Martin Redfern

Martin Redfern is editor of Exeter Observer and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.

He writes many of our news stories and features, leads on investigations and maintains the Exeter Observer website.

Martin holds a masters degree in Journalism with distinction at Birkbeck, University of London.

He is an accredited UK press card holder and a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the Society of Editors.

Stories by Martin Redfern

Ofwat launches enforcement investigation into South West Water leakage reporting

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.

University of Exeter students 2001-2023 Freedom Of Information Act responses vs published Full-Time Equivalent numbers line chart

University comes clean on true Exeter campus student numbers over past two decades

Figures obtained under Freedom of Information Act confirm between 7,500 and 12,000 more students based in city each year than university numbers suggest – until this year – with major implications for council planning policy.

Exeter City Council annual meeting

Labour councillors again appointed to all thirteen committee chairs at annual council meeting

Council leader finally quits planning committee alongside other remaining Executive member but persists with secret board that enables scrutiny evasion.

University invites views on future of Lower Hoopern Valley

The University of Exeter is inviting local residents to express their views on the future of Lower Hoopern Valley.

Peninsula Transport publishes South West decarbonisation strategy

Peninsula Transport has published a South West transport decarbonisation strategy which hopes to reduce the 4.4 million tCO2e of greenhouse gas emissions the region’s transport currently generates each year.

Summerland Street “co-living” block plans submitted

An application to construct a 167-bed seven storey co-living block in Summerland Street is expected to reignite controversy around Exeter City Council allowing the use of its land to provide “student accommodation in all but name”.

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