Friday 10 October 2025
More than 1,600 primary school children from across Devon got ‘Farmwise’ on Tuesday and saw for themselves where our food comes from and how it’s made. It’s the 13th time this annual event at Westpoint has been held and the event is a collaboration between us, South West Norse, Devon County Agricultural Association, and Mole Valley Farmers and takes place at Westpoint.
We are preparing to reshape our library services to better suit the changing habits of its users, and from November residents will be asked for their ideas and views.
At our cabinet meeting on Wednesday (October 8) councillors gave the greenlight to launch an extensive and detailed 12-week public consultation.
The aim of the consultation will be to gather residents’ views on how libraries should adapt and evolve to meet changing needs and financial pressures.
Senior councillors at Devon County Council have welcomed a major new report from the County Councils Network (CCN), which warns that breaking up county councils into smaller unitary authorities could seriously harm the delivery of essential care services. The report, Local Government Reorganisation: Analysing the Impact on People Services, provides strong evidence that larger councils are better equipped to deliver high-quality adult social care, children’s services, and support for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It highlights risks including increased costs, reduced service quality, and challenges in recruiting senior care staff.
Both our cabinet member and director of Public Health in Devon have expressed ‘significant concerns’ following reports yesterday that the Government is considering extending the licencing hours of pubs into the early hours in a bid to boost economic growth. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, our cabinet member for Public Health and Steve Brown the service’s director say if the extension was enacted it would significantly impact on the authority’s work to reduce the harm caused by drinking.
Next week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week. Hate crime is a topic recently discussed by our Councillors. They agreed to adopt a motion that reflects the council's shared values and our determination to protect and celebrate the diversity of our communities. Our Chair, Councillor Caroline Leaver, and Councillor Syed Jusef, local Member for Barnstaple North, have written to Devon newspapers to put forward the council's statement.
Our Cabinet this week have approved a new Brighter Futures Action Plan, 2025 to 2028, to help young people move confidently into education, employment or training. The plan sets out how the council will work together with partners over the next three years to support young people aged 16 to 25, with a particular focus on care-experienced young people, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and others who may be struggling to find their way into further learning, training or employment.
 Cranbrook Aerial view Still Imaging
Exciting plans for a new family-focused community space in Devon’s youngest town have been given the green light. Approved by our Cabinet this week, the new space would bring children’s services and public health nursing together under one roof, making it easier for families to get the support they need, all in one welcoming place.
Exeter residents will be asked for their views on the Dryden Road traffic scheme in the New Year, with the response to help determine its future. The consultation will gather information to help to find a solution to local traffic concerns while still offering safe, attractive routes for people to walk and cycle on Dryden Road, Bovemoors Lane and the surrounding area.
 It’s Flood Action Week next week – are you prepared?
We are supporting and empowering communities across the county by raising awareness of flood risk, and promoting practical steps that will help residents feel more confident and prepared for flooding. As climate change continues to bring more frequent and intense rainfall, flooding remains a serious threat to people, property, and livelihoods across England.
 Supporting mental wellbeing across Devon
World Mental Health Day is today (Friday 10 October). Find ways to boost your mental wellbeing while also making the most of all the great opportunities Devon has to offer. The five ways to wellbeing are small simple steps you can take to help build resilience, feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. They’re also all good for the planet!
 Former company director jailed for fraud
An ‘arrogant and greedy’ former director of a company that supplied mobility aids and furniture to the elderly and vulnerable has been jailed for 15 months after being prosecuted for fraud. In a case brought by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, Peter Kitson, 64, of Elizabeth Close Henley On Thames, was also banned from being a director of a company.
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