Devoncast

A packed new Devoncast talks to the people making the news across the county this week. The organisers of Exeter Pride explain how a new addition to the programme will make it even more inclusive, and Plymouth's welcoming city champion reflects on progress made since the anti-immigration riots of last summer. The secretary of Devon County Show outlines some of the highlights on this year's programme and in Torbay we go behind the scaffolding to hear what's going on inside Torquay's Pavilion. There's a look at the county's dentistry crisis, and news of a protest aimed at defending one of Devon's most significant wildlife sites.

Everybody knows a fire engine will turn up in their hour of need, but just what does it take to keep the service on the road? Devoncast welcomes Devon and Somerset's chief fire officer Gavin Ellis to talk about some of the challenges the fire service faces in making ends meet and adapting to new kinds of emergency. Plus, two party leaders have been in the county in recent days, rallying their troops ahead of the county council elections. Devoncast talks to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage about the prospects for the polls on May Day. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Devoncast's search for the most interesting stories around the county takes it to Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and Totnes among other places this week, as well as taking a dive into the uncharted waters of artificial intelligence. The team steps into the fire-ravaged ruins of Exeter's Royal Clarence Hotel to hear how a huge redevelopment scheme has started this week, and hears how Plymouth's landmark Civic Centre could be in line for an uplift. A veteran politician discusses how the new shape of Devon could be hammered out in the coming months, and a baton relay with a life-saving message is heading to the county later this year. There's an expert view on artificial intelligence, and a tempting cheese course to complete the feast. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Dartmoor - home to 35,000 people and a magnet for 11 million visitors every year. How on earth do you balance the moor's delicate eco-system with the demands of the people who live, work and play on it? Devoncast welcomes moorland farmer Peter Harper, who is also a member of the Dartmoor National Park Authority, to talk about what makes the moor special, and how it can be kept that way. Will we one day have to pay to use it? That's not as outlandish as you might think. In Torbay, a new ‘tribe' is on the streets, working to save lives with a fast-acting drug that can reverse the effects of an overdose. And in Seaton the saga of the empty hospital wing shows no signs of being resolved. It's all on the latest edition of Devoncast.

This weke's Devoncast delves into planning and housing issues, NIMBY-ism, the cost of social housing and the ongoing process of local government reorganisation. We're joined by Independent councillor Ian Barlow, who represents Sidmouth on East Devon District Council, and hear too from Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley. Also in this edition of Devoncast, we ask whether the result of a by-election in East Devon could provide any insight about the potential outcome of the Devon County Council elections in May.

Devoncast welcomes West Devon councillor Neil Jory to the studio for a wide-ranging chat which races from railways to housing, support for local businesses and the possible effects of local government reorganisation. Torbay MP Steve Darling describes his experiences on a fact-finding mission to Ukraine, which included a late-night air raid alert which left him out in the cold. Torridge celebrates a cash boost for a popular community project and Torbay councillor Katya Maddison explains why one of the Town Hall's long-running sagas is far from over. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Cranbrook is Devon's newest town, but the journey hasn't been an entirely smooth one. There were some early successes, such as schools completed before residents moved in, but it took 12 years for a supermarket to open. Devoncast finds out about the latest developments and those still to come in Cranbrook from one of the town's district councillors, Kevin Blakey, who also discusses what lessons can be learned as East Devon starts embarking on its second new town. Plus, we hear from Feniton's district councillor, Alasdair Bruce, about why he and many of its residents were dismayed that a planning application for 35 homes was approved in the flood-prone village. Beyond that, we reveal the details about a new link between Plymouth and the Nordic country of Finland, and get all the details of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which happens this weekend (Fri 7 and Saturday 8 March). Finally, we tread the boards with Stefanie Jones, the leading lady in Plymouth's Theatre Royal production of the hit Disney musical, Mary Poppins. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Exeter's Labour MP Steve Race is the special guest on Devoncast this week, fresh from a fact-finding mission to Ukraine. He talks about the UK's continued commitment to Ukraine and its people, while closer to home he discusses Devon's devolution, the chances of getting a dentist appointment and the drive to keep buses on time. Plus, he has plenty to say on the controversial subjects of farmers' inheritance tax and the demise of the winter fuel allowance. Elsewhere on Devoncast, how councillors are dealing with bad behaviour, how a community is looking forward to its new railway station - and a most unusual planning conundrum. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It's that time of year when you find out just how much you are going to have to pay for all the local services your councils provide. And on top of that, the police and fire services want their share. Devoncast finds out how the fire service goes about getting the funds it needs to keep the county safe. Plus, news of an Exeter charity helping children through tough times, and a new lease of life for a North Devon landmark. And to top it all, we've been to Westminster, and we were very impressed by the whole experience.

Cllr Frank Biederman has joined the Liberal Democrats after being an Independent for more than 12 years. The Devon County Council and North Devon Council member tells us why on this week's Devoncast, plus he shares his views on local government reorganisation, homes, road schemes and buses. A country pub in Torquay has been allowed to keep its licence after a second review over noise concerns and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey drops into Paignton to talk to businesses as he campaigns against rises to employers' national insurance contributions. And finally The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital opens its new children's emergency department and its a real hit with patients, parents and staff. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

An attempt to delay Devon's local elections in May has failed, and that could have big ramifications for the county, the latest episode of Devoncast discovers. Councillor Julian Brazil, the Liberal Democrat member for Kingsbridge on Devon County Council and the leader of South Hams District Council, gives us his reaction to the government's refusal to let Devon postone its elections. And Cllr Brazil explains why the South Hams has agreed a two-tier structure for car parking fees in his district, with locals able to pay less than visitors if they apply for a permit. We also hear from Devon County Council leader James McInnes about his views on the elections and what Devon has to do now if it is to create a credible plan for how local government in the county needs to be reorganised. There's also an update on police funding from police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez, and we hear from Devon MP David Reed who is pushing for more stringent rules upon property management companies. Finally, we hear about an important building on Tiverton's Grand Western Canal that has been saved from the chop. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The programme is available for LDRS partners to use in full or in part.

Devoncast returns with another deep dive into the stories making the headlines across the county this week. Your podcasters have been out in the pouring rain in Torquay with the police commissioner to hear about her plans to get tough on domestic violence, rural crime and shoplifting as part of an ambitious forward plan, and there's the last word (for now) on the Exeter Water Lane debate. In Plymouth there's a great debate on whether the city needs an elected mayor, and Devoncast's special guest this week is Janna Sanders, the manager of the Business Improvement District in Tavistock. Janna explains what's in store for the West Devon market town and what has made the BID a success since it was created there 14 years ago. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Exeter's great divide is one of the main topics for the latest Devoncast. Special guest is Exeter University student Finn Aston, whose own podcast Town and Gown looks at how the uni helps to shape the city, and lifts the lid of some of the issues it creates. There's more on the great hospitals building programme, and how it affects some long-awaited projects across Devon, and there's a planting programme in the South Hams that is creating something hopeful for the future. On top of all that, we meet the man who wants to made Exeter the latest place to have an official branch of the party that is seeking to become a new force in British politics. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

We go on a tour around the county from Exeter to Plymouth, North Devon to Torbay and East Devon to Teignbridge to see what our councillors make of it all. How will it impact services for residents day to day? How many unitary councils in Devon could be in charge of bins collections, children's services, how many homes are built and where and pothole repairs? Will there be more money for our urban and rural communities and a seat at the top table for a large strategic authority with an elected mayor covering the South West? We delve into these questions and more on the latest Devoncast. Plus is train travel for Devon residents going off the rails?. . . the county's trains to Paddington could see more problems in years to come with ongoing works to HS2 near the capital causing potential delays and less frequent services. MPs and councillors want a robust mitigation plan put in place. It's all in the new Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The programme is available for LDRS partners to use in full or in part.

Devon's devolution is dominating the headlines as we embark on what is going to be a seismic year for local government. The new edition of Devoncast hears from one local councillor about his fears for what might happen if devolution puts paid to our district councils. Elsewhere, land earmarked for development in Exeter for 20 years looks set to be built on at last, with 1,000 new homes in the pipeline. One of the developers behind the project talks about how it might go. The man recruited to help out Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez has resigned five months after taking up the post, and two Plymouth Conservative councillors give us their take on the tree felling saga, Plymouth City Council finances, the airport and the freeport. And there's a spectacular new light and sound show at Exeter Cathedral. It's all in the new Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The programme is available for LDRS partners to use in full or in part.

Devoncast has everything you need for the festive season in this special edition, looking back at some of the people who have been making the headlines around the county in 2024. Local Democracy Reporters Guy Henderson, Alison Stephenson and Bradley Gerrard look back through the Devoncasts of the past year to pick out the best bits for this seasonal selection box. You'll hear from from MPs starting their new jobs at Westminster after an election night filled with surprises, and there's an insight into some of the reasons why so much changed in Devon in those momentous few hours.. Torbay's tourism leader says the bay could be making more of the legacy of its most famous daughter, and an Exeter pioneer talks about how she got started on a nationwide campaign aimed at keeping people safe on a night out. Stars of Saturday morning television divulge some Christmas secrets and there's a startling story of unrequited love at the Liberal Democrat party conference. It's all in the Christmas and New Year Devoncast.

As we hurtle headlong into the festive season, Devoncast presents a programme of contrasts. Finding homes for young people leaving the care system is a serious issue which has sparked a lively debate in Torbay. Devoncast hears from YMCA Exeter with millions of pounds in government money in jeopardy. Policing the streets of Devon demands more and more resources, and rural crime also needs to be high on the agenda. Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez talks about some of her plans. And Saturday morning TV superstars Dick and Dom drop in to talk about Christmases past - and THAT game parents always wanted their children to stop playing in public places.

The cutting of a grant paid to rural councils could create a £10 million hole in Devon's budget. James McInnes, Devon County Council's Conservative leader, called the scrapping of the rural services delivery grant “another assault on rural communities”, and said the repurposing of the cash towards areas of deprivation might not benefit Devon in the same way. Fears about inheritance tax changes that could impact some Devon farmers has occupied local councils and Westminster, with a host of Devon politicians urging the government to re-think. Reaction comes in relation to the nationalisation of South Western Railway, whose services run from Devon to London Waterloo, while pressure builds on Plymouth Council to finish works in Central Park. And one of the most iconic bands of the eighties – Duran Duran – will be playing one of their only two gigs in 2025 right here in Devon. Devoncast is available for LDRS partners to use as they wish, in full or in part.

Another suspension of a chief officer at the helm of the Devon and Cornwall Police prompts a call for the police and crime commissioner to resign over her “bad decision making”. The next phase of the Exmouth £3.3 million seawall repair begins – bringing some disruption until Easter. Torbay Council asks its residents what they think of the proposed budget. And if you couldn't get ‘bogies' out of your head during the early noughties, Dick and Dom join us to explain what they have been up to since they were ‘In Da Bungalow' and why they love Christmas! It's all on Devoncast from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service, presented by Bradley Gerrard and Alison Stephenson.

Feelings are running high across rural Devon this week, and Devoncast is there to talk to the key people involved. Devon's Farmy Army is on the march, taking tractors to the capital to protest against new tax proposals they say will mean the end for some family businesses. In West Devon a community is celebrating after winning a fight to keep a thousand-year-old tradition alive. And we talk to people who fear rural communities will be left out of the loop in the fight for faster internet connections. Plus, what exactly are your MPs up to in Westminster? We check in on the latest from the locals in among the green benches.

She has the responsibility of keeping East Devon District Council in check as chair of the council and standards committee so how does Cllr Eleanor Rylance do that? She gives Devoncast the lowdown. Plus we talk about housing, infrastructure, the budget and criminal checks for councillors. The South Western Ambulance Service needs more people to join its board of governors. Could that be you? And fostering in Plymouth is changing with a new financial and support package for people who join the in-house service at Plymouth City Council. It's all in the new Devoncast, presented by Bradley Gerrard and Alison Stephenson and produced by Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Party season is just around the corner, and along with the celebrations there are warnings that a sinister crime is still widespread. Exeter campaigner Dawn Dines is spearheading the fight against spiking, the practice of sneaking drugs into a victim's food or drink. Dawn joins Devoncast to talk about the Stamp Out Spiking campaign which has propelled her into the national headlines. Elsewhere there are reactions to the contents of last week's budget. Farmers fear for their futures amid changes in inheritance tax and the tourist industry could also be in the firing line. It's all in the new Devoncast, presented by Guy Henderson and Bradley Gerrard and produced by Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Whatever the American election throws up, it is going to have a major effect on the rest of the world. With uncertainty in the air, Plymouth University politics lecturer Dr Dave Brockington - a proud son of the West Coast - returns to the Devoncast studio to explain just what is going on in his native land. He explains the complex US voting system and shines the spotlight on the candidates, the opinions and what it could all mean for us here in the UK. Elsewhere, Devoncast meets the developers behind £200million worth of investment in Torbay's town centres and talks to a councillor getting to grips with East Devon's complex housing issues. And, at last, there's some good news for all those interested in making sure one of Torquay's finest buildings is saved.

Exeter City Council leader Phil BIalyk joins us on Devoncast this week to talk about the cut and thrust of politics, the future of potential property changes and development sites, and, a possible ambition for the city's buses. Plus, residents in Sampford Peverell and Uplowman in Mid Devon banded together to form a major opposition to a proposed landfill site near their homes, with their action contributing to the scheme being unanimously rejected by planners.. And we hear from two of the county's Liberal Democrat MPs, Martin Wrigley (Newton Abbot) and Ian Roome (North Devon) who have both given their maiden speeches in Parliament, highlighting the key issues in their respective constituencies. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

East Devon District Conservative Councillor Mike Goodman joins us on Devoncast this week to talk about housing, sewage and why he wants the government to pause its plans to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners. Plus there's a charity appeal to fund high tech equipment for a planned new super theatre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Exeter Labour MP Steve Race talks about his first 100 days in his new role. Talented actor Ed Larkin from West Devon comes back home to perform in a new show by a well known pop star and author and it's time to decide whether the Exeter Business Improvement District should continue for another five years. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

More ‘wicked issues' top the agenda for Devoncast - and the state of the county's hospitals is the most wicked of them all. Three of the county's new MPs talk about the things that matter most to their constituents, and the state of our hospitals comes up more than once. Then there's the water, and the problems we face with sewage spilling into the sea and rivers around Devon. There's a glimmer of hope for people looking for homes in the most sought-after part of the county, better news from the police on how they answer those calls from the public, and a look at a local charity that hits all the right notes. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Two of the new stars of Westminster 2024 join Devoncast this week - one of them a new MP outlining some of the ‘wicked issues' making up his parliamentary agenda, and the other sleeping under the table throughout the interview. New Torbay Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling is the main guest on Devoncast, talking about the work he is undertaking for the bay. His guide dog Jennie is the sleeping partner. Other guests this week include Devon County Council leader James McInnes on some of the challenges facing the team at County Hall, and restaurateur Mitch Tonks on the recipe for success of his Rockfish brand. There's baseball in Exeter, a new initiative for housing in Torbay and an update on work at one of the county's best-loved historic buildings. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead Rachel Gilmour joins us in the studio to talk about her first two months in the job and her priorities from improving schools to speaking up for farmers and championing economic development. Devon County Council chief executive Donna Manson describes the changes in the way services are being delivered in Devon and the efforts being made to retain staff. A new agricultural centre offering advanced training for students and apprentices opens at Bicton College and panto fever begins in Plymouth as the new cast for the Theatre Royal production is revealed, bedecked in sequins and feathers. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Plymouth has just been voted one of the best places in Britain to live and work, and on the latest Devoncast the city council's city centre champion explains why. Elsewhere, there's a fabulous food festival showcasing the best in Devon's produce, and an all-star cast maintaining the magic of Agatha Christie. But in her hometown of Torquay there's unrest among local cyclists, and anger at the closure of a much-loved seafront golf course. Plus, how the wildlife of West Devon will feel the benefit from a new council initiative. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The programme is available for LDRS partners to use in full or in part.

A brand-new festival promises fun for all in Exeter, and this week's edition of Devoncast hears all about it. Wayne McGee is the studio guest, explaining all there is to know about the forthcoming Out There Exeter festival, which promises a packed programme of entertainment including an appearance by Bimini, star of TV's RuPaul's Drag Race UK. New Devon Labour MP Fred Thomas, who won Plymouth Moorview at the July election, delivers his maiden speech in the Commons and tells Devoncast why football matters so much to the city's young people. Exeter's biggest fireworks display is almost on us, and the organisers let us in on some of their backstage preparations, while in South Devon they're coming up with novel ways of getting rid of abandoned boats. Devoncast is presented by Guy Henderson and Bradley Gerrard, and is produced by Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

What makes Exeter the thriving city it is today? Why do people make a bee-line for the city to shop, socialise and do business? Exeter businesses that buy into the BID organisation think they have the answer, and the BID's chief executive Nicola Wheeler joins Devoncast to talk about how working together is making the city thrive. Elsewhere, there's a campaign in Plymouth to save a much-loved sports field from development, and two of our new MPs have been making their maiden speeches at Westminster. Caroling Voaden explains why there is more to Devon than appears on the postcards, and Rebecca Smith lobbies for the county's transport links. Devoncast is presented by Alison Stephenson and Guy Henderson, and is available for use, in whole or in part, by all LDRS partners.

‘Roadworks, inflation and Brexit' are among the reasons it's been difficult to get many of Devon's buses back on track. That's according to the top executive at Stagecoach South West. In the latest edition of Devoncast from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Peter Knight, the company's managing director is the main guest. Mr Knight explains how reliability is often passengers' greatest concern, that roadworks at the blight of his working life, and how a huge public investment in electric buses is on the way. Also in this edition, why the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association wants more cash for farmers and landowners to prevent a further decline in the moor's iconic animal. When moors are made for grazing cattle, but not ponies, farmers favour cows. Plus, one year ahead of the women's Rugby World Cup coming to England, with seven matches to be played in Exeter, we get the views of aspiring teenage players at Exeter Saracens. This week's Devoncast is presented by Paul Nero

Racial equality champion Jermaine Atiya-Alla is the guest on the new Devoncast, talking about why his role with Torbay Council is more important than ever in the wake of this summer's riots. He also talks about the drive to bring more diversity to councils across the county. Exmouth and Exeter East MP David Reed continues his quest for answers over the sewage spill that has been causing problems in his constituency, and in the South Hams there is good news for local families as well as a 'follow the rules' warning to would-be developers. It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A tumultuous week for Devon, with fighting in the streets and jail sentences for some of those involved. Devoncast hears how local communities are fighting back. There are exam successes and a lifeboat anniversary, while the special guest is Exmouth and Exeter East MP David Reed - a man equally at home plummeting to earth from 10,000 feet as in the Westminster corridors of power.

Riots in response to the murder of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside spread as far as Plymouth. This week's Devoncast hears from Devon and Cornwall Police about their response to the disturbances, and we also get an insight into what people are thinking on the ground, including from those standing up against hatred. Elsewhere, they say a week is a long time in politics, and that certainly seems the case with the Cullompton railway station plans, which seemed on track at the end of last month but which may now be hitting the buffers. Guest Steve Keable, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Mid Devon District Council, explains why he hopes the scheme comes to fruition and why it is important to unlock major housing projects in the town. And finally, we look into a suggestion from an East Devon District Council planning committee about the prospect of forcing developers to complete sites they have received planning permission for within a certain amount of time. It's all in the new Devoncast from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service, presented this week by Bradley Gerrard, with guests Josh Tate from Radio Exe and Cllr Steve Keable. The programme is available for LDRS partners to use in full or in part.

Water tops the agenda everywhere you go in Devon right now, and councillors are vexed over the amount of sewage being discharged into rivers and the sea. One even says he wants to see a water company executive facing jail. Devoncast hears from councillors and from South West Water on the issue. Caring for Dartmoor is another big issue, and there is news of the Dartmoor marshalls scheme. Plus, two of Devon's MPs tell Devoncast about concerns for major capital projects in the county, hopes for the devolution debate and getting their mugs on mugs. It's all in the new Devoncast. from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Devon's police commissioner Alison Hernandez joins the latest Devoncast to talk about the problems facing the county's police and her decision to appoint a new deputy despite the misgivings of her advisory panel. One of the leading opponents of Exeter's controversial traffic ban experiment explains how things have changed now the roadblocks have gone, and looks forward to what happens next. And the Dartmoor Prison saga continues, with prisoners on the move as a result of radon readings within the gaol's ancient granite walls. It's all in the latest Devoncast, produced by Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It's the first Devoncast since the general election, and the team has been out and about to report on more of the county's big issues. So, chewing gum pests may have met their match with a new task force being set up, and there are new initiatives on social housing as the county grapples with what has quickly become a housing crisis. There's a major new exhibition making headlines in Plymouth, and a major step forward for a campaign to bring back one of Paignton's best-loved landmarks. It's all on the latest Devoncast

Now the dust has settled after the 2024 general election, Devoncast looks back at how the night unfolded across the county. It all started at 3am in Torbay, where Liberal Democrat Steve Darling hailed a 'Lib-Demolition' after he had vanquished Tory incumbent Kevin Foster. Four hours later the county's political landscape had changed drastically, just as the new bay MP had predicted. Devoncast pieces together all the results from the big night, and talks to many of the winners and losers in the moments after the results had been declared.

A special pre-election edition of Devoncast rounds up some more of the people looking to secure your votes for their party on the 4th of July. Over the past six weeks or so, Devoncast has spoken to many of the candidates themselves in constituencies right across the county. We have spoken to the prime minister, to party leaders, to former party leaders and famous faces from the very top echelons of British politics. And we've had expert analysis from university lecturers, trying to unpick what might happen to our beloved Devon, depending on what happens this week. On this special edition of Devoncast, Alfie Richardson from Radio Exe meets three more people who want you to know what they stand for ahead of the big day - Labour candidates Helen Dallimore and Steve Race, along with Reform UK's Matthew Sykes.

Devoncast counts down the final days to the 2024 general election in the company of more political big-hitters. Devon resident Anne Widdecombe marks our card on the prospects for Reform UK in the county, while Conservative cabinet minister Tom Tugendhat is here to support one of his party's hopefuls. Plus, we meet Exeter University analyst Dr Stuart Fox to hear why young people are becoming less engaged with politics, and what could be done to turn that trend around. Plus, what do people really think about national service and lowering the voting age to 16? It's all in the latest edition of Devoncast, from Radio Exe and the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Conservatives could lose five seats in Devon alone when the country goes to the polls for a ‘wild' the general election next month. That's according to political analyst Dr David Brockington, who says the latest polling data suggests an unprecedented shift in some of the county's traditional Tory heartlands. Dr Brockington, who lectures in politics at the University of Plymouth, speaks to the latest edition of the Devoncast podcast.

In the run-up to the General Election on 4 July, Devoncast is seeking to speak to as many local candidates as possible. This time it was the turn of Liberal Democrat candidate Richard Foord, who was the MP for the former Tiverton and Honiton seat in the last Parliament, and Labour candidate Jake Bonetta, two of eight candidates vying for the new Honiton and Sidmouth constituency. We asked the pair about their priorities, including their views on the health service and how they might shape it if elected, as well as a host of other issues. The pair are passionate about the subject, with Mr Bonetta recently recovering from major surgery and Mr Foord believing that community health needs greater investment. And we delved into what the candidates believe they could offer the voters of this constituency.

In the run-up to the General Election on 4 July, Devoncast is seeking to speak to as many local candidates as possible. This time it was the turn of Conservative candidate David Reed and Independent Dan Wilson, two of eight candidates vying for the new Exmouth and Exeter East constituency. We asked the pair about housing and infrastructure, sewage in our waterways, and defence spending. And we delved into the topic of social media; its impact on campaigns, the ability for candidates to harness it to connect with voters, but also the issue of comments that may need to be defended after they're made.

A week so busy that it takes a second episode of Devoncast to fit it all in! Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been in the county as the build-up to the general election on 4 July begins in earnest. Devoncast hears his views on a range of national and local topics. And that's a steam whistle at the start of the podcast, as the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway hosts a very special engine with a local D-Day link. Plus, hundreds of people gathered on Torquay harbourside to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when tens of thousands of troops left South Devon's harbours for the beaches of Normandy. Devoncast was there to report on an emotional gathering.

The General Election is just weeks away now, and Devoncast has two local candidates in the studio to talk about the things they hear on the doorsteps. People are unhappy at the service they are getting from South West Water, and many believe Exeter's Active Streets trial could have been handled much better. Devoncast also hears how the trial was scrapped after a lengthy and slightly puzzling council meeting. And, one of our election candidates went to the same school as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. What was he really like?

And they're off! The General Election race has begun, and Devoncast is in the thick of it already. We talk to a veteran Devon MP who is standing down, an MP facing a whole new fight in a whole new constituency, and an MP going into battle on behalf of residents caught in a water bug crisis. Elsewhere, we look at the problem of homelessness in the county, talk to the outgoing leader of the county council and meet a man with a plan for Torquay, a place where the local authority is currently in a state of paralysis. There's never a dull moment on Devoncast!

The new Devoncast has just dropped – debating the Devon issues that affect you. In the latest episode our podcasters go behind the scenes to try to explain how what should have been a straightforward Torbay Council meeting descended into chaos, and they hear how a new discovery on Dartmoor could rewrite what we know about life in Devon during the Bronze Age. There is controversy on the Tamar over plans to take water out of the river to boost supplies in Roadford Reservoir, and in mid-Devon the community is angry at plans for a new landfill site. And on top of all that, we hear from a football legend who has turned his back on retirement to help a struggling Devon team.

The dust has settled after the local council elections, and this week our podcast team looks back on how the west was won, talking to some of the key personalities from a big night at the polls. Plus, in the second part of our conversation with the chief executive officer of the English Riviera BID, Carolyn Custerson, we hear how watersports could unlock millions of pounds in the 'blue economy' for Torbay, how this year's airshow could be the best yet, and how Agatha Christie could do for the bay what William Shakespeare has done for Stratford.

Exeter Pride is back after a year's absence with a bigger and better programme than ever. On this week's Devocast we hear from organisers about how the event is coming back with a promise of something for everyone. We also have the first part of our in-depth interview with the woman who has the job of promoting Torbay's £500million-a-year tourist industry. How is the 2024 summer season shaping up? How has the bay bounced back after the pandemic? Why are investors flocking to put money into the bay, and is the staycation still a thing? All of these questions and more are answered, and there's more. We hear how train travel in the Tavistock area could be transformed, and how Torbay councillors are tucking into devolution.

Gardening expert Toby Buckland is the guest on the new Devoncast, shedding some light on the natural world ahead of an exciting new festival. We also talk to Devon schoolchildren making contacts in space, and meet the Paignton traders whose wishes have come true. And what went wrong with those palm trees on Torquay seafront?