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Ilfracombe store closed after being caught selling illegal tobacco

Devon County Council
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Ilfracombe store closed after being caught selling illegal tobacco

A shop in Ilfracombe has been ordered to close for three months after illegal tobacco continued to be sold despite an earlier warning.

Ilfracombe Mini Market was granted a three‑month closure order at Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on 7 April.

It’s the fifth shop closed by Heart of the South West Trading Standards and police over the last month – an average of two shops a month have been closed over the last year.  

Trading Standards officers visited the premises with police in October last year after receiving reports that illegal tobacco was being sold. During the visit, tobacco detection dogs uncovered a sophisticated, fob‑operated hydraulic concealment in the basement, which was being used to store illegal products.

Illicit tobacco with an estimated value of around £2,000 was seized, and the business was warned about its conduct.

Despite the visit and seizure, intelligence suggested the illegal activity continued. In February 2026, officers carried out a covert test purchase of illegal tobacco at the shop.

Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, Alex Fry, said: “This business had already been warned, yet illegal tobacco continued to be sold. Trading Standards officers working with the police will continue to take action where this kind of activity persists, to protect local communities and legitimate businesses.”

Following the test purchase, Trading Standards officers and Devon & Cornwall police applied to the court for a closure order, which was granted, forcing the business to shut for three months

Cullompton springs to life as crowds flock to vibrant town festival

Lewis Clarke
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Cullompton springs to life as crowds flock to vibrant town festival

Music, markets and community spirit took centre stage as crowds gathered for a lively day of celebration, transforming the town into a hub of colour and activity.

Residents and visitors turned out in large numbers for Cullompton’s Autumn Festival on Saturday, April 11, with events spread across the town centre bringing together local groups, businesses and families.

Streets were filled with the sound of live performances, while stalls offered a range of locally made goods and produce. Families enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the day, with children taking part in hands-on workshops and entertainment.

Community spaces including The Walronds, the farmers market area and the community centre all played host to different elements of the festival, creating a vibrant atmosphere across multiple locations. Visitors were also able to stop for refreshments, browse craft stalls and learn more about local initiatives.

Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026
Cullompton Spring Fest 2026

The event highlighted the strength of Cullompton’s community, with organisers, volunteers and local organisations working together to deliver a day that brought people into the town and supported local businesses.

Easter steam day delights families as historic mill roars into life

Lewis Clarke
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Easter steam day delights families as historic mill roars into life

Steam power and seasonal festivities drew crowds as a historic working mill opened its doors for a family-focused Easter celebration.

Coldharbour Mill welcomed visitors for its Easter Steam Day on Monday, April 6, offering a chance to explore one of the country’s best-preserved 18th century textile mills while enjoying a programme of themed activities.

Running from 10.30am to 4pm, with the steam complex in operation until 3pm, the event saw machinery brought to life across the factory floor. Demonstrations highlighted traditional spinning and weaving techniques still used on site to produce yarns and textiles.

The mill, which has been in continuous production since the 1790s, also showcased its wider heritage, including its role during the industrial revolution and the contribution of the Fox family, particularly during the First World War.

Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival
Coldharbour Mill’s East Steam Up Festival

Alongside the working machinery, visitors were able to explore an artist exhibition and the Millennium Screen. A range of family activities took place throughout the day, including an inflatable Easter egg hunt, appearances from the Easter Bunny and free bunny ears for children on arrival.

Live music was staged across the site, while vintage tractors and steam engines were on display. Refreshments, including ice cream, were available, and face painting added to the family offering.

The next major steam event at the site is set to take place on Monday, May 4, when the mill will host its May Day at the Mill celebration. The day is due to feature live music, morris dancing from Bootstrap Borders at 11.30am and 1pm, face painting, and the chance to see the factory and water wheel in full action alongside craft activities.

More information, including entry fees and future events, is available at www.coldharbourmill.org.uk/whatson

DEVON VOICES : “We need more modern trains that can cope with booming demand!”

Tim Steer
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DEVON VOICES : “We need more modern trains that can cope with booming demand!”

The North Devon (Tarka) Line runs as everyone knows between Exeter and Barnstaple, with hourly services provided by train operator GWR.  The track and all other infrastructure is managed by Network Rail.  No one would believe that a line that was managed by British Rail for decline in the post-Beeching era would become an outstanding success story.  So much so that the passenger numbers would cause the services to become severely overcrowded and leave the operator facing very difficult challenges – especially how to provide urgently-needed additional capacity? 

We all know that we need more modern trains that can cope with booming demand!  The ‘Coradia’ Class 175 trains will be in operation on the North Devon Line but not for some months, yet will they be able to handle the demand?  At present GWR has said that if all the Exeter students caught the same morning train leaving Barnstaple then they would need a nine-carriage train to cope!  The line is experiencing suppressed demand, a term that explains the line is so busy that customers are choosing not even to try using the service.  This of course drives up private vehicle usage, meaning more congestion – and potholes!  In the longer-term GWR will have implemented its ‘Green Railways For Growth’ programme that will deliver Battery Electric Multiple Units to serve the lines of Devon and Cornwall instead of our current decades-old diesels.

Since the formation of the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance in late-2023 two Preliminary Strategic Business Cases (PSBC) have been written by a highly-qualified member.  One PSBC is for the North Devon Line modernisation (for twice-hourly and faster journeys, and across Exeter to Digby & Sowton) and the other is for the extension of services to Bideford.  Both schemes must follow the Department for Transport’s Transport Appraisal Guidance that stipulates that these transport projects must be referenced in the statutory transport authority’s Local Transport Plan or they will not be able to progress into the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline.  Network Rail have also recently published “Transforming the North Devon Line – a summary of potential infrastructure enhancements.”  Devon County Council had a public consultation in 2025 and a majority wrote in to show support for the line modernisation and the extension.  This means that each scheme now requires a Strategic Outline Business Case to be funded, to develop why we are doing this, before the Outline Business Case starts to design engineering solutions. 

The Tarka Trail uses the old rail route between Barnstaple and Bideford and is owned by Devon County Council who bought the old trackbed in the 1980’s and converted it into the cycle and footpath.  This trail is well-used by walkers and cyclists and is unbroken apart from the road crossing at Instow.  Part of the underside of the Tarka Trail is used by South West Water as their main riser to take away waste water from North Devon to the Cornborough Cliffs of Torridge; thousands of their customers use it.  It’s a dual-use system and as more large-scale development is plumbed into the main riser and the Yelland Quay development changes a part of the cycle-path, we begin to see that the Tarka Trail is already being altered well before the possible return of a railway.

No-one can yet say what the engineered solution will be for the Bideford rail extension, but no-one has said that the Tarka Trail will be removed although some commentators have, without evidence, assumed it.  No local transport or higher authority will be party to the loss or severance of a continuous active travel amenity.  An engineering solution will only emerge at the later Outline Business Case stage.  Meanwhile speculative conclusions are best suspended.

Scruffy but loveable Bertie sniffs out spot in UK dog final

Devon Today
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A beard-soaked drinker, bin-raiding enthusiast and self-declared “professional eater” is now chasing national glory after being named among the UK’s scruffiest dogs.

Bertie, a five-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, has been shortlisted as a finalist in a nationwide competition launched by holiday park provider Away Resorts to celebrate dogs of all shapes, sizes and levels of scruffiness.

The inaugural ‘Scruffs’ contest was introduced to coincide with Crufts, attracting hundreds of entries from across the country.

Six finalists have been selected by a judging panel that includes Ted, the celebrity dog from Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing, alongside Away Resorts chief executive and co-founder Carl Castledine, also known as Simon Growl.

The finalists are now competing in a public vote across the company’s social media channels, with the winner set to be crowned the UK’s scruffiest dog 2026.

The victorious dog will receive the title along with a staycation from Away Resorts, while runners-up will be given prizes.

Bertie’s owner, Liz Thompson, said: “Five year old Bertie is professionally hungry, a hopeless sausage catcher, bin-raiding connoisseur, recycling-day fanatic, beard-soaked drinker, Mini Schnauzer with a massive heart.

“He’d make the most perfectly imperfect Scruffs champion.”

The other finalists include Billy the Sprocker Spaniel from East Cowes, Isle of Wight, Tipi the Border Collie from Bransgore, Dorset, Mr Bogangles the Chinese Crested from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Simba the Cockapoo from Dudley, West Midlands, and Sid, a Saluki mixed breed from Luton, Bedfordshire.

Hannah Evans, senior barketing manager at Away Resorts, said: “While we love Crufts, we wanted to do something a bit more inclusive, especially for the dogs at the scruffier end of the spectrum, by rewarding the UK’s most perfectly imperfect pooches, just for being themselves.

“Head to our social media channels now to vote for your Scruffy champion.

“Beyond the competition, we’re on a wider mission to create the UK’s most dog friendly holiday parks.

“Our accommodation options are fully geared up, we have an activity pawgramme designed to keep your dogs busy on their holidays, plus dog menus available in our restaurants and bars and all our parks are also all surrounded by epic dog walks.”

Away Resorts is offering free stays for dogs from May 1 to June 30, 2026. More information on dog-friendly holidays is available at www.awayresorts.co.uk/holidays/dog-friendly-holidays/

School classroom lost in late-night fire as crews race to contain spread

Lewis Clarke
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School classroom lost in late-night fire as crews race to contain spread

A dramatic late-night blaze tore through a temporary classroom building, leaving it completely destroyed as firefighters worked for hours to bring the incident under control.

Fire control received multiple 999 calls reporting a large fire on Saturday, April 11 in Totnes, prompting the mobilisation of three fire engines. On arrival, crews found a single-storey temporary structure, being used as a school classroom, well alight.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets, one foam jet, breathing apparatus and small tools to tackle the flames. Despite their efforts, the building was completely destroyed.

In a separate statement, Totnes Fire Station said crews were called at around midnight after a large glow could be seen lighting up the sky as firefighters made their way through the town.

They said: “At around midnight last night, Totnes crews were called to a fire in the open. As they made their way through the town to the station, a large glow could already be seen lighting up the sky — a clear indication of a well-developed fire.”

With multiple calls from members of the public, additional support was requested from neighbouring crews in Ashburton and Paignton.

Firefighters added: “On arrival at the incident, firefighters found a temporary building well alight. With multiple calls coming in from concerned members of the public, Fire Control mobilised additional support from Ashburton and Paignton to assist.”

Due to the location of the fire, crews were required to set up a water relay system, travelling back and forth to the nearest hydrant to maintain supplies while tackling the blaze and preventing it from spreading to a nearby structure.

They said: “Due to the location, crews set up a water relay, travelling back and forth to the nearest hydrant to keep water supplies flowing. While this was underway, Totnes firefighters worked hard to tackle the fire and, importantly, prevent it from spreading to a nearby structure.”

At the height of the incident, crews used two hose reel jets, a main jet, a compressed air foam system jet, small tools and a thermal imaging camera.

They added: “At the height of the incident, crews used two hose reel jets, a main jet, and a CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) jet, small tools and a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to bring the fire under control.”

The scene was later handed over to police, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Firefighters remained at the scene until around 4am before returning to the station.

They said: “Crews returned to station at around 4am, ensuring all equipment and PPE were cleaned, checked, and ready for the next call.”

Police also attended the incident.

Totnes Fire Station thanked the public for raising the alarm quickly.

They said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their vigilance in reporting the fire so quickly, and for your patience while crews worked at the scene. Your support plays a vital role in helping us keep Totnes safe.”

The station also encouraged anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter to visit during Thursday evening drill nights.

Plymouth car park could make way for new four-storey NHS centre

Lewis Clarke
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Plymouth car park could make way for new four-storey NHS centre

A city centre car park could be turned into a new NHS diagnostic hub under fresh plans that would reshape part of a busy Plymouth site and cut dozens of parking spaces in the process.

The proposal includes a four-storey Community Diagnostic Centre, along with parking, landscaping, drainage works and changes to the highway layout and existing car park.

The application relates to land at Colin Campbell Court, where the new building would sit between Colin Campbell House and the first Community Diagnostic Centre, known as CDC1, which has already been approved and is nearing completion. The Design and Access Statement says the second centre would expand diagnostic capacity in Plymouth and support earlier detection of disease.

Planning documents state the building is intended to complement the services already being provided at CDC1. The proposed facility would include an additional MRI scanner, DEXA scanning, ultrasound and cancer pathway consult and exam rooms, alongside staff administration, welfare and support space.

The site is currently used as a car park and contractor welfare area. It is described as being close to the residential population it serves, with access from all sides for vehicles and pedestrians. Bus stops are on Western Approach and Union Street, while Plymouth railway station is around 0.77km away.

The statement says the scheme forms part of wider regeneration plans for Plymouth’s west end, an area described in the document as one of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods with lower-than-average uptake of healthcare services.

The proposal would also have a major effect on the existing Colin Campbell Court car park. Planning drawings show 156 existing spaces, with 78 to be removed for the development and 78 retained.

Documents also show plans for pedestrian changes around the site, including an extended pedestrian priority walkway, access from Market Avenue and raised-table crossings between CDC1 and CDC2. Accessible parking would be provided on the access road between the two buildings, with staff cycle parking inside the building and Sheffield stands for visitors near the main entrance.

Landscaping plans include raised planters, new paving, seating and planting intended to soften the route into both buildings. The proposed main entrance to CDC2 would be on the south-east corner of the building, opposite Colin Campbell House.

The application follows earlier planning history on the site. A larger four-storey healthcare scheme won permission in 2022 but did not receive government funding, while permission for CDC1 was granted in 2024.

Pre-application discussions have already taken place with Plymouth City Council planning officers. According to the statement, officers supported the principle of the development, though questions were raised about pedestrian and cycle connections, public realm details and the effect on the remaining car park.

Sky spectacle returns as Red Arrows headline Torbay airshow weekend

Torbay Council
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Sky spectacle returns as Red Arrows headline Torbay airshow weekend

This year’s Airshow will see incredible aerial displays across all three days of the event.

Event organisers are thrilled to announce that the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have all been confirmed for this year’s English Riviera Airshow which takes place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May in Paignton.

The English Riviera Airshow’s flying programme has grown significantly over the years, and visitors will be thrilled to learn that this 10th anniversary event will offer three action‑packed days of aerial displays, taking place from Friday through Sunday.

The English Riviera Airshow is a collaborative effort supported by us, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations, and aviation enthusiasts.

The stellar line-up features three of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) most famous and impressive aerial display teams, demonstrating incredible speed, agility, precision and heritage. Together, they will transform Torbay’s coastal skyline and help to create one of the UK’s most spectacular free airshows of the year.

The world-famous Red Arrows will take to the skies on both Friday and Saturday of the Airshow, giving spectators the chance to see their impressive display twice over the long weekend. Their trademark red, white and blue smoke trails promise to create unforgettable moments along the stunning Torbay coastline

For the first time in history, a woman will lead the Red Arrows. Wing Cdr Sasha Nash took over from Wing Cdr Adam Collins as the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force aerobatic team earlier this year and the English Riviera Airshow will be one of her first public appearances in her new leadership role.

Flying their distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the Red Arrows are known for their trademark Diamond Nine Shape, breathtaking formations and precision flying.

The Typhoon will be wowing the crowds on both Saturday and Sunday. Famous for the thunderous roar of its twin engines, the Typhoon display team will fly their Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft. The fourth-generation fighter plane is capable of incredible speed and is a highly agile, multi-role combat aircraft. Crowds can expect heart‑pounding passes, dramatic climbs and the unmistakable sound that announces the Typhoon long before it appears overhead.

History lovers and aviation enthusiasts will be thrilled that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has been confirmed for all three days of the Airshow: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flight will feature the C47 Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft.  

The BBMF is dedicated to maintaining the priceless artefacts of RAF heritage and commemorating those who have fallen in the service of this country.

Alongside the RAF display teams, the Airshow will also feature a wide range of civilian aircraft which will be announced closer to the event. Spectators can expect jaw‑dropping aerobatics and breathtaking freestyle displays designed to delight crowds of all ages.

This year’s Airshow will celebrate a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the very first English Riviera Airshow in 2016. Building on the event’s growing momentum, the 2026 Airshow promises incredible flying displays, vibrant entertainment on the ground, a fantastic opening-night celebration and a buzzing festival atmosphere across the whole weekend.

With so much going on over the three days, residents and visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it. Around 200,000 visitors are expected over the long weekend, so now is an ideal time to start booking accommodation, parking and reserved spectator seating which people can do by visiting www.englishrivierairshow.co.uk

Organisers are also calling on local businesses, residents and community groups to get involved to help make the event a success. For businesses, there is a wide range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities starting from as little as £150. For those who want to be part of the action, they can sign up to join the crew as a volunteer. For more information visit the English Riviera Airshow website.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: ”We are delighted to unveil such an exceptional RAF line up for this year’s English Riviera Airshow. Having the Red Arrows, the Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight perform across the weekend will make our 10th anniversary year truly unforgettable. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the power, precision and heritage of the RAF’s most iconic display teams, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone for what promises to be a spectacular celebration.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company said: ”The English Riviera BID Company is delighted to continue sponsoring this major annual event that attracts thousands of visitors from all round the country who come and stay and enjoy a weekend exploring the English Riviera.”

The English Riviera Airshow has been held annually since 2016. It combines thrilling flying displays with ground-based festivities, captivating audiences of all ages.

Get the latest news and updates by signing up to the English Riviera Airshow newsletter: www.englishrivieraairshow.co.uk/

Green goals set as North Devon plots decade of nature recovery

Lewis Clarke
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Green goals set as North Devon plots decade of nature recovery

A sweeping blueprint to reshape how nature, communities and the economy coexist is set to guide North Devon for the next decade, with ambitious targets aimed at restoring habitats, improving water quality and boosting sustainable growth.

Councillors have been asked to back the latest ten-year strategy for the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, covering the period 2026 to 2036, alongside a new partnership agreement and funding arrangements.

The strategy, produced by the North Devon Biosphere Partnership, sets out a long-term plan to manage the area’s natural environment while supporting local livelihoods and development.

A biosphere reserve is recognised internationally for its balance between conservation and sustainable living, with North Devon’s designation covering more than 5,000 square kilometres of land and sea.

The new plan outlines four main themes: helping nature thrive, living in balance with nature, unlocking the local value of the environment, and learning from nature.

Among the headline aims are increasing woodland cover to 17%, restoring 10,000 hectares of marine habitats, and ensuring half of the area’s land is managed in a nature-friendly way.

The strategy also targets improvements in river health, with a goal of 50% of water bodies reaching good ecological status and none classified as poor.

Alongside environmental goals, the plan seeks to grow the local economy through nature-based activity, including generating £1 million a year from projects linked to the biosphere and increasing public engagement with the natural environment.

A report to North Devon Council states that the strategy has been shaped by public consultation carried out between September and October 2025, with feedback from local authorities incorporated into the final draft.

Members are being recommended to endorse the strategy and agree to sign a partnership agreement later in 2026, which will formalise roles and responsibilities across 36 organisations involved in managing the biosphere.

The council is also expected to approve a service level agreement confirming its annual funding contribution to the North Devon Biosphere Foundation, with £15,900 allocated in the 2026/27 budget.

According to the report, the strategy provides “a 10-year plan… setting out clear aims and objectives against a measurable action plan”.

If adopted, the plan will form part of the area’s wider response to climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development challenges, with the biosphere described as a “living laboratory” for testing new approaches to managing land, water and nature.

Police close Plymouth property after months of antisocial behaviour

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police close Plymouth property after months of antisocial behaviour

An address that caused repeated havoc within the local community of Plymouth has now been shut for three months in an effort to put a stop to antisocial behaviour (ASB).

The residential property, located on Hamaoze Avenue, had been reported to the police for noise disturbances, people visiting the address at all hours of the day, suspected drug dealing and drug taking in and around the address.

A full closure order was served on Thursday 9 April following an investigation into the reports, meaning it will now be an offence for anyone to enter the property for three months.

PC Sara Millett and PC Tash Wigfield supported with the investigation. They said: “We never take the decision to obtain a closure order lightly. But in this case, the address had been the source for continuous ASB incidents that were having a real negative impact on the wellbeing and livelihoods of people living nearby.

“No one’s quality of life should be impacted because of ASB happening in the area they live – that’s why it was important for us to take action to safeguard the local community.”

Commenting on the importance of sharing information with the police, they said: “Reporting is key in situations like this – we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this outcome if people hadn’t told us about what was going on.  

“Thank you to everyone who shared information with us. You really helped paint a picture of the repeated ASB happening in and around the address.”

The tenant impacted by this order has been signposted to relevant support services whilst the order is in place.

“If you’re experiencing something similar, please report it to us. We’re listening and taking action to keep you and our communities safe.”

The order was secured as a result of an investigation carried out by the St Budeaux and Barne Barton neighbourhood police team and Plymouth City Councils Community Connections team.

Report ASB online here: Report antisocial behaviour | Devon & Cornwall Police, or call 101. In an emergency, call 999.

If you have been affected by crime, please 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 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

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