As the nights begin to get darker and temperatures drop, Rugby Liberal Democrats say there are some simple steps residents can take to be prepared in case they have a power cut or gas emergency.

Know your free emergency numbers - in a power cut dial 105 or 0800 056 8090, for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111 999, for water problems contact Severn Trent on 0800 783 4444.

Prepare your home - keep a torch handy and get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

October is Black History Month - an opportunity to celebrate the enormous contributions that Black people have made across our country.

From Mary Prince to Paul Stephenson, so many Black pioneers have transformed our society's cultural and political landscapes. We owe a great debt to everything they have achieved.

Find information about local organisations, groups and agencies that provide activities, advice, services and support you.

After help or advice the Warwickshire Directory may be a good starting point https://directory.warwickshire.gov.uk

With the increasing costs and pressures on your energy bills Act on Energy can give advice and support .https://actonenergy.org.uk/

Rugby Borough Council seek residents' views on ambitious ideas for a once in a generation transformation of Rugby town Centre

The emerging Rugby Town Centre Regeneration Plan outlines a bold vision for the future, setting out the guiding principles for redevelopment and a number of 'big idea' projects which have a vital role in revitalising the town centre.

Key areas of focus include commercial resilience, movement and public spaces and future proofing the town centre, whilst placing emphasis on delivery including the redevelopment of key town centre sites.

The forthcoming plan will take into consideration the major projects already in the pipeline for Rugby town centre, such as the redevelopment of Rounds Gardens, Rugby Central's desire to explore redevelopment opportunities and the Caldecott Square development on the site of the former Herbert Grey College.

The 'big ideas' include the creation of a Rugby Hub, where multi-agency partners co-locate to provide public sector services in a holistic way to reduce health inequalities, improve access to services, and strengthen community resilience.

Other big ideas focus on redesigning parts of the town centre's road network, including transforming Evreux Way into a high-quality 'gateway' into the centre and reworking the gyratory system next to Rugby School to create a more welcoming and safer environment.

The proposed objectives for consideration include building commercial resilience by supporting businesses and creating a blend of retail and leisure experiences, and improving the town centre environment by focusing on pedestrians and public transport while creating greener streets.

The council has also outlined its strategy to deliver the plan, working with the community, public sector partners, landowners, key stakeholders and investors to drive regeneration forward.

The Rugby Town Centre Regeneration Plan is being developed by the council in partnership with strategic real estate adviser Avison Young, masterplanners, Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, and transport and movement specialists Urban Flow.

Plans have progressed an initial public consultation earlier this year, when nearly 1,300 residents voiced views on how the town centre could be improved.

NHS workers face a £940 hit to their incomes next year due to Conservative plans to increase national insurance to 13.25% and cut Universal Credit, analysis published by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

The figures show that the 3% pay rise for NHS workers announced by the government earlier this year will be more than wiped out by the combined impact of the unfair tax hike and slashing of support to working households.

As reported locally in the news West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) plans to move the final ambulance stationed at Rugby's St Cross to Coventry in October.

Rugby Liberal Democrats are calling on the ambulance service to explain to Councillors and the public why they plan to remove the last ambulance stationed at St Cross.

Last week the Government have finally acted to tackle the NHS backlog and put more money in Social Care to help the vulnerable.

The changes, which go against the Conservatives' manifesto promise not to raise taxes, will mean hard-pressed local families and small businesses will be left paying hundreds of pounds more in tax each year.

Public consultations have been launched to give residents a chance to have a say on the refurbishments of play areas in Bilton and Brownsover.

Rugby Borough Council has confirmed plans to revamp the play areas in Apple Grove and Sorrel Drive, and now wants to hear from residents to help develop blueprints for the refurbishments.

Consultation packs have been delivered to the homes of residents living near the play areas, while the wider community can have a say by completing the online consultation forms on the council's website:

On 9 September, business people from across the Midlands will come together in Sutton Coldfield at the inaugural meeting of LDBN Midlands, a newly formed regional business network.

LDBN Midlands will be first of six English regional business networks to be established under the "umbrella" of the national Liberal Democrat Business Network (LDBN), a 300-member strong group of liberally minded business women and men. LDBN unites the voices of business people across the country and acts as a dynamic "conduit" for the exchange of information and ideas between the business community and Liberal Democrat MPs, peers and local government leaders.