An Ottery St Mary man has denied allegations that he deliberately set fire to a bank in Exeter. Read this and more.

ARSON: An Ottery St Mary man has denied allegations that he deliberately set fire to a bank in Exeter. Darrell John Willis, 29, of Franklea Close, appeared at Central Devon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, and pleaded not guilty to the alleged arson. The court heard that in the early hours plastic rubbish bags outside the Santander bank had been set on fire, which had subsequently caused minor damage to the entrance of the building. The case has been adjourned until December 15 and Willis has been released on unconditional bail.

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HOUSES: The 120 home plan for Feniton has been recommended for refusal by the district council. A third of the houses would sit on land within the Ottery parish, and in October the town council were extremely critical of the plan, and there have been almost 300 letters of complaint. A report by planning officers has said the application is extremely unsuitable, but EDDC will make the final decision at Tuesday’s meeting.

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YOUNG FARMERS: The Sid and Otter Vale Young Farmers are holding a ‘Christmas Curry Disco’ on Saturday, December 10, from 9pm until 1am at Ottery Football Club. Tickets cost �5 for members and �7 for non-members contact Phil on 07824703546, or Lewis on 07925373624.

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Ottery St Mary Choral Society is holding its ‘Christmas Concert’ on Saturday, December 10 at 7.30pm in the parish church. The programme includes Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, Barber’s ‘Adaggio’ and local organist Ben Scott will be playing Widor’s ‘Toccata’. There will also be community carols for everyone to join in with the choir, and a glass of wine or soft drink and a mince pie are included in the price of the ticket, which cost �9.50, �4.50 for under 16s, and can be purchased from Stagestruck on 01404 811311.