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DECISION ON HELMET LAW EXPECTED

We will have to wait until tomorrow to know if cyclists in Jersey will be forced to wear helmets.

A proposed new law being due to be debated in the States.

It has been suggested by Deputy Andrew Green, whose own son suffered a brain injury in a bike accident when he was 9.

Earlier, Deputy Green made a heartfelt plea for a helmet law.

Fierce opponent Deputy Daniel Wimberley's attempt to force a review instead wasdefeated.

The debate will resume tomorrow.
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STATES WORKERS ASKED WHERE AXE SHOULD FALL

Jersey's public workers are being asked where they think the axe should fall to save the States money.

The Comprehensive Spending Review is now underway.

It's aim is to cut government outgoings by £50 million a year.

Treasury Minister Senator Philip Ozouf says it is inevitable jobs will go.

He says trade unions are being consulted, and that it is important everyone contribute ideas on how taxpayers' cash can be saved.

All States departments are reviewing their budgets and are due to submit plans for the first 2% of savings by mid-April.

Unions have asked for more time to respond.
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AIRPORT MINISTER PROBED OVER RUNWAY DEBRIS

The minister responsible for Jersey Airport has defended his decision not to go public earlier about debris falling from a plane onto the runway.

Senator Paul Routier has been questioned in the States about the incident which happened last month.

Part of a Flybe jet's engine was discovered during a routine inspection on the evening of 23rd February.

When probed, the Senator revaled that seven flights took off or landed between the debris falling and it being found.

UK Air Accident Investigators are looking into it.

The Senator said correct procedure has been followed at all times and stressed the airport makes more than the necessary number of safety checks of the runway surface.

Asked why the incident had not been made public earlier, he said it was not usual to make such a statement about runway debris.
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NO NEW LOCAL LAWS FOR DOG OWNERS

Dog owners in the UK are facing tough new regulations, but Jersey will not be following their lead.

Their owners could be forced to take out insurance against the risk of their pet attacking someone.

The UK might also bring in Dog 'Asbos'.

But our Home Affairs Minister Senator Ian Le Marquand says he is satisfied local laws offer enough protection.
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THE FUTURE OF FARMING IN JERSEY

Finding a new generation of farmers and more land for allotments.

They are two proposed priorities in a new five year plan for Jersey's rural economy.

The document is being updated, and we are all being asked to have a say on how we can make the most of our countryside.

Another suggestion is for community agriculture, where we pay towards the upkeep of a farm in exchange for a share of what it produces.

We have got until April 20th to have a say.

The document is online at www.consult.gov.je/portal
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JERSEY'S HOLOCAUST HEROES

Four people from Jersey who helped save others from persecution during the second world war are being posthumously honoured at Downing Street.

Physiotherapist Albert Bedane hid people in his cellar while he treated Nazi soldiers in his clinic above.

Siblings Louise Gould, Ivy Forester and Harold Le Druillenec sheltered Russian prisoners of war and taught them English.

They are among 28 people getting the newly created 'Hero of the Holocaust' Medal.
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THE PUFF TO IMPRESS A BIG BAND?

Jersey's young wind instrumentalists will be hoping they have got the puff to impress a top military musical director.

Captain Craig Burns from the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines is in the island listening to our local talent.

The 30 best children will get to perform with the band on the Opera House stage at a gala concert to coincide with the Boat Show.

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ROCK STAMPS HELP LETTERS GET OFF THE ROCK

Letters can now get 'off the rock' with the help of a rock.

The latest stamps released today by Jersey Post depict different types of rocks that make up the island.

The oldest are the shales, that date back more than 700 million years.
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