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South Wales Argus
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
How to remove Japanese knotweed before you get an ASBO
Gardening is one of those tasks that we Brits love-hate, but ignoring Japanese Knotweed could result in 'severe legal consequences.' Experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd warn that allowing invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed to grow, could even pose a risk of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) or substantial fines. Can you get fined for Japanese knotweed? Ignoring even the slightest spread of this highly destructive weed, or failing to manage contaminated soil, could cost homeowners up to £5,000 in fines. Under reformed government legislation, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) – commonly known as an ASBO – can now be issued to individuals or organisations who fail to control Japanese knotweed, deeming such inaction as "unreasonable conduct" that negatively impacts the quality of life in a neighbourhood. Jennifer Holmes at Japanese Knotweed Ltd, said: 'One of the most asked questions we hear is; 'What damage can knotweed cause?' and knotweed takes advantage of any weaknesses in buildings, structures and underground infrastructure. 'If there's a tiny fracture or crack it'll grow through it - expanding that crack to cause potentially serious damage. 'We've seen concrete broken up, pipes smashed to pieces and even knotweed growing through cracks in walls to invade a kitchen - yes it grew through a crack in the wall and appeared inside a kitchen cupboard. 'It's super important to catch knotweed before it gets to this stage, often it's undetectable to an untrained eye - that's why calling in a specialist surveyor is your best defence.' What is a ASBO (CPN)? Failure to control Japanese knotweed can lead to a Community Protection Notice (CPN). A CPN could be used after a mandatory written warning has been served beforehand to inform people to take action. Breach of any requirement of a CPN, without reasonable excuse, would be a criminal offence, subject to a fixed penalty notice. On summary conviction, an individual would be liable to a fine of up to £2,500. Japanese Knotweed Ltd advises that you 'act fast' if you suspect you have knotweed in your garden – or if its even its coming through from an adjoining neighbour's garden. How to remove Japanese knotweed? Control methods, such as herbicide management plans or excavation, should be implemented promptly to prevent further spread and avoid legal issues. Japanese Knotweed Ltd specialises in the identification, treatment, and offers professional legal guidance concerning Japanese knotweed. UK landowners can also apply for Land Remediation Relief on works carried out - which is a valuable tax relief giving back thousands. Recommended reading: What is Japanese knotweed The invasive plant is relentlessly durable, fast-growing and can cause damage to nearby structures. Japanese knotweed is most visible during the summer months, particularly in late summer and early autumn when it flowers. However, it's also identifiable in other seasons, with distinct characteristics in spring and winter.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What is a credit privacy number?
A credit privacy number, or CPN, is a nine-digit number similar to a Social Security number. Companies may try to sell you a CPN with promises of guaranteed loan approval, but this is a scam. Using a CPN on credit applications is fraud and may involve identity theft. The use of a CPN is illegal and CPNs are not recognized as valid by any government or financial institution. If you want to improve your credit fast, you may have run across companies selling credit privacy numbers (CPNs). These CPNs look just like Social Security numbers and are supposed to allow you to apply for credit without exposing your real SSN and credit information. In reality, using a CPN on credit applications is fraud. Are CPNs legal? CPNs are not recognized as valid by any government or financial institution. In fact, according to the Credit Repair Organizations Act, the use of a CPN is outright illegal. Companies that sell CPNs often obtain them illegally by stealing identities. By using a CPN, you are committing fraud and could be denied credit and barred from reapplying. You could even be convicted of identity theft and forced to pay fines or spend time behind bars. A CPN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number (SSN) but is not issued by the Social Security Administration. This credit privacy number, also called a credit profile number, can be completely made up. But often, it is actually a stolen SSN. Unscrupulous credit repair companies may sell CPNs that are real SSNs that belong to children, the elderly or those who are incarcerated. These companies say that you can use a CPN on credit applications to improve your chances of approval and protect your real SSN. The truth is, CPNs are a complete scam. Sold as a way to improve your credit or protect your credit information, companies that market CPNs promise you can use them just as you would a Social Security number. A CPN is even formatted just like an SSN (xxx-xx-xxxx). Companies that sell CPNs often make fictitious claims, saying that a CPN can: Give you a clean credit slate. Improve your chances of getting loan approvals. Boost your credit score to 700 or 800. Get you into an apartment. Help you get high-limit credit cards. Protect you from identity theft. To use a CPN, you may be encouraged to falsify info like your name or address when you apply for credit cards, auto loans, and even mortgages. By doing this, you are essentially lying to the lender to prevent them from checking your real credit. These 'quick-fix' credit companies are experts at marketing themselves as a legal substitute for mending credit fast. But don't be fooled by their hype. There are some red flags to watch for that reveal the scam. The first one is cost. SSNs are issued for free, but scammers often charge hundreds or thousands for a CPN. Unlike legitimate credit repair companies, they may ask for money upfront before performing any work, which is illegal. When a company encourages you to provide false information, such as a different mailing address, email address or phone number, this is another red flag. The company may tell you this is to protect your identity, but it's a way of falsifying your information. A third warning is when companies promise to quickly remove blemishes from your credit, even accurate accounts. In reality, you cannot remove accurate negative information from your credit profile; you can only wait for it to fall off over time. If you suspect a company is running a CPN scam, report it to the FTC online. Contact the police if you've been targeted by a CPN scam, and freeze your credit with all three major credit bureaus. Companies offering CPNs often target people with poor credit ratings looking for a quick fix for credit repair. Unfortunately, there is no quick way to improve your credit score. However, there are legal, proven methods for improving your credit score over time. Paying bills on time: Making on-time payments is the biggest factor for improving your credit score. Paying on time shows lenders you're a reliable borrower, and it helps increase your score over time. Keeping credit utilization as low as possible: Credit utilization is simply the percentage of your available credit limits you are currently using. The lower this number, the better it is for your credit score. Limiting new applications: If you have several credit inquiries in a short period on your credit profile, you may see your score decrease by a few points. This could also raise a red flag with lenders the next time you apply for credit. Checking your credit report for errors: Mistakes happen. You can get a free credit report at least once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. If you find an error, each bureau has instructions online for filing a dispute to correct the error. You can also use a credit repair company to help you with disputes. Keeping old credit accounts open: Leaving a credit card account open increases the amount of available credit, which helps keep your credit utilization number in check. Plus, the account age is also reported on your credit profile, which can improve your length of credit history and credit score. Waiting for negative marks to fall off: Over time, the blemishes on your credit report will disappear. Most information falls off after seven years, but some entries, like a bankruptcy, can stay on your report for up to 10 years. CPNs are a scam. Shady credit repair companies who sell CPNs will promise that they work just like an SSN and that using one will solve all of your credit problems. The truth is that filling out a credit application, job application, or apartment application using a CPN is considered fraud. And worse yet, using a CPN in no way helps you to improve your existing credit. The good news is that you can improve your credit without using a CPN, but it won't happen overnight. Stay patient, pay your bills on time and continuously monitor your credit reports to ensure your credit profile is up to date and accurate. Can I use a CPN for work? Using a CPN for work can create major issues for you. A CPN is typically marketed as an alternative to a Social Security number, but it's not a legal form of identification, and it may have even been stolen from someone else. When you use a CPN instead of an SSN on a job application (or for any other application), you risk committing identity theft. If you're concerned about providing your SSN to a potential employer, you can ask the employer if they plan to pull your credit report. Meanwhile, you can take steps to improve your credit history through legitimate activities rather than using a CPN. What happens if you get caught using a CPN? Using a CPN is illegal and considered a form of fraud and, in some cases, identity theft. Identity theft is a federal crime, and if convicted, you can face substantial penalties. Depending on the charges, identity theft or fraud can result in up to 30 years in imprisonment, fines and forfeiture of property. Is a CPN the same as an EIN or ITIN? A credit privacy number, or CPN, is not the same as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). No government entity issues a CPN, and using one is a form of fraud. An EIN, on the other hand, is issued by the IRS. It is a legal method for identifying a business entity. Almost any business can apply for and receive an EIN for free. ITINs are also issued by the IRS to help individuals who can't qualify for SSNs file their taxes. Can I get a new SSN? You can get a new Social Security number, but not just because you have bad credit. New SSNs are only issued in limited circumstances, such as if you have had your identity stolen, have the same SSN as someone else, or are a victim of abuse. Applying for and receiving a new SSN is a difficult process, and your old SSN won't just disappear. Your new SSN will be linked to your old SSN to ensure your wage records remain intact. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bangkok Post
27-06-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Central Pattana ranks No.1 in Fortune poll
Central Pattana (CPN) ranked No.1 in Thailand's real estate sector in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500, reaffirming its strong business growth and commitment to driving the economy. The country's leading retail and real estate developer was recognised for a second consecutive year in the regional rankings, backed by a record-high performance across all dimensions in 2024. This underscores the success of its retail-led mixed-use development strategy over the past 45 years, strengthening a diversified portfolio of shopping centres, residences, office buildings and hotels, said Wallaya Chirathivat, president and chief executive of CPN. In 2024, the company posted records with total revenue of 51.8 billion baht and net profit of 16.7 billion. Ms Wallaya said the ranking for a second consecutive year is a proud achievement for Thailand and a testament to the company's expanding presence on the international stage. "This recognition highlights the success of our retail-led mixed-use development strategy, which places shopping centres at the core -- connecting and strengthening our key business pillars: residences, offices and hotels -- with a clear focus on long-term sustainability and growth," she said. "This year marks the 45th anniversary of Central Pattana as a key driving force behind Thailand's growth. We remain committed to stimulating the economy, developing districts and cities, and driving progress to all corners of the country," she said. "Our efforts have contributed to job creation, income distribution and the development of prosperity, opportunity and a better future for all sectors -- while also reinforcing Thailand's role as an economic hub of Asean." With a five-year investment plan worth 120 billion baht spanning from 2025 to 2029, CPN aims to expand mixed-use projects and megaprojects nationwide -- enhancing urban potential, propelling Thailand's economy and elevating Bangkok to global city status. The company is set to unveil two landmark projects this year: Central Park, a flagship shopping centre; and Central Krabi, a major mixed-use development and the first prototype of a sustainable mall in a world-known tourist destination. Several other megaprojects across the country are also in the pipeline, she added. By the end of this year, CPN plans to operate 135 projects across all business units, including 30 mixed-use developments in 44 high-potential locations. In the ranking of the largest companies in the region, CPN was No.205 out of 500. According to Fortune's analysis, the number of female CEOs on the Southeast Asia 500 list has increased to 37 this year, up from 29 last year. This reflects a shifting leadership landscape in Southeast Asia -- a region playing an increasingly vital role in driving the global economy -- and highlights the growing opportunities for women in top executive roles, who will be a powerful force in shaping the region's economic and social future. Ms Wallaya has received numerous international awards and recognitions, including the prestigious CEO of the Year at the Retail Asia Awards 2024 -- the first Thai leader to receive this honour in the Asia region. Over the past 45 years, the company has contributed more than 5 billion baht to society and communities through infrastructure development, public spaces and educational opportunities.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Visit visa scam: Nepal govt forms probe panel, 2 Opp parties say ‘cover-up' act
Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who has rejected the demand for his resignation in what is known as 'visit visa ' scam, on Tuesday announced formation of a seven-member probe committee, but the two main opposition parties outrightly rejected it saying it is nothing but a 'cover-up act'. Lekhak said in the House of Representatives that the government has accepted his proposal and constituted a 7-member team headed by former Chief secretary Shankar Das Bairagi, which will conduct a probe into the alleged rampant extortion of Nepalis traveling on visit visa by the immigration authorities at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Members of two Opposition parties, the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, walked out of the House in protest alleging that the choice of members in the panel–all serving bureaucrats — was clearly intended to shield Lekhak and others. The opposition parties, including the main Opposition Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), had earlier demanded a probe and resignation of the Home Minister to ensure a fair investigation. However, the CPN (Maoist Centre) changed its stance and agreed to have a probe without the resignation of the minister. CPN (Maoist Centre) chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda justified the party's stand. 'Truth in the visit visa scam should come out,' he said, adding that the other opposition parties would realise later that the stand taken by the patry was the most appropriate one. Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, chief of Immigration, is under suspension and is being investigated for the scam but Lekhak, backed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba, has all along said the minister cannot be held accountable for bureaucrats' errors.
Metro
17-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Woman handed 'Asbo' for parking bus outside her home after neighbours complained
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A woman who parked a double-decker bus on her drive to turn it into a cafe is being forced to move it after her neighbours complained. Wendy Salmon put the vehicle outside her home at the end of her leafy cul-de-sac in a Surrey street temporarily to renovate it – but has now been given an 'ASBO' type order and told to remove it after neighbours said it 'ruins the ambience'. She has accused neighbours of 'rallying' the others on the street against her by complaining it was an eyesore. And despite the council accepting she was 'not breaking any laws', she has been hit with a CPN, formerly known as an ASBO, and ordered to remove it by June 20 following a bitter two-year legal battle. Mother-of-two Wendy, 55, who runs a pub, described the situation as 'ridiculous' and accused neighbours of being 'curtain twitchers' who 'act like they own the street.' She said: 'The wording of the CPN was that it was 'upsetting the ambience of the local area'. Now no one speaks to me. All my neighbours completely ignore me.' Wendy said she's being treated like a 'criminal' even though she has 'never committed a crime in her life'. 'The whole thing is just ridiculous. There is no way it is impacting or bothering them. It is just snobbery, pure and simple.' The street in Camberley is lined with four-bedroom detached properties with an average house price of around £600k. Wendy's house is at the end of the cul-de-sac, and she said her drive was out of the view of most of the residents who complained. Problems started in March 2023 when she bought the Dennis double-decker bus for £6,000 from a friend's brother and parked it in her private driveway to renovate it. Wendy had planned to convert the bus into a bar or cafe to offer private parties and events. 'I wanted this to be an investment for my children, giving them an opportunity to work for themselves as they both have a passion for food,' she added. 'Within 15 minutes of it being parked, the man next door appeared to ask if it was a permanent fixture. Within another hour he returned to say that there would be complaints. Over the next few days, his wife spoke to me and asked various questions. I told her that I was renovating the bus and that I hoped it would be completed in three months.' The bus was then reported as 'abandoned', which resulted in a visit from a member of Surrey Heath Borough Council's Corporate Enforcement Department. The council initially confirmed via email that there are no planning restrictions and that no further action would be taken. However, two weeks later, the council contacted Wendy to say that a further complaint had been received from another neighbour, whom she claims is a 'friend' of the initial complainant. Wendy received an email from the council advising her to SORN the vehicle and complete the renovation as soon as possible. She added: 'Yet a few months later, I received a Community Protection Warning (CPW) from the council. It said that if I can't comply with the order, I could get a fixed penalty notice, be prosecuted, or the bus could be destroyed or disposed of. 'A few months after this, the CPN arrived. I had no choice but to appeal.' Wendy said limited funds meant she had to represent herself in court, and she reluctantly dropped the appeal after getting the wording of the CPN changed. More Trending She added: We went in front of the judge, I explained that the only reason I was dropping the appeal was because it was making me ill, with my family, including my 79-year-old father, having been bullied by my neighbours. 'I don't know what the future holds, but I do not like my previously loved home, I don't want to leave the house as I feel bullied, neighbours no longer speak to me or my partner. 'I have had over a year of sleepless nights, stress and anxiety. My dream of restoring the bus is no longer something that I want to do. It is the council and my neighbour who have upset the ambience in the local area, not me.' Surrey Heath Council said in a statement: 'We are unable to comment on this case at present.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Major UK high street bank could be put up for sale MORE: Full list of 29 home goods chain store locations closing this fall amid bankruptcy MORE: Trump launches his own mobile network with a $499 gold phone
