Plans for a new nuclear power at Oldbury-on-Severn are back on track after a Japanese firm stepped in to buy Horizon Nuclear Power, which had pulled out of the project earlier this year. Hitachi announced today that it aims to acquire Horizon from joint owners RWE and E.ON for £696 million and take over the ongoing development of Horizon’s plans for
Continue readingYear: 2012
Footballers wear it pink in charity match
A South Gloucestershire housing association football team has given 110% in its efforts to support cancer charities. Merlin Housing Society staff took to the football pitch in a pink kit to mark Breast Cancer Research’s Wear it Pink day. They were playing against fellow housing association Curo in a charity football match to raise money for a number of cancer
Continue readingParties unite to slam government planning rule changes
Councillors in South Gloucestershire have united to criticise the Coalition government’s recent changes to planning rules which water down developers’ obligations to provide much-needed affordable housing. At a meeting of Full Council held on 17th October, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors joined Labour members in slamming the Coalition for giving an unelected quango powers to override agreements with developers over
Continue readingStay safe this winter by reducing the risk of fire
Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is reminding people of some top tips to help get their homes ready for winter – and to reduce the risk of fire. Using portable heaters, log fires and electric blankets in one room may seem like a win-win situation, especially in these financially-challenging times. Keeping you and your loved ones warm in that
Continue readingItemised Council Tax statements could be on the way
Council Tax bills could be itemised in South Gloucestershire as part of fresh efforts to show taxpayers where their money goes, say local Conservatives. This year South Gloucestershire Council charged the average Band D household £1,227 in Council Tax. The authority had already been one of the first councils in the country to publish payments over £500 – and now
Continue readingMotorists help drive down crime in South Glos
Hundreds of drivers have visited special events at supermarkets in Bradley Stoke, Cribbs Causeway, Emersons Green, Longwell Green and Stoke Gifford to have their number plates secured. More events are now planned later this month, supported by mechanics from Halfords Autocentres. Community Safety Officer PC Roger Jones said: “Swapping standard number plate fittings with security screws prevents thieves stealing them
Continue readingAre you registered to vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner election?
Residents in South Gloucestershire have until the end of October to make sure they are registered to vote in the country’s first Police and Crime Commissioner election. On Thursday 15th November, polls will open in the Avon and Somerset policing area – which includes South Gloucestershire – for the chance to vote for a Police and Crime Commissioner. This is
Continue readingHave your say on further changes to South Glos planning blueprint
Local people are being invited to have their say on draft modifications to South Gloucestershire’s proposed district-wide planning blueprint, or Core Strategy. The strategy was reviewed by an independent Government Inspector during June and July and in his preliminary findings, published last month, the Inspector endorsed the vast majority of the council’s proposals. However, he has also made a number
Continue readingScience park celebrates first anniversary with “open innovation” debate
Open innovation is key to identifying the industries of the future on which UK prosperity will depend, and the Bristol & Bath Science Park offers an exciting place to accelerate this in the South West. That was the message delivered by Will Hutton, who was speaking at the Bristol & Bath Science Park’s first anniversary event today (26 September). Just
Continue readingNominations sought for 2012 South Glos sports awards
Do you know a budding Bradley Wiggins or perhaps you coach a future tennis ace like Andy Murray? South Gloucestershire Council is looking for nominations for its annual sports awards which recognise the dedication and contribution local people make to sport across the district. Cllr Claire Young, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “2012 has been a great year for
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