Power to the People

At the beginning of this week I received a phone call from a listener, highlighting to me the plight of residents living in the Long Ridings area of Hutton and their campaign to save the number 81 bus route. I felt that it was only right that I do some research myself and find out if I could shed any more light on the situation. I found the article in the Weekly news which led me to contact Chris Hossack Cllr for Hutton East who has kindly come in to the studio today to talk to me about the impending cancellation of the 81 bus route that connects Hutton to Warley. (from May 1)

Chelsea de Silva, a spokesperson for First, said the service had never made any money and was being sacrificed as part of a cost-saving strategy. She said: “We are disappointed to say we will be deregistering the 81/82 service, as we are no longer able to sustain it. “We are no longer able to run it commercially.” - I will be speaking to the MD of First Next Thursday to hear why they decided to pull this particular service in Hutton when it is evident that other areas are also under performing but they remain in service.

To sign the petition, log on to www.petition.fm/petitions/81busroute Support this worthy campaign so that residents of Long Ridings can stay mobile within the community.

And don't forget Monday I have two tickets to give away for The Talented Mr Ripley at the Queens Theatre on Press Night (Monday 15th March)

LOCAL SPORT

Last night: Ryman League 1 North:-

Waltham Forest 2-1 Maldon Town(in front of 36 people)

This evening's action includes:-

Ryman D1 North

Enfield Town v Brentwood Town

Redbridge v VCD Athletic

Tilbury v Lowestoft Town

MY MATE PETE's LOOK AHEAD TO THE WEEKEND's SPORT
Hockey - England lost to Germany in the World Cup semi-final at 12:30 Today. England playing Netherlands for bronze medal in the 3rd/4th play off place match on Saturday at about half 10 and the final is on Saturday.
Six Nations - Calcutta Cup, England vs. Scotland, Saturday 5pm. Also, Ireland vs. Wales at half 2 on Saturday, and at half 2 on Sunday, France vs. Italy.

Calcutta Cup history - On Christmas Day 1872, a game of rugby between 20 players representing England on one side and 20 representing Scotland, Ireland and Wales on the other, was played in Calcutta. From this, the Calcutta Club was formed but only lasted for a year. The funds were taken out and melted to make a trophy, presented to the RFU and this is now the Calcutta Cup.

Football, tonight in the Europa League, Fulham away at Juventus, 20:05, Liverpool away to Lille at 18:00 with Chelsea vs. West Ham on Saturday at 15:00.

Cricket - first of 2 tests vs. Bangladesh starts tomorrow.

Rugby League - Harlequins vs. Salford on Sunday 2pm, 2nd bottom vs. bottom.

Formula 1 gets under way on Sunday. It starts in Bahrain (12:00 Sunday), and drivers are not allowed to re-fuel, so they can pit to change tyres but once they've leave pit lane before the race, they can't add any more fuel.

Points also change, with;

1st : 25 points

2nd : 18 points

3rd : 15 points

4th : 12 points

5th : 10 points

6th : 8 points

7th : 6 points

8th : 4 points

9th : 2 points

10th : 1 point

Mclaren with the last two World Champions, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes (formerly Brawn last year), with Nico Rosberg and some guy called Michael Schumacher. Ferrari with Alonso and Massa returning from his injury.