For bookworms and classic movie buffs, the notion of a London park will forever conjure up images of Mary Poppins with the Banks children in tow.

PLANNING permission for the development of the ill-fated Millennium Dome and the land around it has finally been given, it was announced yesterday.

Troubled British telecoms operator Cable & Wireless endured a turbulent session today after announcing 1,500 job cuts and the suspension of dividend payouts.

A consortium which plans to turn the Millennium Dome into a 20,000-seater sports and music venue was today given the chance to make the so far ill-fated venture a success.