Archive

Book Review: The making of a better citizen

12 March 2004

As Devine explains in the early chapters of her book, life in a primary school is far more complex than the general public realises.

Agenda

12 March 2004

AGENDA TO 8 JULY

Diary: Casual man

12 March 2004

Igloo regeneration chief Chris Brown is often noted for shying away from the shirt/suit/tie combo favoured by his profession, preferring instead to keep a low profile in a pair of jeans and a baggy tennis T-shirt. One reason for this emerged when he was recently interviewed by Regeneration & Renewal on community consultation in regeneration. He says his regular consultation with local residents on new schemes has made him aware of their fear of what he terms the "evil developer" factor. "It's a real problem," Brown said, "and the reason I dress shabbily and drive a crappy old Golf."

Diary: Ticket happy

12 March 2004

It is always gratifying to hear of public sector workers who go about their business with civic-minded enthusiasm. So Diary was pleased to hear this week of the zero-tolerance stance adopted by parking wardens in Edinburgh, who slapped three tickets on an illegally parked car - despite the fact that it was a burnt-out wreck. The wardens issued a £60 fine on the car after it was abandoned and went up in flames on Lower Gilmore Place. When this failed to prompt a swift removal of the offending vehicle, further tickets were issued, prompting much mirth among local residents. And it seems that the wardens' zeal doesn't end there. "There are loads of them around giving out tickets when the parents drop the children off at school," one local said.

Turning Point: Taking a pride in our local history

12 March 2004

In the early 1980s I worked as an archaeological consultant for the Hong Kong Government, carrying out a survey and making recommendations on the management of archaeological sites and monuments. At the time, developers saw archaeology as a threat and a risk; so what better than to assess the risks, then manage the problem out of the way?

Diary: Prescott's new motto, firebrand wardens, and a shabby excuse

12 March 2004

Another day, another rebrand for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Those of us wondering whether John Prescott has a secret deal with a notepaper manufacturer had their suspicions fuelled this week.

Community Renewal: Pulling back on people power

12 March 2004

Southwark Council's decision to limit community participation in its new Elephant & Castle regeneration project chimes well with forthcoming research. Ben Willis asks if community involvement has been taken as far as it can go

Transport: Can Prescott conjure up cash for transport?

12 March 2004

John Prescott believes that the South-East's 'Growth Areas' will create sustainable communities. But where will he find the necessary funding for transport, asks Christian Wolmar

Editorial: Unsung heroes will stay off the key worker radar

By Ben Willis

12 March 2004

Any company director experiencing difficulties in recruiting key staff to run its affairs will do whatever he can to plug the gap. Medical insurance, company cars or annual bonuses might all be waved as carrots to entice workers into those jobs that, although crucial, would usually get the upturned nose treatment.

Opinion: Lack of respect for a vital sector

12 March 2004

Chancellor Gordon Brown's upcoming spending review is creating a flurry of excitement among government departments, all jockeying to secure funds to meet their respective aspirations. However, one department, the Treasury, should have little difficulty in securing adequate funds for its important work. This, though, is fine by me as right now, one of the chancellor's most pressing priorities is to increase employability, especially among the ethnic minorities.