Mid Devon District Council has supported emergency services with training exercises at two council sites in the past year, providing realistic environments for crews to practice incident responses.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service used The Laurels (former Vale Vets) in Station Road, Tiverton for a training exercise on Tuesday 8 September. The exercise involved emergency vehicles, flashing lights, and artificial smoke, creating a realistic environment for firefighters to work through.

This was the second emergency services training exercise supported by the Council, with another taking place at Active Tiverton in December 2025.

Jason Kingdom, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“It was great to have the support from the Council and the local community, and for the team at Tiverton Fire Station to have that opportunity to practice in a real environment.

“It's not always easy to obtain a venue like 'The Laurels' or 'Active Tiverton' for training purposes so this has been a great opportunity for our local stations.

“We would like to thank the Council for this, and hopefully there will be plenty more in the near future!”

The training at The Laurels comes as the building undergoes a significant transformation, with the Council renovating the former vets to bring the vacant building back into use. The building became vacant at the end of 2023, with the Council purchasing the property in October 2025 using government funding.

The Council is now converting the building into six flats, with work progressing well and completion expected for Spring 2027. The completed accommodation will provide the Council with additional temporary accommodation, helping residents in need of emergency housing.

Councillor Jane Lock, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets & Property Services, said:

“I’m really pleased that we can support our emergency services in this way while the Laurels is being transformed. It’s also great to see a building that has been vacant for several years being given a new purpose, providing those that need it most with a safe place to stay.”