Monday 23 February 2015

The Guardian: "The future of waste: five things to look for by 2025"


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"The European Commission recently backtracked on an ambitious set of legislative promises on waste and recycling, including the phasing out of using landfill for recyclable rubbish and a commitment to cut food waste by 30% by 2025.

"Nation states and businesses had cried foul, claiming the targets were too exacting. Such lacklustre foot-dragging is sadly typical. So what disruptive measures might shake up the waste industry and trash the pessimism of those who fail to reform?"

Saturday 14 February 2015

BBC: "A time capsule of the BBC at Alexandra Palace?"


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"Almost 80 years ago, the world's first regular television service was launched by the BBC from Alexandra Palace in north London - known as Ally Pally. Those original studios have lain empty since the last programme-makers left in 1981. Now a £27m plan to turn them into a visitor attraction is sparking controversy.

"... Today those old studios are derelict and an asbestos-ridden safety risk. But the trust that runs the palace and its surrounding park has an ambitious £26.7m refurbishment plan which would see the theatre brought back into use and the old studios turned into a BBC Experience, a visitor attraction celebrating Ally Pally's central role in the development of television broadcasting. The plan has the support of the BBC, and a provisional £19.4m in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"But first the trust has to to get planning permission on Monday from Haringey Council, which also happens to be the palace's ultimate owner. And it has to overcome the opposition of campaigners, who believe the plans for the old studios would mean destroying the very things that make the palace so special."

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Enfield Independent: "Edmonton waste plant consultation ends"


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"The first phase of consultation on a new waste facility in Edmonton has ended.

"The North London Waste Authority want to build a new, more efficient energy recovery facility on the same site as the current Edmonton Incinerator off Advent Way, Edmonton.

"After 61 days of consultation, more than 40 hours of public exhibitions and more than 3,000 visitors to its website, the first phase of consultation on the North London Heat and Power Project has now closed."

Sunday 1 February 2015

Ham & High: "Barnet Council paid lawyer £16k to investigate its legal failings"


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"Barnet Council was forced to pay more than £16,000 for an independent lawyer to investigate legal failings which led to one of its most senior directors stepping down.

"A request from the Ham&High under the Freedom of Information Act has revealed the council paid £16,200 to Claer Lloyd-Jones & Associates Ltd last year.

"Ms Lloyd-Jones was enlisted by Barnet Council chief executive Andrew Travers to investigate the circumstances surrounding a series of erroneous reports produced for the annual council meeting on June 2 last year."