Archived News November 2003 Local economic renewal Nov 29th NEF is pushing to relocalise the economy through the local works campaign and by empowering communities through enterprise and innovation Queen's Speech Unveiled Nov 28th The Government yesterday produced a Queen's Speech containing some hard-hitting proposals, and one interesting omission. Village green protest plans Nov 27th Residents plan to fight possible plans for a new airport by declaring open spaces as village greens Helping Rural Communities Help Themselves Nov 27th Rural communities need more support and encouragement to provide for their own needs and their level of access to help and expertise must be improved Villages win faster net access Nov 26th Broadband access is about to arrive in rural Northamptonshire following petitions demanding high-speed internet. Mining threat to beauty spot Nov 26th A mining threat to a Beacons' beauty spot results in 1,000 locals signing a petition against it. Prince praises pub pioneers Nov 26th A mining threat to a Beacons' beauty spot results in 1,000 locals signing a petition against it. The answer is blowing in the Welsh wind Nov 25th The UK’s first major offshore wind farm has been launched off the coast of Wales. When fully operational it will produce enough power for 50,000 homes. Youth movement needs helping hands to guide it Nov 24th So many girls – many in rural areas – want to join the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides that thousands of extra Leaders and Helpers are needed. Turkeys to ‘snood’-ze to relaxing music Nov 24th Turkey farmers are being sent a special CD to play to their birds. It is part of a survey to find out which tracks have the most positive calming influence on the turkeys. Hunting ban backlash fears Nov 23rd There are fears that a ban on hunting may shatter relations between the police and rural communities. Councils warn of big tax rises Nov 22nd Many local councils are likely to press ahead with significant council tax rises next year despite a £2.1bn increase in government funding. Bush's 'lunch in a million' Nov 19th US secret service men descend on a village pub, where it is expected Prime Minister Tony Blair will entertain President Bush English Cheese Set To Cross Channel Nov 17th Two major cheese-producing farms in England are set to start exporting their produce to France. Rural crime a growing problem Nov 17th crime in rural areas is now increasing more quickly than in cities. Great bustards back in Britain Nov 16th The great bustard, the heaviest flying bird in the world, might be seen again in the wild in this country Guiding producers into the market place Nov 15th A guide to help small producers make the right impression when they approach retailers, foodservice and catering companies has been launched by HRH The Prince of Wales. Haskins Report Published Nov 13th The Review of Rural Delivery report by Lord Haskins proposes more of a streamlined look for Defra and its associated agencies, placing emphasis on regional bodies. CPRE reaction Countryside Agency reaction NFU reaction Lack of Rainfall Causes Water Rethink Nov 12th The lack of rain this year is causing trouble for water companies who are encouraging customers to save water where they can while they consider alternatives to their usual sources. Rural roads just couldn’t take the heat Nov 11th High summer temperatures have wreaked havoc with some rural roads across the country and millions of pounds will be needed to repair the damage. The future of the countryside lies in report Nov 11th The rising cost of rural housing is likely to be one of the main concerns to be highlighted in the Haskins Report to be published this week. Sudden Oak Death Hits UK Nov 7th The first incidence of sudden oak death in the UK has been found in an oak tree in Sussex. Moon eclipsed Nov 6th light pollution snuffs out the stars Fight for living room surgery Nov 5th Patients who use the front rooms of village homes to see their GP say they are angry over plans to end the custom. DIY approach urged for rural broadband Nov 3rd Rural communities need help and local champions to set up their own broadband networks, say experts. Fenland to return to its watery roots Nov 3rd Plans to create 5,000 hectares of new wetlands in the East Anglia Fens have been launched by the RSPB. Rural affairs discussions, but what of the countryside? Nov 2nd A major revival of government rural policies is to be announced, but wildlife and the countryside could pay the price of change. Pet pigs need registration Nov 1st Pet pig owners and hobby farmers are being targeted by Defra in a new poster campaign warning them about the dangers of rapid spreading diseases affecting livestock.