News

On the 29th of June 2015,  a bid from Cuadrilla to begin test fracking in search of Shale Gas at the Little Plumpton, Fylde site between

Preston and Blackpool has been rejected by Lancashire Councillors 10 to 4 against test fracking.

This u-turn is a fantastic result for the environment and Lancashire. This will hopefully set a precedent across the country to show that there is a way to stand against the might of companies such as Cuadrilla.

[Read more…] about Frack Off! Lancashire votes NO to fracking.

The votes have been counted and verified for the 2015 General and Local Elections and the winners are:

Local Election Councillor:

General Election:

Roy Hodkinson and David Nuttall retained their places in Ramsbottom and Bury North respectively.

It was a very close race between James Frith and David Nuttall. With which David Nuttall came out the victor.

I hope that all of the issues people have highlighted with Ramsbottom and Bury North are taken notice or, regardless of which party they were originally directed at.

We’re lucky in Ramsbottom but we’re not without our own issues, parking for example is one that is mentioned often. I know Labour candidates were looking into the parking issues, I just hope this continues.

If you recall Melanie Southworth was recently interviewed on the podcast as she was embarking on a journey to climb Everest.

On Saturday the 25th of April 2015 Everest and Nepal were hit by a devastating earthquake, followed by crippling aftershocks on Sunday the 26th of April.

News outlets are currently reporting over 2,500 people have lost their lives in this tragedy.

I haven’t heard from Melanie for a while but when she last sent me a message she provided a phone number. I have sent a txt message to that number but not received a response as of yet. However, from Mel’s Facebook page someone has posted an update to the situation. I’m awaiting confirmation but so far as this is the only news I have, and I hope that it is accurate.
The update reads:

“Just to keep everyone posted, Mel is safe and back at basecamp helping with rescue and recovery operations x”

This was posted on Sunday the 26th of April at around 9pm.

If I hear anything more I’ll let you know.

Edit: There has been another update on Mel’s Facebook page:

Update 
Mel is in base camp to aid with operations there for another few days before making her way down to one of the more stable villages and ride out the next couple weeks in the valley where there is shelter and supplies. Going back to Kathmandu is not an option at the moment so she has opted to stay in the valley till the situation improves and international flights begin to drain the backlog of people trying to get out.
She is maintaining focus and good spirits all things considered and will update her progress best as possible

Update: 28/04/2015

Thanks.