EXETER IN BRIEF
In this edition of The Exeter Digest we are reintroducing Exeter in Brief, a short news section to keep you abreast of all the local news that matters. It first appeared in #22 back in January 2023 and ran for eleven issues.
This section also now appears on the Exeter Observer home page and below every story, where it will be updated regularly before distribution in each edition of The Exeter Digest. Feedback or comments would be welcome: just hit reply and let us know what you think.
Exeter Science Park appoints new CEO
Exeter Science Park has appointed a new chief executive to take over from Sally Basker, who will retire in June this year after more than nine years in the post. More here.
1,250 people sign petition to save Little Exeter children’s play space from closure
More than 1,250 people have signed a petition to save Guildhall Shopping Centre children’s play space Little Exeter from closure. More here.
Exeter St David’s rail lines to Barnstaple and Okehampton close for safety checks
Operators Network Rail and Great Western Railway have announced that the lines running from Exeter St David’s to Barnstaple and Okehampton will remain closed until further notice for safety checks following last week’s storms. More here.
Ex-Reform UK county councillors Edward Hill and Angela Nash join far-right party
Two ex-Reform UK Devon county councillors have joined Advance UK, a far-right party launched in 2025 and led by former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib. More here.
Devon & Cornwall Police council tax precept to rise by 5.2%
Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and The Isles Of Scilly, says that a 2026-27 government funding shortfall has left her with ‘no choice’ but to propose increasing the Devon & Cornwall Police council tax precept by 5.2% – the maximum permitted. More here.
County Hall committee rejects Barnfield Road cycling and walking scheme
A Barnfield Road cycling and walking scheme has been rejected by the Exeter Highways and Traffic Order committee. More here.
Devon County Council confirms plan to sell 1.5 acre Matford huts County Hall plot for redevelopment
Devon County Council has confirmed it intends to dispose of a 1.5 acre plot in the grounds of County Hall despite the submission of 180 objections in two rounds of public consultation. More here.
Royal Clarence Hotel redevelopment to go ahead without affordable housing
Exeter City Council has accepted extensive historic fabric damage and foregone a £2.4 million affordable housing contribution to enable the redevelopment of the Royal Clarence Hotel site as luxury flats and commercial space. More here.
ON OUR RADAR
Fundraiser for Sudan // Exwick Community Centre
Dance, drumming and mask-making workshop to raise funds for charities working in Sudan. More details here.
Exeter History Book Festival // Mint Methodist Church Centre
One-day event with talks from four Devon historians and stalls from local heritage organisations. More details here.
Isca Ensemble chamber concert // St David’s Church
An evening of Mozart and Beethoven with violin soloist Joel Munday. More details here.
St Thomas Repair Café // St Thomas Church Hall
New community-run initiative with skilled volunteers offering repairs to clothing, jewellery, electronics, toys and more. More details here.
Exeter Seed Swap 2026 // Positive Light Projects
Fourth annual event includes hands-on activities, soil testing and over 5,000 packets of seeds to share. More details here.
BELOW THE FOLD
Exeter City Council leader Phil Bialyk hides behind flimsy CEO capacity claims to contrive local elections cancellation
Labour councillors plumb new depths to cling to power – and personal financial gain – as government-backed contempt for democracy enables seven of eight executive members to avoid ballots in their wards until council abolition in 2028. Read the full story here.
Exeter Rugby Group reports £10.3 million losses as Exeter Chiefs seeks new investor
Losses include £6.2 million loan write-off associated with Sandy Park Hotel owned by club chairman Tony Rowe. Read more here.
