THE acts appearing at this year’s Abbey Park bonfire and firework display have been announced, with live music, dance, aerial stunts and fire-breathing performances included in the line-up.
Running from 5-9pm on Saturday 2 November, the event will feature up-and-coming Leicester band The Mercians, who have had three number one’s on the iTunes chart and sell-out shows under their belt.
There’ll be more live music from the city’s 2Funky Arts’ Mae Flo, Sariah Carter, Jake Thompson, Dani Matty, Edy Muuya and Linzi.
And the mystical-themed stage show ‘Spellbound’, will feature aerial performers who will wow the audience with gravity-defying feats, alongside songs and dance on stage.
Also in the line-up are the amazing Fire & Sparks, who will show off their incredible pyrotechnics and flame-throwing skills, as well as their fire-breathing ‘dragon and bat’.
The show will be hosted by BBC Radio Leicester’s Ady Dayman and Jo Hayward.
The stage show will take place before and after the two firework displays, which begin at 6.45pm with a quieter display suitable for children and noise sensitive visitors. There will also be a funfair with rides for all ages, and wide range of street food and licensed bars on the park.
People are being urged to make savings by snapping up their tickets now. Available online and from De Montfort Hall ticket office, tickets are on sale at reduced prices if bought in advance. Children aged four and under go free.
Tickets are available online here and in person from De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU.
Prices will rise on the day of the event on 2 November.
Stunning light projections created by international visual artists, a spectacular starscape and a giant glitterball are among the dazzling lighting installations visitors can enjoy when Sunderland Festival of Light opens next Friday.
New lighting features introduced for 2024 include ‘The Mirror’ created by Poland based award-winning visual artist Ari Dykier and ‘Hypha’ by French award-winning multidisciplinary artist Sebastien Labrunie.
Other new features for 2024 include Starscape which will create the illusion of a brilliant white starfield, Cosmic Oasis which will see trees lit up with UV light, a laser garden and a giant glitter ball in the park’s historic Victorian bandstand which will act as the focal point of the nightly silent disco.
The sparkling light tunnel over the bridge linking the two sections of the park also make a return after proving popular with visitors last year.
Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, said: “I’m really excited about this year’s Festival of Light.
“It’s always a really popular event and we’ve got some fantastic new light installations this year together with favourites like selfie lane, the sparkling light tunnel over the bridge and our famous Sunderland sign.
“I can’t wait to see the two new light projections created especially for the festival. I think they’ll be real showstoppers and I’m also really looking forward to seeing the giant glitterball in the bandstand and the Starscape star field.”
Visitors to this year’s festival can also take advantage of 20 per cent off tickets for select performances of this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk panto at the Sunderland Empire.
The offer will apply to price bands A – C for the following performances only: Fri 13 Dec – 7pm, Sat 14 Dec – 5.30pm, Sun 15 Dec – 5.30pm, Tue 17 Dec – 7pm & Thu 19 Dec – 7pm. To redeem the offer, make sure to opt in to hear from Sunderland City Council events when buying your tickets.
Sunderland City Council has also partnered with Nation Radio North East as media partner for this year’s Festival of Light.
Nation Radio North East’s Simon Grundy said: “As a partner this year, I’m so pleased Sunderland City Council are doing the Festival of Light again in Mowbray Park. It brings some brightness into our lives on these dark, cold evenings. There’s something for everyone, and seeing the bairns face’s light up, always brings a smile to my face.”
For all those planning a visit to this year’s Festival of Light, here’s everything you need to know before you go:
When and where is the Festival of Light?
The Festival of Light begins on Friday 25 October and will then take place from 4.30pm – 10pm every day during half term Friday 25 October to Sunday 3 November and then 4.40 to 10pm every Thursday to Sunday until Sunday 24 November with the exception of Remembrance Sunday on 10 November. Last admission will be at 8.30pm, and the event will close at 10pm each night. This year’s event is being held in Mowbray Park, Burdon Road, SR1 1PP in Sunderland city centre.
What can I expect?
A sparkling mix of new lighting installations including two new stunning light projections, Starscape, Cosmic Oasis, a giant glitter ball in the Victorian Bandstand as well as a ‘selfie lane’ and a twinkling tunnel over the bridge connecting the two sections of the park.
Do I need to buy a ticket to visit and how much are they?
All visitors must have a ticket to enter the Festival of Light. Tickets cost £5 each and must be bought online in advance. They can’t be bought at the gate. Children under two are free.
Do I have to attend at the time shown on my tickets?
Yes. When buying your ticket online, you will be asked to select an entry time. All visitors must attend at the time shown on their ticket.
Can I change the date and/or time or cancel my ticket once purchased?
No. Festival of Light tickets are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable. Changes cannot be made to your booking once it is confirmed.
Can I leave the Festival of Light and return the same evening with my ticket?
No. Your ticket is only valid for the entry time stated on the ticket. If you leave you will be unable to return at a later time that evening. Once you have entered the Festival of Light there is no limit on how long you can stay at the event.
Is the Festival of Light accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Yes. The Festival of Light is fully accessible to pushchair and wheelchair users.
Will there be new lighting features and activities at this year’s Festival of Light?
Yes there will be brand new lighting features combined with some classic favourites. You can expect some very exciting special additions this year.
Will there be food and drinks available on site?
Yes. There’ll be a great range of food and drinks available to buy in Mowbray Park. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks however alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Will there be toilets and baby changing facilities available at the event?
Yes. Toilets and baby changing facilities will be available.
Will Mowbray Park be free to access during the day?
Yes. Access to the park will remain as usual until approximately 3pm every event day at which point the park will be closed for preparation of event visitors entering at 4pm.
Which roads will be closed during the event?
Due to Mowbray Park’s city centre location, no roads will be closed during the event.
Where can visitors to the event park?
Parking is free Monday – Friday after 3pm at the following car parks:
Gorse Road
West Wear Street
Charles Street
Tatham Street
Nile Street
On street pay and display parking bays are chargeable all days between 8am-6pm at the hourly tariff including Sundays Riverside, St Marys and Sunniside car parks are chargeable at all times. All City Centre car parks are chargeable all day on a Sunday at a flat rate of £3 You can find out more about where to park and parking fees by clicking the links below: Car parks – Sunderland City Council On street parking places – Sunderland City Council
Who do I contact if I have a question about the Festival of Light?
Please email events@sunderland.gov.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Quiet Hour
A ‘quiet hour’ is available to book on selected dates for visitors looking for a quieter or calmer experience. During this time, music in the park will be turned down. Quiet hours are on from 4.30pm – 5.30pm every Thursday.
Haunting happenings at the Alley Theatre this Halloween
18 October 2024
Join the Ghostly Gathering at the Alley Theatre this Halloween with a range of spooky shows, marvellous magic and weirdly wonderful workshops,
Barking Dog Theatre Company presents two shows on Monday 28th October. First up is The Whittaker’s Ghost at 2pm. Enjoy this spine-tingling ghost story, based on a supposedly real-life tale in Montreal in Canada, that’s perfect for ghouls and ghosts aged five to 10-year-olds. Don’t worry about the story being scary, Barking Dog’s two talented actors (with the help of some puppets and children from the audience) present this exciting tale, specially adapted for children. With original music and audience participation as well as use of puppetry and mime, this is an ideal Halloween adventure.
Perfect for little witches and wizards aged under-six ‘Teddy is in Spooky Wood’ will take place at 3.30pm. This is the story of Sammy Ragdoll and her best friend Eddy The Teddy as they take a walk through the woods. Sammy warns Eddy to stick to the path, but Eddy is easily distracted and has a tendency to wander off. Soon he is lost and letting his imagination run away with him. Don’t worry, the only one likely to be scared during this performance is Eddy the Teddy. The production uses many elements of theatre -mime, puppetry and songs for children to join in with. It’s a perfect introduction to live entertainment for children who’ve never been to a show before, and a welcome return for Eddy the Teddy’s young fans. Tickets are £4 or Family Ticket £13 per show
The Alley will be the web of entertainment on Halloween Day – Thursday 31st October from 12noon-5pm. Spend some time encouraging your little ones to learn about the world with the use of imaginative and interactive play at the ‘Roarsome Interactive Role Play Village’. Take this opportunity to step into a world where learning meets imagination! Watch as your little ones dive into a realm of make-believe, and explore the world around them in the most magical way possible, and let the adventures begin this Halloween. Various sessions available from 12noon – 4pm. Cost £2, suitable from walking age to five-year-olds.
Everyone’s favourite magician Parky will also be entertaining all the ghouls, goblins, witches and wizards who visit the Alley for Halloween. His range of magical tricks will leave them spellbound with two shows at 1pm and 3.15pm. Word of warning – Be prepared for spooktacular laughter and giggles. Parky will perform at 1pm and 3.15pm. Admission is free, but must be pre-booked.
You can also get creative in the Alley’s Halloween inspired arts and crafts workshops from 1-5pm. A series of drop-in classes are available to allow you to make some Halloween inspired crafts. Free admission.
On 1 April 2024, the Social Housing (Regulations) Act 2023 came into force.
Its new regulatory standards require tenant safety and engagement, decent homes and transparency, and landlords are required to inform the regulator of any non-compliance. The standards also require more frequent surveys of homes and consideration of tenants’ diverse needs and any vulnerabilities.
Housing associations have been regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing for some time. Now, the 100 or so local authorities in England which own and manage council homes are being regulated on new consumer standards. About half of these councils have already self-referred to the Regulator – 13 since the new regulations came in – and now City of York Council has referred itself as it continues work to improve its homes and landlord services.
While the Council complies with many of these standards, it knows that more work needs to be done to meet all areas. It has contacted the regulator and is discussing its improvement plans to ensure that services for tenants continue to improve.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:
This new legislation provides a welcome framework for our improvement. We have developed an action plan to continue our intention to provide the best landlord services and quality of housing. Safety is our priority and any tenants with any concerns about their homes should contact us directly.
“We’ve written to all our tenants about this self-referral, the changes it brings and new opportunities for them to take part in our journey of improvement. We have also published our latest annual report setting out our current performance and updating tenants on the work we are doing to improve our services.
“Through this self-referral, we’re fully briefing the Regulator on areas needing improvement and our planned activities and timescales to deliver them.”
The latest Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report is available here.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kyle Savage welcomed young people and leaders from the newly established ABC Youth Voice to the Council Chamber on Tuesday (15 October) to participate in Local Democracy Week.
Council’s Community Development and Community Planning Departments are working in partnership with the Education Authority’s Youth Service to support the group of young people, aged 16 to 19 years old, in the ‘Youth Voice’ project.
The theme for Tuesday’s event was “Local communities putting democratic resilience at the forefront” and members of ABC Youth Voice had the opportunity to learn how Council operates as well as ask questions to a number of our elected representatives.
Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage commented:
“I think I speak for my colleagues when I say that events such as this one are invaluable as we as local representatives get to hear first-hand from our future voters what it is that they want to see from their councillors in their local communities.”
“The Council has always been a strong supporter of Local Democracy Week as an initiative which helps bring local democracy closer to the people that we as councillors serve – our local citizens.”
Jake McCourt, member of ABC Youth Voice said, “This event is a fantastic opportunity for young people to work with our Council to ensure that the voices of young people are being promoted, are being fulfilled, and being taken into consideration.”
The ABC Youth Voice event took place as part of Local Democracy Week which is an annual initiative designed to foster the knowledge of local democracy and promote the idea of democratic participation at a local level.
The event was part funded by The Executive Office District Council Good Relations Programme.
Portsmouth City Council’s annual Inclusion Conference was held on 17 October and was attended by 38 Portsmouth schools, from nursery to secondary schools.
The 11th annual conference, which was fully booked, celebrated and promoted inclusive practice in the city and aimed to develop practitioners’ knowledge and skills to help understand and meet schoolchildren’s needs.
The event included eight workshops, on various subjects including neurodiversity, and attendance and wellbeing, as well as information from organisations including Solent NHS, Portsmouth Parent Voice, Parent Carer Board, Oarsome Change, Simon Says and Early Help.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “As a former schoolteacher, I’m proud that we hold these events to continue to develop our teachers and practitioners in all areas of inclusion, and put children at the heart of everything that we do.”
Rachel Osborne, Head of Primary at Mayfield School, said: “Because of changes that we’ve seen in recent times in education, we have to rethink and refine our focus to support our pupils with different needs. It’s great to attend this type of event to gain a common understanding and approach in order to improve outcomes and life chances for our young people in the city.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Victims of modern slavery will be better supported in fresh measures unveiled by the government.
For the first time, the government has pledged to eradicate the backlog of decisions on modern slavery cases within 2 years, giving thousands of women, men and children who may have suffered traumatic sexual, physical and economic abuse the clarity needed to assist with their recovery.
Currently, many victims face long delays in having their status as a victim of modern slavery confirmed through the national referral mechanism, via a conclusive grounds decision. This can lead to prolonged uncertainty and mental health suffering.
Through hiring 200 additional Home Office staff to process cases, thousands of vulnerable people will receive faster decisions on their cases so that they can move forward with their lives, whilst making the process more efficient.
These new employees are already being recruited and will be in their posts in early 2025.
The Safeguarding Minister pledged the new reforms to a room of charity and law enforcement delegates on Thursday (17 October) to mark national Anti-Slavery Week, before traveling to meet survivors of modern slavery at Salvation Army premises.
During the event, Jess Phillips set out that tackling modern slavery is one of her top priorities. She pledged to drive up prosecution numbers for perpetrators of this vile crime and reform the modern slavery system.
Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips said:
For too long, modern slavery survivors and the harrowing experiences they have lived through have not been given the attention and support they deserve.
This is going to change. The actions I have announced today are a first step towards putting survivors first, eradicating the backlog of modern slavery cases to give victims the clarity and peace of mind they need to move on with their lives.
Supporting victims of modern slavery is one of my top priorities and there is much more to do. But be in no doubt, this government will use every lever at its disposal to support them while we pursue those who callously profit from their trauma and misery.
Major Kathy Betteridge, Director for Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, The Salvation Army, said:
We welcome today’s announcement as a positive step towards prioritising the needs of survivors of modern slavery. Far too often, we see individuals in our support services whose recovery is delayed because they feel trapped in limbo, unable to move forward with their lives while awaiting decisions on their cases.
This is an encouraging sign that the new government recognises the needs of survivors and is actively listening to them and those who support them.
We look forward to working with the minister on the many challenges that remain in restoring the UK’s position as a world leader in the protection and support of survivors of modern slavery.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
More than 1,400 homes better-protected from flooding as Kent facility will hold 25 per cent more water than now, enough to fill 600 Olympic swimming pools
Three new gates at the Leigh flood storage area will add 200 homes and businesses to the 1,200 already better-protected from flooding
The Leigh flood storage area (FSA) currently reduces the risk of flooding from the River Medway to 1,200 homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough in Kent. It works by holding peak floodwater in the storage area to minimise flows downstream.
Coinciding with the Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week, a milestone has been reached this month with the installation of a new gate to control the flow of water.
Lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane, this is the first of three new gates that will be installed during construction.
The new gates were delivered in pieces and welded together on site. Each gate weighs around 12.5 tonnes – the equivalent to the weight of a single-decker bus!
By replacing the gates and raising sections of the embankment, the FSA will be able to store approximately 25 per cent more water than it does now; in total, more than 7 million cubic metres of floodwater that will help to better-protect more than 200 additional homes from flooding.
Scheme progress
It is expected that the scheme will be completed by the end of 2025.
This is a complex programme and timings could change depending on external factors, such as the weather. Regular scheme updates will be provided to residents and stakeholders via newsletters and on GOV.UK.
Sally Harvey, the Environment Agency’s area director for Kent, South London and East Sussex, said:
The installation of the new gate is a huge achievement and a great step forward in the project to reduce the flood-risk to more than 1,400 homes in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.
People can be assured that the flood storage area will remain operational throughout the project continuing to protect people, homes and businesses.
Thank you to local residents for the continued patience while the work is ongoing.
Barrier: The first of three new gates being installed at the Leigh flood storage area, which will soon hold 25 per cent more water back from communities
Cllr Matt Boughton, leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said:
The completion of this major milestone is a huge achievement, and I’d like to thank all those who’ve contributed to getting us to this stage of the project. It takes us a step closer to providing even greater protection from the risk of flooding to local homes and businesses that can have a devastating impact.
I look forward to seeing the scheme continue its progress towards completion and much improved flood protection for the people of Tonbridge, Hildenborough and all communities in the Medway catchment.
Liz Gibney, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership chair, said:
We are delighted to see the installation of a new flood gate at Leigh. The Kent and Medway Economic Partnership originally proposed this scheme for central government investment, as we are very mindful of the devasting effects that flooding can have on local residents, businesses and communities.
Some estimates say that the average cost of flood damage in a commercial setting is around £80,000, and that a small business can lose up to 50 working days following a flood event, which clearly leads to a loss of custom and sales. This new investment will, therefore, bring peace of mind to businesses in the area, and increase confidence to invest in our locality.
Rob Thomas, cabinet member for environment at Kent County Council, said:
Completing the installation of the first gate marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the Leigh flood storage area expansion, and Kent County Council is very pleased with the progress being made. This scheme will better-protect homes and business from flooding in Tonbridge and Hildenborough, and offer improved climate resilience.
How the Leigh flood storage area works – watch the animation:
You can find out more about how the flood storage area works by watching our YouTube animation.
Working in partnership
The Environment Agency is working with Kent County Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (previously part of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership) to reduce flood risk to over 1,400 homes and businesses in Tonbridge, Hildenborough and downstream communities.
Funding is through the government’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA), with contributions from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, now the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership.
Background
This week, 14-20 October, is also the Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week, which aims to help people and businesses prepare for flooding.
Will the Leigh flood storage area still be operational during construction?
Yes, the work are planned so that most of the work on the flood storage area will be during summer periods when there is a lower risk of flooding. There are robust contingency plans in place to use the flood storage area whenever needed.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme
The Environment Agency is aware of the impact of construction activity on local communities.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme promotes high standards and accountability within the construction industry. It is a voluntary scheme, meaning that scheme-registered contractors and organisations are actively trying to improve the way they work, by raising their standards in being more considerate to communities, the environment and their own workforce.
The project’s construction partner, VolkerStevin is signed-up to the scheme. The site reference is: 134154 and people can give feedback on freephone 0800 783 1423. Or email the project team direct at LEHESEnquiries@volkerstevin.co.uk.
BOSTON, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elevate Renewables (“Elevate” or the “Company”), a leading battery storage development company is pleased to announce that its Innovative Inertia Project at the Devon Generating Station in Milford, CT. has been selected to receive $27.5 million in federal funding under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program.
The Innovative Inertia Project aims to reconfigure an existing fossil-fueled peaking unit and enable the deployment of a battery energy storage system (“BESS”) to provide synchronous condensing (“green sync”) and other essential grid services. Elevate is focused on repurposing existing energy infrastructure as traditional thermal resources retire (i.e., brownfields) and intermittent and renewable resources increasingly become the predominant resources on the grid.
The Company will demonstrate that its BESS can provide inertia and synchronous condensing – remedying any immediate imbalance between electrical supply and system demand on the power grid- grid services historically offered by fossil fuel assets. The integration of this BESS technology will showcase its scalability and replicability, contributing to grid stability as Connecticut and the United States progress through the clean energy transition. It will also enhance resilience and deliver significant community and decarbonization benefits, particularly in historically overburdened areas of the state, by reducing emissions and supporting greater adoption of renewable energy sources.
Elevate will partner with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“CT DEEP”) and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“CT PURA”) on the project.
“Elevate is committed to identifying and commercializing innovative solutions that balance reliability and decarbonization through the application of battery energy storage. This project is a prime example of how batteries, in conjunction with existing infrastructure, can yield a win-win to help reduce our everyday reliance on fossil fuels while also benefiting existing power plant employees and the communities where we operate. We are excited to collaborate with the DOE, CT DEEP, and CT PURA to demonstrate our commitment to energy reliability while still accomplishing our decarbonization goals,” stated Eric Cherniss, Head of Development at Elevate Renewables.
“As extreme weather events continue to stress electric systems across the country, the Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool in the toolbox to make sure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “By leveraging state-of-the-art grid enhancing technologies and applications, Elevate Renewables will help to add more energy to the grid faster, improve reliability and resilience, and invest in innovative technologies so customers in Connecticut can have access to more renewable energy and pay less for their electricity.”
“I am thrilled that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected Elevate’s Innovative Inertia project in Milford, Connecticut, for federal funding,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “By repurposing an existing power generating facility and combining it with a new battery energy storage system, this project has the potential to provide important grid stability services and help make our state and region’s electric grid more affordable, reliable, and clean.”
Innovative Inertia Project Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits:
Resilience and Reliability for Grid Stability and Restoration: The project will provide about 23 MVA (mega volt-amperes) of reactive power for grid stabilization and up to 20 MW/80 MWh of energy resilience infrastructure available from a BESS capable of black-start grid restoration operations.
Scalability Potential: With over 1,000 combustion turbine sites across the U.S., the project has the potential to be scaled nationwide. By proving the efficacy of BESS-enabled synchronous condensing and other battery-enabled grid services, the project could serve as a model for similar brownfield repurposing efforts and support increasing grid reliance and reliability needs expected as traditional thermal generation facilities retire.
Community Benefits: Through a $2.7 million community investment program, the project will prioritize Disadvantaged Communities, including a distressed municipality near the generating station. The project will support the retraining of at least 20 power plant employees. In addition, the project commits to contracting businesses that are majority-owned or controlled by underrepresented persons or groups of underrepresented persons in New England and is committed to hiring workers from vulnerable or underrepresented communities for construction. Some or all of this project is anticipated to be executed in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and other existing unions.
Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program is a $10.5 billion investment to enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against extreme weather, and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable, electricity when and where they need it. GRIP funding is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO).
ABOUT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S GRID DEPLOYMENT OFFICE The mission of the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) is to catalyze the development of new and upgraded electric infrastructure across the country by maintaining and investing in critical generation facilities, developing and upgrading high-capacity electric transmission lines nationwide, and deploying transmission and distribution technologies. Learn more at energy.gov/gdo.
ABOUT ELEVATE RENEWABLES Elevate Renewables is a utility-scale battery storage company focused on strategically deploying battery infrastructure co-located with existing power infrastructure facilities. The Company has significant experience and resources to effectuate utility-scale battery infrastructure with an extensive brownfield pipeline of over 4 GWs. Elevate Renewables is active throughout the United States, where electrification and the rapid growth of intermittent renewables have created a need and advantage for renewable utility-scale battery storage. For more information, please visit http://www.elevaterenewableenergy.com.
Join our online communities on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and Facebook to stay updated on Elevate Renewable’s events and developments.
Company Contact: Elevate Renewables Market & Media Communications 200 Clarendon Street, FL 55 Boston, MA 02116 Email: jjanson@elevaterenewableenergy.com Direct: (585) 232-5440
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Nine people have been sentenced for the operation of an illegal waste site in rural Lincolnshire, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.
Aerial view of the site during the raid, showing burning waste and a lorry depositing waste.
The defendants were sentenced today (Friday 18 October) at Nottingham Crown Court to a collective 11 years of imprisonment, including three family members who controlled the illegal waste site at Long Bennington near Newark.
The investigation, named Operation Lord, saw Environment Agency officers spend months building a picture of evidence of the illegal waste site on Fen Lane, Long Bennington.
The findings of the investigation led to 12 people and one company being charged, of which 10 pleaded guilty. Following an eight-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court which concluded on 28 June 2024, the remaining three defendants were found guilty.
Environment Agency officers conducted a raid on the site in April 2020 with Lincolnshire Police. Intelligence revealed lorry-loads of shredded waste were regularly being accepted onto the site the size of a football pitch.
Waste was burned daily and buried. This activity intensified during the first Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, and so action was taken to bring it to a halt.
Environment Agency officers also seized an excavator and a lorry which were actively depositing more waste at the site when officers arrived. Two arrests were made.
Smoke over the illegal waste site after the burning of waste. Residential properties are in view nearby.
Prosecution brought against those involved
The prosecution was brought against individuals that ran the illegal waste site; burned the waste; drove waste to the site and the landowners. Two waste brokers were also prosecuted.
The Canner family trio of father Paul (53), mother Judith (55) of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, and son Joshua (29) of Laburnum Avenue, Newbold Verdon, ran the illegal waste site.
Paul Canner was sentenced today to 26 months in prison, while Judith and Joshua were each sentenced to 16 months. Seven of the nine defendants were sentenced to immediate imprisonment.
Sentencing the defendants, His Honour Judge Coupland found that the:
offending was deliberate for all nine defendants and the harm caused was of the highest level.
the illegal activity was deliberately concealed physically and with falsified paperwork.
the illegal waste site was close to nearby residents, putting them at harm from toxic fumes.
the repeated nature of the offences over a long period of time, and the financial gain obtained by the operation aggravated the offences for all defendants.
His Honour Judge Coupland said that ‘the custody threshold had been crossed in all cases’.
Site inflicted ‘misery on the local community’
Leigh Edlin, Area Director for Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:
This was a serious illegal waste site which was highly organised and involved multiple offenders.
Those involved sought to profit from Covid restrictions at the cost of the environment and by inflicting misery on the local community. The site and its operators had a major impact on legitimate businesses and our regulatory work.
Our enforcement teams will continue to tackle serious illegal waste crime by working with partners such as Lincolnshire Police, fire services and councils, as we did in this case to hold those responsible to account.
Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to our 24-hour hotline. Call 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Background
Sentences issued to defendants on 18 October 2024:
Paul Canner, aged 53 of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, pleaded guilty to 1) knowingly causing the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020, and 2) knowingly causing the operation of the illegal waste site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 26 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Judith Canner, aged 55 of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, pleaded guilty to knowingly causing the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. She was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Joshua Canner, aged 29 of Laburnum Avenue, Newbold Verdon, pleaded guilty to knowingly causing the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Sonial Surpal, aged 52 of Round House Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to depositing waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 13 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Luke Woodward, aged 37 of Willow Road, Nuneaton, pleaded guilty to depositing waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 11 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Marcus Chapman, aged 39 of Egmanton Drive, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to disposing of the waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.
Peter Wainwright, aged 32 of Dexter Lane, Hurley, Atherstone, Warwickshire pleaded guilty to disposing of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Nathan Jones, aged 43 of Carnation Road, Shirebrook, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to disposing of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.
Daniel Lippitt, aged 55 of Lubbersthorpe Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to depositing waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 9 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.
The following defendants, who were the landowners, will be sentenced on 16 December 2024 at Nottingham Crown Court:
James Baggaley, aged 38 of Back Lane, Foston, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of 1) knowingly permitting the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020, and 2) knowingly permitting the operation of the illegal waste site between 1 October and 14 April 2022.
Marc Greenfield, aged 46 of Fosse Road, Brough, pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting the operation of the illegal waste site between 1 October 2019 and 14 April 2022.
Proceeds of crime proceedings have commenced against all 13 defendants and the following two defendants will be sentenced at the outcome of those proceedings:
Robert Malone, aged 41 of Ribble Prospect, Clitheroe, the sole director of NWR 2004 Limited, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of failing to comply with the waste duty of care between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020.
Fletcher Plant Limited pleaded not guilty but was found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of failing to comply with the waste duty of care between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV Strangford chairman Eddie Allen:
“I want to take this opportunity to both congratulate and thank Mr Bryson for securing permission to challenge the blocking on flying the Union flag permanently at war memorials in Ards and North Down.
“This is a remarkable achievement and calls into question what on earth the elected Unionist councillors of the area have been doing.
“It should not be left to a private citizen to take such steps in order to pull Alliance into line and I trust that councillors will be more diligent in future in holding them to account. If they don’t there is of course the option to replace them in a few years’ time.”
Chelmsford Science Festival event aims to help us make sense of rapid changes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world we live in, and a talk at the Chelmsford Science Festival is aimed at helping people make sense of these rapid changes, and how they will affect them.
During the talk at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) on Thursday, 24 October, ARU expert Dr Chris Callaghan will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a new world driven by AI, and how governments, financial markets and society will need to adapt.
In the interactive talk he will highlight some of his unique findings from work in leading journals, especially his recent focus on AI and technological change and its profound societal impacts.
Dr Callaghan will draw on research published in European Management Review, where it is argued that in the face of the climate emergency and other existential threats, academic fields need to work together more closely.
He will discuss how AI allows different areas of academia such as biology, physics and economics, which previously had operated in silos, to complement each other and work together to create rapid changes in the way we live and work.
Dr Callaghan, Senior Lecturer in the School of Management at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:
“AI is new to us and there have been dire warnings about how it will replace jobs or create extreme unwanted consequences like overtaking human intelligence and causing an existential threat to our existence.
“The truth is AI has potential to be all-encompassing, cutting across all scientific disciplines and completely changing how we live. As a result, there will be some negatives but also lots of positives, and just like the way we live today, there will be winners and losers.
“No one area of science ‘owns’ AI and that is potentially very exciting because experts from all different areas of science will be able to collaborate more freely, potentially driving significant, rapid improvements to how we live.
“These changes are happening extremely fast and it can be overwhelming for people. This talk will explain what is happening, and how we can navigate the rapid changes coming our way.
“We need to be proactive and ensure our voices are heard, so that we can have some input into a future that is unfolding right now.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
GAD has shared information with European counterparts on our role supporting Scottish and UK governments in their management of public service pension provision.
Credit: Unsplash
The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) has shared insights into how we can help with various challenges facing the UK public sector pensions.
Actuaries at GAD presented at the European Association of Public Sector Pension Institutions (EAPSPI) event, hosted by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) in Edinburgh.
EAPSPI is a network of European organisations involved in public sector pensions. It provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, best practices and policy developments across various countries.
Pension experts, policymakers, and stakeholders discussed issues around:
pension provision
reform
management
Expertise and insights
Delegates heard from GAD about insights into the actuarial valuation and cost control process for UK public service pension schemes.
Attendees included representatives from various pension systems across Europe, allowing for a broad and comparative discussion on how different regions manage pension provision.
GAD actuaries Greg Donaldson and Martin Smith presented detailed analyses of the cost control mechanism in place in the UK. This aims to maintain a fair balance of risk between the taxpayer and members of the schemes.
Credit: Shutterstock
UK and European comparisons
One of the key themes of the event was comparing pension provision across different regions including the UK, Slovenia, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Belgium.
The event offered a unique opportunity to draw comparisons between these diverse systems, exploring how various countries address challenges such as:
pension adequacy
sustainability
demographic changes
Evolving challenges
Reflecting on the event, Greg Donaldson commented: “We were delighted to be invited by SPPA to attend this event. We shared information on GAD’s supporting role to both the Scottish and UK governments in their management of public service pension provision.
“It was an excellent opportunity to engage with colleagues from across Europe and discuss the various ways in which pension schemes are adapting to evolving challenges.
“The event facilitated the exchange of ideas and opinions. It’s clear that despite the differences in pension systems across Europe, there are many common themes and shared experiences.”
Martin Smith added: “It was interesting learning about the issues facing other European countries in terms of public sector pension provision and discussing how each were analysing and approaching such issues. The audience were very knowledgeable and were engaged with the sessions presented.”
A public engagement survey to develop a community vision for Victoria Street, St Albans, has seen an impressive response, with over 400 people participating in the first three weeks.
A collaboration between Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans District Council, this initiative aims to establish a community vision for enhancing the vital route between St Albans City train station and the city centre prior to any design work taking place.
The early engagement process, which runs until Tuesday 12 November, has already included two in-person events in St Albans, where residents had the opportunity to share their ideas and feedback directly with the project team through interactive activities and discussion.
Although there are no specific plans yet, the feedback from the 6-week process will help the Councils understand the need for sustainable changes on Victoria Street and decide whether to move forward with the project. The survey results will also guide the project team in setting community priorities for future designs, which could include:
Wider, more accessible pavements More planting, trees and greenery. Spill out space for cafes and businesses to use Safe, protected cycle routes to the station More frequent bus services to a wider range of destinations. Safer places to cross
Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways & Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “It’s been very encouraging to have had so many views provided to date and shows how important Victoria Street is to the residents and businesses of St Albans.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible at this early stage of engagement. If you haven’t completed the survey, I’d urge you to take part or come to the final drop-in session on Wednesday 30 October. This really is your chance to help shape what Victoria Street could look like in the future.”
Councillor Helen Campbell, Chair of the Public Realm Committee of St Albans City and District Council, said: “The feedback we have already had for the Victoria Street project is very impressive with more than 400 people having completed the survey.
“The stall set up at the Charter Market to promote the scheme also attracted much interest and I am sure there will be a good attendance at the drop-in event later in October.
“It shows that this project is causing considerable excitement and capturing the imagination of our residents. I urge those who have yet to give their views to do so and complete the survey.”
The project seeks to create a sustainable, safe, and vibrant street that benefits the entire community, supports local businesses and boosts tourism.
To find out more, residents are invited to attend a drop-in session at the Marlborough Road Methodist Church Hall on Wednesday 30 October, 4-7pm.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Review signals Government’s recognition of the challenges carers face and commitment to provide them with the support they need.
Former Disability Rights UK Chief Executive Liz Sayce OBE confirmed to lead review.
Work and Pensions Secretary recognises the concerns of carers, some of whom only breached earnings limit by a “small amount”.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP has announced today (16 October) that the Government will launch an independent review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments.
Led by Liz Sayce OBE, the former Disability Rights UK Chief Executive, now visiting professor in practice at LSE, the review will investigate the reasons why overpayments have occurred for some carers.
The review will focus on how and why overpayments were accrued, operational changes to minimise future overpayment risk and how the DWP can best support those with overpayments. A full term of reference will be published in due course.
It follows concerns over increasing reports of carers unknowingly accruing large amounts of overpayments of Carer’s Allowance, signalling the Government’s commitment to learn lessons and get to grips with the issues.
This review has been commissioned by the Secretary of State to get an independent view of the situation and its causes, and to recommend potential solutions for ministers to consider.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, said:
I have been a lifelong champion of family carers and know many have been pushed to breaking point looking after the people they love.
This is not okay. We’re determined to learn lessons and put this right.
It’s brilliant that Liz Sayce has agreed to lead this with all the experience she brings.
Former Chief Executive of Disability Rights UK, Liz Sayce, said:
I’m delighted to be leading this important review which will make a difference to carers who offer such tremendous support to their loved ones every day.
My work aims to get to the bottom of how overpayments have occurred and how to prevent people who devote such time and care to others facing these difficulties in future.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:
Carers, whom we owe so much for the hard work they do, deserve to be supported, not punished.
In the last Parliament, the Work and Pensions Select Committee found that people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance were accruing large overpayments – often inadvertently.
We need to get to the bottom of what has been going wrong, and to put it right. This review will shed some light on why overpayments have occurred and is evidence of this government’s commitment to make positive change and support all those who care.
The government is also working on long-term reform of the social care system to improve support for both carers and those being cared for.
This includes the longer-term goal of creating a sustainable National Care Service and working collaboratively with unpaid carers themselves, sector partners, and carer organisations as part of that process.
Further Information
Further details, including the timeline, of the review will be announced in due course.
To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, a carer must earn £151 a week or less after allowable deductions. If they exceed this earnings limit, they have a duty to inform DWP so that their entitlement can be reviewed.
Liverpool has been a home to numerous markets since the Middle Ages and 2024 has shown us they are more popular than ever. Here Michael Bracken, Liverpool City Council’s Head of Markets, reflects on why markets are special places for scousers…
In Liverpool, markets are more than just places to shop. They have always been at the heart of our communities, bringing people together and helping to forge bonds between shoppers and traders.
And this year has proved this again and again. The successes of the new Stanley Park Market – where the bakers have been selling out almost before they can put their stock on their stall! – and the seasonal St George’s Hall markets show that there is a real appetite for this experience in Liverpool and that if you get the offer right, they work.
But why are markets so special? Why do they still flourish in so many different guises?
For us, it’s quite simple: connection. There is a social aspect to visiting a market that you don’t always get in the same way from some big high-street stores. Shoppers get to know the traders, the traders get to know the shoppers. It builds trust and strengthens the fabric of our communities, enriching our neighbourhoods.
To say markets have a long history in Liverpool is a understatement. It is believed that there have been meat and fish markets in what is now the city centre since the 13th century. Since 1773, the local authority has been the sole market authority in the city and we do not take this responsibility lightly, understanding that if we are to help traders to succeed then our approach cannot be one-size-fits-all.
From the well-established weekly bustle of Greatie to the farmers’ markets in Lark Lane, Woolton Village and Allerton Road via the annual Christmas Market, whose contract is managed by Culture Liverpool, we’ve worked hard to make sure that our communities have the markets that they want and deserve. They reflect the diversity of our neighbourhoods, from the people that shop there to the goods that are sold. They provide local connection for older people and plenty of eye-widening fun for youngsters.
Not only that, markets are increasingly becoming a vital foundational part of the local economy, making sure that money stays in Liverpool and that small businesses grow and become more secure, offering traders a low-cost, low-risk way to trial products and concepts. Spend money in a Liverpool market and you’re effectively investing in your community.
And they’re sustainable – goods do not have to be transported as far and shoppers can walk to the market rather than getting in their car.
In a world that often feels fragmented, our markets stand as a testament to the power of community. They are not just places for commerce but spaces where relationships develop, cultures are shared and local pride grows. Sitting alongside all the other fantastic shopping opportunities that Liverpool has to offer.
So the next time you visit a market, as well as possibly opening your purse or wallet remember that you are also opening your heart to a tradition that stretches back centuries.
At Liverpool City Council, we truly value the incredible work of kinship carers and are proud of our ongoing partnership with Liverpool Kinship Carers.
Based in Norris Green, this dedicated charity provides vital resources, support and advocacy for kinship families. Kinship carers are relatives or friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so. Their unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact on countless lives, and this week, we’ve been celebrating with our kinship families. As part of Kinship Carers Week, they’ve enjoyed a variety of parties and events, culminating in a special afternoon tea.
Please read this amazing update from Pauline Thornley, the Project Co-ordinator of the Kinship Care Project:
I’m beyond excited to share some incredible news! Kinship Carers Week, which began right here in Liverpool, has now gone global!
What started as a local initiative to raise awareness and celebrate the often-overlooked role of kinship carers has been adopted by 15 other countries this year. Yes, 15 countries!
I was fortunate enough to attend a recent webinar featuring keynote speakers from Zimbabwe and Nepal, and hearing their stories was truly inspiring. It’s amazing to see how the challenges and triumphs of kinship carers are so similar, no matter where they are based in the world.
When we first launched Kinship Carers Week in 2016, there was nothing like it. Our aim was to raise both local and national awareness of the vital work kinship carers do, looking after children who might otherwise enter the care system.
We wanted to spark conversations, particularly with local authorities, about how to better support these families. We never imagined the movement would grow into what it is today!
In those early days we ran some brilliant campaigns. Our promotional T-shirt made its way around the world, from Westminster to New Zealand, spreading the word about kinship care. We even launched a cake smash challenge, which went viral, with families, organisations and even MPs getting involved and sharing the fun on social media. It wasn’t just a bit of fun, it got people talking and raising awareness of kinship carers.
The benefit of raising awareness is profound. This year, as we celebrate Kinship Carers Week globally, hundreds more kinship carers across the UK are being recognised and receiving the support they deserve. The increased visibility of their challenges and contributions helps ensure that these families are not only acknowledged, but are also provided with the resources and assistance they need to thrive.
Now, seeing other countries adopt what started here in Liverpool feels truly special. It’s a testament to the power of community and collective voices. It’s also a clear sign that kinship carers everywhere need and deserve recognition and support.
So, let’s take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement. What began in Liverpool has sparked a global movement. This is a tribute to the strength and determination of our kinship families, and it’s something we should all be immensely proud of. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue to raise our voices for kinship carers everywhere!
Manchester City Council has named Tom Stannard as its new permanent Chief Executive to lead the delivery of the city’s strategy for the decade ahead.
He will become only the third Chief Executive to take the reins in more than a quarter of a century in a city which prides itself on stability. Tom was selected following a rigorous recruitment process.
He has been Chief Executive of neighbouring Salford City Council for the past four years, overseeing achievements including the transformative regeneration of Salford, an ambitious council housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services. He has more than 27 years of experience in local government including senior posts in Oldham, Wakefield, Blackburn with Darwen and London boroughs.
Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead CEO brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.
He is a Chartered Surveyor, Chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development, Commissioner for the UK Living Wage Foundation and National Spokesman for Health and Social Care for SOLACE (The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers.)
Tom joins one of the best performing councils in the country at a crucial time as Manchester presses ahead with its ambition to be world-class city with top class services. It is also a pivotal moment for the Council as it gears up to bring forward and oversee the delivery of the 2025-2035 Our Manchester Strategy, which will guide the city for the next 10 years. The new vision will go further on the achievements of the current strategy to ensure economic growth that benefits everyone, including through the city’s ambitious Making Manchester Fairer, housebuilding and zero carbon programmes.
Tom is expected to join the Council early in the New Year. Eamonn Boylan OBE will remain in post as Interim Chief Executive until then.
Leader of Manchester City Council Councillor Bev Craig said:
“This is a big job and we know the Chief Executive of Manchester is one of the most coveted positions in local government. That’s why I’m delighted that we’re appointing Tom Stannard – someone who shares our pride in the city and ambition to deliver for our residents.
“Tom was our unanimous choice in a highly competitive selection process. He is a nationally respected voice in local government with an impressive CV and a track record of delivery across regeneration, inclusive growth and improving council services. We were impressed by his energy and passion, his clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Manchester and his ideas for the future. He is already a well-known figure in Greater Manchester and beyond and we are confident that he will help us improve the city over the next decade.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside him and we can’t wait to welcome him as our new chief executive.”
Tom Stannard said:
“This is an exceptional role in an incredible city. I’ve spent a significant part of my career living and working in Greater Manchester and have a deep commitment to the city and its people. I’m eager to start work on the next chapter alongside Cllr Craig and all elected members.
“Manchester is a city which is competing on a global stage and successfully attracting investment, jobs and visitors and it’s important that we continue to maximise those strengths. Just as crucial is that the growth generated benefits the whole city, and I know that’s something the Council is already working on and determined to achieve.
“While being unapologetically ambitious for the city’s global future, I won’t lose focus on the need to deliver excellent day-to-day services for Manchester people in the here and now.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, welcomed the healthcare service-related measures included in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 16). It is believed that the measures will facilitate the HA in enhancing the quality of public healthcare services and sustainable development to improve support to patients.
The HA will dovetail with the Government’s policies and development directions, and continue to enhance the capacity and quality of public healthcare services in order to cope with the demand. The HA will continue to enhance the triage system and referral arrangements of the Specialist Out-Patients Clinics (SOPC), so that patients with acute needs could receive services in a timely manner and patients with mild and stable conditions may also receive appropriate follow-up. The waiting time of the SOPC could be shortened by avoiding unnecessary referrals. The HA will also provide additional capacity for cataract surgeries to actively arrange surgeries for patients.
Mr Fan said, “The HA welcomes the Government’s initiatives to promote community pharmacies. By strengthening the procurement of drugs and medical devices, the introduction of new drugs to the Drug Formulary will be expedited. The rationalisation and centralisation of procurement will also accelerate the cost-effectiveness standards and guarantee the optimised use of healthcare resources. The HA will also integrate paediatric services in order to make the best use of the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital to fu¬lfil its function as the Centre of Excellence in Paediatrics, thereby enhancing the quality of paediatric care in Hong Kong and providing a platform conducive to research development and professional training. The paediatric services will also be expanded, including an increase in the scope of newborn screening and treatment for neurosurgical diseases, to increase the quality of the services.
Also, with the stringent support from the Government, the HA will continue to enhance healthcare services in public hospitals. In accordance with the national accreditation standard, the development of the second chest pain centre at Prince of Wales Hospital and the building of the first stroke centre will boost diagnostic efficiency, outcomes and patient survival rates, while the breastmilk bank to be set up at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital will provide breastmilk for preterm and critically ill infants.
The HA is fully committed to driving forward a wide range of development projects under the First Hospital Development Plan. The HA is finalising the Second Hospital Development Plan to dovetail with the upcoming territorial development (including the Northern Metropolis and the latest developments in other New Development Areas), the Government population census, population distribution projection and the necessary land supply. The HA will continue to augment the service capacity of public hospitals as well as renewing its facilities in order to meet the service demand.
Mr Fan expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Government’s support for the public healthcare services. The HA will strive to implement the initiatives for the benefit of patients.
Derby City Council is encouraging people who live in, work in, or visit Derby to share their views on safety in the city by participating in the Community Safety Survey. Now live on the Let’s Talk Derby website, the survey, which is open until December, seeks to gather feedback on how safe people feel in the city centre and their local areas.
The survey is a part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to making Derby a safe place to live, work and visit. The results will ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed and will help to shape future initiatives to improve public safety in Derby.
With questions ranging from how safe residents feel walking in their local area to asking what measures help them feel safe, it is estimated to take 10-15 minutes to complete and will help the Council to better understand the key issues relating to public safety.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:
Public Safety is a top priority for the Council. We have been working hard to create a safe city for all, and we want to ensure that every resident feels safe, whether in the city centre or their local area.
I encourage all members of the community to take part in this survey. The feedback that we gather will help us to improve the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors in Derby. Together, we can create a safe city for all.
The survey is available to view on the Let’s Talk Derby website. All responses are confidential, and residents are encouraged to take part before the survey closes at midnight 22 December.
Jon Dean has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in succession to Harriet Cross.
Mr Jon Dean
Mr Jon Dean has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in succession to Ms Harriet Cross, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
Mr Dean will take up his appointment during December 2024.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Jon Mark Dean
2022 to 2024
N’Djamena, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2020 to 2022
New York, Counsellor Internal
2018 to 2020
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Secondment, New York
2015 to 2018
FCO, Head of Iraq Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2013 to 2015
Juba, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul
2013
Yaoundé, Deputy High Commissioner and Consul (3 months)
2012
New York, UK Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Second Secretary Political (3 months)
Since their July 2024 report, EY, the external auditors of the GLA Group have made the following change:
In light of the cyber-attack on TfL, the audit team will be required to “evaluate the effects of the attack on the scope of [their] work and reporting requirements” and the overall reporting timeline is likely to be delayed as limited system access hampered the GLA finance team’s ability to respond to audit requests.
Tomorrow, the London Assembly Audit Panel will examine the GLA External Audit Status Report and the Corporate Risk Register, both of which contain responses to the TfL cyber-attack. The Panel will also discuss the Register of Gifts and Hospitality and the procurement exercise for the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
The guests are:
Stephen Reid, Partner, EY
Chloe Wilkinson, Audit Senior Manager, EY
Enver Enver, Interim Chief Finance Officer, GLA
Fay Hammond, Chief Finance Officer, GLA
David Esling, Head of Audit Assurance – Risk Management, MOPAC
Mark Woodley, Group Audit Lead, MOPAC
Karen Welsh, Senior Risk and Assurance Auditor, MOPAC
Dianne Tranmer, Executive Director Corporate Resources & Business Improvement, GLA
The meeting will take place on Thursday, 17 October 2024 from 2pm, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Mr Allister’s Bill, entitled, ‘European Union (Withdrawal Amendments) Bill’, seeks to address the constitutional and practical detriment of the Windsor Framework/Protocol arrangements as they affect Northern Ireland.
This detriment includes the diminution of NI’s position within the UK, by virtue of being subject in much of its economy to EU, not UK laws, and the resulting imposition of a partitioning goods border in the Irish Sea.
The Bill seeks to reverse this detriment and enables practical solutions to govern the movement of goods from NI to the EU’s territory of the Republic of Ireland.
Clause 1 will set out constitutional imperatives governing all future arrangements. These will require respect for the territorial integrity of the UK and the avoidance of any part of the UK being subject to foreign made laws.
Clause 2 will then temper the effect of section 7A of the EU Withdrawal Act 2018, which is the conduit by which EU law flows into effect in NI, by circumscribing it with the statutory requirement to respect both the territorial integrity of the UK and the common rights of the Acts of Union.
Clause 3 and an associated Schedule will then address how goods should move from NI to ROI and vice versa by making provision for Statutory Instruments enabling both alternative arrangements and mutual enforcement, such as was anticipated under the NI Protocol Bill 2022, which passed the Commons before being ‘pulled’ by Rishi Sunak.
The Windsor Framework/Protocol is wreaking constitutional havoc in respect of NI and its governance, with new impositions evolving all the time. This Bill is designed to reverse that and put relations back on the internationally accepted framework of the EU and the UK each respecting the territorial integrity of the other. Only such can provide the foundation for a neighbourly and successful relationship.
In addition to Jim Allister being the primary sponsor of this Bill, he is pleased that all NI unionist MPs have assented to be co-sponsors, along with the former Conservative leader, Ian Duncan Smith, Labour MP, Graham Stringer, and Reform UK MPs, Nigel Farage and Richard Tice.
This is a coalition agreed on the unworkability and unacceptability of the present arrangements and determined to offer a better way forward.
Improvements to the city centre public realm continues with the completion of groundworks in Victoria Square and pedestrianised zone in Waterloo Street.
Funding has come from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund via the West Midlands Combined Authority (£4m), as well as money from the city council’s Clean Air Zone revenue (£8.3m) and just under half a million pounds from the city council’s general fund.
The scheme began with the successful restoration of The River water feature prior to the Commonwealth Games and continued with the wider works with the support of residents and businesses within Colmore Row, Waterloo Street and Victoria Square.
The scheme aims to provide greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists and enhanced signage and wayfinding in the city centre.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “This project is really important for economic growth within the area, giving businesses within the pedestrian zone the additional spaces for outdoor hospitality which has become a wonderful asset for the city centre. Prioritising pedestrians is a really important part of our transport strategy and this project creates an attractive, welcoming and safe environment for citizens and visitors to enjoy.”
The is also protected by ‘hostile vehicle mitigation’, providing security for all events held within the civic spaces.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has faced some tough challenges since the pandemic – only this week we have seen the loss of one of the city’s best restaurants – Purnells.
“A more continental-style, alfresco experience, free from passing traffic can help attract more customers to this part of the city and that has to be a good thing for hospitality businesses and the people they employ.”
The closing date for applications is 1 November 2024 at 4pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Equality of Opportunity
We welcome applications from all suitably experienced individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, political opinion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Goonhilly will provide deep space communications services to the UK Space Agency and international partners from Cornwall, under a new contract.
Goonhilly Earth Station
Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd (Goonhilly) will provide deep space communications services to the UK Space Agency and international partners from its satellite Earth station in Cornwall, under a new contract announced today (16 October) during the International Astronautical Congress in Milan.
Space agencies and companies use a global network of large antennas to communicate with, and transfer data between, their spacecraft and controllers on Earth. As the numbers of space missions beyond Earth orbit – to destinations including the Moon – increase, the capacity of these existing services is reaching their limit.
Several of the world’s space agencies already share resources to cope with high demand, but this issue is predicted to deteriorate with the increase in robotic and human activity around the Moon.
The UK is in a unique position to provide increased capacity through facilities like Goonhilly, which is the world’s most experienced provider of commercial lunar and deep space communications services. Since 2021, Goonhilly has supported over 17 spacecraft beyond geostationary orbit, including CubeSats deployed on the Artemis-I mission. Goonhilly has also provided services for international organisations, including ESA, ISRO, and Intuitive Machines.
Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, said:
Just as digital infrastructure helps us stay connected here on Earth, this government-backed contract will play a vital role in supporting humanity’s next steps to the Moon and beyond.
The UK has a real competitive advantage in space and I want to exploit that to its full potential, using innovative commercial models such as those demonstrated by Goonhilly and the UK Space Agency to attract more investment, generate high-quality jobs and support our international partners.
This new agreement between the UK Space Agency and Goonhilly will help expand existing UK capabilities, unlock new and emerging markets and support the growth of the fledgling lunar economy. It will support Goonhilly to provide more services to international agencies and companies to help them cope with the increasing global demand for deep space communications. The contract is task-based and worth up to an initial £2 million this financial year.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:
Our work with Goonhilly is a great example of how the UK can benefit from the commercial opportunities associated with developing the nascent lunar and deep space economy. This contract award signals a step change in how we use different tools as a government agency to support the growing space sector and strengthen international partnerships.
Earth ground stations will play an increasingly important role in every part of the sector, from supporting major UK-led missions such as TRUTHS and Moonlight to enabling the next generation of broadband connectivity in low Earth orbit. Developing this critical capability will help meet both our national and international ambitions in space.
Goonhilly Earth Station.
With the rapid rise in lunar missions, including upcoming examples like Intuitive Machines’ IM-2, Astrobotic’s Griffin Mission One, and NASA’s Artemis-II, the UK Space Agency recognises the potential for Goonhilly’s advanced capabilities to ensure that deep space networks are able to support increasing demand for communications services.
The UK Space Agency and Goonhilly will work with new international partners to showcase the quality of Goonhilly’s state-of-the-art assets, robust processes, and expert team, initially demonstrating downlink telemetry and navigation services, with a long-term goal of providing uplink services to control spacecraft in flight – services Goonhilly has already successfully provided for a number of high profile missions.
Executive Director of UKspace, Colin Baldwin, said:
Goonhilly Earth Station has pioneered commercial deep space communications capabilities in the UK. This agreement will put the UK at the heart of international missions to the Moon and Mars, and will continue to give us a seat at the top table of space faring nations.
As a founding member of the European Space Agency with strong international ties beyond Europe, the UK wants to play a leading role in addressing this issue facing the global space sector, while supporting the development of new commercial models and national capabilites, and attracting more investment into the growing sector.
Matthew Cosby, CTO, Goonhilly Earth Station:
Goonhilly is at the forefront of commercial lunar and deep space communication services, providing vital infrastructure and expertise that supports international missions to the Moon and beyond.
As the demand for deep space communications continues to grow, this new contract enables us to expand our capacity, support more missions, and play a key role in the next chapter of space exploration. We are excited to be contributing to the global space ecosystem and strengthening the UK’s leadership in this critical area.
Goonhilly is at the heart of a growing cluster of 300 space organisations in Cornwall and the South West of England, which generate an annual income of £600 million and employ 3,200 people.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Mr Jon Dean has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in succession to Ms Harriet Cross who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Dean will take up his appointment during December 2024.
Mr Jon Dean
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Jon Mark Dean
2022 to 2024
N’Djamena, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2020 to 2022
New York, Counsellor Internal
2018 to 2020
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Secondment, New York
2015 to 2018
FCO, Head of Iraq Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2013 to 2015
Juba, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul
2013
Yaoundé, Deputy High Commissioner and Consul (3 months)
2012
New York, UK Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Second Secretary Political (3 months)
The Isle of Wight Council has been awarded £150,000 to help bring forward a prime brownfield site for development.
The windfall will be used to demolish the former police station in Fairlee Road, Newport, and prepare the council-owned site so that it is ready for the building of up to ten new homes.
The funding comes from the government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund which supports councils in unlocking small and medium sites that have been previously developed and where viability issues due to abnormal costs, such as site levelling, demolition, and groundworks, are likely to prevent their future development.
Councillor Ian Stephens, deputy leader and Cabinet member for housing and finance, said: “We are delighted to have secured funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund.
“This will enable us to demolish a disused building, in a prime location close to the town centre. The cleared site will speed up the delivery time for much needed new homes.”
Council leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, added: “This scheme, using government funding, is part of a wider council project to deliver homes for residents of the Isle of Wight.
“In clearing this site in preparation for housing, we are enabling another development to be built on and provide the homes we desperately need.
“This is the third site we have obtained government funding for and along with other sites we are bringing forward for provision, are positively adding to the housing availability numbers on this Island at a time when demand is outstripping supply.”
Michelle Madziak, who works at Green Park School, was nominated by colleagues for being an advocate who ensures that the voice of pupils is heard and acted on, even when pupils are non-verbal, and for finding solutions to potential barriers in order for pupils to progress.
Headteacher Lorraine Dawney said: “We and the Governors want to celebrate the positive impact Michelle has made and the joy and successful outcomes pupils have in their learning.”
Assistant Headteacher Heather Martin added: “We are so proud of Michelle. Her positive attitude helps her motivate and lead many people at Green Park.
“Her love of learning is evident in her everyday work and is passionate about the key skills pupils need to learn. Seeing that work experience opportunities for our learners are minimal, she has created ‘Deals on Wheels’ – a school shop that pupils run to increase their independence and life experience.
“As part of the school improvement team, she also leads on whole school priorities, ensuring and assuring that all teams are achieving ambitious standards.
“The school community love working with Michelle; she is a role model to all colleagues and we are delighted she has been named Teacher of the Year.”
Michelle said: “It feels amazing to be recognised by my colleagues and a national association. I feel honoured to work with the pupils and they were just as excited as I was. The pupils teach me something new every day!”
Phil Leivers, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Head of Service, Educational Excellence, said: “This is a tremendous accolade for Michelle and I would like to congratulate her on her achievement. Teachers help students learn, grow, and develop into their best selves, and Michelle has demonstrated what an excellent job she is doing for young people at Green Park.”
The National Association for Special Educational Needs is a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.
It provides free resources and support for all members, leading targeted programmes and projects to deliver widespread improvements, offering a structured programme of professional development, accredited training and conferences as well as a package of SEND services throughout the UK and internationally.
From the end of July to the beginning of September, we delivered over 50 events alongside many different communities and partner organisations and engaged with over 1,000 people.
We ran youth projects; we played Minecraft; we planted trees; we went swimming; we met the Poole Farm animals and all the while, we asked you how you felt about nature in Plymouth.
We had an incredible response and nearly 500 of you gave your views on the places you love and how they should be cared for in the future.
Below, we’ve drawn out some of the key themes and provided a response to your suggestions.
Image by Chris Parkes Photography
You said… you wanted us to plant more trees
Of course we will.
Did you know that in the last three years, we have planted over 17,204 trees across 135 different sites as part of our involvement in the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest? That’s an area equivalent to 85 football pitches! And it is something that we are proud of, with our team winning a national local government award for their efforts on this.
Each year we make sure that we plant the right tree in the right place by careful consideration of the location including talking with local people about the plans. We also know about the challenges a changing climate will bring and the need to diversify the types of trees in the city and so we consider the tree species in this.
We plant whips – young and slender trees, often just a few feet tall at the time of planting, maidens, which are smaller, usually three to five foot tall and standards, large trees that at the time of planting is already six to ten feet tall.
This autumn we’ll be announcing our plans for the tree planting season ahead, with plenty of chances to get involved in planting and caring for trees throughout the year.
You said… we need to educate young people about the benefits of nature
Many people who fed back to our survey suggested that more could be done to educate young people about the natural world and how very important it is to look after it. We absolutely agree – we’d love to do even more outreach with young people!
But did you know that we already run several programmes across the city?
At Poole Farm, we run regular youth clubs focussed on outdoor skills and we run Junior Ranger sessions where young people can earn digital badges for set programmes of work.
We run the Forest Rising programme, a youth forum which allows young people to feed into the delivery of tree planting across the city.
Our Green Communities team is delivering a programme of nature education sessions in primary schools, secondary schools, and with youth groups, too.
Our Climate Connections team regularly provide resource for schools and appoints Young Climate Ambassadors for carbon-conscious volunteers.
Meanwhile, this year our National Marine Park are inviting all key stage two classes across the city to take part in the Sea in our Schools programme.
Do we want to do more? Absolutely, and we will continue to work with partners and funding bodies to explore as many education options as possible, and give young people the chance to gain employment and build careers in looking after and improving nature sites across the city.
You said… that the water quality of the Sound and rivers needs improvement
It’s a hard agree from us – the water quality around Plymouth is not good enough. And although the issue is not of our making, we are determined to support improvements in the Tamar Catchment, in the Sound and along the Plym.
Earlier this year, we held and hosted a Water Quality Select committee, which was supported by partners from the Environment Agency and South West Water.
Representatives from the National Marine Park, University of Plymouth, Tamar Catchment Partnership, Ocean Conservation Trust and a local swimming group were also in attendance to provide insight and answer questions.
Amongst the actions for the Council were an increased drive in education (see above!) as to what communities can do to improve water quality and to lobby government to allow Plymouth to be a pilot for an area of water quality improvement.
South West Water, meanwhile, were tasked with ensuring their existing drainage infrastructure investment plans align with the city aspirations while the Environment Agency were asked to make water quality data from a new pilot monitoring scheme available more quickly.
The partners involved in the select committee will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their commitments and actions to water quality for the next ten years.
You said… you wanted us to take better care of grass in the city.
We hear what you’re saying on grass-cutting and we know that this year, we didn’t quite get it right. The very wet weather at the start of the year meant we couldn’t start on time and then when we did start, the rain continued to fall, and we couldn’t keep on top of the growth.
Full disclosure; 60-40, our policy of cutting most of our grass regularly, but managing the minority for nature, is here to stay. If we want to make a difference to the biodiversity crisis; if we want nature to thrive in our city, then we have to do what we know is right.
But what we can do is manage it differently. One of things that you said to us was that there was too much grass and not enough colour. Fair challenge. Over the winter, we’re going to look to fix that by improving a whole range of sites across the city.
We are also going to look at how the cutting schedules are managed, how we can do more regular cuts on areas we know are prone to quick growth. This year, despite the issues, we doubled the regularity of cuts on roadside verges and playgrounds. This is something we can build on.
You said… that litter can spoil some of our best green and blue spaces
We agree. Littering really is the pits and the only people to blame for litter are the litterers themselves. Litter annoys us too and takes resource away from other services.
We do carry out litter picks where we can, particularly in our larger parks and there are also some amazing local volunteer groups who help out, too, and we do our best to support them to do that. But the fact is, none of these would be needed if people took responsibility for their own waste.
Did you know that there are 1,078 litter bins across the city and that 381 of those are in our parks or green spaces?
You said… we need more dog poo bins in our parks and nature reserves
Whilst we think we have generally got the right balance of bins in our parks right for the level of demand we will always listen to feedback and review provision at specific locations where concerns are raised.
Did you know that dog poo can be put in any public litter bin?
You said… you wanted more opportunities to get involved
Good news in this department… we’ve got more opportunities to get involved than you can shake a stick at!
Green Communities Regular opportunities to get involved across Central Park, Devonport Park and Keyham. Find out more: Green Communities webpage
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Get involved in a full range of volunteering programmes across Plymouth’s varied waterfront. Find out more: National Marine Park website
BRIC Sign up a voluntary Community Flood Responder role, and our Adopt a Drain scheme. We provide training and/or equipment for the voluntary activities. Find out more: BRIC webpage
Community Forest Regular Community Tree Nursery Volunteering every Thursday at Poole Farm. Community tree planting days within the city across the winter. Forest Rising winter programme open for registration now for young people aged 16 – 28 years old. Find out more: Community Forest website
Plymouth Natural Grid Regular volunteer opportunities across reserves and greenspaces in the city. Practical conservation work and infrastructure/ access improvement work. Find out more: PNG LinkedIn
Poole Farm Weekly volunteering opportunities at the farm Find out more: Poole Farm Facebook page
Climate Connections Adults can join the Climate Ambassador volunteers programme. There is also a youth version to join as well. Find out more: Climate Connections website
