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Major £1bn plan promises jobs and training for struggling young people

Devon County Council
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Major £1bn plan promises jobs and training for struggling young people

We welcomed a major new government announcement this week that will help young people find jobs and training.

The government has confirmed £1 billion of funding to support jobs, apprenticeships and work experience.

The aim is to help young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Businesses will be offered grants to take on young people. There is also extra support for apprenticeships and guaranteed jobs.

We already works with local businesses, colleges and training providers to help people gain skills and find work.

But the council says that this new funding will open more doors for young people across the county.

Councillor Simon Clist, our Cabinet Member for Training and Skills, said: “We’ll need to see the detail behind this announcement, but on the face of it, this sounds like good news for young people and for local businesses.

“Many employers want to recruit but need support to bring someone new into the workforce.

“This funding helps remove that barrier.

“It gives young people a real chance to earn, learn and move into long‑term work.

“I want to make sure that Devon businesses and Devon young people benefit from this as much as possible.”

Barnstaple mayor to bow out with 80s bingo night for two charities

Devon Today
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Barnstaple mayor to bow out with 80s bingo night for two charities

An 80s throwback night is set to bring the curtain down on Barnstaple’s mayoral fundraising year, with music, bingo and a buffet all lined up in aid of two local charities.

Mayor of Barnstaple Cllr Janet Coates is inviting residents and visitors to an 80s-themed musical bingo evening in support of Barum Boxing Club and Man Down.

The event is due to take place at Barnstaple Rugby Club on Friday, April 10 at 7pm. Guests are being encouraged to wear 80s-inspired clothing for the evening.

Tickets cost £10 and include entry and a hot buffet. Proceeds will go to the mayor’s chosen charities, Barum Boxing Club and Man Down.

The fundraiser will also mark Cllr Coates’s final fundraising engagement as mayor ahead of the appointment of a new mayor in May.

Cllr Coates said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Mayor of Barnstaple, and I am pleased to conclude my Mayoral year with an event that combines community spirit with fundraising for two very important causes.

“I look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a fun evening.” Tickets are available online from www.barnstapletowncouncil.gov.uk/mayors-ball/

Alarm as Devon schools battle growing mental health pressures

Devon County Council
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Alarm as Devon schools battle growing mental health pressures

Schools are seeing growing pressures around children’s mental health, behaviour and inclusion.

The Mentally Healthy Schools Conference 2026 brought education professionals together to share practical approaches that can support children who are struggling and help to create more inclusive classrooms.

A key focus of the day was understanding what makes the biggest difference to children’s experiences at school. Attendees heard from Dr Cora Sargeant, Chartered Educational Psychologist and host of Classroom Psychology, on how strong relationships and human connection support learning.

Sessions also explored how schools can tackle misogyny and gender‑based violence, and how everyday school culture can influence a child’s body image and self‑esteem.

Attendees considered the challenges children and young people are facing and what helps them feel safe, settled and ready to learn.

Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for SEND, said: “It was inspiring and exciting to see so many colleagues come together with such genuine care for children and young people in Devon.

What really came through was the honesty in the room – people reflecting openly, sharing what’s working, and looking at how we can support children to feel included and able to learn.

Creating mentally healthy, inclusive school environments is something we can only do together, and this event showed just how committed our school communities are.”

Jo Lewitt, Public Health Specialist at Devon County Council, added: “Three professional and articulate speakers set the scene that children and young people are facing a ‘poly-crisis’ and are struggling right now.

They explored the evidence base and shared practical ways to create emotionally safe schools and classrooms. They built understanding of the science of belonging and thriving, offered strategies for tackling gender based violence, and highlighted the importance of body respect for all.

It was an inspiring day that created space for staff to reflect on their sphere of influence and offered schools clear, usable tools to take away.“

This conference forms part of ongoing work to support mentally healthy, relational and inclusive school environments across Devon.

Students swap classrooms for ski slopes on memorable Italy adventure trip

Devon Today
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Students swap classrooms for ski slopes on memorable Italy adventure trip

They hit the slopes and did not look back. Students from two North Devon schools returned from an Italian ski trip after making rapid progress in skiing and snowboarding, with staff praising their determination, confidence and support for one another.

Students from Bideford College and Atlantic Academy, both part of Athena Learning Trust, travelled to Monte Bondone in Italy for the week-long visit. During the trip, all groups progressed beyond the nursery slopes and were able to make their way down the mountain by the end of the stay.

The schools said the trip gave pupils the chance to challenge themselves while learning in a new environment. Monte Bondone, in Trentino in northern Italy, was described as a suitable base for the group because of its facilities and compact layout, which helped students spend as much time as possible on the slopes while feeling safe and supported.

Staff also praised the group’s attitude throughout the visit, particularly the way students responded to challenges and encouraged each other. The trip was supported by school staff, whose planning and organisation helped ensure the week ran smoothly.

Dr Claire Ankers, principal at Bideford College and Atlantic Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the way they embraced every aspect of this experience. It was fantastic to see their confidence grow so quickly on the slopes. Opportunities like this create lifelong memories and help our young people develop skills that will serve them well in the future.”

The visit marked another overseas trip for the schools and gave students what the trust described as valuable life experiences and lasting memories.

Major gas works set to disrupt roads as £1.8m upgrade begin

Devon Today
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Major gas works set to disrupt roads as £1.8m upgrade begin

A multi-million-pound investment is set to transform a key gas network, with engineers preparing to replace miles of ageing pipes in a move designed to secure supplies for years to come.

Wales & West Utilities has announced plans to invest more than £1.8 million over the next year to upgrade gas pipes across Bickington and surrounding areas. The work is expected to benefit around 1,000 customers by improving safety and reliability while preparing the network for future energy demands.

The programme will involve upgrading more than nine kilometres of gas mains. Engineers will carry out the work in phases, with traffic management measures introduced where necessary in coordination with Devon County Council.

Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing the programme, said: “We are investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve across Bickington and the surrounding areas.

“We will continue to work closely with the … meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.

“This investment will not only maintain today’s supply but also prepare the network to transport greener gases in the future.”

Residents can find further details about works in their area by visiting www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects/. Information about what to expect during upgrades is also available at www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/gas-pipe-upgrades/.

Wales & West Utilities delivers gas to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England through a network spanning over 35,000 kilometres of underground pipes. The company does not sell gas but transports it to homes and businesses.

Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide is advised to call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999. Engineers are available around the clock to respond.

Man behind Plymouth’s biggest projects retires after 20 year career

Devon Today
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Man behind Plymouth’s biggest projects retires after 20 year career

A leading figure in Plymouth’s construction community, Andrew Gilbert, is to retire in April 2026 after more than two decades with Ward Williams and a career that has helped shape some of the city’s best-known projects.

Andrew has supported the delivery of projects that have had a lasting impact on the city. These include developments across the dockyards, Royal William Yard, the University of Plymouth, major healthcare schemes and landmark developments for Plymouth City Council.

Born and raised in Plymouth, Andrew attended Sutton High School and Devonport High School before studying and working in London. He joined Ward Williams in 2003 and went on to become Regional Partner, playing a central role in the growth of both the business and its presence in the South West.

Andrew said: “Plymouth has always meant a huge amount to me. It is a city with real character, real resilience and real pride. I have felt incredibly lucky to spend so much of my career helping projects happen here.”

He added: “Getting projects done in Plymouth is not always easy. There are challenges around viability and geography. But when you have passion, resilience and a shared purpose to give something back, you can make great things happen.”

Among the projects closest to Andrew’s heart are:

  • The Box, delivered during the Covid period and now recognised as an award-winning civic asset.
  • Lighthouse Labs, which transformed an engineering warehouse into a 100,000 sq ft Covid facility in just 16 weeks.
  • Garrison Close, Devonport – Pioneering sustainable affordable homes

“It is not just about fantastic buildings. It is about creating places that people can use, live in and feel happy in, places that provide security and homes for people who need them. To walk past and think, ‘we did that’, means a great deal.”

When Andrew joined the company, Ward Williams had three offices. Today, it has eight offices across the UK and is recognised as a trusted partner on major projects nationwide. Andrew leaves behind a strong South West regional team of 85 people, including 16 apprentices, and says he is proud of the business that has been built for the future.

Ward Williams, Senior Partner, James Beckly said:

“Under his leadership, Ward Williams strengthened; relationships deepened, delivery sharpened, reputation reinforced. His delivery was not via grand gestures, but through consistent, thoughtful leadership.

“Meanwhile, Andrew’s contribution to Plymouth is written in the built environment of the city. Andrew built a reputation for bringing people together and staying focused on solutions, even when projects become complex. Many of the projects Andrew worked on standout not simply for their complexity, but for what they represent. Not just buildings, but places, community impact writ large.”

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.

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