Risky business

NEWARK finds itself at the centre of a regional war against metal thieves. A multi-agency hub set up to tackle what has been a growing problem was this week launched at the town’s police station.

Metal theft is a modern-day scourge with the potential to affect huge numbers of people.

It is certainly not a victimless crime, with local churches, businesses and homes all being hit.

The new hub, covering Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire, uses specialist technology to check whether metal is stolen, and, therefore, whether arrests should immediately be made.

The move is an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the problem and another positive step towards making the risk outweigh the reward for the thieves.

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Reading is widely regarded as one of the most important skills children can learn.

The joy it can bring is there for all to see in the Advertiser’s coverage of this year’s World Book Day.

This annual worldwide celebration aims to encourage children to experience the pleasure provided by books and reading.

Schools don’t want reading to be limited to the classroom.

The head at the Magnus Church of England School, Newark, Mrs Gil Barker, said: “We want children to love reading and we have set up schemes to encourage parents to read with their children at home.”

Parents can set the right example here, and at the same time help their children learn a vital life skill.