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Trago Family Fun Park to reopen this Easter under new team

Devon Today
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Trago Family Fun Park to reopen this Easter under new team

One of the South West’s best-known family attractions is preparing to spring back into action this Easter, as Trago’s Family Fun Park gets set to reopen under new management.

The Newton Abbot site will now be operated by Play Leisure Services, a South West leisure specialist, marking a new chapter for the long-standing attraction.

Leading the transition is Matthew Conridge, managing director of Play Leisure Services. Originally from Exeter, Matthew said the decision to take on the park was both professional and personal, having visited as a child.

“I used to come to Trago’s Fun Park as a child, and like so many local families, I have fantastic memories of days spent here,” said Matthew. “I did not want to see it stay closed. This place is part of Devon’s story.

“We are incredibly proud to be bringing it back to life and ensuring a new generation can make those same memories.”

What the fun park has planned

Under Matthew’s leadership, the company said it is focused on reopening the park and securing its long-term future.

Visitors can expect the return of all rides across the Family Fun Park, alongside the model railway, which has remained a popular feature for generations. Splash Adventure is also set to reopen in time for warmer weather.

The Bickington Steam Railway has remained open throughout and will continue to operate as part of the wider attraction.

A programme of improvements is already under way, with updates and behind-the-scenes progress set to be shared on TikTok in the coming weeks as preparations continue.

The reopening is also expected to provide a boost to the local economy, supporting jobs and tourism in the area.

Further details, including confirmed opening dates and promotional announcements, are due to be released ahead of Easter.

High street crackdown sees illegal tobacco traders shut down

Devon and Cornwall Police
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High street crackdown sees illegal tobacco traders shut down

Shops selling counterfeit tobacco and a flat used as a hub for drugs and anti-social behaviour have been shut down by police acting on community concerns in South Devon.

Closure orders for businesses in Teignmouth and Paignton, as well as a residential address in Brixham, were granted at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court this week.  

JR Mini Market in Bank Street, Teignmouth must remain closed with shutters down for the next three months. This is in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco.  

KA Mini Market in Hyde Road, Paignton has also been closed for the same period. This followed an operation which discovered counterfeit tobacco being sold at both respective premises. Devon & Cornwall Police officers work alongside Heart of the South West Trading Standards in relation to the sale of illegal and counterfeit tobacco.

The orders, which were granted at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Monday 23 February, may be extended if necessary.  

The separate residential closure order relates to a flat in Fore Street, Brixham and is not linked to the shops. It follows a positive drugs warrant and numerous reports of anti-social behaviour at the address.

Inspector Pete Giesens, who works across Paignton and Brixham, explained: “We want the public to know that we do listen to their concerns and will take action. The local neighbourhood officers have been gathering evidence and preparing for the court hearings, in conjunction with our partners at Trading Standards. We received reports from the local communities about illegal activity at the shops in Paignton and Teignmouth, as well as anti-social behaviour and drug issues at the residential address in Brixham.  

“We will not tolerate businesses choosing to profit from unlawful activity. Those who decide to trade illegally should expect robust action.”

Dolores Riordan, Operations Manager, Business Support at Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “Combatting the supply of illegal tobacco and vapes is a priority for us because far from being a victimless crime, the illegal tobacco trade makes it easier for children to start smoking, takes advantage of cash-strapped families, and helps fund low-level and large scale organised crime.

“By taking these products off the streets, we are able to help protect our communities as well as supporting those businesses on the high street that trade legally.”

The only access allowed at the closed premises is by the landlord and utilities, postal/delivery and emergency services. Police will be checking for any activity at the premises and anyone found inside can be arrested.

The investigation into the shops remains ongoing by Trading Standards.

If you wish to report illegal activity or anti-social behaviour in your community please visit the Force website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police

For more information about the work of Trading Standards and how they can support businesses click here Trading standards – Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay 

Duo praised for transforming police understanding

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Duo praised for transforming police understanding

Devon & Cornwall Police has formally recognised a mother and son for their work aimed at improving support for neurodivergent individuals across the force.

Cornwall-locals Marie Hutchinson-Ralph and Malachi Tasker-Ralph are prominent members of, and advocates for, the neurodivergent community. They have been working collaboratively with the force for a number of years.

Together they have carried out bespoke training sessions, webinars and led local projects to help improve the force’s approach to communication, care and response to individuals who are neurodivergent.

PC John Holland, who has worked alongside the duo, said: “Our officers will of course attend emergencies and/or chat to people who are neurodivergent whilst out in the community.

“That’s why work like this is vital – Marie and Malachi provide a powerful insight through their lived experience to the force around policing, which forms part of the invaluable training they have supported in delivering to our officers and staff.

“Listening to the voices of everyone in our communities is essential – it means we can police our communities in the way they want to be policed, always putting the person at the centre of our response and building inclusive relationships.”

Marie and Malachi have supported with delivering inputs to the force around ‘thinking about people who think differently’ and more recently led a ‘Keep calm, it’s only Tourettes’ webinar for the College of Policing which was attended by officers and police colleagues from around the UK.

They were also advocates for the launch of the ‘Neurodiversity IDs’ (NDIDs) in 2025, which are green wristbands that can be worn by individuals who are neurodivergent. When scanned by emergency services, they provide vital information about the person so that responders on scene can give them the right help at the time.

The duo were awarded a Chief Superintendent’s Certificate on Wednesday 11 February at a local ceremony in St Austell, celebrating their contribution to policing and their community.

Award winners Marie and Malachi said: “We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Devon & Cornwall Police.

“It means a great deal to us both, not only personally but for the wider neurodivergent community whose insights and experiences shape positive change.

“True progress happens when communities are listened to and worked with and when collaboration replaces assumption and learning is shared in every direction.

“We’re grateful to everyone within the force who has engaged with this work with such openness and care, and we look forward to continuing to build safer, more understanding, and inclusive communities together.”

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Malachi also recently received the coveted British Citizen Award Medal of Honour for Services to Education (BCAe) following his work in raising awareness for Tourette’s and autism acceptance in the UK.

They are the only mother and son to receive the award.

Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, who presented the award, said: “Malachi and Marie’s inputs have given and continue to give us the knowledge we need to make sure our response and communication is appropriate from the very first moment we engage any member of the public. 

“We know that we haven’t always got it right in the past, but we are continually striving to do better and be better so that we can progress and improve the service we provide to the neurodivergent community.”

Devon & Cornwall Police continue to work with the neurodivergent communities of Cornwall and the National Police Autism Association to support neurodiverse individuals both in the force and in the community.

DJ and free burgers mark Wendy’s Exeter launch

Lewis Clarke
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DJ and free burgers mark Wendy’s Exeter launch

Burger fans queued in their droves as a major US fast-food chain opened its doors in Exeter, with the first 100 customers rewarded with a free burger and a DJ set to mark the occasion.

Wendy’s opened at Alphington Business Park on Thursday, February 26. Balloons and music welcomed those at the front of a lengthy queue as the restaurant began trading.

Farhat Abbas, development franchisee of Wendy’s in Exeter, said: “It’s incredibly exciting. This has been something we’ve been planning for the last couple of years, so we have the southwest territory, and we identified Plymouth and Exeter as our first go-to locations.”

He said the Exeter branch occupies a former Chiquito’s site that had been closed for six years.

Farhat added: “There was a lot of work behind the scenes, getting the planning, getting the design side of things, and I’m delighted we’ve got the brand new Wendy’s 2026 décor, so this is the first one in England with this new look.”

Wendy’s is a major American international fast-food chain founded by Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio. It is known for its square-shaped burger patties made from fresh beef and is the world’s third-largest hamburger chain. Its menu includes the Frosty dessert, the Baconator, salads and chicken sandwiches.

Speaking about what customers can expect, he said: “Fresh, never frozen, fantastic food.”

He added: “On top of that, we want to give them the customary Wendy’s hospitality, and we’re very lucky, we’ve got a great young team ready to go and to serve our clients.

“We’ve got the whole package, free parking, fantastic new décor, and plenty of capacity. We have seating for in excess of 80 people here, and this is there for the people to enjoy and give us an opportunity and let us show you what we can do.”

The restaurant employs 60 staff. Farhat said a mix of part-time, student and full-time roles had been created to accommodate flexible working patterns. He added that the business is still hiring and encouraged prospective applicants to look online for opportunities.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 7 am until 11 pm, and Sunday from 8 am until 11 pm.

He added that the company had seen strong demand at its Plymouth site at Drake Shopping Centre and plans to continue expanding in the region.

He said: “Here in the South West, we’ve had a phenomenal start in Plymouth, and the customers embraced us with open arms, so we’re going to continue to work on accelerating our development plan. Exeter was our next go-to location.

“This is the first drive-through location of Wendy’s in the whole south west, and Wendy’s invented the whole drive-thru concept, so we’re looking for additional locations, but we want to make sure we tick all the boxes, so watch this space.”

Search for missing Margaret continues in Exeter

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Search for missing Margaret continues in Exeter

We are continuing our search for Margaret Elston and have released another photo of the 46-year-old.

Margaret was reported missing on the morning of Monday 23 February 2026. She was last seen in Exeter at around 9.30pm that day.  

Margaret is described as a white female, 5ft 8ins tall, of an average build, with dark brown hair often in a bun. She habitually wears black trousers with a grey or black hoody and black crocs.

She is likely to have a black mac style coat and also likely to have a black leather style bag.

We have reason to believe that Margaret could be in the Tithebarn and Sowton areas of Exeter.

She was believed to be travelling in a blue Ford Focus car which has since been located in Exeter.

If you have seen Margaret, or know of her whereabouts, please call us immediately on 999 quoting log 535 of 23/02/2026.

Timber frame complete at new Plymouth care hub

Plymouth City Council
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Timber frame complete at new Plymouth care hub

Meadow View, Plymouth’s new specialist building for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, is rapidly taking shape – with its bespoke, sustainably sourced timber frame now complete.

Plymouth City Council selected a timber-frame structure to minimise the project’s carbon footprint and deliver a warm, efficient and futureproof building.

Timber is widely recognised as one of the lowest carbon construction materials available, due to its renewable nature, low embodied carbon and ability to store carbon over its lifetime. As trees grow, they naturally absorb CO₂, locking it into the timber; that carbon stays stored within the building for as long as it stands.

The total stored carbon of the softwood used is 232 tCO₂ which is equivalent to taking more than 50 petrol cars off the road for an entire year. All the wood used is from sustainable Swedish forests.

When completed in summer 2026, Meadow View will provide vital day time opportunities and respite support for adults with complex needs, offering seven bedrooms, seven self-contained apartments, including crisis-support spaces, and a wide range of creative, therapeutic and life-skills environments. The new single-storey development will include a sensory room, craft studios such as a pottery room with kiln, communal dining and kitchen spaces to build independent living skills, and a landscaped outdoor environment featuring wildflower planting and 55 new trees.  

The building will also incorporate solar power systems, air source heat pumps and high performance triple glazing to reduce running costs and operational carbon.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Meadow View embodies the kind of forward thinking, environmentally responsible development Plymouth is proud to champion. Choosing a timber frame structure means significantly lower carbon emissions, strong sustainability credentials and a building that works in harmony with both people and planet. This approach supports our city’s commitment to greener construction and ensures that adults with complex needs will benefit from a warm, safe and energy efficient space for decades to come.”

Nigel Whelan, Managing Director at Devon Contractors, said: “Meadow View is a scheme we’re incredibly proud to be delivering. It will provide long-term benefits for Plymouth’s residents with complex needs, and we value the close partnership with Plymouth City Council in creating a sustainable, high-quality facility that will serve the city for generations to come.”

More information about Meadow View: www.plymouth.gov.uk/meadow-view.

Devon charity boosts staff morale with wellbeing day

Devon Today
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Devon charity boosts staff morale with wellbeing day

Devon’s foremost health and wellbeing charity, Westbank Community Health and Care, has held its second Wellbeing Day to provide team members with coping strategies to combat the winter blues and to help them relax, destress and cultivate positive lifestyle habits throughout the year.

The all-day event for staff was held at Westbank’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster at a time of year that many people find particularly challenging. The packed programme provided a wide choice of activities including workshops to teach people resilience and stress management skills, promote healthy eating and encourage team members to try out new ways to stay fit and healthy. Staff were encouraged to explore new hobbies, yoga, experience a sound bath, have a head and neck massage and benefit from an individual health check, as well as take part in a supportive session exploring body image and self-esteem.

Westbank’s CEO Sarah Hicks says, “It’s incredibly important that we prioritise looking after ourselves and each other. We held our first colleagues’ Wellbeing Day on ‘Blue Monday’ last year and received so much positive feedback that it is now an annual event in our calendar. The aim is to give our staff some valuable time out from their normal working day to embrace a comprehensive programme of new activities focusing on mindfulness, breathwork and good sleep and eating habits to help cope with all that daily life throws at us, not just challenges at work. This special day is part of our drive to make Westbank a ‘Great Place to Work’ and support our staff however we can.”

Staff feedback to the second event was overwhelmingly positive; asked which activities they most enjoyed, comments included:

“I enjoyed all the activities, especially the breathworks. Brilliant to help with managing anxiety/understanding the importance of breathing correctly. The sound bath was a revelation and so relaxing and rejuvenating for mind and body, and the head/shoulder massage was brilliant – had so many knots and a lot of tension in my shoulders and she did an amazing job of getting rid of it all in 10 minutes!”

“The Sound bath as I had never tried it before and it really benefited me. The health check was also really good, to get a chance to chat informally about health and wellbeing.”

“The ‘Eat Healthy’ session made me more aware of my food choices, reasons and how to be healthier.”

“The head and neck massage, because my shoulders were tense.”

“Sound Bath and Yoga. . so simple but it makes you feel better very quickly.”

“I’d never experienced a Sound Bath before and probably wouldn’t have ever tried it if I hadn’t been given this opportunity.   Breathworks was really good. All the activities I registered for were excellent, sound bath, yoga, head massage, breathworks – all were very relaxing.”

The Wellbeing Day made full use of new and improved onsite facilities at Westbank’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster including the Community Cookery School; Gymclusive, Westbank’s inclusive and accessible gym; the events studio, treatment rooms and activity room and the charity’s recently rebranded space, the Community Hub at Westbank.

Donkey King star hails Devon sanctuary as gold standard

Devon Today
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Donkey King star hails Devon sanctuary as gold standard

The star of hit TV series Donkey King says The Donkey Sanctuary was the place to visit to help him learn the ‘gold standard in donkey care’.

Former media executive Ron King co-founded Oscar’s Place Adoption Center and Sanctuary in 2021, and now viewers can follow their exploits in the new ABC show – Donkey King.

Ron first visited The Donkey Sanctuary in East Devon with some of his core team in 2023, where during a three-day, packed itinerary they were given a tour of the Sidmouth site, had hands-on sessions with donkey behaviour and welfare experts, and spent a full day with specialist vets and farriers at charity’s dedicated donkey hospital near Honiton.

Ron King’s vets were able to watch the work of TDS vets in 2025

Last year Ron revisited The Donkey Sanctuary with a team of his vets to further their learning and discover more about the work of the sanctuary. Commenting at the time, Ron said: “Our desire is to be the best we can be for the donkeys in our care, and the place to find donkey experts is at The Donkey Sanctuary.

“So we are here to learn from the gold standard in donkey care, (and) how we can be better at what we do.”

The new 17-part docuseries, Donkey King, is already proving a hit with viewers who tune in to watch Ron and his team at the sanctuary in Northern California, where they rescue and rehabilitate donkeys to help them lead happier, safer lives.

On speaking ahead of the show’s launch, which premiered on 3 January, Ron said: “I can’t wait to introduce viewers to their new favourite animal. Donkeys are emotional, intelligent, curious, and hilarious! Donkey King is sure to bring joy into people’s hearts and homes.”

Ron and his team clearly have a close connection to The Donkey Sanctuary, and by visiting the sanctuary have been able to further their knowledge and training on their donkey journey. Whilst Donkey King is already proving a great advocate for donkeys, offering viewers an educational, informational and entertaining feel-good show about these emotional and smart animals.

Donkey King can be watched for free here: www.donkeyking.com 

Town divided over ‘balls’ being painted in pothole protest

Lewis Clarke
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Town divided over ‘balls’ being painted in pothole protest

Crude graffiti highlighting potholes has sparked a mix of laughter and frustration among residents, with many saying the stunt reflects growing anger over the state of local roads.

Police in Exmouth issued a light-hearted but firm warning after several potholes were spray-painted to resemble male anatomy, saying the tactic would not speed up repairs . However, it is the reaction from residents that reveals the depth of feeling about the condition of the town’s streets.

One resident said: “That’s been done really well hasn’t it, they’ve put a lot of effort into it.

“The state of the roads are awful, absolutely awful, and more willies are needed.”

Another added that while the artwork had drawn attention, the underlying issue was costing drivers money.

“The graffiti is very good, but it’s disgusting about the roads. I’ve already had new tyres put on my car two weeks ago, and the week after I hit a pothole which I couldn’t miss because of oncoming traffic and I had to have my tracking re-done again, so it’s costing me more money.”

A third resident described the potholes as “a disgrace” and claimed previous repairs had not lasted.

“The potholes are a disgrace, they’ve not been filled in properly, and until they put something towards dealing with it, we’re just going to have to put up with it.

“Somebody put a cone on the pothole the other day and it got flattened so, we’ve just got to keep asking.”

Others said the images, intended to draw attention to the issue, had divided opinion within the community.

“There are new highlights going on in Exmouth as I’m sure some of the locals have seen. We’ve got some bad potholes here and Salterton Road up to Tesco you’ve got to swerve and it’s probably dangerous where people nab the curb and such.

“The ways they’re being highlighted, they are meant to be humourous, but it’s not very nice for the community and young families, they shouldn’t be looking at that on our roads. I applaud them for trying to take some action but it would be nicer if they could find a more polite way of doing so.”

In a statement, Exmouth Police acknowledged that while many people were frustrated by potholes, turning them into offensive images did not result in quicker repairs and could instead lead to additional clean-up costs and potential criminal damage reports.

The force also confirmed that a pothole outside the Strand pub had been reported for clean-up.

New Steamer Fest to launch with DJs, food and family fun

Devon Today
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New Steamer Fest to launch with DJs, food and family fun

A new festival is set to steam into town this spring, promising three days of live music, DJs, local food and family entertainment under heated marquees.

The first Steamer Fest will take place from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15 at The Steamer Coffee House & Kitchen in Cullompton. Organisers say the event will be fully indoors and under cover within large heated marquees in the grounds of the venue.

The weekend opens on Friday, March 13 with an event titled “Unlucky for Some… Party for Us”. A children’s disco will run from 3.45pm to 5.30pm before the evening switches to an adults-only party from 6pm.

The Friday night line-up features DJ Hatchett, known for his “Sin Bin” after-match parties at the Exeter Chiefs, and Superstar DJ Chris, who is known for DJ sets at the Devon Truck Show. The bar will serve a range of drinks including locally made ales, lagers, ciders and wines.

On Saturday, March 14, the festival will host a Local Food & Drink Fair, described as a family-friendly day celebrating local producers and festival flavours. The fair is being held in partnership with Food Drink Devon and is supported by Mid Devon District Council.

Visitors will be able to meet local producers and sample food and drink, alongside live music on stage throughout the day and street food stalls.

Later that evening, Saturday becomes Steamer Fest After Hours, an 18+ event with live music from local bands including The Mighty Rough Justice and Morning After.

The festival concludes on Sunday, March 15 with “Made for Mum Sunday”, a Mother’s Day special offering what organisers describe as a more relaxed end to the weekend. The programme includes a magic show and balloon modelling, arts and crafts, free massages from the Wellness Angels, and community performances.

Visitors can also book an award-winning breakfast at The Steamer Coffee House & Kitchen before taking part in the day’s activities.

Steamer Fest has been designed to cater for a range of audiences, from daytime family entertainment to late-night live music and DJs.

Tickets are available at www.steamerfest.co.uk.

Event details: Steamer Fest, The Steamer Coffee House & Kitchen, Cullompton, EX15 1QP.

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