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 is an accredited UK press card holder, a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the Society of Editors and holds a masters degree in Journalism with distinction at Birkbeck, University of London.

Stories by Martin Redfern
Exeter City Council community grants budgets bar chart

Council slashes community grants but splashes cash on paddling pools in contested wards

Exeter grants programme budget reduced from £425,000 to £15,000 leaving hundreds of grassroots groups out in the cold as the impact of borrowing takes its toll and council fails to consult on budget cuts despite auditor recommendation.

Kevin Mitchell nominated for Exeter Lord Mayor

Liberal Democrat councillor Kevin Mitchell has been nominated to become Exeter’s next Lord Mayor with the Green Party’s Tess Read as his deputy.

Weirfield House listed for sale

Exeter City Council has decided to sell Grade II listed Weirfield House in Larkbeare Road above the Port Royal public house on the open market.

Summerland Street “co-living” block public exhibition

A pre-application exhibition of plans for a 164-bed “co-living” block on Summerland Street will take place from 11am-4pm on Friday 3 March at the former windscreen repair business in the centre of the redevelopment site, which includes Yonk Asian Foods and Sai Kung supermarket.

Exeter City Living business plan deadline dropped

Instead of varying its Exeter City Living management agreement to allow the council-owned company to submit its 2023-24 business plan five months late – a fortnight after the financial year to which it applies begins – as agreed in January, the city council has now decided not to set a deadline for its submission at all.

Exeter City Council in session at Exeter Guildhall

Exeter City Council’s approach to decision-making is damaging local democracy

Separation of powers and transparency provisions intended to safeguard public interest being subverted while council defies auditor over loss-making company.

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