Technological developments and disruptive business models will have a significant impact on how people and goods move around the UK over the coming decades. This project investigates the impact and consequences of these issues on how people and goods will be transported.

The project aims to:

• share the latest scientific evidence with policy makers
• use futures techniques to inform policy decision making
• help policy makers deal with uncertainty around the future of transport

Emerging areas of focus are:

• the interaction between people, technology and data
• new transport business models
• alternate transport futures

These areas are likely to develop over the course of the project.

A major £30m flood scheme to protect homes and businesses in Mytholmroyd is a step closer thanks to a decision made on 25 July by the Calderdale Flood Partnership Board.

The board approved the allocation of funding for the scheme following detailed investigation work carried out by the Environment Agency to ensure the highest possible standard of flood protection for the village. The Environment Agency will now apply for planning permission and construction is expected to commence in the autumn.

Following the flooding of December 2015, the Environment Agency has completed six new schemes, reducing flood risk to 500 homes as part of a £9 million recovery programme across Calderdale. In Mytholmroyd, significant work to clear the channel, repair damaged walls and make safe damaged buildings has already been carried out.

The new million scheme for Mytholmroyd has been developed in partnership with Calderdale Council, the local community, and partners. As design work is finalised, the current options for the scheme include:

• New, raised flood and improved walls
• The relocation of Caldene Bridge
• Widening of the river channel at key locations
• Strengthening and waterproofing of buildings next to the river.

Plans are for the scheme to be completed in phases and widening the river at Greenhill Industrial Estate will continue to be explored.

Adrian Gill, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said:

This is an important next step in building the right flood scheme for the village.

We have already completed a £9 million recovery programme across Calderdale to restore protection to communities following the flooding of December 2015 and have been working hard to ensure we provide the highest standard of protection. We will continue to listen to the local community and keep them informed as the project progresses.

Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s leader, said:

I am very pleased that the board has agreed to allocate the funding required to enable this scheme to go ahead, which is really good news for Mytholmroyd residents and businesses. Of course, this is just one part of an ongoing programme of works to reduce the risk of flooding across Calderdale, and I would encourage people to regularly visit www.eyeoncalderdale.com to keep updated on all of the works.

A flood information centre is open in the village offering the public advice on flood resilience and the opportunity to speak to Environment Agency staff about plans for flood schemes in Calderdale.

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision document for:

• Operator name: Encirc Limited
• Installation name: Elton Beverages
• Permit number: EPR/UP3935LR/V005

Paul Beckett, of St James Green in Cotes Hill, Stafford, and Dominic Reece, of Essex Drive in Kidsgrove, were caught fishing on the River Dove at Eaton Dovedale on 18 March 2017. Beckett was fined £660 and Reece £370 by North Staffordshire Magistrates on 24 July 2017. Both men were also ordered to pay costs of £127. Beckett, 62, the case against whom was proved in his absence as he did not attend court, was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66. Reece, 30, who pleaded guilty, was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £37.

Stuart Mitchell, 52, of Hillsprings Court in Rugeley, and John Hope, 27, of Moreton Street in Stoke-on-Trent, were caught fishing on the River Trent at Rugeley on 8 March 2017. Both men were fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £127 and a victim surcharge of £66. As neither attended court, the cases against them were proven in their absence.

Chris Mitchell, 33, of Crossley Avenue in Wigan, was caught fishing at Rudyard Lake, Leek, on 19 February 2017. After pleading guilty he was fined £620 and ordered to pay costs of £127 and a victim surcharge of £62.

Andrew Eardley of the Environment Agency said:

Most anglers enjoying the sport fish legally, but there continues to be small number of anglers who fail to buy a fishing licence. These few are cheating their fellow anglers and the future of the sport.

An annual licence costs from just £30. It seems ridiculous that anglers risk significant fines and costs, a criminal conviction and the loss of their fishing equipment for such a small fee.

Money from fishing licence sales is invested in England’s fisheries and is used to fund a wide range of projects to improve facilities for anglers including protecting stocks from illegal fishing, pollution and disease; restoring fish stocks through re-stocking; eradicating invasive species; and fish habitat improvements. Licence money is also used to fund the Angling Trust to provide information about fishing and to encourage participation in the sport.

You need a valid Environment Agency fishing licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in England. Buying a rod licence is easy. A licence lasts 365 days from the day you buy it.

Anyone witnessing illegal fishing incidents in progress can report it directly to the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Information on illegal fishing and environmental crime can also be reported anonymously to Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Environment Agency publish surrenders that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the partial surrender notice and decision document for:

• Operator name: Woodside Farming Limited
• Installation name: Woodside Farm
• Permit number: EPR/CP3432VR/S002