Bringing you the news, sport, travel and weather for Devon and Cornwall on Friday 5 July 2019.

BBC Radio Devon

A children's theatre in Plymouth says new parking restrictions are causing it to lose audiences and could threaten its viability.

Stiltskin Theatre's Soapbox Children's Theatre has written an open letter to the leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans asking him to alter the restrictions to enable families - who travel from all over the South West - to park near the theatre.

Image source, Stiltskin Theatre Co

Parking restrictions near the theatre in Milne Place have already been introduced, but now a further traffic order in Exmouth Road is being proposed.

Both restrict parking to permit holders only between 09:00 and 18:00 and the theatre believes regular visitors to the theatre between 10:30 and 15:00 are now being put off.

One of the directors, Iain Slade, is hoping the council will listen and that "common sense will prevail".

"If it doesn't, unfortunately, it would mean that we would have to consider the viability of the theatre and the future of the work we produce," he said.

"It would be a real crying shame."

Plymouth City Council said the changes it is proposing are to help residents who are struggling to park where they live because spaces are taken by non-residents.

In a statement it said: "Like all parking proposals, these have been advertised so that everyone can share their views and raise any concerns with us before any decisions are made.

"People have until 8 July to make representations and all comments received, including those from Stiltskin Theatre Company, will be considered and responded to as part of the consultation process."

BBC News

South West Brexit Party MEP, Ann Widdecombe has been criticised for comparing the UK leaving the EU to "slaves" rising up "against their owners".

She made the remarks during her maiden speech in the European Parliament on Thursday, which critics branded "disgusting" and "offensive".

Labour MP David Lammy described her words as "ahistorical".

But the Brexit Party accused Ms Widdecombe's critics of trying to "cleanse" the English language.

Twitter

The A35 has reopened at Axminster, between the A358 and B3261, after an earlier accident in which a cyclist was killed.

BBC News

Image source, INSTAGRAM/@JOSSSTONE

Devon singer, Joss Stone says she has been denied entry to Iran - the last country she had to visit as part of a five-year, 200-stop "total world tour".

The 32-year-old posted a video from Kish Island in which she said: "We got detained and then we got deported."

She said that she knew Iran did not allow women to perform solo concerts.

"However, it seems the authorities don't believe we wouldn't be playing a public show, so they have popped us on what they call the 'blacklist'."

"After long discussions with the most friendly, charming and welcoming immigration people, the decision was made to detain us for the night and to deport us in the morning," she added. "Of course I was gutted. So close yet so far."

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Gareth Steenson is to assist National League One side Plymouth Albion's coaching staff.

Twitter

Vanessa Hodge, from Somerset, was last seen on 29 May and last heard from the following day.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

A cyclist has died after a crash involving a van on the A35, police have said.

Emergency services were called to Raymonds Hill, Axminster at about 05:30.

The cyclist, a 27-year-old man from Colyton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin has been informed.

Devon and Cornwall Police remain on the scene and the road is expected to stay closed in both directions for several hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

A man has died after an accident involving an industrial mower, police have said.

Officers were called to Trethevy near Tintagle at about 16:45 on Monday.

A 60-year-old man from the Launceston area was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin has been informed.

The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been made aware of the incident, Devon and Cornwall Police added.

The death is is not being treated as suspicious.

Ross Ellis
BBC Radio Cornwall

Former Plymouth Argyle captain and assistant manager, Paul Wotton has been announced as the new manager of Truro City Football Club.

He has signed a two-year deal to manage the White Tigers.

Wotton says it was the challenge and the "growing professionalism" at the club that attracted him to the position.

"The infrastructure is getting bigger and better," he said.

"The club is run in a vastly more professional way. I'm a professional person so the more good people you've got around you the better.

"This is my first manager's job so it's exciting for me and a real positive step forward on my career path."

Tamsin Melville
Political Reporter, BBC Radio Cornwall

There are warnings of a "summer of chaos" on the main route into the west of Cornwall.

People in the St Erth area say buses going into a new multimillion-pound transport centre are already causing congestion on the single lane stretch of the A30.

New traffic lights at the hub are also being criticised for causing hold ups.

Nathan Thomas lives in St Ives...

Bus operator, First Kernow says its buses will go into the hub from the autumn when there's an updated timetable.

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BBC Radio Devon

• In Plymouth, on the A38 parkway heading between the Tamar Bridge and St Budeaux, one lane is blocked due to a broken-down vehicle.
• Also in Plymouth, Albert Road is blocked in both directions near Park Avenue due to accident investigations.
• Near Okehampton, the A3079 is partially blocked near Boasley Cross due to an accident.

Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online

A cyclist has suffered "serious injuries" after a crash with a van on the A35, police have said.

Officers were called to Raymonds Hill, Axminster at about 05:30.

The road is closed in both directions between the A358 and the B3261 and is expected to remain so for the next few hours.

People are being advised to use alternative routes.

Twitter

Police say the A35 at Raymonds Hill, Axminster is expected to stay closed for another three hours.

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A serving police officer has been found dead at a property in Perranporth, police say.

Devon and Cornwall police said the 51-year-old female officer worked as a custody sergeant at Newquay Police Station.

Her sudden death is not being treated as suspicious and her next of kin have been informed.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton said: "It is with great sadness that the force has learned of the sudden death of one of our serving officers.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time and her death is a very sad loss not only to them but also to the force."

Adrian Campbell
BBC South West environment correspondent

Ash is the second most common native tree species within the park after oak, but it is estimated that about 95% of ash trees across the country will be killed by ash dieback over the next 20 to 30 years.

Tree surgeons say there needs to be improved biosecurity and greater care about the importation of trees from abroad.

They also say there’s a need to plant many more native trees but also trees which are resistant to diseases and climate change.

• Deadly tree fungus spreading 'more quickly'
• Killer tree disease set to cost UK £15bn

Charley Adams
BBC News Online

A wildfire broke out on Wednesday morning.

Fire engines were called to Haldon Forest at about midday after reports a gorse fire spreading.

The crews surrounded the fire and used beaters and one hose to put it out.

The area was patrolled by Haldon Forest staff after the incident and Danes Castle fire crews returned to the scene at 19:00 to check the site.