News reports located on this page = 2.

CLA calls on Education Secretary to teach Countryside Code in Schools

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP, calling for the Countryside Code to be taught in Schools. It comes following reports of worrying incidents taking place in rural areas as the country emerges from the Covid-19 crisis. These include:- fly tipping, littering, trespassing, country lanes being blocked, gates being left open, dogs chasing livestock and a lack of social distancing. There has been a spike in these types of actions occurring as more people have flocked to the countryside to enjoy the hot weather since lockdown rules were eased.

CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:- "The countryside is a wonderful place and we want to see everybody enjoy it.But we also want them to be safe, and respect the countryside as a place of work. A lack of education on how to treat the countryside has left a generation without a basic understanding of what is an acceptable and indeed necessary standard of behaviour in a rural, working environment which produces food for the nation. We all have a part of to play in improving that understanding, but help in the classroom would be a great start. With the recent problems arising, including the tragic death of another walker attacked by cattle, we strongly believe this is the right time to get the Countryside Code into classrooms. There is an opportunity for lessons to be learned from the crisis. It is imperative we set standards and expectations, while promoting an ethos of respect for the countryside in Schools up and down the country emphasising the impact it plays in children's health, wellbeing and attainment."

Furthermore, there have been reports of disposable barbecues in rural areas catching fire and destroying land and habitat. Reducing the risk of wildfires is key at this time of the year, and raising awareness is one way in which the risk can be reduced. The Countryside Code, which applies to all parts of the countryside in England and Wales, aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors. To read the letter sent to Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP.  The CLA has published a dedicated advisory and information page (regularly updated) on the Coronavirus; which can be accessed online.

Southport builders' merchants set to play their part in construction industry's plan for recovery

BUILDERS merchants across Southport are gearing up for a post-Covid-19 revival of the North West Region's construction sector. The move comes as construction leaders set out a blueprint to secure the future of the multi billion industry. Under the:- 'Roadmap to Recovery strategy,' The Construction Leadership Council's (CLC) Covid-19 Task Forcelays out proposals to protect the future of construction businesses, while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery. The Task Force represents the entire construction supply chain from product manufacturers and merchants to contractors, house builders and specialists.

Peter Worthington, North WestRegional Chairman of the Builders' Merchants Federation, (BMF) said:- "Our members in Southport will play a key role in supporting the recovery of the construction sector, which is a vital part of our local economy. Areas include ongoing support to maximise employment and retain key skills, as well as providing expertise to enable customers to access products which support a more sustainable future."

John Newcomb, Chief Executive of the BMF, which represents members across Southport, said:- "The strategy looks at the short, medium and long-term actions tograsp the opportunities to build a better industry in the future. Since its formation at the start of the crisis the CLC's Covid-19 Taskforce has shown how effective the industry can be when it works towards a common goal. The BMF's focus now within the CLC will include working in cross industry groups on detailed plans for new housing, as well as the maintenance and improvement of existing homes. As we enter the recovery phase, we have a real opportunity to deliver a coordinated programme that will benefit the whole industry and support the Southport economy overall. BMF members across the Region will be key to that as we move forward."

The CLC Roadmap to Recovery can be viewed online at the CLC website.