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Man charged with murder over missing midwife student

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A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of missing student Joy Morgan.

Joy, who has links with Luton, has not been seen since attending an event on Boxing Day.

Shohfah-El Israel, 40, of Fordwych Road in Cricklewood, north-west London, appeared at Hatfield Remand Court charged with her murder.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday).

The family of the 21-year-old last week issued a public appeal for information on her whereabouts.

Joy, who studies midwifery at the University of Hertfordshire, was last seen in Ilford on December 26, 2018.

The following day she made contact with coursemates via Whatsapp. She was reported missing to police on Thursday, February 7.

Joy’s mum Carol said: “We’re broken. All of us are broken inside. She’s only a girl, she’s so loved by us and we miss her so much.

“We need your help and support out there to find Joy. Give the information out for her and let the police do their job to find my baby girl, please.

Appealing directly to Joy, she added: “All we want you to do is come forward, go to the police and talk to a police officer.

“All I want to know, baby, is that you’re alive and well and that’s it.”

Joy has links to Luton. Ilford, Battersea, Cricklewood and Stevenage.

She is described as black, of slim build, around 5ft 5in tall, with black afro-style hair which she often covers with a scarf.

Joy also wears glasses.

If you have seen Joy since she was reported missing or have information about where she has been, call Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101. You can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report.


Luton’s Keech Hospice Care soars up rankings of Sunday Times 100 list

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A Bedfordshire hospice has beaten off tough competition to be named in the top 20 of the Sunday Times ‘100 Best Not-for-Profit Organisations to Work for in the UK’.

Keech Hospice Care’s ranking has rocketed for 2019, shooting up the list to 18th place in just its second year of entering.

The charity first took part in The Sunday Times 100 in 2017, when the charity achieved a ranking of 71.

Liz Searle, CEO at Keech Hospice Care, attended a special ceremony in London where the result was revealed on February 20. She said: “I am absolutely delighted that the staff we employ should rate us so highly.

“Since the last award, we have developed a new five-year strategy. Staff have contributed to our new values and we have a new vision: ‘Making the difference when it matters the most’.

“This is the second time running that the hospice has been honoured in the top 100 awards and we are proud to represent the hospice sector in this year’s results.”

The Sunday Times 100 list is based on feedback from staff. Across the country, nearly 260,000 staff working for UK employers completed anonymous surveys giving their opinions about their bosses, working conditions and their employer’s values.

Good news on schools for youngsters in Central Bedfordshire

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Central Bedfordshire has maintained its high standard in providing secondary and upper schools as almost all young people have been granted one of their preferred choices for the 2019/20 academic year.

Today (1 March) is National Secondary Offer Day and in Central Bedfordshire overall, 99 per cent of pupils have been offered one of their top three preferred choices.

In terms of pupils granted their first preferences, there have also been improvements in both secondary and upper schools.

For pupils that have applied to transfer to upper schools from September, 97 per cent have been granted their first preference. This is up 2 per cent from last year. While in secondary schools, the figure is up 4 per cent from last year, to 96 per cent.

Councillor Steven Dixon, Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said: “We work very hard to ensure that children can attend a good local school, and we are delighted that today’s figures show that we are not only maintaining our consistent high standards, but improving on them.”

There were just under 3,000 applications, most of which came via the council’s online system, with 96 per cent of applicants to upper schools done that way, while 90 per cent of applicants for secondary school applied online.

Anyone applying online or requesting an email notification hears the news today. For those who submitted a paper application, decision letters were sent out yesterday by post.

Anyone wishing to decline or change their offered place can do so by submitting a change of preference form. The deadline for this is Friday, 15 March with new offers going out on Tuesday, 23 April.

Meanwhile, children starting school and transferring to middle school will find out whether they have received their first preference on 16 April, National Primary Offer Day.

For more information about school admissions and transfers, visit http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/school/admissions/2019/overview.aspx

email admissions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 8037.

‘Cure for Anusjka’ Luton Hoo charity dinner to help mum beat rare blood disease

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A Luton mother who is desperate to beat a rare blood disease is holding a fundraising dinner for a new treatment.

In March last year, the Luton News featured Anusjka Regis-Etumnu who described her life as “39 years of excruciating pain”, having battled Sickle Cell Anaemia since birth.

The disease is caused by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin (an oxygen-carrying protein) meaning red blood cells become distorted - prone to rupture and block blood vessels. Sufferers fight organ damage, fatigue and pain.

However, brave Anusjka has launched a GoFundMe campaign, which aims to raise £55,000 towards a new procedure not available on the NHS.

To help, she is organising a fundraising banquet at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa on April 27 at 7.30pm. There will be a three-course menu, along with petit fours, special guest speakers, auctions, raffles and live performances.

Anusjka said: “There once was no cure for Sickle Cell Anaemia but now it is not just a dream! The procedure, developed at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, relies on transplanted stem cells from a healthy, tissue-matched, full sibling. My sister Pete-Ann Bartholomew, is a full match. One day I may be able to live - not just survive.”

Sickle Cell disease is hereditary and Anusjka wants to encourage everyone to ask their GP for a blood test.

A banquet ticket costs £100. They are available on Eventbrite or call 07788201698.

To read our previous story, visit: https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/luton-mum-fighting-rare-sickle-cell-disease-on-mission-to-raise-55k-for-cure-1-8415918

Luton’s YMCA SleepEasy to fight homelessness

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The annual YMCA Bedfordshire SleepEasy Event is coming to Luton for the first time, as it hopes to raise awareness about homelessness.

The youth charity is keen to get residents involved, after Luton sat at number five in the top 10 of the government’s annual local authority rough sleeper count for 2017/18.

From 7pm on March 15, to 7am on March 16, adults, families, and business teams are invited to sleep on The Mall’s car park and organisations including Guides, Scouts, cadets and schools can have exclusive use of the area around Central Square inside The Mall.

Lavinia Douglass, marketing manager at The Mall, said: “We are delighted to be working with YMCA Bedfordshire on such an important project and look forward to hosting all our guests on 15 th March. The funds raised from the SleepEasy event are vital to address the issue of homelessness and we are pleased to be able to provide the perfect venue to make this happen”.

Paul Hunt YMCA Bedfordshire CEO said: “When The Mall offered us their support and venue for SleepEasy 2019 we were over the moon! As a charity we have been supporting homeless people for 30 years but were only able to expand into Luton 3 years ago establishing Midland House, our 78 bed housing project.

“Holding this event in what is the very heart of Luton enables us to raise awareness and help people gain a better understanding of the lives and experiences of those who become homeless. Unfortunately this is still a growing social issue, but we are happy to be in Luton and addressing it as part of the wide network of organisations here.”

There is a £10 fee to take part and participants are asked to raise sponsorship funds, too. Youth group leaders are free.

The fee and sponsorship money raised will go to YMCA Bedfordshire. Adults must be over 18 or over. Children must be over 10.

>themall.co.uk/luton/whats-on/2019/ymca-sleepeasy-event-2019/

Loyal Luton chairman calls on councillors to support planning officer’s backing for Hatters’ Newlands Park

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The chairman of the Loyal Luton Supporters’ Club is calling on councillors to back the planning officer’s recommendation and support Hatters’ Newlands Park scheme when it goes to the vote on March 11.

Yesterday, the documentation for the Luton Council development control committee was made public and recommends approval of the Hatters’ plan, subject to certain conditions. [Read more here]

Mark Bradbury, Loyal Luton chairmam, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that, having clearly carried out a very detailed and thorough process over a long period of time, the Planning Officer in his report recommends the Newlands Park application be approved.

“We now look forward to the committee meeting on the 11th March when we hope the elected Councillors will agree with the report and grant consent.”

He added: “This really is an exciting opportunity that the people of Luton, having recognised the benefits and regeneration it will bring to our town, support wholeheartedly.

“We would urge everyone to get behind these proposals to enable their early conclusion, enabling Lutonians and others to enjoy the many positives they will bring to the region; the new employment opportunities, the new leisure experiences, the gateway to Luton giving out feel good factors and the like. Plus of course for the football fans amongst us a stadium at Power Court that will provide a sustainable future for the Hatters.”

See pictures of Luton Celtic Supporters Club’s smart refurbishment

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The Luton Celtic Supporters Club celebrated its official reopening at the weekend after a smart new refurbishment.

On Saturday, February 23, club members and the public enjoyed lived music and dancing in the Chobham Street venue.

Julie Finch, committee member, said: “It was wonderful, a great success, and people were over the moon.

“The club was getting a bit dated, and we wanted to give something back to our members.

“It’s got an old feel but new feel - it’s still a supporters’ club!

“The two bars have been moved into one, the tables and seats have all been newly upholstered, and we’ve now got a children’s area so the club is a bit more family orientated. There’s an Xbox, Jenga, and football games.”

The refurbishment took four weeks and the reopening weekend was made even better when Celtic beat Motherwell 4-1 on Sunday!

The club is now looking forward to its next big event - St Patrick’s weekend.

On Friday, March 15, there will be live music from The Back Axles and proceeds from ticket sales will be going to Chums, the mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people.

There will also be live music all day on Saturday, March 16.

You can buy The Back Axles tickets from the club behind the bar or call: 01582 707222.

‘You shall go to the ball’ - plea for Prom dresses in Luton

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To celebrate the end of Year 11, most British students now attend highly anticipated school proms.

However, increasing costs of these events - it can cost up to £200 for a new dress - mean that some young girls miss out attending their big day.

And the Mall Luton has joined up with All Dressed Up – a not-for-profit project - which believes that no teenage girl should miss their prom because they can’t afford a dress .

The organisation is helping by sourcing and providing donated dresses to teenagers.

Lara Davis, founder of All Dressed Up, says: “I was staggered to hear how much some families are spending on prom dresses with the average spend around £200! The cost doesn’t stop there with shoes, bag, nails, hair, professional make up and cars also forming part of the prom experience.

“No teenager wants to miss their school prom but increasingly many do, because the family finances just can’t cover it. Lots of people have lovely dresses sitting in their wardrobe that they will never wear again.”

The Mall Luton will be opening a closed, invite only pop-up boutique within the centre. Alongside hosting the new store, The Mall will also be launching an internal campaign with its retailers to help raise awareness of the project.

All Dressed Up is now calling out for prom dress donations and accepts new, second-hand dresses in a clean and ready to wear condition in all styles and sizes.

Lara adds: “To ensure that dresses reach those in most financial need we’re asking Luton schools, youth workers and social workers to identify young people that will most benefit. They’ll be invited to The Mall’s pop-up prom dress shop where they will hopefully find a dress they love, to wear for their prom. We’re also hoping to get hair stylists, nail technicians and make-up artists along to give the girls a bit of a pamper.”

Lavinia Douglass, Marketing Manager at The Mall Luton, said: “This is a fantastic project which The Mall are delighted to support and help in any way we can. Hopefully it will enable more teenagers to attend their prom, which has become an important milestone and part of finishing school”.

Drop off points for donated dresses:

Mall Management, The Mall Luton (Gallery Level) - Mon-Fri 08.00-17.00

Or post to All Dressed Up, c/o The Harpenden Collective, Harpenden Hall, Southdown Rd, AL5 1TE


ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy comes to Luton!

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The Lord’s Taverners Luton Wicketz project hosted nearly 150 youngsters who took part in a mini world cup tournament.

The cricket charity is an official ‘Cricket 4 Good Partner’ at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this summer, with the partners aiming to diversify the game and engage children.

Last week, the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy, cricketer Sam Billings and former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm paid a special visit to the mini tournament at Putteridge High School.

Speaking at the event, England international and Lord’s Taverners ambassador Sam Billings said: “Throughout the country, the Lord’s Taverners cricket programmes make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of disadvantaged and disabled youngsters and being named as a Cricket 4 Good partner will help showcase the fantastic work of the charity. 

“Like millions of cricket fans across the world, the Wicketz participants in Luton can’t wait for what promises to be a fantastic tournament to start.”

In September 2018, the ICC and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced an ambitious plan to engage 1 million 5-12-year-olds through the Cricket World Cup and use the tournament as a platform to grow and diversify the game across England and Wales.

Part of this plan see’s the ICC Cricket World Cup partner with leading cricketing organisations to ensure that the whole cricket family helps to deliver a positive legacy.

Commenting on the partnership, Steve Elworthy, CWC19 Managing Director, said: “The ICC Cricket World Cup is a once in a generation opportunity for us to grow and diversify the game, and achieving this is something we are deeply passionate about.”

The launch event at Putteridge High School was organized by Amran Malik, of the Lord’s Taverners’ Cricket East initiative, which runs projects aimed at engaging young people in the sport.

As well as some intense competition between schools, the young people took part in civic participation workshops in which they worked with team-mates to provide solutions to issues such as knife crime and homelessness.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for the young people of the town,” said Amran. “Teams came from all over Luton to play cricket but also take part in some important discussions about issues that affect them.

“We were really pleased to see how young people interacted on the day.”

The Lord’s Taverners is the leading youth cricket and disability sports charity in the UK, delivering a number of national programmes including Table Cricket, Super 1s and Wicketz.

Lord’s Taverners CEO, Paul Robin added: “Throughout the country, our programmes are breaking down barriers and empowering young people to fulfil their potential and build crucial life skills - and there is no better example than our Luton Wicketz project to demonstrate how we are uniting communities across the country.

“We’re delighted to be named as a Cricket 4 Good Partner which will allow our participants across the country to play their part in the tournament that will unite communities.”

Charities team up to host Midsummer Ball in Luton

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Two Bedfordshire charities are inviting the public to support the work they do by attending a Midsummer Ball at Venue 360, in Luton.

Dunstable-based charity Kids In Action and CHUMS charity are jointly hosting the event on Friday, June 21.

Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, entertainment from Joe Corrigan and Signature Swing and there will also be a raffle and auction with a range of prizes on offer.

Kids in Action provides support and social opportunities to children and adults with special needs. Their aim is to encourage participation in social activities in a safe environment.

Money raised from the Ball will be used for sensory equipment for the new playroom.

CHUMS’ mission is to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people in Luton and Bedfordshire.

The money raised at the Midsummer Ball will help fund the range of services they provide.

Tickets are £55 and available from both charities, for more information visit: www.kidsinaction.org.uk or chumscharity.org.

Jealous thug tried to strangle ex-partner in Luton

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A jealous thug has been jailed after a vicious attack on his ex-partner and her friend in Luton.

James Foster, 28, of High Street, was sentenced on Friday at Luton Crown Court after being found guilty of making threats to kill, assault and criminal damage.

At around 6.45am on Friday, December 21, Foster went into the back garden of a house in Butely Road, Luton, where his ex-partner and a man were smoking.

Upon seeing the woman’s friend, Foster became angry and threatened to stab him, so the pair went into the house but Foster barged his way in after them.

Once inside, he attacked the woman and tried to strangle her but she fought him off. He also pushed the man against the wall and threatened him with two knives.

During the ordeal, Foster stamped on the victim’s tablet computer, threw a Christmas tree across the room, stabbed a fridge with a knife and punched through a glass panel in a door.

He took clothing and a bottle of vodka before leaving. The pair called the police and he was arrested.

Foster denied the charges but was found guilty and sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

DC Mirian Khajavelidze said: “We are fortunate that both victims were not badly injured, but Foster’s enraged actions terrified them, putting them in genuine fear for their lives.

“Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.

“We are also dedicated to supporting victims of violence and encouraging them to speak out, so that we can provide help, investigate and bring offenders like Foster to justice.”

If you are concerned about someone or are being subjected to violence, please call police on 101. If a crime is in progress, or in if someone is in danger, always call 999.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Man remains in hospital after he was attacked in Luton

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was left with serious injuries following an attack in Luton.

A man in his 40s from Hertfordshire was found lying in the street in Grove Road, Luton, at around 2.15pm on Wednesday, February 27.

He had suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke’s in a critical condition. He remains in hospital but is now in a stable condition.

DI Mark Pugh, investigating, said: “This appears to have been a nasty attack in broad daylight which has left the victim with significant injuries.

“The man was found in a residential area and there may be people in the vicinity who witnessed the attack or events that led up to it.

“We are doing all we can to catch those responsible and would urge anyone with information about the incident, who was in the area and saw or heard anything to please get in touch and help us with our enquiries.

“People can also report information anonymously if they would prefer to do so.”

If you have information that could help police call 101 or visit the force’s online reporting centre.

Bedfordshire has lost 8% of its police officers over the last decade, while violent crime levels soared

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Bedfordshire has lost 8% of its police officers over the last decade, while violent crime levels have soared in the area.

The Police Federation says that "society just isn’t as safe as it once was", and that the public are being let down by cuts to police forces, while Beds Police has called for reform in the way forces are funded.

The latest Home Office data shows that Bedfordshire Police had 1,148 officers in September, 12 more than they had a year earlier. It was the second consecutive year of increase.

But the number of officers is still significantly down on where it was in September 2010, when there were 1,242 – meaning a drop of 8% in eight years.

Over the same period, the number of crimes recorded by police has increased .

In the 12 months to September 2010, 42,769 crimes were recorded by Bedfordshire Police – a figure which rose to 44,802 in the year to September, an increase of 5%.

The number of violent crimes recorded rose markedly, increasing by 57% over the period. In total, 10,947 violent crimes were recorded in Bedfordshire last year.

Across England and Wales’s 43 police forces, the number of officers has dropped by 14% since September 2010. There were 122,000 last year.

Over the same period, crime increased by 11%, with 4.6 million incidents recorded in the most recent 12 months.

There were 1.3 million violent crimes recorded last year, nearly double the number in the 12 months to September 2010.

A spokesman for Beds Police said: "We have been one of the most outspoken forces in the country about the challenges we face because of reduced police resources. We will always prioritise the most serious and highest harm crimes that are having the biggest impact on our communities.

“Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway successfully lobbied for a unique Special Policing Grant of £4.571m from the Home Office last December and a total of £8m, made up of the police’s council tax precept and Government grants of £1.1 and £1.3m, as part of the Policing Settlement for all forces for this financial year.

“We anticipate that this will support the recruitment of up to 400 new Police Constables and double the number of PCs in Community Policing across the county over the next three years.

“Bedfordshire continues to be funded as a rural force, despite the significant challenges it faces in areas such as serious and organised crime, firearms and youth violence. We will continue to ask the Government to reform the way police forces are funded to respond to this demand.”

Police Federation of England and Wales chair John Apter said the public had been let down by the large cut in officers.

He said: “Society just isn’t as safe as it once was, and although the police service is doing everything within its power, we are swimming against the tide and it is the public who are being let down.

“The murder toll has increased from 649 deaths last year to 739, an annual increase for the fourth consecutive year.

"This represents thousands of families and friends grieving all over the UK. The NHS says that hospital admissions in England alone from knife-related offences soared to 4,986 over the past 12 months.

“This is a terrifying picture for our communities whose lives are being blighted by violent crime on a daily basis.

"This is not a coincidence; we need more boots on the ground to help combat this epidemic.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are ensuring the police have the resources they need to carry out their vital work.

"Our 2019-20 police funding settlement provides the most substantial funding increase since 2010 – around £970m including council tax.

"January’s quarterly crime statistics show that your chance of being a victim of crime remains low.

"But we accept certain crimes, particularly some of the most serious violent crimes such as knife and gun offences, have increased and we are doing everything possible to reverse the trend."

Minicab drivers will go slow in Luton tomorrow morning in protest at “sweatshop conditions” working for Addison Lee

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Minicab drivers will go slow in Luton tomorrow morning (Tuesday) in protest at “sweatshop conditions” working for Addison Lee.

The protest called by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain’s (IWGB) United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) branch will take place on Tuesday, March 5, starting by Luton Airport Roundabout, followed by a go slow drive over to Luton Council on George Street, and then a demonstration outside the council office, it will go on from 8am till 10.30am.

The drivers are calling on Luton Council to use the licensing powers to enforce legal workers rights of drivers.

Minicab drivers decry “sweatshop conditions” at Addison Lee, with their take home pay having fallen below minimum wage.

Analysis by the UPHD shows that Addison Lee drivers working often 70 hours or more per week earn little more than £1000, but after £270 in vehicle rent and 35% commission taken by Addison Lee are deducted, along with other associated costs such as fuel, drivers take home only around £225 per week in pay.

Drivers will demonstrate outside Luton Council, calling for the council to use powers as licensing authority to enforce workers’ rights.

Sohail Choudhary, Chair of the Luton UPHD branch, said: “Drivers such as myself working for Addison Lee at Luton Airport have been reduced to working in sweatshop conditions and yet we can barely scrape by.

“The Council is the ultimate owner of Luton airport, benefiting from a lucrative contract that gives Addison Lee exclusive rights to operate at the airport, while having a responsibility as a licensing authority to ensure drivers like myself are not mistreated.

“It is a disgrace how Addison Lee treat their workers, and it is vital that Luton Council use their licensing powers and intervene to ensure our worker rights are protected.”

The protest follows on from a protest at Luton Airport on Monday, February 4, where drivers protested the pay and conditions working for Addison Lee.

Man fighting for his life after he was stabbed ‘several times’ in Luton street

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A man has been left with life-threatening injuries after he was stabbed several times during an attack in Luton.

The incident happened at around 10:20pm on the evening of Sunday, March 3, on Sherwood Road after a fight between a group of men.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital with stab wounds and a head injury.

Detective Inspector Mark Pugh, investigating, said: “We are appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident, especially anyone who has any video footage on their phone, which could help us track down the culprits.

“This was a nasty attack in the middle of a residential street that has left a man fighting for his life and we are determined to do all we can to find those responsible.”

If you have information or video footage that could help police with their enquiries then please contact Detective Inspector Pugh on 101 or visit the force’s online reporting centre quoting reference 423 of 3 March.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


Minicab drivers drove slow in Luton this morning in protest at “sweatshop conditions” working for Addison Lee

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Minicab drivers brought the town centre to a standstill this morning (Tuesday) in protest at “sweatshop conditions” working for Addison Lee.

The protest called by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain’s (IWGB) United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) branch took place at 8am at Luton Airport Roundabout, followed by a go slow drive over to Luton Council on George Street, and then a demonstration outside the council office, where they blocked George Street.

The drivers are calling on Luton Council to use the licensing powers to enforce legal workers rights of drivers.

Minicab drivers decry “sweatshop conditions” at Addison Lee, with their take home pay having fallen below minimum wage.

Analysis by the UPHD shows that Addison Lee drivers working often 70 hours or more per week earn little more than £1000, but after £270 in vehicle rent and 35% commission taken by Addison Lee are deducted, along with other associated costs such as fuel, drivers take home only around £225 per week in pay.

Drivers demonstrated outside Luton Council, calling for the council to use powers as licensing authority to enforce workers’ rights.

Frank Field MP received advice from the House of Commons Library which stated that this is within licensing authority powers.

Minicab drivers are also protesting against the indignity of their treatment by Addison Lee.

The UPHD reports frequent cases of workplace bullying, and the majority muslim workforce is required to make their daily prayers outside on the tarmac by the taxi rank due to a lack of prayer space provision, despite a commitment by Addison Lee to provide this.

The UPHD is calling for Addison Lee to:

- Reduce commission to 20% from current levels recently increased to 35%

- Withdraw vehicle rental price increase of £20 per week

- Pay drivers for time they spend taking Addison Lee vehicles for maintenance and inspections

- End workplace bullying now rife at Luton Airport

- Provide a suitable place of worship for drivers

- Respect the legal worker rights of drivers as confirmed by the Employment Tribunal in 2017

UPHD members at Luton Airport are currently in dispute with Addison Lee and balloting for strike action.

Notice of Ballot for strike action was sent to Addison Lee CEO Andy Boland on 22 February and ballot papers were dispatched to drivers on 1 March.

Sohail Choudhary, Chair of the Luton UPHD branch, said: “Drivers such as myself working for Addison Lee at Luton Airport have been reduced to working in sweatshop conditions and yet we can barely scrape by.

“The Council is the ultimate owner of Luton airport, benefiting from a lucrative contract that gives Addison Lee exclusive rights to operate at the airport, while having a responsibility as a licensing authority to ensure drivers like myself are not mistreated.

“It is a disgrace how Addison Lee treat their workers, and it is vital that Luton Council use their licensing powers and intervene to ensure our worker rights are protected.”

The protest follows on from a protest at Luton Airport on Monday, February 4, where drivers protested the pay and conditions working for Addison Lee.

An Addison Lee spokesperson said: “We are proud of our mutually beneficial arrangement with our Luton driver partners and want them to earn a decent living.

“As a result of our ongoing investment in our Luton operations since 2016, average Luton driver pay increased by 11.6% in 2018, year on year.

“To that end, the recent changes in our Luton driver partner deal included increases in fares to ensure driver income wasn’t impacted.”

A spokesperson for Luton Council said: “The council has fully adopted real living wage policies, which means not only that we make sure we pay our direct employees the real living wage but also that we encourage all businesses operating in Luton to do the same.

“The council is the sole shareholder of London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL), which is the owner of the airport.

“The organisation responsible for the running of the airport is London Luton Airport Operations Ltd (LLAOL).

“The Addison Lee contract was issued by London Luton Airport Operations Ltd (LLAOL) in an open and transparent tender.

“The council had no involvement with any operational decision making processes which were the sole responsibility of LLAOL.”

Yaseen Aslam, secretary of the UPHD, added: “Today is about raising awareness of what is happening and I know the protest will frustrate people and we do apologise, but people need to know what is going on and understand why these drivers are unhappy.

“Luton Council need to do more for these drivers, and that is why we are protesting here.”

Celebrating International Women’s Day in Luton

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Simply Deez Events is hosting the International Women’s Day celebration event at Futures House in Marsh Farm, on Saturday, March 9, from 1pm till 6pm.

The event, in partnership with Futures House, is a a celebration of all women, there will be talks on a number of topics, a raffle to raise money for women’s charity Stepping Stones, and a number of exhibitor stalls.

Event organiser Dee Bailey said: “This is my passion and purpose working with the community to bring about change.

Women sharing personal journeys, stories that will inspire and motivate you. We as a community can make a difference and by bringing women and men together we can see that change.

“The Mayor of Luton Councillor Naseem Ayub will be one of our guest speakers, and there will be talks on a number of topics including domestic abuse, cervical cancer, suicide, mental health, knowing your greatness, child sexual exploitation and the glass ceiling.

“This is a free event, and it is important that no matter who you are, we welcome you.

“Come and embrace the day, it is going to be epic!”

Bedfordshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable believes partnership approach is needed to tackle knife crime

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Bedfordshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable believes a partnership approach is crucial to tackling knife crime.

Jackie Sebire, who is the national lead for tackling serious violence, spoke at the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing’s Local Policing Conference today (Tuesday), she highlighted two Bedfordshire Police investigations - including a brazen knife fight at The Mall Luton.

Three teenagers were jailed for their involvement in that incident in January last year, which ACC Sebire said reflected rises in serious violence and use of weapons across England, she pointed to county lines drug dealing as a key driver for the increase.

She said: “The increase in violent crime, particularly the possession and use of knives, has been well-documented.

“We have had spikes in violence previously, but the difference in this rise is just how widespread it is and the sheer number of young and vulnerable people involved.

“County lines drug dealing is a driver, with the horrific exploitation of young people who are being drawn into, or subjected to, serious violence. This was echoed in the findings of a report by the Children’s Commissioner last week.”

Bedfordshire Police was successful in applying for a £4.571m Special Grant fund from the Home Office last year to pay for the increases in tackling gun and knife crime across the county.

This year the force widened its Boson team, which is focused on guns, gangs and knives, from Luton to now cover the rest of the county.

ACC Sebire said: “We need investment in policing so we can prevent these issues before they escalate, such as putting in dedicated teams to disrupt gangs and organised criminals.

“But police cannot tackle this problem alone – it requires a joined up public health approach to safeguard these young people - this includes local authorities and our communities.

“There is so much that can be done around early intervention and preventative work to tackle the factors that lead to individuals and communities becoming more vulnerable to involvement in gangs, drugs and serious violence.

“We are seeing that areas of the country which have dedicated resources to combat these issues, particularly when closely linked into partner agencies, are making a real difference to levels of violent crime.”

‘Lost’ pilot heavily fined for causing chaos after flying into Luton airport’s controlled airspace

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The pilot of a light aircraft has pleaded guilty to flying over Luton Airport without clearance from air traffic control, four times in the same day.

The pilot’s actions led to four passenger aircraft and a business jet having to be given avoiding instructions by air traffic control. Departures from the airport were also temporarily suspended.

Christopher Morrow, 65, from Barford, Warwickshire, admitted four offences of flying in Class D controlled airspace without permission on 3 September 2018, when his case was heard by Luton Magistrates’ Court earlier today. He was fined £7,576 and ordered to pay £750 costs to the UK Civil Aviation Authority which brought the prosecution.

The Court heard that Mr Morrow was flying a Cessna 172 aircraft from Wellesbourne in Warwickshire to Duxford and back, carrying two passengers. Despite his aircraft being equipped with GPS mapping, he chose to rely instead on the more traditional method of navigation using a paper chart and visual reference points. At some point he lost awareness of his position and entered Luton Airport’s controlled airspace twice as he tried to establish his location. He was unware that he had strayed into controlled airspace. On his return flight from Duxford he once again entered Luton Airport’s controlled airspace without permission.

Mr Morrow’s actions had a significant impact on the workload of the duty air traffic controller, who had to instruct arriving aircraft to halt their final approaches to Luton Airport. Departures were also stopped three separate times as the controller attempted to resolve the situation. The air traffic controller was unable to make contact with Mr Morrow’s aircraft.

Alison Slater, Head of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Investigation and Enforcement Team, said: “This once again shows the consequences of a pilot being seriously underprepared for a flight. Mr Morrow’s actions impacted hundreds of passengers onboard aircraft arriving and departing from Luton Airport. Passengers have every right to expect that their flight on a commercial airline is fully protected when in controlled airspace.”

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said it was determined to take action whenever necessary to protect members of the public, including prosecuting those responsible for infringing controlled airspace.

Dozens of malnutrition cases seen at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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Dozens of cases of malnutrition were seen at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust last year, figures show.

Charities have warned that many households cannot afford a healthy diet, and called for government action to increase access to nutritious food.

Patients were admitted to hospital with malnutrition around 30 times at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in the 12 months to March 2018, according to NHS Digital data.

This was a decrease compared to two years ago when there were 45 cases.

But across England, cases have shot up by 18% over the same period, from 7,855 cases in 2015-16 to 9,307 cases in 2017-18.

Malnutrition is caused by a person's diet containing either not enough, or too much, of the nutrients they need, according to the NHS.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an anti-poverty charity, warned that over 1.5 million households across the country are regularly left struggling to afford essentials such as food.

Chris Goulden, from the organisation, said: "Living in poverty can severely restrict a family’s ability to put food on the table and lead a healthy life.

"The poorest fifth of households spend twice as much of their income on food and fuel compared with those in the richest fifth, meaning those on the lowest incomes are most vulnerable to price rises, inflation and the benefits squeeze."

Public Health England recommends that people follow its Eatwell Guide to make sure they are eating a healthy, balanced diet.

However, a 2018 report by independent think tank the Food Foundation found that more than one in four households would need to spend more than a quarter of their disposable income after housing costs to meet the guide's recommendations.

For parents in the bottom 20% of earners, the cost would be 42% of their income.

The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust also saw 15 cases of rickets in 2017-18.

Across England, hospitals saw 474 cases of rickets over the same period, alongside 167 scurvy cases - although there were none of these at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The Food Foundation warned the figures were signs of a "broken food system".

Executive director Anna Taylor said: "Although cases of rickets, scurvy and malnutrition are caused by a complicated range of factors, they are not conditions that we should have to be talking about anymore in a country as wealthy as the UK.

“Nearly 4 million children in the UK live in households for whom a healthy diet is unaffordable.

"We need industry and government to take action now to ensure that everyone has access to enough nutritious food.”

A spokeswoman from the Department of Work and Pensions said there were now fewer households with low incomes.

"We know there’s more to do ensure that every family has access to nutritious, healthy food", she said.

“Malnutrition is a complex issue and most patients diagnosed in England have other serious health and social problems.

"For people that need extra support with their living costs we spend £90 billion a year on working-age benefits and will be spending £28 billion more by 2022 than we do now.”

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