Friday 6 March 2026
A major three‑year restoration project at Stover Country Park has now been completed, and the public are invited to help celebrate this weekend, (Sunday 8 March).
The Restoring Stover Park Project has seen more than £4.2 million invested in the park. Half of the funding came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the remainder provided by Devon County Council and a range of partners.
 Head of Inclusion and Learning, Jack Newton, talks to pupils from Isca Academy
We welcomed student leaders from Isca Academy to County Hall for an insight‑rich visit centred around meeting and challenging the senior officers and councillors responsible for shaping services for children and families across Devon.
A report published this week sets out proposals to complete a new off‑road walking, wheeling and cycling route between Exeter and Cranbrook. The report, to go before our Cabinet next week, asks councillors to consider approving the construction of the Mosshayne to Cranbrook section of the Exeter to Cranbrook cycle route.
As the world marks International Women’s Day this Sunday, 8 March 2026, we are celebrating the significant contribution of women across our organisation in every team and every service, every day. We spoke to the Chair of our council, Councillor Caroline Leaver, about the significance of the day.
Councillor Paul Arnott, our Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Water Quality, responded this week to South West Water’s guilty plea to supplying water unfit for human consumption after a parasitic outbreak.
“That failure of responsibility has damaged public trust and shows why stronger reform of our water system is urgently needed," he said.
Councillors will discuss a report next week setting out how a new national Crisis and Resilience Fund could be delivered in Devon from Spring 2026. The new fund, provided by Government, will replace the current Household Support Fund, which is due to end in this year.
Public consultation about Dryden Road, Exeter, was temporarily paused this week, but quickly reopened this morning. The pause was to allow further discussion and clarification about the proposals. The consultation now continues, with no change to the consultation options or materials.
Care‑experienced young people in Devon are being given valuable opportunities to build confidence, gain real‑world experience and take their first steps into employment.
We set out proposals this week to improve short breaks support for disabled children and young people. Short breaks provide opportunities for disabled children and young people to take part in activities, build independence and social skills, while giving families a break from caring responsibilities. The proposals will be discussed by our Cabinet next week.
New figures released to mark National No Smoking Day next week (Wednesday 11 March) shows that more than 100,000 people in the South West quit smoking in 2025.
Recycling in England is set to increase, thanks to new Simpler Recycling reforms set out by UK government. The reforms introduce new requirements over a period of time, with the latest set of rules helping households recycle more from home.
 Thinking about fostering? Want to find out more?
Fostering Devon is hosting an event on Friday 20 March to encourage more people to consider becoming foster carers. With 810 children currently in care in Devon, there is an urgent need for more safe and supportive homes.
Attendees will hear directly from experienced foster carers during an open questions and answers session, where they will share honest insight into the rewards and challenges of fostering. The event will also feature interactive workshops.
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