Friday 15 August 2025
 Devon County Council calls on Government to address rural challenges
We are calling on the Government to recognise the unique challenges faced by rural areas in providing and funding essential services, including public transport.
The call follows a meeting between senior councillors and Stagecoach Managing Director Peter Knight this week, prompted by widespread concern over recent fare increases.
Last month, councillors were contacted by parents who said they and their children’s schools had been unaware of the significant fare changes until the day they took effect, affecting journeys home from school.
Councillors say they've received a significant volume of correspondence from residents across Devon, particularly families with children travelling to schools outside their catchment areas and post-16 students commuting to college.
At a meeting this week, Peter Knight told councillors that Stagecoach is committed to making some changes to improve affordability for certain travel zones as well as for young people.
He told them that he recognises the challenges for large rural counties in delivering services, not only for public transport but across all areas.
The parties agreed to work more closely together, and with Devon’s MPs, to press central government for fairer rural funding as a whole.
 Devon Employment Hubs ready to support young people on results day
As thousands of students across Devon received their A Level results this week or are due to receive their GCSE results next week, we are reminding young people that help is available – whatever their next steps may be.
Devon’s network of Employment Hubs and Youth Hubs offers free, friendly support to anyone aged 16 and over who is exploring options for work, training, or further education. Whether results day brings celebration or uncertainty, the hubs are here to help young people move forward with confidence.
 Dinan Way scheme in Exmouth making good progress
Work is progressing well on the extension of Dinan Way in Exmouth.
The scheme is connecting Dinan Way from its junction with Hulham Road to the A376 Exmouth Road.
Earthworks are continuing on the new link road and excavations have been carried out where the road will connect with Hulham Road. A new kerb line has been developed, and gullies and drainage have been installed, while diversion works for BT have also been completed.
We've been to Crediton and Cullompton this week talking to members of the public about the government's plans to reorganise local government structures.
The government wants to abolish County and District Councils, and instead have single unitary councils, some of them led by Mayors.
People we’ve spoken to this week have been interested in Exeter’s recently published proposal to be a unitary council, and what that would mean for the towns included and those not included. There are also wider concerns around the financial impact of local government reorganisation, and some cynicism as to whether their views will really be heard. What was very clear in our conversations was that people felt very lucky to live in these areas, and just wanted the best for residents in terms of transport, the environment, and schools.
We're asking the opinions of people right across Devon to help inform the proposal that we will submit to government in November. Ultimately, it will be the government's choice about what local government structure it sees fit.
Next week we're in Chudleigh Library, Monday 18 August, 10:30am - 12:30pm; Pannier Market, Tiverton, Tuesday 19 August, 9am - 3pm; and Ivybridge Market, Thursday 21 August, 9am - 11am.
Come along to learn more about what the changes could mean for your community, share your views in our quick survey and meet your local representatives and ask questions.
Our libraries have introduced hands-on LEGO® robotics and coding workshops for children.
The initiative, funded through the Library Improvement Fund from Arts Council England, brings LEGO® robotics and coding experiences to libraries in Exeter, Paignton, Newton Abbot, and Barnstaple.
People are being reminded that the lighting of fires on Dartmoor is illegal and are being asked not to use barbeques on the moor because of ongoing hot weather.
The call for vigilance comes from Dartmoor National Park Authority following a surge in incidents of fires and damage caused by barbeques, which are all impacting prime habitats and the wildlife they support.
Parents and carers of children aged two and three are being urged to get their flu vaccine this September.
Flu is a common infection in babies and young people, with children under five having the highest hospital admission rates compared to other age groups.
|
