Quick Thinking Saves Life

A young man from Haute Vienne became a hero the other week. Proud mother Isabelle Gignon from La Croisille sur Briance explained how her 13 year old Anthony played a major role in saving the life of 17 year old stable hand Willy. Willy was working at the Gignon family stables using a flame thrower to clear weeds. Anthony was in the kitchen getting a glass of water when he heard screaming from the area where Willy was working and rushed to the scene. With an incredible presence of mind and remaining completely calm Anthony stripped his friend and placed him into a cold shower. The emergency services were quickly on the scene and airlifted Willy to hospital where he is currently being treated for 2nd degree burns. The emergency services praised Anthony's quick thinking and confirmed that without his actions Willy may well have died.

City v Country Life

Over the last six years Brits have been buying country properties throughout the Limousin in increasing numbers. We love the open spaces, quaint villages and clean air. However a report this week shows that more and more of us are now looking to buy properties in the region's cities in particular Limoges. An estate agent in Limoges confirms that more families are looking for urban properties, finding it much easier to access facilities and integrate with the French community. People who live in some of the more remote areas of the region's countryside often see no-one for days at a time and this does not suit everyone.

Growth Forecast for Region

The Limousin appears to be going from strength to strength according to figures released this week. The Limousin office for statistics have projected a 12% growth in the city of Limoges by 2030. The figures are based on historical data and would mean a 30,000 rise in the city's urban population. Published in the same week are the region's latest unemployment statistics. The figures are promising with 2006 showing a reduction in unemployment to 6.9%.

Battle of the Gypsies

The travellers camp at Bouquet in Brive was the scene of a drive-by shooting on one Monday in August. A car pulled up at the entrance to the sight and fired several gun shots. Two male residents at the camp were injured and taken to Brive hospital. There were no witnesses to the incident as all residents were unable to provide police with any details of the car, not even the colour. It is believed the incident was the latest in an ongoing dispute between two rival gypsy gangs.

Homeless Problem Ends in Tragedy

Anyone who has visited Place de la Republique in Limoges cannot fail to have noticed the large gangs of homeless people who base themselves there. Most days a group gather outside the Monoprix department store whilst drinking alcohol. Residents of the square and business owners have complained repeatedly to the authorities that the situation was becoming out of control. On Wednesday of this week an exchange between one resident and one of the group resulted in tragedy as the exchange became heated and the resident collapsed and died after suffering a major heart attack. Police explained that it is difficult for them to take action before a crime is committed as under French law all citizens have the right of freedom to come and go as they please. The death this week has been classed as natural causes but residents are demanding that the incident such be classed as murder. Protests have been held in the square and protesters promise to keep up the campaign until action is taken.

Fun New Boats on Vassiviere

A new funky style of boat can be hired on the beautiful Lac Vassiviere. The small round multi coloured vessels are a common site in the Spanish holiday resorts but are still very rare here in France. Jean-Michel Scandalon is the proprietor of this new business helped by his wife and 2 daughters. The family originally from Paris have lived in the Creuse for the past 5 years and believe the boats will enhance the areas leisure facilities. The boats are available at Presqu'ile de Broussas. For more information call 06 63 39 29 54

New Hotel for Limoges

A new 3*, 134 room hotel is being built on the banks of the Vienne in the city of Limoges. The hotel is to be situated on the right bank of the river between the Pont de la Revolution and Pont St Martial. Work is expected to be completed in time for summer 2008.

Garden Centres Galore!

The construction of a giant new garden centre has started in the sector Moulin Martinet of Limoges. The 9000 square metre centre has been designed by architect Charles Breton and is due to open its doors in March 2008. The store will be the fourth of its kind in the city with Gamm Vert, Jardiland and Delbard already trading in the city.

Bad Weather Takes Toll

Campsites across the region are already reporting a huge drop in occupancy rates. Sites would normally be at capacity in July but tourists failed to arrive as the unseasonably cold weather prevailed for much of the month with one day reaching a measly 15 degrees. Site owners reported that tourists who had braved the chilly weather (notably Dutch and British guests) had spent their time visiting sites such as Oradour sur Glane or indoor attractions such as Limoges Aquarium.

Routine stop catches thieves

Police carrying out routine vehicle checks got lucky this week. Police stopped the Renault 21 and asked to see inside the boot. An amazing haul of drugs and stolen goods was revealed including 21 cartons of cigarettes stolen from a Tabac in Nontron, Dordogne last week. Five men, aged between 20-36 are to appear in court.

Not very high speed chase

Police found a man driving his voiturette on the main A20 motorway this week. Voiturettes are those small vehicles that it is possible to drive without obtaining a driving licence. You will have seen them on the regions roads acting as slow moving mobile chicanes for all other road users. The 67 year old driver turned out to be a homeless man who was living in his car!!!! The man was heading for Paris when he was intercepted by the motor patrol who incidentally did not need to use their high speed Subaru for this chase.

Arsonists in Ambusson

Three separate fires were started in the Creuse town of Aubusson on Tuesday evening of last week. In launching his enquiry Herve Poirot from Gueret noted that the consequences of these acts could have been far more serious. One of the fires, which was started in the lift shaft of a residential property on rue Alfred Assollant caused toxic fumes to spread throughout the apartments in the buildings. The Mairie of Aubusson was unavailable for comment as he is currently on holiday, but his assistant expressed his dismay at acts which he states are unprecedented in the town.