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Review launched into Sidmouth Folk Week road closures

Lewis Clarke
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Review launched into Sidmouth Folk Week road closures

A review of traffic restrictions linked to Sidmouth Folk Week has been launched amid concerns that some measures may no longer meet legal requirements.

Devon County Council has written to Sidmouth Town Council seeking observations on the extent of road closures and parking suspensions imposed during the annual festival, and whether they should be scaled back in future.

In a letter to town clerk Christopher Holland, Richard Pryce, network manager (operations support) in the highways and traffic management group, said the current position was “no longer sustainable” and that a reassessment of the traffic order was proposed .

The correspondence follows a meeting with representatives including John Radford, Ewan Elsden, Cllrs John Louden and Denise Bickley on Monday, February 9, to discuss the annual traffic restrictions used across the town for Sidmouth Folk Week .

Mr Pryce said that while some restrictions involve limited timed road closures for parades and processions, “a significant part of the Traffic Order comprises parking restrictions” .

He wrote that these restrictions had “broadly grown over the years due to public representation” and now cover a variety of residential streets, “some a considerable distance from Sidmouth town itself” .

The reasons cited for the increase include facilitating traffic flow, preventing visitors parking in certain residential streets and tackling anti-social behaviour from people sleeping overnight in vehicles .

However, Mr Pryce said some parking restrictions during the festival “do not logically translate to being the responsibility of those managing the event”, noting that Sidmouth is naturally busy with tourists during the summer months .

He added that Sidmouth Folk Week attracts a number of “fringe events” with musicians and stalls appearing across the town, often promoted by local businesses. These are not under the auspices of the managed event but are sometimes perceived as part of it .

Mr Pryce said representations had been made that the inclusion of many parking restrictions outside the town were unnecessary to facilitate the event and, in some cases, “only act to appease some residents” .

He pointed out that, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, event-related restrictions can only be used to:

  • Facilitate the holding of an event
  • Enable members of the public to watch an event
  • Reduce the disruption to traffic likely to be caused by an event

“It is questionable that some existing parking restrictions adequately meet the requirements set in legislation,” he wrote .

The county council has proposed reviewing all parking restrictions within the current order to assess which meet the legal criteria, before beginning a process of “rationalising the Order in line with the set criteria” .

A copy of the detailed specifications used in the last Sidmouth Folk Week traffic order has been provided to the town council as part of the assessment .

According to the attached specification for 2025, road closures were scheduled between Thursday, July 31 and Saturday, August 9, with specific timed closures in Market Square and along the Esplanade for processions and events. Temporary one-way traffic was also implemented in parts of the town, alongside parking suspensions on a number of roads and a 20mph speed restriction on part of the B3176 .

Mr Pryce has asked for observations and feedback from Sidmouth Town Council by Friday, April 3, 2026

Exeter sets balanced budget with small council tax rise

Exeter City Council
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Exeter sets balanced budget with small council tax rise

Councillors have set a balanced budget which will enable the authority to deliver on its priorities for the year ahead.

At the annual Council Budget meeting at the Guildhall, Council Leader Phil Bialyk said consultation with residents and communities had helped to shape the proposals.

The city council’s share of an average band D Council Tax bill for 2026/27 is £191.31 – 7.6% of the total. It has increased by 2.99 per cent or £5.55 a year – around 11p a week.

Cllr Bialyk said: “We have continued to deliver excellent services of residents and communities in the city. Despite everything we do as a local authority, Exeter continues to set one of the lowest Council Tax rates in the country.

“After years of tough and difficult decisions, we are in an enviable position of not having to cut services for the remaining life of this Council.”

Cllr Bialyk said the budget demonstrated how the Council is delivering on its key priorities:

Supporting residents through the cost of living

Leading on climate action

Building more council homes

Protecting green spaces

Investing in culture and leisure

Running a stable, well-led council

Councillors heard that a number of major projects were expected to get underway over the next year.

The council is planning to expand and relocate the Materials Reclamation Facility (MRF), progress plans for a new Wonford Community and Learning Centre, and relocate the Civic Centre to the Council-owned Senate Court offices in Southernhay.

The Leader also announced the creation of a new temporary fund to enable residents and community groups to improve their neighbourhoods.

The council is putting £130,000 into Pride in Exeter – the equivalent of £10,000 for every ward – to be spent on tidying, cleaning and improving areas in the city.

Residents and community groups will be encouraged to apply for things like fixing broken fences, clearing overgrown spaces, removing excessive weeds and general small repairs and tidying and general improvements.

Cllr Bialyk said: “Exeter is already a clean and tidy city, but with more resources there’s always more than can be done. The work will be carried out by our dedicated teams at the Council, in conjunction with community groups where appropriate.

“This extra resource is in addition to all the usual cleansing operations the Council carries out – it is extra resource for non-essential but important work that improves the quality of life for residents in our communities. It is about having pride in our city, to ensure that Exeter continues to look the best it can be.”

In his budget speech, Cllr Bialyk also highlighted achievements over the past year, including:

  • £526,300 awarded to 4,848 households to help with the cost of living
  • Retrofitting 152 council properties, bringing the total in the city to 1,250
  • Increasing membership of Exeter Leisure to 13,6461 – a 16 per cent rise on last year
  • Increasing casual leisure users to 64,429 – a 20 per cent rise on last year
  • Welcoming 800,000 swimmers to the council’s pools
  • Collecting 99.9% of waste was successfully
  • Continuing food waste collections – now rolled out to around 44,000 homes
  • Cleaning up 629 cases of graffiti
  • Planting 799 trees
  • Investigating 877 noise complaints

Following the budget, the overall bill for a band D property in Exeter for 2025/26 will be £2,495.36 – an increase of £109.91 or 5.01%. 

The breakdown of this charge is:

Devon County Council – £1,891.17

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – £303.20

Exeter City Council – £191.31

Devon and Somerset Fire Authority – £109.68

Cllr Bialyk added: “Our share of the council tax bill is £191.31 – that’s £3.67 a week. I think that is pretty good value for a city which does so much, and we will continue to ensure that we provide the very best services we can for the benefit of everyone in Exeter.

“As people will be aware, Exeter City Council will be replaced by a new unitary authority in 2028 under plans for local government reorganisation.

“Our legacy will be handing over this authority in a sound way. Under our leadership Exeter has thrived in the past, and I know that it will continue to thrive in the future.”

Community fights to save Teignmouth lido from closure

Lewis Clarke
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Community fights to save Teignmouth lido from closure

A packed public meeting heard calls for a community takeover of a seaside lido after councillors agreed to reconsider a controversial decision to close the facility.

Teignbridge District Council’s executive voted in February to shut Teignmouth Lido in a bid to save £74,000 a year, prompting strong opposition from residents and swimmers.

However, a special meeting of the council’s scrutiny committee heard repeated pleas from a packed public gallery to keep the pool open and explore transferring it to a community group.

Councillors voted to formally ask the executive to reconsider the decision.

The council’s deputy leader said it was good to see “democracy in action” and confirmed the executive would listen again to the evidence before deciding whether to overturn the closure.

Campaigners later held a public meeting at Teignmouth Rugby Club, attended by more than 200 people, to outline plans for a volunteer-led trust to run the pool if the council allows it.

Daniel O’Connell, from the Save the Lido group, said the turnout showed how important the facility was to residents and businesses.

Daniel said: “We have got more than 200 people here, which hopefully shows the importance of what the lido means to the community in Teignmouth and the surrounding towns and villages.

“It is not just about the people who live here. For businesses, the lido is a great selling point. Hotels and B&Bs can promote the fact there is a lido here as part of the visitor experience.”

Earlier the same day, councillors discussed the closure decision during a scrutiny meeting.

Daniel said: “The decision has now gone back to the Teignbridge executive next week for them to reconsider their decision.

“A few councillors from the executive came to us afterwards and said they might have made a mistake. They were surprised by the level of support.”

The outdoor pool reopened in May 2023 after being closed for three years while £800,000 of renovation and decarbonisation work was carried out.

Campaigners believe the upgrades could allow the facility to operate for longer each year.

Daniel said: “That system should generate enough energy to keep the pool open for longer hours than the current season, which usually runs from the end of May to the end of August.

“We often have great weather in September and October, so we would like to explore extending the season.”

A working group was formed around 14 months ago to explore options for protecting the pool if closure was proposed.

Daniel said: “We spent time gathering information and monitoring the situation behind the scenes. Then in January the council agenda showed they were considering closing the lido and disposing of it, which was when we formally came together as a group.”

The group has secured “asset of community value” status for the site, giving communities time to prepare a bid if the property is put up for sale.

Daniel said: “That status means the council cannot dispose of the asset on the open market for up to six months.

“It does not give us the right to buy it, but it gives the community a chance to come forward.”

Campaigners believe the facility could be run by volunteers alongside paid staff, similar to other community-run lidos across the country.

Daniel said: “There would still be paid roles. We cannot expect people to lifeguard for free all the time. But volunteers could help with other roles and support the operation.”

Supporters at the meeting also heard from members of the proposed management team, including lifeguards, swimming instructors and volunteers with experience in operations, governance and construction.

Adrian Eastman said he had previously helped a community group take over a lido elsewhere.

Adrian said: “The council had let the pool run down and said it was not viable. The community took it over as a trust and it became extremely successful.”

During the meeting, Penny Lloyd said local MP Martin Wrigley supported the campaign but had been unable to attend.

Penny said: “Martin Wrigley is totally behind the whole scheme and wanted everyone to know that. If he had not been in Westminster dealing with international matters he would have been here tonight.”

Campaigners are considering launching a crowdfunding scheme if they are given the opportunity to operate the pool.

Daniel said: “What we do not want is a ‘give us your money’ campaign. The idea behind crowdfunding is that people receive something in return.

“For example, if someone donated £20 they might receive a free family swim ticket or a ‘Save the Lido’ T-shirt.”

He said the group’s aim was to demonstrate the pool could at least break even if it was run differently.

Daniel said: “If at the end of the year we make £1, that is a win.”

£1.5m upgrade warms more than 100 Torridge homes

Torridge District Council
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£1.5m upgrade warms more than 100 Torridge homes

Torridge District Council is pleased to announce that Westward Housing’s local customers are already feeling the benefits of a £1.5 million grant to improve the environmental impact of more than 100 local homes.

The decarbonisation funding is just one of the projects that is being funded as part of the government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Scheme. The project will see improvements made to 113 Westward homes in Torridge to improve energy efficiency and performance.

Homes with a current E or F rating are being upgraded to a C or above. Improvement measures have included adding or increasing insulation, higher specification windows and doors, heating systems and other changes to make homes warmer and more affordable to heat.

When asked if it was worth getting the work done to her home, Westward customer, Susan, said: “Definitely. Not just for energy savings, but for the look of the house and the feel inside. My home is a lot warmer and more comfortable. It feels really cosy.”

Early feedback from customers is very encouraging, with many already stating that they are warmer and are saving money on their energy bills. This is prior to completing other measures to their homes.

Westward customers, Linda and Andrew, had multiple measures installed in their bungalow including new windows as part of the project.

Andrew said, “The windows are fantastic, ever since they put them in, we’ve had no problems.” His partner Linda adds, “No moisture, no condensation – absolutely fantastic.”

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: “I am delighted that residents are starting to feel the benefit of this funding. I am delighted that some of these households are already experiencing warmer homes which are cheaper to heat and more enjoyable to live in because of these measures.

“It’s fantastic to be working in partnership with Westward Housing and I look forward to exploring more opportunities to work together to deliver further benefits to the residents of Torridge.”

Stephen Lodge, Westward’s chief executive, said: “I am thrilled to hear from our customers that this is making a real difference. This funding gives us the opportunity to help make life a bit more affordable for these customers. I am delighted for the 113 households who will experience warmer homes that are cheaper to heat and more enjoyable to live in because of this partnership working. We can now achieve more sustainable homes for our customers to enjoy, with lasting improvements on comfort and cost.

Family behind Devon horse-drawn barge hands business to daughter

Devon Today
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Family behind Devon horse-drawn barge hands business to daughter

A much-loved horse-drawn barge attraction that has welcomed visitors for decades is preparing for a new chapter, as the family behind the historic canal business announces it is handing the reins to the next generation.

Philip Brind and his wife Jacquie Brind, who have run Tiverton Canal Co for decades, have confirmed they will step aside and pass the business to their daughter Becky and her husband David Poxon.

Phil said: “Jacq and I have been here now since the mid-80s, and my father before me once said, ‘Boy, with a lifestyle job like this, you either leave on a high, or you never leave and die in the pull.’

“Well we could not get much higher than the last three years, with the fantastic 50th anniversary of the horse-drawn barge, which Jacq and I were so proud to host, as well as being winners of Devon’s Best Small Attraction of the Year Award 2024, alongside winning Travellers Choice Award now for three years in a row.”

Phil added: “Jacq and I have had a really wonderful time in our more than 40 years and met some truly wonderful people. We have had the best of times, but as they say, time waits for no man or woman.”

The couple first began working on the barge in 1986 for Phil’s parents, Pat and Ray Brind, before buying the business from them in 2006.

They say the transition marks the continuation of a family tradition, with Becky becoming the third generation of the Brind family to run the canal attraction.

Phil said Becky and David were the “very best choice” to carry the business forward.

“In our opinion Becky and Dave make the very best choice to continue the company’s success, as they both understand the importance of keeping this very rare horse-drawn barge heritage attraction alive for future generations.

“We of course wish them both all the very best for the future.”

Becky and David will begin their first season running the attraction on April 1.

As they step down, Phil and Jacquie also paid tribute to those who have supported the canal over the years.

Jacq and Phil said: “We would like to take this final opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.

“Special thanks must go to Mark Baker, Jo and Craig and the ranger service, as they are an amazing and essential team that have kept the canal running and maintained, without which we would not be able to run our business.

“But most of all, we thank you for visiting the canal and the horse-drawn barge, some every year, and to thank you for your friendship and kind words over the years.

“If it was not for you, there would be no horse-drawn barge in Devon.”

They added: “Thank you.”

Refurbished toilets reopen at Totnes Steamer Quay

South Hams District Council
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Refurbished toilets reopen at Totnes Steamer Quay

We have completed the next phase of our project to improve public toilets in Totnes – with more improvements coming in the weeks ahead.

We have completed our refurbishment of the public toilets at Steamer Quay. The toilets are the second set of public facilities to have been refurbished in Totnes this year, after a refurbishment of the Coronation Road toilets in January. The third refurbishment to the toilets under the town’s civic hall has begun, with work expected to be completed by the end of March.

The toilet refurbishment works are part of the council’s wider commitment to invest in its communities.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Executive Member for Lead Member for Community Services, Operations and Leisure, said: “I’m glad to see that our project to modernise some of our facilities is continuing at pace. The refurbishments are part of our wider project to modernise some of our local assets in communities across the district. You may see freshened up toilets, benches and other assets of ours in the coming months – these are part of our commitment to support our communities in every way we can.”

Historic Turf pub set for revival under River Exe Partnership

Devon Today
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Historic Turf pub set for revival under River Exe Partnership

A remote waterside pub famous for the journey required to reach it is preparing for a new chapter after a hospitality partnership stepped in to take over day-to-day management.

The Turf, a long-standing pub set between the River Exe and the Exeter Canal, has come under new management by the River Exe Partnership, a team with experience running waterside venues in the south-west.

Accessible only by foot, bicycle or boat, the pub has built a loyal following among walkers, cyclists, canoeists and boaters travelling along the canal and estuary.

The partnership — fronted by the team behind the River Exe Cafe — said it plans to restore the pub’s reputation while refining its food, drink and overall guest experience.

For the time being, the focus will be on reopening the pub itself, with accommodation at the site paused while plans for the hotel side of the business are considered for the future.

Kate Radford, of the River Exe Partnership, said: “You don’t just pop in – you journey to it.”

She added: “That sense of arrival, of being slightly off-grid, is something we absolutely want to protect. But we are also here to elevate it.”

The new operators have suggested the venue will feature a produce-led menu celebrating Devon’s coast and countryside, including seasonal dishes, updated pub classics and local drinks.

Paul Craven added: “This is not about changing The Turf’s soul.”

He continued: “It is about polishing it. We want it to feel vibrant again. Full. Atmospheric. The kind of place you plan your weekend around.”

Plans also aim to improve access to the pub by water, with proposals designed to make it easier and safer to reach by river.

The partnership hopes to strengthen links between Topsham, the South West Coast Path and the Exe Estuary Trail, with the goal of reconnecting walkers, boaters and local communities while reinforcing the pub’s role as a meeting point along the estuary.

The vision also places emphasis on encouraging sustainable travel by foot, bicycle and boat, supporting tourism while protecting the natural environment around the River Exe.

For many residents and visitors, The Turf has long been seen as more than simply a pub — serving as a stopping point for walkers and cyclists and a place tied to memories of summers by the water.

The existing owner remains involved in the venture and continues to support the long-term future of the venue.

The River Exe Partnership said the arrangement is intended to place day-to-day management in experienced hands while maintaining a shared focus on stewardship and sustainable growth.

Further details about reopening dates, menus and events are expected to be announced soon.

Updates will be shared on Instagram at @theturfdevon and via the website www.the-turf.com.

Food, arts and plants set for Barnstaple festival series

North Devon Council
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Food, arts and plants set for Barnstaple festival series

A programme of three themed festivals has been announced for 2026 at Barnstaple Pannier Market, bringing together plants, arts and crafts, food and drink, and live entertainment across the year.

The festivals will each take place from 10am to 4pm and will offer free entry, creating accessible, family-friendly days out in the heart of the town.

The 2026 festival dates are:
• Springfest – 12 April
• Artsfest – 26 July
• Foodfest – 18 October

Each event will showcase a wide range of stalls alongside food and drink traders, with entertainment scheduled throughout the day. Full entertainment line-ups and further event details will be announced closer to each date.

Holly Bransby, Barnstaple Pannier Market Manager, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the dates for our three 2026 festivals. Each event will celebrate something slightly different, but all will share the same welcoming atmosphere, high-quality traders and a strong focus on supporting local producers and creatives. We encourage everyone to save the dates now and follow our Facebook for further announcements in the coming months.”

Traders interested in getting involved in any of the 2026 festival events are invited to contact the market team at panniermarket@northdevon.gov.uk for further information.

Organisers are encouraging residents and visitors alike to mark their calendars and look out for updates as plans continue to develop.

All events will take place at Barnstaple Pannier Market from 10am to 4pm, with free entry throughout the day.

Council looks at cameras to catch speeding drivers

Lewis Clarke
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Council looks at cameras to catch speeding drivers

A plan to explore the use of ANPR cameras or a formal Community Speed Watch scheme has been approved after a lively debate among councillors over cost, volunteers and police involvement.

Members of Cullompton Town Council agreed at their meeting on Thursday, February 26 to look into introducing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) equipment or establishing a Community Speed Watch (CSW) group in the town.

The discussion followed a report setting out how a CSW scheme would operate, the minimum requirement of four trained volunteers and the range of equipment available, including a radar gun, ANPR camera or Speed Indicator Device (SID).

The report recommended that the council support, in principle, the establishment of a CSW scheme and identify key locations where vehicle speeds are affecting residents and road safety .

Opening the debate, town council clerk Dan Ledger said previous attempts to establish a scheme had struggled due to a lack of volunteers.

He said: “Since I came to Cullompton Town Council one of the very first agenda items that came to the town council was the establishment of gaining volunteers for a community speedwatch and that it was proving problematic getting volunteers.”

He told members that gathering robust data would be essential if the town wanted more enforcement support.

Mr Ledger said: “The only way to achieve gaining additional resource is to provide statistics and data to Devon County and the police so we can highlight particular hotspots where there are issues and hopefully if we have the evidence backing behind us we can then lobby for additional resources in those identified problem areas if there are any.”

Cllr Chris Snow questioned whether the town council should be spending public money if Devon County Council and the police could take the lead.

He said: “We’re looking to pay out tax payer’s money. Should we not look to county council with the addition of the police to look at certain areas of the town.

“We know our problem areas, so we could use the resources of county and the police rather than our own resources.”

Cllr Emma Buczkowski voiced support for a community-led approach, particularly if it engaged younger residents.

She said: “I like the idea of a community speedwatch, particularly if you can use it at schools and local youth clubs getting involved and using that hard impact of children talking to drivers.”

Referring to Speed Indicator Devices, she added: “I like smiley face signs and driving up to them and make them smile as I drive through. It always cheers me up if I can make them smile as opposed to a cross face.”

However, she said her preferred option would be to pursue more active Community Speed Watch sessions and suggested any smiley face signs should wait until the 20mph consultation process had concluded.

Cllr Mike Thompson reminded the meeting that speed checks had already taken place in the town in recent years.

He said: “For the benefit of those who don’t know, there is already a speedwatch in Cullompton. And they’ve been doing speed checks in Tiverton road with PCSOs and volunteers. They’ve done them on Swallow Way and the Willand Road as well.”

Cllr James Buczkowski said he believed those sessions were often organised by a co-ordinator from Willand rather than a Cullompton-specific group, highlighting the need for a dedicated local structure.

Cllr Dan Milner spoke strongly in favour of the proposal and said the council should be seen to take a proactive role.

He said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea and the council should be seen to be helping enforce the speed in the town, I think it’s a proactive thing for the council to do.”

He added: “This isn’t something that’s going to be brand new for the UK. This is done all over the UK and it’s very effective and it would be a shame if the council didn’t support it.”

Cllr Milner also offered to act as group co-ordinator if a scheme went ahead.

Following the debate, Cllr Milner proposed that the council look into ANPR or a Community Speed Watch scheme. The proposal was approved by members .

Under national guidance, Community Speed Watch schemes allow trained volunteers to monitor speeds at police-approved sites, with details of offending vehicles passed to the police for follow-up action.

Teen cyclist rides 600 miles for diabetes fundraiser

Devon Today
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Teen cyclist rides 600 miles for diabetes fundraiser

A young cyclist from Exmouth has taken on a 600-mile cycle challenge to help fund an activities weekend for young people living with diabetes.

Josh Parnell, 15, has Type 1 Diabetes himself but is determined to not let that stop him from cycling 100 miles-a-week for six weeks – 100 miles for each of the six years he has lived with the condition.

He jumped in the saddle on March 1 and hopes to complete his challenge by April 12 through a mix of road cycling with dad James and indoor cycling on his turbo trainer.

Mum Kay said Josh was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes aged nine but it hadn’t stopped him from doing anything, including cycling, playing football for Lympstone Football Club and also qualifying as football referee with Devon FA.

Josh Parnell cycle challenge

“Diabetes is part of Josh but he doesn’t let it control him,” she said.

“He lives life to the full; he wears a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that is connected to his mobile phone to monitor his blood sugars. The CGM is connected to an insulin pump which delivers the insulin Josh needs.

“He loves a challenge and has done a few sponsored cycles and walks for other diabetes-related charities in the past but this time, he wants to support the Paediatric Diabetes Team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E), who have been absolutely amazing since his diagnosis.”

The money Josh is able to raise will support the team’s efforts to organise a residential activities weekend for a group of 25 young people with Type 1 diabetes at River Dart Country Park this June. He has already raised more than £700 towards his £1,000 target.

Heather Fisher, RD&E Lead Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse, said: “It will be a great way for young people to meet others with the same condition, build confidence with managing their diabetes independently, share the challenges and build resilience.

“We’re so grateful to Josh for taking on such a great challenge to help us provide this amazing opportunity for our young people, as well as the diabetes team, who will gain a valuable insight into their lived experiences.”

Josh said: “I like to have a challenge and work towards something so when I heard that the paediatric diabetes team needed to fundraise I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to set myself a goal and support the diabetes team at the same time.

“They have been a great support to me over the last six years so it’s nice to be able to give something back.”

Josh Turbo Trainer

Debbie Allen, community fundraiser for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, added: “Josh is an absolute inspiration and we’ll be cheering him on over the next six weeks.

“An activity weekend like this is beyond what’s possible with NHS funding so every penny he’s able to raise will make such a big difference to other young people with diabetes.”

To sponsor Josh, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kay-parnell-2

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