6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on When Reeves hikes our taxes to fund spending splurge we won’t be thanking her – it’s a high-stakes bid take on Farage
ALMOST in every breath today Rachel Reeves spoke of making “Labour choices”.
But that is not the cuddly, Tory-lite Labour that we were promised before the election.
AFPChancellor Rachel Reeves presenting her Spending Review on Wednesday[/caption]
AFPRachel Reeves seen in the House of Commons, discussing her Spending Review[/caption]
Her massive spree means she can point to shiny news infrastructure projects and talk the language of “renewal”.
But she is now running the economy at its uppermost limits after failing to get any serious grip on welfare and our spiralling debt.
It is a high-stakes gambit designed to win over working class voters that Labour is bleeding to Reform – who the Chancellor noticeably devoted time to attacking today.
Many of those flocking to Nigel Farage do so out of growing despair that – in his words – “Britain is broken”.
It is why she made big plays on ploughing money into defence, the NHS and ending migrant hotels.
But they won’t thank the Chancellor if it means putting their taxes up even more in the Autumn…
It hasn’t been an easy 11 months for Ms Reeves – in fact, it has been brutal.
Her short Chancellorship has been blighted by the winter fuel debacle, fury over tax hikes, angry farmers and rows over welfare spending.
A YouGov survey today found just 12 per cent of voters think she is doing a good job.
Ms Reeves will hope today marks the point those paltry popularity numbers start to rise.
Or it could be the moment where things start to get even worse.
GettyThe Chancellor devoted time to attacking Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party[/caption]
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Our town is a vile dust bowl making us ILL after months of relentless roadworks forced us to sell up
LOCALS in a market town are furious as roadworks continue to cause chaos nearly ten years on from when the work first started.
The work on a residential development in Stafford began in 2016 after plans were submitted for 475 new homes.
Roland LeonLocals living next to roadworks that have been ongoing for years have told of their frustration[/caption]
Roland LeonChristine Taylor, 74, lives opposite the construction site and says the works have caused swarms of blue bottle flies to come into her home[/caption]
Roland LeonMany locals have to put up with the noise from the works[/caption]
While the houses have since been completed, the project is still far from finished as road improvement plans remain underway.
These plans include a new dual-carriageway, re-configuring a roundabout and installing several new sets of traffic lights.
However, beyond the works causing regular congestion on the A513, they have also left residents outraged.
One angry local, Jade, said: “It is just vile with all the dust and dirt.
“Now they have started work on the roundabout just by our place and there is digging, banging, and lorries reversing all through the night.”
Jade went on to explain that she is a mother of four and her son has autism so is struggling with the noise.
She added: “My little boy has autism and won’t sleep because of the noise.
“Everyone is fed up with the temporary lights and there being no safe spaces for kids to cross an A-road.
“It is also making me ill.”
Houses in this development cost a premium of up to £500,000, which only resulted in the properties being featured on an episode of Rip off Britain.
Teacher and mum-of-six, Rachel Kennedy moved to the development in October 2020.
After experiencing flooding both in her garden and also in the nearby playground, she has described the roadworks as an “added pain.”
She explained that her mile long route to school now takes up to 30 minutes.
Rachel said: “I have walked it but with four children under seven it is difficult.”
She also described the roundabout built at the top of her road as “unnecessary.”
Stafford Borough Council announced the works in February 2023, saying they would last 12 months.
Anton and his wife Tash, both 32, share similar frustrations to their neighbours.
The pair, who own an electrical business, said: “Everything about the estate is a pain.”
Anton added: “This was supposed to be a cul-de-sac but earlier this year they had to open it up as it was the only access point to the estate and we couldn’t get onto our drive because of the queuing cars.
Roland LeonStafford Road works and grid lock have gone on for years[/caption]
Roland LeonTeacher and mum-of-six, Rachel Kennedy moved to the development in October 2020[/caption]
Roland LeonThe cluster of homes have been surrounded by noise and dust for years[/caption]
“People were driving into the cones in frustration.”
In reference to the amount of dust the roadworks have caused, he added: “The only people happy around here are the window cleaners.”
Another fed-up local, Paula, 28, said: “We moved in four years ago and no-one told us there would be a building site opposite with great piles of rubble.
“We will wash our cars and overnight they collect dust.”
Paula, who works as a technical trainer, was promised green space upon moving to the development, however is still yet to see an end to the road works.
She said: “I understand the road works are necessary and will make things better but the finish date has been moved three times already.”
Mother of four and salon owner, Bailey Wilkin, explained that it has now reached a point where some of her neighbours are trying to sell up.
She said: “People are selling up but with all these works going on the houses are devalued.”
Another mum, Sophie, 28, added: “The school runs are really bad.
“They take forever and I am late for work all the time.
“There are so many temporary traffic lights and lots of people suffering road rage.
“It’s really unsafe.”
A resident from Parkside estate on the other side of the A513, Christine Taylor, 74, said: “My house could not be closer to the roundabout and they are working nights with diggers going all the time.
“It sets my dogs off barking all the time and now we are getting swarms of blue bottle flies.
“It must be something they’ve triggered.
“I filled out a form years ago for compensation but I’m quite sure nothing will come of it.”
Reportedly, the works include dualling of the A513 Beaconside, the creation of a new signalised junction on the north side of the A513 and the signalisation of Newbold Drive.
A Staffordshire County Council spokesperson said: “As a new administration, we are well aware that the ongoing works at Beaconside being carried out by Taylor Wimpey as part of its Marston Grange development are causing considerable disruption.
“As this scheme is wholly developer-led the county council has minimal influence or control on the works or their progress.
“However we will maintain regular contact with Taylor Wimpey and continue to press them to conclude as quickly as possible.
“All updates on the scheme are provided by Taylor Wimpey.”
A Taylor Wimpey representative added: “We understand the frustrations of the local community whilst we carry out the programme of works for the highway improvement project.
“Whilst these improvements are aimed at reducing journey times, easing congestion and improving safety for residents and road users, we acknowledge that there have been some unexpected delays which have impacted the local community.
“We recognise the need for clearer communication, and would like to apologise for any inconvenience or confusion caused.
“We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, and we are working closely with stakeholders to ensure all works are completed by the end of November.”
Roland LeonPaula, 28, has to wash her car frequently due to the heavy dust[/caption]
Roland LeonAnton and his wife Tash, both 32, share similar frustrations to their neighbours[/caption]
Roland LeonPictured is part of the construction site by the roadworks[/caption]
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Brooklyn Beckham locked in trademark war with Becks just weeks after family feud is laid bare
BROOKYLN Beckham has another row brewing with a Becks — but this time it’s not his famous father.
The eldest son of David and Victoria wants to expand his hot sauce brand so applied to trademark “Becks Buns” in the US.
GettyBrooklyn Beckham (pictured with wife Nicola Peltz) is facing a trademark battle over the name of his hot sauce[/caption]
instagramBrooklyn is currently locked in a feud with his famous family[/caption]
GettyBrooklyn snubbed his dad’s 50th birthday celebrations[/caption]
But the company that makes Beck’s beer is set to challenge it.
A source said: “It’s one thing after another for Brooklyn.
“First his row with his dad blows up — and now he’s got another Beck’s looking like it’s going to become a bit of a headache.”
Brooklyn applied in January to use the name “Becks Buns” within his Buster Hot Sauce Inc company.
However, the beer’s German parent firm Brauerei Beck & Co has opposed it and been granted an extension until next month to file documents.
The company is part of alcohol giant AB InBev, which produces one in four lagers sold worldwide, including Stella Artois and Budweiser as well as Beck’s.
Brooklyn launched his first hot sauce, Cloud 23, last year and said: “It’s been a passion project of mine for the last 2½ years, something I’ve literally put everything into. I’ve never worked so hard on anything in my life.”
Those close to Brooklyn — who is married to US actress Nicola Peltz, 30 — insist he made a private attempt to meet his dad ahead of his 50th.
But that was vehemently denied by sources close to the former England captain.
It was also claimed Nicola, who has been accused of “controlling” her husband, had hired a PR guru.
Those close to her believe she is being “unfairly blamed” for the issues.
KICK? NO HE'LL EDIT
FOOTIE icon David Beckham is to guest edit Country Life mag in October.
Editor-in-chief Mark Hedges said: “David told me he reads every issue from cover to cover.”
David, who lives in a £12million manor in Oxfordshire, said: “I am really looking forward to working with the team to produce an issue that will celebrate the countryside.”
Mr Hedges said the October edition will feature David’s “favourite view and his best-loved recipe”.
AlamyBrauerei Beck & Co, who make Beck’s beer, are set to challenge the trademark[/caption]
GettyDavid Beckham is set to guest edit Country Life mag in October[/caption]
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme –Sun Club.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Gang of ‘feral’ teen girls who scale roofs & lob BRICKS through windows make our life miserable – but no one will help
A GANG of roof-hopping teen girls have been labelled “feral” by disgruntled locals who said their lives have become a nightmare.
A group of between six and eight school-age teens, mostly girls, have been accused of banging on windows, kicking doors and running through gardens.
Devon Live/BPMA group of roof-hopping teenagers are plaguing Whipton in Exeter[/caption]
Devon Live/BPMLocals say the noise and reckless behaviour is making their lives hell[/caption]
Residents in Whipton, Exeter, say the troublesome girls even throw slate and bricks, creating “horrendous” noise.
The fire service, local councillor and even the city’s MP have all got involved.
Locals fear the teens are as much in danger of harming themselves as they are other people.
The landlord of the Star Inn, Mike Crisp, fears somebody could get hurt.
He said: “They climb on roofs and throw slates and bricks. The noise can be horrendous.
“Police have taken them away in handcuffs, firemen have been needed to get them off the roofs. But still they return. Some residents are talking about taking the law into their own hands.
“That is not a good idea, but if the strong arm of the law can’t stop them, what do we do?”
He said the problems started about six weeks ago when two girls were spotted climbing on the roof of the pharmacy.
“It’s gradually got worse and now more people are involved,” he said.
The final straw came on Sunday when a group started throwing bricks at his wife, Sharon.
“I know a few people have complained to the councillor about it and I’m told a meeting is arranged with the police inspector.
“The MP is also going to talk to police.”
Mike thinks the youths are aged between 13 and 15.
Most are girls but one lad threw the brick at Sharon. They were still causing trouble in the early hours of Monday morning when police were called again.
“One of my neighbours is terrified by them climbing through their garden at night,” Mike said.
“Shopkeepers have told me their doors are being kicked by youths trying to get into the shops.
“I’m worried that kids are going to get hurt if they get caught by the shopkeepers or a householder where they’ve caused damage and there could be trouble.
“I’m not blaming the police but they don’t seem to be able to stop it.”
Ward councillor Liz Pole said she was due to meet the police inspector on Wednesday and the concerns would be top of the agenda.
“We’ve been talking to a lot of residents this week who have experienced problems first hand with young people.
“There is a lot of sentiment in the area and concerns young people are being egged on and taking risks.
“We are just encouraging people to report incidents of anti-social behaviour and trespass and any intelligence to police.
“I’m aware of a few incidents involving young people taking risks with their behaviour. I don’t think it’s escalated into thefts but they are using ladders and climbing onto roofs.
“The main concern is for young people and to make sure they’re safe.
“The message needs to get to them that they are taking risks that are potentially harmful to them.”
Exeter MP Steve Race said: “Residents in Whipton have been in touch to let me know about a concerning spate of anti-social behaviour.
“I know how worrying and disruptive this can be and I have contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for an update on the steps they will be taking to address this issue.”
The Sun has contacted the police force for comment.
Google MapsResidents in Whipton, Exeter, are being driven up the wall by teens[/caption]
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Funding blowout as Bunbury Regional Hospital budget put on life support
An extra $20 million will be needed to deliver the final transformation of the Bunbury Regional Hospital, with budget blowouts taking the total cost of the project to more than $471m.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Dutch princess hospitalised after horse riding fall
Crown Princess Amalia of the Netherlands is recovering after undergoing surgery for a broken arm sustained in a fall from a horse, the royal household says.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Weinstein convicted of one sex crime in retrial
Ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of one sex crime charge and acquitted of another, with jurors unable to reach a verdict on a third charge.
