SENIOR Tories rallied around Annabel Goldie, the Scottish Conservative party leader, on Sunday after Brian Monteith, who left the party, claimed members were ready to oust her. Sir Tom Farmer donated £100,000 to the SNP but said the money did not indicate that he supported the party.

Cancel parking area allotment: PJR

HYDERABAD: Khairatabad Congress MLA P. Janardhana Reddy has appealed to Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to cancel the additional parking area allotment made to Prasads Imax theatre on the Necklace road. In a representation to the Chief Minister, Mr. Reddy said the House Committee constituted in August 2004 to look into various irregularities related to Imax construction recommended probe by an independent investigating agency into the lapses and action against those responsible. The Special Committee appointed by the Supreme Court, too, had objected to the construction of Imax theatre on `shikam' land and recommended its closure, he said. Mr. Reddy demanded cancellation of allotment of parking area and sought action against those responsible for issuing the order. The House Committee looked into irregularities relating to construction of the theatre, including construction of complex without permission, inauguration of the theatre prior to granting of licence, failure to obtain NOC from the Fire Services Department, deficiency in parking place, exemptions granted in respect of stamp duty and registration fee, rates of admissions and seating capacity and loss sustained by the State exchequer due to non-payment of tax and property tax, he said.

Manager to oversee juvenile home construction budget

A construction manager will be hired by Kalamazoo County to oversee construction of a $28.5 million juvenile home approved by voters in August.

Gilmer said he wants the manager in place in November, before a contract is awarded to an architectural and engineering firm.

Construction GURUS

Most owners choose the floor plan, finishes and fixtures that go into their custom-built homes. Juan Guevara made those choices and more. He selected each interior and exterior component and confirmed every detail in building his $1 million home in Delaware County. He also hand-picked the roofer, framer, excavator, drywall installer and a host of other subcontractors. Guevara made the decision to be his own general contractor, a choice more homeowners are making in projects big and small. He said his decision to manage the project has saved him a significant amount of money and given him more control over the project. "We went to many custom builders and found that, with the money we would save, we could have more house. I expect to save about $200,000," he said. "With a builder, you dont have as much control." Guevara, the owner of a flooringinstallation company, now has a second full-time job making sure the subcontractors show up when they are needed and that they follow the detailed plans drawn by an architect.

Quarry opposition mounts

MONMOUTH - It will be January before area residents know whether or not they will have a new rock quarry in their rural neighborhood.Cessford Construction has spent weeks trying to obtain approval to develop and operate a rock quarry near Monmouth, east of U.S. 67 and south of 225th Avenue.On Wednesday officials with Cessford Construction appeared before the Warren County Zoning Board of Appeals to request an extension in order to discuss the proposed limestone quarry at a future meeting. Since the courtroom at the Warren County Courthouse was packed with concerned residents, the board granted the extension request."We want to take the time to get as many answers as we can for the people who have questions," said zoning board chair Ron Moore.This is not the first time the board has delayed a decision on the proposed rock quarry.