General News

Defra: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman, has announced her intention to appoint new members to 5 National Park Authorities (NPAs) and to the Broads Authority.  There will be 2 vacancies in the New Forest, North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales NPAs and 1 vacancy in the Peak District and South Downs NPAs and the Broads Authority. Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 13 February 2012..
Press release & links
 
DirectgovReceived a Coding Notice for 2012-13?  During January, February or March you may get a PAYE Coding Notice from HMRC telling you what your new tax code will be for the tax year 2012-13. Your new tax code will be used by your employer or pension provider from the 6 April 2012 to make sure you pay the right amount of tax.
Press release & links
 
TfL: The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, visited the A4 Hammersmith flyover recently to inspect work being carried out to repair one of the most vital stretches of road in the capital as soon as possible. The complex flyover was forced to close due to water damage that has corroded & weakened the cables that give the bridge its strength.
 
Engineers have confirmed that preparatory work can begin ahead of the installation of new cables within the structure that will strengthen the flyover and allow it to take full vehicle loading again.  They also confirmed that the flyover will be repaired and fully available to traffic before the London 2012 Games.
Press release
 
DCMS: People & businesses in the UK are being urged to invite their contacts, friends and relatives from around the world to visit Britain in 2012Share Your GREAT Britain is the latest phase of the GREAT Britain – You’re Invited marketing programme, which has featured invitations from celebrities such as chef Jamie Oliver and actress Dame Judi Dench.
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: The UK's expert group has concluded that there is no evidence to support routine removal of the implants and that there is no link to cancer. However, it has also advised that women with PiP implants should consult with their surgeon, hospital or clinic. An advice line is available for Scottish women who have concerns or would like more advice about their implants.  The opening times are 8am - 10pm, 7 days a week.
Press release & links
 
HPA: Thousands of households in a part of Cornwall with historic radon problems are being offered a FREE test for levels of the radioactive gas radon. Letters have this week gone to around 17,000 homes in the former Carrick district, as part of ongoing HPA, Cornwall Council and Primary Care Trust work, offering householders a FREE radon test.
 
A home radon test involves placing 2 plastic detectors, about the size of a biscuit, in key positions around the home.  After 3 months the detectors are posted to the HPA where they are analysed and the radon level is calculated. If levels are high the HPA will recommend action to reduce levels and will invite householders to local advice sessions.
Press release & links
 
FSAMakro is recalling certain batches of tapas meat products because some are contaminated with listeria.  The Food Standards Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.
Press release & links
 
FSAWaitrose is withdrawing its own brand Essential Salmon and Dill Fishcakes because of incorrect allergy labelling. The fishcakes contain mustard, which isn’t mentioned on the label.  If you’re allergic to or intolerant of mustard, you’re advised not to eat this product. The Food Standards Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.
Press release & links
 
TfL: All drivers are urged to switch off their engines when parked, loading or waiting at the roadside when their vehicle is stationary for more than a minute.  If all the vehicles in central London turned off their engines for as little as one minute per day, it could annually save PM10 pollution equivalent of a car travelling to the moon & back 3 times.
Press release & links
 
HEFCE: Funding for projects at 27 universities under Higher Education Funding Council England’s Revolving Green Fund (RGF) was announced last week. The awards have been made to 4 major projects and 24 smaller-scale programmes at higher education institutions, and collectively they will receive nearly £11m).
 
All are designed to reduce harmful carbon emissions. In this, the second round of the RGF, the 4 major projects enable existing buildings on a campus to be retrofitted to reduce energy consumption.  This work is collectively predicted to reduce CO2 emissions by around 229,000 tonnes per year.
Press release & links
 
NIA: The Northern Ireland Assembly has launched a new & exciting Art Competition aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils (7 – 11 year olds). Children enrolled in primary schools across NI are being asked to submit an original drawing or painting.  The winners will have their art work displayed in Parliament Buildings and will also be given the opportunity to work alongside a top Northern Ireland Artist to create a piece of artwork which will be given pride of place in the Assembly’s Great Hall.
 
Young people can choose between two themes ‘My World’ or ‘Remembering the Titanic’. This year’s competition closes on Friday 9 March 2012..
Press release & links
 
MoD: British military advisers are helping to ensure that scientists & engineers create the best kit for the front line.  It is for this reason that military advisers work alongside scientists & engineers at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to design, build & test items that swing the balance of power in the UK's favour.
Press release & links
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