Bye-bye to old by-laws

Plans to make it easier for English local authorities to abolish outdated by-laws and create new ones are to be outlined by the government.

It will mean councils being able to sweep away bizarre regulations, such as rules on carpet-beating in Blackpool or frying fish in Gloucester, without first needing Whitehall approval.

Instead, town halls will simply have to consult residents.

David Sillito reports.