Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Durham County Council took legal action against Dale Hudson after waste found near the A167 between Ferryhill and Chilton, contained details of his company, Thomas PlasteringNicole Goodwin City Centre Reporter and Dave Allan16:19, 18 Nov 2025A cardboard box found in a pile of flytipping, which was traced to Dale Hudson(Image: Durham County Council)A plasterer has been slapped with a fine of over £800 after his company’s details were found on rubbish dumped on farmland. Durham County Council took Dale Hudson to court when waste discovered near the A167 between Ferryhill and Chilton was traced back to his firm, Thomas Plastering.Hudson…

It is not a secret that many Ugandan families operate on razor-thin budgets, where every shilling counts. Yet this very mindset creates a dangerous paradox when it comes to plumbing maintenance.  Dripping taps, clogged drains, and failing pipes are not just minor inconveniences, they are draining family budgets and threatening public health.  As water becomes increasingly precious in our changing climate, understanding home plumbing has transformed from a useful skill to an essential survival strategy. What began as a minor inconvenience for Patrick Odoi; a kitchen sink draining slightly slower than usual, spiraled into a full-blown domestic crisis with serious…

A scaffolding tower on a nine-storey block of flats has collapsed across a busy Hove road this afternoon. The structure on Kingsway Court fell across First Avenue, hitting several cars. Fortunately nobody was injured. A spokeswoman for South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said: “We were called by Sussex Police to reports of fallen scaffolding on First Avenue, Hove shortly after 1.30pm today. “Ambulance crews attended but, thankfully, no injuries were reported.” East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is leading the operation to make the scene safe. A spokeswoman said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called at 1.29pm…

The Sussex Six campaign, launched in Rother on September 8, asks hospitality businesses to pledge to stock six additional Sussex-made products over the next year. The aim is to boost local business, support the local community and reduce food miles. Hazel Timpe, Rother District Council’s cabinet member for tourism, said: “The food and drink sector is vitally important in Rother and we are delighted to launch the Sussex Six Campaign here to support our local producers and visitor economy. “We encourage local hospitality and retail businesses to join the campaign by making the pledge to take on just six more…

The plans include four blocks of between four and 30 storeys with 530 flats, 20 per cent of which will be let at “London living rent”, where rent is set at one third of average local income. There will also be a nine-screen cinema, work and retail spaces and restaurants and a gym. In February, councillors on Lewisham’s strategic development committee expressed frustration they could only influence the layout, appearance, scale and landscaping of phase two, with the application already granted outline planning permission in 2009. But councillors approved the changes to the scheme, which includes changing black, navy and burgundy ceramic…

West Sussex County Council’s public health team is offering one-off grants of up to £5,000 for community-based projects aimed at improving adult mental health and reducing suicide risk in the county. Applications are open until the end of Monday, January 12, 2026, and must focus on people aged 18 and over. More information can be found at westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/suicide-prevention-community-grants. Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “By supporting local organisations and communities, we want to continue to reduce stigma, improve health outcomes for our residents, and ultimately save lives. “I encourage eligible groups to apply…

People will find more mould and damp inside their homes as the colder weather sets inHouseholds should keep windows open during these specific hours(Image: Getty Images)UK households are being told to open their windows during these exact hours to prevent mould and damp.As the UK heads into autumn, the cooler, wetter weather brings with it the common problem of condensation, which leads to mould growth and damp.Whilst your instinct may be to shut windows to keep the cold out, a windows expert warns that this could be trapping moisture inside, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould.According to Gov.co.uk, a…

George Carden/BBCThe strike is due to last five daysPatients in south-east England are being told to expect disruption as doctors start a five-day strike.NHS bosses across Kent, Sussex and Surrey say they are struggling to keep as many services going as they have done in recent walkouts.The British Medical Association (BMA) wants a long-term plan to increase the pay of resident doctors, the new name for junior doctors, plus a guarantee of new training places for qualified doctors.Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the strike had been timed to inflict most damage on the NHS and put patients at risk.But the…

Millions of Brits will be using the popular appliance to cook their festive dinner this year, which is seen as a better alternative to the oven by many. As a result, fire concerns have been raised as users admit to a range of festive feast faux pas when using their device.  Consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First has stated that more than four in ten (43%) owners admit to engaging in dangerous practices when using their devices. This 13 modes air fryer makes perfect potatoes – but can it handle Christmas dinner? https://t.co/4MLuyOVhQ1 — Matt Evans (@MTEvans1995) December 18, 2025 Brits reported using baking paper whilst cooking…

The family-run business – which opened its first store in Darlington back in 1997 –  launched its new location at 2 Cleveland Gate Retail Park on Saturday.  Frank’s The Flooring Store remains the largest independent flooring store in the North East, and is instantly recognisable for its decades-old catchphrase “I love carpets me.” It has a network of 31 stores offering up selections of carpets, flooring and artificial grass, with the new location set to “bring greater choice and value to the people of Guisborough.” Wayne Jones director and Dom and Joyce Appleton from Guisborough. (Image: FRANK’S THE FLOORING STORE) Wayne Jones, director and well-known face and voice…