NEWS, ANALYSIS & COMMENT
Devon devolution deal to create unaccountable local government layer for paltry £16 million payoff
Democratic deficit to increase as city and district councils lose control over housing and prosperity funding and transport policy powers moved out of reach, while county council plans to approve deal irrespective of public consultation outcome. Full story here.
Access for all? Mobility-impaired passengers still cannot catch their train from some Exeter stations
National railway accessibility policies fail to deliver local transport network access as Exeter St Thomas station improvement funding bid decision awaited. Full story here.
£1+ million for Wonford community hub project development but £7 million build finance not yet found
City council presented £750,000 ‘feasibility proposal’ as progression of existing plans despite having to start again after three years to cut costs, with Exeter City Living awarded £550,000 project contract. Full story here.
Bus corridor consultation presents more incremental changes to Exeter road network
£2.4 million Heavitree and Pinhoe Road ‘upgrades’ have ‘potential for an approximate four-minute journey time saving’ at peak times along length of each corridor. Full story here.
ON OUR RADAR
Library Lates returns // Exeter Library
An evening of live music, creative workshops and games. Saturday 23 March. More details here.
Topsham Music Festival // Various venues
Three day event features instrumental music by upcoming professional solo and chamber ensemble artists. Friday 5 to Sunday 7 April. More details here.
St Petrock’s Big Night Out // Somewhere safe
Exeter homelessness charity invites people to sleep out under the stars, or in another safe location, to help raise money for rough sleepers. Friday 12 April. More details here.
City Slam // Exeter Phoenix
Exeter City of Literature, Taking the Mic and Spork! co-host a spoken-word poetry competition. Sunday 14 April. More details here.
Kidical Mass returns for 2024 // Southernhay
Kidical Mass Exeter is holding its seventh family bike ride as part of a month of global action to promote safe cycling routes for children, young people and families. Saturday 20 April. More details here.
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