Thomas Cook PLC 10p shares anybody?

Thomas Cook Tuesday Update Thomas Cook PLC 10p shares anybody?

Julian Bray reports:

Thomas Cook shocked the money markets over the weekend with a request to its syndicate of 17 banks for a further short term funding of £100 million, nothing wrong with that, the firm currently owes over £900 million, but they had just a month earlier also asked for ....£100 million.

The firm says its a short term cash flow funding measure to get them over the Christmas period, but the money market didn't like it and dropped the share price by a staggering 75%  now around 10p! The Bretton based firm operates more than 1,300 shops and has been around for more than 170 years.

It also operates a fleet of aircraft, all on lease, so some of the leases will be returned and the fleet size reduced. They will also trim the 200 loss making retail travel shops they have identified but that will still leave over 1,000 outlets and some outlets acquired as part of the tie up with the Co-Op. So some shops will go and a percentage of staff already on short term contracts will be trimmed as a result.

Thomas Cook recently sacked its chief executive and according to sources has already paid out some £1.1 million to terminate his contract, although the departed director is seen to be part of the current financial crisis.

Thomas Cook currently get some 30% of it revenue from the Internet, so is well placed to expand that part of the organisation.  

People who book holidays with Thomas Cook are however protected by a series of bonds and Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (if over £100 of the total hotel AND flight package is paid for using a credit card). The Civil Aviation Authority will get you home by air and the ABTA bond will pick up if the other options are not available. From experience, refunds are quickly settled through the credit card company route and in any case if the credit card option is available the ABTA insurance company will advise you contact your credit card campany. 

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Thomas Cook needs £100 million ....

Sad news reaches us that Thomas Cook, a major Peterborough based employer, is today urgently seeking £100 million from the Banks to stay afloat over Christmas, and the banks so far are not co-operating...We'll keep you posted.

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

New Year, New Direction, New Localism. Enter Park Farm Neighbourhood News

A new horizon.....

A new year, a new format. We have after 10 months, finally made a decision!

It is no secret that PFNW as a concept has been a runaway success and at many levels; but as it is, PFNW is still simply a neighbourhood watch scheme, but consistently punching well above its weight and largely pigeonholed by officialdom.  With your continuing help, we aim to change all that!

PFNW also has had geographic limitations. In our view the format was outdated and not at all flexible, but we worked within it, from time to time, kicking against the traces and most of the time walking on eggshells. Simply the format was laid down in a time before the Internet, Twitter, Blogging, Computing and i-Pads. Nothing virtual or social media friendly about it.

The concept of a NW street co-ordinator in the 21st Century, knocking on doors visiting the same small cluster of houses week in, week out, is as relevant today as seeing a village policeman pounding a regular home beat. It simply does not happen in the cut and thrust of the urban environment but may well work in a sleepy village. Understanding that parts of South Peterborough still retains some of the village style atmosphere we all seek.

Meanwhile in harsh urban environments, we increasingly rely on tactical policing, high speed communication, internet, broadband, digital cameras and so on. At any one time, PFNW could call on 200 'eyes' many armed with cameraphones.

We will easily treble that number within the first few weeks, as we open up Park Farm Neighbourhood News [PFNN]. Deploying resources accordingly. Running the videos, clocking minimotos, attending neighbourhood meetings, and most importantly completely free to offer editorial views, and considered comment also geared to monitor both political and non-political campaigns.  Something we have not been able to do within PFNW, but had to operate through the arms length news service.

So we are without regret parking the traditional neighbourhood watch scheme and replacing it with something larger that fits in with the 21st Century, the Localism Bill and the greater devolved powers that the Coalition Government is offering to all of us.

It is a format that not only meets our traditional neighbourly requirement but also services the growing number of telephone calls and internet delivered comments and suggestions from outside our traditional home beat boundary.

We have also through careful and prudent use of the Freedom of Information Act, uncovered a raft of political decisions and reckless spending both locally and nationally that some politicians may, no will, wish to hide from you, the electorate.

PFNN will continue to attend council meetings on your behalf and report on the behavior and spending of your money by our elected representatives, expect more local news reports, more information on council committees and particularly our pet project, how Childrens Services is progressing under its new fee earning interim consultant. PFNN will still be calling for resignations of people who have been over promoted or just not up to the job. How many highly negative OFSTED reports does it take ?

So bear with us as we make the changes, much has already been done but some things take a little longer and we are also seeking 'stringers' (local citizen reporters - training will be offered if requested) in other areas of Cambridgeshire and beyond to report and load local report videos into this new venture.  To see how the core model we have based our future concept works on a political level have a look at www.order-order.com , this is the style of probing and information delivery we will be seeking.

Julian Bray & Morag Irving

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Coalition publishes new mass housing policy

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/2033676.pdf

Grant Shapps MP ( Housing)  and Eric Pickles MP (Communities) have today launched what they term a new approach to social housing. Rather than comment on a very complex, on first reading somewhat muddled and lengthy piece of information, we attach the link to the online only published document.

Although it has only been published a few hours, a large head of steam is seemingly building throughout the day, which should explode either on the evening news bulletins or sometime later this week. We will return to this topic once a few more enquiries have been made and we can find a calculator...


.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Neighbourhood Police Report by Sgt Simon Goldsmith

Neighbourhood Police Report by Sgt Simon Goldsmith

During the period of 01/11/2011 – 18/11/2011, for our area, 97 incidents were called into The Police Service Centre and were serviced by officers from both Reactive and NPT.
Abandoned Call 1
Abandoned Vehicle 1
Burglary Business 2
Burglary Dwelling 5
Burglary Other 1
Collision 1
Concern 9
Crime Other 1
Criminal Damage 4
Domestic 5
Drugs 1
Fire 1
Found Motor Vehicle 1
Fraud 1
Immigration 1
Malicious Nuisance 3
Messages 6
Missing From Home 2
Other Agency 2
Police General 2
Property 3
Road Related 2
Rowdy Nuisance 17
Silent 999 3
Suspicious Circumstances10
Suspicious Device 1
Theft General 4
Theft Vehicle 1
Vehicle Nuisance 2
Violence 6

As can be seen from the above the main areas for concern are in relation to Rowdy Nuisance, Suspicious Circumstances, Concern. All incidents were dealt with by means of 'words of advice,' 'area searches' etc. It is pleasing to see the residents are taking the time to ring in their concerns.
From the 97 incidents 28 crimes were raised as follows:
Burglary Dwelling 3
Burglary Other 4
Theft Dwelling 2
Theft Other 7
Fear of Provication 1
Common Assault 1
Possession of Drugs 1
Criminal Damage 9

It is noted that there are more Criminal Damage crimes recorded than incidents, this is due to the fact that some crimes would have been telephoned directly to the Service Centre by the aggrieved parties.

Arrests and Warrants for the Southern Sector as a whole:
Arrests

1 x Class A Drugs Possession - Charged
1 x Class B Drugs Possession - Caution
1 x Public Order - Caution
1 x Excess Alcohol

Warrant

1 x Arrested - Wanted

News In General - Stanground/Park Farm
Coneygree Lodge
We are experiencing problems with youths gaining entry into this property and grounds. Patrols are being carried out, both high visible and undercover but we have been unable to establish who these people are. If you have any information please do not hesitate to contact us on the non emergency number 101. We have been in communication with the owners of the property who are looking at their security.

Cardea Estate

The Neighbourhood Watch scheme is now up and running in Juno Way, please take part, this is your opportunity to assist your area and speak to other likeminded people.



Christmas Presents

For those who will be enjoying the Christmas Festivities and putting presents under the tree remember not to leave them on show through the windows. It is sad to think the presents you have bought for your loved ones are seen as objects to be taken by others and sold on. When you open your presents on Christmas Day give consideration to the packaging you put outside for collection. This is an ideal way for other to know what they can find new in your home.

Christmas Parties

Remember find a designated driver or book a taxi and enjoy the parties etc. It is not worth spoiling this special time of the year by spending it in hospital and not at home with your families.

Police Surgeries
Your next Surgery is to be held at the Thistle Drive Play Centre 1200 - 1300 hours. Come along and meet your local PCSOs Tania Weston and Shirley Beswick.

Panel Meeting
The next Panel Meeting is to be held at St. Michaels Church Hall, Mace Road, on Tuesday 10th January 2012 - 1900 - 2115
.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Blanket 20 mph Limit imposed on centre of Park Farm from today

The forest of gaudy warning signs (about 12 we think..) heralding the introduction of a blanket 20 mph speed limt along Park Farm Way, will have the bin liner covers removed as the 20 mph limit becomes law today 21st November.

It should be interesting to see how many vehicles and Mums involved in the school run are ticketed. With pressure on enforcement manpower generally, it is unlikely to be monitored.

Steve McQueen driving during the filming of Bullet...

Our view still is that the 20 mph limit where it is sited is overkill, as this neighbourhood has extensive traffic calming measures already installed and it is impossible to travel in excess of 20 mph without leaving the floorpan of your vehicle on the road! Let us have you comments, good or bad. We are still making enquiries about a number of missing objection letters and e-mails which do not seem to have been taken into consideration by PCC. Over the weekend we learned of two more objections that were sent in good time but seemingly ignored...



.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Whitehall dumps powers on local communities as localism bill becomes law

i

New powers but no magic lamp... needs a Genie us to do that!

What is claimed to be an era of Whitehall control ending, with an historic shift in power transferred to local people, has been opened as the Localism Bill becomes law. The Localism Act will in effect trigger the biggest transfer of power in a generation, releasing councils and communities from the grip of central government.

The legislation, late yesterday afternoon received Royal Assent, putting a raft of new rights and powers at the disposal of local people to take charge of their future, delivering on more than 30 coalition agreement commitments.

Julian Bray, Chair Park Farm Neighbourhood Watch comments: " As much as the transfer of power from Whitehall is welcome, it also sets up the possibility for a whole raft of abuses, cronyism and gerrymandering by local politicians and professional volunteer organisations. The new powers virtually give local communities unfettered freedom but what it does not do is to provide the financial expertise and regulatory frame work to ensure that those at the lower end of the economic scale are not taken advantage of."

Key measures to increase the power of local government through the Act include:

• Introducing a new general power of competence, giving councils unprecedented freedom to work together to improve services and drive down costs. Councils are now free to do anything - provided they do not break other laws.
• Opening the door for the transfer of power to our major cities to develop their areas, improve local services, and boost their local economies
• Ending the ineffective system for overseeing the behaviour of councillors by abolishing the Standards Board
• Clarifying the rules on predetermination in order to free up councillors to express their opinions on issues of local importance without the fear of legal challenge
• Enabling councils to return to the committee system of governance, if they wish, regardless of their size. Centrally set rules interfering in how councils set up their own affairs are being scrapped
• Giving councils greater control over business rates. Councils will have the power to offer business rate discounts, which could help attract firms, investment and jobs.The Act cancels unfair backdated business rates, which threatened to cripple key businesses. It stops plans to impose a business rate supplement on firms if a simple majority of those affected do not give their consent, and simplifies the process for claiming small business rate relief
• Introducing new planning enforcement rules, giving councils the ability to take action against people who deliberately conceal unauthorised development
• Increasing powers for councils to remove illegal advertisements and graffiti and prevent fly-posting, and giving planning authorities stronger powers to tackle abuses of the planning system
• Reforming homelessness legislation to enable councils to provide good quality private rented homes where appropriate, freeing up social homes for people in need on the waiting list
• Allowing councils to keep the rent they collect and use it locally to maintain social homes through the abolition of the housing revenue account
• Passing greater powers over housing and regeneration to local democratically elected representatives in London.

Key measures to increase the power of local communities include:

• Introducing a new Right to Bid, which will give residents the opportunity to take over treasured local assets like shops and pubs and keep them part of local life
• Introducing a new Right to Challenge, making it much easier for local groups with good ideas to put them forward and drive improvements in local services
• Consigning Bin Taxes to the dustbin of history, by removing the ability of councils to charge families for overfilling their bin and to introduce extra tariffs for taking away household waste
• Increasing transparency on local pay, by requiring councils to publish the salaries of senior officials working in local authorities, enabling local people to understand how public money is being spent in their area
• Giving communities the right to veto excess council tax rises. Previously only central government had the power to 'cap' increases
• Introducing a new right to draw up a neighbourhood plan, giving local people a real voice to say where they think new houses, businesses and shops should go - and what they should look like
• Enabling communities to bring forward proposals for development they want - such as homes, shops, playgrounds or meeting halls, through the Community Right to Build
• Freeing home sellers and buyers from red tape through the abolition of Home Information Packs. The Act removes HIPs once and for all from the statute books
• Enabling people to swap their social home, for example because they wish to move jobs. A national home swap scheme will give access to details of all other tenants who may be a match
• Giving social tenants stronger tools to hold their landlords to account. Landlords will be expected to support tenant panels - or similar bodies - so tenants can carefully examine the services being offered. The Tenant Services Authority will be abolished
• Requiring developers to consult local communities before submitting certain applications. This gives people a chance to comment while there is still scope to make changes
• Ending decision making by unaccountable officials on important infrastructure projects such as train lines and power stations. The Act abolishes the Infrastructure Planning Commission, and restores responsibility for taking decisions to elected, accountable Ministers.

Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities Eric Pickles said:

"Today marks the beginning of an historic shift of power from Whitehall to every community to take back control of their lives.
"The Localism Act pulls down the Whitehall barricades so it will no longer call the shots over communities - bug bears like housing targets and bin taxes are gone.
"For too long, local people were held back and ignored because Whitehall thought it knew best. That is changing for good. Councils have their General Power of Competence and residents have a real power over decisions like council tax, town hall pay, planning, community buildings or local services."

Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark said:

"For the best part of a hundred years Parliament has been passing laws that increase the Government's powers at the expense of people and communities.
"This historic Act begins to reverse a hundred years of centralisation. It puts power into the hands of citizens, community groups and local councils. It breaks the monopoly on all new policy initiatives having to come from Whitehall by giving a new right of initiative to people in their local areas.
"The Localism Act is not the end of the journey towards a more permissive, flexible Britain but it makes a great stride in a direction that the Government will continue to travel."

Communities Minister Andrew Stunell added:

"This Act marks a huge cultural change not just for those local communities and local councils, but for those in Westminster, and perhaps even more for those in Whitehall.

"There has been gathering frustration at the way in which local communities and local councils have had their decision making taken away from them. We needed to change that culture: it was long overdue change, and this Act makes a start on achieving it."

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE (non-emergency) 101 OR In an Emergency Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 << ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 << www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW