Latest news with #40
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Headteacher spots pupil stealing from school, but explanation is heartbreaking
Headteacher Razia Shah said a pupil had been stealing basic supplies such as pens, a glue stick and a highlighter - and she was heartbroken to find out the reason A headteacher spotted a pupil stealing some basic items from school - and was heartbroken to find out why. Razia Shah said a highlighter, some pens and a glue stick had gone missing from St Augustine's CE Primary School in Monsall, North Manchester, but staff initially thought little of it. However, when they discovered who was taking them and why, they were saddened. The headteacher revealed the pupil loved to draw but had nothing they could use at home - including colouring pens and paper. After talking to the child, Razia supplied them with a pencil case to allow them to draw at home and be creative. The school is located in one of Manchester's most deprived neighbourhoods and staff say they regularly see children with very little in the lunchboxes, wearing broken shoes and old clothes. But Razia said the school is benefiting from the help of the INEOS Forgotten 40 Project, a charitable initiative hoping to improve the lives of children growing up in some of the poorest parts of the UK, which provides them funding. The name Forgotten 40 refers to the estimated number of children living in poverty in the UK alone, predicted to be growing towards 40%, Manchester Evening News reports. Thanks to the project, headteachers of 100 primary schools serving some of the UK's most deprived communities are given flexible funding "to meet the wellbeing and needs of children growing up in particularly challenging circumstances." To date, the project has helped over 25,000 children across the UK. St Augustine's has been receiving the funding for the past five years and it has made a significant different, the headteacher said. She explained: "If children need uniform we have uniform. Quite often we'll have soles coming off trainers and with the recent rain we replaced two pairs of school shoes for kids whose feet were getting soaked. "If a pupil comes in and their trousers are ripped or their tights are ripped, no questions are asked, someone will say 'just try these on' and nobody needs to know, it's all done discreetly. There's no stigma attached to anything here and our parents know that." Razia said the school has 65% pupil premium, making children eligible for free school meals, but it's not only those on benefits that are in need of support, highlighting that there are also some poor parents "who are one-in, one-out at home with their shifts just to make ends meet and doing everything they possibly can." In addition to basic items children need, the school also provides everyone with a free breakfast, free fruit during the break and free milk with lunch. They also arrange an annual cinema trip, theatre, farm visits and visits to London, Razia, who is a mum-of-three said. "We try to give them as many trips and first-hand experiences as possible," she explained. "As a headteacher we are gifted this money from INEOS to use on our community, no strings attached, to do whatever our community needs. "My parents love their children and want to give their children the best, but life is hard and they can't always afford not only the luxuries but the basics, so we want to help them as much as we can. The hire of a coach alone can be £400 and with the funding it means we never have to worry about whether our parents can afford that." Every year the school takes 40 children on a residential trip to the Lake District, giving them "an amazing experience" to remember, says Razia. While funding for St Augustine's has been confirmed for the next three years, Razia is already dreading what will happen when it ends. "It makes such a difference having the autonomy with this money," she said. "It means if I need to I can help someone top up their electricity, I can pay for things they need, I can think outside the box. We know our communities well and the children who need support. We wear so many hats now - social worker, health carer - we do so many things. "I just wish these next three years would never end because we've been able to make such a difference and that's what we all come into the job for." The INEOS Forgotten 40 Project began in 2020 when INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe read reports of growing childhood poverty and looked to do something pivotal to increase opportunities for all children. Funding goes directly to schools, with no middleman, and minimal admin is required by headteachers.
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in ‘midweek mayhem'
BRITS heading on their midweek holidays have been met with huge queues and delayed traffic. Around 14 million holidaymakers have been caught in the traffic as they head on a midweek trip. 6 An estimated 13.9 million motorists are set to hit the road for a midweek break Credit: PA 6 Around two million drivers are due to start their holiday between Monday and Thursday Credit: PA 6 Traffic at the Port of Dover is causing delays of around an hour for motorists Credit: PA 6 The Port of Dover could see 270,000 vehicles over the next six weeks Credit: PA With 13.9 million drivers expected to go on holiday between Monday 21st and Thursday 24th, a new peak has been set for the highest number of midweek car trips since records began. This increase is largely a result of most schools breaking up for the summer on Tuesday. As the week progresses, traffic is likely to worsen, with the 'end of summer term' getaway weekend predicted to be busy. Read more Motors An estimated 2.7 million journeys are predicted to take place on July 25 - as it is branded "Frantic Friday". The following day, the insurance company believes the "Saturday scramble" will see the largest number of trips in a single day at 3 million. Across the weekend, an estimated 26.9 million motorists are set to head off on their holidays. Drivers have been warned that increased traffic Most read in Motors Sections of the M40 could see delays of up to 40 minutes, while the M1 Northbound and M4 westbound could see delays of 50 minutes at some junctions. Motorists waiting to cross the Europe Faces Record Flight Delays: Your Rights and What To Do Both freight lorries and holidaymakers are trying to cross the channel. Vehicles are moving very slowly through Dover from the A20, down Jubilee Way towards the port in Kent. A spokesperson said that motorists should anticipate delays of around an hour. There is a traffic control system in place, in addition to traffic wardens. One of the wardens told an eyewitness that they had received a lot of verbal abuse from drivers earlier today. Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover said his organisation has been "preparing for a busy summer" and has brought in measures to "minimise disruption". He said: "We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too. "That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting - all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season." The Port of Dover said they were expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend, and more than 270,000 over the next six weeks. To avoid bad traffic drivers are advised to leave as early or as late as possible to avoid midday queues. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: "We typically see a peak on 'Frantic Friday' when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned. "To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours." Drivers are also reminded to check their oil and coolant levels, as well as their tyres, before setting off. 6 Earlier today delays caused a backlog of traffic on the A20 outside Dover Credit: PA 6 Frustrated motorists reportedly took their anger out on traffic wardens Credit: PA
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Law change for all driveways in England update as backing soars
The RAC has lashed out at 'abhorrent behaviour could go unpunished' A petition demanding a change in the law that would affect everyone with a driveway has rocketed in popularity. In under a week, nearly 40,000 individuals have thrown their support behind the campaign on to outlaw parking on someone else's driveway. The surge in signatures comes after many realised that in the UK, parking on someone's driveway without their consent isn't a criminal offence but rather a civil trespass, leaving the police generally out of the equation. The RAC has slammed this legal grey area, stating: "A curious loophole in the law means that, technically-speaking, this type of abhorrent behaviour could go unpunished." They added: "While there i s no criminal law against the indecent act of someone parking on your driveway without your consent, your driveway is part of your property so by driving onto it the person is committing an act of trespassing. "Trespassing, however, is classed as a civil offence not a criminal offence, meaning the police don't have the power to make an arrest." Siamak Darvish, who started the petition viewable here, said: "In our community, lawlessness has become a growing concern, particularly when it comes to parking. People can park on other people's driveways without repercussions, leading to numerous complications that range from inconvenience to safety hazards. This issue is becoming increasingly urgent with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which bring unique risks if parked improperly." "Making it explicitly illegal to park on someone else's driveway without consent aligns with the need to respect private property and enhance public safety. Introducing fines or stricter enforcement for these violations could serve as a deterrent, encouraging individuals to respect the property rights of others. "Immediate action is needed to curb this chaotic situation and protect homeowners from the unpredictability and potential dangers posed by this disregard for property. Let's urge our lawmakers and community leaders to step up and create a safer neighbourhood for everyone." One supporter, Lynne from Whitchurch, expressed her disbelief: "In all honesty, I really thought it was an illegal offence to either block or park on someone else's drive. I am so shocked to hear that this is legal and anyone can use your PRIVATE drive." Sue from Gloucester shared her frustration: "I own two parking spaces in a residents parking area which were never marked out by the builders. There are ten others on the same area each also privately owned by the five other properties. All of us have experienced other neighbours parking in our spaces instead of their own in a different area." Aileen chimed in with her exasperation: "Why should people who have paid the council to turn the kerb & then a company to build a driveway then have to put up with anyone who wants to park on it get away with it! ! ! Absolutely crazy! !". What can you do if someone parks on your driveway? The RAC says: "Unfortunately, there is little chance of the law getting involved and the legal action outlined below will take a considerable amount of time and - unless you have the legal add-on as part of your home insurance policy - expense. "The best thing to do on a one off is to keep calm and don't let the situation escalate, never take the law into your own hands and do not stoop to revenge tactics that could get you prosecuted also. "If it's causing an issue, try and speak to the person and resolve the situation sensibly. "If you find it is a long-term issue, either happening on a regular basis, or a car has been left on your driveway for some time, the following advice may help." For more information from the RAC click here. Take legal action The RAC says if you were to pursue a civil case for trespassing, the courts have the jurisdiction to remove the car from the driveway. "Your solicitor would be able to get the civil court's permission to find out the legal owner of the vehicle involved, and a judge would have to make its removal an order of the court. "Another option is to pursue a legal claim for nuisance behaviour on the grounds that the driver is interfering with your use and enjoyment of your property. "You should be aware, however, going through the courts, can be a long and potentially costly process if you do not have legal expenses insurance."
Observer
14-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Australia fires first HIMARS rocket
ROCKHAMPTON, Australia: Australia's army fired a truck-mounted long range rocket system that has become a priority for US allies in the Indo-Pacific for the first time on Monday, alongside US and Singapore forces firing the same system in joint war games. Armoured trucks with HIMARS — High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems that can reach 400 km (250 miles) — are in high demand in the Ukraine conflict and are also being acquired by US allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, which is reshaping its forces to respond to China's military build-up. On the first day of Australia's largest war games, "Talisman Sabre", the US, Australia, Japan, France, South Korea and Singapore held a live-fire exercise in northern Queensland involving US F-35B fighter jets and land-based long-range strike rockets and missiles. Up to 40,000 troops from 19 nations are taking part in Talisman Sabre, across thousands of kilometres from Australia's Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island to the Coral Sea on Australia's east coast. Australian Army Brigadier Nick Wilson, director general of the combined live-fire exercise, said it was the first time Australia, Singapore and the United States had fired HIMARS together, and the first firing by Australia on home soil. "HIMARS will be utilised in conjunction with a number of other weapon platforms ... to ensure we have a strategy of denial for security, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he told reporters on Monday. The joint exercise at Shoalwater Bay in north Queensland was watched by Australian Governor General Sam Mostyn and Chief of Defence Admiral David Johnston. Australia has previously said army regiments with HIMARS can be transported to neighbouring island states with defence agreements to protect its northern approaches in a conflict. Lockheed Martin delivered the first two of 42 HIMARS launcher vehicles ordered by Australia in April. Australia has said it will spend A$74 billion ($49 billion) on missiles over the next decade, including a new domestic manufacturing capability. US Army Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, deputy commanding general for the Pacific, said on Sunday the US needed to work with partners in the Indo-Pacific, and that Talisman Sabre was "a deterrent mechanism because our ultimate goal is no war". — Reuters
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Australia fires first HIMARS long-range rocket in war game with US and allies
Australia's army fired for the first time on Monday (July 14) a truck-mounted long range rocket system that has become a priority for U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, alongside U.S. and Singapore forces firing the same system in joint war trucks with HIMARS - High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems that can reach 400 km (250 miles) - are in high demand in the Ukraine conflict and are also being acquired by U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, which is reshaping its forces to respond to China's military the first day of Australia's largest war games, "Talisman Sabre", the U.S., Australia, Japan, France, South Korea and Singapore held a live-fire exercise in northern Queensland involving U.S. F-35B fighter jets and land-based long-range strike rockets and to 40,000 troops from 19 nations are taking part in Talisman Sabre, across thousands of kilometres from Australia's Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island to the Coral Sea on Australia's east coast.► Subscribe to ET Digital for the latest video updates. It's free! - Show more Show less
