Archived News November 2004 Villages launch planning charter Nov 30th A special charter aimed at protecting the character of two of York's oldest villages is launched on Monday. Switchover could signal rural switch-off Nov 29th People living in rural areas are facing higher costs when the Government introduces the switchover from analogue to digital television according to a recent Office of Communications (Ofcom) report. Record Year for Scottish Salmon Nov 28th It has been a bumper year for Scottish salmon, with catch records broken on many rivers, and the total catch likely to be among the highest for twenty years, it was announced yesterday. Plea for human rights at inquiry Nov 27th Villagers living close to a travellers' site pleaded for their human rights on the final day of a planning inquiry. Fox Kills Double Under Ban Nov 26th More foxes are being killed now in Scotland than before the hunting ban was introduced there, the Scottish Countryside Alliance has found. Boost for Rural Rail Nov 25th A new rural rail strategy will ensure that lightly used rail lines survive, by cutting costs and increasing usage, and involving support from local communities. Second home truths Nov 24th At a time when some people are struggling to get just one foot on the property ladder, how do second home owners answer charges of selfishness? Growing interest in rural crafts Nov 23rd The first major study of the rural crafts sector for 80 years has revealed that crafts will be more profitable to the rural economy than agriculture within 10-15 years. Prince praises village homes plan Nov 22nd Prince Charles is holding up a north Devon village as a success story for the way it is dealing with the shortage of affordable housing. Good news for walkers Nov 20th A record number of English and Welsh parks and public green spaces have attained the Green Flag scheme’s national standard for green spaces. Corncrakes back from brink Nov 20th A survey of corncrakes in Scotland has revealed that this threatened species' population has soared since 2003. Pro-hunters lodge ban challenge Nov 19th Pro-hunt campaigners have begun their legal challenge to the government's ban on hunting with hounds. Solving the rural housing crisis? Nov 18th The private and public sectors will come together on Monday 22 November to help deliver solutions for the many people who live and work in rural areas but cannot afford a home of their own. Taxi vouchers to help villagers Nov 17th Taxi vouchers are to be given to people living in outlying areas of Tewkesbury who find it difficult to get about. Harsh Winter Ahead ?? Nov 15th Record numbers of waxwings have flown over from Scandinavia and folklore would have us believe that this is the sign of a very harsh winter ahead. An island steps into the future Nov 14th As many people in rural areas have to wait for broadband until it becomes more economical for the companies to install it, one Scottish community is taking their future into their own hands. Locally grown organic food sales increasing Nov 14th Sales of organic food have increased by over 10 per cent in the last year, according to figures released today by the Soil Association. Woman puts village back on map Nov 13th A pensioner has won her fight to keep the name of the tiny hamlet where she lives on the map. Campaigners win landfill battle Nov 12th Residents of four Derbyshire villages have won a legal victory in the battle to stop a third landfill waste disposal site being opened near their homes. England's perfect village named Nov 11th Kingham, a village with a population of just 700 people has been named the best place to live in rural England. Pubs 'Vital' to Communities Nov 11th Pubs are more central to local communities than churches, and going to the pub is the nation's favourite pastime, pub group InnSpired has said. Environmentalists call for more affordable housing Nov 11th 'The lack of homes for those unable to meet their needs through the market is at the heart of the housing crisis, not an overall shortage of new housing. We need a massive boost in the provision of subsidised housing which people on low incomes can afford if we are to meet housing needs while protecting the countryside.' Bid to call beach a village green Nov 10th Opponents of a multi-million pound coastal development have begun their fight to get the beach designated as a village green. The world’s largest onshore wind farm Nov 9th Lewis Wind Power Ltd, a joint venture of AMEC, the international project management and services company and electricity generator British Energy, has submitted a planning application to the Scottish Executive for permission to build the world’s largest onshore wind farm in the north of the Isle of Lewis located in the Western Isles off the north west coast of Scotland. Rights of way proposals Nov 9th Proposals to improve the information available about rights of way and to simplify the way in which changes to rights of way are made, have been published. Official gipsy camps called for Nov 8th The Government should introduce a duty on all local authorities to provide sites for gipsies and travellers, says a report released by the all-party Commons Committee responsible for scrutinising the work of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Non-food crops in the countryside Nov 8th Plans to exploit the commercial, scientific and environmental potential of crops grown for manufacturing have been unveiled. Britain's Owls Need You! Nov 7th A BTO appeal to fund work on the UK's disappearing owl population has been launched, and is also asking for practical help from those who can offer it. A First for Scotland Nov 5th An area of the North West Highlands has just been announced as Britain's next, and Scotland's first, UNESCO European Geopark. Grazed Land to Receive New Payment Nov 4th Landowners who graze horses and keep their land in good condition will receive an unexpected perk from next year under the single payment scheme, the Government has announced Blair Gets Tough on Traveller Camps Nov 3rd The Prime Minister admitted yesterday that the outbreak of illegal Traveller encampments has become a 'serious issue' and vowed to give local authorities more powers to stop them. Village fury at reservoir parking Nov 2nd Residents are furious at proposals to charge for car parking at a beauty spot which has been free for 30 years. Volunteers helping heart victims Nov 1st Villagers are to be trained in using defibrillators, which can increase the chance of surviving a heart attack.