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Relief as key Exmoor bridge reopens after years of disruption

Devon County Council
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Relief as key Exmoor bridge reopens after years of disruption

Martinhoe Bridge, located near the Hunters Inn on Exmoor, has re-opened following the completion of a complex scheme to replace it.

The original bridge, which was built in 1952, was closed for safety reasons in July 2022 after routine inspections by Devon County Council found serious structural defects. Issues with the internal steel tensioning system of the bridge, which is integral to its structure, meant it could no longer be used safely.

A temporary 24-metre steel bridge was installed over the original structure to maintain the vital link until work could start on a replacement.

Work to install the new structure started in May last year and has taken around 10 months to complete.

The existing structure had to be demolished and the new bridge was then constructed on the same alignment.

The bridge comprises seven concrete beams supporting an in situ concrete deck, with the bridge abutments supported by vertical reinforced concrete columns (piles) founded in the underlying rock.

A number of technical challenges had to be overcome to deliver the project, including working within a constrained river environment with restrictions over the timing of when work could be carried out in the water.

The remote location and limited site access further added complications, with the Trentishoe masonry arch bridge having to be strengthened to enable a 90-tonne crane to be brought to site.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This is a vital route for local communities, businesses, and tourism, so I’ve no doubt people will be pleased that this new and improved bridge is now in place and open. Logistically there have been some complex issues to deal with so thank you to everyone for their patience and co-operation throughout this project.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, County Councillor for Combe Martin Rural, said: “The unexpected closure and replacing of this bridge has taken far longer than any of us expected. The local community and the neighbouring parishes have been very patient and supportive. The result of the disruption is we now have a safe, functioning bridge for many decades to come. Everyone working on this scheme has been very helpful and considerate to the issues it has caused, thank you.”

Developers unveil 89-home canal-side vision as consultation gets under way

Lewis Clarke
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Developers unveil 89-home canal-side vision as consultation gets under way

A fresh proposal to build dozens of new homes is now open to public scrutiny, with developers urging residents to help shape the final plans before they are formally submitted.

Land Value Alliances has launched a consultation on proposals for up to 89 homes on land north of Warnicombe Lane in Tiverton. The scheme includes a mix of one to four-bedroom properties, with around 27 earmarked as affordable housing.

The consultation will run from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, May 10, giving residents the opportunity to review the plans and submit feedback.

The development is being designed with consideration for the surrounding landscape and nearby heritage assets, including Tidcombe Hall, Tidcombe Farmhouse and the Grand Western Canal Conservation Area. The proposed layout places built development outside the conservation area, with higher-density housing at the centre of the site and lower-density homes towards the edges.

Plans also include publicly accessible green spaces, play and recreation areas, and sustainable drainage features. Developers say the scheme will deliver a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%, in line with national requirements introduced in 2024.

The site falls within the administrative boundary of Mid Devon District Council, which currently cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. An inspector previously noted the council’s supply stood at 4.79 years and was forecast to fall to around 2.1 years.

Developers argue the scheme could help address this shortfall. The proposals include 62 open market homes alongside the affordable housing provision, which is expected to include both social rented and low-cost home ownership options.

Vehicle access to the site would be through an adjacent approved development, which received planning permission on appeal in June 2025 for up to 100 homes, including the conversion of Tidcombe Hall.

Large areas of open space are planned, particularly to the north of the site, which would link with green space in the neighbouring scheme. Additional features include a tree-lined primary street, ecological mitigation areas and enhanced existing trees across the site.

Little Tidcombe Farm LVA LLP said it is initially seeking outline planning permission, meaning the detailed design of individual homes would be decided at a later stage. The outline application would instead set key parameters such as building heights, layout, access routes and green infrastructure.

In information published on its consultation website, the developer said: “We are welcoming your comments on the proposed development that we have set out between the 17th April – 10th May 2026.

“These comments will inform the final scheme for the site and hopefully shape the development in a way that secures maximum benefit for the community.”

Residents can view the proposals and submit feedback via the project website, where a questionnaire is available. Paper copies can also be requested for those unable to access the consultation online.

Tools for all as Uffculme community launches new sharing initiative

Lewis Clarke
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Tools for all as Uffculme community launches new sharing initiative

A simple lawn care mishap has helped spark a new community initiative encouraging residents to swap buying for borrowing, as a village opens the doors to its very own “Library of Things”.

The project, based in Uffculme Square, allows people to donate and borrow household and garden equipment, aiming to reduce waste and save money across the community. It will be open every Saturday from 9.30am until 11am, with further details available at www.uffculmelibraryofthings.org.

Becky Campbell, project lead from Uffculme Green Team, said the idea came after a frustrating personal experience.

“Essentially, the idea came to me last year having done a horrible job of aerating and reseeding my lawn, which involved buying a load of kit that I used for a weekend and I’m never doing that again.

“Now, rather than just getting rid of the kit, wouldn’t it be great if that kit that we use once in a blue moon could be in an essential place and everybody in the village could use it as and when they need it.”

The initiative is designed to make shared use of equipment more accessible, with organisers hoping it will become a central resource for residents.

Asked about her message to the village now the project is open, Becky said: “Have a look at our treasures. The aim here is very simple.

“We’re trying to make borrowing better than buying for the community, for the village, for everybody.”

A range of items has already been donated, with organisers encouraging more contributions from residents.

Becky said: “We’ve had some fantastic donations already.

“We’ve already got pressure washers and I can see there’s a second pressure washer on its way in right now, which is fantastic. It’s a glorious weekend for that.

“We’ve got carpet cleaners getting carpets all spruced up for Christmas, so we’ve been so, so lucky with all the donations.

“Some have been very mainstream, some have been unusual things.”

Residents can visit the Library of Things during its weekly opening hours or find out more online.

New beach rules unveiled as Torbay takes control of its coastline

Torbay Council
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New beach rules unveiled as Torbay takes control of its coastline

Torbay Council has introduced the English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS), a new locally designed and managed framework that celebrates the diversity of the Bay’s coastline while strengthening environmental protection and safeguarding water quality.

Developed specifically for our long-term needs, the ERBS provides a modern approach to coastal management that supports biodiversity, enhances safety, increases transparency and strengthens community involvement. It replaces the previous national one-size-fits-all criteria, which no longer reflected the character or community use of many Torbay beaches. The approach allows each location to be recognised for its strengths, without disadvantaging beaches that do not fit traditional resort-style expectations.

The new system gives us full ownership of its coastline, ensuring decisions are shaped by local priorities and evidence across the Bay’s 27 accessible beaches and coves that make up the English Riviera. Of these, 25 beaches are being awarded under the Standards this year, with Preston and Paignton temporarily not included while improvement works progress. Both beaches are set to join ERBS once these works have been completed.

Under the new system, beaches fall into three categories:

  • Excellence – beaches with strong visitor facilities, consistently high standards and excellent water quality.
  • Quality – beaches offering a positive visitor experience without requiring extensive built infrastructure with good to excellent water quality.
  • Natural – wild, undeveloped coastal locations recognised for environmental value, tranquillity and biodiversity.

Beaches such as Maidencombe and Anstey’s Cove are formally recognised under the new Quality category. These locations previously stepped away from national award schemes to maintain dog access, but under the ERBS they are celebrated for their scenic beauty, accessibility and natural coastal character. This ensures a fuller and more accurate reflection of the Bay’s coastline and its diverse range of beaches.

With an exceptional 13 beaches rated ‘Excellent’ for water quality, the English Riviera stands among the country’s leading coastal destinations. As part of the ERBS, water quality remains a central focus, with all statutory bathing water testing in Torbay carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) at the designated bathing waters: Maidencombe, Watcombe, Oddicombe, Babbacombe, Anstey’s Cove, Meadfoot, Beacon Cove, Torre Abbey, Hollicombe, Preston, Paignton, Goodrington, Broadsands, Breakwater and St Mary’s Bay.

As part of its national monitoring programme, the EA undertakes a minimum of ten water-quality samples each bathing season at these sites. Under the ERBS, Torbay Council will ensure that any designated bathing water participating in the scheme continues to meet this minimum requirement of ten EA samples per season. This guarantees that all Excellence and Quality standard participating beaches benefit from consistent, independent and nationally recognised water quality monitoring. To support transparency, four years of EA bathing water results for ERBS beaches will be published on our website, helping residents and visitors clearly understand local water quality and how ERBS classifications are determined.

Because the ERBS is developed and managed locally, it reflects the specific characteristics and challenges of Torbay’s coastline. To maintain impartiality and support shared governance, Torbay Council will establish a Beach Stakeholder Forum involving partners such as the tourism sector and the RNLI. This ensures community and expert voices play an active role in how the Standards develop over time. The English Riviera BID Company contributed as consultees throughout the development of the ERBS and expressed their support for the proposal.

Environmental protection runs throughout the framework, which supports proportionate, evidence-based management that avoids environmental harm. It recognises and protects seagrass beds, sensitive marine habitats, natural cliff and cove formations and biodiversity-rich beaches that are best preserved in their undeveloped state. Natural beaches will be marked with onsite plaques and supported by additional online information, highlighting that these locations are valued precisely for their wild and untouched character.

The ERBS avoids restrictive zoning that separates swimmers, paddlers and other water users. Instead, it introduces a tailored, risk-based safety approach suited to the nature of each beach. Torbay will also launch annual sea-safety campaigns featuring windsocks at relevant beaches, seasonal safety boards and clear, locally informed guidance.

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

“Torbay’s coastline is one of our greatest assets, and these new English Riviera Beach Standards ensure we are protecting, celebrating, and investing in it in the right way. By designing a system built around our own needs, we can recognise the full diversity of our beaches, from our busiest family destinations to our quiet natural coves.”

“This represents a modern and forward-looking approach to managing our coastline – enhancing transparency, safeguarding the environment, and giving residents and visitors clearer, more reliable information to support their time at the beach. It will also strengthen Torbay’s environmental commitments, including our dedication to the UNESCO Global Geopark, and support our ambition to become a more sustainable visitor destination.”

“By recognising the strengths of every beach, the ERBS plays a key role in delivering clean, safe, and well-maintained seafronts, ensuring these spaces remain welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. It improves the visitor experience through clearer standards and consistent management, while protecting the places that matter most to our residents, reinforcing pride in where we live and safeguarding the coastline for future generations.”

By creating a system built around the Bay’s needs, Torbay is setting a new standard for coastal stewardship, ensuring its beaches remain welcoming, safe and environmentally protected for generations to come.

 Find out more information online: www.tor-bay-harbour.co.uk/leisure/beaches-and-coastline/

Golf club rallies to support cancer care after member’s diagnosis

Royal Devon Hospitals Charity
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Golf club rallies to support cancer care after member’s diagnosis

Golfers at Libbaton Golf Club are teeing off a year of fundraising to help provide wellbeing support for people in North Devon affected by cancer.

The club will be raising money for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Fern Centre, which has been supporting one of its members following his cancer diagnosis.

Barry Hunt was given the news that he had prostate cancer shortly before Christmas 2024.

“My father died of prostate cancer and I’d been having regular blood tests to monitor my PSA levels for around 10 years,” said Barry, from Dolton.

“I had no symptoms but knew that I was a prime candidate for prostate cancer and when my PSA rose to eight, my doctor said it was time to investigate.”

Barry and Janice Hunt at Libbaton Golf Club. Picture: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity

Barry started hormone treatment in January last year, followed by a month of daily radiotherapy in June.

“It was very positive and the staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital were fabulous. After all the treatment, I had a PSA test last September, which came out at 0.07.”

Barry joined the North Devon Prostate Cancer Support Group and found out about the free complementary therapies, counselling and support groups available at the Fern Centre, at North Devon District Hospital.

“My wife Janice and I both started having weekly massage therapy at the Fern Centre and, although we didn’t feel we needed any counselling, it was good to know it was available for us should we want it,” said Barry.

“It’s an amazing place and is there for anyone in North Devon affected by cancer, not just patients but close family members too.

“The staff there are so welcoming and understanding, and they give you that reassurance when you’re going through something like cancer.

“We’re very lucky to have that support here in North Devon. There are quite a few club members who have either had cancer or are going through it, so I always let them know about the Fern Centre and all the support available to them,” added Barry.

Barry approached the Libbaton Golf Club charity committee about supporting the Fern Centre as one of its chosen charities in 2026, alongside longstanding charity the Children’s Holiday Foundation North Devon.

The committee agreed and members began fundraising for the two charities before Christmas, with events planned throughout the year, including a quiz night on May 23, a charity golf day on June 6, a sponsored dawn-to-dusk golf day on June 28, and a Big Breakfast on August 22. A bingo night on Easter Saturday has already raised nearly £1,000.

Kate Constable, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity community fundraiser, said: “We are thrilled that Libbaton Golf Club has chosen to support the Fern Centre this year.

“The Fern Centre opened in 2020 following a £1.5m fundraising appeal by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (then known as Over and Above), and the charity continues to raise the money needed to cover the centre’s annual running costs.

“Every pound the club raises will help the Fern Centre offer a whole range of free wraparound care and support to anyone in North Devon affected by cancer.”

For more information about the events planned, visit the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity website: www.royaldevoncharity.org.uk/event 

Council faces pressure to fix leadership gaps as review flags risks

Lewis Clarke
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Council faces pressure to fix leadership gaps as review flags risks

A council praised for its strong community focus is now under pressure to address leadership imbalances and financial risks after an external review highlighted areas needing urgent attention.

A Corporate Peer Challenge carried out by the Local Government Association found that North Devon District Council is “well-led” with a clear commitment to improving outcomes for residents. However, the report warned that councillors must take a more active leadership role and that clearer structures are needed to support decision-making and accountability.

The review, which took place between Monday, October 21 and Thursday, October 24, examined key areas including governance, financial planning and organisational leadership.

It found that while the council has delivered financial surpluses in recent years, it does not yet have a formal savings and efficiencies programme in place to address a projected budget gap.

The report stated that introducing such a programme is “essential” to ensure long-term financial resilience and sustainable service delivery.

Leadership was also identified as a key issue, with concerns that the authority may be overly officer-led. The review recommended that all councillors should be supported to take on stronger leadership roles and play a more active part in shaping the council’s strategic direction.

An action plan presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee sets out how the council intends to respond.

This includes introducing a member development programme, improving clarity around lead member responsibilities, and increasing engagement between councillors and senior officers.

The council will also hold regular workshops to help members better understand financial challenges and take ownership of budget decisions.

In addition, steps are being taken to strengthen governance arrangements, including stress-testing the roles of statutory officers to ensure their voices are fully embedded in decision-making processes.

The review also highlighted concerns about staff capacity, with several senior officers covering multiple roles. It warned this could pose risks to service delivery, particularly as the council prepares for Local Government Reorganisation.

To address this, the action plan includes measures such as improved workforce planning, exploring shared services with neighbouring councils, and creating more opportunities for staff engagement.

Despite these challenges, the peer review recognised the council’s strong partnerships and community focus, describing it as a proactive authority with a clear sense of place.

However, it cautioned that many partnerships rely on individual relationships, which could be at risk in the future if not formally embedded within the organisation.

The council is expected to publish both the review and its action plan, with progress to be monitored ahead of a follow-up visit scheduled for October 2026.

Folk star Josephine Foster to play intimate Inwardleigh church concert

Devon Today
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Folk star Josephine Foster to play intimate Inwardleigh church concert

Josephine Foster is set to bring her distinctive blend of folk, blues and avant-song to a small Devon church, with just 100 seats available for the one-night performance. The Colorado-born singer will be joined by support act Bill Murray, while ticket-holders are also promised a hotdog as part of the admission price.

Josephine Foster and support act Bill Murray are due to perform at St Petroc’s Church in Inwardleigh on Wednesday, May 6. The seated concert is scheduled to run from 6pm to 9pm, with doors opening at 5.15pm. The event listing says parking is limited and visitors are being asked to arrive early and share lifts where possible.

Foster is described in the event details as a Colorado-born singer, composer and lyric poet. A former opera student, she is known for music spanning psych-folk hymnody, country blues, lieder and avant-song. The listing says her work draws on “archaic forms” and references the influence of Harry Smith’s old weird America.

Support will come from Bill Murray, who is described in the event details as a Dartmoor folk singer based in North Tawton. He is also listed as a founding member of the Dartmoor Folk Festival and a performer of traditional songs, often accompanied by his English concertina.

According to the event information, tickets are priced at £15, or £15.95 including fees. Food and drink will also be on sale at the venue. Tickets are available from www.ticketlab.app/event/38277.

The organiser says only 100 tickets are available for the concert.

Barnstaple lands £45m lifeline as pharma giant backs local jobs

Devon Today
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Barnstaple lands £45m lifeline as pharma giant backs local jobs

A multi-million-pound investment is set to reshape the future of medicine production in North Devon, with hundreds of jobs supported and vital NHS treatments secured.

More than £45 million will be invested by Accord Healthcare into its Barnstaple facility as part of a wider package of private sector backing for the UK life sciences industry. The funding forms part of a national drive to expand domestic medicine manufacturing and improve access to treatments.

The announcement was made by Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall on Tuesday, April 14, as part of more than £80 million of new investment across the sector. The funding has been supported by the Government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund and is expected to help deliver more than 500 jobs nationwide.

The Barnstaple site will use the investment to expand production of new treatments, including medicines for people living with bipolar disorder, while continuing its long-standing work in generic medicines.

The facility is one of the company’s key European hubs for manufacturing, testing and distribution, and plays a significant role in supplying medicines that account for 9% of all NHS prescriptions.

Science minister Lord Vallance said: “This more than £45 million investment by Accord is a significant vote of confidence in Barnstaple and North Devon’s vital role in the UK’s life sciences landscape.

“By expanding and strengthening production at this site, Accord is not only boosting jobs and skills, but also helping to secure the UK’s supply of medicines that make up 9% of all NHS prescriptions.”

He added: “The Barnstaple facility has a strong history in producing high-quality generic medicines, and this investment will build on that legacy by enabling the development and manufacture of new and innovative treatments, including medicines for people living with bipolar disorder.

“As one of Accord’s key European hubs for manufacturing, testing and distribution, the site plays an essential role both locally and nationally.”

Ms Kendall said the wider investment package would help ensure patients receive the treatments they need while supporting economic growth.

She said: “By manufacturing more medicines in this country we can make sure more people get the vital treatments they need.

“These investments will make a real difference to people across the country and show our Life Sciences Sector Plan is bearing fruit.”

Health innovation and safety minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said the funding would help expand access to cutting-edge treatments.

He said: “These investments mean more people living with conditions like bipolar disorder will benefit from cutting-edge medicines – developed and manufactured right here in Britain.

“This is the Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan in action – giving confidence to medical innovators across the globe to deliver, scale and grow in the UK.”

Accord chief operating officer Paul Tredwell said the funding would strengthen the long-term future of the Barnstaple site.

He said: “The LSIMF grant has helped to unlock new investment in our Barnstaple site which remains a strategic asset to the UK, providing 9% of all NHS medicines.

“The investment will enable the manufacture of two new innovative medicines, helping to secure the sustainability of the site and its broader contribution to UK health resilience.”

The Barnstaple investment forms part of a wider national programme aimed at strengthening regional life sciences clusters, supporting skilled jobs and improving resilience in the UK’s medicine supply chain.

Street patrols to continue as crackdown on antisocial behaviour ramps up

Office of Police and Crime Commissioner
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Street patrols to continue as crackdown on antisocial behaviour ramps up

High-visibility street marshal patrols will continue in 15 towns across Devon and Cornwall for a further six months following a £150,000 funding boost from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).  

Street marshals provide a uniformed presence in town centres and other busy public spaces. They act as extra eyes and ears for police, help deter antisocial behaviour (ASB) and low-level crime, and offer reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors.  

The OPCC funding will support patrols until September 30, 2026, in towns where street marshals have already been operating alongside police and partners to help prevent ASB and improve feelings of safety in local communities. The aim is to ensure continued efforts during our summer surge of visitors. 

Many street marshals are accredited through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), which gives them a limited range of powers to help tackle ASB, including seizing alcohol or tobacco from young people and requesting details from those involved in certain offences. 

The Commissioner’s £150,000 contribution forms part of the wider funding picture for street marshals in these locations, with delivery continuing through joint working between Devon & Cornwall Police and local partners.  

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Street marshals provide a reassuring and visible presence in communities and play an important role in supporting efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour. My office is pleased to be helping to maintain street marshal patrols in the 15 locations that have already seen the benefits of this approach.  

“The funding will help maintain that presence in the short term while partners continue to consider longer term arrangements for local provision. Tackling ASB is not something any one organisation can do alone. It depends on strong partnership working, and street marshals are a good example of that in action.” 

Over the past two years, Devon and Cornwall has benefited from Home Office hotspot policing funding which supported targeted police patrols and partnership activity in areas with higher levels of ASB, crime and serious violence.  

That national funding has not continued this year. Building on the progress made, Devon & Cornwall Police is now taking hotspot policing forward as part of business as usual neighbourhood policing across the whole force, meaning communities across Devon and Cornwall will continue to benefit from targeted patrols and problem-solving activity. 

Nearly 8,000 hours of street marshal patrols were delivered during the final nine months of 2025 in the 15 existing hotspot locations. The impact of street marshals has been welcomed by communities and businesses.  

Tony, who works in Camborne, said: “You can notice the positive difference and increase in people out enjoying the town nicely. It helps business because people want to buy things from shops and sit in the square to eat in the sunshine. There is a good presence from the marshals as well, they interact with the locals and if people are having issues, they know who can help.” 

Sally, owner of Lightning Tree XOX in Bideford, said: “It is reassuring to know there are patrols in our town. It gives my staff a good level of confidence that there are people there to look after and watch out for them. Some of the problems we had were graffiti, rubbish and disorder but with the marshal patrols, that is helping. So as a business owner, I am very happy to see them around.” 

To learn more about the work of street marshals, please watch the videos below: 

Tiverton foot patrols helping reduce anti-social behaviour 

Cracking down on anti-social behaviour in Newton Abbot 

New games tables unveiled as Plymouth revamp brings fresh buzz

Plymouth City Council
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New games tables unveiled as Plymouth revamp brings fresh buzz

Make your move – on our open air chess or backgammon boards! 

Another section of Armada Way is now open to the public and we marked the occasion with some games for grown-ups.

While the huge play area for children on the eastern side of this section is progressing, the tables for chess and backgammon are ready for action.

A total of four funky new tables have been installed on the west side of Armada Way, two for chess and two for backgammon, as another measure to encourage people to linger for longer in the city centre.

And to get the games area going, Deputy Leader Councillor Jemima Laing plotted her best moves with members of the Plymouth Backgammon Club.

Our Central Library staff hosted a display and reading opportunities on the new green space directly outside their premises and as the grass is soft and the area bordered, it is the perfect place for little ones to enjoy events such as Rhyme time and Storytime outside as the weather improves.

Businesses are also getting back their outside space with Cloud 9 and Oggy Oggy putting out tables and chairs in an area which has been set aside for eating, drinking and watching the world go by.

Councillor Mark Lowry, City Centre Champion said: “We’d like to thank the businesses for their patience while this work has been progressing – but the difference outside their front door is huge.

“We want people to linger longer in the city centre and providing ample space for this – close to where children will be playing – was a crucial part of the scheme.”

The food and beverage section will eventually enjoy leafy cover courtesy of the 12 new London Planes. While they look bare and gnarly now, they have been shaped so that they will eventually grow across and entwine with each other to create natural dappled shade.

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