Vandals damaged a car parked in the Whitethorn Close area of Sidmouth. Read this and more.

CAR DAMAGED: Vandals damaged a car parked in the Whitethorn Close area of Sidmouth between 5.30pm on Tuesday, December 13, and 8am last Thursday, December 14. Anyone with information can contact police on 101, crime reference: KS/11/725.

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TROUBLED: Devon is home to 1,370 troubled families, according to government figures. The statistic comes as part of a �450 million nationwide drive to help the 120,000 UK families identified with serious problems. The figures, from the Department for Communities and Local Government, estimate that crime and child care stemming from troubled families cost the tax payer �9 billion a year. Forty per cent of the money will be given to local authorities on a payment-by-results basis, with trouble-shooters appointed to help families in their area. Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “People in troubled families aren’t worthless or pre-programmed to fail. I won’t allow them to be written off.”

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TRAINING: A New Year’s resolution for businesses to prioritise safety training in the workplace, has been urged by St John Ambulance in the South West.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that, in the region, during 2009/10, there were 17 fatal injuries, and a further 2,207 major injuries to employees in the workplace, writes Hannah Worrall.

Christian Hughes, a trainer for St John Ambulance, said: “Many employers do put health and safety and first aid training at the top of their agenda but some leave it to chance.”

The charity offers a range of health and safety and first aid courses at four centres in Devon. A survey by the charity shows that half of people asked thought the best place to learn first aid was at work. For more information contact (0844) 324 5535, visit www.sja.org.uk/training or email southwest-region@sja.org.uk.

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MEDITATE: A further series of six Meditation meetings, held on Tuesdays in the Upper Meeting Room of Sidmouth Methodist Church from 10.00 to 11.00 am, begins on January 10 and is open to all. Host is Rowland Molony. Cost: �4.

“If you’re tempted to experience peace and silence but would like to know more, call 01297 23607,” he said.