Archived News January 2005 Diversification Earns Farmers £300m Jan 31st Although total farm earnings fell last year, farmers are increasingly turning their focus to other activities, and are now earning more than ever through diversification. Villagers use police speed guns Jan 30th People speeding on a West Sussex road could be caught by their neighbours as part of a police initiative. Whinash windfarm public inquiry Jan 28th Countryside Agency Board to present its case for objection New Government 'Vision' Questioned Jan 27th The Countryside Agency today launched its new vision for the urban/rural fringe, claiming this space needs to be better utilised, and suggesting ways of doing so. Parliament Act Changes Proposed Jan 26th In a debate on Lords Reform last night, The Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer of Thoroton put forward the notion that the Parliament Act may well be reformed as part of that legislation. Legislation for green lanes Jan 25th Inappropriate use of public rights of way by mechanically propelled vehicles will be curtailed by legislation, according to Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael. Medical report explodes ‘rural idyll’ Jan 24th A new British Medical Association (BMA) report, just published, shows how rural healthcare is being neglected. A key message from the report: ‘Healthcare in a Rural Setting’, is that many health policies developed for urban areas do not work in rural ones. Rural Patients Losing Out On Healthcare Jan 24th Poor public transport and the remoteness of medical centres means that many people in rural areas are unable to access healthcare, according to a new report from the BMA. Rural Patients Losing Out On Healthcare Jan 23rd Poor public transport and the remoteness of medical centres means that many people in rural areas are unable to access healthcare, according to a new report from the BMA. Local Heritage Initiative celebrates 1,000th grant Jan 22nd LHI supports community projects with grants of £3,000 to £25,000 for anything from archaeology to oral history, environmental projects, customs and traditions. LHI is a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Countryside Agency and Nationwide Building Society 'Locals-only' housing ruling due Jan 20th A plan to stop wealthy outsiders buying up homes in the Yorkshire Dales is expected to win official backing. Rural schools to share one head Jan 20th Education bosses in North Yorkshire are hoping that one head can be better than two when it comes to staffing rural primary schools in the county. Support to combat rural stress Jan 20th People who are suffering from stress in rural areas could be eligible to benefit from Government funding of £300,000, just announced. Early Spring Sparks Conservation Worry Jan 19th The delicate balance upon which most of the natural world relies is being increasingly upset as spring continues to arrive early, say experts. New sign offer for comedy village Jan 18th A mid Wales village featured in TV comedy Little Britain is offered free new signs after theirs disappeared. New Craze for Heritage Potatoes Jan 17th Fresh demand for the superior taste of traditional potatoes has meant business is booming for Northumberland growers Carroll's Heritage Potatoes. Events Tax Won't Hit County Shows Jan 16th The Government's proposed 'tax on fun' will not affect agricultural and county shows, the Licensing Minister has confirmed, but may yet prove costly for other important rural events. Rural Bin Men Could Help Save Lives Jan 15th Peak District bin men may be trained in how to treat heart attacks and given heart defibrillators under a new initiative being contemplated by a Staffordshire council. British Green Apple Hits Shops Jan 12th A new variety of green apple, bred to cope with the hostile British climate, is to be sold at supermarkets across the country. Hunting Ban: Police Chief Confused Jan 11th A police chief has sought advice from a hunt body on how to tell the difference between fox hunting with hounds and drag hunting, which will still be legal once the ban is imposed. Boscastle awaits flooding report Jan 11th Residents of the Cornish village of Boscastle will be advised on Wednesday about the likelihood of a repeat of last year's devastating floods. Farmyard favourites on 2005 stamps Jan 10th The Royal Mail is heading down to the farm this week with the launch of the 2005 Stamp programme Rooting for ancient trees Jan 9th A free down-to-earth guide to help farmers and other landowners get the most out of ancient trees, has been launched by the Woodland Trust and the Ancient Tree Forum. Wildlife and Countryside Act to be updated Jan 8th The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Assembly Government are consulting in England and Wales, on a comprehensive review of Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Action plan for wild deer Jan 6th A new strategy and action plan for the sustainable management of wild deer in England has been launched by the Minister for Nature Conservation, Ben Bradshaw. Farming conferences take centre stage Jan 6th A seven point plan for organic farmers will be revealed by the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF) at the Soil Association Conference from the 6-9 January in Newcastle. Olympic rower calls for recycling record Jan 5th Four times Olympic gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent (awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list) is backing an annual xmas card recycling scheme Village calendar raises hall cash Jan 4th A mid Wales community has complied a calendar full of local scenes to help save its deteriorating village hall Villagers fighting turbines plan Jan 3rd People living in the Selby area of North Yorkshire are running out of time to object to plans to build two huge wind turbines near their villages.