Martin Shaw writes:

The CEO and chair of the Royal Devon University Healthcare trust, which runs the RD&E, have felt it necessary to include this unprecedented statement in their latest newsletter:

“Last month saw deplorable violence and intimidation in towns and cities across the UK. We wholeheartedly condemn the deliberate acts of violence and racism that have taken place and we want to make a clear statement about our values and behaviours as an organisation.

“Inclusion is one of our core values and we take pride in having a diverse workforce and a culture that respects everybody. The values we hold, and the behaviours we expect from staff, students, patients and visitors, mean that we will not tolerate discrimination or abuse of any kind.

“Our workforce is made up of talented and committed people from all around the world. Their diversity, expertise and skill are our strength and enable us to provide truly world-class services for people in need in our local communities. 

“It has been heartening to see many thousands of people come together to join protests against the violence and racism. But we know that some of our people do not feel safe coming to work and that is unacceptable.

“Our priority is to build a culture at work where our people feel safe, healthy and supported. Whilst we have a wide range of support in place for our people we ask for your help in ensuring that all of our colleagues feel safe and welcome.

“We expect people who use our services to treat those who are caring for them with courtesy, kindness and respect and vice versa. We will take action against those who do not.

“We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and respectful community where we can all live and work safely. We believe very strongly that there is no place for hate in our homes, on our streets, in our clinics, in our hospitals, in our NHS or in our country.”

Devon will use around a quarter of its reserves to help plug the financial hole in its special educational needs and disabilities (Send) service.

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

The council struck a deal with the government for a £95 million bailout earlier this year to help it tackle the cumulative deficit of more than £160 million in the Send budget.

At the time, the council said it would use £20 million of reserves as part of a plan to “bring the budget back into line”.

But the authority will now spend nearly £29 million of its £100 million of reserves as part of a so-called safety valve agreement it has with the Department for Education, and is expected to contribute over £6 million this financial year.

This year alone, though, the Sed budget is expected to overspend by more than £38 million.

This could be problematic, as under the agreement, it is only allowed to overspend by £31 million this financial year, meaning it needs to cut £7.4 million from the service.

Angie Stewart, the council’s director of finance, said there is a cross-council effort to “drive the savings and get us to budget”.

“We are committed to that £31 million [overspend limit],” she said. “That means we need to put effort in to get there. If at the end of the financial year we’re at £33 million, then £2 million would need to be made good by Devon.

“That happened last year when we put £1 million extra into [reducing] the deficit.”

She added that some other councils “including some not too far away from us” had not been able to live within the constraints of the safety valve agreement and so had seen their government support suspended.

“We are not in that situation,” she added.

“We are working to achieve that £7.4 million we need to save; it is a big ask but should be achievable.”

Ms Stewart’s report added that the council also had a separate pot of reserves at around £16 million.

Cllr Julian Brazil (Liberal Democrat, Kingsbridge) said he was “yet to see how we are going to achieve those savings. They are massive within a budget that is under pressure.”

He acknowledged that Send overspending is a national issue, but feared that if reserves had to continue to be used at such scale, “we’re going to end up bankrupt sooner rather than later”.

Cllr Frank Biederman (Independent, Fremington Rural) is concerned about the impact on Send service users if the budget savings are achieved.

“If we hit that maximum deficit target, what will the impact be? Is there an impact assessment I can read to find out what the impact on schools and families could be?” he asked.

Cllr Caroline Leaver (Liberal Democrat, Barnstaple South) asked whether the authority was “worried about the overspend”.

And Cllr Phil Twiss (Conservative, Feniton & Honiton) said using reserves was part of a planned contribution, and the council’s plan to make the Send service more efficient should yield results soon.

The council’s chief executive, Donna Manson, said Send is “the number one issue” among her peers in other authorities.

“From the county council chief executives’ network, safety valve is a concern, Send is a concern, and transformation is a concern,” she said.
 

Devon’s councils could take more control of local bus services after the government announced measures to empower local leaders.

By Guy Henderson and Bradley Gerrard www.radioexe.co.uk

Transport secretary Louise Haigh said it was the first stop on the journey to better buses, and all local transport authorities across England can now run their own services if they want to.

Exeter City Council leader Phil Bialyk (Lab, Exwick) has called on the county council to use the new powers to transform bus services in the city.

Cllr Bialyk, a former bus driver, said he had been inundated with requests from local people for better and more reliable services.

“We have lots of problems at the moment,” he said. “Pointing fingers isn’t going to help, but it is fair to say a lot of people are pretty fed up with both the service and how changes are consulted on with things like timetables and routes.

“Having a reliable and affordable bus service really is at the heart of so many parts of improving lives for residents in Exeter.

“Now there is nothing in their way, I want Devon to be one of the first to sort this for people.

“This really is a golden opportunity. I am urging Devon to work at pace and scale to deliver this for our residents.”

But the county council says it already plays a significant role in bus services  and is spending nearly £13.5 million this financial year to subsidise routes.

“I have no spare cash in my back pocket,” said Cllr Andrea Davis (Con, Combe Martin Rural), the cabinet member who oversees transport.

“I’m very much for anything that improves bus services for Devon’s residents and visitors but what we don’t know yet is whether there would be any funding for it.”

The county council, which spent just over £12 million in the previous financial year subsidising routes where commercial servicea aren’t viable, is part of the Devon Bus Enhanced Partnership, an agreement between the local authority and bus operators to work together to improve local services.

“Any changes would need to be affordable for the people of Devon,” said Cllr Davis.

She said Devon had done very well to keep its rural network going but every month is a struggle to keep the network as it is.

Councillors in Torbay will debate a new Local Transport Plan at a meeting next week. It says the document it will discuss supports its goal of a ‘happy, healthy and prosperous’ Torbay, and includes an analysis of local bus services.

However, if the proposed Combined County Authority (CCA) devolution arrangement which pairs Torbay and Devon councils comes into being, the transport plan will no longer be solely the bay’s responsibility and a new strategy will have to be drawn up.

The CCA deal was announced earlier this year by the then-Conservative government. Exact details have yet to be finalised, but local transport services will be part of the its workload if it does go ahead.

A spokesman for Torbay Council said there are currently no plans to take more control of buses, and the council would go on working in partnership with service operators.

“Torbay Council will review the published guidance for consultation in light of the government’s announcement,” said the spokesman. “Bus franchising was included in the devolution agreement with the government but there are currently no plans to implement.”

Speaking to Radio Exe’s Devoncast podcast last month, Stagecoach South West managing director Peter Knight said: “Stagecoach nationally welcomes the opportunity for debate and discussion about the ownership or risk model for bus services going forward.

“They are currently privatised, but working with the deep partnership we have with Devon County Council and other stakeholders, there is control locally of bus services…There is the ability for local officials that where there is a need for a bus service, funding will be made available if it is available. We are very happy to run services that are specified by local authorities but it has to be backed up by relevant funding for those services.”

David Harris, Managing Director of Water Services at South West Water’s, latest entry in the “how to win friends by plain speaking” competition. No mention of “liabilities”. – Owl

Paul Atkins www.devonlive.com

It has been over nine weeks since we lifted the final customers from the boil water notice that impacted people in the Brixham area following the cryptosporidium outbreak in May, writes David Harris, Managing Director of Water Services at South West Water.

We deeply regret that this incident occurred and as part of our ongoing work in Brixham and across the wider region we are determined to understand exactly why this happened, and how we can make sure it never does again. Our top priority will always be protecting our customers and providing the best quality of water you all rightly expect.

Where does our raw water come from?

In the South West, most of the raw water we access is stored in reservoirs and released into rivers to be abstracted and treated at one of our 42 water treatment works across the region to make it safe to drink. Once fully treated, we pump that water through our network of pipes to homes and businesses. Along the network we use large tanks, known as service reservoirs, to safely store treated water so we can keep supply flowing during periods of high demand. Throughout our treatment process, our focus is to make sure that water is safe and clean.

Recognising that cryptosporidium is present in the natural environment is an important part of our treatment process. Cryptosporidium is an incredibly tiny parasite which comes from the faeces of animals. It has a tough outer shell, so it can survive outside an animal host, and for weeks in water, including chlorinated swimming pools or water supplies. It is routinely found in rivers and lakes where livestock is nearby and it is spread by swallowing untreated raw water.

In Brixham and Kingswear, water is treated at Littlehempston Water Treatment Works which takes its water from river sources near agricultural land. Because of this, we test every single day for cryptosporidium in this untreated water. We also use advanced treatment processes at that site and test the water as it leaves the treatment works and enters our water network to make sure it meets the highest quality standards.

We do further regular testing for many contaminants at service reservoirs, including the Alston, Hillhead and Boohay service reservoirs. We test for a range of contaminants, including those that would be markers for the presence of cryptosporidium. We also monitor issues across the network and have teams that look for changes in pressure, potential bursts and respond to customer contacts around how their water looks and tastes to see if there are any changes we need to be aware of.

So how did this issue occur?

In Brixham this May, unfortunately despite all the monitoring in place, cryptosporidium was able to enter our clean water network. We identified the site that caused the issue, we isolated and fixed a damaged asset, and we are continuing our investigation into the source on that site.

We were alerted to reports of illness in the area by the UK Health Security Agency and although most issues are found to be from other sources such as private supplies, direct contact with livestock, or swimming in affected swimming pools or rivers, we immediately carried out additional testing on our network.

When we received the results of those tests a day later confirming the parasite had been detected, we immediately informed the Drinking Water Inspectorate and issued a boil water notice to the areas that could be affected, together with the Alston area as a precaution.

Our teams worked around the clock for eight weeks to provide bottled water to thousands of customers, isolate the cause of the infection and thoroughly clean and protect our network.

We flushed over 34km of water pipes 27 times at high velocity to clean network pipes and remove cryptosporidium and carried out 17 phases of ice-pigging and swabbing – a more aggressive cleaning approach. We also installed ultraviolet solutions and microfilters to provide barriers to remove cryptosporidium within the network. We then lifted the boil water notice in line with the principles agreed with public health partners, including the UK Health Security Agency and the local authority’s Environmental Health department.

What have we learned?

Thankfully incidents such as this are extremely rare both in our region and across the UK as a whole but that does not take away from the impact this caused to our customers. The public water supply in the UK is among the most tightly regulated in the world and this has led to the delivery of the best quality drinking water in the world since those regulations were introduced in 1989. However, we need to continue to work hard every day to be sure we maintain those standards.

We have already learned valuable lessons from this incident and are taking action to ensure a safer and more reliable water supply for the future. We will also share these learnings with the rest of the UK water industry to help prevent similar outbreaks from happening anywhere else.

One of the key lessons we have learned is the importance of early detection. Our processes did not detect this outbreak early enough and so we need to look at improving our monitoring technologies so contaminants can be detected more quickly and accurately.

We are identifying opportunities for enhanced investment within our network to further minimise the risk of future contamination. In Brixham, Hillhead and Kingswear, a filtration system and ultraviolet treatment has been installed to provide long-term additional protection for our customers.

We have worked tirelessly to address the cryptosporidium incident and to implement measures that will prevent such incidents in the future. As well as continuing our own internal investigations we are fully co-operating and supporting the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s investigation into what happened.

We will continue to work hard to make improvements and rebuild trust within the Brixham community so that everyone can have confidence in the water we supply.

Pushing at an open door?- Owl

Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)

I welcome the fact that the Health Secretary talks about a shift from hospital to community care; that builds on Lord Darzi’s finding that 13% of beds are occupied by people who are waiting for care in more appropriate settings. Caring for patients in community hospitals is much more cost-effective than caring for patients in big acute hospitals like the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital where I live. What thought has the Secretary of State given to the use of community hospitals that have lost beds in the last decade, such as Seaton, Axminster, Honiton and Ottery St Mary?

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about the value of community hospitals, step-down accommodation and care close to people’s homes—or, better still, wherever possible, in their homes, so long as it is clinically safe and the right support and care is available. The shift from hospital to community will be at the heart of our 10-year plan for reform and modernisation. Like lots of his colleagues on the Liberal Democrat Benches and lots of those on the Government Benches behind me, the hon. Gentleman has already done a good job of putting his local lobbying of Ministers on the record in the House.

Reference and context here

Jess Bailey said she was concerned the footbridge, closed since last December, might have a “total collapse”

A bridge that connects two sides of a town in Devon remains closed nine months after it was damaged in storms in December 2023.

Miles Davis www.bbc.co.uk

People in Ottery St Mary said they were concerned for the safety of hundreds of schoolchildren who used to use Coleridge Bridge and now have to walk a far longer route on a busy road, with some journey times quadrupling.

One local councillor said she feared the entire bridge could collapse if work was not carried out ahead of any more storms in the coming winter.

Devon County Council and the Environment Agency said they were working together to obtain necessary permission for the “critical” work.

The bridge was damaged by a fallen tree in the storms of December 2023 Image source, Devon County Council

Jess Bailey, Independent councillor for Otter Valley on Devon County Council, said: “Ultimately, during the winter we might see further deterioration and erosion which could cause the total collapse of the bridge into the river.

“It’s an absolutely vital pedestrian link between the King’s School and residents to get to the main centre of Ottery St Mary, and it was used by hundreds of people on a daily basis.”

Ms Bailey said the bridge, which was built in 2011, was supported by a central pier which had suffered serious erosion.

“This is an absolutely crucial piece of infrastructure for the community,” she said.

Caz Meech’s back garden overlooks the River Otter and her children were regular users of the footbridge.

She said her biggest concerns were around safety.

She said: “Not only do the children now have to go around the main road, where they are at risk of the traffic, but also quite regularly you get children scaling the fence and getting onto the bridge.

“Those fences are not going to stop determined teenagers. Do we need a tragedy to happen for anybody to actually act?”

Other residents in Ottery St Mary said it had turned a five-minute walk into town into a 20-minute walk, and they were concerned about elderly people or people with mobility issues being cut off from the main town centre.

Devon County Council said “critical work” was needed “first to strengthen and protect the foundations on which the bridge sits”.

The council said it was in discussion with the Environment Agency about the necessary permissions and it hoped to be able to start the work before the end of September.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it was working closely with the council on granting permissions for both temporary work this year and for permanent repairs in the longer term.

A total of 18 businesses expressed interest in a tender linked to broader blueprints to develop the Queen’s Drive Space and Beach Gardens areas on the seafront, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bradley Gerrard.

Local Democracy Reporter eastdevonnews.co.uk

Firms are not bidding to complete a specific design or set of plans, as these will be developed by East Devon District Council (EDDC) in collaboration with those that are successful.

EDDC’s Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group discussed the mooted development this week.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Nick Hookway, who represents Exmouth Littleham, said the bids by the 18 companies are now being assessed.

“Once we have chosen the correct team to do this, we will the sit down and go through the process of creating designs, which will go forward for consultation,” he said.

He added that the ‘extremely strict’ tendering process is being administered by Devon County Council on EDDC’s behalf, which he said was standard.

“It’s extremely well-run and they do all the advertising for us through the relevant journals and websites to inform people that the tenders are there, and they handle them and then give us guidance on how to assess them,” added Cllr Hookway.

Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund of around £40,000 will be used to pay the organisations for their work.

The progress, while small, will be seen as important given recent criticism of the wider efforts.

During the meeting, resident Ann Membury questioned the process and said: “I think I represent many East Devon District Council taxpayers when I say this committee has spent too much time and money on a ten-year strategic plan and not enough money making improvements now.

“The first report sounded like waffle that is not feasible, and I would like it scrutinised to see if the money spent is justified.”

She added that around £150,000 had already been spent to produce proposals for the town and seafront areas.

And at a recent EDDC meeting, Exmouth Littleham representative Cllr Brian Bailey expressed ‘disappointment’ at the progress being made by the placemaking group – asking whether it could be closed down to save money.

The Exmouth placemaking plan curates ideas in five areas. They include Queen’s Drive and the Beach Gardens car park. Some 13 potential projects have been suggested for ‘phase one’ at a total value of £6million.

The vision, which is being spearheaded by EDDC, is to improve the town over the next decade and has been subject to various consultations over the past two years.

Some of the more controversial ideas – which are not cast-iron plans – include a multi-storey car park as part of development of the existing Imperial Road car park, and a new leisure centre.

However, the potential for a park-and-ride system has been more warmly received. As has the notion of creating a space for events north of Queen’s Drive Space, which houses some of the town’s replica dinosaurs.

An overspend of nearly £6 million is being predicted for Devon County Council this year on top of its special needs deficit.

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

Councillors heard that the authority’s children’s services, including social care, account for most of the extra costs, but officers are seeking ways to save money.

The prediction is for the end of the financial year in April, and can change before then.

The current figure, calculated in July, is the most recent publicly available data.

Cllr Phil Twiss (Conservative, Feniton & Honiton) told the council’s cabinet meeting that it is early in the financial year, and that it has achieved greater savings before.

“There is pressure in adult social services and children and young people’s futures, as well as corporate services,” he said.

“But we have a good level of confidence that we can deliver our budgeted savings.”

Angie Stewart, the council’s director of finance, added that the £6 million overspend prediction should fall.

“If we can’t pull back the overspending on general fund services, it could be a draw on reserves, but that’s not what I’m expecting at the moment,” she said.

“I’m expecting that overspend to be pulled back and there is cross-organisational work on that, so I’m expecting to see an improved picture by month six of the financial year.

“And that’s not because that’s what usually happens but because we are taking positive action and have a good track record.”

However, the deficit linked to the council’s special educational needs and disabilities (Send) budget is allowed to be considered separately from core finances.

The prediction is that the Send budget will overspend by £38 million in the current financial year.

The council identified nearly £50 million in potential savings when the budget was set in February, but as at the end of July, only £46 million of these as possible.

Officers colour-coded budgeted savings to demonstrate how achievable they are.

“In particular, savings classified as amber, where the need for closer management focus has been identified, present a risk to the forecast position,” a report for councillors stated.

“Of the £13.7 million forecast savings rated amber to be delivered, £4.6 million is currently classified as achieved.”

The children and young people’s futures appears most under pressure, with a forecast overspend for the year of £6.6 million, while adult social care is expected to have a £1.1 million overspend.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is to urge the Government to consider changing planning law so that unfinished developments are completed sooner.

Local Democracy Reporter eastdevonnews.co.uk 

It follows frustration being voiced over developers who sit on sites for which they have planning permission but don’t complete them for years, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bradley Gerrard. 

Councillor Mike Howe, who represents Clyst Vale and is vice-chair of the authority’s strategic planning committee, suggested that developers should be forced to complete projects within a certain timeframe.

He added that if this date was missed then firms should face a financial cost or the option to give up their planning permission.

The idea was put to the council’s cabinet with EDDC leader Paul Arnott calling it an ‘excellent idea’.

This means the council will now write to the Government asking it to consider the notion.

Unfinished sites can be problematic for councils, causing authorities to miss housing targets.

Furthermore, ‘Section 106’ payments from developers that help fund community and social infrastructure are often paid in instalments when certain milestones are reached. Delays can mean councils don’t receive this money when expected.

Last month, Cllr Howe said he had considered the idea for some time.

“I’ve long held the belief that if an applicant gets planning permission and they make a material start but don’t continue to build, that after three or five years, even if it is not completed, they should have to start paying business rates or council tax,” he said.

“I believe there needs to be a carrot and stick approach as I don’t think developers should be able to sit on a site and not pay any council tax or rates on it.

“And if they don’t want the site any longer, then they should have the option to rescind their planning permission so they don’t have to pay the charges on it.”

Ed Freeman, an assistant director of the council’s planning department, said at the time this was not something the authority could pursue by itself.

He added that legislation would be needed to be able to charge business rates or council tax on buildings that do not yet exist.

East Devon District Council has unveiled its Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2029, a robust plan designed to address the district’s unique challenges while equally leveraging its unique strengths.

Authored by Sarah Parker www.thedevondaily.co.uk

The strategy outlines five core policies that aim to foster sustainable economic growth, improve residents’ wellbeing, and ensure the district remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest.

This is a summary of East Devon District Council’s Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2029, alternatively, you can read the full version here.

A Diverse and Resilient Economy

East Devon’s economy is characterised by its diversity, ranging from cutting-edge research at Exeter Science Park to small enterprises in rural hamlets. This diversity has historically provided resilience against economic downturns, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As businesses adapt to modern challenges, integrating tools like a payroll app could streamline operations, particularly for small enterprises, further enhancing economic stability. However, the district faces ongoing challenges, including lower wages, limited workspace in rural areas, and a high cost of living. The strategy aims to address these issues while capitalising on the district’s strategic connectivity, natural beauty, and proximity to Exeter.

Five Core Policies for Targeted Action

1. Industrial Policy

This policy targets high-growth sectors like clean energy, digital innovations, and the local food and drink industry. It aims to foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and attract investment, while prioritising clean growth to support environmental goals and sustainable development.

2. Workspace Policy

This policy addresses the shortage of employment land by increasing commercial premises across the district. The Council will leverage its assets, work with landowners, and seek funding to develop key sites, aiming to reduce commuting, boost local jobs, and strengthen community resilience.

3. Environmental Policy

Committed to reaching Net Zero by 2040, this policy supports businesses and residents in cutting carbon emissions through decarbonisation grants, sustainable travel promotion, and green job skills development. It also emphasises connecting local environmental efforts with East Devon’s sustainable tourism identity, boosting the district’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.

4. Social Policy

This policy aims to make East Devon more appealing to younger people, while engaging older residents in the economy. It includes town centre regeneration, enhancing cultural and leisure options, and exploring housing solutions for young professionals. The goal is to balance the demographic profile, boosting social cohesion and economic vitality.

5. Resource Policy

This policy ensures the Council stays adaptable while maintaining high-quality services. It highlights the need for agility in responding to disruptions, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and readiness to seize new funding opportunities. Collaboration with local, regional, and national partners is key to maximising the strategy’s impact.

Moving Forward

The East Devon Economic Development Strategy aims to create a sustainable, equitable economy that supports residents, boosts businesses, and preserves natural landscapes. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy is adaptable and will be regularly updated to address new challenges. With its clear vision and focused policies, East Devon is poised for growth and enhanced quality of life in the coming years.

One of Owl’s regular correspondents detects a sense of hypocrisy in a House of Lords contribution by Hugo Swire in a debate on Rural Area pharmacies. Swire, whose wife’s diaries disclosed that his interest in saving Ottery St. Mary hospital was purely to “really piss off ” Claire Wright, has now suggested pharmacies  could be located at community or cottage hospitals.

Well, any that  survived the Tory closures he supported!

speaker:Lord Swire : 1 Lords debate

Pharmacies: Rural Areas – Question

10 Sep 2024

Lord Swire: Another creative way is to locate some of these pharmacies where we still have community or cottage hospitals up and down the country, which has been done successfully. Will the Minister therefore undertake to look at where this is common practice to see if it can be expanded?

Paul Arnott

It’s only about ten weeks since the General Election, and it’s only fair to give an incoming government a fair chance.

Equally, in that Anyone but The Conservatives win, they must realise that their massive majority was something of a freak phenomenon.

It looked by seats in the Commons like a landslide but Labour’s vote share was just 34%, the lowest since 1945 for any party winning a parliamentary majority. Factoring in the turnout of under 60% the proportion of the adult population who voted Labour box was just 1 in 5. It was not a Labour victory; rather it was an historic Conservative defeat written in the stars since the brief reign of Liz Truss.

So, you might think the new government would be careful in the “first hundred days”. I get why they have announced the cutting of the Winter Fuel Allowance for OAPs so early, to meet the looming winter deadline and get the bureaucracy sorted to make the cuts without delay. But given the relatively low saving to the exchequer, why not announce it to be implemented in 2025 rather than distress both pensioners and their own MPs this autumn with an action not even hinted at in their manifesto?

However, sad as the effects this may well have on our local elderly, just as worryingly to me is that the new government has immediately shown what I suspected throughout the GE campaign. Labour doesn’t have a clue on how to deal with the civil emergency in our waste water and sewage system.

Indeed, they have been hoisted by their own petard almost immediately. The Labour spin machine managed to persuade the prominent water campaigner and ex-Undertone Feargal Sharkey to make videos asking the public to vote Labour to sort this all out. I did wonder at the time if he had actually read their manifesto policy.

A few weeks on, in the face of well-known sewage horrors across East Devon, not least in Exmouth, Labour announced their planned measures. These would be blocking executive bonuses, the threat of criminal charges against water companies, automatic fining and increased monitoring. In other words, a few symbolic gestures over which water bosses would not lose a moment’s sleep.

Like a prince awaking from his slumber, Mr Sharkey belatedly realised that he’d been completely used. Welcome to the Labour spin machine, Feargal. It’s all a bit tougher than warbling Teenage Kicks and My Cousin Kevin back in the 70s.

Consequentially, he has given these plans a teenage kicking, blasting Labour for doing nothing more than what they can easily do under existing legislation. He’s also given them a broadside about Labour’s past complicity in privatisation of utilities, or allowing it all to roll on. I can only guess that before the election someone promised him real action and assured him that their lukewarm manifesto promises were all they could put in for fear of giving the right-wing press material. Just see what we do when we win!

I would argue that nothing will change until the entire corporate structure of water provision is re-legislated. Don’t nationalise, but instead make the water firms are made public benefit companies taking commands from us not offshore bosses and shareholders. You’d guess that’s just what a Labour government would think too. Instead, and alarmingly, I do wonder if they have the calibre of MP and minister who even know what they are doing. Everything changes, nothing changes.

A tale of haves and havenots, and a clue to the backstory. 

Sidmouth – Rockfish signs lease for new seafront restaurant

New fully-accessible toilets will be managed by Rockfish who will attempt a “sale” and leaseback arrangement of the site to offset costs estimated at £2M. 

Lewis Clarke www.devonlive.com

The council and Rockfish have signed a lease agreement for the public toilet site at Port Royal on Sidmouth seafront. Planning Permission was granted in June this year for Rockfish to open a new restaurant on the site of the old Drill Hall and adjacent public toilets.

The toilets will remain open and maintained by East Devon District Council (EDDC) until Rockfish works commence in autumn. At that time the existing toilets will be demolished and temporary toilets will be in place until a new separate toilet block opens in December 2024. Managed by Rockfish, the new fully-accessible toilets will be external to the restaurant and accessible directly from the pavement, reducing the risk of antisocial behaviour.

The work to refurbish the Drill Hall and finalise the new restaurant and outdoor seating area is expected to be completed in late Summer 2025. Upgrading the historical building with new modern facilities will deliver an attractive food destination for residents and visitors which will benefit the town’s economy and beyond.

Cllr Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for economy and assets, said: I’m excited to see progress towards a new restaurant for Rockfish and welcome their investment in Sidmouth that will create local jobs. It will help to revitalise the east end of Sidmouth’s historic seafront esplanade providing a placemaking solution for this neglected area of the town.

“I’m delighted to report that thanks to a suggestion received from a member of the public, Rockfish will ensure that the benches in the shelter will be relocated elsewhere along the seafront or in the town, in due course.

Mitch Tonks, CEO of Rockfish, said: “With our focus on quality, family and sustainability, we believe Rockfish is the perfect fit for this seafront location. It will provide a delicious destination for people to eat fresh seafood while enjoying the attractive coastal views from this location.

We are investing around £2m in the Drill Hall location and will be creating 30 – 40 jobs. Once the building is developed, as part of our agreement with the Council, we will be looking to “sell” the long leasehold interest in the building by way of an assignment of the lease. At the same time Rockfish will be granted a long lease at current market rent. This sale & leaseback type of transaction is in the normal course of business for a company like ours whereby we recoup some of our investment in return for paying rent.”

Budleigh – Celeb chef’s new café to temporarily close

It does not take bookings and does not have toilet facilities, but there are public toilets provided by EDDC located nearby. (Might be an interesting experience in wet and windy weather).

With claims of being able to seat 60 is this really a good enough tourist offering?  – Owl

Anita Merritt www.devonlive.com

A month after celebrity chef Mitch Tonks arrived in Devon to open the first-ever Rockfish Seafood Café, its temporary closure has been announced. Located on Budleigh Salterton seafront along Marine Parade, the venue opened on August 5.

Local residents were invited to an evening of celebrations with Mitch declaring the café would be ‘a real hub for the community’. Restaurant chain Rockfish submitted plans to revamp the Longboat Café on Budleigh Salterton in March.

Permission was granted in July by East Devon District Council for an extension to the building to create an external dining space with a retractable roof and windows. Since its opening, the café has been operating without a supply of gas so has been serving mostly cold seafood dishes.

It has resulted in it having to close from this Wednesday, September 11, to Friday, September 13, for it to be connected with a gas supply. There are also plans in the pipeline to start work in October to create a conservatory.

In a post on Rockfish Seafood Café’s Facebook page it said: “You may have heard that we’ve been eagerly waiting for September to arrive for our gas connection, so we can serve you the delicious fried seafood you’ve been craving! As we get ready to make this happen, we’ll be closing from September 11 to 13.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

The café is said to have seating for up to 60 people. On the outside is free still and sparkling water taps as well as a dog biscuit machine for not just customers but also passers-by.

In a walkabout video around the café, Mitch described it as being in ‘the most glorious setting’ and explained more about its covered seating area. He said: “This a temporary structure but it is going to be replaced with a conservatory with a retractable roof in October.

“We have got a log burner in the corner which has kindly been provided by Dean Forge. It’s absolutely beautiful and it’s going to be growing away in the winter months keeping people warm while you’re enjoying seafood with that magnificent view.”

He continued: “We have a tiny kitchen. At the moment we haven’t got any gas but we do have a bit of electricity, so we’ve got mainly a cold menu, a few simply grilled plancha items.

“In September, when the gas connection comes, we’ll be full on frying squid and doing all sorts of wonderful things out there on the beach. It’s so important that every Rockfish becomes embedded in the community which is why we are giving two per cent of our revenue here to local charities.

“We’ve had great support from Budleigh in Bloom, the cricket club and we’ll be supporting SeaChange which we know is something people really, really value in the community.”

The café serves breakfast and coffee in the mornings, with fresh seafood on the menu from lunchtime including local crab rolls, and shellfish, along with cold beer from Salcombe Brewery and a small selection of wines. The café doesn’t take bookings.

It does not have toilet facilities, but there are public toilets located nearby. Rockfish’s planning application cancelled out previous planning permission, granted in 2013, to demolish the site and construct a two-storey building.

A Rockfish spokesperson said: “Rockfish Budleigh Seafood Cafe will be closed from September 11 to 13. During this time, we’ll be completing an important electrical upgrade to three-phase power, courtesy of National Grid, as well as beginning stage one of our gas installation.

“These upgrades are essential for the installation of our brand-new frying range and extraction system. While you won’t see immediate changes to our menu just yet, these improvements will allow us to introduce some fantastic new dishes in the near future.

“Over the next month, we’re excited to expand our menu to include traditional fish and chips and other delicious fried options. We’ve had a wonderful first summer on the Budleigh seafront and can’t wait to share the next phase of Budleigh Seafood Cafe with you.

“Thank you for your continued support; we look forward to welcoming you back soon.”

Topsham – No update on January: Long wait continues for new Devon Rockfish restaurant

January – The transformation of a former French bistro and bar in Topsham into a Rockfish restaurant is said to finally be making progress after more than 18 months since its takeover. For many months, the seafood chain has teased that the new restaurant – situated on the historic quay – will be ‘coming soon’.

Does a peek at the accounts give a clue to the backstory?

Owl is no accountant, and stands to be corrected, but a brief glance at Rockfish Group Limited, Report and Financial Statement 30 April 2023 suggests things might be a bit tight despite posting a turnover of £13.6M.

Cost of sales whittled this down to a gross profit of £8.8M rather less than the £9.3M “administrative expenses” leaving an operating loss of just under £0.5M.

With losses on fixed assets and interest payable of £431K, overall losses for the year after payment of tax amounted to £870K (£0.9M in round figures).

No dividends have been paid. Equity is in negative territory.

Indeed, the report acknowledges this by stating (page 7) that with inflation continuing through 2022 and 2023, it was not the right trading environment to open the three new sites in the pipeline and the Board paused these.

.

A keen sea swimmer has delivered a petition containing more than 49,000 signatures to Downing Street to protest against sewage being discharged into sea water.

Jo Bateman hand-delivered the petition to 10 Downing Street

Chloe Parkman www.bbc.co.uk 

Jo Bateman, 62, from Exmouth, has called for action against water companies over the pollution which she said stopped swimmers from entering the sea.

Ms Bateman hand-delivered the petition, external calling for urgent change to the Prime Minister’s home on Tuesday.

South West Water (SWW) said it was “serious” about tackling sewage spills and was investing about £38m in the Exmouth area up to 2030.

‘Right to swim’

Ms Bateman previously told the BBC swimming helped her physical and mental health.

The swimmer, who has taken legal action against SWW, added she had been unable to swim on many occasions due to the frequent sewage spills on the beach.

It comes after traders in Exmouth said spillages in August and September had a significant impact on business and had led them to consider taking legal action against SWW.

Ms Bateman said she wanted to hold all water companies to account and make sure waterways are improved.

“It is about giving us the right to swim in clean water which at the moment is very often taken away from us,” she said.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the UK’s waterways were in an “unacceptable state” after years of neglect.

Mr Reed added: “Under this government, water executives will no longer line their own pockets whilst pumping out this filth.

“If they refuse to comply, they could end up in the dock and face prison time.”

Trade association Water UK said “no sewage spill is ever acceptable”.

He said companies had proposed investing £105bn “to ensure the security of water supplies in the future and end sewage entering rivers and seas”.

SWW said it was looking to upgrade its pumping stations and treatment works to reduce the number of spills.

A spokesperson said: “We are serious about tackling storm overflows but change of this scale takes time, ambition and increased investment.”

Both Richard Foord, MP Honiton & Sidmouth, and David Reed, MP Exmouth & Exeter East, voted for the opposition motion to continue the payment and against the government proposed cut whilst Steve Race, MP Exeter, voted the other way.

The government won by 348 votes to 228. 

Honiton and Sidmouth MP votes against winter fuel payment cut

Adam Manning www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton & Sidmouth, Richard Foord, opposed the Government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Payment. 

MP’s voted on the new bill in the House of Commons last night (Monday September 9). The Liberal Democrat member of parliament voted against Labour’s bill.

A poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats revealed the effects of the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment this winter. The poll of pensioners showed that three in four (75%) expect to be affected by the Government’s cut to winter fuel payments.  

The figures claim more than half (55%) of UK pensioners polled said they would likely be heating their homes less this winter, while four in ten will look to cut back on other ‘essentials’. One in five (19%) pensioners are planning to eat less this winter due to the cut.  

It also shows an estimated 25,733 pensioners in Honiton & Sidmouth are at risk of losing the payment of up to £300, which helps with heating bills in the cold winter months. 

Research from the charity Age UK shows the proposed cut to the Winter Fuel Payment will mean two million will find paying their energy bills a real stretch and will be seriously hit by this cut. 

Liberal Democrat Richard Foord MP for Honiton & Sidmouth said after the vote: “I consider it my duty on behalf of people who I represent to vote the Government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Payment. 

“We cannot stand by and allow millions of older people to endure another harsh winter. 

“Since these plans have been announced I have been inundated with local people expressing their concern at this decision, so it is right that to take this opportunity to stand up for them in Parliament. 

 “While we understand the dire state the Conservatives left the public finances in, now is not the time to be cutting support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”  

• Discharge of conditions for 24/0974/LBC : Condition 3 (signage specifications) 15 Fore Street Sidmouth Devon EX10 8AHRef. No: 24/1821/DOC | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Unknown
• Discharge of condition for 23/2710/LBC: Condition 6 (chimney stacks materials) Jessamine Cottage The Green Whimple Exeter EX5 2TYRef. No: 24/1814/DOC | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of conditions for 24/0869/FUL : Condition 3 (tree protection plan and arboricultural method statement) Collyforches House Yarcombe Honiton EX14 9EBRef. No: 24/1812/DOC | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of conditions for 24/0331/MFUL : Condition 5 (landscape and ecological management plan) Land North And South Of Station Road, Warwick Close, Wells Avenue, Land Opposite Greenacres Close And Land Adjacent To Ottery Road Near Sidmouth Junction Sewage Pumping Station FenitonRef. No: 24/1810/DOC | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Unknown
• Minor amendment for 24/0627/FUL: Moving of 2 no. windows and 1 no. rooflight and additional rooflight 9 Coastguard Road Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 6NURef. No: 24/1802/NMA | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of conditions for 03/P1900 : Condition 33 (i) C (hours of use) High Street South Cranbrook Town Centre London Road BroadclystRef. No: 24/1800/DOC | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Unknown
• Discharge of conditions for 24/0633/FUL and 24/0634/LBC : Condition 3 (boundary wall) 2 Engine House Rousdon Lyme Regis DT7 3RERef. No: 24/1801/DOC | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 22/0717/LBC: Condition 2 (Schedule of repairs) & Condition 3 (Specification) Fern Cottage The Strand Lympstone Devon EX8 5JSRef. No: 24/1786/DOC | Validated: Tue 27 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• T1, Cherry: dismantle in stages to near ground level. Clyst Beare Cottage Sowton Devon EX5 2AERef. No: 24/1794/TCA | Validated: Tue 27 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• T1: Sycamore – Fell. T3: Sycamore – Fell. Replant with native small-leaved Limes, to be planted on either side of the Common Lime currently growing between the two Sycamores. Reason: See attached supporting letter Culver House Vicarage Road Sidmouth EX10 8UFRef. No: 24/1796/TRE | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• T1: Birch Dismantle dead tree in sections to near ground level. T2: Lawsons Cypress – Remove split branch. T3: Birch – Dismantle declining tree in sections to near ground level. T4: Western Red Cedar – Crown lift to 4m above ground level. T6: Plum – Dismantle dead tree in sections to near ground level (Includes small dead Larch adjacent). T8: Juniper – Reduce height of all stems by approximately 2.5m, 75mm Maximum Diameter of Cuts (MDC). T9: Cherry – Crown lift to 4m above ground level, 50mm MDC. Reduce lower third of canopy by 2m, on north, west & eastern aspects. G11: Birch – Reduce limb growing in southerly direction on southernmost tree of group by 2-3m to suitable growth points, 50mm MDC. Remove major hazardous deadwood from group of 5 Birch trees G12: Mixed species – Crown lift over driveway entrance to 4m above ground level, 25mm MDC. Birchbank Cottages Lower Broad Oak Road West Hill EX11 1XHRef. No: 24/1793/TRE | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• G1, Beech – crown lift eastern aspect where overhanging driveway to match crown height over driveway entrance onto Northview Road, maximum diameter of cuts (MDC) 125mm; crown lift where overhanging garden to match, MDC 125mm 5 Fountain Hill Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 6BXRef. No: 24/1795/TRE | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 24/0331/MFUL: Condition 6 (Construction and Ecological Management Plan) Land North And South Of Station Road, Warwick Close, Wells Avenue, Land Opposite Greenacres Close And Land Adjacent To Ottery Road Near Sidmouth Junction Sewage Pumping Station. FenitonRef. No: 24/1790/DOC | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Unknown
• T1: Beech – reduce the height to approx. 3m as it is very close to our house and that of the neighbours. T2: Ash – fell. Holly: fell. Leylandii hedge: fell. G1: Cherry, Oak and Beech x2 – reduce the height of these trees to approx. 3m. G2: Beech hedge; trim and maintain a height of 1.75m. W1: woodland – fell 12 Spruce (200 dia. @ 1.5m A.G.L.) and dead or dying specimens. Greenpath Crewkerne Road Axminster EX13 5SXRef. No: 24/1757/TRE | Validated: Tue 27 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Leylandii – fell. Garden House Doatshayne Lane Musbury Devon EX13 8BDRef. No: 24/1735/TRE | Validated: Tue 27 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Ash : fell Land At Water Tower Rousdon Lyme Regis DT7 3XRRef. No: 24/1736/TCA | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Part retrospective application for proposed outbuildings, raised decking and fencing works 2 Rolle Barton Church Hill Otterton Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HRRef. No: 24/1694/FUL | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• New garage, alterations to extant planning (08/2696/FUL) for garage in the same location; removal of existing garage with new drive way. North End Brampford Speke EX5 5HLRef. No: 24/1669/FUL | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed loft conversion and rear dormer with cedral cladding 11 Betjeman Drive Exmouth Devon EX8 5STRef. No: 24/1642/FUL | Validated: Tue 27 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Glazed conservatory-type extension to outside of cafe to provide a more comfortable and smarter seating are for customers 4 – 5 Station Road Budleigh Salterton EX9 6RJRef. No: 24/1648/FUL | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Erection of two detached residential units Land At Rear Of Bunts Lane Seaton EX12 2HURef. No: 24/1593/FUL | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Replacement of existing slate roof and replace where necessary fascia’s and soffits 72 & 74 High Street Honiton EX14 1PDRef. No: 24/1589/LBC | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) on planning permission 21/2989/FUL (erection of a single replacement two-storey dwelling) to allow alterations to the fenestration, driveway, and infilling of covered parking area to create a home gym Little Glade West Hill Road West Hill EX11 1TURef. No: 24/1579/VAR | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Installation of air source heat pump on concrete base on side north elevation and the installation of 4no. solar panels on lean-to roof on rear west elevation 3 Chapel Road Brampford Speke EX5 5HGRef. No: 24/1565/LBC | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed two storey extension on east elevation to main dwellinghouse, addition of external cladding, covering structure over existing outdoor swimming pool, and detached garage Westwoods Fire Beacon Lane Sidmouth EX10 0NERef. No: 24/1452/FUL | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Raise ceiling height in all first floor rooms; replace ceiling joists and build up wall by circa 500mm to accommodate the raised ceilings. Removal of chimney stack to roof level on side north east elevation Stone Villa London Road Rockbeare Devon EX5 2DZRef. No: 24/1403/LBC | Validated: Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Removal of existing roof, soffits, facias and guttering, replacement with new The Pea The Square Whimple Exeter EX5 2SLRef. No: 24/1384/LBC | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Fitting of external flue to rear roof elevation. Erection of timber garden gazebo and creation of rear timber garden gate in existing fencing. 45 Fulford Way Woodbury Exeter EX5 1PDRef. No: 24/1312/FUL | Validated: Fri 30 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Conversion of old stores building to single unit dwelling with additional garden studio The Old Stores Lyme Street Axminster EX13 5AURef. No: 24/1265/FUL | Validated: Thu 29 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Demolition of existing garage and proposed erection of 1no. 2 storey detached dwelling in area behind building line of existing building Upper Thurlow 58 Douglas Avenue Exmouth EX8 2HFRef. No: 23/2489/FUL | Validated: Mon 26 Aug 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision

https://www.facebook.com/JessBaileyOtterValleyDevonCountyCouncillor/videos/424519300107536

Campaigners hoping to keep Tipton St John Primary School in the village have presented councillors with a petition containing nearly 1,000 signatures.

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

Judith Taylor, who represents the group, gave the document to Devon County Council’s full meeting as part of moves to try to keep the school in the community.

Its future remains uncertain as the Department for Education (DfE) has agreed to fund a new building at Ottery St Mary, with Devon County Council providing the land and paying for work such as road access.

Former East Devon Conservative MP Simon Jupp, who lost his seat the election, had campaigned on the issue, and earlier this year welcomed the-then education secretary Gillian Keegan to the school to urge that work begin quickly.

The DfE’s preferred location for a new school is two miles away, but campaigners who oppose this are growing louder.

“There is strong support to retain the school, which has existed for over 180 years, in the village, as it is a vital resource for our area,” Ms Taylor said.

“It is a popular school and local parents choose to send their children there due to it being a small rural school.

“It has a good reputation, but it is the quality of its rural location that is a key driver for most parents. It’s important that small rural schools are supported as they provide many benefits over and above their academic value.”

She added that there were “multiple sites” in Tipton St John that could accommodate a new school, and that reports reviewed by campaigners led them to believe that “sites in Tipton have not been reviewed fairly or without bias to date.

“Historically, there have been ongoing discussions of moving the school to nearby Ottery St Mary, and we feel this has clouded the assessment of potential sites in Tipton,” she added.

Following boundary changes at the last election, Tipton St John is now in the Honiton and Sidmouth constituency, represented by Liberal Democrat Richard Foord who says he would prefer the school to stay in the village.

This is despite the school being in a flood-risk area and being underwater on several occasions.

Shortly after the election, Mr Foord visited the school and met its headteacher and governors.

“It is a school that absolutely does need to be rebuilt, but there is a very big question over where,” Mr Foord said.

“Personally, I’m of the view that it should be kept in the village if at all possible.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We remain committed to improving the condition of the school estate, and the rebuild of Tipton St John is a part of that.

“We continue to work with the school and local partners and look forward to progressing the project when a new suitable site has been secured.

“All future decisions remain subject to the spending review.”

Local authorities in England would get new powers to run their own bus services under legislation being laid before Parliament on Monday, as the transport secretary promises to deliver a “bus revolution” that will save vital routes.

[History of Devon’s bus services can be found on Wikipedia].

Katy Austin & Lora Jones www.bbc.co.uk 

Currently only areas with metro mayors can introduce “franchising” to private companies.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said that after “decades of failed deregulation”, “local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers”.

Some industry figures, however, said minimum service level guarantees should also be set out as routes and timetables have faced cuts in recent years.

There are only a few areas in England where the local bus company is owned by the council.

The model – known as bus franchising – sees local authorities grant private companies the right to operate in a specific area, although the council maintains control over things like routes, timetables and fares.

Supporters say it means profits can be reinvested into services. For example, if the council puts money into things like bus lanes it sees a direct return – better services, more passengers and higher revenue from fares which can then be reinvested.

In the run-up to the general election, Labour pledged, external that it would hand all local transport authorities the power to run their own bus services and lift restrictions on new, publicly-owned bus operators.

But Shadow Transport Secretary Helen Whately suggested in a statement that “Labour’s plans are unfunded” and the government needed to explain whether local authorities would be expected to raise tax or cut services to fund the proposal.

“Moreover, it won’t make a blind bit of difference for passengers.”

“It won’t increase the number of services and they would much prefer to have the £2 fare cap extended at the Budget,” she added, referring to a policy introduced by the Conservative government, external to cap single bus fares on participating bus routes at £2, which has been extended until December.

Buses are the most commonly used form of public transport, external in Great Britain.

But services have been in long-term decline, with the pandemic hitting passenger numbers and profits hard.

According to the Department for Transport, external, the number of local bus passenger journeys in England rose by 19.4% to 3.4 billion in the year ending March 2023.

This is much lower than usage levels before the pandemic, when journeys totalled 4.1 billion in the 12 months ending March 2020.

Until the 1980s, most bus services were delivered through publicly owned companies, often run by councils, but in 1986 services outside London were deregulated and privatised, leading to the mass sale of council bus companies.

In London a franchising system was introduced, with Transport for London deciding routes, timetables and fares and operators bidding to run services for a fixed fee.

This has contributed to the capital seeing an increase in bus use, with services less hit by cuts, in contrast to other parts of the country.

The newly-formed government has also launched a consultation on simplified guidance aimed at speeding up processes and reducing costs for local councils looking at bringing services into public control.

A “Better Buses Bill” will be put forward later on in this parliamentary session, which would look at measures for areas where leaders would not consider franchising.

Last year, Greater Manchester became the first place outside of London to bring bus services into public control since they were deregulated in the 1980s. The “Bee Network”, where all-night services have been trialled, has been described as a success, despite facing some teething problems with delays.

More city regions intend to follow, and the government’s plan would allow all local authorities across England to do the same.

Silviya Barrett, director of policy and research at Campaign for Better Transport, said giving local councils more power would create “a more reliable bus network for all”.

“Whilst franchising may not be suitable for all areas, everyone should have access to a quality bus service without risk of it being cut, which is why we are also calling for a minimum service level guarantee and long-term, ringfenced funding for all local authorities,” she said.

Emma Vogelmann, head of policy at Transport for All, told the BBC that buses play a crucial role for disabled people in the community.

“Often they are the only accessible form of public transport available…we’re cautiously optimistic that greater devolution of services will enable local authorities to pick up the pace of change,” she said.

Meanwhile, Adam Hug, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association which represents councils, said the proposals marked a “step towards helping to restore public faith in local bus networks”.

Businesses and residents in a Devon town are to launch what is set to become the largest group legal action against a water company seen in the UK, i can reveal.

[South West Water are reported as saying businesses were not entitled to compensation under Ofwat’s Guaranteed Standards Scheme. and advised businesses to check their burst pipe insurance.]

David Parsley inews.co.uk

Businesses and residents in a Devon town are to launch what is set to become the largest group legal action against a water company seen in the UK, i can reveal.

Seaside resort Exmouth intends to take on South West Water in the courts after the town’s popular beach was dogged by “no swim” warnings following repeated raw sewage spills during the summer.

Dozens of the town’s independent business have joined forces to appoint a law firm to lead the action, which will claim the beach closures resulted in a significant fall in sales during the crucial summer holiday trading period.

The action will include independent restaurants, pubs, cafes, boat trip firms, sailing groups, ice cream parlours and gift shops.

Residents and summer visitors may also be included in the action after the beach’s blue flag was replaced by red-flag warnings on several occasions during the school holidays.

Nicky Nicholls, of beachside retail and leisure hub Sideshore, is co-ordinating between law firm Leigh Day and local business.

She said: “The reputational damage that has been done to Exmouth over this summer is unacceptable.

“Businesses and residents alike are angry. We intend to fight back, to get the system fixed and to get Exmouth back its beautiful bathing waters.”

Maisie Dawson, who owns The Beach pub by the town’s marina, said: “It’s definitely had an impact on the business.

“The worry is what impact is this going to have on the town in the future. People thinking of where they’ll go on holiday next year may well think they’re not coming to Exmouth because it’s got raw sewage all over the beach.”

Eric Bridge, who runs the Edge watersports and retail store on the beach, said: “When the red flags were out over the bank holiday weekend the beach was virtually empty.

“It was quite odd to see it so quiet, and it clearly has an impact on local businesses when the tourists stayed away.”

The no-swim warnings were issued by the Environment Agency after a South West Water sewage pipe burst on the 14 August.

While the water company claimed the issue had been solved after installing a temporary overland pipe, no-swim notices were imposed on two further occasions during August, including over the key bank holiday trading weekend.

South West Water said businesses were not entitled to compensation under Ofwat’s Guaranteed Standards Scheme.

Instead, the company has advised businesses to check if their business insurance policy may cover the hit to revenues due to the burst pipe.

The town has been dogged by spills since last December, when another pipe burst led to weeks of disruption in the town.

As i revealed earlier this year, 240 tankers a day drove through Exmouth carrying up to 18,000 litres of sewage to Maer Road sewage pumping station, just 200 metres from the beach, following a series of major pipe bursts.

The local council passed a vote of no confidence in South West Water in February.

Councillor Paul Arnott, leader of East Devon District Council, said the situation in and around Exmouth was a “civil emergency” and it was “just a matter of time before someone becomes seriously ill due to South West Water’s failure to control and fix its own infrastructure”.

Mr Arnott added: “The August Bank holiday weekend caused terrible losses for local businesses, and because of the national media coverage risks permanent damage to Exmouth and other parts of our district.”

South West Water is already facing legal action from resident Jo Bateman, who is claiming the company has prevented her from taking her daily swims following multiple spills over the past year.

South West Water is already facing legal action from resident Jo Bateman, who is claiming the company has prevented her from taking her daily swims following multiple spills over the past year.

As part of her campaign, Ms Bateman will be handing a 50,000-strong petition to Downing Street on Tuesday, calling for more government action on sewage spills.

“I will be handing in a petition to No 10 urging the Government to stop letting water companies off the hook,” said Ms Bateman.

“We demand: stricter penalties and fines for all water company offences, no more bonuses for water company executives, the prioritisation of urgent action for a cleaner and safer swimming environment for everyone – so we can all enjoy our right to swim.”

A spokeswoman for South West Water added: “We are serious about tackling storm overflows and change of this scale takes time, ambition, and increased investment.

“We are investing around £38m in the Exmouth area up to 2030 which includes upgrades to our pumping stations and treatment works to significantly reduce the number of spills and further protect the environment.”

Election of a Town Councillor for Exmouth Town Council (Town Ward) on Thursday 5 September 2024

Name of Candidate Description (if any) Number of Votes*

BENNETT, Julie D, The Labour Party 224 

CONDUIT, Dianne A, Liberal Democrats 373 Elected