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There will be thousands of cold homes this winter as poverty bites in the UK | UK | News UK News

The average unaffordable cost in households considered “fuel poor” rose from £233 in 2020 to £338 in 2022 – a 45% increase – despite the energy cap, lower wholesale gas and electricity prices and improved energy efficiency, analysis found.

As many as 38,476 homes will be left cold.

The West Midlands has 5,150 households which cannot afford the energy bills and the area’s fuel poverty rate is 18.5%.

There are 5,122 North West households struggling to afford heat and light, with a similar fuel poverty rate – while the North East has the highest fuel poverty rate of 19% and 5,008 households unable to afford enough energy.

The average fuel poverty gap is measured by measuring the cut in fuel costs needed for a household to avoid fuel poverty.

In 2022, there were some 3.2 million households in fuel poverty, up by 13% on 2021. The analysis examined fuel poverty ratings, energy efficiency plus gas and electric ratings regionally to determine which households are hit hardest when it comes to bills.

Johanna Lueders, founder of heating firm Snugel which did the research, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact.

“Many people are struggling to heat their homes leading to an increase in the number of Warm Banks, with more people requiring warm public spaces they can visit when they are unable to afford heating costs.”

Launched by a coalition of charities, the Warm Welcome campaign helps churches, community groups, firms and councils set up the sites – for people who lack properly heated homes. More than 4,200 organisations are registered with the campaign and the figure is growing daily.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-13 22:01:00

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Girl finds 1,000-year-old ‘5p coin’ in school field in incredibly lucky find | UK | News UK News

A school girl has found a nearly 1,000-year-old coin from the time of William the Conqueror.

Year 9 pupil Vilte, from Winstanley School in Leicester, spotted the coin in the school field when she initially thought it was a 5p coin.

However, closer inspection revealed that the coin was much older and it was taken to an expert at Leicestershire County Council for analysis.

It was there that they found the coin came from the time of William the Conqueror and was likely dropped by a worker on the Fosse Way.

The school’s Samantha Curtis said: “Vilte spotted what she thought was a five pence piece amongst the grass. When she picked it up it was much lighter and the markings were unfamiliar.

“She took the coin to her tutor, Mike Greenwood, who did some research and found that the coin was a penny from the time of William the Conqueror, minted around 1068-1070.

“We believe that the coin was disturbed by some construction work which had been carried out, and was probably unearthed with some of the mud.

“Vilte found the coin in amongst the grass which makes finding it even more remarkable. We have spoken to various agencies for advice.”

LeicestershireLive reported that Ms Curtis added: “Richard Clark, team manager for heritage at Leicestershire County Council, said that the coin would have been a considerable loss for whoever had dropped it, probably from a pocket or coin purse and that for a farm labourer or worker at the time it would have been of high value.

“At the time when the coin was in circulation the school site would have been agricultural land or forest not far from the ancient settlement of Braunstone.

“Our location is close to the Fosse Way, a popular route for people travelling from Leicester to other locations.”

Following Vilte’s discovery, it is not clear what will happen the coin, but there is hope it may find a permanent home.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-13 14:52:00

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Loch Ness monster hunter believes he’s solved mystery of elusive beast | UK | News UK News

A Loch Ness monster hunter believes he has finally cracked the mystery that surrounds the beast which has been baffling experts for decades.

Nessie hunter Steve Feltham, 60, has been studying the creature since childhood and now believes the monster is in fact a large catfish.

He believes the sightings could be of the giant wels species, which were imported by aristocrats in the 19th century for sport fishing and are the largest freshwater fish in Europe.

He says they definitely fit the bill as they can grow up to 10ft long, weigh more than 31st and they live for up to 100 years.

Mr Feltham told Saga magazine: “They fit the description.

“If introduced in Victorian times, they would have been coming to maturity in the 1930s.

“The population would now be dwindling, which explains fewer sightings.”

Steve became mesmerised by the legend of Nessie as a child while holidaying in the Scottish Highlands.

He added: “A large part of what I do here is disproving pictures.

“But then there’s that five per cent. When that happens — and I can’t explain an image — we push it into the public domain.”

The first photograph of Nessie was taken 90 years ago, though there have been alleged sightings of the beast since the 7th century.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-13 07:58:00

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The ordinary English town most Americans will think is 3,000 miles out of place | UK | News UK News

A tiny little English town shares its name with a much more famous American counterpart – but came centuries before its newer namesake.

Boston is a city in Massachusetts, USA, famous for films like Good Will Hunting, the Boondock Saints and Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, and of course, its residents’ trademark accents.

But, what most people won’t know is that its British equivalent came some centuries before the US even earned its independence.

The little Lincolnshire town isn’t quite as famous but has just as many reasons to be loved.

Boston, Lincs, is also one of 35 Bostons that currently exist around the world.

The first mention of Boston’s Midlands settlement was made in the 15th century, in 1460.

The town was “Botulfeston”, and given an alias of “Boston”, thought to be a contraction of “Saint Botolph’s town”.

Boston has spent its existence in association with Botolph of Thorney, otherwise known as Saint Botolph, an English abbot and patron saint of boundaries, trade and travel.

St Botolph’s Church is the town’s pride and joy and dominates the local skyline while serving as England’s largest parish church.

Modern Boston owes its popularity to its abundance of country parks, nature reserves and other green spaces, and it sits on the English east coast.

The lush farmland gives the town a reputation for produce, specifically vegetables and meat, with the Boston sausage owing its name to the locality.

Boston’s marketplace is one of the largest in England and pulls in hundreds of patrons a week.

The community has proven highly inspirational over the years, with Lincolnshire’s Boston being one of dozens around the world.

Over the centuries, 35 different communities have adopted the name Boston.

Of those 35, 16 are in the US, located in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia

The remaining 19 are in South Africa, Uzbekistan, Ireland, Costa Rica and Colombia, which have two Bostons each, with the following nations each possessing one:

  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • The Philippines
  • Peru
  • Jamaica
  • Italy
  • Cuba
  • Bolivia

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-12 22:59:00

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Indi Gregory has life support treatment withdrawn | UK | News UK News

Specialists have withdrawn life-support treatment for eight-month-old Indi Gregory who has been at the centre of a legal battle.

Baby Indi was being treated for mitochondrial disease, which prevents cells in the body from producing energy.

The baby girl has now been moved from the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham to a hospice, according to Christian Concern, a group who have been supporting her parents.

This move comes after the Derbyshire family’s appeal to take their daughter home was rejected.

Indi’s parents, Dean Gregory and Claire Staniforth, from Ilkeston, wanted specialists to keep treating their daughter but the couple lost fights in both the High Court and Court of Appeal, as reported by Sky News.

The High Court judge, Mr Justice Peel, ruled limiting treatment would be lawful, and doing so would be in Indi’s best interests.

Her parents failed to persuade Court of Appeal judges and judges at the European Court of Human Rights, to overturn the decision.

The parents also wanted to transfer the baby to a hospital in Rome, but a court decided it would not be in their daughter’s best interest either.

Mr Justice Peel concluded that “extubation and palliative care at the family home” would be “all but impossible”.

On the journey from the hospital in Nottinghamshire to the hospice, the baby is said to have been relaxed and slept during the ride and her father has been quoted saying his daughter is “fighting hard”. 

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “Dean and Claire are by the side of their precious daughter Indi, keeping watch over her. We ask for your prayers for them”.

The Vatican Press Office also released a statement: “Pope Francis embraces the family of little Indi Gregory, her father, and her mother; prays for them and for her, and turns his thoughts to all the children around the world at this very hour are living in pain or risk their lives because of illness or war.”

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-12 17:02:00

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The pretty islands 7,500 miles away with volcanoes that actually belong to Britain | UK | News UK News

Britain’s empire may be a relic of history, but its overseas territories sit as the last official vestige of a colonial past. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is one such example of the UK having jurisdiction over land outside of mainland Britain. But why did Britain claim these ancient volcanic islands and why does it still control them?

The answer to the first question goes back to 1775 when the UK claimed sovereignty over South Georgia after James Cook circumnavigated the island. However the South Sandwich Islands weren’t claimed until 1908 when a letters patent was sent out establishing British rule over the islands.

However, less than two decades later, Britain’s claim to the South Atlantic territories was threatened by an emboldened Argentina.

In 1927, the South American state claimed South Georgia and then in 1938 the South Sandwich Islands.

In the years that followed, Argentina made several attempts to secure the islands and even had a military outpost there from 1976 to 1982. However during Britain’s victory in the Falklands conflict, the outpost was shut down and the islands returned to British rule.

The territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands were formalised into one territory in 1985, having previously been part of the Falklands Islands Dependencies. Today, they’re uninhabited.

Despite being turfed out from the islands in the 1980s and losing the Falklands War decisively, Argentina still lays claim to the islands as part of the Tierra del Fuego province.

As well as contested histories, the islands have fascinating geological features. South Georgia is blessed with eleven peaks and steep glaciers, the largest of which is Fortuna Glacier. The South Sandwich Islands meanwhile comprises eleven separate volcanic islands.

Unsurprisingly, the islands aren’t exactly sun-soaked. In fact, average temperatures are so low they make mainland UK appear positively tropical.

South Georgia’s Bird Island, for example, has an average low of -5.4C in August.

Fortunately, at more than 7,500 miles away from the south coast of England, Brits don’t need to travel far to avoid the islands’ frost.

For those willing to brave the conditions and visits the islands, travellers can board cruises, albeit at a steep cost.

Prices start at more than £12,000 for a cruise stopping by at the overseas territory in 2024.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-12 07:00:00

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Dad flies easyJet plane himself to Spain to avoid cancelled flight | UK | News UK News

A cancelled flight can put a dampener on a family vacation, but for one family, the holiday was saved by the dad flying the plane himself.

Manchester man, Michael Bradley, had learned just hours prior that his flight to Alicante, which he had booked with his wife and child via budget airline, easyJet, had been severely delayed.

According to passengers on board the flight to Spain, the pilot had gone “missing”.

Astonished passengers travelling to Alicante listened as Michael Bradley took to the tannoy to offer his services for the flight to Alicante in September 2019.

Before reaching the airport, the qualified easyJet pilot “deliberately” took his licence and ID along with him.

Taking to the tannoy, Mr Bradley said: “My wife who’s on row 15 with my little boy – hopefully he’s asleep by now, I should keep it down or else I’ll get told off.”

He added: “She rolled over and punched me in the back of the head and said ‘our flight’s delayed by two hours because they are minus one captain for the flight’

“So, just before we went through security I thought, I wonder if this is worth a phone call, I think it is because I’d like to go on holiday.”

After a call to easyJet, suggesting he was standing “ready to go” if they needed him, the airline phoned Mr Bradley promptly back in “thirty-eight seconds” asking him to fly the plane.

The passenger turned pilot joked that the passengers might not like his informal attire, but his announcement received an applause and cheers from passengers who were happy their flight had not been cancelled.

Manchester Evening News reported that Michelle, another passenger on the flight, was surprised when a member of staff at the airport explained a man who was expected to also be a passenger, was instead, flying the aircraft.

She said: “I was a bit nervous when I was first told, but once he told us on the plane I was just relieved that we weren’t going to be delayed.”

As reported by MEN outlet, a spokesman for easyJet said the flight’s delay was “due to the knock-on effects of the French ATC failure on Sunday” which impacted on crew and meant they had to rely on standbys at the time.

He said: “We are grateful to one of our pilots who was travelling on holiday from Manchester to Alicante on 2 September [2019] with his family and volunteered to operate the flight.”

“This is fully in line with regulations as he had his licence and ID with him. Safety is always our highest priority.”

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-11 22:23:00

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Wilko worker lost job and is being chased for 15 work parking fines | UK | News UK News

An ex-Wilko worker says she’s being made “physically sick” with stress as a parking company chases her for 15 work parking fines. 

Sandie Hickman, who worked for Wilko for 16 years, is being pursued despite there being an agreement in place for Wilko workers to park in the car park run by Vehicle Control Services (VCS).

And now the company has folded Sandie, 57, has been left alone in her battle with the company which is mercilessly chasing her, reports YorkshireLive.

Sandy, who worked at the Selby branch in North Yorkshire, said: “We’d always parked in that car park just fine before, there was an agreement with VCS and Wilko, we were allowed to stay longer than the maximum time so we could do our shifts.

“I’d never had a problem before but I changed my car in February 2022 and gave the new details to my managers like I was supposed to.

“They were meant to give the details to VCS so they could know that we were staff parking there.

“I got the first fine on April 4, it was obviously a shock when it came through but I didn’t know what was going to happen.” 

Between April and June 2022, Sandie was issued with a further 14 fines for parking at her workplace, despite having followed the rules from Wilko.

In February this year Sandie was told VCS was taking her to court. Wilko stepped in and paid off the two fines that were being pursued.

In July Sandie received another final demand on the third fine and on September 4, she received a letter warning of court action.

But in August 2023, Wilko entered administration with the final stores closing on October 8, 2023.

Sandie said: “I’d worked there for 16 years overall and then just like that, I’d lost my job and I still had this hanging over me.

“I had the union and HR helping me but when the job went so did all that support.

“I still have 12 fines that I know are out there somewhere, they’re waiting to send to me.

“It makes me feel sick, every time the letters come through or I have to make a phone call about it, I get so agitated.

“It’s made me physically ill, I’m on medication anyway and the stress of the last few months has just made everything worse.

“I just don’t know where to turn, where to go next, how to make it go away.” 

Sandie turned to her local MP Keir Mather whose office said he was yet to be able to speak to VCS directly about the matter.

Sandie added: “I just want them to see sense, to have some compassion and think about how this is affecting me.” 

A representative from VCS told YorkshireLive: “The Abbey Walk Retail Park Car Park has a maximum stay period of 2 hours which is monitored by ANPR cameras.

“An agreement exists with our client to exempt certain car park users from the maximum stay, on the condition that the vehicle registration mark is provided in line with an agreed process.

“In this instance, no such exemption request was made.

“We are satisfied the Parking Charges were correctly issued and will communicate with Sandie Hickman directly to attempt to resolve matters.” 

Express.co.uk has approached VCS for comment.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-11 17:04:00

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The tiny Italian city that’s dubbed ‘Gulf of Poets’ and beloved by Virginia Woolf | UK | News UK News

Italian fisherman’s hamlet Lerici in Italy may be home to just 10,000 people but it’s steeped in history after being made famous by the regular visits of esteemed poets and writers.

In 1822, Lord Byron swam the bay to see Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who later drowned there aged 29.

After D H Lawrence’s stay in Lerici he wrote of “a large, flat, massive blue sea and strange sails far away, with a profound brightness of pearl…all sparkling with pink on the beach … it is so beautiful that it makes almost bad.”

In May 1933, English writer Virginia Woolf visited and was inspired and fascinated by the beauty of the area.

It’s not hard to see the appeal of the city that sits on the Gulf of La Spezia (Gulf of Poets) and Forbes predict that Lerici will be the Italian Riveria’s next hot spot. Property prices have been high for 30 years.

As soon as you arrive you are greeted by the silhouette of two castles that act as jewels on the skyline. 

A huge medieval castle overlooks the ancient Jewish quarter below while the smaller castle of Lerici sits at the other end of San Terenzo, the adjacent hamlet.

There’s a footpath that runs for 3km between the two fortresses. 

Venture inland and discover narrow streets that lead to the piazza which is lined with shops and restaurants. There’s also a pretty harbour where you can take a boat to Portovenere, Palmaria, the Five Lands and Portofino. 

Mussels and oysters are specialties in Lerici which can be teamed with olives, focaccia and pasta.

While this is undoubtedly a place to visit for rustic charm and peace, the surrounding hills lend themselves to hiking and trekking and you can also get involved in a wide range of sea sports.

The beaches are sublime and there are plenty to choose from; from sandy expanses to private coves, seven of Lerici’s beaches have Bandiera Blu ratings.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-11 10:00:00

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Best Christmas markets to visit in the UK for ‘a magical experience’ | Travel News | Travel UK News

The sleigh bells are jingling in the distance, a faint whiff of warm mince pies is filling the air, and carolers are warming up their vocal chords which can only mean one thing – Christmas is around the corner.

You don’t have to get on a plane to experience an authentic Christmas market, as some of the finest in the world are located here in the UK.

From Bath to Glasgow, Cardiff to Edinburgh, these are the best UK Christmas markets to visit.

Bath Christmas Market (November 23 – December 10)

With over 200 stallholders, charities and community groups, Bath Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas Markets in the UK and it is easy to see why.

Now in its 21st year, the market is set in a spectacular location with an easy-to-follow layout featuring vendors selling an array of festive treats. 

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (November 2 – December 24)

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market holds the title of being the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria.

Save on the costs of flights and head to Birmingham this Christmas to experience traditional goods and gifts, as well as classic German food and drink.

Cardiff Christmas Market (November 9 – December 23)

Nearing its 30th year, the Cardiff Christmas market is highly regarded for its original and handmade gifts on offer for visitors, craft demonstrations and a varied mix of 70 new and returning exhibitors.

Chester Christmas Market (November 17 – December 21)

Located in the heart of Chester, this festive market promises “a handmade, historical, magical experience” for all visitors. The 70 market stalls surround the city’s iconic sparkling tree.

Edinburgh Christmas Market (November 17 – January 6)

Edinburgh’s Christmas market is fun for all of the family and is set in the beautiful historic city centre. Meet Santa, explore the craft stalls or ride the Ferris wheel – there’s something for everyone. The Festival of Kindness offers an opportunity for visitors to donate food and gifts to vulnerable or homeless families and individuals.

Glasgow Christmas Markets (St Enoch Square: November 9 – December 22, George Square: November 25 – January 7)

The Christmas Market at St Enoch Square, Glasgow, will feature a beautiful Christmas village complete with a German windmill, beer halls and over 50 seasonal chalets serving delicious authentic food.

Nearby, in George Square, is the iconic Christmas Ferris wheel ‘Big Wheel’, as well as a traditional carousel, family entertainment and a delightful ice rink – this fantastic set-up arguably makes Edinburgh the capital of UK Christmas Markets.

Manchester Christmas Markets (November 10 – December 21)

With over 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are some of the most impressive in the country. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the festivities are a hit with locals and visitors alike. An ice skating rink, dazzling Christmas lights and a heartwarming parade make this particular market a must-visit.

Rochester Christmas Market (November 25 – December 10)

Set over three consecutive weekends and featuring a brand-new Children’s Christmas Village for 2023, Rochester Christmas Market is a perfect family day out.

Taking place in the spectacular Rochester Castle gardens, it’s an ideal market to wander around and hunt for the perfect Christmas gift or stocking filler.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (November 17 – December 21)

Inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a stunning and authentic Christmas experience. The scent of mulled wine and cinnamon in the air is enough to get even the most miserly of visitors in the festive spirit.

York Christmas Market (November 16 – December 22)

This enchanting market is home to more than 75 alpine chalets offering an array of locally crafted and artisan gifts. Atmospheric lights and cheerful carolers make the York Christmas Market a must-visit.

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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2023-11-11 02:00:00