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Singing nuns and star speakers put Shebbear pupils centre stage

Devon Today
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Singing nuns and star speakers put Shebbear pupils centre stage

From national public speaking finals to standout stage performances and top music exam marks, pupils at Shebbear College are celebrating a series of achievements across the performing arts.

The North Devon independent school has praised pupils for success in music, drama and public speaking, with several students recognised at national level and others achieving top examination results at a young age.

Dolly Brookes, in Form 5, and Cherrie Tong, in Form 3, both achieved distinctions in their Grade 8 music examinations — the highest possible award. Dolly achieved the result in flute, while Cherrie secured the accolade in piano at the age of 13.

Cherrie, a boarder from Hong Kong, said: “I was really happy when I got the result, I worked really hard and I’m proud of myself.

“I was aiming for a distinction, but I was not sure if I would get it. I’m going to do my Diploma next, which is the level after Grade 8.”

Dolly said: “It did not really hit me that my exam was coming up, so in the two weeks before, I played every single night, hoping I would pass.

“When I came out of the exam, I thought it had gone fairly well, but when I found out it was a distinction, I was very happy.”

Eleanor Foster – ISA Public Speaking Competition
Yvie Tilley at the ISA Young Musician of the Year
Grade 8 Distinction for Dolly and Cherrie

Rebecca Sadler-Smith, head of creative and performing arts at Shebbear College, said: “Grade 8 is typically the highest qualification our pupils study for.

“It reflects the many hours they have dedicated to their instruments. To achieve a Grade 8 distinction, especially when these girls are not yet in Sixth Form, is incredible. We are very proud of them.”

Lower Sixth pupil Yvie Tilley also represented the college at the ISA Young Musician Competition 2026 at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, after being selected as a national finalist.

Meanwhile, Eleanor Foster reached the national finals of the ISA Public Speaking Competition with her original speech, The Power of a Question.

The school’s recent production of Sister Act also highlighted the depth of performing arts talent at the college, with Year 11 pupil Evie Highet praised for her lead role as Deloris Van Cartier.

Shebbear College said the achievements reflected the strength of its performing arts department and the support available for pupils developing skills in music, drama and public speaking.

Teignmouth Lido sale move aims to secure best future for town pool

Teignbridge District Council
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Teignmouth Lido sale move aims to secure best future for town pool

Teignbridge District Council has instructed a commercial estate agent to market Teignmouth Lido as part of due diligence to ensure all options for the disposal of the pool are fully considered.

Bettesworths will erect a sales board and launch online advertising activity in the week commencing Monday 11 May.

Teignmouth Lido is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and a six-month moratorium on the sale of the pool is currently in place to allow community groups time to prepare a bid.

Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Committee will review all expressions of interest in the Lido at a meeting in October. These will potentially include proposals from community groups along with private and commercial bids.

Teignbridge District Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, Councillor David Palethorpe, said: “We have a responsibility to ensure that we are considering all available options for the Lido site. Appointing a commercial agent is part of that due diligence process.

“We hope that this marketing campaign generates significant interest and results in a wide range of proposals in addition to those we might receive from community groups.

“This would enable us to decide which option presents the best outcome for the Council as well as the Town, its residents, visitors and businesses.”

Councillors approved recommendations to declare Teignmouth Lido as surplus to requirements and to dispose of it on the open market in February 2026. The decision was made following a detailed review of the Lido’s financial and operational challenges as part of the Council’s Modern 25 transformation programme to address major budget gaps.

Historic Plymouth pub seeks later licence hours and outdoor bars

Lewis Clarke
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Historic Plymouth pub seeks later licence hours and outdoor bars

A historic village pub could soon be serving drinks earlier and later into the night under plans which have divided residents and prompted a licensing hearing.

An application has been submitted to Plymouth City Council by Simon Gilley on behalf of Staddiscombe Park Ltd seeking changes to the premises licence for The London Inn in Plympton St Maurice.

The proposals include extending alcohol sales and opening hours, as well as adding outdoor areas including a patio, garage, car park and beer garden to the licence. Four temporary outdoor bars are also proposed.

According to council documents, the licensing department received the variation application on Friday, March 27.

The amended application now requests permission for alcohol sales from 10am until 12.30am daily, with the premises also opening to the public during the same hours. Non-standard timings would allow opening from 8am for events including weddings, wakes and sporting occasions.

The application also seeks permission for additional opening hours during live international sporting events, including football and rugby matches.

Council documents state that original proposals were amended during the consultation process following discussions with residents.

Nine letters objecting to the application were initially received from residents, although five were later withdrawn after changes were made to the plans. The council also received two representations from councillors and one letter supporting the application from a resident.

No objections were submitted by Devon and Cornwall Police, Environmental Health, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, planning officers or child protection authorities.

Environmental Health did not object after additional conditions were agreed with the applicant.

One additional condition added during the consultation states that non-standard timings would not be used on more than 20 occasions in any calendar year.

The operating schedule submitted with the application says CCTV would operate during opening hours and glasses would be collected regularly. It also states that doors and windows would remain closed during entertainment events to minimise disruption to neighbours.

The application states: “We are a well run pub with minimal issues, the variation I am requesting should not alter this in any way.”

The report will be considered by Plymouth City Council’s Licensing Sub Committee at a meeting on Monday, May 18.

Devon residents fined over shocking damage to protected woodland trees

North Devon Council
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Devon residents fined over shocking damage to protected woodland trees

A tree surgeon and four residents of a Barnstaple street have been fined at court for damaging woodland trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) following a successful prosecution from North Devon Council.

Gary Boyles of Poltimore Road, South Molton, along with Sara and Stewart Spearman and Diane and Michael Wogden, all of Magnolia Close, appeared at Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 May 2026, where they each pleaded guilty to damaging protected trees at Whiddon Valley without the necessary consent.

The charges related to work carried out by Boyles at the Spearmans’ and Wogdens’ properties in January and February 2025. An investigation found eight of the trees had their canopies completely removed, reducing their heights by approximately 10 metres. This level of work was found to be likely to reduce the trees’ longevity and could lead to irreversible damage.

The trees were protected by a Woodland TPO, which prohibits the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or destruction of trees without written consent from the local planning authority.

No application was made to the council before work took place, as the residents believed the trees were not subject to a TPO and no checks were carried out by Boyles to confirm whether a TPO applied.

Boyles was ordered to pay a total of £4,252, comprising a £1,000 fine, a £400 victim surcharge and £2,852 in costs.

The four Magnolia Close residents were each ordered to pay a total of £780 comprising fines of £200, victim surcharges of £80 and costs of £500.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning at North Devon Council, said: “Tree Preservation Orders exist to protect trees that make a real contribution to our environment and the character of our communities. This case highlights the importance of checking whether a TPO applies before carrying out any work on trees.

“We would always urge residents and contractors to check with the council before work begins to avoid irreversible harm and the risk of prosecution. It is a straightforward step that can prevent serious consequences.”

Plymouth venue seeks 3am booze licence despite neighbour noise fears

Lewis Clarke
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Plymouth venue seeks 3am booze licence despite neighbour noise fears

A Plymouth venue could soon serve alcohol until 3am every night after applying to extend its premises licence — but nearby residents have already raised concerns over noise and disruption.

Cosmic Kitchen, on Palace Street, has submitted an application to Plymouth City Council to vary its premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. The application will be considered by the council’s licensing sub committee on Monday, May 18.

The venue is currently licensed to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshment until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Under the proposed changes, Cosmic Kitchen wants permission for recorded music, late-night refreshment and alcohol sales until 3am seven days a week. The application also seeks a 24-hour licence period from New Year’s Eve through to New Year’s Day.

A report prepared for councillors said the venue had already trialled a number of Temporary Event Notices “over the past month without any incidents reported to the relevant authorities”.

The application falls within an area covered by Plymouth’s cumulative impact policy, which creates a presumption against new licences or licence variations where they could add to existing problems linked to licensed premises.

However, Devon and Cornwall Police, Environmental Health, Trading Standards and other responsible authorities did not submit objections to the application. Police agreed additional conditions with the applicant, including requirements for door supervisors after midnight.

The agreed conditions state that where the premises remains open after midnight, door supervisors must be employed from at least 10pm. The ratio would be a minimum of one door supervisor for the first 100 customers and one additional supervisor for every 100 customers after that.

In its operating schedule, Cosmic Kitchen said it would “always ensure there are sufficient competent staff on duty” and said security staff would be used during late-night events. The venue also highlighted its CCTV coverage and membership of Pubwatch.

One resident objection was submitted to the council.

In the letter, the resident claimed music from the venue had sometimes continued after 1am on Saturday and Sunday mornings and alleged previous complaints had been made about noise levels. The objection also raised concerns about customers leaving the premises in the early hours and potentially disturbing nearby residents, including families with children living in surrounding flats.

Councillors will decide whether to approve the application, modify the requested conditions or reject the variation entirely.

DEVON VOICES: ‘People from across Devon love what Bideford offers’

Peter Lawrence
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DEVON VOICES: ‘People from across Devon love what Bideford offers’

It was an honour & privilege to be elected Mayor of Bideford by my fellow councillors in May 2025. During the last year, I have attended many functions and events, as well as working in the background with the office staff (old and new) to keep the services the Town Council provide running. As well as sitting on the Bideford Regeneration Board and helping drive forward the Pannier Market Project, to repair the roof and structure of the buildings, it has been a busy year.

Normally it would be the turn of another Councillor to take over the role of Mayor and carry on, where the previous person had left off. However this year, is slightly different, in that I was again asked to stand for Mayor and elected for a second term. My thanks go to all those who put their faith in me and I am looking forward to leading the council again for another year.

Preparation now starts for the Mayor’s Introduction Ceremony on the Thursday 4th June and Bideford Fair on Saturday June 6th.  This year we are including a Cream Tea Festival in the Fair and there are competitions to choose the best local bakers, both amateur & professional. A Sheep Drive across the Old Bideford Bridge, Flyboarding on the River Torridge, classic cars, dog show and The Mayor’s Procession through Town will also feature in a packed day of events in Bideford’s Victoria Park and beyond.

There are also other local Mayor’s introduction ceremonies at Torrington & Barnstaple to attend before that, as well as the normal round of Council Meetings. I am also looking forward to presenting a card and gift to any Bideford residents reaching 100 this year. For more details visit the Town Council website, on how you can apply.

The Bideford Maintenance Team start work on replacing the lights on the Old Bideford Bridge this week, so there will be a road closure in place from 11th May – 14th May between 7pm and 6am each day. This will allow access for a crane to lower a specially made cage over the parapet to allow electricians to replace the bulbs (many of which have failed).

Sex offender spared jail after victim finally breaks years of silence

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Sex offender spared jail after victim finally breaks years of silence

A man has been sentenced for the sexual touching of a man in North Devon.

Clint Barnes, 56, from Morecambe, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence after being convicted of three indecent assaults.

Barnes was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for three years. He must complete 250 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £2,500 in compensation to the victim.

Barnes must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

All three charges related to the same victim who was then a teenager/young adult.

The court heard how the offences took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the Bideford area.

The offences were reported in 2022 after the victim in the case made disclosures during a visit to hospital.

He described being abused by Barnes on numerous occasions.

Barnes touched the victim sexually over clothing and made unwanted sexual remarks.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Kerry Mitchell said: “I would like to thank the victim for his immense courage in reporting this to us and remaining engaged during the court process.

“While this conviction may not have resulted in an immediate custodial sentence, it still goes to show that victims of unwanted sexual touching will be believed when reporting abuse to us, regardless of how much time has passed since the incidents.”

Support available

If you have been affected by this article there is support available.

You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Advice and support can also be found at:

National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault

Bulldozers move in as Newton Abbot car park faces housing transformation

Teignbridge District Council
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Bulldozers move in as Newton Abbot car park faces housing transformation

Work is due to start this month on the delivery of new council homes at Sherborne House Car Park, in Newton Abbot, marking an important next step in Teignbridge District Council’s plans to provide much-needed affordable housing in the district.

The project will deliver 23 high-quality social rented flats comprising of 13 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom homes in the heart of the town, with easy access to public transport, shops, and services.  The scheme will make good use of brownfield land while contributing to the council’s wider ambitions to increase housing supply and support local communities.

Funding for the project has come from a £2.7m grant from the Homes England Affordable Homes Programme and £525,000 from the Brownfield Land Release Fund, supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG); and delivered by One Public Estate (OPE).

The building contract has been awarded to a locally based contractor, Nevada Construction. Preparatory activity will begin ahead of construction, and the council is working closely with Nevada to minimise disruption as far as possible. Measures will be put in place to manage noise, deliveries and site safety during the build.

Cllr Richard Buscombe, Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “We’re pleased to see work getting under way at Sherborne House Car Park, which represents real progress in delivering new homes on a well located town centre site. Projects like this are vital in helping us meet local housing needs.

“We appreciate that construction activity can cause some temporary disruption, and I would like to thank local residents and businesses in advance for their patience and understanding while the work takes place. We will continue to keep people informed as the build progresses.”

Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Teignbridge District Council to achieve their ambitions.

“The Sherborne House car park development is prime example of how we are working collaboratively with partners, through the Affordable Homes Programme, to create thriving communities people can be proud of.”

Paul Britton, One Public Estate Lead for the South West said: “The purpose of the Brownfield Land Release Fund is to help unlock council sites for new homes across the country. What makes this development so special is that it not only provides 100% affordable homes, but it will be built to the very highest environmental standards.”

Richard Towl, Director of Nevada Construction said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this Passivhaus project for Teignbridge District Council, marking our second such high-performance building within the region. The partnership underscores our shared commitment to sustainable delivery and carbon reduction, ensuring that we construct energy efficient spaces which benefit both the community and the environment. By adhering to the rigorous Passivhaus standards, we will be supporting the council’s environmental goals, whilst also creating essential new homes in Newton Abbot.”

The council will provide updates for residents as the project moves forward and will liaise with nearby neighbours throughout the construction period.

Croyde sewer shake-up launched after storm overflow fears refuse to fade

South West Water
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Croyde sewer shake-up launched after storm overflow fears refuse to fade

South West Water has completed targeted improvements to the wastewater network in Croyde as part of its ongoing work to reduce storm overflows and strengthen the system in the area.

Croyde Sewage Treatment Works is one of South West Water’s higher spilling sites, and the company has carried out various investigations and improvements at the treatment works and across the catchment to help deliver projects that will reduce storm overflow activity in the area.

Croyde is a coastal, low-lying area with permeable soils, meaning groundwater levels can rise quickly following periods of heavy rainfall.

The investigations revealed that groundwater was entering the sewer network through  joints in pipes and manholes.

Known as groundwater infiltration, this happens when water that exists underground in cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock enters the sewers.

Croyde Sewage Pumping Station 2_cropped

This additional water was then flowing through the network to the treatment works, increasing the overall volume beyond what the system was designed to handle during wet weather.

To address this issue, engineers carried out CCTV surveys to identify sections of pipe affected by this infiltration. They then cleaned the affected areas thoroughly and installed a protective lining to 1.6 kilometres of sewer in the area and carried out repairs across the local network, including sealing 55 manholes

They then cleaned the affected areas thoroughly and installed a protective lining to 1.6 kilometres of sewer in the area and carried out repairs across the local network, including sealing 55 manholes.

When fitted, this special lining is cured inside the sewer to create a watertight seal so  no groundwater or surface water can enter the network.

Follow-up CCTV inspections were undertaken to confirm the lining had set correctly and that no further infiltration was occurring.

These measures have reduced the amount of groundwater entering the wastewater network during wet weather, helping to ease pressure on the system.

The works in Croyde, completed in October 2024, formed part of South West Water’s £16 million Infiltration Reduction Programme, which targeted 175 high-risk sites after reviewing performance across more than 1,600 storm overflows.

Hazel Tranchant, Head of Asset Management at South West Water, said:“Croyde is an area where we see the impact of heavy rainfall on the wastewater network. This project focused on reducing the amount of groundwater entering the system, which can put additional pressure on the network during wet weather. We have also been making improvements to fix controls that have caused short duration spills to Baggy Point.

“The work we’ve completed is an important step in strengthening the local infrastructure, and we continue to invest in further improvements to help reduce storm overflow activity in the future.”

South West Water continues to invest in Croyde to build on these improvements and further strengthen the network.

A further £4 million has been allocated to two new projects, which are currently in the design process, aimed at reducing pressure on the network and helping to reduce the use of storm overflows in the future. This wider programme of improvements will be delivered in phases over the coming years, with completion currently scheduled for 2030.

Tiverton by-election turns bitter after leaflet claim over candidate address

Lewis Clarke
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Tiverton by-election turns bitter after leaflet claim over candidate address

A by-election battle has turned personal after a council hopeful hit back at claims made about where he lives.

Conservative candidate Luis Richard Alun James Gordon has criticised a Reform UK campaign leaflet which he says claimed he lives in Wellington.

The Conservatives have referred the matter to the Mid Devon returning officer, saying Luis has lived in Tiverton for 20 years and would be ineligible to stand if the Reform UK claim were true.

Luis said: “It is disappointing to see these false statements being circulated.

“I am a Tiverton resident, through and through. My focus remains on being a strong voice for Cranmore Ward. Voting take place on May 14.”

Goff Welchman, who is standing for Reform UK, said the address information was taken from the imprint on the Conservative candidate’s own campaign leaflet.

He said: “The address information of the Conservative candidate was taken from the imprint on his own campaign leaflet, which clearly states that he resides in the Wellington area.

“His leaflet is very open to criticism, which we are taking up with the returning officer.

“I would also add, that if the candidate is so involved with and knowledgeable about Cranmore Ward, why are his team canvassing in Lowman Ward?

“His credentials in supporting Cranmore cannot compare with mine, so he is clutching at straws, knowing that he is staring defeat in the face.”

Mr Gordon added that the legal address on Reform’s leaflets was London, questioning “does that mean he lives in London? I don’t think so.”

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have also challenged leaflets.

Steve Lodge, Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Tiverton West, challenged figures which state an incorrect figure for the voting stats in the chart – Lib Dems got 29.6%.

He adds a prior leaflet makes a claim about money spent on community projects in Tiverton added: “All 60 Devon county councillors – Liberal Democrat, Conservative, Labour, Green and Independent – received the same £8,000 annual allocation to support community projects in their area. The funding comes from council taxpayers, not from any political party.

“I understand thar concerns have been raised that the leaflet’s wording could give voters the false impression that the funding is connected to the Reform party, or that electing Reform candidates at town council level would help secure similar funding.

“The town council by-election is for a different tier of local government. Town councillors have no control over county council Locality Budgets.

“It’s disappointing to see campaign material that could leave voters thinking this is something unique to Reform when it simply isn’t. Every county councillor in Devon gets the same Locality Budget to support their community – and it’s public money, not political party money.  I’ve had the same locality budget and spent every penny of it on worthwhile community projects.

“The wording is very misleading. Town councillors don’t control county council budgets, and public funds shouldn’t be dressed up as party achievements. It feels like they’re deliberately blurring the message.

“Voters should be able to trust what they read during elections.

“”Devon County Council’s Monitoring Officer is responsible for councillor conduct and the Members’ Code of Conduct.”

A poll for Tiverton Town Council’s Cranmore Ward will be held on Thursday, May 14, between 7am and 10pm. One councillor will be elected.

The candidates are Luis Richard Alun James Gordon, Conservative; Claudette Harrower, Liberal Democrats; Ana Luisa Hendy, Local Independents for Tiverton; and Goff Welchman, Reform UK.

The polling station will be Sunningmead Community Centre, Lazenby Road.

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