Ofwat launches enforcement investigation into South West Water leakage reporting
Martin Redfern
Industry regulator Ofwat has launched an enforcement investigation into South West Water leakage performance reporting, the accuracy of which has been in doubt following a November 2022 Ofwat assessment of the company’s progress in this area.
Everything else is public relations
Exeter Observer is owned and funded by its readers instead of remote shareholders or individuals beholden to corporate advertisers or those in power.
This means we are free to focus on local news that matters instead of reproducing content marketing clickbait, press releases or public relations spin.
It is our paying subscribers who enable us to cover stories that the people and organisations we scrutinise would rather you did not see.
We need more of our readers to contribute to our running costs so we can keep publishing our independent investigative journalism.
142 of the 300 paying subscribers we need to break even have signed up so far.
Please help us reach our goal by joining them today from less than £2/week.
Haven Banks retail park use extended as controversial build-to-rent development not expected in next five years
Bowling alley expansion and padel tennis facility to replace temporary evangelical church use of existing buildings as redevelopment decision notice still not published two years after Exeter City Council approved ultra-high density scheme.
Labour and Conservative councillors join forces to block Exeter city centre antisocial behaviour initiative
Rejection of voluntary and community sector calls for more inclusive response follows thirteen-year council failure to comply with legal duties under crime and disorder legislation in relation to Exeter Community Safety Partnership.
Five-day hospital doctors strike follows failed talks on pay and training provision
British Medical Association calls thirteenth round of industrial action in ongoing dispute with the government.
Exeter homeless death rate highest among English cities featured in annual Museum of Homelessness campaign charity report
21 people died while homeless in Exeter in 2024, nearly three times as many as previous year, but council says nothing despite report publication during city homeless awareness week.
Heavitree Road police station student accommodation and “co-living” scheme consultation extended
Developers revise application for full planning permission for 813-bed seven-block complex submitted in May as similar proposals proliferate across city centre.
Unique retro games arcade to create new Sidwell Street venue after long search
Boneyard arcade seeking permission to change use of empty Brighthouse retail unit after making way for “co-living” block at previous Red Lion Lane location.
On Our Radar
EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY
Exeter Stories
In-depth audio interviews with individuals from organisations and initiatives across the city.
PODCAST
SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2025
Sacred and Profane
Medieval music with Steve Tyler, Marco Cannavò and Katy Marchant.
ST NICHOLAS PRIORY
SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2025
Winter Fore Street Flea
Market selling vintage items, handmade craft, food and drink with live music from local artists returns for a winter edition.
