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28/01/2025
CALL FOR LOCAL BANDS TO PERFORM ON LYME REGIS SEAFRONT - 🎙️ 🎵 🎶
Lyme Regis Town Council is inviting local bands and solo artists to perform on the seafront this summer. A small budget is available to hire groups to entertain the public on Sunday afternoons between April and September at the Marine Parade Shelters.
Those interested can contact the council on 01297 445175 or email [email protected]
Residents are also encouraged to recommend their favourite local bands.
28/01/2025
FLOODS FORCE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CHARD SAINSBURY’S IN SOUTH SOMERSET - 💦
Report by Stephen Collier for News Advertiser newspapers
The Sainsbury’s Superstore on Hollywood Street in Chard has been temporarily closed due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall over the past few days.
Somerset Council has declared a major incident after storms Herminia and Eowyn brought intense flash flooding to the region. The fire service has attended at least 10 incidents involving vehicles stranded in floodwater.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson confirmed they are “working to reopen the store as quickly as possible.”
Chard and Ilminster were among the areas hardest hit by the storms, with residents and businesses left dealing with the aftermath.
( Photos: Sainsbury's & iStock Library 📸 )
27/01/2025
ILMINSTER FLOODED AS STORM ÉOWYN BRINGS CHAOS TO SOUTH SOMERSET - ⚠️ 🌧️
Report by Stephen Collier for Pulman's Weekly News
Heavy rainfall and fierce winds from Storm Éowyn wreaked havoc across South Somerset on Friday, leaving large parts of Ilminster submerged under floodwater.
A yellow weather warning from the Met Office came to force as areas such as Donyatt, Sea and Ilminster’s town centre near the Tesco petrol station were hit particularly hard.
Stranded vehicles and impassable roads were reported throughout the day, with Station Road and Donyatt among the worst affected.
Sea village was also significantly impacted, with multiple homes and properties sustaining damage.
The Minster Church in Ilminster opened its doors to offer shelter and support to those displaced or in need.
The flooding forced the closure of the A303 eastbound between the A358 at Horton Cross and the A356 near Crewkerne.
Travel Somerset issued a stark warning to motorists, saying, “There are reports of flooding on roads in Somerset, particularly in South Somerset and the Chard area. Please drive with caution, do not drive through flood water.”
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services confirmed they had received a high volume of calls throughout the day, responding to numerous emergencies across the region.
Local businesses also bore the brunt of the storm, including Lee’s in Ilminster and the Tesco petrol station, both of which were forced to close after floodwaters surged into their premises.
A spokesperson for Lee’s expressed gratitude to those who lent a hand during the crisis, saying, “Unfortunately, our shop has been affected by the flood this afternoon. Thank you so much to everyone that helped us clear the water and move our stock. We will keep you updated when we will next be open.”
The Minster Church in Ilminster has been providing vital aid to residents. A spokesperson for the church said, “If you have been affected by today’s flooding in Ilminster, for example, damage to property, unable to get home, and would welcome somewhere warm and dry to gather, please message us via our page, or text 07746 727002.”
Further updates on road conditions and recovery efforts are expected in the coming days.
( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )
25/01/2025
NATIONAL PRESS TITLE IN DISGRACE AS LOCAL NEWS REMAINS A BEACON OF TRUST - 📰 🗞️
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s legal battle with News Group Newspapers (NGN) continues to deepen as calls grow for further investigations into alleged misconduct by the media giant.
This past week, the Duke of Sussex settled his case against NGN, publishers of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, after the company admitted to unlawful activities, including a serious intrusion into his private life.
Despite this landmark settlement, campaigners supporting Harry’s fight for accountability believe this should only be the beginning of a wider reckoning for Rupert Murdoch's media company.
Campaigners, including prominent figures such as actor Hugh Grant and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, are now compiling a dossier of evidence to present to the Metropolitan Police. They hope to prompt a fresh criminal investigation into allegations of perjury and cover-ups by NGN executives.
It has been reported that, if the police fail to act, individuals may pursue private criminal prosecutions to ensure that justice is served.
Emma Jones, from the press abuse campaign group Hacked Off, said she hopes such drastic measures will not be necessary. “This surely is a matter for government and the police. If unlawful behaviour took place and the people did that, lied under oath, not just to the public but at the Leveson Inquiry and in a court case, what does that mean? The very worse that that means is that it is perjury, a criminal offence, we'd like the police to thoroughly investigate this.”
Hugh Grant, who himself settled a phone-hacking case against NGN, has joined those urging the police to act. He warned that the evidence against the company could potentially trigger a criminal inquiry.
Meanwhile, Chris Huhne, the former cabinet minister who also reached a settlement with NGN, wrote to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, criticising the force’s past handling of the phone-hacking scandal. He stated, “The Metropolitan Police have behaved appallingly. I would much prefer to see another police force deal with it because frankly, the Metropolitan Police have not covered themselves in glory in this whole thing.”
The campaigners’ efforts are bolstered by significant revelations. During pre-trial hearings, NGN admitted for the first time that unlawful activities were carried out by private investigators working for The Sun. This marked a significant departure from the company’s previous denials of wrongdoing at the paper.
Despite this admission, NGN continues to deny allegations of phone hacking and insists its journalists were not involved in criminality.
Lord Watson, who joined Prince Harry in the legal action, announced plans to submit the dossier of evidence to the Metropolitan Police. The file, which may take weeks to complete, reportedly includes material that was previously unavailable to investigators.
On Wednesday, the Met confirmed it was aware of the settlement and had requested transcripts from the pre-trial hearings. However, a spokesperson stated there were “no active investigations” into phone hacking or related matters.
The fallout from the phone-hacking scandal has significantly tarnished the reputation of NGN and raised questions about the ethical standards of the wider national press. Allegations of perjury, email deletions, and the destruction of evidence have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency within the UK’s media industry.
The Duke of Sussex’s perseverance in pursuing his legal claim has reignited discussions about press standards and the need for robust oversight of powerful media corporations.
While the reputation of the national press has been damaged by these scandals, local and regional journalism continues to hold an untarnished place in British mainstream media.
Unlike their national counterparts, local independent news publishers have maintained a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and integrity. These outlets play a crucial role in underpinning local democracy, holding power to account, and serving their communities with trustworthy reporting.
24/01/2025
CHARD HOWL OPEN MIC NIGHT AT JENNY'S CAFÉ AND BISTRO - 🎤
Report by Kelly Leonard for News Advertiser newspapers
Jenny's Café and Bistro is set to host an exciting event next week, promising a great evening for the local community. On Wednesday, January 29th, the venue will hold its 'HOWL Open Mic Night', inviting local musicians, poets, songwriters, comedians, and music enthusiasts to take part or enjoy the performances.
The event aims to bring the community together, with hopes of making it a monthly tradition if it receives enough support. Whether you're a performer or simply a fan of live entertainment, this is a night not to be missed.
Jenny's Café and Bistro looks forward to welcoming everyone on Wednesday evening for a lively celebration of local talent.
23/01/2025
FREE CLASSICAL CONCERT AT THE SHRUBBERY HOTEL, ILMINSTER - 🎻 🎵 🎶
Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
Music lovers in South Somerset are in for a treat this Sunday, 26th January, as the South West Baroque Orchestra will be performing a free classical concert at The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster.
Starting at 3.00pm, the concert promises to showcase the beauty of Baroque music, performed by the talented period instrument orchestra, which was founded in January 2022.
Known for its high standards, the orchestra is dedicated to bringing Early Music to regions that typically lack such performances. Members of the orchestra travel from across the South West, including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Bristol, and Gloucestershire, to come together and perform.
This special event, to be held at The Shrubbery Hotel on Station Road (TA19 9AR), offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy world-class music in the heart of Ilminster.
With free entry, it’s a perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon.
21/01/2025
STORM ÉOWYN TO BRING DANGEROUS WINDS TO THE SOUTH WEST - ⚠️ 🍃
Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
The Met Office has issued a stark warning as Storm Éowyn approaches, set to unleash dangerously strong winds across East Devon, South Somerset, and West Dorset on Friday, 24th January. With a yellow wind warning in place from midnight until 11.59pm, residents are being urged to prepare for significant disruption and potential danger to life.
The storm is expected to bring gusts of 50 - 60mph inland, reaching 60 - 70mph along coastal areas and hills, with the possibility of gusts up to 80mph in the most exposed regions.
These conditions pose serious risks, with flying debris, structural damage, and large waves threatening safety.
According to the Met Office, injuries and "danger to life" could result from airborne objects, while coastal areas may experience hazardous surges with waves and debris crashing onto sea fronts, roads, and properties.
Authorities are warning residents to prepare for various challenges as Storm Éowyn moves through the area.
Damage to buildings, including the loss of roof tiles, is anticipated, while power cuts are likely and could affect essential services such as mobile phone networks.
Transport networks are also expected to suffer, with road, rail, air, and ferry services facing potential delays or cancellations. Some roads and bridges may be forced to close, adding to the disruption.
Residents are advised to "take proactive steps" to minimise the storm's impact. Securing loose outdoor items that could become hazardous in high winds is essential, as is planning journeys with caution, checking road conditions or public transport updates in advance.
For those living along the coast, it is important to remain vigilant. Large breaking waves can sweep people off their feet even from the shore, while cliffside routes pose additional dangers. Met Office officials recommend keeping dogs on leads and avoiding potentially dangerous areas entirely.
The risk of power outages also highlights the need for preparation. Ensuring access to torches, batteries, and mobile phone power packs can make a significant difference in the event of prolonged electricity loss.
With the potential for weather warnings to escalate or change, the Met Office stresses the importance of staying informed as the storm approaches.
Checking forecasts regularly and remaining alert to updates will help communities stay safe during what could be a dangerous day for the South West region.
21/01/2025
GREGGS BAKERY RECALLS STEAK BAKES DUE TO MISLABELLING RISK - 🥧
Report by Duncan Williams for View From UK
Greggs has issued an urgent product recall after some of its two-pack Steak Bakes, sold exclusively at Iceland stores, were found to contain Sausage, Bean and Cheese Melts instead.
The mislabelling poses a potential health risk for people with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites, which are not listed on the label.
The affected products have a best-before date of 19th May 2025. Customers who have purchased these items are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to the Iceland store where it was bought for a full refund.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an Allergy Alert, warning customers about the potential risk. A spokesman for the FSA said, “Greggs is recalling the above product from customers and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.
“The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
“If you have bought the above product and have a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites, do not consume it. Instead, return it to your nearest Iceland store from where it was bought for a full refund.”
For further information, customers can contact Greggs’ Customer Care team on 08081 473 447 or via email at [email protected].
A spokesperson for Greggs added, “This two-pack product is exclusive to Iceland and therefore the recall is only applicable to product purchased from Iceland stores. No other products, date codes, or batches are affected.
“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Customers are urged to check their purchases carefully and follow the advice given to ensure their safety.
For updates on product recalls and food safety, visit the Food Standards Agency website.
( Photo: Getty Images 📸 )
18/01/2025
DOG OWNERS WARNED: BEWARE OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CHINESE TREATS LINKED TO ‘WEREWOLF SYNDROME’ - ⚠️ 🐕
Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
Dog owners are being urged to exercise caution when selecting chews for their pets after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a warning about treats imported from China.
Reports from the European Union (EU) suggest that certain chews may be linked to a rare and alarming condition in dogs, commonly referred to as "werewolf syndrome".
This condition has been associated with sudden and severe behavioural changes, including panic attacks, aggression, and uncontrollable howling or crying. In more severe cases, affected dogs have suffered from spasms, epileptic fits, and even death.
While no cases have been confirmed in the UK, the FSA has highlighted the possibility that some pet owners may have purchased these products online from international sellers.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, stated: “While there is no confirmed distribution of affected products to the UK, there is the possibility that some consumers may have purchased these online from international sellers. No unsafe dog chews have been identified but, based on international investigations so far, we are advising dog owners to avoid feeding the affected chews to dogs as a precaution. There is no evidence to suggest these products present any risk to human health.”
The affected products include specific chews under the Barkoo and Chrisco brands, with identified barcodes and expiry dates.
The FSA has advised dog owners to avoid using these chews and to seek veterinary advice immediately if their pet displays unusual symptoms after consumption. Providing detailed information about your dog’s diet, including any treats, is essential for diagnosis and care. Vets are also being urged to remain alert for signs of this condition and report suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
16/01/2025
AXMINSTER COMEDY CLUB TO LAUNCH WITH LAUGHTER-PACKED EVENT - 🎭 😆
Report by Kelly Leonard for Pulman's Weekly News
Axminster is gearing up for a night of laughter as the Axminster Comedy Club makes its debut at The Guildhall on Sunday, 23rd February. Promising a star-studded evening, the event will feature some of the finest talents in British comedy.
Headlining the show is the brilliant Jen Brister, known for her appearances on 'Live at the Apollo', 'Mock the Week', and 'QI'. Renowned for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Brister has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following for her bold and hilarious performances.
Opening the evening is rising comedy sensation Prakash Jirjadhun. With his sharp observational humour and natural charm, Jirjadhun is quickly becoming a favourite on the UK comedy circuit.
Ensuring a seamless night of non-stop laughs will be the experienced and charismatic MC, Tom Glover. Glover’s quick wit and engaging stage presence are sure to keep the audience entertained throughout.
The Axminster Comedy Club aims to bring top-tier stand-up comedy to the heart of East Devon, offering locals an unforgettable evening of entertainment. The event begins at 8.00pm, and tickets are available now on the Axminster Guildhall website.
Report by Duncan Williams for Experience: Lyme Regis
The much-loved town bus service in Lyme Regis, West Dorset, is set to make a welcome return, thanks to the efforts of the Town Council led by Mayor Philip Evans.
Following the withdrawal of funding at the end of August 2024, the council faced the closure of the service but resolved to "leave no stone unturned" in saving it. Mayor Evans, who pledged to explore all options in his mayoral acceptance speech, noted that some colleagues considered his ambitions overly optimistic.
However, the council’s determination has paid off. A 16-seater minibus will be purchased from a Wimborne company, with delivery expected in approximately eight weeks. Nine volunteer drivers are already eager to get behind the wheel.
Mayor Evans, who began his career as a junior journalist at Pulman’s Weekly News, highlighted the importance of the service, noting it provides more than just a way to "nip into town for a bit of shopping".
For many elderly and infirm residents, the bus is a lifeline and offers vital social interaction, with some passengers riding the full circuit for company.
The new service will initially operate three days a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - and is being celebrated as a significant achievement for the council.
By running its own bus service, the council will save taxpayers significant sums, avoiding the £100,000 annual cost of taking over the previous service.
The relaunch is just one of several ambitious projects planned by the council for 2025, showcasing its commitment to improving the quality of life for local residents.
15/01/2025
VOLUNTEERS TRANSFORM EAST DEVON THROUGH OVER 5,100 HOURS OF DEDICATION - 💚
Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
East Devon’s landscapes and biodiversity have flourished in 2024 thanks to the extraordinary efforts of 160 dedicated volunteers who contributed over 5,100 hours to conservation and site improvements across the district.
The East Devon District Council Countryside team recently celebrated these remarkable achievements during a festive gathering at Offwell Woods.
The event featured a walk through the scenic woods, a talk on local wildlife by countryside ranger Ben Morgan-Brown, and festive refreshments in the log cabin.
Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country, and environment, praised the volunteers’ impact. He said, “Our 160-strong team of countryside volunteers have made an incredible impact on East Devon’s landscape. Their dedication has boosted biodiversity, with protected species like dormice and bats found across our reserves. Their tireless efforts to reduce invasive species have restored vital habitats, and their commitment to public engagement ensures that both residents and visitors are inspired to help protect our outstanding environment.”
This year, volunteers have been instrumental in projects across East Devon. At Seaton Wetlands, the Tuesday Taskforce rebuilt the boardwalk at Colyford Common and created a new viewpoint for tramway arrivals.
Meanwhile, a volunteer recruitment drive bolstered the Discovery Hut team, allowing for extended opening hours.
In collaboration with the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, the East Devon Conservation Volunteers continued their work clearing invasive rhododendrons at Trinity Hill. They also launched new public engagement initiatives, including the Guide in the Hide event, which encourages community interaction with nature.
Countryside manager James Chubb expressed his gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts. He stated, “The dedication and hard work of our volunteers has been instrumental in protecting and enhancing our local countryside. This year, volunteers have dedicated over 5,100 hours to conservation and site improvements across East Devon, enabling the team to make a greater impact.”
Volunteers themselves reflected on the joys and rewards of their work. Lesley Clarke, a longstanding volunteer at the Seaton Wetlands Discovery Hut, said, “My husband and I have been volunteering at the Seaton Wetlands Discovery Hut for several years. We love sharing our enthusiasm for local wildlife with visitors, spending time in nature, and learning more from some of our regular visitors. If you enjoy meeting new people and have an interest in wildlife, I’d recommend finding out more about volunteering with the countryside team in 2025.”
The East Devon Countryside team is actively encouraging new volunteers to join their efforts in 2025. With opportunities to engage in conservation, habitat restoration, and community education, the team offers an enriching way to contribute to the environment.
To learn more about volunteering, contact the East Devon District Council Countryside team for information on how to get involved.
( Photo courtesy of East Devon District Council 📸 )
14/01/2025
BUNGALOW DESTROYED IN CREWKERNE INFERNO - 🔥 🚒
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
A devastating fire swept through a property in Crewkerne, Somerset, during the early hours of Sunday, 12th January, leaving a caravan, three vehicles, a garage, and a bungalow "totally destroyed".
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted around 1.40am after multiple 999 calls reported a caravan ablaze in a driveway.
What started as a single fire rapidly escalated as flames spread to the garage and roof space of the adjacent bungalow.
Fire crews from Yeovil, Chard, Crewkerne, and Martock were dispatched, initially with two fire engines.
However, as the situation worsened, three additional engines and an aerial ladder platform were deployed, making a total of five engines on-site to battle the blaze.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the caravan “well alight” and worked tirelessly using nine breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, two main jets, and two thermal imaging cameras to extinguish the fire. Despite their efforts, the blaze consumed the caravan, garage, and vehicles, as well as the bungalow.
Two individuals suffered from smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by paramedics. Thankfully, no further injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service commended the swift and coordinated response of their teams. “This was a significant incident requiring rapid escalation. Our thoughts are with the property owners during this difficult time.”
Locals have expressed shock at the extent of the damage, with many praising the bravery of the attending crews.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
( Photo: Pixabay 📸 )
12/01/2025
HOW THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY HELPED CHANGE THE CLOCKS IN ENGLAND - ⏰ 🚂
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Before the 19th century, timekeeping in England was far from standardised. Each town and city operated on its own 'Local Time', based on the sun’s position and calculated using sundials.
This lack of uniformity worked well enough in a pre-industrial world, where life moved at the pace of local communities. However, the arrival of the railway age - with its need for precise and synchronised schedules - exposed the flaws of this system, particularly in the West of England.
In the early 19th century, 'Local Time' varied significantly across Britain. For instance, 'Oxford Time' lagged five minutes behind 'Greenwich Time', 'Bristol Time' was ten minutes behind, and 'Exeter Time' trailed by a further four minutes.
For centuries, this lack of standardisation caused little concern. Public clocks were set to their locality, and life was governed by the rhythm of the sun.
However, the rise of the railway, particularly the Great Western Railway, demanded a more uniform approach to timekeeping. Trains needed to adhere to strict timetables to ensure safety and efficiency. But how could a network spanning multiple towns with varying local times achieve this?
In November 1840, the Great Western Railway tackled this problem by adopting 'London Time' - also known as 'Greenwich Mean Time' (GMT) - as its standard. This innovation, known as 'Railway Time', revolutionised scheduling across the network, ensuring passengers and goods could travel seamlessly.
At first, train guards carried the time from London’s Paddington Station to the rest of the system, but by 1855, telegraph technology allowed 'London Time' to be communicated instantly across the country.
However, this change was not universally welcomed. While 98% of towns and cities in Britain had embraced 'Railway Time' by 1855, resistance lingered, particularly in Exeter.
Exeter, the capital of Devon, became a battleground for the clash between tradition and modernity. The Dean of Exeter Cathedral staunchly resisted the imposition of 'London Time' on the city’s iconic clock. The cathedral clock continued to display 'Exeter Time', steadfastly 14 minutes behind GMT. As a compromise, an additional hand was added to the clock face to indicate 'London Time', allowing the public to observe both systems.
This defiance was not merely about timekeeping but also symbolised the tension between local autonomy and the growing influence of industrial networks like the railways. For many, adhering to 'Local Time' was a matter of pride and heritage. Exeter Cathedral’s decision to preserve local time, even in the face of growing national uniformity, reflected a reluctance to abandon centuries-old customs.
The resistance in Exeter and other towns demonstrated the challenges of achieving uniformity in an era of rapid technological change.
It wasn’t until 1880, with the passing of the Statutes (Definition of Time) Act, that 'London Time' was legally enforced across the United Kingdom. This act marked the final victory of standardised time over localised traditions, ensuring that the whole country operated within a single time zone.
The standardisation of time was not just a practical necessity for the railway but also a significant cultural shift. It marked the beginning of a more interconnected Britain, where regions like the West of England were no longer governed solely by the rhythms of their localities but by the broader demands of a nation.
The Great Western Railway’s adoption of 'Railway Time' paved the way for modern timekeeping systems, which we often take for granted today.
10/01/2025
EAST DEVON COULD FACE MAJOR SPLIT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHAKE-UP - 🗺️ 🖊️
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
East Devon may be merged into a new unitary authority under a proposal that has ignited significant debate among councillors and local residents.
Approved by East Devon District Council, the plan outlines a potential merger with Mid Devon, North Devon, Teignbridge, and Exeter to form a single authority. Meanwhile, a second unitary council would include Plymouth and potentially encompass Torbay, South Hams, West Devon, and Torridge.
The proposal, part of discussions sparked by the government’s devolution white paper, aims to streamline the current two-tier governance system in Devon, which divides responsibilities between the county council and district councils. Instead, unitary authorities would take charge of all services within their areas.
Cllr Paul Arnott (Liberal Democrat, Coly Valley) spoke about the intense discussions that have occurred since Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced plans for the biggest reform of local government in 50 years. Describing the process as a “blizzard of meetings”, he emphasised that East Devon’s proposal was an important and worthwhile contribution to the ongoing debate.
“We feel it was worth at least one of the councils who could be involved in the proposed unitary council that we would be in, putting the idea out there as a recommendation, as something to aim for,” Cllr Arnott said.
Questions were raised by Cllr Jess Bailey (Independent, Otter Valley) about whether the councils involved in the proposed merger had supported the idea. Cllr Arnott acknowledged that they had not formally endorsed the plan but noted that council leaders did have some preliminary “chats about it being possible”. He argued that East Devon, as the largest district involved, had a responsibility “to try and show that extra bit of leadership”.
Concerns have emerged regarding the potential creation of a larger unitary authority covering half of Devon. Critics have warned that such a body could be more distanced from local communities, potentially reducing the accessibility and responsiveness of services.
Questions have also been raised about whether the expected efficiencies, both financial and operational, could be achieved.
Cllr Brian Bailey (Conservative, Exmouth Littleham) expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach, stating that councils were being “dictated to”. While he acknowledged that the government was “elected fairly and squarely”, he criticised the white paper for its lack of focus on residents’ needs.
“In this white paper,” he explained, “there is no mention of residents or the lack of services. We need to get in the door and then alter the thinking of the creation process,” he said.
Further uncertainty to the debate was added to by comments from Jim McMahon, the minister for local government and devolution, who suggested that Exeter might be able to remain a standalone authority. Such a move could undermine East Devon’s proposal, which relies on Exeter’s inclusion to ensure viability.
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They are only here for a very short period of time, so here is a quick wander through the woodlands to spot the welcome smatterings of Bluebells amongst the greenery. 💙
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