Exeter In Brief

Exeter Observer's regular round-up of local news that matters

South West Water fined £2.15 million for environmental offences

South West Water has been fined £2.15 million and ordered to pay £280,000 costs after pleading guilty to thirteen environmental offences committed between July 2016 and August 2020 across Devon and Cornwall, the largest fine imposed for such offences in the region.

Cost of living data shows 6.6% real terms fall in Exeter wages

Cost of living data shows that Exeter wages fell in real terms by 6.6% over the year to March 2023, the biggest fall bar one of all 62 cities and large towns included in the Centre for Cities tracker.

Marsh Barton railway station opening date not set despite completed works

Works at Marsh Barton railway station are now complete but an opening date will not be set until regulatory approval for its use is granted.

Council leader “chooses” not to follow Local Government Association guidance

When asked at April’s meeting of Exeter City Council why it does not follow Local Government Association guidance which explicitly advises against the council leader and planning portfolio holder sitting on the planning committee to avoid conflict of interest risks, council leader Phil Bialyk said: “I choose not to follow the guidance”.

Labour canvassers leave voter details on garden wall

Dozens of postal voting forms completed with the names and addresses of Exeter voters have been left on a garden wall by local Labour election canvassers.

Four-day junior doctors strike at Royal Devon NHS Trust

Junior doctors at the Royal Devon NHS Trust are striking over pay from 11-15 April alongside British Medical Association colleagues across the country.

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