Alderney Homecoming: 'Meeting a German soldier in my home'
Edward Rowe
BBC Radio Guernsey
Alderney will be marking the 73rd anniversary of homecoming on Saturday - it marks the return of the first residents after the island was occupied by German forces during World War Two.
In June 1940 the entire population of Alderney - about 1,500 people - was evacuated to the UK on six ships.
Shortly after Germans soldiers arrived on the island and set up concentration and forced labour camps, where hundreds of workers died during the occupation.
Doris Curth was 10 at the time of the evacuation and it was the first time she had ever left Alderney and she said it seemed like a holiday rather than thinking that war was coming.
She and her family returned in June 1946...
Video content
Video caption: Doris Curth describes returning home after six years in the UK during World War Two.Doris Curth describes returning home after six years in the UK during World War Two.
Alderney Homecoming: 'What are we going back to?'
Edward Rowe
BBC Radio Guernsey
Peter Gaudion/BBCCopyright: Peter Gaudion/BBC
On Saturday Alderney is marking the 73rd anniversary of the return of the first residents after five years of exile during World War Two.
The island was evacuated ahead of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands from 30 June 1940 until May 1945.
However, it took a further seven months for residents to start to return to Alderney - the only island to be completely evacuated - when they found fortifications, bunkers and detention camps built across the island.
Peter Gaudion was on the first boat carrying residents back to the island on 15 December 1945...
Video content
Video caption: Peter Gaudion talks of returning home after five years of exile during World War Two.Peter Gaudion talks of returning home after five years of exile during World War Two.
Large quantities of drugs found at closed Bodmin flat
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
Police had recently found large quantities of drugs at a property in Bodmin that helped them to successfully apply for a closure notice to be issued.
The three-month order was issued at Bodmin Magistrates Court earlier, meaning the flat was immediately boarded up.
The problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour at 22 Gregory's Court stretch back about 15 years.
Other residents reported issues including persistent noise throughout the day and night, as well as being spat and sworn at by people using the flat.
The closure order has come about after joint work between the Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Quote Message: In the past eight months the behaviour has escalated to the point where it's not only affecting the neighbours but also the wider community. We are right in the centre of Bodmin here and there's been a lot of incidents with members of the public who have nothing to do with the property, and we need to safeguard them as well." from Karen Centini Neighbourhood Enforcement Manager, Cornwall Housing
In the past eight months the behaviour has escalated to the point where it's not only affecting the neighbours but also the wider community. We are right in the centre of Bodmin here and there's been a lot of incidents with members of the public who have nothing to do with the property, and we need to safeguard them as well."
Plans to trap Asian hornet queens in 2019
BBC Radio Jersey
Officials will be setting Asian hornet traps in the island in time for spring to capture queens as they wake up from hibernation, a local beekeeper has said.
The invasive species threatens all pollinators - including honey bees.
States of JerseyCopyright: States of Jersey
Since they were accidentally introduced to France in 2004, Asian hornets have spread across the country into Spain and the Channel Islands.
In 2018, 57 nests were discovered in Jersey, including several queens before they were able to settle and build a nest.
Beekeeper Bob Thompkins said the island's bee population had not been overly effected by the invasive species because of the efforts of volunteer "hornet hunters" - who sought out nests for them to be destroyed.
Mr Thompkins said the traps would be deployed once the weather hit about 13C (55F) for a consistent period, as this had proved to be the prime conditions for hornet queens to emerge.
A formal application will be made to increase the cost of crossing from Cornwall into Devon by 33%.
Cornwall Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve a bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) to increase Tamar Bridge tolls and the cost of using the Torpoint Ferry by a third.
It currently costs £1.50 for cars to cross the bridge or use the ferry but under the new charges it would jump to £2.
In a report to Cornwall Council's Cabinet it is stated that the increase is needed because in the last year the bridge has been operating at a deficit. It adds that expenditure has exceeded income and, as a result reserves are said to be "depleted".
Cornwall Council's Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to discuss the plans.
In addition Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council - which are jointly responsible for managing the bridge and ferry - are set to ask the DfT to allow them to carry out annual reviews of the charges and increase them in line with inflation without having to go to the government for approval.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Other tenants were spat at by users of closed Bodmin flat
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
GoogleCopyright: Google
A flat in Bodmin has been boarded up for three months after frequent reports of anti-social behaviour and problems with drugs.
Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police have been responding to incidents relating to 22 Gregory's Court for 15 years.
The named tenant would regularly have people visiting who would make threats, and large quantities of drugs have recently been found at the address.
Earlier a closure notice was issued at Bodmin Magistrates Court and the tenant was told to find alternative accommodation.
The order came about after joint working between the police, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing.
Quote Message: For the tenants here they've had to endure sleepless nights, chaotic behaviour, being spat at, being sworn at, drug use - it was just persistent. This order will hopefully provide some much needed respite for the other tenants and the local community that have to live here. from Sarah Dundon Anti-social behaviour case worker Cornwall Council
For the tenants here they've had to endure sleepless nights, chaotic behaviour, being spat at, being sworn at, drug use - it was just persistent. This order will hopefully provide some much needed respite for the other tenants and the local community that have to live here.
The proposal, due to be debated in January, was put forward by Deputy Mary Le Hegarat.
Similar proposals have been put forward in Scotland and Wales.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Quote Message: The removal of the defence of 'lawful chastisement' from Jersey law would make it illegal to administer corporal punishment in all cases, and this change is considered necessary to realise children's rights as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this basis I will be recommending that ministers accept Deputy Le Hegarat's proposition." from Senator Sam Mezec
The removal of the defence of 'lawful chastisement' from Jersey law would make it illegal to administer corporal punishment in all cases, and this change is considered necessary to realise children's rights as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this basis I will be recommending that ministers accept Deputy Le Hegarat's proposition."
Dogs, cats and chickens attend annual Christmas service
Millicent Cooke
BBC News Online
All animals great and small were invited to a special Christmas service at Totnes' St Mary's church.
The annual event was organised by Sandra and Nick Nicholson and charity Animals in Distress.
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Paws 'n' ShootCopyright: Paws 'n' Shoot
A spokeswoman for the charity said: "The service was well attended by pets of all varieties - dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens all made an appearance with their owners."
Bodmin flat shut down after persistent problems with drugs
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
A flat in Bodmin has been boarded up after frequent problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour stretching back 15 years.
A closure notice for three months was issued at Bodmin Magistrates Court after collaborative work between Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing.
Within two hours the flat was boarded up, and a closure notice stuck to the door of 22 Gregory's Court on Robartes Road.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Quote Message: The property was raided under two misuse of drugs act warrants in recent months and a large quantity of drugs have been found. It's been the culmination of work over a long period of time. Hopefully this sends out a strong message that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated. from PC Andrew Currie Devon and Cornwall Police
The property was raided under two misuse of drugs act warrants in recent months and a large quantity of drugs have been found. It's been the culmination of work over a long period of time. Hopefully this sends out a strong message that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated.
Condor services cancelled on Saturday
Rob England
BBC News Online
Condor services between Jersey and St Malo have been cancelled on Saturday because of industrial action by French dock workers.
Jersey to Poole services have also been cancelled due to weather.
BBCCopyright: BBC
All ship access to the Brittany port has been denied, the company said.
Paul Luxon, Condor Ferries’ CEO, said the disruption at short notice to about 2,000 passengers was "exceptionally frustrating and inconvenient".
He added the company would be working to reach everyone booked on trips to offer "alternative arrangements".
Meanwhile, the company said the services between the Channel Islands and Poole had been cancelled on Saturday "due to significant rough seas and very windy conditions".
Sark Dairy return discussions 'advanced'
John Fernandez
BBC Radio Guernsey
Sark could have a working dairy again next year.
Chief Pleas, the island's government, are in advanced negotiations with a couple in Yorkshire who are interested in running a dairy in the island.
Last year the island's only mass-producer of milk and cream shut down unexpectedly leaving the island without a commercial dairy.
Conseiller Tony Ventress says the couple have some good ideas to bring to the island when it comes to dairy farming.
He said this included expanding the range of produce and that a dairy was something the islanders "absolutely need".
BBCCopyright: BBC
Association backs call for funds for island-wide election
John Fernandez
BBC Radio Guernsey
The political group that campaigned for the winning option in Guernsey's first ever referendum says it's imperative more money is given to the committee organising the next general election so it can be conducted island-wide.
Earlier this week President of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee Deputy Neil Inder said unless his committee gets more resources, the election in June 2020 won't be island-wide.
Deputy Carl Meerveld, who spearheaded the campaign to back Option A, says the government needs to look at enacting the result of the referendum, which saw a 45% turnout, as one of its top priorities.
Quote Message: We made a promise to the electorate that we would implement what they voted for and the States need to do exactly that - put the resources behind it to enable it to happen." from Deputy Carl Meerveld Islanders Association
We made a promise to the electorate that we would implement what they voted for and the States need to do exactly that - put the resources behind it to enable it to happen."
BreakingMan found guilty of hammer attack
Devon and Cornwall PoliceCopyright: Devon and Cornwall Police
An ex prisoner has been found guilty of carrying out a hammer attack on his girlfriend's former partner.
Steven McMahon lay in wait for victim Benjamin Watkins and hit him repeatedly in the head with a hammer, Exeter Crown Court heard.
After his arrest, police found a note in his pocket in which he planned the attack and an eyewitness saw him waiting in Axminster for Mr Watkins.
McMahon, 35, of Clinton Rise, Beer, denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, and possession of a hammer and knife in a public place.
He was cleared of wounding with intent and having a knife but found guilty of wounding and possessing the hammer as an offensive weapon.
Judge David Evans adjourned his case at Exeter Crown Court and ordered the probation service to carry out an assessment on whether he is a dangerous offender.
CCTV boost for Bodmin
Richard Whitehouse
Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBCCopyright: BBC
Police in Bodmin look set to be able to monitor CCTV coverage better than ever before thanks to new facilities planned at the town's police HQ.
Bodmin Town Council has agreed to sign off a bid to secure £12,000 to install a new CCTV monitoring suite at the Bodmin police base.
The council's finance committee agreed to take the cash from the police and crime commissioner's CCTV development fund. By providing a new monitoring suite the town council hopes to help police with investigations into crime in the town.
Work on the new monitoring suite is expected to start in the new year and there will also be a 13th CCTV camera installed in the town which has been funded through money secured as part of the planning approval for the new Aldi supermarket in Bodmin.
Quote Message: It's fantastic news that we're getting desperately needed equipment for our station. We all know that our police services are being stretched to the limit through austerity, so getting them the right tools to help support them going forward is a real win." from Leigh Frost Bodmin town councillor and Cornwall councillor for Bodmin St Petroc
It's fantastic news that we're getting desperately needed equipment for our station. We all know that our police services are being stretched to the limit through austerity, so getting them the right tools to help support them going forward is a real win."
Sark Electricity apologises for overcharging customers
Rob Byrne
BBC News Online
Sark's power provider has said sorry for charging customers too much for their November bills.
The island's electricity price commissioner raised concerns after islanders were billed for November at a higher price of 66p/kWh, when it was expected the temporary rise would come into effect later.
BBCCopyright: BBC
In a statement on its website, Sark Electricity (SEL) said: "I apologise for the confusion that resulted in the December invoices being sent out at 66p.
"We will arrange for the extra 14p to be rebated to you on your next billing."
The island's government is now considering buying SEL, and agreed prices could rise by 14p to the old tariff of 66p/kWh during negotiations between December and February.
States close seat belt law loophole
Freddie Miller
BBC Jersey political reporter
Motorists will soon have to wear seat belts in medium-sized and large goods vehicles in Jersey, under law changes agreed in preparation for Brexit.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A loophole in the island's existing law means seat belts only had to be worn in small passenger vehicles, small goods vehicles and minibuses.
Under the current law those in larger commercial vehicles cannot be prosecuted for travelling without a seat belt.
A Cullompton-based street cleaning business has been prosecuted for putting a public water supply at risk through unauthorised standpipe use.
Devon and Somerset Sweepers Ltd was ordered to pay fines and costs of £1,638 for the illegal abstraction of water from South West Water's network.
South West Water said any potential risk to water quality is taken "seriously" and is warning other companies they'll face fines if water supplies are disrupted.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Quote Message: Connecting unauthorised standpipes to our network is an issue we take very seriously. It creates a potential risk to water quality, which could result in public health issues and damage our infrastructure. It can also interfere with our customers' supplies or fire service activities. We monitor the use of our network closely and will take action against anyone who is detected making unauthorised use of a standpipe. from Mark Hillson South West Water
Connecting unauthorised standpipes to our network is an issue we take very seriously. It creates a potential risk to water quality, which could result in public health issues and damage our infrastructure. It can also interfere with our customers' supplies or fire service activities. We monitor the use of our network closely and will take action against anyone who is detected making unauthorised use of a standpipe.
BreakingStates approves £50m for new Aurigny aircraft
BBC Radio Guernsey
Aurigny has been given a financial guarantee by Guernsey's government to buy three new aircraft.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The States came to the decision to back the £50m deal after an extended debate in the States Assembly.
The voting was 23 to 14 in favour.
Concluding the debate Deputy Gavin St Pier said Aurigny did a "fantastic job" despite not "naturally being a supporter of States-owned assets".
The fog beating technology which comes with the new aircraft has the potential to reduce disruption and save the airline £1.1m over a decade, Aurigny said.
Aerial ladder platforms back in use after safety fears
Ben Woolvin
BBC South West Home Affairs correspondent
Five out of seven aerial ladder platforms have been returned to service and declared safe for use, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has said.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Video caption: Doris Curth describes returning home after six years in the UK during World War Two.Doris Curth describes returning home after six years in the UK during World War Two. 
Peter Gaudion/BBCCopyright: Peter Gaudion/BBC Video caption: Peter Gaudion talks of returning home after five years of exile during World War Two.Peter Gaudion talks of returning home after five years of exile during World War Two. 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
States of JerseyCopyright: States of Jersey - 'One nest' could spread Asian hornets across Britain
- Beekeeper on the hunt for Asian hornets in Jersey
- Asian hornet growth 'terrifying' for allergy sufferer
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Video caption: Further tests on the equipment are being carried outFurther tests on the equipment are being carried out
Latest PostAlderney Homecoming: 'Meeting a German soldier in my home'
Edward Rowe
BBC Radio Guernsey
Alderney will be marking the 73rd anniversary of homecoming on Saturday - it marks the return of the first residents after the island was occupied by German forces during World War Two.
In June 1940 the entire population of Alderney - about 1,500 people - was evacuated to the UK on six ships.
Shortly after Germans soldiers arrived on the island and set up concentration and forced labour camps, where hundreds of workers died during the occupation.
Doris Curth was 10 at the time of the evacuation and it was the first time she had ever left Alderney and she said it seemed like a holiday rather than thinking that war was coming.
She and her family returned in June 1946...
Video content
Alderney Homecoming: 'What are we going back to?'
Edward Rowe
BBC Radio Guernsey
On Saturday Alderney is marking the 73rd anniversary of the return of the first residents after five years of exile during World War Two.
The island was evacuated ahead of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands from 30 June 1940 until May 1945.
However, it took a further seven months for residents to start to return to Alderney - the only island to be completely evacuated - when they found fortifications, bunkers and detention camps built across the island.
Peter Gaudion was on the first boat carrying residents back to the island on 15 December 1945...
Video content
Large quantities of drugs found at closed Bodmin flat
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
Police had recently found large quantities of drugs at a property in Bodmin that helped them to successfully apply for a closure notice to be issued.
The three-month order was issued at Bodmin Magistrates Court earlier, meaning the flat was immediately boarded up.
The problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour at 22 Gregory's Court stretch back about 15 years.
Other residents reported issues including persistent noise throughout the day and night, as well as being spat and sworn at by people using the flat.
The closure order has come about after joint work between the Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing.
Plans to trap Asian hornet queens in 2019
BBC Radio Jersey
Officials will be setting Asian hornet traps in the island in time for spring to capture queens as they wake up from hibernation, a local beekeeper has said.
The invasive species threatens all pollinators - including honey bees.
Since they were accidentally introduced to France in 2004, Asian hornets have spread across the country into Spain and the Channel Islands.
In 2018, 57 nests were discovered in Jersey, including several queens before they were able to settle and build a nest.
Beekeeper Bob Thompkins said the island's bee population had not been overly effected by the invasive species because of the efforts of volunteer "hornet hunters" - who sought out nests for them to be destroyed.
Mr Thompkins said the traps would be deployed once the weather hit about 13C (55F) for a consistent period, as this had proved to be the prime conditions for hornet queens to emerge.
Similar measures are being taken in Guernsey and Alderney.
More on this story:
Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry toll rise plans
Richard Whitehouse
Local Democracy Reporting Service
A formal application will be made to increase the cost of crossing from Cornwall into Devon by 33%.
Cornwall Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve a bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) to increase Tamar Bridge tolls and the cost of using the Torpoint Ferry by a third.
It currently costs £1.50 for cars to cross the bridge or use the ferry but under the new charges it would jump to £2.
In a report to Cornwall Council's Cabinet it is stated that the increase is needed because in the last year the bridge has been operating at a deficit. It adds that expenditure has exceeded income and, as a result reserves are said to be "depleted".
Cornwall Council's Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to discuss the plans.
In addition Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council - which are jointly responsible for managing the bridge and ferry - are set to ask the DfT to allow them to carry out annual reviews of the charges and increase them in line with inflation without having to go to the government for approval.
Other tenants were spat at by users of closed Bodmin flat
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
A flat in Bodmin has been boarded up for three months after frequent reports of anti-social behaviour and problems with drugs.
Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police have been responding to incidents relating to 22 Gregory's Court for 15 years.
The named tenant would regularly have people visiting who would make threats, and large quantities of drugs have recently been found at the address.
Earlier a closure notice was issued at Bodmin Magistrates Court and the tenant was told to find alternative accommodation.
The order came about after joint working between the police, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing.
Minister joins calls for smacking ban
Rob England
BBC News Online
Jersey's Minister for Children and Housing Sam Mezec has joined calls for a ban on smacking children.
The proposal, due to be debated in January, was put forward by Deputy Mary Le Hegarat.
Similar proposals have been put forward in Scotland and Wales.
Dogs, cats and chickens attend annual Christmas service
Millicent Cooke
BBC News Online
All animals great and small were invited to a special Christmas service at Totnes' St Mary's church.
The annual event was organised by Sandra and Nick Nicholson and charity Animals in Distress.
A spokeswoman for the charity said: "The service was well attended by pets of all varieties - dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens all made an appearance with their owners."
Bodmin flat shut down after persistent problems with drugs
Johnny O'Shea
BBC News Online
A flat in Bodmin has been boarded up after frequent problems with drugs and anti-social behaviour stretching back 15 years.
A closure notice for three months was issued at Bodmin Magistrates Court after collaborative work between Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Housing.
Within two hours the flat was boarded up, and a closure notice stuck to the door of 22 Gregory's Court on Robartes Road.
Condor services cancelled on Saturday
Rob England
BBC News Online
Condor services between Jersey and St Malo have been cancelled on Saturday because of industrial action by French dock workers.
Jersey to Poole services have also been cancelled due to weather.
All ship access to the Brittany port has been denied, the company said.
Paul Luxon, Condor Ferries’ CEO, said the disruption at short notice to about 2,000 passengers was "exceptionally frustrating and inconvenient".
He added the company would be working to reach everyone booked on trips to offer "alternative arrangements".
Meanwhile, the company said the services between the Channel Islands and Poole had been cancelled on Saturday "due to significant rough seas and very windy conditions".
Sark Dairy return discussions 'advanced'
John Fernandez
BBC Radio Guernsey
Sark could have a working dairy again next year.
Chief Pleas, the island's government, are in advanced negotiations with a couple in Yorkshire who are interested in running a dairy in the island.
Last year the island's only mass-producer of milk and cream shut down unexpectedly leaving the island without a commercial dairy.
Conseiller Tony Ventress says the couple have some good ideas to bring to the island when it comes to dairy farming.
He said this included expanding the range of produce and that a dairy was something the islanders "absolutely need".
Association backs call for funds for island-wide election
John Fernandez
BBC Radio Guernsey
The political group that campaigned for the winning option in Guernsey's first ever referendum says it's imperative more money is given to the committee organising the next general election so it can be conducted island-wide.
Earlier this week President of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee Deputy Neil Inder said unless his committee gets more resources, the election in June 2020 won't be island-wide.
Deputy Carl Meerveld, who spearheaded the campaign to back Option A, says the government needs to look at enacting the result of the referendum, which saw a 45% turnout, as one of its top priorities.
BreakingMan found guilty of hammer attack
An ex prisoner has been found guilty of carrying out a hammer attack on his girlfriend's former partner.
Steven McMahon lay in wait for victim Benjamin Watkins and hit him repeatedly in the head with a hammer, Exeter Crown Court heard.
After his arrest, police found a note in his pocket in which he planned the attack and an eyewitness saw him waiting in Axminster for Mr Watkins.
McMahon, 35, of Clinton Rise, Beer, denied wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, wounding, and possession of a hammer and knife in a public place. He was cleared of wounding with intent and having a knife but found guilty of wounding and possessing the hammer as an offensive weapon.
Judge David Evans adjourned his case at Exeter Crown Court and ordered the probation service to carry out an assessment on whether he is a dangerous offender.
CCTV boost for Bodmin
Richard Whitehouse
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Police in Bodmin look set to be able to monitor CCTV coverage better than ever before thanks to new facilities planned at the town's police HQ.
Bodmin Town Council has agreed to sign off a bid to secure £12,000 to install a new CCTV monitoring suite at the Bodmin police base.
The council's finance committee agreed to take the cash from the police and crime commissioner's CCTV development fund. By providing a new monitoring suite the town council hopes to help police with investigations into crime in the town.
Work on the new monitoring suite is expected to start in the new year and there will also be a 13th CCTV camera installed in the town which has been funded through money secured as part of the planning approval for the new Aldi supermarket in Bodmin.
Sark Electricity apologises for overcharging customers
Rob Byrne
BBC News Online
Sark's power provider has said sorry for charging customers too much for their November bills.
The island's electricity price commissioner raised concerns after islanders were billed for November at a higher price of 66p/kWh, when it was expected the temporary rise would come into effect later.
In a statement on its website, Sark Electricity (SEL) said: "I apologise for the confusion that resulted in the December invoices being sent out at 66p.
"We will arrange for the extra 14p to be rebated to you on your next billing."
A fortnight ago, an eleventh-hour deal was reached to stop the utility turning the power off in the island, after it was forced to lower its prices.
The island's government is now considering buying SEL, and agreed prices could rise by 14p to the old tariff of 66p/kWh during negotiations between December and February.
States close seat belt law loophole
Freddie Miller
BBC Jersey political reporter
Motorists will soon have to wear seat belts in medium-sized and large goods vehicles in Jersey, under law changes agreed in preparation for Brexit.
A loophole in the island's existing law means seat belts only had to be worn in small passenger vehicles, small goods vehicles and minibuses.
Under the current law those in larger commercial vehicles cannot be prosecuted for travelling without a seat belt.
This will change from the beginning of February, as a result of the States signing up to the 1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic.
Business fined for illegally taking water
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A Cullompton-based street cleaning business has been prosecuted for putting a public water supply at risk through unauthorised standpipe use.
Devon and Somerset Sweepers Ltd was ordered to pay fines and costs of £1,638 for the illegal abstraction of water from South West Water's network.
South West Water said any potential risk to water quality is taken "seriously" and is warning other companies they'll face fines if water supplies are disrupted.
BreakingStates approves £50m for new Aurigny aircraft
BBC Radio Guernsey
Aurigny has been given a financial guarantee by Guernsey's government to buy three new aircraft.
The States came to the decision to back the £50m deal after an extended debate in the States Assembly.
The voting was 23 to 14 in favour.
Concluding the debate Deputy Gavin St Pier said Aurigny did a "fantastic job" despite not "naturally being a supporter of States-owned assets".
The fog beating technology which comes with the new aircraft has the potential to reduce disruption and save the airline £1.1m over a decade, Aurigny said.
Orange wind warning for Channel Islands
Aerial ladder platforms back in use after safety fears
Ben Woolvin
BBC South West Home Affairs correspondent
Five out of seven aerial ladder platforms have been returned to service and declared safe for use, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has said.
Two remain out of action due to cracks in the steel arms that support the platforms.
Further tests are being carried out to establish whether there is a fundamental problem with the type of appliance affected.
The area manager is Joe Hassell...
Video content