A section of the A3052 just outside Newton Poppleford at the bottom of Four Elms Hill is currently closed as contractors work to fix the broken section of pipe. The road is closed both ways and a diverson is in place until at least Thursday.

As from around 2.30pm on Tuesday (September 24), delays are being reported through Newton Poppleford and towards Sidmouth on the A3052.

South West Water said: “We are working hard to fix a burst water main on the A3052 in Harpford, Sidmouth and are using tankers to keep customers in supply until this is fixed.

“We have had to close the road to carry out the work safely and we aim to reopen it on Thursday once the burst is fixed and the road is reinstated. A diversion route is in place.”

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

25 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Major fire broke out at Greendale recycling centre near Exeter yesterday

A major fire broke out overnight near Exeter. Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service received multiple calls following reports of a fire at a recycling centre within Greendale Business Park.

Shania King-Soyza www.devonlive.com – yesterday

The fire is said to have broken out around 1.23 am and was ongoing this morning. Three fire engines were initially sent out and once at the scene, crews confirmed efforts were being made to gain entry to the premises due to smoke issuing from the building.

Due to the number of appliances attending, an Incident Command Unit from Honiton and a further two supporting officers were also sent. An additional two water bowsers were then needed from Torquay and Danes Castle fire stations.

The fire within the building measures approximately 30m x 40m. Emergency services have been contacted for further information.

A full statement from the fire service read: “Fire control received a couple of calls to a fire at a recycling centre within Greendale Business Park, Exeter.

“Fire control immediately mobilised 3 fire appliances from Middlemoor and Clyst St George, 1 Aerial Ladder Platform from Danes Castle and a supporting officer.

“Once on scene crews confirmed efforts were being made to gain entry to premise due to smoke issuing from the building. Crews were using 2 Breathing Apparatus, 1 Hose Reel Jet and a Thermal Imaging Camera.

“Control received an assistance message from the incident ground requesting a further 2 fire appliances. These were both mobilised from Danes Castle. Due to the number of appliances attending, an Incident Command Unit from Honiton a further 2 supporting officers were also sent.

“A further assistance message was passed to control requesting the attendance of a water bowser, this was mobilised from Torquay. Shortly after, a second water bowser was required, this was mobilised from Danes Castle fire station.”

Update at 06:30 [yesterday] – 4 relief appliances from Exmouth, Sidmouth, Crediton and Bovey Tracey are now in place. Specialist officers at the incident have liaised with local businesses downwind of incident to support local business continuity.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

25 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Comments

1 Comment

Winter fuel payment recipients in 2023-24 by parliamentary constituency

The number of winter payment recipients in 2023/24 ranges from 30K to 6K, a ratio of 5:1

None of the ten constituencies with the highest number of winter fuel payment recipients last year are currently represented by Labour MPs. Conversely, all bar one of the constituencies with the lowest number of recipients are represented by Labour MPs

Honiton and Sidmouth is the Devon constituency with the highest number at 27.8K. It also ranks sixth highest in the country. Plymouth Sutton & Devonport.has the lowest at 14.5K, just over half the number.

Note constituencies must now have an electorate within 5% of the ‘electoral quota’ – now set at 73,393 registered voters – with just a few exceptions.

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Here is a list of the number of people who received the winter fuel payment during the winter of 2023/24 in each parliamentary constituency in Britain.

The figures have been published by the Department for Work & Pensions.

The list is ordered by the number of recipients in each constituency, starting with the highest.

The name of the political party that currently represents each constituency is given in brackets.

Top Ten winter fuel recipients last year

Clacton (Reform) 30,109

Christchurch (Con) 28,941

Dorset West (Lib Dems) 28,934

Louth & Horncastle (Con) 28,385

Norfolk North (Lib Dems) 28,251

Honiton & Sidmouth (Lib Dems) 27,774

Shropshire South (Con) 27,489

Bexhill & Battle (Con) 27,483

Bognor Regis & Littlehampton (Con) 27,479

New Forest West (Con) 27,052

Remaining Devon constituencies in descending order

Torridge & Tavistock (Con) 26,478

Devon South (Lib Dems) 25,829

Tiverton & Minehead (Lib Dems) 25,246

Torbay (Lib Dems) 24,896

Devon North (Lib Dems) 24,481

Newton Abbot (Lib Dems) 24,267

Devon Central (Con) 23,948

Devon South West (Con) 23,423

Exmouth & Exeter East (Con) 22,981

Plymouth Moor View (Lab) 19,230

Exeter (Lab) 15,398

Plymouth Sutton & Devonport (Lab) 14,472

Bottom ten constituencies with least recipients last year

Stratford & Bow (Lab) 8,250

Clapham & Brixton Hill (Lab) 7,903

Leeds Central & Headingley (Lab) 7,792

Bristol Central (Green) 7,576

Bermondsey & Old Southwark (Lab) 7,514

Bethnal Green & Stepney (Lab) 7,506

Sheffield Central (Lab) 7,180

Poplar & Limehouse (Lab) 6,658

Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Lab) 6,367

Manchester Rusholme (Lab) 6,241

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

23 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

David Reed MP says we have built at scale without proper, joined up thinking around infrastructure.

He goes on to urge people to engage with the consultation process with East Devon District Council.

He’s right but here’s how got into this mess.

It’s pure coincidence that last week Owl drew attention, once again, to the role played by Karime Hassan in facilitating the “build, build, build” strategy of the Tory EDDC administrations from 2005 to their collapse in 2020 – see Revolving Doors.

Owl remembers Paul Diviani, alongside the faithful Philip Skinner, as the architect and driving force behind this strategy. It resulted in the current Local Plan having a development target of 950 houses/year, based on an aggressive “jobs led policy on” scenario. Where studies showed only around 580 houses/year would be required to satisfy purely demographic and normal migration growth trends.

This is an uplift of 370 or 64% on what is strictly necessary and is the target that the current EDDC coalition has inherited and the basis on which the government thinks reasonable to set its own growth strategy.

On infrastructure, especially provision of sewage treatment, the problem local authorities have is that, although they are the planning authority, they can’t successfully defend an appeal against planning rejection unless supported by the Environment Agency (e.g. phosphate levels in the Axe) or South West Water.

SWW rarely claim they can’t put in the required resources – indeed promised new capacity for Cranbrook.

David Reed MP text of facebook post six days ago

I am not against home building. Of course we need more homes for the next generation so that they can live near their friends, family and work.

However, we have built at scale in #ExmouthandExeterEast without proper, joined up thinking around infrastructure and the usage of local services.

The fact that people in Cranbrook are only just getting a supermarket, after years of campaigning, is shameful.

We must not put local people in this position again, so please do engage with the consultation process with East Devon District Council.

From my perspective, if new infrastructure and local services are not baked into the planning from the start, I will be strongly pushing back against this proposal.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

23 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Honiton and Sidmouth MP joins forces on Wellington and Cullompton station campaign

The two MPs for Honiton and Sidmouth (Richard Foord) and Taunton and Wellington (Gideon Amos) are pressing the case for a new railway station at Wellington and Cullompton.

Adam Manning www.midweekherald.co.uk

Gideon Amos and Richard Foord met with the Minister for Rail, Lord Peter Hendy, at his office on September 19, to discuss the Wellington and Cullompton Stations Campaign.

In a joint statement after the meeting, the two MPs said: “We presented a detailed and evidenced case for the project, based on the jobs, housing and growth which would come to the area as a result.

“In response, the Minister listened carefully and was encouraged with the progress made to date and with the initiative taken by the local councils who contributed all the initial funding to get the project off the ground in the first place.

“The Minister promised he would progress the current review of new station and railway projects urgently, and we will continue to push at the highest levels for the reopening of Wellington and Cullompton at every opportunity we get.”

Lord Hendy, formerly chair of Network Rail, told the meeting that the review of projects had been launched because the previous Conservative administration ran up unfunded promises to reopen railways which had created a £2.9billion projected overspend in the Department for Transport alone in the current financial year.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves assured Mr Amos in Parliament in July that the project “will go ahead”.

But announcing a review the next day, Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh said: “Communities up and down the country have been given hope for new transport infrastructure, with no plans or funds to deliver them.

“I am determined that we build the transport infrastructure to drive economic growth and opportunity in every part of the country and to deliver value for money for taxpayers.

“That ambition requires a fundamental reset to how we approach capital projects – with public trust, industry confidence and government integrity at its heart.”

Following today’s meeting Mr Amos added: “I’m determined we see the Wellington station project, first proposed in the House of Commons by my Lib Dem predecessor Jeremy Browne, successfully completed.

“Richard and I will now be working with our respective councils to maximise support for the project and the Minster has agreed to hear further representations from us on this before the review is complete.”

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

22 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

David Reed MP recently met Ofwat……is he on the same page as his constituents?

No mention of the preparations to mount a legal case, Exmouth v SWW, or the Town Council invitation to the Secretary of State for the Environment to visit the town.

Are we going to hear what he achieved?

Nice photo though. – Owl

Text of facebook post:

David Reed MP

I recently met with leaders from the water regulator, OfWat.

To get the sewage network upgrades we so desperately need across #ExmouthandExeterEast will take a whole team effort, and coordinated action.

Only by working with the regulator, the Environment Agency and bringing together every layer of local government will there be sufficient pressure on South West Water.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

21 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Is it just a matter of optics?

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

21 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Green light for Devon and Torbay Combined Authority – Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal

Devon and Torbay’s proposal to create a Combined County Authority has been given the green light by the new Government, the two councils confirmed today, Thursday 19 September.

www.devontorbaydeal.org.uk

A decision by the previous Government, to establish the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA), was deferred in June pending the General Election in July.

Establishing the CCA is legally required to assume responsibility for new funds and powers transferred by Government from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay.

Devon and Torbay’s final proposal for the CCA followed a widespread consultation that drew responses from a cross-section of organisations including Devon’s District councils, Town and Parish councils, and representatives from the business, education and skills, housing, transportation, health service providers and voluntary sectors.

Last month, the two Leaders of Devon County Council and Torbay Council initially wrote to the new Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State (SoS) for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, asking the Government for a meeting to discuss the proposal.

And now, the Government has confirmed that the Devon and Torbay proposal, first submitted to Government in May 2024, is officially back on track.

It’s hoped that with draft regulations to create the CCA to be made this Autumn, the Devon and Torbay CCA could hold its first meeting early in the New Year.

The CCA will deliver the devolution deal – a whole raft of powers, responsibilities, and funding, devolved to Devon and Torbay from Whitehall – and will enable important decisions to be made locally on local priorities such as jobs and skills, housing, and the environment.

With potential for the range of devolved powers to expand, the current proposals would see the new body having direct control of adult education to create up to 50,000 new training and retraining opportunities by 2030.

Through Local Skills Improvement Plans, the proposed CCA will work with business and education leaders to create a stronger, joined-up relationship between employers and schools, colleges and universities to provide the skilled workforce the local economy needs for the future.

The Government has re-confirmed the transfer of £16 million capital funding to invest in new green jobs, homes, skills, and business growth and accelerate Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy, capitalising on the area’s world-leading expertise in green science and technology.

The Government is offering a stronger partnership with Homes England, capitalising on the Affordable Housing Programme and Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund to create a joint action plan for affordable housing schemes for local people and reduce homelessness. The proposal includes additional land assembly and compulsory purchase powers and would facilitate greater Community Land Trust-led delivery.

On transport, the proposed Deal builds on Devon County Council and Torbay Councils’ long history of working together on local transport planning. The proposed Deal will strengthen this joined-up approach with Devon and Torbay working as equal partners on a CCA and improving the efficiency and co-ordination of public transport. There is an ambition to introduce a single ticketing system for travellers and investment in services to provide greater access to public transport.

The CCA would be responsible for working with Devon County Council, Torbay Council, District Councils and the business and education sectors to support high growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, marine engineering, defence, photonics and digital. One of the first tasks of the CCA would be to agree a Local Growth Plan working with the private sector which set out clear priorities and an investment plan.

There will also be close collaboration and productive joint working between the CCA and Police and Crime Commissioner.

Councillor James McInnes, Leader of Devon County Council, said:

“After a short pause for the General Election, I’m delighted that the new Government has now considered our joint proposal for the CCA and has confirmed its intention to progress with it.

“Devolving powers and funding will enable the partnership to make a real difference to people’s lives in ways that matter.

“We look forward to working with our District Council colleagues as part of a Team Devon Joint Committee, alongside representatives from our Town and Parish councils and two national parks. The Joint Committee will formalise the partnership that we already have with Team Devon colleagues, to support joint working in a number of areas, including economic development, housing and the environment.

“This is the starting point, and a new relationship with central Government. Our ambition is to deepen the deal as we go forward.

“The door, of course, is still very much open for Plymouth City Council to be in the partnership, and we will continue to work closely with them as we move forward.”

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said:

“It’s fantastic news that we can now move forward with the creation of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority.

“This Devolution Deal will give us and our residents and businesses a stronger voice with Government. It really does give us the opportunity to influence those policies that affect the lives of those that live in Torbay and Devon. Working together – as councils and with the Government and our stakeholders – is key to us meeting our ambitions.”

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

20 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

“Lessons needed to be learned from Cranbrook” – “Red Line” over sewage

Lessons will be learned from the development of Cranbrook, as East Devon District Council proceeds with planning its second new community, a leading councillor says.

Bradley Gerrard, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk

Todd Olive (Liberal Democrat, Whimple and Rockbeare), who oversees planning strategy for the council, said efforts are being made to ensure that certain infrastructure and services are in place before homes are occupied in the forthcoming new town near Farringdon.

The comments come as the authority launches a public consultation that runs until Monday 7 October.

“Some of the objections that we hear [to planning applications] are around services and infrastructure, and for the new community we know there are some lessons to be learned from how previous administrations of a different political colour have done this at East Devon before, and there is a real enthusiasm and conviction to make sure we do it differently this time,” he said.

“I’ve said that there is a real red line around the new sewage works for the proposed new community, meaning that we want that built and operational before any new dwellings are occupied.”

Although it can be difficult for councils to refuse individual planning applications because of concerns about insufficient services, Cllr Olive said the authority had more control when planning a whole new community.

He acknowledged that while lessons needed to be learned from Cranbrook, it had enjoyed some early successes, notably the school being opened by the time the thirtieth house was occupied even though the agreement with developers would have allowed it to be operational by the time the 500th home was lived in.

One of the biggest issues highlighted by Cranbrook residents was the speed with which the town centre was developed compared to original promises, with a supermarket potentially opening at the end of this year, some 12 years after the first residents moved in.

Cllr Olive’s comments came in Radio Exe’s Devoncast podcast as part of a wider discussion about planning.

The authority is identifying land across the district suitable for residential development or be acceptable as employment land.

Like all councils responsible for planning, it is required to build a set number of homes – decided by a central government formula – each year.

Councils have to complete a local plan in the coming months, or risk having to build a larger number of homes under forthcoming changes to planning policy being mooted by the Labour government.

East Devon is required to build 946 homes a year at present, but if its local plan is not completed in time, this could rise to 1,146 a year.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

19 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Revolving Doors as Karime Hassan lands new job in Plymouth

How much of the South Hams will now be swallowed up for the expansion of Plymouth and its free port?

The signal lies in just one word. Before appointment the job title was changed from “strategic director for place” to “strategic director for growth”. You have been warned!

Karime Hassan is remembered in East Devon as being at the forefront of the “build, build, build” administration, in particular, the architect of the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan which dumped much of Exeter’s housing needs on the green fields of East Devon.

He was appointed Corporate Director in EDDC in 2005, the same year as the influential (unaccountable and infamous) East Devon Business Forum was formed. He was also the main driving force behind “setting Devon’s first free-standing settlement to be built in Devon since the Middle Ages on its way” (Cranbrook). Leaving us with continuing legacy problems regarding housing targets.

In 2011 he joined Exeter City Council as the Director of Economy and Development after about six months of sharing his time between Exeter and East Devon. In 2013, controversially, he was appointed both Chief Executive and Growth Director of Exeter City Council. [His exploits are extensively recorded in the EDW archives].

Plymouth hires retired Exeter City Council boss on £1,000 a day

Miles Davis www.bbc.co.uk

The former chief executive of a city council who retired in 2023 has landed a new job with a different council being paid an estimated £1,000 a day.

Karime Hassan MBE left Exeter City Council in March 2023.

He has now been hired by Plymouth City Council as the interim strategic director for growth.

Plymouth City Council has not disclosed Mr Hassan’s salary but a council report said, external there was a “shortage of high-quality candidates” for this type of role and the market rate was between £1,000 and £1,300 a day.

In his previous job as chief executive and growth director at Exeter, Mr Hassan was paid an annual salary of more than £123,000.

Exeter City Council announced his retirement in December 2022, external, saying he was leaving after “a golden decade”.

Exeter City Council accounts show, external he received £369,680 from the council in 2022/23, made up of his salary, compensation for loss of office of £60,877 and employer’s pension contributions of £185,125.

The chief officer appointments panel on Plymouth City Council agreed in August, external that an interim strategic director for growth should be “engaged initially for six months, but with the option to extend to nine months pending the permanent appointment to the role”.

A spokesman for the city council said the pay rates in the appointments panel report were “indicative” and did not necessarily mean the role was being paid for on a daily rate.

The council said the pay band for the role was an annual salary of £136,920 to £163,904.

The employment of Mr Hassan follows the departure of Anthony Payne from his role as strategic director for place – the name of the role was changed to strategic director for growth ahead of the new appointment.

The chief executive of Plymouth City Council, Tracey Lee, was paid £184,773 with additional pension contributions of £32,356 in 2023/24 according to the council’s annual accounts, external.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

19 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Environment Agency “rolls the pitch” by publishing this external briefing paper just before the Leigh Day meeting

Leaves no doubt who is in “the naughty corner”. But the EA does not make clear what will replace their own daily water sampling in Exmouth after the end of September. No response from SWW. – Owl

Exmouth Water Quality (text with image below)

September 2024

We have created this briefing to update communities and interested parties on Environment Agency actions regarding Water Quality in Exmouth.

Background

Exmouth is serviced by a sewerage system operated by South West Water. Some of the network is due significant improvements and upgrades. Unfortunately, some of the changes planned by South West Water are overdue. The Environment Agency is demanding that the issue is addressed quickly.

Throughout 2023 and 2024 the existing system has been struggling to cope with the increased flows which were the result of both the aging infrastructure and an exceptionally wet winter.

More recently during the summer holiday season, damage to a rising main has resulted in further incidents impacting bathing water quality, this had negative impacts to local businesses and visitors to the town.

The Enviroment Agency’s Role

The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing environmental permits relating to the discharge of treated effluent to the environment and ensuring that water companies comply with the conditions.

An investigation into incidents in Exmouth in 2023 and 2024 is currently underway. We are questioning South West Water about the incident and what proposals are in place to prevent further bursts at Exmouth. We also have 24 hour monitoring in place whilst South West Water fixes the current issue. We aim to conduct prompt investigations, however until all the facts are known especially at a site like this where there have been multiple incidents, we cannot set timescales for this investigation and anticipate it will take many months.

We will look at all available options in deciding how best to proceed and this can only be done once the investigation is complete. Any future decision will be made in accordance with the EA Enforcement and Sanctions Policy.

The Environment Agency was successful in getting all water companies to complete a programme to install Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) across England. This was completed for all combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in Devon and Cornwall in 2023 including Exmouth. This published data shows all discharges. Much of our investigation will be on understanding the cause and circumstances of the spills which have taken place.

Ongoing Monitoring at Exmouth

We currently collect water samples at Exmouth from May to September and these give us information on the numbers of bacteria in the water. These bacteria can come from a range of sources not just sewage. Because of the increased risk of pollution by South West Water we have increased our sampling to daily monitoring until the end of September and installed sensitive equipment in the Littleham Brook. These are continuous monitors operating 24 hours a day, every day. We now better understand the extent to which South West Water is impacting the local area and this has allowed us to build our knowledge of the local systems.

Water quality can also be impacted by other factors, especially through the winter. We will continue to prioritise proportionate data gathering in this area whilst risks remain.

Outstanding improvements for Exmouth

SWW was expected to deliver two key improvements for the Exmouth Area by September 2023. Improvements at Maer Road Pumping Station and Phear Park Pumping Station, and their associated CSOs, were planned to reduce the number of spills. This environmental obligation was put in place due to the Exe Shellfish Waters having been shown statistically to be deteriorating, with a high degree of certainty.

SWW confirm that the two schemes in Exmouth have been delayed due to the increased complexity of the solution. SWW is proposing an enhanced plan which includes: upgraded pumping stations, rising main improvements, replacement of the sea outfall and UV treatment on storm overflows, as well as advancing the upgrade of the wastewater treatment works by 2030. (from SWW DWMP)

We accept that increased investment is planned at Exmouth. However, we believe the improvements needed to reduce sewage spills are well overdue. We have submitted this information to OFWAT the financial regulator of water Companies

We are seeking assurance that SWW are doing all they can to mitigate the environmental impacts now, whilst they wait for planned improvements. The prioritisation of improvements, to reduce sewage spills in Exmouth, remains a substantial agenda item at leadership and performance meetings with the company.

We are receiving many complaints and requests for information regarding Exmouth and will endeavour to update this briefing every 3 months. Information relating to sewage discharges can be found at the following links:

South West Water EPA Report 2023

Inspection surge to crack down on water sector pollution

Storm overflows discharge reduction plan

Environment Agency investigation into sewage treatment works

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

19 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Exmouth Council invites Secretary of State for Environment to visit Exmouth

Below is the text of the letter plus an image.

In Owl’s opinion it should be the local MP who takes the lead in getting Ministers to visit on serious matters of this sort.

It is a sign of the significance of the political upheaval we have just witnessed, accompanied by a collapse in Tory morale, that David Reed MP has not inherited a functioning constituency office. This is what he has been having to tell his constituents:

“Thank you for your email regarding storm overflows.

Firstly, please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in my reply. Since the election I have been busy setting up my office, hiring staff and prioritising urgent casework.

Nevertheless his job is now to press home the invitation.

This invitation and the Leigh Day review of possible legal action may not be all that is going on. Three days ago Owl spotted this cryptic comment made by Paul Arnott, Leader EDDC, on the ESCAPE facebook page:

“We have an event announcement to make soon which will go to the heart of it all.”

Text of Exmouth Town Council letter

The Rt Hon. Steve Reed O.B.E., M.P Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Defra, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street,London SW1 P 4DF

Cc David Reed, Member of Parliament for Exmouth & Exeter East

A copy has also been emailed to Defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk

Dear Secretary of State,

Exmouth, as I’m sure you are aware is a seaside resort 10 miles south of Exeter.

At the height of the summer season (14th August) a rising main leading to the sewage treatment works (on the edge of Town) failed. This resulted in highly concentrated raw sewage being discharged on to the Highway and agricultural land adjacent to a water course leading ultimately into the bathing waters. Red flags to effectively ban swimming were flown.

National media swarmed into Exmouth to cover the story highlighting the deserted beach, a dearth of visitors to the town and angry residents, businesses and trippers.

The reputational damage to Exmouth as a seaside resort, although still being quantified, is considered immense.

South West Water (SWW) mobilised a significant number of engineering teams and equipment to the area, but the mains failure meant hundreds of sewage tanker journeys travelling through town and they were also highly visible from the seafront.

SWW has recently rectified the immediate fault, and they are publicly giving assurances to our community that they are “doing everything we can, as quickly and thoroughly as possible, to ensure your local wastewater network is fit for the future”. Unfortunately, there appears to be little public trust in their promises.

We have tried to engage with SWW, but we have been disappointed with their slow responses and when they do respond frustrated with the lack of up to date information being provided.

The Town Council are therefore writing to invite you to visit Exmouth, in order that you might gain an understanding of the impact on the Town, its residents and businesses, associated with these events. We would see this as the first step in re-building civic pride and to show potential visitors that we are taking serious steps to rectify matters.

On 10th September the Government announced plans to attract investment into the water sector to rebuild broken water infrastructure and clean up Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas.

We would also extend our invitation for you to take this opportunity to outline the Government’s plan for dealing with water companies who fail to comply with the Environment Act, what enforcement steps are being implemented and what initiatives are being encouraged to meet clean water targets.

We hope you see this invitation in a positive light and feel you can use Exmouth as a ‘pilot scheme’ to realise Government intentions in promoting water companies working together with communities to implement immediate courses of action to provide permanent solutions to existing problems.

If you would like further information or to speak with me please feel free to call on 01395 276167.

We look forward to your response.

Yours Sincerely

Chetna Jones

Deputy Town Clerk On behalf of Exmouth Town Council

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

19 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Geoff Crawford, ESCAPE, posts this account of the Leigh Day “Exmouth v SWW” sewage claim

Geoff Crawford

This is Nicky Nicholls the person who has turbo powered this campaign and is organising the Group Legal Action.

Hi Everyone, SS Exmouth

What a fantastic meeting last night! The room was packed (thank you to Ocean for hosting us) and the speeches were really insightful (thank you Ollie & John).

For those of you who couldn’t make it, here’s a brief summary:

Leigh Day confirmed that anyone who has been affected by pollution incidents can join the claim – businesses and beach users too (e.g. swimmers, kite surfers, rowers, sailors or dog walkers). The legal action will focus on “public nuisance” which is defined as something which endangers “the life, health, properly, morals or comfort of the public or obstructs a public right”. People do not have to live in Exmouth to join the claim – they just have to be a beach user, or run a business which relies on people who do.

The next step is for everyone who has been affected to register their interest in legal action. This doesn’t commit anyone to anything at this point, but it helps Leigh Day understand more about the scope of who wants to get involved. People can register here: https://leighdaylaw.info/ExmouthSewagePollution?r=qr or email exmouthsewage@leighday.co.uk

Please circulate this brief info, and the sign-up link to everyone on your mailing lists, contacts, members and social media. Feel free to use the attached photo too (I think it’s helpful to see the amount of support there is). Getting this out there in the next week is crucial.

The next step will be when Leigh Day have scoped out the case a bit more and then are ready to sign people up to the action. They will get in touch with everyone who has registered directly.

I hope that makes sense. I’m learning as I go here too!

Thanks for all your support,

Nicky,

Nicky Nicholls, Community & Innovation Lead, Sideshore

Photo credited to Ed Dark. Thanks Ed

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

18 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Planning applications validated by EDC for week beginning 2 September

Application to vary the Section 106 Agreement to update the Mortgagee Exclusion Clause and to provision to release an affordable housing unit in relation to Phase 3 (19/0028/MRES) only. Redhayes North Of Blackhorse Lane BroadclystRef. No: 24/1874/V106 | Validated: Fri 06 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Replacement single storey infill extension to the rear of the property. 23 Alexandria Road Sidmouth EX10 9HDRef. No: 24/1869/FUL | Validated: Fri 06 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Garage conversion, new external door and garden room extension to form annexe. 26 Lilley Walk Honiton EX14 2EARef. No: 24/1860/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Proposed front single storey extension with raised decking and additional rooflight to front elevation. Elm View 57 Burrow Lane Newton Poppleford Sidmouth EX10 0BWRef. No: 24/1857/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of condition for 23/0779/LBC – Condition 3 Lower Lye Stockland Honiton EX14 9LJRef. No: 24/1858/DOC | Validated: Fri 06 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
T1, T2 & T3 (English Oaks): reduce via thinning western aspects of trees crown by removing approximately 2m branch sections to reduce lateral crown spread by approximately 1-1.5m making pruning cuts up to approximately 50mm in diameter. Hawkins Cottage Hawkins Lane West Hill Ottery St Mary EX11 1XGRef. No: 24/1864/TRE | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Demolition of existing two storey wing of house and construction of replacement larger two storey wing Calhayes Farm Luppitt Honiton EX14 4SURef. No: 24/1850/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Certificate of lawfulness for the construction of a wall and new garage door to enclose under an existing roof overhang to the existing side garage.28 Maple Drive Exmouth EX8 5NRRef. No: 24/1847/CPL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Replacement flat roof, change of external materials, amended fenestration 29 Grove Hill Colyton EX24 6ETRef. No: 24/1848/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of Conditions for 23/0624/FUL: Condition 3 (Schedule of Materials – Walls & Roofs), Condition 5 (Landscape Planting Plan), Condition 6 (Surface Water Management Plan), Condition 8 (Schedule of Materials – External Hard Surfaced Areas) Luscombes Back Lane Newton Poppleford Devon EX10 0EZRef. No: 24/1844/DOC | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of condition for 92/P0998: Condition 3 (Materials) Land At Millbrook Valley Stoney Lane AxminsterRef. No: 24/1851/DOC | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Non material amendment to reduce the ground levels on approved plots Plots 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 Land North Of Moonhill Copse West Clyst ExeterRef. No: 24/1852/NMA | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of conditions for 21/1282/MRES : Condition 6 (gravel paths specification and construction) Land At Exeter Science Park Clyst HonitonRef. No: 24/1837/DOC | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of condition for 22/2443/VAR: Condition 5 (footpath) Brookfield Farm Offwell Honiton EX14 9SURef. No: 24/1839/DOC | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Unknown
Prior approval (Class Q) for a change of use of a building as an agricultural unit to 2no. dwellinghouses (Use Class C3) Barton Farm Village Way AylesbeareRef. No: 24/1836/PDQ | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Demolition and construction of garage and single storey side extension. 1 Yarde Hill Orchard Sidmouth EX10 9JZRef. No: 24/1838/FUL | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of conditions for 24/0992/FUL : condition 4 (Cladding) Banjul Toadpit Lane West Hill Ottery St Mary EX11 1LQRef. No: 24/1825/DOC | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Turkey Oaks (7) and (8) – removal of lower (below 7m) epicormic growth with permission to to repeat the works on a cyclical basis every three years. 33 Evergreen Close Exmouth EX8 4RRRef. No: 24/1834/TRE | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
To fit a new obscure glazed fire escape window at first floor level on the westerly elevation. 6 Woolbrook Rise Sidmouth EX10 9UBRef. No: 24/1829/FUL | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Erection of a single storey rear extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.73m, for which the maximum height would be 2.93m and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.66m 97 Salterton Road Exmouth Devon EX8 2NERef. No: 24/1835/GPD | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Ground floor: removal of section of wall between small and large living rooms; removal of wall between kitchen and large living room Rosehill 30 West Hill Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 6BURef. No: 24/1813/LBC | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
T1, Hornbeam: dbh 700mm, cut back to historic pollard points, clean up poor previous pruning cuts where possible, avoiding flush cuts. T2, Sycamore: dbh 600mm, re-pollard to historic pruning points. Both trees are situated in the rear garden. Little Haddons Membury Devon EX13 7AFRef. No: 24/1803/TRE | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Change of use from shop (use class E) to residential dwelling (use class C3) 126 High Street Honiton EX14 1JPRef. No: 24/1739/PDMA | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Single storey extension on the south elevation 2 Silverdale Exmouth EX8 4NBRef. No: 24/1752/FUL | Validated: Fri 06 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Certificate of lawfulness for proposed rebuilding of existing dwelling house to current building regulations, extension of the property within permitted development guidance and replacement of existing Cesspit with a packaged Sewage Treatment PlantBridewell Bungalow Hawkchurch Axminster EX13 5XLRef. No: 24/1753/CPL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Demolish rest of existing agricultural buildingTarka Barn Rawridge Honiton EX14 9PXRef. No: 24/1738/DEM | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of conditions for 24/1108/FUL : Condition 3 (surface water drainage) 21 Cotfield Close Honiton EX14 1QXRef. No: 24/1826/DOC | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Outline application for up to 65 dwellings and associated infrastructure and works, with details of access layout and landscaping provided. Land Abutting Strawberry Lane Strawberry Lane Salston Ottery St MaryRef. No: 24/1716/MOUT | Validated: Fri 06 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Earth lined slurry lagoon with security perimeter fence Glanville Farm Offwell Devon EX14 9STRef. No: 24/1718/FUL | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Proposed 1no new dwelling in grounds of existing dwelling East Hayes House East Hill Ottery St Mary EX11 1QHRef. No: 24/1706/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Rear single storey extension and extension of raised patio. 7 Heatherdale Exmouth EX8 2HZRef. No: 24/1696/FUL | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Construction of porch to front elevation 45 Grove Road Whimple Devon EX5 2TPRef. No: 24/1690/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Conversion of existing office to two dwellings 9 Mill Street Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1AARef. No: 24/1686/FUL | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Single storey extensions to the East & West elevations with creation of an additional vehicle access. Brooklands Lodge Woodbury Salterton Exeter EX5 1ELRef. No: 24/1691/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Remove a broken post box within the stone boundary wall of Snowden house and to in-fill the opening with stone work to match the existing Sowden House Longbrook Lane Lympstone Devon EX8 5BERef. No: 24/1680/LBC | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Proposed extension to existing building to form dry store area to kitchen and new toilets with new orangery to cafe Combe Garden Centre Hayne Lane Gittisham EX14 3PDRef. No: 24/1683/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Extension of warehouse building for additional freezer storage J And R Food Services Ltd Fair Oak Close Exeter Airport Clyst Honiton EX5 2ULRef. No: 24/1641/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
A change of external materials to white painted natural timber cladding, Construction of WC (partially retrospective) Longboat Cafe Marine Parade Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NSRef. No: 24/1635/FUL | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Proposed self storage container yard (partially retrospective) Land And Buildings South Of Waldrons Cottages Clyst HonitonRef. No: 24/1612/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Changes to fenestration on east and west elevations. Fairway Horslears Axminster EX13 5JURef. No: 24/1595/FUL | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Proposed construction of single storey front extension Merrow Cottage Hawkins Lane West Hill Ottery St Mary EX11 1XGRef. No: 24/1494/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Proposal to install a new packed gas cooler & 3 no. floor mounted AC Units. District Centre Tithebarn Way TithebarnRef. No: 24/1502/FUL | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Installation of 4no. fascia signs, 3no. projecting signs and 1no. dibond panel. Local Centre Tithebarn Way Tithebarn ExeterRef. No: 24/1513/ADV | Validated: Tue 03 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Construction of garden annex Magnolia Lodge Southway Sidmouth EX10 8JLRef. No: 24/1506/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of 22/0549/FUL (Construction of 3no. bungalows with associated access, parking and landscaping), to include installation of air source heat pumps enlarged foot print to Plot 1, removal of conservatories and installation of solar panels Land Adjacent To The Gardens Blackhorse Exeter EX5 2FTRef. No: 24/1305/VAR | Validated: Mon 02 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
The erection of a shed to cover an existing silage pitK H May And Partners Netherexe Barton Netherexe Exeter EX5 4DZRef. No: 24/1259/AGR | Validated: Fri 06 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Installation of 132kV terminal and woodpole. Land West Of Courneys Farm WhimpleRef. No: 24/1854/OHL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Demolish garage and lean-to, construction of single storey extension incorporating existing outbuilding Higher Salston Lodge Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1RQRef. No: 24/1208/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Retention of the following work: Ground floor work: External door blocked up internally on south elevation; Creation of WC in new snug; Open up fireplace in new snug; Open up fireplace in new dining room and remove partitions in new kitchen. First floor work: Re-configure staircase at top of flight; Bedroom 1: remove existing ensuite and create new ensuite and built in wardrobe area; Bedroom 3: Remove bathroom wall and incorporate space to create a larger bedroom with ensuite; Bedroom 4: to create new bedroom 4 remove partition walls to bathroom; create new ensuite and block up opening to landing; Create new corridor leading to bedroom 3 and 4 and also create new door opening into bedroom 3 and 4 and open up fireplaces in Bedroom 3 and 4. External works: 2no . cast iron SVP on both north elevations and rainwater goods. Myrtle Farm Fore Street Sidbury EX10 0RSRef. No: 24/1012/LBC | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
General purpose agricultural building Land South Of Bridge Meadow Whitford Road KilmingtonRef. No: 24/0796/FUL | Validated: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
Demolish existing garage and wood store, construct new wooden single-storey two bay garage. Sunnylands Salcombe Regis EX10 0PARef. No: 24/0766/FUL | Validated: Thu 05 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

18 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

A correspondent reports on last night’s meeting to discuss potential “Exmouth v SWW” sewage claim

A LETTER FROM A CORRESPONDENT

Dear Owl,

Last night, I attended the event on the top floor of Ocean, on Exmouth seafront about the possibility of Exmouth businesses and residents pursuing legal action against South West Water.

What struck me was those who attended the event ranged from people in their late teens to the elderly. All there because “Enough is Enough!” about the damaging effects of sewage is having on people’s lives.

Looking around the room, I spotted Town, District and County councillors who represent constituents in Exmouth, They have different political allegiances, but nevertheless united in wanting an end to sewage pollution. Councillor Paul Arnott, the Liberal Democrats leader of East Devon District Council was also present.

Nicky Nicholls, Community and Innovation lead at Sideshore, introduced the event. Andy Tyerman, of End Sewage and Poollution In Exmouth (ESCAPE) campaign group spoke briefly about his and Geoff Crawford’s work. This was followed by two businesses who shared their experiences of the devastating effect of the constant sewage pollution during August had on their businesses. Jo Bateman, the Exmouth swimmer spoke about why she is taking legal action against South West Water.

Representatives from Leigh Day, a legal firm spoke about how they work and the way forward if they decide to take on our case. They emphasised it would be done on a ‘No Win No Fee’ basis.

Many questions were asked by members of the audience. These included questions from

* environmentalists

* people who use the sea and beach for health benefits

* people who use it for recreational purposes such as rowers, sailors, kitesurfers, kayakers etc

* people who are now reluctant to walk their dog on the beach

* people who live near the water

* people whose businesses rely on trade

* people who are concerned about the devastating effects sewage pollution could have on the town’s future as a tourist destination

* people who are regular visitors to the town who are seeing their lifestyles compromised

I was aware that people with families whose lifestyles have been thwarted by sewage pollution may not have been able to attend.

Nicky Nicholls concluded the event by informing those present that ESCAPE and Sideshore will provide people with regular updates on their social media about this situation.

I urge people affected by sewage pollution in Exmouth to register their interest to join the Exmouth v South West Water. It’s for each family member and club member to complete as individuals.and can so by completing the form below:

https://www.leighday.co.uk/our-services/group-claims/exmouth-sewage-pollution-potential-legal-action/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFXeYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW-Fie4RH2S0O_IAwzIhoFCw1YM_Ba2enPQEFjG10GF69S6EWGSQmnqjFg_aem_NbDQNzvvB8KxFNdEiV-0ZQ

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

18 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Background to the meeting in Exmouth last night called to discuss possible pollution claim

The meeting was briefly reported on BBC Spotlight, full report yet to emerge but here is the background – Owl

Exmouth Sewage Pollution Claim | Leigh Day

We are assisting the residents of Exmouth in exploring the possibility of bringing legal action against South West Water over its pollution of Exmouth Beach and surrounding area. www.leighday.co.uk

Sewage Pollution in Exmouth

Exmouth Beach, often called the “gateway to UNESCO’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast” is the prized asset of Exmouth and is of vital importance with much of the Devon town’s economy revolving around the tourism the beach attracts.

However, according to local reports, South West Water repeatedly discharges large amounts of untreated sewage into the River Exe and Sea which is having a detrimental impact on Exmouth Beach and the surrounding area.

The impact of these discharges is acknowledged by both the Environment Agency and South West Water, with the Environment Agency having issued numerous ‘do not swim’ warnings in recent years and South West Water regularly stating on its website that discharges may affect the condition of the bathing water.

Paul Arnott, the East Devonshire District Council leader declared a state of “ongoing civil emergency” due to beaches having to be closed repeatedly from Seaton to Sidmouth because of sewage discharges. Most recently, during the August 2024 Bank Holiday weekend, the local council had to put Red Flag warnings up on Exmouth Beach to prevent people from entering the water.

What do I need to know?

We currently represent wild swimmer and Exmouth resident Jo Bateman in her claim against South West Water. Jo Bateman is arguing that South West Water’s continued pollution of the sea has prevented her swimming in the sea on numerous days.

By working with Jo Bateman, it became clear that many others within Exmouth were also being impacted by the activities of South West Water and following a meeting with members of the local community, we were asked whether we could also represent others in a group action.

Most people who live in the area or regularly visit the area will be able to join the claim, including if you:

Rely on the sea at Exmouth Beach or the River Exe for hobbies and leisure and have been affected by the pollution.
Have a business which has been affected by the pollution.

To register your interest in this potential claim, please complete the online form here.

If you would like to meet the legal team looking to bring this claim and hear more about the potential legal action, we will be attending a community meeting on Tuesday 17 September 2024 at Ocean Suite, Queen’s Dr, Exmouth EX8 2AY please complete this form.

Affected by this issue?

If you have been affected by sewage pollution in Exmouth, then you can contact us via our expression of interest form.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

17 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

HS2 causes six years of serious disruption to Paddington rail services – starts November 17

Are our MPs happy with this? – Owl

Six years of disruption on railways as HS2 works wreak havoc

Train services between London and the southwest will be severely disrupted for six years because of HS2 work.

Ben Clatworthy, Aubrey Allegretti www.thetimes.com

Up to a third of weekend and overnight services leaving Paddington will be axed, affecting journeys to Heathrow as well as south Wales, the Cotswolds and the west of England.

The station will also be closed for extended periods each Christmas between this year and 2030. It includes a closure of up to four weeks starting in December 2028

Disruption at Paddington will be mitigated by diverting some services to Euston, which will add 15 minutes to journeys

Much of the disruption is caused by the building of the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common, in west London.

The Times has seen a presentation made by GWR, the rail operator, and Network Rail, to MPs whose constituents will be affected by the works.

It warns that only two tracks, compared with the usual four, will be open in the Old Oak Common area when weekend and overnight work takes place, reducing the number of train “paths” from 48-56 an hour to 14-15. Line speeds will also be halved from 125mph, adding to journey times.

Weekend services between the west country and London are already regularly overcrowded as passengers return from mini-breaks, especially on Sunday evenings. The reduction in services is likely to cause significant issues.

Network Rail is also carrying out extensive upgrades to the western mainline between Paddington and Didcot Parkway, including replacing 30-year-old overhead wires. The line has been “plagued by faults” in the last 18 months, including cracked rails, overhead line and points failures.

Services on the line became so bad last year that the rail regulator launched an investigation into whether Network Rail was managing its assets appropriately.

A rail source, familiar with the plans, said: “There is going to be real and significant disruption on the line in Paddington. Passengers who use the line regularly have just suffered a decade of upheaval with the electrification project [which was completed in 2020].

“Now there’s going to be more closures, cancellations and service alterations. We are looking at a similar level of disruption as the five years to 2019 when the electrification works were in full swing.”

Complete closures of Paddington will begin this Christmas and continue each year until 2029-30. Plans to mitigate the disruption include diverting a handful of services to Euston, which will add about 15 minutes to journey times.

Latest modelling suggests one Bristol/South Wales service and one Devon/Cornwall service each hour will be able to terminate at Euston. There are also plans for the Night Riviera sleeper service to Penzance to run from Euston.

The first Paddington closure is scheduled for November 17 this year. It will be followed by a three-day closure from December 27 to 29. The length of Christmas closures will increase from 2026.

Paddington was the second busiest station in the UK last year, up from sixth in 2022, largely thanks to the opening of the Elizabeth Line.

Old Oak Common, in west London, will be a huge new HS2 station with 14 platforms, eight of which will be used by conventional services. The HS2 platforms will be 400m long.

Under current plans, all GWR services out of Paddington as well as Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line will call at the new station. It will also initially serve as the terminus for the HS2 line, until the planned link to Euston opens.

In October last year, Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government cancelled a plan to extend HS2 between the West Midlands and Manchester because of spiralling costs. The leg between Old Oak Common and Euston was also put on ice, with Sunak favouring a private investment model to connect the line to central London, its intended terminus.

Louise Haigh, the new transport secretary, has said that Labour is assessing all options for the scheme, including the central London leg. A decision on the future of Euston is vital as it affects the Old Oak Common design.

Rail bosses are understood to be concerned about the impact of all mainline services calling at Old Oak Common. MPs were told that timetables will need to be amended to incorporate “increased running times resulting from the new station call”.

It is anticipated that it will add an average of three minutes per train, although one MP present said officials privately believe it could add an extra 15 minutes to journeys.

“Some trains [are] likely to be significantly longer due to congestion into and out of Paddington,” the presentation said.

The rail source said: “There is a real concern about undoing the good work of the electrification project which shaved about eight minutes off London-Bristol and about 15 minutes London to south Wales.”

A spokesman for HS2 Ltd, which is building the station, said: “HS2 is delivering one the UK’s largest stations at Old Oak Common — a super-hub with unrivalled connectivity for passengers.

“There will, unfortunately, be some disruption on existing services while construction is carried out, although work has been comprehensively planned in partnership with Network Rail and the train operating companies to reduce the impact as much as possible.

“We apologise to people who will be impacted, particularly those using GWR, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line who are already affected by separate works to improve performance on the Great Western mainline between Oxfordshire and London.”

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

17 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Move over FLiRT here comes XEC – a new Covid variant starts to become dominant

People have started catching a new Covid variant that could soon take off and become the dominant type, according to scientists.

Michelle Roberts www.bbc.co.uk

Identified in Germany, in June, cases of the XEC variant have since emerged in the UK, US, Denmark and several other countries, say users on X,, external formerly known as Twitter.

It has some new mutations that might help it spread this autumn, although vaccines should still help prevent severe cases, experts say.

For those more likely to become seriously ill from Covid, the NHS offers a free booster shot.

The vaccines have been updated to better match recent variants, although not XEC, which has emerged from earlier Omicron subvariants.

Prof Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that although XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over other recent Covid variants, vaccines should still offer good protection.

He says it is possible XEC will become the dominant subvariant over the winter though.

Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, in California, Eric Topol says XEC is “just getting started”.

“And that’s going to take many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave,” he told the LA Times.

“XEC is definitely taking charge.

“That does appear to be the next variant.

“But it’s months off from getting into high levels.”

Symptoms are thought to be the same cold or flu-like ones as before:

a high temperature
aches
tiredness
a cough or sore throat

Most people feel better within a few weeks of Covid but it can take longer to recover.

There has been “strong growth” of XEC in Denmark and Germany, Covid data analyst Mike Honey says on X, external.

There is far less routine testing than before, making it difficult to know how much Covid might be around.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.

People qualifying for a free booster vaccine include:

adults aged 65 years and over
those living in a care home for older adults
those over the age of six months in a clinical risk group
some front-line NHS, care-home and social-care workers

The main vaccination drive for flu and Covid, external will start in October, although some may receive their shots earlier.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said: “It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.

“Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

17 Sep 2024

Posted under

Misc

Comments

2 Comments

Households in southwest to pay a premium for water in summer – SWW starts trial – Unhappy “Guinea Pigs”

Will the introduction of a “seasonal charge” for water be followed by something similar for sewage.treatment? Would that go up during the rainy season perhaps? – Owl

Households in the southwest of England are being encouraged to use less water in summer, in trials during which they will receive cheaper water in winter and pay more during the summer months.

Adam Vaughan www.thetimes.com

The region had a longer-lasting hosepipe ban than any other area after the 2022 drought. Water demand across the southwest surges in the summer with the annual tourist influx, just as water supplies are tighter because of hotter weather.

In an attempt to curb water use and bills, South West Water is moving 3,500 of its 1.8 million customers to a pair of two-year trial tariffs from October 1. Participants in Devon, Cornwall, Bristol and Bournemouth will be shifted to a “seasonal tariff” that will charge them £1.02 per 1,000 litres between October and March, far lower than the normal £2.07 for metered customers. The price will be higher than normal in summer. In illustrative examples, a resident in a flat would save £1 a year but a keen gardener might pay £22 more annually.

Others in the southwest will be moved to a “summer peak” tariff and enjoy cheaper water — £1.90 per 1,000 litres rather than £2.07 — provided they use no more than 90,000 litres between April and September. If they breach that level they will pay £7.60 per 1,000 litres. The summer threshold is equivalent to about 1,125 baths.

“Trialling alternative charging options has the potential to alleviate the pressure both on people’s finances and our water resources and we look forward to seeing the results of this new approach,” Andrew White, senior policy leader at the Consumer Council for Water, said.

Ray Henning, a retired heavy goods vehicle driver who lives in Exeter, objected to being moved to one of the new tariffs. “They have tried to tell me that on this new charging system I will save £5 a year on water. Wow! That’s just over £0.01 a day. I can bet that it will end up costing me a lot more than I am currently paying though,” he wrote on Facebook.

Only people who are poorly or moving house can opt out of the trials, which do not include customers on social tariffs. Steve Reed, the environment secretary, said recently that people should take individual responsibility for cutting water usage, to help to meet a national goal of reducing average household water consumption by a fifth by 2038.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: