Three people from Teesside have been fined a total of almost £1,500 after Environment Agency officers on Bank Holiday boat patrol with Cleveland Police caught them fishing illegally.
Maria Blyth, 30, and Adam Wakefield, 33, of Newtown Avenue in Stockton, were both fined a total of £270 and ordered to pay costs of £127.47 and a victim surcharge of £30 for fishing without a licence, fishing during the coarse fishing close season, and using bait prohibited during the close season.
In a separate case Thomas Stocker, 25, of Laurel Road in Stockton, was fined £440 and ordered to pay costs of £127.47 and a victim surcharge of £30 for fishing during the coarse fishing close season, and using bait prohibited during the close season.
Their cases were proved in their absence at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 9 August.
On Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 5 May, Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officers were on boat patrol with Cleveland Police on the River Tees, upstream of the Tees Barrage, when they saw Blyth and Wakefield fishing at Bowesfield.
They saw Stocker fishing separately on the same stretch of river.
The fishing close season prevents fishing for coarse fish for 3 months to give the fish a chance to breed. It runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
Regular partnership work
David Shears, from the Environment Agency’s Fisheries Enforcement Team in the North East, said:
These boat patrols are part of the regular partnership work we do with the police to combat both rural and urban fisheries and other environmental crime.
Combining forces in this way allows us to target crime effectively and efficiently in locations where land-based patrols don’t allow for easy access.
The majority of anglers, who fish legally, rightly demand that we take action to catch offenders. This is another example of how working with our partners results in successful court action.
The Environment Agency urges people to report illegal fishing as quickly as possible by calling the incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Anyone who wants to go fishing needs to buy a fishing licence. A full annual licence costs from just £30 (short term and some concessionary licences are also available) and are available online
Girlguiding, the UK Space Agency and the Royal Astronomical Society have teamed up to give girls and young women in the UK unique and exciting opportunities to engage with astronomy beyond the classroom.
As part of the partnership the UK Space Agency and the Royal Astronomical Society, through its RAS 200: Sky & Earth programme, are sponsoring and have provided expertise to help develop the new Space badge for Brownies.
The Space interest badge aims to spark girls’ curiosity to explore the universe around them by providing opportunities to develop the skills and confidence to engage in astronomy, planetary and space science. Badge activities include stargazing with the challenge of identifying constellations on a clear night, creating a sunspot viewer and plotting a sunspot map, and designing an astronaut training programme.
The new Space badge for Brownies. Credit: Girlguiding
The new badge, which is available to 200,000 girls aged 7 to 10, features among the 800 newly launched Girlguiding activities and badge challenges designed to equip over 400,000 girls and young women in guiding with the skills and experiences they will need to thrive, succeed, make change and be happy in the modern world.
The five-year partnership will also see girls and young women aged 5 to 25 be able to engage in the many fun space activities taking place at Girlguiding’s national events throughout their time in guiding – from stargazing to getting up close to a real life space suit.
The partnership comes after Girlguiding’s Girls’ Attitudes Survey 20161 found:
Becoming a scientist was named as being a dream job amongst 7-10 year old girls
Becoming an astronaut was named as being a dream job amongst 11-16 year old girls
15% of 7-10 year old girls believe STEM subjects have the image of being more for boys, compared to over half (52%) of 11-21 year old girls
Alice Bunn, International Director at the UK Space Agency, said:
The UK space sector is booming and it’s vital that we inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to work in this fantastic industry.
The UK Space Agency is delighted to be working with Girlguiding on this exciting new badge which will introduce young girls to the wonders of space.
Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, said:
It’s important that future generations continue to be inspired and have the opportunities to explore the fascinating Universe around us. Introduction to space, astronomy and planetary science will help to spark that initial curiosity, which could lead to potential careers in science and other exciting STEM subjects.
Professor Mike Cruise, the President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said:
Astronomy and space science are some of the most exciting areas in which to work, but they still tend to be dominated by men. This partnership with Girlguiding will help to redress the balance by introducing girls to stars, planets and space travel from a young age. We want to inspire girls and young women to consider careers in these subjects, demonstrating that science is for everyone.
Jess Bond, Lead Volunteer for Girlguiding’s Programme Renewal, said:
This is a hugely exciting time for Girlguiding – it’s revolutionary. We’ve really listened to what girls have told us they’d like to see and incorporated their suggestions, creating new badges and activities and updating others so they’re relevant now and in the future. It’s also been fantastic to have the expertise and input from so many partners.
Our ambition is to give girls the opportunity to discover and develop their interests, skills and confidence, take on new challenges and have fun and adventure with their friends. We want girls to feel equipped to take on the world.
Liddy Buswell, a member of Girlguiding’s Advocate Panel, said:
This is such an exciting time to be part of Girlguiding. Where else would girls have the opportunity to be introduced to such a wide range of topics from tech and STEM, aviation and archaeology to voting or surviving in the wild? Girlguiding is all about providing a supportive space where girls are encouraged to give activities a go so they discover what it is they want to pursue and don’t worry about failing or being judged. It could even lead them to their future career.
Girlguiding’s new programme of activities is divided into interest badges, skills builders, group activities and awards, all developed around six themes: Skills for my Future, Have Adventures, Be Well, Know Myself, Express Myself and Take Action.
The new programme is being phased in over the next twelve months and will be fully rolled out by September 2019. For more information on the new Space badge, programme of badges and activities visit the Girlguiding website.
A 28-year old man from Rotherham, has been successfully prosecuted after being found guilty of fishing without a licence and providing false details to an officer in April 2018.
The case was brought to Hull & Holderness Magistrates Court by the Environment Agency on 9 August 2018, where Simon Carr, of Pear Tree Avenue, Bramley, Rotherham was found guilty and ordered to pay a total penalty of almost £600.
The penalty includes a fine of £440 plus costs of £127 and a victim surcharge of £30 after Simon Carr was found in breach of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975) on 29 April 2018 at Banks End Fisheries in Blaxton, Westwoodside, near Doncaster.
Following the verdict, James Anderson, Fisheries Enforcement Officer for the Environment Agency said:
The case acts as a reminder to anglers of the importance of having a fishing licence. We hope it will also provide a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing without a licence or providing false details to an officer. Although the angler initially gave us false details, we were quickly able to trace him through a check of his car registration. The case also shows anglers how seriously the courts take these offences.
All of the money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefitting anglers and, for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute.
Every year across the country, thousands of anglers are prosecuted for not having a fishing licence. As well as cheating other anglers, fishing illegally can carry a hefty penalty. Getting caught without a licence could land a fine of up to £2,500.
Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A 1-day licence costs from just £6 and an annual licence costs from just £30 (concessions available). Licences are available from GOV.UK or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Charity Commission has announced that it has appointed an Interim Manager to the Essex Islamic Academy, also known as Ripple Road Mosque.
The Commission has been investigating the charity since October 2017. The inquiry was announced in March of this year, after the conviction of Umar Ahmed Haque for preparing terrorist acts whilst employed at the charity; Mr Haque had previously pleaded guilty to disseminating terrorist material to children who attended the charity’s madrassah.
As part of its inquiry, the Commission is considering how Mr Haque was able to attempt to radicalise children, and what the trustees and others at the charity knew about this. The inquiry is also examining the level of supervision, due diligence and oversight the charity had over Mr Haque, and its adherence to safeguarding policies and procedures.
The Commission appointed Mr Jonathan Burchfield of Stone King LLP as Interim Manager (IM) on 8 June 2018 under section 76(3)(g) of the Charities Act 2011. The IM’s role is to implement safeguarding procedures, ensure all current trustees, relevant staff and relevant volunteers have understood safeguarding procedures and completed relevant training, and review the charity’s government document, and its financial controls and policies.
The IM assumes these duties at the exclusion of the charity’s trustees; however the latter retain control over the day-to-day running of the charity.
The Commission’s investigation continues.
It is the Commission’s intention, in accordance with its policy, to publish a report after it has concluded the inquiry, detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken and what the outcome was.
The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England and Wales.
The IM appointment is a temporary and protective power that will be reviewed at regular intervals. It will continue until the Commission makes a further Order for its variation or discharge.
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Summary
On 23 October 2017, a passenger train collided with a parcel delivery van at Frognal Farm user worked level crossing, near Teynham, in Kent. The train was travelling at 89 mph (143 km/h). It did not derail, and no-one on the train was hurt, but the train was damaged by the impact. The van was severely damaged and the van driver suffered serious injuries.
The van driver was delivering a parcel to a property on the far side of the crossing. He initially went to an incorrect address, where he was given directions which involved going over the crossing to reach the correct address. The level crossing was equipped with power-operated gates, controlled by a button at the side of the approach road, and a telephone which vehicle drivers were required to use to contact the signaller to obtain permission to cross. Being unfamiliar with user worked crossings, the van driver did not notice the telephone and pressed the button to operate the gates. They opened, and so he returned to his van to drive across the crossing, believing it was safe to cross.
There were multiple signs associated with the crossing which were placed in a way that meant they did not stand out to the van driver. The van driver had been told that he needed to press a green button to open the gates at the crossing, and he was focused on locating this button. The fact that the gate opened when the button was pressed, coupled with the van driver’s previous experience of other types of level crossing, may have reinforced his view that it was safe to cross.
The RAIB has found that an underlying cause of the accident was that the system where authorised users are responsible for briefing visitors about the safe way to use private crossings, is unreasonable in present-day circumstances.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made four recommendations, the first directed to Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the Office of Rail and Road to improve the signage at private crossings and review the concept of authorised users. The second is directed to the Department for Transport and the Office of Rail and Road to change the law covering the signage at private crossings. The third is to Network Rail, to improve the safety of private crossings equipped with power operated gate opening equipment. The last is also directed to Network Rail, to review the way in which it collects and maintains data about regular users of private crossings, so that it can better communicate important information about crossing safety.
Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said:
“This accident, which came very close to killing a motorist, has shown up some significant weaknesses in the way that some level crossings have been managed over many years. User worked level crossings, where the user is responsible for operating gates themselves, are usually on rural, private roads. They are a legacy of agreements between railway companies and landowners, made at the time the railways were built in the nineteenth century. Today’s trains are more frequent and travel faster than the Victorian railway builders could ever dream of, and the risk to crossing users and people on trains at these level crossings is now one of the most significant that the railway has to manage.
“This type of crossing differs from public road crossings that many motorists are familiar with, in that the user is responsible for protecting themselves from being hit by a train while they cross. This is a concept which needs to be made very clear to the user, as the consequences of failing to understand it may be tragic. In this case, a green button labelled “press to operate crossing gates” created a belief that the gates would only open if it was safe. That was not the case, and the driver of the road vehicle was lucky to escape with his life. The signs that told him to telephone for permission before using the crossing were confusing and badly positioned. They included an unauthorised adaptation of a legally specified sign. This non-standard sign was created because the law has not kept up with technical developments, and there is no sign approved for use in connection with power operated gates. Fresh thinking is needed on how to tell an unfamiliar user what kind of crossing they have arrived at, what the hazards are, and what to do to be safe.
“The nineteenth-century approach to managing the use of private level crossings revolved round the concept of the authorised user, the person occupying the land or premises that the crossing gave access to. They were considered to be responsible for making sure that anyone who had a valid reason to visit them and needed to use the crossing was aware of how to cross safely. It’s doubtful whether this concept was ever really effective, and in today’s world of parcel deliveries by multiple couriers it just doesn’t work. We are recommending that, when reviewing the way it manages these crossings, Network Rail looks hard at how crossing users get information from the railway about how to cross safely.
“However, I believe that the vital lesson from this investigation is how important it is that each user worked crossing is managed in a way that takes into account the context in which it is used, and the needs and expectations of the people who may encounter it in the course of their everyday business. It is time for a fresh approach to this problem, for the sake of crossing users, train passengers and railway staff, who are all at risk.”
Notes to editors
The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.
A landlord has been sentenced for failing to maintain gas appliances at a rental property and repeatedly failing to provide tenants with a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate.
Public Health England (PHE) is urging students to make sure they are up to date with their MenACWY and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines before the start of the new college or university year, to ensure they’re protected against diseases that spread quickly in large gatherings – such as meningitis, septicaemia, and measles.
The MenACWY vaccine, introduced in 2015 in response to an increase in Men W cases among young people, is routinely offered to those in school years 9 and 10 to protect them against 4 meningococcal strains that include the aggressive W strain of the disease. Anyone who has missed out can still get vaccinated free of charge, through their GP until their 25th birthday.
The MenACWY vaccine is especially important for students about to enter university, who are at increased risk of meningococcal infection. It is also important for students to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, as the vaccine does not protect against all forms of this disease, and seeking early medical help for themselves or a friend could be life-saving.
Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicemia (blood poisoning) that are very serious and can kill, especially if not diagnosed early. They are more easily spread when lots of people mix closely for the first time.
Dr. Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisations at PHE, said:
We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the spread of measles and meningococcal disease.
First year students especially are at increased risk of meningococcal infection if they are unvaccinated – which makes sense when they spend large amounts of time with new people in confined environments such as university halls.
We, therefore, encourage students to check with their GP that they are up to date with their MMR and MenACWY vaccinations before term starts – it’s never too late to protect themselves and their friends from these highly infectious and serious diseases.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can have serious consequences. It can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions. Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.
This reminder comes in light of recent measles outbreaks across England and Europe. Between 1 January and 13 August 2018 there have been 828 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England. Cases were reported in most areas with London (291), the South East (169), South West (138), West Midlands (85) and Yorkshire and Humberside (80) reporting the most cases (based on provisional figures).
Some students who are now of university or college age may have missed out on their MMR vaccination when they were younger, as MMR uptake was as low as 80% in 2003, which means that up to 20 in 100 young adults could be unprotected.
The MMR vaccine is available for free to anyone who has not received two doses as a child.
Meningitis and septicemia can develop suddenly and can kill or leave people with life-changing disabilities and long-term health problems. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. The W strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Meningitis and septicemia are very serious and require urgent attention.
The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against every strain that can cause meningitis and septicemia, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms so that young people can seek quick medical help if they become unwell, either themselves or their fellow students.
If you think you’ve got either measles or meningitis, call NHS 111 straight away.
Notes to editors
The MenACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arms and protects against 4 different strains of the meningococcal bacteria that causes meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia): A, C, W and Y.
The MenACWY vaccine is offered to children aged 13 to 14, and young adults up to 25 years of age who didn’t have the vaccine while at school.
For further information about the MenACWY vaccination, see the NHS Choices website.
MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella in a single injection. The MMR vaccine is given on the NHS as a single injection to babies on or after their first birthday, as part of their routine vaccination schedule. They are invited to have a second dose at 3 years and 4 months before starting school.
For further information about the MMR vaccination, see the NHS Choices website.
These Regulations bring into force provisions of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25) (“the 2016 Act”) relating to the targeted interception of communications.
