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‘Drop in’ to
help Disabled
CHARITY WheelPower, who provide opportunities for people with
disabilities are looking for able bodied volunteers with a sense of
adventure who are seeking the ultimate thrill, a sponsored
parachute jump.
There are 3 types of jump available; a skydive from 10,000ft
attached to a professional instructor, a solo jump from up to
3,000ft and accelerated freefall which is performed solo from
10,00ft. You can jump on the weekend of your choice from one
of over 20 British Parachute Association approved airfields across
the U.K. No experience is necessary as all training is included.
If you want to feel the ultimate adrenaline rush call WheelPower on
01296 395995 or
email for
information.
Fundraiser Paul Rushton said:- "This challenge is the perfect
way for thrill seekers to help us improve the lives of thousands of
children and adults with disabilities. Better still, the jump is
completely free to everyone who raises enough sponsorship. Sport is the medium through which WheelPower
helps people with disabilities improve their quality of life. Often
at a time when there are many negative things in a person’s life,
sport is a real positive. Through sport many people whose lives have
been traumatically changed can have an outlet for their frustrations
and energy. By focusing on something they can do, and potentially
can excel in, increased confidence and a positive outlook can be
achieved and this can influence other areas of their lives."
RECORDERS BUZZING
ABOUT INSECT EXPLOSION
THOUSANDS
of bee and butterfly sightings logged as spring finally blooms.
Springwatch survey observations are now being made at an average of
1 every 2 minutes as spring finally bursts into life, says the
Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.
Among the species now being logged by the Springwatch survey, which
is run by the BBC in association with the Woodland Trust and the
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, are hundreds of observations of
emerging queen red-tailed bumblebees and peacock butterflies.
The icy blast that swept across the UK earlier this year meant we
had a more ‘traditional winter’ with temperatures close to a
30-year average, which restricted sightings of insects. But as
temperatures continue to climb spring looks set to finally get
underway in earnest.
Phenology project manager Jill Attenborough said:- “The
response to Springwatch 2006 has been superb and we have been
recently logging more than 800 observations every day – but we still
need more people to tell us what’s going on. Climate change is
having a big impact on nature’s calendar right here in our back
gardens and we need to try to build up as clear and comprehensive a
picture as possible of what the knock-on effect is on our species,
right across the UK.”
This year’s 6 spring indicators are first sightings of 7-spot
ladybird, frog spawn, red-tailed bumblebee, peacock butterfly,
flowering hawthorn and swift.
Everyone can take part in the survey. Recorders can log observations
via the internet at
www.bbc.co.uk/springwatch or by
postcard, or even by text4. Bill Oddie, Kate Humble and Simon King
will be back again looking at the results with Springwatch, from May
29 on BBC 2.
Findings from Springwatch 2006 go to the UK Phenology Network’s5
vast database of observations to help plot changes in nature’s
calendar. |
LANDLORDS CAN APPLY FOR HMO LICENCE FROM 6 APRIL
LANDLORDS and managing agents of some houses in multiple
occupation (HMO) should apply for an HMO licence from Thursday 6
April 2006. Landlords who fail to apply for a licence from their
local authority, before 3 July 2006, may face fines and have rent
withheld.
Landlords and property managing agents letting reasonable quality
houses in HMOs have nothing to fear from HMO licensing says ODPM
minister Baroness Andrews:- "Landlords with HMOs that are well
managed and provide decent quality accommodation should face a
straightforward licensing process." Licensing is part of a
nationwide drive to improve standards in private rented
accommodation.
Properties of 3 or more floors, with 5 or more tenants belonging to
2 or more households, by law, will require a licence from the Local
Authority. Some Local Authorities may also licence smaller private
rented properties or properties in areas with low housing demand or
significant problems of anti-social behaviour.
Housing Minister, Baroness Andrews explains:- "HMOs provide
much needed affordable housing, particularly for younger people.
However, tenants in larger shared properties are often vulnerable to
poor housing conditions. Fewer than 5% of landlords are
members of an association and increasing numbers of private
individuals are operating with just 1 rental property."
Mandatory licensing standardises existing registration schemes
across England, making the process simpler for landlords and tenants
to understand. Stringent enforcement will also make it difficult for
landlords to evade licensing. Those who fail to comply before 3 July
2006 may face fines of up to £20,000, a criminal record and
potentially, rent repayment orders.
Nicholas Handslip, a Reading landlord, says:- "I am a
responsible landlord and market myself as such. I want to provide
assurance to my tenants that my properties are up to scratch and to
make sure that, in the event of a problem, they feel secure with the
knowledge that it would be resolved. Whilst legislation is unlikely
to significantly raise tenants' awareness of environmental health
and safety requirements, it will enforce the implementation of
regulations on their behalf."
To grant a licence the local authority must be satisfied that:-
* the proposed licence holder, the landlord or managing agent, are
'fit and proper' people
* properties and
tenancies are managed appropriately
* the accommodation
meets all minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets,
kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents
* local authorities can
attach additional conditions when issuing licences
The costs of licences vary and are determined by local authorities.
For more information on mandatory HMO licensing and to identify
whether you have a property that needs licensing, visit
www.propertylicence.gov.uk.
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