10/11/2010

Other UK News In Brief

CCTV Stills Released In Rape Appeal

Police have released pictures of a man they want to speak to in connection with the rape of a woman in south London. Police were called at approximately 11pm on 21 March to reports of a woman who had been raped at Figges Marsh, London Road, Mitcham. The woman, aged 38, was treated by London Ambulance Service and taken to a south London Hospital. The incident occurred near the outdoor gym facilities between 10pm and 11.45pm. Police are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen or heard anything. The suspect has been described as a white male, approximately 25-30-years-old, slim build with short dark hair. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Sapphire team are investigating. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. Detective Inspector Sian Thomas said: "We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they may have seen or heard anything in relation to this incident. We have some forensic leads in this case but need to know who this man is and we think that someone out there knows who he is. Please come forward and speak to us, so that we can bring the culprit to justice."

Inspectors To Safety Check Construction Sites

Small construction sites across London boroughs are being targeted by inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with work on some sites already being ordered to stop in a bid to reduce death and injury in one of the most dangerous industries. Close to one in four of the 150 small construction sites involving roof work, extensions to domestic properties and properties undergoing refurbishment that have been visited so far have had prohibition notices served on them. These stop some or all of the site activities because of an immediate risk to workers. HSE figures show there have been 59 fatalities in London between 2004/2005 and 2009/2010, 30 being deaths from falls. Over 70% of the deaths caused by a fall occurred on small sites. Over the next few weeks inspectors will visit sites in Brent, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Newham, Redbridge, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Lewisham, Bromley, Richmond and Wandsworth. Inspectors will concentrate on how sites are managing roof repair, working at height and manual handling, as well as the welfare facilities for workers.

Have Your Say On National Parks

The government is calling for the public to contribute ideas on ways to improve one of England’s biggest assets – the National Parks. Local people and communities are being given the opportunity to share concerns and suggestions with their National Park Authority, or Broads Authority, as part of a consultation launched today. Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon said: “National Parks are not just beautiful and historic parts of the countryside, but places where people live and work. They are an asset to our country, helping to boost the economy and attract new visitors, businesses and investment. This is a real chance for local communities to have a say in how we should look after our National Parks for everyone to enjoy for years to come.” John Riddle, Chair of the English National Park Authorities Association added: “National Park Authorities have a long history of working closely with the people who live in and near them. These beautiful places are loved by millions, and local communities, land owners and a wide range of partners make a huge contribution to making them so special. Our aim is to support thriving rural communities. We welcome this consultation and are keen to hear everyone’s ideas for how we can further enhance our accountability to all those who value and benefit from national parks.” Defra will consider proposals for individual parks, together with suggestions that will affect all parks, and publish a response in Spring 2011.

(BMcN/GK)

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