Major Exmouth gas network upgrade making 'good progress'
The £552,000 investment project is being delivered by Wales & West Utilities in the Salterton Road area of Exmouth to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of gas to homes and businesses now and for years to come.
The work, which began in February, involves upgrading ageing gas pipes as part of a wider programme to modernise the network.
Roxanne Whittaker from Wales & West Utilities said: "We are making good progress with this project and, barring any engineering difficulties, we are on track to finish during November.
"We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
"While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the area.
"Whether it's heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
"This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future."
Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with Devon County Council to coordinate the project and manage traffic disruption.
Current traffic measures include a road closure on the Salterton Road service road until Thursday, June 20, and a parking suspension on Salterton Road, also in place until June 20.
Chapel Lane will be closed from Sunday, June 23, until the end of August, with residents being notified directly about access arrangements.
Anyone with questions about the work can contact the company's customer service team on 0800 912 2999, or reach out via X (formerly Twitter) @WWUtilities or on Facebook at facebook.com/wwutilities.
Wales & West Utilities serves around 7.5 million people across the South West of England and Wales.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
How you can still make money from flipping property
In the Nineties and Noughties, a significant number of property investors — and ordinary owner-occupiers — were making large amounts of money from buying properties in need of refurbishment, doing them up quickly and selling them on at a profit, aka flipping. But, 20 years on, this practice is much less common. Shop Top Mortgage Rates Personalized rates in minutes A quicker path to financial freedom Your Path to Homeownership According to recent figures from Hamptons Research, in the first quarter of 2025, the proportion of homes bought and then re-sold within a year (ie flipped) fell to 2.3% across England and Wales, down from 3.6% in Q1 2024. This equated to 7,301 flipped homes in Q1 2025, 27% below the 10-year Q1 average. The average profit of these Q1 2025 flips was £22,000 and Hamptons found that while 80% of flipped homes were sold for a higher price in Q1 2025, only 66% made a profit. So, how can you still make money from flipping? We spoke to several experts to find out. Why has flipping property become less profitable? While there are several factors eating into flippers' profits, the main one is stamp duty. Not only have rates increased over the last 20 years, but property price inflation means that more properties are liable for this tax, while investors with multiple properties have to pay stamp duty at an additional rate. Read more: What are branded residences and who's buying them? 'Bigger stamp duty bills are wiping out a lot of profit from flipping. The 5% surcharge for investors, coupled with a reduction in the point at which buyers start paying stamp duty, means it's harder than ever to make the sums stack up,' says Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons. The average stamp duty bill which was once around 10% of a flipper's gross profit, now swallows up around 30%. 'As recently as 20 years ago the highest rate of stamp duty was 2%. Now it is 12%, plus an extra 2% if you are an overseas buyer and an additional 3% if you own a property anywhere else in the world. So, you could be paying as much as 15% of the value in tax,' flags Marc Schneiderman, director, Arlington Residential. Renovating a property has also become more expensive, meaning investors need to pay out increasing amounts initially. 'Renovation costs have also risen, while inflation in both labour and materials, along with new compliance requirements such as energy efficiency standards, has increased upfront investment and overall project risk,' says Caroline Marshall-Roberts, CEO and founder of BuyAssociation. Read more: The pros and cons of buying property off-plan Sarah Walker, owner of Walker Hall Estate Agent, gives the example of a kitchen refurb. 'A kitchen that might have been £8,000 just a few years ago can easily come in at £15,000 or more once you factor in appliances, fitting and VAT.' What's more, the reduction of the capital gains allowance and stricter rules on what can be claimed on this make tax-efficient renovations difficult. 'Combine this with uncertain market timing and tighter lending conditions, and today's property investors looking to flip properties are dealing with thinner margins and greater exposure to downturns,' adds Marshall-Roberts. Which areas of the UK are still profitable when it comes to flipping? There are still areas of the country where you can flip and make a profit. According to Hamptons Research, the North East is the only region where flipping has become more common over the last decade. This is predominantly due to the prevalence of homes costing less than £40,000, well below the stamp duty threshold of £125,000. 'We still see some success in parts of the North West, in particular in certain areas of the Wirral, where property prices are lower and demand is steady,' says Liam Gretton, Bespoke Estate Agent. 'Buyers are also looking in areas with planned regeneration, where prices are starting to rise.' While there are general regional patterns of flip profitability, Walker believes it's more likely that a good hyper-local knowledge will help you find a suitable property. 'You need to understand which streets, which styles of homes, and which improvements genuinely add value in your patch. Forget national 'hotspots.' Success comes from knowing your area inside out and running the numbers with zero room for guesswork.' What types of houses are good for flipping? In terms of what makes a successful flip property, many of the age-old rules still hold true. 'Probate sales, long-held family homes or rentals that haven't been touched in decades are the sweet spot. Dated kitchens, pink bathrooms, swirly carpets, all perfect,' suggests Walker. Read more: What is pre-application planning and can you do it yourself? With the cost of renovations high, you're looking for properties that have good bones, are structurally sound and just need cosmetic modifications. With the age of first-time buyers increasing, larger, family homes are increasingly in demand and, therefore, have more flip potential. 'Investors looking to flip property should focus on three- or four-bedroom semi-detached houses. These homes tend to appeal to families and young professionals, increasing the likelihood of a quicker sale and a stronger return,' says Marshall-Roberts. 'Terraced houses and standard flats in residential blocks can also make good flip candidates.' In contrast, luxury homes with large stamp duty bills come with higher stakes attached. 'High-end homes or unusual properties are harder to flip quickly and carry more risk,' says Gretton. While flipping can be seen as a way of making a fast buck, Gretton flags that there are hidden benefits and that it has its place in the property market. 'It brings older or neglected homes back to life, creating more modern, liveable spaces that are ready for today's buyers or renters. It also helps maintain and support local property values especially in areas where tired housing stock might otherwise drag the market down.' Read more: How school fees can affect your mortgage borrowing The pros and cons of getting a mortgage into your 70s Pros and cons of lifetime ISAs
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
How you can still make money from flipping property
In the Nineties and Noughties, a significant number of property investors — and ordinary owner-occupiers — were making large amounts of money from buying properties in need of refurbishment, doing them up quickly and selling them on at a profit, aka flipping. But, 20 years on, this practice is much less common. According to recent figures from Hamptons Research, in the first quarter of 2025, the proportion of homes bought and then re-sold within a year (ie flipped) fell to 2.3% across England and Wales, down from 3.6% in Q1 2024. This equated to 7,301 flipped homes in Q1 2025, 27% below the 10-year Q1 average. The average profit of these Q1 2025 flips was £22,000 and Hamptons found that while 80% of flipped homes were sold for a higher price in Q1 2025, only 66% made a profit. So, how can you still make money from flipping? We spoke to several experts to find out. Why has flipping property become less profitable? While there are several factors eating into flippers' profits, the main one is stamp duty. Not only have rates increased over the last 20 years, but property price inflation means that more properties are liable for this tax, while investors with multiple properties have to pay stamp duty at an additional rate. Read more: What are branded residences and who's buying them? 'Bigger stamp duty bills are wiping out a lot of profit from flipping. The 5% surcharge for investors, coupled with a reduction in the point at which buyers start paying stamp duty, means it's harder than ever to make the sums stack up,' says Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons. The average stamp duty bill which was once around 10% of a flipper's gross profit, now swallows up around 30%. 'As recently as 20 years ago the highest rate of stamp duty was 2%. Now it is 12%, plus an extra 2% if you are an overseas buyer and an additional 3% if you own a property anywhere else in the world. So, you could be paying as much as 15% of the value in tax,' flags Marc Schneiderman, director, Arlington Residential. Renovating a property has also become more expensive, meaning investors need to pay out increasing amounts initially. 'Renovation costs have also risen, while inflation in both labour and materials, along with new compliance requirements such as energy efficiency standards, has increased upfront investment and overall project risk,' says Caroline Marshall-Roberts, CEO and founder of BuyAssociation. Read more: The pros and cons of buying property off-plan Sarah Walker, owner of Walker Hall Estate Agent, gives the example of a kitchen refurb. 'A kitchen that might have been £8,000 just a few years ago can easily come in at £15,000 or more once you factor in appliances, fitting and VAT.' What's more, the reduction of the capital gains allowance and stricter rules on what can be claimed on this make tax-efficient renovations difficult. 'Combine this with uncertain market timing and tighter lending conditions, and today's property investors looking to flip properties are dealing with thinner margins and greater exposure to downturns,' adds Marshall-Roberts. Which areas of the UK are still profitable when it comes to flipping? There are still areas of the country where you can flip and make a profit. According to Hamptons Research, the North East is the only region where flipping has become more common over the last decade. This is predominantly due to the prevalence of homes costing less than £40,000, well below the stamp duty threshold of £125,000. 'We still see some success in parts of the North West, in particular in certain areas of the Wirral, where property prices are lower and demand is steady,' says Liam Gretton, Bespoke Estate Agent. 'Buyers are also looking in areas with planned regeneration, where prices are starting to rise.' While there are general regional patterns of flip profitability, Walker believes it's more likely that a good hyper-local knowledge will help you find a suitable property. 'You need to understand which streets, which styles of homes, and which improvements genuinely add value in your patch. Forget national 'hotspots.' Success comes from knowing your area inside out and running the numbers with zero room for guesswork.' What types of houses are good for flipping? In terms of what makes a successful flip property, many of the age-old rules still hold true. 'Probate sales, long-held family homes or rentals that haven't been touched in decades are the sweet spot. Dated kitchens, pink bathrooms, swirly carpets, all perfect,' suggests Walker. Read more: What is pre-application planning and can you do it yourself? With the cost of renovations high, you're looking for properties that have good bones, are structurally sound and just need cosmetic modifications. With the age of first-time buyers increasing, larger, family homes are increasingly in demand and, therefore, have more flip potential. 'Investors looking to flip property should focus on three- or four-bedroom semi-detached houses. These homes tend to appeal to families and young professionals, increasing the likelihood of a quicker sale and a stronger return,' says Marshall-Roberts. 'Terraced houses and standard flats in residential blocks can also make good flip candidates.' In contrast, luxury homes with large stamp duty bills come with higher stakes attached. 'High-end homes or unusual properties are harder to flip quickly and carry more risk,' says Gretton. While flipping can be seen as a way of making a fast buck, Gretton flags that there are hidden benefits and that it has its place in the property market. 'It brings older or neglected homes back to life, creating more modern, liveable spaces that are ready for today's buyers or renters. It also helps maintain and support local property values especially in areas where tired housing stock might otherwise drag the market down.' Read more: How school fees can affect your mortgage borrowing The pros and cons of getting a mortgage into your 70s Pros and cons of lifetime ISAs
Business Insider
7 hours ago
- Business Insider
Little Pepe's Meme Coin Presale Reaches $16,475,000 With Stage 9 Now Sold Out
Little Pepe has officially crossed a major milestone, with Stage 9 of its presale selling out after raising $16,475,000 in total. The Ethereum-based meme coin has recorded widespread online engagement as it proceeds through the final phases of its presale. To date, 11.25 billion $LILPEPE tokens have been allocated, with participation continuing across multiple channels. According to the Little Pepe team, the level of participation in its presale reflects a broader shift within the cryptocurrency sector, where culturally driven, community-led tokens are being developed in parallel with technical frameworks designed for long-term utility. The team views this combination of cultural relevance and blockchain infrastructure as a key factor in the evolving landscape of meme coin projects. Little Pepe is displaying the identical early symptoms of success that surrounded meme coin giants in their early days—but with a clearer roadmap and far greater engaged surroundings. At a glance, Little Pepe fits the meme coin mold—funny frog memes, viral social posts, and a low entry price. But dig a little deeper, and the challenge begins to reveal a few serious fundamentals. Built on Ethereum, Little Pepe benefits from robust security, strong developer support, and seamless integration with existing DeFi tools. This makes it more than just a speculative gamble—it's a meme coin with real infrastructure behind it. What's more, the Little Pepe team has continuously added to their roadmap goals, achieving presale targets quicker than expected. Their advertising technique has been laser-based, attractive meme groups throughout Telegram and X (previously Twitter), at the same time as concurrently attracting new buyers from DeFi and Ethereum ecosystems. According to the Little Pepe team, each presale stage has sold out more quickly than the last, which they view as a sign of growing momentum around the project. The team notes increased attention from both early participants and new users as the presale moves toward its final stages and potential exchange activity. Community Growth Cited as Key Driver A meme coin is only as strong as its community—and Little Pepe has one of the fastest-growing supporter bases in the space right now. Thousands of followers across social platforms are actively engaging with the brand, sharing memes, participating in AMAs, and even creating fan content. According to the project team, community engagement has played a significant role in the pace at which each presale stage has concluded. The team reports participation from a broad range of online users—including influencers, traders, and NFT collectors—who they believe are drawn to both the cultural appeal of the project and its perceived long-term potential. What Comes Next? With Stage 9 now completed, the presale enters its final phases. The team will set a higher token price for the upcoming stages, as defined in the presale structure. Participation is expected to continue as the project progresses, though no specific exchange listings have been confirmed at this time. While no specific exchange listings have been announced, the team has indicated that discussions are ongoing. Any future listings could improve token accessibility and market visibility, though timelines and platforms have not been confirmed. Broader market conditions, including interest in meme coins, may also influence how such developments unfold. A Meme Coin With 2025 Potential Meme coins continue to represent an active segment of the cryptocurrency market, often characterized by the intersection of thematic branding, tokenomics, and online engagement. The Little Pepe project incorporates several of these elements, including community-focused initiatives and Ethereum-based infrastructure, as part of its broader strategy. As 2025 approaches, the Little Pepe team views the project's $16 million+ presale raise and expanding community engagement as indicators of growing market relevance. They consider these developments signs that the project is gaining momentum within the broader meme coin space, as discussions around its progress continue across online platforms. About Little Pepe Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and accessibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by means of the $LILPEPE token. The project's mission is to create a meme coin environment wherein utility meets virality, empowering users through cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast transactions. Contact
