THERE are more people out of work in Exeter according to official figures. The city saw its dole queue increase from 2,005 claimants in December to 2,214 in January. In East Devon, the number of people on Jobseeker s Allowance increased to 1,482 from 1,36

THERE are more people out of work in Exeter according to official figures.

The city saw its dole queue increase from 2,005 claimants in December to 2,214 in January.

In East Devon, the number of people on Jobseeker's Allowance increased to 1,482 from 1,363 the previous month.

The rise reflects the national picture with the number of people across the UK claiming Jobseeker's Allowance soaring by 23,500 last month.

Representing the worst figure since April 1997, the claimant county reached 1.64million in January.

A SENIOR member of staff at Exeter's Met Office has admitted that criticism of its performance is 'painful' for experts at the centre.

In an interview with the Observer Magazine, Rob Varley defended the Met Office's reputation as a world leading institution in the wake of widespread ridicule.

A MEETING has been called to take place in Exeter, aimed at co-ordinating a campaign to oppose the British National Party in Devon at the General Election.

The meeting, for individuals, trade union activists and other community groups to discuss practical collaboration, will take place at 6pm on Monday, March 1, at Exeter Phoenix.

The BNP has an established branch in Exeter and have said they will be standing in the North Devon constituency at the General Election.

PLANS for a major new employment site has been submitted to the city council.

Eagle One, a private property company, is planning to develop a 30-acre site at Matford Park, capable of accommodating up to 500,000sq ft of employment floorspace.

When fully developed, the site could generate more than 1000 jobs.

EXETER University has denied that undercover anti-terror police visited the campus on the lookout for students being radicalised.

It had been reported that Special Branch officers visited both Exeter and Plymouth universities to ask staff to watch out for extremist activity.

A spokesperson for the university said if they became aware of any student who may pose a risk to public safety, the police would be notified.