The first eco towns in the country have moved a step closer with the announcement of 15 locations which will be looked at in more detail. But conservationists have voiced disappointment with the shortlist and local government leaders have warned that the towns must have the support of local people, meet carbon reduction targets and not bypass planning procedures. 

Consultations have begun on plans for sweeping changes to the NHS in Wales. The proposals, unveiled by Welsh Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart, are designed to make further reductions in bureaucracy, remove the internal market and improve patient care.
The proposals, which are out to consultation for three months, were published as three new NHS Trusts came into being following the merger of seven former bodies. 

By Martyn Goodhand
Bullying in schools has long been the elephant in the corner, an issue which all schools and local authorities are aware of, but which for some was a strict taboo, a subject that was not discussed in open forum, for fear of being branded as having “a bullying problem”.