'Woefully inadequate' facilities for disabled must improve - minister

Football clubs across Britain must urgently redress the "woeful" lack of facilities for disabled fans at many stadiums, says a government minister.

Mike Penning, the disabilities minister, has written to every professional club in the country to highlight their legal obligations. "I'm blowing the whistle on discrimination against disabled people by football bosses," said Penning. The Premier League says its clubs aim to provide good disabled facilities. "All Premier League clubs have arrangements in place to provide access and facilities for disabled fans," read a statement. "The highest standards of access are generally at clubs with new grounds, but all clubs, even those working within the constraints of older stadia, work hard to make sure that disabled fans can attend matches and enjoy their football." Penning has confirmed he wants to meet Football Association chairman Greg Dyke about the issue. Only last month, a BBC report revealed that only three Premier League stadiums provide the required number of wheelchair spaces.

Joyce Cook, chair of Level Playing Field,  formerly known as the National Association of Disabled Supporters, added: "The experience of disabled football fans varies across the country. That's not acceptable and it's time all football clubs took their legal obligations seriously."

Asbestos and Air conditioning presentation

Following our seminar on Asbestos and Air conditioning at the National Star College today, for those that missed it or would like a copy of the topics covered. Please refer to our website where you can download the presentation notes.

http://www.nickbevan.co.uk/Company/Events.aspx

PLANNING

Perverse planning decisions The Commons Communities and Local Government Committee has warned that the Coalition’s planning reforms have led to perverse behaviour by local authorities trying to meet set targets. The MPs decided to hold an investigation into the planning regulations, which introduced a “presumption of sustainable development” to force through more house building, after research by academics at Cambridge University warned that there could be issues with the way it is being enforced. The research warned that “some local planning authorities engage in poor practice in order to meet planning targets”. Dr Gemma Burgess, the author of the report, said some councils were refusing applications simply to make a decision within the statutory period.

Saving newts – at a price!

Gallagher Estates has revealed that it has spent more than £1m on catching newts – because they are a protected species. Around 150 great crested newts have had to be relocated from land in Milton Keynes set aside for new homes. Each newt has cost the developer an average of £6,700.

Nick Bevan become the first Commercial Agency in Cheltenham to advertise on Rightmove.

In order to provide maximum exposure when marketing our client’s property we now appear on the 6th most viewed webpage in the UK.

Oliver Workman from Nick Bevan’s Commercial Agency Department Said ‘Nick Bevan are always open to new and innovative methods of marketing to ensure our clients receive the best service. The initial feedback has been positive with a freehold sale achieved as a direct result of using the online property portal.’

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/estate-agents/agent/Nick-Bevan-Consulting-Limited/Cheltenham-108916.html