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Historic Golden Hind to stay closed pending further safety work

Lewis Clarke
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Historic Golden Hind to stay closed pending further safety work

A historic replica ship remains closed after harbour officials called for further work on its gangplank, but its owners insist there is “light at the end of the tunnel” and hope to welcome visitors back in time for Easter.

The Golden Hind, docked in Brixham Harbour, announced on Tuesday, February 17, that it has not yet been given permission to reopen following discussions with harbour authorities and engineers.

In a post shared on social media, the attraction said: “Ahoy shipmates! So an update as promised! So unfortunately we have not been given to go ahead to reopen as the harbours have requested additional work to be done on the replacement gangplank after a meeting with the engineers who tested it.”

The statement continued: “So a lot more positive this evening and a lot more light at the end of the tunnel. We will look at what we have to do and have a rummage around the ship to see if we can find any of Sir Francis’s treasure but will do our utmost to have the ship up and running by the Easter Holidays.

“Thank you to everyone for their support and love for the ship and Brixham, it does mean an awful lot.”

The update follows the vessel’s sudden closure with immediate effect due to health and safety concerns. The attraction’s owner previously told said recent stormy weather had damaged the ship’s gangway plank, prompting him to build a replacement.

However, Brixham’s harbour authority raised safety concerns after the new gangplank was tested, leading to the continued closure while further work is carried out.

The Golden Hind was built in 1988 as a replica of the Tudor vessel sailed by Sir Francis Drake in the sixteenth century. The original ship became famous after Drake completed the first circumnavigation of the globe by an Englishman between 1577 and 1580, returning with a cargo of gold, silver and jewels.

Drake, who was born in Tavistock in about 1540, later became mayor of Plymouth and served as an MP. He also played a key role in the defence against the Spanish Armada and died in 1596 off the coast of Panama at the age of 56.

Today, the Brixham-based replica operates as an educational visitor attraction, hosting pirate-themed festivals and weddings. It also offers overnight stays on board as part of an “Air b-n-Sea” experience.

In an earlier announcement, the owners said the closure was not their decision, adding: “This is not a decision we have taken but have higher powers to answer to.”

They have now said they are working to meet the harbour’s requirements and aim to reopen in time for the Easter holidays.

Appeal after man found with severe injuries in Torquay

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Appeal after man found with severe injuries in Torquay

We are appealing for information after a man was found badly injured in Torquay.

At around 3.15am on Saturday 31 January a 27-year-old man approached door staff at Park Lane on Torwood Street.

The man had muddy footprints on his clothing and severe injuries to his face, including multiple fractures and swelling to the left side of his head and face, and bleeding behind his eye. 

He has no recollection of what happened to him. 

He was last seen on CCTV leaving the Apple & Parrot uninjured at 2.16am and then running up an alleyway towards Parkhill Road a minute later.

Officers investigating the incident are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the man in the missing time period, or who has any information or relevant footage which may be able to help understand how he sustained the injuries. 

The man is described as a white male, of average build, 5ft 10ins tall and with a bald head. 

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a dark grey/black buttoned up jacket/shirt, black trousers, black and purple shoes.

Anybody able to assist is asked to get in touch via 101 or our website quoting 50260025672

New pool pods to boost access for swimmers in Mid Devon

Mid Devon District Council
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New pool pods to boost access for swimmers in Mid Devon

Active Mid Devon has taken a major step to improving its accessibility for swimmers, with the purchase of two Pool Pods, state-of-the-art pieces of equipment designed to help more people get into the water safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

The Pool Pod 3.0 is a discreet, fully automated pool lift that allows swimmers with reduced mobility, disabilities, or additional support needs to get into and out of the pool independently. The new system replaces older equipment, such as hoists, and will make swimming in Mid Devon more inclusive for everyone in the community.

Councillor Josh Wright, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said: “This is a really exciting improvement for our pools. Swimming should be something everyone can enjoy, regardless of physical ability and the Pool Pod gives people more independence and confidence to get into the water. We are continually investing in making swimming a better experience for all our swimmers and investing in this equipment, at both our pools, will be a huge improvement for so many people.”

The Pool Pod 3.0 operates at the touch of a button, lowering the user gently into the pool before returning to its original position when they are finished. When not in use, it sits discreetly on the poolside, ensuring minimal impact on other swimmers.

The pods have been funded in part from Sport England and the National Lottery which provided £15,000 towards the purchase and installation of the pods.

Swimming instructors and staff at Active Tiverton and Active Crediton have been given training in how to use the pod and support swimmers and are keen to encourage people who have been reluctant to use the pool to try the equipment.

Andy Mackie, Operations Manager for Leisure, said: “We think the Pool Pod will be very well received by existing swimmers who need support and we also hope it will encourage swimmers, who have been reluctant to use our pools because of their disability, to visit Active Mid Devon. It really is a great piece of equipment and a vast improvement on our current set up.”

The investment in the Pool Pod 3.0 forms part of a broader commitment to improving accessibility across Active Mid Devon’s facilities, with improved poolside changing rooms and Changing Places toilets.

The Pool Pods are due to be installed this week and be available for use once staff have been fully trained to support users.

Devon CPRE says “enough is enough” after approval of 157 new solar farms

CPRE Devon
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Devon CPRE says “enough is enough” after approval of 157 new solar farms

Devon CPRE’s response to yesterday’s announcement that the Government has approved 157 new solar farms and the largest onshore wind scheme in England for a decade (Cornwall’s Imerys Wind Farm)

Comments from Devon CPRE’s Chair Steve Crowther: “These headlines are shocking; however, actually these 157 solar farms already have planning permission. We do all need to now say ‘enough is enough’ before our countryside is desecrated beyond recognition, with nothing left to enjoy or protect. 

“The government keeps pushing out the line about how more wind and solar will lower everybody’s electricity bills.  But we all know the opposite is true. Do they think the public are fools? The boss of British Gas has warned that electricity in Britain is on track to cost more in 2030 than it did during the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The original ethos behind all renewable energy schemes was that they would be ‘temporary blights on the landscape’, typically for about 25 years. As solar panels age, their efficiency decreases by between ½ and 1% per year. After about 30 years the benefit from a solar farm falls to such an extent that it can no longer be argued that it outweighs the harm to the landscape and the loss of productive farmland. ‘Indefinite’ consents are presented as meaning that the equipment will be removed when it has fully decayed; but in practice it means that they will be constantly replaced with new equipment. Indefinite effectively means ‘in perpetuity’.

“Our thoughts about another large wind farm in Cornwall? Unprintable! Devon CPRE led the opposition to numerous onshore wind turbines and wind farms over a decade ago.  The landscape, particularly in north west Devon where there are so many, has been fundamentally altered. And now wind turbines are getting much taller, so they have significantly more impact over a wider area.

“We know that rural communities don’t want these huge wind and solar developments imposed on them. Yet so often their opinions count for nothing. There’s nothing democratic about a planning system that allows this to happen.”

Extract from a recent Devon CPRE e-bulletin: “There is now a further sign that the battle to retain Devon’s landscape of prime grassland rather than glass-and-steel is going to intensify.

One of the arguments which has consistently been used to justify the handing over of farmland to solar energy is that this is just a temporary change of use. Originally, 20 years, then 30, then 40 years was the ‘temporary’ period for which permission was applied. It was argued that the land would be returned to agriculture unharmed, and even apparently enhanced, at the end of that permitted duration.

Well, we have now received notice of two applications to convert those ‘temporary’ consents into ‘indefinite’ periods of time; one in Shebbear in Torridge and the second near Morchard Bishop in Mid Devon. While the former argues on a commercial basis, the latter comes with an attempted environmental justification, claiming that solar farms have three times more birds than arable farmland. This claim is based on a study by Cambridge University; one wonders whether it was conducted on the flatlands of East Anglia or the rich hedged pastures of Devon.

Both of these applications state that the land will be returned to agriculture ‘when the solar farm ceases to generate electricity’. But that will only happen if decaying solar equipment is not replaced. If it is, the ‘indefinite’ term will be effectively ‘in perpetuity’. “

Devon CPRE supports Westleigh residents facing a planning appeal over controversial new homes

CPRE Devon
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Devon CPRE supports Westleigh residents facing a planning appeal over controversial new homes

Villagers in the historic rural settlement of Westleigh in North Devon are facing a planning appeal brought by the Christie Estate, which wants to build a cluster of new houses in the village on a site that locals say is highly unsuitable for numerous environmental and heritage reasons.

With the backing of Devon CPRE, the local charity that campaigns to protect Devon from inappropriate development, last year residents successfully opposed an outline planning application to construct nine houses just outside Westleigh’s conservation area. Residents made well-argued objections to North Devon District Council, saying that the construction phase alone would ‘cause havoc’ in the settlement of just 69 homes, threatening the precarious existence of the community’s WWI village hall, as well as the Grade-II-listed thatched dwelling known as Rock Cottage. They also said it would result in the destruction of an established Devon Bank hedge, a habitat frequented by ten species of bat, four of them endangered.

Last August villagers organised their own traffic survey of the narrow lane leading to the proposed development site because the applicant had not submitted traffic details with the initial outline planning proposal.

Westleigh – Rock Cottage and threatened hedgerow viewed from the north (photo supplied by Brian Lees)

To the delight of villagers and Devon CPRE, North Devon District Council resoundingly refused the planning application, deeming it an unsuitable location for new open-market residential development that would not meet local housing need and would cause harm to the character and appearance of the area.

Now Westleigh is once again steeling itself for battle after the Christie Estate lodged an appeal against NDDC’s decision and submitted slightly modified plans, including reducing the house at the entrance of the development to a single-storey to make it less overbearing and to mitigate the impact on Rock Cottage. The matter was discussed at last week’s Parish Council meeting. It was resolved that the new plans would be examined closely so that parish councillors and residents can start to prepare their responses. All comments must be submitted by 4th March 2026. 

Former North Devon MP Selaine Saxby spoke at the meeting. She said, “Our MP is now in the same building as Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who will consider the appeal. We should contact Ian Roome asking him to write a letter of support to express the strength of feeling within the local community, backed by CPRE.”

Concerns were voiced about the amount of green land that is being swallowed up locally for housing, and the possibility that the site could be taken on by a developer who would seek greater housing density. One resident asked, “Why should our village be desecrated because big developers aren’t putting in enough affordable housing on big greenfield developments?”

Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills says, “Westleigh is a very attractive little settlement that overlooks the Taw-Torridge estuary and is mentioned in the Doomsday book. Much of the village is designated a conservation area. Last year residents made it very clear that they think the proposed development of houses is inappropriate because of the location and the road layout. We agreed with them and so did North Devon District Council. It’s so difficult for small rural communities to make their voices heard because of their population size. We hope the Planning Inspector will listen to them as NDDC did, and the appeal will be turned down.”

Pupils bring robots to life in hands-on STEM challenge

Devon Today
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Pupils bring robots to life in hands-on STEM challenge

Robots rolled into the classroom as pupils at Lifton Community Academy put their engineering skills to the test, building and coding their own creations from scratch.

Children worked together to design and construct Lego models before programming them to complete specific movements and actions, combining creativity with problem-solving and teamwork.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) session was designed to strengthen pupils’ understanding of how technology works in the real world, while building confidence in logical thinking and digital skills.

Young Lifton Engineers Bring Lego Creations to LifeLifton pupils build their Lego model

The activity forms part of Lifton Community Academy’s wider approach to design technology and computing, encouraging pupils to become curious and critical thinkers who can solve real problems and understand how technology shapes everyday life.

Through sessions like this, pupils develop computational thinking and digital literacy, as well as learning how to use technology responsibly in preparation for an increasingly digital world.

Adam Hill, headteacher at Lifton Community Academy, said: “The children had such a brilliant time. They were completely absorbed in building their Lego models and then bringing them to life.

“It was lovely to see them working together, solving problems and celebrating when their creations worked. Sessions like this really help spark curiosity and confidence in STEM subjects.”

Young Lifton Engineers Bring Lego Creations to LifeA budding Lifton engineer at work

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive officer of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “It is always wonderful to see pupils enjoying their learning.

“Opportunities like this help children develop skills that will support them throughout their education and beyond, while showing them that subjects like science and computing can be exciting, creative and fun.”

Free Ilfracombe jobs fair aims to unlock town talent

Devon County Council
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Free Ilfracombe jobs fair aims to unlock town talent

One Ilfracombe’s focus on work and skills development in the town will continue this month with a free Jobs and Careers Fair.

More than 35 employers are due to attend the free event which will be held at the North Devon Resort, Marlborough Road, in Ilfracombe, on Wednesday 25 February from 10am-2pm.

It’s being organised by One Ilfracombe as part of a programme of training and work experience opportunities to support employers and jobseekers.

The not-for-profit organisation is working closely with local businesses to bridge skills gaps in the town. It’s teamed up with Learn Devon, local schools, and North Devon College adult education outreach, to provide help.

So far, over 200 people have engaged in basic skills training, and more than 60 businesses have been supported with advice and guidance.

The Jobs and Career Fair will be a good chance for local people to meet with employers to discover job and training opportunities, and to receive career support, including advice on building their CV.

Charmain Lovett, One Ilfracombe Project Officer, said: “One Ilfracombe is working with a number of partners to deliver a range of courses and training opportunities for people in the local community. This initiative could help employers fill a gap in their team or it could help someone looking to get back into work or education. Maybe you’re a parent looking to get back into employment after having some time off, or you could have a hobby that you want to turn into a business, or maybe you’re in a job that needs a certain qualification to take you to that next level. The free Jobs and Careers Fair is a great opportunity to find out what’s available or provide you with ideas of your next steps.”

Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said: “Ilfracombe has enormous potential, and what One Ilfracombe is doing is turning that potential into opportunity. This Jobs and Careers Fair is not just a one-day event, it’s part of a wider commitment to connect local people with real jobs, real training and real progression pathways.

“We know that coastal towns can face particular challenges around access to skills and employment. By bringing employers, training providers and support services together in one place, we are making it easier for residents to take that next step, whether that’s returning to work, gaining new qualifications or progressing in their current role.

“Through Learn Devon, and our partnership with local businesses and education providers, we are building a stronger local workforce that meets the needs of employers while opening up brighter futures for individuals and families in Ilfracombe.”

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, said: “Ilfracombe is full of talented, hardworking people, and events like this Jobs and Careers Fair really help bring that potential to life, giving people the confidence, support and encouragement to take that next step, whatever stage they’re at. The fair will provide direct access to employers looking to recruit now but also give advice on volunteering options and life-skills to help those moving back to employment.

“Our local employers want to see their communities thrive, and One Ilfracombe is helping make those connections that can genuinely change someone’s direction. Whether you’re returning to work, switching careers or just exploring what’s out there, this is a friendly and welcoming place to start.”

In response to feedback from employers, a range of training courses and workshops are being offered in Ilfracombe, many of which are free. Courses are available in a variety of subjects, including digital business skills, customer care, food safety and hygiene, as well as Maths and English.

The National Trust recently helped with a hands-on Countryside Skills workshop, building bird boxes. Around 15 people took part, learning to work with tools to discover new skills and confidence and inspire their creativity.

Fraser Goodfellow, North Devon National Trust Ranger, said: “We’re incredibly proud to play a part in opening doors for young people at the National Trust. Seeing their enthusiasm and talent shine through reminds us why these partnerships matter. We look forward to welcoming them for work experience and hopefully, nurturing future National Trust Rangers.”

For more details contact Ilfracombe Employment Hub, at 11 Belgrave Promenade, which is open 9:30am – 4:30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. To make an appointment at any of Devon’s employment hubs, visit our website where you can fill out the form or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk

For more information visit the One Ilfracombe website.

Devon County Council welcomes election cancellation u-turn

Devon County Council
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Devon County Council welcomes election cancellation u-turn

Devon County Council has welcomed a Government u-turn on plans to postpone local elections.

The decision marks a significant reversal of the Government’s earlier proposal to cancel 30 elections in areas undergoing local government reorganisation – a decision Devon County Council had strongly challenged.

Devon County Council was the only council which held a special meeting at which councillors from all political persuasions condemned the cancellation as undemocratic and dangerous.

At that meeting, Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, criticised the proposal as a “blatant and undemocratic attempt to retain power for longer,” emphasising that elections are a fundamental part of a healthy democracy.

The County Council played a leading role nationally in scrutinising the original proposal, with its public stance highlighting potential risks to democratic accountability across Exeter, where a third of seats are due to be contested.

Councillors argued that cancelling elections was unnecessary, would undermine public confidence, and would create further uncertainty at a time when major structural reforms were already in progress.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said: “We are pleased the Government has listened and reversed its decision. You should not mess with democracy. The people of Devon have a right to decide who represents them. We took a clear, principled stance. Today’s decision is a victory for democracy. I am proud to be part of a council which opposed the cancellation unanimously.”

The council has confirmed it will continue engaging constructively with Government departments on reorganisation matters but will maintain its firm position that any administrative reform must not come at the expense of voters’ democratic rights.

Permanent street lighting changes given the green light

Devon County Council
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Permanent street lighting changes given the green light

Proposals to make permanent changes to street lighting across the county have been approved by Cabinet, following a year‑long trial that responded to community needs while cutting costs, reducing carbon emissions and delivering environmental benefits.

The decision, on Tuesday 17 February, means earlier switch‑off times and further dimming of streetlights will continue in residential areas, market towns and rural locations, while lighting on main roads will remain unchanged.

The approach builds on Devon’s long‑standing policy of part‑night lighting and takes advantage of new smart technology that allows lights to be adjusted remotely and quickly if safety concerns arise.

Since the trial began in April last year, the Council has reduced the amount of electricity used for street lighting by more than one million kilowatt hours a year. 

At current energy prices, this equates to savings of around £270,000 annually, money that can be redirected to other frontline services. The reduction in energy use is also expected to save around 200 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, supporting the Council’s climate change commitments.

The changes follow a major investment in LED lighting and a Central Management System, which now connects more than 66,000 streetlights across Devon. This technology allows lighting levels to be tailored to the needs of different areas.

Environmental benefits have also been a key factor in the decision. Dimming lights and switching them off earlier reduces light pollution, helping protect nocturnal wildlife and support biodiversity in both urban and rural areas.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This decision strikes the right balance between being responsible with public money, tackling climate change and continuing to keep people safe. The trial has shown we can significantly reduce energy use and carbon emissions while still responding quickly to local concerns.

“Street lighting is not a one‑size‑fits‑all service. With the technology we now have, we can tailor lighting to different communities and make changes where they’re needed, including increasing lighting levels if safety issues are identified.”

The Council worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police throughout the trial, including specialist crime prevention teams. Police raised no objections in principle, and in areas where concerns were identified, changes were made.

In Ilfracombe, for example, feedback from shift workers highlighted worries about earlier switch‑off times on routes used late at night. Following discussions with the police and the town council, lighting times on key routes were adjusted to provide reassurance for people travelling to and from work.

Areas such as pedestrian crossings will remain fully lit, and lighting can be altered quickly through the Central Management System if new concerns are raised.

Cllr Thomas added: “Using smarter street lighting enables us to cut costs, reduce emissions and lessen environmental impact, while retaining the ability to prioritise safety where it matters most.

“This is a flexible approach and we will continue to listen to communities and respond where there are genuine risks.”

Site work starts to prepare for Cullompton Relief Road

Devon County Council
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Site work starts to prepare for Cullompton Relief Road

Work is underway to prepare the site for the development of the Cullompton Relief Road.

The scheme is vital to Cullompton’s future and has been designed to reduce congestion, improve air quality and support the town’s long-term growth.

Although the main construction work of the 1.3km road is due to start this summer, ecological and archaeological work has been timed to go ahead on site now ahead of the bird nesting season and to meet strict ecological requirements.

Specialist ecologists will oversee site clearance to ensure wildlife is safeguarded, and that dormouse habitats are protected and managed.

Good progress has been made on securing the majority of the land needed for the project. As part of the scheme, new public land for the Cullompton Community Association (CCA) is being created and replacement facilities are being provided for sports clubs impacted by the construction of the road.

Work is underway to provide replacement facilities for the football club, the new junior pitches are installed and the grass is establishing, and work to form the new training pitch will start in May.

Some sections of the CCA land will be temporarily affected, as access is needed for both the early works and future construction. This will include new pathways and bridge connections to ensure the community retains safe, high quality access across the area.

Archaeological investigations are being carried out across the site, including areas accessed through CCA land, to preserve local heritage and meet planning requirements.

Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration at Mid Devon District District Council, said: “This is another positive milestone for residents and businesses in Cullompton, where everyone is waiting for shovel work to start on site. While the major work on the road begins later this year, preparatory work has been well under way for many months including the completion of the new cricket field in Cullompton, which is part of the wider investment in community facilities associated with the relief road.”

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This new relief road is vital for Cullompton’s future growth. It will help to ease traffic congestion in the town which will benefit the environment and local businesses. It’s encouraging that preliminary work has started. This has to be carried out now and teams are working hard to progress towards getting the main scheme underway this summer.”

To minimise disruption for residents, some improvements will be made in the coming months in advance of the major work.

With the roundabout at Station Road / Millennium Way due to be upgraded to eventually provide access to the relief road, traffic flow will be eased with the development of a new layby bus stop opposite the Weary Traveller pub. This will enable buses to pull-in off of the carriageway when passengers are getting on and off, reducing traffic delays.

At the other end of the route, improvements at the Exeter Road junction will also be delivered early to enhance safety and traffic flow ahead of the main construction phase.

The main scheme contractor is expected to be appointed in the spring. Subject to this appointment, work is due to start in the summer.

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