TODAY we sat at the lights where Cowick Street meets the Exebridge merry-go-round. The bus driver couldn't advance because the right hand lane was blocked.
The blockage is caused by cars from Bonhay Road stopping in the yellow box and thus preventing buses from manoeuvring round the rear end to get into Fore street. It is often two cars or even a large lorry.
I have seen the entire Exe Bridge circuit at a standstill because of a single car stopped on the box. The yellow box is there to prevent vehicles stopping on that bit of the road and a large fine can be imposed on those failing to do so. See the Highway Code.
There is no justification for the absurd width of the pavement at the bottom end of New Bridge Street and the Highways Department needs to cut it back by at least three feet. The Express and Echo printed a letter about this several years ago but nothing happened.
Last night, August 20, four buses and ours tried to access the outside lane on Western Way from Preston Street. The traffic was solid. Our bus got so far and was then stopped by a single car that refused to move forward despite a gap.
The other buses had pulled out behind us so we all sat there blocking the 'up-traffic' till the lights down the road changed.
We now have some 35 million cars on the roads and I'd like to know if the Exeter authorities plan to take measures so we don't grind to a permanent halt at some date in the near future – like chopping off that corner for starters!J Lucy, Exeter
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Reader's Letter: Time to end Exeter gridlock
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Tour of Britain to affect bin collections in Exmouth
The arrival in Exmouth of the Tour of Britain cycle race next Thursday (11 September) means that a significant number of household* waste and recycling collections will be affected by road closures.
East Devon District Council is warning residents in properties on or close to the Tour route – a large part of central Exmouth and on or around a lengthy stretch of Salterton Road – that the normal Thursday collections will change because crews cannot get access for several hours on race day.
Some collections will be made on Wednesday, while others will happen on Thursday but at a later time than usual.
The council's Waste Management Team have discussed the issue with colleagues at waste collection contractors SITA and together they have come up with plans designed to minimise disruption caused by the road closures.
Measures to deal with the impact of the race – when Stage Five starts in Exmouth and moves on via Budleigh Salterton and Woodbury before arriving in Exeter via Topsham – have been under consideration ever since news broke that the event would be coming back to the town where Stage Five finished in 2011.
Letters are being sent to around 1,000 selected properties in the affected area, asking residents to put their waste and recycling bins out one day EARLIER than usual – on Wednesday 10 September. Only some properties will get these letters and it's quite possible that you may get a letter and your next-door neighbour does not.
Householders who do receive a letter should put their bins or sacks out in time for collection from 7.00 am on Wednesday 10 September.
If you don't receive a letter, you can assume your collection will go ahead on Thursday 11 September. You can put your bins out at the normal time, but it's very likely that the crews may collect later than usual.
If you live in the affected area and your bin is out on Thursday, it might get in the way of the thousands of spectators who are expected to line the route.
So council staff will be in the area before the stage starts and will be moving any bins, boxes or gull-proof sacks that are on the pavements. If possible, these will be moved into your front garden or driveway. If that is not possible, the container will be removed, recorded and returned after the event has finished.
Some residents have signed up to the East Devon App, which features a weekly reminder of when your bins will be emptied. The council cannot re-programme the App for a one-off event like this, so residents should take heed of the Wednesday collection letter if they get one. If you have downloaded the App, you will also receive news alerts like this press release.
Councillor Iain Chubb, cabinet member for environment, said: "Pretty much everything about the Tour of Britain coming to our area is positive – what with it being a great sporting spectacle and a boost to the local economy. If there is a minor down-side it's the effect that closing several key roads for a few hours will have on our ability to carry out the regular waste and recycling collection on 11 September.
"We believe the plans we've laid will minimise disruption to people's lives when it comes to putting out their bins, boxes or sacks.
"I hope everyone affected will be patient on this special occasion and help SITA's crews to do their job as best they can, working around the road closures caused by the race. In a nutshell, collections will either be a day early for some or a few hours late for others.
"If you get a letter, please put your items out for collection on Wednesday. If you don't get a letter, we will collect at some point on Thursday. Thanks in advance for your understanding".
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'Oasis' plan for Exeter's St Sidwell's Community Centre gets support
PLANS to develop Exeter's St Sidwell's Community Centre into a 'green oasis' and heritage centre are gathering pace.
Landscape designs are being drawn up in the churchyard of what was St Sidwell's Church, and the area's history is being highlighted next week when the centre plays host to an Heritage Open Day on September 12.
The long-term aim is to re-vamp the centre, with landscaped gardens and a redesigned and refurbished cafe and meeting rooms but also to make much more of the history of the centre and its surrounding area, which seems to have been largely forgotten.
St Sidwella's story contains a wicked stepmother, a beheading and a miracle.
A public consultation was held earlier this year and Dave Wright, the centre's manager explained the findings.
He said: "At the moment looking up the path towards it, the centre does not look very inviting and there is a lack of knowledge in the city about it too, a lot of people still think its a church."
Although services are still held in a small chapel, the church was converted into a community centre in 2001.
Landscaping plans include creating four seating areas along the path leading from Sidwell Street, through the churchyard to the centre.
There would also be lots of wildflower planting with mown paths leading to the graves of people with an interesting history buried in the churchyard.
These include a male witch and Dr Peter Hennis, who died following a duel on Haldon Hill. The plan is to introduce information displays to bring this heritage alive for visitors.
Also popular with those who took part in the consultation was the introduction of a water feature and better lighting and an entrance arch on Sidwell Street. The centre also wants to make more of its cafe, holding more evening events
Mr Wright said: "We want to change the way people see the place. In the long-term, we hope that our proposals will complement both the city council's plans to redevelop the bus station and surrounding areas and the plans of the St James Neighbourhood Forum."
The centre is being backed in its plans with a grant from the city council's New Homes Bonus –£10,000 has been approved to cover the cost of developing the plans and there is another possible £40,000 available if the centre is able to raise the rest of the funds to complete the works.
On Friday, September 12, people can drop into the cafe and sample the historic menu which includes Georgian ices, Waterloo Cottage Pie and Shrapnel Cakes. There will also be displays, a treasure hunt and storytelling ands staff will be in costume, remembering people from the past connected with St Sidwell's. On September 13 there will be a special heritage lunch, which is limited to 20. Tickets are free.
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Afghan war dog that inspired animal welfare charity Nowzad Dogs dies
THE Afghan war dog who was rescued from a dog fighting ring by a former Royal Marine from Tiverton and inspired an internationally acclaimed animal welfare charity, has died.
Over the past six years, since Pen Farthing, a 43-year-old former Troop Sergeant returned from Afghanistan, Nowzad Dogs has re-homed about 700 stray dogs with the soldiers they gave vital solace and escapism to, enabling them to cope with war.
The charity, which has a rescue centre in Kabul, is also responsible for a crucial vaccination and neutering programme benefiting the Afghan citizens.
The charity's success is the legacy of Nowzad, who has now died aged around 12 years old, after a recent spell of pancreatitis and enduring arthritus.
"Without Nowzad there would be no organisation at all to try and tackle animal welfare in Afghanistan, and 700 soldiers wouldn't have been reunited with the companions they were with on the front lines," said Pen who admitted he is "heartbroken" at his companion's loss. "He was the catalyst for it all," he continued. "We were mortared and shot at together – there aren't many dogs you can say that about!
"He was always his own free spirit, but he was always an Afghan dog first and foremost, which are very territorial, due to the harsh environment he was born into – that never went.
"But from the second he came to his new home, he became a house dog. He completely mellowed out, and anyone who'd visit, he'd want to be made a fuss of – he went from being the Mike Tyson of the dog world to George Foreman!"
Pen has recently been selected as one of 40 CNN Heroes out of thousands of entries – a testament to his and his staff's dedication. Pen's third book, Wylie – the dog that never gave up, is released this month.
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Ottery Town Council pledges support for wild beaver family to remain in the River Otter
OTTERY Town Council has pledged its support for a family of beavers, whose future hangs in the balance, to be allowed to remain on the banks of the River Otter downstream.
At the full council meeting on Monday, September 1, there was a unanimous vote among town councillors for the Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) to leave them be.
Last month, at a Devon Wildlife Trust organised events, there was massive local opposition against Defra's proposals to remove the beavers from the river banks so they can be tested for the unlikelihood that they are carrying disease.
Defra confirmed that the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency has been tasked to lay the traps, but refused to comment on when they might be laid or the process thereafter, for example how often the traps will be checked.
Ottery ward member, Councillor Roger Giles had requested that the council discussed and gave its backing to the beavers and proposed that the council ask East Devon MP Hugo Swire, to insist that DEFRA return the beavers to the river as soon as they have been tested.
Once native to the UK, beavers were hunted to extinction 500 years ago, and it is still unknown how they made their return to the wild on the banks of the river.
After they came to Defra's attention around seven months ago, the department announced its controversial decision in July to remove and rehome the beavers because of the risk of disease and the negative impact they could have on the landscape.
Defra officials confirmed there is a low chance the beavers may carry Echinococcus multilocularis disease and because the animals have not been established in Britain for so long, it was necessary to assess their impact.
But critics of the proposals believe that the suggestion of rounding up the beavers is an "overreaction", and the benefits they bring to the environment, far outweigh any negatives they may be culpable for.
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Lifelong Exeter couple, Ralph and Maureen, celebrate diamond wedding anniversary
This devoted couple who first met as teenagers in Exeter just after the Second World War are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary in the city this week.
Ralph, 83, and Maureen, 79, Wright met as youngsters in Burnthouse Lane, Wonford, in 1948. And on Thursday they will mark 60 years of marriage after surviving the test of time together in Exeter.
"We love each other and look after each other – that's what keeps us together," said Maureen.
It is more than 66 years since their chance meeting outside the post office in Wonford.
"We started chatting, and one thing led to another," said Maureen who, then aged 15, lived in Rifford Road.
Some six years later, on September 4, 1954, they got married at St Michael's and All Angel's Church in Heavitree.
Their reception was held at an auntie's house in Whipton, and the couple spent their honeymoon in Bournemouth, on the south coast.
"That was like going abroad then," Maureen added.
Ralph worked as a carpenter apprentice to R Packer and Son of Whipton, before joining thousands of others in doing his national service in the RAF.
The couple had five children – Kevin, Beverley, Stephen, Lesley and Susan.
As well as being a mother and housewife, Maureen also worked part-time at Exeter's Redhills Hospital.
Some time later they began taking in foreign students at the local language schools.
And over a period of more than 13 years they looked after more than 100 students.
They have kept in touch with a few – and even managed to visit one in Tokyo, Japan.
In 1998 the couple moved to Exminster where are they enjoying a peaceful retirement.
As well as their children, they have 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
The details of their diamond wedding anniversary celebration have been kept a closely-guarded secret.
Maureen said: "We're really looking for to it – I keep wondering what it's going to be."
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Body Shop to open new store in Exeter's Guildhall Shopping Centre
An internationally-renowned retailer in Exeter will open a new store as part of the £7 million redevelopment of the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
The Echo can reveal that the Body Shop will leave the Higher Market Ambulatory arcade and open new premises in place of Card Factory opposite Wilkinson.
The upcoming move on the weekend of October 4 will be its first for 30 years.
Jackie Collier, the Body Shop's franchise operations manager, has welcomed the move.
"We can't wait," she said. "Everyone is really excited because it will be a brilliant opportunity for us and our customers will love it too."
The existing shop will close at 5.30pm on the Friday and the new 'boutique' store will open the next day at 10.30am.
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Honiton glassing man claims to be victim of Genette Tate cover up conspiracy
A pub customer has told a jury he was goaded into a brawl as part of a 30 year-long police conspiracy to suppress the truth about the disappearance of schoolgirl Genette Tate.
Melvin Brady says he had no intention of hurting anyone in the brawl at the pub in Honiton which he believes was started deliberately as part of a campaign to discredit him.
Brady, aged 61, claims to have vital evidence about the disappearance of Genette Tate, the 13-year-old who vanished from a country lane at Aylesbeare, near Honiton during a paper round in 1978.
He told a jury at Exeter Crown Court he was deliberately goaded by fellow drinker Brian White at the bar of the Heathfield Inn so he could be prosecuted for assault.
The prosecution say Brady punched 71-year-old Mr White and smashed a glass over the head of customer Scott Saint when he remonstrated with him.
Brady, of Butts Close, Honiton, denies wounding Mr Saint with intent to do grievous bodily harm and assault by battery on Mr Brady.
He told the jury he was on tablets for depression at the time which increased the effect of alcohol and left him with little memory of the night.
He said he was acting in self defence when he swung at Mr White but insisted he had not made contact and the other men fell backwards from his stool as he took evasive action.
He said he could not recall hitting anyone with a glass but lashed out because he was in fear of his life because he had suffered a broken back in a bar brawl at a darts match 30 years ago.
He told the jury he had already been hit on the nose before the incident in which Mr Saint was injured.
He said:"I was minding my own business when Mr White started the trouble and the other two got involved. I had a broken back and a hernia and was in no position to get into a dispute with anyone.
"I saw them coming towards me and I felt threatened. I have no recollection of Mr Saint being injured. The first kid hit me from the blind side on my nose. All I can remember was being hit against the bar and collapsing.
"I had no intention to hurt anyone. I would not have done it if I was not under threat. It was a natural reaction. I had to do something to stop it going any further. I was in a panic. It was all in self defence."
He said he was later hit with a bar stool and asked to leave the pub and could not understand who police arrested him soon afterwards.
Brady said the initial argument was about people bribing driving test examiners to pass but Mr White had deliberately misunderstood him as saying he had done this.
He said he then goaded him by calling him a criminal repeatedly and loudly, causing other customers to look at him and for him to lose his temper and swing a punch.
He claimed this was part of a conspiracy against him which is related to the Genette Tate case in which he has evidence which has been ignored by the police.
Brady, who is representing himself, said:"There has been a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. This goes back to the murder case of Genette Tate 36 years ago.
"I was a witness and for 30 years and the authorities have deliberately left her body in Woodbury Woods and for the past 15 years I have been gagged.
"I have been dominated by this and my life has been interfered with and pressure has been put on solicitors or anyone else who has influence.
"Only a few months ago I went to an MP to ask for a public inquiry. He was interested at first but then he was got at and now he does not want to know.
"I have spent 15 years working to expose the true story but they have tried their best and are still trying their best to stop me which is why I have not been able to call the MP or other witnesses that could back up my story.
"I was told three days in advance and told to keep an eye out for someone who was trying to get me into trouble. I did not realise it was Mr White until I saw him on the floor laughing and knew he had been goading me and I had fallen into a trap.
"It was done to discredit me and so I could be charged with an offence. Of course nobody knew that an innocent man was going to get glassed. They got what they wanted."
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Homeless man jailed for hitting stranger over the head with florist's foam in Sidwell Street, Exeter
A homeless man has been jailed for hitting a stranger over the head with a piece of florist's foam.
Steven Cook joined somebody else's late night street fight in the centre of Exeter and used he spongy substance to hit one of the protagonists about the head.
He had only been released a few days earlier after attacking a police officer in a separate scuffle, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Cook, aged 36, whose last address was a hostel in Smythen Street, Exeter, admitted assault by battery and assaulting a police officer when he appeared before magistrates last month.
He appealed against his four month jail sentence but it was confirmed by Recorder Mr Richard Onslow.
He told him:"You have a very unenviable record of previous convictions including robbery, and numerous offences of abusive and threatening behaviour.
"On May 31 you were behaving in a particularly unpleasant way in Exeter bus station by shouting abuse, swearing at the police in the presence of the public and gathering phlegm in your mouth as if preparing to spit.
"You were arrested but resisted and were put in leg restraints and taken the police station where you continued to be aggressive, making as if to spit, threatening officers.
"While being detained you kicked a sergeant and spat at other people.
"You were bailed and at 12.30 am on June 17 the CCTV cameras in Sidwell Street showed a physical altercation between a number of people and you appeared and hit one of them on the head with a lump of florist's foam.
"Despite there being a lump on the victim's forehead we don't think it could have been caused by that foam.
"We have read a probation pre sentence report and it suggests that when you take two steps forward you take one step back. We would have wanted to see more of an effort.
"We do not think there is any evidence sufficient to persuade us that the magistrates were wrong and so we reject this appeal."
Miss Laura Searle, prosecuting, said Cook has a long history of anti social behaviour and police were initially called to the bus station in Exeter because he was being noisy and abusive.
She said the assault on the police officer consisted of a kick at the police station and the offence of assault by battery related to the later incident in Sidwell Street, which happened while he was on bail awaiting sentence for the first.
Mr Scott Horner, defending, said Cook realises he has reached a point in his life where he wants to start afresh and is keen to receive help with his homelessness and other issues.
He said there is no bed available for him immediately at the Gabriel House hostel but they may be able to help him if he was released and went straight there.
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Francis Clark's Truro to Exeter cycle relay to aid Devon Air Ambulance and other charities
Cyclists racing into Exeter on Friday, September 12, will not be stragglers from the Tour of Britain but the last leg of a gruelling 115-mile charity relay involving staff of accountants Francis Clark.
This will be the third year that the firm has staged the relay which starts at its Truro office and calls in at Plymouth and Torquay before the dash to Exeter. Last year the event raised nearly £1,500 for charities nominated by each of the competing offices.
Francis Clark's Adam Keogh will undertake the Truro to Plymouth stage before cycling all the way back, a total well over 115 miles. Mathew Ash will take the Plymouth to Torquay leg while Gary Quick and Tom Parry will complete the event by riding from Torquay to Exeter via Teignmouth and the Powderham Estate. Charities set to benefit from the Francis Clark Inter-Office ride include Merlin MS Centre, Animals in Distress, Woodside Animal Trust and Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
Andrew Richards, partner at Francis Clark, said: "The Inter-Office cycle relay takes real spirit as well as fitness. It is very gruelling with some steep terrain involving around 10,000 feet of climbs. It's also a great team-builder and a marvellous way for our staff to engage with and raise money for their chosen charities."
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Public invited to dementia awareness sessions in Exeter
PEOPLE are invited to attend dementia awareness sessions being held in Exeter this autumn with the hope of creating a 'dementia friendly' community.
Hosted by volunteer dementia champion, Gina Awad, the sessions are being held at 6pm on Wednesday, September 10, at Costa Coffee in Marsh Barton, 11am on Wednesday, October 22, at St Thomas Library, and on Wednesday, November 10, at Sainsburys Alphington coffee shop.
The Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friends initiative aims to make everyday life better for people with dementia by changing the way the nation thinks, talks and acts.
Ms Awad, who is a lifestyle consultant, counsellor and mentor, and is studying for a degree in health and social care, hopes that understanding of the condition will turn into action.
She said: "With the government predicting that one in three of our ageing population will develop a type of dementia, I am committed to raising awareness and making our community more "dementia friendly" and inclusive.
"I have two goals at the moment, to raise awareness and pass on dementia friendly tips to the community and to raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK through trekking the Great Wall of China."
Sessions are free, informal and open to everyone.
Places are limited to 25 so booking is necessary either by emailing ginasfreespirit@yahoo.co.uk or phoning, 07941 1459439.
People can also book through www.dementiafriends.co.uk
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Plans revealed for Exeter allotment restrictions
PLANS have been revealed to restrict city allotments to those living in Exeter and limit their size.
And rents are set to rise, to £63 per year for a full-size plot.
Pensioners taking on a plot will also have to pay the full rental, as discounts are to cease, the city council has revealed.
But those already with an allotment – and there are currently 413 tenants aged 60 or over – will keep the discount.
In addition, those renting a plot are to be encouraged to form associations to take more responsibility for the management of the entire site as the city council looks to cut down on its costs.
It currently costs the city council more than £43,000 to run the allotment service, but it has a projected budget of just under £7,000 for the next financial year. Mains water will still be provided.
The proposed changes have been welcomed by current plot holder Christine Fraser. She said: "When it was issued in June, the consultation document caused consternation among many existing plot holders and a lot of work has been done both with them and the council to clarify the council's intentions.
"Was it to whack up rents to nearly £100? Was it to put allotment land at risk? Was it to cut off the water supply?
"In the event, my personal view is that the officers and our councillors have heard these concerns and have produced recommendations which are sound and which enable closer collaborative working to ensure the future of this important provision across the city."
Ms Fraser added: "Officers have clearly reviewed their own administration and management costs and found significant savings through, in particular, how rents are collected.
"The arcane, rather quaint, method of having allotment-holders queue up on a gloomy September evening to pay the annual rent by cheque or cash has had to give way to modern methods, such as direct debit.
"If the recommendations are adopted, and if we get good 'smart working' in the council plus strong volunteer administration support on the ground at the allotment sites, we should be on track for what we all want – to secure allotment provision for the next generations."
The new arrangements for allotments in Exeter follow a public consultation held over the summer months and will be presented to the city council's scrutiny committee for approval next week, before going on to be debated by the executive.
A further review will be undertaken in two years' time to assess how successful the changes have been.
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Ben Bradshaw helps husband of woman who died after falling into hot bath receive holiday compensation
A GRIEVING Exeter husband has received over £2,000 compensation for a holiday that had to be cancelled when his wife died in tragic circumstances.
St Thomas couple Stephen Harper and Lynn, his wife of 37 years, had been looking forward to a holiday in sunny Florida, booked with Thomas Cook.
But that dream was shattered when Lynn was scalded to death after falling into a hot bath when she suffered a fit.
Tax investigator Mrs Harper, 57, toppled into the bath and tests showed the water had a temperature of 42°C and a radiator in the bathroom was 52°C and "too hot to touch".
An inquest subsequently heard that Mrs Harper, would have survived the fit but died after falling into the "scalding hot bath" at the family home. Now after months of wrangling Mr Harper's MP, Ben Bradshaw has managed to help obtain a refund of just over £2,000 from Thomas Cook.
Mr Bradshaw said: "Given the tragic circumstances I can see no reason why he should have been put through such a hassle for what was a perfectly reasonable refund."
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300 homes on fields between Honiton and Gittisham are rescrutinised
IF controversial, previously approved plans for 300 houses on fields sandwiched between Honiton and Gittisham are backed once again, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will be informed.
The development by developers Welbeck was approved in April subject to a site visit after concerns about its impact on the local road network.
The application was discussed again in July by the Planning Inspection Committee after a meeting between the chief executive of East Devon District Council and members of Gittisham Parish Council where concern was expressed that the landscape value of the site had not been given sufficient weight in the planning officer's report.
The site off Hayne Lane is located within two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There was uproar among nearby residents and ward councillors that the council was considering building on the site which has been identified only as a "reserve" site, meaning it should only be considered if there are no other suitable sites, in the draft Local Plan.
On Friday, September 5, the application will be discussed by the Planning Inspection Committee again in lights of submissions by Devon County Council – which requires around £1m in order to compensate for the burden on existing schools in the vicinity – and the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group – which has stipulated that another doctor will need to be employed if the development goes ahead.
District ward member, Councillor Mike Allen is one of many councillors to dub the development as "unsustainable" and has accused the applicant's submission of the application and council officers' recommendation to approve it, as "premature".
Cllr Allen said the "only" justification for the development is that the council cannot prove it has a five year supply of housing land and the fact it has no Local Plan in place.
The committee could overturn the decision to approve the plans, however if they are approved, the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will be notified and may decide to call in the decision for his review.
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Over half of Exeter mums are now the breadwinners for their family, according to new research
Over half of Exeter mothers are now the breadwinners for their household, contributing 50 per cent or more to its total annual income, according to new research.
Engage Mutual findings have revealed that 52 per cent of Exeter mums provide half or more of their families' yearly income compared to the UK average of 43%.
The mutual commissioned the independent research questioning 2,000 mums across the UK to get a better understanding of their impact on household finances and what financial products they have.
They also quizzed them on knowledge of the economy and whilst Exeter mothers passed the politician's test of knowing the cost of a pint of milk (74 per cent did), more knew who the Chancellor of the Exchequer was (78 per cent) and over half (59 per cent) knew the current Bank of England bank rate.
"Forget yummy mummies, what we have is savvy mummies or as we have dubbed them MOMIES (Makes Own Money Is Economically Savvy). They are not only breadwinners for their families but are also making key financial decisions for their households and it is time that financial service providers recognised that, " said Dianne Verity, Engage Head of Customer Services.
Otherey Exeter findings from the Engage Mutual research into the 'Rise of the MOMIES' included:• Over 52 per cent of Exeter mothers are 'maternal breadwinners' contributing half or more of the household's annual income• 19 per cent of Exeter mothers are the total breadwinner for their entire household, contributing 100 per cent of the income• 76 per cent have their own bank account, 58 per cent their own savings and 24 per cent their own investments• When it comes to protection, 19 per cent have some form of life cover, five per cent have a guaranteed over 50s plan, 12 per cent other whole of life cover and 15 per cent have life insurance but are not sure what type it is • The average Exeter annual household income from the research was £28,108 and the average number of people in the household was 3.1 • Northern Irish mums make the biggest average contribution to household income at 54 per cent, whilst South East mums make the lowest average contribution with a still significant 39 per cent
"Clearly Exeter mums are making an invaluable financial contribution to their households both in terms of the amount of money they put in but also in the decision-making process," added Dianne.
"And as you would expect they are also protecting their families by taking out life cover in case they become sick or the worst happens. That's why we strive to create relevant products for maternal breadwinners."
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What you need to know: Tour of Britain 2014 in Devon
Spectators' guide to Devon Stage of the Friends Life Tour of Britain
Spectators have 110 miles (177km) of Devon's roads to choose from to be part of this year's Friends Life Tour of Britain.
Devon County Council will host Stage Five of the 2014 edition of the race, starting in Exmouth and finishing in Exeter.
The race starts at 11am on Exmouth Strand and will roll out along Alexandra Terrace, the Esplanade and Carlton Hill before heading out of Exmouth on Salterton Road towards Budleigh Salterton. Before the start of the race, the team vehicles will be parked along Rolle Street and Rolle Road.
Last year's Devon Stage, which raced from Sidmouth to Haytor on Dartmoor, attracted record crowds of around 250,000 spectators in Devon. Packed crowds are expected again this year to catch a glimpse of the world's best teams including Sky Pro Cycling, Omega Pharma Quick-Step, Garmin Sharp, Movistar, BMC Racing Team, and Tinkoff Saxo.
As well as the start and finish venues, some of the most exciting places to see the 120 pro cyclists in action are the SKODA King of the Mountains climbs at Mamhead, Haytor, and Stoke Woods/Pennsylvania Road, on the outskirts of Exeter. There are also YodelDirect Sprints at Powderham, Chudleigh and Crediton.
The Stage will also pass through a number of other communities including Budleigh Salterton, Woodbury, Topsham, Exminster, Starcross, Bovey Tracey, Widecombe in the Moor, Princetown, Tavistock, Okehampton, and Copplestone.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: "From Exmouth on East Devon's stunning Jurassic Coast to the historic city centre of Exeter, there is plenty of opportunity to catch some of the action. The start and finish venues usually attract the biggest crowds, and this year it's possible to see both the start and finish and enjoy a short cycle from Exmouth to Exeter along the Exe Estuary Trail. The race also takes in Dartmoor National Park and many of Devon's market towns, so wherever people decide to watch the race, hopefully they will make a day of it. The advice is to leave plenty of time to travel, in order to avoid delays."
Councillor Iain Chubb, East Devon District Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "It's not often that you see the international superstars of sport riding past your home or cycling through your town – so I'm confident that the people of East Devon will be out in force to watch the action and cheer their heroes on from the many vantage points all along the route. Get in position nice and early and please park sensibly so you don't block anyone in their home or driveway."
Councillor Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: "We're thrilled in Exeter to be hosting the finale to Stage Five which I am sure will provide a thrilling climax. I have no doubt that the people of Exeter will line the streets to welcome the riders home."
Road Closures
There will be fixed road closures in place in the start and finish locations – Exmouth and Exeter, and rolling road closures all along the route of the race enforced by 62 police and civilian motorcycles. The rolling road closures will only be in effect for a limited period to allow the race and race vehicles to travel through towns and villages safely and to allow residents, businesses and visitors ample opportunity to see the event safely. Every effort will be made to re-open the roads as soon as it is safe to do so.
Exmouth -
In Exmouth, the rolling road closure will affect Alexandra Terrace, The Esplanade, Carlton Hill and Salterton Road as the race sets off.
The following roads will be closed from 5am to 1pm on Thursday 11 September, and no parking will be permitted from 6pm on Wednesday night (10 September) until 1pm on Thursday:
Chapel Hill (from The Strand to High St/Tower St/Alexandra Terrace Roundabout), Market Street, Queen Street (from Tower Street to The Strand), Rolle Rd, Rolle St and The Strand B3178 (from Carlton Hill roundabout to Imperial Road/Parade roundabout), St Andrew's Road, from Imperial Road to Chapel Hill), The Strand (from Victoria Road to Chapel Hill, Tower Street (from Rolle Street to Queen Street) and Victoria Road (from Imperial Rd to The Strand).
There will also be no parking from 6pm on Wednesday night until 1pm on Thursday at Alexandra Terrace (from Beacon Hill to Imperial Road) and The Strand (from Victoria Road to Imperial Road/Parade roundabout.
Exeter -
In Exeter, rolling road closures will affect the A377 Cowley Bridge, A396 Stoke Road and Pennsylvania Road (from Stoke Rd to the junction of Hillsborough Avenue) as the race heads towards the finish in the city centre.
Roads which will be closed on Thursday (11 Sept) from 5am until 7pm are:
Acland Rd
Bedford St & Catherine St
Blackall Road from Thornton Hill to Pennsylvania Rd
Cheeke Street from Bampflyde St to Sidwell St
High St from Paris St to Queen St
King William St (Access only for residents and John Lewis car
park until approx 2pm from Sidwell St, St
Anne's [Odeon] Roundabout)
Leighton Terrace (Access only for residents and King William St
car park until approx 2pm)
Longbrook Street from Blackall Rd roundabout to York House (nr York Rd)
Oxford Rd (closed at York Rd Junction with access only via St James' Rd)
Summerland St from Red Lion Lane to Sidwell St (Access to John Lewis and King William St car parks are only via Sidwell St from St Anne's [Odeon] roundabout).
Well St - Closed at York Rd Junction (Access only via St James' Rd)
York Rd from Longbrook St to Sidwell St (There is access from Sidwell St for John Lewis and King William St car parks only).
Roads closed on Thursday (11 Sept) from 10am until 7pm:
Castle St, Rougemont Place and Little Castle St
High St from Fore Street/South Street and Queen Street
Little Paul Street.
Northernhay St (closed at Queen St. The bollard at the Iron Bridge end will be removed to allow access via Exe St).
Paris St from Dix's Field to High St (access into Dix's Field will not be affected).
Paul St from Queen St to Guildhall car park (There will be access to Guildhall car park via Bartholomew St and Iron Bridge).
There will be no parking in Northernhay Place from 8pm Wednesday until 7pm Thursday. The road will be closed from 10am until 7pm on Thursday with access for off street parking only.
No parking in Queen St from Isca Place car park to High St from 8pm Wednesday until 7pm Thursday. The road will be closed from 10am Thursday until 7pm, but there will be access to Isca Place car park from the Clock Tower roundabout.
No parking in Pennsylvania Rd, from Hillsborough Ave to Blackall Rd roundabout, from 10pm Wednesday until 7pm Thursday. The road will be closed from 5am until 7pm on Thursday.
No parking from 8pm Wednesday until 7pm Thursday on Sidwell St from York Rd to Paris St/High St. This section of Sidwell Street will also be closed from 5am Thursday until 7pm. Traffic will be allowed to turn left from Sidwell St into Summerland St or right into York Rd for John Lewis and King William St car parks only. The road will be closed on Thursday from approximately 2pm until 7pm.
Bude Street will be one way (towards Co-op) from 5am Thursday until around 7pm.
There will be no access to Queens Crescent from 5am Thursday until 7pm due to the closure of York Rd.
There will no access to Queens Crescent from 5am to 7pm on Thursday due to the closure of York Rd.
No parking/loading in Market Street from Guinea St to Fore Street, from 8pm Wednesday until around 7pm on Thursday.
No parking in Bampfylde St from Cheeke St to Paris St from 8pm Wednesday until 7pm Thursday. The road will be one way (towards Paris Street) and will be the location for temporary bus stops from 5am Thursday until around 7pm.
No parking in Bailey St, Musgrave Row and Little Queen St from 8pm Wednesday until 7pm Thursday. Road closed on Thursday from 10am until 7pm. The Lower library area will be closed on Thursday from 5am. There will be access only for Northernhay Place and Castle.
Parking and Transport
Spectators wishing to travel by train between the start in Exmouth and finish in Exeter are reminded that capacity to carry bikes on these services is limited to two spaces per train.
Most car parks in Exeter will operate as normal. However, the race will restrict access to some city centre car parks. These are:
King William Street and John Lewis car parks, where access will only be via Sidwell Street from St Anne's (Odeon) roundabout until approximately 2pm. Sidwell Street will then be closed until 7pm. All traffic will leave via New North Road.
Guildhall and Harlequins car park - access only via Bartholomew Street or Iron Bridge.
Howell Road car park - access via New North Road and Blackall Road.
Isca Place car park, Queen Street - access only via Clock Tower end of Queen Street.
Exeter library car park - only Blue Badge parking will be available.
Due to the road closures there will be diversions to bus routes and some bus stops will not be serviced.
Exmouth:
Services 57/157/357 will divert via Exeter Road, (Service 357 departing from the Parade when Rolle Street is closed), Gypsy Lane, Marlpool Hill, and Claremount Grove, picking up normal route at Salterton Road. This will operate in both directions.
Service 95 will divert from the Bus Station via Victoria Road, picking up normal route at the Esplanade, affects outbound route only.
Exeter:
There will be no buses serving Queen Street, Longbrook Street, High Street, Sidwell Street and York Road until after 18:30. Temporary bus stops will be set up in Bampflyde Street (parallel to the Bus Station) and Market Street (opposite Market Carpets), to replace those stops opposite BHS (Services A,B,E,F and P).
The following services will be diverted:
Service A from Exe Bridges – normal route to BHS, then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Heavitee Road and normal route.
From Heavitree via Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street and normal route from Fore Street.
Service B from Exe Bridges - normal route to BHS, then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, Old Tiverton Road, Stoke Arms roundabout and then normal route.
From Stoke Arms via Old Tiverton Road, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street and normal route from Fore Street.
Service D from University - Prince of Wales Road, Union Road, Stoke Arms Roundabout, Old Tiverton Road, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Heavitree Road and normal route.
From Heavitree Road via Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Road, Paris Street, Western Way, Old Tiverton Road, Union Road, Prince of Wales Road, Streatham Drive and normal route.
Services E/F1/F2 from Exe Bridges - normal route to BHS, then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way and normal route from Old Tiverton Road.
From Old Tiverton Road via Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street and normal route from Fore Street.
Service G from the Quay - normal route to BHS, then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way and normal route from Blackboy Road.
From Blackboy Road via Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street, Fore Street, South Street and then normal route to the Quay.
Service H from St Davids Station via Bonhay Road, Exe Bridges, Fore Street, BHS, South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Heavitee Road and normal route.
From Heavitree Road via Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street, Fore Street, Exe Bridges, Bonhay Road and normal route from St Davids Station.
Services J/K/T from Topsham Road - normal route to BHS then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way and normal route from Blackboy Road.
From Blackboy Road via Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street, Fore Street, South Street and then normal route to Countess Wear etc.
Service P from Exe Bridges - normal route to BHS then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way and normal route from Blackboy Road.
From Blackboy Road via Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street and normal route to Fore Street.
Service R from Topsham Road - normal route to BHS then via South Street, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Heavitree Road and normal route.
Service S from Heavitree – via Cheeke Street, Bampfylde Street, Paris Street, Western Way, South Street, Market Street, Fore Street, South Street, then normal route.
Blue/Red Park & Ride & M2 from Sowton/Honiton Road - from Blackboy Road, Western Way around Paris Street roundabout, Western Way, Summerland Street, Bampfylde Road to Cheeke Street – (Bus Stop outside Stagecoach offices).
From Cheeke Street via Western Way and normal route from Blackboy Road.
Service SR4 from Heavitree via Western Way, Summerland Street, Bamfylde Road to Cheeke Street – (Bus Stop outside Stagecoach offices).
From Cheeke Street – normal route.
Services 1/1A/1B/1C from Blackboy Road via Western Way, Cheeke Street to Bus Station.
From Bus Station via Paris Street, Western Way and normal route from Blackboy Road.
Services 5/5A/5B/5C/55/55A/55B/155 from Cowley Bridge – via St Davids Station, Bonhay Road, Exe Bridges, Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bus Station.
From Bus Station via Paris Street, Western Way, Exe Bridges, Bonhay Road, St Davids Station, Cowley Bridge and then normal route.
Service X9 – normal route to St Davids Station then back along Bonhay Road to Exe Bridges then Western Way, Cheeke Street, Bus Station.
From Bus Station via Paris Street, Western Way, Exe Bridges, Bonhay Road, St Davids Station then normal route.
The Green Park & Ride will be unaffected.
All other rural services are not affected.
The 2014 Friends Life Tour of Britain will start in Liverpool on Sunday (7 September )and finish in London with an individual time trial and a circuit race on Sunday 14 September.
Devon Stage - Stage Five (Estimated times)
Start - Exmouth Strand 11:00
YodelDirect Sprint - Kenton 11:56
SKODA KOM - Mamhead (Cat.2) 12:04
YodelDirect Sprint - Chudleigh 12:24
SKODA KOM - Haytor (Cat. 1) 12.34
YodelDirect Sprint - Crediton 14:58
SKODA KOM - Stoke Woods (Cat.2) 15:19
Finish - Exeter High Street 15:26
For more information go to www.southwesttourofbritain.co.uk and www.tourofbritain.co.uk. On Twitter follow @SWTourofBritain or like our SW Tour on Britain Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Tour-of-Britain-South-West/93956718666?fref=ts
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Travellers set up camp at Exeter's Hamlin Lane playing fields - putting weekend's football at risk
Travellers have set up at Hamlin Lane playing fields in Exeter – putting this weekend's football fixtures at risk.
Around 20 caravans are understood to have cut through barriers this morning (Friday) and forced entry into Hamlin Lane to set up camp.
Hamlin Lane hosts up to five full-sized football pitches and changing rooms and is the home of Stoke Hill AFC.
Club chairman Paul Howe said: "This puts at risk this weekend's games and I am currently awaiting further guidance from the policy and council authorities around what we can do and what will happen this weekend for the Exeter youth league games, Fresha games and Sunday games.
"I will keep everyone posted. This the last thing we need as a club when the season is starting this weekend for us at home."
Exeter City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have both been notified. Updates when we have them.
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Cannabis dealer jailed for £1,000 a month sales
Dominic Viner was caught when police raided his home in Barnstaple and found him with £325 worth of skunk and scales and bags ready to be used to prepare it for selling on the street.
He told officer he was making £100 every couple of days but later scaled down his estimate and reckoned his profits were £1,000 a month.
He now faces a further confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act in which the police are trying to seize two cars worth £7,000 which he owned.
Building labourer Viner, aged 23, of Sunset Heights, Barnstaple, admitted four offences of supplying cannabis and was jailed for seven months by Recorder Mr Nicholas Hall at Exeter Crown Court.
He told him:"You were involved in dealing direct with members of the public for your own benefit. You replaced ordinary employment with cannabis dealing.
"There are aggravating features. The length of time you continued dealing and your significant reliance on the income, although it did not provide you with a pleasurable lifestyle."
Mr James Taghdissian, prosecuting, said police raided Viner's home on April 15 and found him in the bedroom where they located 32.5 grams of cannabis with a street value of £325, paraphernalia, scales and bags.
He told officer he had 'a weed problem' and said he had been dealing drugs and making £100 every two days and putting the money into his girlfriend's bank account.
After checks on bank statements on bank statements he was interviewed again and said his income from drug dealing was more like £1,000 a month.
Mr Taghdissian said:"He said he only did it so he could live and he spent the money on day to day things. It is clear that the drugs in his house were going to be sold to others but there is no evidence of high living.
"We say he played a significant role in what was effectively street dealing. We are seeking confiscation. His only assets are two cars worth £7,000, so we are no expecting to recover a vast amount of money."
He said Viner has convictions for 46 offences and had been cautioned by police in May last year for cannabis dealing.
Mr Nigel Wraith, defending, said Viner has overcome problems of alcohol, violence and anti-social but had developed a cannabis habit which he was selling drugs to support.
He said his attitudes have changed and he now has a regular job as a building worker, often operating away from North Devon, and is tackling his cannabis problem.
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Transport minister visits Exeter to mark start of construction on £1.5 million Newcourt railway station scheme
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer has visited the Newcourt railway station site in Exeter today as work prepares to get underway.
The Minister will cut a turf to mark the start of construction on the £1.5 million scheme.
The Devon County Council project is being part funded with £741,000 from the Department for Transport's New Station Fund. It is one of only five stations awarded funding nationally, following a successful bid by the County Council. The other half of the scheme costs will be met by developer contributions.
Devon County Council is working closely with First Great Western and Network Rail on the scheme which will develop a new platform and shelter. The station, which will be served by a half-hourly local service on the Exmouth branch line, will have a ticket machine, passenger information system, secure cycle parking, disabled parking spaces and CCTV.
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: "A modern railway station with excellent customer facilities can speak volumes about a local community. Newcourt station will help transform the experience of passengers every day and provide a boost to the local economy.
"We have big ambitions for our railways, which is why we have embarked on the biggest programme of modernisation since the Victorian era, with more than £38 billion being spent over the next five years to provide better journeys for millions of passengers. Newcourt station is an important part of that programme."
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: "The development of Newcourt Rail Station is a key element of the County Council strategy to develop sustainable transport links across the city. It will be extremely beneficial for the residents in the 3,500 homes allocated for this area and will help reduce local traffic. The New Station Funding has helped make this scheme possible and we're delighted to have the Minister's support in starting work on site. Newcourt Station is part of the County Council's Devon Metro initiative which is improving the county's rail network and local rail services, to encourage more people to travel by rail."
Dan Okey, First Great Western Regional Development Manager, West, said: "The Avocet Line, running between Exeter and Exmouth, has grown by 63% since 2006 and now serves 1.6million customers a year - showing the value of local rail services in the South West, and how productive partnerships can really deliver results that benefit local people and the local economy. The building of this new station, here at Newcourt, is testament to the popularity of this community rail line and we look forward to running a full timetable as soon as construction is completed."
Exeter based contractor Dyer and Butler will carry out the work, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. No train services will be disrupted by the construction work.
A footpath between the station and Old Rydon Lane has already been improved which will provide a direct route to Sandy Park rugby stadium.
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UPDATE: Cyclist in his thirties airlifted to hospital after A38 collision with lorry
A MALE in his thirties has been taken to Derriford Hospital by Air Ambulance after a serious collision on the A38 this morning.
Police, paramedics and the air ambulance all attended the collision, which occurred on the Exeter-bound carriageway of the A38 near Lee Mill after what has been described as a collision between a lorry and a cyclist.
An ambulance spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.51am this morning to the a collision involving a cyclist and a vehicle on the A38 Exeter-bound carriageway near Leigh Mill.
"CPR was carried out at the scene to a male in his thirties. He was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth by Air Ambulance."
A spokesman for Devon & Cornwall Police added:
" At 10.53am on Friday 5th September emergency services attended a serious injury road traffic collision on the A38 Exeter bound carriageway near Smithleigh, approximately one mile from Lee Mill.
"Involved in the collision was a lorry and a pedal cyclist.
"The cyclist was treated at the scene before being conveyed by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital with serious injuries.
"The A38, Exeter bound is currently closed whilst investigations into the incident are carried out by officers from the Serious Collisions investigation Unit.
"Traffic in the area and on surrounding minor roads is very heavy and motorists are advised to avoid the area if at all possible.
"The Lorry driver, a man, aged in his early 40's was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and remains in custody at Charles Cross police Station.
"Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact them on 101 quoting police reference 0252 05914."
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