| 'Bad driving' warning to scooter users
THEY might not be Hell's Angels or Mods, but it seems mobility scooter riders are running the risk of getting “a bad name" following a number of collisions in Suffolk.The Stowmarket disability charity Optua yesterday called on users of the vehicles, and powered wheelchairs, to ride safely and responsibly. The issue has been raised through its local groups, and it is keen to nip the problem in the bud.Linda Hoggarth, charity chairman, said: “As a charity representing the interests of all disabled people, Optua is anxious that users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs do not get a bad name because of a small number of incidents. “The majority of disabled people use them safely and responsibly and do not cause any problems. However, it is sensible to remind users of some basic safety tips which they should always follow for their safety and that of the general public."But mobility scooter rider Ronald Rawden, of Hall Street in Long Melford, near Sudbury, said pedestrians were often to blame for accidents.Mr Rawden said his life had been dramatically improved since getting his three-wheeled mobility scooter because he used to struggle to walk beyond 50 yards.Mr Rawden, who called on all mobility scooter riders to get insurance, said: “Most people are very courteous though when cars are parked up on the road the trouble can be getting past pedestrians.“The majority of mobility scooter riders are elderly and disabled and they tend to be very courteous people.
Autism-like disorder reversed in mice
It almost always strikes girls, in infancy. It can leave them unable to walk, talk or use their hands, racked by seizures or gasping for irregular breaths, with little prospect of improvement. But now the devastating symptoms of Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disease related to autism, have been dramatically reversed in mice, raising a great wave of hope for families that previously had little. Researchers reported today that when they undid the genetic defect involved in Rett Syndrome, they brought on a stunning recovery even in mice just days from death: irregular breathing returned to normal, and mobility was restored. Brain activity, too, appeared to improve, and tremors abated. Scientists caution that it is a long way from mice to humans, that the experiments must be replicated by others and that the genetic manipulation that restored the brains of the mice is not currently feasible in people.
Firefighters save elderly residents from blaze
Dozens of senior citizens went scrambling for their lives when their southeast Houston apartment complex caught fire Saturday morning. A two-alarm blaze broke out at the Beall Village apartments in the 4400 block of North MacGregor, destroying one unit completely and damaging two others. "It just knock the door and they say fire and there was a lot of smoke in the hall," resident Miguel Santiago said. The smoke came from a first floor unit where a fire had erupted, and that made escaping nearly impossible for the dozens of elderly tenants. "It was horrible trying to go down those steps without any light," resident Parthenia Bland said. .
Making plan will benefit community projects
At Tuesday's Watseka City Council meeting, several ideas were discussed on how to use that money between now and the district's demise. All are good ideas. What is clear is that the city needs to take a look at what is available, what needs to be done, and make a plan. The money in the TIF district has been very beneficial for the city for the past few years. There are projects throughout the community that might not have been done had it not been for that money. But, as was aptly pointed out this week, the money is going to soon be gone. The city is facing some big issues in areas that will cost quite a bit of money. Alderman Silas Light brought up three suggestions: meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements at city buildings, infrastructure upgrades and drainage issues for the east side.
BHA outlines its plans for housing
BILOXI - The Biloxi Housing Authority plans to add 1,577 places for people to live over the next five years, a redevelopment program that will cost $120 million to $150 million. Housing officials gave the Biloxi City Council an overview of the program Tuesday. It will be funded by federal grants, tax credits and private partners. "We're not asking the city for a penny," said Bobby Hensley, the agency's executive director. The agency is seeking city help in transferring property, zoning matters, modular-housing approvals, infrastructure improvements, expedited design reviews and building inspections. Biloxi qualifies for more than $41 million from the first round of hurricane-recovery grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and will seek more money in future allocations.
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