Archived News December 2004 Proposals for Norfolk coastline published Dec 20thA consultation plan by North Norfolk District Council on future management of the north east Norfolk coastline, has been welcomed by the Government’s wildlife watchdog, English Nature. Riders celebrate bridge openings in the South Dec 19thFollowing years of campaigning by local volunteers from the British Horse Society (BHS) and ramblers, a new bridleway bridge has been opened across the busy A34 south of M4 Junction 13. Rural first aiders 'saving lives' Dec 18thVolunteers trained to help ambulance teams are helping to save lives in villages and rural areas. Illegal Moss Trade Threatens Peat Bogs Dec 17th Scottish peat bogs are under threat from plant thieves who illegally gather vital mosses and sell them to garden centres to be used in Christmas wreaths. Village fights for wind farm cash Dec 16th A small Scottish community begins the battle to hold on to its share of compensation from a nearby wind farm. Villages upset over housing plans Dec 16th Villagers are planning to protest against plans by Trinity College, Cambridge to build 1,500 new homes Turnaround on East's Development Plans Dec 15th Plans to build nearly half a million new homes in the East have been put on hold by local planners, who say that the Government cannot fund the massive infrastructure development needed. Early Christmas cheer for walkers in Dorset Dec 15th Thousands of hectares of land in Dorset will be officially opened to walkers for the first time today. Scotland’s wild beauty pays off Dec 14th Scotland’s wildlife and landscapes contribute significantly to employment and have the potential to be a key driver in the Scottish economy, according to a new study commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage Your village hall needs you Dec 13th Changing populations mean village halls may have to work harder to keep themselves relevant in today’s world – that’s the message from a Charity Commission report just published. Boon for Affordable Housing Dec 12th The Government has announced it is to keep the rural exceptions clause in place, which helps to build affordable housing in rural communities as part of its latest plan Affordable housing and protecting the countryside Dec 11th CPRE welcomes the Government's intention to give planners the power to identify sites for affordable housing, as long as these are in suitable locations. This would be a great step forward for positive planning to meet rural housing needs. Victory on light pollution Dec 10th The Government has honoured its pledge to make intrusive lighting a statutory nuisance 'Perfect' village aids its school Dec 9th An Oxfordshire community voted the best place to live in rural England raises £250,000 for a new classroom. Joy as villagers win bell battle Dec 8th A village's historic set of church bells continue to ring out after a resident withdraws a complaint about the noise. Funding allows Project Phoenix to arise Dec 6th Projects to protect the Welsh landscape and environment will benefit from a £2.8 million cash injection. Affordable homes for Western Isles Dec 5th A package worth more than £50 million to deliver new and improved affordable homes in the Western Isles has been announced. Winter weather service for walkers Dec 4th The Lake District’s unique winter weather service kicks off this week when the National Park Authority’s fell top assessors start the first of their daily treks up Helvellyn to record snow, ice and wind conditions above 3,000 feet. Post Office reopens in farm shop Dec 3rd The future of a village store and post office has been safeguarded - by moving in with the local farm shop. Village exclusion zone bid fails Dec 2nd Residents of seven villages and a farm which breeds guinea pigs for medical research have failed in a bid for a large exclusion zone around the Consultation over towpath vegetation management Dec 1st British Waterways has launched a consultation with waterways user groups on proposed guidance for the future maintenance of towpaths on urban and rural waterways.