PRIME Minister Gordon Brown called off a meeting of his Cabinet in Exeter because of the snow and icy conditions which have hit the area. Mr Brown planned to visit the city to hold a full Cabinet meeting last Friday, January 8. The PM was due to carry out

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown called off a meeting of his Cabinet in Exeter because of the snow and icy conditions which have hit the area.

Mr Brown planned to visit the city to hold a full Cabinet meeting last Friday, January 8.

The PM was due to carry out a number of functions while in Exeter.

He said he was 'very disappointed' at having to call off his trip but did not want to divert the attention of the police and authorities dealing with the impact of the cold snap.

Mr Brown, however, stressed it was a 'postponement' and planned to come to the city shortly.

PASSENGERS were offered a 'severe weather timetable' by First Great Western rail network to help maintain services.

The aim was to ease pressure on routes most likely to be affected by heavy snowfall and cold weather.

Dan Panes, a spokesperson for First Great Western, thanked customers for their patience as they worked to deliver the best service possible in 'challenging circumstances.'

A NUMBER of wards and bays at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital became affected by the diarrhoea and vomiting bug norovirus.

Visiting is only allowed to the affected wards in exceptional circumstances and if agreed in advance by the matron.

People are advised to check before setting off to the hospital whether the ward you wish to visit is open.

Nobody should visit the hospital if they have had symptoms of norovirus in the past 48 hours or been in close contact with someone with the symptoms.

PEOPLE have been viewing plans for a new supermarket in Exeter which could create more than 200 jobs.

Waitrose hopes to open its first store in the city next year and staged an exhibition of its plans this week as part of the public consultation.

The proposal involves the redevelopment of a former maternity ward building in Heavitree, with a new food shop and parking facilities.

The multi-million pound scheme would regenerate the site with a 24,000sq ft store, replacing the existing building at the corner of Heavitree Road and Gladstone Road, which has been vacant for more than a year.

MORE than 300 brave Grecian supporters made a 600-mile round trip through the snow and ice to watch their side take on Norwich City last Saturday, January 9.

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale paid tribute to the club's fans who made the journey.

Tisdale took time out to leap a barrier at Carrow Road to shake the hands of supporters and sign autographs for those who made the trip.