Author: James Anderson, FRSA, CMgr MCMI

Counter-terror police carried out a series of raids in Brighton and Eastbourne and arrested three men and a woman yesterday (Thursday 4 December). All four remain in police custody – a woman, 27, from Hailsham, and the men, aged 33, 36, and 41, from Eastbourne. Counter Terrorism Policing South East said yesterday: “Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) have arrested four people on suspicion of terrorism offences in Sussex today. “The arrests by specialist officers took place in the Eastbourne and Brighton areas and form part of a planned intelligence-led operation into extreme right-wing terrorism. “Those arrested were…

The former Gavin’s Bakery site in Castlebar is set to be transformed into a housing development. Published: Sat 6 Dec 2025, 2:00 PM Mayo County Council has granted planning permission to MGB Land Holdings Limited for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of 33 houses with access roads, connection to public services and all ancillary site works at Knockthomas, Castlebar. There are four existing buildings on site which will be demolished as part of this development, including a commercial building last used as Gavin’s Bakery and three dwelling houses. There are a total of 21 planning conditions attached…

Across the country, HVACR contractors are struggling to fill open service trucks — and the United Association (UA), which represents more than 390,000 plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR service technicians, knows the solution isn’t coming unless the industry builds it. That’s why UA general president Mark McManus stood before 3,000 industry leaders during the association’s Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a bold target: 30,000 new recruits in one year. That number may sound ambitious, but it reflects a larger reality: The HVACR workforce is shrinking fast. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that 40% of the skilled trades…

The Handyman Scheme is a free service partly funded by East Durham Homes Care Services and Easington Primary Care Trust. Work carried out under the scheme includes repairing carpets, putting up curtain rails, and fitting free smoke alarms. In a survey of 48 people who had work completed under the project, 43 said they thought the service was excellent and everyone said they would use it again. Care Services manager Linda Ogilvie said: “We are delighted with the response of elderly and vulnerable people who have been helped by the Handyman Scheme.” Anna Lynch, director of public health and health…

Rob Gilham, a director at WHG, said the firm would never plan to make a profit from heat supply.”For several years we’ve kept charges far below the true cost by covering a large part of the expense ourselves,” he said.”Customers have been paying around £200 per year on average for heating and hot water, well below expected energy costs for these types of properties.”It was not sustainable to continue subsidising these low rates for a small number of customers.”Mr Gilham said the increase meant customers were now paying the “full and fair” cost of the energy they use.An average user…

A kitchen renovation is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home, but it’s also one of the most financially significant. In 2025, with material prices stabilising after years of volatility and labour demand still running high, many homeowners across the UK are asking the same question: how much does a full kitchen renovation really cost? The short answer is that it depends. The long answer is far more useful — and that’s exactly what this guide is here to explain. From realistic price ranges to the hidden costs most people don’t anticipate, this article gives…

Company Logo The KSA landscaping market sees a rise to USD 2.50 billion, supported by major developments like NEOM and the Red Sea Project. Urbanization in Riyadh and Makkah, coupled with initiatives like the Riyadh Green Initiative, fuel demand. Challenges include water scarcity and skills gap, met with opportunities in climate-responsive landscaping and smart irrigation solutions. Dublin, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Saudi Arabia Landscaping Market Outlook to 2029” has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Landscaping Market is experiencing remarkable growth, valued at USD 2.50 billion, reflecting increased investments in public infrastructure…

The Painter’s Apprentice by Paul Falzon, who works for Cyfle Building Skills and is based in Ceredigion, chronicles his early life, time as an apprentice, and the personal and professional experiences that shaped his career. Mr Falzon wrote the memoir during the 2020 pandemic, reflecting on a life deeply rooted in the trades. He said: “I wanted to capture not just my story, but the broader value of craft, community, and mentorship. “My own experience has taught me how transformative apprenticeship can be, not just for skills, but for confidence and direction.” Mr Falzon currently serves as training manager for…

The last thing you want during the holiday season is for something to go wrong with your heater or plumbing, that is why maintenance is important. Henry Rodriguez with Goettl AC & Plumbing was here with a few holiday home care tips. Take care of your systems this holiday season More guests means more strain on your home systems Simple checks can prevent surprises Quick Tips Change or check your air filter Test guest bathrooms for hot water Look for cold and warm spots in home Keep space clear around your heater Tankless Water Heaters One of the best upgrades…

A search has begun for a firm to build scaffolding for the restoration of HMS Victory, Horatio nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar. The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRM) is looking for a contractor to provide a multi-level tented access and work platform around the 250-year old ship at its dry dock berth in Portsmouth. The £2m job is part of an ongoing £40m restoration programme which has already seen a hi-tech suspension system fitted beneath the ship to prevent its timbers from sagging. The scaffolding will enable the next phase of the restoration, which involves removing and…