Employers asked for views on proposed Exeter Business Improvement District ahead of February ballot
Employers large and small are being asked for their views on the proposed creation of a Business Improvement District in Exeter city centre ahead of a likely ballot in February next year. If approved by a majority of businesses within the designated area, the scheme could raise around £2.5 million over five years through a compulsory levy on firms. It would be up to companies involved to decide how this money should be spent to make Exeter a more attractive place for shoppers, visitors and workers. Here five prominent business owners and managers give their opinions on the BID and what it could mean for the city centre. We want to hear your views too – whether you're for or against the idea. Email business editor Gordon Richardson on grichardson@expressandecho.co.uk or tweet @gordorichardson
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Martin McGahey
Owner of McGahey the Tobacconist in Exeter High Street
QHow do you feel about the Exeter BID?
I think that the BID is essential if Exeter is going to keep up its marketing strategy.
Exeter is doing well but we do need further investment to put out the right signals. I feel we need the BID to get the funds together.
QWhat do you hope for if the BID is successful?
I hope that we can use the BID for further promotion of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Exeter must take advantage of the Rugby world Cup coming to the city next year as it is something special that we can really highlight.
QWhat do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?
I would like to see some funding put to controlled busking and advertising on High Street. It would be great to be rid of all unauthorised advertising, including A-frames.
I would also like to see adequate transport and parking for the city making the city centre more accessible for visitors as well as locals.
QHow would your business benefit directly from a BID?
Being in the centre of Exeter I would like to see more footfalls passing thought the centre and perhaps more space for retailers. We want to encourage people to visit and stay.
QWhat do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?
A main challenge for retailers is out-of-town shopping, for example the planned Junction 27 site. I also feel that Exeter must sort out the parking and transport obstacles that can prevent people from visiting the city centre.
Kate Connock
Store manager at John Lewis, Exeter
QHow do you feel about the Exeter BID?
The Exeter BID is the most exciting opportunity that, sits on the horizon for this city. This would give us a group of business leads whose focus will be on generating the best outcomes for the businesses in this city.
Whether it is generating more customers, improving the environment or cost efficiency benefits, everyone would benefit. There are some excellent examples around the country where the BID team have managed to deliver real benefit to the area, that otherwise would not have happened.
QWhat do you hope for if the BID is successful?
I hope the BID will focus on three key areas: First, raising the profile of this amazing city and thinking more broadly about who our customers are; second, environmental improvements above and beyond what the council achieve to create a destination that would rival any other; and third, efficiency gains and cost savings through economies of scale.
QWhat do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?
As above plus and importantly a range of car parking charges that are competitive with other regional locations, at present we are the most expensive over three or four hours.
QHow would your business benefit directly from a BID?
Increased awareness of Exeter and the benefits of visiting, staying, shopping and generally spending your leisure time with us.
QWhat do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?
We must remain a destination of choice for both business and customer. We operate in a very competitive environment and customers have huge choice, certainly in my sector, retail, the pace of change is huge and we must remain fleet of foot to respond to these change or risk becoming irrelevant.
David Mezzetti
Director of the Real Food Store
QHow do you feel about the Exeter BID?
An essential tool for additional investment in the city centre.
QWhat do you hope for if the BID is successful?
A strong emphasis on enhancement of streetscape, quality signage and better inclusion of businesses in guides, tourist information and hotel leaflet drops, social media coverage of stories and developments.
QWhat do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?
Strong representation of Independents on the BID Board.
QHow would your business benefit directly from a BID?
In our case, Paris Street has no certainty of tenure beyond March 2016 so any direct benefits are likely to recede if we have to move outside the BID area.
QWhat do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?
For retail, the ever-shortening tenure of middle sized businesses as they struggle with business rates and rent levels. Thus a constant question of 'how long will a new business last – as 'bricks and mortar'. There is a limit to how many 'chain' restaurants and food outlets can be sustained. The new independent entrants in the field have on the whole assessed their offer and financial viability well.
Mattie Richardson, proprietor of Bunyip Beads & Buttons in Fore Street
QHow do you feel about the Exeter BID?
I feel positive about the prospect of Exeter BID. All our needs and ideas, as a business community, could now have the possibility of becoming a reality, which is exciting. It's great that Exeter's business community is talking, and hopefully, working together, both big and small businesses are involved in BID meaning we can share each others resources, strengths and ideas.
QWhat do you hope for if the BID is successful?
I hope that if the BID is successful next year, that things will start to happen quickly so that we can see a tangible difference to the city. We need this to happen so that people will feel positive about the BID.
What do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?
I would like to see better promotion and branding for the independent businesses in Exeter. It would be great if Exeter turned into THE place for independent shops. We would love to have more events on Fore Street, which close the road and showcase the vibrancy of the area.
I would also like to see more practical things included in the plan such as better pavements, bike racks and street art. It would be great to also see more promotion for the 'Exeter Trails' and really push out all the exciting things happening in the city.
Would your business benefit directly from a BID?
My business would benefit from better promotion of the independent community. I believe that through this promotion we would see better trade and footfall in the area. This will also benefit the community in the areas that we trade by making the city centre a more vibrant place to live.
What do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?
One of the main challenges is online shopping. We need to be able to keep shops fresh and vibrant so that customers will come and visit us. The more independent shops we can encourage into Exeter, the better, as then we'll be a more exciting shopping destination.
I also believe that out of town shopping centres are a threat, for example the planned Junction 27 site and Moor Exchange.
We also need to make parking easier so that people can come into the city without the worry of where to park, for how long and at what cost.
Patrick Cunningham, Exeter Phoenix
How do you feel about the Exeter BID?
It's a great chance to really push on and improve the attractiveness of the city centre. Some of the success stories of BID's from around the country, such as Bath and Lincoln, are truly inspirational. Increasingly cities are becoming all about their centres and we have a chance to make this one a beacon for the south west.
What do you hope for if the BID is successful?
It's a unique chance for city centre businesses to work together and shape the future of our city for the common good.
What do you hope will be included in the BID business plan?
Lots of new initiatives, particularly around access and transport; increased and targeted marketing campaigns; extra events such as a range of regular markets; more cultural activity.
How would your business benefit directly from a BID?
Greater footfall, raised profile of the area, lasting improvements to the infrastructure.
What do you feel are the current and future challenges for businesses in Exeter?
Not keeping up with the efforts of other cities let alone keeping ahead of the game; losing out as a destination as a result; losing our attractiveness as a place to live and a place to relocate to.
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Employers asked for views on proposed Exeter Business Improvement District ahead of February ballot
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Transport Secretary says A303 is next major road scheme in line for investment
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has hinted that the A303 corridor between the Westcountry and London is the region's next major road scheme in line for investment.
The Secretary of State today begins a tour of vast swathes of the far South West, pledging repairs of storm-hit ports across Devon and Cornwall, and visiting a highways upgrade in Redruth as well as inspecting the new London-Penzance sleeper trains.
But speaking to the Western Morning News ahead of the trip, he moved to allay fears a recent splurge had undermined the case for two eagerly-anticipated transport schemes in the region.
Mr McLoughlin said "everyone accepts" the notorious A303, A30 and A358 corridor between London and the South West, which is subject to a Government review, is in need of investment.
The Conservative minister also promised the Network Rail review into alternatives to Devon's coastal railway, which collapsed into the sea this winter, would lead to building protection that "matched up to the weather conditions we faced". The Department for Transport is examining nine blackspots on the 110-mile highway from near Exeter to Andover in Hampshire, which would cost £1.2 billion to upgrade fully. An announcement is expected at the Chancellor's autumn statement.
Mr Mcloughlin said: "What we have to do following on from last winter is look at how we do resilience for the whole area. That's partly what I want to look at the A303 for.
"Everyone accepts there has got to be investment on the A303, it's where do you best target that particular investment. It is an important route because it is so heavily used by people, particularly in the summer.
"We are doing road investment. Kingskerswell. In Camborne Pool and Redruth. The next question is what do you do about the A303."
The Network Rail analysis signalled alternative Dawlish routes, costing up to £3 billion, were "poor value for money". Mr McLoughlin will make a decision after the summer recess, though many feel he will opt to strengthen the existing line.
He said: "The report came up with certain options. Some very expensive and we need to think whether they are runners or not. I've not asked for that report to be done and ignore it.
"What we have to do is make sure we get something that is resilient, and is matched up to the kind of weather conditions we faced last year. Hopefully we won't face them again in quite the same ferocity, but we've got to protect the site."
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Family thankful for support as 500 attend funeral of Exeter schoolboy Mason, 18
THE family of former Exeter schoolboy Mason Jones who died in a motorcycle crash said they have been overwhelmed by the support from the community.
An estimated 500 people attended the 18-year-old's funeral at St Andrew's Church in Cullompton last week and a shrine near the site of his crash – dubbed Mason's Corner – continues to grow.
Mason's family have now revealed they hope to have a memorial bench at the site and another one in Exeter.
And they said the public's response has been a "huge comfort" as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.
His step-mother Jo Cook, who lives in Cullompton with Masons' father David Jones, said: "The funeral was a celebration of his life. It was amazing and the church was filled to the rafters with more than 500 people.
"It was a fantastic send-off. There were lots of tears and lots of laughter as we remembered all his antics. He touched so many people's hearts in his 18 years and there were people there from all ages and backgrounds.
"We are still getting messages every day. We knew he was popular but not to the degree we have seen. It has been overwhelming to see how well loved he is.
"It has been amazing – the tributes, support and the way the friends have gathered together to help us as a family."
Jo said the family visit Mason's corner every day as a way to feel closer to him.
Longer term they plan to site a memorial bench there and in the shorter term a memorial planter is going to be placed close to St Andrew's Church in Cullompton, where Mason would regularly attend.
"As a family, we are looking at memorial bench in Exeter and the main one will be at Mason's Corner," said Jo.
"The area become a shrine the morning after the accident for all his friends and everyone to feel close to him. It is somewhere he spent a lot of his time and was a meeting point for him and his mates.
"We are looking into donations to see how much we have and then will approach highways and see what process we have to go through. We want it to be something unique.
"The support has been massive and has given us a lot of comfort. His memory and legacy will live on."
In a statement released shortly after his death, Masons mum Shona and sisters Zoe, Heidi and Cassie, said: "Mason you have touched so many people. Your friends and family have made you proud by celebrating your life with everyone who knew you."
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Crews called to compost machine fire in Clyst St Mary
Fire crews were called to Clyst St Mary yesterday after a compost machine caught fire.
The Fire Service attended a vehicle fire in Stuart Way, Hill Barton Business Park at 09:41am. One Fire appliance from Middlemoor was sent to the blaze.
On arrival, crews confirmed one large industrial machine well alight and got to work to extinguish the fire using two Breathing Apparatus and one Hose Reel Jet.
at 09:54am crews requested an additional pump to be sent to the incident, a further appliance from Danes Castle attended.
The fire was extinguished causing 50% fire damage to the vehicle. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
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Manchester United transfer news: Reds to complete £80million swoop for Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria and Danny Blind
Van Gaal's Man United are ready to push forward with an £80million triple swoop for World Cup stars Angel Di Maria, Danny Blind and Marcos Rojo from Real Madrid, Ajaxand Sporting Lisbonrespectively.
Argentina defender Rojo, who can play either in central defence or at left-back, has handed in a transfer request atSportingafter Unitedlodged a £15.9million bid for the Southamptontarget on Tuesday.
Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho insists the club will not be pressured into selling Rojo but it appears the move is a case of when and not if.
United have also tabled bids for Di Maria and Blind, both of whom are thought to be open to a move to the Barclays Premier Leaguebefore the close of the transfer window.
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Exeter City Trust faced with legal threat over dismissal of former trustee Roger Conway
Exeter City are facing legal action over their dismissal of former trustee Roger Conway.
The Grecians' Chairman Laurence Overend has confirmed that the Exeter City Supporters' Trust have received a letter of legal intent from former Trustee Roger Conway over his dismissal from the organisation.
Conway was relieved of his duties after being in breach of the Trust's constitution. He was reported to the Trust board for breaching Rule 82 of the constitution, which states: "A Trustee, chief executive, or co-optee shall declare an interest in any contract or matter in which they have a personal, material or financial interest."
According to Conway, a fellow Trustee made a formal complaint to the Trust board after Conway had lent the club money to try to avoid taking out a loan from the Professional Footballers' Association.
However, after the expiration of the loan, the club was forced to go down the PFA route after Conway rejected the club's extension of the loan because he claimed the Trust board reacted in such a way that it had "substantially increased the risk factor involved".
Conway was subsequently relieved of his duties, but is now seeking legal action against the Trust.
"The Trust have received a solicitors' letter on behalf of Roger Conway," Overend said. "We have replied to it and have yet to receive a response to it and whilst I have every reason to believe – and have every confidence - that there will be no legal action against the Trust, whilst that remains even a potential, it would be wrong for the Trust to make a public comment.
"I also have no wish to get involved in a public spat with Mr Conway. He has chosen to send us a solicitors' letter and if that's the medium through which he wishes to conduct communications with the Trust, then that is the medium which we will correspond back.
"I find it a frustrating situation to be in because I would very much like to defend the Trust publicly. I believe the Trust have nothing to hide, or have done nothing wrong, but while there is the potential for legal action, as a practicing solicitor, it would be wrong to make any public comment."
The Trust have come in for some criticism in recent weeks for staying tight-lipped on events at the club, which has seen the chairman, Edward Chorlton, and chief executive, Guy Wolfenden, both resign from their roles.
With Conway also acting as the club's secretary, it is three prominent board members to leave St James' Park, but Overend says now is the time for the Trust to evaluate the governance of the football club and map out a vision for the future.
"In light of the number of key people having left over the summer, it is a good opportunity to discuss issues of governance and vision with the club," he said.
"There will be a joint meeting between club and Trust board in the near future where we have every confidence we can work together for a united vision, a shared strategy and also an agreement in regard to a robust and effective governance model."
Asked whether the club would return to a situation where the Trust chairman doubles up as club chairman, Overend added: "I don't personally see it as a holy grail.
"My own view is that the skills to be Trust chair are not necessarily the same skills required to be the club chair. Ultimately, it is about having the best person for the job.
"I think what the club has tried are two very different approaches and whilst both were successful in their own right, Denise Watts was clearly a very different chair to Edward Chorlton. We have tried both styles of leadership and I think we have learnt lessons which will enable us to work towards an effective governance and leadership in the future.
"I don't see the issue of the chairman as being a sacrosanct matter. Actually, what is equally important is effective Trust influence from the various committees in the club, transparency, openness and democracy."
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Pictures: Perseid Meteor Shower captured above Exeter
These pictures show last night's amazing Perseid meteor shower as seen over Exeter.
The pictures were provided to The Echo by John Maclean and show the shower which happens every August. The phenomenon is caused when the massive Swift-Tuttle comet loses parts of its celestial body as it enters into the inner solar system.
It is the best meteor shower of the year for those living in the Northern Hemisphere and builds gradually throughout July.
The Exeter station is part of a nationwide meteor detection network and we monitor and detect meteors 24/7 using both radio detection and sky cameras.
The Exeter station is based in Heavitree near the RD&E and is operated by astronomer John Maclean FRAS ( Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.)
The Perseid meteor shower is linked to the comet Swift-Tuttle. Perseids have derived their name due to the radiant they appear to arrive from. This radiant is in the Perseus constellation - named after a character in Greek mythology. Belgian astronomer Adolphe Quetelet is credited with discovering this meteor shower in 1835.
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Pictured: Giraffe spotted travelling on motorway after being transported from Devon zoo
Motorists were left stunned on Monday evening after a giraffe was spotted travelling along the motorway.
The head of the animal was pictured poking above the tailgate of a trailer on its way from Devon to Kent.
Teacher Mark Marsh, 44, took a picture of the giraffe as it was being transferred from Paignton zoo to a new home in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent.
Mr Marsh said the unusual sight of the giraffe, on the M25 near Redhill in Surrey had 'brightened up' his journey.
Paignton Zoo said it was a Rothschild's giraffe called Valentino, who had been born on Valentine's Day in 2012.
Port Lympne said his arrival signals the start of the reserve's breeding programme with these endangered animals.
Animal director Adrian Harland said: 'We are delighted to welcome this lovely male giraffe to the reserve and to be accepted as part of this breeding programme.
'There are so few Rothschild giraffes in the wild that programmes like this one are essential.'
Paul Beer, head of the giraffe section, said: 'The arrival of Valentino is fantastic news. He's a good looking, healthy male and I'm hoping that the girls take a shine to him."
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Exeter care home holds party to mark impending closure
It was party time for residents of two old folks' homes in Exeter.
Pensioners living at Bodley House, Heavitree joined those living at Whipton Barton House, both off Vaughan Road, to mark the impending closure of the county council homes.
While the Echo was barred from attending, those who joined in the fun described the party as a great success.
Friends and family gathered together with the residents for tea, cakes and a sing-a-long with Maz and Dave.
Among those joining in the fun was Alice McDonald, 85, formerly of Salters Road, Wonford, who has been living at Whipton Barton House for the past two years.
Speaking outside the home, Mrs McDonald said the party was a great success.
Her daughter, Marion Mellon, who had travelled from Sheffild for the event said: "Mum is being moved to a home in Heavitree. She is a bit upset at moving but we have nothing but praise for the staff at Whipton Barton House who have been wonderful. If she receives the same quality of care at the new home we will be more than happy."
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Update: Norovirus outbreak closes River Dart Country Park
River Dart Country Park has been closed until next Monday as officials investigate the suspected outbreak of a noro-type virus.
Since Friday more than 90 people at the holiday park near Ashburton have reported similar symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea.
Now the company has sent 600 people home and apologised for the disruption caused.
The pirate ship lake at the holiday park near Ashburton has been drained and closed while the source of the sickness bug is investigated by health officials.
Samples and specimens were passed to South Hams District Council Environmental Health department, with results expected in a day's time.
Posting on the company's Facebook page, Managing Director Mark Simpson said: "Following discussions with the Environmental Health Agency and Public Health England, the Management Team and I have jointly taken the decision to close River Dart Country Park until August 18 2014.
"This will enable further investigation into the suspected Noro-type virus, which was unwittingly brought on to our site, to continue and a deep clean of the whole site be undertaken.
"Our primary concern is naturally for the welfare of our visitors and we have not taken this very difficult decision without serious consideration.
"I fully appreciate that this will cause unforeseen disruption to many holiday and day visitor plans for which I can only apologise."
The Norovirus, described by the NHS Choices website as "the most common stomach bug in the UK", usually leads to mild diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal or stomach cramps.
Dr Sarah Harrison, Interim Deputy Director of Health Protection for the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset Public Health England Centre said: "The virus is highly contagious. It can affect people of all ages and causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
"There's no specific cure for Norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. It's usually mild and shouldn't last more than a couple of days.
"Although having Norovirus can be unpleasant, it's not usually dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days without having to see their GP."
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Exeter couples wanted for new series of Don't Tell the Bride
Couples from Exeter looking to get married are being sought for the next series of the hit TV show Don't Tell the Bride.
The new season of the BBC Three program is set to return this year and producers are looking for couples wanting to take part.
Renegade Pictures is looking for couples of all ages and backgrounds, plus those who are getting married for a second time.
Successful applicants will be given a £12,000 budget for their dream wedding day, which must be solely organised by the groom.
The show follows the couple as the husband-to-be plans the wedding day down to every last detail, from the venue and rings to the cake and wedding dress.
Couples who are keen to tie the knotiand wish to do so with a £12,000 budget on Don't Tell the Bride can apply by emailing dttb@applyfortheshow.com.
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Teen driver admits going double the speed limit before seriously injuring cyclist on Topsham Road, Exeter
A teenaged driver caused a cyclist serious injuries when he crashed into him as he tore down a busy road at more than twice the speed limit.
Jack Carbines, aged 19, slammed on the brakes when he saw the cyclist crossing the road at a junction in front of him but was going so fast he could not stop and crashed into him.
His car skidded because he was doing at least 64 mph in the 30 mph zone in Topsham Road, Exeter before he spotted cyclist Peter Knapman in front of him.
He would have been able to stop his Ford Fiesta in time or avoid the collision if he had been obeying the speed limit, Exeter Crown Court was told.
The cyclist may not have heard the noise of the approaching car because he was wearing earphones as he crossed the road near traffic lights at the Countess Wear roundabout.
Carbines, of Kennerley Avenue, Exeter, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving in July last year when he was still aged just 18.
Judge Erik Salomonsen adjourned sentence for a probation report and told him:"The simple fact of the speed forms the basis of your plea. The vehicle simply could not be brought to a halt before the collision and if it had been driven within the speed limit, it could.
"I have no doubt at all you have overpowering feelings of remorse for what occurred that day."
The Judge imposed an immediate interim disqualification from driving and told Carbines the maximum sentence would not be more than 27 months youth custody.
Mr Jonathan Barnes, prosecuting, said:"This was dangerous driving because of the speed of the vehicle, which we say was no less than 64 mph as he drove along Topsham Road towards the junction.
"Because of the speed he was going he would have seen Mr Knapman from some distance. Mr Knapman would have been unaware of his vehicle or not worried about it because of the distance it was away.
"Our expert evidence is that if he had been travelling at the 30 mph limit rather than 64 mph there would have been ample time to stop before the collision occurred.
"The Crown do not accept any criticism of Mr Knapman. He would have set off without appreciating the position of the car because of the speed at which it was travelling and where it would have been on the road at that time.
"If it is merely suggested that he was wearing earphones and did not hear the sound of a high revving car, we will not take issue with that.
Mr Piers Norsworthy, defending, said:"Mr Knapman decided to cross the road in the path of Carbines's car and stopped for a short time in front of it.
"He applied the brakes but collided with Mr Knapman, who was thrown onto the car, causing serious injuries. The prosecution estimate of the speed is based on where the skid marks started. My client is a man of good character.
"Mr Knapman had at least one headphone playing music at the time."
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Five reasons to buy tomorrow's Echo
Five reasons to buy tomorrow's Echo
Exclusive photos and reports of Snoop Dogg's crowd-pleasing DJ set at Timepiece in Exeter
In sport, Exeter Harrier and new European 10,000m champion Jo Pavey is setting her sights on a medal in the 5,000m after her sensational victory in Zurich
Plus, a full preview of the first Devon derby of the new season as Exeter City prepare to travel to Plymouth Argyle
Kids eat free at Fresha with our fantastic promotion
Looking for a new car? Don't miss our 24-page guide to the latest models ahead of the new 64 registration
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Loom band cancer risk warning after toxic carcinogenic chemical found in charms
Parents are being warned of a cancer-scare involving fake loom band accessories after tests revealed some imported batches contained dangerous chemicals.
The Loom Band fad - which has been banned by schools in Devon - sees children link together small, colourful rubber bands to create bracelets.
Test were carried out on several loom band 'charms', the accessories attached to necklaces and bracelets, and each one was found to have dangerous levels of phthalates in them.
Phthalates are used as a softener in PVC and can be found on textiles, coated leather and more commonly plastic-type articles.
They can migrate from plastic into the body if it comes into contact with saliva or sweat.
Marion Wilson, from the Birmingham Assay Office, said: 'The problem we found was not with the bands but with the charms that are sold with them.
The legal limit for phthalates is 0.1 per cent by weight of the plasticised material in toys and childcare articles.
Sixteen packets of the charms that came in cheaper, 'unofficial' box sets of loom bands were randomly tested from bigger batches which had arrived into the UK from manufacturers in the Far East.
The National Consumer Agency has now been
approached to see if pressure can be brought to bear on retailers to ensure they are stocking safe products.
The original Rainbow Loom Bands have confirmed that their product complies with US safety standards but cheap 'copycat' bands manufactured in the Far East carry no EC safety mark.
'Out of the 16 packets we tested every single charm failed because of the high levels of phthalates in them.
'It's not to say every packet of loom bands out there is affected but there are plenty of products on the market that could be dangerous.
'We rely on manufacturers coming to us to get their products tested and many of the major retailers will only agree to stock products that are certified by our laboratories.
'The worrying thing is the charms are the bits that are most likely to end up in children's mouths.
'Loom bands are the big craze at the moment and they are flooding into the country from all over the world.
'We have no idea how many of them are being tested and how many are going into circulation containing dangerous substances.
'We don't want to be seen to be scaremongering but we are here to protect customers so when something like this comes up we need to raise awareness of it.
'We would urge importers not to take any risks. Send products to our laboratory for testing and protect people's health and your reputation.'
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A letter from Mel Stride MP: We must step up action on Russia
FEW can fail to have been moved and disgusted by the scenes surrounding the downing of Malaysian Airline Flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine.
298 passengers, 10 of them British, including John Allen who died alongside his wife and three children.
The possessions of the dead, scattered bags, clothes, rucksacks – the toys of small children – prodded by Ukrainian separatists, apparently blind to the sensitivities of death.
Friends and family of the perished, already devastated by their loss, having to come to terms with the manner in which the aftermath of this terrible event has been handled.
The brutal facts appear clear – a group of Ukrainian rebels in possession of a mobile anti-aircraft missile launcher fired a rocket at Flight MH17, mistaking it for a military aircraft. The launcher has the technology to allow for the distinction between military and civil but was in the hands of a poorly trained crew.
The result – a horrific tragedy – for which no one, including the perpetrators, could have wished. The destruction of this plane is just another horrific symptom of an increasing threat – Russia.
It is well known that Mr Putin believes that the greatest tragedy ever to befall his mother country was the disintegration of the Soviet Union – the loss of her satellite states.
His response has been to increase the pressure, including military force, against near-neighbours – Georgia in 2008 being a prime example.
More recently, in Ukraine, we have seen the annexation of Crimea – nothing short of the seizure of another country's sovereign territory. The action is not over in that country of course – with ethnic Russians in a majority in much of Eastern Ukraine and pressing for their region to be subsumed by Russia.
These tensions could have been and still could be resolved through negotiation between Kiev and the regions – perhaps moving to a more federalist structure for the country in which the territorial integrity of the Ukraine is preserved while regional sensitivities are accommodated.
The West has started the process of sanctions – cramping the style (visa bans, bank account freezes) for those around the Russian leader and sanctions have lead to some impact on the Russian economy and stock market. But more needs to be done.
The Prime Minister set this out in his statement to the House of Commons, calling for so-called Level III sanctions that bite on specific sectors of the Russian economy and for greater asset freezes for those close to Mr Putin.
Countries who are dependent upon Russia for gas (Germany for example) or who have lucrative arms deals with them (France) are less up for these measures – but we must find the collective will to take further action.
A nation that flouts international law, disregards the territorial sovereignty of others and is significantly culpable in the downing of a passenger jet carrying almost 300 people will not stop when minor penalties are employed against it – in the case of Russia we need to do more and soon.
Last week I spent a few days out and about across my vast constituency. I held a couple of advice surgeries and also visited an outstanding Okehampton business.
Employing around 30 people, Elemental Microanalysis is a huge success. The business provides consumables for processes used in substance analysis and recently they received the Queens Award for Enterprise, with their products selling in over 100 countries.
Like all successful businesses there is strong leadership and a clear vision with a firm emphasis on quality and continuous improvement. And the success of companies like Elemental Microanalysis should cheer us all.
Their enterprise leads to the taxes that pay for the services that we all rely upon. Their success also matters for jobs – vital to Okey. I visit over a hundred businesses and voluntary organisations a year and I left this company very optimistic about its future.
They have a firm offer from me to help them where I can. I also dropped into discuss issues with local businesses in Chudleigh and enjoyed revisiting the community store at Ide.
In Crediton, I was delighted to pay another visit to the Lady Mills Centre run by Age Concern. I also joined the good people of Chawleigh at a local fete that raised funds to purchase a Defibrillator for the village. As a family we viewed the Rotary Artex Exhibition at Buckfast Abbey – a fantastic event where funds are raised for charity.
On Sunday I joined the Mayor of Ashburton, local councillors and others for a commemoration of those from the town who fell in the Great War. We laid wreaths and there was a service afterwards at St Andrew's. Our young daughters joined Michelle and myself – the occasion prompting them to many thoughtful questions. It was a moving end to the week.
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Devon and Cornwall police force men to write grovelling apology letters after caught throwing empty bottles into the sea
FOUR "idiotic" men were forced to write letters of apology to the people of Newquay after being caught throwing empty alcohol bottles into the sea.
Residents watched from their windows as the group of lads, who had come to the town for the Boardmasters festival, began to throw bottles from the cliff top at Lusty Glaze at around 6pm on Saturday while making their way back to the site.
After a call to the police, Sergeant Regie Butler caught up with four of the group, who aren't local and are believed to be in their early twenties, before deciding to make them write letters of apology to the residents.
"It's just idiotic and unbelievable, really; they thought it would be fun and hadn't even thought of the possible consequences," Sergeant Butler said, "so we were sat there thinking what we could do them for, and checked to see if anything had landed on the beach, because if it had we could have got them to clean the beach.
"We found bottles out in the sea, so it was a minor offence for littering. We thought the most appropriate thing would be for the lads to write letters of apology, so we sent them away with the bits of paper and told them to drop them into the police station by 3pm the next day, which they did.
"We told them we'd be out hunting for them if they didn't."
One letter read: "I am sorry for all of our actions and it was also very inconsiderate, we will be sure to never act so stupid again and I regret what happened." Another said: "To whom this may concern, I am extremely sorry the incident occoured (sic). It was just a moment of madness", while another wrote: "All apologies go to all residents around the area for disturbing them".
One acknowledged that he would not have committed the offence in his own local area: "It is something I would not have done in my own town and I am genuinely deeply sorry for bottles being thrown in the sea while sitting on the local cliffs," he said.
Sergeant Butler said he highlighted the dangers of their actions to the young men.
"Actions like this can have a huge impact. In the first instance it's ruining the coast, which is a beautiful part of the world where we don't want rubbish," he said.
"Secondly, there's the danger side; when the bottles wash up people can tread on them and suffer serious injury, and then thirdly there is the danger to the marine wildlife.
"Hopefully it made them think about everything we told them and will have had more of an impact than anything else we could have done."
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In Court: Cases heard at Central Devon Magistrates' Court
Kayleigh McGahey, @ 23, of St Katherine's Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions about a change of circumstances she knew would affect her entitlement to income support between January 16 2013 and July 25 2013. She was given a nine-month conditional discharge and must pay a £15 victim surcharge.
Craig Snow, @ 37, of Green Acre, near Tiverton, admitted assaulting a female victim by beating on June 1. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay £40 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Stephen Yard, @ 40, of Lawrence Close, Exeter, was found guilty of criminal damage of an iPhone in Exeter on April 13. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation.
Alexander Thomson, @ 57, c/o Taunton Close, Exeter, has been found guilty of being in possession of a lock knife in Exeter on August 13, 2013. He was given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and must pay an £80 victim surcharge.
Martyn Glover, @ 56, of Westwood, Broadclyst, has pleaded guilty to failing to provide details of the identification of a driver suspected of committing an offence on March 4. He was fined £400 and must pay £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge, His licence was also endorsed with six penalty points.
Ryan Fearnley, @ 26, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis in Exeter on June 26. He was given a four-week prison sentence, suspended for six months and must pay an £80 victim surcharge.
Maria Johnson, @ 47, of no fixed address admitted assaulting a police officer and being found drunk in a public place in Sidwell Street, Exeter, on June 27. She was given a six-month conditional discharge and must pay £50 compensation and £85 costs.
Darren Travers,@ 22, of Exeter, admitted causing £100 of criminal damage to a room at the Crescent bed and breakfast in Queen's Crescent, Exeter, on July 10. He also admitted a assault on June 13. He was jailed for a total of 16 weeks which included activation of a suspended sentence for a previous offence.
Jack Campbell, @ 19, of Verney Street, Exeter, stole lager from Lidl and Costcutter in Exeter on June 25. He must carry out 40 hours of unpaid work and must pay compensation and a victim surcharge totalling £60.
Simone Massimini, @ 24, of Slewton Crescent, Exeter, pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was stopped on Barley Lane, Exeter, on June 25 and gave a reading of 45mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He was banned from driving for 12 months and must pay a fine, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £360.
Scott Seldon, @ 26, of Thursby Walk, Exeter, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention on December 18, 2013. He must pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £220. His licence was endorsed with four penalty points.
Ben Sene, @ 24, of Bowring Close, Exeter, has admitted driving without due care and attention, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, not reporting an accident and driving without the proper insurance. The offences were committed on April 28. He must pay fines and a victim surcharge totalling £200 and his licence was endorsed with eight penalty points.
Rachel Eidam, @ 42, of Peel Row, Exeter, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty in Exeter on June 29. She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £25 compensation.
Johnson Jones,@ 27, c/o Tor Close, Exeter, admitted dishonestly receiving stolen goods, namely a silver Macbook Pro, in Exeter on June 30. He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and must pay an £80 victim surcharge.
Harley Wilkinson, @ 19, of McKenzie Way, Tiverton, was found guilty of assaulting a female victim in Tiverton on February 23 by beating. He was also convicted of criminal damage of an iPhone. He must carry out 150 hours unpaid work, pay costs and compensation totalling £500 and was made the subject of a restraining order.
Maurice Rumbles, @ 62, of no fixed abode, admitted being drunk and disorderly and possessing a knife with a locking blade in Exeter on June 25. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay £100 in costs and a victim surcharge.
Daniel Brooks, @ 22, of no fixed abode, admitted criminal damage of an automatic door to the value of £620 belonging to Lidl in Exmouth on June 7. He also admitted assaulting a female victim by beating in Exeter on the same date. He must carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and attend a series of sessions. He must also pay compensation and costs totalling £705.75.
Samuel Henshaw, @ 19, of Verney Street, Exeter, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods, namely a pink handbag containing a quantity of CDs and DVDs, on January 8. He also admitted stealing alcohol and food from Sainsbury's in Exeter on March 9. He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence and must pay compensation of £20.66 and £39.34. He must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
Darshini Yoganathan, @ 27, of Edgerton Park Road, Exeter, admitted failing to stop at the scene of an accident on Union Road and driving without the proper licence on May 28. He must pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £255. His licence was endorsed with five penalty points.
Jamie Dawson, @ 34, of Smythen Street, Exeter, admitted stealing three bottles of fragrance worth £146 from Boots in Exeter on April 10, a can of Special Brew from Saunders on May 25 and a bottle of vodka from Sainsbury's on June 23. He also pleaded guilty to possession of Buprenorphine, a class C drug. He was jailed for a total of four weeks.
Fern Martin,@ 28, of Queen Street, Exeter, was found guilty of being unfit to drive a large goods vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle through drugs. She was banned from driving for 12 months and must pay fines and a victim surcharge totalling £185.
Dean Singer,@ 57, of Tedburn Road, Whitestone, was found guilty of failing to provide information relating to the identification of a driver suspected of committing an offence on August 1, 2013. He must pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £630. He was given six penalty points but not banned under the totting up procedure because of mitigating circumstances.
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Mum's vow to find the truth after Exeter man, 22, is found dead
THE heartbroken mother of a young Exeter man who was found dead at his home has led the tributes to her "free-spirited" son.
Mystery still surrounds the circumstances of the death of Ashley Kelly, a popular former student at Exeter College.
And Suzanne Riddock told the Echo she will do everything she can to get to the truth of what happened to her son.
The 22-year-old was pronounced dead by paramedics who were called to the scene in Merrivale Road, Cowick, on Friday morning.
Police attended with a pathologist and initially treated the death as "suspicious until otherwise determined".
But a spokesman said that although the cause of death was currently "unexplained", investigations had quickly shown there were no suspicious circumstances.
A post mortem was due to be carried out yesterday and officers are preparing a file for the coroner.
Ashley's mother Suzanne was on holiday when she received the devastating phone call from police that she says "ripped my heart apart".
She has subsequently been told there was no sign of foul play, but has pledged to continue to fight to discover the full truth of what happened to her son.
She said: "I have had my heart ripped out by this and I have lost my first born. But 'why?' is the question. I need answers and I need to get to the truth."
Ms Riddock said she last spoke to Ashley last Thursday at around 10pm, and said he was in "good spirits".
His body was discovered at 7am the next day.
In a message to her son she said: "This is such a huge shock. You were happy with new arrangements that had been made and I was one day from being home.
"We still don't know what happened but the truth will appear.
"I know you were a free spirit and were always the apple of my eye. You, I hope, are at peace. And know we all love you.
"The family list is endless but everyone is heartbroken. You shouldn't have passed over before me. I want to say, with the unfair set of cards you were dealt, I am so, so proud of you.
"All the family on my side and your dad's are horrified. Because we love you so very much.
"You will be my bright angel forever."
Since his death tributes have been pouring in for Ashley and these are a small selection of some that have been posted on the Echo's Facebook page.
Yasmin Western wrote: "Thoughts are with the Kelly family. R.I.P! The whole of Merrivale Road is thinking of you all."
Tara Louise Densham wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking! I still can't believe what has happened. We will always remember what a lovely lad you were Ash."
Daz Jetski wrote: "I am gutted mate and can't believe it. You are a good lad mate and we've had some fun times."
Kirsten Bailey wrote: "Only met Ash a few months ago with his girlfriend Becks, lovely genuine guy. Had a good old laugh with him. My thoughts are with his family. You've been taken far too soon. R.I.P Ash."
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "When we first attended the scene, the cause of death was treated as initially suspicious until otherwise determined. This is standard procedure in a death such as this.
"A pathologist also attended and it was very quickly determined that there were no suspicious circumstances and the next of kin were kept fully informed.
"A post mortem will determine cause of death and until that time it remains 'unexplained'. We are investigating the circumstances around the death to prepare a file for the coroner but it is not being treated as suspicious."
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Pat Baldwin looking for derby glory repeat
Exeter City defender Pat Baldwin hopes history will repeat itself when the Grecians make the short trip down the A38 for Saturday's Devon derby clash with Plymouth Argyle.
Last season, the Grecians made the journey as underdogs, but a fine 2-1 win helped them in their quest to avoid relegation from League Two, whilst putting a huge dent in the promotion hopes of John Sheridan's Pilgrims.
Argyle, who have had a radical overhaul of the playing side this summer, will again start as favourites, but Baldwin hopes Exeter can play their football and repeat the success.
"We are looking forward to it," Baldwin said. "It is going to be a fantastic atmosphere and we will look to go there and play it like we did last year by playing football, show confidence in ourselves and each other, show our abilities and go and play.
"It's an old cliché, but it's just another game. Of course it means a lot to everyone and we know that, but we are going down there to win the game just like any other."
Baldwin has started both of City's matches so far this season despite suffering the full effects of a nasty bug that has decimated the Grecians' camp.
No fewer than six players have been laid low, with Baldwin losing a stone in weight as he battles the virus.
"It's absolutely hit a few of us for six. There seems to be a few things flying about and I seem to have picked them all up to be honest," he said.
"I really struggled massively through Saturday and I felt really rough. I don't know how I got through the game to be honest and it has taken a long time to get over.
"It's been there since we came back from Brazil, I'm not sure if there was an issue with the air con or what, but it's just one of those unfortunate things we have picked up and you have to grind on through it.
"It's been tough because we haven't been able to train properly, but we did a lot of good work done in Brazil and did a lot of training. Everyone may think it was a lot of fun – and it was fun – but we got through a lot of work as well in terms of formation."
It seems to have had little effect on the vice captain's performances – Baldwin has been superb as one of City's three centre-halves this season in a system he knows well.
"I grew up playing it to be honest," he said. "When I was a schoolboy at Chelsea that is all that we played, so I am very comfortable playing it and confident playing it.
"I am relatively pleased with how I'm playing, but I would have been happier if we had got a result against Bournemouth.
"It was disappointing that we lost, but again, I thought we showed some good things in the game, we created one or two chances and I think we were worth a goal.
"I think we've shown good determination which is a good sign for the future. We are still working on that formation and the signs are looking good."
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Exeter Chiefs hand Jerry Sexton a trial after Dean Mumm blow
Exeter Chiefs have handed a trial to lock Jerry Sexton as skipper Dean Mumm is likely to be out for longer than expected.
Former Ireland under-20s forward Sexton, 21, has been handed a deal until the end of November by Sandy Park boss Rob Baxter.
The younger brother of Ireland fly-half Jonathan has a chance to earn a longer-term deal with the Chiefs.
But he will also provide cover in the engine room as Baxter says it is now not certain Australia international Mumm will be fit by mid-October.
The 30-year-old has had an operation to mend ligament damage in a shoulder and was initially expected back in the first block of six Aviva Premiership matches.
However, Baxter has now revealed Mumm will be out for "longer than we originally hoped" so was keen to bring in extra depth in the second row.
"We're still hopeful we could potentially get him back at the end of the first block of Premiership games, but that's not a certainty," Baxter said of Mumm's fitness.
"He's very much early on in his rehab and it's something that is going to have to take the right length of time."
As for 6ft 5ins tall Sexton, Baxter said: "He's here on a trial until the end of November.
"People are aware that Dean's picked up a knock and after having the operation he's going to be out for a little longer than we originally hoped. That's upped the workload on the players we have here.
"Looking at the pre-season games we have, the academy games we have in place, our A League and LV= Cup in the first three or four months of the season, we could be a little bit stretched in our resources.
"Will Carrick-Smith is on a loan with the Pirates, and although we can pull him back for a Premiership match, their Championship games will potentially take priority over A League games.
"I had a bit of a look around and I felt we needed someone quickly, someone who was available and someone who had some experience of running a line-out at a certain level to give us some cover both in training and some of our games.
"It's a great opportunity for him to earn a longer-term contract and potentially play more than A League and provide more than training cover for us."
Sexton came through Leinster's academy but played for French second tier outfit Auch last season, after a deal with London Irish fell through.
He has spoken to his older brother, who played for Leinster against the Chiefs in the Heineken Cup in the 2012/13 season, who had some good things to say about Exeter.
"It is a big opportunity for me. I had a bit of a disappointment over in France a couple of weeks ago, I came back to Dublin and then I got the call from Exeter to come over, so I'm very excited," said Sexton.
"My brother said the coaches here are very good and that there are no superstars here. The club is all about hard work and that's what I aim to do and hopefully get a chance to play.
"He said very positive things about the club and he knows Gareth Steenson. He told me I would have to work hard coming over here, but that the club have big plans and it would be a great place to come and play."
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