A survey from NatWest has shown that 49% of this year's first year students admit that they would have been less likely to start university in 2006 because of top-up fees coming info effect. With students across Shepway awaiting A Level results, the Liberal Democrats are worried that many local young people could choose not to go onto further education due to the cost of top-up fees.
Figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have shown the number of alcohol-related deaths has increased by nearly a fifth in four years. In the South East deaths rose from 725 in 2000 to 842 in 2004 - a rise of 16.1%
Are you aware that Lydd Airport is proposing to increase passenger numbers at Lydd Airport from 4500 per annum in 2003 to 2 million per annum in 2011, and to further increase number to 6 million per annum by 2021? This would make the airport comparable to Luton Airport today.
Up to 50,000 businesses which provide alcohol, hot food or entertainment after 11pm may have to shut temporarily after failing to reapply for licences. Businesses across Kent including in Shepway are expected to have been affected - in some parts of the county nearly half the licensees have not submitted their forms, according to council figures. New licences will be needed from 24 November.
Identity cards could create a "health underclass", the Liberal Democrats have warned as opponents of the scheme intensify their campaign. Lib Dem health spokesman Steve Webb said he feared people without ID cards could be prevented from seeing NHS doctors - except in emergencies.
Airport expansion is bad for the South East's economy, a report has claimed. Friends of the Earth said the boom in aviation is costing the region three times more than it gains. Using data from the Office of National Statistics, it said UK travellers are spending £2.7bn more abroad per year than foreigners flying to the area.
The firm which runs the Hong Kong Metro and a UK train company have submitted a bid to take over the rail franchise for the south east of England including services to Folkestone Central and West stations.
Shepway Liberal Democrat campaigners have welcomed new guidance on the use of mini-motorbikes. Many local residents have raised the issue of mini motorbikes being used on roads, pavements and in other places that cause disturbance and are dangerous to others. Although marketed as 'toys', mini motos can reach speeds of up to 60mph and there have been fatalities and serious injury as a result of accidents.
Shepway Primary Care Trust (PCT) has been awarded two stars (out of a possible three) by the Healthcare Commission in the latest performance rating for Primary Care Trusts nationally. Shepway met all eight of its Key Targets:
Children ringing ChildLine in the early hours of the morning after being abused or running away from desperate situations at home may soon find that the lines are closed.
![Police custody cell [Copyright: Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland]](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/2/csm_police-custody-cell-copyright-chief-constable-of-the-police-service-of-northern-ireland_8d67756131.png)
Volunteers are being sought by Kent Police to make independent checks on people being held in custody.The Kent Police Authority wants people to observe and report impartially and independently on conditions under which others are detained.
Shepway Liberal Democrats are delighted that the NO2ID pledge to refuse to sign up to an identity card and identity database. Shepway Lib Dem members Tim Prater, Darren Briddock and Sam Matthews are amongst the thousands to have signed up to the pledge.
