Criminal convictions lead to licence withdrawals…

This would never happen in Cheltenham (-: … see this post!

A court has upheld a council decision to refuse two men taxi driver licences because of their criminal convictions.

Sakhi Daler, 58, of Highfield Road, held a licence from Luton Borough Council for 26 years, but has been refused a renewal for the last two years because of his convictions for driving offences, assisting illegal entry into the UK and using insurance documents with intent to deceive.

He appealed to Luton Magistrates Court over the refusal earlier this month, but the court upheld the council’s decision.

Imran Khan, 27, of Stratford Road, Luton, also had an appeal dismissed by the court, and was ordered to pay £220 in costs to the council.

He had become a licensed taxi driver in 2004 but his licence was suspended after he was found guilty of perverting the course of justice in March
last year, and sentenced to 14 days imprisonment. He was also banned from driving for six months.

The council then decided to revoke his licence.

Commenting on the court’s decisions, Councillor Don Worlding, who heads up licensing at the council, said: “Passengers must be confident all licensed drivers will act in an honest manner.”

Source

Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling to Fiji for a great beach vacation with the sun, surf, and of course the water activities. Fiji is one of the most popular places to take a scuba diving or snorkeling trip. So now that you have decided Fiji is the perfect place for your vacation, where are you going to stay?

One intimate retreat on Fiji is Taveuni Palms. Taveuni Palms offers two private guesthouses, a freshwater swimming pool, and a secluded sandy beach. Among other activities to do while in Fiji are kayaking and hiking. There are two separate beachfront villas at the Taveuni Palms that comes with a dedicated staff to make your vacation more relaxing. The staff is truly excellent in making your stay comfortable and possibly the best. Each villa has a pool, two bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. The outdoor deck has furniture for those relaxing meals, or simply to watch the sunset. The gorgeous sunsets will turn into beautiful tropical nights with the waves rolling onto the beach and the starlit sky bringing the romantic mood to light.

Taveuni Island is well known for its colorful and unique sea life, from the tropical fish to the variety of corals. A few of the best diving spots on Taveuni Island include Great White Wall, Rainbow Reef and Purple Wall. Great White Wall surrounds a tunnel that has two exits. One exit is at 33 feet while the other is at a greater depth of 88 feet. Surrounding you in the tunnel will be coral giving off a soft white glow, hence the name Great White Wall.

With scuba diving being the hottest activity in Fiji, especially on Taveuni Island its no small wonder they offer instructors just minutes from the Taveuni Resort. Instructors can teach you the basics of diving or continue your diving education. If you have dove before and are advanced certified I recommend you visit the greater depths of the Great White Wall. The dive centers will of course rent equipment if you feel you don’t want to lug yours all the way to Fiji.

Traveling to your resort will require landing at Nadi International airport located in Fiji. From the airport you will catch a connection to Taveuni Island and then just a five-minute ride later you will be at the Taveuni Palms.

Taveuni Palm is just one resort you can stay at when you head to Fiji. There are other hotels on the Island of Fiji if you wish for a less remote resort. Fiji has many attractions including scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Whether you travel to Fiji with your family or perhaps for your honeymoon you will not be disappointed in your beach vacation. Check out Ravishing Global Community for more destinations.

Cap Juluca a tranquil exclusive Caribbean resort beckons you with its 179 acres of pristine white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and breathtaking water that is so clear you can see the bottom. The resort is located on the southwest coast of the British Virgin Islands.

The resort which features exotic arches, domes, parapets and turrets will invite you to relax and enjoy all the amenities Cap Juluca has to offer. The villas offer 700 square feet of pure luxury. The marble bathrooms, white tiled floor and louvered doors that open wide to allow in the wonderful sea breezes will immediately put you at ease. You will enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts on your own private terrace.

If you are looking for a romantic beach vacation they offer six pool villas. Each villa offers a private or shared swimming pool and sundeck. The villas are surrounded by lush foliage right on the beach. Cap Juluca has golf carts available to help you get around the grounds. The villas situated on Maundays Bay with a mile long stretch of beautiful white sand will astound you with the scent of tropical flowers, swaying palm trees and the spectacular fountains.

Families love this beach vacation paradise as well. They have great activities from water sports, croquet, nature trails and tennis. A children’s program, a health club plus beautiful herb gardens and an endangered species garden. Cove and Maundays Bay provide kayaking, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. There is something for everyone. Island tours can be arranged at Cap Juluca on Anguilla. Some of the many options are scuba diving, deep sea fishing or just exploring the many beaches. When it comes down to having fun on the water the resort has something for everyone in the family.

The spa at Cap Juluca is unparalleled when it comes to that personal touch. Specialized treatments for two are a way to pamper yourself and that special someone. Thai massage, aromatherapy and reflexology are just a small part of unwinding, slowing down to enjoy island life.

The resort offers two restaurants and twenty four hour room service. George’s with pool or beachfront dining offers casual tropical cuisine. Salads, seafood, sandwiches or burgers are just the right mix for busy vacationers or those wanting to take their leisure.

Pimms with the white moor arches invites you to dine with superb French- Asian delicacies. Whatever delights your palette you will enjoy the food and captivating atmosphere of dining by the Caribbean Sea.

If you’ve been looking for that perfect beach vacation, on a tranquil pristine island, Cap Juluca on Anguilla will provide just the right combination of fun, adventure and romance. Whether it’s a family vacation or a time for just the two of you, the time you spend at Cap Juluca will remain a beautiful memory for all. Check out Ravishing Global Community for more destinations.

With so many choices for beach vacations it is difficult to choose just where we want to go. Most of us dream about lying on a beach, getting a suntan, and relaxing. The season doesn’t really matter when you decide to take a beach vacation because you have some many spots to choose from all over the world. There are sandy beaches, lava rock, secluded, or popular beaches to choose from. Below are six great beaches you might want to consider when planning your beach vacation.

Polo Beach Hawaii is a sandy beach with clear water, making it ideal for swimming or snorkeling. It is located on South Maui with the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Resort, a luxury destination for beach goers. You also have the many water options of surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing, or kayaking.

Seven Mile Beach of Negrill in Jamaica is the longest stretch of white sand. It is located near the western tip of Jamaica. The beach is a relaxing stretch of land with coconut palm trees and the sounds of the surf. You might choose to stay at the Caves, a close hotel to the beach.

Dreaming of white sandy beaches in the Caribbean? Then you might want to check out Atlantis Paradise in the Bahamas. Atlantis Paradise gives you long romantic walks on the beach or the chance to have some fun with water activities, such as scuba diving or just swimming. This paradise is a tropical climate with your own personal slice of relaxation.

Heron Island Australia is another great beach vacation destination, located on the Great Barrier Reef. Heron Island offers a beautiful beach for excellent swimming and snorkeling. The marine life available to see while snorkeling is truly amazing and diverse. The tropical island of Heron has over 20 scuba diving sites. It might be impossible to see them all, but even one is worth the trip.

Number five on our list of beach vacations is Maderia Portugal. Maderia offers a different kind of beach from the white sands of the previous ones. The beaches are mostly sharp black rocks, but the view of the ocean and the tropical air makes up for the rough terrain. You’ll spend a lot of time relaxing around the pool taking in the views or taking a path to the ocean for swimming. With moderate weather changes you will be able to enjoy the sun and relaxing atmosphere of Maderia at Reid’s Palace Hotel.

Looking for a highly popular beach vacation with movie stars and fashion models? Miami Beach is a hot spot for all, especially for spring breakers looking for a great time on a crowded beach. Miami beach is not for those looking to relax, but those looking for entertainment. The beach is covered with miles of fine sand, and several restaurants. Nightlife in Miami Beach is plentiful with long parties at any nightclub. Miami beach also offers many hotels to choose from with great ocean views. Just mentioning six of the many beaches out there gives you an idea of what the world has to offer when looking for the perfect beach vacation. Check out aragloco for more destinations.

A MAN with 17 convictions, including burglary, threatening behaviour and the possession of drugs has been given the green light to become a taxi driver.

Jayantilal Patel’s application for a Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence was granted for one year by Cheltenham borough licensing committee.

The decision sparked anger among taxi drivers.

Speaking after the meeting, Dave Hemmings, chairman of the Hackney Drivers’ Association in Cheltenham, said: “We’re seething. No one wants to step up to the plate and say ‘No you can’t become a driver because you aren’t fit and proper’.

“It doesn’t do the public image of taxi drivers any good.”
Click here!

Mr Patel, who was at the meeting, has 17 convictions comprising 28 offences dating from 1989 to 2003. They include going equipped for theft, threatening behaviour, burglary and theft, assault with intent to resist arrest and being drunk and disorderly.

He had told the committee: “I would like the opportunity to become a taxi driver for myself and my future.”

In his report, community enforcement officer Ian Deakins was impressed with Mr Patel’s open manner in discussing his past life and his determination to gain fruitful employment.

He said: “He has obviously matured and shows genuine regret for his past record.”

The last conviction was in June, 2003.

Mr Patel said he had previously worked in a factory and as a postman.

The committee voted to grant his application for one year subject to him successfully completing all other assessments.

The committee also reviewed the Hackney Carriage licence of Akekur Babu Rahman, who has nine penalty points on his licence for three separate fixed penalty offences, two for speeding and one for a defective tyre.

He said he had been caught by speed cameras on two occasions, not doing major speeds with no passengers.

The committee decided his licence should remain in force and that he be required to have a road safety unit driver assessment.

Mark Lewis was given the green light to renew his Private Hire Driver’s Licence, requiring he successfully undertake a similar driver assessment. He has two speeding offences.

Siraj-Eddine Kortbi’s application to renew his Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licence was deferred pending appeal results. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for a public order offence and fined £80 in March.

The application of Riza Ali Ahmed for a Private Hire Driver’s Licence was withdrawn. He has previous convictions for possession of a Class A drug in 2006, and further conviction for obstructing the police, having no insurance, no driving licence and using a mobile phone while driving.

Source

David Miliband faces questions over his use of £2,000-an-hour RAF jets after it was revealed he has travelled on the Queen’s Flight – military aircraft usually reserved for the Royal Family’s use – at least 16 times in the past year.

Cabinet Office rules say Ministers should use the planes only when no scheduled service is available.
The planes Mr Miliband used are based at RAF Northolt in West London and are part of 32 (The Royal) Squadron, which provides transport for the Queen, members of her family and senior military officers.
Eleven senior Royals are allowed to use the special flights – the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
The Foreign Office was unable to say how much Mr Miliband’s journeys had cost the taxpayer.
However, the Royal Household accounts revealed that the hourly rate for use of the four-engined BAe 146, which Mr Miliband used five times, is £2,342. BA Business Class flights from London to Paris start at £319.

Mr Miliband’s travel arrangements were posted on the Foreign Office website in response to a Freedom of Information inquiry by a member of the public. The code says: ‘Non-scheduled flights may be authorised when a scheduled service is not available, or when it is essential to travel by air, but the requirements of official or parliamentary business or security considerations preclude the journey being made by a scheduled service.’
At the time, the Tories had accused Labour of using the Queen’s Flight as a ‘private taxi service’.
Since becoming Foreign Secretary in June last year, Mr Miliband has used the Queen’s aircraft for trips to 13 European destinations.

Read the full story