BBC Radio Devon

In Plymouth, the A38 Parkway is partially blocked Exeter-bound by an accident between Weston Mill and Manadon Roundabout. There's slow traffic in the area.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

Plymouth College of Art has been evacuated after a gas leak.

Wales and West Utilities was called to reports of a gas leak in the Charles Street area on Thursday morning.

Engineers found third-party contractors working in the area had damaged a gas pipe running beneath Charles Street, causing it to leak.

They are now working to stop the leak and repair the pipe.

Image source, Google

Oscar Threlkeld says he would consider a return to Plymouth Argyle next season from Belgian parent club Beveren.

BBC Radio Cornwall

West Cornwall MP, Derek Thomas has welcomed new government funding that he says will improve rail network accessibility for people with disabilities at St Erth Station.

It's one of 73 stations across the UK to benefit from a share of a £300m Access for All Fund, external.

Step-free access is described as the latest move towards the goal of a fully inclusive UK transport network.

Image source, Google

BBC Radio Devon

A parade of servicemen and women to celebrate RMB Chivenor's freedom of the town is due to take place through the streets of Barnstaple later.

The regiment has been given the honour because of its historical connections and contribution to the town as well as its special relationship with the local council and community.

The march comes after the military base was saved from closure following a visit from Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson in March.

BBC Radio Cornwall

At Sithney, the B3302 is blocked in both directions by an accident between the A394 and the B3303 in Helston.

BBC Radio Devon

In Plympton, Deep Lane remains partially blocked by an accident near the A38 Deep Lane junction.

BBC Radio Cornwall

Engineers say they will have a better idea of the damage and repairs needed to an ancient bridge that was hit by a car by early next week.

A car collided with one of the main pillars at Newbridge on the A390 in the Tamar Valley on Tuesday.

Scaffolding was erected on Wednesday so engineers could assess the damage.

Local people say they're "concerned" by the impact the bridge closure is going to have.

BBC Spotlight

Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner has joined her chief constable in saying it's "not fair" some of the poorest communities in the UK are having to pay for policing visitors from other parts of the country.

The force estimates that about 11 million people visit the area every year - and it's expecting that number to increase after Brexit as more people opt for a staycation.

Alison Hernandez says it's time the government recognised the impact those tourists have on resources...

The Home Office says it does recognise the demands that police face, which is why it has this year increased funding for them by more than £970m including council tax - the most substantial investment in policing since 2010.

Meet the former hackers who spend their days stopping the criminals they used to see as their comrades.

BBC Radio Devon

Seaside towns and coastal communities are in desperate need of improvements after years of being neglected, a new report has said.

The House of Lords Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns says more work is needed on transport, housing, further education and digital connectivity.

It says they suffer from issues rooted in the decline of traditional industries and their location.

Many seaside towns are having to reinvent themselves to survive and one of those is Exmouth.

Designer Wayne Hemingway is involved in a revamp of the seafront and says the town is "moving in the right direction".

Image source, Google

Andrew Segal
BBC South West

People putting the wrong items into specific bin bags is costing a Devon council about £10,000 a month and "effectively throwing away money", the authority says.

South Hams District Council said it was making a direct plea to its residents to take a closer look at what items could and could not be recycled as putting the wrong items into its clear bags and blue sacks was "costing a fortune" as the "offending items have to be removed before recycling can take place".

Top offenders, it said, included greasy pizza boxes, dirty milk bottles, crisp packets, black plastic trays, food and unwashed tins and bottles.

Image source, South Hams District Council

BBC Radio Devon

Firefighters tackled the blaze at the property in Drake Gardens, Tavistock, over three hours.

Two fire engines from Tavistock were sent to the incident and found the building "well alight" and two further engines were requested.

The electricity and gas supplies to the house and nearby properties were isolated as crews made steady progress in containing and extinguishing the fire.

A spokesman said the house was "100% damaged by smoke and 40% damaged by fire" with the cause of the fire accidental.

BBC Radio Devon

A car collided with the 13-year-old boy on the scooter at about 20:25 on Wednesday, say police.

He was taken to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, where he was pronounced dead.

Officers are urging witnesses to the collision on the north bound land of the B3146, Sandy Road, Plympton, to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, quoting log number 739.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

BBC Spotlight

Ice cream from Cornwall is being exported to China for the first time.

Callestick Farm based near Perranporth says the contract is worth £500,000.

The buyer fell in love with the ice cream while in the UK on business.

BBC Weather

Thursday morning will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain. This will clear to the east with sunny spells and sharp showers following. Further showers this afternoon.

Maximum Temperature: 6 to 9C (43 to 48F).

Later on Thursday evening, the showers may merge into longer spells of rain later this evening.

Further rain, some heavy through the early hours but this should ease towards dawn.

Minimum Temperature: 2 to 7C (36 to 45F).

BBC Spotlight

Devon and Cornwall's chief constable says it's time the government recognised the impact tourists have on his resources and gave the force more money.

The force estimates that about 11 million people visit the area every year and it's expecting that number to increase after Brexit as more people opt for a staycation.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: "It hits us across many domains, it hits our roads policing, it hits our investigators through increases in domestic violence events, sexual offences, it hits on our night-time economy.

"We want people to have a great party but we shouldn't be left with the hangover."

BBC Spotlight

Controversial plans for a pool house at the iconic Burgh Island hotel have been dropped.

Two thousand people signed a petition against the building, with some describing it as a "carbuncle".

The hotel on an island off Bigbury-on-Sea in south Devon is currently undergoing a multimillion-pound renovation after being sold last year.

It's renowned for its 1930s Art Deco features and being a favourite writing retreat of Agatha Christie.