North Devon Now

@ndevoncouncil has a new leader and deputy leader as members met for the first time since the general election. Councillor David Clayton was selected as the new leader of the council and Councillor Peter Leaver as deputy leader at a full council meeting on Wed 17 July.

Could your skill help to create precious moments at North Devon Hospice? The charity is now making a rallying call to local people with any type of skills, who could help run sessions with patients and families at the hospice.

National award recognises excellence at North Devon school On Track Barnstaple, an independent special education and support service for students aged 11-19 with special educational needs, has been awarded the School of Excellence award by Thrive.

Cobbaton Combat announces shock closure A family-run Devon tourist attraction showcasing an enormous assortment of war memorabilia that started after a "hobby that got out of hand" and has lent tanks to Hollywood stars has announced its closure at the end of September.

National Trust’s wildflower meadow project flourishes on north Devon coast The first phase, 90 hectares at Woolacombe, Vention and South Hole, is being heralded a success. Eventually, the National Trust plans to plant more than 1,200 hectares in north Devon.

Roger takes on ‘the Beast’ to thank hospital for wife's breast cancer support A Braunton man is preparing to abseil one of the most daunting cliffs in North Devon to say thank you for the care his wife received while undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

The Champ backs Appledore FC The Appledore Women FC team have said they are delighted to announce that local pub, The Champ in Appledore, has generously sponsored the club. The sponsorship, will help ensure that local players can continue to play the game they love for free.

Devon boy scores a goal for the ages The moment of Watkins history arrived in the final minute of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands when fellow substitute Cole Palmer played it into his darting run in the penalty area.

Future of Devon homeless hostel has been decided A temporary hostel for homeless people in Barnstaple is to become permanent. North Devon Council’s planning officers approved the removal of a condition so the Freedom Centre warehouse in Howard Avenue can be used continuously.

Bridge Chambers on The Strand river front is a Grade II listed Victorian gothic-style former court building which The (Barnstaple) Bridge Trust wants to transform into a performance space with a cafe and bar, a flexible studio/office space & exhibition spaces.

Two stones on a monument on Dartmoor have been restored to their original upright position, national park bosses have said. Archaeologists, landowners and volunteers worked together to re-stand the stones forming part of a double stone row at Piles Hill.

Community wants more time to save Devon church. Residents were given six months by church authorities to find a long term solution for the St Petroc's in Petrockstowe in April or it would be sold.

Major road works proposed for Barnstaple this September. The planned improvements to Braunton Road in the Pottington area of Barnstaple include enhancements to the bus lane, the installation of new pedestrian crossings, and the construction of bus gates.

Bus Service Improvement Plan to Barnstaple railway station forecourt as part of North Devon's transportation transformation. In 2022, DCC was allocated £14.1m Bus Service Improvement Plan funding by the Department for Transport with future aspirations on services included.

Jonathan Larson’s smash-hit rock musical Rent is back in the UK for 2024! 🤩 🎭 The highly anticipated show opens at the @QueensBstaple Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th July. 🏃‍♀️ Don't miss your chance to get tickets for this inspiring story.

😲 15% OFF food at The New Amsterdam when you book tickets for the unmissable Rent the Musical at the Queens Theatre! 🎭 🤩 There's never been a better excuse to treat yourself to dinner and a show! 🍴🎶 @QueensBstaple #rent #theatre #moneyoff #discount #nightout

Local businesses say Queen Street car park closure significantly impacts sales and operations. The shutting of the Queen’s Street car park on May 7, is set to last until the autumn as North Devon Council undertakes improvement works.

Major contract and £280m on the books at SEA Barnstaple. Barnstaple manufacturer SEA is looking forward to a bright future after winning a major £135milion contract, with orders secure for the next five years and bringing extra jobs to the town.

☀️UK to experience first 29C heatwave this year as North African plume arrives. The latest weather maps indicate that the UK could soon be enjoying its first 29C heatwave of the year. Despite a gloomy and unusually cold start to summer, things might be about to heat up.

🏘️ The official construction of 105 new homes at the Barum Knoll development in Barnstaple kicked off on June 12. The project is spearheaded by developer Barratt David Wilson Homes who have said the new homes are “much needed.”