A pair of neighbours have denied robbing two other residents of their phones in a row over missing letters.
Paul Tuff and Andrew Geddes accused Andrew Jump of taking letters and cards from the communal hallway of the flats in Barnstaple.
They allegedly took the law into their own hands by confronting Mr Jump and his girlfriend outside the property in Sticklepath Terrace and demanded £80.
Tuff encouraged his friend Geddes to attack Mr Jump and then accepted the couples' two phones as security after he and his partner promised to repay the money the next morning, a jury has been told.
Tuff, aged 46, and Geddes, aged 23, both of Sticklepath Terrace, both deny two counts of robbery.
They say Mr Jump and Isabella Gossling offered their phones voluntarily as part of a simple commercial dispute and not as a result of force.
Mr Timothy Hill, prosecuting, said the incident in January last year arose from the belief by both Tuff and Geddes that fellow resident Mr Jump had been stealing their mail from the communal entrance way.
He said the dispute came to a head on January 29 when Mr Jump and Miss Gossling encountered the two defendants outside the property.
He said:"Tuff accused Mr Jump of having stolen £80 and the prosecution say he encouraged Geddes to attack him. There was a flurry of blows to his head.
"Geddes dragged him across the road by his neck and he was thrown to the ground so his head struck the ground and he proceeded to kick him as he lay on the ground.
"Miss Gossling tried to pull him away and said she would pay the £80 the next day if Geddes stopped the kicking.
"Tuff said 'give me your phones'. He said he would keep them until 10 am the next day and give them back when she handed over the money.
"It is not clear if she had Mr Jump's phone with her but both phones ended up in Tuff's possession. We say this was a joint enterprise in which Tuff was the brains and Geddes was the brawn."
He said police went to the flats the next day and found each defendant with one of the phones. Tuff had put his SIM into one of them.
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Missing mail allegedly led to phone robbery
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Cat returns home to Exeter owner after EIGHT years (that's 64 cat years)
A local pet-owner has described the 'surreal' moment her cat was returned to her, eight years after he went missing.
Malcolm, the adventurous Tabby, went missing in 2007 as animal-loving owner Susan MacDonald was preparing to move to Crete with her family and pets.
Susan, of Rockbeare, said of Malcom's return: "It's surreal having him back around. He's in tip-top condition as well; he's definitely not been a stray."
Adding: "I often used to have thoughts about him and where he was. I think not-knowing was the worst thing, if he'd been run over or anything like that I could've put a lid on it."
Malcolm's 'tip-top' condition may hint at different owners looking after him during his feline flight-of-fancy. He was found twenty miles away in Collompton by a local vet, who immediately got in touch with the owner after scanning the cat's ID chip.
When the white-patched Tabby originally went missing in 2007, Mrs MacDonald leafleted the residents of Rockbeare with missing cat posters - to no avail. Just before the big move abroad, Susan moved across the cat's ID chip ownership to her mum, Margaret Day, in case the cat would turn up.
It was Margaret who received the much unexpected phone call that missing Malcolm, eleven, had been found.
On the near-decade of time apart, Susan said: "Sometimes I think he might, but I don't think he remembers me."
In cat-years, Malcolm has been missing for around 64 years.
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Fugitive sex offender jailed for jumping bail claims he was 'fleeing from a culture of homophobia in Devon'
A fugitive sex offender has been ordered to serve an extra ten months for jumping bail after a judge rejected his claim he was fleeing from a culture of homophobia in Devon.
Letting agent Alfred Palmer fled from Plymouth to Turkey in 2006 just weeks before he was due to be tried for sexually assaulting teenaged care leavers at flats which he rented out to them.
He says he fled Britain because he feared he would be murdered by his three victims, who he branded as 'vicious and violent thugs'.
He said he was living in fear of homophobic attack because of the murders in Plymouth of Terence Sweet and Arthur Eathorne in and 1990 and 1995.
Palmer went on the run to Turkey in October 2006, shortly before he was due to stand trial at Plymouth Crown Court accused of sexual assaults on three teenagers.
He and fellow defendant Daniel Tapper jumped bail together after asking for permission to go on holiday to help them cope with the stress of the forthcoming trial. They did not come back
He remained at large until he was caught and extradited to Britain in November 2011 and he has been protesting his innocence ever since. He is serving a five year term after being convicted in his absence in 2007.
Palmer was due to be released on March 25 this year but will now serve an extra ten months after Judge Francis Gilbert rejected his claim that he had good reasons for jumping bail. The maximum penalty is a year.
Palmer, aged 57, of Alcester Street, Plymouth, denied breaching bail but was convicted at a fact finding hearing held without a jury at Exeter Crown Court.
The Judge told him he could have explained his reasons to the court or his solicitors at the time but did not do so.
He said:"The offences themselves were the serious abuse of young vulnerable men who were left to wait several months before the trial in your absence. Once convicted, they were left in doubt whether the sentence would ever be served for the offences committed against them.
"I find your failure to stand trial and decision to abscond to another jurisdiction was deliberate and done in an attempt to avoid the trial and its consequences. It was a determined attempt to avoid the court and your intention was never to stand trial.
"You sold all your properties in Plymouth and moved to Turkey and did not disclose where you were to the court or your solicitors and once arrested you did everything you could to avoid extradition. You absence was lengthy."
The sentence means that Palmer will serve half of the extra sentence, putting his release date back from March to September.
Palmer told the Judge he fled the country because he feared for his life and was 'acting under duress of circumstances'.
He claimed be was the victim of a homophobic conspiracy by which the police were deliberately withholding protection from him in the run-up to the trial because they did not want him to be able to expose collusion and perjury by their officers.
He alleged that all of the three men who he was convicted of abusing had attacked, threatened, or blackmailed him in the past.
He said:"This is a case in which three vicious and violent thugs carried out intimidation against me in a homophobic vendetta. The police did not want me to have any protection. It was in their interest I was not present at my trial.
"I moved to Turkey because I feared I would be murdered. Every time a car stopped outside our house we were trembling with fear about what might happen. I was in genuine fear of being murdered.
"Our case was in the media and we received a great deal of abuse. I felt the only way to deal with the situation was to step away from it. I had a simple choice. I could stay and run the risk of being murdered or step away.
"I was not in a condition where I could face the possibility being murdered. It was a question of an evil which was to be avoided.
"The whole basis of my trial was about homophobia. The Devon and Cornwall police are known in the gay community to be particularly homophobic and the courts are not friendly towards it."
Mr Andrew Maitland, prosecuting, said the long delays in Palmer being punished for jumping bail are all of his own making. He said:"He has balked and balked and balked at every opportunity to prevent this case being heard."
Palmer's co-defendant Tapper fled to Turkey with him in and was extradited in 2009. He has since served his sentence and been released.
The hearing at Exeter brings to an end a saga which has spanned three decades and two millennia.
He was arrested in August 2005 over allegations dating back to the late 1990s of abusing boys aged 16 or upwards who had just come out of care.
Palmer, aged 57, of Alcester Street, Plymouth, was a wealthy letting agent with offices in Mutley Plain, Plymouth, who helped the boys find somewhere to live and then abused his position by demanding sexual favours.
His first trial, involving two complainants, started in May 2006 but the jury were dismissed on the second day after complications over the evidence which needed further investigation.
His retrial was set for December but in the meantime he was charged with further offences against a third man. He appeared at Plymouth Magistrates on September 13, 2006 and his case was committed to the Crown Court.
He was due to appear on October 17 but instead went to Turkey and Judge Gilbert issued an arrest warrant on October 23.
He was tried and convicted in his absence in April 2007 and given an indefinite sentence with a minimum term of five years, which was later amended by the Court of Appeal to a five year sentence.
Palmer remained on the run until arrested in Turkey in November 2009 on an extradition warrant. He fought extradition and as a result he spent two years in a Turkish jail before being returned to Britain on November 25, 2011.
He first appeared before Judge Gilbert in August 2012 for the breach of bail and has been disputing the case ever since.
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Exmouth fish and chip shop wins Devon's best chippy award
AN Exmouth based chip shop has won top fries after it was awarded the title of 'Best Chippy Chips' in Devon at the annual Choice Chip Awards. Krispies Fish & Chip shop beat off stiff competition from 900 entrants across ten regions in Great Britain with their award-winning chips, which proved the tastiest in the country. The competition saw 68,000 chip-loving Brits vote for their favourite chip shop.
The awards are run by the Potato Council every year and are in recognition of Chip Week, which sees shops; pubs and restaurants go up against each other to claim the sought after title.
Kate Cox from the Potato Council, said: "Here in Great Britain we are undoubtedly a nation of chip lovers and Chip Week is a fantastic celebration of our great British food tradition. Us Brits feel strongly about supporting our local chippy, so it's no surprise so many people took the time to vote for their favourite in the Choice Chip Awards this year.
"This has been a great start to Chip Week 2015, and the chip-themed festivities will continue taking place in shops, pubs, restaurants and retail outlets across England, Scotland and Wales. This year we're asking the Great British public to support their local chippy by celebrating Chip Week with a portion of chips (or two) from their favourite chip shop."
For more information on Chip Week, including tasty chip recipes, chip facts and figures, visit: www.chips.lovepotatoes.co.uk
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Exeter Tesco job fears as 10,000 positions culled and 43 stores axed nationwide
Local Tesco employees are concerned for their jobs as supermarket goliath Tesco is reportedly set to cut 6,000 posts from head offices and store, and a further 4,000 jobs through the liquidation of an entire layer of management.
The massive cuts are said to be part of Tesco boss Dave Lewis' plan to revive the company's fortunes after a poor financial year.
Altogether 10,000 jobs could be on the line and 43 stores could be closed if these large scale cuts go ahead.
The managerial level that occupies the space between shop assistants and store managers could be for the chop, with these particular employees being offered alternative roles in the company.
It has not been mentioned whether these alternative roles would have equal pay to these employee's former roles.
Dave Lewis intends to reduce head office costs by 30%, saving £250 million a year in costs across the Tesco chain – the Corporate headquarters in Hertfordshire is already due to be closed as part of the cost-saving exercise.
There are more than five branches of Tesco in Exeter. However, as yet, there has been no official announcement on whether these stores will be affected in the nationwide cuts.
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Pictures: Princess Anne visits Exeter
IT was no ordinary Monday for Exeter city centre as it welcomed one very special visitor to its streets. Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau was one of many organisations in Exeter to receive a visit from Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, when she opened the bureau's new offices in Dix's Field today.
The Princess Royal, who is Patron of Citizens Advice, was introduced to members of paid staff and volunteers when she was shown around by bureau Chief Executive Steve Barriball. She also met Exeter CAB chair Dennis Mardon during her visit.
Mr Mardon said: "We were delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to our new offices. Our volunteers and paid staff work very hard and it was wonderful to be able to show her the work we do here. She took a great interest in what we are doing and we are very grateful for her support.
"Last year we helped more than 16,000 clients in the Exeter area deal with their problems. This relocation has been a major step forward in confirming the bureau as one of the key support organisations for Exeter and the surrounding area."
During her visit Princess Anne observed volunteers in action. She also met Sarah Piercy, who was born with the congenital disorder, Arthogryposi, which causes muscle weakness. The 34 year old, who is in a wheelchair and is an athlete competing in her tenth London Marathon, said:
"I first came for advice on my benefits; they helped to make things clearer and helped me to understand the computer system. It is a great service and has been really helpful to me. She was really interested in the work of the bureau and the help that I had received."
The Princess Royal also paid a visit to Newton Abbot to help celebrate the transformation of services designed to empower people with learning disabilities and increase their level of independence and access to community life.
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First woman appointed as Exeter Mace Sergeant after 800 years
An Exeter resident has been appointed as the city's first ever female Mace Sergeant to the Lord Mayor.
Elaine Underhill, 62, from Exwick, undertook her first official engagement on Monday for the visit to the city of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal.
She is the first woman to be chosen for the ceremonial role, based at the Exeter Guildhall, in around 800 years.
Her duties will include arrangements for hospitality and functions, and driving the Lord Mayor's limousine as a chauffeur.
Elaine said: "It's quite an honour. The role has been in existence for a very long time. Traditionally it's been a man's role, but I hadn't realised until recently I was the first woman to be appointed. I'm very proud."
She began the job before Christmas after working in an Exeter High Street bank for around 25 years.
Elaine said: "I thought it would be something different to do as I'm semi-retired now. I've always been fascinated by the Guildhall building, and so I thought I'd try for the job. But I was quite surprised to get it."
During her visit Princess Anne opened Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau's new offices in Dix's Field.
Elaine added: "I thoroughly enjoyed her visit. It was brilliant. I stood in line next to the Lord Mayor who she spoke with."
The purpose of the relief Mace Sergeant role is to serve at ceremonial and official functions.
It includes ensuring the Guildhall building is maintained to a high standard, and that the public are welcomed and guided when it is open as a civic museum.
One of the requirements is to carry a Mace during formal Civic Processions and organise the ceremonial elements of civic events.
Other activities include the hoisting and taking down of flags from the Guildhall, ordering laundry and collecting mail from the civic centre.
Another responsibility is for the security of the Guildhall artefacts – ensuring the alarm and fire protection systems are operative at all times.
The job is part-time, and hours vary depending on staff levels needed for functions.
Elaine said she will continue working in the bank part-time, alongside her responsibilities as Mace Sergeant.
She added: "I'm looking forward to talking with the public and being part of a team. These days there are many jobs that women are being given the chance to do for the first time, and this role is just another one of those."
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Henry Slade: Knowing Exeter Chiefs centre pairing makes things easier
Henry Slade says his job is made all the easier having already played for so long with fellow Exeter Chiefs backs Jack Nowell and Sam Hill.
Slade was preferred to Gareth Steenson at fly-half in the Chiefs' 46-17 win over Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park on Saturday.
Nowell and Hill were Rob Baxter's centre-partnership, and the duo responded with the former scoring a try and the latter bagging the man-of-the-match award.
And 21-year-old Slade says that, as long as he supplied them with ball, he knew he could rely on them to do the rest.
"We're pleased with how things have gone, we all know each other well and we've played a lot of rugby together over the years," he said.
"They (Nowell and Hill) are both strong boys and my job was just to give them the ball and they do the rest in terms of getting us over the gainline.
"We attacked it straight from the off and the scoreline was quite big but we had to work hard for it and we got the rewards in the end for the effort we put in.
"The kick-off chase was good and we didn't look back from there. We kept the momentum going, kept on the front foot and just had too much for them.
"We knew that they were chasing the game and would keep the ball in hand a bit more and attack from deep but through pretty much the whole game we held strong."
Up next for Baxter's side is a trip to West London to tackle Harlequins, who were thumped 37-6 at Wasps on Sunday.
With the Chiefs' victory on Saturday ending a run of four straight Premiership defeats, Slade thinks it is essential that they build on the success when they journey to The Stoop.
"I think we were edging to get back into the Premiership after we left it on a dour note with four losses in a row," continued Slade. "Wins like that don't count for much unless you back it up.
"We'll focus on that this week and go up there and try and do our best. It's important we put in a big performance and back up this win with another up there."
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UPDATE: Two dead following serious collision near Crediton
Two men have died following a collision near Exeter this afternoon.
Air ambulance, fire crews and police were called to the scene of a serious collision on the A377 near Lapford, Crediton.
Police confirmed two men have died following the single vehicle collision in which a car left the road.
Police are working to identify the two men, and whilst scene investigation work continues the road remains closed from Rose Removals through to Lapford.
It is believe this closure will remain in place for the next few hours and Highways are currently diverting traffic towards Winkleigh.
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Emergency road closure in place on Rosebarn Lane, Exeter
An emergency road closure has been put in place on Rosebarn Lane in the St James area of Exeter.
The residential road has been shut since yesterday while BT carries out work in the area.
Bus services in the area have been affected, with the Stagecoach P service being diverted via Stoke Hill.
The bus company has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the diversion.
#Exeter Rosebarn Lane cannot be served due to road closure(0930-1730) P service diverting via Stoke Hill onto Collins Road then Rosebarn Av
— Stagecoach SouthWest (@StagecoachSW) February 17, 2015
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Exeter bigamist with a 'complicated private life' is spared jail
A 33 year old man with a 'complicated private life' has avoided jail after he admitted bigamy.
Adam Moore failed to complete his divorce from his first wife when he tied the knot at Bovey Tracey, Devon, with his second wife Lyndsay at Christmas 2008.
But it was only when she started divorce proceedings against him that she discovered he was still lawfully wed to his first wife.
Moore, of Ross Close, Pinhoe, Exeter, admitted bigamy at an earlier hearing before Torbay magistrates in Devon.
His solicitor Katrina Byrne told the court:"Mr Moore back then had a complex life… and he has a complex life now."
Moore has twice turned up at the court holding hands with a blonde haired woman.
Prosecutor Christopher Bittlestone said bigamy is a rare crime saying it was only the third time he had prosecuted it in 27 years as a lawyer.
"It is a serious matter. Marriage is an estate not to be entered into lightly."
He said Moore wed his second wife when his first marriage had not been dissolved.
He said Moore wed Lyndsey Moore in late 2008 but it was 'relatively short relationship' and despite the 'usual hopes and expectations it broke down'.
Mr Bittlestone said the second wife made the 'usual arrangements in December last year to unravel their contacts with each other' but she discovered that Moore had never been granted the final absolute decree – only the decree nisi which he said was 'only half way there'.
He said only part of the divorce had been completed but not the 'coup de grace' and the police were alerted.
He said:"Mr Moore express himself to be single. Lyndsey Moore never was a wife in the eyes of the law.
He added that Miss Byrne's view was that this was not 'an outright deception'.
Miss Byrne said some cases of bigamy were more serious than others but this was not a case of a fraud or financial loss or someone with multiple families and described it as a 'lackadaisical approach' to his affairs.
She said:"It is a complex set of circumstances. He said he thought it was fair to put single as he was not married at the time. He accepts it was technical bigamy."
Moore was sentenced to a community order and ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work in the next year.
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Exeter Spitfires Baseball Club looking for new players
Exeter Spitfires Baseball Club are looking for new players for the 2015 season.
Indoor training takes place every Friday at West Exe School from 7pm until 9pm.
All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Players should be 16 or older.
For more information, contact 01392 259988 or email baseball@exeterspitfires.co.uk.
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Bowls: Honiton reach Yetton Plate semi-finals
Honiton ladies beat Egerton 82-60 to reach the semi-finals of the EWIBA Yetton Plate.
They will face Tye Green from Harlow on February 28 after the Essex club beat 2012 winners Swale 86-74.
In the quarter-finals of the EIBA Denny Cup, a weakened Exonia were beated by City of Ely 83-49.
"We were missing Ian Bond, Simon Broom Nathan Farrant and Dominic Tuckett," said Paul Stone. "I think had they been available we would have done well."
In the area final of the national men's pairs, Exonia's 2005 England finalists Simon Stevens and Ian Bond beat Lloyd Roberts and John Evans from Torquay United.
Two fours on the first two ends was a great start for Exonia, who went on to win 27-16.
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Angling: Zac Newton wins Victoria Products League event
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Hockey: Late goals condemn Isca to defeat against Trojans
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Picture: Ottery mum thanks fire crews who released her toddler's head from toilet seat
THE mum of a toddler which ended up with a "toilet seat necklace" after yanking it down over his head, has thanked the six fire fighters which helped free her son from the Valentine's Day mishap.
Mother-of-seven Michaela Chown, from West Hill, near Ottery St Mary dialled 999 after her two-year-old son Micky got a child's trainer toilet seat stuck on his head and then pulled it down around his neck.
Little Micky, who turns three this month, was completely unharmed in the misadventure and, although a little embarrassed by the whole ordeal, spent most of the time giggling – until his older brother asked if his sibling may need to have his head chopped off.
Full time mum Michaela, who is trained in paediatrician first aid, said she was "utterly embarrassed" to have to call the fire brigade, but, after some recent sadness in the household, said the event brightened their moods.
She said she wanted to share her experience in case any other family encounters the same problem with their own inquisitive offspring.
"We're completely and utterly embarrassed," said the 40-year-old. "But it was pure comedy at the time, it was one of those completely ridiculous things that happen.
"Children learn through their mistakes – he'll never do it again!
"It will be one to bring up on his wedding day!"
Michaela explained that her potty trained son had asked to go to "for a wee" by himself, quite a grown up moment in his young life, then, moments later waddled in with his pants round his ankles and the luxury padded seat on his head laughing, before yanking it down to his neck.
"He's such a charming lovely little boy, and very bright, it was just a silly thing – as a family we thought we'd seen it all over the years!" continued Michaela who said three of her children, aged 15, 10, and five, as well as their dad, were all trying to help removed the seat.
"We were all giggling trying to get it off but realised it was completely stuck," she explained.
"The only time Micky became upset was when his brother asked if he'd be stuck with it forever.
"We tried and tried, and when we realised it was not coming off I did a Google search to see if this had happened to anyone else's child and read that others called the fire brigade who cut it free.
"When I rang 999 the call handler asked which emergency service I wanted to speak to and I said I didn't know.
"I felt really bad that we had to call the fire crew out on a Saturday evening, particularly as they're all volunteers and it wasn't an emergency, but what else was I supposed to do?
"So I offered to come and meet them somewhere, but they arrived really quickly."
Michaela explained that upon their arrival, one of the crew soon realised that under the padding were screws which meant a section of the seat could be removed.
"This is probably the silliest thing of all," she continued. "But luckily they didn't need to saw it off as we'd feared.
"The crew took it seriously and dealt with it brilliantly, we are so grateful to them."
She added: "One of the funniest comments I read was from my friend who said Micky had got his mum six fire men for Valentine's Day!"
After the Echo broke the news on its website about the emergency call-out, the story went global with media outlets in Australia and India running the report as well as the Metro and BBC Radio Two.
Michaela laughed about being "famous" for the incident.
But, the busy mum admitted this wasn't the first mishap to happen in her family and recalled the time when her then five-year-old daughter shut her nine-year-old brother in a cupboard before shutting the front door of the house, locking him inside.
With ladders and scaffolding, a local tree surgeon was able to get in through an upstairs window and free the youngster.
Michaela said that child seats should come with a clear warning of the risks.
"Children are inquisitive by nature," she said.
"This could be one for Dragon's Den – designing a child's seat that can't get stuck on a child's head.
"To have to call the emergency services is just ridiculous."
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Golf: Fingle Glen progress after win on extra hole
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Gourmet Burger Kitchen confirm interest in new Exeter restaurant as TGI Friday's says no
A new chain burger restaurant has confirmed to the Echo that they have an interest in opening a restaurant in Exeter.
This week the Echo reported a host of big names are lining up to join Guildhall's £12m dining quarter.
So far the only business named is Artigiano, who have confirmed they are in talks over a flagship rooftop bar above the former Pound Land building.
Following the news The Echo contacted several restaurants to see if they have plans to come to Exeter.
Heading the speculation was world famous burger outlet, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, who said they are hoping to join the city. A spokesman said it was too early to give any further details but confirmed it was looking at the site.
Other outlets Pieminister, TGI Friday and Pret A Manger confirmed they will not be joining the string of restaurants eager to come to the city.
However, naturally fast food restaurant, Leon, didn't rule out opening a branch in the future.
Property Director, Adam Blaker, said:
"We have no current plans to come to Exeter, but it has crossed our minds in recent months, and we are in talks with our agents for our strategy in 2016/17 for where we open.
"This year we are very much focussed on London, but it wouldn't surprise me if Exeter is on the list and we open one in 2017."
A contractor is due to be appointed imminently to carry out the major revamp of the shopping centre, built in 1977, with works expected to start in the spring and be completed by spring next year.
Before then a new-look High Street entrance to the Guildhall Shopping Centre, incorporating a retail unit and four flats, is due to be finished in October this year. Two temporary malls will be created during the works to maintain access for shoppers and minimise disruption.
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Extra police head to city for Exeter v Plymouth derby game
Devon and Cornwall police will have an increased presence on the streets of Exeter on Saturday for the City v Argyle clash.
The derby game kicks off at 1pm at St James' Park.
The earlier than normal kick off time has been arranged in a bid to ensure supporters of either side don't have too much "drinking time."
Exeter police Supt Craig Downham said: "We will have quite a few police officers on duty for the fame and I believe people will notice the increased police presence in the city. There will also be officers with dogs.
"We are there in case we are needed as a local derby game will always have the potential for some disorder.
"We are certainly hoping that there will be no trouble and that everyone gets to enjoy the game whatever the result.
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Exeter based Met Office staff to strike over pay dispute
Staff at Exeter's Met Office are to launch a campaign of industrial action in a dispute over pay.
Members of the Prospect union will withdraw goodwill and take other forms of action on Thursday, followed by a three hour strike on February 26.
Prospect, which has 950 members at the weather service, said the action could threaten public weather forecasts and services to businesses .
The union has written to the Government saying that a continuing pay freeze was damaging the Exeter-based organisation by limiting its ability to recruit staff.
Prospect officer Helen Stevens said: "In his speech to the British Chamber of Commerce last week, Prime Minister David Cameron urged successful business to pay their employees more.
"The Met Office is a successful Trading Fund that returns profit to the Government and can afford to reward people properly at no additional cost to the public purse, but it is not permitted that freedom."
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