The view of most estate agents is that house prices will remain static during 2013. A combination of restricted mortgages, lower transaction volumes and fewer homes being built means we will see a greater demand for rental homes.

As in 2012, we are still seeing demand outstrip supply in many areas of Sheffield. We have had many examples over the last year of properties we have rented to excellent tenants being let, referenced and the tenancy agreement signed within seven days. In more popular areas demand is so high that the prospective tenant may offer a higher rent than asked or pay several months in advance.

So for landlords Hunters have everything wrapped up under one roof, offering a tailored service to suit all needs.

It may be you only need your property advertised and are confident to do the rest. Around 80% of all rental leads come from online and telephone inquiries and Hunters use Rightmove, Zoopla, Find a Property.com and several more portals.

We will advertise your property in the Sheffield Property Telegraph. Our distinctive Hunters TO LET boards also produce many inquiries. Let only or fully managed, we offer a comprehensive service which we can tailor to your needs.

Stuart Goff, the director of Hunters, has run a successful estate agency business since 1967 and, together with his experienced team, has kept up to date with all the changes in the rental market dealing with investment portfolio landlords, property acquisitions and rental yields.

Our busy rental department is located at our Crookes office, where you will find our fully trained and qualified team, members of ARLA and NAEA, to give you the best advice for your investment. Caroline Crabtree and Sue Fisher have over 30 years’ experience in the rental market, looking after hundreds of landlords and almost 2,000 properties.

The team has been joined by Stephen Goff B.Sc. (Hons) MRICS who can give landlord clients professional advice as a Chartered Surveyor and from his own experience over recent years with a leading firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors and dealing with a large rental portfolio.

We take pride in exceeding expectations and strive to find the right tenants, giving the landlord peace of mind with a minimum of fuss. You may be concerned that several unqualified, inexperienced letting agents opening in recent years have disappeared with large sums of landlords’ money. Clients’ money is insured through our professional bodies, giving you 100% security.

Hunters offer a No Let No Fee service as we are so confident you will be happy with our service, achieving great incomes with a minimum of void periods. Call us for a free, no obligation appraisal of your property. 0114 2666626.

SIGNIFICANT demand for first-time buyer properties at Barratt Yorkshire West’s Innovations development in Handsworth means competition is hotting up for the last nine places, say the builders.

Already 90 per cent of the spectacular homes have been snapped up since the development’s launch, with five of those since the New Year, and now the sales team is urging prospective buyers to visit the development soon.

The final homes are two-bedroom apartments, aimed at first-time buyers in Sheffield. List prices start at £99,995 and that could be cut to £79,996 through Barratt’s FirstBuy scheme, with a deposit as low as £4,999.

FirstBuy has been designed to give first-time buyers a route to home ownership at the lowest possible cost and with the lowest possible deposit. Buyers will be offered a loan of up to 20 per cent of the price of the property, jointly funded by Barratt Yorkshire West and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Barratt also has a selection of properties available under the Government’s NewBuy scheme. NewBuy heralds the return of 95 per cent mortgages, making the move on to the property ladder a lot more affordable.

This latest Government-supported scheme allows purchasers to buy a new-build home in England with a 95 per cent mortgage. The scheme is open to anyone who has a five per cent deposit.

Batrratt’s say Innovations benefits from a great location and offers superb transport links to Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham.

Sales Advisor Sue Abbot said: “Innovations is already proving to be a hugely popular development, thanks to its great location and high quality homes. The added benefit of our tailor-made deals makes this development even more attractive to first-time buyers in the Sheffield area.

“We hope that buyers come along to our special event and see Innovations as their opportunity to stop dreaming and start moving.”

For more information on Innovations, call Central Sales on 0844 8115588, open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm, or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk

EAST Riding Councillors are due to meet with parish councillors, representatives of Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency at County Hall tomorrow (Friday February 15) to discuss an action plan in the event of further flooding in villages near the gypsey race.

The first of two meetings will involve parish councillors from Nafferton, while the second will involve parish councillors from Kilham.

The meetings, which are not open to the public, have been called by Councillor Jane Evison who hopes it will provide an opportunity for all the relevant agencies to get together to discuss possible remedial works and reactive measures that can be put in place in the event of future flooding.

Coun Evison said: “Residents want to see action, they want to know what people are going to do about it.”

“It’s dealing with the effects now, what’s happening now, who needs to do what to make the situation better and what are we going to do in the future regarding follow up work and repairing things,” she added.

As previously reported residents in Burton Fleming were flooded out of their homes and businesses over the festive period as persistent rain caused the Gypsey race to bursts its banks.

Residents in Kilham also failed to escape the impact of heavy rainfall which caused underground springs to become extremely active, with several inches of water flooding into parts of the village.

And excess water has caused the road surface to disintegrate, leaving large potholes on the roads.

Coun Evison said the idea of calling all the relevant parties together came out of an earlier meeting held in Kilham, and while the issue of flooding in Burton Fleming is not on tomorrow’s agenda she said it will be addressed in due course.

And she is confident an action plan will be put together, with further meetings to be held to keep an eye on its progress.

•For more on this story see next Thursday’s Free Press.

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Monday, 28th January 28 for Mr Frank Blakey, who died peacefully at Glenfield Rest Home, Driffield, on January 17. He was 93.

The service was conducted by the Rev Robert Amos (Frank’s son in law) & the organist was Mr Raymond Smith (family friend).

Frank was born in Crigglestone near Wakefield on 28th December, 1919 where he grew up as one of seven children. After leaving school he became an apprentice joiner, but at the start of World War 2 was called up to serve in the Royal Engineers, where he was pleased to serve with lads from Hull and the East Riding. He served in North Africa, El Alamein and Italy.

On His return he married his childhood sweetheart Catherine Wilkinson on September 5th, 1945. They were married for 49 years until Catherine’s death in 1995. Frank then went to live with his daughter Catherine & son in law Robert for 13 years until he moved into Glenfield Care Home.

Frank became a well known Funeral Director in the Wakefield Area.

Family mourners: Mrs Kathryn Amos & Revd Robert Amos (daughter & son in law), James Amos (grandson), Charlotte & Ian Payne (granddaughter & husband).

Extended family: Stuart & Alice Blakey,Peter Blakey, Nicky Blakey, John White, Brian White, Alan & Sylvia Thomas,Jeff Rhodes,Diane Rhodes, Ashley & ClaireWard rep Joyce & David Ward & Stan & Jennifer Holey,Doreen & Michael Nuttall, Irene Wilkinson, June Whittaker, John Sandall, Pat & Trevor Hughes, Val & Ray Illingworth, Steven & Maureen Amos, Clare & Roger Cheetham, Natasha Cheetham, Joanne Hayes, Sarah-Jayne Amos, Tom Gladwinfield.

Others present: Harry & Pat Chaplin, Mr & Mrs Wilfred Train rep Beeford Chapel, Christine Rookes & Tina McRitchie, Maurice & Heather Young, Richard & Lesley Mole, Mrs Ann Bricklebank, Malcolm Craggs rep Grace Craggs, George Buck rep Kathleen Buck & Elizabeth Bentley, Mary & Keith Russell rep Angela Train, Eric Littlefair, Ann & William Wilkinson, Olga Ewbank rep Sarah Atkin & Rita Walker, Alison Carroll & Tony Backhouse rep Staff at Glenfield Nursing Home & Mr & Mrs Birmingham, Peter & Margaret Grant, Dorothy Mountain, Mr & Mrs B Wilson rep Wetwang Chapel, Raymond Moseley rep Diana Mosley & Elsie Lomax, Denise Waddington, Trish Smith, Mike Oxtoby rep Anita Oxtoby, Diane Newlove & Paul Medforth, Ross Weekes, Tom & Eileen Walker, Philip & Diana Dews, Keith & Beverley Wainwright, Emma Rogers and Jeremy Sykes.

It’s February and love is in the air! But have you ever wondered why the heart is the symbol of love, who St Valentine really was, why Cupid wears a blindfold and why a bride throws her bouquet?

Yes, love isn’t easy... and the truth about love is even more complicated, as Philip Ardagh, described by one critic as ‘one of life’s fact-finders,’ reveals in this dainty, dotty little book, written for children but with plenty of eccentric gems to keep adults amused as well.

Ardagh has written books on subjects ranging from archaeology to space flight, and has still found time to write the bestselling Eddie Dickens children’s novels, to appear at events and festivals around the world and win the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2009.

Here, he sets his sights on that elusive thing called love, the emotion that is ‘strong as death’ and ‘all there is to distinguish us from other animals.’

We learn why diamonds are a girl’s best friend, why we give red roses, why we wear wedding rings on the fourth finger of our left hand and why numerology is used to predict who your perfect partner will be.

Did you know that of all the songs in the world, by far the most are about love, that redheads are reputed to be the most passionate lovers and that girls used to pin yarrow plants to their dresses to catch the eye of the boy they had fallen for?

And as for February 14 itself, the custom of celebrating love dates back to the 14th century when it was believed to be the date that birds chose their partner in preparation for laying eggs and rearing their young.

But the tradition may also have been connected to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, once celebrated on February 15 and observed to avert evil spirits and release health and fertility.

You can go straight to the heart of these amorous puzzles and much, much more in this quirky, questioning book which is packed with everything you ever wanted to know about love, whether that’s facts, superstitions, pure merriment or myths.

A book to cherish, carefully wrap and lovingly present – with a kiss of course – to that special one in your life.

(Macmillan, hardback, £7.99)

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is aiming to reopen Keldgate to motorists and the travelling public today (Friday) morning after Yorkshire Water complete repair works to the public sewer.

The road has been closed due to an emergency closure being put in place, after a 4m high wall became unstable.

Due to the wall’s proximity to a number of vital services, utility companies’ had to secure mains gas, electricity and telecommunications before a contractor, working on behalf of the council, could dismantle the wall.

Once the wall was down; the council repaired a void under the pavement and highway and, with the utility work now complete, has started to reinstate the footpath and carriageway ahead of resurfacing works.

Nigel Leighton, director of environment and neighbourhood services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We would like to thank residents, motorists and the travelling public for their patience during this closure, which was in place for public safety.

“These works have been very challenging given the wall’s location to vital services and have meant the council and the utility companies have had to proceed carefully to avoid disrupting gas, water, electric and telecommunication supplies.

“It is anticipated that the council will complete the reinstatement of the pavement and carriageway over the next two days before resurfacing the road and reopening on Friday morning.”

The council will continue to keep residents updated on the situation via letter, local media and Twitter, just follow @ER_roads.

Any enquiries relating to the road closure and diversion can be directed to the council’s highways customer care line, on 0845 6001666.

More than 120 local business representatives attended the second in a series of four events organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Federation of Small Businesses to help support and boost the local economy.

The event at Bishop Burton College covered social media and apprenticeships, with Chris Middleton, principal director of marketing agency, Eskimosoup, providing a presentation on social media and East Riding company, Grays & Co Estate Agency highlighted the benefits of employing an apprentice.

The event provided local training providers with the opportunity to talk about the apprenticeship training programmes they offer and half a dozen young people on the council’s ‘Fast forward to Apprenticeship’ scheme also had the chance to pitch themselves as prospective employees to local businesses.

Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and rural issues at East Riding of Yorkshire

Council, said: “The event was well-attended and a huge success in terms of providing businesses with practical advice and help on how they can take advantage of new technologies and benefit from employing an apprentice.”

The third event in the series takes place at The Spa Bridlington, at 5.30pm, on Tuesday, March 12 with a focus on ‘all things tourism’.

A MURDER investigation is underway after the body of a man was discovered at a house in Full Sutton.

It comes after a call was made to police about the safety of a resident at Whisker Cottage. Following initial investigations, police gained access to the property yesterday afternoon (7 February) and discovered the body of a man believed to be in his 50s.

Having initially considered the death to be unexplained, police now believe that the death of this man is in fact suspicious and a murder investigation is now underway.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane said; “We are now treating the death as suspicious and undertaking enquiries to establish events which led to this man losing his life. We are also seeking to confirm his identity and locate any next of kin.

“Although very much in the early stages of the investigation, we have not managed to trace any family or friends who are able to identify the man, nor is there an apparent motive for his murder.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who might have information about the victim, who is believed to have been the occupier of Whisker Cottage.

“If you have information which can help us to trace his next of kin we appeal to you to come forward to speak to us.

“Part of our investigation is to gather information about visitors and vehicles attending the address. If you have any information which may help, please bring this to our attention. It may seem insignificant but it could be of real importance.”

The cause of the man’s death currently remains unconfirmed until such time as a post mortem can take place.

Whisker Cottage and some surrounding area is presently cordoned off to enable all necessary investigations to take place.

If anyone has information relating to this incident they should contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting log 492 of 07/02/13, the Incident Room on 01377 208989 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

TWO men have admitted handling a stolen off-road quad bike targeted at Kilham near Driffield.

Benjamin Barnes, 26, and Jeffrey Lister, 26, admitted one charge of handling the stolen 4X4 taken from a house at West End, Kilham, belonging to Sarah Hill.

The pair denied a charge of burglary when they appeared at Hull Crown Court on Monday Feb 4.

Judge John Douse said he wanted to know how Barnes, who faces other charges, knew where the quad bike was. Barnes, of Council Avenue, Hull, and Lister of Westlands Close, Hedon, have been given electronic tags since November 5 and ordered to stay out of Kilham. Judge Dowse adjourned sentence on the pair for reports from the Humberside Probation Service on the likelihood of their re-offending. Both men were granted conditional bail to reside at their home addresses. They are to be sentenced on March 4.

ANGRY scenes erupted at Hull Crown Court today (Friday February 8) as a convicted sex offender from Burton Agnes was jailed for blasting a 20-bore shotgun through the living room window of a house where four children were playing.

When Adrian Thorsby, 49, formerly of Rudston Walk, arrived at Hull Crown Court for sentence he was hit with a woman’s handbag on the head and suffered a bloody nose as he was wrestled to the ground by four police officers as he threatened protestors who repeatedly called him a paedophile.

One man was arrested amid scenes of swearing, threats and scuffles with police. Thorsby had to be taken into police custody for his own protection. More than 10 people were ejected from the building as a special police support team were called to break it up.

Thorsby was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after previously pleading guilty to one charge of posession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

•For the full story see Thursday’s Free Press.

BROWN furniture looks set to provide some of the stand-out lots at the first Dee, Atkinson and Harrison antique and fine art sale of the year.

The furniture section comprises almost 90 lots dating from the 17th Century onwards.

Highlights include an early 18th Century yew wood chest of drawers estimated £8,000 to £12,000 and a Regency rosewood desk at £4,000 to £5,000.

A small collection of French furniture includes a sofa, armchairs, salon chairs, beds, a parquetry pedestal desk and mirrors.

The auction will be held on Friday, February 15, starting at 9.45am and contains just under 500 lots, starting with a smaller than usual silver section of 27 lots.

The Highest estimate is for a collection of 14 sets of Danish Christmas spoons from the 1970’s/80’s – weighing in at 41ozs and expected to make £580 to £650. The remaining lots include candlesticks, teaware, condiments, cased and loose cutlery, smoking accessories and a cup bearing a 1909 inscription from Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Christian.

There are just over 100 lots of jewellery, coins and watches, with estimates from £30 to £5,500. Gold coins included sovereigns, half sovereigns and Georgian guineas and a gentleman’s 18ct gold Breitling wristwatch has the joint highest estimate of the auction at £8,000 to £12,000.

The metals section contains various bronze figures, numerous Victorian brass candlesticks, a 1930’s cold painted spelter table lighter as a racehorse and jockey and a quantity of fire side accessories including an Arts and Crafts style embossed copper fire screen expected to realise £100 to £150. There are Georgian thread work pictures, a sampler and a Pakistan carpet in the textiles section.

Approximately 60 miscellaneous lots are led by an early 20th Century Saxony cello at £1000 to £1500 and a French pernambuco bow at £600 to £800. There is a 19th Century cabinet maker’s tool chest at £600 to £800 and a good selection of woodworking tools.

Ceramics contains a good collection of 19th Century blue/white transfer printed wares, along with Chinese and Japanese pottery and porcelain, including a large Cantonese bowl and table lamp each estimated at £500 to £800

The highlight of a small glass section is a Daum Nancy salmon pink vase with gilded raised flowers and leaves and French inscription, expected to realise £300 to £400.

The objets d’art lots include two Chinese carved stone items – a soapstone figure of Guan Yin and a jade peach cup both estimated at £800 to £1,000, a World War I Peace Commemorative ivory baton and a Chinese travelling set of six silver lined carved wooden beakers.

A six lot clock section contains two longcase clocks, a Vienna style wall clock, a French three piece garniture de cheminee and two mercury barometers.

Pictures conclude the sale with a small quantity of prints followed by watercolours including local maritime works by Harry Hudson Rodmell, Colin Verity and David Bell, a Scottish landscape by Arthur Strachan and a pencil sketch by Dame Laura Knight. 17th Century and later oil paintings include a Flemish School battle scene, a French School Gainsborough style portrait, a Venetian canal scene by Antonio Paoletti and a still life study of a bowl of flowers on a table by Frederick William Elwell which carries the highest estimate in the picture section at £3000 to £4000.

THE following planning applications which relate to the Driffield area have been submitted to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council:

Change of use of redundant farm buildings to form dwelling - Outbuildings North Of Sunnybank Main Street, Garton On The Wolds.

Installation of dark green cabinet - Land North Of 19 Beverley Road, Driffield.

Fell Beech tree (T1) due to growth compromised by other trees and branches constantly needing reducing from overhead lines. Fell Chestnut tree (T2) due to limb with deep cavity usually filled with water and is overhanging driveway - Dunnington Manor, Skipsea Lane, Dunnington.

Erection of an agricultural livestock building - Temple Farm, Temple Lane, Carnaby.

Removal of three upper limbs from Horse Chestnut with open cracks 50% depth with some twisting, removal of upper limb from Lime tree with 60% localised cavity and remove mature Lime tree compromised by soft rot. Works required urgently due to proximity to level crossing, highway and nearby properties - Maclaren House, Skerne Road, Driffield.

Non Material Amendment to planning permission - DC/12/03871/PLF - replacement of two doors with windows and window with door - Laurel House, 69 Main Street, Skidby.

Erection of a building comprising 4 flats (Renewal of 10/02083/PLF) - Land East Of 40 Newland Avenue, Driffield.

Fell Lawson Cypress in front garden following loss of a branch onto the adjacent footpath and road and leaving the tree in very poor shape and form - Autherd Cottage, 38 East End, Walkington.

Installation of 1 x containerised 100kw Guntamatic biomass heating system and flue, with integrated fuel store - The Old Mill Hotel, Mill Lane, Langtoft.

Screening Opinion Request for a single 49.5 metre high turbine - Beck End Farm, Main Street, Arram.

Non material amendment further to approved planning application 08/03008/PLF for the removal of windows in the side extension to be replaced by one double glazed door in the north elevation - Land North Of The Elms, Church Street, Bainton.

Conversion of integral garage to additional living accommodation and construction of a bay window to front - 48 Southwood Park, Kelleythorpe.

Submission of details required by Condition 2 (Boundary Treatment), Condition 3 (Screening) 4 (materials) and Condition 5 (Bio-Diversity) and 6 (Roof Lights)of planning permission 12/03727/PL - Cross Trods, Spellowgate, Driffield.

Between 8.40am and 9am on Tuesday January 29 a silver Ford Fiesta was left parked in Cross Hill car park whilst the owner dropped her children off at school, on returning to the vehicle she found her car had been scratched from the front wing mirror to the rear end.

Similar incidents have been reported to police over the last three months in the same location.

Anybody with any information about this is asked to contact the police quoting crime reference 1954888

When commercial buildings in the town of Beverley are sold, the local community fear the further erosion of the unique character of its historic centre by large retail chains, betting shops and low cost bars.

This is especially so when commercial buildings are for sale on a street as beautiful as North Bar Within.

Situated on this picturesque, historic street and with fabulous views of both St Mary’s Church and the Beverley Minster, 15 North Bar Within is one of Beverley’s finest buildings. Built in the 18th Century and primarily a town house for the Boynton family, it is one of the oldest historic buildings in Beverley - comprising four stories of fabulous architecture as well as an exceptional vaulted cellar.

For many years John Carmichael retailed fine jewellery at 15 North Bar Within, until retiring and passing on the business to Hugh Rice. In 2012 Hugh relocated - putting the building up for sale and resulting in concern by local residents that it may fall into the hands of a pub chain or betting office and damage the historical look and feel of the town centre.

To the great relief of the local community, the building has in fact been bought and sympathetically refurbished by Andrew & Rogers Optometrists, formerly of 68 Saturday Market Beverley. Andrew advises that “we have worked very hard to retain the buildings historic features and develop it into our showpiece optical practice”.

Andrew and Rogers Optometrists have a reputation for retailing high quality eye wear, contact lenses and professional eye care services including colourimeter testing for dyslexia.

“The building is perfect for us to continue the expansion of our practice” said Andrew Scott of Andrew and Rogers Optometrists. “The windows are fantastic, and the spacious ground floor allows us to display all our frames and sunglasses. The building also allows for a further 12 consulting rooms upstairs as we continue to expand the business in the future. We are currently offering the rooms to private doctors and other medical practitioners to allow them to develop their own practices in our beautiful building”

Andrew and Rogers Optometrists was established in Beverley almost 15 years ago – and with an ever increasing register of repeat clients, it’s no surprise to see them move into larger premises. “With the expansion of our services into the treatment of dyslexia, our designer frame and sunglasses range and a growing contact lens client base, we had basically outgrown the space at 68 Market Street. As a result of our expansion and new premises, we are able to increase our stock level by 50% and offer our clients a huge range of frames and sunglasses”.

Andrew and Rogers have also created a dedicated children’s eye wear showroom, designed with more ‘fun’ in mind. “I basically gave the design brief to my two girls who both use glasses. I am very impressed with what they came up with. The separate children’s showroom allows us to offer a fabulous choice of eye wear to our younger clients in an environment that makes choosing glasses a fun and enjoyable experience. It’s a great feeling to know that children also feel like first class citizens when they are choosing their glasses”

Converting what was a dreary 70’s style bank interior into something more befitting of the town of Beverley - Andrew and Rogers were congratulated 15 years ago for the loving restoration of the iroko wood parquet floor and high covered ceilings of their old practice at 68 Saturday Market, Beverley.

“This is an exciting step up for us” says Andrew “and we are delighted that people visiting our new premises have commented on it being the most beautiful shop in Yorkshire. All of the staff are thrilled to be working here and we are all very proud of the building. We feel great that we are doing our bit to preserve the historic architecture of Beverly.”

OVERNIGHT on Saturday January 26 a car was vandalised whilst parked in a residential car park in Driffield.

An unknown person approached a Vauxhall Meriva hatchback which was parked in a residential car park off Exchange Street.

The rear windscreen wiper blade was snapped off and taken.

If anyone has any information about this criminal damage please call the police non-emergency number 101 and quote crime reference 1954510.

RENEWABLE energy specialist, Dodds Limited, has completed its relocation from Driffield to its new headquarters at Bainton.

The company, established in 1995 and until recently based at the Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate, has converted a former agricultural machinery showroom overlooking the A614 into what is believed to be one of Yorkshire’s most energy efficient refurbished buildings.

Inside is a unique array of energy saving devices and operational renewable energy equipment and systems, including examples of solar PV (photovoltaic), solar thermal, biomass, heat pump and low energy lighting.

Over the coming months, Dodds plan to open their new headquarters to the public, company managers and owners and schools in a bid to demonstrate the value and importance of renewable energy.

The company’s managing director, Graham Dodds, said: “It’s taken six months and a major investment to complete the relocation but we have finally achieved our goal. We wanted to create a centre of renewable energy where we could demonstrate the increasing range of natural energy products currently on the market and show the public and business users just how they can benefit from a move to greener energy.

“We set out to become the leading renewables company in the region and to do that we have invested heavily in recruiting and training a first class team and gaining the main industry accreditations.

“Six months ago, we also launched a new heating division and we have expanded our electrical team”.

Dodds Limited employs around 50 people, mostly from the Driffield area. As well as the administrative and support teams at Bainton, the company has brought together a group of experienced sales personnel specialising in the domestic, agriculture and commercial sectors.

Business development director, Martin Bleasby, said: “We are not just about sales. We want to help people gain a better understanding of the benefits of renewable energy. This is a long-term industry for the UK and Dodds intend to be a long-term player”.

During the past three years, since focussing on the renewables sector, Dodds have successfully completed hundreds of domestic and commercial solar PV installations and have been responsible for some of the largest commercial and farm-based projects in the Yorkshire region.

Graham Dodds said: “With the relocation to Bainton now completed, we can look forward to growing the business even further, to increasing our workforce and to rolling out educational programmes with East Yorkshire schools to help youngsters get to grips with a future based on renewable energy and a greener environment”.

Customer charges will help to fund a £329 million programme of investment by Yorkshire Water over the next year.

From April 1, the average water bill in the region is set to increase by £12 per year - or £1 per month - with the average bill rising to £368 - ensuring they remain below the national average.

The move comes as the company enters the fourth year of its biggest ever investment programme, which will see £3.5 billion spent between 2010 and 2015 to deliver significant improvements to water and waste water services, as well as the wider water environment, including the region’s bathing waters and rivers.

Amongst some of the improvements which will benefit customers are:

£1 million scheme in Beverley to install an underground tank capable of holding 10,000 bath tubs of waste water, which will help to reduce the risk of sewer flooding in the area during periods of very heavy rainfall;

£120 million to help reduce the risk of sewer flooding through improvements to the company’s 54,000km sewer network and waste water treatment facilities;

And £110 million to help improve bathing water quality along Yorkshire’s coast, boosting tourism and benefitting local businesses like hotels and restaurants.

Richard Flint, Yorkshire Water’s chief executive, said: “We know that things are really tough out there, with a lot of people really feeling the pinch, which is why it’s so important that essential service providers like ourselves explain exactly why price increases are necessary and just what they will finance.

“A significant part of this rise is down to inflation, and the fact that the price of many of the products and services we use as a company has risen. The remainder of the increase will be used to fund our ongoing investment in the region - £376 million over the next 12 months.

“This investment is all the more important as we face into the challenge of ensuring our clean and waste water networks are prepared for the extra pressures they’ll come under in future years as a result of climate change and population growth, whilst doing everything we can to keep bills as low as possible during these times of austerity.

“Not only will this investment deliver huge benefits, from reducing the number of homes and businesses affected by flooding from sewers during times of exceptional rainfall, through to protecting drinking water supplies and improving the quality of the region’s rivers and bathing waters, but it will also serve to underpin the region’s economy and boosting employment at a critical time”.

Yorkshire Water has also reminded customers that help is available for those who are struggling to pay their bills.

The company runs a number of initiatives aimed at supporting customers, including the Yorkshire Water Community Trust - a registered charity which provides financial assistance to customers who are in debt. For more information, call 0845 1 24 24 24 or visit yorkshirewater.com/billhelp,

BETWEEN January 24 - 27 a house in Beeford was broken into and property was taken.

Unknown offenders searched the property and took a computer an Hifi equipment as well as jewellery and power tools including: an IMAC 21.5 computer, a Toshiba 40” LCD TV, a white Ipad, a black Playstation games console, a Pandora charm bracelet with seven charms, a Nakita drill and a Bosh drill and tool bag with socket set.

Anyone with any knowledge of the incident or the stolen goods is asked to contact the police and quote crime reference number 1955018.

Between 5pm and 8pm on Sunday February 2 a red Land Rover was left parked in a residential area of Riverside Close.

When the owners returned to their vehicle they found that both of the passenger side tyres and been slashed with a knife and the knife was left buried in the front tyre.

If anyone know anything about this incident, please contact the police and quote crime reference number 1955718.

Between 9.45am and 1pm on Sunday February 4 a grey Seat Leon was damaged in Tesco car park.

On returning to their vehicle the owners found that the front passenger door had been damaged to such an extent that the door could not be opened.

It is believed that the damage was caused by a red people carrier. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101.