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£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

Devon launches new SEND communication standard for families

Devon County Council
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Devon launches new SEND communication standard for families

Devon County Council’s SEND Operations team has launched its new communication and relationship standard. The standard sets clear expectations for how the service communicates with children, young people and their families, and will be implemented across day‑to‑day practice from April.

The standard aims to make the service’s commitment to families more transparent, offering a more predictable experience through early contact, timely responses and clear, accessible information during Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plan amendments. This includes making an initial contact to understand family views, responding within five working days, providing short written summaries after conversations and keeping families updated if staff changes occur.

As part of the launch, teams spent the day exploring how to make communication clearer, calmer and easier to follow. They revisited the Four Cornerstones – Welcome and Care; Value and Include; Communicate; Work in Partnership – and discussed how these principles should shape every interaction with families.

Parent Carer Partners attended the event and supported discussions on the real‑life experiences of families, helping ensure the standard reflects what matters most to them.

Claire Merchant‑Jones, Head of SEND Operations at Devon County Council, said: “Families have been clear about what helps: being heard, timely updates, clear next steps and respectful conversations. This new standard brings those expectations together so that, from April, our communication is more consistent and easier to navigate for everyone.”

Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for SEND, said: “It was inspiring to be part of today’s session and to see so much honest, thoughtful work going into improving communication with families. The new standard sets out a clear commitment to children, young people and parents about what they can expect from us, and it reflects the values we want to see across SEND in Devon. I’m particularly pleased to see Parent Carer Partners fully involved in shaping this work, ensuring the voices of families sit at the heart of how we move forward. It is clear that there is an absolute desire within the team for a system reset, a culture change, and a need for transparent and honest communication.”

Families can continue to share their experiences through the Four Cornerstones survey to help monitor impact and guide further improvements.  

Devon council teams in running for major UK awards

Devon County Council
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Devon council teams in running for major UK awards

We have been shortlisted for two categories at the 2026 MJ Awards, the national awards programme recognising excellence across local government.

The council has been named a finalist for Finance Team of the Year and for its People and Culture team’s achievements in Workforce Optimisation in Children’s Services. Winners will be announced at the ceremony in London on Friday 19 June.

We have been shortlisted for our work following two years of focused action to stabilise and strengthen our social care teams.

A new People Strategy and tailored recruitment and retention plan sharply reduced reliance on temporary staff and created a sustainable pipeline of permanent social workers.

Improvements in leadership, induction, supervision and wellbeing have contributed to more consistent practice and better experiences for children and families.

The nomination for Finance Team of the Year reflects a far‑reaching transformation of our financial management, driven by the replacement of our 30‑year‑old finance system.

Delivered in just 18 months, the upgrade became the foundation for wider organisational change – strengthening governance, improving data transparency and reshaping our approach to financial stewardship.

The finance and public value team redesigned our chart of accounts, simplified financial structures and introduced new digital workspaces to give budget holders clearer, faster access to financial information.

A disciplined “adopt not adapt” approach ensured processes were modernised to reflect best practice. Collaboration was central to the programme’s success, with finance staff working closely alongside ICT and service teams across the organisation.

Despite major in‑year financial pressures, strengthened planning and interventions helped us close the year in balance and deliver our accounts on time with a clean audit opinion.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said: “These shortlists reflect the relentless work of our teams to strengthen services for residents – improving the foundations of how we manage public money and putting children at the heart of our priorities.”

Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Public finance is about trust: trust in the numbers, trust in the advice, and trust that decisions serve communities’ long‑term interests. This team has shown that finance is a leadership discipline – investing in stronger systems, better information and honest conversations that protect services and rebuild confidence.”

Chief Executive Donna Manson added: “This recognition is a real milestone in our improvement journey. It reflects the commitment, resilience and professionalism of our staff across the organisation. We have asked a great deal of our teams as we’ve modernised systems, strengthened practice and built a more stable workforce, and they have consistently stepped up. Being shortlisted for these awards shows how far we have come – and reinforces our determination to keep improving for the people of Devon.”

Pupils plant trees with Chris Packham in rewilding drive

Devon Today
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Pupils plant trees with Chris Packham in rewilding drive

School pupils swapped the classroom for muddy boots and spades as they joined naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham for a hands-on rewilding project, helping plant hundreds of trees aimed at restoring wildlife habitats.

Thirteen pupils from East Allington Primary School, part of Education South West, travelled to a rewilding site near Launceston during the half-term break. They were accompanied by their class teacher Lisa Howells.

The visit took place at a 50-acre site at Downicary, which has been purchased by Eco Talk, a mobile service provider that reinvests its profits into rewilding initiatives and biodiversity enhancement projects across the UK.

Downicary is one of several locations where Eco Talk is working to restore habitats and create new opportunities for wildlife to thrive.

The pupils were welcomed by Chris Packham before taking part in an educational session delivered by the Woodland Trust.

Chris Packham joins pupils at East Alington Primary School
Chris Packham joins pupils at East Alington Primary School
Chris Packham joins pupils at East Alington Primary School
Chris Packham joins pupils at East Alington Primary School

Armed with new knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm, the children then began planting alder, aspen and willow trees in the wet ground near the riverbank.

Over time, the trees are expected to establish wet meadow and riverside habitats, providing shelter and food for insects, birds and other wildlife.

Projects such as this aim to help address England’s status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world by restoring biodiversity and supporting greener landscapes.

The pupils were praised for their hard work and positive attitude, impressing Woodland Trust staff and even appearing on BBC television during the event.

In total, around 200 trees were planted during the day.

Liam Fielding, executive headteacher at East Allington Primary School, said: “This was a truly memorable experience for our pupils.

“Working alongside Chris Packham and the Woodland Trust team brought classroom learning to life and empowered our children to see that they can make a real difference to the natural world.”

Matthew Shanks, chief executive officer of Education South West, said: “We are incredibly proud of the pupils from East Allington Primary for the way they embraced this opportunity.

“Experiences like this connect children with the natural world and give them the knowledge and sense of responsibility to shape a more sustainable future.

“Working alongside Chris Packham and national partners demonstrates the power of collaboration in inspiring the next generation to care for and protect our environment.”

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