Latest news with #localcouncillors
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Reform UK wins more council seats in Norfolk
Reform UK has doubled the number of local councillors it has on a Norfolk local authority after two Fry won the seat on the Fairstead ward at the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Austen Moore won the North Lynn seat, meaning the party now has four councillors in total on the local Conservative Party did not field candidates in either by-election after struggling to find people to stand. There were only 14 votes in it between Fry and the Liberal Democrat candidate Crystal Colwell. Turnout for the ward, which covers one of the most deprived estates in the Borough, was 17%. The result for Reform was more convincing in North Lynn, with Moore winning by 125 votes. Although the turnout there was lower - at 13%.Moore, a businessman and life coach who lives in King's Lynn, joined Reform 12 months ago."I'm a realist. I want to help the people I'll represent and make a difference," he said."It's a mistake to go into a place and tell them this is what they need."Until I speak with members of the community I won't know what I'm going to focus on."The Tories denied that the party was on the retreat in west Norfolk, saying it just had not been possible to find candidates to has a total of 11 councillors across the various local authorities in Norfolk. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Drinking in Ottawa public parks could be allowed this summer
Social Sharing Ottawa parkgoers could soon enjoy alcohol in public parks, as a report from City of Ottawa staff is recommending consumption be allowed within certain parameters. In a report tabled for the city's Community Services Committee, staff included a proposed update to the parks and facilities bylaw. This proposed version would allow alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks and would establishe parameters for where it will continue to be prohibited. The current bylaw prohibits anyone from possessing alcoholic beverages in park spaces, except for at events with a proper permit. City staff outlined two options for councillors to consider. The first option would identify parks where personal consumption of alcohol is allowed. Councillors would then work with communities in their wards on designating parks or continuing prohibition. This option would establish parameters for limiting consumption of alcohol, such as before before 11 a.m. or after 9 p.m. It would also forbid drinking within five metres of playgrounds, parking lots, beaches, and sports fields. The report said these restrictions are designed to prioritize the safety of children and park users and ensure that areas frequently used by them remain secure, while also maintaining public safety. The second option would test drinking in parks with a pilot that would run from July to October. The Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department would select up to one park per ward with the local councillor to authorize the consumption of alcohol. Afterwards there would be a post-pilot evaluation that would go to council for further direction. Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard introduced a motion last year to launch a pilot program, citing cities like Toronto that allow alcohol consumption in designated parks. Both Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Police Service voiced concern with the proposed bylaw. In a letter, Police Chief Eric Stubbs said, "permitting alcohol consumption in public parks presents risks that could compromise public safety and strain our resources." A letter from Ottawa Public Health raised concerns linking increased alcohol consumption to several types of cancer, as well as the risks of underage drinking. Councillors will discuss the report from city staff at a Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for May 27. If approved, the proposed bylaw would then go to city council.
The Guardian
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Share your experience of UK slot machine arcades
'Adult gaming centres' (AGCs) are a network of slot machine arcades that are expanding rapidly on Britain's high streets, as more traditional bookmakers retreat. Many have been granted licences to open 24 hours a day, despite opposition from local people and councillors. The number of AGCs in Great Britain rose by 7% to 1,451 between 2022 and 2024, according to the Gambling Commission, reversing a longer-term decline since 2010, as gambling shifted online. There are now more than 14,200 £2-a-spin slot machines in Britain, each making £32,600 annually from customers, according to Gambling Commission figures. We're interested in hearing from people who visit these 24-hour slot machine venues as well as people who have worked in the shops, or in the industry as an executive. Share your experience You can share your experiences with 24 hour slot machines using this form. Your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of the feature and we will delete any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For true anonymity please use our SecureDrop service instead.
