Economy

Recycling bookings suspended as bin strike goes on

by Kristen
written by Kristen

A Birmingham recycling centre's booking system has been suspended as talks over the all-out bin strike continue in the dispute's ninth week.

Negotiations are taking place between Unite union bosses and the city council, which has said more than 43,000 tonnes of waste have now been cleared up.

The removal of bookings at the Castle Bromwich site is "a trial to allow more flexibility for residents", the council says.

The online booking facility for the centre, off Tameside Drive, will be removed for a month from Monday, enabling residents to just turn up, Birmingham Live reported.

The council said talks were ongoing, although they were not currently involving conciliation service Acas.

In a statement, it said: "We are working hard to reach a settlement to end the ongoing dispute."

It also stated it was "continuing on with the contingency plan that has so far cleared up 43,484 tonnes since the start of April".

Industrial action has seen uncollected waste stack up in the city with bin bags heaped up several feet high on some streets at times, amid complaints of rats, foxes and seagulls tearing open the plastic.

Bin workers walked out in an all-out strike on 11 March, after several weeks of on and off action.

The city council later declared a "major incident" over the dispute, enabling it to draw on further financial resources to enlist more bin lorries to tackle the waste problem on the streets.

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Innovation

Tributes paid to 'kind and remarkable' councillor

by Christian
written by Christian

Tributes have been paid to a "kind, witty and hardworking" councillor who has died at the age of 77 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Elaine MacTiernan was first elected in 2011, becoming "pivotal" in securing funding and campaigning against controversial schemes.

Colleagues have said they remember her as the "embodiment of dedication and compassion", and described her death as a "tremendous loss".

The authority's chief executive Alistair Cunningham said: "Her absence leaves a void that will be keenly felt. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us."

Cllr Cunningham said the whole authority was deeply saddened by Ms MacTiernan's death, whom he defined as a "remarkable individual".

"She was a trusted figure among her constituents and officers, always approachable and dependable," he continued.

"Her vast life experience enriched her work, enabling her to serve with wisdom and integrity."

Northway Parish Council
Colleagues described Elaine MacTiernan as a "trusted figure"

Borough council leader Richard Stanley agreed, adding Ms MacTiernan was a "huge personality and incredible councillor".

"She is a tremendous loss to Northway and to Tewkesbury Borough. Elaine was kind, witty and had professionalism and integrity by the bucket loads.

"Those of us who were fortunate enough to have served alongside her will miss her deeply."

Getty Images
Following the 2007 floods in Gloucestershire (pictured), significant efforts were made to enhance flood defences and improve emergency response capabilities

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms MacTiernan joined Northway Parish Council in 2011 after setting up the Northway Area Homeowners Association – later known as Northway Community Volunteers.

She campaigned for local flood alleviation works following the 2007 floods, and managed to resurrect the Northway Youth Club in 2009 after it had been inoperative for five years previously.

Ms MacTiernan secured funding towards the local Luncheon Club and creation of the BMX track on Northway Playing Field.

She also strongly opposed proposals for the 'Bridge to Nowhere' near the M5, and was keenly involved in provision of the new skate park in Northway.

A council spokesperson added: "If Elaine had a view she was never afraid to put it forward, even if she stood alone. She wanted to make change from within."

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Economy

Police driver denies causing death of mum-of-three

by Ivy
written by Ivy

A police driver who crashed into a mother-of-three's car while chasing a suspected stolen vehicle has appeared in court accused of causing her death by dangerous driving.

Mark Burrows, 45, an officer with Greater Manchester Police, was excused from standing in the dock at Chester Crown Court as two charges were put to him.

Mr Burrows, from Reddish, Stockport, pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Heather Smedley, 53, by dangerous driving and not guilty to a second charge of causing her death by careless driving.

The defendant, who spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas, was given unconditional bail until a trial date set for 27 April 2026.

Mr Burrows was at the wheel of an unmarked police car pursuing an Audi A3 that was suspected to have been stolen when the police car crashed into a Peugeot 108 driven by Ms Smedley.

She died at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 10:00 GMT on 23 December 2022 on Oldham Road and Otmoor Way in Oldham.

After her death, Ms Smedley's family paid tribute to "the most kind, gentle, beautiful soul inside and out".

A further pre-trial hearing will be held on 15 August.

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Business

Crash leaves one person seriously injured

by Caleb
written by Caleb

A person has been seriously injured in a crash on a road in Plymouth, police have said.

Officers were called to Kings Road, in Devonport, at 10:50 BST on Tuesday after they received reports of a collision between a car and a motorbike.

The road has been closed at Stonehouse Bridge and Paradise Road.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident was ongoing.

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Business

Quirky world of Wes Anderson set for London display

by Natalie
written by Natalie

Hundreds of objects from the films of Oscar and Bafta award-winning director Wes Anderson are to go on display in west London in a retrospective of his work.

Known for his quirky and meticulously-created style and pastel-coloured aesthetic, the exhibition at the Design Museum in Kensington will feature more than 600 models, props and costumes from films including the Grand Budapest Hotel and Royal Tenenbaums.

The museum says this is the first time these items have been displayed in Britain.

Co-curator Lucia Savi said every object was "very personal to him – they are not simply props, they are fully formed pieces of art and design that make his inventive worlds come to life".

Thierry Stefanopoulos/La Cinémathèque française
A 3m (10ft) wide model of the Grand Budapest Hotel will be on display
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Industry

'The Pope's death triggered a moment of mourning'

by Stella
written by Stella

Churchgoers and religious figures in Bedford have paid tributes to Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State died at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure.

The Argentine pontiff, whose funeral will take place on Saturday in front of St Peter's Basilica, had appeared at Easter Sunday mass in St Peter's Square the day before.

The Reverend Alexander Ibe, parish priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Philip & St. James Church, in Bedford, said a "moment of mourning" had been triggered.

"Pope Francis was a huge encouragement to me and other priests; he was the head of the church and helped direct our focus to Christ," he said.

"There will be a bit of sadness written on people's faces after losing our dear Pope, and we continue to pray that the good lord will rest his soul in perfect peace."

The Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Bedford, is paying tribute to the late Pope Francis
Church volunteer Kathy Goodwin said the news of the Pope's death had left her in tears

During the period of mourning for Pope Francis, the Diocese of Northampton has instructed all churches and parishes in Bedford to light candles in his memory.

One parishioner who will not forget the impact he had "around the world" was Holy Cross Church volunteer Kathy Goodwin, who "burst into tears" upon hearing of his death.

"He was so loved and respected, and he fought for people who can often be forgotten or marginalised," she told the BBC.

"He touched the hearts of a lot of people, including people with no religion, so it is such a shame.

"My own mother died on Easter Monday, so I felt some connection with the Pope's passing."

Churches and parishes across Bedford have been asked to light candles in honour of Pope Francis
Church secretary Maria Quinlan said Pope Francis's reign as the head of the Roman Catholic Church would never be forgotten

Addressing the significance of the Pope's death happening during a religious holiday, Maria Quinlan, parish secretary at St Philip & James Catholic Church, said it was as if "God had called him at the right time".

"The Pope has done so much for us and I just feel really sad that he had passed away," she said.

"He has tried to modernise the church and he has left an impact and a legacy."

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Tech

Hundreds of farmers to open gates to public

by Xavier
written by Xavier

Hundreds of farmers will open their gates this weekend as part of an event designed to showcase the world of farming to the wider public.

Open Farm Sunday is organised by Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), a charity that promotes more sustainable farming to create a resilient food system for future generations.

As its 19th year approaches, those in the industry say they feel there is a "disconnect between people and food".

Annabel Shackleton, LEAF's Open Farm Sunday manager, said the event was all about "breaking down barriers, challenging outdated perceptions, and showing everyone just how innovative, diverse and forward-looking farming really is".

David Jones, project manager at The Woodlands Farm Trust in Welling, said the open day shows "how farming plays a part in sustainable living".

He said: "There was some recent research about how disconnected young people were with agriculture so I think it's important that they have the opportunity to come out and see for themselves what happens on a day-to-day basis on the farm."

Phil Harrison/BBC
David Jones, project manager at The Woodlands Farm Trust in Welling, believes there is a "disconnect" between people and food

This research, based on a survey of 2,019 respondents, found that just one in five people believe farming is essential to tackling climate change.

There were also some interesting findings among the Gen Z demographic surveyed.

While 90% of those adults agree that farming is relevant to their lives, 37% of this group believe you have to be born into a farming family to work in the industry – a belief that is considered outdated.

Charlie works at Chandler and Dunn farm in Canterbury in Kent, which has been run by his family for over 200 years.

He said: "I have a real enjoyment when the public come on to the farm and connect with nature and embrace the countryside."

He added it was a "real privilege to share farm with local community".

Chandler and Dunn Farm
The jazz apples grown at the family farm won seven awards at national fruit show and have been to Buckingham Palace three times – including once to King Charles III.

Charlie hopes the open day will inspire the next generation of farmers.

He added: "We have a family farm here and are keen to have youngsters who want to learn.

"It's a free day with tractor and trailer rides.

"Any food and drink and profits raised will go to the local charity Scope."

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Global Trade

Fishing vessel returns to home port after 138 years

by Paisley
written by Paisley

The owner of a 138-year-old fishing ship, believed to be the only one left of its kind, is hoping to raise funds to turn it into a research vessel.

The Nordlys has returned to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where it was built, for the first time in more than a century.

William Lund wants to raise £700,000 to convert the vessel into an eco-friendly ship for scientists to use.

"I am a custodian of history here and it is up to me to maintain that and keep this bit of Lowestoft afloat and alive," he said.

Jamie Niblock/BBC
William Lund is the owner of the Nordlys, which has returned to Lowestoft where it was built

The ship – originally called the Jubilee – was built in the coastal town in 1887 at the peak of the fishing industry, and was used as a drifter to catch herring.

By 1910 it had been sold to a new owner in Norway.

Jamie Niblock/BBC
The Nordlys was originally built of oak and was rebuilt using Douglas Fir on her deck

The vessel was most recently used to transport wine and olive oil from southern Europe and was later moored in the Netherlands during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Lund, 25, who is an experienced sailor, helped bring the Nordlys back to Lowestoft on a 27-hour journey across the North Sea.

"She was absolutely flying. She sails better than any other boat I have sailed," he said.

"They have such power and life to them. They feel like living creatures that are meant to be out at sea."

Jamie Niblock/BBC
Mr Lund said the restoration could take up to three years

For the past five years, and the first time in its history, the Nordlys has not been used in a working capacity.

It is moored at The Excelsior Trust, which provides sailing experiences for the local community, and is where Mr Lund's restoration project will take place, with the help of volunteers.

He said the ship was set to be transformed into a sail-powered research vessel, with the help of traditional boat-building skills.

"She will be used for taking scientists out to sea and giving them the opportunity to do research, without needing to burn too much fossil fuels," he added.

Jamie Niblock/BBC
Karol Petryka works at the The Excelsior Trust, where the Nordlys will be restored

Speaking about the ship, Karol Petryka, the general manager of the trust, said: "In the old days, the quality of timber was completely different, and the skill-set of people.

"The majority of the work has been done by hand."

The restoration is estimated to take about three years.

LISTEN: Rare historic ship returns to its Lowestoft roots
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