Exchange Square, Manchester Christmas Market

Two popular Christmas markets in the UK have been rebranded as “Winter Markets” to avoid causing offence—a decision that has sparked heated debate and left many questioning the nation’s values and identity. The move, reportedly made to create a more inclusive atmosphere, has drawn both praise and criticism. However, forContinue Reading

Officers have been out in force across the UK to disrupt rogue employers who hire migrants illegally and exploit vulnerable people, and to address the promise of illegal jobs that are used by criminal smuggling gangs to sell spaces in small boats crossing the Channel. Particular focus has been onContinue Reading

A special Letters to Heaven post box has been installed at the Stockton-on-Tees Crematorium to allow grieving relatives to send letters to loved ones who are no longer with us. Bereaved family and friends can post cards, letters and other messages into the white and gold memorial post box, andContinue Reading

Birds flying high

Latest situation Take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe. 23 December 2024 Following the report of suspicion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry at a premises near Hingham, South Norfolk, Norfolk (AIV SOSContinue Reading

A former professional footballer has been banned from being a company director for eight years.   Kieron Minto-St.Aimie claimed a £25,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan for the St Aimie’s Sports Academy Community Interest Company in Brent, when it was entitled to much less.  Elizabeth Pigney, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:Continue Reading

A FORMER patient who suffered a life-threatening stroke has praised a hospital team for saving her life. Jillian Ryan, 62, is back to running her home business after suffering from a severe stroke earlier this year. In September 2023, Jill woke up in her home in Thirsk with a denseContinue Reading

A specialist team setup to assist our takedown of serious and organised crime has now passed the milestone of 500 years in jail sentences. Operation Venetic was launched in 2020 with our officers working alongside international law enforcement agencies to clampdown on organised criminal networks by infiltrating the encrypted messagingContinue Reading

The first of 10 potentially life-saving bleed kits has been installed in a city, as part of an initiative by a murdered teenager’s parents. Connor Brown died in a knife attack in Sunderland in 2019, and his parents Tanya and Simon Brown set up a trust in his name. ThisContinue Reading

Local musicians have joined forces to raise more than £50,000 for a charity tackling child poverty in Sunderland. A large concert – involving more than 10 bands – was held at the Fire Station earlier this month. Organisers said £51,955 had been raised – more than any other single charityContinue Reading

A landlord has been forced to pay more than £25,000 for failing to get licences for six of his homes. Kamran Adil’s properties in Blackhall Colliery, near Peterlee in County Durham, had problems including electrical hazards and structural concerns. Durham County Council uses selective licences to regulate landlords and ensureContinue Reading