Local News

South West drivers urged to prepare as national spring breakdowns rise 25% since 2022

National Highways is reminding drivers in the South West to carry out simple vehicle checks before travelling, as new figures show spring breakdowns on England’s motorways and major A-roads are 25.6% higher than in 2022.

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South West housebuilder donates £1,500 to local charity

A South West housebuilder is supporting a local charity with a generous donation.

Barratt Bristol, which is currently building a number of new housing developments across the region, has donated £1,500 to Jay’s Aim as part of its community chest fund.

The Newton Abbot based charity aims to raise awareness and support heart screenings for young people in the region to identify...

The SW's best-kept National Trust spots for a dog-friendly day out

The UK is home to hundreds of historic properties, woodlands and gardens cared for by the National Trust, many which are a great fail-safe for owners looking for spots to visit with their four-legged-friend. Out of the 426 dog-friendly locations, the main contenders offer access to most areas, clearly signed dog zones and some even provide dog-friendly experiences.

To make planning a...

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National Trust

dogs

walking

Days out

Yorkshire Building Society in Plymouth extends opening hours to support savers at tax year changeover

Colleagues at the Yorkshire Building Society branch in Plymouth are opening their doors on Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th April to help savers make the most of the last day of this tax year and the first weekend of the new tax year.

The branch, at 169 Armada Way, will be opening from 9am -12pm on both the Saturdays, for existing members and new customers looking to make the most of...

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yorkshire building society

Devon

Be inspired by new nature trail at The Donkey Sanctuary this spring

As the hedgerows and walkways start to fill with primroses The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon is bursting into spring, making it the perfect place for a family day out this Easter.

Alongside the friendly resident donkeys, The Donkey Sanctuary is also home to a host of native wildlife, and on the new nature-inspired trail, visitors will learn how they benefit the sanctuary herds...

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Sweet chestnut blight outbreak prompts swift action

Sweet chestnut blight has been confirmed in Devon, the Forestry Commission has said today (Thursday 26 March).

In response to the outbreak, the Forestry Commission has introduced restrictions on the movement of susceptible material in parts of South Devon from Thursday 2 April. These measures are designed to contain the disease and reduce the risk of further spread.

Sweet...

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Sweet chestnut blight

The cider press welcomes hunts cider for an Easter weekend takeover

Plymouth's favourite cider pub hosts a celebration of Devon's finest with live music, free samples, prize giveaways, and exclusive app offers.

Plymouth, April 2026 - The Cider Press, Plymouth's beloved cider-themed pub, is set to host an exciting Hunts Cider Takeover this Easter Weekend, bringing the very best of Devon's cider-making tradition to the heart of the city.

Taking...

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Hunts Cider

Devon

Devon Nursing Home Brings Smiles Through Learning

A recent session at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, based in Okehampton, brought team members together with a local professional, as Nicole from Torrington Dental Surgery led an informal talk focused on the importance of oral care.

Eight team members from across the home were invited to take part, including Care Assistants, Care Practitioners, House Leads and Registered Nurses. The mix of...

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Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Devon

Police praise Plymouth pubs-goers for saying no to drugs

A drug sniffer dog assisted police as part of a proactive operation to detect drugs in pubs in the city last week.

On Tuesday 10 March, Police drugs dog Jasper joined a team of 10 officers, police community support officers and special constables to search for drugs in Plymouth pubs.

The operation saw the team visit six pubs in the city, carrying out multiple searches....

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drugs police

Devon & Cornwall Police

police sniffer dog

Devon housebuilder receives green light for 126-home development

Local housebuilder set to bring 126 new homes to Tiverton

A local housebuilder has been given the green light for an exciting new development in Tiverton.

Work is set to begin at Barratt’s Blundell's Grange development with planning now officially granted for 124 private and affordable new homes.

Blundell’s Grange will comprise of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes from the award-winning developer, Barratt Homes, offering...

Bovey Castle deliver £350k investment in luxury lodges

Two luxury lodges on Dartmoor have undergone a £350,000 investment ahead of what is being tipped as a popular year for staycations, according to new research.

The two luxury self-catering lodges, which are part of five-star resort Bovey Castle, have undergone significant refurbishment to cater for up to eight people in each, and are now open for bookings.

It comes as a...

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Bovey Castle

lodges

Devon