Peter Cleasby

Peter Cleasby was a regular contributor to Exeter Observer for six and a half years from its April 2019 launch, becoming its transport correspondent in July 2022.

He was previously a civil servant who worked largely in policy development and business management across several government departments, ending up as a deputy director in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He subsequently freelanced as a policy, management and governance consultant and became a trustee of several national and local charities.

He is also a long-standing member of Exeter Green Party.

Stories by Peter Cleasby

Belluno Italian restaurant in Newton St Cyres

Home Office demands closure of local restaurant

The Home Office has asked Mid Devon District Council to revoke the premises licence at Belluno, an Italian restaurant in Newton St Cyres, effectively shutting down the business.

Great Western Railway plans to shut all ticket offices receive hostile reception

Great Western Railway plans to shut all its ticket offices by the end of next year, including those at Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s, have received a near-universally hostile reception.

Councillors threaten to “empty chair” Stagecoach South West managing director

Councillors are threatening to “empty chair” Stagecoach South West managing director Peter Knight after his absence from yet another meeting of the committee that oversees Exeter’s highways.

Exeter bus stuck in rush hour traffic

The road ahead for Stagecoach

Exeter’s bus services remain a topic of criticism, but when buses fail to turn up it’s too simplistic to blame the bus company. An interview with Stagecoach South West managing director Peter Knight helps explain why.

Exeter City Council 2022-23 councillors public meetings attendance bar chart

Alphington worst represented ward as councillor attendance at public meetings varies widely across city

Consistent commitment to participation in democratic decision-making by some councillors in contrast with poor attendance rates of others.

Rough sleeping at Exeter Guildhall

Devon County Council social care cuts target homelessness services

£1.5 million homelessness prevention service funding cut will make situation worse for people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness and is likely to cost more than it saves.

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