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Historic tree planted by Prince Philip faces heartbreaking end

Torridge District Council
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Historic tree planted by Prince Philip faces heartbreaking end

Tomorrow we will sadly be removing the Lombardy Poplar tree at Victoria Park, next to the bowling club.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts over the past two years to save it, the tree has developed a fungal disease and it has now reached a point where removal is necessary for safety reasons.

This tree was originally planted by Prince Philip on 15 October 1952 to commemorate the opening of the King George V Playing Field. At 74 years old, it is recorded as a notable tree on the Veteran Tree Register.

While it’s sad to see such a prominent landmark go, we want to honour its history. Rather than removing it completely, we’ll be carving a seat from the remaining stump so the tree can continue to be part of the park in a new way.

We are also planning to plant a suitable replacement tree and will keep you updated on our page – so please keep an eye out!

Thank you for your understanding.

South Hams celebrates community wins in bumper annual council report

South Hams District Council
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South Hams celebrates community wins in bumper annual council report

We have been celebrating our work with local communities at our Annual Council today.

As well as appointing our new Chair, the 2025-26 Annual Report, ‘Working for our communities’ was endorsed. This highlights some of the work that has been done with local communities across the district over the past 12 months.

The publication, which can be found here, includes examples of how we have been achieving our ambitions such as delivering healthy, warm and affordable homes across the district. It also highlights how we have supported communities to do more for the environment through rewilding projects and the ongoing mission to plant a tree for every resident.

During the Leader’s annual statement, Cllr Dan Thomas introduced the report, which also outlines initiatives to increase footfall in local towns, invest in community facilities, and continue delivering good quality services.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson was elected as the new Chair for the coming year at the meeting.

The Ward Member for Dartington and Staverton accepted the chain of office from outgoing Chairman, Cllr Bernard Taylor. Cllr Guy Pannell was re-appointed as our Vice-Chair.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson said: “I would like to thank all our Members for electing me to the role of Chair for the year ahead. I look forward to working with fellow Members to make a positive impact on our community. I would also like to congratulate Cllr Bernard Taylor for the role he has played over the past two years as I aim to build on that progress.”

Outgoing Chairman Cllr Bernard Taylor also presented £1,446 to the Chestnut Appeal – which was the designated Chairman’s Charity for the past year – to support the work it does for men’s health.

Cllr Bernard Taylor said: “As I depart my role as Chairman, I’m proud to present the Chestnut Appeal with these funds. I chose this charity because several people in my ward have suffered with prostate cancer, some of which have sadly passed away. I hope the donation will help support the important work the charity does.”

The following committee positions were also confirmed during the Council meeting.

Executive

  • Cllr Dan Thomas – Leader
  • Cllr Simon Rake – Deputy Leader
  • Cllr Victor Abbott
  • Cllr John Birch
  • Cllr Julian Brazil
  • Cllr Nadine Dommett
  • Cllr David Hancock
  • Cllr Nicky Hopwood
  • Cllr John McKay
  • Cllr Denise O’Callaghan

Audit and Governance Committee

  • Cllr Lee Bonham – Chairman
  • Cllr Matt Steele – Vice Chair

Development Management Committee

  • Cllr Mark Long – Chairman
  • Cllr Bernard Taylor – Vice Chair

Licensing Committee

  • Cllr Sam Penfold – Chairman
  • Cllr Anna Presswell – Vice Chair

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

  • Cllr Alison Nix – Chairman
  • Cllr Ben Cooper – Vice Chair

Council Tax Setting Committee

  • Cllr Dan Thomas – Chairman

Ancient Devon trees get new protection as experts race to save them

South Hams District Council
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Ancient Devon trees get new protection as experts race to save them

More is being done to help identify, record and look after old trees in the South Hams.

Two training events took place recently at Dartington Hall in partnership with the South Hams Tree Warden network and the Tree Council.

The sessions were designed to help wardens develop the skills they need to recognise veteran and ancient trees on the Woodland Trust Inventory. So far 482 have been recorded.

Further work has been carried out by our  Assets Tree Officer to have detailed management surveys carried out on two of our own veteran trees. We will be working on enacting the recommendations of the reports to improve their conditions and are having public information boards prepared for each tree.

The investigation into these trees highlights our commitment to protect existing trees, woods and hedges.

New beach rankings launched across English Riviera for summer season

Torbay Council
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New beach rankings launched across English Riviera for summer season

The English Riviera bathing season began on Friday 15 May, with new English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS) in place across Torbay to help residents and visitors feel confident, informed and welcome when enjoying the coast.

Visitors to our coastline will notice new beach flags, signage and clearer on‑site information, designed to provide reassurance, support safe use of the water and make it easier to understand what each beach offers throughout the bathing season.

The English Riviera Beach Standards are a locally designed approach that focuses on what matters most to those using the coast – clean water, clarity, safety and care for the natural environment – helping keep our coastline welcoming and well cared for while recognising the wide variety of beaches and coves across the Bay.

Under the Standards, beaches fall into three easy‑to‑understand categories: Excellent, Quality and Natural. Excellent beaches have strong facilities and consistently excellent water quality, making them suitable for swimming, water sports, family visits and traditional seaside days. Quality beaches offer a positive visitor experience and good to excellent water quality, often with fewer built features and a strong local character. Natural beaches are quieter, undeveloped locations recognised for their environmental value, tranquillity and wildlife, where nature takes priority.

Excellent and Quality beaches are marked with ERBS flags and information boards, explaining what visitors can expect and highlighting important safety advice and guidance. Natural beaches are recognised with on‑site plaques and supported by online information, helping explain why these locations are valued for being wild and largely untouched.

Water quality remains a key priority throughout the bathing season. All designated bathing waters continue to be independently monitored by the Environment Agency, with regular sampling carried out across the season. It is recognised that water quality is a subject of strong public interest, particularly following heavy rainfall and in areas close to known outfalls or historic discharge points, and that confidence relies on clear, accessible information.

To support transparency and informed choice, the English Riviera Beach Standards publish water quality results covering the most recent four bathing seasons for each designated bathing water, allowing residents and visitors to understand long‑term trends rather than relying on a single season’s result. Environment Agency water quality sampling is not carried out at outfalls. Samples are taken at the designated bathing water sampling point, which is located where most bathers are likely to enter the sea, in accordance with national bathing water regulations. This approach ensures results reflect the water quality experienced by swimmers, rather than conditions at discharge locations.

Safety guidance under the ERBS is tailored to the character and conditions of each beach. Seasonal safety signage, windsocks at appropriate locations and locally informed advice are in place to support safe enjoyment of the water. Visitors are encouraged to take a moment to check signage on arrival and be aware that conditions can change, particularly following weather events.

Protecting and enhancing our natural environment runs throughout the Standards, recognising sensitive habitats, underwater vegetation, wildlife‑rich coves and natural coastal features that require care. Visitors are asked to play their part by respecting wildlife, leaving no trace and understanding why some beaches are intentionally managed with limited development.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said:

“The start of the bathing season is about enjoying our beaches with confidence and pride. The English Riviera Beach Standards are designed to give clearer, more useful information at the coast, helping people understand what each beach offers and make informed choices when spending time by the sea.”

“Our coastline is precious to local communities and much‑loved by visitors, and these Standards support a welcoming, safe and transparent approach to caring for our beaches, now and for the future.”

With the English Riviera Beach Standards now in place for the summer, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the full range of beaches across Torbay and choose the location that best suits their day by the sea.

More information about the English Riviera Beach Standards, including beach categories and water quality, is available at www.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk/leisure/beaches-and-coastline/english-riviera-beach-standards/

Crowds flock to Barnstaple market as creative festival blooms into success

Lewis Clarke
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Crowds flock to Barnstaple market as creative festival blooms into success

Barnstaple Pannier Market was transformed into a bustling creative hub as crowds gathered for the latest Connect and Create festival celebrating independent makers, artists and local businesses.

The Blossom-themed event filled the historic market with live music, workshops, street food and stalls from creatives across the South West, attracting visitors throughout the day for a celebration of community and independent enterprise.

Held on Sunday, May 17, the festival marked the first in a series of four seasonal Connect and Create events planned for this year at the market.

Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)
Connect and Create Blossom festival at Barnstaple Pannier Market (Credit : Simon Ellery)

Visitors browsed a wide range of independent traders and artisan stalls while enjoying performances and interactive activities designed to showcase the region’s creative talent.

Hannah Harrington, Place Manager, said: “Events like Connect and Create play a vital role in bringing people into the town centre and showcasing the incredible talent we have across North Devon and the wider Southwest.

“Barnstaple Pannier Market is the perfect setting for these festivals that celebrate creativity, community and independent businesses.”

Event organiser Chay West said the festival had been designed to support the South West’s independent creative scene.

Chay said: “Connect and Create was designed to celebrate the amazing independent makers, artists and creatives we have here in the Southwest.

“These festivals are all about bringing people together – supporting small businesses, learning new skills through workshops, enjoying great food and music, and creating a space where creativity can truly thrive.”

The Connect and Create series will continue later this year with two Nirvana-themed festivals on Sunday, August 9 and Sunday, August 30, followed by Invierno on Sunday, November 22.

Organisers said visitors should follow Connect and Create and Barnstaple Pannier Market social media channels for announcements about trader line-ups, workshops and live performances at future events.

Man dies and pensioner seriously hurt in horror Devon crash

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Man dies and pensioner seriously hurt in horror Devon crash

A man has died and another driver has been seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision on the A386 near Okehampton.

We are appealing for information and dashcam footage following the incident between Hatherleigh and Folly Gate at around 1.50pm on Tuesday 19 May.

Emergency services were called to a collision involving a silver-coloured BMW estate, a white Ford Transit van and a white Citroen Relay Luton van.

The 33-year-old male driver of the BMW, from the Okehampton area, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Ford Transit van, a 74-year-old man from the Bude area, was taken to Derriford Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Citroen van was uninjured.

The road was closed for a number of hours while officers conducted a forensic investigation of the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information or dash-cam footage, is asked to contact us via our website here or by calling 101 quoting log 397 of 19 May 2026.

Police hunt dog owner after therapy pony injured in terrifying attack

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police hunt dog owner after therapy pony injured in terrifying attack

Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for information to identify the owner of a springer spaniel that attacked a pony in Devon earlier this month.

Male miniature Shetland pony, Scooter, is an equine therapy pony and was sadly injured in Bere Alston on Sunday 10 May.

It was reported that a dog entered a paddock before chasing two ponies, and that Scooter was injured as he collided with a gate post while attempting to get away from the dog.

The owner is described as a female aged between 20 and 30 and around 5ft 6ins tall. She is reported to have been well-spoken and had dark hair which was pulled back into a ponytail.

The dog is believed to be a six-month-old brown and white coloured Springer Spaniel, that was wearing a harness.

PC Lucy Wyatt, lead for Equine Crime at Devon & Cornwall Police said: “This is a very distressing incident which highlights the risk to animals, including livestock, when dogs are not under proper control.

 “We are urging anyone who has information about this incident, or who may be able to identify the owner or the dog involved based on the description provided, to please come forward.

“If you are the owner of the dog involved, please do the right thing and make contact with us.”

Charmaine Blamey is Scooter’s owner, and runs Collytown Therapy Ponies. She said “Scooter is part of our family and a companion to our other horses. He is also part of ‘Collytown Therapy Ponies’ – a service we provide to support neurodivergent children in our local community.

“I would like the owner to come forward; to see the damage her dog has caused, and to have a valuable conversation about how this kind of incident can be prevented in the future.

“If you’re not sure of your dog’s recall ability, please, please, please put your dog on a lead around other animals.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact us via our website or call 101 quoting crime reference number 50260122054.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with CrimeStoppers: https://crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111.

Plymouth pupils learn life-saving lessons from chilling Knife Angel visit

Devon Today
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Plymouth pupils learn life-saving lessons from chilling Knife Angel visit

Young pupils were encouraged to think carefully about violence, safety and the choices they make during a workshop exploring the powerful message behind the Knife Angel sculpture.

Year six children at Drake Primary Academy took part in the session led by PC Deb Hart from Devon and Cornwall Police, where they learned about the national monument created from thousands of surrendered and confiscated knives.

The workshop explored the consequences of violence and encouraged pupils to consider how communities, families and young people can help promote safety and respect.

Children also received advice about what to do if they feel worried about their own safety or concerned about someone they know, including where to seek help and support.

The session formed part of the school’s wider work to help pupils build confidence, awareness and social responsibility as they prepare for the transition to secondary school.

Jacqueline Stephens, executive headteacher at Drake Primary Academy, said: “This was a really valuable opportunity for our pupils to learn about the powerful message behind the Knife Angel and to reflect on how their choices can positively shape their communities.

“Our year 6 pupils engaged thoughtfully with the discussion and it helped reinforce the importance of looking out for one another and knowing where to seek help if they ever feel worried.”

Drake Primary Academy is part of Reach South Academy Trust.

More information about the school is available via Drake Primary Academy and the trust via Reach South Academy Trust.

Councillors back Bideford homes despite warnings over flood risk

Lewis Clarke
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Councillors back Bideford homes despite warnings over flood risk

A controversial plan to turn former workshops into homes in Bideford has been approved by councillors despite warnings over flooding and noise concerns.

Torridge District Council’s plans committee debated proposals to convert commercial premises at 13-15 Westcombe Lane into two three-bedroom homes after planning officers recommended refusal.

The application was brought before councillors by Cllr Chris Leather, who said members had already discussed similar concerns during a previous application for the site.

Planning officers explained the latest proposal followed the withdrawal of an earlier scheme to create three homes at the site. That application was withdrawn after problems linked to a legal agreement and ownership of one of the adjoining units.

Officers said the site, which had previously been used as a woodworking workshop and vehicle repair premises, lies partly within Flood Zone 3. Concerns were also raised about the lack of evidence showing safe escape routes during a flood event and the absence of a noise assessment.

The council’s environmental protection team objected because neighbouring commercial uses could affect future residents and because no detailed noise mitigation measures had been submitted.

During the debate on Thursday, May 14, councillors questioned whether flooding was a genuine risk.

Cllr Nigel Kenneally said he had spoken to somebody who had worked in Westcombe Lane for years and claimed the area had “never” flooded.

Planning officers responded that the concerns were based on Environment Agency flood mapping and future climate modelling rather than historical flooding records alone.

Cllr Leather argued the area had changed significantly over the years and said many former commercial buildings nearby had already been converted into homes.

He told the committee: “We do not want industrial down there. If every industrial moves away, good, let’s do something better down there.”

Cllr Leather also said Bideford’s flood defence scheme had been designed to protect against a one-in-100-year flooding event.

Cllr Doug Bushby said converting the building from a woodworking workshop into homes would improve the area and reduce noise.

He said: “Much of Westcombe Lane, probably 30 or 40 years ago, was commercial premises. All of those commercial uses have ceased and those buildings have all been converted into residential use.”

Cllr Rosemary Lock noted there had been no objections from neighbours and questioned whether retaining a small workshop was more important than creating additional housing while the council could not demonstrate a five-year housing supply.

The application proposed creating two three-bedroom properties with kitchen, living and dining areas on the ground floor. Officers accepted the principle of residential development in the location because the site sits within the Bideford development boundary.

However, officers maintained their recommendation for refusal because the loss of employment space had not been justified and concerns remained over flooding and residential amenity.

Despite those objections, councillors voted to approve the application.

Council finally confirms what The Big Sheep is legally allowed to do

Lewis Clarke
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Council finally confirms what The Big Sheep is legally allowed to do

A long-running planning dispute surrounding one of North Devon’s best-known family attractions has finally been resolved after councillors confirmed what activities are legally allowed at The Big Sheep.

Torridge District Council has granted a Certificate of Existing Lawful Use or Development for parts of The Big Sheep site at Abbotsham near Bideford, following a lengthy review of the attraction’s complex planning history.

The decision formally confirms the lawful use of several areas of the site as a commercial farm theme park with rides, attractions and public entertainment, alongside ancillary facilities including parking, a café, shop and brewery.

The certificate also recognises lawful camping and campervan use on parts of the land for up to 60 days per calendar year, with a limit of 50 pitches.

The Big Sheep was originally established in 1988 after the Turner family diversified their farming business following construction of the A39 Atlantic Highway, which split the family farm in two.

Planning documents submitted as part of the application said the attraction had grown “organically” over nearly four decades from a working sheep farm attraction into a wider leisure and tourism business.

Richard Turner, director of The Big Sheep, said in evidence submitted to the appeal inquiry that the attraction now welcomes around 150,000 visitors a year.

He also claimed camping and caravan use on the site had taken place for many years, including rallies, festivals and overnight stays linked to events at the attraction. Supporting documents included historic invoices, emails and promotional material referring to camping activities dating back more than a decade.

The lawful development certificate followed an earlier refusal by the council, which had been appealed. A statement of common ground prepared ahead of the inquiry confirmed both parties agreed The Big Sheep had operated as a tourist attraction since 1987, although disagreements remained over the extent of camping and caravan use across parts of the site.

Planning officers later worked with the applicant to clarify the lawful status of different areas of the attraction.

At a Torridge planning meeting on Thursday, May 14, a planning officer described the process as “quite a difficult exercise” because of the number of historic permissions connected to the attraction.

The officer told councillors: “This certificate has actually established exactly what is authorised and it is broadly in line with what you would expect.”

Council records show The Big Sheep has been the subject of dozens of planning applications since the late 1980s, covering attractions, buildings, overflow parking and leisure activities.

The certificate was formally issued by Torridge District Council on Thursday, April 30.

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