GREAT news. The Friarage consultant-led maternity and paediatric unit is to close.

The replacement midwife-led maternity unit and short stay paediatric assessment unit will be better and safer for women and children.

I am reassured that the Secretary of State made the decision based on independent clinical advice from experts whose primary concern was quality of patient care. Every single doctor and all midwives (even the ones who told you last year that it would be a bad idea) are in favour of the changes. Even the county council’s scrutiny of health committee accepted it.Ultimately, the clinical case has been made and a thorough process of engagement and consultation completed.

Anyone else got wet feet? It must be raining.

In other news, there have been half a dozen flies buzzing around our house all week.

The good folk of Finghall must be unable to see the poo pictures on their district council calendars for all the fannia canicularis in their kitchens. But my source in the village it’s all quiet so far.

Too quiet, he reckons, and there is a fear they are massing somewhere near Newton-le-Willows ahead of an invasion when the weather warms up.

“Flies – millions of them. Don’t swat until you can see the whites of their five eyes.”

Staying on the subject of wildlife, the National Trust has launched a £250,000 fundraising appeal to encourage the return of forgotten species to the Dales.

From what I can understand, species needing help to re-establish include twite, ring ouzel, black grouse, wolves, bears, eagles and red squirrels, although I might be wrong about the twite, which is surely a made up creature.

In anticipation of wolves once again prowling the Dales hillside, I have researched what to do in the event of a wolf attack.

Most of the stuff is obvious – don’t make eye contact, back away slowly – but did you know if you are walking with your dog in wolf territory, you should pick up its poo and encourage your pet not to wee as this attracts wolves.

Exactly how you encourage your pet not to relieve itself is not made clear. I think there’s another guide for that.