Gambia plans November election

Poll officials in Gambia have announced that the presidential election will take place in late November this year.

|||

Banjul - The head of Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced on Thursday that presidential elections will take place on November 24.

A statement to this effect was received on Thursday by AFP.

“Upon successful completion of the voter registration exercise, the presidential elections will be held on 24 November 2011 to be followed by the national assembly elections in the first quarter of 2012 and the local government elections a year later, in the first quarter of 2013,” Alhagy Mustafa Carayo said.

The timing of polling day came amid speculation about the inability of the IEC to organise the electoral consultations because of a lack of funding.

According to the IEC head, the 2011 general registration of voters will be conducted over a period of 42 days.

The country’s electoral body also made it clear that all the voters' cards issued during the general registration of voters in 2001 and the subsequent supplementary registration of voters of 2004 and 2006 will be invalid as of May 1 2011.

President Yahya Jammeh, who seized power in July 1994 in a bloodless coup, has vowed not to engage his party into any electoral campaign as he is confident that he will be re-elected. - Sapa-AFP

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/gambia-plans-november-election-1.1050452

Annuities Waste Alps Reality TV Christmas International criminal justice

Toddler's cot death remains a mystery

PARENTS of a toddler found dead in his cot are still waiting to find out how he died.

Fifteen-month-old Lyndon Andrew Birks was found by his mother Julie Marshall on March 15.

The 22-year-old had put her son to bed as normal but later went to check on him and found that he was not breathing.

Her partner, 29-year-old Andrew Birks, tried to resuscitate the child until paramedics arrived at their home in Triner Place, Norton.

Lyndon was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, but doctors were unable to save him.

The toddler's funeral was due to take place today at Carmountside Crematorium.

Julie, a part-time sales assistant, told The Sentinel that Lyndon was a "healthy and happy" little boy.

She said: "What has happened has been a massive shock.

"We just can't believe he's gone. We were playing with him before we put him to bed and he was laughing and giggling just as usual."

Julie, who is 15 weeks pregnant with the couple's second child, said she put Lyndon to bed at around 8.30pm on March 15. She checked on him an hour later and he was asleep.

But at 10pm, when she went to check on him again, Julie found that Lyndon was no longer breathing.

She said: "He wasn't cold or blue but he wasn't breathing.

"I rang an ambulance while Andrew tried to resuscitate him."

Julie said she and her husband don't understand why Lyndon died.

She added: "The worst part is not knowing why.

"He was such a strong little boy. We're waiting for more tests to be carried out but as of yet, we have no cause of death.

"Doctors told us that the likelihood is that we'll never know why he died."

Julie said that Lyndon attended Honeybears Day Nursery in Burslem and was always excited to go there.

"There were mirrors on the wall at nursery and Lyndon would pull faces and laugh at himself.

"He loved Mickey Mouse. He would sit in front of the TV and laugh his head off. He also loved pushing his toy cars around on the floor.

"He was a very happy and contented little boy."

Andrew, who looked after Lyndon while Julie went to work, said: "It's a very difficult time. It's been such a shock.

"Lyndon was a lovely little lad, he was a bit cheeky like any other little boy."

Andrew added: "He could be naughty but he was always smiling and playing with his toys.

"We just can't get our heads round it."

An inquest into Lyndon's death was opened and adjourned last Thursday by North Staffordshire Coroner Ian Smith.

Lyndon's funeral was due to take place at Carmountside from 1.30pm.

Leave your tributes to Lyndon below

Also on www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk: Latest discount vouchers

Free legal expenses and breakdown Cover worth �55.00! - Insure365

Five-day coach holiday to Weston Super-Mare only 169pp - Sunclub International

FREE Tea or Coffee for Breakfast - Captain Kooks Ltd

Eight-course buffet. Was �9.95, just �8.50. Child's meal half-price.(Mon-Thurs) - Rose of Kashmir

Free �75 Tesco shopping voucher on orders wor th more than �2,590- R G Joinery

Want to offer readers a discount voucher? Claim your listing on our business directory

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13c731e2/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0CToddler0Es0Ecot0Edeath0Eremains0Emystery0Carticle0E33945770Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

New Castle United International criminal court Niclas Alexandersson Lee Bowyer Green politics Television

Gates mum on CIA moves in Libya

Defence Secretary Robert Gates says the United States has no plans to send ground troops into Libya.

|||

Washington - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is not close to a military breaking point despite nearly two weeks of coalition strikes that have degraded his fighting power, the top United States military officer told Congress on Thursday.

The comments by Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came as lawmakers questioned whether the United States might deepen its involvement in Libya, where poorly organised rebels are struggling against better armed loyalist forces.

Revelations that President Barack Obama has signed an order authorising covert US support for rebel forces fanned fears of mission creep among critics who warn that US military is already stretched by a decade of war.

“With Iraq and Afghanistan already occupying a considerable share of American resources, I sincerely hope that this is not the start of a third elongated conflict,” said the Republican chairman of House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, Howard McKeon.

Defence Secretary Robert Gates, testifying alongside Mullen before the committee, assured Congress that the United States had no plans to send in ground forces or expand the military mission to include ousting Gaddafi from power.

“Deposing the (Gaddafi) regime, as welcome as that eventuality would be, is not part of the military mission,” Gates said in testimony.

But he declined comment on reports of CIA activity in Libya. US officials have told Reuters CIA operatives have been in the country for some time gathering intelligence on rebels, but are not actively supporting the rebels.

Proponents of greater involvement in Libya say coalition allies should arm and train the rebels, but Gates played down prospects that the United States would assist them - a job he said was better left to allies.

“In terms of providing that training, in terms of providing assistance to them, frankly, there are many countries that can do that,” Gates said.

“That's not a unique capability for the United States. And, as far as I'm concerned, somebody else should do that.”

Mullen said coalition strikes had taken a toll on Gaddafi's overall forces, but signaled a long struggle ahead.

“We have actually fairly seriously degraded his military capabilities... We've attrited his overall forces at about the 20- to 25-percent level,” Mullen said.

“That does not mean he's about to break from a military standpoint, because that's not the case.”

Lawmakers have complained that Obama did not adequately consult them before deciding to effectively launch an air war on Libya, and some said they would have refused to give their backing to what appeared to be an open-ended conflict.

“This mission is unclear and the goals are unclear,” said Representative Michael Turner, a Republican.

“If you placed a resolution on this floor today for a vote for approval... I doubt that it would pass. And I certainly would not be voting for it,” he said.

Gates and Mullen acknowledged the limited US intelligence on the rebels who might eventually take control of the country.

“To be honest, other than a relative handful of leaders, we don't have much visibility into those who have risen against Gaddafi,” Gates said, describing them as a “disparate” and “scattered” movement with competing agendas.

Rebel spokesmen have said too much reliance on foreign military support would undermine their credibility and have stressed they do not want foreign “boots on the ground”. But they have appealed for arms supplies, especially equipment to knock out Gaddafi's heavy weapons and tanks.

Mullen estimated that there were only 1 000 militarily trained fighters.

Gates, who has openly speculated about cracks within the Gaddafi regime, predicted political and economic measures would ultimately pave the way for Gaddafi's ousting, over time, by his own people.

To that end, the White House cheered the defection of Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa, saying it delivered a “significant blow” to Gaddafi. It urged Gaddafi's other aides to “get on the right side of history”. - Reuters

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/gates-mum-on-cia-moves-in-libya-1.1050442

Boxing Christina Aguilera Lancashire Winter sun Art Dimitar Berbatov

Work starts at busy junction

COMMUNITY leaders have appealed to motorists to be patient while work is carried out to make a busy junction safer.

The junction of the A523 Macclesfield Road and Rushton Road, near Leek, is to be rebuilt following a number of accidents at the site.

Work is due to start on Monday, April 4 and should last for six weeks. This includes a one-week shutdown over the Easter holiday.

Cabinet member for highways and transport Mike Maryon said he hoped the measures would help slow traffic.

He said: "The work to improve this junction is important as it is about people's safety, which must always be our priority.

"We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding while the work is carried out."

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13c6d02a/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0CWork0Estarts0Ebusy0Ejunction0Carticle0E33946820Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Obama administration Housing market Alex Reid Regulators China Norway

City museum in award hunt

A MUSEUM has been short-listed for a national award for its family friendly environment.

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, in Hanley, has been short-listed for the Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award 2011.

This national award is supported by Kids in Museums, a charity that actively encourages museums to become more family friendly and is one of the biggest in the sector.

The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is among six museums that have made it through to the third stage of the award after first being nominated by the public for their family friendliness.

The winner of the award will now be judged in April by anonymous families who will visit over the coming months. These families will decide on a winner, using the Kids in Museums Manifesto as a guide.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13c6d00f/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0CCity0Emuseum0Eaward0Ehunt0Carticle0E33946780Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Employment law Christmas markets Argentina Gordon Brown JS Bach Carlos Tevez

- No military solution to the Libyan crisis

There can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya. Efforts to find a political solution must start now, says Norwegian�Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr St�re, following this weeks's London Conference on Libya.

Source: http://www.norwaypost.no/news/no-military-solution-to-the-libyan-crisis-24978.html

Global terrorism Environmental sustainability Credit cards Job hunting West Ham United Self-catering

Libyan minister ?not offered immunity?

It had been speculated that the UK government might seek to overlook allegations Koussa played a role in the Lockerbie bombing.

|||

London -

Britain isn't offering apparently defecting Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa diplomatic immunity as it seeks to further undermine Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the resignation of Moussa Koussa, one of the most senior members of Gaddafi's government, shows the Libyan leader's regime is “fragmented, under pressure and crumbling.”

It had been speculated that the British government might seek to overlook allegations Koussa played a pivotal role in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, among other atrocities, to capitalise on his resignation.

But Hague said on Thursday “Moussa Koussa is not being offered any immunity from British or international justice.” - Sapa-AP

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/libyan-minister-not-offered-immunity-1.1050221

Lake District Shola Ameobi WikiLeaks Terrorism policy North Korea Skiing

Ed Miliband to marry at Langar Hall

LABOUR leader Ed Miliband is to marry his partner Justine Thornton on May 27, a spokesman said today.

Miss Thornton, 40, a top barrister, is a former pupil of West Bridgford School.

She said the venue for the wedding was Langar Hall in Notts - just 20 minutes from where she grew up.

The couple have two sons, Daniel, 21 months, and Samuel, four months.

They will be married by a registrar in front of around 50 guests.

The couple have been together for several years, but the Labour leader previously said he had been "too busy" to get married.

Mr Miliband, 41, who is MP for Doncaster, told the Doncaster Free Press it was "the right time" for the couple to tie the knot and that they had decided they would get married about a year ago.

It will be a "small ceremony" at Langar Hall, followed by a honeymoon in an undisclosed location.

"This is going to be a fantastic day for us both and I feel incredibly privileged to be marrying someone so beautiful and who is such a special person," he told the newspaper.

"It's the right time for us to do this and I'm really looking forward to a lovely day.

"We're going to have a party in Doncaster when we get back from honeymoon - which will be in an undisclosed location," he said.

"At the end of the day we're in our 40s and we've got two kids - so it wasn't a case of me suddenly popping the question. This is just something we think is right for us."

Although his older brother David - whom he beat to the party leadership in last year's hard-fought contest - will be among the guests, Mr Miliband has decided against having a best man.

There might be a "low key" stag night though, he disclosed.

Ms Thornton said: "Ed wasn't even an MP when I met him and at the end of the day I am marrying him because of who he is and not because of what he's doing now.

"We're planning on a small ceremony, all at the hotel with everything at the same place and we're looking forward to it very much."

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/13bda1bb/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0CEd0EMiliband0Emarry0ELangar0EHall0Carticle0E33886390Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Carlos Tevez Opera BBC1 Neal Ardley English Defence League Andy Flower

Disgusted at the abuse from fans

AFTER hearing the recent story on the radio about abuse in football at grass roots level, I feel compelled to have my say with regard to the abuse the current board at Port Vale are experiencing from an element of the Black and Gold "fans".

Not content with harassing the board at every home game with their abusive behaviour and disgusting manner they have now taken this to another level. I personally (as have other board members' wives) received a foul package and abusive and slanderous letters at my home address.

But what has incensed me more is they have violated my privacy by visiting my home and trespassed on my property to paste their Black and Gold slogan on my door.

This behaviour is totally unacceptable and the morons responsible will be brought to account.

I can appreciate the passion true fans have for the game and the club, as I do, but any grievances they have should be kept at the club to be dealt with accordingly. I'm sure the Black and Gold supporters' wives would be as disgusted and annoyed as I am if they were afforded this treatment.

I, unlike this Black and Gold element, have a life outside of Port Vale and don't appreciate having it disrupted by low life whose sole aim is to cause trouble. Do they really have the club's interests at heart? I don't think so. Maybe they could use all that pent up aggression to do something useful for the club for a change.

Does Mo Chaudry condone the behaviour of a group that has endorsed him?

It saddens me that all the good that happens on the pitch is soured by events off the pitch. So let's give the team our full backing and with a bit of luck they can take us up.

ANN BRATT

Morrilow Heath

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13be37bd/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0CDisgusted0Eabuse0Efans0Carticle0E3388190A0Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

US foreign policy Kevin Campbell Reckitt Benckiser The Archers Blackburn Rovers BBC2

Richards injury blow for Man City

Manchester City defender Micah Richards faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a torn hamstring.

|||

London – Manchester City defender Micah Richards faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a torn hamstring playing for England's Under-21s, it was confirmed Tuesday.

Richards will now miss the FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United on April 16 as well as the bulk of City's matches in the title run-in after a scan revealed a grade two muscle tear.

“It is not what I wanted to hear at all. I felt sick when I was told. I knew from experience when I did it that it felt like a bad one but I was hoping for the best,” Richards said on Manchester City's website.

“All I can do now is concentrate on getting back as quickly as possible. I must admit I did think 'why me?' for a while when I heard the news.

“Of all the games to miss, a Wembley date with United is the last one any player would choose.” – Sapa-AFP

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/richards-injury-blow-for-man-city-1.1048970

Darren Bent Economics Democrats Obama administration Housing market Alex Reid

Blooming good idea was letting children have fun

SOME 105 trees have been planted across Hammersley Hayes estate;

The Community House has been refurbished;

A children's centre, junior youth club and multi-use games area have been created;

Moorlands Housing has renovated its properties and spent about �115,000 on various improvements to the estate;

Highways officers have conducted traffic surveys on the estate; This resulted in Froghall Road residents being given 30mph wheelie bin stickers and the repainting of white lines which had worn off at estate junctions;

Children took part in an art project and drew pictures of Hammersley Hayes which were made into a collage and mounted outside the Community House;

Hammersley Hayes was given a newcomer and litter management award after entering Britain in Bloom;

Footpath 39, from Donkey Lane to Ness Grove, has had a new stile installed;

A new name plate for Thorpe Rise was installed indicating 'No through road' to deter unnecessary drivers from passing through the

estate;

Information and letters about dog fouling were delivered to all properties on the estate, and pavement stencilling done to promote responsible dog ownership.

Cheadle Town Council also installed a new dog bin;

A residents' survey has been undertaken to identify services or activities. Some 46 homes responded and the top three issues were activities for young people, traffic calming and environmental improvements;

Cook and Eat courses have been organised;

A lunch club secured a �7,000 grant from the Big Lottery to pay for weekly activities and regular trips out;

A job club has been started every Tuesday and a craft club takes place every Saturday.

Also on www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk: Latest discount vouchers

Five-day coach holiday to Weston Super-Mare only 169pp - Sunclub International

FREE Tea or Coffee for Breakfast - Captain Kooks Ltd

Eight-course buffet. Was �9.95, just �8.50. Child's meal half-price.(Mon-Thurs) - Rose of Kashmir

Free �75 Tesco shopping voucher on orders wor th more than �2,590- R G Joinery

Free Legal Expenses for Young Learner Drivers - Insure365

Want to offer readers a discount voucher? Claim your listing on our business directory

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13bdf12e/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0Cideas0Eallowed0Eareas0Eturn0Ecorner0Carticle0E33836350Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Sepp Blatter Caribbean Music TV Jonny Wilkinson Mergers and acquisitions Liberal-Conservative coalition

Gyan?s equaliser earns draw for Ghana

Ghana have held England to a draw in a memorable friendly watched by 80 000 fans.

|||

London - Ghana held England to a 1-1 draw in a memorable friendly on Tuesday, with Asamoah Gyan scoring a superb stoppage-time equaliser to earn the visitors a deserved reward from an entertaining match.

Andy Carroll, who moved from Newcastle United to Liverpool for 35.0 million pounds in January but has hardly played because of injury, produced a killer finish with a low left-foot shot after 43 minutes on his second senior appearance to put England ahead just before the break.

But Gyan, who plays for English team Sunderland, produced a a brilliant finish as the match moved into stoppage-time, jinking into space in the box before unleashing a precise left-foot shot that gave England keeper Joe Hart no chance.

A crowd of more than 80 000 included an estimated 20 000 Ghanaians who brought the stadium to life as last year's World Cup quarter-finalists made England work hard to stretch their unbeaten run against African opposition to 17 matches. - Reuters

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/gyan-s-equaliser-earns-draw-for-ghana-1.1049144

Mergers and acquisitions Liberal-Conservative coalition Oscars Tobin tax Lisa Allardice Social care

Deadly stampede mars Borno ANPP rally

FIVE people were killed and many others injured in Maiduguri yesterday in a stampede at the campaign rally of the All Nigeria Peoples Party after sporadic shooting by armed robbers near the venue of the gathering.

Source: http://dailytrust.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15185:deadly-stampede-mars-borno-anpp-rally&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

Protest Dmitry Medvedev Ireland Egypt New Castle United International criminal court

US stocks rise ahead of jobless

Major US stock indices rose as investors anticipated good news on the US economy later in the week and overcame fears about European debt.

|||

Major US stock indices rose Tuesday as investors anticipated good news on the US economy later in the week and overcame fears about European debt.

Traders expect the US jobless rate to continue to fall when monthly figures are released Friday, but trading volume was light Tuesday as many investors wait for more concrete news.

The optimism was able to overcome concerns about Portugal's economy after the rating agency Standard & Poor's earlier Tuesday downgraded Lisbon's sovereign credit rating, increasing its financial woes and piling pressure on the government to seek a bailout.

The Bank of Portugal on Tuesday issued a gloomy 2011 forecast, saying the economy would shrink 1.4 per cent.

A decrease in a key measure of US consumer confidence was also not enough to keep markets down.

The New York-based Conference Board said its index of consumer confidence fell to 63.4 this month, its lowest level in three months, from a three-year high of 72 in February, as consumers worried about short-term economic prospects and job growth.

The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 81.13 points, or 0.67 per cent, to 12,279.01. The broader Standard and Poor's 500 Index rose 9.25 points, or 0.71 per cent, to 1,319.44. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index gained 26.21 points, or 0.96 per cent, to 2,756.89.

The US currency was off against the euro to 70.89 euro cents from 70.97 euro cents on Monday. The dollar edged up against the Japanese currency to 82.46 yen from 81.71 yen. - Sapa-dpa

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/us-stocks-rise-ahead-of-jobless-1.1049381

Sir Alex Ferguson Sepp Blatter Caribbean Music TV Jonny Wilkinson Mergers and acquisitions

U23?s too classy for Libya

The South African Under-23 soccer team dominated their Libyan counterparts in the first leg of their 2012 Olympics qualifier.

|||

The South African Under-23 soccer team dominated their Libyan counterparts in the first leg of their 2012 London Olympics qualifier, beating them 4-2 at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton on Sunday.

The hosts were robust and 4-0 up with 20 minutes left to play before complacency set in and they conceded two late soft goals.

Libya arrived only the day before the match and signs that they had been inactive because of the political unrest in their country were evident when they were nowhere to be found on a chilly afternoon.

South Africa, who have played three friendly fixtures in the last two weeks in preparation for the game, looked crisp, well-oiled and entertaining as they attacked their opponents at pace while stringing together enterprising passes.

Were it not for some crucial stops from Libyan goalkeeper Mohamed Abukhres, the scores might have been worse off for the visitors, especially in the opening half.

Striker Bongani Ndulula opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he followed up a shot from Themba Zwane that was spilled by Abukhres, with none of his defenders tracking back to help him clear the danger.

Ndulula, who turns out for Orlando Pirates in the Absa Premiership, should have netted a hat-trick on the day, and nearly found a brace a few moments later, only to see his shot flying narrowly over the bar.

Phumelele Bhengu could have doubled the margin, but his close range effort found Abukhres's fortunate foot, and the Libyan keeper was again at hand when he held on to a stinging shot from Sibusiso Mxoyana.

Abukhres, however, could do nothing to stop a well crafted second goal by Zwane in the 40th minute that was created by Thandani Ntshumayelo and a rampant Mandla Masango.

Central defender Eric Mathoho nearly fashioned a goal when he found himself unmarked in the penalty box, but his header from the corner kick went narrowly over the bar and South Africa took a 2-0

lead into half-time.

Ten minutes after the break Bhengu scored with a flamboyant header from the right flank, and Masango bagged the fourth after individually threading through the Libyan defence in the 69th minute.

The South Africans, holding a substantial 4-0 lead, took their feet of the pedal and two minutes later Ramahlwe Mphahlele scored an own goal.

Striker Sami Algulla found a second for Libya in the 90th minute. – Sapa

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/u23-s-too-classy-for-libya-1.1047872

Publishing Stan Collymore Kazakhmys United States Short breaks Peter Atherton

Dave to recreate walk last completed 350 years ago

WHEN writer Dave Wood is in need of inspiration, he goes for a long walk.

However, few will have been as momentous as the one he plans to complete later this year.

The 45-year-old, from Stapleford, wants to recreate a walk of Sherwood Forest last completed nearly 350 years ago.

The "perambulation of Sherwood Forest" was last carried out in 1662 by a team of explorers intent on mapping the landscape around them.

Mr Wood intends to replicate the original journey, noting how the landscape has changed over the centuries and the threats posed to the remaining ancient woodland.

He said: "Most of the forest has disappeared, so hopefully my walk will highlight the danger of losing the rest of it.

"I intend to travel around using the original notes as much as possible, talking to locals and visitors and producing my own reflections."

The route will start at Trent Bridge and take him through areas including Wilford, Lenton, Radford and Bulwell, which were all once part of the forest.

He will then journey through north Notts before heading back down to West Bridgford via villages including Oxton and Epperstone.

Mr Wood is hoping to cover the journey on foot over a three month period, starting in July.

He will be holding events and workshops along the way.

Mr Wood said: "I want people to come along the route with me, noticing the environment.

"A lot of the trees will have disappeared. Hopefully we'll be able to plant a few new ones along the way.

"I also want to get people inspired about the origins of their communities, and the natural and built environments around them."

He added: "The plan is much more than about setting down the boundaries and making copious notes; it's about alerting people to their own creativity, their environment and having fun with their imagination."

The poet is planning to apply for an Arts Council grant in order to run the workshops.

The Sherwood Forest Trust has already offered its support for the scheme as part of its Special Trees project.

Mr Wood wants to hear from community groups, walkers, and tree specialists who would like to get involved.

Call 07709977684 or e-mail davewrite2002@yahoo.com.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/13bdd95f/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0CDave0Erecreate0Ewalk0Ecompleted0E350A0Eyears0Eago0Carticle0E33870A160Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Tony Cottee Peter Crouch Ryan Babel Iain Chambers Censorship Gay and lesbian travel

Live webchat for Notts mum and dads - how is your baby sleeping?

Pampers' sleep expert Wendy Dean will be answering your questions live from 1pm today.

HOW is your baby sleeping?

A peaceful night's sleep is a welcome respite for many new mums and dads - but what happens if your little one can't seem to settle?

Today This Is Nottingham is hosting a live webchat with a baby sleep expert.

Wendy Dean is the Pampers Village Parenting Panel Sleep Expert and she will be joining us at 1pm for an hour-long question and answer session.

Wendy will be able to answer many common questions from parents about their baby's sleeping patterns and behaviours so if you have a query for Wendy why not log on from 1pm and send her your questions.

The chat takes place in the Cover it Live feature panel below from 1pm so please be ready with your questions.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/13af551b/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0C820A30ELive0Ewebchat0ENotts0Emum0Edads0Ebaby0Esleeping0Carticle0E33799920Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Ireland bailout Taxonomy Canada Russell Brand Twilight Energy efficiency

Lord Mayor called to hearing over housing scandal

A HEARING is to be held into the Lord Mayor of Nottingham's involvement in the city's council house scandal – despite a report saying he did not break the code of conduct.

Coun Brian Grocock had lied about his relationship to a family friend who – along with his partner – was later allocated a council house despite not being at the top of the waiting list.

In a report, city council monitoring officer Glen O'Connell told the authority's standards committee he did not believe Mr Grocock's actions in 2005 had broken the councillors' code of conduct.

Committee members had the option of accepting the report's findings, or not accepting them and referring the matter to a hearing. They decided there should be a hearing.

Mr O'Connell's report reveals the couple should probably have waited "years" for a council house in Bestwood, but were offered one after only ten months – and just three days after housing staff were wrongly told one of the couple was Mr Grocock's grandson. The report also shows that:

A housing officer e-mailed Mr Grocock and said the couple were not "realistically" going to get a two or three-bedroom house in Bestwood Park.

The couple were given almost double points, in advance of their baby being born, which made them eligible for a three-bedroom house as no two-beds were available, but this still meant that "realistically they will still have quite a wait". Mr Grocock denies receiving e-mails relating to this.

Director of housing operations Tyron Browne e-mailed the Bestwood area housing office, explaining the applicant was Mr Grocock's grandson and requesting them to "deal with this matter".

He said he had been contacted by Councillor David Trimble on Mr Grocock's behalf. This email was later confirmed by Mr O'Connell as being sent by Mr Browne.

Three days later the couple were offered a house.

Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Sutton said: "This string of events appears to show a manipulation of the system, which nowadays would be regarded as totally unacceptable – and should have been then."

Mr Grocock reported himself to the standards committee, but said he had described the applicant as his grandson "so as to avoid any suggestion that I was not disclosing an interest."

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/13b58b59/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0CLord0EMayor0Ecalled0Ehearing0Ehousing0Escandal0Carticle0E3380A9450Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Environmental sustainability Credit cards Job hunting West Ham United Self-catering Ann Widdecombe

Old Industrial Photo Series in Reykjav�k Museum

The second part of Leifur Thorsteinsson?s 2011 photo series opened in the Reykjav�k Museum of Photography last week. The series includes 15 pictures which he took at the old Landsmidjan smithy, which has since been demolished, for the 1966 Industrial Exhibition in Reykjav�k.

Source: http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news?cat_id=29314&ew_0_a_id=375683

Publishing Stan Collymore Kazakhmys United States

Former petrol station site could become affordable homes

HOMES could be built on the site of a former petrol station and shop off a busy A-road.

Grenson Motor Company has already demolished the filling station, forecourt and associated offices on its land near Crewe and now wants to build 11 family houses.

It is the fourth time an application for housing on the site at Middlewich Road, Bradfield Green, has been submitted.

Two requests, submitted in 2007 and 2008, for 16 homes to be built on the land were withdrawn by the applicant.

A third submission, for 15 homes, was refused in February 2009. One concern was the closure of the petrol station shop.

The land is currently unused. The applicant says that since 2005, the site has been advertised as a commercial site, but there was no interest. They also argue that the shop is not key to the village because of the nearby Minshull Nursery and Garden Centre, which has a better range of stock.

But three neighbours, two in Queens Crescent and one in West View, have objected to the plans.

They say potential homeowners would struggle to get in and out of the new cul-de-sac safely, and that 11 homes is too many for the site.

A spokesman for Cheshire East Council, which will consider the plans this week, said: "The detached properties are arranged around a central cul-de-sac and the terrace properties are proposed along the site frontage."

The terrace houses which would front on to the A530, Middlewich Road, would be classed as affordable.

The council's strategic planning board will discuss the proposals on Wednesday.

The council is concerned about allowing the rural commercial site to be used for housing. It is considered to be a 'departure from the local plan.'

But it has been recommended for approval providing the applicant signs a section 106 agreement, which will secure three affordable homes on the site.

As part of consultation, Cheshire East highways department has said that if the plans are approved, pedestrian crossings will be needed for the A530.

It is a 30mph road through the village.

In a report for Wednesday's meeting, it says: "The site lies within countryside where new residential development is normally restrained.

"The authorised use of the site is an employment site although the earlier petrol station, car sales and workshop uses have ceased and all building have been demolished.

"The proposed residential development is considered to represent an appropriate re-use of the site."

Officers recommend the plans are approved on the proviso three of the homes are to be affordable.

Also on www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk: Latest discount vouchers

FREE Tea or Coffee for Breakfast - Captain Kooks Ltd

Save �574 per couple on Holidays to Malaysia - Sunclub International

Eight-course buffet. Was �9.95, just �8.50. Child's meal half-price.(Mon-Thurs) - Rose of Kashmir

Free �75 Tesco shopping voucher on orders wor th more than �2,590- R G Joinery

Free Legal Expenses for Young Learner Drivers - Insure365

Want to offer readers a discount voucher? Claim your listing on our business directory

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13adb97e/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0CPlan0Eset0Einclude0Eaffordable0Ehomes0Carticle0E33789960Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Liverpool Shaun Bartlett David Lynch European football Private equity Sweden

Woman rescued from flat fire: Passer-by raised alarm

​A WOMAN needed hospital treatment after being rescued from a chip pan fire at her fifth-floor flat.
Passer-by Lee Harrison raised the alarm after seeing smoke billowing from the flat at Arthur Cotton Court, in Hamil Road, Burslem.
The 26-year-old called firefighters and went into the flat to find a woman unconscious on her sofa.  
But Lee was told to get out of the flat after the fire started to take hold –  and firefighters rescued the woman.
Investigators believe the woman had been using her chip pan in the kitchen when she passed out after having too much to drink.
The casualty – who has not been named but is in her 50s – was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire after suffering smoke inhalation at 10.20am on Saturday.
Unemployed Lee, who had been visiting a relative at another flat, said: "I could smell smoke and when I ran downstairs the door to the flat was open and the lady was lying on the sofa in the living room.
"She was unconscious and I could not stir her.
"Then I saw the chip pan on fire and within five minutes the place was black with smoke. I couldn't see anything and was choking.
"I was on the phone to the emergency services and they told me to get out of the flat to get away from the smoke.
"When the lady was rescued she had breathed some smoke in but wasn't seriously injured."
Recent safety work at the 35-year-old council-owned block of flats included installing new  fire doors.
But fire incident commander, Des Keeling, warned people about leaving chip pans unattended.
He said: "This lady appeared to have been asleep after suffering the effects of excessive drinking.
"The chip pan was left unattended and the kitchen was badly damaged by the fire and heat. The rest of the property is smoke damaged.
"Chip pans and alcohol do not mix. Thankfully the smoke detectors were working and the woman's injuries do not appear to be life threatening."
Twenty firefighters from Sandyford, Hanley, Burslem, Newcastle and Longton attended the scene and went into the flat using breathing apparatus. They also used an aerial platform to tackle the flames. They left the complex at midday.
Arthur Cotton Court resident Milly Stockton, aged 85, who was one of the first residents to move into the flats and lives above the scene of the fire, said: "I felt very vulnerable because I thought the whole building was on fire. "The lady who was rescued hasn't lived here long.
"This is only the second time there has been a fire in the block and the last one was about 10 years ago.
"It was a chip pan then as well but it was in the early hours of the morning and we had to be evacuated.
"I have a modern chip pan which turns itself off if left for any length of time.
"Old-fashioned chip pans should be banned because they're too dangerous."

Also on www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk: Latest discount vouchers

FREE Tea or Coffee for Breakfast - Captain Kooks Ltd

Save �574 per couple on Holidays to Malaysia - Sunclub International

Eight-course buffet. Was �9.95, just �8.50. Child's meal half-price.(Mon-Thurs) - Rose of Kashmir

Free �75 Tesco shopping voucher on orders wor th more than �2,590- R G Joinery

Free Legal Expenses for Young Learner Drivers - Insure365

Want to offer readers a discount voucher? Claim your listing on our business directory

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503368/s/13adb971/l/0L0Sthisisstaffordshire0O0Cnews0CWoman0Erescued0Eflat0EPasser0Eraised0Ealarm0Carticle0E33795370Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Student politics Chamonix West Bromwich Albion Women Endangered species Motherwell