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New Plymouth site acquisition boosts plans for city centre homes

Plymouth City Council
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New Plymouth site acquisition boosts plans for city centre homes

Another key city centre site has been acquired by Homes England as plans to deliver new homes in the city centre continue to gain momentum.

The Money Centre is the latest building in Plymouth’s Armada Way North area to be acquired by the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.

It comes just weeks after the agency announced exploratory works would begin on three parcels of land: the Former Good Companions, Congress Hall and Mayflower House – the latter two of which overlook the new Armada Way public realm regeneration scheme.

These sites, which have been acquired over the past 13 months, form the backbone of regeneration in Plymouth city centre through a collaborative approach between Homes England and Plymouth City Council, and the utilisation of the Council’s nearby assets.

Homes England have already put in place extra security measures to deter trespassers from entering the site.

Last June Homes England and Plymouth City Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to secure a series of transformative investments, acquisitions and developments to support an ambitious programme of housing-led growth of Plymouth’s City Centre. The partners are now working towards the ambition of creating over 10,000 new homes in the city centre.  

Paul Dawson, Homes England Assistant Director of Acquisitions and Partnering said: “Our team continue to work tirelessly alongside Plymouth City Council and landowners to help deliver large scale regeneration for the people of Plymouth. The agency’s role is to help local leaders deliver on their visions for new homes and thriving places – from acquiring land to supporting the creation of much-needed community facilities – and we are excited to play our part in delivering Armada Way North as part of our work across the city.”

Councillor Mark Lowry, City Centre Champion said: “Another acquisition in our city centre. This is another very visible sign of Homes England’s commitment to create new homes on a scale we have not seen since just after the war.

“This is such an exciting time for the city centre. We have begun work on the City Centre Framework and masterplan that will look at how these homes can be delivered with the right infrastructure, transport and green space in place.

“We are already seeing huge and positive change in the city centre with our regeneration schemes. With £4.4 billion investment in the Dockyard and 15,000 new jobs forecast, we need these new homes in the city centre to support economic growth and national security.”

Torrington launches new website to boost businesses and events

Torridge District Council
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Torrington launches new website to boost businesses and events

The Great Torrington Regeneration Board, with support from Torridge District Council, Great Torrington Town Council and Devon County Council, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned community website, an important step forward in supporting local businesses, organisations and events.

The refreshed site features a modern new look alongside improved tools that make it easier than ever for users to connect with. Visitors can now quickly set up an account, add business or club listings, and share or discover upcoming events happening in and around the town.

The Board hopes the new platform will open up fresh opportunities for community connection and visibility. Business owners, club secretaries, event organisers, and residents are encouraged to explore the site, check their existing information, or add new listings. The process is simple, with a step-by-step guide provided, and support is available for anyone who needs assistance.

In addition to the website’s enhanced features, the Board will also be promoting listings and events through its social media channels and emails to help increase visibility and encourage more visitors to the town.

Mayor of Great Torrington, Phil Cloke, said: “The new website looks amazing and is another step in the right direction for ensuring Great Torrington continues to improve and remains an amazing place to live, work and visit!”

Residents and organisations are invited to visit the new site, create an account, and ensure their details are up to date.

If you live in the Great Torrington area and have an event coming up, make sure you sign-up for an account and add the event details!

Take a look at www.great-torrington.uk

Police deliver anti-discrimination workshop at Torquay school

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police deliver anti-discrimination workshop at Torquay school

Some of the Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team delivered an anti-discrimination workshop at Watcombe Primary School earlier this week to give students a life lesson.

The workshop, on Wednesday 18 March, was a joint event with Torquay United Community Sports Trust and was primarily for pupils in Years 5 and 6. However officers stayed behind at the end so students in other classes could also come and see the police van and try on the kit.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Charlotte Hockley who went along to the Moor Lane school, explained: “We had three workshops running throughout the morning – the first was the anti-discrimination presentation, including role play and activities to explore real life scenarios, the second was team building activities with a coach from the Torquay United Community Trust and the third was a chance for pupils to explore the police van, try on some police uniform and ask any questions they had.

“It was a really successful day with lots of positive feedback. I have spoken with the sports trust and we hope to roll this out to more schools in Torbay.”

PCSO Hockley was joined at the school by PCSOs Jack Crowther and Lia Gregory, who is the newest member of the neighbourhood team. They also handed Devon & Cornwall Police stickers to the children.  

A spokesperson for the school added: “The children had a great visit, learning about the law and inclusion as well as exploring police equipment and vehicles. Thank you to Devon & Cornwall Police for their time and everyone involved in organising such a valuable and enjoyable experience for our pupils.”

For more information about hate crime and how to report discrimination please visit the Devon & Cornwall Force website What is hate crime? | Devon & Cornwall Police

For more information about local events and police initiatives you can follow Torquay Police on Facebook. You can also speak to officers face to face at various community events throughout the year. On Tuesday 24 March from 1pm-3pm police will be at The Medway Centre, Medway Road, Torquay, TQ2 8SA.

Man seriously injured in Exeter stabbing as police arrest suspect

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Man seriously injured in Exeter stabbing as police arrest suspect

We were notified at around 10.40pm to reports of a serious assault on Clifton Hill in Exeter.

Officers attended the scene and a man in his 50s was taken to hospital in a serious condition. His next of kin have been informed.

Several scene guards are currently in place in and around the Newtown area in Exeter. The neighbourhood team will be carrying out local foot patrols throughout the day.

A 49-year-old man from Exeter has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and is in police custody.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us quoting 50260073332.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Detectives are looking for witnesses following reports of a stabbing last night [Monday 23 March] in Exeter.

We were notified at around 10.40pm to reports of a serious assault on Clifton Hill in Exeter.

Officers attended the scene and a man in his 50s was taken to hospital in a serious condition. His next of kin have been informed.

Several scene guards are currently in place in and around the Newtown area in Exeter. The neighbourhood team will be carrying out local foot patrols throughout the day.

A 49-year-old man from Exeter has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and is in police custody.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us quoting 50260073332.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Four year plan approved to support domestic abuse survivors

Devon County Council
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Four year plan approved to support domestic abuse survivors

A new four-year strategy to improve support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation has been approved by Devon County Council’s Cabinet.

The Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets out how the council will meet its statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, while responding to rising demand and increasingly complex needs across the county.

The plan builds on learning from the current strategy and focuses on ensuring victims and their children can access high-quality, trauma‑informed support in safe and suitable accommodation to help them rebuild their lives.

Key priorities include the phased growth of supported safe accommodation, such as refuge, dispersed and specialist units, alongside a strengthened “Staying Safe at Home” sanctuary offer for those who choose to remain in their own homes.

The strategy also commits to improved therapeutic support for both adults and children, better pathways for people facing additional barriers – including those with no recourse to public funds – and closer partnership working with district councils and housing providers.

The safe accommodation plan sits alongside, and as an integral part of, Devon’s wider partnership Interpersonal and Gender‑Based Violence and Abuse Strategy – Safe Lives, Strong Communities 2026–29, which brings public services, voluntary organisations and community partners together to deliver a coordinated, whole‑system response to abuse across the county.

Delivery of the plan will be supported through the commissioned Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance service, which has been in place since April 2025. The strategy will be funded through existing Domestic Abuse Act resources and aligned budgets.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said that the plan demonstrated the council’s commitment to protecting some of Devon’s most vulnerable residents.

He said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact not just on individuals, but on families and communities. This strategy ensures that victims and survivors – including children and young people – can access safe accommodation and the right support at the right time. By working closely with our partners, we are strengthening our response and helping people to recover and move forward with their lives.”

The strategy will now be published and implemented, with progress monitored through partnership governance and regular reviews.

Devon set to receive £8.4m a year through new crisis support fund

Devon County Council
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Devon set to receive £8.4m a year through new crisis support fund

Devon County Council has published a report setting out its approach to implementing in Devon a new national Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF).

The new fund, provided by Government, will replace the current Household Support Fund, which is due to end in March 2026.

CaRF is designed to offer more targeted help to people facing sudden financial difficulties, while also supporting longer term financial resilience.

To deliver CaRF, Devon County Council will receive £8.4 million a year for three years, from 2026/27 to 2028/29.

The funding will be used to help people on low incomes who experience an unexpected financial shock, such as a sudden loss of income or an essential cost they cannot afford.

The support will focus on four main areas:
• Crisis payments to help people in immediate financial difficulty
• Housing support provided by District Councils, replacing existing discretionary housing payments
• Wraparound financial resilience services, such as advice and support to help people manage their money and avoid future crises
• Community funding to strengthen local advice and support networks across Devon

The approach builds on Devon’s experience of delivering previous cost of living support, working closely with district councils and voluntary and community organisations.

A partnership board will be created to oversee delivery and to review and refine the approach over the life of the programme.

The new fund is not a direct replacement for the Household Support Fund. Rather than broad or automatic payments, the emphasis would be on targeted, needs based support for people facing genuine financial crisis.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said: “While we welcome the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, Devon is facing rising need at the same time as our funding is being reduced.

“Large rural counties like ours have real, often hidden deprivation, with higher transport and fuel costs and households already under pressure.

“Alongside financial crisis support and advice, we urgently need substantial and ongoing preventative investment for people across a range of issues*, preventing crisis arising.

“We will continue to lobby government to provide the level of investment needed so that no household in Devon is left behind.”

The Council aims to have the new Crisis and Resilience arrangements in place in late Spring.

New store proves hit with residents a month after opening success

Lewis Clarke
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New store proves hit with residents a month after opening success

More than a month after queues formed in poor weather, a new convenience store is continuing to attract strong support from customers, with its owners reflecting on a busy and promising first few weeks.

Neru Singam, who runs the franchise with her husband Kumaran, said the response since opening has remained positive, building on the overwhelming turnout seen on day one.

Neru said: “When we did open, people were really excited. I think they wanted this type of a store here, so on the first day there was overwhelming support from the local community.

“The weather was disastrous, it was raining and a strong wind and all that, but they were queuing from 8.30am just to get into the store to see what it was offering.

“We just could not believe it on this first day. We were so busy. The local community has given us great support.”

The store officially opened on Wednesday, February 5, after delays caused by planning issues.

Neru said: “We were supposed to open even earlier, but because of some planning issues, we had to delay it until February 5.”

The idea for the new shop came after the couple found their existing store could not meet demand.

Neru said: “We had a smaller shop down the road, the Premier Express but we could not accommodate everything that customers were after.

“We could not accommodate their demands because it was a listed building and could not extend it any further. We tried, but did not have much luck with it.”

She added that staying within the same community was a priority.

Neru said: “We were looking to expand it a little bit, but also serve the same community, so we did not want to move further from here.

“Then this place came up and we were in talks with the landlord and luckily I think we were the first people that spoke to the landlord, so he was willing to sign the lease with us and that is how we took over.”

The store operates as a franchise supplied by Morrisons, with product ranges tailored to the local area.

Neru said: “Running the franchise means everything that we sell here is supplied by Morrisons.

“They have some partners they are associating themselves with, for example, for sandwiches. So everything that we get here is by Morrisons.”

She added: “Morrisons came in and merchandised everything for us, and I think they know the area well, so they know what the fast lines are here, what will sell quite well in this area.”

Customer feedback has already begun shaping the range, with requests for additional products being considered.

Neru said: “We are still studying our customers and as we go they tend to suggest things like gluten-free, things to be added onto the range which we are looking to.

“Other than that, I think we have got the basics and a little more for this size of store.”

Plans are also in place to expand services in the coming months.

Neru said: “We initially opened up without news and magazines. We did not have lottery and all that, so this will be eventually added on.

“If there is something that we do not sell that there is a request for or the demand for them, we will add those lines in the future.”

She said the store has already proved particularly useful for some residents.

Neru said: “It is a great little store in the town, so they do not have to, in horrible weather, go all the way to the Morrisons on Kennedy Way.

“We have had loads of elderly, and mobility restricted people come in and say this is very handy for them.”

Encouraging continued feedback, she added: “To everyone to keep those comments and suggestions coming in so we can improve ourself as well.”

Storm overflow spills cut in Devon village after sewer works

South West Water
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Storm overflow spills cut in Devon village after sewer works

South West Water has cut storm overflow spills at a Devon site after completing work to upgrade over 280 metres of sewers.

High Bickington, near Umberleigh in Devon, was one of the South West’s highest spilling storm overflows in 2024, recording 233 spills. 

Thanks to South West Water’s targeted improvements these spills were reduced significantly in 2025.

To achieve this result, South West Water’s skilled engineers carried out investigations to try and uncover what was causing the storm overflow to spill.

They discovered that surface water and groundwater was leaking into pipes. Known as groundwater infiltration, this happens when water that exists underground in cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock enters the sewers.

In High Bickington, this water was coming into the sewers and then flowing into the treatment works, causing more water to enter the system than it was designed to take.

When wet weather hits villages like High Bickington, this water can overwhelm the sewer network, leading to spills from storm overflows.

To prevent this from happening, South West Water’s engineers carried out CCTV surveys of the pipes to identify which sections were affected by this infiltration.

They then cleaned the affected areas thoroughly and installed a protective lining to 287 metres of sewer in the area and carried out repairs across the local network, including upgrades to 4 manholes.

When fitted, this special lining is cured inside the sewer to create a watertight seal so  no groundwater or surface water can enter the network. Engineers then completed follow-up CCTV surveys to check the lining had set correctly.

The impact of this work is gradual but measurable and saw storm overflow spills reduce by 24% in 2025 compared to 2024.

Charlie Ford, Project Manager for High Bickington, said: “This is another great example of how targeted investment and the hard work of our teams is delivering real results in communities like High Bickington. …
… on our systems, especially during wet weather. “By relining pipes and sealing manholes, we’re keeping groundwater out of the network, and as a result we’ve reduced spills and protected the environment.”

High Bickington formed part of South West Water’s £16 million Infiltration Reduction Programme, which targeted 175 high-risk sites after reviewing performance across more than 1,600 storm overflows.

A further 831 metres of sewer pipe in High Bickington have now been surveyed as part of the next phase of work, helping engineers identify where additional repairs may reduce the need for storm overflows even further. 

Man thanks ambulance crew after seizure at Plymouth party

Devon Today
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Man thanks ambulance crew after seizure at Plymouth party

A Plymouth man has been reunited with a member of the ambulance crew who came to his aid after he suffered a sudden seizure at the end of last year. 

On 18 December 2025, Liam Devlin, 39 from Plymouth experienced a seizure while attending a work’s Christmas party. Liam works at Pluss Training in Plymouth, a specialist service supporting adults with learning disabilities. During the incident, Liam fell backwards, striking a pillar and sustaining deep lacerations to the back of his head and his forehead. The injuries caused significant bleeding and required urgent medical attention. 

Staff at the Pluss centre acted immediately, administering first aid, working quickly to stem the bleeding and providing reassurance to Liam while a 999 call was made. An ambulance crew from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) arrived promptly delivering rapid and professional care at the scene. After assessing Liam’s condition, treating his injuries and ensuring he was stabilised, Liam was safely conveyed to Derriford Hospital. Liam spent two days in hospital, with severe cuts to his scalp which required stiches. 

Pluss staff later described the emergency response as exceptional, praising the crew’s calmness, compassion and clinical expertise during what was a frightening experience for everyone involved. 

Now back at home and recovering well, Liam returned to Pluss Plymouth on Thursday 12 February for a heartfelt reunion with Emergency Care Assistant, Liam Beecham. The visit gave Liam and the Pluss team the opportunity to personally thank him and his colleagues at the ambulance service for their care and to reflect on the positive outcome following the incident. 

Rachel Carney, Team Leader at Pluss CIC, said: “It meant the world to all of us at Pluss to see Liam reunited with a crew member who supported him. This was something he had been excited about for such a long time. He’d been counting down the days to meet the ‘other Liam’, and it was incredibly special. 

“Liam and the whole team are truly thankful for everything the ambulance crew did. It was such a positive, uplifting reunion and they both had a fantastic time reconnecting.” 

Liam Beecham, Emergency Care Assistant at SWASFT, said: “It was a real privilege to come and see Liam today. I’m so pleased to see how well he is recovering and that we could spend some time together in much better circumstances. 

“Being able to attend a reunion with a patient is incredibly special. Moments like this remind us why we do the job. I wish Liam all the very best for the future.” 

Pluss Plymouth has extended its sincere thanks to the attending crew and to South Western Ambulance Service for their continued dedication and professionalism. 

Liam is now focused on his continued recovery and is very much looking forward to enjoying the summer ahead. 

Plymouth parents say school builds confidence far beyond the classroom

Devon Today
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Plymouth parents say school builds confidence far beyond the classroom

Friendships forged in the playground and confidence built in the classroom are proving just as valuable as academic results, according to parents who say school plays a crucial role in shaping their children’s lives beyond lessons.

New research suggests that a strong majority of parents in Plymouth believe school helps their children grow socially and emotionally, with 78% saying it boosts confidence and 80% crediting it with developing important social skills.

The findings, from the Department for Education, highlight the wider benefits of school life, with many parents pointing to the lasting impact of friendships formed during school years. Nine in 10 (90%) said their child’s friendships extend beyond the classroom, helping to strengthen both confidence and a sense of belonging.

Parents identified the top five life lessons children gain at school as making friends (61%), confidence (54%), problem solving (51%), teamwork (34%) and self-motivation (34%).

The research also suggests these skills carry into home life, with eight in 10 (80%) parents saying their child’s social development at school has had a positive effect on behaviour at home.

More than half (51%) of parents said their own school years were the best of their lives, while 56% remain in touch with friends they made at school.

Gemma, a parent from Plymouth, said: “I think any parent worries about how their child will enjoy school. What put me at ease was building a rapport with the school, being consistent in my communication, and letting them know mine and my child’s worries and concerns.

“It really helped to put us both at ease knowing my child was being supported.

“From my experience, I have found that school is about a lot more than just classes, it is where children gain important social skills.

“They learn how to make friends, sort out the little fallouts, and feel like they are part of something.”

Georgina Reid, headteacher of Marine Academy Primary, said: “Every day I see examples of school being about far more than academic achievement.

“For pupils, it is an opportunity to build a community, learn how to build friendships, navigate disagreements, and feel a sense of belonging.

“Through daily interactions with peers and staff, they develop empathy, social skills, and confidence.

“These skills are just as important as what is learned in the classroom and stay with children long after they leave school.”

The Department for Education said school absence can limit a child’s opportunity to develop these skills.

A high-performing school in Plymouth has now been selected to run attendance and behaviour hubs, which aim to support schools in improving attendance and behaviour through shared best practice.

The initiative will work with schools across the area to identify absence early, build strong routines and create supportive environments for pupils and families.

Further information about the programme is available via the Department for Education’s guidance on school reforms.

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