Conservatives at Essex County Council have set recycling targets that are vague and lack ambition. That is one of the findings of an independent Waste Commission hired by the council to review its waste strategy.
Two Asda supermarkets in Swindon are to introduce £60 fines for drivers who park in disabled bays without displaying the relevant badge. The policy comes into force at the Wiltshire stores on the North Orbital road and in West Swindon on 4 February.
Businesses in Kent have been duped into promoting a scam charity drive, according to police. Firms have been asked to display boxes containing sweets that claim proceeds from a £1 donation will go to the Dogs for the Disabled charity.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is due to outline his ideas for the NHS, which are expected to focus on a "care guarantee" for the elderly. On a visit to an Age Concern centre in Kingston on Thames, Mr Clegg will unveil proposals that will be put to the Lib Dems' spring conference.
A teenager has been convicted of murder for his part in a brutal gang attack on a man with learning difficulties.
Reading the article by Nick Bishop, who has cerebral palsy, on coping with getting around bars and restaurants, I found myself nodding in agreement (a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jan/10/disability.longtermcare">How am I supposed to get up there?, January 10).