TOP STORIES
Clueless Exeter cultural strategy fails to address challenges facing city’s “increasingly untenable” creative sector
Survey inviting feedback on city council word salad arrives two years late, following second UK City of Culture bid failure, with delivery plan outsourced to secretive, unelected sub-committee. Read more here.
South West Water fined £1.85 million over Brixham drinking water offences
Sentencing in second case awaited, scope of third legal action expanded and Devon County Council announces desire to pursue company through courts on same day Pennon Group reports £135 million underlying pre-tax profits in 2025-26. Read more here.
Police and crime commissioner seeks views on Devon & Cornwall Police south west regional policing reforms merger
Government white paper proposes England and Wales National Police Service and creation of as few as ten ‘super-forces’ overseeing newly-defined local policing areas. Read more here.
Exeter City Council criticised for submitting AI-generated planning application text
Heritage statement in support of covering crumbling concrete Exeter Corn Exchange windows with advertising hoardings included content from 2013 article about Bourne Corn Exchange 195 miles away in Lincolnshire. Read more here.
Exeter Civic Society promotes new vision for North Street in response to Mary Arches “co-living” redevelopment
Proposals for improved road layout and public realm including pavement-widening, tree-planting and seating areas follow nine-month collaboration with local stakeholders. Read more here.
EXETER IN BRIEF
Devon & Cornwall Police underperforming in three-quarters of areas inspected
An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services has found that Devon & Cornwall Police is underperforming in six of the eight areas it assessed, a decline in performance compared with its previous assessment. More here.
Devon County Council reverses proposed library cuts
Devon County Council has reversed its proposed library services funding cuts, which were expected to reduce core library opening hours by 30%, following significant public opposition to its plans. More here.
ON OUR RADAR
Exeter Refugee Week // Exeter city centre
Refugee Support Devon celebrates annual event with a film screening, radio programme and live performance alongside month-long fundraising campaign. More details here.
Budleigh Music Festival // Budleigh Salterton
Annual event returns with classical concerts, musical workshops and a tribute to Hilary Mantel. More details here.
The Considerate Society // Exeter Custom House
Six artist and community-led gatherings convened by Art Work Exeter to examine civic life and more. More details here.
BELOW THE FOLD
Phil Bialyk clings to Exeter City Council leadership with too few Labour councillors to fill executive seats
Green Party call for “co-operative council” to “put people before politics” ignored despite opposition councillors holding balance of power. Read more here.
