South West Update (2026)

18/06/2026

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 - The Environment Agency has successfully completed coastal flood defence works at Minehead seafront, delivering greater protection for 355 properties and businesses in the town.

The project, costing just under £1 million, extended existing rock armour to the east of the town, near Butlins and Minehead Golf Course, and was delivered on time and on budget. Works began in spring 2026 and have now been completed ahead of summer.

Just under 4,000 tonnes of pink granite rock armour, sourced from near Bodmin, Cornwall, was used to strengthen defences across 100 metres of a vulnerable shingle ridge at the Warren. Materials were transported by road, requiring approximately 250 lorry movements during the construction period.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱

Minehead's Eastern esplanade is protected from coastal flooding by a natural shingle ridge. However, this ridge is vulnerable to erosion from winter storms, and rock armour has previously been used to reinforce it. Parts of the town are particularly at risk during north-westerly storms and high tides.

This scheme follows the successful completion of coastal defence works in 2023, when 14,500 tonnes of granite rock armour reinforced Minehead's sea wall. Erosion to the sand face at the end of the existing rock armour section made this next phase necessary. The works will also indirectly help to reduce the impact of flash flooding in the area.

The West Somerset Coast Path, part of the England Coast Path connecting Minehead and Dunster, has now been reopened following completion of the works, securing access for walkers and visitors long into the future.

The town benefits from an extensive coastal defence scheme maintained by the Environment Agency, including vital annual maintenance such as beach reprofiling. Environment Agency flood mapping shows that the risk of coastal flooding is expected to increase due to climate change, making continued investment essential.

Bert Leach of the Environment Agency, said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to deliver this project on time and on budget. We're confident these defences will keep Minehead protected well into the future. We're grateful to everyone for their patience and support during construction."

Ben Parker of Minehead Town Council, said: "This is a fantastic outcome for Minehead. The response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive. These defences give residents and businesses real confidence that Minehead is well protected against coastal flooding, both now and in the years ahead."

The Environment Agency will continue to carry out annual maintenance, including beach reprofiling, to ensure Minehead's coastal defences remain in good condition.

12/06/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 - A new extension to the Plymouth Oncology Centre (POC) at Derriford Hospital has been officially opened by the Sparks family and Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Kevin Nancekivell, in memory of the late broadcaster and Argyle commentator, Gordon Sparks.

Gordon started his adventure into broadcasting when he joined Hospital Radio Plymouth as a volunteer and later he gave up a career with SWEB to start professional broadcasting on Plymouth Sound before later becoming part of the line up at BBC Radio Devon.

On Thursday 11 June 2026 a celebration was held to mark the official opening of the new £18.5 million building , which includes a new decant bunker housing a brand-new state-of-the-art linear accelerator (LINAC) to deliver external beam radiotherapy, as well as a dedicated High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy facility, to deliver internal radiotherapy.

The extension also includes an impressive new entrance to the POC, as well as new offices for the Radiotherapy Physics, Treatment Planning and Clinical Trials teams.

“The new building has been many years in the making,” explains Chris Bowen, Radiotherapy Services Lead at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP). “For a number of years the Radiotherapy department has had three LINAC machines, all of which are older than we would like. Now, with the construction of a new radiotherapy decant bunker, we not only have the room for a brand-new, advanced treatment machine, but we can also begin to replace our older machines without affecting the service we deliver.”

The demand for radiotherapy steadily increases year upon year, with one in four cancer patients now requiring radiotherapy treatment during the course of their disease.

Radiotherapy treats cancer using beams of ionising radiation to target tumours. This radiation is produced either by a treatment machine (LINAC), which produces high powered x-rays delivered externally into the body, or by using radioactive isotope sources delivered internally close to the cancer (brachytherapy).

It is expected that the new £1.9 million LINAC machine will improve the precision and efficiency of treatment delivery, reduce individual treatment times, enhance patient access to advanced techniques and allow UHP to provide approximately 700 additional treatments of radiotherapy per year.

“Up until now, we’ve had to share one of the radiotherapy bunkers with the Brachytherapy service,” adds Chris. “The new dedicated Brachytherapy facility includes a treatment room, theatre area, patient waiting area and recovery spaces, which not only will provide a better patient experience overall, but it also allows us to expand the services for Brachytherapy, which we’ve been unable to do until now.”

The Radiotherapy team decided to dedicate the opening of the new facility to a former and fondly-remembered patient, Gordon Sparks. Following fundraising inspired by Gordon, donations were made to The Chestnut Appeal and to Plymouth Hospitals Charity’s Mustard Tree Fund, which supports patients and families using the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital.

Heather Sparks, Gordon’s wife, said: “Gordon was always passionate about Derriford Hospital, the staff and the service it provided. He liked to offer support when he could and when he needed treatment himself he was cared for excellently. I feel honoured to have been asked to open the new Plymouth Oncology Centre extension in Gordon’s memory. It is a wonderful tribute to him and the whole family are incredibly touched by this dedication.”

Heather cut the ribbon to officially open the new building, together with Argyle First Team Coach Kevin Nancekivell. Kevin visits Derriford Hospital every year with the Argyle squad to deliver Christmas presents to the children’s wards. He was awarded the Freedom of the City of Plymouth for his services to Argyle and to the city of Plymouth in 2025.

Kevin said: “I’m honoured and proud to be asked alongside Heather to open this new facility. This will, I’m sure, enhance the existing excellent standard of care that is provided at Derriford, and will reflect the commitment in providing the highest level of cancer care for everyone in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

“In opening this new facility, we are honouring Gordon Sparks, who, as everyone knows, was a much-loved member of Argyle and the city of Plymouth.”

Thanks to the new LINAC machine, UHP will soon begin to deliver Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) which, when available on all machines, will mean that patients will no longer need to have small tattoos made on their skin to enable their body to be lined up correctly for treatment. Instead, the new machine will utilise a scan of the patient's body position and contour, giving real-time feedback to the therapeutic radiographers during the patient’s set-up and treatment, to confirm the body position is correct before delivering any radiation dose. SGRT will also enable quicker and more accurate set-ups, as well as reducing the requirement for x-rays.

Chris Bowen adds: “Here at the Plymouth Oncology Centre we already offer a range of specialist services to our local and regional populations. As a relatively small department we punch well above our weight in terms of the range of services we are able to provide for our patients and are always looking for opportunities to improve and innovate. With the completion of this new extension and the new opportunities the new technology can provide, we are really excited that now we can further develop the service, advance our techniques and provide our patients with greater access to the latest treatment regimes.

“Our dedicated team of therapeutic radiographers, clinical scientists, engineers, treatment planners and dosimetrists are committed to delivering both clinical excellence and compassionate care. We aim to create a warm, welcoming and supportive environment throughout every patient’s cancer journey while ensuring they receive the expert treatment they need and deserve.”

02/06/2026

𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐋𝐘𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍 - A veteran who battled through mental health issues arising from his involvement in the second Gulf War and who went on to create a project where veterans could meet in their own company and take part in free swimming sessions has been honoured with the Royal British Legion's prestigious Sir Clive Johnstone Award.

Craig Taylor who is a member of the Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion was presented with the award at a surprise ceremony at the Branch Headquarters last night.

Steve Lewis, a regional member representative of the RBL, read a citation in which Craig had been nominated for the Sir Clive Johnstone Award and duly presented him with this award (which can be seen taking place in the video below).

The Sir Clive Johnstone Award is a Royal British Legion honour recognising individuals, groups, or teams who foster unity and collaboration within the charity, commemorating the late Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone, who served in the Royal Navy for 35 years and as National President of the Royal British Legion from May 2023 until his sudden and untimely death in May 2024.

Sir Clive died on Sunday 12th May 2024, shortly after the end of that year's RBL’s Annual Conference in Newport, Wales, which he attended and spoke at.

An extraordinary military leader and person of great integrity and intellect, Sir Clive was extremely honoured to be National President for the Royal British Legion. Only a day before his passing, Sir Clive shared his passion for the charity in an address to RBL Members at the Annual Conference, describing the Legion as ‘the best and most amazing charity’.

The award in his name aims to recognise and celebrate those who contribute to creating unity across the RBL, reflecting Sir Clive’s dedication to teamwork, leadership, and support for veterans and the Armed Forces community. The award embodies his values of respect, collaboration, and service.

Nominees for the award are evaluated based on their efforts to seek, create, repair, or improve unity within the RBL, demonstrating leadership, support for veterans, and promotion of the charity’s mission.

Those present last night to hear the citation and witness the presentation heard how Craig was medically discharged from the Royal Navy after a 21 year career, suffering from complex PTSD following an incident during the second Gulf War.

The meeting heard how Craig was coaxed into becoming branch treasurer at the RBL Plympton Branch and how meeting and speaking to other members and attending meetings took him out of his comfort zone at that time.

Attendees heard how Craig progressed in the branch and set up an initiative called the 'Ripple Effect' which helped others in the veteran community regain self-esteem, self-worth and self-respect and provides 1 hour swimming sessions dedicated solely to the Ripple Effect and at no cost to those taking up the swimming sessions.

Craig, who now uses a support dog, was described as someone showing dogged determination and indicative of the RBL ethos of 'Service not Self.'

Norma Hanks' husband is one of those who regularly takes part in the Ripple Effect swimming sessions. She said: "I think it does him good."

01/06/2026

𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 - Bus enthusiasts from across the Westcountry descended on Taunton on Sunday to experience a vintage bus running day put on by the Thames Valley and Great Western Omnibus Trust.

Attendance at the event surpassed organisers' expectations, so much so that event programmes had fully sold out by 11.30am.

The public were able to see - and travel on - an array of different vehicles, some dating back to around 75 years ago. There was a mixture of single and double deckers, several half-cabs, some with open back boarding platforms, and even one with an open top.

There were rekindled memories of some long since passed brands such as Western National, Devon General and others from the period of municipal operators before the deregulation of the 1980s.

Pictured below are just some of the buses the public were able to see and travel on for free, along with some shots of recently introduced electric service buses currently being used by First Bus in Taunton.

There was even an appearance by a lookalike of Inspector Blakey from On The Buses!

31/05/2026

𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 - Children across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being asked to come up with a clever name for a police tractor.

The much-loved police tractor is back for another year, on loan free of charge to Devon and Cornwall Police for the summer period, thanks to agricultural machinery dealership, Masons Kings.

On the previous occasion when such a competition was run, seven-year-old Eloise Bettison won, coming up with the brilliant name ‘Inspector Moors’.

Now children aged 16 and under are being given another chance to come up with a winning title for the unique new member of the rural police fleet.

The competition opened on Wednesday 20 May and closes at midnight on Sunday 7 June. The winning name will be revealed at Woofstock Festival on Saturday 13 June, where the winner will also have the opportunity to meet the team and receive a special prize.

Dressed in eye-catching police livery, the tractor will be touring agricultural shows and community events across Devon and Cornwall this summer, helping officers to connect and engage with rural communities.

Rural Affairs Officer, PC Clarke Orchard, is the force lead for Farm Machinery, Agri & Plant Machinery and Agricultural vehicle theft, and is the brains behind the police tractor initiative.

He said: “In 2024, the tractor proved to be a fantastic way to encourage conversations with farmers and members of the public, and we were blown away by the creativity of the entries we received.

“The ‘name the tractor’ competition was especially popular with younger visitors, so we’re delighted to be bringing it back and we can’t wait to see what fun, clever and imaginative names children come up with this year.”

General Manager at Masons Kings, Dominic Burt, added: “As a family-run business rooted in the local community, we’re proud to support Devon & Cornwall Police in raising awareness of rural crime. The tractor has become a real talking point, and we’re excited to see it return for another busy summer season.”

To enter, children must be aged 16 or under and live in Devon, Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. Entries must be submitted with permission from a parent or guardian.

PC Clarke Orchard added: “Whether it’s clever, funny or downright brilliant, we’re looking for a name that really stands out. Good luck to everyone entering – get those thinking caps on!”
For full terms and conditions, and to enter the competition, visit: https://forms.office.com/e/YZKFFwfYTg

For updates on the summer tractor tour and for valuable advice on rural issues, follow the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs team on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DCPoliceRural

31/05/2026

The total number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Devon and Cornwall’s roads has dropped to the lowest ever level in recent reporting history, new figures reveal.

Provisional figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that, in 2025, 49 people were killed and 495 seriously injured in collisions in Devon and Cornwall. Other than a spike in 2024 the number of road fatalities has remained broadly similar over the past five years, but the number of serious injuries is the lowest number since modern recording systems were introduced and almost 20% lower than the figure for 2024.

The provisional data also shows the number of KSI collisions in the region have decreased every year since 2022 (post-Covid), demonstrating a significant reduction.

The graph below shows the KSI figures over the past 5 years:

Serious injuries include things such as head injuries, broken bones, loss of limbs and cuts or lacerations.

The release of the figures coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, a collaboration between 17 organisations across the region - including Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service Trust, local authorities, NHS Trusts, air ambulance charities, National Highways and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The partnership has committed to reducing fatal and serious collisions by 50% by 2030 – and these latest figures suggest this target is within reach.

In the five years since it became operational, Vision Zero South West has funded numerous innovative and impactful road safety projects in the region, including:

- A state-of-the-art motorcycle simulator to train young riders in hazard prediction
- A UK-first trial of AI cameras which detect seatbelt and mobile phone offences
- Pedestrian training for thousands of primary school children
- Groundbreaking research work from IMPACT: The Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation
- The purchase of a Ford Focus RS car to help promote road safety to a younger audience through social media
- Over £250,000 of community-led safety schemes through the “Call For Ideas” grant funding scheme

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chair of Vision Zero South West.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Our collective efforts - as partners and communities - to ensure road users are at their best are starting to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“While we are obviously delighted to see a significant decrease in the number of people being killed or seriously injured, there is still a lot of work to do.

“We must never forget what these numbers represent. These are real people killed in tragic and traumatic circumstances - loved ones and family members, parents and children, brothers, sisters and friends.

“This is why road safety has always been a personal priority since I took office in 2016 - and why I helped set up the Vision Zero South West partnership.”

Commissioner Hernandez said every member of the partnership is passionate about saving lives and preventing injury on our roads.

She added: “We have worked tirelessly towards reducing these figures. This has involved embracing innovation and technology, being bold and trying new things, being relentless with our safety messaging and campaigns, and investing in things we know make a difference.

“Working in partnership has been absolutely key to every success we’ve had and I look forward to continuing this work with our partners in the future.”

Adrian Leisk, Head of Road Safety for Devon & Cornwall Police said: “This very welcome news demonstrates the effectiveness of the partnership approach to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“This also reduces the attendant trauma that it causes to the families and friends of victims and also helps to reduce the massive disruption that the aftermath of serious collision causes to transport, business, and individuals.

“Whilst this reduction is encouraging, our thoughts very much remain with those who have lost loved ones in a road traffic collision.

“Devon & Cornwall Police officers work tirelessly year-round to enforce the laws that are there to keep all road users safe. We are beginning to see that enforcement, notably around excessive speed, mobile phone, and seat belt offences, and in tandem with lowered speed limits and safety camera installation, is beginning to have a measurable effect on improving safety on our counties’ roads.”

31/05/2026

𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐒𝐁 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐀. Residents in three neighbouring areas of Cornwall are set to benefit from a significant two year investment of £200,000 to help tackle street crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB) and provide better opportunities and support for young people.

The funding, provided by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is being spent in Camborne, Redruth and Pool which have been identified as areas requiring extra support to improve the communities for all those who live, visit and work there.

The funding has been transferred to Safer Cornwall – a community safety partnership made up of statutory organisations - to strengthen and build upon existing and new plans over the next two years. These include:

- The continuation of an ASB officer in Camborne
- A new ASB officer in Redruth
- Funding an existing Youth Substance Misuse Worker covering all three areas
- Creating a Wider Youth Programme
- Camborne community activities

Camborne has already been chosen by the OPCC as the second area for its Street Focus project. It was first launched in Torquay in June 2024 and aims to improve safety in towns and city centres.

Street Focus Camborne began in November 2025 with a vision of bringing partners together to develop some of the great work already underway to improve safety and reduce crime.

The town already benefits from an ASB officer, jointly funded by the OPCC and Camborne Town Council, who holds Community Safety Accreditation Scheme accreditation and intervenes early in emerging cases of ASB, including street drinking. This is in addition to high-visibility hotspot policing patrols and Street Marshals who are part funded by the OPCC.

Camborne is part of the PubWatch scheme which enables hospitality services to work together to reduce problems in and around their premises.

Under the new plans, a youth programme is yet to be set up but will be aimed at diverting young people away from ASB. Money set aside for community activities are also yet to be confirmed but possible plans could include hosting a community event and creating a local campaign that will benefit residents.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “One of the things that makes Camborne so great is a willingness to work together to create positive changes that will benefit everyone.

“That teamwork has already resulted in reducing crime and making ther streets safer and through my Street Focus project and the additional funding from my office, I am hoping that even more can be achieved, as well as in Redruth and Pool too.

“For lasting change, it is vital that we also focus on supporting young people to help them make the right choices and give them the opportunities they need to succeed in life.”

Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: “It’s great news that the OPCC has chosen Camborne, Pool and Redruth for its Street Focus project. The Safer Cornwall Partnership has been working hard to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour across the area and this significant funding boost will allow us to make the three communities even safer.

“Prevention is key so I am particularly excited to hear about the plans for a youth programme to help divert young people away from crime and antisocial behaviour.

“It is one of our priorities to create strong, safe and vibrant communities and this funding will help us to achieve this for residents in this area of Cornwall.”

Councillor James Ball, who represents Camborne Roskear and Tuckingmill Division, said: “We are really pleased to see the extra funding coming to the area. It will make a huge difference to us all working together to continue the hard work already started.

“Camborne has been so well supported and without this investment in the town, we would not have been able to see the improvements making it safer for everyone to live and visit the amazing town we have.”

To find out more about the Street Focus project and for updates about future work in Camborne, visit street-focus.co.uk

23/05/2026

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 - Work is underway to restore the former Gaumont Cinema building in Union Street following Historic England’s grant of £253,494 to help repair and conserve the former cinema.

Since 1931, the Gaumont Cinema has been woven into the fabric of community life in Plymouth and holds special memories for many. Originally a 2,300-seat cinema, the venue has also been a dance hall, roller disco and nightclub over the years, but it has stood empty for more than 20 years - since 2004.

Nudge Community Builders took on the building in 2020 and were awarded the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund grant in 2025. Their vision for the building is exciting, with a plan to bring the building back to its former glory. Urgent repairs to secure the long-term future of this cherished landmark are now well under way.

The first phase of this restoration project will create rentable spaces on the ground floor for community organisations.

The renovated cinema will preserve the vibrant history of the local nightlife while new workspaces will create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. The ultimate aim is to create a music venue on the upper floor.

Rebecca Barrett, South West Regional Director at Historic England, who recently visited the premises along with Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard, said: “It's great to be here with Luke and Wendy to see this exciting project taking shape. Working with Nudge, and thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, one of Plymouth’s art deco buildings is on its way to being transformed to provide a cultural venue, workspaces and a community hub.

"Heritage projects like this deliver so much more than looking after old buildings - they strengthen local economies, bring communities together, and instil a genuine sense of pride in what makes a place special. The Gaumont is a big part of Plymouth’s story, and we're delighted it will play an exciting role in the life of the city once again. We’re grateful to Nudge for the vision, energy and passion they are bringing to this, and many other projects along Union Street."

Luke Pollard said: “It has been brilliant to see the Millenium slowly being brought back to life by the amazing team at Nudge. Hannah and Wendy really are heroes of our community, and what they have done at the Clipper, the Plot, C103, and now here is bringing life back to Union Street.

“The new units on the ground floor that will soon be rented out to local businesses will bring money into the project and show the progress that has been made on the building. I’m grateful to Hannah and Wendy, and the whole team at Nudge, for their tireless work in bringing life and vision back to Union Street, engaging the community, and restoring some of Plymouth’s iconic buildings. Nudge has my full support as they continue their work at the Millenium and at other projects on Union Street.”

Wendy Hart, co-founder and co Director at Nudge, said: “We’re thrilled that units on the ground floor are nearly ready. They are for local businesses and community organisations, making jobs or opportunities for young people. Support from Historic England and Youth Investment funding has been vital to get us this far alongside our community shareholders, investors and volunteer support.

“It’s not easy bringing derelict heritage buildings back into use. Now this much-loved building is owned by the community, we can give it the love and care it deserves. Over the summer we'll be developing the plans for the music venue upstairs. If you are curious about what is happening join one of our free monthly tours.”

21/05/2026

𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐘 - The Newquay night bus is making a comeback - with some route changes - and a new service will be available in Perranporth. Both are being delivered by new provider Go Cornwall for 16 weeks from Saturday, May 23, to Saturday, September 5.

Last year the Newquay bus ran for 14 weeks and was used by 745 passengers – an average of 53 per night.

In Devon, night bus services now run all year round due to demand. Areas within the scheme include North Devon, Torquay, Plymouth, Exeter and Cranbrook.

The night bus initiative is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and delivered in partnership with local councils, businesses and emergency services. The scheme aims to reduce drink and drug driving, alcohol related crime and antisocial behaviour, and violence against women and girls, while supporting the night-time economy by helping people get home safely up until 4am. Journeys are also affordable, capped at a maximum of £3 per way.

The continued expansion of the successful scheme will see the introduction of Newton Abbot night bus - solely funded by Torbay Council - launched on Saturday, May 30.

Since night buses were first trialled in 2023 as a Christmas service and then also a summer service, more than 28,500 passengers have travelled on them. The average number of passengers using night buses across Devon and Cornwall night was 530 people.

Hoping that even more people will benefit from them this summer and beyond, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “The night buses provide an easy and affordable way for people to enjoy a night out or go to work and know they can get home safely.

“Due to high passenger numbers, my office has committed to continue being the main funder of night buses where they are most needed throughout 2026 to ensure community safety and crime prevention which are among my key priorities. The service has already proven to have contributed to a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violence as well as drink/drug drive cases. It is also reassuring that no incidents have been reported on the buses themselves either showing once again how effective they are.

“It has been incredible to see the service grow from one route over 10 weeks, to 10 routes all year round in Devon and, for 2026, two 16 week summer services in Newquay and Perranporth. This would not have been possible without the support of our local transport providers so thank you to Stagecoach for its ongoing commitment to the Devon scheme, and to Go Cornwall for taking on the Newquay route this year.”

Regarding wider transport safety, the Commissioner added that as part of the OPCC’s ongoing work around disrupting violence against women and girls, she has written a letter of support for a proposed research project focusing on gender-based violence on public transport. Fellowship funding is being sought by Dr Sian Lewis at the University of Plymouth to address a critical evidence gap by focusing on lived experiences.

Public safety is a key policing priority and the night bus routes are seen as an important part of keeping people safe at night.

Sector Inspector Steve Johnson of Devon & Cornwall Police, based in Newquay said: "We welcome the reintroduction of the night bus in Cornwall and the provision of continued services across Devon. The night bus has been shown to reduce antisocial behaviour, drink/drug drive related incidents and violence against women and girls.

“Partnership work is a key part of our prevention efforts and we’re pleased to be working alongside local businesses and councils to help prevent crime and improve safety.

“I encourage anyone who is enjoying a night out in the Newquay and Perranporth areas to consider using the new night bus service to get home safely.”

Mark Collins, Commercial Director Go Cornwall Bus, said: "Go Cornwall Bus is proud to be partnering with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide these night bus services in Newquay and Perranporth this summer. Passenger safety is always a top priority for us, and as a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we are proud to support an initiative that helps all people, particularly women and girls, travel home safely."

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for community safety, said: "I am delighted we are continuing to support the night bus scheme, and that the service is returning to Newquay and Perranporth this summer.

"The evidence shows these buses help reduce antisocial behaviour and have a direct impact on safety, especially for women and girls.

"It is a great example of how partnership working can make a real positive difference for our communities."

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s cabinet member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Extending this route into Newton Abbot will help more people get home safely after a night out. It will also benefit people working late into the evening such as shift workers or anyone working in hospitality.

“A strong night-time economy relies on safe and reliable transport and this night bus service is an important part of that.”

Night bus routes in Cornwall

- Newquay

- Perranporth to Newquay

Night bus routes in Devon

- Exeter to Cullompton, Cranbrook, Crediton and Exmouth

- Barnstaple to Bideford and Ilfracombe

- Plymouth to Tavistock and Saltash

- Torquay to Paignton and Brixham

- Newton Abbot to Torquay (starting from May 30)

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