North Devon Gazette

1 week ago | northdevongazette.co.uk | Bradley Gerrard

The performance of Devon and Somerset’s fire service has dropped in four areas, according to a watchdog’s report. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is now only rated as ‘good’ in three of the 11 areas scrutinised by the body that oversees fire service performance. Three areas are rated as ‘adequate’ and four as ‘requires improvement’. Two of the ‘good’ ratings included its response to fires and other emergencies, plus major and multi-agency incidents.

1 week ago | northdevongazette.co.uk | Ella Sampson

Police are anticipating traffic disruption in the Bideford area this afternoon following a power outage near Bideford Police Station. The affected area centres around Lower Meddon Street, where it joins the A386 near the old Bideford Bridge mini roundabout, heading towards Torrington. Engineers are expected to carry out works later today to address the outage, with police warning that the situation may add to delays in a location already impacted by ongoing roadworks.

1 week ago | northdevongazette.co.uk | Ella Sampson

Plymouth Argyle have confirmed that head coach Miron Muslić is in discussions with a club in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga. In a statement released on Wednesday evening (May 28), the League One side said they had “reluctantly allowed” Muslić to open talks after he expressed a desire to take up an opportunity that would bring him closer to family, following four years working away from home.

1 week ago | northdevongazette.co.uk | Alison Stephenson

The new Devon county councillor for Great Torrington has been appointed to a newly-created rural affairs role in the ruling cabinet. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin was elected to the county council for the first time in the May elections and says she believes innovation will be key to attracting government funding to help Devon’s rural communities.

1 week ago | northdevongazette.co.uk | Alison Stephenson

A prominent former bank building in South Molton could be converted into flats and a retail unit. Built in 1832, the building in East Street was a Lloyds branch until it shut down two years ago, leaving the town with no permanent banking facilities. Now developers want to create two flats, retain and refurbish an existing apartment and provide a retail unit on the ground floor of the Georgian building, which has period features such as stained glass windows, stone pilasters and reliefs.