Exmouth's Shanty Men to perform in Exeter for African project

March 7, 2013, 4:24 am

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AN East Devon sea shanty group are performing a charity concert in Exeter later this month.
The Exmouth Shanty Men, who travel the length and breadth of the country performing, are tuning up for a night of music at the Exeter Golf and Country Club on Topsham Road, to raise money for the Bissary Madi Water Relief project in West Africa.
The event is on Saturday, March 23, with admission by ticket only.
Tickets are available by phoning 01626 891390 or 01626 891072. Alternatively, email tjd goss@gmail.com

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Art sale raises £14,000 for charity Devon In Sight

March 7, 2013, 4:29 am

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MORE than £14,000 was raised to support the work of charity Devon in Sight as the hammer went down on around 100 pieces of art at a sale in Topsham.
The event, at the Art Room in the Strand, was overseen by Christopher Hampton, of auctioneers Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood of Exeter, and organised by Deborah Wood, of the Art Room, as well as Devon in Sight staff and volunteers.
One lot alone raised £2,500, the 1991 oil on canvas A Wave in Summer by Benedict Rubbra; and Graham Rich's 2005 work Winter Windshifts River Exe made £1,950.
Art by Clifford Fishwick, Margaret Dean, Ann Harris, Hilary Goddard, Robert Jennison, Martin Bentham, Peter Thursby, Michael Garton, Lesley Kerman, Peter Randall-Page, Ray Balkwill and Roger Dean, among others, was also donated to the sale.
The total realised at the auction was £14,103, and it is hoped more money can be raised by the sale of some lots which fell only a few pounds short of their reserves.
Devon in Sight chairman Gwyn Dickinson said: "We're all absolutely delighted to have raised so much money at this amazing event.
"On behalf of everyone at Devon in Sight I'd like to thank auctioneer Christopher Hampton, who gave his services free of charge, Deborah Wood of the Art Room for all the effort she put in to making the event the success it was, everyone who donated artwork to the auction and, of course, all those who so generously bid for the fine items on sale.
"I'd also like to thank Devon in Sight fundraiser Christina Zheng and our team of volunteers who put so much work in behind the scenes.
"The money raised will go to helping us to run our vital services supporting people with visual impairments across the county, assisting them in day-to-day tasks and helping them to be as independent as possible.
"As a charity we receive no money from central government and so rely on the generosity of the public to enable us to continue with our essential work both in the community with our Voluntary Visiting Services, and through our resource centres in Topsham and Totnes."
 The Devon in Sight resource centre at Station House, Topsham, is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm to help people with visual impairments.
Booked appointments are available from 1pm to 4pm on Monday and the centre is usually closed to drop-in visitors at this time. It is also closed every third Thursday of the month for staff training.
The charity also runs low-vision clinics and drop-in sessions to demonstrate how the latest technology can help with day-to-day tasks.
To find out more about the charity and its work, call 01392 876666, visit the website www.devoninsight.org.uk or email enquiries@devoninsight.org.uk

Almost 50% of Exeter Children in poverty missing out on free school meals, charity says

March 7, 2013, 5:01 am

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An estimated 1,400 Exeter children living in poverty miss out on free school meals, a children's charity has said today. The results show that 44% of Exeter children in poverty are missing out on the free meals. The news follows figures released by The Child Poverty campaign showing that more than 3,000 Exeter Children are living in poverty. See a map of the child poverty figures in Exeter here. To find the number of children in poverty missing out on free school meals, The Children's Society subtracted the number of children registered for free school meals from the number of children in poverty in the constituency. The report claims to show that more than half of the 2.2 million schoolchildren living in poverty miss out on a free school lunch. The charity says that often children miss out on the free meals because their parents work over a specified number of hours a week. According to the figures the South West is one of the areas with the highest proportion of the children affected by the issue. Matthew Reed, chief executive of the Children's Society, said: "It is shocking that huge numbers of children in poverty across the country are missing out on a free school meal. Every child in poverty should be entitled to this vital support. "We know from the families we work with up and down the country that parents are struggling to make ends meet. Right now, the government is reconsidering which children will be entitled to get free school meals. "We urge the government to take this opportunity to make sure all children in poverty can get a free school meal." A Department for Education spokesman said: "No child should go hungry at school - 1.3 million of the most disadvantaged children currently claim a free, nutritious meal at school every day. Some schools also provide breakfast clubs which offer free or subsidised meals to pupils from poorer families. "We are committed to ensuring that free school meals continue to be available to the families who need them most. Local authorities and schools also share a responsibility to ensure that every eligible child in their area is signed up. "In addition, the pupil premium, which will increase to £900 per pupil - £2.5bn a year - in 2014-15, targets extra money to ensure schools can provide support to the most disadvantaged children."

University of Exeter academics head to the cinema for special screenings and debate

March 7, 2013, 5:07 am

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ACADEMICS at the University of Exeter are to be linked with cinema-goers through "great films and great debate".
A programme of talks and film screenings will be taking place at Exeter Picturehouse with the aim of prompting audiences to see a chosen film in a new way.
Each screening includes a brief introduction to the film, and time for an informal discussion with audiences afterwards in the Picturehouse bar.
By introducing a film like Hitchcock's Psycho from an expert in Film Studies or exploring Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man from a Medical History perspective, the approach to the films selected create a starting point for an informal post-screening discussion of ideas.
Films that address mental and physical illness such as obesity, psychiatry or patients who suffer from autism, will be introduced by academics from a range of university departments including English, sociology, and medicine.
Dr Victoria Bates, from the university's centre for medical history said: "Our introductory talks will look at modern day and historical medical issues, such as the award winning film A Beautiful Mind starring Russell Crowe as a mathematical genius with mental health issues. Based on the true story of John Nash, the film depicts the process of paranoid schizophrenia."
She added: "There are many differences between the 'real' story of Nash and the film. For example, in real life Nash apparently sought to self-regulate his illness and only took medication for a short period under duress. However, in the film when Nash appears to be more balanced and receives his Nobel prize in Economics, he states that he does take medication. It is interesting that in the context of 1990s America, there were concerns about the responsibility of the filmmaker and fears about promoting an anti-medication position, unlike in the 1970s when Nash chose to reject medication and when anti-psychiatry was rife."
 The Screen Talks are scheduled on Monday evenings, starting at 6.30pm sharp in Exeter Picturehouse.
The 'Sickness On The Screen' strand launches with A Beautiful Mind on Monday (March 11) – a special launch event at which tickets will be free on the door.
This will be followed by Rain Man on April 22. In-between, there will be a screenings of the Italian classic Rocco And His Brothers led by modern language expert Dr Danielle Hipkins on March 28. Shakespeare's Richard III gets recalled not from a car park in Leicester but on the screen with Sir Laurence Olivier leading the way on April 8, this will be led by English literature expert Dr Jen Barnes.
Screen Talks is in partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas and was set up and coordinated by Dr Helen Hanson from the University of Exeter. The project has recently been funded through an Arts Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Cultural Engagement Fellowship, awarded to Dr Bates from the University's Centre for Medical History.
 Dr Hanson said: "Working in partnership with Exeter Picturehouse on the Screen Talks programme offers academics great opportunities to share research ideas with wider audiences in an informal setting.  Engaging and exchanging ideas through film and responding to an audience, enables new ways of seeing film, and fresh angles on research ideas."
 

Delight for Exeter staff as John Lewis announces 17 per cent bonus

March 7, 2013, 5:35 am

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Staff at John Lewis and Waitrose in Exeter are looking forward to spending an annual bonus of 17 per cent of their salary – equivalent to nearly nine weeks' pay. This year's bonus figure was announced to excited employees this morning as the John Lewis Partnership reported a profit before partnership bonus and tax of £409.6m, up 15.8 per cent on last year. A whopping £210.8m of that is being shared out to employees – known as partners – in the form of a bonus. Holidays and new bikes are among the plans staff in Exeter have for the windfall. Last year they received a bonus of 14 per cent of salary. Waitrose reported a 6.7 per cent rise in gross sales, to £5.76bn, during the year to January 26. John Lewis saw gross sales up 13.5 per cent to £3.78bn. The John Lewis store in Exeter, which opened in October, was one of four new shops to open during the year and the first of a new format for the retailer. Kate Connock, branch manager of John Lewis Exeter, said: "Against the backdrop of a challenging retail environment we are pleased to have put in a robust performance this year. "Since opening in October 2012, John Lewis Exeter has been warmly welcomed by the Devon and Cornwall community. Both womenswear and menswear and fashion accessories have been the outstanding successes so far. "It has been a great start for John Lewis Exeter and I would like to thank all of our partners who continue to focus on building lasting relationships with customers and provide the high standards of service and shopping experience our customers expect." Staff are already looking forward to spending their bonuses. Section manager Kit Washington has worked for John Lewis for five years and recently returned to his home city of Exeter to work in the new shop. This year he will be spending his bonus on a new road bike as he prepares to embark on a number of organised rides for charity. He said: "London 2012 really inspired me to take up a new sport so when my colleague suggested this challenge I thought it was the perfect opportunity to do so. I spent last year's bonus on a new guitar and I'm still playing it, which bodes well for the bike!" Section manager Jemma Sloman has been a member of staff for four and a half years. She started at John Lewis Leicester but when the opportunity came to transfer to the new Exeter shop she jumped at the chance because it is where she grew up and her parents still live. Jemma will be putting her bonus towards a once in a lifetime holiday to America, where she'll be spending three weeks road tripping along Route 66 with a friend who works at John Lewis Leicester. Jemma said: "I normally use my bonus to pay off bills but this year I thought I would treat myself and do something I've always wanted to do. "Going to Las Vegas and exploring Chicago is what I'm most looking forward to. The John Lewis bonus really captures what co-ownership is all about – you reap the benefits of the hard work and effort you've put in throughout the year."

ONLY DAYS LEFT TO BENEFIT FROM COLLECTIVE ENERGY SWITCHING INITIATIVE

March 7, 2013, 6:50 am

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The countdown has begun for Exeter'senergy switching scheme Exeter Together, with the window for people to switch and make savings off their home heating bills closing at midnight on March 17.

 

Launched on 18 February by Exeter City Council, Exeter Together is helping people from Exeter and surrounding areas save an average of £220 off their fuel bills by switching and the campaign is said to be getting a lot of interest, with many switches predicted during the final days.

 

Jo Pearce, of Exeter Together, is helping lead the initiative and Jo has been out with her team of volunteers around Exeter to help raise awareness and encourage people to switch.

 

Jo comments: "We have had hundreds of enquiries from people wanting to know more about Exeter Together and how it could benefit them and we have even helped people on the spot find out whether they could save by switching. It is really rewarding to see peoples faces light up when they realise they stand to save a lot of money off their annual fuel bills.

 

The feedback we get is that people are surprised it really does only take five minutes to register. We have tried to make the switching process really simple and we look forward to welcoming even more people to the scheme as the campaign builds further momentum as we head towards the final campaign deadline of midnight on Sunday, March 17."

 

Exeter Together is available for anyone to join and campaigners are keen to push the message that it is not restricted solely to the people of Exeter.

 

Jo explains: "Although called 'Exeter Together', switching is available to everyone from Devon and we would urge anyone that hasn't looked at their utility bills for a while to see whether they could save through the scheme. A woman visited our promotional bus and was even found to save over £457, double the average saving!"

 

Once registered with Exeter Together, people will instantly receive a collectively purchased energy offer. People are under no obligation to switch and it is clearly explained whether the end user is better to stay with their current provider, or whether they will benefit from switching to the Exeter Together scheme.

 

During its final weeks, Exeter Together is calling for employers to back the campaign and encourage their staff to see how much they could save. Source for Business in Exeter is one of the employers lending its support to the campaign.

 

John Crouch, Sales and Marketing Manager, from Source for Business says: "We are really pleased to be supporting Exeter City Council's collective switching campaign and we will certainly be encouraging our staff to log onto Exeter Together's website to see whether they could save. Fuel bills are one of the biggest drains on family household budgets and it is great to think that, by supporting Exeter Together, we could help our staff save thousands of pounds in collective savings off their home heating bills."

 

Jo and her team of trustee volunteers will be in Bedford Square, Exeter, on Saturday 16 March to hand out leaflets and answer questions.

 

"We will have a team available to talk people through the process or answer any queries and we would love to help as many people as possible. If you are thinking of popping along to see us, why not bring a copy of your utility bill with you so we can help you find out how much you could save," says Jo.

 

To get involved, visit www.exetertogether.com with a copy of your energy bill, register your details and instantly receive a collectively purchased energy offer from Exeter Together.

 

Exeter: A history of flooding

March 7, 2013, 6:52 am

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THE River Exe has been high several times over the last 12 months, the second wettest year on record. But the existing flood defences held firm – unlike Black Thursday, on October 27, 1960, when Cowick Street became a river. Houses were flooded to a depth of six feet after Exeter had in excess of 380mm of rain – half the annual average – in a month. The water initially came down Okehampton Street and Alphington Street before Cowick Street started to fill up. Since then there have been years when the city has been close to another flood. In November 2000, the Exe breached its banks in a few isolated spots in the city and was inches away from overflowing at Exe Bridges and the quay. There followed warnings from the Environment Agency that the sort of floods which only happened once every 50 years when the city's flood defences were built, would now be expected once every 10 years and so the defences would be tested much more often. They were severely tested just before last Christmas when the Exe flowing into and past the Mill on the Exe made the national news.Click here to see a full gallery of the 1960's See below for videos of how the floods have hit Exeter in recent times. 2012 flooding in Dawlish 2012 Grand Western Canal breaks banks: 2012 Devon after the rain 2012 Helicopter footage shows extent of the flood damage

Thousands of Devon homes gets extra flood defence cash

March 7, 2013, 8:28 am

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Five thousand homes in Devon will benefit from extra government cash to tackle flooding say ministers.

It came as calls were made for the funding to be rolled out as quickly as possible after householders in Buckfastleigh and Kennford, were "grievously affected" by the impact of recent heavy rainfall.

An additional £120 million was announced towards the end of last year for flood defences, in the wake of spending cuts.

Speaking in the Commons, Tory MP for Central Devon Mel Stride said the extra money would be welcomed by his constituents "…not least those in Buckfastleigh and Kennford, who were grievously affected by the recent flooding".

But pressing Environment Minister Richard Benyon in the Commons, Mr Stride said: "May I urge him to ensure it is rolled out as quickly as possible, and may I also ask him how many properties in Devon will benefit from it?"

Responding, Mr Benyon said: "I can tell him that £35 million of the £120 million that we announced in the autumn statement last year is already available for the 2013-14 financial year, and that the remaining £85 million will be allocated to schemes starting in 2014-15. That means that 5,000 homes in Devon will benefit from additional funds."

Among the schemes set to benefit is the £26 million project in Exeter, which promises to create and safeguard thousands of jobs.

A £6 million government grant paved the way for work to start next year, with local financial contributions in place.

Expected to be completed by late 2017 it is set to provide £204 million of direct economic benefit to Exeter.

In the wake of budget cuts to spending for flood defences, the Government has moved to raise more cash from communities towards protection measures.

Mr Benyon told the Commons; "Partnership funding is enabling more schemes to go ahead and allowing greater local choice. It has already produced up to £148 million in external funding over the four years to 2015, compared with £13 million during the previous three years.

"There are indications that a larger proportion of protected households will be in deprived areas, and up to a quarter more schemes are set to go ahead in the coming years than was the case under the old system."

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Cambridge hockey honour for former Colyton Grammar pupil

March 7, 2013, 8:57 am

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A former student at Colyton Grammar School, Sam Bowker, has been selected to represent Cambridge University, the holders, in the 113th annual Varsity hockey match against Oxford in London on March 10.
Selection for the men's Blues squad is highly competitive and the 21-year-old's achievement comes after seven months of intense training.
Sam, whose family is from Whimple, is a former Senior Prefect at the school.
He said: "It was a pleasant and unexpected surprise to be picked - a combination of training and fitness along with a happy knack of being at the right place at the right time to score goals."

Floods and snow cost South West businesses more than £165 million says report

March 7, 2013, 9:24 am

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Disruption to the region's road and rails links caused by snow and flooding at the end of last year cost the South West more than £165 million according to a new report. Over 350 businesses took part in the survey, by South West Chambers of Commerce (SWCC), in which businesses were asked to share their views on how the region's transport connectivity issues affect them. The results will serve as the basis of a lobbying campaign for improved investment in South West transport infrastructure. Some 65% of businesses claimed they had experienced difficulties with the closure of the rail and road links in the South West as a result of the flooding incidents and snow in November and December. Two respondents stated the disruptions had cost their businesses more than £500,000. Based on the responses from all other participants and taking into account the 100,000 businesses trading in the South West, the results of the survey indicate the total cost to the region of the recent transport disruptions could be some £167 million. Throughout the disruptions, many businesses felt that the South West was effectively cut off from the rest of the UK. Respondents detailed journeys from Exeter to London which took up to 10 hours and for one company, not a single employee was able to get to the office due to road disruptions. Severe transport difficulties meant late or non-arrival of staff and clients; cancelled or postponed appointments and business trips; cancelled hotel bookings; a noticeable drop in customers for retail companies and resource issues for businesses relying on an inward supply of goods. This resulted in lost revenue, loss of working days, reduced productivity, additional costs for alternative arrangements and significant adverse effects on new business and project delivery. Statistics recently published by HM Treasury show that the average public sector spend for transport in 2010/11 was just £212 per person in the South West. This is the lowest figure in the UK and just over a quarter of that spent per person in London, which amounted to £774 in the same period. The Government also recently announced that the High Speed Rail Network programme would be extended to the North West and North East, with no mention of such plans for the South West. Derek Phillips, chairman of South West Chambers of Commerce said: "Our message to Government is that the South West has received far less than its fair share of investment in transport infrastructure for far too long and it is time that this unacceptable situation ceases. We are specifically looking for electrification of the rail line south of Bristol into Cornwall, the dualling of the A303 and A30 along their entire lengths and much improved mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity along the arterial routes to the South West."  The survey also revealed that South West perceptions about the region's transport infrastructure are generally negative. Some 66% of respondents believed that investment in the South West's road infrastructure is poor or very poor; 65% felt the same about the region's rail investment. Transport links to London and to destinations with major airports for international travel were of particular concern. One respondent said: "I recently travelled from London to Manchester by train in less than two hours. After I had completed my business, I then went from Manchester to Plymouth by train; eight hours and two changes later I eventually arrived. This is not good for anyone but extremely discouraging for business users." SWCC recently announced lobbying for improved investment in South West transport connectivity as its number one priority. A quarter of the responding businesses secure more than 75% of their revenue from outside the South West, and a third of South West businesses use transport links to get to and from other parts of the UK on a daily basis, with a further third using it weekly.  David Parlby, chief executive of Plymouth Chamber and a member of SWCC, said the results of the survey consolidated SWCC's view that the South West has suffered from significant underinvestment for a prolonged period of time in comparison with other regions. "On-going transport connectivity issues are more than just an inconvenience for the South West. The results of the survey show that businesses in the region are literally paying the price for the poor infrastructure and lack of investment," he said. "This is a critical issue which impacts on South West businesses of all sizes and from all industries, every day. Appropriate levels of investment in our transport connectivity are fundamental to the region's future economic development and ability to attract new businesses and inward investment. However, we are currently missing out on transport investment opportunities and being omitted from national improvement programmes." SWCC will now be undertaking additional in-depth analysis of the survey results to direct a strategy for a lobbying campaign which will aim to secure the investment and political support necessary for improvement.

BBC Radio Devon presenter David FitzGerald gets fit - with the help of Hospiscare

March 8, 2013, 2:42 am

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BBC Radio Devon presenter David FitzGerald will be taking part in the Hospiscare Men's Walk this month as part of his intense health and fitness campaign. FitzGerald, who presents the interactive lunch, has been challenged by the BBC's 'Inside Out South West' to take on a new healthier lifestyle. The DJ, who had been a stranger to exercise untill recently, has decided to walk the 10 kilometer route for the local charity as part of his new fitness regime. To the listeners of his show David FitzGerald is better known for his love of food then his active lifestyle, but has recently become fully committed to getting fit and healthy, which is being closely documented for 'Inside Out'. When asked if he was apprehesive about the walk David said "It will be a challenge but I have surprised myself with how much I've enjoyed getting fit, I'm really looking forward to being part of the great atmosphere on the day, men together doing something fun for a great local charity." The 2013 men's walk starts and finishes at the home at the Exeter chiefs and is followed by a well earned pint and a pasty. Walkers will then get to watch the England vs Wales match on the big screens. When asked why he had chosen to raise money for Hospiscare David said "The Hospice is an amazing place, I know that every penny I raise will go to great use". Hospiscare is your local Hospice charity for Exeter, mid and east Devon, caring for people with terminal illnesses and their families. If you think the men's walk sounds like the right challenge for you there is still time to sign up, register at www.menswalk.co.uk today.

Weather warning issued as snow, sleet and strong winds forecast for Exeter

March 8, 2013, 4:29 am

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Exeter and the surrounding area has been issued a Yellow Alert of snow for the beginning of next week. The yellow-graded warning, the lowest kind issued by the Met Office, has been put in place for Sunday and Monday. Forecasters are warning of widespread sleet and snow across the region, with accumulations of up to 5cm possible in some areas. Temperatures are also expected to plummet this weekend as an influx of cold air passes across the region, while wind speeds could reach up to 50mph. A chief forecaster at the Exeter-based agency said: 'A spell of sleet and snow is expected, starting on Sunday evening in SW England, and affecting southern England more widely on Sunday night and Monday morning. Snow will be accompanied by a strong easterly wind which will accentuate the very cold feel. Accumulations of 3 - 5 cm could occur quite widely over southern counties, and the public are advised to be aware of this wintry hazard.' Adding: 'There is an 80% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 1200 on Saturday and 0800 on Tuesday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action. It was announced yesterday that disruptions caused by extreme weather to the region's road and rail network are said to have cost Westcountry businesses £167 million.

Ottery woman is accused of "perverting the course of justice" by claiming she was driving a car involved in Exeter collision

March 8, 2013, 4:50 am

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A 39-year-old woman from Ottery St Mary is facing a trial over allegations that she attempted to pervert the course of justice by falsely claiming she was the driver of a car which was involved in a collision. Mary-Ann Smith, of Ferguson Close, is accused of completing her details as the driver of a vehicle which was concerned in an incident which occurred in Valley Road, Exeter, on July 27 last year and the act "had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice". She appeared before Exeter magistrates who sent the case to Exeter Crown Court for a trial with the first hearing taking place on March 14. She was released on unconditional bail.

Picture of the day: The grounds at Killerton House, near Exeter, by Heather Condor of Heavitree

March 8, 2013, 5:01 am

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Why not post your own pictures of Exeter and the surrounding area on This is Exeter? You just need to register with the site and follow the links.

To upload your own picture simply register to the site by clicking register in the top right hand corner of the homepage.

Once registered you can upload your pictures by clicking on the 'upload pictures' button under Get Involved.

Concern over 70 acre solar panel site near Exeter

March 8, 2013, 6:36 am

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Robert Palace had just got use to a massive new town being built on his doorstep when planners came up with another nasty surprise.
Mr Palace and his wife Tina who live in a 200-year-old house, in the tiny hamlet of Crannaford, near the fast growing Cranbrook estate, has just found out he is in line to be surrounded by 70 acres of solar panels.
The restauranteur – the couple run the popular Red Wing Bar and Restaurant in Lympstone – says if given the go-ahead the thousands of solar panels will be a blight on the landscape.
"Notice of the application for planning permission just dropped through our letter box. We had no notice whatsoever that this was happening.
"We have 40 acres of solar panels just two miles up the road, near the site of the proposed new secondary school for Cranbrooke and now they want another 70bn acres.
"It would come right up to our property on a raised field so we would have to look out on it . It is a blight on us and a blot on the landscape.
"Of course not many people live out here so it will be difficult to raise objections but we are very much against the idea."
A spokesman for East Devon District Coucnil said: "The application was received and validated a few days ago. We cannot yet estimate when it may be determined. In the meantime, the public are invited to submit comments online or by post."
The application has been lodged by MS Power Project Ltd which was formed just over a year ago.
Its business activity is recorded as Development Of Building Projects with one shareholder owning all the  shares in the company. It is not part of a group.
In December 2012 it was reported that MS Power Projects Limited want to put 16,000 solar panels on 18.5 acres  of farmland at Norton Hall in Mickleton near Chipping Campden, raising local concerns over flooding.

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Devon Carers recognised by the Carers Trust

March 8, 2013, 7:55 am

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Devon Carers, the information, support and short breaks service for carers, has been accepted as a Network Partner of Carers Trust. Carers Trust, a new charity formed from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care, work to improve support and recognition for carers. They have a network of 300 partners who work together to ensure help and support is available for half a million carers across the UK. To become a partner Devon Carers had to demonstrate they are carer-led and carer focussed, and they provide high quality adult and young carers services. The Carers Trust met with carers and staff to review the service; their inspector found that Devon Carers is "a dynamic and vibrant organisation, which strives to improve services and outcomes for carers." Devon Carers brings together eight local voluntary organisations, in a consortium led by Westbank, in a unique partnership to run carers services in Devon. Devon Carers is the first consortium to become a partner of Carers Trust; their inspector found that this collaborative approach with local partners and carers was a key factor in the success of Devon Carers. Councillor Stuart Barker, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for adult carers said: "This is very good news and again illustrates that county council's significant investment in this service is paying off. The consortium of eight groups working together as Devon Carers has simplified carer support to all carers and I'm delighted that the Carers Trust has recognised the hard work and commitment with this national recognition for their work." Devon Carers operates a helpline, as part of an annual £1.3 million investment by Devon County Council and NHS Devon. This has made access to carer support simple and timely wherever they live in the county to help them to stay healthy and live a normal life outside of caring. The benefits of becoming a Carers Trust partner include, connection to a network of similar organisations doing the same work, the quality of the services will be nationally endorsed, and the opportunity to bid for funding for local projects. Matthew Byrne, manager of Devon Carers, said: "Achieving the Carers Trust Quality Mark for adult and Young Carers services is an exciting development for us; the award is recognition of the hard work and commitment of Devon Carers staff, but we are not going to rest on our laurels. "Membership of Carers Trust gives us the chance to find out about other organisations working with carers – sharing best practice and innovation – and to draw on expertise, advice and information to enable us to further improve our services in Devon." Sonia Barton, chair of the Governance Board of Devon Carers said: "When we first talked with carers about joining the Trust they were keen to know that there would be real benefits for them. Our partnership with Carers Trust will help us to identify more new carers, and will enable local carers to be part of a strong, national voice for carers. "Membership gives Devon Carers access to new funding opportunities, for example Carers Trust is The Co-operative's charity of the year and will be focusing on raising £5million for services for young carers, and also opens up new grants funds to individual applications from local carers." Thea Stein, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, said: "I am delighted to welcome Devon Carers as the first new partner of Carers Trust since we were established nearly a year ago. It was great to see carers so involved and to see close up the excellent partnership between Devon Carers, commissioners and councillors." Carers in Devon can get support and information at the 'first stop' from the helpline advisor, as well as through a network of local carers support workers who provide face to face support and activities for young carers to enjoy being young people. There are also opportunities to meet other carers in their area for mutual support, friendship and short breaks away from caring. The helpline (08456 434 435) is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

Car on fire on M5 Southbound J29 Sowton Exit Sliproad

March 8, 2013, 7:57 am

≫ Next: Exeter youth who wrecked family home in drunken rage spared jail after parent's plea

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Firefighters were called to a car fire on the M5 Southbound J29 Sowton Exit Sliproad this afternoon. One fire appliance from Middlemoor Exeter and one fire appliance from Danes Castle Exeter attended. Fire crews found a small fire involving the gear box and electrics of a utility vehicle. The fire was out on the arrival of fire crews who cooled the engine compartment using one hose reel jet. The vehicle was made safe by fire crews using small tools. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental. The Highways Agency also attended this incident to provide traffic management.

Exeter youth who wrecked family home in drunken rage spared jail after parent's plea

March 8, 2013, 8:17 am

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A youth who wrecked his family home in a drunken rage has been spared jail after his parents pleaded for him to be freed. Ryan Budd's terrified family barricaded themselves into their living room as he demolished the front and back doors but he then smashed his way through the front window armed with a knife. His brother and girlfriend locked themselves into a downstairs bathroom and Budd's mother was knocked to the ground and injured as she tried to stop him breaking the door down. His parents Colin and Tracey wept in the public gallery of Exeter Crown Court as a Judge showed mercy on their son after reading a plea from them free him from prison and let him come home. Budd, aged 20, of Hawthorn Road, Exeter, has been remanded in custody since being subdued with pepper spray and arrested four weeks ago. He admitted affray and was jailed for eight months, suspended for two years, and ordered to attend an alcohol awareness course as part of 18 months supervision. He was told to pay £340 costs and a £100 victim surcharge. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, told him:"Your mother says in her letter to me that you are not really a violent person and both your parents have asked that this case results in a sentence which will allow you to return home. "This was an act of violence for which there must be punishment but I am able to suspend the sentence. You say you will be paying for all the damage you caused. You will have to sort that out if you want to remain on good terms with your parents." Miss Janice Eagles, prosecuting, said Budd returned home to Hawthorn Road at 2 am after a row with his girlfriend and was locked out by his parents because he was drunk and abusive. He smashed in the back door with a heavy parasol base from the garden and his brother Bradley, girlfriend and parents retreated to the living room where they leant against the door to stop him getting in. He smashed the front door and used a piece of wood to smash the window of the room where they were sheltering, climbing in armed with a ten inch kitchen knife. The others took refuge again by locking themselves in a bathroom and his mother was knocked over as she tried to stop him getting in. She suffered a three inch gash as her head hit a door frame. Budd's brother went to his mother's aid and police arrived as he was grappling with him. They used Captor spray to arrest him. The knife was found embedded in a wall of the living room with such force that the blade had broken off from the handle. Miss Julia Cox, defending, said Budd's family are keen to have him home and passed the judge letters in which they pleaded for mercy.

Police helicopter called as four prisoners injured in prison van crash on A377 Alphinton Road

March 8, 2013, 11:06 am

≫ Next: Turnaround scheme helps just 20 families in Devon and Cornwall

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A prison van carrying four prisoners collided with a car on the A377 at Alphington Road in Exeter at 3:50pm today, closing the road and creating mile long tailbacks. The police helicopter was called to the scene of the crash to oversee the transfer of the prisoners from the damaged van to another vehicle. The white Iveco prison van, which was carrying four prisoners, collided with a Vauxhall Corsa at the Marsh Barton turn off, say police. The crash left all the three males and one female with suspected neck injuries. Police say the driver is also thought to have been injured. The driver of the Corsa, believed to be a female, has been treated by paramedics and the car was left badly damaged by the collision. All prisoners were then taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital to be checked over. The road closure caused queues to the viaduct and although reopened at 5:25pm, delays were still clearing by 6pm.

Turnaround scheme helps just 20 families in Devon and Cornwall

March 8, 2013, 9:30 pm

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London Editor

A government programme to help get people back into work and tackle antisocial behaviour has "turned round" just 20 "troubled families" in Devon and Cornwall.

But ministers say the three-year programme is "ahead of schedule" at the end of its first year.

Government figures state there are 3,750 families to help in the two counties, and between them they cost the state £280 million a year in police, NHS and council costs, an average of almost £75,000 per family, excluding benefits.

After its first 12 months, councils have identified 1,710 families in need of support in Devon and Cornwall.

Of those, 591 are being helped through "intensive interventions" to tackle truancy, youth crime, antisocial behaviour and unemployment.

In January, local authorities reported they had turned around the lives of 20 troubled families in the two counties after just nine months of the three-year programme. All are in Plymouth – with none having been turned around yet in Cornwall, Devon or Torbay.

The programme has been given a further boost with the announcement of a new drive that will see 150 Jobcentre Plus advisers who will work with councils to help get people into jobs.

They will give practical support in skills such as CV writing and interview techniques, and will put families in contact with local employers.

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said: "The Troubled Families programme is on track, changing families for the better and reducing their impact on the communities around them.

"This programme is getting to grips with some of the hardest to help families in the country and in doing so will help bring down the costs they incur to the taxpayer and the damage they do to communities."