"Spot the difference come voting time".
From Chris Bramall, 14 Duncombe Street, Wollaston, Stourbridge, DY8 3QU
30 Sep 2009
National News
Labour offers too little too late on electoral reform
In his conference speech Gordon Brown announced a package of constitutional reforms. In particular he announced plans to hold a referendum on whether to replace the first past the post voting system with the Alternative Vote (AV) early in the next Parliament - assuming Labour wins the next election. This is almost the very definition of too little, too late. While AV would give the voter somewhat more choice, it is not proportional. Promising a referendum after the general election is meaningless: remember when Labour promised this in 1997?
30 Sep 2009
'Don't delay - check your eyes today' - urges Rowen
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is urging local residents to go along and get their eyes tested after it was recently revealed that many serious conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are not being detected early enough.
30 Sep 2009
EU import tax on mobility scooters a 'disgrace' says Councillor
Kingsway Councillor David Clayton has condemned the European Union (EU) for imposing an import tax on mobile scooters by classifying them in the same category as Formula 1 racing cars.
30 Sep 2009
A digital reminder
I am writing this letter to remind Rochdale residents that later this year the Granada region will be going digital. On November 4th the traditional BBC2 transmission will be turned off and the other terrestrial channels (BBC1, ITV1 and Channels Four and Five) will be switched off on December 2nd. After this time you will need digital equipment to be able to watch television.
30 Sep 2009
Tories to Axe Pegasus School Buses
Less than a year since they took the decision to maintain the service until 2011 the Tory administration at County Hall has decided to axe the very popular Pegasus buses from the end of the current school year. The decision to discontinue the service has been made without consultation with parents or the schools.
29 Sep 2009