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Bideford Regatta gets boost as developer named key sponsor

Devon Today
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Bideford Regatta gets boost as developer named key sponsor

The developer behind the Abbotsham Park development in Bideford has been confirmed as one of the sponsors of the town’s prime summer event.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon has donated £1,000 to the Regatta as part of its Community Champions initiative, which seeks to support good causes and much-valued organisations and events across Britain. £700,000 is donated each year.

The housebuilder and Regatta Carnival Committee, including its president, Mike Harper, and Chair, Andy Cox, marked the donation at Abbotsham Park last month. This year’s Regatta will take place on Saturday 20th June with the Carnival to follow on Saturday 12th September.

Bideford Regatta is an annual event held on the River Torridge and has been an established part of the town’s history for over 125 years. Supported by the West of England Amateur Rowing Association, the Regatta forms part of the West of England Championship season.

The Mayor of Bideford and other local dignitaries from the town are regular attendees at the Regatta and, together with Mayors from other towns in the South West, come to watch and enjoy the spectacle.

Persimmon has two, three, and four-homes for sale from £242,995 at its Abbotsham Park site in the west of Bideford. The accredited five-star housebuilder is bringing 200 new homes to the town alongside active travel routes, green spaces, play areas, and a community orchard.

Persimmon donates £24,000 across Cornwall & West Devon to good causes and much-valued organisations each year as part of its Community Champions programme. Recent local recipients include Bideford’s own Shammy Rovers FC and Bideford AFC.

Jane Cartwright, Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon’s sales director, said: “We are very delighted to be a prime sponsor of the Bideford Regatta Carnival this year and it is an honour to be part of a staple event for the town this summer.

“As a local developer, we are committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy wherever we build – and this includes supporting much-cherished anchors in the local calendar like the Regatta. We wish everyone the best of this year’s event and cannot wait for it to get underway.”

Abbie Vickery, Secretary of the Bideford Regatta Carnival, added: “On behalf of the Port of Bideford Regatta Committee, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Persimmon Homes for their generous donation. This support is invaluable to the continued success of the regatta and will enable us to deliver a competitive, enjoyable and, most importantly, entertaining day of racing for the people of Bideford and visitors from further afield.

“The committee is extremely grateful for the backing of organisations such as Persimmon, whose contribution helps ensure that this much-loved local event can continue to thrive.”

Inspectors praise Cullompton preschool where children feel safe and valued

Lewis Clarke
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Inspectors praise Cullompton preschool where children feel safe and valued

“A safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children feel valued and secure” – that is how inspectors have described life at a Cullompton preschool following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Noah’s Ark Preschool, based at Cullompton Baptist Church on the High Street, was inspected on 4 December 2025. The setting, which is registered for 34 children aged two to four, was found to be meeting the expected standard across all areas, with safeguarding arrangements judged to be effective.

Inspectors reported that “the safeguarding standards are met”, meaning that “leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe” .

Achievement was also found to be at the expected standard. The report states: “Children typically make good progress from their starting points, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They benefit from effective one-to-one and small-group interventions, which support their access to and engagement with the curriculum. Practitioners prompt positive interactions between children and adults, modelling conversations and introducing new vocabulary”.

Inspectors observed children demonstrating focus and determination in their play. “Children are motivated by the activities on offer and demonstrate perseverance and resilience when challenges arise. For example, they use a range of scissors and glue to cut and stick small gems and jewels when making Christmas baubles for friends and family. Most children sustain concentration and show curiosity, which reflects their positive attitudes towards learning”.

Behaviour and attitudes were also praised. According to the report, “Children form secure and positive attachments with their key persons, which strongly supports their emotional wellbeing and readiness to learn. Most children, regardless of their age, are highly engaged in activities and consistently demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning”.

Leaders and staff were commended for the culture they have created. “Leaders and staff have high expectations for children’s behaviour and attitudes. This creates a culture of patience, respect, resilience and curiosity. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of developing children’s personal, social and emotional skills. They support children to manage their own feelings and behaviour through sensitive and purposeful interactions”.

Children’s welfare and wellbeing are said to be central to the setting’s work. Inspectors found: “The setting places a strong emphasis on supporting children’s welfare, mental health and wellbeing, especially for those children who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff are responsive to the needs of young children, offering comfort, reassurance and encouragement when required. They build warm and trusting relationships that promote children’s confidence and independence, helping children to develop essential self-care skills”.

The curriculum was described as “carefully planned and sequenced to ensure that children make progress in their communication, physical development and independence. Staff’s interactions are purposeful, enabling children to develop the skills they need to transition into the next stage of their learning”.

Inclusion is another strength. The report notes: “Parents and carers speak positively about the setting’s effectiveness in identifying and supporting their children’s individual needs. This includes securing additional funding and working collaboratively with external agencies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)”.

Leadership and governance were also found to meet the expected standard. “Leaders have a secure understanding of the setting’s context. They place the best interests of children at the heart of all decision-making. Leaders maintain strong partnerships with parents and carers and professionals, enabling children to settle quickly when they join the setting”.

Overall, inspectors concluded that children at Noah’s Ark Preschool “settle quickly into their day, supported by well-established routines and knowledgeable staff” and that “staff, parents and carers and children feel a strong sense of community and belonging”.

Major Devon SEND overhaul aims to fix delays and confusion for families

Devon County Council
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Major Devon SEND overhaul aims to fix delays and confusion for families

From April, the way our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Operations service works is changing.

A new locality model is being introduced so that families receive clearer, quicker and more joined‑up support at the key points of the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.

Families tell us the process can still feel slow and confusing. The locality model aims to make support more responsive at the moments that matter most.

One of the biggest differences families should notice is how and when contact happens. Instead of relying on one named officer, a local team will work together during assessments and plan updates. This should mean information arrives sooner, with fewer delays and a clearer sense of next steps.

There will be three SEND Operations localities: North and Mid Devon, Exeter and East Devon, and South and West Devon.

Working more locally brings teams closer to schools and partner services, helping the service respond more quickly when a new assessment begins or a plan needs updating.

We will measure the impact of this change through the communication and relationship standards, which check whether families feel listened to, whether information is clear and whether support is timely. Feedback from families, including through the Four Cornerstones, continues to guide ongoing improvements.

Claire Merchant‑Jones, Head of SEND Operations at Devon County Council, said: “We know the EHCP process has been frustrating for many families, and we have listened carefully to what parents and carers have been telling us. This change is about being more responsive at the moments that matter most – when an assessment is underway or when a plan is being updated. By working locally with schools and colleagues, we are creating a more joined‑up approach that will help us provide clearer and more timely support.”

Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for SEND, said: “I welcome the openness from families about the challenges they face, and we are determined to improve their experience.

This new locality model is part of our commitment to building a SEND system that better meets the needs of children and young people across Devon, and their families. It is one of many jigsaw pieces involved in the transformation of the service.

We know there is still more to do, and we will continue working closely with families as these changes take effect and begin to be felt.”

Plymouth roads battle weather chaos as pothole complaints surge

Plymouth City Council
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Plymouth roads battle weather chaos as pothole complaints surge

By Councillor John Stephens  

We want to talk honestly about potholes.  We’re seeing more and more comments, particularly on social media, about the condition of our roads – some people even saying we don’t repair them at all. And we get why it can feel that way. Plymouth is a big place. With nearly 1,000km of roads, it’s perfectly possible to go about your day and never see a crew working, even though we’re out there, every single day. 

So let’s start with some truth. 

Yes – we absolutely do repair the roads. 

Last year alone we repaired over 8,000 potholes and once our “find and fix” work is fully counted, the real number is probably closer to 9,000. And that’s on top of resurfacing, patching, surface dressing and dozens of other improvements across the city. 

But before we go any further, let’s get something straight about the scale of what we’re looking after here.  Our highway network is enormous and it’s ageing. We’re responsible for: 

  • 882km of roads 
  • 1,198km of footways 
  • 80km of cycleways 
  • Over 40,000 gullies 
  • 45 bridges, 28 footbridges, 48 subways and 4 tunnels 
  • 31,676 streetlights, thousands of signs, 120 traffic‑signal junctions and 196 cameras 

It’s the city’s most valuable physical asset – by a long way (it’s worth about £2.5B). And like anything that’s old, exposed to the elements, and used constantly by thousands of people every day, there will always be works to do. We don’t have a bottomless pot of money. No council does. So we have to make choices. We have to prioritise.  

We don’t pick streets at random and we don’t work on a “shout the loudest” basis. Every Plymouth street is inspected regularly – some monthly, some every three, six or twelve months – depending on their classification and how they’re used. This is set out in our Highway Inspection Manual and helps us make sure we’re checking the right roads at the right intervals. 

We also inspect every reported pothole within three working days, wherever it is in the city. Our inspectors check the size, depth and risk to road users to decide how urgently it needs repairing. For bigger jobs, we use independent condition surveys carried out every two years, which help us plan long-term resurfacing and protect the city from bigger, more expensive problems later on. 

We now need to discuss the weather. Weather is an important factor in highway maintenance. Let’s be honest – the last 12 months has been brutal on our roads. Not only does bad weather stop play, sometimes, the weather simply undoes work we’ve just done. That’s not an excuse. It’s not bad workmanship. It’s simply how roads behave when you mix age, water, freezing temperatures and heavy use. This winter alone we’ve had heavy rain, storms, freeze-thaw cycles and saturated, shifting ground.  

Water gets into tiny cracks. Frost expands them. Rain weakens the layers underneath. And before you know it, a defect forms. 

Sometimes we fix a pothole on a Wednesday and the following week a new one appears a few metres away. Sometimes the stretch we repaired last month gets hit by another freeze–thaw cycle and breaks again. 

And yes – that’s demoralising. For you, as road users.  And for us and for our crews. 

They’re out in all weathers trying to stay ahead. They take pride in doing a good job. It’s tough to see fresh defects appear after a full day of repairing others. But the weather doesn’t care about effort. 

But we managing the condition of our roads – in small, steady, daily ways that add up over time.

Just in the last year, we have:  

  • Surface dressed 31 roads (nearly 96,000m²)  
  • Carried out patching on 43 roads (7,890m²)  
  • Completed 2,815 traditional pothole repairs  
  • Repaired 4,044 defects using spray-patch technology  
  • Delivered “find and fix” work on 42 streets, covering 7,800m² 
  • Resurfaced 9 roads (around 14,000m²)  
  • Improved grip on 3 roads (10,700m²)  

Potholes aren’t a sign that we’re not investing, infact over the next four years, we are looking to invest around £55m on our highway network. They’re a sign that the network is old, the climate is changing and that we’re repairing as fast as conditions allow. 

We’re working hard. Our crews are working hard. And we’ll keep at it – because Plymouth’s roads matter to all of us. 

Teignmouth petrol station seeks round the clock opening with no limits

Lewis Clarke
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Teignmouth petrol station seeks round the clock opening with no limits

A petrol station in Teignmouth could begin operating 24 hours a day under new proposals submitted to the local planning authority, with the applicant arguing there are no existing restrictions preventing round-the-clock trading.

The application, submitted by Motor Fuel Group, seeks a Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed 24-hour opening of the Morrisons petrol station on Newfoundland Road. The submission does not propose any physical changes to the site, but instead asks the council to formally confirm that extended opening hours would be lawful.

According to the planning statement, the request has been made under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to determine whether “the proposed 24 hour opening of Morrisons Petrol Station Teignmouth would be lawful”.

The document explains that a review of the site’s planning history identified a previous major application (reference 11/02074/MAJ), which approved the development of a foodstore, petrol filling station and associated infrastructure. However, the applicant states that no conditions were attached to that permission restricting opening hours.

“It appears from the local planning authority public records that there have been no planning applications granted with conditions that restrict opening hours of the petrol station,” the statement says.

As a result, the applicant argues that the current operating hours are effectively unrestricted by planning conditions and are “by default”. The submission continues that, in the absence of any formal limitation, there is “no evidence to establish that opening hours have been restricted in the process of granting planning permission for the petrol station”.

The application relies heavily on planning records held by the council, noting that “evidence of the grant of planning permission is generated by the council and recorded on their planning portal,” and that these records have been used to support the case.

No specific public objections, environmental concerns or council responses are detailed within the submitted planning statement. The document focuses solely on the legal planning position regarding opening hours rather than assessing wider impacts such as noise, traffic or effects on nearby residents.

Under the lawful development certificate process, the council must assess whether the proposal is legally permissible based on existing planning permissions and evidence. The statement notes that if there is no evidence to contradict the applicant’s case, and it is “sufficiently precise and unambiguous”, there is “no good reason to refuse the application”.

Cullompton ABN workers left in limbo as union raises redundancy fears

Devon Today
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Cullompton ABN workers left in limbo as union raises redundancy fears

Workers at ABN’s Cullompton animal feed factory are being left in limbo as Unite steps up pressure on the company to reveal whether jobs are at risk after the loss of a major contract.

The union said staff at the Devon site are among more than 500 workers across five ABN factories in the UK who could face redundancy, but still do not know what the future holds.

ABN employs mill operatives, drivers and engineers at sites in Yorkshire, Devon, Lancashire, Oxfordshire and Cumbria.

Unite said the uncertainty followed ABN being told in April 2025 that it had lost a large contract to supply feed to 2 Ag, formerly 2 Sisters, which chose to have the feed produced by its own mills.

The union said TUPE regulations did not apply and no workers transferred to 2 Ag.

In discussions with Unite, the company admitted it had been “arrogant and complacent” in how it treated customers, according to the union.

Unite said its members had been hearing rumours for months, but the company did not inform the union until August and September that there may be a problem. It added that it was not until November that it learned the scale of the issue.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “ABN is treating its workers with contempt. Dedicated workers should not be treated in this manner. ABN must come clean and tell workers what the future holds.”

The union said it has met the company several times since then, but still has no clarity on the timescales for decisions.

It said this was leaving members at sites including Cullompton with no idea whether they will remain with ABN, move to another employer or lose their jobs.

Adrian Jones, Unite national officer, said: “One of our reps has over 42 years’ service and feels totally let down by the company as it is now just not bothering. ABN is not a small company – it is part of Associated British Foods that also owns Primark. A firm of this size should be able to do the right thing for its workforce and have the decency to be transparent about their futures.

“We are demanding that the company sets clear deadlines for decisions to be made and to support our members properly. We believe that the company don’t want to pay for redundancies so are holding onto workers so they will go to another company and be their problem. Unite will not stand for such behaviour.”

Unite said Cullompton is one of a number of ABN sites currently “on the market”, alongside Sherburn AD Plant, Bury, Enstone and Langwathby.

The union added that Flixborough has already seen a reduction in staff through voluntary redundancy.

Other ABN sites not currently affected are Walsingham, Sherburn Mill, Northallerton, Flixborough and Cupar.

For more information, visit unitetheunion.org.

North Devon visit highlights pressure on abuse support services

Devon Today
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North Devon visit highlights pressure on abuse support services

North Devon MP Ian Roome today welcomed Jess Phillips MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, to North Devon for a series of visits with local organisations supporting children, women and survivors of abuse, as well as a meeting with Devon and Cornwall Police.

The visit followed a meeting Ian Roome MP had with the Minister last year to discuss support services for survivors across North Devon, and provided an opportunity to highlight local community work and the challenges facing safeguarding and support services in the area.

Minister Jess Phillips and Ian Roome MP visited The Women’s Safety Hub, a joint project between North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) and Encompass, and met with organisation leads to discuss work around women’s refuge provision, domestic abuse support and homelessness services for women in North Devon.

They also heard from Surviving Abuse North Devon (SAND) about the charity’s counselling support for survivors of abuse and the pressures around resourcing and funding. This year marks SAND’s 10th anniversary, and the organisation remains the first specialist private support service of its kind in the area.

North Devon’s MP also organised a sit-down meeting with a Detective Inspector and the Domestic Abuse Investigation Manager in Devon and Cornwall Police to discuss the challenges facing the police response to safeguarding cases involving women and girls. Ian Roome reported that discussions included the pressures within the criminal justice system and the impact of long waits on victims, with officers highlighting that individuals are less likely to remain engaged in the justice process the longer they are forced to wait.

The day also included a visit to Blue Elephant Childcare, where they met staff and children in a residential setting and saw first-hand how a positive care home environment can support children and young people.

North Devon’s Liberal Democrat MP, Ian Roome, said: “I was very thankful for Jess Phillips making the time in her busy schedule to come down to North Devon so I could introduce her to some of the organisations and professionals doing vital work to support children, women and survivors across our communities.

“In North Devon, we are fortunate to have fantastic local services making a real difference. But it’s clear that these organisations are working under significant pressure, so it was important to bring the Minister down to hear directly from those on the frontline.

“We had lots of discussions about the challenges around funding, delays in the wider justice system, and the need for better education around these issues in schools. I will keep pressing Ministers to put real funding behind these services, as they make a real difference in our community.”

Barnstaple man missing since April identified after coastal remains found

Devon Today
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Barnstaple man missing since April identified after coastal remains found

The search for a missing man has ended in tragedy after human remains found along the North Devon coast were identified as those of Ryan Miller.

Ryan, 44, from Barnstaple, had been reported missing in April 2025.

Human remains were later found at the end of Westward Ho! Beach and on the coastline at Appledore on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Ryan’s family have been informed following the identification of the remains.

His death is being treated as non-suspicious.

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding Ryan’s death will take place in due course.

New North Devon venue Crowbar rises from loss to open its doors

Devon Today
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New North Devon venue Crowbar rises from loss to open its doors

A long-awaited venue shaped by friendship, loss and determination is preparing to welcome its first guests, promising a new kind of social space built on quality, atmosphere and connection.

Crowbar, a project years in the making, will open its doors in North Devon after an extensive transformation of a once-derelict building into a rustic, characterful setting focused on food, drink and community.

The building was purchased in 2021 by Ian Gibb, who said the site immediately stood out to him despite having no clear plan at the time.

Ian said: “The building was just one of those places that just stops you in your tracks. I did not know exactly what it would become, but I knew it had to be something.”

The idea for Crowbar developed through conversations between Ian and two close friends, Quint and Bert, who shared a vision for a different kind of venue in the area.

Ian said: “We kept coming back to the same thought. Quint ran his own gin distillery, Bert craved a microbrewery, and I enjoyed cooking on open fire, and had this unused derelict building.

“We all agreed that we need more places for grown-ups, somewhere with proper seasonal food, locally brewed drinks, a cosy feel, and no big screens.

“Somewhere where people could really connect and just enjoy being.”

The venue’s name draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Looking west from Northam, the sandbank known as the Bar has long challenged mariners, while to the east, Crow Point’s lighthouse has guided vessels safely to shore.

Ian said the combination of these landmarks led to the name Crowbar, reflecting both the rugged coastline and the welcoming atmosphere the team hopes to create.

However, the journey to opening has been marked by significant challenges. Bert stepped back from day-to-day operations, remaining involved as brewer-in-residence, while sadly Quint – the much loved distiller – died unexpectedly during the project.

Ian said: “Quint was a huge part of this.

“There were moments where it felt impossible to carry on without him.

“But in the end, finishing Crowbar became something we had to do, for him as much as for ourselves.”

To bring the project to completion, Ian assembled a team including Mark and Janine, formerly of The Yard in Appledore, known locally for their focus on quality food and hospitality.

Mark said: “From the moment we got involved, it just felt right.

“Ian had created the heart of the place. We have just helped bring it into focus.

“There is a real sense of purpose here.”

Janine added: “It has been a true team effort.

“Not just us, but everyone behind the scenes, the chefs, the front-of-house staff, and all the people who have believed in what this could be.”

Local builders, tradespeople and supporters have also played a role in transforming the building, contributing to what Ian described as a community-led effort.

Ian said: “We could not have done this without them.

“So many people gave their time, their skills, and their support.

“It really does feel like something the whole community has had a hand in.”

Crowbar will offer seasonal, locally sourced food cooked over open flames, alongside a selection of gin, cocktails and craft beers. There are also plans to introduce a small on-site microbrewery, continuing Bert’s original ambition.

Ian said: “It is about quality without pretence.

“A place where you can come for a quiet drink, a great meal, or a long evening with friends and family and feel completely at home.

“Dogs are welcome too.”

Doors are set to open on Friday, April 3, as the team prepares to welcome its first visitors and begin the next chapter of the project.

Ian said: “We have built something we are really proud of.

“It has not been easy, but it has been worth it.

“Now we just want people to come in, enjoy it, and make it their own.”

Bookings are available via www.crowbarltd.co.uk.

Plymouth City Council parking charge plans face growing criticism

Devon Today
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Plymouth City Council parking charge plans face growing criticism

Local Conservative candidates in Plymouth have criticised proposals to introduce new parking charges after a response from Plymouth City Council confirmed there are no specific plans to improve car parks.  

The response was sent to Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, who had raised concerns on behalf of residents about the impact of proposed charges at coastal car parks.  

The Council confirmed it is considering introducing charges at locations including Jennycliff and Mount Batten, where drivers would get one hour free before being charged £2 to stay longer.  

However, in the same response, the Council admitted that there is no dedicated programme in place to improve these car parks, raising concerns that residents will have to pay more without clear investment in facilities.  

More than 200 residents who responded to Miss. Smith’s survey said that any new parking charges should be matched by improvements to the condition of car parks, highlighting strong local concern about the proposals. Local Conservative candidates say this highlights a wider issue with Labour’s approach to parking across the city.  

Rebecca Smith MP said: “This response confirms that Labour-run Plymouth City Council is looking to introduce new parking charges at places like Jennycliff and Mount Batten, but without any clear plans to improve the car parks themselves.  

Residents will find it hard to understand why they are being asked to pay more, while the Council admits there is no programme in place to upgrade these facilities.  

These proposals are part of a wider package of parking charge hikes across Plymouth, which will impact residents, visitors and local businesses.  

People deserve better than higher charges without better services.”  

Dr John Mahony, the Conservative candidate for Plymstock Radford in the May local elections added:  

“As a former Plymstock GP for over thirty years, I know how important access to the sea is for local residents’ health and wellbeing. Jennycliff and Mount Batten are hugely valued by local residents, families and visitors. 

From what residents are telling me, one hour simply isn’t long enough to properly enjoy these spaces or support local businesses. A free period of at least three hours is the minimum most people would find acceptable. 

People want to see these spaces properly maintained and improved, not used as a cash cow. It’s clear the council needs to rethink these plans and listen to local people.” 

The Council also confirmed that no final decision has yet been made, with a formal consultation expected.  

Miss. Smith and local Conservative candidates are encouraging residents to take part and make their views known using Rebecca’s survey here: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/news/rebecca-launches-survey-have-your-say-plymouths-parking-charges.

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