Devoncast: Inquiry into grooming gangs, the Women's Rugby World Cup, a statue in storage and Exist: the top Devon IT event

Three years after a hotel near Exeter began taking asylum seekers under the then-Conservative government, the local Tory party claims it has been kept secret. Honiton and Sidmouth Conservatives say residents haven’t been informed, so they’re doing things differently to highlight the issue. They also want to be absolutely sure that young girls are not being raped in Devon and to that end they’re going to work with police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez to investigate grooming gangs. That’s news to Ms Hernandez’s office though. Also this week, the Women’s World Cup has arrived in Exeter. We speak with Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe, with players from France and Italy, and the Bishop of Exeter, who allowed his Cathedral to be used to welcome the tournament to the city. We also explore the down-at-heel Torquay Pavilion and discover why the iconic statue on its done, which was in place for a century, is in safe storage at an undisclosed location. Plus the science and technology event coming to Rockbeare Manor, thanks to the Devon Chamber. Exist is one of the county's top IT events. Its director James Cater explain why should be there. Download or stream Devoncast here, and remember to subscribe, for free, from your podcast provider.