"Make sure you remember where you put the keys" - Fire service warning to Fifty Shades film fans in Devon

February 12, 2015, 5:14 am

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Devon firefighters are urging people to practise safe sex this weekend – by remembering where they put the keys to their handcuffs. The warning comes as it was revealed fans of the upcoming racy Fifty Shades of Grey movie have been buying record numbers of handcuffs from Ann Summers' shop. Firefighters said they are keen to ensure they're not called out to release Devon residents from their sexy equipment, and they've offered safety advice. "The key is to make sure you have an escape plan," said a spokesman for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. "It does happen, just make sure you remember where you put the keys. "In all seriousness we would urge people make sure they can get out quickly in an emergency." Friday's release of the first Fifty Shades of Grey film is being labelled as one of the most anticipated entertainment events of the year. The Ann Summers has said it has seen a rise in trade – despite stiff opposition from official Fifty Shades merchandise on the high street. A spokeswoman said erotic styles of lingerie, 'sexcessories' including fur handcuffs and massagers have been "top sellers" in recent weeks. Cinemas in Exeter are also reporting record pre-bookings. Fifty Shades of Grey is based on the internationally best-selling novel by E L James. The 18-certificate movie tells the story of the young literature student, Anastasia Steele, and her intimate relationship with the wealthy and powerful Christian Grey.

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Bungling recovery driver caught using his car to push vintage Fiat along the slow lane of the M5 near Exeter

February 12, 2015, 5:49 am

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A bungling recovery driver was caught using his car to push a rare vintage Fiat along the slow lane of a motorway after the tow bar snapped. Mark Fox and his friend Benjamin Baker caused £3,000 damage to the classic Cinquecento car when it crashed onto its side on the M5 in Devon. Police patrol officers were astounded to find the pair driving down the motorway at 1 am with their Peugeot pushing the Fiat in front of it. The men had tipped the car upright after their initial crash and used the spare tyre as a makeshift fender to protect the back of the Fiat and the front of the Peugeot. The car crashed when the tow broke as they were pulling off the M5 at Sampford Peverell, near Tiverton, to take a break after driving from Barrow in Furness. They were caught near Cullompton and told police they planned to push the car 15 miles along the motorway to Exeter Services, where they hoped to get a friend to help them. Proud owner Lynsie Caddy had always dreamed of owning a classic Fiat 500 and spent 30 years saving up before finding one which she planned to restore at her home in Truro, Cornwall. She made the mistake of hiring a Plymouth based firm called Foxy's Recovery without realising that it did not even own a low loader and that its boss had no licence because of two previous convictions for dangerous driving. Fox promised to use a recovery truck for the 830 mile round trip from one end of Britain to the other but instead fitted a towbar attachment to his friend Baker's Peugeot. Fox, aged 43, of Henderson Place, Plymouth, and Baker, aged 41, of Wyndham Street West, Plymouth, both admitted dangerous driving. Fox also admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance. Fox was jailed for 12 months and Baker for four months, both suspended for two years by Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court. Fox was also ordered to go on a thinking skills course. The Judge told them:"I cannot think of a set of factors that cries out more for a thinking skills programme than this. It was a quite bizarre decision to take. "This was a classic and very valuable car, not just in financial terms and this accident happened after you broke an agreement about how it would be transported. "The Fiat became detached from the rope and crashed and what happened next was that it was shunted down the motorway at slow speed to get it to the next exit. "The police must have been astonished when they saw one vehicle pushing another along the M5 using a spare tyre as a buffer. It was plainly dangerous driving. "If a car or a truck had come along at higher speed they would have had very little chance to avoid you and the result could have been a tragedy." Miss Felicity Payne, prosecuting, said:"This was a dream car for Lynsie Caddy, who had spent years and years saving up to buy a classic Fiat 500 and found one in Barrow-in Furness which she needed transporting to Truro. "She made a victim impact statement she said she was in tears when police called to tell her what happened and had dreamt of owning the car ever since passing her test 30 years earlier. "She was distressed that when she finally found one it was destroyed in this way. It needed £3,000 repairs but Fox told her he could fox it for £500 and it wasn't worth that sort of money anyway." Mr Nigel Hall, for Fox, said he was a disqualified driver but was within the law to steer the car while it was towed. He only started driving illegally when it was pushed rather than pulled. He said his previous offences of dangerous driving happened many years ago but he could not get his licence back because he kept failing the theory test. He described him as a family man and 'a good egg'. He had been unemployed and was pressurised by the Jobcentre into starting his own recovery business but it was not successful and he only brought in about two jobs a month. Mr Joss Ticehurst, for Baker, said he had got involved to help his friend and had been acting responsibly by pulling off to take a break when the tow parted and the Fiat crashed.

Exeter judge scraps knife girl's jail sentence so she can go back to school

February 12, 2015, 6:09 am

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A Judge has cancelled the prison sentence of a knife wielding woman so she can return to her studies in Ireland. Kelsey O'Grady had received an eight month sentence for taking a knife to a skate park in Torrington but was released immediately because she had already served the time while on remand. The case was brought back in front of Judge Phillip Wassall at Exeter Crown Court because O'Grady had been stopped from returning home to Ireland because she was technically still on prison licence. Judge Wassall replaced her jail sentence with a conditional discharge and said it was his intention she should be able to return to her family in Tralee, Eire, immediately. O'Grady was initially arrested in 2012 for the incident at the skate park which ended in her abusive boyfriend James Clarke suffering a stab wound. She returned to her home in Ireland after being bailed but was arrested when she came on a short trip to England in September and has been in jail ever since. Judge Wassall ordered her immediate release after seeing references which showed that in the intervening years she has gone back to school and college and has been doing well with her studies. He said:"I am re-visiting this sentence because it had been my intention for her to be released immediately and able to return home. She has mnore than served the appropriate time for this offence. "Her intention is to return to Ireland to continue her studies. She had gone off the rails and this is the best way of getting her back on them. "When I passed the sentence I did not realise that the conditions of her licence would have frustrated the point of the sentence, which was that she should return to Ireland immediately." When the case was heard earlier this week the Judge heard how O'Grady moved to Devon when she was just 16 because of a relationship with Kieran Jones which turned sour within weeks. She armed herself with a knife during a violent confrontation at the skate park next to his home in Torrington which ended in him receiving a stab wound. O'Grady, of Tralee, Ireland, admitted having a knife in a public place. She denied a more serious charge of wounding, which was dropped after 22-year-old Mr Jones told police he had no intention of giving evidence. Jones himself was jailed last month for an incident in South Molton in which he took a dinner knife from a café during a confrontation with a man he thought had been seeing his girlfriend. O'Grady moved to Torrington to be with him in 2012 but returned to Ireland after the incident at the skate park in May and was arrested on her return to Britain last year. Mr Joss Ticehurst, prosecuting, said Jones has told the officer in the case he had no intention of coming to court or supporting the prosecution. Others who were at the skate park are now abroad. He said the offence happened when O'Grady was in a relationship with Jones and they were both staying with his aunt in Torrington, very close to the skate park at Calf Street. He said:"They were both at the skate park when an argument developed and she punched him a couple of times. His response was to laugh. She stormed off, pushing a young girl out of the way as she went. "She returned with a knife which was seen by other members of the public at the skate park." Mr Nigel Wraith, defending, said O'Grady had excellent references from her old school and friends in Ireland which showed she had thrown away a bright future to move to Devon when she was just 16. He said:"She has been in custody since September, which is the equivalent of a nine month sentence. She started a relationship with Jones when she was 12 or 13 and when she was just 16 he invited her to Devon. "He promised her a good life in England but she found the reality was far from that. He was not a good choice of partner and has recently been sent to jail for other offences. "At the time she was sofa surfing and wanted to return to Ireland. She was 16 and had no money and that was the cause of the argument that led to this incident."

Judge issues warrant for wanted Teignmouth knifeman

February 12, 2015, 6:42 am

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A Judge has issued a warrant for the arrest of a knifeman who failed to turn up for a sentencing hearing at Exeter Crown Court. Alexander Cusworth, aged 35, has admitted breaking a suspended sentence imposed in September 2013 for an incident in which he terrified a group of bowlers in Teignmouth. Cusworth was in breach of the sentence because he has failed for comply with the terms of his probation supervision. Judge Wassall issued a warrant for his immediate arrest when he failed to attend court. In the original case Cusworth, aged 36, of Barn Park Terrace, Teignmouth, received an eight month sentence after admitting having a knife on Teignmouth seafront in June 2013. In that case the court heard how a member of the bowls club was playing a game on the Den when he saw Cusworth walk past holding a knife and was alarmed by it. Moments later he asked a friend to call the police after seeing the same man slashing at a passenger who was waiting for a bus nearby during a heated argument. Cusworth was ordered to receive treatment for a long standing drug problem but has failed to keep in contact with probation and drug workers.

Meet one-eyed Murray, one of Exeter's many homeless cats

February 12, 2015, 7:09 am

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This time of year is typically quiet for the Cats Protection League's Exeter Axhayes Adoption Centre. At its peak, usually in the summer months, it has more than 200 cats in its care waiting or new homes. Currently it has around 65 cats, but that's still a lot of animals who all share one thing in common – the hope of finding a loving and permanent home. The Echo's Anita Merritt visited the centre to meet some of those cats and hear the stories behind why they have ended up at the CPL via Phil Punnett, the deputy adoption centre managerSEE THE FULL GALLERY OF PETS HERE Murray Found straying on a caravan park in poor condition, no one could get near to Murray and when they did, they realised he had a piece of wood protruding out of his eye. He is thought to be around five-years-old, and would be okay living with older children. Phil recalled: "He must have been in real agony, hence why no one could get near him. Eventually he was caught and taken into the CPL. A vet removed his eye, and Murray is now very friendly and full of fun. He just needs building up and is looking for a loving, safe home." Fred and Missy For the last 14 years, ginger cats Fred and Missy have lived in the same home together, but their owner is emigrating so they have been in the care of the CPL for the last three weeks. Phil said: "They are fantastic cats who are lovely together. You couldn't separate them. At their age you just want them to be happy in a home." Tivvy Names don't get much more local than female feline Tivvy. Her owners moved but couldn't take her with them, and she has been with the CPL for two months. Phil recalled: "We rehomed her when she was about 12. She is a lovely cat and just needs a nice home with no other cats and an owner who is home quite a lot of the time because she likes company." Matty Until recently, black cat Matty, thought to be about two-years-old, lived on a farm. Since coming to the CPL she has been enjoying lots of attention. Phil recalled: "Last summer we were called to a farm with nine cats. We couldn't take them all in as we didn't have room at the time so we neutered them and have gradually brought them in. "Matty was a little wary at first because he's not had any socialisation, but he will make a nice pet. He just needs a bit of confidence and a nice home." Churchill Fluffy black and white cat Churchill arrived at the CPL a couple of weeks ago with two other cats, all believed to be strays. The others have been homed and now Churchill, thought to be about eight-years-old, is longing for the same. Phil said: "Churchill is quite striking in terms of colours and markings, is friendly and ticks most of the boxes. "He came in with ear mites but his coat wasn't in bad condition." Clyde A long way from home is black and white cat Clyde. He arrived with eight other cats from Ireland and is thought to be around two-years-old. Phil explained: "There is no CPL in Ireland so a lady over there looks after strays and every now and again she brings some over by ferry and then train to Exeter. "Most of the other cats have gone but Clyde is still here because he needed dental treatment. He is a lovely cat with a great personality, and would suit a nice family home." Sprinkles Back with the CPL because of her "cattitude" is six-year-old Sprinkles. She is a cat who knows her own mind, and would suit an experienced cat owner. Phil said: "She came to the CPL a couple of years ago, but is back because she bit her owner. It was a one-off but the owner had to think of their grandchildren who visit. "Sprinkles has always been a bit temperamental. She is friendly, but on her terms." Tiger Tailless Tiger is about six-years-old and no one knows how the tabby lost its tail. Phil said: "She has come from a home but wasn't happy there because it was too noisy. She is a bit of an individual who likes attention, but on her terms. She just wants to do her own thing. We sometimes let her out and she loves charging around." Ty Settling into his first week back at the CPL is white and tabby cat Ty, thought to be about eight-years-old. His catching claw landed him in trouble with his new owners, but this playful, loving cat is hoping for a second chance. Phil said: "His claw got caught on a child when he was playing. It was just one of those unfortunate incidents. There's nothing horrible about Ty, but he'd probably suit a home with older children." Tennyson and Timothy (2 separate pics) They might not be brother and sister, but Tennyson and Timothy love each other like they are. They are about two-years-old and arrived at the CPL a couple of weeks ago. Phil said: "They would like to be homed together. It's a lot easier to have a pair of cats who are used to each other rather than trying to put two cats together." Mr Mole If you had a medical condition but were still healthy, would you want to live? Mr Mole certainly does. The five-year-old has FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), which means he has to be an indoor cat and live in a home without any other cats. His pen has been awarded the "Saddest Cat" rosette because he isn't settling well into his temporary home. Phil said: "He's not very happy so he's been pulling his hair out a bit. He just needs a quiet home without children or cats. He came from a home with another cat and was quite getting quite stressed. "Some charities will put cats to sleep with FIV, but he's not in pain or suffering, and can live a normal life. "FIV is the feline equivalent of aids, and cats can get it if they haven't been neutered. Of those cats with it, 89 per cent live to a normal age and die of natural conditions. "We have about 30 cats a year come in and test positive for FIV." Eddie Looking a bit sad and sorry for himself is Eddie, a white and black cat thought to be about three-years-old. Phil said: "He came from Bridgewater as a stray. I think he has had a home before and just needs a quiet home." Sapphire Unable to move with her owner, three-year-old black cat Sapphire has found herself homeless. Phil said: "She comes from a family and only had an enclosed run in a garden so has had no experience of roads, so would suit a home in a quiet location." Biscuit Looking for a nice, quiet life is seven-year-old black and white female biscuit. She has been with the CPL for a couple of months and is just waiting for the right owner. Phil said: "She came from a really noisy household and wasn't happy so she's come in. She's such a sweet little cat." Tish As her owners were unable to take her when they moved, black nine-year-old cat Tish needs a new home, ideally with a dog to play with. Phil said: "She needs a bit of room because she's from quite a semi-rural area. Her owners had a dog and she really liked being with one. What she needs is a nice family who can give her some fuss." Mary Toothless black cat Mary has a mysterious past. She arrived at the CPL last October with two other cats, and the trio all had no teeth. They were also anaemic and not in good condition. Phil said: "We've been building them back up and have been able to home the other two, and now it's just Mary who's left. "It's not easy to age her because she doesn't have teeth, but we think she's between six to eight-years-old. When she first arrived we thought she was 14 because of the condition she was in. "Mary needs someone to take pity on her. She was a bit of a scary Mary when she first came as she was so frightened. She's still a bit wary, but is much friendlier now – and will do anything for food!" Charlotte When Charlotte's owners were evicted from their house, so was she. The stray eight-year-old had been living in a garage for two years because every time she tried to get into the house, she was chased out by the owner's dog. Until recently she was called Mr Tom because her owner thought she was a boy. Phil said: "In the past she has been someone's pet because she's neutered and is so friendly. All she needs is a nice, friendly home." Delta Handsome and boisterous two-year-old tabby Delta is looking for a home with older children. Phil said: "He's been with us about a month after coming from a house with cats, dogs and children. He is quite boisterous, but it was too much for him." Reece If you're looking for a stay indoors pet who is happy to be the only cat then Reece is perfect. The three-year-old tabby has FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), but you would never know it to look at him. Phil said: "We had a call just before Christmas from a family saying a cat was coming into their roof space from outside and looked heavily pregnant. "We caught the cat and discovered it was actually an unneutered male! "He was quite nervous when he came in because he's not had socialisation, but is coming on leaps and bounds. He has a sad face and always looks grumpy so he's quite a character." Phara Coming across the border from Dorset is tortoise shell cat Phara, who is around five-years-old. Phil said: "She has come from a home but wasn't happy and needs to be in a home where she is the only cat." Ebony Last autumn Ebony had six kittens when she was barely a kitten herself. In the three months she has been with the CPL, she has almost doubled in size and is now neutered. Phil said: "I don't think she's ever been a house cat because she was wary when she came in, but is much better now." If you would like to rehome one of the cats in the care of the CPL, call 01395 232377 or visit www.axhayes.cats.org.uk The CPL also has an Amazon wish list for its cute cats and kittens. It enables people to buy items it needs rather than giving cash. Details can be found on the CPL website. To raise additional funds, the CPL is hosting a Valentine's Coffee Morning on Saturday, February 14. Visitors can enjoy a Valentine's inspired cake, washed down with a drink while chat about all things cat and then meet the CPL's lovely cats.

Delay in case of Tiverton man who attacked his grandfather

February 12, 2015, 7:35 am

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A Judge has adjourned the sentence on a Tiverton man who attacked his grandfather to allow him a second chance to attend a meeting with the probation service. Liam Luxon, aged 20, was due to be sentenced at Exeter Crown Court accused of wounding his 67-year-old grandfather, who suffered two facial fractures in the assault. Luxon, of Queensway, Tiverton, failed to attend an appointment with the probation service and as a result there was no pre sentence report available for Judge Phillip Wassall. The Judge adjourned he case after Luxon's barrister Miss Sarah Vince told him her client had missed the meeting when a planned lift from Tiverton to Exeter had been cancelled at the last minute. The Judge warned him this was his last opportunity to cooperate in the preparation of a report and he would be sentenced without the benefit of one if he failed to turn up again.

Dawlish on flood alert ahead of predicted tidal surge

February 12, 2015, 7:50 am

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The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for parts of the Devon coast. Beesands, Torcross, Slapton, Torbay and Dawlish are today on flood alert ahead of a predicted tidal surge. The Environment Agency warning has been issued for high tide on Friday morning. The organisation said waves of up to 3.3m could coincide with high water levels, resulting in "spray overtopping and some onshore flooding".

Cranbrook set for first GP Surgery

February 12, 2015, 7:58 am

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Cranbrook, the new and vastly-expanding East Devon town, will witness the milestone of having their first ever medical centre open next month. There are also plans for a pharmacy to be set up at the NHS-commissioned medical practice, which will be situated next to the Younghayes Centre on Cranbrook Road. NHS England Contract Manager, Caroline Stead, who led the commissioning of the surgery said: "It's not often that a whole new community is created from scratch, so this is an exciting development. It's been good to work with people from the town to identify what services are needed, and now to see that work put into action." The new practice will be operated by Access Health Care, a subsidiary of Devon Doctors - a non-profit social enterprise owned by the county's GP practices. Access Health Care Chairman, Dr Bruce Hughes, said: "We're looking forward to providing a first-class service for Cranbrook residents and involving them in the development of the practice to ensure it provides what's required to meet their healthcare needs. "We'll be working hard over the next few weeks to get the practice up and running. At the same time, if you happen to be passing by then, please feel free to drop in for a chat – the staff there will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have." "We'll be staggering registration to ensure we can cope with demand and that patient safety isn't compromised. At the same time, we'll be making forms available to anyone who lives in Cranbrook and is interested in future registration." Priority for signing up to the new surgery will be given to Cranbrook residents who either have a pre-existing medical condition, who aren't registered already in the locality or do not own transport to get them to an Exeter GP.

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Ide residents 'horrified' by proposed slashes in bus services

February 12, 2015, 8:06 am

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'Victorian style' cutbacks to vital bus-links to the city centre would leave non-motorist residents and weekend revellers in and around Ide without a transport link to the city centre between 2:30pm in the afternoon and 8am the following day. Following upset in Topsham over bus service cuts, Ide residents have been left shocked by similar Devon County Council plans to put the brake on bus services, and they're highlighting the fact they don't have an accompanying rail link. The massive changes in bus timetables, the first since April 2011, will primarily affect the 360 service, the 361 service into and out of Ide, a village on the outskirts of Exeter. Altogether, when including more proposed cuts to bus services in the area like the X9, around 24 bus journeys a week could be scrapped; leaving a hole in the timetable big enough to drive a bus through. The nearest bus-stop for a service into the city centre would be at the top of Dunsford Hill. This would mean that in order to catch a bus to the High Street after 2:30pm, Ide residents would have to walk for 17 minutes, crossing the walkbridge over the A30 and through partially unlit areas for nearly a mile – something that's unfeasible for elderly residents. Barry Hookins, Chair of the Ide parish Council, said that residents have been 'horrified at the thought' of the cuts and agreed that different generations of Ide residents would be affected, saying: "The cuts will affect the elderly who don't drive and those who want to leave their car at home to go for a drink at The Quay in the evening." The result of these harsh cuts to the late afternoon/evening Country Bus 360 service would provide Devon County Council with a £9000 annual saving, and the cuts to the 361 Dartline service would only see only a mere £1000 annual saving. Cllr Alan Connett, district councillor said, "The proposed cuts in local bus services are avoidable. The county council says the 18:42 service is not well used but is maintaining work and shopping time journeys. However the cut of the afternoon service further isolates Ide, a village close to the city, and those without a car." He added, "This has all the appearance of a gung-ho approach to chop bus services. In a mainly rural county like Devon that may well result in further isolation and loneliness and people will about how they can get to appointments at the hospital or elsewhere." According to the proposal plan, the estimated number of passenger's journeys per year that are no longer catered by the 360 Bus, or alternative services, come in at nine-hundred and thirty six. It wouldn't be just Ide affected either: Crossmead will also be losing their evening service, and Ting Valley will see their last service withdrawn if the proposals go ahead. Devon County Council hasn't provided us any other justifications for the bus cuts, despite it being queried, beyond those in the Public Transport Review outline. The DCC document says: "To help meet £50 million budget reduction required by government spending cuts next year, we now face making savings of 1.7 million from our annual public transport budget. Devon County Council currently spends 5.376 million a year to support nearly 200 bus services. These would not run without this support." It adds: "Proposals to meet these savings were approved by the County Council's Cabinet on Wednesday 14 January 2015." The cuts to the 360 bus service would see the withdrawal of the 1500 Exeter to Ide; the 1524 Ide to Exeter and the 18:42 Bridford to Exeter journeys. The 361 cuts would see the Withdrawal of 09:03 Hennock to Christow and 13:55 Christow - Newton Abbot Journeys - these connect with Service 360 for journeys to and from Exeter. Former Ide resident, Steve Hallett, says: "this is a service reduction too far; these are Victorian-style cutbacks." When speaking with Steve he mentioned a suggestion he'd put to the County Council for an alteration to the route the Mortonhampstead 359 service takes in order to accommodate Ide and its fellow surrounding villages later into the evening, but said the idea was rejected because of service timing issues. The Devon County Council transport review consultation period closes on Monday 28th April.

Exeter boyfriend denies bathtub attack

February 12, 2015, 8:20 am

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A drug user has denied attacking his on-off girlfriend and said she was beaten up by heroin buyers when a deal went wrong. Jason Davenport said alleged victim Jolene Bruce had blamed him for her injuries because she hoped to jump the council housing queue as a victim of domestic abuse. He said she had lied to her doctor about how she suffered a cracked tooth and injured mouth because she hoped she would gain more points and improve her chances of getting her own council house. Davenport denied being an abusive boyfriend and said Jolene had told other lies in her attempts to get re-housed. The prosecution allege he hurled her into an empty bath tub and hit her in the face during a violent argument at his mother's home in Exeter where they were both living in Exeter last year. Davenport, aged 22, of Wykes Road, Exeter, denies causing actual bodily harm. He said the incident happened after Miss Bruce moved back into his mother's house after moving out to bed and breakfast accommodation and then becoming homeless. He said they were both using heroin at the time and were dealing in a small way to finance their habits and she had been attacked after going out to sell drugs near his home. He said she had nine bags of heroin worth £90 stolen, leaving them with a debt to their own suppliers for the missing heroin. He denied hitting her at any time during their five year relationship and said:"We had verbal arguments in the past but the only time it got physical it was on her side. She has thrown an ash tray and more at me. "She is a compulsive liar. She lies about where she goes. She always lies about everything. She said she was going to tell the doctor I attacked her because she wanted to get priority for housing."

Traffic: Delays on the M5 near Exeter after five vehicle collision

February 12, 2015, 11:16 am

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Emergency services are currently on the scene of a collision involving five cars on the M5 near Exeter. Two lanes of the motorway are shut between junction 27 at Tiverton and junction 28 at Cullompton. Two police units and currently on scene and the ambulance service is on its way. It is not yet known whether the injuries of the drivers are life-threatening. A police spokesperson said they have received a lot of calls about the accident. Drivers are to expect delays of up to ten minutes after two lanes have been closed. Delays are expected until 8pm.Updates as we have them

Update: Woman in hospital following collision on M5 near Exeter

February 12, 2015, 12:28 pm

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A woman is in hospital in Exeter tonight following a three vehicle collision on the M5. Emergency services were called to the motorway Southbound between Tiverton and Cullompton. Police arrived at the scene at 6.17pm after a receiving a number of calls about an vehicle collision. A Jaguar, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo collided while travelling between junction 27 and junction 28 of the motorway. A female driver was taken to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital to be treated for chest pains. The condition of the other drivers is not yet known. A police spokesman said: "It is not established if the injuries are life-threatening at this time. There is no suggestion of any significant delays." Two lanes were closed initially between junction 26 at Wellington and junction 28 at Cullompton, with one reopening at 7pm. Delays of ten minutes are expected while emergency services carry out investigations. One lane remained closed as of 20:30.

Man in hospital with serious injuries after collision near Crediton closes road for eight hours

February 13, 2015, 1:28 am

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A man is in hospital this morning with serious injuries following a crash that closed a road near Exeter for over eight hours last night. Emergency services were called to a two car collision, involving a white Ford Fiesta and a blue Peugeot, at The Half Moon Village on the A377 near Credition at 11:30pm yesterday. On arrival crews found one man still stuck within a car. Fire crews assisted paramedics and removed the male using small tools. Police said the man was then taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he is suffering serious injuries. Another man suffered minor injuries, believed to be whiplash, in the incident. Duty of care was left with the police and the road was reopen at 8:15am this morning. If anyone saw the incident they are asked to contact police on 101 quoting crime ref 832/12.

Motorcyclist remains in critical condition after head on collision on Exeter to Dawlish road

February 13, 2015, 1:40 am

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A motorcyclist remains in critical condition today after being involved in a head on collision with a van on the Dawlish to Exeter road on Wednesday night. At around 5.40pm on Wednesday 11th February, emergency services were called to a crash on the A379 outside Higher Marsh Row, Exminster. A red Nissan car, registered to Exeter, was travelling in the direction of Starcross and so was a black Skyjet 125cc motorcycle, registered to Dawlish. The motorcycle lost control and travelled to the off side of the road where it collided with a white Peugeot van that was travelling in the opposite direction. The rider of the motorcycle was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with serious injuries. Police this morning confirmed the man remains in hospital with several serious injuries. Police are appealing for witnesses and the public are asked to call 101 with any information, quoting police log 568 of the 11th February.

Good news for Exeter's lollipop patrols as Devon County Council agrees extra spending in £500 million budget

February 13, 2015, 3:34 am

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A reprieve for threatened school lollipop patrols, continued support for vulnerable people on welfare and extra winter road gritting are part of a package of new spending approved by Devon County Council's Cabinet today. The threat to reduce the number of lollipop patrols at the county's schools to save £100,000 had been one of the key issues through the budget consultation process. But council leader John Hart said he had found the extra money to continue the same level of school crossing patrols for the coming year. But he said the council would still need to talk to schools about how they might fund the service in future years. Mr Hart said the ending of a service to help the most vulnerable benefit claimants obtain small grants for essential household items was another issue consistently raised by councillors. This service had been devolved to local councils by the Government which then axed the grant it had provided to pay for it. But earlier this month the Government agreed extra funding for the coming year and the county council is topping this up to £1 million to ensure the service can continue. There will also be an extra £100,000 to preserve road gritting routes in winter, £100,000 for transport and £40,000 for the Citizens' Advice Bureau. "We have held detailed consultations with representative groups across Devon, there has been a widespread public consultation and we have had our own in-house scrutiny meetings with councillors," he said. "They have told us what they most value and we have listened. Where we have been able to find some extra money we have done so." The budget for 2015/16, which will now be discussed by the full county council next Thursday (February 19) still calls for £46 million of savings. The Cabinet backed a council tax rise of 1.99 per cent to prevent even tougher cuts in hard-pressed services. This year alone the authority's funding from central government fell by 14 per cent despite Government claims that Devon's spending power had risen by half of one per cent. The savings of £46 million will leave the authority spending £500 million in the coming financial year. Council leaders said a 1.99 per cent increase in council tax will minimise the need for even deeper spending cuts. The increase will add less than 50p a week to the average council taxpayer's bill but will bring in £6.2 million over the next year. An average Band D taxpayer will now pay £1,161.27 for county council services – up £22.68 on last year. Both Mr Hart and deputy leader John Clatworthy issued a stark warning about the future. "I have been leader of this council for six years," said Mr Hart, "and every year we have had to reduce the services we can provide for the people of Devon because of the coalition Government's continuing austerity agenda. "But don't expect any change after the General Election, no matter who wins. "All the main political parties are committed to holding the current spending plans for the next two years and for Devon that means at least £34 million will have to be saved next year. "It is getting tougher every year. President Kennedy once said: 'I am starting to realise that this job is about choosing between two lousy options and the right choice is a little less lousy'. "I would say we are between a rock and a hard place and the gap is getting bigger every year. "We have to find the money to provide the services we are legally obliged to provide but there is very little left to do what we would like to do. "And I can't see it changing much in the short to medium term." Mr Hart said a council tax increase was essential. "The recovery is gathering pace week by week with record numbers of people in work and our economic growth among the best in the world, but I am very well aware that household budgets are still under strain," he said. "We have to balance what working families and elderly folk on fixed incomes can afford against the need to keep providing the services on which they rely. Deputy leader and Cabinet member for finance, John Clatworthy, said the Government had claimed Devon had received a 0.5 per cent increase in spending this year when in fact it was a 14 per cent reduction. "Councils can only cope with cuts for so long," he said. "But it's going to get harder before it gets better so we need to be prudent and business-like. "I did not come into local government to see less resources available to support our communities. "We cannot control demand for our services - or the weather. We can only control our own costs and to date our core staffing has reduced in the order of 33 per cent. "The challenge is to deliver services to Devon residents with less resources. "Unfortunately we consistently lose out in comparison with urban areas. "Residents in rural areas like Devon receive some £153 less in Government support on average than urban residents and pay £79 more in council tax. "Every child in every Devon school receives nearly £300 less than the national average. "If we received average national funding that would be an additional £23 million. "And under the public health heading, Devon is the seventh lowest funded authority at £29 per head against an average of £51. "So average funding for that would bring in another £16.5 million. "John Hart and I agree with our scrutiny colleagues that this is all inequitable and we will continue to lobby our MPs and the Government to campaign for a fairer deal for Devon and our residents." The budget will now be discussed by the full Devon County Council meeting at 2.15pm on Thursday, February 19.

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David Wheeler keen to feature for Exeter City at Portsmouth

February 13, 2015, 3:55 am

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David Wheeler says he is keen to play some part of Exeter City's game at Fratton Park tomorrow, having been an unused substitute there last season. The former Brighton trainee who scored the equalising goal against Cambridge United on Tuesday night for City says the trip to Portsmouth's ground is one of the highlights of the fixture list. "Portsmouth and Plymouth are probably the two games we look forward to most of all and we have them back-to-back now, which should be interesting," Wheeler said. "I love playing at Portsmouth, although last season, I didn't get off the bench, so I was really gutted. But the atmosphere was incredible that day. "It's a privilege to even be there, let alone play in the game. All the lads always look forward to it, so it should be good." Wheeler added: "Every season they start as the favourites because of their following and their cash-flow, although I don't really know what their (financial) situation is. But they always start the season as favourites and they haven't really produced so far. "We have beaten many of the top teams in the league, so there is no reason why we can't go there and win this game as well." The Grecians did stage a more successful comeback on Tuesday when they fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Cambridge United. However, the big talking point came in the first half when, with the score still 0-0, Tom Nichols was brought down when he was about to shoot by Josh Coulson, who was the last man. A free-kick was given, but Coulson was only booked leaving many inside St James' Park incensed that, as the last man and denying a goalscoring opportunity, he wasn't sent off. That came off the back of a similar incident at Bury, where Wheeler was clipped inside the penalty box as he was about to shoot. Nothing was given then, leaving the Exeter players mightily miffed that key decisions are not going their way. "For me, watching on the bench, I thought it had to be a red," Wheeler said. "I was at the opposite end, but even from where I was, I thought it had to be red because he was about to shoot and the recovering defenders were behind the defender that brought him down. "I don't understand that at all. I spoke to some of the guys on the pitch afterwards and they were saying it was definitely a red and it is frustrating because in the game the other day (at Bury) I got brought down in the box, I had my heels clipped just as I was about to shoot and I would have scored. "One of their guys was even screaming 'bring him down, bring him down' and he did bring me down, but the ref didn't give it! "It's incredible. I didn't appeal massively for it at the time because I was assuming it would be a penalty... I couldn't believe it when it wasn't given and it was exactly the same again on Tuesday. Tom's been brought down as he is about to shoot by the last man. How can it be anything other than a red?" The Grecians have earned widespread praise for their excellent fair play record under Tisdale, but those two incidents are the latest in a long line stretching back throughout last season as well. "I think we get punished because we don't hound the referee," Wheeler added. "That isn't something we want to do and I don't think we should have to do it."

Exmouth schoolgirl sends birthday money to Africa for Red Nose Day

February 13, 2015, 3:57 am

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AN Exmouth schoolgirl's selfless act to donate her birthday money to people in Africa has now seen her raise over £450 for Red Nose Day. The quest of nine-year old Abbie Clarke, from Exmouth, started when she shocked family and friends after she decided to donate her birthday money to people in need in Africa. But now the young fundraiser, who attends Bassetts Farm Primary School, wants to do more, and has started her own fundraising page to help those less fortunate. To help raise money she has so far made and sold 30 Victoria sponge cakes, undertaken jobs for friends and family, painted nails for pupils in her dance class and planned a table top sale at her school. Abbie's mum, Sarah Clarke, said: "I'm one very proud mum - there aren't many children who would even think of giving their money away. She told me 'I don't want to help just one family' - she also wants to help children who are carers." Anyone who wants to donate can do so at: at: https://www.facebook.com/abbiesraisingfunds?ref=bookmarks

Exeter Chiefs name side to face Newcastle Falcons

February 13, 2015, 4:36 am

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Exeter Chiefs have named a strong side to take on Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park on Saturday. After a run of European Challenge Cup and LV= Cup fixtures – where head coach Rob Baxter used a mixture of fringe players and youngsters - he has recalled the big guns as Newcastle arrive on the hunt for their first ever win at Sandy Park. Will Chudley starts against his old club, while Gareth Steenson is on the bench to accommodate Jack Nowell and Henry Slade as they return from international duty. Tom Johnson is on the bench as he continues his return to match fitness, while Dean Mumm is back in to skipper the side. "We've got a group of players that are looking forward to getting back to Premiership action, particularly at home," said Baxter. "I'm not going to say I am expecting anything, simply because that has been our issue a lot this season. "Sometimes we have expected things to happen or we've expected performances, but what I am asking for this week is that we show a quality of performance and what we do on the pitch means that the result is in our hands and doesn't come down to one or two slight things that will happen in games – because that is what has hurt us in our last few Premiership games." In an experienced line-up, Newcastle have brought in props Rob Vickers and Juan Pablo Orlandi in place of Eric Fry and Scott Wilson.Exeter Chiefs side to face Newcastle: Phil Dollman; Ian Whitten, Jack Nowell, Sam Hill, Matt Jess; Henry Slade, Will Chudley; Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tomas Francis, Dean Mumm (capt), Damian Welch, Dave Ewers, Ben White, Thomas WaldromReps: Jack Yeandle, Carl Rimmer, Alex Brown, Mitch Lees, Tom Johnson, Haydn Thomas, Gareth Steenson, Byron McGuigan

Crediton twins head for Hollywood with starring roles in hit TV series Fortitude and Penny Dreadful

February 13, 2015, 5:09 am

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THE only way is Hollywood for two Devon born twins, who have reached for the stars and are set to become two of Tinseltown's brightest. Local actor, Luke Treadaway, who stars in the highly acclaimed British psychological thriller series, Fortitude, and his twin brother, Harry, who showcased in British-American horror TV series, Penny Dreadful, have been pinned as Hollywood's finest up and coming actors. The twins, who hail from Sandford, near Crediton, and attended Queen Elizabeth's Community College, have never looked back since they recorded their first feature film, Brothers of the Head, while still at drama school. They played conjoined twins in the film where they spent up to fifteen hours a day attached to each other wearing a sewn together wetsuit, and even slept in the same bed to simulate the nature of their characters. Getting into character is what it's all about for Luke, who enjoys nothing more than getting in sync for a role. He said: "Acting is a passport into a different time and place. By doing preparation, by just filling your palette with as many colours as you can to paint the picture, then it becomes richer and more enjoyable to do." In his new role Luke plays talented young scientist, Vincent Rattrey, and says being good at science in school helped him get to grips with scientific terminology. "When I was in year nine, when I was 14 or so, there were a few of us in my class who were hot into science for some reason. "We were also the bad kids smoking behind the gym, but at the same time we were really good at science, and we had a great teacher, Mr Simpson. He picked us to enter a national chemistry competition where we were competing with kids up to the age of eighteen and, somehow, we got through to the national final. "We came up to London and only went and won the bloody thing against all these hi-tech science public schools - just us five from a little Devon comp! We won a few grand for the school's chemistry department and returned as heroes." With previous lead roles including Joey in the National Theatre's productions of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the down-to-earth actor has also starred in Blockbuster movies, Clash of the Titans, Attack the Block and 13 Steps Down. But despite his success, and seven Olivier Awards, including one for Best Actor, the thirty-year old hasn't forgotten his Crediton roots. "Nevermind the Olivier Awards, it's all about the chemistry. Yes, chemistry club has been my highest achievement for sure! Although I did quit chemistry A-level after the first term because I couldn't handle it!" Fortitude can be viewed on Sky Atlantic HD at 9pm.

Podcast: ECFC Talk discuss comebacks, referees and potential changes to side for Portsmouth game

February 13, 2015, 5:30 am

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ECFC Talk is back for episode 23 of the season. On this week's show Exeter City reporter Simon Larkins discusses the two draws against Bury and Cambridge, some of the refereeing decisions in both games and looks ahead to the Portsmouth match. Listen to the show below. To view the points gained from a losing positions table, in which Exeter City are currently second after Tuesday night's comeback, see the images above.