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New
powers of appeal over housing decisions imminent
NEW regulations governing disputes between landlords and
local authorities in relation to the Housing Act 2004 will come into
force this week. The Government sponsored Residential Property
Tribunal Service (RPTS), has been given a wide range of new
jurisdictions, which will enable it to determine appeals over new
legislation implemented under the Act.
Under the Act, local authorities will assess housing conditions
using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System, which replaces
the old housing fitness standards. They have also been given
responsibility for a new licensing regime for houses in multiple
occupation (HMO’s) and the selective licensing of landlords in
designated areas of low demand for housing where there are problems
of anti-social behaviour.
From 13th April 2006, the RPTS will be able to determine appeals
over local authority decisions on the licensing of HMOs, the
enforcement of the new Housing, Health and Safety Rating System and
the licensing of landlords in selected areas, as well as in relation
to a range of new housing management orders. The tribunal
anticipates handling up to an additional 8,000 cases per year as a
result.
RPTS has aimed since its inception to be an accessible and
user-friendly tribunal service that is a faster and more affordable
alternative to the court system for resolving residential property
disputes. Appeals will be made to the new Residential Property
Tribunals (RPTs) created under the Act, and will be heard by an
expert panel comprising lawyers, surveyors and lay people.
RPTS Senior President Siobhan McGrath said: -"The services
offered by RPTS help people solve housing problems that adversely
affect their lives simply, quickly and without major cost
implications. We are hopeful that the implementation of the new
legislation will be a smooth and simple process for landlords and
local authorities across the country, but we are keen to highlight
our new powers to help resolve disputes, should they arise."
UKTV Style Needs Your
Help!
ZENITH Entertainment Ltd are looking for
contributors to appear on a television series for UKTV Style.
Nik and Eva Speakman have taken life coaching to new levels.
They are a dynamically driven couple based in the North West, whose
day to day business is sorting out people’s lives. After a
successful first series (that’s just been aired for UKTV Style) the
Speakmans’ are now looking for new clients who they can help make
startling, life changing decisions for the second series. Whether
it’s a lack of confidence, an addiction or a life out of balance the
Speakmans’ can turn lives around.
The series is set in the Speakman household, the 12th Century and
reputably haunted mansion in the North West.
Each client will follow a plan to achieve their own particular goal.
The plan will be set by Nik and Eva but might contain such elements
as time management, diet or work/life balance. We’re looking
for people who are facing a variety of life challenges and need
their help. If you suffer from an addiction, have a phobia, lack the
confidence to do your job properly, suffer from bad time management
or just need to change your outlook then this could be an
opportunity to radically change your life forever.
The Speakmans’ are
energetic and passionate people whose positive outlook is addictive.
Please contact Emma on 0161 838 5765 for more details or to discuss
whether the Speakmans’ can help you.
Civic tribute to
Hillsborough victims
SPECIAL prayers were held at Liverpool Town Hall to remember
one of the most harrowing events in the history of football.
Thursday 13 April the Lord Mayor and the Rector of Liverpool,
Reverend Steven Brooks joined together in prayer for the 96
Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster 17
years ago.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Alan Dean, said:-
"Hillsborough affected so many lives not just in Merseyside but
across the whole of the UK. The passing years do not diminish
the importance and the poignancy of this occasion. This
ceremony and the annual memorial service at Anfield means that we
will never forget the old and young who died as a result of this
terrible disaster."
Phil Hammond, who lost his 14 year old son Philip in the tragedy, is
chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and took part in
the event. He said:- "I'm really pleased that the city
council is once again doing something to mark the anniversary of
Hillsborough. As the father of one of the 96 who died I feel
strongly about making sure that their memories live on."
The annual memorial service organised by the Hillsborough Family
Support Group, took place on the Kop at Anfield on Saturday 15
April. The service started at 2:45pm and included a minute's silence
at 3:06pm. All were welcome to attend the ceremony.
The 5th City
of
Liverpool
Business
Fair,
Liverpool
Town Hall
Tuesday
25 April
10.30am
to 3.30pm
*
70
stands
showcasing the best of the Liverpool
Business Community.
*
Business
advice
and
support
to established businesses as well as new start ups.
*
Excellent opportunity to network and
promote your business.
*
Biggest
Business event on Merseyside,
1000
visitors.
*
Free to visit.
*
Full
seminar
programme. *
Meet the
Buyer
event
*
Café /
networking area.
*
Business
opportunities for
2008
*
Free
Wine tasting
* Free head and back massages.
*
Sponsored by
Liverpool
Chamber
of Commerce,
08
Businessconnect,
Viacom
Outdoor
and Business
Liverpool.
Visit
www.liverpoolba.com
for more details or call Liverpool BA on 0151 709 8932
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£2
million boost for Wirral’s woodlands
NEW Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and its partners announced this
week that in response to the regeneration needs of Merseyside,
Bidston Moss in Birkenhead is to receive more than £2 million of
investment, to re-develop and manage it as a new public recreation
facility and community woodland.
The 40-hectare site has been selected and approved for regeneration
under the ‘Newlands’ project, which is billed as ‘land
regeneration for the 21st Century’ because of it’s high-quality
and sensitive approach to development, working with stakeholders and
local communities. Newlands is set to rejuvenate over 400 hectares
of the region’s damaged land, boosting economic and social
conditions across Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
The Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority-owned site is located close
to the centre of Birkenhead and the ‘NewHeartlands’ Housing
Market Renewal Initiative. It is also visible from the M53
east-bound motorway and the mainline train route to Liverpool. The
site was landfilled from 1963 to the 1990s, since when steps have
been taken to improve environmental conditions by Merseyside Waste
Disposal Authority (MWDA) in partnership with Groundwork Wirral. Now
the long-held local aspiration to turn this area into a quality
recreation area for public use has been realised.
Newlands at Bidston Moss will allow the land regeneration works to
continue, delivering a much needed contribution to inner Wirral’s
social, economic and environment needs. The quality place created
will also enhance the gateway to Liverpool – European Capital of
Culture 2008 and provide one of Mersey Waterfront Regional Park’s
visitor attractions. The design and future management of the site
will also contribute significantly towards Merseyside’s Biodiversity
Action Plan targets.
The community woodlands at Bidston Moss will be managed by the
Forestry Commission in partnership with MWDA, Groundwork Wirral, The
Mersey Forest and Wirral Council. To support the area’s over arching
aims to provide a cohesive and balanced community, additional
funding from Biffaward and EU Objective One via The Mersey Forest
Trust has been secured for Bidston Moss.
A key development for the site is the extension of the Bidston Moss’
cycling resource, to be a valuable addition to the National Cycle
Route Network. Improvements to the on-site cycle tracks will offer
greater facilities for mountain bike riders, in the hope that it
will help prevent man-made environmental damage to Bidston Moss, and
support local health and fitness schemes. In addition, plans
for the site include the cultivation and introduction of more
diverse wildlife species, opening-up the woodland’s panoramic views
as well as establishing an eye-catching entrance feature, giving
visitors to Bidston Moss a dynamic sense of arrival.
Following discussions with MWDA, Association of Wirral Angling Clubs
and Wirral Council’s Rangers Services, the exiting three-hectare
lake, which is located to the eastern edge of Bidston Moss, is to be
restructured. Currently the lake is used for informal fishing and
Newlands at Bidston Moss aims to capitalise on the water’s potential
by encouraging more marginal vegetation as well as improving
wildlife habitats - by formalising fishing pegs, softening the
bank’s edges and enhancing the pond dipping access points.
Additionally Newlands at Bidston Moss will make improvements to the
popular ‘Stargazer’ eco-statue with the introduction of further
artworks around the feature to add drama and impact.
A large percentage of the NWDA investment will secure a 20-year
programme of site management at Bidston Moss, making sure the
scheme’s initial benefits will be sustained, and the outcome is a
significant step change for the local community. Bidston Moss,
as well as several other areas of undervalued land across the
region, were carefully chosen following an intensive land survey,
which used region-wide aerial photography to highlight the
Northwest’s area of derelict, underused and neglected (DUN) land.
Using a Public Benefit Recording System (PBRS), designed to measure
the public benefit that can be achieved through regeneration, all
the DUN sites identified were assessed according to social, economic
and environmental factors. The sites chosen offer the greatest
potential for impact with regards to the priorities of the Regional
Economic Strategy.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional
Development Agency (NWDA) said:- “Restoring and securing the
environmental quality of this location in support of the aims of the
Mersey Waterfront Regional Park and European Capital of Culture 2008
strategic investments, as well as ‘NewHeartlands’ are key priorities
for the NWDA. Together these will contribute to the significant
changes that are revitalising inner Wirral. The Forestry
Commission’s quality of approach to improving the region’s
undervalued land will help to transform the perceptions of such
challenging locations and raise values to bring about sustainable
economic growth.”
Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Lord Clark, added:- “By
joining forces with the local community, Newlands will become a
prime example of the very best of grass roots regeneration and we
are looking forward to this exciting challenge. The NWDA has
shown real leadership by forging a unique partnership with other
government agencies, including funding for the long-term (20-years)
management of the sites and using truly cutting edge surveying and
analysis techniques to ensure maximum benefit for public money.”
Cllr John Fletcher, Chairman of MWDA, said:- “The social and
economic benefits of transforming an existing brownfield site into a
multi-use, attractive woodland shouldn’t be underestimated. We are
delighted that land that was previously landfill can be used for
something which the whole community will gain from.”
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