Simon Jupp urges South West Water to move swiftly on their £30 million investment plans for water infrastructure in Sidmouth & Tipton St John.

Owl suggests a re-read of:

More hand wringing from Jupp on Sewage

Richard Foord: Tory fanfare sewage announcement with two faces 

“Trusted source” throws doubt on Jupp and Skinner sewage claims for Sidmouth

Adam Manning www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

The MP for East Devon met with South West Water’s Chief Executive, Susan Davy, in Sidmouth on July 26.

Visiting their Wastewater Treatment Works (STW) site and storm overflow at The Ham in Sidmouth, Simon Jupp MP welcomed South West Water’s investment plans which were signed off for acceleration by the government earlier this year to reduce storm overflow spills and improve water quality in the area. Prior to the announcement of these plans, the East Devon MP had called for further investment from South West Water during a debate he led on the company’s performance in Parliament.  

As part of the investment package, sites in Sidmouth and Tipton St John are set to receive £30 million from South West Water for infrastructure upgrades. On top of this, the Axminster-Kilmington water treatment site is set to receive £7.3 million from South West Water. This work is to help reduce nutrient pollution to further protect East Devon’s waterways.

During the meeting, Simon Jupp MP also raised his concerns over the ongoing Ofwat investigation into South West Water’s wastewater treatment works and leakage reporting as well as the company’s overall performance. Whilst its performance has improved, South West Water’s Chief Executive acknowledged that there is more to do moving forward.

This followed a meeting between the East Devon MP and Chief Executive of Ofwat, David Black, on July 19th in Parliament to discuss the stronger powers granted to regulators by the government to hold water companies to account. Ofwat has enforcement powers to fine up to 10 per cent of company turnover for breaches of its license or other relevant requirements of the law.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said: “We are so lucky to live in East Devon’s beautiful environment and I am passionate about protecting it. I am working hard to get South West Water to go further and faster in cleaning up our water. The multi-million-pound accelerated infrastructure investment in Sidmouth, Tipton St John and Axminster announced earlier this year was a positive step towards this, but I urged the Chief Executive to get works completed as swiftly as possible during my meeting in Sidmouth. In the meantime, I will continue to work with regulators – now armed with additional enforcement powers by this Conservative government – to protect our precious countryside, coastline and waterways.”

The families of those who died during the Keyham shootings have spoken of their disappointment that the police force which gave the killer his shotgun certificate back weeks before the massacre continues to place the public at risk.

[IOPC has: “Concerns about the force’s backlog of applications for licences, which had been caused by inefficient processes, inadequate IT systems and the force not taking legitimate opportunities to reduce demand. And they highlighted the force’s inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

They found temporary permits were being used to help manage volumes, which they said is against statutory guidance and must stop.”]

See: Hernandez tells Police and Crime Panel gun licensing department “working safely”

Sarah Elmes www.plymouthherald.co.uk

In just eight minutes, Jake Davison, 22, killed his mother Maxine, 51, and then shot dead three-year-old Sophie Martyn, her father Lee, 43, Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66. He then turned the weapon on himself as he was confronted by an unarmed police officer on August 12 2021 in Keyham, Plymouth.

A review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said improvements have been made to Devon and Cornwall Police’s firearms licensing unit but concerns remained over a backlog in processing applications and the improper use of temporary permits.

Lawyer Patrick Maguire, who represents the Martyn, Washington and Shepherd families, said: “We are extremely disappointed that, despite the jury at the inquest concluding that there were catastrophic failures within the firearms licensing unit of the Devon and Cornwall Police, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary flag issues that the force continues to place the public at risk.

“When the descriptors used by HMIC include words such as ‘inefficient, inadequate, improper and inappropriate’ it should be obvious to everyone that more work needs to be done to prevent anything like this happening again. We are disgusted that Devon and Cornwall Police have not implemented all of the coroner and Independent Office for Police Conduct’s recommendations.

“How many more people need to needlessly die before they do things properly?

“We had hoped that our loved ones’ deaths would not be in vain and that the force would do absolutely everything they could to prevent future deaths from happening. This does not appear to be the case.

“Nobody should be reassured by vague indications of progress having been made by Devon and Cornwall Police. The public want actions and not words. Until then, firearms licences will continue to get into the hands of unsuitable people.

“As families, we are united in calling for more fundamental change to the way firearms licences are granted in this country so that no other family has to endure the torment and grief we have been and are still going through.”

The police inspectorate was commissioned in April to undertake an urgent review of the force’s progress in implementing recommendations made by the IOPC and comments made by a coroner in their prevention of future deaths report.

Earlier this year an inquest jury criticised failings within the force’s firearms licensing unit, which handed the apprentice crane operator his shotgun back. Meanwhile, Ian Arrow, the senior coroner for Plymouth, called for a “root and branch” reform of the UK’s gun laws to protect the public.

He said the 50-year-old Firearms Act was at “odds with public safety and the fundamental principle that owning a gun is a privilege and not a right” and called for the legislative distinction between Section 1 firearms – such as rifles – and shotguns to be ended.

Inspectors said the force had made positive changes in several areas to improve its ability to assess a person’s suitability to possess firearms, including introducing a new management structure, hiring more staff and delivering extensive training. They said the force had implemented four of the five IOPC recommendations and made substantial progress on the comments made by the coroner.

But they had concerns about the force’s backlog of applications for licences, which had been caused by inefficient processes, inadequate IT systems and the force not taking legitimate opportunities to reduce demand. And they highlighted the force’s inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

They found temporary permits were being used to help manage volumes, which they said is against statutory guidance and must stop.

Devon and Cornwall Police have invested £4 million in the firearms licensing unit since the tragedy, with 100 staff handling the highest number of gun licence applications of any force in England and Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “I am pleased the review recognises that the force has now fully implemented four of the five recommendations and highlights positive areas such as leadership, a clear governance structure and decision making and investment in training and new systems. I acknowledge that there is still work to do, particularly in our backlog of renewal of firearms licences and our use of temporary permits.

“The safety of our communities across Devon and Cornwall remains our priority and we are absolutely focused on delivering a safe, efficient and sustainable firearms licensing service.”

Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “To prevent a tragedy like Keyham and Ford’s from ever happening again, we need root and branch changes to gun laws.

“I welcome the progress made, but it is unacceptable that Devon and Cornwall Police have such a large backlog and a high reliance on issuing temporary permits. Temporary measures do not build confidence.

“The government must review gun laws and make licence holders pick up the bill for the full cost of firearms applications so that the police have the resources they need.”

Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has told councillors the force’s gun licensing department is “working safely.”

BBC News www.bbc.co.uk

(Not the usual selfie – Owl)

Ms Hernandez was briefing the Devon and Cornwall police and crime panel on Friday as the force was told it still needed to improve following the Keyham shootings.

“We have invested large amounts of money and have challenges, still, around efficiency – but I am reassured that it is now much safer,” she said.

She said she would support a rise in gun license application fees.

Labour councillor Chris Penberthy asked the commissioner to provide data to show the extent to which gun licensing is being subsidised by taxpayers in Devon and Cornwall.

He said the current difference between income generated and the cost of processing each licence meant money was being diverted from other areas of policing.

Mr Penberthy added: “People have a choice of owning a gun, and if they choose to have a gun they should be covering costs.”

Ms Hernandez said she would provide the data after the meeting, adding: “The fees issue is a really interesting one – it has been one of my upsets – I’m very happy to get that data.”

The commissioner said she supported an increase in gun licence application fees, but did not support so-called full cost recovery.

She said: “The challenge we’ve got is how can it still be £79.50 for five years when the gun costs more than that.

“I think gun users accept that it’s time for change…but I’m not into full cost recovery, because that drives inefficiencies and puts all of the burden on the applicant.”

While the BBC does not have figures for Devon and Cornwall, Freedom of Information data showed that some forces are spending up to £500 processing each licence.

Ms Hernandez also told the panel she will support Plymouth City Council with its attempts to get the government to pay its costs for holding the inquest in to the Plymouth Shootings.

Labour councillor Sally Hayden told her it had cost the council £400,000.

A police and crime commissioner has blamed “jurisdictional issues” for delays in suspending a chief constable who is accused of a serious criminal offence.

(Owl feels none the wiser.)

www.bbc.co.uk

Will Kerr was suspended by Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez following allegations of misconduct.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has also launched a criminal investigation into “serious allegations of sexual offences“.

Mr Kerr has “strenuously” denied any allegations of criminality.

Ms Hernandez told the Police and Crime Panel on Friday she first referred the allegations made against Mr Kerr to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) on 23 March.

On April 20 the IOPC closed the referral saying it did not consider it had jurisdiction over the issue.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been investigating serious allegations of sexual offences since 16 June.

Ms Hernandez told the panel that on 19 July, after new information came to light, the IOPC told her that it had reviewed its position and asked her to submit a referral.

On 24 July Ms Hernandez suspended Mr Kerr.

The commissioner said her decision-making had been hampered by a “distinct lack of clarity” about which board was responsible for overseeing a complaint of this nature.

Ms Hernandez said she was “frustrated” that she had not been “presented with any evidence to support the case made against Mr Kerr”.

The ombudsman said it “would not, however, share evidential material pertaining to an investigation” and that it was aware Ms Hernandez had been briefed of the allegations in March.

‘Move swiftly’

An IOPC spokesperson said there were complications in situations that involved two jurisdictions but that it had “regularly and appropriately” briefed and updated Ms Hernandez from the outset.

The IOPC said that when the initial referral was received from the commissioner it was limited to the allegations of criminal conduct, which was something it did not have the authority to investigate as it was alleged to have happened outside its jurisdiction.

It said it subsequently requested a second referral from the commissioner so it could investigate the alleged misconduct issues which did fall under its remit.

Ms Hernandez added: “The delays caused in this case are less than ideal for all concerned. I hope now that all agencies will move swiftly to bring this case to a resolution.”

On Wednesday, Mr Kerr said: “In relation to the statement from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland… I strenuously deny any allegations of criminality.

“I recognise and respect the fact that accountability and due process are vital to any investigation, regardless of rank or position,” he continued, in a statement reported by PA.

“I will continue to co-operate with any investigation. I hope that all matters will be expedited so that they will be concluded without delay.”

Yah-boo!

Lib Dem Teignbridge Council has been accused of ‘control freakery’ after changing the way council officers deal with more than £9 million in government cash earmarked for Newton Abbot’s town centre redevelopment.

Guy Henderson, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk

Councillors have voted to stop delegating decisions on projects for the centre cinema and market hall to officers, and bring them back under the control of the executive committee.

But opposition councillors claim it could lead to more delays.

The government has earmarked £9.2 million from its Future High Street Fund to projects including Queen Street and cycle route improvements, as well as the controversial cinema and market hall elements.

Queen Street and the cycle route projects are underway, but the others have missed important milestones and there is a deadline to spend the money by March next year.

A motion by council leader Martin Wrigley (Lib Dem, Dawlish NE) said: “Progress on the market hall regeneration and the cinema has been disappointingly slow for a variety of reasons. It is likely that changes to these projects may be required due to cost inflation and economic changes since 2019 and the delays since November 2022.

“The cinema has yet to obtain planning permission after nearly four years of the project. The council is concerned that the projects are progressing without detailed oversight.

“It is not the intention to stop the work, but to deliver the projects in a timely manner.”

Cllr Wrigley said covid and the economic crisis means the situation is ‘almost unrecoverable’, but the new arrangement would allow the council to be more flexible.

“We have a very different world out there now,” he said. “We have not delivered where we imagined that we would, and time is short going forward.”

But Conservative group leader Phil Bullivant (Bradley) said he was ‘embarrassed’ by the motion which ‘drove a coach and horses’ through council procedures.

“The people of Newton Abbot deserve better,” he said. “We should be supporting our officers rather than seeking to hand the keys of the institution to the inmates.”

Cllr Andrew MacGregor (South Devon Alliance Independent, Bishopsteignton) said making officers report back to the council more often, as would happen if Cllr Wrigley’s motion succeeded, would only cause more delays.

And, he added: “It is not clear how any of this is going to work. What we are talking about is control freakery on the part of the executive.”

But Cllr Wrigley hit back: “There have been no delays as a result of indecision. The executive has not messed this up.

“We need to do something differently to achieve the delivery of a project that has not been delivered over the past four years.

“Circumstances have changed substantially, and we need to be able to change the approach we are taking.”

Britain has lost 6,000 storefronts in five years, new figures show, with financial pressures forcing shop owners to close their stores and leave cities with undesirable “gap-toothed high streets”.

www.theguardian.com 

Covid, the cost of living crisis and “crippling” business rates are causing businesses to desert retail spaces, and local councils must come up with a “cohesive plan” to invigorate shopping areas, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned.

The overall vacancy rate increased to 13.9% across Britain in the second quarter of this year, a 0.1 percentage point drop on the first quarter but 0.1 points up on the same period last year, according to the BRC’s Local Data Company (LDC) vacancy monitor.

Shopping centre vacancies remain unchanged from the first quarter at 17.8%, but high street vacancies increased 0.1% to 13.9%.

Greater London, the south-east and the east of England maintained the lowest vacancy rates, with London improving over the last quarter due to new flagship stores as well as a rise in office workers and tourists.

The highest vacancy rates were in the north-east and the Midlands, followed by Wales and Scotland.

The BRC chief executive, Helen Dickinson, said: “The past five years saw Britain lose 6,000 retail outlets, with crippling business rates and the impact of the Covid lockdowns a key part of decisions to close stores and think twice about new openings.

“To inject more vibrancy into high streets and town centres, and prevent further store closures, government should review the broken business rates system.

“Currently, there’s an additional £400m going on retailers’ bills next April, which will put a brake on the vital investment that our towns and cities so desperately need.

“The government announcement earlier in the week about making changes of use to vacant units easier is welcome but it’s important local councils have a cohesive plan, and don’t leave gap-toothed high streets that are no longer a customer destination and risk becoming inviable. Government should go one step further and freeze rates bills next year.”

Lucy Stainton, commercial director at the LDC, said: “Across all location types, vacancy has reached critical levels, highlighting an ever-increasing need to redevelop units to breathe life back into retail destinations.

“With the continuing trend in mind, we do not foresee any improvements to vacancy rates in future. However, given that the latest rises in vacancy have not been particularly significant, we anticipate that any increases in the near future will be gradual.”

A new development of 69 affordable and eco-friendly homes is underway near Exeter. Councillors from East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Broadclyst Parish Council joined housing association Sovereign to celebrate work starting on new affordable and sustainable homes this week.

Lewis Clarke www.devonlive.com 

Ground was broken by Cllr Olly Davey, portfolio holder for strategic planning at EDDC, alongside the chair of Broadclyst Parish Council, Henry Massey.

The homes at Moonhill Rise will be the first built to the highest rating in Sovereign’s Homes and Place Standard for sustainable homes, which was created alongside Sovereign customers.

James Gibson, regional development director at Sovereign said: “We are delighted to celebrate the beginning of what is designed to be a thriving community for many decades. It’s always an exciting moment as work gets underway on a place that will become people’s home, but this is even more exciting as these will be the first homes built to match our bold new sustainability and customer wellbeing ambitions.

“We know that many people need an affordable place to live, so we’d encourage anyone who may have a place that could become new homes to contact us. In doing so, and by working with us, they’ll be part of a growing legacy which is delivering more affordable, sustainable homes for people who need them.”

Cllr Olly Davey, portfolio holder for strategic planning at EDDC said: “I’m pleased to have been invited to see the start of this new development of high quality affordable homes which will make an important contribution to the need for more homes in the housing association rental and shared ownership sector.”

Mat Vye, associate director at E G Carter and Company Ltd said: “We are delighted to have commenced another highly sustainable land led development on behalf of Sovereign and we look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes”.

The completed homes will include one and two-bed maisonettes, bungalows and two-four bed houses. Once completed, the homes will be available for either shared ownership or social rent. The development is expected to complete by summer 2026.

“The Conservative police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, knew about the allegations since at least April, but did not suspend Kerr.”

“Prior to the announcement, senior policing and Whitehall sources had told the Guardian they were concerned that failing to suspend Kerr could damage confidence, and believed a more junior officer would have been suspended if allegations of a similar gravity had been made against them.”

Devon and Cornwall police chief investigated over serious allegations of sexual offences

Vikram Dodd www.theguardian.com 

The chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police is under criminal investigation over serious allegations of sexual offences, the police watchdog for Northern Ireland has announced.

Will Kerr has been under investigation for several months over allegations dating back to his time as a senior officer in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). He has “strenuously denied” any wrongdoing.

Kerr was suspended from duty by the police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall on Wednesday, and the police watchdog for England and Wales announced an independent investigation into him.

There are now multiple criminal and disciplinary investigations under way. Initially, the public reason given for his suspension was for misconduct issues. But the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland later confirmed that it was investigating allegations of sexual assault against Kerr. Sources have told the Guardian these include rape.

In a response on Wednesday night, Kerr said: “In relation to the statement from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in which she named me as being the subject of a criminal investigation into serious allegations of sexual offences, I strenuously deny any allegations of criminality.

“I recognise and respect the fact that accountability and due process are vital to any investigation, regardless of rank or position,” he continued. “I will continue to cooperate with any investigation. I hope that all matters will be expedited so that they will be concluded without delay.”

Before the announcement by the ombudsman, rulings made by judges on privacy had left news organisations unable to report the allegations of sexual assault against a serving chief constable.

Kerr, whose suspension comes eight months after he became chief, has not been arrested.

The Conservative police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, knew about the allegations since at least April, but did not suspend Kerr.

Prior to the announcement, senior policing and Whitehall sources had told the Guardian they were concerned that failing to suspend Kerr could damage confidence, and believed a more junior officer would have been suspended if allegations of a similar gravity had been made against them.

Solicitor Debaleena Dasgupta, of the Centre for Women’s Justice, said the failure to suspend Kerr for months after the criminal investigation began was a betrayal of the promises policing had made to change after the David Carrick case and other scandals.

“I think that women’s confidence in the police is at its lowest point ever,” she said. “What they have been promised when issues arise was that they will be tackled immediately and as a matter of urgency.

“The failure to suspend and waiting four months, is a betrayal of that promise from the police.”

Stephen White, former chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, and also the former acting PCC in Durham, said: “Suspension is a neutral act. Regular officers get suspended in relation to misconduct frequently. It beggars belief that there is a different rule for a chief constable facing a serious criminal allegation.

“Junior officers will feel, as may the public, that not suspending a chief constable facing serious allegations is hypocrisy. Public trust in the police is dependent on the public believing that when things go wrong, they will be dealt with properly.”

Lord Paddick, a former deputy assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan police and the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on home affairs in the House of Lords, said: “This raises questions about whether the system of police governance is really working.”

PSNI started investigating the allegations earlier this year, but last month the watchdog in the province, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, used its legal powers to take over the criminal inquiry. It has also decided to investigate whether PSNI mishandled the allegations of sexual assault when they were first made in 2016.

The allegations date from Kerr’s 27 years serving in PSNI, which he left having reached the rank of assistant chief constable.

Sources have told the Guardian that one issue referred by the PCC to the police watchdog that directly led to the decision relates to vetting. The other reason was any potential discipline issues that come from the criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assaults, which could see disciplinary charges even if there are no criminal charges.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “Following assessment of a referral from the police and crime commissioner, we have decided to investigate allegations of misconduct against the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police, Will Kerr.”

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland said: “The Police Ombudsman commenced a criminal investigation into serious allegations of sexual offences against a former PSNI senior officer, currently the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall, on 16 June 2023 …

“The ombudsman will also consider the circumstances under which the allegations were investigated by PSNI.

“The office has been engaging with the IOPC on cross-jurisdictional issues in recent weeks, as well as with the office of the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner.”

Kerr has been the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall since December 2022, having been headhunted by Hernandez for the post.

He took over the Devon and Cornwall force after it was placed in special measures by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, the policing inspectorate. It was criticised over the Plymouth shootings in 2021 in which five people were shot dead, with the gunman then killing himself. Police had handed a firearm back to the gunman weeks before he went on the rampage, having previously revoked his licence.

Kerr joined from Police Scotland, where he was deputy chief constable. Before that he served at the National Crime Agency, as well as spending more than two decades in the PSNI, where he reached the rank of assistant chief constable.

For any other rank, the appropriate authority to decide on whether an allegation merits suspension would be the chief constable of the force. But the authority when the allegation is against the chief constable is the police and crime commissioner.

Another senior source told the Guardian that Kerr’s suspension raised concerns about the resilience of the force.

Kerr took leave after the allegations against him first surfaced. He returned to work and in May chaired a disciplinary panel convened by his force, where he sacked an officer for lying about the GCSE grade he got in a maths exam when a teenager.

A fortnight ago he represented his force at the annual police bravery awards in central London, surrounded by his fellow chief constables, some of whom knew of the allegations he faced.

Jim Colwell, the acting chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police, said: “I am keen to reassure the public that we will maintain our focus on delivering the best possible service to our communities.

“Public trust and confidence are at the very heart of our ability to police effectively and we are incredibly proud that in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly we have the support of our communities.”

Cutting a £1.5m homelessness budget in Devon could lead to the closure of five homeless hostel services, charities have claimed.

By Miles Davis www.bbc.co.uk

The possible scrapping of the budget will be discussed by Devon County Council members on Thursday.

Charities said losing the money could also lead to the closure of a service working with people to prevent them becoming homeless.

The council has previously said it “simply” cannot afford the fund.

A special meeting has been convened to assess the impact with a final decision by the council on 23 August.

Charities said homeless numbers were increasing in the county.

Exeter homelessness charity St Petrock’s is leading a coalition of organisations opposing the proposed cuts.

The charity’s CEO, Peter Stephenson, said the council was correct in saying it did not have a statutory duty to prevent homelessness but Mr Stephenson said this “sidesteps the key issue”.

He said: “This funding provides support for people in huge need facing acute disadvantage, many of whom will otherwise need Adult Social Care intervention at Devon’s expense if this support is stripped away.

“Furthermore, if they lose this support, those teetering on the edge of needing Adult Social Care will experience a dramatic downturn in their wellbeing.

“It’s hard to see how these cuts represent any financial saving overall.”

‘Dangerous and short-sighted’

Homeless Link, the national membership body for frontline homelessness services, said the council’s own impact assessment found about 250 people received support through the funding.

Peter Smith, Homeless Link’s director of sector development, said cutting the funding would be a “dangerous and short-sighted decision”.

He said: “Not only will it cause a sharp rise in rough sleeping, it will also be placing additional strain on valuable health and social care services, meaning the proposed savings represent a false economy.”

Devon County Council did not respond to a request for comment ahead of the meeting on Thursday.

An ambitious scheme to ‘reinvent Exmouth’ is gathering pace. 

It follows a ‘placemaking plan’ launched last year, which aims to make the seaside town a better place for residents and visitors.

Guy Henderson, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk

Its mission, according to East Devon District Council and consultants WSP, is ‘understanding and harnessing the value of Exmouth’s assets through a set of interconnected actions that reimagine and reinvent Exmouth as a cohesive place where people choose to live, work and spend time’.

In practical terms, the new study will explore ways to diversify Exmouth’s economy by looking beyond tourism, and improving the town centre.

Unoccupied and derelict areas will be targeted while maintaining the town’s character to continue to attract visitors.

Workshops will be held to talk to residents and other stakeholders before the proposals move to the next stage.

At a meeting of the council’s ‘placemaking in Exmouth town and seafront group’ this week, project manager Gerry Mills paid tribute to the local team who had secured 56 events for the seafront area as well as the return of a big wheel, which went up last week.

“They are extremely hard-working,” he said. “And they deliver so much more than we actually see.”

Council leader Paul Arnott (Lib Dem, Coly Valley) said it was ‘excellent’ to see the town so busy, but Cllr Olly Davey (Green, Exmouth Town) said the town’s transport links continued to be a problem.

“It would be good if people didn’t all come in their cars and we had a much better connection between the train station and the seafront,” he said.

“The words look great, but it will all be about what it looks like on the ground. Something has got to change, something has got to be built, or un-built, or re-built.”

Exmouth Town Council member Graham Deasy (Lib Dem, Littleham) urged the ‘placemakers’ to examine the long-term impact of climate change. He said: “I would like to see it included from the start, to accommodate what we are seeing and the potential effects on us as a tourist destination.”

Mr Mills replied: “Climate change strategy is at the core of this. It came across loud and clear during the consultation that the environment was considered to be an extremely high priority.”

Part of your local £15.7m Levelling Up project which includes the completion of the Dinan Way extension, ten years late!- Owl

Public drop-in event Today, Thursday 27 July, at LED Exmouth Leisure Centre.

www.devon.gov.uk

Devon County Council is proposing to improve walking and cycling facilities in the area around Exmouth railway station. By encouraging more active travel, particularly for shorter journeys, we can help reduce congestion on our busy roads and improve connectivity across the town. This will also help reduce carbon emissions by encouraging people to use sustainable modes of travel.

As well as increasing footfall, and bringing benefits to local businesses, the proposals are also designed to make the area a safer, more welcoming, and more pleasant place for all.

Background to the proposals

These proposals form part of the Destination Exmouth project, which is funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Exmouth Town Council. The project aims to create an Exmouth Gateway – a transport interchange that enables people to travel across town by bicycle, on foot or by bus more easily, reducing the town’s reliance on cars. Below is a concept drawing of the area, which was submitted as part of the original funding application and gives an indication of potential proposals we are looking at implementing.

Concept drawing of the area which was submitted as part of the original funding application (Click here to see the full PDF of the drawing)

About the proposals

A range of improvements are being considered, including:

• dedicated cycling space and wider footways to make it safer and easier to travel between the station, bus stop, estuary, town centre and seafront
• safer, more convenient crossing points, including raised tables to encourage slower vehicle speeds
• better signage, so travelling from the station to the town and seafront is more straightforward
• electric vehicle charging and e-bike docking, making it easier to use green modes of transport
• upgraded bus stop facilities for a better public transport experience
• closure of the existing subway, with the removal of the access ramps providing space for these improvements

Have your say

We would like to hear your views, so please complete the survey by Monday 21 August at 11:59pm.

When submitting your comments, please bear in mind that the funding we have received from central Government is specifically designed to help improve the area around Exmouth railway station, including making it easier to navigate on foot or by bike.

We are also holding a public drop-in event on Thursday 27 July at LED Exmouth Leisure Centre. Members of the project team will be available between midday and 4pm to answer your questions and to discuss your ideas for the area.

Following the end of the engagement period we will consider your comments. We are planning to hold a formal public consultation on more detailed and specific proposals later in the year.

At last the local Tory publicity machine has cranked into gear and formally announced the candidate who was selected last week. (Missing this week’s print edition of the Journal.)

Who is he, what does he stand for and what connections, if any, does he have with the constituency? 

This announcement is singularly uninformative. – Owl

Adam Manning www.exmouthjournal.co.uk 

David Reed has been selected to represent the Local Conservative Party for Exmouth & Exeter East constituency at the next general election.

A meeting was held on Thursday (July 20) at Exmouth Community College, local Conservatives met to elect a new candidate to stand in Exmouth and East Exeter.

Yesterday (July 24), it was announced that Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord will stand for the new Honiton & Sidmouth constituency at the next election, promising to make local health services his main focus if re-elected.

David Reed is a former Royal Marine with strong family links to the area.

Mr Reed said: “I have a strong desire to make Exmouth & Exeter East the best it can be and I’m eager to engage with residents and address the pressing issues in the constituency.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been selected as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Exmouth & Exeter East.

“With a strong work ethic and a commitment to long-term solutions, I am ready to serve the entire constituency diligently.”

Simon Jupp, the current MP for East Devon, who will be standing for the new Honiton and Sidmouth constituency in the next general election, has congratulated David and welcomed him to the team.

He said: “Congratulations to David on his selection as the Conservative candidate for Exmouth & Exeter East.

“I am looking forward to working with him to help build on my work to secure £15.7m to deliver the Dinan Way extension, regeneration around Exmouth’s train station and a brand new state-of-the-art police station for the town.”

“As David Reed prepares to take on this important responsibility, he is keen to collaborate with the community, build a strong foundation and work tirelessly to address the concerns and aspirations of Exmouth & Exeter East constituents.”

Suspended Devon and Cornwall Police chief investigated over claims of ‘serious sexual offences’

The suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police is being investigated over “serious allegations of sexual offences”, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Marie Anderson, confirmed.

Martha McHardy www.independent.co.uk 

Chief Constable Will Kerr, who previously served with the Police Service of Northern Ireland for more than 27 years, was suspended on Wednesday after just eight months at Devon and Cornwall Police, following a crisis meeting that began on Friday.

Police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, said she had made the decision to suspend him following allegations of misconduct.

The Chief Police Officers Staff Association said Mr Kerr was co-operating with the investigation, which it said related to “legacy misconduct matters” for which he had not yet been interviewed.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is now investigating the allegations against Mr Kerr. Meanwhile, a criminal investigation into “serious allegations of sexual offences” has been launched by the Northern Irish Police Ombudsman.

A statement from Marie Anderson said: “The Police Ombudsman commenced a criminal investigation into serious allegations of sexual offences against a former PSNI senior officer, currently the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall, on 16 June 2023, using her own motion powers.

“The ombudsman will also consider the circumstances under which the allegations were investigated by PSNI.

“The office has been engaging with the IOPC on cross-jurisdictional issues in recent weeks, as well as with the office of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Details concerning the precise nature of the allegations and any early investigative actions remain confidential at this time.”

In a statement, the office of PCC for Devon and Cornwall said: “Alison Hernandez, the police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, has suspended the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police, Will Kerr OBE KPM, following allegations of misconduct.

“The commissioner has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has confirmed it will commence an investigation.”

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed deputy chief constable Jim Colwell will become acting chief constable in the meantime.

Mr Colwell said: “I am keen to reassure the public that we will maintain our focus on delivering the best possible service to our communities.

“We have thousands of dedicated and professional officers, staff and volunteers within our force and strong leadership throughout which, when pulled together, mean we can continue to make improvements at pace to provide our communities with the highest levels of service they deserve.”

One senior source told the Guardian that Mr Kerr’s suspension raised concerns about the resilience of the force, which was placed in special measures by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary before he took over in December 2022.

Devon and Cornwall police came under fire after the Keyham shootings in Plymouth in 2021 in which five people were shot dead before the gunman killed himself.

Police were criticised after handing a firearm back to the gunman weeks before the shooting, having previously revoked his licence.

Mr Kerr was previously deputy chief constable of Police Scotland. In a statement, Police Scotland said: “Will Kerr left Police Scotland in 2022. These allegations do not relate to his time at Police Scotland and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

He served with the Police Service of Northern Ireland for more than 27 years and reached the rank of assistant chief constable there, leading on both serious crime and counter-terrorism.

In 2015 he was made an OBE, and he received the King’s Police Medal in the New Year Honours earlier this year.

For backstory see: Tory angry outburst mars attempt to reset Council

Paul Arnott Local Press 

A few weeks ago, I attended the Local Government Association (LGA) conference in Bournemouth. After the pandemic years, it’s good to mingle with other council leaders and officers, as well as the helpful folk from the LGA. It cemented my view that those challenging years maybe created a need for a refreshed way of doing some things.

So last week, the Democratic Alliance ruling group tabled a motion that would allow for wide external engagement with nationally-established bodies to have a look under the bonnet for us. They’d talk freely to councillors and officers to make sure we are in good shape, and if or where we are not optimal to suggest some good ways forward. It’s not a revolution, it happens everywhere and in fact the LGA Peer Review element is due this year anyway.

Sadly, the Conservatives seem to be on national election manoeuvres already and with a string of personal insults against me (very classy) voted against this process. With one very honourable exception it should be added.

So, what did they not like about our Deputy Leader’s motion? Cllr Paul Hayward’s deeply considered proposals had benefitted from independent external advice and looked at the ways that we could improve the quality of the decision-making within the Council. At the start of a four-year term, it seemed obvious to us that we should refresh the council and its priorities.

The Democratic Alliance (including Lib Dems, Independents and Greens) voted for, as did the Labour Group, and other Independents including the three fine members from Cranbrook. Plus, that not-to-be-whipped lone Tory – and good for him. The Tories just got into a familiar lather of impotent fury and in some chaos voted against.

East Devon is a big business with you as our shareholders. Like every business we are being buffeted by high inflation, the aftermath of Covid, the tail winds of Brexit and reduced income. Meanwhile, the demands on us grow, especially amongst those in most need.

Before everyone heads for the lifeboats, I’d better be clear East Devon is not in the least a bad council and we are not delivering bad services. It’s pretty flipping good. But being good is only part of what we want to be. We believe that it is our duty to try to become the best Council in the South West and have set in hand a series of activities to help us become that. Perhaps this is not an aspiration of the weary Tory Group.

We have not produced a scheme of improvement by chance. We are being advised on governance and organisational issues by the LGA. Our local body, South West Councils, is advising us on staffing and training issues. Our proposals will cost next to nothing because most of the costs will be met by the grants given to the LGA by central government. However, we always want to safeguard your cash and make sure it is properly used. So, we have asked the council’s Director of Finance to work with us to cost up the proposals and provide a time table for it. That report will come back for formal approval.

I am sorry that the East Devon Tories acted in the way they did. Getting things better should be a priority for all 60 councillors. Indeed, as part of our motion we have established a working group on which all the Party leaders will sit to move forward the transformation. I really hope that they will now change their mind and commit themselves to help.

Residents of a Cornish harbour town have raised £1m to save their beloved community hospital three years after it was closed by the NHS, raising fears it would be turned into holiday flats.

Steven Morris www.theguardian.com 

The former Edward Hain Memorial hospital in St Ives, which was founded more than a century ago by a local shipping family, is to be turned into a new hub for health and wellness.

It will provide accessible – and free wherever possible – services to residents of the town and west Cornwall.

Lynne Isaacs, chair of the Edward Hain Centre, said: “The loss of our hospital was devastating. We’re thrilled that we can bring much-needed health services back to the town.”

Charities and health groups will provide support for people with conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and offer wellbeing and preventive services like food quality awareness, yoga and exercise.

The memorial hospital was founded by Sir Edward and Lady Catherine Hain in memory of their son, Edward “Teddy” Hain, killed by shellfire at Gallipoli in November 1915, the morning he was due to return home.

Put into trust for the benefit of St Ives, the hospital was taken over in 1948 by the newly formed NHS. In 2016, the hospitals closed its in-bed wards.

Despite a series of protests by the community, including an eye-catching demonstration involving 600 people in dressing gowns, complete closure came in 2020 and the NHS announced its plans to sell the building. Such is the demand for holiday homes in St Ives that the town council and residents worried it would be turned into apartments.

But the hospital’s League of Friends, who had raised funds for it since the 1960s, decided to try to buy it. Supported by local businesses and the community, fundraising events including music gigs, balls, coffee mornings, afternoon tea and golf competitions were held.

Among the contributors was 92-year-old Enid Deeble, who was a nurse at the hospital in the 1950s and who took part in a sponsored walk to help save the building.

The Liberal Democrat Cornwall councillor and health campaigner Andrew George described the friends as “magnificent”. However he accused the Tories of closing it down. “As the hospital was a gift to the community most locals don’t understand why they are obliged to pay through the nose to keep it as a community asset.”

The fundraising will continue to pay off a £400,000 mortgage that helped reach the target and more renovations and upgrades are needed.

Teddy Hain was the son of politician Sir Edward Hain. The family ran the Edward Hain Steamship Company, which provided work for generations of St Ives families.

The centre will celebrate its launch with an open weekend on 9 and 10 September.

Row erupts at parish council over poll about whether it should be dissolved.

Asher McShane www.lbc.co.uk

A terse confrontation between has gripped viewers as bile and simmering anger came to the fore at a meeting of Thornton-Le-Dale parish council.

In scenes similar to the Handforth Council meeting that went viral, the North Yorkshire parish council saw angry scenes when one councillor challenged the authority of another.

YouTube link here

Cllr Sandra Kathleen Bell challenged current seat holder Cllr Marguerite Markham, when she was reading out the results of a poll of residents, the majority of whom voted calling for the parish council to be dissolved.

A fortnight ago, a poll was held to determine whether villagers wanted to dissolve the parish council and elect another.

244 people voted, with 180 in favour of dissolution and just 64 supporting the current council. However, the parish council chose to dismiss the result as “undemocratic”, because only 16% of the village electorate voted.

Cllr Markham, reading out the numbers of the poll, was interrupted by Cllr Bell, dressed in pink, who told her: No, no that is not how our elections work.

“Sorry, first past the post, there’s no way that is appropriate. The way it’s put here is nonsense.”

But she is given short shrift by Cll Markham, who tells her: “Sandra, you are not chair, be quiet.”

Cllr Bell replies: “No I’m not, but neither are you acting in any democratic manner. You cannot report the results of the election they way they have here. It’s ridiculous.”

A member of the audience then catches her ire – and she scolds him: “Sorry are you a councillor at all? No that’s right you’ve never stood, I remember now.”

After further exchanges, including an extended awkward silence, the council then hear the majority of people who voted want them dissolved, but Cllr Markham says they will continue to serve.

Then after one further angry back and forth, the whole council, save the clerk, storm out of the meeting.

The heated exchange came after Cllr Markham was forced to berate one person in the audience for noise from their phone.

In the 2020 Handforth Parish Council meeting, chairman Brian Tolver told stand-in clerk Jackie Weaver she had ‘no authority’ to take charge.

She kicked out the chairman – and was lauded for standing up to him – after he angrily told her to ‘read the standing orders’ in an infamous sound-bite from the meeting.

Jobs in once-loved British seaside towns have plummeted by 50,000 in just ten years, Labour reveal today.

Natasha Clark www.thesun.co.uk

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves last night vowed to “make our seaside towns great again” by slashing and reforming business rates, stopping sewage being pumped into the seas, and boosting tourism.

Holiday homeowners will have to register before letting out seaside properties – or face fines under Labour’s mission to save them from ruin.

Ms Reeves promised Sun readers she will crack down on second homeowners who leave properties empty while pretending to rent them out to holidaymakers.

They will bring in a mandatory licencing scheme like in Wales – where owners will have to sign up and pay a fee to rent out their holiday homes – in a bid to help protect communities in rural and coastal areas.

She visited Haven Primrose Valley Caravan Park in Filey where she tried her hand at bingo and making pizzas.

The firm’s seaside resorts – with three million visitors every year bringing in hundreds of jobs for locals – are helping to buck the trend of seaside towns in decline.

Ms Reeves told The Sun: “I love our seaside towns. 

“I have such happy memories of seaside holidays in Gower as a child – everyone has their own stories too.

“There are no better beaches in the world – and wherever you live, you’re never far from one.

“I want to make sure they are thriving again.”

And she’ll be dragging her kids to Cornwall this summer rather than taking them abroad, she revealed.

New stats show how seaside towns from Falmouth to Scarborough are lagging behind in economic growth as young people flock elsewhere for work.

Almost all seaside towns in England and Wales had a fall in employment levels between 2011 and 2021 – with falls of over 10 per cent for some towns.

Most towns had a lower employment rate than their region.

There was a fall in employment levels of almost 50,000 from 2011 to 2021.

But all of England and Wales saw jobs boosted by 1.1million.

Aberystwyth in Wales saw a staggering 26 per cent drop in jobs, losing 1,600 in a decade.

Cleethorpes saw 2,700 jobs go, 2,600 from Bournemouth, and Blackpool lost 1,800.

On average seaside towns only grew 12 per cent between 2009 and 2019 – compared to the UK as a whole by 20 per cent, the ONS analysis revealed.

The growth per job in real terms (growth value added) increased by, on average, three per cent across 35 seaside towns, compared to five per cent across the UK.

Lytham St Anne’s was the town with the lowest growth, with GVA per job falling by 32 per cent over a decad.

East Devon voters in Honiton and Sidmouth heading for the polls in the next General Election will find two familiar names in the showdown to become the new constituency’s Member of Parliament.

eastdevonnews.co.uk

Two of Devon’s MPs will go head-to-head for the same seat at the next general election, writes local democracy reporter Ollie Heptinstall

Due to a shake-up of constituencies, Tiverton & Honiton MP Richard Foord has announced he’ll be standing for the new Honiton & Sidmouth seat when we next go to the polls.

It means the Liberal Democrat will be taking on his Conservative neighbour Simon Jupp, the current East Devon MP, who was selected to stand for Honiton & Sidmouth by party members in February.

Simon Jupp, left and Richard Foord will go head-to-head for the same seat at the next General Election.

The Boundary Commission recently published its final recommendations for a shake-up of England’s map for general elections, which aims to give each MP roughly the same number of voters.

The changes will give Devon 13 MPs – up one on the existing 12 – although one will be split across Devon and Somerset in a new ‘Tiverton and Minehead’ constituency, which replaces part of the current Tiverton & Honiton seat.

East Devon’s current constituency is also being scrapped. There will instead be new ‘Honiton & Sidmouth’ and ‘Exmouth & East Exeter’ seats.

Mr Foord was first elected to parliament last summer, overturning a Tory majority of 23,000 in a by-election weeks before Boris Johnson was ousted from office, and after a scandal in which the former Conservative MP Neil Parish resigned.

Mr Jupp was part of the 2019 intake of new Conservative MPs who won a large majority at Westminster.

Announcing his candidacy, Mr Foord said: “I believe that everyone deserves a strong local champion, acting as their voice in parliament. This is what I like to think I have been over the past year and want to continue being – because there is so much that needs fixing.

“In spite of the brilliant people who work in the NHS locally, too many people are stuck on a long waiting list, can’t access dental treatment, or face hours of waiting for an ambulance to arrive. We’ve also seen our community hospitals hollowed out, losing beds that could be helping get people out of the RD&E.

“I have been listening to what experts and local people say will help address this. That’s why I’ve been calling for a Community Hospital Fund, have pushed for NHS dental contract reform, and lobbied for more support to cut waiting times in rural areas like ours.”

He added: “I will continue to work every day for everyone in Tiverton and Honiton, while also being a voice for people in parts of east Devon who also feel they’re being let down and taken for granted by this out of touch Conservative government.”

Reacting to Mr Foord also standing for the seat, Mr Jupp said he was “proud to be a candidate standing in Honiton  and Sidmouth who is lucky enough to live in the new constituency,” adding: “I have a proven track record of delivering action, not just words.”

He said: “Since I was elected in 2019, I have successfully secured a new school to replace Tipton St John Primary, £15.7 million from the levelling-up fund, a new police station for Exmouth and the planned reopening of Honiton’s police enquiry desk, and a confirmed banking hub for Sidmouth.

“Following my recent debate in parliament on South West Water’s poor performance, over £35 million of investment was announced for Sidmouth, Tipton St John and Axminster to clean up our rivers and coastline.”

Mr Jupp says he has “continued to meet residents in our towns and villages over the last few months and I won’t be taking any vote for granted.”

In February, Mr Jupp said he was “delighted” to be selected for the new constituency, explaining: “As a resident of Sidmouth, home is where the heart is and I’m standing where I’m incredibly proud to live.

“Since I was elected in 2019, I have successfully secured a new school to replace Tipton St John Primary, £15.7 million from the levelling-up fund, a new police station for Exmouth, and multi-million-pound support for Exeter Airport during the pandemic.

“I have a proven track record and will continue to work hard for everyone I represent in East Devon.”

Multiple complaints have been made to the council that rewilded areas in East Devon pose a crash risk to motorists and have stopped kids from playing.

eastdevonnews.co.uk

Children in East Devon are finding it hard to play football because the local council is letting long grass grow in favourite play areas, writes local democracy reporter Guy Henderson.

And overgrown roadside verges are creating an accident hazard, it’s been claimed.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is one of many councils nationwide to ‘rewild’ some open spaces, allowing grass and wild flowers to take over. Letting the grass grow is good for the environment, and encourages birds and insects. It also help council budgets, cutting cash spent on maintenance.

But last week, members of East Devon’s overview committee heard calls for a new policy following complaints from local residents.

Committee chair Cllr Anne Hall ( Lib Dem, Exmouth Littleham) led calls to create ‘a more balanced approach’ and give the right impression to residents and tourists.

It should be in place in time for the spring growing season in 2024, she said. Numerous complaints had been received about children’s play areas where children normally play football, but now can’t due to long grass.

She is concerned that there is not enough management of the ‘no-mow’ policy.

“These places need to be managed so there is a reason for it rather than just leaving it long,” she said. “So you haven’t just got everything growing five feet tall and looking untidy.

“It needs to be managed rather than just being left. I’m all for biodiversity, but it needs to be done correctly.”

Cllr Ian Barlow (Independent, Sidmouth Town) added: “People say it’s just the council being lazy and just giving up, but that’s not the case. We need to look at this very carefully.”

And Cllr John Heath (Independent, Beer and Branscombe) said grass cutting around road junctions and cycle paths should be managed better, and that Devon County Council’s highways department should be lobbied to deal with long grass verges better.

He went on: “I am getting a number of complaints that when people are coming to junctions, they can’t see around them.

Cllr Hall said health and safety should be paramount, and there had recently been a crash at Honiton caused by an overgrown verge.

The Bishop of Exeter will use his final speech in the House of Lords to tell the government to pull its socks up and sort out the housing crisis in rural and coastal areas.

Radio Exe News www.radioexe.co.uk

The Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell is retiring in September after nine years as Bishop of Exeter and two years in the House of Lords.

Today [Monday] he will address parliament’s upper house during a debate on Monday afternoon, where he will accuse the government of falling “woefully short” of its own affordable housing targets.

He will also list second homes and Airbnb properties as among the reasons for the lack of housing for people on low incomes.

According to recent research by Middlemarch Team Devon, the amount of rental properties listed as available in the county has fallen below 700.

Devon County Council data shows that, at the current rate, it will take 32 years to clear the backlog of people waiting for social housing. 

Bishop Robert wants the government to get its act together. He also says the Church has a “significant part to play,” as highlighted in the Coming Home report by the Archbishop’s Commission on Housing. 

He will say “Without partnership and systemic change, the spiral of deprivation will become more acute. We need cross-departmental working and cross-party agreement to forge a coherent long-term strategy that will secure good housing and the flourishing of our rural and coastal communities.”