Officers from the Ivybridge Neighbourhood Team have thanked the public for their co-operation after they successfully executed a search warrant in Ivybridge and seized a quantity of suspected cannabis.
The operation took place at Bridge Park on Wednesday 8 April. The local neighbourhood officers were joined by drugs dogs and handlers and the Neighbourhood Support Team
A woman was at the address when police visited but no arrests took place. Police are continuing with their ongoing investigation.
Drug issues are a priority for the Ivybridge local police team and they want to reassure the community that information will be acted upon.
Neighbourhood Team Leader Sergeant Maddy Wiliams said: “The Ivybridge Neighbourhood Team is committed to taking drugs off the street and would urge members of the community to pass on information to allow us to focus on this priority. This can be done through calling Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or emailing Ivybridgeandkingsbridge@devonandcornwall.police.uk.
“All Information will be treated with complete confidentiality.”
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A row over grass cutting, planting and advertising revenue has seen councillors opt to keep control of two key roundabouts rather than hand them back.
Cullompton Town Council debated whether to return responsibility for the sites to Devon County Council, which has proposed installing advertising hoardings and resuming basic maintenance.
Dan Ledger told members the town council had originally taken over the roundabouts due to concerns about maintenance standards and had since improved their appearance.
He explained that the county now intended to generate income from advertising at the sites and had offered to take back responsibility for upkeep. However, this would be limited to four grass cuts a year, with no additional planting or landscaping.
Dan said the decision for councillors was whether to continue funding enhanced maintenance — including planting and weeding — or accept a reduced standard under county control.
Councillor Chris Snow said the responsibility should return to the county, arguing it was their asset and that any advertising revenue should support its upkeep. He said the town council should not continue investing money into it.
Dan added that maintaining the improved standard required significant staff time, with around a week of work by two team members needed for each roundabout.
However, councillor Tony Spring said it would be a “shame” to lose the progress made, warning the sites could revert to simple grass areas without seasonal planting or regular upkeep.
Councillor Marilyn Bidmead agreed, suggesting it would be disappointing to undo the work already carried out. She also questioned whether the town council could seek a financial contribution from the county if it continued maintaining the sites.
Dan said the county had previously made clear it would only provide the basic four cuts per year, with any enhanced maintenance remaining the responsibility of the town council.
Councillor Lloyd Knight said if the county was receiving advertising income, it should also take responsibility for maintaining the roundabouts to an acceptable standard, and supported handing them back.
Councillor John Standford raised concerns about the risk of the sites becoming untidy if the county failed to carry out its scheduled cuts, warning they could become an eyesore.
Councillor Mike Thompson said that when the county had previously managed the roundabouts, local advertising had been more modest, with small plaques rather than large hoardings. He added that standards had declined over time, leading to a loss of support from local businesses.
He said if the county were to take control again, it should maintain the roundabouts to the same high standard seen in nearby areas such as Tiverton, and suggested this could reduce the burden on town council staff.
Councillors ultimately voted to retain control of the roundabouts and continue enhanced maintenance, including planting and trimming, rather than return them to county management.
A village play area could soon see a new addition as funding is set to unlock long-awaited improvements for local families.
Plans are in place to install a children’s play slide and safety surfacing at Bishops Nympton Village Green, after a report recommended releasing thousands of pounds in developer contributions to support the project.
The proposal, outlined in a report dated Monday, April 13, calls for £4,599 to be allocated from Section 106 public open space funds to Bishops Nympton Parish Council.
The funding would contribute towards the total project cost of £9,883, with the parish council already securing £5,000 from the Batsworthy Community Fund.
Councillors have been asked to approve the allocation in line with the requirements of the Section 106 agreements, which are designed to support community infrastructure linked to development.
If approved, the funds will be released subject to a formal funding agreement, with terms set by the council’s senior solicitor and monitoring officer.
The report states the project will help “protect and enhance public open space and community facilities”, while also ensuring the play area remains accessible to all.
It adds that local suppliers will be used where possible to minimise travel and support the local economy.
Any shortfall in the overall project cost will be met by Bishops Nympton Parish Council.
The recommendation will be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee, with final approval required from full council.
This Music Therapy Week (10-15 April) a Totnes family is sharing how Rowcroft’s music therapy service has brought creativity, connection and uplifting moments during a deeply challenging time.
Richard Goss, 66, a mechanical design engineer from Totnes, was living with a brain tumour and receiving palliative care from the hospice. He had been attending music therapy sessions at Rowcroft since December 2025 with hospice Music Therapist David Holmes. The sessions became a meaningful shared experience for Richard and his wife Lesley and son Oliver, who often joined. While Richard sadly died on 23 March, his family have chosen to share his story in a tribute to him, and to raise awareness of the comfort and connection that music therapy can bring.
During his final weeks, and reflecting on his experience of Rowcroft’s care, Richard said: “I was really pleased to hear that music therapy is available at Rowcroft. One of the Rowcroft team had suggested it might be helpful, given that music has been a big part of my life.”
• Richard Goss playing a tongue drum in a music therapy session at Rowcroft Hospice
Rowcroft’s music therapy service works alongside the hospice’s multidisciplinary team to support patients living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, across 300 square miles of South Devon. Through creative musical expression, music therapy helps people to connect with emotions, relieve stress and create meaningful experiences together.
“My wife and one of our sons attend with me as I need some help, and they join in so we all enjoy our musical creative time together,” said Richard. “It is time away from the other health things I am working through. And we look forward to seeing what we can come up with. Each session is guided by Rowcroft’s Music Therapist David who is very good at getting us warmed up and helping to choose instruments to start us off.”
The music therapy room – a small and enchanting wooden hut in the hospice grounds – is kitted out with a variety of instruments from all around the world. There are percussion instruments, metal tongue drums, beautifully-sounding wooden bowls that are hand-made in Buckfastleigh, as well as small original African and Asian shakers, gongs, drums, metal cymbals and much more.
“During the sessions, David sometimes suggests that we visualise a scene – for example, a walk through a jungle,” explained Richard. “He can then accompany us on various instruments, and we develop a loose piece of music as we go. The tempo and dynamics change as we go along.”
The sessions provided something positive to anticipate and reflect on together as a family, creating lasting memories.
“We have lovely discussions afterwards about what we enjoyed, and my son has created some short recordings that we can listen back to and share with other family members,” said Richard. “I enjoy taking part; it’s good fun, and it’s a lovely way to spend time with some of the family. It’s been emotional for me, but in a very positive way.”
Richard’s son Oliver, a trained musician who attended the sessions with his parents, said the experience created special moments and memories:
“It was fantastic to continue having new experiences together, and for us as a family to have something to look forward to. I can’t think of any other situation where you have the opportunity to play a guitar, a harp, a rain stick, and a full drum kit in one place!”
The Goss family’s experience highlights how music therapy can be deeply personal, creative, emotionally supportive, and can help people to connect with their own feelings and with other people.
“The aim of music therapy is to create a musical conversation with people,” said David Holmes. “Through sound and rhythm, people can express feelings that are often difficult to put into words. Music gives them another voice – a way to be heard and to connect with others.
“It can also bring a real sense of calm. When people become immersed in the music, they enter a mindful space where worries can fade for a while and they’re free to simply experience the moment.”
Music therapy is just one of the many aspects of Rowcroft’s holistic care that supports patients and their families both emotionally, physically and spiritually. As a charity, the hospice relies on the generosity of the local community to fund its services, as only 24% of Rowcroft’s funding is derived from the NHS. Through fundraising, donations, and support from individuals, groups, and businesses across South Devon, Rowcroft can continue providing its vital care and bringing comfort and connection to patients and their families when they need it most.Bottom of Form
People living or working in parts of Paignton are being asked to come forward to help guide a fund that will shape their future.
Community leaders in the areas formerly known as Blagdon and Blatchcombe, including Kings Ash, Collaton St Mary and the western edge of Paignton, are being invited to shape how a multi-million-pound fund could improve their neighbourhoods.
The area, which covers around 7,000 people, is part of Phase Two of the Government’s Pride in Place programme. The initiative empowers local people, working with the MP, council, businesses and community groups, to shape their area, with up to £20 million available over the next decade to support community‑led projects to improve life chances.
The funding will be delivered in tranches over the next 10 years. An initial £150,000 has already been released to help kick-start early activity, support listening and engagement this summer. The next stage is the formation of a Paignton Place Leadership Board, half of which must be made up of people who live or work in the area. Once formed, the board will create a 10-year vision and business plan to spend the first £4 million of Pride in Place funding. It is expected that the group will initially meet monthly to deliver this vision, along with a four-year regeneration plan, by the end of November.
We, Torbay Council, are the accountable body with a supportive role and key responsibilities, but it is the board and people living and working in the area who will make decisions that are important to them.
The area is largely covered by MP Caroline Voaden, and it is her role to help select the chair or co-chairs who will together form the board. At least half of the board should be made up of people who live or work in the area and must include a ward councillor.
Caroline said: ‘‘This is a brilliant opportunity for communities that often feel overlooked and believe that things can’t or won’t change for the better. The Pride in Place programme is designed to give some key decision making back to communities, to decide what matters most to them. In Paignton, this early phase will focus on listening, building confidence and capacity locally, and turning community priorities into a clear plan for the future.
‘‘You don’t have to have prior experience to get involved – if there is something you’ve always wanted to change, improve or see in your local area then this is your chance to help make it happen. It’s a really exciting opportunity and I’d love to see community members get involved.”
Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council and member of the Torbay and Torquay Place Leadership Boards said: ‘‘This funding is a huge opportunity for Paignton, and we want local people to help shape what happens next. Pride in Place is about more than money — it’s about giving decision‑making back to the community and creating a long‑term plan based on what matters most to local people. We’re asking residents, businesses, and community groups in Blagdon and Blatchcombe to get involved, share their ideas, and help guide this £20 million programme over the next decade.’’
The work will connect with the Torbay Place Leadership Board, Torquay Place Leadership Board and Champions Network, ensuring Paignton’s community priorities are still independent but supported by wider place leadership across the Bay.
This announcement comes after Torquay received similar funding for the whole of the town. After having their 10-year vision approved by government in March, The Torquay Place Leadership Board is due to start funding its first activities at the end of the month.
If you are interested in being part of this exciting project, applications to join the board as a member and/or chairperson are open until 1 May with a simple form to apply here.
The map above shows the areas of Paignton that are eligible for the Pride in Place Funding.
Concerns have been raised over the condition of a cemetery after reports that piles of wood were left in a publicly accessible area, prompting questions over how the site was managed.
At a recent meeting of Cullompton Town Council , Councillor Mike Thompson said there had been “an issue at the cemetery” the previous week, which he said was addressed when staff returned.
Cllr Thompson said: “As most people are aware we’ve had an issue at the cemetery last week which was rectified on the Monday when the clerk returned from holiday.”
He asked for clarification on whether wooden cuttings that had been moved to the cemetery car park had since been removed.
Cllr Thompson said: “Can the clerk verify that the wooden cuttings which were moved down into the cemetery car park by the skip have now been cut up and removed off site.
“It looked absolutely appalling up there. It’s a public space with public access to the new cemetery and there’s loads of wood up by the skip.”
Town clerk Dan Ledger confirmed that staff had been instructed to move the material away from the cemetery grounds.
Mr Ledger said: “Initially my instruction to the staff was to remove from the cemetery grounds and get it down to the car park.
“From conversations with the outdoor supervisor that had occurred now.”
The Torbay Hospital League of Friends has funded a new road sweeper to support the upkeep of the Torbay Hospital site, helping teams maintain clear roads and pathways for patients, visitors and staff.
The road sweeper, named The Manic Street Sweeper, is already in daily use across the site. Its name — a playful pun on the band Manic Street Preachers — was chosen following a public vote from a shortlist suggested by NHS colleagues with more than 500 people taking part, adding a bit of personality to a vehicle that plays an important behind the scenes role every day.
Funded entirely by the Torbay Hospital League of Friends, the new road sweeper supports the practical work of keeping roads and pathways clear across a large and busy hospital site, particularly during periods of high footfall and challenging weather.
Martin Tucker, Chair of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to fund something so useful and visible. This is a piece of equipment that will be used every day and that’s exactly the kind of difference our supporters want to make. It was also great to see colleagues and the public get involved in choosing the name — it really captured the spirit of the hospital community.”
Johnathan Hawkins, Environment and Waste Operations Manager, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having this road sweeper on site is already making a real difference to how we manage the estate. It supports our teams to keep key routes clear and the hospital looking well cared for, which matters for everyone coming onto the site. We’re very grateful to Torbay Hospital League of Friends for their continued support.”
Torbay Hospital League of Friends has been supporting Torbay Hospital for more than 70 years and received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2012. The League continues to fund equipment and improvements that go above and beyond NHS provision, always with the aim of enhancing patient care and experience.
A Devon cricket club is stepping up to the crease with plans to modernise its facilities, thanks to a sponsorship boost aimed at improving the matchday experience and supporting the next generation of players.
Heathcoat Cricket Club has received £1,000 from housebuilder Edenstone to support improvements at its ground at Whitnage Road in Sampford Peverell.
The club, which operates across two sites, has more than 325 playing members. This includes four Saturday league sides, women’s hardball and softball teams, a range of T20 and social teams, and a junior programme catering for children from the age of four.
Vice-chairman Chris Salter said: “Our vision is to be the best cricket club in Devon, while supporting cricketers of all ages and abilities to play to their full potential.
“We’re on a mission to promote, organise and foster amateur cricket of the highest standard in the Devon area. Central to our ethos is enjoyment of the game and the development of young cricketers.”
He said funding secured through the Devon Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board would support improvements focused on increasing participation among children, women and people with disabilities.
Chris added: “Heathcoat Cricket Club was successfully awarded funding towards the digitalisation of our Sampford Peverell ground at Whitnage Road.
“We’re using the grant funding for a new electronic scoreboard to replace the failing manual board; to upgrade the IT hardware to facilitate live scoring; build a score hut; to purchase camera equipment to live broadcast matches and update Wi-Fi facilities.
“The grant funding only covers 80% of this so we’re grateful to Edenstone for their sponsorship, which will help towards our ongoing fundraising for the improvements which will help future-proof the ground.”
Alongside the upgrades, the club aims to grow junior membership by five per cent each year and increase women’s membership by 50 per cent annually.
The ground is located around a mile from Edenstone’s nearby housing development, The Orchards.
Edenstone operations director Chris Edge said: “As good neighbours and proud supporters of grassroots sports, we were keen to help Heathcoat Cricket Club.
“Sport is a great way to meet people, stay fit and active and develop life skills such as teamwork and communication. We wish the club the best of luck with the works and for the cricket season and beyond.”
A long-shut woodland footbridge in Barnstaple at the centre of mounting public frustration could finally face a decision on its future, as council officials weigh up whether to scrap, replace or rebuild the ageing structure.
The crossing, which spans the Coney Gut stream, has been closed since early 2024 after inspections revealed significant decay in its main beams. Engineers later confirmed the structure was no longer safe, prompting its closure to the public.
The bridge had formed part of a well-used circular walking route through woodland, popular with walkers and dog walkers and previously used by a nearby primary school. Since its closure, access to the woodland remains possible from the southern end, but visitors must now return the same way.
According to a report prepared by Andrew Moulton, parks and grounds maintenance manager, the structure is believed to have been in place for around 35 years, dating back to when the surrounding housing development was first built.
Responsibility for the bridge remains unclear. Although Devon County Council initially inspected it in January 2024, the authority later confirmed the structure was not under its remit. The bridge is not listed as a public right of way.
Efforts to find a short-term fix were explored in August 2024, when a structural engineer assessed whether temporary repairs could allow the bridge to reopen. However, the estimated £12,000 cost, alongside ongoing scaffolding expenses, was deemed not cost effective.
The council has since received negative feedback from residents calling for the bridge to reopen.
Land ownership has also complicated matters. While the western bank is owned by North Devon Council, the eastern side belongs to Pearce Construction. The company declined to contribute towards replacement costs but indicated it would be willing to transfer its land to the council, subject to legal fees.
Councillors are now being asked to choose between three options.
The first would see the bridge, steps and foundations removed entirely at an estimated cost of £2,000, leaving the woodland accessible only via a single route.
The second option proposes replacing the structure with a new timber bridge, alongside new steps and foundations, at an estimated cost of £16,000.
The third would involve installing a steel-framed bridge, with associated works, costing around £21,000.
Additional costs of around £750 may also be required for environmental consent and potential planning permission due to the bridge’s position over a main river.
Funding would likely come from the council’s parks earmarked reserve, which currently stands at £23,000. However, the report warns that using this funding would reduce resources available for future equipment and maintenance needs.
The report will be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee, which will decide how to proceed.
A wide-ranging plan to reshape the future of a town centre is gathering pace, with early signs of falling crime, new investment opportunities and a renewed focus on culture and community life.
A report presented to councillors outlines progress made by the Barnstaple Place Partnership Board, a multi-agency group set up to coordinate regeneration, economic growth and community wellbeing across the town.
The board, which has been meeting since July 2024, brings together representatives from local councils, businesses, the voluntary sector and public bodies to oversee improvements and deliver a long-term vision for the area.
The report states that the partnership aims to ensure the town is “a thriving place for all to live, work, visit and play”, using a coordinated approach to tackle challenges facing the high street and wider community.
Progress is being tracked through a Place Making Action Plan, which focuses on five key priorities: improving the look and feel of the town centre, enhancing how it functions, strengthening its overall offer, creating opportunities for change and improving place management.
Among the developments highlighted is work to improve safety, with a reduction in recorded crime and shoplifting noted, although concerns remain about under-reporting. Measures include the continuation of a street marshal scheme until the end of 2026, additional funding to tackle anti-social behaviour and efforts to expand CCTV coverage.
Environmental improvements are also under way. A street scene group now meets every six weeks, bringing together council teams, police and other partners to coordinate responses to issues such as graffiti and flyposting. Funding has been secured to support clean-up work and environmental enhancements, including new planting and greening initiatives.
The report also points to progress in boosting the town’s appearance and cultural offer. Public art installations are expected in summer 2026, while a cultural development programme has been extended. A town events team has been established to promote activities, supported by seasonal brochures and a relaunch of the town’s promotional campaigns.
Efforts to support businesses are continuing, with free webinars offered to retailers and grants previously awarded to 29 businesses to improve shopfronts and premises. Work is also under way to develop a commercial prospectus aimed at attracting new investment into the town centre.
Vacant properties remain a key focus. A dedicated group has been set up to address the issue, with audits completed and enforcement action taken in some cases. A scheme offering free pre-application planning advice for commercial and mixed-use developments has already been taken up by ten businesses.
Transport and infrastructure projects are also being monitored, including junction improvements, bus priority schemes and enhancements to the railway station forecourt. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these works, with assurances given that updates will continue to be provided.
The partnership is also working to improve coordination between organisations, with regular reporting structures now in place and performance data being collected to track footfall, retail activity and visitor behaviour.
An annual public forum is due to be held in July to showcase progress and gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.
The report concludes that significant resources are being invested by partner organisations, with ongoing collaboration seen as key to delivering long-term improvements and ensuring the town centre remains viable and attractive in the future.
