Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

The flying ant invasion this year will come sooner than usual, with the peak expected between July 22 and 25. Brits are advised to shut their doors and windows to keep unwanted insects out09:47, 02 Jul 2025Updated 10:49, 02 Jul 2025Lots of flying ants and other bugs have been swarming across the UK(Image: jopstock via Getty Images)Homeowners are advised to close all openings as the UK is hit by swarms of flying ants, which have been reported in their millions. According to experts, residents should keep their windows and doors shut during peak hours to prevent an infestation.They said: “What…

Pups rely on their mother’s milk to grow and Ms Kennett said it was “really important that we keep the mum and the pup together”.She said it was “really key that people stay at least 50m away from a lone pup” and avoid scaring them back into the water, and that concerned members of the public should call rescuers instead.”We have sadly come across some bizarre situations where people think it’s safe to touch a seal, which is obviously endangering the animal,” she said.”It’s also endangering themselves. It’s very dangerous to get near a wild animal of any kind.” Read…

It is based at Unit 1, George Baylis Court, George Baylis Road, Berry Hill Industrial Estate, Droitwich Spa. How long has the business been running? The company has been operating for over 40 years. It is a family-run business with three generations of expertise in roofing and building services. What does the business do/make/sell? Droitwich Roofing & Building Specialists Ltd provides expert roofing and building services across Worcestershire and surrounding areas. Their offerings include roof installations, repairs and maintenance for flat, slate and tiled roofs. They also undertake small building projects, property renovations and work on listed buildings using traditional…

A sushi restaurant faces objections to its application for a late licence – to open until 3am daily – after being found trading after its legally permitted hours. The Sushi Co, at 65 Western Road, Brighton, which is part of a wider national chain, has applied for a late-night refreshment licence. This would allow the business to sell hot food and drink after 11pm. Currently, the business has a drinks licence until 11pm but said that it had no plans to extend alcohol sales later into the night. Alcohol is served only to customers with a meal. Changes to Brighton…

Mace boss Mark Reynolds is among a range of construction and built environment figures to be awarded gongs in the King’s New Year’s Honours list. The group executive chair of the contractor, who is also co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, was recognised with a CBE for his services to business and the construction industry. Other built environment figures awarded the same honour included Catherine Francis, director of new towns, infrastructure and housing delivery at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, for public service. Andrew McNaughton, executive director for infrastructure projects at AWE and a former advisor on…

Trade association Logistics UK has appointed James Mills as its new head of trade policy to support members on trade and customs issues. Mills brings 20 years of experience to the business group, having worked at senior levels across national and regional organisations. He previously held senior leadership roles at Transport for the North and the Labour Party, having led strategic economic policy development and stakeholder engagement across major programmes with industry and government partners. In his new role as head of trade policy, Mills will be responsible for ensuring members are well placed to anticipate and manage change related…

Handyman chases thief Contributed A handyman stopped a Grinch in his tracks in Kelowna. The man, who works for Woodex Construction, was outside a home in the 200 block of Nickel Road on Dec. 30, when he spotted someone running off with a package that had been left outside someone’s door. He chased down the suspect and retrieved the package. The suspect then followed him back and threw stones at him. A neighbour across the street captured the encounter on his security camera. The package thief can be heard in the footage telling the handyman he was “gonna get shot.”…

This charge is claimed to be around £30 a year on gas billsAnyone with a gas boiler warned over new green levy to help switch to heat pump(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)UK households with gas boilers have been warned over a new green levy to help make the switch to heat pumps.This idea, which would subsidise the cost of heat pumps for homeowners, is reportedly on the cards for Ed Miliband and his £15 billion Warm Homes Plan.This charge is claimed to be around £30 a year on gas bills, according to the Daily Express.READ MORE: Rachel Reeves confirms Universal Credit claimants…

White kitchens are considered timeless, elegant, and versatile by many. They make spaces appear larger, fit almost any home style, and provide a perfect canvas for individual accents. However, they sometimes have a reputation for appearing cold or monotonous. With the right design ideas, this can easily be avoided. myHOMEBOOK editor Mareike Schmidt shares some tips to ensure a white kitchen doesn’t look boring.Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now1. Texture Instead of Smooth SurfacesIn a white kitchen, the surface can determine whether the space feels lively or dull. Smooth, continuous white surfaces can quickly appear cold–targeted textures, on the other hand,…

Blackburn town centre visitors may have noticed the scaffolding surrounding every inch of the Victoria building which has gone up recently. The scaffolding has been painstakingly put in place by workers as the building undergoes a £25m makeover set to take three years. A section of Blakey Moor has been closed off to traffic for that period as works take place. The scaffolding includes several levels and structures which envelope one of the oldest buildings in the town. At sections and corners the scaffolding has been carefully put into place surrounding even the smallest crevice. It’s one of the most…