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Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Poor sales lead Freshco to close butcher's shop; Budget decisions loom; May Queen crowned tonight; Racecourse future: public's views count.

Poor sales lead Freshco to close butcher's shop

STANLEY is to lose its butcher's shop at the end of this month. After only five years in business, Raymond Evans, Director of Freshco, confirmed yesterday that the butcher's shop will close its doors because, "...we are just not selling enough meat at the present moment." He said sales have dropped off to such an extent , "...we know we just can't keep going, otherwise we'll run at a loss." At a meeting of the Falkland Islands Development Board on Tuesday, General Manager Julian Morris said the Falkland Islands Meat Company (FIMCo) plans to enter the local meat market early next month, "...with support from retailers and users of local meat." Mr Evans says the management of Freshco does not feel they can compete with FIMCo. "There's not enough room for more than one outlet." Photo: The sign (right) in the window of Freshco confirms the news that the butcher's shop will close at the end of the month.

Budget decisions loom

"NO ESSENTIAL services or investments in the future of the Falkland Islands" will be threatened by the new budget, councillors have assured. Legislative Council's 2005/6 Budget Session begins on Tuesday morning and, Councillor Mike Summers says, despite tight financial constraints, "...we remain in a strong fiscal and economic position to take advantage of improved circumstance or new opportunities." Once again, a poor illex squid season means the government's financial belt will have to be tightened. Mr Summers says a "great deal of work" has already taken place on the budget, and most of the background work for next week has been done. He and his colleagues are confident that they can set a budget, "...that safeguards the Consolidated Fund for future years, but still delivers the full range of services that the public have come to expect." He says that once again the budget will be "tight" and, "...we are requiring all departments to produce savings in order to get as close as possible to a balanced budget." He added, "In doing that, no essential services or investments in the future of the Islands are threatened." The Budget Session of Legislative Council begins at 9am on Tuesday, May 24 in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, after His Excellency the Governor has inspected a Guard of Honour of the Falkland Islands Defence Force. His Excellency the Governor will deliver his annual Address to the Nation during the session and the first stages of the Finance and Appropriations Bills will take place. Only two questions for oral answer will be asked during the meeting. Councillor Birmingham will ask Councillor Summers about the progress of the reindeer imported from South Georgia six years ago and he will ask Councillor Cheek, in light of the Islands' increasing birth rate, if the Education Department has plans being drawn up to accommodate the extra children. Legislative Council will reconvene on Wednesday at 2.15pm with the report back from the Select Committee on the Draft Estimates by the Financial Secretary.

Duvall resettlement: rumour unproven

A RUMOUR that the government has asked the British Home Office to resettle convicted sex offender Kenneth Duvall in the United Kingdom appears to be unfounded. Penguin Newswas told the request was made due to concerns for Mr Duvall's safety when he is released from prison this month. However Principal Crown Counsel, Melanie Chisolm, yesterday said she was "not aware of any such approach" to the Home Office. The Chief Police Officer also confirmed he was not aware of any threats being made against Mr Duvall.

May Queen crowned tonight

THE May Ball takes place tonight in the Town Hall, with the May Queen being crowned at midnight. Penguin Newswill be there, camera in hand, and full coverage of the Ball will feature in next week's edition. In addition, a limited number of commemorative colour supplements will be available to buy from Beauchene Trading for £1 each. Readers in Camp can order a copy directly from Penguin News or by contacting Beauchene Trading.

Racecourse future: public's views count

THE wishes of the community will be given priority in deciding the future of the racecourse area, the Environmental Planning Officer has confirmed. As reported in Penguin Newslast week, Dominique Giudicelli received a letter from Mr Owen Summers of the Stanley Sports Association (SSA) which raised issues relating to the leases for the racecourse from the government (FIG) and the Falkland Islands Company (FIC) which expire in 2006. Mr Summers also said the SSA would not be able to meet the cost of the relocation of the racecourse. Ms Giudicelli confirmed there is no expectation for the SSA to pay for relocation but, "...if the landowners develop the area they would be expected to provide an alternative facility." This provision exists in the Stanley Town Plan. Ms Giudicelli will be producing a development brief in the next few months: "This is a more detailed document than the Stanley Town Plan. All the issues relating to the area should be covered including the land use, layout, landscaping, utilities (sewerage, water and electricity) and drainage, which I understand is a concern in that area." A public consultation period will be held on the issue lasting six weeks: "FIC and FIG, as landowners, will also be involved." Ms Giudicelli commented, "I am already aware of the community's views relating to the racecourse, due to the comments received on the outline planning application for housing to the east of the racecourse. "Once all the comments have been received, an amended Development Brief can be adopted by the government, to become planning guidance to guide future development in the area." She added, "I think this has good potential for providing a well-integrated and vibrant extension to the town, whilst taking into account the wishes of the community."

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