Warning to litterbugs

Litter louts are warned to dispose of rubbish responsibly – or face a hefty fine.
In a recent case at Hull Magistrates' Court, a Hull woman was fined a total of £392 for dropping litter on Ferensway.
"Littering is one of the key concerns raised within neighbourhoods and if necessary we will take offenders before the courts," said Lisa Dixon, a Hull City Council environmental enforcement officer.
It is an offence for people to drop litter anywhere other than in a litter bin.
Litterbugs can be punished with a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice issued by the council or prosecuted in court, which if convicted, can result a fine of up to £2,500.

Pearly whites

It's National Smile Month this month (from 17 May to 16 June) and children under five can get a free dental health check.
To tie in with the national initiative, a dental health bus will be parked outside Woodford Leisure Centre and the Costello Stadium on two days to provide free check-ups.
Also on hand will be healthy eating advisors, fire officers to give tips on home fire safety, and road safety officers to advise motorists on how to fit child car safety seats correctly.
Staff from Hull's libraries will also be holding story-telling sessions.
The bus will be at Woodford on 4 June from 9.30am - 1pm, and Costello on 11 June from 10.30am - 2pm.

Making tax less taxing

Hull companies who trade overseas can now receive expert help in understanding international tax regulations – thanks to a new service launched in the city.
The international tax and financial advisory panel, based at World Trade Centre Hull and Humber, in Humber Quays, will provide specialist advice to local companies and foreign businesses trading in Hull.
The panel includes tax experts from Baker Tilly, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Hull City Council provides funding for the World Trade Centre to ensure international business services are available for the city's business community.
For more information on the World Trade Centre visit www.wtchull.com

Tattoo safety

Young people can find out all they need to know about tattoos and body piercing in a new leaflet published by Hull City Council.
Health and hygiene tips and advice on choosing a safe establishment to have the procedures done are contained in the leaflet, called 'Get clued up on tattoos and body piercing', available free in libraries, youth clubs and colleges across the city.
The council inspects tattoo and piercing establishments to ensure they comply with health and safety standards.
"Tattooing and body piercing have grown in popularity in recent years," says Trevor Todd, the council's health and safety section manager.
"If young people follow our guidance they can help ensure the procedures are carried out safely and within the law."
View the leaflet online at www.cluedupinhull.com

Voice for business

Hull City Council is giving small businesses more say in the running of the city – thanks to the signing of a new agreement.
The council recently signed the Federation of Small Businesses' small business engagement accord, which will ensure small firms are consulted when the council makes decisions.
The agreement will also ensure open meetings are held on an annual basis between the council and local businesses to encourage discussion on how the council can best spend its budget in the following financial year to help businesses prosper.
Yorkshire and Humber is home to 313,820 businesses, 99 per cent of which employ less than 50 employees and are classed as small businesses.

Don't miss parade and gala

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the Lord Mayor's gala at East Park on Saturday 16 May.
The annual Lord Mayor's parade also takes place on the same day.
The parade leaves Walton Street fairground at 12 noon and traces a route along Anlaby Road, Carr Lane, Alfred Gelder Street and Holderness Road, arriving in East Park at around 2.30pm.
The gala takes place between noon and 5pm and features a wide range of stalls, including from the armed forces and police.
There will also be a country and western festival, line dancing, fairground attractions, trampolines, a penalty shoot out and donkey rides

Help for carers

A free telephone advice line has been launched for carers.
The Carers Direct telephone helpline (0808 8020202) gives information about benefits, how to get care and support, breaks, housing and equipment.
"We know there are 'hidden' carers who don't use services or link in to carers' groups, and we're hoping they'll be among the people who use the advice line," said Ken Pugh, from Hull City Council's Community Care Services.
The advice line complements a new website called NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk), which provides guidance on claiming benefits, advice for young carers, contact details for local support groups as well as news articles and video case studies.

Are you building an extension?

Are you thinking about making a building extension on your property, or even starting a whole new build? Do you need guidance in applying for planning permission? If so, you may want to attend one of the new planning surgeries being run by Hull City Council.
The surgeries, run by staff from the council's planning team, are designed to guide people through the planning application process.
"Some people may find the planning application process quite daunting, particularly if it's the first time they've considered submitting an application," says city planning manager Alex Codd.
"But the surgeries aim to make the process more understandable." To reserve your place on a planning surgery contact 300300.