Stories that explore key issues behind the headlines
£900,000 to keep Magdalen Road one-way system despite decisive public support for low traffic street
County council misrepresented and omitted key public consultation findings in report and did not publish results until after decision taken in favour of option with only 18% public support. Exeter Observer snapshot survey finds 90%+ motor vehicles passing shops are through traffic.
Will Exeter College fence off Exwick community playing fields?
Exeter College redevelopment plans at Exwick and Flowerpot Playing Fields threaten a three metre fence around publicly-accessible playing fields and their replacement with artificial turf. Will it change course after widespread objections?
Labour councillors appointed to all thirteen city council committee chairs at annual meeting
Council leader falsely claims “overwhelming majority” voted Labour in Exeter local elections while circumvention of council decision-making scrutiny continues.
Greens take three seats from Labour so Progressive Group replaces Conservatives as official opposition
Conservative loss in Topsham among significant vote share changes in 2022 Exeter City Council elections suggesting city’s political landscape in flux.
