
Kent County Council pledges to keep all council tips open
He had been questioned by Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Prater if the centres were safe during a meeting of the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee.Mr Wimble said: "Will there still be the same number in five years time? To the best of my ability to answer that, subject to an act of God, I'm of the opinion that, yes, we are keeping them all open."The household waste recycling centres are in Faversham, Tovil, Deal, Richborough, Dartford and Swanley.The council previously said it hoped it could save £1.5m through the closures, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.The announcement that there were no planned closures was welcomed by opposition parties.The issue was raised as councillors agreed to extend contracts to two companies which run the sites and dispose of household waste until 2030, costing £14m a year.
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The Independent
3 minutes ago
- The Independent
False online rumours spark protests outside Canary Wharf hotel earmarked for migrants
Protesters surrounded an empty hotel in London's finance district after false rumours online suggested it was being used for migrants from another hotel, where riots have broken out. The Home Office has earmarked more than 400 beds at the Britannia Hotel in the Canary Wharf, which it says it will use to house migrants at a cost of £81 per night per person. Protesters gathered at the site on Tuesday after social media posts claimed migrants were being moved there from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which has been the scene of violent protests over the past few days. So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with that disorder, which was sparked when an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault this month. Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist, is among those who claimed online that migrants were being transferred to the London hotel from Epping. The rumours sparked protests and counter-protests, with police drafted to the scene on Tuesday, despite the hotel currently sitting empty. Demonstrators had also seized on online claims that migrants were being housed at £400 a night, when the rooms infact cost £81 per night and the government will not be charged until migrants move in. 'Asylum seekers are not being removed from The Bell Hotel in Epping,' a Home Office spokesman said. Reform MP Lee Anderson was accused of further stoking division by attending the protest outside the Canary Wharf hotel and warning of 'an influx of illegal migrants'. 'What are we playing at?' he asked on social media. He posted a clip in which he said he is 'absolutely furious' and that families across the UK would not be able to afford a night's stay in the hotel. Care4Calais head of advocacy Charlotte Khan hit out at Mr Anderson for his video. She said: 'The truth is, MPs should be more responsible than to sow division and hatred in our communities.' She added: 'MPs... who spread misinformation and hate that dehumanises refugees should be held accountable for their role in encouraging violence and racism on our streets.' Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, hit out at the demonstrations which he said had 'morphed into yet more racist violence'. 'In that context, it's clear how disgracefully dangerous and utterly irresponsible it is for an MP to use his platform to identify a site where people are about to be housed and encourage his followers to 'protest' against it. 'It's appalling that there's no accountability for an elected official who actively encourages the exact same sort of 'protests' that have led to violence and arrests in Epping this week.' In Essex, local Conservative MP Dr Neil Hudson warned that the riots were a 'crisis that has reached boiling point'. Essex Police have made 10 arrests, which saw more than 500 gather outside the hotel, with rioters attacking police vans and injuring a police officer. On Sunday night, two security guards working at the Bell Hotel were also attacked at a bus stop, and are recovering in hospital. Giving an update to the media in Chelmsford on Wednesday, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: "I want to thank the people of Epping, I want to thank the people of Essex. "I also want to thank all those who have turned up to protest and express their views peacefully and lawfully, because there have been many of those. "What has been unacceptable has been the people who have come to Epping and committed violence, who have attacked people who work at the hotel, who have attacked officers, who have damaged property and who have caused fear and disruption to the people of Epping. "That is not tolerable, it will not be tolerated, and to that end, we have made 10 arrests." He appealed to the people of Essex to 'help us to do our job and make sure everyone can express their rights and their views safely and peacefully'. The latest demonstrations come a day after Angela Rayner issued an ultimatum to Sir Keir Starmer, warning that the UK faces a repeat of last year's summer riots unless 'the government shows it can address people's concerns'. The deputy prime minister said economic insecurity, immigration, the increasing time people spend online, and declining trust in institutions were having a 'profound impact on society'. And, amid fears this summer could see riots similar to those in the wake of the Southport murders last year, Ms Rayner said it is urgent Sir Keir delivers tangible improvements to living standards. Of the 18 places hit with the worst rioting last summer, Ms Rayner noted that 17 are among the country's most deprived areas. Michael Gove on Wednesday branded the comments about a repeat of last summer's violence 'a big mistake' which could 'tacitly encourage' fresh riots. The Tory ex-minister said she was right to acknowledge concern across the country about immigration and living standards and encourage the government to prove it can deliver. But Mr Gove told ITV: 'I think this is a mistake on Labour, to brief this out, I think it is a big mistake, it reminds me of what happened in the 1970s when [former US president] Jimmy Carter when America was going through difficult times said 'this country is in the grip of a malaise'. 'You do not, if you are the government, accentuate the negative in this way and you certainly don't suggest to people that violence might be about to break out in this way.' A spokesman for Tower Hamlets Council, the authority which is responsible for Canary Wharf, called on the government to ensure 'that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel'. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place,' the spokesman added.


The Independent
3 minutes ago
- The Independent
How much it costs to run a dehumidifier, according to experts
With soaring bills, inflating grocery prices and surging living costs, every pricey purchase feels even more costly. That's especially true when buying appliances like dehumidifiers. Though a little expensive, these machines have plenty of benefits. They not only extract moisture and dampness from your surroundings and, in turn, reduce the risk of mould, but they can potentially halve your laundry-drying times and save you spending money on tumble drying. The multipurpose machines are also great for allergy sufferers, tend to be noise-free and have the added benefit of neutralising harmful bacteria in your home. If you've noticed mould, condensation or a musty odour around your home, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier. But before you take the plunge, it's worth knowing that some of these appliances can add to your energy bills. We consulted the experts to find out exactly how much dehumidifiers cost to run, and some tips for saving money when you use them. How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier? 'On average, a dehumidifier might be used for 4-6 hours daily, especially during colder months or in damp environments. In particularly humid conditions or larger spaces, it could be used for longer,' explains Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at AO. 'The exact cost depends on how often they're used and how energy-efficient the model is.' Chris Michael, founder and chair of leading dehumidifier company Meaco, elaborates: 'Choosing an energy-efficient model is key; regardless of size, as a cheaper model with high energy consumption is a false economy.' However, size can be a factor. 'Smaller models, which are ideal for flats or smaller homes, can cost as little as 4p per hour to run, while larger models, suited to bigger or damper properties, may cost up to 15p per hour,' Michaels says. What affects costs? Several factors can influence how much it costs to run a dehumidifier, including room temperature. 'Dehumidifiers are more efficient in warmer conditions,' says Lilywhite. Air flow is also important: 'Placing the unit centrally with good air circulation helps it work faster and use less energy.' Finally, leaving windows and doors open can impact costs. 'Leaving these open during use means the dehumidifier has to work harder to constantly remove new moisture that continually enters from outside,' Lilywhite explains. According to Michaels, other factors to consider include: 'Room size, how often the dehumidifier runs, the model's energy efficiency and electricity prices, which all play a role.' Michaels also suggests that the initial investment matters. 'Better quality machines often cost more but last longer and consume less energy, leading to savings in the long term.' Tips for saving money 'To reduce costs, try to keep the windows and doors closed whilst the dehumidifier is in use,' suggests Lilywhite. Location is just as important. 'One of the biggest mistakes many people make when using a dehumidifier is putting them in the wrong location,' Lilywhite says. 'Most people tend to put them in a corner, when instead you should be positioning the dehumidifier in the centre of the room to remove moisture. This ensures that there is enough space around the dehumidifier for the air to circulate.' Another mistake is neglecting regular maintenance or drainage. 'Doing so can lead to the growth of mould and bacteria inside the dehumidifier. Many dehumidifiers have a removable tank that needs to be emptied regularly,' Lilywhite explains. 'Proper maintenance is key to ensuring that your appliance lasts longer and performs effectively.' Michaels also suggests choosing an energy-efficient model with a humidistat. 'This allows the dehumidifier to maintain a set humidity level, switching off automatically when that level is reached and only turning back on if humidity rises,' he says. 'It means the unit only runs when needed, saving electricity.' He adds that it's also worth looking for models with a long warranty, 'as this often reflects better build quality and means you're less likely to need a replacement every couple of years.' Dehumidifiers have also become a popular way to dry laundry. Martin Lewis suggested this method as a money-saving technique as dehumidifiers are far cheaper to run than tumble dryers. It's also much faster than many other drying methods. 'When drying washing indoors, place the dehumidifier next to the clothes rack and keep the door closed. To reduce drying time, position a cooling fan opposite the dehumidifier,' Michaels suggests. 'Fans are energy efficient and help create airflow that pushes moisture out of the clothes and into the air for the dehumidifier to capture.' The best dehumidifier to buy Our expert guide to the best tried and tested dehumidifiers has plenty of recommendations, and Duux's bora smart 30l dehumidifier secured the top spot. Tester and air quality expert Joanne Lewsley found that 'It's a high-performance model that's as stylish as it is functional. It might be large, but it features a premium, minimalist design, which is ideal if you're after a dehumidifier that won't ruin your home aesthetic.' With a 30l per day extraction rate and a generous 4l water tank, it's great for larger rooms or open-plan spaces. Joanne says, 'What really sets it apart is its smart functionality. The Duux app is intuitive, responsive, and packed with helpful features. It provides real-time air quality readings and enables you to control everything from fan speed to humidity settings, whether you're on the sofa or away from home.'


BBC News
4 minutes ago
- BBC News
Dudley-based rail research firm bought by local council after going into administration
An organisation that has been involved in a Very Light Rail system for Coventry has been bought by a council, after going into Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), a not-for-profit research organisation, was sold to the area's council, administrators RSM UK also stated it ensured the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, operated by BCIMO, remained Council said the authority had previously given the Black Country organisation financial support and decided to bid "to protect this investment". Council cabinet member for resources Steve Clark said as site owner, it would receive income from "existing tenants", while looking for an acquisition decision would generate income for the council, champion local innovation and support creating "high value employment opportunities", he UK said the business and assets were sold to the council and the transaction had safeguarded the centre's future and "laid the foundation for renewed investment in transport innovation".A lack of anticipated funding and rising costs had led to cash flow challenges for BCIMO, the administrators had earlier Black Country organisation came into being in 2019, which was before the council completed the building of the innovation centre in 2022, the administrators stated is like a tram, but involves single, battery-powered cars that can each transport about 50 people and do not need deep tracks to run this month, Coventry City Council said it was disappointed to hear BCIMO was in administration, but it was "business as usual for us" and the vehicle was in Alcester for the next stage of development. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.