Devon County Council

16/10/2026

Wondering how flooding and drought can happen at the same time? Check out this handy explainer.

16/10/2026

.
For water-saving advice following the severe drought announcement this week visit https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/household/your-services/save-water

Following the government's severe drought declaration this week, we're working with South West Water, the Environment Agency, and other local partners to monitor the situation and reduce potential impacts on communities, businesses and the environment in East Devon.

Rivers, reservoirs and groundwater supplies are still under pressure after an exceptionally hot, dry summer and will take time to recover when we do get more rain. There is a hosepipe ban in place, and we can all help by using water wisely. Whether it's taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, or only running washing machines and dishwashers when they're full, small changes add up.

For water-saving advice and the latest information, follow South West Water's page or visit their website (links in comments)

16/10/2026

📣 Have you seen this week’s Connect Me newsletter?

From fostering and SEND to highways and cycling, catch up on these stories and much more in our latest round-up of news and updates from across Devon.

📖 Read this week’s edition: https://orlo.uk/read_A61Tp

📩 Not subscribed yet? Sign up to get the latest Devon news straight to your inbox: https://orlo.uk/subscribe_NXlzB

16/10/2026

Would you know what to do in an emergency?

A little preparation can make a big difference.

The Local Resilience Forum’s new emergency preparedness booklet is packed with practical advice to help you and your household prepare for emergencies and know what to do if one happens.

It covers flooding, severe weather, power cuts, water supply disruption, fires, transport incidents, evacuation and much more.

Take a few minutes to read it, make some simple preparations and keep it somewhere handy.

Be ready. Stay safe. Act now.

👉 Download a copy from the Devon Emergency Planning Partnership website: https://orlo.uk/LbJRu
👉 Have a read
👉 Make some preparations
👉 Keep it handy
👉 Share it with friends and family

16/10/2026

⚡ Would you or someone you know need extra help during a power, gas or water outage?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free, confidential service that lets utility providers know if you need additional support.

Depending on your circumstances and needs, this could include emergency updates, priority bottled water deliveries or support if you rely on electrically powered medical equipment.

You may be eligible if you or someone in your household:

♿ has a disability or long-term health condition
🩺 relies on medical equipment
🤰 is pregnant
👶 has children under five
👵 is older
💬 has additional communication or access needs

Family members, carers and neighbours can also help someone register.

👉 Find out more and sign up: https://orlo.uk/Nd8GK

16/10/2026

"Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome in our communities, and we all have a responsibility to challenge hatred and discrimination wherever we see it."

During National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Vice Chair of Devon County Council, Councillor Syed Jusef, is encouraging us all to challenge hatred and discrimination, support one another, and speak up against hate crime.

Read the full story on our news pages.

16/10/2026

Your experiences and views can help shape the future of health and care in Barnstaple. Find out how you can get involved below. 👇

Come to Roundswell Community Centre in Barnstaple on Monday 19th October between 10am and 4pm. We want to hear your views on health, care and community services in your local area.

The new Neighbourhood health model will make it easier for people to get the right support earlier, closer to home and in a more joined-up way. This means shaping health, care and community services around local needs, with GPs, community services, mental health, social care, voluntary organisations and other local partners working together more closely.

So come along to Roundswell Community Centre in Barnstaple on Monday 19th October. It's a brilliant opportunity to help shape the future of health, care and community services in your area.
Visit: https://onedevon.org.uk/neighbourhood-health-engagement/

15/10/2026

🏥 Flu and other winter viruses are already circulating across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, and local hospitals are starting to see the impact.
💉Public Health and NHS leaders are urging residents to take simple steps now to protect themselves, their loved ones and those most at risk of serious illness. ➡️ https://orlo.uk/uIv4A

NHS Devon

15/10/2026

🎄 Help make Christmas a little brighter for young people and care leavers across Devon and Torbay. The Christmas Hamper Project provides gifts and essential items to young people who may otherwise go without.

Help make Christmas a little brighter for young people and care leavers across Devon and Torbay.

Led by Children and Family Health Devon, in partnership with Devon County Council and Torbay Council, and supported by our organisation and Open Up, the Christmas Hamper Project provides gifts and essential items to young people who may otherwise go without.

Find out more and see how you can help: https://orlo.uk/iOkSB

15/10/2026

School children and parents walking to school in Okehampton will have a safer walking route, thanks to the completion of a new footpath and zebra crossing.