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Uncertainty deepens over Duchy land plans as councillor speaks out

Lewis Clarke
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Uncertainty deepens over Duchy land plans as councillor speaks out

Concerns are mounting over the future of farms, homes and community land as questions remain unanswered about a proposed estate sale affecting local livelihoods.

Councillor James Buczkowski has written to the Duchy of Cornwall raising “significant concern” about reports that farms and land within the Bradninch estate could be sold, warning that uncertainty is already affecting residents, farmers and the wider rural community.

In a letter dated Friday, March 27, James said he was contacting the Duchy in his role representing Bradninch and surrounding areas following reports about the proposed sale.

James said: “The manner in which this proposal has come to light has caused significant concern locally.

“Farmers, residents, and the Town Council have all expressed unease, not simply about the decision itself, but about the lack of clarity and engagement surrounding it.”

He acknowledged the Duchy’s longstanding relationship with the area and its right to manage its assets, adding: “I recognise that the Duchy has a long and historic relationship with Bradninch and that, as a private estate, you are entitled to manage your assets and make decisions about your portfolio.

“I also recognise that, for some tenants, the opportunity to purchase their holdings may be welcome.”

However, he warned that key details remain unclear and called for answers on several points, including which holdings are proposed for sale, the timeline for any changes, and what the plans mean for residential tenants and community assets.

James said: “At present, there remains considerable uncertainty within the community.”

He added that clarity was needed on “the future of community assets, including allotments, recreational land, and other facilities relied upon by local residents” and what support would be available to tenant farmers wishing to buy land.

The councillor also questioned how affordability would be assessed and how the proposals align with the Duchy’s stated aim of delivering positive social and environmental outcomes.

From a local perspective, he said the potential impact could be far-reaching.

James said: “The potential impact on tenant farmers, families, and the wider rural community is significant, and it is not yet clear how these impacts have been considered.”

He called for greater engagement between the Duchy, local representatives and residents, suggesting a structured meeting or briefing to allow concerns to be raised directly.

James said: “This could take the form of a structured meeting or briefing, ensuring that concerns can be raised directly and that accurate information is shared openly.”

He added that any changes should be handled with care and transparency, given the area’s history.

James said: “Bradninch has a unique and longstanding relationship with the Duchy.

“Changes of this scale should, in my view, be approached with transparency, care, and a clear commitment to the communities that have been part of that history for generations.”

He said he would continue pressing for answers and ensuring local voices are heard.

DEVON VOICES: “Ambitious plans to get more officers back on the streets”

Alison Hernandez
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DEVON VOICES: “Ambitious plans to get more officers back on the streets”

The reality of Devon & Cornwall Police failing to receive what had been hoped for in this year’s policing funding settlement awarded by the government means that behind the scenes, much work is being done to see how it can achieve savings of £10million.  

To put that in context, it is around two per cent of the overall budget of £462million. While some police forces in England have had to cut back on police officer numbers to help towards balancing its budgets, this is not the case for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  

The force has retained its record number of 3,610 officers and plans remain on track for an extra 100 police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in neighbourhood policing roles. 

Last September, Chief Constable James Vaughan announced ambitious plans to get more officers back on the streets by reducing the number of senior ranks and returning officers to the frontline. 

The second phase of that work, called Op Resolve, will end in September and it will then move into its third and final stage, called strengthening. The intention is that by April 2027, an extra 60 constables will be on the frontline. 

Last Friday, March 27, a passout parade saw seven new PCSOs celebrate the completion of initial training, joined by family, friends and dignitaries at Devon & Cornwall Police headquarters in Middlemoor. Earlier this month, a passout parade was held for 18 new police constables. 

In contrast, today, March 30, around 130 new starters are being welcomed at Middlemoor to begin their training. These are made up of three cohorts – student police officers, PCSOs and around 20 transferees from other police forces – who will be welcomed by the Chief Constable. Student officers make up the main bulk of the numbers who will be in initial training for 24 weeks before being allocated to stations for 12 weeks to be mentored by experienced police officers.  

I am pleased to see that police officer recruitment within the force is striving to improve striving staff retention and strong leadership from the Chief Constable is continuing.  I would like to personally thank all of those who have worked so hard to ensure the frontline feels more supported. That particularly includes the ‘hidden heroes’ such as vetting, admin, HR and resourcing teams who are now processing applications quicker. 

This has all been achieved despite funding restrictions. The government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to recruit 13,000 additional officers by 2029 was scrapped this January. It provided funding to forces meeting headcount targets – which Devon & Cornwall was achieving. The grant has been replaced with ringfenced funding for neighbourhood officers instead.  

While this is welcomed, it has created a shortfall within Devon & Cornwall Police as money previously linked to the recruitment of extra officers has been reduced from £13.2m to £8.6m – a funding gap equivalent to the loss of 66 officers. 

I eagerly await the outcome of the government’s commitment to review the outdated and unfair Police Funding Formula which this year left Devon & Cornwall Police with one of the lowest government funding settlements for the size and scale of our area nationally and such a significant budget shortfall. 

Sadly, most local authorities have also not had appropriate settlements, especially because rurality and sparsity has not been taken into account. 

This year, I have had to reluctantly ask council taxpayers to pay more to just help me maintain the high level of police officers while still having to find large savings elsewhere in the organisation. Considering nearly 85 per cent of the budget is staffing, it does not leave much room for manoeuvre. 

Maintaining record police numbers remains one of my top priorities and I know you’ll look forward to seeing the force’s new recruits out on the streets keeping our communities safe. 

For a list of current police vacancies, please click here – Careers within Devon & Cornwall Police | Devon & Cornwall Police 

Police show off high tech van that can spot faces 10km away

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police show off high tech van that can spot faces 10km away

Members of the public were given a unique opportunity to find out about the high-tech equipment used to detect knives and capture CCTV footage from up to 10 kilometres away.

A community event was held in Plymouth earlier this month to connect with passers-by about the ongoing work taking place to keep people safe in the city.

The police CCTV van and knife arch were on show and offered people a chance to learn more about what the equipment does and how it is used to keep communities safe.

PCSO Kyle Stimpson, who supported the events, said: “Engagements like these are a great way to for us to break down barriers and showcase some of the work we’re doing to protect people and prevent crime.

“We want to show our communities that we are approachable, friendly and there to help anyone who is in need.

“Knife crime is not a major problem in Devon and Cornwall and the region is one of the safest areas in the country to live, but it’s great to demonstrate the equipment we have in place – both as a deterrent to potential offenders and also as a reassurance to residents and visitors.

“Thank you to everyone who came along.”

The van is kitted out with two high definition 360-degree cameras that can be set to a height of up to eight metres, capturing footage from up to 10 kilometres away.

The cameras also have live facial recognition which can be used to detect people on police wanted lists.

Any footage captured can also be used in court as evidence if a crime takes place. All remaining footage is deleted following the deployment of the van.

The CCTV van is regularly deployed in crime and antisocial behaviour hotspots, particularly those that involve violence against women and girls.

The knife arch is deployed across the force area as both an educational tool to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife, and also used as a deterrent at local events.

It looks similar to security scanners used in airports, working instantly to detect the presence of metal, flashing red for a positive result and green for a negative scan.

To find out when your next local police engagement event is taking place, visit: Your area | Devon & Cornwall Police

To report crime to the police, call 101 or report online here: Report a crime | Devon & Cornwall Police

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report through the anonymous charity Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

South Hams plan promises big changes despite looming funding cuts

South Hams District Council
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South Hams plan promises big changes despite looming funding cuts

South Hams District Council is looking to build on its recent successes as it continues to commit to its Council Plan.

The plan, which lays out the authority’s priorities and provides the organisation with an overall direction, looks to build on the great work already being done by the authority in both its core services and outside of its statutory responsibilities, in areas like climate and biodiversity, housing, community wellbeing, leisure and the economy.

Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “The council has done so much over the last 12 months that we all should be proud of. In 2025-26, we’ve set excellent standards by starting the planting of a new woodland in South Brent, launched a marine electric charging project in Salcombe, upgraded homes across the district to make them warmer for winter and supported a landmark development in Dartington to deliver 39 social-rented homes. 

“We’ve secured an 18-acre site at Sherford for business development, awarded thousands of pounds to market traders to make them more sustainable, commenced a programme of refurbishment and refreshing of some of our public assets like toilets, and seen almost £6m invested in sports and recreation facilities through developer contributions and match funding.

“But this is just a taste of what we are delivering for our communities across the South Hams and shows our ambition to go even further. We have aims within our key services, like doing everything we can to tackle the district’s housing crisis and increasing our household recycling rates. We will continue to deliver responsive and high-quality frontline services for everyone living here.

“Our vision is wider than our core services though; we want to make a genuine difference to the environment, working with partners on projects while also bringing down our own emissions. We want to support our economy to innovate and thrive. We want to continue to support local leisure and community facilities, support our high streets and all our communities.

“This is all being achieved against the background of the council losing a significant amount of funding between now and 2028/29 due to the Government’s ‘Fair Funding’ Review and the gap in spending between rural and urban councils growing sharply.

“The plan is built on the needs of our residents and our communities. Their needs always drive the work we do and always will. Our responsibility is to them – and this Council Plan is our promise to turn ambition into action, and action into lasting results for the people of the South Hams.”

To find out more about the Council Plan, visit the council website.

Plymouth set for £20m transport upgrade to boost buses and cycling

Plymouth City Council
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Plymouth set for £20m transport upgrade to boost buses and cycling

We will be investing almost £20 million over the next four years to support Plymouth’s bus services and help people walk and cycle more.

A £19.1 million programme has been agreed to support the work of the Plymouth Enhanced Bus Partnership (the partnership between the Council and local bus operators) and delivery of the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Funded by just over £17.165 million from the Department for Transport (through its Local Transport Consolidated Funding Settlement), supported by developer contributions of just over £1.939 million, it will respond to the nine passenger priorities identified in the plan: frequent; reliable and faster; affordable; safe; clean; simple and understandable; direct and connected; accessible and modern.

It will enable improvements including:

  • increased operating hours
  • better bus stop infrastructure (such as timetable cases, flags and bus stop clearways)
  • better passenger information (including at local bus and train stations)
  • improvements at the park and ride sites (including a formal crossing at Milehouse Park and Ride)
  • measures to make bus journey times quicker and more reliable
  • bus priority measures (such as bus stop/lane enforcement cameras)
  • measures to support the modernisation and decarbonisation of the Plymouth bus fleet.

Alongside the bus investment a further £872,667 from the Department for Transport’s Integrated Transport Fund is being made available to continue the Plymotion programme, which provides adult cycle training, led rides, bike maintenance and led walks, as well as a schools engagement programme.

The funding will also support wider public engagement campaigns such as the Big Green Trail and help with developing the Council’s next Local Transport Plan.

Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said “We recognise how important it is to have a transport network that is safe, reliable and accessible for everyone.

“By continuing to invest in improving bus journey times, reliability, network coverage and accessibility we hope to ensure Plymouth’s buses are available for the journeys residents and visitors need.

“And by continuing programmes like Plymotion we can help ensure people are encouraged and enabled to make more trips on bus, bike or on foot. I’m really pleased to be building on the work we’ve been doing to encourage sustainable travel for another four years.”

Decisions to approve the programme and allocate the funding can be found on our decisions page.

Murder returns to Tiverton stage as Christie classic revived after 20 years

Devon Today
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Murder returns to Tiverton stage as Christie classic revived after 20 years

A gunshot rings out, a body lies still, and a stranger steps into a mystery that refuses to stay buried.

More than two decades since it last tackled an Agatha Christie production, Tiverton Dramatic Society is set to return to the works of the celebrated crime writer with a staging of The Unexpected Guest.

The classic whodunnit follows a stranger who stumbles into a house shrouded in secrecy, only to discover a man dead and a web of suspicion surrounding those inside. As the story unfolds, each character reveals hidden truths while police attempt to piece together the circumstances behind Richard Warwick’s death.

Director Richard Burt said: “It is over 20 years since TDS last put on an Agatha Christie play but Mrs Christie has experienced a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years with the regular BBC adaptations and Kenneth Branagh’s Poirot films.”

Richard added: “It has been both very exciting and very rewarding to bring this production to life.”

He said: “‘The Unexpected Guest’ is a cracking murder mystery which will keep you guessing right up to the final moments.”

Richard added: “So why not come along to one of our performances and expect the unexpected. You will not be disappointed.”

The production will run from Wednesday, April 16 to Friday, April 18, with a matinee performance on the final day. Performances begin at 7.30pm, with the matinee starting at 2.30pm.

Early bird tickets are priced at £11.50 until March 31, rising to £12.50 thereafter. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/tivertondramatics or in person at Summer Glow Tanning Salon on Bampton Street.

Bideford firm fires up major Taco Bell expansion with £20m boost

Devon Today
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Bideford firm fires up major Taco Bell expansion with £20m boost

A fast-growing restaurant operator rooted in North Devon is preparing to serve up a major UK expansion after securing significant new backing, with hundreds of jobs and dozens of new sites on the menu.

Bideford-headquartered franchise operator Campana has secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to accelerate the rollout of Taco Bell restaurants across the country. The move places the North Devon town at the centre of an ambitious national growth strategy.

Campana, which is part of the SYMBRO Group, currently operates 23 Taco Bell locations across the south west, Wales and the Midlands. The newly secured funding will support the next phase of expansion, with six new sites set to open in the coming months.

The business plans to build on this by opening up to 12 restaurants a year, with a target of more than 50 Taco Bell locations across the UK by 2029. Future growth is expected to focus on the south west, Wales, and areas along the M4 and M5 corridors, as well as further expansion in and around the Midlands and into the north east.

The £20m investment programme is expected to create around 600 jobs while increasing revenue by between 50 and 60 per cent.

As part of the funding package, HSBC UK will also provide a revolving credit facility, allowing Campana flexible access to capital as it secures new sites and begins construction and fit-outs.

David Morgan, finance director at Campana, said: “Since opening our first Taco Bell six years ago, and with every additional new restaurant opening since, we have consistently seen strong demand for this much-loved brand, bringing craveable, Mexican-inspired flavours and unbeatable value to a new generation of UK consumers.

“SYMBRO Group is pleased to be partnering with HSBC UK again, with this latest funding enabling Campana to build on our momentum, expanding Taco Bell into new towns and cities across the UK.”

Paul Lane, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “Campana has built a strong Taco Bell franchise business since opening its first location, and its ambitious rollout plans highlight the opportunity within the UK’s hospitality sector, despite ongoing pressures.

“The quick-service restaurant market continues to show resilience, with franchising offering a scalable and effective route to growth. Against this backdrop, the business’ clear expansion strategy and proven track record made a compelling case to support this significant funding package and its next phase of growth.”

Campana forms part of the wider SYMBRO Group, which owns and operates 60 quick-service restaurant franchises across the UK and the Netherlands, including Taco Bell, Subway and Starbucks.

Shock cliff fall forces closures at popular Devon beach hotspot

Teignbridge District Council
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Shock cliff fall forces closures at popular Devon beach hotspot

Teignbridge District Council is urging residents and visitors to put their safety first and respect path closures currently in place at The Ness in Shaldon following a significant cliff fall.

On Friday, 27 March, a landslip occurred at The Ness, resulting in soil, rocks, and trees falling onto Shaldon Beach and depositing a substantial quantity of debris across a section of the shoreline.

Our teams have inspected the area and installed warning signage and fencing for areas that have been closed for safety reasons. The section of the South West Coast Path that runs through the Ness woodland has been closed, and people are advised not to go onto the Shaldon beach at the site of the cliff fall in case of further landslips. 

Visitors can still access the SW Coast Path while these closures are in place. The alternative route bypasses the Ness woodland and takes walkers through the Ness car park to the public highway, and on to Shaldon. 

Cliff fall (Credit : Alec Collyer)

These measures are designed to protect everyone from the risk of falling debris or unstable ground. The public are being advised to follow all signage, respect fencing and barriers, and stay away from any areas which have been closed for safety reasons. We will continue to monitor the area closely and further inspections are planned in the coming week.

Councillor Jackie Hook, Executive Member for Environment, Climate and Sustainability, said: “We appreciate that it’s disappointing to have restrictions in areas which are popular with residents and visitors alike, but public safety has to be our priority. Further falls are likely, so we would urge people to stay well clear – please don’t risk your safety by trying to access areas that have been cordoned off.”

The coastline is a naturally changing environment and while areas often appear stable, the ground can change unexpectedly, particularly following periods of heavy rain. After a very wet winter and as conditions dry out, some further movement of the cliffs may take place in the coming days.

The Council will provide further updates following further geological surveys and inspections.

Barnstaple office becomes safe haven for domestic abuse victims

Devon Today
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Barnstaple office becomes safe haven for domestic abuse victims

North Devon Homes is proud to announce that its Head Office in Barnstaple is now officially recognised as a safe space for individuals experiencing abuse, following the successful completion of ‘J9’ domestic abuse awareness training by staff members.

J9 is a community focused domestic abuse awareness programme which aims to build a network of safe, discreet places within local communities where people can access help at the earliest possible moment. This initiative was created in memory of Janine Mundy, who tragically lost her life to domestic abuse while her estranged husband was on police bail. She often signed her messages ‘J9’, which inspired the name for the programme.

Jen Westacott, Community Services Manager, organised the training and said, “Several of our staff members have completed the domestic abuse awareness training which helps them to recognise, respond and refer anyone needing help. Our Head Office in Barnstaple is a ‘J9’ safe and discreet place where people can access information about support, use a telephone privately to contact specialist help and can speak to a trained member of our staff.”

They added, “This important initiative strengthens community support for anyone living within an abusive environment and is open to all members of the public, not only North Devon Homes customers.

Many survivors of domestic abuse say they struggled to find a safe moment or space to reach out. Coercive control often limits opportunities to ask for help. The J9 network exists to create more safe points in the community so people can get support at the earliest opportunity. By taking part and joining this network, North Devon Homes is helping create a wider community safety network across North Devon.

North Devon Homes encourages anyone who may need advice or support relating to domestic abuse to visit its Head Office, whether or not they are a customer. Their address is Westacott Road, Barnstaple, EX32 8TA.

Young engineers bridge the gap with hands-on Tamar crossing trip

Devon Today
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Young engineers bridge the gap with hands-on Tamar crossing trip

Young minds crossed new horizons as pupils swapped the classroom for cables and crossings, stepping into the world of engineering with a hands-on visit to one of the region’s most recognisable structures.

Children from West Alvington CofE Academy and Charleton CofE Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, took part in an educational trip centred around the Tamar Bridge, combining travel with practical learning.

Pupils explore a hands-on engineering exhibit during their visit
(Credit : Submitted)

The day began with a train journey across the bridge, allowing pupils to experience the landmark from a unique vantage point. After arriving, they completed a guided walk back across it, stopping to learn about its design, construction and role in the area.

The visit supported classroom studies on structures and engineering, giving pupils the chance to see real-world applications of topics they have been exploring.

Staff said the children were engaged throughout, asking questions and making observations as they explored both the bridge and its visitor centre.

The Tamar Bridge spans the River Tamar between Saltash in Cornwall and Plymouth. Opened in 1961, it was designed to carry the A38 and was among the longest suspension bridges in Britain at the time, replacing ferry services that had struggled to meet demand.

Jointly funded by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council and constructed by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company, the bridge remains a key transport link, carrying thousands of vehicles each day while also providing access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Children interact with digital displays at the visitor centre
(Credit : Submitted)

Hannah Ruston, headteacher of Charleton CofE Academy and West Alvington CofE Academy, said: “It was fantastic to see our children so curious and enthusiastic throughout the day.

“Experiences like this help pupils connect classroom learning to the world around them, making education both fun and meaningful.”

Tracey Cleverly, CEO of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Trips such as this are a brilliant way to inspire young minds.

“Seeing children engage with engineering in such an interactive way reinforces the importance of hands-on learning and encourages them to explore the possibilities in STEM and beyond.”

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