The major search operation to find missing 14-year-old Taylor Charlton continues in Barnstaple today, 16 May.
Specialist police teams remain in the town conducting extensive enquiries and searches, particularly around the River Taw area. Officers are being assisted by the police helicopter.
We are grateful for the tremendous response from the public and we continue to review all information received and pursue all lines of enquiry.
Anyone with information, including any sightings of Taylor, is asked to call police immediately on 999 quoting reference 50260117084.
Taylor was last seen at around 10.40pm on Friday 8 May near Tesco in the Seven Brethren area. He was reported missing during the early evening of Saturday 9 May.
Police are becoming increasingly concerned for missing 14 year old Taylor Charlton who vanished in Barnstaple late at night
He is around 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, with dark brown hair and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a bright blue fitted top, jeans and bright blue Nike shoes.
We recognise how much the community wants to help to find Taylor but would just remind everyone that if you are out looking, please take care and avoid putting yourself at risk. This includes entering unsafe buildings or going near the water or river banks.
We also ask people avoid sharing speculation on social media as unconfirmed information can sometimes make enquiries more challenging.
We are grateful for the assistance from our partner agencies including Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, and HM Coastguard
Newton Abbot Town Council is redoubling its efforts to fill a unique civil role that would suit someone with a big personality and even bigger voice.
Its last Town Crier stepped down from the post a few months ago after eight years of spreading the news and welcoming visitors.
An initial call for a replacement fell on deaf ears so now the authority is shouting it from the rooftops in the hope new blood can be found.
With gender and age immaterial, the only qualifications needed for the voluntary office are the town’s interests at heart and the flair required to stand in the streets, bedecked in the traditional uniform, and stop shoppers in their tracks.
‘It’s a wonderful historic role and something we’re very keen to keep going,’ said Mayor Cllr Colin Parker.
‘Residents and visitors alike love seeing and hearing a crier, it’s another reason why the high street is so much more rewarding than online shopping.
‘We’ll provide the uniform, cover travel expenses and guarantee a warm welcome to the Newton Abbot team.
‘It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the town’s long history and keep a centuries-old tradition alive into the twenty-first century.
‘It also comes at a time when our Victorian market hall is nearing the end of its multi-million pound makeover and new traders are preparing to move in.
‘There’s plenty to shout about in Newton Abbot, we just need someone to help with the shouting.’
The town crier tradition across Britain dates back centuries, predating widespread literacy and newspapers.
Local authorities used criers to make proclamations, announce market days and bylaws, royal news, tax changes and other important messages, always aloud and in public spaces.
They typically began their announcement by calling ‘Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!’, a phrase which means ‘listen’ and is derived from Norman French.
The crier often carried a hand bell to draw attention the role, historically, was legally protected. Harming a crier, who acted in the name of the monarch, was considered treason.
Although the tradition gradually waned, it was revived ceremonially in many towns during the 20th century.
In Newton Abbot, the crier is appointed by the town council as a custodian of tradition and civic pride.
They appear at local events including the annual Newton Abbot Town Criers’ Competition, held each September, when criers from across the region gather to compete in vocal delivery, presentation and dress.
Newton Abbot’s crier before last, the late Ken Purchase, took on the role after responding to an advertisement.
He went on not only to become an ambassador for the town, attending competitions abroad with his wife Dulcie, but also served on the town council and was elected Mayor in 2018.
A young tree facing an uncertain future has been given a new home in Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park.
The Field Maple, a native British species, was growing precariously close to an overgrown leat in the town’s Churchfields Drive and could have been lost to hedge trimming or swamped by the undergrowth.
But instead it has been lifted and replanted in the hugely popular play park area where it can thrive and be enjoyed by families for generations to come.
The relocation was organised by tree expert Michael Sansom who advises the voluntary Friends of Mill Marsh Park on all matters arboricultural.
‘We’re very grateful to Michael for all the help he gives and arranging the planting of this lovely tree which replaces another lost to accidental damage,’ said Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke.
The team involved on the day included Richard Taylor from the Friends and Bovey Tracey Town Council Maintenance Officer Peter Stanyon.
Also getting stuck in was seven-year-old Austin Stewart from Exeter, enjoying an extra day off as his school had been commandeered for use as a polling station.
‘Austin loves all things to do with nature,’ said mum Alexis.
‘We’ve come here today from Exeter as this is our favourite park, we can spend all day here, what with the play park and river.’
Alexis was further impressed when learning about the town’s discounted parking scheme, promoted by the Business 4 Bovey (B4B) group.
Station Road Car Park
Anyone paying to use a Teignbridge District Council car park simply has to photograph their ticket as proof then enjoy a £1 refund on a £10 shop in participating retailers.
‘That’s a really great idea,’ she said.
Cllr Corin Burton, a B4B member and local trader, added: ‘The parking initiative is one tactic among our businesses’ efforts to increase footfall. The businesses collectively working together with and for the community.
‘By visiting just a handful of shops you can actually make money on your parking, what’s not to like?’
The next big event in the town’s calendar is this Saturday’s Love Local Market when the high street will be closed to traffic and dozens of craft stalls open up for business.
Street food and live music is also on the agenda.
‘It’s an ideal opportunity to make the most of our discounted parking,’ said Cllr Burton.
A Devon village school at the centre of growing safety fears could be completely rebuilt and relocated under major new plans that would transform a large area of community land.
Planning documents have now been lodged for a replacement Swimbridge Church of England Primary School on land opposite the current school in Swimbridge, near Barnstaple.
The scheme would see a new primary school, nursery provision, sports pitches, a multi-use games area, forest school, sensory garden, parking and outdoor learning areas built on existing playing fields south of Blakes Hill Road.
Documents submitted with the application say the current school building is no longer considered fit for purpose and faces “increasing safety concerns” linked to the erosion of the steep bank behind the site. A heritage report states the long-term viability of the existing Grade II listed school is now in doubt.
The proposals are being brought forward through the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme, with the Department for Education listed as the applicant within the planning statement.
Planning papers describe the project as a chance to “secure the long-term future” of education within the village while keeping pupils in permanent teaching accommodation.
The new school would sit on almost one hectare of greenfield land currently used as playing fields and recreation space opposite the existing school. The site is within the Swimbridge Conservation Area and close to the listed current school building.
Design documents reveal the new school would include classrooms for nursery through to Year Six, a 150 square metre assembly hall, specialist teaching rooms, a library, SEN facilities, outdoor learning spaces and covered play areas.
Plans also include a forest school, sensory garden, allotment area, managed habitat zones, soft sports pitch and a MUGA.
Architects said the layout had been carefully designed around the difficult shape and steep slope of the site.
The proposed building has deliberately been positioned lower down the hillside to reduce its visual impact and avoid repeating the retaining wall problems affecting the current school.
Planning papers state: “The existing school is at risk from the retaining wall behind it and its long term viability is in doubt. In the long term the existing school will need to be either relocated or closed.”
The proposed school would largely be single-storey, although part of the hall building would rise higher. Earlier concerns from planners about the use of brick were addressed by redesigning parts of the building with render finishes considered more in keeping with the village.
Access to the site has already emerged as one of the most sensitive parts of the proposals.
Under the plans, the main vehicle entrance would come from Liverton Drive, where eight parking spaces would be created alongside delivery access and disabled parking. A separate stepped pedestrian access route from Blakes Hill Road would also remain in use for parents and pupils arriving on foot.
Highways officers previously raised concerns about parents parking along Blakes Hill Road during school drop-off and pick-up periods. In response, the plans now include a new section of footpath linking the existing lay-by to the stepped school access.
The application also proposes enlarging the existing community car park near Liverton Drive.
The development would affect land currently used for recreation and community open space, something acknowledged by planners during pre-application discussions.
North Devon Council officers previously warned that the loss of recreational land and green infrastructure would need to be justified and mitigated.
Design documents say the existing sports pitch would be retained, while community access to some facilities could continue outside school hours. Consultation feedback from residents and parents highlighted strong support for retaining a school within the village and welcomed proposals for improved outdoor facilities and a hall.
Environmental reports submitted with the application identified ecological constraints on the site, including the presence of dormice within boundary habitats. Ecologists said a European Protected Species Licence would be required before any habitat loss could legally proceed.
Landscape consultants also assessed the impact of the development on views across the surrounding countryside and village. The site currently consists of open playing fields and recreation land on the western edge of Swimbridge.
Ground investigation reports found the site to be low risk for contamination and flooding, although radon protection measures would be needed in any new building.
The current Swimbridge school site.
Public consultation events were held during the summer of 2025, with planning papers saying responses from parents and residents overwhelmingly stressed the importance of keeping a school in Swimbridge.
The application will now be considered by North Devon Council planners.
Taylor Charlton’s family have been told a pair of shoes believed to belong to the missing teenager have been found near the River Taw as a major search operation continues in Barnstaple.
Detectives and specialist police teams, supported by partner agencies, have been carrying out extensive searches in the North Devon town after the 14-year-old disappeared last week.
Taylor was last seen at around 10.40pm on Friday, May 8 near Tesco in the Seven Brethren area. He was reported missing on the early evening of Saturday, May 9.
Search teams later found a pair of shoes, believed to belong to Taylor, near the River Taw between Sticklepath and Bickington on the Tarka Trail.
Sector Inspector Andy Wills said police were continuing to keep “all avenues of inquiry open”, but searches were now being concentrated around the river.
In a statement, Insp Wills said: “Today, a major search operation continued involving detectives and specialist police teams supported by partner agencies.
“I can confirm that search teams have located a pair of shoes located separately, which we believe belong to Taylor.
“These were found near to the River Taw between Sticklepath and Bickington.
“While detectives are keeping all avenues of inquiry open, a hypothesis that Taylor may have entered the water has resulted in searches being concentrated on this area as a priority.”
Police have urged members of the public to avoid the search area and warned that activity on the water could disrupt emergency services operations.
Insp Wills added: “At this time, we are asking members of the public to help us by avoiding the search area.
“In particular, any activity on the water could significantly disrupt the search and put you and members of the emergency services at risk.
“We also ask people to avoid sharing speculation on social media. We understand people want to help, but unconfirmed information can make our inquiries more challenging.
“Our searches also continue using airborne assets. Members of the public are asked not to fly drones in areas where our searches are taking place.”
He thanked the public for their continued support and urged anyone with information to contact police.
Ilfracombe leaders have defended the town’s reputation after recent coverage linked to concerns raised with policing chiefs, insisting the seaside community is being unfairly defined by the actions of a small minority.
Ilfracombe Town Council said a letter sent to the Police and Crime Commissioner in April 2026 was intended to secure greater support, resources and powers for local officers rather than criticise police already working under pressure.
The council said the correspondence highlighted issues including anti-social behaviour, but stressed these challenges were not unique to Ilfracombe and were faced by many coastal towns across the country.
Town leaders said it was equally important to recognise what they described as the “positive developments and community-led initiatives” taking place across the area.
The council pointed to a network of volunteers and community groups supporting residents and organising events throughout the year, including the Ilfracombe Art Trail, Green Man Festival, carnival celebrations and Christmas lights events.
It also highlighted projects aimed at supporting vulnerable residents, including Wellbeing Wednesdays, Memory Cafés and the Men’s Shed initiative, which the authority said help reduce isolation and provide practical support within the community.
Volunteers have also continued environmental work through beach cleans, street clean-ups and wider efforts to improve public spaces.
The council said there had also been a focus on opportunities for younger people, including plans for a new youth club designed to provide safe spaces and activities for local children and teenagers.
Town leaders said the initiatives reflected a “proactive” and “caring” community determined to improve its future, while work continued between the council and partner organisations through multi-agency collaboration and schemes such as Street Marshals.
Business representatives also told the authority that, although some issues remained visible within the town centre, they did not represent Ilfracombe as a whole.
The council said the High Street had seen a reduction in vacant units, which it described as a sign of increasing confidence and investment in the town.
Council representatives warned that unbalanced reporting risked overshadowing progress being made locally and could damage Ilfracombe’s reputation as a destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
The authority said writing to the Police and Crime Commissioner was intended to ensure the town’s challenges were recognised strategically while helping local police secure additional support to continue their work within the community.
The council added that it would continue working alongside police, businesses, organisations and residents to build on what it described as positive momentum within the town.
A street drinker has been banned from entering parts of Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Bideford after being handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), following a successful prosecution from North Devon Council.
Kevin Trigg, aged 39 and of no fixed abode, was found guilty of failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice at a hearing at Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 May 2026.
Trigg was served a Community Protection Notice on 11 February 2026, following repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour. The notice required him not to consume or be in possession of alcohol in any Public Spaces Protection Order area in North Devon or act in a threatening or intimidating manner.
On the morning of 24 February, he was seen drinking alcohol in Ilfracombe High Street before exposing himself, shouting and banging bins. The following morning, he approached a member of the public in Quay Road and demanded their phone before shouting at them.
Trigg has been involved in a string of incidents of criminal and antisocial behaviour since then, requiring substantial intervention from police in Bideford and Ilfracombe.
The CBO prevents Trigg from entering the Public Spaces Protection Order areas in Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Bideford, as well as Hele Beach and Rapparee Cove.
There are also conditions around his behaviour in public places, with the CBO banning him from littering, urinating or defecating, leaving drug paraphernalia, being intoxicated or in a state of undress and acting in a manner which is threatening or intimidating to members of the public.
The CBO was supported by the North Devon and Torridge Community Safety Partnership Team, which includes both North Devon and Torridge district councils and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Trigg was also ordered to pay a total of £168, comprising a £120 fine and a £48 surcharge.
Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: “We will always take firm action where persistent antisocial behaviour is causing distress to residents, businesses and visitors. This individual has had a significant impact on the community in Ilfracombe, and this Criminal Behaviour Order sends a clear message that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated in our public spaces.
“We work closely with Devon and Cornwall Police and other partners to protect our local communities, and we will continue to use the full range of our powers to ensure our town centres are places where people can live, work and visit safely.”
Inspector Joey Lester, North Devon Sector Inspector, said: “Ilfracombe police are very grateful for the support from North Devon Council in securing a robust CBO application against Kevin Trigg. We want to thank the public for reporting these incidents and their patience with the criminal justice process.
“Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and we welcome the conditions imposed from the court to stop this behaviour which has caused a negative impact on individuals and businesses in the town.”
The new Mayor of Newton Abbot is Cllr Louise Cooke.
A retired GP surgery manager and practicing Christian, she was appointed on Wednesday May 13 at the Annual Council Meeting, held in Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.
The vote in favour of her candidacy was unanimous.
It is the second term of office for Cllr Cooke who last served in 2013/14.
Cllr Parker and Andrew WillsonCllr Cooke and Cllr InesonCllr InesonCllr Parker with Cllr CookeCllr Parker and wife Jean
Addressing the meeting she said: ‘It’s a real privilege to be Mayor of Newton Abbot and also it’s going to be a joy, I’m going to enjoy it.’
Her charities for the year are The Glendinning Academy and the Lighthouse Sensory Room at The Courtenay Centre where she hopes to enable the purchase of additional equipment.
Acknowledging that her status was about to change dramatically, she had words of comfort for her grandchildren who were present for the occasion.
‘Just because I’m Mayor,’ she told them, ‘Doesn’t mean we’re not going to sing to Queen at the tops of our voices in the car because we do it so well.’
Cllr Cooke’s Deputy is Cllr Amanda Ineson who was also appointed at the meeting.
Both will be at Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting in Courtenay Street, providing the public with an opportunity to quiz the new postholders.
Outgoing Mayor Cllr Colin Parker thanked all those who had made his second term an enjoyable one, in particular his wife Jean who had been at his side throughout despite chronic health challenges.
Cllr Parker said it had been an honour to witness ‘the spirit, resilience and pride that defines Newton Abbot’ which, he added, was ‘a strong and vibrant community.’
He cited the recent arrival of new businesses, the pending completion of the indoor market refurbishment and expansion of the Austins department store saying: ‘Things bode well for the future.’
Referring to his duties associated with the Local Government Review he said: ‘I have approached this obligation with care, diligence and a firm commitment to ensuring Newton Abbot’s voice is heard clearly and constructively.’
Cllr Parker made a presentation to his chosen charity, Teignbridge Citizen Advice, offering a cheque for £3,000.
The charity’s Chair of Trustees Board, Andrew Willson, accepted the donation gratefully telling Cllr Parker: ‘You are a genuine man of the people.’
Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, hosted by Newton Abbot Town Council on behalf of residents, will run from 10am – 1pm and include representatives from several community groups and charities.
Barnstaple Town Council is inviting local children to take part in a creative competition to celebrate World Environment Day (5th June) and help keep Rock Park litter-free.
Children aged 5 – 11 living in the Barnstaple area are encouraged to design a bold, eye-catching bin sticker that inspires people to use the bins and protect nature. There will be one overall winner, selected by Barnstaple Youth Council, along with three runners up.
The winning design will be displayed on bins throughout Rock Park, helping to spread an important environmental message to the local community, with the runners-up featured in the wider Bin it for Nature Campaign.
Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates said “It’s inspiring to see young people leading the way in caring for our environment. This competition is a great opportunity for children to share their creative ideas and make a real difference in our community”.
Communications Officer, Esther Gittoes said “We want these designs to be eye-catching and spark conversations to encourage everyone to take responsibility for keeping green spaces clean. Children often have the most powerful and creative voices, and we can’t wait to see what our young residents create”.
How to enter:
Aged 5 – 11 and live in Barnstaple
Create an A4 design that is bold, simple and easy to understand
Use mainly images with minimal text
Entrants can apply online at Barnstaple Town Council website. Closing date is Friday 5th June at 5:00pm.
Youngsters at a Devon primary school have been making the most of a colourful new outdoor play area designed to boost confidence, creativity and active learning.
Children at Lifton Community Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, are now using the revamped Early Years outdoor space, which includes trikes, water play equipment and a range of activities aimed at encouraging imaginative play and coordination.
Staff at the school said the new area is helping pupils develop teamwork skills and confidence while supporting the wider Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
The school’s Early Years provision includes a range of indoor and outdoor activities including creative arts, music and play-based learning designed to support children’s development from an early age.
Lifton pupils learning together outsideGetting active in the outdoorsA Lifton pupil enjoys the new outdoor play area
Adam Hill, headteacher at Lifton Community Academy, said: “It’s been a joy to see our youngest pupils enjoying their new outdoor play area.
“Now spring has arrived, it’s been really rewarding to watch them making the most of the new equipment, building skills and confidence out in the sun together.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of the Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Outdoor play is such an important part of early learning, so we’re delighted to see Lifton Community Academy’s pupils enjoying their new play area.
“Being part of the Learning Academy Partnership means schools can work together to provide resources and opportunities that help children grow, play, and learn in a safe, engaging environment.”
Lifton Community Academy became an academy in 2022. Before conversion, the school’s last Ofsted inspection in March 2017 rated it as a Good provider. The Learning Academy Partnership operates 18 schools across Cornwall, Devon and Torbay.
