Sunday trading pilot will 'revitalise' Belfast city centre, councillor says

The proposed pilot to extend Sunday trading hours for larger shops in Belfast has garnered mixed reactions from locals and tourists alike. Alliance councillor Michael Long believes that allowing shops to open from 10:00 on Sundays could rejuvenate the city, which currently sees a lack of activity in the morning. The Belfast City Council recently… Continue reading Sunday trading pilot will 'revitalise' Belfast city centre, councillor says

A40 £60m upgrade welcomed but more new roads needed, haulier says

After years of congestion, a £60m upgrade to a key road in south-west Wales has finally brought some relief, according to haulage company director Scott Davies. The improvements on the A40 near Narberth, Pembrokeshire, were aimed at easing traffic flow and enhancing road safety. Construction on the road had commenced four years ago, but the… Continue reading A40 £60m upgrade welcomed but more new roads needed, haulier says

Two Gazan girls first to arrive in UK for medical treatment

In a humanitarian effort, two Palestinian girls with urgent health conditions have been brought to the UK for specialized medical treatment, marking the first such case since the eruption of conflict between Hamas and Israel in October 2023. Ghena, aged five, and Rama, aged 12, were transported to the UK from Egypt over the weekend… Continue reading Two Gazan girls first to arrive in UK for medical treatment

NHS Lothian staff given apology for 'toxic' workplace culture

Andrew Picken and Lisa Summers reported from BBC Scotland News that NHS Lothian has issued an apology to maternity care staff following the discovery of a toxic workplace environment within its women’s services. An independent review was initiated by the health board after a whistleblowing report exposed staff shortages and workplace dynamics that endangered patient… Continue reading NHS Lothian staff given apology for 'toxic' workplace culture

Oxford Street candy shop raided after tourist charged £900

Police in central London made a shocking discovery after tourists reported being overcharged for sweets at a shop on Oxford Street. The visitors were guided back to the store by officers to secure a refund, leading to a subsequent raid on the premises a few days later. Westminster City Council announced that they had confiscated… Continue reading Oxford Street candy shop raided after tourist charged £900

Vets may face caps on charges for prescriptions and cremations

A shake-up in the UK’s veterinary sector may be on the horizon, with British vets potentially facing price caps on medicines, prescriptions, and other services such as cremations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been delving into the industry to investigate whether a lack of competition has been driving prices upwards. Research from the… Continue reading Vets may face caps on charges for prescriptions and cremations

Special schools: Mum's plea for son's school to keep 'life-saving' nurse

Robbie Meredith, BBC News NI education and arts correspondent, reported that a mother with a 13-year-old son who has a severe heart condition is advocating for nurses to remain in special schools. The mother emphasized that having a nurse at school is crucial and life-saving for her son, Colin. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is… Continue reading Special schools: Mum's plea for son's school to keep 'life-saving' nurse

Cardiff University strikes called off as job cuts paused

Bethan Lewis, BBC Wales’ Education and family correspondent, reported that planned strike action at Cardiff University has been halted following an assurance that there will be no mandatory job losses for the current year. A deal was agreed upon by University and College Union (UCU) members after a special meeting between the unions and university… Continue reading Cardiff University strikes called off as job cuts paused

Harrods latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack

Luxury department store Harrods has revealed that it has been the victim of a cyber attack, joining a growing list of retailers facing similar incidents. The company has taken action by restricting internet access at its various locations in response to the attempted breach of its systems. Despite this setback, Harrods has stated that its… Continue reading Harrods latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack