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Future voices rise as student leaders gather to spark change

Devon Today
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Future voices rise as student leaders gather to spark change

A new generation of young voices is stepping forward, as student leaders from across a multi-academy trust came together to share ideas, challenge thinking and help shape the future of their schools.

More than 40 students from Education South West schools attended a Student Leadership Conference, bringing together pupils from year seven to year 13 to explore how leadership can have a stronger impact across their communities.

A total of 42 students from King Edward VI Community College, Teign School, Coombeshead Academy, Kingsbridge Community College and Dartmouth Academy took part in the event.

The conference featured a range of speakers with experience in leadership. Although Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon, was unable to attend in person, she delivered a video message reflecting on her career and the lessons she has learned.

Matthew Shanks, chief executive of Education South West, and Tom Pether, sustainability lead for the trust, also spoke about leadership, responsibility and the importance of student voice.

Students from each school delivered presentations explaining how leadership operates in their own settings and the impact it has on school life.

Student leaders from across Education South West gather for a group photo
(Credit : Submitted)
Pupils work together to explore ideas on leadership and student voice
(Credit : Submitted)

Following this, attendees worked in mixed-school groups to discuss key questions, including how student leadership could be made more effective, what qualities define a strong leader, and what advice they would give to younger pupils.

Common themes emerged from the discussions, including raising the profile of student leadership, increasing student involvement in decision-making and creating more opportunities for younger pupils to develop leadership skills.

Students also expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with peers from other schools, with plans now being explored for regular online meetings and collaborative projects.

The conference took place on Wednesday, February 26.

Matthew Shanks said: “It was inspiring to see so many young people from across our schools come together to share ideas and learn from one another.

“Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping positive school communities, and events like this give students the confidence and platform to have their voices heard.

“The passion and thoughtfulness shown by the students at the conference demonstrates just how important their contributions are to the future of our schools.”

Relegated Tiverton Town eyes new 3G pitch to boost future use

Lewis Clarke
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Relegated Tiverton Town eyes new 3G pitch to boost future use

A non-league football club is looking to transform its pitch into an all-weather facility as part of plans to boost year-round use — just weeks after suffering relegation.

Tiverton Town Football Club has submitted a planning application to replace its existing natural grass surface with a third-generation (3G) artificial pitch at its Ladysmead ground on Bolham Road.

The proposal, lodged by Mr Matthew Conrdige on behalf of the club, includes excavation works and the installation of a new drainage system to support the upgraded playing surface.

Planning documents state the current grass pitch becomes heavily restricted during wetter months, limiting use largely to the men’s first team.

If approved, the synthetic surface would allow significantly increased usage throughout the year, opening the facility to a wider range of teams, including youth and women’s sides, as well as potential community groups.

The new pitch would be constructed within the footprint of the existing playing surface, measuring around 100 metres by 73.5 metres, and would not extend beyond the current stadium boundaries.

Supporting infrastructure would include an engineered drainage system designed to manage surface water. This would involve a network of land drains feeding into a collector system and attenuation tank, before controlled discharge into an existing surface water drain.

Documents note that ground conditions at the site mean water cannot be absorbed naturally, requiring a managed outflow system to prevent flooding.

The club says the upgrade would provide a “significant improvement” to local sports provision by increasing the number of playable hours and supporting wider participation in football.

The application comes following Tiverton Town’s relegation this season, with the club now seeking to invest in its long-term facilities.

No new buildings are proposed as part of the scheme, and the visual appearance of the ground is expected to remain largely unchanged.

Digital consultations deliver results but doubts remain over value for money

Lewis Clarke
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Digital consultations deliver results but doubts remain over value for money

Residents are engaging in their hundreds with council consultations – but a new report has raised questions over whether the level of participation represents value for money.

A review of the Let’s Talk Mid Devon platform has found engagement rates vary widely depending on the topic, with some surveys attracting near-total participation while others struggle to convert interest into responses.

The report, presented to the scrutiny committee, examined usage, costs and effectiveness of the council’s online engagement hub, which was launched in 2023 to centralise consultations and feedback.

According to the findings, the platform has achieved an overall weighted engagement rate of more than 44%, based on survey data collected since its introduction.

Figures in Appendix 1 show that large-scale public consultations, such as residents’ surveys, generated some of the highest response volumes. The 2023 residents’ survey recorded 830 responses from 1,241 visitors, while the 2025 version saw 525 responses from 749 visitors.

Targeted surveys performed even more strongly. Leisure-related consultations, including fitness and swimming surveys, achieved engagement rates of up to 100%, indicating that more focused topics tend to encourage higher participation.

In contrast, broader policy consultations saw significantly lower response rates. For example, a caravan site draft policy survey recorded just four responses from 94 visitors, an engagement rate of 4%.

The report states that this trend suggests residents are less likely to complete surveys that require more time or feel less directly relevant to them.

Barriers to engagement identified in the review include complex or lengthy surveys, weak audience targeting, limited promotion, and concerns around data privacy. Poor mobile user experience and unclear expectations around completion time were also highlighted as factors reducing participation.

The platform costs the council £11,000 per year, but the report notes it has reduced spending elsewhere by replacing multiple systems and cutting the need for external consultation providers. Built-in analysis tools have also reduced the time officers spend reviewing feedback.

Despite fluctuations in engagement, the report concludes that the platform provides a centralised and efficient way to gather resident feedback, supporting the council’s wider communication strategy.

However, councillors have been asked to consider whether current engagement levels justify the cost and to identify potential improvements.

Suggested measures include simplifying surveys to a five-minute standard, improving targeting and promotion, and providing clearer feedback to residents on how their input influences decisions.

The report also highlights the potential of a forthcoming mobile app, which could send direct notifications about consultations to residents and increase participation.

Councillors will now review the findings and decide on the future direction of the platform.

Confusion over new business rates as council offers help to firms

Mid Devon District Council
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Confusion over new business rates as council offers help to firms

Mid Devon District Council is holding another FREE drop-in event to answer any questions businesses have about their latest Business Rates bill.

Local businesses will have recently received their Business Rates bills for 2026-27. These will include changes to the amount businesses pay because of a Business Rates revaluation and changes to Business Rates Relief.

To support businesses in understanding their new bills, Revenues Officers will be available to explain how bills are calculated, outline what the changes mean, and answer specific queries. The session will give businesses the opportunity to discuss their individual circumstances in detail and receive tailored guidance. At previous events, officers have been able to advise businesses on issues such as:

  • Appealing a property valuation
  • Using the Council’s online self-service account
  • What to do when a property is split
  • Procedures for notifying the Council when a new occupier moves in

Dean Emery, Head of Revenues, Benefits, & Leisure, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer a further Business Rates drop-in event. This builds upon the positive feedback we received from the event held earlier in the year, where businesses were able to speak directly with the Revenues Officers about their Business Rates.”

Information event

Date: Monday 20 April 2026
Time: 2pm – 6:30pm
Location: Exe Room, Mid Devon District Council Offices, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, EX16 6PP

Businesses unable to attend, who have questions about the changes to Business Rates Relief can email the Revenues Team at: revenues@middevon.gov.uk.

Recycling boost puts Mid Devon among top councils in the country

Mid Devon District Council
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Recycling boost puts Mid Devon among top councils in the country

Mid Devon District Council has achieved its strongest-ever waste and recycling results, with the latest figures placing the district among the very best in the country.

For the year 2024/25, Mid Devon ranked 10th out of 197 local authorities for recycling, with a rate of 57.9%, improving on lasts year’s position of 11th and placing the district firmly within the top 5% nationally.

The Council has also made significant progress in reducing residual (non-recyclable) waste. Mid Devon ranks 6th out of 197 councils for the lowest tonnage collected per household, 296.8kg, an improvement from 9th last year, placing the district in the top 3% nationwide.

These results build on the Council’s continued upward trend in performance and reflect the ongoing commitment of residents to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.

Councillor Josh Wright, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said: “We are extremely proud to continue to climb the national rankings. This success is down to the continued efforts of our residents. By reducing waste, reusing more, and recycling correctly, you are helping to make a real difference – thank you.”

Since the introduction of the three-weekly waste collection service in October 2022, Mid Devon has consistently improved both recycling rates and waste reduction, demonstrating the long-term success of the scheme.

The Council remains committed to further improvements, with ongoing initiatives and trials aimed at increasing recycling performance and reducing waste even further in the years ahead.

Matthew Page, Head of People, Performance and Waste said: “I would like to thank our workforce who deliver an excellent service for our residents’ day in, day out – and to our residents for backing the Bin-It 123 scheme. We look forward to seeing further improvements and new collection services rolled out in the coming months.”

If you have ideas or suggestions on how Mid Devon could further increase recycling, please do contact us at wasteandrecycling@middevon.gov.uk.

Bowls club booze bid sparks neighbour backlash over noise fears

Lewis Clarke
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Bowls club booze bid sparks neighbour backlash over noise fears

Plans to introduce alcohol sales at a local bowls club have sparked concern among nearby residents, with objections focusing on fears of late-night noise and anti-social behaviour.

A licensing sub-committee is set to consider an application for a new club premises certificate at Ivybridge Bowls Club, which would allow the supply of alcohol to members and their guests.

The proposal, submitted on behalf of the club by chairman David Crisp, seeks permission to serve alcohol for consumption on site between midday and 10pm every day, with opening hours from 10am to 10.30pm.

The application will be discussed at a meeting on Friday, April 17, after the council received 13 objections from residents and one letter of support.

Concerns raised by objectors centre largely on the potential for noise disturbance, particularly from people leaving the premises in the evening. Some residents have also expressed fears that granting the licence could lead to anti-social behaviour.

The club is located at the end of Bridge Park, a private no-through road, and includes a bowling green, a small clubhouse, and a car park. Alcohol would be consumed both inside and in a designated outdoor area.

In the application, the club states that it operates primarily between April and September and is used by members for matches and social activities. It adds that the introduction of a licence would allow it to “extend our hospitality and provide a social space” for members and visiting teams.

No objections have been raised by responsible authorities such as police or fire services.

The sub-committee will assess the application against the four licensing objectives set out in law: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Members have the option to grant the licence as requested, impose conditions, restrict certain activities, or reject the application entirely.

Any decision made can be appealed at a magistrates’ court.

Lidl plan for new supermarket near Okehampton faces refusal call

Lewis Clarke
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Lidl plan for new supermarket near Okehampton faces refusal call

A controversial plan to relocate a major supermarket has been recommended for refusal amid concerns it could damage the heart of a town’s shopping scene and create safety risks on a nearby main road.

Planning officers have advised that proposals by Lidl Great Britain Ltd to build a new food store on land at Stockley, near Okehampton, should be rejected following significant objections from consultees and concerns raised in a detailed committee report.

The application, submitted under reference 2354/25/FUL, seeks permission for a single-storey supermarket with parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure on a 1.12-hectare site to the east of the town.

If approved, the new store would replace Lidl’s existing town centre branch, increasing staff numbers from 23 to around 40 full and part-time roles.

However, officers have concluded that the scheme fails to meet key planning policy tests and could have a “significant adverse impact” on the vitality and viability of Okehampton town centre.

A central issue is the lack of sufficient evidence to justify moving the supermarket from its current central location to an out-of-town site. The report states that the applicant has not adequately demonstrated compliance with the required sequential test or provided a robust retail impact assessment.

Independent retail advice to the council suggests the relocation could lead to a loss of trade, reduced footfall and fewer linked shopping trips in the town centre. Estimates indicate a potential eight to 12 per cent reduction in convenience trade, excluding the existing Lidl store.

The proposals have also raised environmental concerns, including the loss of a lowland meadow habitat considered to be of local significance. Ecologists have recommended refusal, stating the harm to biodiversity would not be outweighed by the benefits of the development.

Highway safety has emerged as another major issue. National Highways has objected to the scheme, citing concerns about the proposed access near the A30 slip road and the potential for vehicle conflicts that could increase the risk of collisions.

Flood risk has also been highlighted, with insufficient information provided to demonstrate that the development would not increase surface water runoff or flood risk elsewhere.

In addition, officers warn the development could harm the landscape setting near Dartmoor National Park, with the introduction of a large commercial building and car park in a prominent location.

The proposal has generated strong local interest, with around 250 letters of support and approximately 55 objections submitted. Supporters argue the scheme could ease congestion in the town centre and improve access for residents in eastern areas, while objectors raise concerns about traffic, biodiversity and the impact on existing businesses.

Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and Okehampton Town Council have both objected, citing policy conflicts, safety concerns and the availability of more suitable alternative sites.

Planning officers have ultimately concluded that, without clear justification and stronger supporting evidence, the proposal conflicts with both local and national planning policies designed to protect town centres and the surrounding environment.

A final decision will be made by councillors at a forthcoming development management and licensing committee meeting.

Man who stormed homes and attacked children jailed for 11 years

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Man who stormed homes and attacked children jailed for 11 years

A man has been jailed for 11 years with a further three years to be served on licence after bursting into two homes and launching ferocious attacks on two women and two children within.

Brandon Wyatt struck one woman repeatedly with a wrench and kicked two children in the head.

Wyatt, 22, from Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday 15 April having pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, grievous bodily harm and two assaults occasioning actual bodily harm.

Restraining orders lasting 20 years were put in place to protect the victims.

On the afternoon of 10 January 2025 Wyatt attended a property in the North Prospect area of Plymouth. 

He entered shouting and screaming and grabbed a woman inside by the hair and started to punch and kick her.

Wyatt produced a wrench and continued to attack the victim resulting in lacerations to her head and hands.

Wyatt then travelled to Plympton by taxi and exited without paying his fayre.

Within a property was the previous victim’s sister. Wyatt was known to each of the women.

Wyatt then forced entry to the home by smashing a rear door with a plant pot before punching a woman inside and kicking two children in the face.

One of the children suffered facial fractures, with the other child and adult suffering swelling and bruising.

Officers were dispatched and immediately set about locating Wyatt and he was subsequently located on Derriford Road with assistance of the Police helicopter and arrested.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Shaun McKenzie-Lenden said: “We welcome the sentence given to Brandon Wyatt at Plymouth Crown Court today for two separate incidents of extreme violence over the course of one day.

“Wyatt attacked two women – one of whom with a weapon – and two children. One of his victims suffered significant head injuries which may have on another day proved fatal.

“This was a shocking and ferocious episode of violence. I would like to praise the bravery of the victims for supporting the police investigation.

“I hope they are now able to put this behind them and feel some closure.”

Devon glamping retreat ranks second as South West tops UK camping list

Devon Today
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Devon glamping retreat ranks second as South West tops UK camping list

A Devon glamping retreat has pitched itself among the very best in Britain, as new rankings reveal a clean sweep of top-performing sites across the South West.

Pitchup.com has announced its 2025 Gold Awards, recognising the highest-rated campsites, glamping stays and caravan parks across Great Britain based on nearly 200,000 customer reviews.

The South West emerged as the strongest-performing region, home to more Gold-rated sites than anywhere else in the country. Among them, Owl Valley Glamping in Devon ranked second overall with a perfect ten out of ten score.

Set within a private nature reserve close to award-winning beaches, the site has received consistently high praise from guests, reflecting growing demand for high-quality glamping experiences alongside traditional camping.

Other South West locations also achieved flawless ratings, including Wimbleball Holidays, Little Thornham Holidays and South Ford Farm Camping.

Pitchup.com said its Gold Awards recognise sites that achieved a perfect ten out of ten rating from at least 20 reviews during 2025, ensuring results are based on consistent guest feedback.

Winners were spread across Great Britain, highlighting a broad range of outdoor accommodation. Sites recognised include:

  • The Spinney Wild Camping, North East England
  • Owl Valley Glamping, South West England
  • The Wee Caravan Park, Scotland
  • Cosmos Camping, West Wales
  • Little Nash Woods Camping, South East England
  • Wimbleball Holidays, South West England
  • Little Thornham Holidays, South West England
  • South Ford Farm Camping, South West England
  • Tydd Gote Caravan Site, East Anglia

The South West’s strong showing reflects its continued popularity as a holiday destination, driven by a mix of coastal scenery, countryside locations and well-managed sites.

Across the UK, the results also point to changing holiday preferences, with many top-rated sites offering simple, nature-focused stays featuring spacious pitches and limited facilities.

At the same time, higher-end glamping continues to perform strongly, suggesting holidaymakers are seeking both comfort and a closer connection to the outdoors.

Pitchup.com has also released curated lists of top campsites by region, as well as recommendations for peaceful stays, luxury options and value for money. The full list of winners is available at www.pitchup.com/review-awards/.

Major hospital upgrade boosts emergency care for thousands of patients

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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Major hospital upgrade boosts emergency care for thousands of patients

Phase Two of the Emergency Department (ED) redevelopment at Torbay Hospital has now opened, marking another major milestone in the £14.2 million programme to modernise urgent and emergency care for people across Torbay and South Devon.

The latest phase includes the opening of a new ambulatory care area, designed to give clinical teams dedicated space to assess and treat people who can be safely cared for without needing to be admitted. This supports quicker clinical decisions, smoother patient flow through the department and a more comfortable experience for people attending the ED for urgent assessment.

Phase Two builds on the successful opening of Phase One in December 2025, which introduced a brighter, more welcoming reception and waiting area, additional triage rooms and improved facilities for staff. Feedback from patients and colleagues since then has been positive, with many saying the new environment feels calmer and more supportive.

The redevelopment has been delivered while the Emergency Department has remained fully operational, requiring careful planning and close collaboration between clinical teams, estates colleagues and construction partners to minimise disruption and keep people safe throughout.

Dr Amy Jones, Clinical Lead for the Emergency Department at Torbay Hospital, said: “We see high numbers of people every day, and having this new ambulatory care area genuinely helps us manage that demand safely. It gives our teams more space to work differently, make timely decisions, and support people in a more comfortable environment.”

Phase Three, the final phase of the programme, is now underway and is due to open in early summer. This will complete the redevelopment with further improvements to supporting spaces that help colleagues deliver care as effectively and safely as possible.

The opening of Phase Two strengthens Torbay Hospital’s ability to provide safe, timely and compassionate urgent and emergency care for local communities, while bringing Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust closer to completing one of its most significant recent investments in frontline services

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