Manchester council tax dodger using bizarre defence sentenced to 40 days in prison

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• Culture at the Heart of Stockport’s Transformation

  Stockport Council says culture will play a central role in the town’s regeneration as major transformation projects continue across the borough.

• South Asian Art Exhibition Opens at Cartwright Hall

  A new exhibition showcasing contemporary South Asian artists is opening at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford.

• Men’s Mental Fitness Programme Launches in Blackburn

  A new programme aimed at improving men’s mental health and wellbeing has been launched in Blackburn with Darwen.

• Former Teacher Charged with 1990s Child Sex Offences

  A former teacher has been charged with a number of alleged child sexual offences dating back to the 1990s in the Wakefield district.

• Council Calls for Tougher Fly-Tipping Sentences

  Blackburn with Darwen Council is calling for tougher penalties for fly-tipping after court fines were found to be lower than the council’s own enforcement penalties.

• Man Jailed for Raping and Exploiting Vulnerable Teen in Stockport

  A man who sexually exploited a vulnerable teenage girl in Stockport has been jailed after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.

• Free Midsummer Festival to Return to Milton Keynes

  Milton Keynes’ popular free Midsummer Festival will return this summer, bringing live music, entertainment and family activities to Campbell Park.

• Leeds Sets Out ‘Landmark Year of Opportunity’ for Major Projects

  Leeds City Council has outlined plans for a major year of investment and development, with several large regeneration, transport and housing projects expected to move into delivery.

• Further Arrests in Keighley Murder Investigation

  Detectives investigating the murder of Suhail Choudry in Keighley have made further arrests as enquiries continue into the fatal assault in February.

• Calderdale Council Considers Stronger Enforcement Powers

  Calderdale Council is considering new enforcement powers to tackle poor housing standards and improve animal welfare, with proposals due to be discussed by Cabinet next week.

• £8.5m Plan Approved to Transform Blackburn Church into Creative Hub

  Plans to convert Blackburn’s former St John’s Church into a digital and cyber business hub have taken a major step forward after councillors approved the appointment of a contractor.

• Tribute paid to hospital radio legend Patrick Murphy

  Tributes are being paid to one of the country’s oldest hospital radio broadcasters, Patrick Murphy, who has died in Bradford at the age of 95 after more than a decade on air.