Hard drug use in the North West amongst highest in England

Figures for the Chief Medical Officer have found that the North West of England has the one of the highest number of hard drug users across England. The figures (see chart above), released in mid 2007, found that more than one in 100 people in the North West used heroin, more than any other region in the UK. The North West also placed second behind London in terms of crack cocaine users, with an estimated 7.1 users per 1000 using the deadly substance.

The research conducted by John Moore’s Centre for Public Health stated that more deprived communities face higher levels of problematic drugs than their more affluent neighbours, with those in the poorest areas 17 times more likely to be problem drug users than those living in the wealthiest neighbourhoods.

Figures taken from Guardian datastore: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2009/jun/10/drugs-drugspolicy

See the original statistics here: http://www.cph.org.uk/showPublication.aspx?pubid=540

Fish and chips still popular despite the 'credit crunch'

With sales of Fish and Chips rising in Britain for the first time in half a decade, many suggestions have been put forward to suggest why in this time of economic recession one industry can not just survive, but thrive amongst it’s competitors.

Speaking to visitors of fish and chip shops in Preston, it becomes clear that there are many different reasons why the traditional meal is proving a popular choice despite the current financial climate.

Tony, 24, an I.T. consultant from Preston, said that takeaway food was an affordable way to treat himself after a working week.

“Whereas before I might have gone to the pub for dinner and a few drinks, now me and my wife tend to get fish and chips on the Friday, and get a bottle of wine from the off licence to go with it. We can still splash out a bit without breaking the bank.”

Jane, 26, a receptionist originally from Brighton thinks that Fish and Chips provide value for money that other takeaways can’t compete with.

“We tend to have at least one takeaway a week, as I don’t get home from work until late. At the chip shop, I can feed the whole family for half the price than if we had a Chinese or Indian meal, and a quarter of the price than if we went out.”

Mike, 46, unemployed, thinks that the atmosphere and service you receive in ‘chippies’ sets them apart from the alternatives.

“I have been coming here [West End Fish Bar] for years now, and I always get a smile from the staff and we’ll have a bit of banter. You just don’t get that elsewhere.”

Andy, 31, a sales advisor thinks that at times such as these, it is important to support British industry as much as possible.

“I’d rather have a takeaway from a good old British chippy than the tasteless stuff you can get elsewhere. Just the smell of fish and chips gets me going, I wouldn’t want to eat anything else."

The idea that fish and chips are a better option for you health-wise was continued. Carl, 19, a student, was adamant that fish and chips could be part of a healthy lifestyle.

“I know fish and chips aren’t good for me, but when you compare it to other food sources like kebabs, it is definitely a better choice. I am a pretty healthy guy, and eating fish and chips is something I do regularly, so it can’t be all bad.”

It is clear that fish and chips are still very much at the forefront of the nations takeaway habits, despite the alternatives and a shortage of expendable cash. While other industries are forced into wholesale changes to compete, fish and chip shops continue to offer the same service as ever. And it’s working.

Fish and Chips in Preston and the surrounding area

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Who's afraid of the housing market crash? Not I

One thing has struck me about the housing market at the moment. Everyone knows the housing market is in dire straights, in Manchester, house prices are falling at the fastest rate for 18 years, and in Liverpool the average cost of a property is 12.7% lower than a year ago, and still falling. It is clear that anyone who owns a house is going to be poorer.

I don't own one, and frankly, if in 3 years time house prices have plummeted, then so be it. I imagine that this is the way the majority of non home-owners feel, in particular undergraduates, who will almost certainly be going into a much more affordable market. House prices have been getting out of hand for years now, and this is clearly the result of the over-inflated cost of buying a home. Around a year ago, house prices in Britain were said to be overvalued by 65%, a terrifying figure for first-time buyers. It is surely about time that the market returned to a sensible, affordable level.

I think it is a bit rich of banks to expect the government to bail out the market, as has been proposed. Fortunately for people who don't own homes, it appears that both Alistair Darling and Mervyn King have indicated their unwillingness to support any such plans. It seems unfair to me that a business should be bailed out with the taxpayers money when it seems it is almost certainly there fault that this has happened.

There is no doubt in my mind that the housing market had gotten out of hand. Although few saw it coming, in hindsight, it had clearly become unsustainable. How long this goes on for can only be guessed at, with many experts suggesting that house prices may continue to fall until 2010 before improving. I think that in reality, for every winner in this whole affair, there will be a loser. The good news for me is, it doesn't seem to be going too badly on the student side at the moment.

With thanks to the Fleet Street Invest daily

Let's get down to North West business

Greetings . My name is Dave Lamb, and I am a 20 year old journalism student studying at the University of Central Lancashire. This blog is part of my course, or in other words, not exactly what I would write about if I had free roam. However, I will strive to ensure that this blog isn't entirely factually inaccurate, and occasionally mentions things other than the 'credit crunch'. Though like most people in the media today, I will almost certainly fail.

My blog will be looking mainly at business things happening in the North West, firstly because I am based in Preston, and secondly, because I have been told this is what I should write about.

So now you know a little bit about me and this blog, it's business time...