The government is threatening to change firefighters’ pension schemes, meaning all members will pay more, work longer and still get less. Pay more Before 2010, firefighters already contributed one of the highest proportions of their salary towards their pensions (11%), and in April this year it increased for the third year running. Firefighters typically now pay over £4,000 a year from a £29,000 salary, and the government has announced they will impose another increase in 2015. Work longer Firefighters will be expected to work until they are 60 however the government’s own report by Dr Tony Williams, published in December 2013, recognises that two thirds (66%) will not meet the current fitness standard. Firefighters, who are forced to retire at 55 due to a natural decline in fitness, could lose up to half of their pension or face the sack. Get less Firefighters will only receive the full pension they signed up for if they work for 40 years in the service which given current retirement and fitness rates is unlikely for the majority of firefighters.

We are pleased to inform everyone that DBT is now available to those in Derby City. All Derby City and Derby County psychological services are now under the same bracket and receive funding from the same pot, so DBT is no longer classed as an external service. This means that Derby City residents with BPD can be referred for an assessment for the service via their CPN or psychiatrist. This change has been in progress for a while now, and would have happened despite our campaign. Nevertheless, as a result of this campaign many more people will now be aware of the treatment and that this service is available. More importantly, we have raised awareness of BPD and that there is hope for those with the condition. Breaking down stigma surrounding BPD is what Borderline is all about, and thanks to the campaign and the support of Unite the Union, especially the Derby Unite Community Branch, have certainly helped to do this. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved, as you have all played a big part in making this happen. Once again, thank you!!

This 4 year old child is shown, named, along with his parents and home town. What long-term effects is this likely to have on the child? http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jul/29/the-sundevil-satan-boy-outrage-chest

Peter Nelson, who formerly run Crystal Commissions in the town centre, erected this memorial in tribute to his late wife, Angela, and also as a gift to the town he has called home for so many years, and the town he has provided invaluable services to from his business. Given the history of the slag bank, being built upon what was formerly known as Chapel Hill, and the location, many people in the area think this is a wonderful tribute and should be allowed to remain. The full story can be read here: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/491978/Widow-puts-up-statue-of-Crucifixtion-in-tribute-to-late-wife (Photo credit: John Harkness)

One of my cats was recently run down and killed and thanks to a lady passing in a bus who went back and took him to the local vet i was informed about it. Although this news is extremely upsetting at least I got to take him home and have him buried properly. I'm not a mad cat woman but i considered him to be one of my family and i miss him to bits.

The outcome of the current Hammersmith and Fulham council's review could significantly alter the original Master plan. The demolition of Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre should be now considered premature, given that approval was only granted on the condition that the site-wide Master plan go ahead as presented. For this reason, we ask that a 'pause’ on the demolition be announced with immediate effect.

the transport provide a safe mode of travel for our disabled sons and daughters they are from the time they are picked up their eyes their voices and our carers they know everything about them,some of our special ones have fits some choke, some have behaviour problems and will try to get out of their seats how could a driver be able to attend to these problems if they arose without an escort, without our escorts the transport cannot be viable due to the danger posed by just having a driver as the drivers main concern is to drive without distraction , we as parents are given an extra few hours when our sons and daughters are picked up and this time is precious as we are able to have a little me time . we know that when the transport is finished some of our parents will have to give up work and then their son or daughter would more than likely end up with not being able to go to their day centres which is vital for us as it gives them some independence and time to be with their friends please every one take an hour out of your day and put on a blind fold put ear plugs in and put tape over your mouths sit in a wheel chair and this will let you see how vulnerable our sons and daughters are and how restricted their lives are so please I implore you as a mum to 3 sons one is autistic and my other 2 boys are totally dependent for all their needs please help us get this overturned before a tradgic accident happens

Medical Cannabis has been used as a medicine for millennia. I can find no information that it is dangerous, but there is plenty of information to support using this very successful, sometimes miraculous medicine. It treats MS, many types of cancer, depression, anxiety, pain, insomnia, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and many, many other illnesses. Anyone with an ounce of compassion surely could not deny this important medicine.

The LD service is very specialist with relatively few staff doing different but highly specialist jobs. LD staff visit people in their homes for many reasons. For instance, we work hard to keep people out of hospital, if people do go to hospital we work to prevent readmission, we adapt homes so people don’t have to leave their family home or go into expensive care services, and we work with people to help them stay healthy and active, so that they don’t have to use other more expensive health services. And very often, there just aren’t any other services that can provide the care that we do. Norfolk County Council has cut Learning Disabilities Services by £960K and chosen to use the money elsewhere. But this money should be protected by Law for the specific care needs of people with learning disabilities. Help us get Norfolk County Council to reverse its harmful decision to cut Learning Disabilities services.

It is a clear violation of all codes of conduct and international Humanitarian Law and in breech of the Geneva Convention which must be investigated with a view to prosecuting Israel and its Government

Originally from Ivory Coast, Kabran Didier-Eric Yao has been in England for over a year. He is currently being held at Campsfield immigration detention centre near Oxford and has been given removal directions to be returned to Ivory Coast on 30th July. Kabran has so far been unable to see a solicitor in detention, and is at risk of being deported before he has the chance to make a fresh claim for asylum. Kabran fled from Ivory Coast in 2013, where his life was in danger due to his involvement in the Ivorean Popular Front (FPI). When the FPI lost power after a disputed election in 2010 more than 3,000 FPI supporters were killed, among them Kabran’s brother. When Kabran arrived in the UK, he was feeling safe enough to make Bristol his home and has become an integral part of his local community. He became known as a good student in his English classes, he helped out in the kitchen in the local community centre, he regularly attended the local mosque and he supported new arrivals, particularly French speakers. He even supported England in the world cup. Kabran's claim for asylum was rejected earlier this year; however, new evidence has arisen which will form the basis of a fresh claim. If returned to Ivory Coast, Kabran could be in danger of arbitrary detention, torture or death. If returned before he has had the opportunity to speak to a solicitor, it will be a blatant breach of justice. We call on you Stephen Williams, as Kabran's local representative in this country, to ask the Home Office to revoke Kabran's removal directions; to release him from detention immediately; and to allow him more time to make a fresh claim for asylum in the UK based on new evidence which has arisen. We want Kabran to stay with us. He is part of our community. He belongs in Bristol. Please support our friend, Kabran, in his search for safety.

1. Ancient woodland is irreplaceable. Once it's gone, its gone forever. It cannot be recreated. 2. Ancient woods are our richest land-based habitat. They have had relatively little disturbance over the centuries, which has allowed them to develop complex and diverse ecological communities of plants and animals. 3. Ancient woods are of archaeological importance, providing living records of the past and, are also some of our most beautiful places to visit. 4. Ancient woodland covers just two per cent of the UK and much of it is highly fragmented. 5. 256 species of conservation concern live in ancient woodland.