Jun172017

Temporary Traffic Order – Guthrie Street

Fraser Macpherson
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From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984  :  SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of BT manhole repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Guthrie Street (between Horsewater Wynd and Blinshall Street), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 18 June 2017 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Horsewater Wynd / Hawkhill / Brown Street.

For further information contact (01382) 433082.

Executive Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

Jun172017

The Grenfell Tower inferno

John Redwood MP
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As feared all too many people died in the fire. The government has rightly set up an Inquiry. We need to know what caused the fire, why the fire spread so fiercely and rapidly, and what differences in the building could have prevented it or lessened the impact. We need to know if people were given the right advice on what to do on that fateful night. It is harrowing to hear of what happened and to learn that even now we do not know who died and where they died. Relatives live with dreadful uncertainty and are now warned that if their loved ones have died they may not be able to identify the bodies. We all are grieving for those lost and are  appalled by the extent of the losses.

A full independent Judge Inquiry is needed and has been agreed between government and Opposition. However, these take time and do not satisfy the immediate need for some answers and urgent action elsewhere if other blocks are at risk. We will need statements from the government, Councils and housing management companies about the safety of all the blocks in the country. The government needs to advise Parliament if it wants to change fire regulations or issue any new guidance to Councils. Individual Councils need to review their housing and debate  the matter in each locality. They are the main owners and purchasers of social housing with planning and building control functions that go to heart of this matter.  Management organisations need to talk to tenants and review their homes, so they can either reassure or improve their safety.

I am glad the government has said it is now reviewing urgently all tower blocks and will report back. It has said it will make sure all those who have lost their homes from the fire will be housed by the government. It has made emergency money available to the local Council and has helped set up a local co-ordinating committee to deal with all problems. It has made money and other assistance available to those who have lost their homes.

Many say  the new cladding put in to improve thermal insulation, cut tenant heating bills and improve the appearance of the block for residents and the wider neighbourhood may have speeded the progress of the fire. If this is so it follows that other buildings with the same system need safety improvements, and future improvement schemes need reviewing.  It looks as if fire alarms and response systems were not good enough or did not exist. It would be prudent for all other public sector landlords to review their estates – and private sector ones as well for that matter.

Ensuring the safety of tenants or leaseholders should the overriding priority. Local and national government needs to work hard and swiftly with that in mind.

Jun172017

Presenting the President of Russia with the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events to be submitted for ratification

Russia
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The Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events was signed by the Russian Federation in Saint-Denis (France) on 3 July 2016.

Reference

The draft federal law On Ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events, hereinafter referred to as the Convention, was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation.

The Convention was signed by the Russian Federation in Saint-Denis (France) on 3 July 2016.

At present the Convention has been signed by 23 states and ratified by Monaco and France. It will enter in force when the member states of the Council of Europe agree to assume commitments on its implementation.

The Convention is aimed at improving international cooperation on ensuring the safety and security of spectators during competitions in different sports, in particular, football matches, and at reducing the risks of acts of violence or public disorder by citizens or groups of citizens.

The Convention provides for the establishment of the Committee on Safety and Security at Sports Events.

To carry out the Convention the required amendments were introduced into the legislation of the Russian Federation and relevant regulatory acts adopted in 2016. In 2015, the Ministry of the Interior established a national football information centre.

In accordance with the Federal Law On International Treaties of the Russian Federation, the Convention is subject to ratification as it concerns the basic human and civil rights and freedoms.

Jun172017

£850,000 for new Maggie’s Centre for South East Wales

Welsh Government
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Maggie’s Centres are based in the grounds of large cancer centres and provide emotional and practical support for people with cancer, their families and friends. They are independent but work in partnership with the NHS across the UK.

The centre announced today will be based at the current Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch. The Centre will provide a cancer support service for people in South East Wales with a new permanent solution being delivered as part of the new Velindre cancer hospital development which is due to open in 2022. Opportunities to re-locate and re-use the centre are being explored. 

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: 

“Many of us know someone who has battled cancer and have seen first hand the impact it has on not only them, but also their friends and families. 

“Maggie’s Centres do excellent work in providing professional support and advice for those with cancer and those whose lives have been touched by the disease. That is why I am pleased to be able to announce this new funding today.

“We know that cancer is affecting increasing numbers of people in Wales. We are proud that cancer survival rates continue to improve, but we know there is always more work to do.  

“We are committed to continuing to improve and to deliver the best treatment and care to people with cancer in Wales. Our updated cancer delivery plan recognises the vital importance of delivering person-centred cancer care.

“Alongside improvements in cancer survival, we are pleased to be working with Maggie’s to help ensure services meet people’s needs. The funding I have announced today will help us deliver the best care to people affected by cancer in south east Wales.”

Laura Lee, Maggie’s Chief Executive said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to hear that Welsh Government has approved funding for the development of Maggie’s Cardiff which will be located at Velindre Cancer Centre. 

“We are very excited to establish a much-needed Maggie’s Centre at Velindre which will serve the whole population of South East Wales. 

“Over the last few years more and more people have been travelling significant distances to Maggie’s Swansea to seek our support, so we are thrilled at the opportunity to create a second centre in Wales.”  

Sir Roger Jones, Chairman of Maggie’s Fundraising Board said: 

“When I first walked through the door of Maggie’s Swansea, I saw that it was an oasis of excellence, an environment that soothed and calmed with caring and knowledgeable staff who have what the clinicians don’t have – time; time to help people, their families and friends through their cancer experience. With the support of Welsh Government, it’s wonderful to be able to bring Maggie’s to Cardiff and the people of South East Wales.”

Andrea Hague, Director of Cancer Services at Velindre said: 

“Maggie’s Centres provide a very valuable and welcomed support service for patients and their families, helping them through their experiences with cancer. 

“The prospect of a Maggie’s Cardiff being on our doorstep at Velindre, enabling our patients to have easy and convenient access to these additional support services, is great news.”