National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced on Thursday that bank applications for the Unified Payment Interface have officially become operational, which means that UPI apps of banks can now be downloaded and used for transactions:
What is UPI and what can a user do with the app?
UPI is a payment system that allows money transfer between any two bank accounts by using a smartphone.
UPI allows a customer to pay directly from a bank account to different merchants, both online and offline, without the hassle of typing credit card details, IFSC code, or net banking/wallet passwords.
How can one download the UPI app?
The UPI app of 19 banks -- Andhra Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Bhartiya Mahila Bank, Canara Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, DCB Bank, Federal Bank, ICICI Bank, TJSB Sahakari Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Karnataka Bank, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India, United Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, Vijaya Bank and YES Bank -- will be available on the Google Play Store of Android phones in the next few days for customers to download.
Steps to get started with UPI
1. Download the app from Play Store and install in phone; 2. Set app login; 3. Create virtual address; 4. Add your bank account; 5. Set M-Pin; and 6. Start transacting using UPI
How safe is UPI?
It is safe as the customers only share a virtual address and provide no other sensitive information.
What kind transactions can be performed via UPI?
Merchant payments, remittances, bill payments among others.
Is there a per transaction limit?
The per transaction limit is Rs.1 lakh.
How exactly does one make a payment transaction?
A user can make an in-app payment for goods or services purchased online.
For instance a site allows purchase of a movie-on-demand.
User clicks buy, the site/app triggers the UPI payment link and is taken to the pay screen of the UPI app, where the transaction information is verified and a click followed by entry of a secure PIN completes the purchase.


National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced on Thursday that bank applications for the Unified Payment Interface have officially become operational, which means that UPI apps of banks can


Madras Week: A fusion of cultures and persuasions Madras was, and has been, a crucible of cultures, traditions and beliefs. In the last instalment of our series chronicling the various persons, places and events that shaped the city, we take a... »
Madras Week: City of many firsts and frozen moments A key hub of administration, commerce and education for over three centuries, Chennai has many a story to be proud of. In our continuing coverage, we look at some of these landmark moments as well as... »
Madras Week: Monuments , memories and milestones Landmarks that have stood the test of time and the lore surrounding the metropolis take us back in time on an incredible journey through a living and breathing city that is Chennai. »
The triumph of Madras The author strolls along the history-rich roads from Beach Station to Labour Statue, taking in the sights, sounds and the sunset »
The weave and the wearer The Textile Tour of T. Nagar, organised as part of Madras Day celebrations, turned the spotlight on traditional weaves and contemporary interpretations »
Madras Week: Happy Birthday! Raising a toast to the city, 377 years after it was founded, is at once a tribute and a promise. It is a celebration of its manifold facets and a firm resolution to ensure that this glorious... »
Did you know that Poonamallee was a power centre Did you know that Poonamallee was a power centre as far as the British trade in Madras was concerned? For around 40 years from the mid-1640s, the Golconda Sultans, who dominated the region, appoin... »
Madras Day: An ‘inclusive’ walk through cinema history A huge collage of movie stills, actors, directors and film technicians formed the backdrop for a group of enthusiastic participants who had assembled for a walk on ‘The city and its cinema’ at the... »
Madras Day Feature – Over centuries, the building blocks of the city What makes a metro tick? A melange of people, places and events that all come together to lend not just a character but a soul that transcends generations. On the second day of our series, we continu... »


DMK legislator Poongothai Aladi Aruna on Tuesday urged the State government to come up with a plan to permanently fix the price of onion citing the recent fall in prices of onions and tomatoes. During


Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Saturday foiled an attempt to smuggle foreign currency worth over Rs.92 lakh from Chennai to Singapore through the Tiruchi airport.
The officials got specific intelligence input about the smuggling of foreign currency by a Chennai-based passenger, who was a frequent flier in that segment.
Early on Saturday, the passenger arrived at the Chennai airport and boarded the specific flight en route to Singapore.
DRI officers mounted an intensive surveillance on the movements of the passenger and intercepted him at the Tiruchi airport.
The Additional Director General of DRI said in a press release that officers identified the suspect sitting on the plane after a coordinated and deep surveillance and followed him when the flight landed at Tiruchi.
Upon examination of his hand baggage, the officers stumbled upon the foreign currency, including Euros and Swiss Francs, with a total value of Rs.92 lakh concealed in the bottom portion of the two stroller bags. He added that the officers seized the currency and the bags.
As the passenger was found to be carrying goods worth more than Rs.20 lakh, he was arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act and was subsequently released on bail.


Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Saturday foiled an attempt to smuggle foreign currency worth over Rs.92 lakh from Chennai to Singapore through the Tiruchi airport.The off


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Desi Man? A look at India's superhero films


The surgery of this kind was said to have been performed for the first time at the Government Headquarters Hospital in Manapparai.
Doctors at the Government Headquarters Hospital in Manapparai performed a complex surgery on a woman to remove the tumour here on Friday night. The surgery of this kind was said to have been performed for the first time at the hospital.
The surgery was performed for about two hours starting 10 p.m. on Friday. The woman, K. Chellammal (49) of Pillampatti near Viralimalai, came to the hospital about a fortnight ago. Doctors, led by S. Anand, gynaecologist, screened her and took the biopsy test only to confirm positive symptoms for cancer cervix.
“There is no specialist for performing surgery at the District Headquarters Hospital at Manapparai and hence, we availed the services of oncologist S. Ravi Iyengar,” said V. Malaidurai, anaesthetist of the hospital, who co-ordinated the surgery.
The team comprising Dr. Anand, Dr. Ravi Iyengar, Dr. Malaidurai and V. Vijaya, gynaecologist, conducted the surgery. “We were fully prepared to meet any challenge and had taken all precautionary measure, as it was a great challenge for us,” said Dr. Malaidurai.
Past midnight, the surgery was completed. The surgery had proved that the government hospital at Manapparai was competent to perform a surgery on cancer cervix, the doctors said.


Doctors at the Government Headquarters Hospital in Manapparai performed a complex surgery on a woman to remove the tumour here on Friday night. The surgery of this kind was said to have been performe


Sachin Tendulkar meets India's Rio medallists


Regional Provident Commissioner T. Indira on Monday advised women employees to focus on career development.
Speaking at a meeting conducted at Ukkunagaram on the occasion of Formation Day of Women in Public Sector (WIPS), she said women employees should work hard to scale greater heights.
She advised the employees to inculcate the habit of discipline and keep abreast with the changing technologies to improve their performance.
Ms. Indira appreciated the corporate social activities of WIPS and the encouragement being provided by RINL management.
RINL CMD P. Madhusudan, said modern women were brining laurels to the country by working hard.

Focus on career development, RINL women employees told


Regional Provident Commissioner T. Indira on Monday advised women employees to focus on career development.Speaking at a meeting conducted at Ukkunagaram on the occasion of Formation Day of Women in


State-run Anadolu Agency has blamed the attack on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
A car bomb explosion rocked a police headquarters in the town of Cizre in Turkey on Friday, killing nine people and wounding dozens, sources said, in the latest in a spate of attacks in the country's turbulent southeast.
News channel NTV showed large plumes of smoke billowing from the site which it said was a police checkpoint. Cizre is located in Sirnak, a province that borders both Syria and Iraq and has a largely Kurdish population.
Ambulances rushed to the scene and hospital sources said at least nine people were killed and 64 wounded.
PKK did it: Anadolu
State-run Anadolu Agency blamed the attack on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has been involved in almost daily clashes in the region since last July, when a ceasefire between it and the government collapsed.
The PKK is listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. More than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds, have died since the rebels took up arms in 1984.
On Thursday, Interior Minister Efkan Ala accused the group of attacking a convoy carrying the main opposition party leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The government has blamed the PKK for a series of attacks this month in the southeast. The group has claimed responsibility for at least one attack, on a police station.

Car bomb blast at police HQ in Turkey kills 11, injures many


A car bomb explosion rocked a police headquarters in the town of Cizre in Turkey on Friday, killing nine people and wounding dozens, sources said, in the latest in a spate of attacks in the country's


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Heavy rains affect lives in Delhi, Hyderabad


A 14-year-old girl trafficked from Assam over two months ago and sold to a 50-year-old man at a village in Hisar in Haryana as a sex slave for around Rs.1 lakh has been rescued in a joint operation by the local police and non-government organisation Shakti Vahini. The trafficker has been arrested.
The girl was not just sexually exploited, but also tortured by having hot water poured on her and her hands scratched with blade. She was rescued on Tuesday and is now at a Children’s Home.
The girl was kidnapped from her native place two months back by one Safiqul and sold off to Dharmender in Hisar. All though she was told by her perpetrators that the man would marry her but she was kept confined in the house where Dharmender used to exploit her sexually and physically. She was kept like a sex slave and was forced to do all the household chores from mending buffaloes to cleaning and cooking during the day time and sexual exploitation at night.
The NGO members’ conversation with the child revealed that she was brought to Delhi by Safiqul and his acquaintances and initially they kept her at a hotel near Jama Masjid in Delhi for a week, when Safiqul too exploited her sexually. After a week Dharmender approached Safiqul who then sent her along with him to Hisar.
She told the NGO team that Dharmender used to beat him up, scratch her hands with blade and pour hot water on her to torture her.
When the team first met the child during the raid, she hugged the woman counsellor when she found the counsellor speaking Assamese and mumbled, “Moi eyat nathaku. (I won’t stay here),” with tears rolling down her eyes. The raid was conducted following a tip-off by the Assam Police.
Assistant Commissioner of Police of Jalukbari, Madhurima, told The Hindu over phone that the girl managed to call her family from a landline number and the matter was reported to them. “We then traced the call to Hisar in Haryana and alerted the local police and Shakti Vahini. Safiqul has been arrested, but three of his accomplices are on the run,” said Ms. Madhurima.
“Minor girls, mostly Muslim, from West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand and Orissa are trafficked to states like Haryana where there is skewed sex ratio and are sold off to middle-aged men as slaved brides. In most of the cases the identity of these girls, from their names to cultural traits, is changed,” said Rishi Kant of Shakti Vahini.

Girl trafficked from Assam 2 months ago rescued in Haryana


A 14-year-old girl trafficked from Assam over two months ago and sold to a 50-year-old man at a village in Hisar in Haryana as a sex slave for around Rs.1 lakh has been rescued in a joint operation b


Yemeni security officials say suicide bomber in Aden kills 25 pro-government fighter


It may achieve turnaround if momentum continues
Heavy Plates and Vessels Plant of Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd (BHEL) may achieve a turnaround if the momentum in getting new orders continued.
Battling for survival due to subdued market conditions, HPVP (formerly known as Bharat Heavy Plate and Vessels), which became a subsidiary of BHEL, after a prolonged struggle in May 2008 was merged with the maharatna company in August 2013.
Sources told The Hindu that now it had an order book of about Rs.300 crore. The unit recently received orders for fire heaters from ONGC-Hazira and IOCL-Haldia amid tough competition. The order value is estimated to be between Rs.37 crore and Rs.40 crore.
The unit signed an agreement recently with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of ISRO for supply of titanium alloy elliptical domes for satellite launching vehicle PSLV.
It obtained orders for auxiliary boilers for Bangladesh and super critical power plants in North Chennai. The unit received a shot in the arm with the receipt of order for supply of 40 compact heat exchangers for Defence sector from Aeronautical Development Agency- Bengaluru.
HPVP had earlier manufactured and supplied compact heat exchangers for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), which was inducted into Indian Air Force sometime ago.
The unit is at present in final stage of capacity augmentation and modernisation, which has been taken up at a cost of Rs.265 crore. The focus now is to regain its reputation as the supplier of process and cryogenic equipment. When contacted, HPVP recognised union honorary president and BHEL Joint Negotiating Committee (federation level) member Ch. Narsinga Rao told The Hindu that HPVP could achieve a turnaround if orders were placed based on its speciality instead of treating it as a feeder unit of BHEL-Trichy.
The Vizag unit, he said had a production worth Rs.70 crore last year incurring a loss of Rs.89 crore. This year, it has set a target of Rs.285 crore. The loss will be Rs.26 crore if the target is achieved.
Due to adverse market condition, BHEL suffered a loss of Rs.913 crore with a turnover of Rs.28,000 crore during 2015-16. “BHEL has order book of Rs.60,000 crore and if it could complete orders worth Rs.36,000 crore during current fiscal, it can achieve a breakeven,” Mr. Rao said.

HPVP order book position improves, may achieve turnaround


Heavy Plates and Vessels Plant of Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd (BHEL) may achieve a turnaround if the momentum in getting new orders continued.Battling for survival due to subdued market conditions, H


The jailbreak is just the latest mass escape from poorly secured Philippine jails with the incidents often involving Muslim extremists.
Muslim extremists carrying Islamic State group insignia have staged a daring jailbreak in the southern Philippines, freeing 28 detainees in the latest in a series of mass escapes, officials said Sunday.
About 50 heavily armed members of the Maute group raided the local jail in the southern city of Marawi on Saturday, freeing eight comrades who had been arrested barely a week ago, police said.
Twenty other detainees, held for other offences, also escaped in the raid, provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Agustine Tello said.
The freed members of the Maute group were arrested on August 22 after soldiers manning an army checkpoint found improvised bombs and pistols in the van they were driving.
The Maute group is one of several Muslim gangs in the southern region of Mindanao, the ancestral homeland of the Muslim minority in the largely Catholic Philippines.
The group has carried out kidnappings and bombings and is believed to have led an attack on an army outpost in the Mindanao town of Butig in February.
The fighting there lasted a week, leaving numerous fatalities and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes as helicopter gunships fought off the attackers.
The gunmen attacking the jail Saturday were seen carrying black flags of the Islamic State group, and bandanas bearing the jihadists' insignia were later found in their base, the military said.
Authorities said they were investigating why the jail's guards did not resist the raid or why security had not been increased after high-risk suspects were brought in.
The jailbreak is just the latest mass escape from poorly secured Philippine jails, with the incidents often involving Muslim extremists.
In 2009, more than 100 armed men raided a jail in the strife-torn southern island of Basilan, freeing 31 prisoners, including several Muslim guerrillas. © AFP, 2016

Islamic State-inspired Maute group stage mass jailbreak in Philippines


Muslim extremists carrying Islamic State group insignia have staged a daring jailbreak in the southern Philippines, freeing 28 detainees in the latest in a series of mass escapes, officials said Sund


There is no proper segregation of the garbage for its disposal
Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar (MCK) formally launched the collection of public opinion on the Smart City programme, but it remains a million dollar question whether the town will be included in the list without the completion of underground drainage and solid waste management systems.
The prerequisite norms of Smart City are to have a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) with the underground drainage (UGD) system and reuse of the water. Ironically, the UGD work taken up in March 2008 at a cost of Rs. 76.50 crore is progressing at a snail’s pace. The executing agency has only laid horizontal lines for the UGD and has to construct inspection chambers for linkage from the houses.
The STP constructed as part of the UGD remains incomplete and unused. Sources said that the completion of the UGD by laying vertical lines from houses connecting to main horizontal lines would require additional Rs. 50 crore. Besides, the badly damaged roads would get further deteriorated in the process.
On the other hand, the other norm of solid waste management in the MCK remains very poor to secure Smart City status. A decade ago the town was declared Clean City and given award for its prompt disposal of garbage from all generating points. Now, it has turned the other way round.
The town is generating around 190 metric tonnes of garbage everyday. But, there is no proper segregation of the garbage for its disposal.
The MCK had taken up construction of Vermi compost pits for the segregation of garbage, but it remains a non-starter.
It had also decided to segregate garbage at the generating points by distributing two dust-bins to each household, which also was not practised properly.
Incidentally, the town does not have any footpaths or adequate parking lots for the vehicles.
When contacted, Mayor S. Ravinder Singh said that they would complete the UGD work by constructing the inspection chambers and utilize the STP. He added that they were also planning distribution of two dust-bins for the segregation of garbage at the generating points as part of solid waste management.

Can Karimnagar get into Smart City list?


Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar (MCK) formally launched the collection of public opinion on the Smart City programme, but it remains a million dollar question whether the town will be included in


Madras Week: A fusion of cultures and persuasions Madras was, and has been, a crucible of cultures, traditions and beliefs. In the last instalment of our series chronicling the various persons, places and events that shaped the city, we take a... »
Madras Week: City of many firsts and frozen moments A key hub of administration, commerce and education for over three centuries, Chennai has many a story to be proud of. In our continuing coverage, we look at some of these landmark moments as well as... »
Madras Week: Monuments , memories and milestones Landmarks that have stood the test of time and the lore surrounding the metropolis take us back in time on an incredible journey through a living and breathing city that is Chennai. »
The triumph of Madras The author strolls along the history-rich roads from Beach Station to Labour Statue, taking in the sights, sounds and the sunset »
The weave and the wearer The Textile Tour of T. Nagar, organised as part of Madras Day celebrations, turned the spotlight on traditional weaves and contemporary interpretations »
Madras Week: Happy Birthday! Raising a toast to the city, 377 years after it was founded, is at once a tribute and a promise. It is a celebration of its manifold facets and a firm resolution to ensure that this glorious... »
Did you know that Poonamallee was a power centre Did you know that Poonamallee was a power centre as far as the British trade in Madras was concerned? For around 40 years from the mid-1640s, the Golconda Sultans, who dominated the region, appoin... »
Madras Day: An ‘inclusive’ walk through cinema history A huge collage of movie stills, actors, directors and film technicians formed the backdrop for a group of enthusiastic participants who had assembled for a walk on ‘The city and its cinema’ at the... »
Madras Day Feature – Over centuries, the building blocks of the city What makes a metro tick? A melange of people, places and events that all come together to lend not just a character but a soul that transcends generations. On the second day of our series, we continu... »

Lessons from Christchurch earthquake for Indian engineers


Christchurch, New Zealand, which experienced an earthquake in 2011, is being rebuilt and construction will go on for another five or six years.As a resident, David G. Wareham, Associate Dean (Internat


Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma on Monday clarified that his “avoid skirt” remark meant for women foreign tourists came out of concern and there was “no harm in taking caution”. He also said that he was a father of two daughters and he would never tell any woman what to wear and what not to wear.
Mr. Sharma while addressing media in Agra on Sunday said that women tourists visiting India should not wear small dresses like skirts and avoid roaming around late in the night without any escort. He had also said that this was part of the advisory being given to foreign tourists as part of do's and dont's in India. His remark led to huge outrage on social media.
“I had said in the context of visiting religious places like temple. I had talked about respecting religious places like if you go to a Gurudwara you cover your head and take off your shoes before entering a temple,” he told news agency ANI.
“I did not ask anybody what to wear and what to avoid. Our country is a diverse nation. We do not ban anything. But something as part of advisory and precaution is something different. But there is no harm in being cautious because different countries issue advisories from time to time for the safety and security of their citizens and tourists but I did not say anything about what one should wear,” he said.
Before Mr. Sharma could clarify on his remark, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter and took sharp barbs at the Narendra Modi government over the statement of his tourism Minister.
“Women had greater freedom for their clothes of their choice in Vedic times than they have in Modi times,” Mr. Kejriwal tweeted on Monday.

‘Avoid skirt’ remark: No harm in caution, clarifies Mahesh Sharma


Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma on Monday clarified that his “avoid skirt” remark meant for women foreign tourists came out of concern and there was “no harm in taking caution”. He also said t


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Being named after one of the greatest battles of the First World War may have destined little Verdun Buck to a life of distinguished and heroic service.
Born just months into the Battle of Verdun in April 1916, the Doddington boy would grow up to serve his country as a soldier and as an officer in his local police force.
Verdun Buck being presented with his original medal
He won medals for gallantry while serving in the Grenadier Guards during the Second World War and later the police long service medal for his unblemished career as a beat bobby in areas including Sutton, Ely, Leverington and Wisbech.
But when he died in 1994 at the age of 76, his son Paul, now 69, knew there was something missing from his father’s legacy.
Most of his war medals and his police service medal had been stolen after Verdun had generously loaned them out for use in a school play.
Towards the end of his life, and in keeping with his unassuming character, Verdun had showed no interest in getting replacements.
But Paul and his wife Christine, 66, of The Rampart, Haddenham, had different ideas and set about reassembling his legacy.
This week, after years of effort, their task was finally completed when the couple were presented with a police long service medal by Assistant Chief Constable Nav Malik at police HQ in Huntingdon.
Paul, who joined the Navy himself at 15, said: “When dad died I thought we’ve got to try to get the medals back. Not for me but for the next generation, to show what his life was about, as a soldier and as a policeman.
“It’s been brilliant to get the police medal and I would like to thank Donna Stundon from the force who’s been trying to get the medal for more than a year.
“It’s the last piece, but a very important piece, of the jigsaw and it’s taken several years. But then it should take a long time because not everyone gets the long service medal.”
Presenting the medal, Mr Malik said: “It’s a real honour and privilege to be able to give you this. My dad joined as the first Asian officer in the country in the 60s and I’m sure we are both very proud of our fathers.
“The Home Secretary would have had to approve the medal originally, and as well as length, your service had to be ethical and beyond reproach.”
Paul, who is chairman of Haddenham Cricket Club, had wanted to retrieve his father’s honours since they were stolen but only started in earnest in recent years following his retirement after more than a decade as a postman.
Lance Sergeant Verdun received the Military Medal for his gallantry while serving at Mount Camino in Italy in 1943. His recommendation for the honour said his “coolness, leadership and complete disregard of enemy fire were an inspiration to his platoon and to all who beheld it.”
The Military Medal was the only decoration that hadn’t been stolen but Paul was determined to reunite it with the others.
The force was contacted on Paul’s behalf by the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) in November 2014 asking if a replacement medal could be obtained for Verdun, who served in the Isle of Ely Constabulary.
The medal had been presented to him by Chief Constable Thomas C Williams. It is not known exactly what year but Mr Williams was head of the force between 1957 and 1964.
Police staff member Donna Stundon, who handles awards for the constabulary, contacted the Home Office, who required confirmation that Verdun had received the medal. This was provided and a replacement was sent.
It was a fitting end to Paul’s research into his father’s past and his quest to restore his legacy.
Paul, who is a father-of-two and a grandfather of four (including a grandson with a middle name of Verdun) said: “It’s been about collecting together dad’s life achievements for posterity and for his relatives. That has now been completed.
“People had a lot of respect for dad. He was a village police officer for a long time and then an enquiry office clerk at Chatteris and Ely police stations. He was unflappable, I never saw him get angry and there was no malice in him at all: the perfect policeman.
“I never met anyone who has a bad word to say about him. I remember at his funeral, his brother, who looked very similar to him, was in bits. He said ‘he was a good one your dad’.”
Paul believes his father did compulsory military service in the 1930s before becoming a police constable in Sutton.
He was on the War Reserve and was called up again on the outbreak of war in 1939. In April 1942, during a period of leave, he married Paul’s mother Katherine Mead.
After the war, Verdun re-joined the police force but had to serve a one-year probation due to his war injury: he had been shot through the shoulder during the fighting which won him the Military Medal.
The Isle of Ely force merged with neighbouring forces to form the Mid-Anglia Constabulary in 1965. This was renamed Cambridgeshire Constabulary when the county of Cambridgeshire was created by the Local Government Act 1972.

War hero’s family presented with new medal after callous thieves steal the original


Being named after one of the greatest battles of the First World War may have destined little Verdun Buck to a life of distinguished and heroic service.


Good progress is being made on Crosskeys Marina, an impressive new gateway to Lincolnshire.
The new £900,000 commercial and leisure marina for Sutton Bridge continues to take shape, with contractors Drake Towage well advanced with the fixing of the pontoons, which will provide two lines of moorings for leisure craft.
In a change from the norm, the pontoons have been floated down the River Nene from Wisbech, reducing the need for HGV journeys and creating something of a local spectacle.
It is anticipated that the leisure moorings will cater for up to 20 boats (a combination of those owned by local boaters and visiting craft), while the commercial moorings will ensure that both the Nene navigation pilot boat and Eastern IFCA (a fisheries protection agency) can remain based in Sutton Bridge.
Each mooring point will provide boaters with electricity and water connections at the tie-up point, while a car park will allow marina users to leave their cars safely off the road while tending their boats.
Coun Colin Davie, executive member for economic development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I’m very pleased with the progress that has been made so far, and am confident the marina will be up and running well before the next boating season.
“We’ve already had a lot of interest from the boating fraternity, with over 70 people having applied to rent a mooring.
“We anticipate the project will lead to increased visitor numbers, many of whom will be using local shops, pubs and restaurants. We also expect to see opportunities arise for businesses providing services for the boating community.
“This will provide a significant boost to the local economy, something that will benefit businesses and residents alike.”
The works are expected to be completed in the coming months, and boat owners are likely to be able to use the new facility from early 2017.
Funding for the project has come from Lincolnshire County Council, an s106 community development fund for Sutton Bridge, and the two commercial users.
Applications from boat owners seeking mooring space can be made to the Lincolnshire County Council’s Economic Development Service via development@lincolnshire.gov.uk and 01522 550600.

Smooth sailing for Sutton Bridge marina project


Good progress is being made on Crosskeys Marina, an impressive new gateway to Lincolnshire.


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.
A study of 1,500 Brits exploring the influence of packaging and branding on shopping habits found that one in six people thought the Coca-Cola bottle was the most identifiable in terms of packaging.
Indeed, it was deemed to be just as recognisable without its logo or the product itself.
The research, commissioned by Easyfairs, organisers of Packing Innovations and Luxury Packaging London, found the Toblerone triangular chocolate bar finished as a close runner up, with Marmite’s glass jar rated as third-best-loved product packaging.
Beauty brands, such as the Tiffany Box and the Chanel No.5 Bottle just missed out on the top ten.
Coke’s success has been attributed to its targeting younger audience, with one in five Millennials selecting the bottle as the most recognisable pack product.Pringles’ iconic cylinder tube, fourth on the overall list, was the Millennial’s second favourite.
The study also revealed barcodes as the greatest packaging invention, ahead of more traditional items such as the cardboard box (21 per cent) - although the younger generation, 18-34 years, voted for 3D printing and re-sealable zips as its top two.
Gerry Sherwood, Event Director for the Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio, who commissioned the survey, said: “Millennials have officially passed Baby Boomers as the largest generation in history, and are more personally connected to their favourite brands than ever before. It is therefore not surprising to see 3D printing come out top in our poll for this age group.”
Top Ten Most Recognisable Brand’s Packaging
1. Coca-Cola Bottle
2. Toblerone Triangle
3. Marmite Jar
4. Pringles Tube
5. KFC Bucket
6. Heinz Ketchup Bottle
7. Fairy Liquid Bottle
8. Apple’s iPhone Box
9. Walkers Crisp Packet
10. Amazon Box

Coca-Cola bottle ‘most iconic packaging’


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.


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Wisbech St Mary 1 King’s Lynn Town Res 1


Elton Hall hosts the Green Meadows Festival this weekend with the cream of local talent joining the likes of BBC’s Craig Charles, Britpop legends Space and dance royalty Utah Saints.
There will be live music and Djs across four stages featuring local legends Shades of Rhythm, A.skillz, Inland Knights, Eclectic Ballroom and more.
There is a full schedule of free kids activities including circus skills, musical workshops and Bugtopia zoo. The festival prides itself on being family friendly.
“We cannot wait for the weekend to start, we have so many new areas planned for our site. It’s going to be our biggest and best year yet,” said Ollie Sharpe, festival founder.
There is a Fancy Dress Parade on Saturday and with this year’s theme being ‘Enchanted Woods & Magical Creatures’ who knows what you will see on site!
The festival runs from today (Friday) until Sunday. Tickets and more information are available from www.greenmeadowsfestival.org

Weekend of great music and fun in store as Green Meadows Festival takes over Elton Hall


Elton Hall hosts the Green Meadows Festival this weekend with the cream of local talent joining the likes of BBC’s Craig Charles, Britpop legends Space and dance royalty Utah Saints.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
A public consultation on the future of Fenland’s minor injuries units was condemned as a “shambles” tonight after dozens of people were denied entry to a meeting in Wisbech.
Health officials have apologised after scores of residents were turned away from the meeting at the Rosmini Centre because of a lack of space.
Meeting at The Rosmini Centre in Wisbech to discuss Wisbech Hospital ANL-160825-205818009
A further meeting will take place in the town next month.
But the assurance did little to reduce the anger of those left standing outside the hall as the meeting took place.
Paul Clapp, one of the town’s Cambridgeshire county councillors, said: “It’s an absolute shambles.”
And Kathy Dougal, secretary of the North East Cambridgeshire constituency Labour party, described the events as “shameful.”
Meeting at The Rosmini Centre in Wisbech to discuss Wisbech Hospital ANL-160825-205803009
Around 100 people, including MP Stephen Barclay, did manage to get inside the building to take part in the meeting, which was called as part of an ongoing review of minor injuries units in Wisbech, Doddington and Ely by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough clinical commissioning group (CCG).
Some residents who did not get in claimed people were being turned away before the scheduled 6.30pm start.
But a CCG spokesman insisted they had no choice but to restrict numbers.
She said: “It’s difficult to predict how many people would come here. We’re really sorry we’ve had to turn people away because of health and safety.”
She added that details of all the people who tried to get into the meeting had been recorded and they would be notified of future events.
A further meeting has also been arranged to take place at the Queen Mary Centre on Tuesday, September 20, from 6.30 to 8pm.
But several of those left outside questioned the decision to hold the event at such a small venue, with some suggesting it showed the fate of the unit was already a “done deal.”
One of them, Jean Wood, said the event should have been cancelled altogether and rearranged for a more suitable venue.
She said: “I think they’ve got the people in there who are likely to nod and agree.”
Edward Otter said: “Perhaps they’re trying to demonstrate the queues there will be at A&E if they close these places.”
And Mr Clapp added; “The CCG did not think the people of Wisbech would turn out in such force to show their anger that their hospital may be losing services that we can’t afford.”
But the CCG insists that no decisions have yet been made on the future of any of the units.
The spokesman added: “We are a long way from putting any options forward for public consultation.”

VIDEO: Dozens turned away from Wisbech minor injuries unit meeting


A public consultation on the future of Fenland’s minor injuries units was condemned as a “shambles” tonight after dozens of people were denied entry to a meeting in Wisbech.


A man who is wanted for failing to appear at court and in connection with allegations of making threats to kill may be in Cambridgeshire police have warned.
Officers are appealing for the public’s help to trace Michael Mason after he failed to appear at court for sentencing in relation to an assault committed in Colchester in September 2015.
Police also want to speak to him about allegations of making threats to kill in April.
Mason, 30, was last known to be living in Ipswich and also has links to Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Pc Gemma White at Colchester police station on 101.

Hunt for man wanted for threats to kill and assault extended to Cambridgeshire


A man who is wanted for failing to appear at court and in connection with allegations of making threats to kill may be in Cambridgeshire police have warned.


Police have appealed for a lorry driver to come forward in connection with a crash yesterday afternoon.
A white Vauxhall Movano flatbed truck and a black Citroen C1 were in collision on the A1101 at Lakesend, Welney, at around 3.20pm on Thursday.
The driver of the Citroen sustained minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained slight damage.
Police say they want to hear from an HGV driver who was travelling in the same direction as the vehicles involved and may be able to give an eyewitness account of what happened.
Anyone with information should call Norfolk Police on 101.

Lorry driver urged to come forward over Welney crash


Police have appealed for a lorry driver to come forward in connection with a crash yesterday afternoon.


A test has been developed that could help to diagnose bacterial infections, including meningitis in minutes.
The new test, developed by a team at Imperial College London, is a major breakthrough in the rapid diagnosis of meningitis and sepsis in children. If made available through the NHS, it could allow treatment to begin much earlier, saving hundreds of lives and reducing the risk of life-changing after-effects.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and can be dismissed as a cold or flu. Many young children presenting the early symptoms of the disease are initially sent home, before being rushed back to hospital a few hours later as their condition rapidly deteriorates.
Currently, doctors grow bacteria in a sample of blood, in a process which can take up to 48 hours.
Responding to the news, Liz Brown, CEO at charity Meningitis Now said: “A delay in life-saving treatment for bacterial meningitis can be a matter of life or death. We welcome this significant progress in the development of a rapid test for meningitis and sepsis.
“We would however, continue to advise people to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to seek immediate medical attention if they have any concerns”.
The study led by Professor Michael Levin has shown that a bacterial infection can be distinguished from other causes of fever, such as a viral infection, using a pattern of genes that are switched on or off in response to an infection.
A larger project will now begin to develop these findings into a pin-prick diagnostic test, which Professor Levin believes could be available through the NHS within five years.
14 facts about meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord
Septicaemia is blood poisoning
Some bacteria that cause meningitis also cause septicaemia
Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together – it is vital to know all the signs and symptoms
The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
The more specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
In babies, symptoms can also include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, an unusual, moaning cry and a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head).
There are an estimated 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia each year in the UK.
Following bacterial meningitis or septicaemia, one in ten people will die and at least a third of survivors will be left with lifelong after-effects such as hearing loss, epilepsy, limb loss or learning difficulties
Meningitis and septicaemia can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. However, babies and young children are most at risk, and young people between 15 – 24 years are also a higher risk group.
In the past 20 years, effective vaccines have been developed to give protection against SOME types of meningitis. These are offered to all babies and young children as part of the UK childhood immunisation programme. BUT there are not vaccines to protect against ALL types.
A vaccine to protect against meningococcal group B (Men B) disease, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, was introduced into the UK childhood immunisation programme in September 2015.
If you suspect someone may be ill with meningitis or septicaemia, trust your instincts and get immediate medical help.
Meningitis Now aims to reduce the impact of meningitis by raising awareness and funding research into vaccine and treatment. For support and advice on meningitis call the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388.
For more information or to donate visit the website at www.MeningitisNow.org

Pin-prick meningitis test could be available within five years


A test has been developed that could help to diagnose bacterial infections, including meningitis in minutes.


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.
The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.
The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.
After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.
Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.
Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.
Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.
While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.
And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.
Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.
“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Car insurance costs soar nearly 20 per cent in 12 months


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.


More than 300 new homes could be built in towns and villages across South Holland to meet growing demand from prospective house buyers.
Five separate planning applications for schemes of between ten and 100 homes are to be discussed by South Holland District Council’s planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday) night.
Development land on Harvester Way, Crowland, looking towards existing housing. Photo by Tim Wilson.
One of them is for full planning permission to build 60 one to four-bedroom houses and bungalows on land near Weston St Mary’s Primary School, off Small Drove, Weston.
Long Sutton-based developers Seagate Homes described its plans as “a private and affordable residential scheme” designed to “create an affordable, sustainable, high-quality development” in Weston.
Another plan is for a 66-home development on nearly eight acres of land near Littleworth Drove, Deeping St Nicholas.
At least ten people have written to district councillors against to the plans by the Trustees of the DW Dennis Settlement who, in a statement, said: “The proposed development of this site makes the best and most efficient use of the land available.”
Residents’ concerns include increased traffic, extra demand on the village primary school and the lack of adequate drainage in Deeping St Nicholas.
The largest application is for 100 new homes in Harvester Way, Crowland, where a separate development of 50 homes was given planning permission in December 2014.
This time, Hertfordshire developers Wheatley Homes wants to build a mixed estate of one to four-bedroom homes, with 33 of them being made available on an affordable, below-market value basis.
More than 100 people have signed a petition against the plans based on fears over road safety at the junction of Peterborough Road and James Road.
The fourth plan is for 86 homes to be built on more than 11 acres of agricultural land in Gedney Road, Long Sutton, and should it be given the go-ahead. developers have pledged to pour almost £330,000 into both Long Sutton Primary School and the town’s Peele Community College.
District council planners are also to consider a ten-home development on what was a former builders’ yard in Banbury Close, Spalding.
All five applications come as a new South East Lincolnshire Local Plan is being developed which estimates that 18,000 new homes, along with 17,000 new jobs, are needed in South Holland and Boston between now and 2036.

South Holland towns and villages face big expansion


More than 300 new homes could be built in towns and villages across South Holland to meet growing demand from prospective house buyers.


Some 200 cannabis plants with a street value of £100,000 have been seized following a drug bust in Wisbech.
Police raided a property in Princes Road, Wisbech, at about 2pm yesterday, Monday August 29 after intelligence that the house was being used as a cannabis factory.
Parts of the cannabis factory discovered in Wisbech WezLYMqrYMRxGhie4KUt
About 200 plants at various stages of growth were found spread across all rooms of the house.
No arrests were made but investigations continue.

£100,000 cannabis factory discovered in police raid


Some 200 cannabis plants with a street value of £100,000 have been seized following a drug bust in Wisbech.


Two people were badly injured after a two-car crash in Tydd Gote on Sunday.
A Toyota IQ and a Volkswagen Sharan Sport collided in Hannath Road, off the A1101 Wisbech Road, at about 1.55pm.
Fire crews from Long Sutton and Spalding used specialist cutting gear to free two casualties in the Toyota, the driver and a passenger.
Both casualties were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, with what a spokesman for Cambridgeshire Constabulary described as “serious injuries”
The road was partially closed for nearly four hours while both vehicles were recovered.

Two people in hospital with ‘serious injuries’ after Tydd Gote crash


Two people were badly injured after a two-car crash in Tydd Gote on Sunday.


Deus Ex has you spoilt for choice.
Mankind Divided and so am I when it comes to reviewing the latest Deus Ex game after its launch last week.
There is so much to rave about in DEMD and I’m still enjoying it now over a week into the game.
But there are a number of elements which do not quite sit right with me.
Let’s start with the positives, though, and there are plenty of them.
There is layer upon layer in this game all expertly crafted together and beautifully designed.
The gameplay stands up to the high standards set by previous Deus Ex games and goes beyond them in many respects.
This is a game that will suit all types of gamers too.
Looking for a quick blast for an hour, you can jump on and get enough done to enjoy the experience, looking for longer, more involved sessions on your console then the gameplay rewards your patience, curiosity and creativity.
You play augmented human Jensen who is essentially the most deadly Power Ranger on the planet. I mean this guy has everything and would even give Superman a run for his money.
There are so many options to negotiate each scenario
And this is where my first problem lies with DEMD.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy.
‘Ramp up the difficulty setting!’ I hear you cry.
Well yes there’s that but my point is no matter what level you are playing at, Jensen just has too much at his disposal for his enemies to trouble him.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
But don’t get me wrong it’s still great fun entering a room littered with foes and walking out past a pile of them without breaking a sweat.
Another thing that doesn’t quite land for me is the Apartheid type references between the humans (naturals) and the augmented race. It is a poor attempt to give the storyline resonance with real life - for example there are posters dotted around saying things like ‘Augmented Lives Matter’ and it just feels a little frivolous.
I’m being hyper critical, though, and Deus Ex will go down as one of the games of the year of that there is no doubt.
Rating: 8.5/10

Console Corner: Deus Ex Mankind Divided review


Social media can increasingly tell potential burglars information that will make their job much easier.
The culture of posting expensive new purchases, giving out your address and even when you are out of the country and for how long can create an enticing picture for would be burglars. Here are 10 steps you can take to protect yourself and your home during the summer period.
1) Consider taking a vacation from social media while you are on holiday or away for the day. Avoid announcements that you are going to be in another country for the next few weeks and do not check-in on social media at the airport.
2) Share vacation photos after the holiday. The photo could make clear that you are not at home even if you haven’t said where you are.
3) Consider sharing information with friends and not the entire public. At least in the weeks leading to a trip and during it.
4) Do not make details such as address, place of work or previous school public.
5) Put lights on timers during the evenings to give the impression there is someone there. Additionally outside sensors in the garden may deter potential intruders or burglars. In the absence of light, a timer on a TV or Radio could be an effective alternative.
6) Have a relative or a friend collect your mail so there is no build up of evidence to suggest you aren’t home. Don’t leave notes for delivery people suggesting you aren’t in.
7) Consider securing a visible security alarm. When asked burglars suggest the presence of a security system is the biggest deterrent to a potential burglar.
8) Keep any doors or windows, particularly on the ground floor, shut when you are not there. Remember insurance companies will often not pay out if a burglary occurs as a result of an insecure door or window.
9) Don’t forget to secure your garage or shed and if you have any power tools or gardening tools register them for free at http://www.immobilise.com/.
10) If you are going to be away for a period longer than a week it is worth informing the police of the duration of your trip. It may encourage them to actively drive by your home while they are on patrols.
Sources: Hampshire Police and Distinctive Doors

How to avoid making yourself a crime target with your social media posts


Social media can increasingly tell potential burglars information that will make their job much easier.


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Pictured are Wisbech netball side Rookies’ Regional Squad, who finished their season on an exciting high.


The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Saturday.
The ‘yellow’ warning was issued at 11am this morning (Friday) and warns of strong winds and heavy, blustery showers covering large parts of England and Wales.
The weather warning will be in place from 2am tomorrow (Saturday) until 9pm tomorrow night.
The Met Office warns: “A spell of unseasonably strong southwesterly winds, accompanied by heavy, blustery showers, is expected to reach the southwest of the UK during the early hours of Saturday, moving east across many parts of England and Wales through the day.
“Gusts are expected to reach 40-50 mph inland, and 50 to very locally 60 mph along exposed coastlines in the south and west.
“Please be aware that these winds may lead to disruption to transport, and in view of the time of the year, there is increased potential for disruption to outdoor activities.
“Also, strong winds and large waves will coincide with a period of spring tides this weekend. This is expected to lead to some localised instances of spray and wave over-topping of flood defences around the coasts of southwest England and Wales.
“This warning has been updated to extend the warning more widely across England and Wales, whilst bringing forward the start time, this latter aspect only applicable to southwestern parts of England and Wales.”
Temperatures are set to rise again by next week with sunny spells and highs of around 24C.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING: ‘Unseasonably’ strong winds to hit county on Saturday


The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Saturday.


Ambulance and fire service staff have attended their 200th medical emergency together since the launch of a co-response pilot.
Since May, firefighters have been attending cardiac arrests in some parts of the East under a new scheme run by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) to help the most seriously unwell patients.
Firefighters in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Hertfordshire have been dispatched to cardiac arrests and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s pilot is due to start next month.
Under the scheme, firefighters are deployed as well as ambulance clinicians and community first responders to calls where a patient is not breathing and their heart has stopped beating.
Wendy Risdale-Barrs, Blue Light Collaboration Regional Lead for EEAST, said: “These are the most life-threatening calls where every second counts.
“The quicker someone can start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shock a person’s heart with a defibrillator, the better the chances of survival.”
Firefighters are already trained in basic life support and are equipped with defibrillators and the Trust is providing on-going training.
Wendy added: “We have had a really positive response from firefighters and our staff since the co-response scheme launched, which has helped to save lives.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with our fire service colleagues as the pilot continues.”
The initiative covers more than 20 locations in the East of England and since it began firefighters have attended 20 in Bedfordshire, 20 in Cambridgeshire, 84 in Essex, 57 in Hertfordshire and 36 in Norfolk.

Co-response pilot reaches 200th medical emergency


Ambulance and fire service staff have attended their 200th medical emergency together since the launch of a co-response pilot.


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.
A poll of more than 8,000 over-50s shows that one in eight grandparents will look after grandchildren once a week over the school summer holidays, with a further one in eight will be on childminding duties twice per week.
However, one in twenty grandparents say they will be hosting their grandchildren three days a week while school is out for the summer, according to the research by Saga Car Insurance.
And it’s not just their time that will be donated - one in five say they will spend well over £200 keeping the children occupied. Days out to the beach (77 per cent) and on shopping trips (35 per cent) are the most popular distractions, although some grandparents are even taking their grandchildren on a holiday either in the UK (14 per cent) or abroad (5 per cent).
Grandparents in the North East are the most likely to babysit grandchildren over the school summer holidays, while those in the East Midlands are least likely to.
The Scots are most likely to spend big on their grandkids, with one in four expecting to spend more than £200 during the school holiday period.
Sue Green, Head of Saga Car Insurance, commented: “It looks as though children are in for an action-packed summer which is full of adventure if nan and granddad are in charge over the next couple of weeks. Grandparents really are generous giving up their time and money to help with childcare over the summer holidays and I’m sure they are really looking forward to spending some quality time with their grandchildren.”

Grandparents to the rescue over school summer holidays


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.


Cambridgeshire is one of the top two places to raise a family in the UK new research by uSwitch has found.
Good GCSE grades, good pay and weather, fast broadband and access to GPS placed Cambridgeshire second in the uSwitch Better Family Life Index of 138 local authorities based on 33 aspects important to family life.
Neighbouring Hertfordshire topped the list with nearby Central Bedfordshire third places making the top three all in the east of England.
Scotland fared the least well, with East and North Ayrshire suffering the poorest ranking owing to higher crime, lower exam results, lower pay and less time spent with loved ones.
Leicester was ranked worst in England and second from the bottom overall with the fourth worst employment in the UK, fewer primary schools, high council tax and poor exam results.
Tashema Jackson, uSwitch.com money spokeswoman, said: “The Better Family Life Index shows that life is far from equal for families across the UK.
“Although there is much to celebrate in many areas, it’s not surprising that so many families are thinking about moving to a new region to improve their circumstances.
“For many consumers, the prospect of increased uncertainty in the run-up to Brexit may be a turning point, leading us to re-evaluate both how we manage our household budgets and how we provide stability for our families in the future. Policymakers would do well to follow suit.
“With the new government yet to announce its budgetary priorities it is vital that positive changes are made to help give all families fair opportunities no matter where they live - whether it is access to a good education, childcare, housing, GPs or jobs. Quality of life should not be a postcode lottery.”
The top 10 areas in the uSwitch Better Family Life Index 2016 are:
1. Hertfordshire
2. Cambridgeshire
3. Central Bedfordshire
4. Warrington
5. York
6. Tyneside
7. Norfolk
8. Northumberland
9. West Cumbria
10. Calderdale and Kirklees
The bottom 10 areas are:
129. North Lanarkshire
130. Kingston upon Hull
131. Falkirk
132. Sandwell
133. Nottingham
134. Clackmannanshire and Fife
135. Isle of Wight
136. Glasgow City
137. Leicester
138. East Ayrshire and North Ayrshire mainland

Cambridgeshire one of the best places in UK to raise a family new research finds


Cambridgeshire is one of the top two places to raise a family in the UK new research by uSwitch has found.


An investigation into claims of bullying and harassment made by an ex-Spalding Grammar School student who took his own life has found no one was to blame for his death.
Elliott Johnson (21), who campaigned for the Tories during a South Holland District Council by-election in Long Sutton four years ago, was found dead on a railway line in Bedfordshire last September.
An inquest into Elliott’s death, held in Bedfordshire in June found that the ex-member of Tory youth movement Conservative Future killed himself. There were claims that he had been bullied by fellow activist Mark Clarke.
Conservative Party officials instructed law firm Clifford Chance LLP to carry out a review of the case, including allegations that senior Tories had “deliberately ignored or condoned” Mr Clarke’s behaviour which he himself repeatedly denied.
An extract from the report by Clifford Chance said: “On August 14, 2015, Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) received a copy of a letter from Mr Johnson complaining of an incident in a public house where Mr Clarke was said to have been rude and aggressive towards him.
“Mr Johnson’s letter was accompanied by a separate document written by a colleague raising a variety of allegations regarding Mr Clarke’s conduct towards a number of other activists, some of which were serious. These were handed to a CCHQ employee and a request for a preliminary investigation to be carried out was then made.
We saw the investigation as a whitewash from the very start and we weren’t prepared to be used as a tool in that way Ray Johnson of Wisbech, father of Elliott Johnson
“On August 25, Mr Johnson expressed a desire to withdraw his complaint and at a meeting with the investigator on September 7, Mr Johnson repeated that desire and said that his relationship with Mr Clarke had been good until the incident in the public house on August 12, 2015.”
The report went on to state that Elliott met Mark Clarke and an “associate” on September 2 to discuss the complaint, before committing suicide 13 days later.
Former Tory Party chairman Grant Shapps, who resigned last November over claims that he failed to act over the bulling claims, and other party officials, were cleared by the report of having tried to cover up complaints by Elliott and other Conservative Future activists.
But in an interview for the BBC, Elliott’s dad Ray Johnson said: “We saw it (the investigation) as a whitewash from the very start and we weren’t prepared to be used as a tool in that way.”
Conservative Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin MP said: “The death of Elliott Johnson was a tragedy and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“There can be no place for bullying behaviour in our party and we all have a responsibility to act when it occurs.”
Tory activist took his own life - inquest

Probe into Spalding-educated Tory activist’s death branded a ‘whitewash’ by dad


An investigation into claims of bullying and harassment made by an ex-Spalding Grammar School student who took his own life has found no one was to blame for his death.


The opening of Pan Asian sensation Wagamama in Long Causeway next month wil bring with it a welcome jobs boost.
The 151-seat city centre restaurant in Peterborough will see 39 new jobs created.
Diners will be able to enjoy a variety of new and classic dishes from the Japanese-inspired menu, including wagamama’s famed ramen; bowls of fragrant soup filled with noodles, which can be now customised by choosing one of three new stocks.
Spice enthusiasts can enjoy the much-loved prawn firecracker, and the tofu chilli salad offers a fresh and crunchy treat. Those after a light bite can enjoy small plates such as chicken gyozas or edamame shaken with chilli and salt, alongside an extensive choice of fresh juices, desserts and beverages. There’s also a range of dishes designed especially for kids.
For guests who fancy a quick bite, the iconic wagamama canteen-style benches are here to stay, but for a longer dining experience to enjoy with friends, breakout areas and booths have been brought in. wagamama’s delicious food is also available to take-out at the new restaurant.
Simon Cope, Global Brand Director commented: “We are very pleased to be opening the doors to our new restaurant in Peterborough this summer, where wagamama will continue to reinforce positive eating by using fresh ingredients, served in atmospheric surroundings. It’s an exciting time for us and we look forward to hearing what our new and valued customers in Peterborough make of our arrival”.

Wagamama to create 39 new jobs at Peterborough restaurant


The opening of Pan Asian sensation Wagamama in Long Causeway next month wil bring with it a welcome jobs boost.


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Arsonists torch caravans in broad daylight


Arsonists torched two caravans in broad daylight yesterday, Tuesday August 30.


Hungate Rovers are looking for new players to join their U7s squad.


UK parents are collectively spending £22 billion to help get their children on the road and three quarters of mums and dads in the South East admit paying for their child’s driving lessons.
A new survey of parents found that they are struggling to keep up with the rising costs involved in helping their children learn to drive and get motoring independently.
On average the process of taking to the open road for the first time now costs £7,000 - factoring in the cost of lessons, a car and insurance - and parents across the country are footing much of this bill.
Almost three quarters of parents in the South East (73.5 per cent) said they had paid for their child’s driving lessons. With them costing £24 on average and the Driver Standards Agency recommending 47 hours of tuition, that adds up to a potential £1,128 just to get them ready to sit their test.
On top of that, more than three quarters of South East parents (80 per cent) also help their children buy their first car, with a third (33 per cent) stumping up at least part of the deposit for a car. And more than half (52.3 per cent) of those surveyed revealed that they continued to pay out for regular maintenance, insurance, cleaning and even buying accessories.
Once their offspring have passed their test and secured some wheels, the biggest cost facing the Bank of Mum and Dad is getting the kids insured. The latest figures reveal that the cost of insurance alone for young drivers has risen by 13 per cent in the last year and for a 17-year-old now stands at £2,013 a year.
In a bid to bring these costs down many families are turning to technology. More than half of parents in the South East (53.6 per cent) have installed an insurance company ‘black box’ or dashboard camera. One in five (20 per cent) have also agreed to a high excess to reduce costs, while 42 per cent have put their names on their child’s insurance policy to lower payments.
Neil Addley, managing director of NFDA Trusted Dealers, said: “The survey findings show that each year the costs associated with learning to drive rises, putting a strain not only on learners, but also on the Bank of Mum and Dad. Increasing prices means there is often a temptation to scrimp on some things, such as the quality of the car, but this can lead to high running costs, leaving you out of pocket in the long term.
“With more and more parents stepping in to help get their children motoring, we have developed a dedicated section on our site which is filled with tips and advice from buying your first car, to the best cars for students.”

Parents fork out £22bn helping kids learn to drive


UK parents are collectively spending £22 billion to help get their children on the road and three quarters of mums and dads in the South East admit paying for their child’s driving lessons.


Two people cut free after two-car crash in Tydd Gote


Two people had to be cut free after a two-car crash in Tydd Gote today.


It was a day of celebration at Marshland High School yesterday as pupils and staff celebrated its “best ever” GCSE results.
Although the percentage of students achieving A* to C was lower than the national average, the 63 per cent who achieved the measure was an improvement on the 59 per cent who attained the grades last year.
Pupils from Marshland High School celebrate as they recieve their GCSE results on Thurday morning - From left, Will Narramore, Jack Wicks, Jordan Coxford, Beth Porter, Bethany Slack, Katrina Nalivaliko and Charlotte Foxcroft. ANL-160825-122121009
The West Walton school was particularly thrilled with its English results, with 83 per cent of the year group achieving A* to C in the subject.
There was also a rise in the number of students scooping A* and A grades, with a record 12.5 per cent attaining five or more of the top grades.
Headteacher Mrs E Dormor commented: “My congratulations go to all the students on their fantastic results. This was a superb year group of students who worked really hard and deserve these great results.
“We are all thrilled for them. My thanks go to all the staff who have worked really hard to help our students achieve these excellent results.”
Pupils from Marshland High School celebrate as they recieve their GCSE results on Thurday morning. ANL-160825-122053009
Steve Cozens, the school’s chair of governors, added: “I am delighted that the school continues to improve the outcomes for our students.
“It is especially pleasing to see that more able students are attaining more A* and A grades than ever.”
Pupils from Marshland High School celebrate as they recieve their GCSE results on Thurday morning - Charlotte Foxcroft sheads tears of joy at her results. ANL-160825-121946009
Pupils from Marshland High School celebrate as they recieve their GCSE results on Thurday morning. ANL-160825-121907009

GCSE RESULTS 2016: Marshland High School hails record year


It was a day of celebration at Marshland High School yesterday as pupils and staff celebrated its “best ever” GCSE results.


The King of the Fighters is back in full 3D glory and with the biggest roster of combatants ever.
The classic SNK title is out August 26th and is the first main-series game rendered entirely in 3D using 2D backgrounds - like Street Fighter.
KoF XIV should have a good pedigree considering it is being directed by Yasuyuki Oda who has previously worked on Capcom’s Street Fighter IV as well as other titles by SNK.
Developers have introduced the “Rush” system in order to revitalise the series and attract newcomers.
The Hyper Drive system from the last game is no longer present and has been replaced with a new version of “Max Mode” from earlier games in the series.
In Max mode, the player can perform unlimited EX special moves for a short period of time, and the timer changes depending on what position their character is in.
The roster of fighters is the standout stat ahead of launch, though, with 50 ... yes FIFTY ... characters to choose from.
Each will have three types of Supers: the returning “Super Special Moves” and “Neomax Super Special Moves” (the latter of which are only usable in Max mode), and a new type called “Climax Super Special Moves”.
Climax Super Special Moves are the strongest types in the game and will require a total of three power gauges (two with Max mode on). The game also features the “Just Defend” mechanic from Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The HD thrust system now makes the opponent hit the wall and crumple for follow up attacks.
For beginners, there will be the automatic and simple “Rush Combo” while the online lobby has three modes: team VS, single VS, and party VS with up to 12 people able to enter and also spectate.
The roster of fighters is the standout stat ahead of launch, though, with 50 ... yes FIFTY ... characters to choose from. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
Whether Kof XIV can compete with the likes of the next gen Street Fighter or if it holds enough appeal to UK gamers remains to be seen.
But gameplay footage suggests it is slick, action-packed and should have lots of longevity particularly for those who like to master all fighters.

Console Corner: The King of Fighters lives on


The King of the Fighters is back in full 3D glory and with the biggest roster of combatants ever.


A parenting advice website has listed the most popular baby names so far in 2016 and revealed previous favourites such as Sophia, Mia, Daniel and Harrison are on the decline.
Bounty Baby Club, a popular parenting advice site, has scaled its 100,000 visitors a month, to uncover the most popular baby names of the first half of 2016 and there are a few surprises.
A few favourites of recent years are still holding their popularity but the results reveal some new up and coming themes and trends.
The favourites
Holding onto their 2015 top spots, Alfie and Isla remain the most popular names for boys and girls. Out of the top 100 most popular names, the biggest winners have been Caleb, jumping up nine positions to 19, Jenson, rising up five places to 26 and Ellie, rising up nine positions to nine.
The biggest climber so far this year has been Arlo, previously was outside of the top 50, now cementing a top 10 position at number six. Other names you may start to hear more include Freddie, Aaron, Phoebe, Ellis and Millie.
So what names are falling out of favour this year?
Results show that for girls, Sienna, Mia, Sophia, Mila and Scarlett are on the decline in 2016. Yesterday’s news for boys’ names include Dylan, Sebastian, Daniel and Harrison which are proving less popular than they have in recent years.
There is a new trend of baby names emerging from Bounty’s findings, vowel heavy names, particularly for girls. Male names ending in a softer letter are also becoming more popular, for example names such as Alfie, Arlo, Archie and Harry.
Take a look at the top 10 for boys and girls for the first half of the year below:
Top 10 most popular baby boy names of 2016 so far:
Alfie
Oscar
Teddy
Harry
Jack
Arlo
Noah
Charlie
Jacob
Archie
Top 10 most popular baby girl names of 2016 so far:
Isla
Amelia
Ava
Freya
Evie
Olivia
Esme
Elsie
Mia
Ellie

REVEALED - the most popular baby names so far in 2016


A parenting advice website has listed the most popular baby names so far in 2016 and revealed previous favourites such as Sophia, Mia, Daniel and Harrison are on the decline.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
As a month long Think! Speed police campaign ends today new dash cam footage has been released showing the importance of the “twenty’s plenty” message often given for driving in residential streets.
The shocking video captures the moment a little boy gets hit by a van. The van was travelling at 20mph at the time of the collision. If it had been going just 10mph faster the likelihood of death would have been five times higher.
The shocking moment the boy ran out into the street captured on dash cam
The youngster - believed to be eight - charges out into the road between two parked vehicles and flies off the van’s bumper after being struck before tumbling onto the road and running off.
The van driver is completely unsighted and could do nothing to avoid the collision with the boy, who was badly bruised but otherwise unhurt.
Throughout August the county’s Road Policing Units have been out in force targeting motorists breaking the law.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to your license however drivers across the county are warned that the speed limit is a limit not a target. In some road conditions or road layouts even driving at the speed limit could be too fast.
Speed limits are not targets
Traffic Sergeant Ian Manley said: “Those who speed put not only their own lives at risk but also the lives of others.
“The faster you drive the less time you have to react. Speed remains one of the biggest factors in fatal collisions.
“The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens.
“There will be times when you need to drive under the speed limit in order to drive correctly for the conditions or layout of the road.
“I would urge anyone who drives to help us protect road users by reducing your speed and driving to the conditions of the roads.
“If you kill someone while speeding, you will have to live with the long-term emotional consequences. Remember that speed limits are there for a reason.”
* Make sure you leave plenty of time for your journey, taking into account traffic
* Watch out for changes in the speed limit
* Drive to suit the conditions and the layout of the road
* Don’t let peer pressure encourage you to break the law
* Don’t assume it’s safe to break the speed limit because there is less traffic.
* Don’t be tempted to put your foot down because the road ahead appears clear.

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Dash cam footage of young boy being hit by van gives stark warning at end of police speed campaign


As a month long Think! Speed police campaign ends today new dash cam footage has been released showing the importance of the “twenty’s plenty” message often given for driving in residential streets.


Good news for fans of spine-tingling, creepy puzzle platformers this week... because Inside - from the creators of the equally creepy Limbo - is coming to PlayStation 4.
It had been assumed Inside was an Xbox One exclusive but a new trailer has been released which reveals Inside will launch on PS4 on August 23rd - the same day as Deus Ex.
Inside was released on Xbox One and PC in June and received positive reviews as it was hailed as a worthy follow-up to the hit game Limbo.
Inside sees the player control a young boy in a monochromatic landscape, solving environmental puzzles while avoiding death in a 3D sidescrolling fashion.
The atmosphere, theme and visuals are very similar to Limbo which is no bad thing.
The creepy puzzler only allows the gamer to use splashes of colour to highlight parts of the environment.
Playdead studios knows it is on to a winner with Inside having seen the game earn an average review rating of 9/10. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
You will walk, run, swim, climb and use objects in the environment to progress in the game.
As you progress the boy gains the ability to control lifeless bodies to complete certain puzzles.
Of course the whole thing is done with the ever-present threat of your impending doom.
The boy can die, including if some puzzles are not completed fast enough, such as being shot with a tranquiliser dart by hunters, caught or eaten by dogs, or drown if kept underwater too long.
Like in the critically-acclaimed Limbo, deaths are accompanied by gruesome animations and sound effects, and the game continues from the most recent checkpoint.
Playdead studios knows it is on to a winner with Inside having seen the game earn an average review rating of 9/10.
Inside was named “Best Independent Game” of E3 2016 in the Game Critics Awards so it comes with real pedigree and is sure to be as satisfying as it is eerie.

A creepy but worthy successor coming to PlayStation 4


Good news for fans of spine-tingling, creepy puzzle platformers this week... because Inside - from the creators of the equally creepy Limbo - is coming to PlayStation 4.


Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


Some of the finest artwork in Lincolnshire went on display inside St Matthew’s Church, Sutton Bridge, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The church was taken over by members of Sutton Bridge Art Group for the annual St Matthew’s Art Exhibition which opened on Friday and runs throughout this week.
Around 300 paintings and other works of art are on display, including oils, pastels, watercolours and ink, representing the artistic efforts of about 100 artists.
Organiser Geoff De Roux said: “There are so many people who want to paint, both professional artists and enthusiastic amateurs, so it’s wonderful to be chairman of a club that has so much talent and people who are eager to learn at our classes.”
Sutton Bridge Art Group meets at The Curlew Centre, Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, every Wednesday from 2pm until 4pm.

Exhibition of colours as art takes over St Matthew’s, Sutton Bridge


Some of the finest artwork in Lincolnshire went on display inside St Matthew’s Church, Sutton Bridge, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.


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Road safety charities and motoring groups have called on the Government to do more to address drink-driving after the latest figures showed that drink-related fatalities have not fallen since 2010.
New Government figures show that in 2014 240 people were killed in accidents where a driver was over the legal drink-drive limit. This means that 13 per cent of all road fatalities in 2014 involved at least one drink-driver - a proportion unchanged since 2010.
The statistics did show that there has been a notable reduction in the number of serious injuries as a result of drink-driving incidents, with a drop from 1,110 in 2013 to 1,070 in 2014 - a three per cent fall.
However, drivers’ groups and safety campaigners say that this is not enough and are calling for more action, including better education and a drop in the drink-drive limit, to address the “disappointing” stagnation in fatality figures..
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “A three per cent reduction in seriously injured casualties from drink-drive accidents is a significant and positive move in the right direction, but the number of fatalities from these accidents has remained stubbornly static between 2010 and 2014.
“We need as a society to break through this plateau and once again consistently reduce needless, alcohol-related road deaths in the coming years. That means both renewed efforts from law enforcement and changes in attitudes from motorists.
“Further consideration should also be given to adopting the new reduced Scottish legal alcohol limit for driving in the rest of the UK.”
Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at IAM RoadSmart, said: “The Government must get to grips with five years of disappointing figures now. It needs to show stronger leadership to really drive down road deaths and serious injuries in the future.
“More action on drink driving, more on-road enforcement of driving standards and more publicity and education are urgently needed if we are to return to the gains made before 2010.”
The research showed that three quarters of those killed or seriously injured in drink-driving incidents were male and that the highest proportion of those killed while over the limit was among the 25-39 age group.
Road safety charity Brake said these figures are a cause for “serious concern” and urged the Government to do more to improve awareness among male drivers in particular.
Lucy Amos, research advisor for Brake, said: “The statistics released today reveal a worrying level of stagnation in the number of people killed because of drink-driving, with the numbers remaining unchanged since the previous year.
“Drink-drive fatalities in the UK have now remained almost static since 2009 and it’s clear that decisive action is urgently needed to achieve further reductions in deaths and injuries.
“Through our work with bereaved families, we see the countless lives devastated when someone is killed by a drink driver, and it is for this reason that Brake is calling for a zero-tolerance drink-drive limit, the reintroduction of casualty reduction targets and greater prioritisation and resources for traffic policing to tackle the problem.”

Call for more action on drink-driving as fatality figures stagnate


Road safety charities and motoring groups have called on the Government to do more to address drink-driving after the latest figures showed that drink-related fatalities have not fallen since 2010.


People in Sutton Bridge stand to benefit from closer working between police forces in Lincolnshire and Norfolk after a meeting this week.
Members of Sutton Bridge Parish Council were given a briefing on talks between Coun Marc Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Lincolnshire, his deputy Coun Stuart Tweedale and Norfolk PCC Lorne Green.
Parish councillors met Couns Jones and Tweedale at The Curlew Centre in Sutton Bridge where issues raised included cars causing an obstruction by parking on pavements, cyclists riding on pavements and joint working between paramedics and firefighters in Long Sutton.
Coun Chris Brewis, Lincolnshire County Council member for Sutton Elloe, which includes Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge, said: “It was a very, very useful and positive meeting where the Commissioner and his deputy were very keen to talk about cross-border policing, as well as local issues here.
“Some of the areas we talked about were speeding, inconsiderate cyclists who ride without lights and the speed of response by police as we’re very much on the edge of Lincolnshire.
“We also talked about the collaboration between blue light services, such as the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project involving Long Sutton, Woodhall Spa and Stamford fire stations.”
Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green. Photo by Paul Marsh.
Since his election in May, Coun Jones has visited South Holland on at least three occasions, including a community engagement day in Spalding organised by Lincolnshire Police last month.
Coun Jones said: “The meeting with Lorne was a meeting of minds based on the fact that we share a border of nearly 40 miles.
“We also have locations like Sutton Bridge that feels an affinity with people across the border in Norfolk, rather than Lincolnshire.
“So it makes sense for Lincolnshire Police and Norfolk Constabulary to build on the already positive working relationship between us to tackle joint issues, in particular rural crimes, and I am looking forward to meeting up again very soon to strengthen our working relationship even further.”
Lincolnshire and Norfolk share a border of nearly 40 miles so it makes sense for Lincolnshire Police and Norfolk Constabulary to build on the already positive working relationship between us to tackle joint issues Coun Marc Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire
The meeting was arranged as part of the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) for which Coun Tweedale is an executive board member.
Earlier on Tuesday, the deputy PCC met with policing teams in Spalding and Crowland to discuss current issues in both towns.
Coun Tweedale said: “If we don’t have the knowledge of what this area needs, how can we represent people here?
“During my meeting to see how the neighbourhood policing teams are working in Spalding and Crowland, it was made clear that they weren’t seeing the PCC here.
“We want to be seen so that people are aware of who we are and I’ll be following my visit up with subsequent meeting in Holbeach and Long Sutton to hear about the issues in those areas as well.”
The cross-border partnerships comes after a speech in Norfolk last month when Mr Green said: “Rural communities pay the same taxes as everyone else and so they want to know that the police and other emergency services are there for them too.
“The police work hard to respond but too often the perpetrators are long gone before the crime even becomes apparent.
“Rural crime and policing matters and that is why one of my first decisions as PCC has been to join the National Rural Crime Network.”
Top cop’s promise to Spalding - ‘We are here and we care’

Cop boss talks about cross-border policing in Sutton Bridge


People in Sutton Bridge stand to benefit from closer working between police forces in Lincolnshire and Norfolk after a meeting this week.