MP praises community spirit during litter pick in Arnside
South Lakes MP Tim Farron joined forces with local residents on Friday afternoon to help clean up the foreshore in Arnside.
12 Jun 2018
National News
click2cycle Launches in Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe 16 June
A new "Pay As You Go" or monthly subscription cycling service click2cycle serving Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe launches on 16th June.
12 Jun 2018
Huge GP shortage in Chelmsford + mid Essex
More details have emerged of the crisis in local GP numbers. Essex Lib Dem Health spokesperson Cllr Stephen Robinson questioned NHS managers at a recent meeting of the Essex Health Scrutiny Committee, and they revealed that up to half of all GPs and a quarter of all nurses could retire over the next two years. . In mid and south Essex alone, this amounts to 200 GPs that could go. Adding in west and north Essex could mean nearer 400. However, there are just 100 places to train new doctors at the new Anglia Ruskin Medical School - and they won't qualify for many years in the future. . Commented Stephen Robinson: "This is yet more evidence of the crisis facing our NHS, caused by years of underinvestment in training by the Government. The Lib Dems say that the NHS and care system needs an urgent £6.5billion, paid for by 1p on income tax." . For details see p.7 of this report: http://bit.ly/EssexGPshortage The full meeting Agenda is here. . Essex Health Scrutiny Committee considered a number of other items at its
12 Jun 2018
Wiltshire social services in disarray as joint post scrapped
Everyone agrees that the twin crises in the NHS and in social care could be ameliorated, if not resolved, if the two sides could work together. However to do so effectively would require government initiative, so nothing is happening. WC thought having a joint director funded equally by the council and the medics would be a good idea, but it ain't going to happen. Here's the rather woffly, evasive and jargonistic press release from your WC:
12 Jun 2018
Road Closure - Plox Green to Snailbeach
Severn trent will now be doing the repairs at night this Thursday - 14th June. 7pm - 6am. If at all possible it will open early.
11 Jun 2018
Train timetable chaos continues
The disruption caused to local commuters by the recent train timetable changes continues with further alterations to timetables introduced today. Over the last 3 weeks commuters have put up with multiple delays and cancellations, a situation that we feel is unacceptable. Even Chris Grayling, the Conservative Transport Minister, has had to admit that 'the rail industry has collectively failed to deliver for the passengers it serves'. Stephen Lloyd, Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne, has been meeting with Southern Rail/GTR, Network Rail and the Rail Minister, putting pressure on them to rectify the situation. Stephen's recent interview about the situation can be viewed on Youtube.
11 Jun 2018