Chelmsford Lib Dems are inviting you to help them find the worst pothole in Chelmsford. With the proposed cuts to the Highways Maintenance budget, there will be more and more potholes in the months ahead.
Gordon Brown has confirmed that nationalisation, with the aim of eventually turning the bank back over to the private sector, is an option being considered for Northern Rock. The Prime Minister also stepped up his involvement in the future of the bank, demanding personal updates from the Government's advisers at Goldman Sachs. At the extraordinary general meeting yesterday, Northern Rock's rebel shareholders failed to win key votes they hoped would block a fire sale of assets. SRM Global and fellow hedge fund RAB Capital also used the meeting to lay the blame for the crisis squarely with the Bank of England.
That's what the song says but for many women in Scarborough and Whitby a day makes a big difference. A woman who turns 60 on 6th April 2010 or later will get a full state pension with just 30 years' National Insurance contributions instead of the 39 (44 for men) needed now. That's good news for carers and women who have had breaks from full-time work. But a woman who turns 60 on 5th April 2010 or earlier with the same 30 years National Insurance contributions will get a state pension of £67.23 - losing more than £20 a week. That reduced pension will cost her on average about £25,000 over the rest of her life.
After a sustained campaign by Councillor Pat Brooks, Waltham Abbey Town and District councillor, a 40 mph speed limit in Parklands has been introduced. 'I was delighted to see the 40mph signs go in' said Pat. 'This is a busy road with houses each side and I hope the speed limit will make it safer.'
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has criticised local health bosses following their decision not to provide alternative accomodation at Rochdale Infirmary to replace the closed Stonehill wards. Stonehill was closed last year after fire officers expressed concerns about its fire worthiness. Most beds were transfered to Fairfield, Bury. The Friends of Rochdale Hospitals led by Father Arthur Nearey had suggested reopening the former Watson, Holden and Healey wards. However, in a report considered by the Pennine Acute Board, they have claimed that it will take too long and cost too much. This will lead to some local people having to travel on as many as three buses to see their loved ones in Fairfield.
The family of legendary showman Sir Norman Wisdom have spoken about their decision to admit him to a care home. Nick Wisdom said his 92-year-old father, who suffers from vascular dementia, was no longer able to interact with his family as he used to.
