17 Kent schools are expected to be closed today due to strike action by members of the National Union of Teachers. A number of other schools will only open partially - some reduced to just a few classes functioning normally. The NUT - the largest teaching union - is taking industrial action over pay.
Another effort to derail significant investment in Rochdale Borough's Public Transport was defeated by the Lib Dems at a meeting of the Borough Council. The Conservatives were trying to force a referendum just 35 days after any announcement of the Transport Innovation Bid. The debate was marred as the Deputy Leader of the GMPTE and Labour Group Leader Allen Brett abandoned his principles and left to avoid a backlash from his Greater Manchester Labour Colleagues and avoided the vote that the Lib Dems won easily.
Council Leader Alan Taylor announced at last night's council meeting that the Borough will see an extra two sergeants and sixteen constables, leading to an extra four officers in each township.
BRITISH National Party district councillors have been slammed as a "disgrace to the council and the community" after condemning a multi-faith forum representing various religions which has been set up in the district.
New figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that there has been a huge increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia, Syphilis and Anogenital Warts among the middle-aged and elderly since 2002. The statistics contained in a Parliamentary Answer show that Syphilis has tripled in the over 65's, and has more than doubled amongst those who are 35-64. The figures also reveal a rise in Chlamydia by 51% for those aged between 35-44 and by 37% for those aged over 65.
Controversial new policies for the future development of Bedford Borough have been branded 'deeply flawed' by Liberal Democrats. The Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan, passed at last week's meeting of the borough council but opposed by the Liberal Democrats, imposes weak environmental standards on the 17,500 new homes due to be built in the borough by 2021 and could permit over-development and urban sprawl across unsuitable sites.
