As a mark of the new year we have made some small, but significant, changes to the journal, which I hope will be well-received by all our readers. We have replaced the "Diary" section with a dedicated Institute page and "Speaking for the CIEH" has been updated with the "Institute view", where throughout the year Graham Jukes will share news on the Institute's lobbying and policy development activities. A new section has also been introduced where we can take a monthly look at an important issue facing EHOs nationally. We start with a report on failings in health and safety in local authority enforced sectors.

Also in need of change is the out-of-date legislation that relates to the sale of "exotic" pets. Nick Warburton looks into allegations from animal welfare groups that a failure by local authorities to interpret and enforce the law consistently is leading to high profile cases of neglect.

Monitoring noise at the country's most famous public entertainment event - Glastonbury Festival - used to be an onerous task for Mendip DC. Curtis Lakin and Stuart Brown demonstrate how changing the equipment in use can lead to more efficient and effective noise control.

When disaster struck at a small hamlet in Herefordshire, in the form of a chemical emergency, the council had to spring into action. Marc Willimont describes the case and offers some practical advice on emergency procedures, community involvement and remediation.

Don Boon talks about some of the life-changing moments in his 30-year public health career, whilst Annabel Caine discusses how her drive to raise health and safety standards in the UK body piercing industry is leading her to the United States for solutions.

Tracey Khanna, Editor