![Fire [Photo: Ernest von Rosen, www.amgmedia.com]](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_fire-photo-ernest-von-rosen-www-amgmedia-com_58e3410687.png)
We're writing to you as a member of the Kent Fire Authority, who will shortly be considering the proposal to remove a full-time fire engine from Folkestone Fire Station, leading to the loss of 24 firefighters from Folkestone, plus the removal of the turntable ladder sited at Folkestone to Ashford.
Liberal Democrats in Epping Forest have expressed their concern at the number of children admitted to accident and emergency departments in hospitals in the area suffering from alcohol related problems.
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is leading calls for an urgent Parliamentary enquiry after NPower revealed a huge increase in fuel bills. Last week, the company announced an increase of 12.7% for electricity and 17.2% for gas bills. The company announced the dramatic rise on the rising cost of fuel and other bills including rising Government 'efficiency guidelines.'
In what has been described a cyncical ploy, the Government has postponed controversial post office closure plans until after the local elections in May.
Most people would be happy to contribute to the costs of long-term care for the elderly but want a fairer system, a report suggests. A consultation of 700 people showed high levels of dissatisfaction with means testing and the "postcode lottery" over social care entitlements.
The switch to energy-saving light bulbs may put thousands at risk of painful skin reactions, health charities warn. Fluorescent bulbs can exacerbate skin rashes in people with photosensitive skin conditions, experts said. The government is planning to prevent the sale of conventional bulbs by 2011 to cut carbon dioxide emissions.