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Relief as disruptive Newton Abbot road closure slashed from six months

Devon County Council
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Relief as disruptive Newton Abbot road closure slashed from six months

Extensive talks have been held to reduce the duration of the next phase of roadworks needed to help deliver the Houghton Barton housing development in Newton Abbot.

Bloor Homes has worked closely with Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council to explore how to carry out essential work on Howton Lane, near Seale Hayne, with minimum disruption.

As part of Bloor Homes’ scheme for more than 1,000 homes at Houghton Barton, the existing Howton Lane needs to be widened at its southern end. This will include widening the road, as well as installing footways and utility service connections. Although further work will also be required at the junction with the A383 in future, all parties have agreed that this must wait until after the main A382 improvement scheme has been completed.

Following detailed discussions and feedback around community needs, Bloor Homes has agreed with the local authorities that work will not start until Monday 22 June, which has been timed to avoid any clash with the school exam period.

Initial estimates for a six-month closure have been halved to three months, with Bloor Homes committed to accelerating delivery of the scheme. By widening the road first, it will be able to re-open the route as soon as possible. Additional work, such as the development of footways and installation of streetlights will then follow on.

Working during the better weather of the summer months also provides the best opportunity to make faster progress with construction, as winter weather would be more likely to add to the duration of the scheme.

Although Howton Lane will be closed from its junction with the A383 Ashburton Road to Farleigh Cottages, a temporary diversion will be in place for the duration of the scheme. This diversion will initially be to the north of the town, via Bickington and Liverton, with the route signed along the A382, Staplehill Road, Perry Lane and Howton Road, with a one-way system in place at the northern end of Howton Lane and where Howton Road borders the Seale Hayne site.

During the later stages of the scheme, from around August, the diversion will switch to the south, via A383 Ashburton Road and A382 Bovey Tracey Road to connect to Staplehill Road.

The use of these diversion routes ensures there is no impact on the A382 upgrade at Forches Cross.

A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said: “We’d like to thank Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council for their positive approach that has seen us able to significantly reduce the duration of these essential works. By working together, we’ve been able to plan the scheme to minimise disruption as much as possible while delivering important infrastructure improvements to support the Houghton Barton development.”

Councillor Jacqueline Fry, County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, said: “As a Devon County Councillor, my role is first and foremost to represent residents. I have been firm in pressing all partners to be more considerate and more understanding of the daily reality for people who live and work here. We must always ask ourselves when disruption tips from being inconvenient to becoming intolerable. Partners have worked collaboratively to minimise the impact of this scheme. As a result, the duration of these works has been cut in half, and there is a clear commitment that Perry Lane will be opened as a one-way loop before Howton Lane closes, helping to protect residents from unnecessary disruption as much as possible.”

Teignbridge District Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects David Palethorpe said: “Teignbridge has worked hard with our partners to minimise the disruption caused by these essential works. I would like to thank the public for their patience as we ensure vital infrastructure is delivered alongside much-needed new housing. Thanks to expediency of these works, drivers will benefit from both Howton Lane and the A383 reopening by the end of September.”

Horror animal cruelty case ends with lifetime style ban for Devon breeder

Torridge District Council
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Horror animal cruelty case ends with lifetime style ban for Devon breeder

Torridge District Council has welcomed the successful conclusion of an animal welfare prosecution following a complex, multi‑agency investigation into serious concerns within the district.

Ross Skilton of Bridgerule, was found guilty of offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was sentenced at Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court on 1 May 2026. The court imposed a 10‑year disqualification from keeping any animal, ordered £400 towards costs, and issued a 12‑month Community Order requiring 120 hours of unpaid work and 12 Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) sessions.

In addition, due to Skilton failing to surrender to the court, a further 12‑month Community Order was imposed, including additional unpaid work and MHTR sessions.

Torridge District Council initially received a complaint from a member of the public who had purchased a Jack Russell cross English Springer Spaniel puppy from an unlicensed breeder. The buyer raised concerns about the puppy’s health, reporting that it was underweight, infested with fleas and worms, and had a strong unpleasant odour. They also expressed serious concerns about the conditions at the property and suggested that Bengal cats may also have been bred and sold from the address.

Due to the severity of the concerns raised, Torridge District Council executed a search warrant at the property in January 2025. The visit was carried out as a coordinated multi‑agency operation involving a veterinary professional, RSPCA officers, police officers, and officers from the Council’s Neighbourhood and Licensing teams.

During the visit, officers were confronted with extremely poor living conditions.  The property was heavily contaminated with animal waste, including diarrhoea on furniture, urine throughout the rooms and stairways, and cat faeces measuring several centimetres deep in one room.

Several animals were found to be living in distressing circumstances. Two young dogs were discovered shut inside a kitchen with no access to drinking water and were visibly desperate for hydration.  Seven Bengal cats of various ages were discovered at the address. One Bengal kitten was assessed by a veterinary surgeon and diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease, which would have caused pain and suffering for at least two weeks.  A further two dogs were found living in a shed in the garden. 

While there was insufficient evidence for Torridge District Council to pursue a prosecution for unlicensed breeding or selling of animals as pets, the attending vet and RSPCA officers determined that the appalling conditions highlighted clear breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. All animals were therefore removed from the property by the RSPCA, with support from Torridge District Council and the police, and taken to suitable accommodation where they could receive veterinary treatment and ongoing care.

With time, specialist care and the support of the RSPCA and partner charities, all of the animals made significant physical and emotional recoveries and were ultimately rehomed.

The RSPCA led the case through the court process, supported by evidence gathered by Torridge District Council, resulting in the successful conviction and sentencing.    Sentencing took place on Friday 1 May 2026 at Barnstaple Magistrates’ Court.

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety at Torridge District Council, said: “This was a deeply concerning case, with animals found living in appalling conditions and suffering as a result. It highlights the vital importance of effective multi‑agency working in protecting animal welfare and ensuring that such cases are thoroughly investigated. I would like to thank Torridge District Council officers and all the agencies involved, particularly the RSPCA, for their professionalism, commitment and persistence in supporting the rescue and recovery of the animals and in leading this successful prosecution.”

“This case highlights how important it is to buy animals from businesses who hold an appropriate animal activity licence with their local authority.  Such businesses meet stringent welfare criteria, under a licensing regime that sits under The Animal Welfare Act 2006.”

Mid Devon businesses offered cash boost for green energy improvements

Mid Devon District Council
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Mid Devon businesses offered cash boost for green energy improvements

Mid Devon District Council has launched the latest round of its Green Enterprise Grants programme, a competitive capital grant scheme designed to help cut carbon emissions and accelerate the district’s progress toward a net-zero future.

The scheme will support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and social enterprises across Mid Devon to invest in energy efficient and low carbon improvements. This latest round is also available to charity-owned and community-managed multi-purpose village halls, parish halls and community centres.

Grants are for one off, permanent capital improvements that reduce energy use, resource consumption, or greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible organisations can apply for grants covering up to 50% of capital project costs, with awards ranging from £500 to £5,000.

Councillor Natasha Bradshaw, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “This latest round of Green Enterprise Grants will help businesses and organisations across Mid Devon invest in practical, long-term improvements that cut emissions and reduce operating costs. We encourage eligible organisations to apply and be part of the district’s transition to a low carbon economy.”

Applicants must have been trading for at least two years, be financially viable, and hold a business/organisation bank account. Projects must demonstrate clear carbon saving outcomes. Examples of eligible capital investments include:

  • Low carbon heating and cooling upgrades
  • Renewable energy installations, including solar thermal
  • Energy efficient lighting, sensors, and control systems
  • Insulation and fabric improvements
  • Water efficiency systems
  • Equipment to reduce, reuse, or recycle resources and waste

Please visit our website for further guidance and to submit an Expression of Interest. The scheme will remain open until March 2028 or until all funds are allocated, so early applications are encouraged.

For further information and to discuss you project idea, please contact businessgrants@middevon.gov.uk.

Plymouth churches launch major push to find 26 new foster carers

Plymouth City Council
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Plymouth churches launch major push to find 26 new foster carers

Churches across Plymouth are joining forces with Foster for Plymouth to launch an ambitious new campaign – 26 for 26 – aimed at finding 26 new foster carers in 2026 and providing wraparound support for the children and families involved. 

The partnership brings together the Diocese of Plymouth, Transforming Plymouth Together, Churches Together in Plymouth, and Safe Families Home for Good. The initiative will formally launch during Foster Care Fortnight (11–24 May 2026), the UK’s biggest annual fostering awareness campaign. 

Right now, more than 520 children and young people are in our care here in Plymouth, yet we have only around 120 fostering households able to support them. As a result, too many children are being placed far from home, away from their schools, family and friends.  

By the end of March 2026, 219 children (41 per cent of those in our care), were living outside the city, with 115 placed more than 20 miles from home and one young person located as far as 285 miles away. We are desperately seeking foster families for around 26 children who are living in residential care but could move into a family home if the right local carers were available. 

With national and local foster carer numbers declining, more children are being placed far from family, school, friends and familiar surroundings – affecting stability, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. 

The 26 for 26 campaign invites church communities across Plymouth to step forward – not only to inspire individuals and families to consider fostering, but also to create practical, relational support around those who do. 

Foster carers will be supported through Plymouth City Council’s established package, including weekly allowances, council tax reductions, specialist training, therapeutic support, peer networks and respite options. Church networks will offer additional wraparound support such as practical help, emotional encouragement, meals, prayer, and community connection. 

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that children do best when they can stay close to the places and people they know. But at the moment, far too many Plymouth children are being placed miles away from their home city because we simply don’t have enough foster carers locally. That has a huge impact on everything from school stability to mental health to family relationships. 

“This partnership with the city’s churches is deeply welcome. Together, we are asking people right across Plymouth to consider whether they could open their home to a child who needs love, safety and belonging. With the right support around them, foster carers can transform a child’s life and there has never been a more important time to step forward.” 

James Grier, Bishop of Plymouth, said: “Over the years, I have worked with various young people and adults who for all sorts of different reasons have found themselves as part of the care system. Everyone of them, who has spent time with a foster family, has lit up when they have talked about that family and the difference they made in their lives.  

“Every child needs the experience and security of being part of a loving family. I think it is part of our mandate as church to make that a possibility for as many looked after children as possible. Here in Plymouth we would love to find 26 additional foster families for 2026. Hopefully this will just be the beginning of something so precious and transformational.” 

The campaign asks people across Plymouth to consider whether 2026 could be the year they explore fostering. Those interested are encouraged to register their interest online and they will be put in touch with a member of the Home for Good ‘Journeying and Family Care’ team. The team have first-hand experience as foster carers and are on hand to answer questions to help interested parties decide what the best next step might look like.  

No previous experience is needed – just a spare room, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a difference. Foster carers come from all walks of life, ages, family types and faith backgrounds. 

For more information about the campaign, go to: www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk or www.transformingplymouthtogether/26for26 

Police launch Plymouth waterfront campaign to protect marine wildlife

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police launch Plymouth waterfront campaign to protect marine wildlife

Operation Seabird flies into Plymouth to raise awareness around maritime and wildlife disturbance crime  

Plymouth was the beautiful setting for the latest Operation Seabird initiative which aims to educate the public about wildlife disturbance caused by recreational activities.

Earlier this month members of the Plymouth City Centre and Waterfront Neighbourhood Policing Team, with the support of Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, hosted the important initiative at the quayside.

Operation Seabird is a national campaign which aims to engage the public about the sensitivities of the coastline, and how simple changes in their behaviour near or in the water could reduce pressure on our unique wildlife.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Jessie Rapson-Blackler explained: “We were joined by the National Marine Aquarium, Devon Wildlife Trust, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and Sharks Trust, as well as the Ministry of Defence who came alongside in their vessel. We are all working together to raise awareness of our wonderful marine wildlife and how to share our home with them to minimise disruption and harm to them.

“We explained the role of a Wildlife Crime Officer to visitors on the day and the types of wildlife crimes that are often committed – often unknowingly. The event was well attended and we received good feedback from partner agencies – we hope to host another Plymouth Operation Seabird event in the summer with some additional exhibitors.”

Devon and Cornwall have some beautiful coastal areas and police are determined to make sure everyone can enjoy the water without nuisance behaviour which could harm wildlife.        

Targeted days of action take place at coastal areas and other stretches of water around the year to focus on the specific concerns regarding wildlife for that area. UK police forces have embraced this operation, working with the Marine Maritime Organisation (MMO) and the RSPCA in partnership with local nature partnerships and other conservation organisations.

To receive email updates about wildlife crime initiatives please sign up to Devon & Cornwall Community Messaging. You can find out more on the website Home Page – Devon and Cornwall Community Messaging 

Families and couples move into newly renovated Kingsbridge flats

South Hams District Council
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Families and couples move into newly renovated Kingsbridge flats

We’re helping to fight homelessness by adding nine flats in Kingsbridge to our growing stock of temporary accommodation.

The council has finished extensive renovation work to the Westville Flats after buying them two years ago, and the first occupants have now moved in.

The properties can accommodate a mixture of single people, couples and families, and there is also space for a Housing Officer who will provide support for people staying in the flats.

Cllr Denise O’Callaghan, South Hams Lead Member for Housing, said: “I am extremely proud of the work being done by our Housing team to add more temporary accommodation to our portfolio. This long-term investment will mean that we can temporarily house more people in clear need, all while lowering the costs of doing so, by avoiding expensive and often inappropriate B&B type accommodation.

“Housing is at the top of our political agenda here in the South Hams, and bringing the Westville Flats into use is an important step in strengthening the support we can offer local people who are facing housing difficulties. Having a dedicated officer based at the flats throughout the working week will also ensure guidance and support for those in need at what is often a very challenging time in their lives.

“These nine newly renovated homes will provide safe, good-quality temporary accommodation, helping residents stay close to their support networks, schools and work while we help them find a longer-term solution. 

“This is just the next step in our housing journey; we recently secured money from the fourth round of the government’s Local Authority Housing Fund, to help secure more temporary accommodation properties across the district. We now have 38 properties to help those in need.”

This project has been funded in partnership with Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority – helping our ambitions to tackle housing challenges that matter to our communities.

Housing is a key priority for South Hams District Council which is working hard to improve the area’s housing crisis, including keeping homes warm, supporting community-led housing schemes, and investing in more council homes.

Pink Champagne and Red Panda trees planted across West Devon borough

West Devon Borough Council
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Pink Champagne and Red Panda trees planted across West Devon borough

Beautiful new trees are now brightening public green spaces across the borough, thanks to a generous donation of 40 birch trees from Stone Lane Gardens.

Famous for its national collections of birch and alder trees, Stone Lane Gardens is a charity which opens its special Dartmoor edge woodland gardens to visitors, as well as selling some of its fantastic variety of Birch trees to customers.

Six different species were donated, all with equally evocative names including Himalayan Spirit, Moonbeam, Red Panda, Sacred Scroll and Pink Champagne. The colour of the stems ranging from brilliant white to pale pinks and deep reds.

The trees were planted by our Grounds Maintenance Team at six green sites around Tavistock, Okehampton and Princetown. As well as supporting pollinators and birds, the trees have been planted in locations where residents can enjoy their colour through the seasons, adding a little more interest to grassy areas within the urban environment.

West Devon Borough Council’s Cllr Chris West, Hub Lead for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “A big thank you to Stone Lane Gardens for their generous donation. This is the second time over five years that they have reached out to us and we are thrilled to plant more of their distinctive trees within our public green spaces. These species of Birch are ones typically only planted in arboretums or private gardens.

“The trees will bring interest and wildlife value to these small green spaces and will hopefully bring enjoyment to those who watch them grow in their new locations.”

Paul Bartlett, Garden Manager at Stone Lane Gardens, added: “It is great to see some of our trees planted within West Devon spaces. The trees are varied and special and will brighten the environment with their vibrant leaf and stem colours throughout the seasons.

“If you want to see our National Collection within a woodland setting, please visit us year-round just outside Chagford.”

Find out more at: https://stonelanegardens.com

Creepy crawlies and close encounters delight Lamerton pupils at zoo

Devon Today
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Creepy crawlies and close encounters delight Lamerton pupils at zoo

Hissing cockroaches, exotic reptiles and baby meerkats helped bring classroom learning to life as young pupils embarked on a wild day of discovery at Dartmoor Zoo.

Pupils from Class 1 at Lamerton Church of England Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, took part in an educational visit to the zoo where they enjoyed a range of hands-on activities and close-up animal encounters.

A highlight of the trip was a “Close Encounters” session led by zoo keeper Izzy, where children met a hissing cockroach and Mango, a blue-tongued skink.

Children from Lamerton Church of England Academy learn about animal habitats and species during their zoo visit.

During the session, pupils also explored different types of animal teeth and learned how their shapes relate to whether animals are carnivores, herbivores or omnivores.

Throughout the day, the children saw a range of animals including tarantulas, a cheetah, lynx, baby meerkats and zebras. The visit also included time at the zoo’s play facilities.

Staff at the school praised the pupils for their behaviour and enthusiasm during the trip.

The school also thanked Friends of Lamerton School for helping fund the visit.

Lamerton pupils meet exotic animals during an educational trip to Dartmoor Zoo.

Melody Sterry, headteacher at Lamerton Church of England Academy, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to bring their learning to life in a truly memorable way.

“The children were completely engaged throughout the day and showed great curiosity and enthusiasm, particularly during the ‘Close Encounters’ session.

“Experiences like this play such an important role in inspiring a love of learning and helping children make meaningful connections with the world around them.”

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive officer of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “We are committed to providing rich, real-world learning experiences for all our pupils, and this visit is a wonderful example of that in action.

“Opportunities to explore, ask questions and learn beyond the classroom help to build confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the curriculum.

“It is fantastic to see our children benefiting from such engaging and well-supported experiences.”

Police crack down on illegal e-bikes and scooters across South Devon

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police crack down on illegal e-bikes and scooters across South Devon

Police teams in South Devon have carried out an operation to target illegal e-bike and e-scooter use across communities.

The operation took place on 8 May with two illegal scooters seized in Torquay. The local Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team worked alongside a South Devon Neighbourhood Support Team to speak to riders to educate them about the relevant laws.  

Devon & Cornwall Police is responding to public concern and is sending out the message that risky behaviour by riders of these two wheelers will not be tolerated – riders must ensure they know the correct legislation. Illegal e-bikes and scooters can be seized and will be sent for crushing.

Sergeant Matt Gill explained: “Certain types of modified e-bikes are not legal for use on public roads or pavements and they pose a serious risk to pedestrians and other road users, as well as the rider.

“Some bikes have been modified to exceed speed limits and we are urging users to comply with the law and act responsibly when choosing their transport.

“We know that the public have concerns about e-scooters and e-bikes and want us to tackle this problem. Local police teams plan to arrange further operations of this type in the future.”

Police used both high visibility uniformed and plain clothes patrols during the recent  operation and a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) worked inside the Torbay Council CCTV operating room. This meant the officer could assist with co-ordinating sightings and movements of people using e- bikes and e-scooters.

This allowed police officers on the ground to close in on irresponsible riders and safely apprehend them.

Sgt Gill added: “Parents are often involved in the purchase of e-bikes or e-scooters as gifts and may not understand the correct legislation around their use. It is against the law to use a privately owned electric scooter on public land. If you use an electric scooter illegally you could face a fine, get penalty points on your licence and the scooter could be impounded

“If your electric bike does not meet the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) rules then it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped.”

Your bike is not an EAPC if it:

  • can be propelled at more than 15.5 miles per hour (mph) by the motor
  • has a continuous rated power output higher than 250 watts
  • does not have pedals that can propel it

If your electric bike is not an EAPC it must be registered and taxed.

You need to:

  • have a valid driving licence
  • wear a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards
  • insure your vehicle

Offenders who flout the rules face being prosecuted and issued with penalty points or a fine and may receive a criminal conviction. 

Please be aware of the law if you are considering buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or someone else. More information is available on the Devon & Cornwall Police website here Advice on e-scooter usage | Devon & Cornwall Police            

Devon and Cornwall are not included in the designated trial areas for e-scooters in the UK.

If you wish to report an incident please call 101 or contact the Force via our website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police 

Teen trampolinist flips his way to British Championships bronze medal

Devon Today
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Teen trampolinist flips his way to British Championships bronze medal

A Devon trampolinist has bounced his way onto the national podium after securing a bronze medal at the British Championships following a successful season of regional and national competition.

Zach, a student at The Ilfracombe Academy, claimed third place in the Cat 1 nine to 14 male trampoline event during the championships in Telford last month.

The pupil, whose school is part of Athena Learning Trust, rounded off the season with a series of titles and medals from competitions across the South West and beyond.

Among his achievements were gold at the South West Cat 1 DMT competition, the Inter-Regional Cat 1 DMT title, and silver at the Schools National trampoline event.

Zach said he enjoyed competing at the British Championships and performing in the same arena as elite gymnasts including Bryony Page and Zak Perzamanos.

Staff at The Ilfracombe Academy praised his consistency and commitment throughout the season, highlighting his progress in both trampoline and double mini trampoline disciplines.

Mr Steve Rogers, headteacher at The Ilfracombe Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of Zach’s achievements this season.

“His British Championships bronze medal is a fantastic result and is testament to his hard work and dedication over the past few years. He deserves all the success coming his way.”

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