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Civic dignitaries are to end a tradition of "throwing" coins to children at a town fair after a health and safety report warned someone could be hurt. A risk assessment said the "throwing of coins" during the the Michaelmas Fair in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, created "significant hazards".
The council's health and safety report warned that people could be hit by "flying objects", could be crushed, or have their fingers trapped or trodden on. Council risk assessor Jayne Westlake pointed out that children, spectators, councillors, officers and officials were all at risk of injury. Councillors have now agreed to "drop" or "roll" the coins rather than "throw" them. The tradition dates back to the 1920s, and locals say that they cannot recall any incidents. The risk assessment also warned councillors to take care when riding on dodgem cars while wearing their robes.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Newlove killers launch appeals
Two youths convicted of the alcohol-fuelled murder of father-of-three Garry Newlove, who died after confronting a gang outside his home, begin their appeals today. The cases of both Adam Swellings and Stephen Sorton will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London.
Swellings, who was the ringleader of the gang that kicked Mr Newlove to death in Warrington, wants to overturn his conviction. The 19-year-old is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. If his conviction challenge is unsuccessful he will appeal against his tariff.
Sorton, 17, of Warrington, is seeking a reduction in his minimum term of 15 years, the least he must serve before he can apply for parole. Mr Newlove, a 47-year-old salesman, was murdered in August 2007. He confronted a group of vandals, who then "kicked him like a football".
Swellings, who was the ringleader of the gang that kicked Mr Newlove to death in Warrington, wants to overturn his conviction. The 19-year-old is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. If his conviction challenge is unsuccessful he will appeal against his tariff.
Sorton, 17, of Warrington, is seeking a reduction in his minimum term of 15 years, the least he must serve before he can apply for parole. Mr Newlove, a 47-year-old salesman, was murdered in August 2007. He confronted a group of vandals, who then "kicked him like a football".
Shannon kidnap trial continues
The trial of the mother of Shannon Matthews, accused of kidnapping her own daughter order to claim the reward money - will continue later. Karen Matthews, 33, and her former partner's uncle, Michael Donovan, 40, are on trial accused of abducting and falsely imprisoning the child.
Yesterday, a jury was told that Shannon, nine, was "drugged to subdue her" and possibly tied up after she was kidnapped by her mother and an accomplice. Prosecutor Julian Goose QC told Leeds Crown Court that Matthews reported Shannon missing on February 19.
But, he said, the 999 call was part of a "dishonest and wicked" plan by Donovan and Matthews. Their motive, he alleged, was to obtain reward money offered by the press. Mr Goose said Shannon "was kidnapped and falsely imprisoned in the flat where Donovan lived".
Yesterday, a jury was told that Shannon, nine, was "drugged to subdue her" and possibly tied up after she was kidnapped by her mother and an accomplice. Prosecutor Julian Goose QC told Leeds Crown Court that Matthews reported Shannon missing on February 19.
But, he said, the 999 call was part of a "dishonest and wicked" plan by Donovan and Matthews. Their motive, he alleged, was to obtain reward money offered by the press. Mr Goose said Shannon "was kidnapped and falsely imprisoned in the flat where Donovan lived".
Darling admits UK in recession
The Chancellor Alistair Darling has now admitted that Britain is in a recession, but insists he is dealing with it. He has told The Independent that his pre-Budget Report in 11 days' time will give the economy a short, sharp shock but predicts that it will bounce back by 2010.
He is expected to have to admit in his statement to the Commons that public borrowing has soared from the £43bn billion he predicted in the March Budget to £65bn. Meanwhile, Gordon Brown will fly to New York today, ahead of this weekend's emergencyG20 summit in Washington. Mr Brown will tell the summit, hosted by outgoing president George Bush, that co-ordinated global action is needed if the crisis is to be tackled. Barack Obama, who does not take office until January 20, will not attend the Washington meeting of 20 industrialised and emerging economies.
He is expected to have to admit in his statement to the Commons that public borrowing has soared from the £43bn billion he predicted in the March Budget to £65bn. Meanwhile, Gordon Brown will fly to New York today, ahead of this weekend's emergencyG20 summit in Washington. Mr Brown will tell the summit, hosted by outgoing president George Bush, that co-ordinated global action is needed if the crisis is to be tackled. Barack Obama, who does not take office until January 20, will not attend the Washington meeting of 20 industrialised and emerging economies.
Marines killed in Afghanistan
Two Royal Marines have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. The pair, whose next of kin have been told, were serving with the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, which has sent the families its "deepest sympathies".
ISAF's Brigadier General Richard Blanchette said: "Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan." The men, from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, were taking part in a joint patrol with soldiers from Afghan security forces.
Their vehicle was struck by an explosive device in the Garmsir district of Southern Helmand yesterday afternoon. Commander Paula Rowe, of Task Force Helmand, said: "This is a tragic blow to us all in the task force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones."
ISAF's Brigadier General Richard Blanchette said: "Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan." The men, from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, were taking part in a joint patrol with soldiers from Afghan security forces.
Their vehicle was struck by an explosive device in the Garmsir district of Southern Helmand yesterday afternoon. Commander Paula Rowe, of Task Force Helmand, said: "This is a tragic blow to us all in the task force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones."
Police probe footballer incident
Detectives are to investigate an incident in which Chelsea striker Didier Drogba threw an object into the crowd, Scotland Yard has confirmed. The 30-year-old has already apologised for reacting, after Burnley fans threw what is believed to be a coin on to the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The incident took place after Drogba scored his first goal of the season after 27 minutes of last night's Carling Cup tie. Drogba also appeared to gesture to the away fans and may now face an FA probe and a possible misconduct charge. Chelsea eventually went on to lose on penalties . The Ivorian, who was shown the yellow card for his actions, said: "I tried to celebrate the goal and I received some things at me. "The big mistake I did was to throw it back so if someone was hurt, I want to apologise for it. It was...in the heat of the moment and I regret it."
Two children stabbed to death
A woman is being held on suspicion of murder after a baby and toddler were found stabbed to death at a house near Manchester city centre. The 21-year-old will continue to be questioned today following the discovery of the bodies of the two children in the Cheetham Hill area last
night. The baby was three months old and the toddler three years - their sexes are not being disclosed until relatives have been informed. Police say officers were called to the house shortly before 6pm because of reports of what they have called "child safety concerns".
Greater Manchester Police said: "An investigation is currently under way into the circumstances surrounding their deaths." Forensic experts have been carrying out an examination of the property. Cheetham Hill is around two miles north of Manchester city centre.
Greater Manchester Police said: "An investigation is currently under way into the circumstances surrounding their deaths." Forensic experts have been carrying out an examination of the property. Cheetham Hill is around two miles north of Manchester city centre.
night. The baby was three months old and the toddler three years - their sexes are not being disclosed until relatives have been informed. Police say officers were called to the house shortly before 6pm because of reports of what they have called "child safety concerns".
Greater Manchester Police said: "An investigation is currently under way into the circumstances surrounding their deaths." Forensic experts have been carrying out an examination of the property. Cheetham Hill is around two miles north of Manchester city centre.
Greater Manchester Police said: "An investigation is currently under way into the circumstances surrounding their deaths." Forensic experts have been carrying out an examination of the property. Cheetham Hill is around two miles north of Manchester city centre.
BT set to shed 10,000 workers
Telecoms giant BT is cutting 10,000 jobs, mainly among its agency workers and sub- contractors, the firm has said. The company has already cut some 4,000 jobs, leaving a further 6,000 to go between now and March. The plans are all part of an "on-going efficiency programme". BT said it was reducing its dependence on consultants and contractors, cutting those jobs by 12% - direct staff numbers will come down by around 4%. BT, which has a global workforce of 160,000, said it will achieve the reduction in its direct staff largely through natural turnover. It has pointed out that reductions in previous years have been through various voluntary schemes. Around 90,000 direct jobs are based in the UK, whereas contractors and agency workers are spread between this country and many other parts of the world.
Baby P: Balls promising action
Children's Secretary Ed Balls has pledged to act swiftly if social workers are found to have failed over the death of "Baby P" in Haringey. The detailed investigation he ordered yesterday into how the 17-month-old was allowed to be tortured and beaten to death has now got under way.
Baby P died in a blood- splattered cot in his North London home last August, despite being on an at-risk register and being seen by care workers over 60 times. Mr Balls has now insisted on Sky News that "...if there is a case for action, I will do whatever it takes."
It follows an inquiry which found all agencies "failed to adhere to the procedures for the proper management of child protection cases". Baby P's mother, her boyfriend and another man have been convicted of causing or allowing his death and will be sentenced at a later date.
Baby P died in a blood- splattered cot in his North London home last August, despite being on an at-risk register and being seen by care workers over 60 times. Mr Balls has now insisted on Sky News that "...if there is a case for action, I will do whatever it takes."
It follows an inquiry which found all agencies "failed to adhere to the procedures for the proper management of child protection cases". Baby P's mother, her boyfriend and another man have been convicted of causing or allowing his death and will be sentenced at a later date.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mandelson set to get a grilling
Peter Mandelson is to be questioned by MPs, less than three weeks after his surprise return to Government as Business Secretary. He is going before a committee to answer questions over what help there will be for small businesses fighting to stay afloat in the credit crunch. Lord Mandelson is set to be questioned over the future of Royal Mail and if an extension of employment rights for parents will go ahead. He was warned yesterday that delaying the extension of flexible working because of the downturn would send out "the wrong message".
This came after his department announced it was re-examining the various costs and benefits
of the idea. Business groups welcomed the move but unions, opposition politicians and family campaigners attacked the announcement, saying family- friendly polices were vital.
This came after his department announced it was re-examining the various costs and benefits
of the idea. Business groups welcomed the move but unions, opposition politicians and family campaigners attacked the announcement, saying family- friendly polices were vital.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
THE ROYALS
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will arrive in Slovenia today for the of their four-day state visit to central Europe.
FOOD
Nursery schools are serving unhealthy, processed and even potentially dangerous meals, according to a report from organic food campaigners.
THREAT
An area of trees equal to the size of Birmingham has come under threat in the last decade, preservation group the Woodland Trust has said.
DOWNTURN
In another sign that High Street trading is tough, Debenhams has announced a 16.2% fall in pre-tax profits to £110.1m.
Free computers for poor' plan
Details of a government plan to give disadvantaged childre free computers and internet access have been announced. Schools Minister Jim Knight said the programme will beging in February with two year-long pilot schemes in Oldham and Suffolk. Chosen families are to be given grants.
The cash will allow them to buy an "approved home access package", which will include a computer or laptop, basic software and broadband for one year. It is aimed at ensuring that every child will eventually have access to a computer and the internet for their school or college work. The programme will be rolled out nationally next autumn with every five to 19-year-old in England having internet facilities by 2011.
The cash will allow them to buy an "approved home access package", which will include a computer or laptop, basic software and broadband for one year. It is aimed at ensuring that every child will eventually have access to a computer and the internet for their school or college work. The programme will be rolled out nationally next autumn with every five to 19-year-old in England having internet facilities by 2011.
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