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Issue:- 17 May  2012

Euro MP votes to reduce European roaming charges in time for summer holidays

LOCAL Euro MP Brian Simpson has taken part in a vote in the European Parliament that will see the price of using a mobile phone whilst travelling abroad within the EU slashed.

From 1 July 2012, charges for calls will be reduced to a maximum of 29 cents per minute and texts will cost no more than 9 cents per message. Prices will continue to drop and by July 2014 it will cost no more than 19 cents a minute to call and 6 cents per message to text.

Brian Simpson MEP said:- "It is about time that we tackled the ridiculous roaming costs levied on people travelling abroad within the EU. It shouldn't cost the earth to call Wigan from Warsaw, or Preston from Paris. Companies have got away with charging far more than necessary, for no other reason than pure profit. The new rules will be in place in time to help people going on holiday in other parts of the EU, and will also help reduce costs for tourists coming to the North West this summer."

Mr Simpson not only voted to reduce charges for calls and texts, he also supported a reduction to data roaming costs, which will be capped at 70 cents per MB from 1 July, falling to 20 cents by 1 July 2014.  "More and more people are using phones with internet facilities, but until now have faced astronomical charges for downloading whilst abroad. By putting a cap in place, we can help ensure people aren't surprised by a massive bill for surfing online."

In addition, the new legislation will include 'bill-shock protection', so people will receive a warning text if their phone bill exceeds 50 Euros whilst they are abroad.  Mr Simpson also said:- "Labour MEPs believe that there is no reason for roaming charges to exist at all, but unfortunately right wing MEPs have blocked our efforts to get rid of these charges all together. I know that roaming costs can be a serious problem for constituents travelling in Europe, and I will continue to campaign for a complete end to these charges. In the meantime I am delighted that we have successfully reduced the call tariffs that local people will face when abroad. Labour Euro MPs are on the side of consumers and we want to see our constituents fully benefit from EU consumer laws. Reduced call charges are just a drop in the ocean when it comes to the countless advantages we can achieve in Europe."

Also adding to the comments was Liberal Democrat MEP for North West England, Chris Davies who also voted for the new package of cost cutting measures. Davies said:- "Everyone relies on being able to use their phones whether they are at home or away on business trips or on holiday. With the price of everything else increasing it is good that MEPs have taken action to keep the cost of keeping in touch down within the borders of the EU. With the proliferation of iPads and with people needing to access the internet wherever they go, the new limits on data charges will bring relief from shocking bills for millions of holidaymakers and travellers. If mobile providers were prepared to be responsible there would be no need for this legislation but as long as big companies want to rip off consumers the EU will step in."

Lucky number 7 for Southport and the Oddfellows

ONE of the world's oldest and largest membership organisations is set to return to Southport next week to hold its annual conference in the town for the seventh time.

More than 500 delegates from the Oddfellows will arrive at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre between 19 May and 24 May 2012, as well as guests and visitors from its 120,000 strong membership base.

The event, which is known to members as the Annual Movable Conference (AMC), is so called for the fact that it's held in a different part of the country each year.

Since its inception 190 years ago, the AMC has been held in all four corners of the UK, from Edinburgh to Exeter, and few towns can claim to have held it as many times as Southport.

It was first held here in 1882 before returning in 1954, 1968, 1980, 1988 and 2008.

It provides a yearly opportunity for the organisation with 151 branches nationwide to discuss burning issues, agree its future strategy and, perhaps most importantly, socialise.

This year's week long event will continue the traditions of the democratic society with elections being held for its board members.

Local members are looking forward to welcoming the AMC back to their hometown. Bonita Hesketh, branch secretary for Ormskirk and Southport, said:- "As a society we've got such a strong history in the town, so it's fitting that we're able to host this prestigious event once again."

The venue was extensively refurbished 5 years ago as part of a £40million investment programme.

And the conference theatre doors will be opened to the general public, on Sunday, 20 May 2012, for a free concert by the nationally-acclaimed Oddfellows Brass.

This brass band, made up entirely of Oddfellows members, has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and competes in the elite championship section; the 'Premier League' of brass band competitions.

The planned repertoire includes music from Grease, The Great Escape and The Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as you'll never walk alone, Lord of the Dance and many more.

Their performances offer something for all ages and are highly sought after; this is one event not to be missed.

Sunday's free event will also give the people of Southport the chance to see inside the AMC and understand more about the benefits the society has to offer.

Bonita added:- "During the week there'll be lots of important work going on at the heart of the society. But Sunday's event is a great opportunity for local people to come along and see what makes the Oddfellows tick, and also hear some good music too."

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