Issue 1180

24 Apr 2017
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About this issue: Overview

Judge Dredd, the Watchmen and Batman – few comic artists have as illustrious a roll call as John Higgins. With a book out and a major exhibition in his home city, Higgins tells us why he hopes the next generation of comic artists will emerge from the streets of Liverpool.

To Sheffield, where 78-year-old John Burkhill has notched up thousands of miles in races and walks – with his pram – on a mission to raise a million pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Christian Lisseman found out just how popular Burkhill is when he joined him on a walk round the city.

The urgent need for new houses has led many local authorities to propose building on the green belt and the threat to the countryside is set to be an issue in the coming mayoral elections. Is the green belt a national treasure or are its benefits overstated? Roger Ratcliffe reports.

Our arts and entertainment section covers everything from the release of the new Kendrick Lamar album to a  preview of Northern Broadsides’ new production of Richard III – the same play the Halifax theatre company produced when it started out 25 years ago.

On the news pages, find out about the Roma woman who is doing so much to build bridges between her community and the people of Liverpool, as well as a worrying delay in the publication of two major studies asking whether there is a link between child mortality and the presence of waste incinerators.

Comedian Julian Barratt writes a letter to his younger self, columnist Ali Schofield believes it’s time to get on the front foot about her vegetarianism, there’s our crossword and Sudoku – and the chance to win some great Big Issue North merchandise.

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