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Children's illustrator accessed child porn

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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CHILDREN'S book illustrator Michael Komarnyckyj was caught with more than 1,000 "filthy" child porn and bestiality images on his computer.

The 56-year-old was arrested when he accessed a website monitored by the police, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

Komarnyckyj, of Nailsworth, admitted 10 charges of possessing illegal images.

The freelance children's book illustrator was given a 12-month jail term suspended for two years with a requirement to undergo the Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme.

He was also fined £1,000, ordered to pay £500 costs and a £100 surcharge.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told him: "This is a sad day for you. You have brought utter disgrace upon yourself and I suspect huge embarrassment as well – not only for yourself but for your wife and two children.

"You are the fifth man in his fifties to appear in this court before me in the last two weeks for downloading this type of filth.

"One day we will understand why men of your age find it necessary for sexual gratification to look at images of young children and of people suffering violence and indignity."

Komarnyckyj had no previous convictions and is married with two adult children.

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Help save endangered birds one step at a time

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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WALKING boots at the ready – the nearly extinct spoon-billed sandpiper bird needs your help.

A circular walk is being held in a bid to raise money for a campaign to save the endangered bird. Only 100 pairs are thought to be left in the wild.

The walk will take place on Sunday, September 15. Walkers will meet in the Cam Peak car park at 2pm and will proceed across Can Long down to Uley Bury for a pit stop before going onto Small Pox Hill and returning about two and a half hours later.

Minimum donations are £10 and will be split between the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's spoon-billed sandpipers fund and Friends of Tumpy Green.

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Late-night assault at town taxi rank

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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A WOMAN has been assaulted at a taxi rank in Cheltenham.

The incident happened in the town centre between 1am and 1.45am on Sunday, August 4.

The victim, a 26-year-old woman from Cheltenham, was with a group of friends when the incident happened.

She was approached by another woman.

The offender then punched the victim causing facial injuries.

Police are appealing for information following reports of the assault at a taxi rank in the Promenade.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call police on 101, quoting incident 74 of August 4.

You can also give information anonymously by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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Children climb to new heights on wall

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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HUNDREDS of children have been scaling new heights at The Brewery.

The site was set up for the activity, after the successful of a climbing event there last Christmas.

Little thrill seekers got to enjoy rides on a roundabout, have a go at hitting the bell on the traditional striker game, and try rock climbing.

There was also an inflatable pirate ship, with popcorn and candy floss on sale.

The Brewery is holding events throughout August to help raise money for charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan's fundraising manager for Gloucestershire Catherine North said: "I am thrilled The Brewery has chosen to support Macmillan, we want to make sure no one has to face cancer alone but we can't do it without the amazing people who fund raise for us.

"More than one in three of us will get a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime and cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face and the Macmillan Team is with you every step of the way."

The next event is Brewery Live, which will showcase a selection of Gloucestershire's young musicians.

Children climb to new heights on wall

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Calls for statue to honour Gloucester boxing hero Hal Bagwell

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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HE has been labelled Gloucester's greatest ever sportsman after staying true to his roots.

Boxer Hal Bagwell was once in the Guinness Book of Records for the most fights without a loss. And although a boxing promoter wanted to call him "Hal of London", he swore he would remain "Hal of Gloucester".

Now his son wants to see a statue erected in his memory.

Harold Bagwell, whose fighting career began in the 1930s when he was a teen, is thought to have fought 183 bouts undefeated. But this was hotly disputed due to a lack of proof and he was later removed from the record books.

The lightweight saw more than 300 fights, well into his 50s. He fought all over the country and at Kingsholm Rugby Ground, Lydney Town Hall and the public baths in Gloucester as well as further afield, including fights at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

His son Roger, who claims the 25,000-strong crowd for his dad's fight at Kingsholm is still the biggest gate ever recorded at the ground, would like to see his father's life remembered. He said: "For the past 30 years I have been trying to get a statue of dad in the city centre, but I have got nowhere.

"As far as I'm concerned, and for many other people too, he is Gloucester's greatest ever sportsman. He loved this city so much."

Hal, who died in 2001, lived in Gloucester all his life and once owned the Lower George Pub, in Westgate Street, which later became The Pig Inn the City. He also fought in the Second World War.

"He started fighting just to put food on the table," said Roger. "I remember his last ever fight. We were in Gloucester Park at the fair, and in those days they used to have a boxing ring there. He needed some money, so he stepped in, beat his opponent, and then bought me a bow and arrow."

Historian Jerry Jenkinson, from White City, is researching Hal's life. He said: "It would be great to get a statue of Hal in the city, his life was unbelievable."

Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said: "It is a nice idea but it's a case of being able to find the money. I would think there is a bit of a queue for statues. It would be nice to have some memorabilia from Hal's career in the new sport section at the city museum."

Calls for statue to honour Gloucester boxing hero Hal Bagwell

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Comedians and concerts set for new night club for Cheltenham

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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COMEDIANS are set to take to the stage as part of a mixed bag of entertainment in a new town night spot.

Work is continuing to get the doors of V Club Cheltenham open for mid September.

And it is expected that the club, now in its fifth incarnation as a night club, will offer five multi-functional rooms, to cater for as many tastes as possible.

"The days of the big room night clubs are thing of the past," said Steve Burrows, who is responsible for the launch of the club formerly know as Lace.

"We've got to be able to evolve."

Cheltenham Borough Council has received an application for a premises licence from a company called Cheltenham (NSD) Limited, for films, live music, the performance of dance, late night supply of alcohol, from 11pm to 4am between Monday and Thursday and from 11pm to 5am on Saturday and Sunday.

Top designers have been working to create the evolution of clubbing, said Mr Burrows, who has an extensive background in running nightclubs.

Clubbers can expect a state-of-the-art design, lighting and furnishings including a full stage and sound system, bringing the future of clubbing to Cheltenham, said Mr Burrows.

This includes redesigning the floor space – which is set out on three floors – and moving staircases to effectively allow for rooms to be created within floors.

The venue closed for refurbishment in late October 2012 and has since undergone a courtyard extension, increasing its capacity and new smoking area with an outside bar.

A new entrance in Albion Street, along with its main entrance in High Street offers greater flexibility for the club.

The redevelopment is believed to have cost in the region of £750,000.

Mr Burrows said V could cater for corporate functions.

One floor is to be set aside as a cocktail bar and VIP area, in which higher quality beverages can be consumed.

Club bosses are staying tight lipped about the kind of acts likely to be entertaining an expected 1,000 customers, other than saying they were "big acts showcasing the venue's capability of hosting live entertainment which will be viewed by large audiences."

Comedians and concerts set for new night club for Cheltenham

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Ladbrokes in new High Street premises

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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LADBROKES will be opening in a new premises in Cheltenham's High Street.

The bookmakers has been given permission to move into 116 High Street, which is currently empty.

The site, on the corner of the High Street and Cambray Place, was previously Wedding Days and Regency Groom.

The premises, which would only take up the ground floor, would have a customer area, including seating, and then back office room for staff and storage.

Sixteen letters of notification were sent out to neighbouring premises when the application was lodged.

In addition, a site notice was posted and an advert published in the Gloucestershire Echo and no representations were received in response to the publicity.

The application was approved by Cheltenham Borough Council this week.

Ladbrokes in new High Street premises

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Tag and telling off for teabag arsonist, 12

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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SCARED residents quit their home after a 12-year-old boy tossed a lit teabag on to a bed causing more than £12,000 worth of damage.

The boy, now 14, escaped a custodial sentence for the arson attack on a Coney Hill home when he appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

He has already served eight months for another crime and magistrate Martin Brown said sending him back into custody could do more harm than good.

He said: "I feel for the people who suffered losses because of this offence but we have to think about the long-term interests of the boy and his security."

But he warned him: "What we are dealing with here is a very damaged young man.

"A lot of your offending is quite serious. If you come before the court again, it will have no alternative but to send you back into detention."

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been landed with a 12-month youth rehabilitation order and will be electronically tagged for three months. He will have to attend a programme designed to turn his fortunes around.

He has returned to school and stayed out of trouble for several months, the court heard.

The boy set light to a teabag and threw it into a flat when people were inside on May 12, in 2011. Nobody was injured but damage to a bedroom totalled £12,365.

He was later arrested in his grandmother's back garden.

Prosecuting solicitor Sharon Jomaa said: "Just before 8pm on the evening in question, the fire service were told of a fire at a bed and breakfast accommodation.

"When police arrived at the scene, it was on fire.

"Just before the fire, a local boy had been seen acting suspiciously outside the premises. Residents said they were scared and did not want to stay there anymore because of their fear.

"One of the residents moved just two days later. It was a fearful incident for them.

"The whole room had to be redecorated and of course there was the loss of personal items too."

The boy was given a grilling by Mr Brown as he stood before him in court. He asked him: "Can you look back and see how serious this was?" The boy said: "Yes".

Then he asked: "Do you remember why you did it?" The boy said he didn't.

And, finally, Mr Brown asked: "You are not going to get arrested again?" The boy said: "No".

Tag and telling off for teabag arsonist, 12

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Your chance to donate blood

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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BLOOD donors are being urged to attend sessions in Cheltenham.

One session will be held from 1pm to 3.30pm and again from 4.30-7pm on August 19 at St Luke's Church Hall.

The next will be from 1.30-3.30pm then from 4.30-7.30pm on August 21. It would be at Sacred Heart's Hall in Charlton Kings.

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Men lacing up to raise cancer funds

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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MEN will be under starter's orders tomorrow as fundraisers line up for the fifth annual Race4Men charity run at Plock Court.

It will be the first race run without its founder, Derrick Daley, who died of cancer this year. Ladies from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education raised almost £1,500 for Cancer Research UK from their Race For Life this year. The men's team hope to reach similar heights when they run their 5km. Pictured James Carpenter, Graham Hardy, Anthony McClaran, Richard Leatherdale, Chris Bowles, Matt Kemp and Andy Weekes will all be joining the run at Oxstalls Tennis Centre from noon.

Men lacing up to raise cancer funds

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High hopes for Annabelle Harrison-Rowles quest to finally walk

August 9, 2013, 10:00 pm
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JOYOUS Annabelle Harrison-Rowles could make her first independent steps within the next year.

The Coombe Hill youngster is in a walker for the first time, after her family raised £55,000 to send her for an operation in the USA.

When the four-year-old was born 12 weeks prematurely, she weighed just 2lbs 9oz.

As a result, she has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, and has never been able to walk.

As she became a toddler she started watching other youngsters running around and playing, and all she wanted to do was join them.

Her grandfather Michael Harrison said: "She is now almost four years old and is a really beautiful, bright, bubbly little girl, but she has never walked unaided.

"Every day, Annabelle dreams of walking – just like her big sister and her other friends."

It was heartbreaking for her parents Tim and Tarma to watch her crying in pain because of the tightness in her limbs.

They watched helplessly until they learned an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) could help.

But it was not offered on the NHS, and her family faced the prospect of having to raise £55,000 before they could send her for specialist care in the USA.

Tim, a lawyer, took on challenges to raise the money.

He ran from Cheltenham to London in three days and kayaked 136 miles down the Thames and, with help from donations, raised enough money to take Annabelle to Missouri for her surgery.

The little girl is now able to move around using a walker – and the delight on her face is evident.

Dr Tae Park, the chief neurosurgeon at St Louis Children's Hospital, now expects Annabelle will "be able to walk independently and to take her first steps within a year".

She was in surgery for five hours and four days after her operation was doing so well and feeling so little pain that she was able to start her physiotherapy.

"When Dr Park saw Annabelle walking with her sticks unaided, he repeated his opinion that 'she will walk – no problem, she will definitely walk'," said Mr Harrison.

"Annabelle has a long road ahead, involving an excruciating daily program of intensive physiotherapy.

However, she is now truly on the journey towards making her dream come true."

More money is needed to fund Annabelle's intense physiotherapy sessions, for specialist equipment and follow up treatment in the USA.

This weekend Tim is doing the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Snowdon, cycling 200 miles to Scafell Pike before climbing the mountain, followed by a 250-mile cycle journey for a Ben Nevis ascent.

"We have been overwhelmed by the incredible kindness and generosity of complete strangers," said Michael.

"People who had never met Annabelle have donated."

He added that the committee at SCOPE in Cirencester had given £500 recently as well.

To support Annabelle, visit www.justgiving.com/AnnabellesDreamE3P.

OPINION, P8

High hopes for Annabelle Harrison-Rowles quest to finally walk

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Henry Trinder claims two tries as European titans Toulon hit Gloucester for six

August 10, 2013, 12:26 am
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TOULON 42 GLOUCESTER RUGBY 17 MIGHTY Toulon flexed their European champions' muscles to swat six tries past Gloucester. The moneyed elite French Top 14 club stalked a packed Stade Mayol with all the haughty delight the Heineken Cup holders should. Nigel Davies' Gloucester might have been outgunned, but they were neither overwhelmed nor vexed by their tribulations. Rugby director Davies wanted a European yardstick – so Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau and Co promptly wielded said weapon with relish. Four first-half tries from Virgile Bruni, Maxime Mermoz, Josua Tuisova and Delon Armitage put coach Bernard Laporte's men in control. Gloucester hit back through debutant Tavis Knoyle and Henry Trinder, but headed into the break 28-12 down and a man light, with captain Tom Savage in the sin-bin. Steffon Armitage claimed the first score after the break, before Danie Rossouw ran in Toulon's final score just past the hour. The friendly clash broke up increasingly as the substitutes flooded to the field. But new recruit Johnny Bentley had time to mark his debut with a clever crossfield chip that Trinder plucked from two covering defenders, to claim a well-worked second try. Despite the defeat, Gloucester boss Davies said his men now have a fine gauge for the rest of their pre-season. Davies explained: "I was very impressed with several aspects of our play. "Of course no one wants to lose and the result is frustrating, but looking beyond that we have battled extremely well against the European champions and one of the best sides around. "All the debutants impressed, and there are a number of areas where we can be reasonably pleased. "We got exactly what I wanted out of this game in many ways: it is an excellent barometer of our progress." Toulon were rampant from the off. Bruni opened the scoring after the hosts rampaged down the left wing. In a flash centre Mermoz doubled the try-count, scything a throat-slitting line off Wilkinson, who jockeyed at the line long enough to bisect the visiting defence. Ominous could not begin to cover it. But then Gloucester launched their tight game – and industrious Knoyle popped over. Tuisova wriggled off the left flank and home for Toulon's third try, with not even the quarter-hour complete. Gloucester hit back again though, with a try of huge credit given the high-octane pressure from the hosts. The close-season has done nothing to dent Rob Cook's acumen. The sharp full-back sent Trinder over in the right corner, with Burns converting to take the scores to 21-12. Free-flowing Toulon flummoxed Gloucester's attempts at clawing a foothold just four minutes later though. Tuisova shredded the cover off his wing once again, leaving Tim Molenaar for dead in the 12 channel's outside arc – and flipped up to Delon Armitage, who flopped over. Knoyle's clever tap penalty nearly caught Toulon unawares, but Cook could not quite recover his grubber in-goal, with the half-chance remaining unconverted. Gloucester bullied Toulon into conceding a scrum penalty on their five-metre line. The visitors chose to scrum again – only to concede a penalty in return. Incensed Andrew Sheridan squared up to Yann Thomas – a sure sign the trainee tighthead was bearing up well. Captain Savage was sin-binned with six minutes of the half to play, but despite home pressure, Gloucester edged to half-time without conceding further. Promising field position came to nought in the second half's opening exchanges, and after ten minutes Gloucester were again on the back foot. Gloucester could do nothing about a penalty lineout catch-and-drive – and Steffon Armitage dotted down Toulon try number five. The Cherry and Whites won an attacking 22 penalty lineout of their own minutes later. May's smart line off his wing almost outfoxed the hosts. From a quick tap penalty Burns sent Kvesic across the line – but Gloucester's scavenging openside could not quite take the ball with him. By this time Toulon had emptied their superstar bench, starting to turn the scrummaging screw in the process. But Bernard Laporte's men could not get the better of Gloucester's lineout. Davies promised aerial set-piece improvement, and new recruit James Hudson already looks to have that in hand. Just when Gloucester thought they had steadied again though, Burns misjudged a chip over the line. Wilkinson gathered, Toulon countered – and Rossouw cantered home. Replacement fly-half Johnny Bentley cut the line well after a counter from May. And Trinder capped the move with his second try, when beating two covering defenders to Bentley's clever chip into the right corner. The game broke up considerably in the closing stages, and Gloucester almost took advantage for a fourth try. Trinder's clever angled reverse kick spun backwards on landing, almost allowing May to outfox the Toulon cover. All that did was incite Toulon into throwing everything at a finish with a flourish. The hosts attacked one last time, with zeal and venom. But a loose pass under pressure in the Gloucester 22 allowed the Cherry and Whites respite at last. Trinder collected, cleared and chased his deep hoof. As weary chasers from both sides converged, the ball beat everyone into touch, to signal the final whistle. SCORERS: TOULON: Tries: Bruni (2), Mermoz (7), Tuisova (14), D Armitage (25), S Armitage (52), Danie Rossouw (61). Cons: Wilkinson 6 (2, 7, 14, 25, 52, 61). GLOUCESTER: Tries: Knoyle (9), Trinder 2 (21, 73). Cons: Burns (21). TOULON: D Armitage, D Smith, M Mermoz (M Vincent, 62), M Giteau, J Tuisova, J Wilkinson (T Belan, 62), S Tillous-Borde (M Claassens, 53), A Sheridan (X Chiocci, 53), B Noribot (S Bruno, 53), C Hayman (M Castrogiovanni, 53), K Mikautadze, J Suta (D Rossouw, 53), V Bruni (J Van Niekirk, 53), S Armitage, C Masoe (G Pierrick, 53). Unused: L Chilachava, F Fresia. GLOUCESTER: R Cook, S Monahan (M Tindall, 19), H Trinder, T Molenaar, J May, F Burns (J Bentley, 62), T Knoyle (R Boughton, 74), N Wood (D Murphy, 44 [T Heard, 74]), D Dawidiuk (D George, 56), Y Thomas (S Knight, 41), T Savage (capt), J Hudson, S Kalamafoni (W James, 41), M Kvesic, B Morgan (A Hazell, 55). REFEREE: Luiz Alexandre (Languedoc). ATTENDANCE: 10,082.

Henry Trinder claims two tries as European titans Toulon hit Gloucester for six

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Arrest following fatal crash in Cheltenham

August 10, 2013, 1:31 am
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POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash in Cheltenham. The collision between two cars took place at the junction between Park Place and Andover Road at about 3.30am this morning. A grey Mitsubishi Grandis collided with a silver Audi A4. A 45-year-old Cheltenham man who was driving the Mitsubishi died at the scene. A 22-year-old man from Cheltenham was treated at Cheltenham General Hospital for minor injuries. He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in custody at Cheltenham police station. A road closure remains in place while a collision investigation takes place. Anyone who witnessed the crash or the cars prior to the collision should call 101, quoting incident 80 of August 10.

Arrest following fatal crash in Cheltenham

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Cement lorry catches fire in Gloucester

August 10, 2013, 1:32 am
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A cement lorry has caught fire on its travels through Gloucester. The large vehicle was this morning on fire on the carriageway between the Zooms and C&G roundabouts. A fire crew attended the scene to put the blaze out while police officers controlled traffic in the area. The scene was cleared by 10.50am.Snapped a picture on your travels? E-mail mike.wilkinson@glosmedia.co.uk

Cement lorry catches fire in Gloucester

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Teenager left with punctured lung after motorbike collision in Toddington

August 10, 2013, 2:18 am
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A TEENAGER has been taken to hospital with a punctured lung after his motorbike collided with a car last night. The 17-year-old, from Tewkesbury, was seriously injured when his Black Pulse Adrenaline motorbike collided with a grey Mercedes car on the B4077 at The Orchards near Toddington around 9pm. He was taken to Frenchay Hospital with injuries including a punctured lung. Police believe he is in a serious but not life threatening condition. A 69-year-old Chipping Campden man who was driving the Mercedes was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with a finger injury. The road was closed for more than eight hours for a full collision investigation and reopened at 5.30am. Anyone who witnessed the collision should call 101, quoting incident 435 of August 9.

Teenager left with punctured lung after motorbike collision in Toddington

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Tewkesbury man arrested after crash

August 10, 2013, 2:22 am
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EMERGENCY services rushed to Tewkesbury early this morning after reports of a crash. Police officers were called to Northway Lane in Tewkesbury around 3.30am today when a black Vauxhall Astra Sport collided at speed with a parked silver Nissan Terrano and blue Ford Fiesta. The parked cars were completely written off as a result of the impact. A 21-year-old man from Tewkesbury suffered minor injuries in the collision and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. Anyone who witnessed that crash should call 101, quoting incident 78 of August 10.
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Cheltenham MP: Blame motorists for all crashes with cyclists

August 10, 2013, 2:28 am
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DRIVERS involved in collisions with cyclists or pedestrians should be automatically blamed for the accident, say the Liberal Democrats.

And Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood, himself an avid cyclist, agrees the policy should be considered.

The Liberal Democrat, who has been MP for the town since 2005, said: "It is still up for debate and isn't our party policy yet, but I certainly think we should consider it.

"We need to bring it home that cyclists are very vulnerable road users. I would like to hear both sides of the argument. It's a policy that works well across the continent."

The proposal, which will presume liability on motorists, will be discussed at Lib Dem conference in September where delegates will have the chance to vote on whether it is adopted as party policy.

Lib Dems official policies are driven by the members from the bottom up, rather than the party leadership.

They are trying to tackle figures that show hundreds of cyclists are killed across the UK every year in collisions with vehicles and many more are injured.

Lib Dem campaigner Max Wilkinson, 29, of The Park, said: "As somebody who cycles to work every day, I have seen plenty of examples of reckless behaviour on the roads by both motorists and other cyclists.

"I think a greater level of empathy is needed on the part of cyclists and motorists and we should end the unfortunate adversarial tone that is popular in most debates about this.

"Cycling is one of the main ways we can reduce congestion on town roads and I'm in favour of measures to get more people doing it, but I'm not convinced that presuming guilt on the part of motorists will do that.

"I'd rather see more focus on lowering urban speed limits, safer cycling routes and filling potholes, which will ultimately make all of us safer."

Road safety consultant Keith Fagan saidd: "I can understand why they are saying it, but a lot of civil cases depend on a percentage of liability on both parties. Every case should be looked at on it merits."

OPINION, P8

Cheltenham MP: Blame motorists for all crashes with cyclists

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Gloucestershire weather: Cloudy skies ahead

August 10, 2013, 2:33 am
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A largely cloudy weekend is in store for Gloucestershire. Top temperatures of 20C can be expected today and it will remain cloudy throughout, with the chance of some light rain tonight at 10pm. Sunday will be largely the same although there will be some sunny intervals throughout the day. A partly cloudy night will see temperatures of around 15C. Early risers on Monday morning will catch clear blue skies and sunshine but clouds will make a reappearance as the morning goes on. Temperatures of 18C with cloud and sunny intervals can be expected. Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday also look cloudy.

Gloucestershire weather: Cloudy skies ahead

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MOT for caravans could cost families hundreds of pounds

August 10, 2013, 2:51 am
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A new plan to introduce an MOT-style test for caravans could cost families hundreds of pounds. The plan has been touted by the European Union. If the idea is brought into force it could affect 200,000 holidaymakers in the UK. There are also fears that it could hit the popular caravan tourism market. Andrew Baker, director at Pearman Briggs caravan sales at Longlevens, said: "We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of younger families taking up caravanning because they can't afford to go abroad and this new rule would be a real shame for them. "I can't see it being brought in because simply policing it would be a nightmare. "It would just be another unnecessary expense for people." Reacting to the news, a spokesman for the Caravan Club, which has 37,000 members nationally, said: "The Caravan Club actively supports and encourages measures designed to improve road safety, but has seen no EU evidence that MOT-style testing on caravans will do so. "Caravanning is inherently very safe, with extremely low levels of reported accidents, and the overwhelming majority of accidents which do occur are caused by factors such as poor loading - causing instability - and driver behaviour, not by factors that would be mitigated by roadworthiness testing.' The UK government is attempting to block the measure but it could be passed by the EU later this year.We want to hear your views. Should there be an MOT for caravans? Or is it another EU rule gone mad? Share your comments below or e-mail mike.wilkinson@glosmedia.co.uk

MOT for caravans could cost families hundreds of pounds

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'Mad Max' police car could be 'red rag to bull' for drivers

August 10, 2013, 3:36 am
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A new high-speed police pursuit vehicle being trialled in Gloucestershire could be like a "red rag to a bull" for young drivers. The BMW Interceptor can reach speeds of 155mph and costs £30,000. It has been enhanced and kitted out with cameras to make it fit for high-speed police work. The prototype is being shared among the nation's police force's during a trial period before orders are invited. But AA spokesman Paul Watters told the Daily Mail that young drivers could see the vehicle as a challenge. "I'm not sure what motorists would think if they saw that looming into view," he said. "Probably 'slow down'. You almost expect a net to come out of the boot and tyre shredders out of the wheels. It's menacing. I've never seen a real police car with Interceptor on it." The 1979 movie Mad Max starred Mel Gibson as a police officer in a fast police car with 'Interceptor' written prominently across it." But police say this Interceptor is a serious weapon in the war on crime. A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: "We're delighted with it. There is a lot of interest in it. This Interceptor is equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition. "Officers can drive the car on any road in the county and scan licence plates with the special ANPR camera. "If the number plate reveals the car has a police marker on it, has been used in crimes previously or is uninsured, the officers can stop the vehicle and carry out a search." A BMW spokesman said: "It is equipped with a front-facing, rear-facing and an interior camera pointing at anyone sat in the rear of the vehicle. "It continues recording after the vehicle ignition is turned off to capture essential post-incident footage."

'Mad Max' police car could be 'red rag to bull' for drivers

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