Members of a bowls club in Stockingstone Road are “absolutely astounded” by anonymous complaints to the licensing panel ahead of their bid for an alcohol certificate.

Co-op Luton Bowls in Stockingstone Road, which was founded in 1935, has applied for a certificate to supply alcohol for consumption on the premises from 11am - 11pm every day.

The application will be discussed at a meeting of the Luton Borough Council licensing panel tomorrow (August 15) but letters sent by nearby residents have cast a shadow over proceedings.

Wendy Mattey from Luton Co-op Outdoor Bowling Club said: “We were absolutely astounded by the complaints because in all the years the club has been there not one person has ever complained about the club. There is no noise, unless they mean the clicking of the bowls and the occasional whoop of joy, there is no mess, and there’s never been a complaint about it. The club is only used in the summer months, from April to September. We feel that if people had grievances they should have come to the club and it could have been addressed.”

Some of the residents’ comments in the licensing panel documents included: “I am concerned that if the licence is given until 11pm, there will be a lot of noise when the members are out smoking and drinking which will disturb my child.”

A number of residents who wrote to the licensing panel to object to the application said they find rubbish including beer bottle tops, takeaway wrappers and gas cylinders in their gardens which they believe comes from the bowls club.

However, the club does not serve such food.

One complainant said: “I have a low level fence overlooking the club, I have found soft drinks cans, leftover takeaway cartons, cups and plastic bags in my garden. There is no other place this can have come from.”

Another complainant said: “The club also backs on to Vauxhall members’ club which has a music/drinks licence and can be quite noisy in itself at the weekends. There are numerous houses that back onto the club and we have not received any notification that they have applied for a licence and if residents had any reservations they could pop in and see the manager for reassurances. As a small community club backing on to a quiet residential street I would have thought this to be a common courtesy.”

Mrs Mattey said: “Our funds are so low we have to generate funds for the club in any way we can and serving alcohol is a way of doing this. After a game it’s tradition to go to the club and have a meal, normally just a ham salad, dessert and a cup of tea. At the bar you treat your opponent, if they have lost, to a drink. It’s just a tradition of bowls. If you go in any other bowls club in Luton you’ll see they have a bar, and after the game you retire to the club house.”

Mrs Mattey said if the club can’t raise more funds they could be in danger of having to close, and said they are always on the look-out for new members.

Beds Students Union is launching The Bedfordshire Green Hub – a project to increase take up of green issues at the University of Bedfordshire and the local community – all thanks to a successful bid to the NUS Students’ Green Fund.

The project centres around a pop-up green hub that will tour the University campuses and local community encouraging direct, student led participation in sustainability issues through a range of projects.

As well campaigns such as Student Eats, where students are encouraged to grow their own produce, Beds SU will also be running a Dragon’s Den style event where students will have the opportunity to bid for funding so they can lead their own green projects.

Students are already getting in to all things green. In a recent survey over 70% of students said they wanted an outlet where clothes and other goods could be exchanged so swap shops are launching in the new academic year.

Greening up the curriculum is also high on the agenda and Beds SU will be working with the University to introduce a zero-waste culture. 
The project aims to engage 3,000 students and 200 staff, leading to a 15% increase in pro-environmental behaviours.

A 19-year-old appeared before Luton Magistrates Court charged with firearms and drugs offences this morning (August 14).

Jordan Antoine, from Luton, is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Luton Crown Court on August 27.

The offences detected are the result of the on-going investigation into gun crime in Luton by Bedfordshire Police, codenamed Operation Boson.

So far 65 people have been arrested for gun related crime, 56 warrants have been executed and 14 firearms have been recovered.

Anyone with information about gun crime can contact detectives on the direct confidential reporting line 01582 394281, or 101, or text force control direct on 07786 200011 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Up to £2000 worth of reward money is available for information about gun crime in Luton.

A 74-year-old woman was burgled by a man she found in her bedroom in The Magpies yesterday (August 13).

The lady was woken by a loud bang at about 2.45am and a man entered her bedroom, demanding that she remain quiet while he searched her home.

He left the scene empty-handed.

Det Con Helen Toms said: “This was a shocking experience for the elderly resident who was unhurt during her ordeal. We believed a woman was seen standing outside the property and we would like to trace this person or anyone else who was in the area and saw anything suspicious that night.”

The man is described as black, in his early 20s, 6ft tall and wearing a grey hooded top.

Anyone with information relating to these crimes can contact DC Toms at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394091, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information on 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

“Second ugliest town in Britain” is Luton’s latest dubious accolade, awarded this weekafter a nationwide poll.

Nearby Hemel Hempstead topped the ugly-poll, conducted by the writers of ‘Crap Towns Returns’ website.

More than 3,000 people took part in the survey and Luton received 592 votes compared to Hemel’s 785 votes.

Luton Borough Council leader Hazel Simmons said: “What a silly survey! Luton is a fine town with a mixture of old and new buildings surrounded by the beautiful Chiltern hills.

“Seven of our parks have just received Green Flag awards, which means they are among the best in the whole country. Clearly someone hasn’t done their homework properly!”

The good news is Luton isn’t on the shortlist for the next ‘Crap Towns Returns’ survey - ‘Britain’s dullest town’.

Have your say on Luton’s latest title at www.lutontoday.co.uk and on the Herald & Post Facebook page where debate is already raging.

Reacting to the news on the Herald & Post Facebook page, Johanna O’Donoghue said: “That made me chuckle. It’s not the town that’s ugly it’s the people in it, the way some people treat others is disgusting. However once you get a name it’s hard to shake it off” and Neil Jones said: “To be honest there are loads of much uglier towns than both Hemel and Luton” and Fred Thomas said: “The council have to invest more in town, we pay huge amount of money with council tax, we don’t see benefits, Luton is very dangerous place now isn’t only ugly.”

Three lower schools have been given the go ahead to extend their age range by Central Beds Council.

Ashton St Peters VA Lower School, Kensworth Lower School and Lancot Lower School can now cater for pupils aged 5-11.

Manshead VA Upper School, has also been given the go ahead to cater for pupils aged 11 – 19

The decision comes at the end of a period of significant consultation and is fully supported by the head teachers, governors and parents at both of the schools. The proposals and consultation process followed a strict series of guidelines set out by the Department for Education (DfE).

The age range changes will bring the schools into line with others in the area, which are moving from the current lower/middle/upper system to a primary/secondary model.

To help parents, the council has created a dedicated page on its website within the admissions section, called ‘Parental Choice’. It includes advice and support for parents to help them make a considered choice and also a short video outlining the different options and pathways available.

To access this information, go www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/admissions and click on the ‘Parental Choice in Central Bedfordshire’ tab.

A £120 million funding injection aims to boost services for Bedfordshire patients with musculoskeletal problems such as back or joint pain.

The cash will be invested over the next five years, to improve care for people with chronic and debilitating musculoskeletal conditions.

More than 45,000 Bedfordshire patients each year use NHS-funded services for these types of problems. One in 10 people living in Bedfordshire has a musculoskeletal condition such as back or joint pain, arthritis, tennis elbow or carpel tunnel syndrome.

The Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group says it is investing in an integrated system of care and support tailored to patients’ needs.

In the future, patients should find more of their care can be provided in or near their own GP surgery.

And they should also have a bigger say in their own care and treatment.

There will be more focus on measuring and improving the clinical quality of care and on its ability to meet patients’ expectations.

A partnership leading the new system of care includes the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, Arthritis Care, the Pennines MSK Partnership, Horizon Health Choices, the Luton and Dunstable NHS Foundation Trust, and Circle.

The new partnership will take responsibility for its first patients in January next year.

Patient representative Bob Smith said: “This service will make a huge difference to patients because it will offer them a more integrated, seamless service, with most of their care being available in the community.

“This ensures patients get the very best care, closer to home, and the local health service can make better use of resources.”

When your loved one drives off to work in the morning, how do you cope if they don’t come back?

For several families every year in Bedfordshire that’s a tragic dilemma they have to face when a loved one is killed in a road traffic incident.

Thirteen people were killed on the roads in the county last year, and the Road Victims Trust is helping many of their family, friends and witnesses deal with the aftermath.

“The impact on a family can be exactly the same as a murder,” said the Trust’s Chief Executive Steve Ottaway. “The sooner they can get support the sooner they can adjust.

The Trust, which covers Beds and Herts and moved into Cambridgeshire in April, has around 30 volunteers who act as counsellors.

Once police have confirmed a road fatality, the charity is provided with the details of people who have been affected, which can often include witnesses to the crashes.

It then approaches people offering free counselling and practical support through the long legal process which will include inquests and often court cases.

There is face to face support and contact for as long as anyone needs it, from a few weeks to a couple of years in some cases.

The charity has been going since 2003 after splitting from Victims Support to offer a more specialised service for those affected by road deaths.

“It’s sudden, it’s unexpected and it’s violent, “ said Steve. “You don’t have a chance to say goodbye.

“The collision may have occurred on a road you drive down every day. Add on top of that the fact that sometimes no-one can show anyone to have done anything wrong, there can be a feeling that there is no justice.”

Volunteers understand the court system and can act as a conduit between family and the police.

They are trained, or in training and build on core counselling skills which help them to be equipped for bereavement counselling.

“The processes around road deaths are complex and we have very intensive training and set high standards because we are asking people to go into the homes of people when they are at their most vulnerable.

“We can go with them to the court and provide complete support services for as long as it is useful for the individual,” said Steve.

Although it is difficult to put a figure on it the Trust says its work saves pressure on the NHS, can reduce the time someone has to see their GP, cut back on sick leave and reduce the likelihood of mental and physical problems in the future.

Witnesses, who can be traumatised by what they have seen, tend to use the services for a shorter time that the family and friends of victims.

As with many charities in the current climate, funding is a struggle. While the charity does receive grants from the Ministry of Justice the vast bulk of donations come from businesses and individuals. There are some grants from local authorities and charities , along with funding from the police to set up the Cambridgeshire operation.

The charity is also looking for volunteers, around another 10-15 are needed.

A counselling volunteer would be expected to have on average two clients a week. The majority of the work is undertaken as a one hour home visit and so with travel, report writing, supervision and meetings about 6-8 hours a week is needed to fulfil the role.

Contact with the bereaved families is always through the trust’s manned office, and the volunteers are themselves supported.

For further enquiries call 01234 843345 or Email: enquiries@rvtrust.co.uk

>To find out more about the Trust’s work go to http://www.roadvictimstrust.org.uk/

A new draft strategy about dealing with flood risk includes plans to look at the surface water situation in Caddington, pictured above during flooding late last year.

Public consultation is under way on the proposed local flood risk management strategy from Central Beds Council. Caddington is one of the areas for which surface water management assessments are planned.

Flood prevention action proposed in the strategy includes investigating the source of blockages, such as clogged-up culverts, and looking at whether new bye-laws are needed to ensure landowners properly manage stretches of watercourse for which they are responsible.

Check out and comment on the draft strategy at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations. Paper versions of comment forms and the strategy are available at Central Beds libraries and customer service centres. Responses must be submitted by October 23.

Tom Cruise is good value as a man haunted by snatches of memories of his earlier life in sci-fi adventure OBLIVION (12: Universal).

The plot borrows heavily from other well-known films of the genre, but it’s thought-provoking and packed with edge-of-the-seat action and impressive special effects.

Cruise plays Jack Harper, a security repairman tasked with maintaining the airborne robot drones that monitor Earth in 2077. The planet has been evacuated in the aftermath of a decades-long interplanetary war and is still being scavenged by aliens.

Harper and his communications officer (Andrea Riseborough), their memories erased for security reasons, are waiting for a call to rejoin the rest of humankind on a lunar colony.

In the interim Harper rescues an astronaut from a downed spacecraft and uncovers the dark secrets behind the war. He also encounters Morgan Freeman, who gives a statesmanlike performance as the leader of a rebel force.

> London-set biopic THE LOOK OF LOVE (18: Studio Canal) throws the spotlight on Paul Raymond, the pioneer of adult entertainment in the UK, who funnelled his porn profits into property and became the richest man in Britain.

Beginning in the late 1950s, with the opening of the topless Raymond Revue Bar in the heart of sleazy Soho, the film offers snapshots of his life until his retirement from the public eye in the early ‘90s.

Steve Coogan gives a surprisingly moving performance as Raymond, who struggles to communicate with his first wife (Anna Friel), his long-term lover (Tamsin Egerton) and his daughter (Imogen Potts).

Tragedy ensues in a sensitively handled film that doesn’t take a moral stance on the sex industry but is a bitter-sweet study of heartbreak and the true cost of success.

> There are just two things wrong with SCARY MOVIE V (15: Entertainment In Video) – it’s not scary and it’s barely even a movie.

A ballet dancer and an ape researcher are tormented by demonic forces following the birth of their son. They seek the aid of assorted experts in the supernatural as well as setting up a house full of cameras to bring the nightmare to an end.

A slung-together bombardment of genre send-ups, it hits rock bottom the moment Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan open this sorry show trashing their tabloid reputations in an embarrassing Paranormal Activity spoof.

From then on the modern ghost story Mama takes the most heat with increasingly idiotic sidesteps into Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Black Swan, Sinister, Evil Dead, Inception and The Help.

The director and writers seem clueless as to what’s funny, so throw in everything from tasteless bulimia and pregnancy gags to a surreal Fifty Shades Of Grey skit and a party sequence involving a robot pool cleaner.

> Director Steven Soderbergh’s hypnotic thriller SIDE EFFECTS (15: Momentum) sees a psychiatrist (Jude Law) prescribe an experimental ddrug to a patient suffering from depression.

It seems to miraculously resolve her psychological problems, but also results in sleepwalking and disturbing personality changes with consequences that could destroy the doctor’s life.

Travellers who set up an illegal encampment in a car park in High Town are going to be evicted today (August 16), less than 24 hours after they arrived.

A nearby resident said they moved in last night, and the council and police will be evicting them this afternoon.

As reported by the Luton News, the council vowed to crackdown on travellers and ask police to attend evictions, and in recent weeks they have broken up illegal encampments swiftly.

A Luton Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have been informed by Bedfordshire Police that they will serve Section 61 notices on the Travellers at Taylor Street car park imminently, stating they must vacate by 4pm today. Our bailiffs will support the police with the eviction.”

The High Town resident, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisal, said: “I don’t know how they got in but they must have broken the barrier down or something.”

Another High Town local said: “They were here a few years back for absolutely ages. This is the last thing we need.”

A man has been charged following an arson attack on a rehab centre in Hastings Street on Saturday (August 10).

The incident happened at 11.45pm at the Perry Clayman Project (PCP) when the offender approached the front door of a rear building and started a fire before running away.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the property but no one was injured.

Det Con Colin Knight said: “Thankfully no one has been harmed as a result of this attack but things could have been very different if the building had been in use. We need to catch the person or persons who committed this offence as soon as possible and stop any further serious incidents from occurring.”

The building of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre which was set alight consists of treatment rooms, classrooms, a social area and staff room.

Det Con Knight, is keen to hear from anyone who was in Hastings Street at the time of the incident and may have seen anything suspicious.

He said: “I would really like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the offence, or from anyone else who may have information – however small or insignificant they think it is – that could help us. Don’t dismiss your information as unimportant – even tiny details which don’t seem relevant now might become useful later on in the investigation.”

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Knight, in confidence, on 01582 394069, the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

The last two defendants in a ‘crash for cash’ investigation must re-pay £243,119 following a hearing at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (August 12).

Kamsan ‘Kimmy’ Mahmood, 44, of Lincoln Road in Luton, and Istafa Hussain, 36, also of Lincoln Road, were ordered to pay £192,000 and £51,119 respectively within six months.

They are currently serving jail terms; Mahmood five years and Istafa four-and-a-half years.

Det Chief Insp Shane Roberts said: “It is inconceivable that criminals can leave the justice system still in possession of the money and assets they’ve acquired through their offending. No matter where you or your assets are, Bedfordshire Police will actively pursue you until those monies are identified and repaid.

“So far this year half a million pounds has been taken back from criminals in Bedfordshire, of which £95,000 has been returned to Bedfordshire Police. This has been used to sponsor further crime fighting initiatives and to support community based projects that will benefit the public, such as the ‘Bobby Van’.”

The investigation which put Mahmood and Hussain behind bars was a groundbreaking seven year operation that uncovered a criminal syndicate behind a “crash for cash” insurance scam.

The fraudsters staged road traffic collisions then submitted false insurance claims, and a total of 37 criminals were sentenced over three years.

The investigation by a small team of detectives was one of the largest fraud rings the industry has ever seen.

The day’s takings were stolen from Farmfoods in Luton in an “audacious” daylight robbery yesterday (August 15).

A man pushed his way into the shop in Park Street at 6.20pm as the store manager was banking the takings, and demanded he hand over the cash.

He then made the manager smash several computers and the CCTV camera and hand over the CCTV hard drive before fleeing.

The burglar pushed past a store worker who was having a cigarette near a fire exit at the shop on his way in.

He is described as a black male, in his late 20s or early 30s, around five feet eleven inches tall, of medium build and wearing a black hooded top and blue jeans.

Det Con Tom Hamm, who is investigating the raid, said: “This was a very audacious robbery which took place in broad daylight at a time when the town would have been swarming with people finishing work and making their way home. The Mall would have only closed a short time beforehand and I am positive that someone will have seen something.

“I’m particularly keen to speak with witnesses who would have been waiting for buses in Church Street, right opposite the fire exit which the offender used to enter and leave the store. The road was very busy with pedestrians, motorists and those waiting for public transport so I would urge anyone who may have seen anything to get in touch.”

Officers are currently reviewing footage from several other CCTV cameras around the town centre but are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the area and seen the offender either before or after the incident.

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Hamm, in confidence, on 01582 394498, the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. t

A man wanted in connection with theft of meat from a shop in Caddington is shown in images released by Beds Police today.

The incident took place at about 2.50pm at the Co-Operative Store in Manor Road on July 5.

A man entered the store with a carrier bag, walked towards the meat section, picked up a lamb joint from the shelf and put it into the bag.

He left the shop without making any attempt to pay for the meat and headed towards a green Fiat Punto.

If you recognise the offender or have any information relating to this incident, contact the Crime Service Team, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number quoting crime reference number JD/23718/2013.

Residents are being reminded to ensure their vehicles are locked following a spate of thefts where unsecure cars and vans were targeted.

Six reports of vehicles which were not properly locked having items such as power tools, Sat Navs, mobile phones and wallets stolen from them were received by police in the past few weeks.

Police say the majority of thefts are committed by opportunists whose ‘job’ is made easier by vehicles being unlocked – even if it is only for a couple of minutes.

Motorists are also urged not to leave any valuables on display in their vehicle even if it is securely locked.

Inspector Jim Hitch of the Central Bedfordshire Local Policing Team, said: “Over the past four weeks we have seen a slight increase in the number of thefts from vehicles that have been left unsecure but it is something that can be easily avoided. During the summer months we always encourage people to secure their homes but the same applies to your vehicle.

“Locking your vehicles, closing the windows, sunroof and roof on a convertible will ensure that your property is not such an attractive to an opportunist thief. Replacing lost mobile phones, bank cards and keys is a real nuisance and can be simply avoided by either taking your things with you when you leave your vehicle or if possible leave them at home.”

Some simple measures that can be taken to reduce vehicle crime include:

• If you have a steering wheel lock, then use it. There are many types on the market; the most popular are the ʻthread throughʼ style and the steering wheel shields. Make sure any product bought has the ʻSold Secureʼ brand of approval.

• You can also buy locking wheel clamps – these are especially useful if the vehicle is to be left unattended for a long period (eg, while you are on holiday).

• There are now a number of strong boxes that have been designed to fix into the boot of a car or the back of a van. These are particularly useful if you need to transport tools or expensive items as part of your work.

• If you need to transport tools and equipment as part of your job, empty your vehicle every evening. It is also worth having a sign in your vehicle that states no tools are left in it overnight.

• If you have a garage, clear it out and park the car in it – this will help prevent your car being specifically targeted if it is a desirable make and model.

• Make sure the area where you park your car is well-lit. It the parking area is on private property, you can use a domestic CCTV system.

• Always empty your vehicle of property and – if your stereo has one - remove the fascia when you park up outside your home.

• If you use a Sat Nav with a suction cradle, it is essential you not only remove the device but also the cradle and wipe the sucker ring mark off the glass. Thieves will be looking for tell-tale signs of in-car gadgets as they are small enough to pocket and fetch a good price.

• Remember to check your insurance details – some home contents policies do not cover satellite navigation systems as they are classed as ʻvehicle accessoriesʼ.

• Property marking cannot prevent your goods from being stolen but it is a very good deterrent as it is difficult to sell on stolen property that has been marked. It also allows the police to return recovered stolen goods to their rightful owner.

• Mark your property with your house/flat number and postcode. If your property has a name, use the first 3 letters instead of the house number. Use a UV pen to invisibly mark items such as mobile phones, audio-visual equipment, cameras, etc. Other products on the market are SmartWater and microdot tagging systems. Consider etching your windows and alloy wheels.

• Remember to register your property on www.immobilise.com

If you have information relating to vehicle crime, contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

An exceptional Luton volunteer has been honoured for her work promoting sports in the local community.

Tina Ashby organised and ran a two-day community festival last year in Leagrave.

At a ceremony in the Copper Box in the Olympic Park, she was presented with a plaque acknowledging her outstanding work by Olympic gold medallist Lord Sebastian Coe, and Barry McGuigan, former boxing world featherweight champion.

Supported by Luton Borough Council’s ‘Your Say, Your Way’ scheme, Tina put on a raft of sports, music, games and other activities to engage families in her local area.

Alongside the Council’s community development team, Tina worked hard to plan, publicise, deliver and tidy up the festival, which more than 1,000 people attended.

As well as providing a fun day out for all of the family, Tina’s festival gave local children the opportunity to take part in sports that some had never tried before, with Wates even building a beach volleyball court for people to try the sport out on!

A number of local organisations supported the festival, including Luton Town Football Club, who ran training sessions, and Active Luton who provided equipment and gave away 15 sports and fitness coaching sessions as raffle prizes.

Community Games, an organisation which aims to give everyone a chance to take part in sport, also provided equipment for the festival and put forward Tina for the award.

Tina’s festival went so well that she even received a letter from the Queen.

Tina said: “I was truly blessed to have been part of such a successful two-day event and to have such amazing support.”

Cllr Khtija Malik, Portfolio Holder for community development, said: “Tina’s efforts and commitment to the festival in Leagrave were absolutely incredible. This was a great example of how ‘Your Say, Your Way’ funding can make a positive difference in supporting grassroots projects and bring local communities together.”

“I would like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to Tina on her award – she completely deserves it.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to a robbery in Luton at around 12.40pm on August 2 in Pottery Close when a 15-year-old boy was approached by a black teenage boy.

The offender threatened and removed a silver Blackberry phone from the victim’s pocket, the victim and the offender were then involved in a scuffle.

The victim managed to retrieve his phone and leave.

Police have arrested a teenage boy who was later released on police bail.

Police are keen to speak with independent witnesses who may have seen the incident in Pottery Close at the time.

If you have information relating to this incident, contact the Robbery Unit, in confidence, on 01582 394373, the non-emergency number 101.

Surprise sci-fi hit District 9 earned director Neill Blomkamp a name for being able to tell an unusual story in an arresting way, so now he’s been given a much bigger train set to play with.

Matt Damon is the marquee name Elysium, which stays firmly in the scary future explored in that first hit.

It’s 2154 and the gap between the haves and the have-nots has never been wider. The nobs, led by Jodie Foster, live on a giant orbiting space station called Elysium, where there is no war, no poverty and no illness.

Everyone else has to scrap for survival down on battered planet Earth.

When Matt is exposed to radiation he has just days to live unless he can fight his way into the heavily-guarded Elysium, and they don’t want his sort of people there.

That means there’s plenty of action along with the social commentary, and unlike many high concept sci-fi sorties we’ve seen recently this keeps the running time down and the story rattling along.

The Mortal Instruments is a series of fantasy novels for young adults, so that leaves me out.

But they are popular enough to attract interest from Hollywood’s money men, so here comes Mortal Instruments: The City Of Bones which will obviously be the first of a series if it goes down well.

Ordinary New York teenager. discovers there’s another world alongside our own that humans – or ‘mundanes’ – can’t see.

It’s filled with demons, warlocks, vampires and werewolves – and she’s got Shadowhunter blood in her veins.

Shadowhunters? These half-angel warriors protect the human world from demons, obviously. Didn’t you realise that we were all threatened with extinction?

Cliches galore, of course, but it’s slickly put together to appeal to its audience, as the 12A certificate indicates.

Amanda Seyfried stars the true story of sad 1970s porn star Linda ‘Deep Throat’ Lovelace.

She’s was naive teenager lured into the seedy world of porn where she became a global star. It wrecked her life, but despite her notoriety she put the experience behind her and became a feminist icon an anti-porn activist before her early death. An interesting story, a top cast, and a grown-up film.

Jennifer Aniston is back in We’re The Millers, a comedy about a reluctant drug dealer who aims to get across the border without a full body search by recruiting a squeaky-clean all-American family as cover. Stripper Jen agrees to be his wife, two teenagers play his kids. Guess what happens? It’s a return for Dodgeball director Rawson Marshall Thurber Casey, and although there are no surprises it’s a harmless enough helping of humour

Police are looking for a man who punched a member of staff while attempting to steal alcohol from the Co-Op in Barton.

The incident took place at 8.50pm on July 27 when the offender – a black male in his 30s – entered the Bedford Road store, put numerous bottles of alcohol into a basket and then left the shop without making any attempt to pay for the items.

A staff member confronted him outside the store and the thief punched him in the chest before getting into a black Vauxhall Astra with registration plate DG52 XSF and driving away.

If you recognise this man or have any information relating to this incident, contact the Crime Service Team, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number quoting crime reference number JD/26522/2013.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.