The Forest of Dean community are about to have one of their most precious facilities stolen because of a wrangle between the council and a local academy over funding. Currently the leisure centre and pool hosts football clubs, indoor and outdoor netball, squash, group exercise ,tennis childrens' and adults' swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, Cinderford and district swimming club and a host of other activities. It is a jewel of the community continually hosting thousands of people hours on a regular basis for wholesome and healthy physical activity and social interaction: *Come see our swimming club members both young and old swimming their hearts out *Talk to the coaches who dedicate so much of ther lives to volunteer for us *Hear about masters swimmers who are soon to compete in european championships at the london olympic aquatic centre *Learn about swimmers who regularly compete in county and national competitions *See the social benefits of exercise and club membership it will do your heart good and help you to understand what is about to be lost as there is nowhere in the area with spare pool time or facilities to accommodate our club. without cinderford pool so much will tragically be lost. It absolutely breaks my heart to realise that short term and short sighted political and financial decisions can take all of this away for ever. If the district council and local mp mark harper allow this to happen they have clearly lost sight of their prime responsibility to maintain and care for the longterm health, fitness and welfare of our local community We deserve better from thoes who are paid to serve us

Call on Cardiff Council to halt its attempts to transfer ownership of this important piece of Cardiff’s heritage to hotel company Signature Living. We need to fight to protect the historic integrity of a national icon. Any building in any city could become a home for this 'proposal.' Once this building is gifted to dubious developers, and the work carried out, it will be taken from the nation forever, with all profits made going to Liverpool. Signature Living’s owner was barred by from holding any company office for 8 years by court order. They have little interest or experience in renovating a building of this significance and will strip it of its character and most of the jobs it creates will be minimum wage zero hours contracts. Its financial methods leave it vulnerable to collapse and there is a real risk that the Coal Exchange could be left in a far worse state than it is in now. Despite concerns raised by local MPs and AMs, Cardiff Council justify this short sighted insensitive decision by saying the Coal Exchange is derelict which it is not. Signature Living specialise in hosting parties and accommodation for stag parties and hen do's and have been quoted as saying that they take the hen and stag parties "nobody else wants." The building although promised to be restored to full conservation standards, will succumb to daytime and late night revellers stumbling to find their way back to the 'hotel' becoming a nuisance to local businesses and residents. This building was built by the backbreaking work of our forefathers and made our nation famous globally. It belongs to the people of Wales, not developers whose main priority is to financially benefit not only from alcohol sales, but also claiming BPRA on a building they don't own. The company hasn't even acknowledged the 35 companies already in the building, almost 70 residents or the efforts action group Save the Coal Exchange who are maintaining this building. There has yet to even be a full survey instructed by the company, but yet they have plans that are all based on artist impressions. Stephen Doughty had a meeting with the developer who said that he would do "as much as the council would let him get away with" and that in fact, the building will be one third residential, one third serviced apartments, one third hotel. Their entire business model is based on BPRA which is being abolished this year due to developers exploiting it as a tax avoidance. Stephen Doughty has also said that the developer said they could turn it around in record time as they would "bring our own team in" yet they have publicly said they will use local labour. In a Wales Online article dated 12th April 2016, Signature Living was quoted that the 200 bedroom hotel "will bring 100 jobs and apprenticeships to Cardiff Bay, and another 60 jobs will follow when it opens in 18 months time." Then in an article on Wales Online dated 17th April 2016, Signature Living was then quoted as saying "there will be a restaurant on site and at least 200, and possibly as many as 300 rooms - some of which will be serviced apartments." Signature Living were also then quoted as saying that "the new Coal Exchange could be open within 8 months because he (Lawrence Kenwright) employs each team himself". So does that sound like local workmen? Or a team he's bringing in to "deliver the building in half the allowed time given to us." This is a grade II* listed building that will require CADW accredited surveys and craftsmen to carry out ANY restoration to the facade and hall. Really? This whole building, in 8 months? Another thing taken from the Wales Online article dated 17th April 2016. Is the fact that Signature Living can be quoted as saying "the project will not be funded by public money. We fund the process from investors from all over the world." But in the very same article Signature have admitted to using the BPRA (Business Premises Renovation Allowance) scheme, for his initial kickstart of funds. I'd like to point out that this is claimed as tax relief for the development of derelict buildings from the HMRC. SO if it wasn't claimed, that money would STILL be in the HMRC's possession. Meaning - IT IS PUBLIC MONEY. As it has been taken FROM the HMRC pot. THERE IS A SECRECY OF PROCESS. LACK OF TENDER FOR THE BUILDING. LACK OF COMMUNITY GUARANTEES. NO CLARITY REGARDING SPECIFIC USE. SUSPECT FINANCIAL MODEL. More info on BPRA as a tax avoidance for developers http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/news/hmrc-kick-starts-crackdown-on-commercial-property-tax-avoidance/a797955 Cardiff South & Penarth MP Stephen Doughty's concerns http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mp-raised-serious-concerns-over-11160631 and http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2016-04-14/should-40-million-cardiff-coal-exchange-hotel-project-go-ahead/ And a Private Eye article about the developers: http://codphilosophy.co.uk/sections/fishy-business/2014/09/class-act THERE HAS BEEN A CALL FOR A FULL PUBLIC ENQUIRY OVER THIS BY STEPHEN DOUGHTY MP. IT HAS ALSO BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL BE BROUGHT TO PARLIAMENT IN WESTMINSTER ON 20TH APRIL AT 11AM. IF NOTHING WAS UNTOWARD, THEN WHY HAS STEPHEN DOUGHTY MP CALLED FOR THIS? WE WANT AN OPEN, DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT PROCESS WITH THE COUNCIL CONSULTING THE PUBLIC THE WHOLE TIME WITH NO UNDERHANDED DEALS BEING ANNOUNCED AS "DONE." SURELY IT IS IN THEIR INTEREST TO AUCTION THE BUILDING FOR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, RATHER THAN LET IT GO TO RECOUP FUNDS OF £177,000 (WHICH WAS £1.2 ORIGINALLY). Transcript of Stephen Doughty's Westminster debate: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2016-04-20/debates/Hocdebdt20160420scrlgtghs_2Cwesthalldebateod3ticardiffcoalexchange/CardiffCoalExchange BBC: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36093246 And Wales Online article: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/call-halt-redevelopment-cardiffs-coal-11216462

Following the overwhelming success of England’s women at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada last year – with semi-final viewing figures peaking at 2.4 million on the BBC despite an 11pm kick-off, and with the third-place playoff victory against Germany drawing a peak of 2.5 million viewers despite a 10pm kick-off – it's time that our women get equal broadcast coverage on free-to-air television as their male counterparts. Given that the women took England to their highest finish in a World Cup competition since the men won in 1966, we should be celebrating their sporting achievement, and the massive rise in popularity in women's football, both professional and at grassroots level, over the past decade.

As the once vibrant fleet has now long gone it's about time something was done to remember them. Many ship's and men were lost, far too many. For every one man at sea they created jobs for seven ashore. Certainly a big and vital boost to the local economy. Other Ports around the country have erected Statues, Plaques and preserved ships in memory of there fishermen... surely Aberdeen can do the same ? You at least owe to past and future generations......

Not only is it going to mean the loss of 4 local jobs, but it will be a great loss to students that use this vital centre of learning.

The Brain family having invested their life savings to make a life in Scotland, have been informed by the UK government that they have to return to Australia. The Home Office have given them 28 days as of Friday 18/3/16 to leave the UK, or face deportation and bans on re-entry. This, and the plights of many other families placed in the same deplorable situation, demonstrates very serious shortcomings in UK immigration policy, that people who are here and are making a contribution to our economy, and who want to stay and live here, are being forced out. Over the years, successive governments have implemented a range of measures to repopulate the Highlands and, thankfully these are slowly bearing fruit. Gregg, Kathryn and their 7 year old son Lachlan Brain have done nothing but contribute positively both personally and financially to the UK. They paid over £35,000 for Kathryn's degree, and have paid over £40,000 in taxes during their time here. Both were employed in jobs that took some months to fill before they were employed. They have kept their end of the bargain. Now, without right to appeal, their passports have been confiscated, their right to work abolished, and the Home Office have threatened to freeze their bank accounts and cancel their driving licenses. They do not deserve to be treated like criminals. All they want is for the Home Office to deliver what was promised when they sold everything they owned in Australia to come to the UK - a two year post-study work visa, giving them the opportunity to establish a working relationship with an employer, and a chance at a longer-term visa. Living up to what was promised is not too much to ask.

My father booked a holiday this time last year for May 2016, but sadly 6 weeks ago was diagnosed with cancer in his throat. He contact first choice who transferred him to many different departments before he was given two choices. The choices were to cancel the holiday, losing a large some of money with the cancellation policy to claim the remaining money through insurance or they would hold the money for a year and he could rebook. My argument is that these travel companies do not know people's financial backgrounds, how long they have been saving or if the person will be able to work again and holding onto nearly £2,000 that possibly will be needed in the following year is greedy. My father has full documentation of treatment and illness so I think companies should allow a full refund! Also, they do apparently have a 'department' for these occasions but are only contactable via email, I emailed them about this 3 weeks ago and have never received anything back!

The NHS is under fire from its ideological opponents and the media too often carries bad news which are not balanced with stories of its successes. We need to celebrate it being the best in the world

On 4 April 2016, Hartwig Fischer became the new Director of the British Museum. One of the first decisions he needs to make is whether to renew its five-year sponsorship deal with BP. Please help make the call to #DropBP the biggest noise he hears as he begins his new job. Why #DropBP? This partnership with the British Museum is allowing BP to clean up its dirty image by associating itself with Britain’s most popular tourist attraction – for the annual cost of about two hours’ profit for the oil giant. BP is violating human rights, destroying ecosystems and actively driving the world towards climate catastrophe: • It is going after new sources of highly-polluting fossil fuels in the tar sands and the Arctic, despite opposition from local Indigenous communities and knowing that we need to keep 80% of known fossil fuels in the ground to avoid dangerous climate change. • It is trying to drill dangerous new deepwater wells in the Gulf of Mexico and Great Australian Bight, despite the devastation BP’s Deepwater Horizon spill is still wreaking on the Gulf Coast’s residents and wildlife. • In countries such as Iraq, Egypt, Russia, Azerbaijan and West Papua, it is fuelling conflict and repression and undermining workers’ rights. • It tops the list of firms lobbying against effective climate policies in Europe. • It dodges taxes and takes billions more in UK tax breaks, in this time of supposed austerity. It donates only a tiny proportion back to the arts, in return for high-profile branding. The movement for Fossil Free Culture is gathering strength. Tate recently parted company with BP after 26 years, following intensifying protests and public pressure. Now the British Museum, and other BP-sponsored institutions, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Opera House, the Science Museum, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Edinburgh International Festival, must follow Tate’s lead and #DropBP. This petition is jointly hosted by the PCS Union and the Art Not Oil coalition.

Public health. No carcinogens in our national drink. Changing fat for cancer is shortsighted. Some of us control our sugar intake and dont want stealth chemicals added instead. If you think I should avoid sugar in my childrens drink and replace it with a proven carcinogen then it really is april the first

We're told to recycle every tin can, banana skin and plastic bottle we use - yet there are thousands of empty buildings in London and the UK, tons of wasted materials and thousands of people with spare time and skills that could easily be used by local groups and organisations to tackle local problems. Problems such as: Homelessness Austerity cuts Rising prices Lack of creative space Closure of public spaces and venues Energy and food waste Social issues like community cohesion and access to facilities A lack of creative space In difficult circumstances a bit of space and time to create solutions can make all the difference. The Hive Dalston has proved that empty buildings and wasted resources can be brought together intelligently to help make a real difference to people's lives. Now we want to help create a system that encourages other groups to try the same solutions. This system encourages easier access to recycling really important things in our environment - like skills in the community and wasted spaces. At the Hive Dalston, in two and a half years, we've seen over 30,000 people, held numerous performance, environmental, political and cultural events and helped over 70 charities. We've enabled people to start businesses, learn new skill and even had an indoor skatepark! We held a yearly conference, featuring academics, politicians, planners, activists and local councillors - including the now Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville. Our landlord was so pleased with our progress he extended our tenancy four times! Watch a short video introduction to The Hive: https://youtu.be/yj1cGzoic2g The Hive is the blueprint for a system of reuse called "Holistic Urban Regeneration", that benefits councils, landlords, developers, businesses and communities together - discussed in more detail in Radio 4 Documentary, "A Waste of Space". Watch a short video of our recent conference and hustings where all the mayoral parties agree to support the petition: https://youtu.be/UqICZgyVrwc Please lend your voice to that support so that we can help create hundreds of Hives and similar projects in areas of need all over the country. The Respace Classification will help make this a reality. Sign our petition and join a growing movement to start to fix our broken Britain ourselves. For more detailed information about the classification - check our webpage: https://hivedalston.wordpress.com/the-respace-classification/ Thank you and please take a moment to sign ...

No two schools are alike. But the government doesn't seem to agree. It wants to rush through plans to force every single school in England to become an academy the type of school paid for by taxpayers, but run by businesses, sponsors or trusts. Many teachers and parents are already standing against the plans, saying that they're "a step towards privatisation", ignore local views, and could force some schools to close. One size does not fit all, and local parents and teachers should have a say in the future of our school. ------ If this isn't your local school, click here to sign your local petition, or start one if no-one else has yet: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/start-a-campaign-for-your-school