| Threatened bumblebees make a comeback The five most threatened bumblebees in England have made an unprecedented comeback in the South East this year thanks to environmental work by farmers. telegraph.co.uk |
Sheep go on show in Savile Row Dozens of sheep are taken to London's prestigious Savile Row as part of a campaign to promote British wool. bbc.co.uk |
Faulty freezer caused fatal blaze A faulty freezer was the likely cause of a fire which killed a mother and her two sons on Anglesey, an inquest hears. bbc.co.uk |
Councils 'walk away' from provision of pest control services Environmental health fears rise as growing number of authorities fail to offer services crucial to fighting pests and pest-related diseasesOne in 10 councils no longer offers pest control services, a tenfold increase over seven years. The rise has sparked fears that rodent and bed bug populations are being allowed to grow unchecked.The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) today warns that an increasing number of councils are "walking away" from the control of rats, mice and insect pests.A survey conducted by the institute's National Pest Advisory Panel shows that 26 councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland did not provide pest control services last year, and of those that did 29% relied on private contractors for their services. The institute's last survey, conducted in 2002, revealed that just three councils – 1% of the total number – failed to provide such services.Environmental health experts said this came at a time when they were increasingly in demand."Action in the UK against our most significant pests is declining when factors such as irresponsibly discarded litter, international travel and climate change are increasing our risk of exposure to pests and pest-related diseases," said Tim Everett, CIEH director of professional services.In the last seven years there has been a 38% increase in bed bug infestations, according to the CIEH. There are also concerns that the UK's rat population is growing rapidly in several cities.Local governmentWasteLocal politicsJamie Dowardguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Sheridan 'attended porn TV club' A childhood friend of Tommy Sheridan claims he attended a club in Manchester with the former MSP. bbc.co.uk |