Police have confirmed that two members of staff at a Sidmouth care home have been arrested following a major Covid-19 outbreak resulting in the deaths of nine residents.

Anita Merritt www.devonlive.com 

A 57-year-old woman from Sidmouth and a 30-year-old man from Exeter have been arrested under suspicion of wilful neglect at Holmesley Care Home.

There have been nine deaths at the home since February 25, which are all believed to be related to the outbreak.

No other arrests are currently planned by police in relation to the ongoing enquiry.

The investigation is currently being led by Devon and Cornwall Police in partnership with a multi-agency safeguarding response in order to maintain safeguarding of those residents in the home.

As part of the police investigation, officers have been speaking to staff and conducted a search of the home.

Police previously confirmed the investigation was focusing on infection control and management within the home. It has not been related in any way to the vaccination of residents.

An inspection was carried out at the care home last month after concerns were raised with health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The outcome of its inspection is yet to be published.

Residents and staff had already received their first vaccination, and were reportedly due their second vaccination this weekend. It is the first Covid outbreak at the home.

The care home had 42 residents living there in September 2020, when it was inspected by the CQC. It received a focused but not full inspection, and was rated good for being safe and well-led.

It was the first inspection of the service since it was newly registered in August 2019. People living in the home, staff and most relatives praised the provider and management team for the improvements they had made.

They won’t challenge one another

Voters in the forthcoming Exeter City Council elections won’t be able to choose between Liberal Democrats or Green Party candidates in six areas after the two groups agreed not to stand against one another. 

Paul Nero www.radioexe.co.uk 

Elections for many seats on the city council are to be contested on Thursday 6 May. Right now, Exeter has two Lib Dems and one Green member, who together with a single independent councillor form a Gang of Four they call the Progressive Group.

Now the two parties have decided the best way to try to get more councillors elected is not to offer a choice to many of the electorate. It’s a tactic they hope will help them overtake the Conservatives to become the key opposition party on the council.

The Green Party will field candidates uncontested by a Liberal Democrat candidate in St David’s, Heavitree and Newtown and St Leonards wards. The Liberal Democrats will field candidates uncontested by the Green Party in Duryard and St James, Pennsylvania and St Thomas wards.

Councillor Diana Moore, for the Greens said: “The Progressive Group has proven that councillors from different parties and independents can work cooperatively together. We have worked hard to scrutinise the ruling Labour group and hold them to account.

“It is in the interests of the city, Exeter residents and the environment that we increase the number of Progressive Group councillors on Exeter City Council to provide a strong voice for local residents.”

The Lib Dems claim the Conservatives on the council don’t offer opposition to the Labour administration or challenge its policies. Liberal Democrat Councillor Kevin Mitchell, who leads the Progressive Group on the council said:  “The people of Exeter don’t want a one-party state they want a council that represents a variety of opinions and one that consults and listens to the variety of communities that make up contemporary Exeter.”

It could be argued the decision not to put up Green Party and Lib Democrat candidates is likely to reduce the variety of opinions that voters can select, but Exeter Liberal Democrats chairperson Cllr Michael Mitchell says their agreement offers voters the opportunity to ensure an effective opposition on the council.

They’re concerned that the Labour-controlled council has created too many non-accountable bodies. 

The pact doesn’t affect Devon County Council elections, which are on the same day. Both parties will field candidates in all areas in those elections on 6 May, so all voters will have the opportunity to vote for one of them.

Are you politically neutral, tactful, have respect for others and can consider complex information?

Full list of allocations under the “Welcome Back” fund can be found here. 

As for the “levelling up” fund – East Devon is in the bottom category 3. In this category “bids will still be considered for funding on their merits of deliverability, value for money and strategic fit, and could still be successful if they are of exceptionally high quality.”

Philippa Davies sidmouth.nub.news 

The Government has announced that East Devon District Council will receive £230,991 to prepare town centres and seaside resorts for the safe return of shoppers and tourists this summer.

It’s part of the Government’s £56 million Welcome Back Fund, being distributed to local authorities across England.

The money can be used to provide or improve outdoor areas for socialising, smarten up the streets and organise events such as festivals and markets to support local businesses.

The councils can also use any amount of the funding they receive to put together a bid for up to £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, to regenerate and improve town centres in their areas.

The Government’s website providing guidance on applying for money from the Levelling Up Fund indicates that council areas have been put into priority categories graded 1, 2 or 3, with category 1 ‘representing places with the highest levels of identified need’.

East Devon is in category 3.

The website says: “While preference will be given to bids from higher priority areas, the bandings do not represent eligibility criteria, nor the amount or number of bids a place can submit.

“Bids from categories 2 and 3 will still be considered for funding on their merits of deliverability, value for money and strategic fit, and could still be successful if they are of exceptionally high quality.”

When is a “nightclub” not a nightclub? – Owl

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

Exmouth’s new waterfront beach bar and restaurant ‘won’t be a nightclub’ developers have confirmed – after fears were raised following their licensing application.

Mickey’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, which will be run by celebrity chef Michael Caines, has asked for a premises licence until 2.30am every day.

It had raised some concerns that they were planning to turn it into a nightclub, but developers Grenadier have confirmed that this is not the case.

A spokesman said: “I can confirm that this will not be a nightclub, it will be a restaurant and bar as outlined in past communications. Michael and his team are working closely with local authorities, including East Devon District Council, the police force, and Fire Brigade, to ensure they align with any noise limitations.”

The licensing application, submitted to East Devon District Council, asks for permission for live music until 11pm, recorded music until 2am, and the supply of alcohol until 11pm outside and 2am inside.

Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant will run alongside Sylvain Peltier and Michael’s Café Patisserie Glacerie as part of the Exmouth seafront regeneration project.

The project will incorporate a casual bar complete with resident weekend DJs, first floor destination restaurant with a glasshouse and outdoor terraces alongside neighbouring Café Patisserie Glacerie which will serve serve artisan pastries and ice-creams.

The opening hours will change with the seasons. Summer will see Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week across each of the various outlets.

During the cooler months, breakfast will be served on weekends only with lunch and dinner available daily throughout the week.

Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant in Exmouth

Mr Caines had previously said: “Mickeys will be a place to celebrate, to unwind, to pop-in for a takeaway or stay late into the night, underpinned by warm hospitality and excellent food.

“It is a space for the local community and beyond, above all its place of fun. I’m incredibly excited to be able to share more over the coming months as we approach the opening.”

Along with the bar and restaurant, and the new Watersports centre at Exmouth, Grenadier is building a new £175,000 ramp to provide visitors with immediate and easy access from the walkway above to the beach.

The ramp, which will be made from a mixture of sustainable FSC-certified timber, concrete, and steel, will be installed in front of the Sideshore development.

Currently there are various stairways from the walkway onto the beach, but the new ramp will enable all visitors to access the beach step-free and provide visitors with limited ability or those carrying sports equipment to access the beach safely and with ease.

At 3-metres wide and 25 meters in length, the ramp will provide much-needed access to the beach for those who may currently struggle to use the staircases. Sideshore itself has disability access to ensure as many visitors to the centre as possible can access the new space safely.

Construction work for the new ramp is scheduled to commence on May 4, and is expected to be completed before the end of June 2021. The timing of the construction of the ramp is important as to not disturb migratory birds over-wintering in the local area.

During the works, a small, contained area of the beach and walkway will be separated from the public with access to the beach still permitted via the existing staircases. The cycle route beside the beach promenade will be redirected around the back of Sideshore, and pedestrians will be provided direct access across the promenade through Sideshore, safely away from construction.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Property Director, Grenadier, added: “The new ramp is a great investment for Exmouth as it will provide safe, easy, and step-free access to the beach for visitors.”

Voters will go to the polls across Devon on May 6 after the notice of elections have been published.

Owl believes that the “Purdah” (pre-election period)  should start now.

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

The Government had previously confirmed that the May 6 elections would be going ahead as scheduled, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

And now, with the notice of elections published, the full list of what residents across the county will be asked to cast their vote for – subject to candidates standing – can be revealed.

Elections will take place for all 60 seats on Devon County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, he delayed 2020 local elections in Exeter and Plymouth, by-elections in East Devon, South Hams, Mid Devon, Torbay and Exeter, Neighbourhood Plan referendums, and for various vacant parish and town council seats.

If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

For anyone wishing to stand, nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the Deputy Returning Officer for the relevant Council area no later than 4pm on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

The publication of statement of persons nominated for any elections that are to be contested will be published no later than 4pm on Friday, April 9, 2021.

Below is a list of all the elections that will take place, subject to multiple candidates standing.

DEVON, CORNWALL AND THE ISLES OF SCILLY

Everyone in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will also have the chance to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for the region.

That election will take place on Thursday, May 6, and Alison Hernandez, the incumbent, has already been re-selected as the Conservative candidate to continue in her post.

The election Police and Crime Commissioner for the region would normally serve a four year term, but will instead only serve a three year term to ensure the return to the usual electoral cycle.

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL

Everyone in Devon also have the chance to elect their representative(s) for Devon County Council for the next four years.

The 2021 Devon County Council elections scheduled for Thursday, May 6, 2021, will take place as usual.

The entirety of the 60-strong council will be up for re-election, with 56 ‘single-member’ Electoral Divisions and 2 ‘two-member’ Divisions’.

The current composition of the council consists of 42 Conservatives, 7 Labour, 6 Liberal Democrats, 2 Independents, 1 Green Party, 1 East Devon Alliance and 1 North Devon Liberal.

All elected councillors will serve their usual four year term upon their election.

The seats that will be contested are:

Axminster (1 vacancy)

Broadclyst (2)

Exmouth (2)

Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Coastal (2)

Feniton and Honiton (1)

Otter Valley (1)

Seaton and Colyton (1)

Sidmouth (1)

Whimple and Blackdown (1)

Alphinton and Cowick (1)

Duryard and Pennsylvania (1)

Exwick and St Thomas (1)

Heavitree and Whipton Barton (1)

Pinhoe and Mincinglake (1)

St David’s and Haven Banks (1)

St Sidwell’s and St James (1)

Wearside and Topsham (1)

Wonford and St Loyes (1)

Crediton (1)

Creedy, Taw and Mid Exe (1)

Cullompton and Bradninch (1)

Tiverton East (1)

Tiverton West (1)

Willand and Uffculme (1)

Barnstaple North (1)

Barnstaple South (1)

Braunton Rural (1)

Chulmleigh and Landkey (1)

Combe Martin Rural (1)

Fremington Rural (1)

Ilfracombe (1)

South Molton (1)

Bickleigh and Wembury (1)

Dartmouth and Marldon (1)

Ivybridge (1)

Kingsbridge (1)

Salcombe (1)

South Brent and Yealmpton (1)

Totnes and Dartington (1)

Ashburton and Buckfastleigh (1)

Bovey Rural (1)

Chudleigh and Teign Valley (1)

Dawlish (1)

Exminster and Haldon (1)

Ipplepen and The Kerswells (1)

Kingsteignton and Teign Estuary (1)

Newton Abbot North (1)

Newton Abbot South (1)

Teignmouth (1)

Bideford East (1)

Bideford West and Hartland (1)

Holsworthy Rural (1)

Northam (1)

Torrington Rural (1)

Hatherleigh and Chagford (1)

Okehampton Rural (1)

Tavistock (1)

Yelverton Rural (1)

EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

A by-election will take place in the Whimple & Rockbeare Ward on May 6 following the resignation of Cllr Kathy McLachlan.

The current composition of the council is Conservative (20), East Devon Alliance (13), Independents (16) Liberal Democrats (8), Green Party (2), and one seat vacant, with the council run by a coalition of the EDA, Lib Dems, Greens and some Independents

EXETER CITY COUNCIL

The delayed 2020 Exeter City Council elections due on May 7, 2020 will take place on May 6, 2021.

Each elected councillor would normally be appointed for a four year term, with a third of the 39 seats contested each year (one seat per ward).

The 13 candidates whose seats will be up for grabs are those who gained the most votes in the 2016 elections, with Labour defending 10 seats, the Conservatives two, and Independents one, but the newly elected councillors will instead only serve a three year term to ensure the return to the usual electoral cycle.

Voters in the Mincinglake and Whipton will elected two councillors – with the person receiving the most votes serving a three year term and the runner-up a one year term – with a by-election also taking place following the death of a serving councillor.

The current make-up of the council is Labour (27), Conservative (6), Liberal Democrat (2), Independent (2), Green Party (1), Vacant (1), with Labour needing to win three of the 14 seats up for grabs to retain control of the council.

MID DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Three by-elections for seats on Mid Devon District Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the deaths of two serving councillors and the resignation of a third.

Voters in the Castle, Taw and Westexe wards will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.

The current composition of the council is Conservative (17), Liberal Democrats (11), Independent (9), Green Party (2), with three vacant seats.

NORTH DEVON COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL

One by-election for a seat on South Hams District Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the death of a serving councillor.

Voters in the Ivybridge West ward will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.

The by-election will determine the official status of the council, with the death of Cllr David May meaning that the Conservative’s majority was lost with the council back under no overall control, although the Conservatives are still the ruling party.

The current composition of the council is Conservatives (15), Liberal Democrats (10), Independent (3), Green (2), and vacant (1)

TEIGNBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

TORBAY COUNCIL

One by-election for a seat on Torbay Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the death of a serving councillor.

Voters in the Clifton-with-Maidenway ward will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.

The current composition of Torbay Council is Conservative (14), Liberal Democrats (11) and Independents (10), with one seat vacant.

TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

WEST DEVON BOROUGH COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS

Colyton (2 vacancies)

Exmouth Town (1)

Exmouth Littleham (1)

Honiton St Michaels (5)

Honiton St Pauls (4)

Lympstone (7)

Newton Poppleford (Harpford) (1)

Sidmouth East (1)

Sidmouth Salcombe Regis (1)

Sidmouth South (2)

Lapford (2)

Tiverton Castle (1)

Tiverton Lowman (2)

Tiverton Westexe (1)

Berrynarbor (1)

Combe Martin (1)

Lynton and Lynmouth (2)

Ilfracombe West (1)

Dartmouth Clifton (5)

Dartmouth Townstal (1)

Modbury (1)

Stoke Gabriel (3)

Marldon (2)

Chudleigh (3)

Newton Abbot Bradley (1)

Teignmouth Central (1)

Teignmouth West (1)

Holsworthy (2)

Lamerton (5)

Sampford Courtenay (2)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN REFERENDUMS

Farringdon

Otterton

Newton Poppleford

Cullompton

Aveton Gifford

South Huish

Strete

Kingswear

Kingston

Great Torrington

Winkleigh

Highampton

North Tawton

“So why does this have such astonishing viewing figures? I think it is because it addresses the comment I so often hear about many aspects of public life: “It’s all bent isn’t it, but what can you do?”

A view from EDDC Leader, Paul Arnott. Midweek Herald, 24 March

Every time a new series of Line of Duty comes round, someone calls me up and says, “I hadn’t noticed before – he’s called Steve Arnott; same surname as you. What do you think about that?” Actually, it feels a bit odd, and for many reasons.

Firstly, although I have been called Arnott for the last 59 years, it is not the name I was born with; it is my adoptive name. I was actually called Rory Brennan for a month until my adoption was formalised, although I didn’t know that for another 35 years.

So “Arnott” has always felt like a bit of a trading name, so to speak. It is a pretty rare surname too, and if I meet another one they are often quite excited and I feel I disappoint them. There is a family tree for my Arnotts stretching back into deepest Hertfordshire on my dad’s side but in Ireland Brennans spring up all over the country like Smiths here.

My lot are from Counties Carlow and Galway, and the name also turns up as one of Ireland’s leading bread brands. Of more cultural importance, Bishop Brennan is the appalling, fornicating priest in Father Ted who makes Ted and Dougal’s life hell, until they find a videotape of him, his mistress and his son on holiday in California.

The social effect of this depiction of Bishop Brennan in mid-90s Ireland was seismic. It began to loosen the vice-like grip of the priest on the hearts and minds of young Ireland, which has since gone from what was once described as priest-ridden to more or less agnostic – the most free-thinking place in Europe – in under two decades. Meanwhile, to add to the confusion, the greatest department store in Ireland is called Arnotts, who sponsored all the teams my Irish family members have supported all their lives.

Which brings me back to Steve Arnott on Line of Duty, where there is another level of complexity. The brilliant actor playing him, Martin Crompston, actually has a broad Scottish accent, yet his estuary English is impeccable, a truly great performance.

Over the last five series, while Arnott has proved himself to be utterly incorruptible, the pressures upon him have been extraordinary. Quite often, he discovers that the most senior officer in the story is as bent as a nine bob note. Usually, that senior officer knows that Arnott is on to him and does all he can to take him down.

Favoured techniques include either destroying evidence, or presenting it in such an inverted way that Arnott stands accused of the very things the senior officer is guilty of. And of course the senior officer can depend on a shadowy support group of those who have much to lose, including their liberty, if Arnott and his associates cannot be stopped by fair means or foul.

So why does this have such astonishing viewing figures? I think it is because it addresses the comment I so often hear about many aspects of public life: “It’s all bent isn’t it, but what can you do?”

Well, what author Jed Mercurio has done is show that you can stop corruption in any aspect of public life, but this requires three things. First, never back down. Second, know every detail better than the bent senior officer. Third, never take your eye off who else has so much to lose if justice prevails. And perhaps one more, don’t let the ambitious fellow travellers swimming in your wake betting on both sides get you down.

British people get all that; they just hadn’t seen it portrayed so brilliantly in a television drama before. Amazingly, the most popular scenes are the up to half hour long interrogations, with viewers hooked on every fragment of new evidence. With a wised-up population like that there is hope we can rid public life of corruption, wherever we live.