Leigh Curtis is deputy editor of Exeter Observer and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.
She writes most of our community and culture stories and contributes to news, features and investigations.
Leigh holds a degree in Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London. She leads on design and marketing and also manages our finances and administration.
She is an accredited UK press card holder and a member of the National Union of Journalists.
Stories by Leigh Curtis
MONDAY 9 TO SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2025
Art Week Exeter 2025
Festival returns with exhibitions, film screenings, talks, workshops, performances, social events and an art car boot sale.
EXETER CITY CENTRE
Supreme Court rejects Dartmoor landowners’ attempt to prevent wild camping on their land
Judges unanimously dismiss appeal by Alexander and Diana Darwall against 2023 ruling upholding Dartmoor Commons Act as campaigners call for enhanced public rights to access nature pledged by Labour when still in opposition.
Ofsted finds Devon County Council children’s services remain “inadequate” with rating unchanged since 2020
Inspection report highlights “serious weaknesses” that are “leaving children at risk of harm” as failings echo poor Special Educational Needs & Disabilities provision.
Mid Devon District Council mischarged 2,865 social housing tenants £15.5 million in rent over twenty years
Housing regulator identifies “serious failings” in application of rent standard as council discovers dozens of evictions in which “rent arrears were the sole, or contributory factor”.
Dartmoor National Park warns of continued high fire risk after wildfire destroys 1,230 acres of moorland
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service took nearly 24 hours to extinguish bank holiday weekend blaze that followed warning of uncontrolled moorland fire risk.
24 hour year-round Sidwell Street “adult gaming centre” allowed at appeal
Planning inspector finds no evidence that “increase in crime and disorder” or “serious detrimental impacts on the health of local residents” would result from change of use from restaurant and takeaway unit.
