Archived News April 2004 Broadband Roll Out Continues Apr 30th BT has announced an even speedier spread of broadband to rural areas but the CLA is calling for it to go further. Rural villages' broadband promise Apr 30th BT says 95% of Wales will have broadband by summer 2005 - and it could hit 100% soon after. Welcome back, bicycle bell Apr 30th The ding of a cycle bell as a cheery postman wave across the village green. Something from a bygone era? Not quite. Energy and the countryside Apr 29th Climate change caused by our growing consumption of fossil fuels is a major threat to the English countryside and the wider environment. Are non-fossil fuel, renewable energy sources like wind turbines a solution – and what threat do they pose to rural landscapes? Ancient Trees 'Should be Protected Apr 28th The Woodland Trust today launches a campaign to protect ancient trees from damage in the same way as buildings are listed. Call for Green Reward Cards Apr 27th A scheme whereby people are rewarded for being environmentally could encourage us to be greener, says a new report. UK Mammals' Fates Varied Apr 26th The latest study into the state of Britain's mammals shows some species on the up, but others less fortunate. Big cats are on the prowl Apr 25th The results of a 15 month survey organised by the British Big Cat Society, indicate that there is little doubt that big cats are roaming Britain. Tackling rural social exclusion for ethnic women Apr 24th Efforts are being made to make the Welsh countryside a more welcoming place for ethnic minorities, particularly women. Taxi Vouchers for rural people Apr 23rd Without a car, it is becoming harder and harder for some rural people to get to essential services such as the doctor, the post office or the bank, to get to training or work opportunities, or even just visit family and friends. One solution is to provide people in rural areas with vouchers that they can use with local taxis. Anger over woodland burial plan Apr 22nd A scheme to create a green woodland burial site in the lake District provokes anger from villagers. National Park Plan for Scottish Coast Apr 21st In an attempt to secure the balance between protecting the marine and coastal life of Scotland as well as the economy of the local communities, the Scottish Executive has outlined plans to establish a national coastline park Champagne Makers Court English Vineyards Apr 20th A combination of global warming and land prices have led French champagne makers to consider England as a good investment. Tax row villagers are selling up Apr 20th The number of homes for sale in a Cambridgeshire village at the centre of a council tax dispute doubles. Trust takes on dam homes Apr 19th Tenants in a village built for workers on the Elan Dam see the homes put into trust to preserve the tiny community. Special day on crime and safety in woodlands Apr 18th Improving the accessibility of woodlands and natural spaces is a key issue for many organisations, so a seminar which will include anti-social behaviour and people’s perception of risk and safety in woodlands is to be held. Slump Predicted By Goldman Sachs Apr 16th Goldman Sachs has joined the growing number of voices predicting a fall in house prices though others still think differently. Campaigners plan radio mast fight Apr 15th People in Cornwall are vowing to fight plans for three police radio masts near towns and villages. Seeds of change for threatened birds Apr 13th The wild grey partridge and the tree sparrow are benefiting from a project which provides farmers in the Borders with seed mixes to grow cover for habitat and feed. Rural post offices face closure Apr 13th More than 1,600 rural post offices could be shut down under new regulatory recommendations Wales tops house price rise list Apr 13th Wales has seen the UK's biggest house price increases during the past 12 months, a new survey suggests. Joy as villagers get new landlord Apr 7th Celebrations are taking place in an east Devon village where residents facing eviction are saved by a new landlord. 4x4 menace on rights of way Apr 6th Public opinion shows overwhelming support for a ban on 4x4s and trailbikes on rights of way Wind farm spin-off for villagers Apr 5th Villagers have struck a deal with a commercial developer to bring renewable energy to their community. Villagers in ferry buyout attempt Apr 4th Residents of a Highland village hope to become the first Scottish community to buy their own ferry service. Tax on Second Homes To Rocket Apr 2nd Some local authorities are set to increase council tax on second homes by nearly 50% from April 1 says a new survey. CLA Flytipping Survey Launched Apr 1st The CLA is conducting a survey in April which is to ask the public where the worst spots for flytipping are in an effort to try New Defra Site Appeals for Ideas Apr 1st A new site set up by Defra is looking for input to help simplify the plethora of grant schemes available to rural people.