The Amateur Swimming Association says one in three children leave primary school unable to swim - despite it being on the national curriculum.

Hull City Council provide lessons for 75% of primary school pupils.

Healthy Initiatives manager Paul Hussey believes there's enough provision locally and says "We have 5 pools across the City, three of which are ideal for teaching - one in each area of the city.  Other schools are only 10 or 15 minutes away from one of the pools".

People living on Lakeminster Park in Beverley have received the news that planning permission has been refused to give them full-time residency.

A number of objections had been put to East Riding of Yorkshire Council, including the Environment Agency saying it was a flood risk.

Those living there have done so since 2007 and have the right to appeal the decision.

An East Yorkshire company is looking at different ways to motivate young people into employment.

The project from Minerva allows Hull's elderly and vunerable adults to ask for workers to complete challenging household tasks for free.

Russ Waterman from the organisation says it can boost job prospects, he told KCFM "These are the people who are the longest away from the job market who, traditionally, don't engage with services and have spent a period of time in unemployment.  We're trying to give them skills that will bring them closer to the job market and make them more employable".

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is meeting with Government this month after figures showed there was an average two year wait for children to be adopted.

The Department for Education wants to look behind the statistics which ranked the local authority the slowest in Yorkshire, whilst Ofsted rated their adoption service as outstanding.

Director of Children's Services, Alison Michalska is confident in their procedures.

Talking to KCFM she says "We've had very few adoptions that break down and go wrong, that's because we take the time to make sure we have the right sort of people recruited to be adopters, and that the children and adopters are a good match".

A meeting on Bridlington's regeneration has taken place today.

Government inspector Sian Worden raised concerns last year over the proposals from East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The hearing has examined whether plans for the harbour top, which include a hotel, retail and leisure space are essential to the development.

The latest employment figures have been released, and there's a slight rise in our area.

Employment rates increased by 1.1% in Yorkshire and the Humber for the first three months of the year.

Unemployment has decreased nationally, which is being put down to an increase in part time jobs.

Stuart Griffths is the local District Manager for Job Centre Plus, he thinks the part-time route is  a great way to get full-time work.

He told KCFM "It's not the same jobs market we had years ago where people got a full-time position that lasted for a lifetime.  People are showing now that they're flexible and willing to adapt to the dynamic labour market".

A local fishing association wants the Government to ban scallop dredging.

The Holderness Coast Fishing Industry Group claim scallop boats are damaging the sea bed, through their use of metal rakes.

Chief Executive Mike Cohen says its causing the fisherman lots of problems, as its caused around £100,000 worth of damage and resulted in equipment being lost.

He's written to the Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon to raise his concerns.

Proposals for a large housing development in Cottingham, could make England's largest village even bigger.

The NHS are considering selling the land near Castle Hill Hospital to help meet huge budget cuts, as they need to save £25m this year.

The plans include 600 houses, a medical centre and a school.

Councillor for the Cottingham North Ward, Ros Jump, says there's much to consider, because it's such a key greenfield site.

She says the views of the residents is most important, because they'll have to be the ones who live with it.

Dyslexia Action Hull is using Adult Learners Week to raise awareness of the problem.

Ten percent of people suffer from varying degrees of dyslexia, and often adults are ashamed to admit they have a difficulty with literacy.

Mary Robinson from the Hull support group says coming forward early is key, as a lot of people don't even know they have it.

Four beaches in East Yorkshire have gained blue flag status.

Hornsea, Withernsea and Bridlington's North and South beaches received the major award, which is only given to areas deemed to have particularly high standards.

They're judged on water quality, cleanliness, safety and environmental management.

They're not the only areas of East Yorkshire celebrating, Barmston, Danes Dyke, Fraisthorpe, South Landing and Wilsthorpe have all received Quality Coast awards this year, where the water is of passable quality.

Businesses in East Yorkshire could be battling with Danish companies to gain contracts for the Humber Gateway.

The huge wind farm off the Holderness coastline is due to open in 2015, but Denmark is seen as the centre of excellence for offshore energy.

Bruce Marbrow provides technicians for the renewables industry, he says firms should be aware of the strength of the competition.

Speaking to KCFM he told us "It's important local companies play their part and not just overseas companies coming in and setting up.  It's just as critical we get experience of skills and companies working together and then we can make a real go of expanding our local base."

East Yorkshire dairy farmers have reacted angrily to the news that two more companies are cutting the amount they pay for milk.

The National Farmers Union says it means the majority have now cut their prices, and are calling for tighter contracts between producers and buyers.

East Yorkshire NFU spokesman David Shaw says it's made a huge impact.

He told us "It means on average a £1500 a month cut in returns back to each dairy farmer and they were not, in most cases, seeing a return in production costs prior to the reduction."

The historic wooden splash boat in Hull's East Park could re-open by the start of June.

It dates back to 1929 and is thought to be the oldest of it's kind in the country.

It's been closed for nearly two years, and many people told KCFM that they're looking forward to its' comeback.

For some it will be the first chance they have had to ride on the boat.  Some Mum's told us that every child should have the same chance they did of hitting the water and even getting a little wet!

Putting on top class entertainment and events is a great way to attract tourism to Hull.

That's according to Hull Bid, who've announced Fashion Week helped bring an extra one hundred thousand visitors to the city recently.

Kathryn Shillito from the organisation says despite the tough economic climate, putting on events is important.

She said "Although we're in austere times at the moment, the plan is to hold more events - authorities are accountable to their members and at Hull Bid we're accountable to our businesses".

Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce is warning a local skilled workforce needs to be in place to take advantage of the Siemens deal.

Now that planning permission for the company's windfarm on Alexandra Dock has been approved, the focus has moved to ensuring local people and businesses benefit.

It could bring an estimated 800 direct sustainable jobs.

The Leader of East Riding Council has written to the Chancellor to express his concerns over the proposed caravan tax.

Councillor Stephen Parnaby says the industry is vital for employment and tourism in the county.

He believes it will be tough to get George Osbourne to change his mind, so alternative suggestions need to be considered.

He hopes the Chancellor considers staggering the VAT, and not adding it all from October, as that would lessen its impact, and allow businesses time to adjust to the change.

East Yorkshire is no longer in drought.

The wettest April on record, and continuing heavy rainfall in May, have significantly increased river and reservoir levels.

The Environment Agency's lifted the status in 19 counties, including those in the South West and the Midlands.

The replacement Voyage statue on Hull's Victoria Pier has been unveiled, after it was stolen last year.

The monument represents our areas fishing heritage, and faces an identical statue in Iceland.

It was taken by thieves in July.

Lord Mayor of Hull Colin Inglis says there's a strong bond between the two countries, which is built on nearly 1,000 years of connections.

£40m has been set aside to improve water quality at Bridlington's beaches.

Yorkshire Water want to make the town's sewerage network bigger, and improve the pumping stations so there's an increased flow to the treatment works.

Spokesman Matt Thompson says how the money's spent is still in the early stages, as there needs to be consultation with local partners like the council, businesses and residents.

Over 400 local companies have shown interest in being part of the supply chain for the Humber Gateway.

EON, who's developing the 73 turbine offshore wind farm, has looked to local businesses first to contribute to all aspects of the next construction phase.

Engineering Manager, Tim Handley says the Humber Gateway will provide long term employment, especially in the maintenance of wind farm.

He also feels it will help bring more investment to the area.

Public sector workers from across East Yorkshire have been showing the Government they're dissatisfaction with changes to their pensions.

Protest rallies have taken place around the country, with members from 3 larger unions angry over the Coalition's move.

Humberside Police took over 200 officers to London for the protest.

Work could begin on developing Siemen's wind turbine factory in Hull as soon as August.

Hull City Council have approved planning permission for the Alexandra Dock development.

The application will now to go the Secretary of State, who has praised the enthusiasm of the local community for the bid.

Councillor Steven Bayes says he'll be looking at the environmental impact of the site, with further talks to be held with the Maritime Agency.

The Government has welcomed Hull City Council's decision to approve planning permission for Siemens.

Secretary of State Edward Davey says he believes the Humber can make a serious contribution to the UK's renewable future.

It means work could start on building their wind turbine factory at Alexandra Dock in the Autumn.

ABP Port Director Matt Jukes says the job possibilities locally are huge, with great potential in the supply chain.

The arrival of wind turbine manufacture in Hull has taken a step closer.

Hull City Council unanimously approved planning applications from Siemens, which would turn Alexandra Dock into a factory for wind turbines.

It'll now need final approval from the Siemens board and the Secretary of State.

Dan McGrail from Siemens is hopeful they'll be able to start work before the end of the year, with a view to having the factory operational by the summer of 2014.

Single parents in East Yorkshire are owed £32.5m in child maintenance arrears.

That's according to the Child Support Agency.

Work and Pensions minister Maria Miller says they are now taking action against those who refuse to pay.

We should find out today whether planning permission has been approved for Siemen's wind turbine factory in Hull.

The arrival of the green energy industry has been cited as key to turning around the local economy and boosting employment.

Sam Pick from the Renewables Network says today could be the first step towards becoming a green energy hub.

The upgrade to the Castle street stretch of the A63 has moved a step closer.

Funding for the groundwork has been announced by the Government, which means the scheme is more likely to get the go ahead in the next spending review in 2015.

Hull East MP Karl Turner says the money will be used to put the right groundwork in place on things like consultation work and planning schemes.

A Hull scrap metal merchant is hoping to stop a ban on cash payments in the trade becoming law.

The Government believes by forcing scrap dealers to pay by cheque, it'll cut down on metal theft.

Scrap merchant Steven Robertson believes a 10% tax on all payments, would generate more money in the fight against metal theft.

He's meeting with the Home Office this week to put forward his alternative plan, that he thinks could generate £30-40m.

8th May 2012

The League Managers Association, (LMA), has today issued the following statement on behalf of Nick Barmby.

"I am obviously hugely disappointed to have been dismissed. I maintain that my sacking was entirely without justification. In everything I have done for the Club I have always acted in the best interests of Hull City. I was told today that I had 7 days within which to submit an appeal against my dismissal, and yet the Club has now made an official statement, on behalf of the Board, stating publicly the alleged reasons for my dismissal, and indicating that the search for a new manager will begin immediately. I nevertheless intend to appeal. As the matter is subject to an appeal, and, if necessary legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this stage, despite the fact that the Club has seen fit to go public with its version of events” said Barmby.

"I would like to pay tribute to the supporters, players and staff of Hull City Football Club for the huge support they have given me throughout my time at the club, and if my appeal should not be successful I would like to wish the club all the best for the future”.

Following recent speculation in the media Hull City can now confirm that following a brief period of suspension Nick Barmby has today been dismissed from his role as First Team Manager of the Club with immediate effect.

The reason for the dismissal relates to certain comments made by Nick in recent interviews.  The comments concerned were wholly misleading and implied that the Board had not made funds available to Nick to strengthen the First Team squad during the January transfer window.  Such is not only completely untrue, the comments made by Nick contradicted the Board’s publicly stated position that funds would be made available to Nick during the January transfer window.  As stated in previous interviews, the Board accepted every transfer request from Nick and in fact actively encouraged him to strengthen the squad should he feel it was necessary. 

The Board consider the comments made by Nick unjustifiably cast public doubt on the honesty and integrity of the Board and its members.  The relationship between the Team Manager and the Board is of prime importance to the success of any Football Club.  In making the comments Nick made, he completely undermined the trust and confidence that needs to exist between the Team Manager and the Board.

The Club sincerely hopes that its fans will recognise that the decision to dismiss Nick was not taken lightly.  The decision was taken following meetings with Nick where he had every opportunity to state his case and make representations.  The Club feels that it has treated Nick entirely fairly and in the same way that it would have treated any other employee in the same situation. 

Having been prepared to give Nick his first opportunity in football management, and for it to end like this, has been a particular disappointment to the Board.

Notwithstanding the circumstances of this "parting of the ways” the Board wish Nick every success in his future career and thank him for the service he has provided to the Club since his return to his home town in 2004.

The Club can confirm that the search for a new manager will begin immediately.

Ehab Allam
Vice Chairman

Leading architects are warning the plan to charge VAT on listed building alterations will have a huge impact on churches.

With parish finances already stretched, it would mean finding an extra twenty percent to make improvements.

Andrew Wiles is an inspecting architect for East Yorkshire. He's says the proposals are already having an impact, because usually they put 10 applications in a year, but so far this year there aren't any.

More research is needed into the effects of offshore wind farms, that's the message from an East Yorkshire fishermen's group.

The Holderness Coast Fishing Industry Group is concerned that wind turbines could upset the balance of the seabed.

Several large scale wind farms are planned off our coastline, and Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the Group, says laying oil and gas pipelines can be monitored as a precedent.

He wants to ensure renewable power doesn't bring too high an environmental price.

East Cowick residents have met with a road safety officer, councillors and local MP Andrew Percy, to discuss road safety in the village.

It follows an accident last month which saw three people killed and two seriously injured on the A614.

Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy says there are plans for new safety measures on the road.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council are looking at speed monitoring equipment to put on the A614.

A former PCSO for Humberside Police has been warned to expect a "significant" sentence after admitting child sex offences.

Gary Hastings from Hull pleaded guilty at York Crown Court to seven counts of sexual activity with two children, but denied causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography.

The 48 year old will be sentenced next month.

That can be mixed with petrol in low quantities to help meet the country's renewable energy targets.

Construction on the plant is now in the final stages with production due to start in the Spring.

Frontier, the company which organises the supply of wheat to the plant, believe it'll bring benefits to East Yorkshire farmers, with around one fifth of all wheat produced locally being sent to the Saltend site.

Arts organisations have been given almost £50,000 by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

They've divided the grants between projects such as the Musicport Festival in Bridlington and the Pocklington Arts Centre.

The local authority is one of only a few across the country who haven't pulled funding for the arts in order to cut costs.

Sales of small motorbikes in East Yorkshire are up by 50% compared to this time last year.

The figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association suggest a move to beat high fuel prices.

Tim Wade is the Director of local bike store Miles Kingsport.

He's not surprised by the research, he believes many parents look at a small bike as an alternative to a first car for teenagers.

The NHS Trust, which runs Bridlington Hospital, will be abolished from the beginning of July.

From then, the hospital will officially be under the care of the York NHS Foundation.

The merger has already brought nearly £1m worth of improvements to facilities at Bridlington Hospital.

Julia Bugg from the East Riding Involvement Network believes public opinion has turned positive, because the services have proved to be good enough.

Hull has been chosen to trial a pilot scheme which tackles alcohol related crime.

It'll mean Humberside Police will have new powers to deal with those who've broken the law whilst being drunk, which aim to rehabilitate rather than punish.

The offenses include being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage and public order.

Inspector Barry Longstaff says Hull's strong record in this area was part of the reason for being chosen, and the schemes success will determine whether it's rolled out across the country.