Well, we are on our third day and still no big cat stories. Sadly we have been threatened with loss of control of this blog if we publish the details of the most recent sighting. Perhaps we could get a job at the Argus and get the sort of exposure these stories require? To those of you who had hoped to read exciting details of an "almost sighting" of a rare native panther we can only apologise. For everyone else we hope that there has been at least two lines of interest to you in the last few days.
Recess is a thankless time, when most people think we are all on holiday or using the time to perch precariously at the top of the leader board of the Never ending Movie Quiz (see Facebook, though I have to say I am pretty pleased with myself). However we are still here, still working - and yes we know, Parliament is in recess but there is still work to do. Summer is the time to prepare reports, research, ensure all casework is up to date, discourage Paul from writing another book (we like his style but the horror stories from previous staff members are legend in the office. At one stage he seemed to have been writing a book on two different computers one in Newport and one in London which were not compatible - the mind boggles).
Of course, nothing can compare with the cut and thrust of parliamentary sessions. We are avidly looking forward to the return (hopefully this parliamentary sequel will be the quality of Godfather II rather than the remake of Psycho) . We were disappointed to hear that the free campsite in Parliament Square is no longer available. Apparently the police moved people on because they did not believe they were genuine protesters! So for the next few weeks we will be dedicating ourselves to creating new and more believable placards so that come October we will be living in the heart of Westminster with all the city can offer at very cheap rates. To cover the cost of food the spaces on the placard are available for hire at very reasonable rates.
P.S. Just seen a BBC headline "Menzies attacks flood plains" which I'm off to investigate. It seems like an awfully big job for one man and frankly I'm not sure how the flood plains will respond. But good to see them finally taking a stand on an issue. Presumably the rest of the party have organised counselling, an apology, and some blankets for these plains when LD policy flip flops? Sorry - that was actually flood plans...who says recess softens the brain
Horror stories
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for us to get a call, letter or email from someone who has been innocently duped by a rogue trader. It is always heartbreaking for the people involved and something that turns our stomachs in the office.
Gwent Police and Newport Trading Standards work in partnership to protect people from this type of crime. Last year Trading Standards returned almost £140,000 to Newport consumers who had been affected by rogue traders or purchased faulty goods. For some, however, it is very difficult to retrieve deposits or to prosecute the offenders.
Newport City Council has now launched a free face to face consumer advice service at the Gallery, upstairs in the Newport Indoor Market. The sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1:30pm. Trading Standards officers will be able to provide assistance in things such as how to protect yourself against rogue and doorstep traders, internet scams, what to look for when booking a holiday or how to fit child safety seats.
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