In five years, all radios in the UK will switch to digital. This development was first announced some time ago, but it seems many people are still unaware of it. In fact, the government has been warned it is in danger of a public backlash when listeners realise what is happening in 2015.

Peers in the House of Lords say the plan to leave behind FM and AM could backfire when between 50 and 100 million analogue radios become largely redundant and around 20 million car radios stop working, unless they are converted.

The Communications Committee's findings suggest there is "public confusion and industry uncertainty" about the switchover, illustrating its point by insisting that many consumers are still buying analogue radios, even though they will soon become museum pieces.

They have warned of a "major public reaction" against the proposal, particularly when people realise that only 1% of all cars can receive digital, even though 20% of all radio listening takes place on the road.

There are serious concerns about how the elderly or members of disadvantaged communities will cope with the change. The report also criticises the decision to close 6 Music and the Asian Network, suggesting it sends out the wrong signal to listeners.

"No-one can be satisfied with the present position. There is an urgent need for clarity which was emphasised by almost all those who gave us evidence. No way forward is entirely painless but at the very least the public deserve to know what is being planned," stated the committee.

Are you looking forward to the 2015 digital switchover?

If your child attend the hospital for the optician recent legislation changes now entitles you to ask for two pairs of glasses on your prescription. If you dont ask you wont get

Got a travel card ??? read on

changes from this THURSDAY.

All concessionary rail journeys have to start and end at a station inside the scheme's boundaries.

From 23 May 2010, a 60p single - or £1 return - concessionary fare is charged for rail journeys of up to 10 miles.

Half the adult standard fare is charged for journeys over 10 miles. Return fares and through ticketing are allowed.

People who are 60 years and over cannot take advantage of the scheme before 09:00 on weekdays.

There is no restriction at weekends or on national public holidays. There is no peak time restriction for people with disabilities.
Subway journeys

From April 1, all single concessionary journeys will cost 60p. Return journeys will be charged at £1.

People who are 60 years and over cannot take advantage of the scheme before 09:00 on weekdays.

There is no restriction at weekends or on national public holidays. There is no peak time restriction for people with disabilities.
Travelling companions

The only public transport for which you still need a Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Card is the ferry. Any existing Strathclyde scheme cards with a ferry entitlement on it should be kept. A Companion Travel Card will also be needed for use on ferries if there is a ferry entitlement named on it.

The Companion Travel Card only shows a photograph of the holder. The companion must be five years old or over and must start and end their journey with the person they are helping.

If you have a Travel Card and want to exchange it for a Companion Travel Card you have to produce evidence that you qualify. You can do this by calling in person at the Travel Card Unit or your local Social Work Office with evidence of your entitlement.

Alternatively, you can post it in with a note of your current card number to: SPT Travel Card Unit, Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW.

A Companion Travel Card will be posted to you within seven to 10 working days.

Hi Westender

We switched to digital radio a few months ago in OZ I still have my normal radio and it sounds better I think we have until 2012 to switch completely. Everyone who has digital says they are wonderful. Alice