Summary

  • Hundreds of jobs are at risk at a major call centre in Plymouth

  • Reports of sex assaults on children 'double in four years'

  • Demolition work continues at Royal Clarence Hotel after a huge fire destroyed the building

  • Police officers 'struggle to investigate crime and keep public safe due to cuts'

  • A special wheelchair for disabled people in the African bush created by Cornish man

  • Updates on Thursday 3 November 2016

Live Reporting

  1. Reports of sex assaults on children 'double in four years'

    Sophie Pierce
    BBC Radio Devon

    The number of recorded sexual assaults on children in Devon and Cornwall has doubled in the last four years, police figures show.

    Children

    In 2011-12, the police recorded 774 child victims of sexual offences in the two counties and last year, 2015-16, the number had gone up to 1,504.

    Devon and Cornwall Police said there could be many reasons for the increase - there are new offences, for example grooming, and people now feel more confident about reporting offences.

  2. Money Centre jobs threat: What does it mean?

    Neil Gallacher, Business & Industry Correspondent
    BBC Spotlight

    Plymouth looks to be heading for a major blow to employment in the world of financial services with up to 420 jobs under threat at the Money Centre call centre in Plymouth.

    Money CentreGoogle

    A document issued to staff by Cigna Insurance Services said: "We will shortly commence a formal consultation process with employee representatives to consider the options in taking the business forward.

    These options include:

    1) The turnaround of the CIS business, and whilst we continue to review this option it is highly unlikely to be a realistic option given the scale of the challenges facing the business

    2) Disposal of the CIS business. This is the sale of the business to an alternative provider

    3) Run the business off - i.e. gradually reduce our operations with the end result that the business will eventually stop trading. The timescales of this option would depend on the obligations we owe to our partners and customers.

  3. All Plymouth's military bases under review

    Exeter Express & Echo

    The future of Plymouth's military bases remain shrouded with uncertainty as the government continues to review its defence estate.

  4. Cuts 'leave police struggling against crime'

    Simon Hall, Home Affairs Correspondent
    BBC Spotlight

    Large numbers of police officers in Devon and Cornwall believe cuts have left them struggling to investigate crime and keep the public safe, according to a survey obtained by the BBC.  

    Police

    More than 80% of those who responded said they didn't have enough officers in their section to deal with demand.

    Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, which represents officers up to the rank of chief inspector, carried out the survey in response to concerns from members about the policing service in the force.

  5. Headlines for Devon and Cornwall

    Jonathan Morris
    BBC News Online

    • Hundreds of jobs are at risk at a major call centre in the middle of Plymouth
    • The number of recorded sexual assaults on children in Devon and Cornwall has doubled in the last four years
    • Large numbers of police officers in Devon and Cornwall believe cuts have left them struggling to investigate crime and keep the public safe, according to a survey obtained by the BBC
    • Devon & Cornwall Police has been named as one of eight forces in the country which "requires improvement"
    • Demolition work will continue today of the remains of the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter which was destroyed by fire at the weekend
    • A man from Cornwall has designed and built a special wheelchair for use by disabled people in the African bush

  6. Fire crews delayed 'due to careless parking'

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  7. Devon and Cornwall weather: Cold, with some sunshine, but becoming cloudy and damp later

    BBC Weather

    Another cold day, although with some sunny spells at first. Cloud will increase through the day, with patchy rain arriving from the west during the afternoon. Maximum temperature: 12 Deg C (54 Deg F).

    Weather

  8. Hundreds of jobs could go at Money Centre - but what impact will it have on city?

    Neil Gallacher, Business & Industry Correspondent
    BBC Spotlight

    Plymouth looks to be heading for a major blow with the potential loss of up to 420 jobs at the Money Centre. But how important are these particular jobs to the local economy?

    Money CentreGoogle

    Obviously if you're caught up in this it's miserable.

    They certainly won't be the highest paid jobs in the local economy, so it's not the same as the loss of a lot of defence/manufacturing jobs.

    Also, it's the kind of employment which gives people skills that are transferable easily within local market. Just recently we heard that another firm, Sitel plan to create 700 jobs next year with a call centre at the old Western Morning News headquarters.

  9. Stranger pays for couple's first date

    A stranger pays for a new couple's first date after overhearing them discussing their money troubles.

    Read More

  11. Travel news: Broken-down lorry near Honiton causing delays

    BBC Travel

    • The Dartmouth Higher Ferry will be out of service until 12.30 today - later than expected "due to unforeseen circumstances". The Dartmouth Lower Ferry will be running as normal
    • In Honiton, Lower Marlpits Hill is currently closed due to a broken-down lorry near Waterleat Avenue
    • In Goonhavern, Halt Road is closed for water mains work between the A3075 Newquay Road and A30 Boxheater Junction. A diversion is in place

  12. Fire crews remain vigilant at hotel blaze site

    BBC Radio Devon

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  13. Hundreds of jobs at risk at call centre
    Breaking

    Neil Gallacher, Business & Industry Correspondent
    BBC Spotlight

    Hundreds of jobs are at risk at a major call centre in the middle of Plymouth.

    Money CentreGoogle

    Four-hundred-and-twenty staff who work for Cigna Insurance Services in the Money Centre have been told that the whole business could cease trading. 

    A consultation is beginning. Other options beside closure include a possible sell-off to another insurance firm.    

  14. Welcome to BBC Local Live for Devon and Cornwall

    Jonathan Morris
    BBC News Online

    Welcome to BBC Local Live in Devon & Cornwall. We'll be bringing you all the day's news, sport, weather and travel and if you have a story email us.