeter City face Portsmouth today (Saturday) on the opening weekend. A club spokesman said they wanted City fans to raise the roof and sing in memory of Stanno in the ninth minute. They said: "Pompey fans may well be familiar with Adam's name – at Fratton Park last season, the City supporters sung 'A Song for Stanno' loudly and proudly for almost the entirety of the second half. "Last season too, at the away fixture at Mansfield Town, City supporters marked the third anniversary of Adam's passing in the ninth minute at the One Call Stadium by singing in tremendous voice. "We would encourage City supporters to show their tremendous support once more in the ninth minute against Portsmouth by paying tribute to Adam."

Exeter City fans urged to 'Sing for Stanno' to mark fourth anniversary of Adam Stansfield's death

Anger over delays siting permanent memorial for former Exeter schoolboy Mason Jones

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DELAYS to the placing of a memorial at the site of where an 18-year-old former Exeter schoolboy died after a motorcycle crash has been branded "bureaucratic nonsense." The community are still in shock following the death of Mason Jones whose funeral was held in Cullompton on Wednesday. The former Isca College pupil died after a crash near Uffculme. And his family and friends want to place a "planter" (pictured) at the scene as a permanent tribute to him. But Jim Myers, of Devon Rustic Wood, who has created the memorial, said he is facing delays due to "safety" concerns from Devon County Council. The council said that, although they were sympathetic to the case, the delays were necessary to ensure the safety of road users. Mr Myers said: "Mason was a very well-liked and popular character around the area and I was asked me to create a planter for him. It is two foot high and four foot square and Old Well Garden Centre have donated a loads of plants to go in it. "But I am banging my head against the wall with the council over safety issues. "They are not saying I can do it or not saying I can't but there just seems endless bureaucracy. It is nonsense really. "It would not be in the line of vision with the junction and would be set back. "But I am getting passed all over the place from one person to another. "At the end of the day, the local community are distraught. I knew Mason. He was a young guy, 18 years-old with everything to live for and for whatever reason that has been taken away. "You can see by the amount of kids who are devastated what a well-liked guy he was. "There is so much bureaucracy involved. It is built to last and if it needs maintaining then I will maintain it." A Devon County Council spokesman said: "We are sympathetic to the family's wishes to place a memorial at this location and we are happy to discuss this with them. "The safety of those placing or maintaining tributes and preventing the distraction of motorists are the overriding safety issues in the consideration of roadside tributes. "The Highways Act 1980 has no express provision to licence or permit tributes on the highway. However, County Council officers will endeavour to liaise with the police and those who wish to place tributes on the highway to try and achieve a mutually acceptable outcome. "Unfortunately the process may take time but we must ensure that where it is located doesn't present a hazard to other road users. As the proposed tribute is on public land we must also look for the support of the parish council and clarify arrangements for future maintenance."

Anger over delays siting permanent memorial for former Exeter schoolboy Mason Jones


Exeter City v Portsmouth: Matchday live

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Exeter City start their 2014/15 League Two campaign at home against Portsmouth this afternoon. Paul Tisdale's side endured a tough time at St James's Park last term but will be hoping to get the season off to a brighter start against Pompey. However, with a host of experienced players having been released over the summer, and the club under a transfer embargo, there will be a youthful look to the Grecians. Follow all the action below from around 2.30pm.
Live Blog Exeter City v Portsmouth
 

Exeter City v Portsmouth: Matchday live

Beautician convicted of assault in Tiverton wants curfew lifted so she can attend music festival

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A WOMAN who assaulted two men in a supermarket car park will appear at Exeter Magistrate's Court on Monday to ask for her electronic tag to be removed so she can go to the V Festival. The event - in Essex and Staffordshire - will be held next weekend, is known for its party atmosphere and will see Justin Timberlake and The Killers performing. But Bridie Beverton, from Tiverton, won't be going unless magistrates agree to lift her curfew order. She was made the subject of the curfew after admitting assaulting two men outside Tesco in her home town. Ms Beverton, who faced Exeter Magistrates last month, was accused of beating Daniel Rumble and Damien Cowell outside the Tesco in Blundell's Road, Tiverton. The beautician pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a community order placing her on curfew for two months. She was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victims. The curfew means Beverton must stay at her home in Queensway between the hours of 9pm and 6am. The 37-year-old mum of two said she could not afford not to go to the festival, which charges £90 a day for entry. "The ticket to V Festival cost me a lot of money and it was booked ages before anything happened. We'll have to see what happens." she said. Beverton has appealed to magistrates to lift the curfew on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17. Her appeal goes before the court on Monday.

Beautician convicted of assault in Tiverton wants curfew lifted so she can attend music festival

Fire crews free woman from overturned car

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A woman had to be cut from a wrecked car after it rolled during a crash near Shute, Axminster, in the early hours of today. Fire crews from Axminster and Honiton were sent to scene on Old Taunton Road at 4.30am after reports that the vehicle had overturned, trapping the woman inside. She was treated by paramedics had firefighters cut her free. The extent of her injuries is not known.

Crews attend car fire at Haldon Hill near Exeter

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Crews were called to a car fire at Haldon Hill last night. Just after 11.30pm they attended the scene and confirmed one private car in a public car park well alight and severely damaged by fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.

Compulsive stalker who 'harrasses' single young women in Exeter is sectioned

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A stalker has been sent to a mental hospital after he defied a court order and pestered a terrified shop worker. Michael Frew has a history of developing obsessions with women who are complete strangers and making their life a misery by unwanted advances. He was already subject to an order preventing him from annoying female strangers when he began following a woman who worked at a shop in Exeter's High Street. Frew suffers from a mental disorder which is a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar and he will now be treated at a semi secure hospital away from Exeter. Frew, aged 39, of Darwen Court, Exeter, admitted breaking a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and was detained under the Mental Health Act. Mr James Taghdissian, prosecuting, said Frew was made subject of a SOPO last year when he was in court for earlier harassment offences. He said his next victim became alarmed at his behaviour which included visiting her home in Exeter and going to the shop where she worked. He told police he had passed her door by accident while on his way to play football at Bull Meadow Park. Mr Taghdissian said:"He is a man who becomes fixated with single young females in Exeter and harrasses them." Mr Warren Robinson, defending, said Frew accepted that an order under the Mental Health Act was the right way of dealing with the case. Judge Phillip Wassall told him:"This is a serious offence. The order is in place to protect women like this being confronted by people like you who pester them. She must have been very alarmed at this. "However, I have seen reports from two consultant psychiatrists showing you suffer from a schizo affected disorder that is suitable for treatment." He warned him that if his behaviour continued when he returns to the community he was at risk of being seen as a dangerous offender because of the serious emotional effects on his victims.

Compulsive stalker who 'harrasses' single young women in Exeter is sectioned

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