CANAL chiefs are to benefit from a massive spending boost for British Waterways.

The Government has announced a £19.75 million increase in funding for the management of BW's 2,000-mile network. This includes the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The extra money is part of a Government initiative to encourage the development of canals and other routes through regeneration.

Waterways Minister Lord Whitty said: "This new funding demonstrates our commitment to British Waterways' continuing success.

"I especially support their efforts to tackle the substantial maintenance backlog an unfortunate result of decades of under-investment.

RESIDENTS and developers are invited to share their views on the supply of new homes. B&NES has been asked to look again at the scope for developing more new homes over the next 15 years.

It follows Secretary of State John Prescott's direction to increase, by 10,700 to 54,300, the number of new properties to be built in the region by 2011.

The Joint Strategic Planning and Transportation Unit is disappointed at the decision, but is keen for interested parties to share their opinions.

A spokesman said: "We need to look carefully at a wide range of possible sites for new homes, including developed and vacant land, car parks, commercial buildings including flats above shops, and the subdivision of existing houses.

"We hope that anyone who is aware of opportunities for new housing in the towns and cities will pass their suggestions to their local council planning department."

A BOBBY Van has been officially launched by HRH The Princess Royal. The vehicle will operate across the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.

Elderly and vulnerable victims of burglary and other crime will be visited by the van and offered practical and free help when it is most needed.

New locks, bolts, chains, door viewers and even smoke alarms will be professionally installed at their homes free of charge.

Co-ordinator PC Andy Boulton said: "We have been using a temporary hire van ahead of the official launch and the feedback we've already had has been very positive.

"Victims of burglary have told us that we have changed their lives by reducing their fear of crime.

"I am confident the Bobby Van will be of enormous benefit to the communities in which it will work."

PINK parties have been held to raise money for The Cancer Research Campaign.

Breast cancer research nurse Ruth Illingworth helped to launch Friday's fundraiser at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

'Get in The Pink' will see people showing their support for patients and researchers by wearing pink lapel ribbons throughout October.

On Friday, families, friends and colleagues held pink parties where they ate pink food, such as salmon and blancmange, and in some cases even drank pink champagne.

Throughout the month the local charity shop at Northumberland Place, Bath, will be offering pink lapel ribbons for a suggested donation of £1.