Exeter In Brief

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

Exeter Science Park appoints new CEO

Exeter Science Park has appointed a new chief executive to take over from Sally Basker, who will retire in June this year after more than nine years in the post.

1,250 people sign petition to save Little Exeter children’s play space from closure

More than 1,250 people have signed a petition to save Guildhall Shopping Centre children’s play space Little Exeter from closure.

Exeter St David’s rail lines to Barnstaple and Okehampton close for safety checks

Operators Network Rail and Great Western Railway have announced that the lines running from Exeter St David’s to Barnstaple and Okehampton will remain closed until further notice for safety checks following last week’s storms.

Ex-Reform UK county councillors Edward Hill and Angela Nash join far-right party

Two ex-Reform UK Devon county councillors have joined Advance UK, a far-right party launched in 2025 and led by former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib.

Devon & Cornwall Police council tax precept to rise by 5.2%

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and The Isles Of Scilly, says that a 2026-27 government funding shortfall has left her with “no choice” but to propose increasing the Devon & Cornwall Police council tax precept by 5.2% – the maximum permitted.

County Hall committee rejects Barnfield Road cycling and walking scheme

A Barnfield Road cycling and walking scheme has been rejected by the Exeter Highways and Traffic Order committee.

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