Local COVID Alert Level – Medium This is for areas where national restrictions continue to be in place. This means: All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs.Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close … Continue reading COVID-19 Local Alert Levels 1-3 – what they mean and how they are triggered
Author: mikerouse
Redditch e-Scooters answers to FAQs
As Deputy Leader of Redditch Borough Council please allow me to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the e-scooter trial and hopefully address some of the concerns some people might have. Why don't they cover the whole town? The zone is restricted as part of the trial. The council and the Department for … Continue reading Redditch e-Scooters answers to FAQs
Increased parks usage across Redditch
Visits to parks across Redditch surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and remain currently at 51% higher than usual. Whilst I welcome the increased usage of our fantastic parks it’s a situation that also comes with challenges. There’s more litter for starters and we need to empty bins more often. Footfall might be up, but the … Continue reading Increased parks usage across Redditch
Welcoming the suspension of the ‘get back to work’ campaign
I welcome the postponement of the 'get back to work' campaign the government was looking to launch, which sought to encourage workers back into the cities. The news comes as research reveals as many as 4 in 10 people who used to drive into work are still working from home. Amongst senior management that figure … Continue reading Welcoming the suspension of the ‘get back to work’ campaign
Blue on Blue Podcast
As shared on Twitter, I've decided on a name for a new podcast-style series. https://twitter.com/mikerouseuk/status/1300545410445049856 The name "Blue on Blue" is not based on a Burt Bacharach song, but rather a twist on the contemporary political usage of the word. The twist is important. Collins defines it and points to an example like so: Despite … Continue reading Blue on Blue Podcast
Pavements could be made safer for people with disabilities, and families, under new proposals to ban antisocial parking unveiled by the government
New plans set out to boost safety and make journeys more accessible for disabled people and parentsReview found third of people with visual impairments and almost half of wheelchair users were not as willing to go out because of antisocial pavement parkingConsultation will set out proposals to make transport more accessible and help more people … Continue reading Pavements could be made safer for people with disabilities, and families, under new proposals to ban antisocial parking unveiled by the government
A-Level & GCSE Predicted Grades to Apply
I was pleased to hear that Ofqual has listened to public opinion on the issue of A-Level and GCSE results and issued a statement, which includes: We understand this has been a distressing time for students, who were awarded exam results last week for exams they never took. The pandemic has created circumstances no one … Continue reading A-Level & GCSE Predicted Grades to Apply
The Conservative Case for Active Travel
Background and Context The government has had what might be argued as a road to Damascus conversion to the benefits of active travel. Others might argue Boris has always been keen on cycling. Either way, Boris wants us all to get fit and he likes cycling as a means to get about. Boris himself says: … Continue reading The Conservative Case for Active Travel
Rubicon Leisure Reopening from 25 July 2020
I've got to admit that COVID-19 scares me, because if I catch it my chance of surviving it is around 20% for one simple reason. Obesity. Turns out it really is one of the factors that makes it a lot worse. Like a lot of other people I'm carrying extra weight - so much in … Continue reading Rubicon Leisure Reopening from 25 July 2020
Government announces gyms and pools to reopen safely
Outdoor pools can reopen to the public from 11 July followed by indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres on 25 July. The Government has outlined the measures that will allow outdoor pools to reopen from 11 July and indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities to reopen from 25 July, ensuring millions of people can … Continue reading Government announces gyms and pools to reopen safely