Police leadership stabilized with Chief Constable Vaughan’s appointment and reopened offices, enhancing community access. Alison Hernandez: Optimism after Police Force Instability Period The last few months were tough for my office. A key task was restoring strong leadership to the Police. James Vaughan is the new Chief Constable. He will improve policing and deliver my…
Explore the tragic incidents at Torquay’s Marine Spa that ultimately led to its closure for ever. Torquay Marine Spa Tragedy Incidents Led to Its Permanent Closure Living Coasts sits on Beacon Quay now. Its future is uncertain right now. Old photos show the site’s past. It was the Torquay Marine Spa then. This was in…
Devon councils consider a ‘1-5-4’ plan, a local government shakeup, to potentially form three large unitary authorities. Devon Council Shake Up Plan The 1 5 4 Proposal Explained Devon might reorganize local government. This could be the biggest change in 50 years. The plan may create only three councils. Several Devon councils seem to agree…
An inquest revealed Gareth Evans likely fell from his houseboat in Tilehurst, drowning in the Thames. Alcohol was a factor. Reading Man: Gareth Evans Fell Overboard in River Thames, Inquest Hears Gareth Evans went missing. People began searching for him. He was last seen on his houseboat ‘Free Spirit’ in Tilehurst. A coroner spoke about…
Fire service needs £1m reserves, even after a maximum council tax hike to balance budget amid funding cuts. Fire Service Faces £1m Shortfall Despite Maximum Tax Rise The fire service gets money from council tax and wants to increase it by £5 per year. Band D properties would then pay £104.68 in 2025/26. Councilors from…
Inquest opens into the death of Marcin Wieczorek, 49, after remains were discovered at Chapman’s Pool in December. Inquest Begins After Body Found at Chapmans Pool Identified as Man Hey, something happened, and I wanted to tell you. They found Marcin Wieczorek’s body. It was at Chapman’s Pool on December 8, 2024. He was 49…
Council proposes £4 million to fix potholes and further support vulnerable children and homelessness services. Devon Council Considers £4 Million Road Repair Investment Devon may get more money for road repairs. Councillors approved budget ideas on February 14. The ruling Cabinet proposed extra funds for roads and want £4 million more in 2025/26. They might…
The Princess Royal will become president of the Devon County Show in 2025, replacing Michael Caines. Princess Royal Appointed President of the Devon County Show The Devon County Agricultural Association has a new president. Princess Royal will take the role in 2025. They announced this news last month at their yearly members’ meeting. The DCAA…
Paignton Zoo reopens with new wallabies Stripe and Pretty Boy, marking the return of the Wallaby Walkthrough this spring. Paignton Zoo Celebrates Reopening Welcoming New Wallabies Spring 2024 Paignton Zoo will feature an Aussie theme. Two new wallabies are joining the crew this spring. Stripes and Pretty Boy are the new wallabies. They mark the…
Local couples share their meet-cute stories from online connections to carnival crushes in North Devon. North Devon Shares Stories of Love this Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. The North Devon Gazette shared local love stories. Ruby, from Bideford, met Ben from Westleigh online. Mutual friends connected them. They…