Services
22 Nov 2013
Rural broadband worth £4.6bn – report
Faster broadband speeds will boost the rural economy by £4.6bn a year, reveals a government-commissioned report. For every £1 the government is investing in broadband, the UK economy will benefit...
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17 Nov 2013
Report lifts lid on precarious state of rural services
RURAL communities continue to feel public sector cutbacks – despite signs of economic recovery, warns the latest State of Rural Public Services report. The fourth annual report on the State...
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17 Nov 2013
Plan to boost rural mobile coverage
COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have welcomed an Ofcom pledge to improve rural mobile phone coverage. The five-point plan includes an undertaking to extend coverage to the 10% of the UK population who...
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17 Nov 2013
Extension sought to rural fuel scheme
Motorists in 10 more rural areas could see a reduction in fuel duty – if Brussels grants permission. Government ministers seeking a reduction of up to a 5p per litre...
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15 Nov 2013
Hampshire steps up rural crime fight
A new approach to reducing rural crime and targeting criminality has been launched across north Hampshire. Operation Osprey sees the introduction of a dedicated task force by Hampshire Constabulary to...
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10 Nov 2013
Dorset alters bus withdrawal plan
PROPOSALS to withdraw a number of rural bus services around Dorset are being altered following a public consultation. Dorset County Council cabinet members considered almost 1,200 responses to the initial...
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06 Nov 2013
Plan to boost Wheels to Work
LOCAL authorities are being urged to complete a survey about schemes that lends mopeds to rural people who need to access employment, education and training. ‘Wheels 2 Work’ is a...
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27 Oct 2013
Crime warning as clocks fall back
DARKER nights and economic uncertainty are a recipe for an increase in rural crime, business leaders have warned. October and November are statistically the two months in the year where...
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18 Oct 2013
Conference dissects rural health issues
RURAL health issues were at the forefront of the debate during a national conference on Friday (18 October). The national Rural Health Network Conference was organised by the Rural Services...
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13 Oct 2013
Minister to meet ‘fair share’ campaigners
THE government has agreed to meet with campaigners calling for a fairer deal for rural local authorities. Local government minister Brandon Lewis agreed to the meeting after MPs called on...
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