Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Adur and Worthing Councils have launched a new tree planting and maintenance policy to guide the long-term care and expansion of their urban forest, with a focus on boosting biodiversity and improving urban areas. The policy will prioritise protecting the area’s existing tree stock and accelerating planting, particularly in urban areas which offer great benefits for wildlife and local communities. Councillor Andy Harvey, Adur’s cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said: “This new policy marks a major step forward in our commitment to bringing more nature into our towns and neighbourhoods. “Trees are a vital part of our landscape…

Homeowners from all over the UK who are thinking of renovating their bathroom are increasingly visiting bathroom showrooms in Harrogate in order to get advice, gain understanding, and find inspiration from new ideas. As a result of their high quality, innovative displays, and expert guidance, these showrooms have become the go-to places for anyone wanting to upgrade or redesign their space. What they have to offer in terms of creativity and usefulness is something that cannot be equalled by simply browsing online. In fact, before making any important decisions regarding materials or the layout, many visitors want to see bathroom…

Bridget Philipson has insisted more women need to get into bricklaying and trades. Picture: Getty More girls need to become bricklayers and tradespeople, the Education Secretary has told LBC. Bridget Philipson insisted that the government and industry need to do more to “support young women into construction”.On a visit to a technical college in Derby, she met with apprentices who were crying out for more support to get females into their fields.And it was important to see “fantastic role models” in the form of girls in trades – particularly in industries that would usually be male-dominated.Many of them face practical…

Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet agreed to close Westdene and Hollingbury libraries, and reduce opening hours at the flagship Jubilee Library and Carnegie Library in Hove. Deputy leader councillor Jacob Taylor said the council is doing all it can to protect the city’s library service while facing a challenging financial situation. Libraries Protest Still 1 Hove Town Hall 11 Dec 25 – Ollie Leader De Saxe, Local Democracy Reporting Service Councillor Taylor said: “With a heavy heart, I do think we should proceed with these proposals, and in particular on Westdene, we are making a formal decision, but it…

The House of Lords has delivered its verdict on the early performance of the Building Safety Regulator, and it has not pulled its punches.In a report titled The Building Safety Regulator: Building a better regulator, peers describe a system beset by “unacceptable” delays, with applications routinely taking far longer than the 12-week statutory timeframe.It says that decision time have stretched to 43 weeks nationally and 48 weeks in London, figures that have translated directly into stalled projects, frozen housing starts and mounting commercial pressure across the industry.Baroness Taylor of Bolton, chair of the committee, says the delays have caused widespread…

The annual two-day event – taking place on 26 February 25 and 26 at the J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands – is expected to draw around 1,800 visitors and 150 exhibitors, making it one of the most significant hospitality showcases in Cumbria and the north of England. It’s now been revealed that the free-to-attend show will welcome Bay School of Hospitality, The English Lakes Culinary Academy, Kendal College and The Rogan Academy, who will host live cooking demonstrations, tasters and discussions on industry training needs. Students and tutors will showcase their culinary talents and expert advice for businesses seeking to…

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USA handyman in Washington who previously pleaded guilty to molesting his own daughter has now allegedly killed an elderly woman and tried to hide her body in concrete beneath a shed, according to police.Police arrested Jeffrey Zizz on suspicion of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains relating to the death of Marcia Norman, 82, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Norman was…

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the worldSign up to our free Morning Headlines emailSign up to our free Morning Headlines emailHeating engineers across Britain are being encouraged to install government-funded heat pumps in their own homes, as part of a new push to accelerate the rollout of clean heating technology.The “start at home” initiative, spearheaded by research and innovation firm Nesta, offers engineers a fully funded heat pump and comprehensive training on its installation. This programme aims to equip professionals with practical experience before they fit the technology for customers.A pilot scheme conducted…

Homeowners are instead gravitating towards shades that feel cosyWarmer whites will take over in 2026(Image: The Kitchen Restoration Company )After years of cool greys and stark whites dominating kitchen interiors, 2026 is set to see a softer, more nurturing palette take over our Pinterest boards. Kitchen experts.The Kitchen Restoration Company predicts that homeowners will be drawn to shades inspired by nature.According to the experts, kitchens in 2026 will be restorative and comforting as people seek calm, grounding spaces at the heart of the home. Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer – a soft, gentle white, perfectly captures the mood.After…

Under the proposals a 1.5 storey outbuilding in High Road, Hapton, consisting of a workshop, garage and office space for Ben Willis Landscaping will be built.   The application, submitted to Broadland District Council, states: “The existing site comprises a detached bungalow with outbuildings including an office, workshop and store which serve an existing landscaping business. The location plan for the new site in Hapton (Image: Building Plans) “This business is family-run and operates as an ancillary use to the dwelling, with the site located outside of the defined development boundary for Hapton.” READ MORE: Look inside this city church that has been converted into…