Latest news with #Swallow


The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
English seaside hotspot to fine people £100 for SWEARING in ‘draconian' council crackdown
A POPULAR seaside hotspot has introduced new plans to issue £100 fines for swearing in a controversial council crackdown. Council papers from a meeting earlier this week have revealed that the authority hopes to enforce these controversial 6 A council has revealed plans to crackdown on swearing at popular seaside hotspot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Those caught could face a £100 fine Credit: Alamy Council crackdown on swearing and 'foul' language A report from Thanet District Council said: "All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place." This rule comes under the public space protection order (PSPO) - which the council is trying to reinstate after a failed attempt last year. The In addition to swearing, the order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, deficating or spitting, legal psychoactive UK news Council responds to criticism This comes after Thanet District Council attempted to initiate this order last July. The authority declared the restrictions were to stop "foul or abusive language" from ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the streets. However, after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened to take legal action, the scheme was scrapped a month later. This order has been met with criticism, of which the new report acknowledges. Most read in The Sun The document explains that exceptions will be made if people have a "reasonable excuse" for breaking the rules. It states: "In response to these concerns, residents should be reassured that there are a number of protections within the order. "The first is that there is a defence of 'reasonable excuse' so that if someone appeared to be in breach of one of the restrictions but had a reasonable excuse, then no further action would be taken. "The second is that the Human Rights Act remains applicable and the rights afforded under Article 10 and 11, freedom of expression and assembly, remain relevant." The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives Kent Police in favour of restrictions Chief Inspector Ian Swallow from In a letter of support, he wrote: "I can confirm that Kent Police support the implementation of a PSPO for the Thanet district and agree with the proposed prohibitions and requirements. "We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour." He also explained that he sees a lot of this type of anti-social behaviour in the area, with police receiving reports of swearing and threatening behaviour on the 6 The ban will span across Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs Credit: Alamy 6 This is the second time the council has attempted to impose these rules Credit: Alamy Mr Swallow claimed they receive multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers and members of the public trying to use the town centre amenities. He concluded: "This type of behaviour if left unchecked can escalate and result in violence or other disorder." Councillor addresses PSPO plans Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Thanet District council, said: "Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community. "We've sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this." She explained that the PSPO aims to reduce this antisocial behaviour. Ms Keen also shared that the proposed restrictions are not only similar to the district's previous PSPO, but they also mirror those put in place across other parts of Kent. On the subject of free speech, she added: "To be clear, the restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm. "Evidence gathered by officers indicates that this is a significant issue impacting residents." Ms Keen also addressed the legal action which was threatened to be taken against the previous PSPO, saying they have since gathered further evidence which indicates that this restriction in proportionate. She said: "The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions. "As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view. "Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible." Cabinet members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on July 24. If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years. The Sun has reached out to Thanet District Council for further comment. 6 The proposed ban comes after reports of antisocial behaviour in the area Credit: Alamy 6 If successful, the PSPO will remain in place for the next three years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial


Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE sees surge in foreign-owned real estate firms
More foreign-owned real estate agencies are entering the UAE market as the sector continues to grow in both investment activity and property transactions. With Dubai setting monthly records and other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah attracting first-time investors, the country's property sector is seeing sustained interest from brokers and consultancies, according to a report by Gulf News. The UAE now allows 100% foreign ownership of real estate brokerages, investment consultancies, and development firms. This has become the standard structure for new entrants, according to Jim Swallow, Commercial Director at Sovereign PPG. 'Full foreign ownership in the real estate brokerage, investment consultancy and development is the standard set up now,' he said to Gulf News. 'Most of the demand for a new real estate brokerage business set up is to be 100% foreign-owned.' This shift began in mid-2021, following changes to the UAE's Commercial Companies Law, which removed the previous requirement for a 51% local partner in many mainland sectors, including property services. Since then, new license registrations for real estate firms have increased steadily. While some firms still retain local partnerships—either due to joint ventures or location-specific ownership rules—many have transitioned to full foreign ownership. 'Many firms have since opted for share transfer to 100% foreign ownership if the local partner was a silent partner,' Swallow added. 'Where the local partner was an investor and active in the business, some have opted to be bought out.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Although Dubai's property price growth is expected to slow in certain areas, interest in setting up brokerages remains strong. New firms are also eyeing opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, where real estate activity is expanding. Ras Al Khaimah, in particular, is drawing more first-time European investors, prompting overseas consultancies to establish operations there. Live Events You Might Also Like: UAE introduces 5 new categories for Golden Visa eligibility 'There are still foreign family offices and investment firms setting up UAE operations and possibly wanting to take up positions in local real estate,' said a Dubai-based broker to Gulf News. According to the report, in April, Dubai real estate posted its best-ever month for transactions, according to brokers. The Dubai Land Department currently lists over 25,800 licensed real estate brokers, and the number is continuing to rise. This has encouraged fresh graduates to explore careers in real estate, even as agencies like Fitch predict a potential slowdown in price growth in the near term. Becoming a licensed broker in Dubai requires individuals to register with the Dubai Real Estate Institute, complete a training program, and pass an exam administered by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency ( RERA ). A license is issued upon successful completion of the process. As more players enter the market and foreign firms seek to tap into regional demand, the UAE's real estate sector continues to present opportunities despite changing dynamics. You Might Also Like: VFS Global launches world's largest visa centre in Dubai's Wafi
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Car park pool party would be dangerous
A proposed "pool party" in a Birmingham car park has been described as "dangerous" by police. The Newtown event would feature DJs and a "maximum of 25 ladies" in the temporary pool, the individual behind the plans said. Police licensing officer Mark Swallow stated he did not feel the site was "in any way suitable at this time" and it "would be dangerous as there are numerous hazards". The individual behind the application, for 30 Lower Tower Street on 14 June, said he had tried his best "to figure out all the requirements and do everything that's required". West Midlands Police, which objected to the application, said it had asked the applicant for information to ensure the event was safe and promoted licensing objectives. "To date adequate responses have not been received," it said. Mr Swallow told a licensing meeting it would take "a great deal of work to change this into a suitable site" and there was no indication "the applicant has the means or inclination to do that". Harry Bevington, from Environmental Health, said he was concerned by potential "noise break-out" and up to 450 attendees had been proposed. Only "ladies will be allowed in the pool for safety reasons" and a changing room would be provided for "safe, private and secure outfit change", a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) said. Female security would be there to ensure safety, it stated. The individual behind the TEN application, who attended Wednesday's virtual meeting, said he was keeping certain requested information "for last" as he made sure the site was suitable. He said the "owner of the place... [has] assured he's cleaning the place - I was there myself yesterday [Tuesday] to see the progress". A contractor would manage equipment, the applicant said. The council said no permission was required to carry out a licensable activity temporarily. An applicant must merely give notice of intentions to operate a licensable activity to the relevant authority. "However, the police or local authority exercising environmental health functions may intervene to prevent such an event taking place or agree a modification of the proposed arrangements," it said. Parties will be notified of the licensing sub-committee's decision within five working days. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Local Democracy Reporting Service Birmingham City Council West Midlands Police


Irish Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'People need to be able to talk about what's going on in Gaza'
Dublin post punks The Murder Capital are gearing up for their 'biggest headline show to date' this summer at the Iveagh Gardens. The five-piece outfit are currently on tour around Europe after dropping their third album, Blindness, earlier this year. The record was penned throughout Europe and recorded in a three-week stretch in Los Angeles. 'It had been a dream of mine to just go to LA in general in my life', The Murder Capital's bass player Gabriel Paschal Blake told the Irish Mirror. 'When I was a kid watching Illegal Civilization skate videos and wanting to hang out in North Hollywood, and for whatever reason, I was just really taken by witnessing in LA from being a kid. 'But at the same time, it was so amazing to have gotten there, but we still had a job to do. 'That was a big thing. I felt the responsibility almost of the opportunity that was in front of me. I was very aware that I was doing something that I've dreamed about since I was a kid, and that just made me lock on. This is an opportunity, a huge one, and it's to be respected in that way.' Last year, the group played a string of dates supporting Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Gabriel revealed that the legendary Australian songwriter 'completely broke down any sort of barriers or hierarchy' when the group first met him. 'It was funny, the two songs that he pointed out,' Gabriel said. 'I think, on the second or third day we came in, and we just went into the canteen to get some lunch, and he was sitting there all on his own, in a beautiful, powder blue shirt. 'He looked amazing… that was the first time meeting him. 'And obviously, I thought that there was going to be... prior to meeting him, he's quite an enigma, he's almost like a character in a story book rather than somebody in real life, but from the jump, he completely broke down any sort of barriers or hierarchy. We were just talking to each other. 'The first thing that he started speaking about was the album, because he went out of his way to hear it before it was out… which, in and of itself, was a crazy feeling. 'But it was funny, the two songs that he pointed out as his favorites were Love of Country and Swallow, which is mad, because those are the two songs that were almost not put on the album. 'It was really interesting that the two that nearly didn't make it were the ones that he liked." The Murder Capital recently joined over 100 artists, including Fontaines D.C., Lankum and Massive Attack, to sign an open letter in support of Kneecap organised by the trio's record label denouncing what it described as a "clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform" the group. 'People need to be able to talk about what's going on in Palestine,' Gabriel said. 'People need to be able to talk about what's going on in Gaza. 'This is as old as the hills, 'don't speak about the abuse that's happening'... 'Everybody just shut up and go along with it and sweep it under the carpet'. 'The thing that's been going around my head a lot is, and through navigating ourselves as a band, through a time like this is Sinead O'Connor, post her SNL (appearance where she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II), where she called out the Catholic Church for its abuses in Ireland. She was bullied and everything that happened to her was, it's just catastrophic and horrific. 'After her performance, Joe Pesci was talking about smacking her like and people were laughing at the idea of somebody hitting a woman, because the industry made it okay for people to bully, be misogynistic towards and just degrade her for speaking out about a truth.' 'She's such an inspiration to us,' he added. 'Not only because of her music, but how she carried herself as an artist, and especially as an Irish artist. 'If people can't speak out about atrocities that are happening, then they're just going to continue to happen.' The Murder Capital's third record, Blindness, is out now. The post-punk outfit will play their biggest headline show to date this summer with Soft Play and Mary in The Junk Yard at the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin, on Saturday, July 19. Tickets cost €39.90 and are available on Ticketmaster.


Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Nature Trail: Barn Swallows make an epic journey from Africa
By now, lots of them have made the journey to our shores from their wintering grounds in South Africa and they are a common sight as they get on with their annual chore of building a nest, laying eggs and rearing a family. The average adult Swallows weights about 20 grammes roughly equivalent to the weight of 20 shirt buttons. It is amazing to think that such a light little creature flies all the way from Africa what with facing such obstacles as crossing both the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean sea and coping with all that the weather can throw at it. The journey is about 10,000km long and it is known that birds can travel 300km a day almost as long as a trip from Cork to Donegal. Allowing for holdups due to weather along the way and allowing minimum time for feeding and resting, a fit bird would still need about six weeks to complete the epic journey. Those that do make the long and hazardous trip are starting to build now. Nowadays most Swallows nest indoors favouring all sorts of agricultural buildings from barns to sheds, outbuildings, dairies, etc. Having a Swallow nesting in a building is traditionally taken to be a sign of god luck. Both parents build the nest. They start by collecting mud pellets and reinforcing each pellet with fibres of plant material. The pellets are stuck together to fashion an open shallow cup and the whole structure is firmly attached to some support like a wall, rafter, or girder. For comfort, the cup may be sparsely lined with feathers. The female lays four or five flossy white eggs and she incubates them for about two weeks before they hatch. Both parents feed the young for three weeks before they fly. Insects caught in flight comprise the staple diet. These insects are stored in the parents' throats and the nourishing ball of food is delivered to the hungry youngsters by their attentive parents. Once the young have flown, the parents go on to raise a second and even a third family. Having a third family is risky as both parents and youngsters may be ill prepared to make the marathon journey back to the wintering grounds in Africa.