Big yellow box junction in Maghera set to be reviewed
An extra-large yellow box junction which stunned people in Maghera could be reduced in size.A review of the scale of the yellow markings at a junction in the County Londonderry town is to take place.Maghera, with its population of fewer than 5,000 people, has been dubbed "the small town with the big yellow box", since the road paint appeared a week ago.It stretches more than 40m along a busy junction frequently used by buses and lorries as well as cars.
Tackling traffic flow issues
In a statement to BBC News NI, the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that officials intend to look again at the size of the yellow box.A spokesperson said: "The department implemented the yellow box markings at this location to assist with the ease of Translink bus movements to and from the main bus stop, which has recently been relocated to the opposite side of St Lurach's Road."The extent of the markings will be reviewed prior to full completion of the Maghera Public Realm Scheme."The scheme, which began last year, is expected to be completed next month.As well as installing new street furniture and widening footpaths, the project has tried to tackle traffic flow issues.
Last week, Melissa Caskey, who works in an office which overlooks the new yellow box, called it "ridiculous" and appealed for it to be reduced in size.Barney Regan, who runs a bar nearby, said he hoped it might become a tourist attraction.While there has been criticism of the size of the yellow box, there is a general recognition in the town that traffic flow needs to be improved.
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The Guardian
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Both Bria and Young recommend regular, light cleaning over the occasional desperate deep clean. What you do depends on the type of machine (or maker) you have. The intricate internal design of an espresso or bean-to-cup machine will require a more fastidious approach than a simple filter coffee maker. A quick wipe-down goes a long way. Clean spouts, drip trays and milk frothers daily if used. Wipe the exterior of your machines regularly to prevent staining. If you have a fancy machine with a touchscreen or LCD display, then don't put harsh chemicals anywhere near it – use a general-purpose, nonabrasive cleaner. Steam wands are particularly prone to getting blocked with milk deposits, so ensure you wipe them with a dedicated damp cloth after every use. Do it before purging the wand with steam, though, or you'll bake the milk residue on to the wand. For automatic machines, ensure that every nook and cranny of the milk carafe is cleaned, scrubbed and soaked after every use to remove buildup and prevent tainting. If milk or coffee residue does end up getting caked on, then don't waste effort scrubbing, as it's incredibly sticky. Instead, use a dedicated coffee machine cleaner such as Urnex Cafiza or a milk system cleaner such as Urnex Rinza. These are available in liquid, tablet and powder forms, so pick the one that works best for your machine. For instance, many automatic bean-to-cup machines recommend cleaning tablets rather than powder, so check your manual before buying the wrong type. If your machine uses a manual steam wand, and the power seems a bit limp, then Bria's advice is simple: remove the steam tip, soak it and clear any blockages with a needle, paperclip or – technical term incoming – the little poky tool that came with your machine. If it's really baked on, then soak the tip in a milk cleaner solution. Either Urnex Rinza or Puly Caff will do a good job. It's worth noting that Urnex's Rinza comes in both alkaline and acidic formulas. Both can be used as part of a regular cleaning regime, but they're complementary rather than strictly interchangeable. The alkaline formula is best at removing all types of milk residues, including non-dairy alternatives, whereas the acidic formula is most effective at dissolving scale buildup – something which is particularly useful if you live in a hard water area. Urnex Rinza milk system cleaner, 1.1l £14.49 at Amazon Puly Caff milk frother cleaner, 1l £10.90 at Clumsy Goat According to Young, manual espresso machines require more regular care. Make sure to clean your portafilter with a dot of dish soap and a non-abrasive cloth after every use. If your machine has an auto-cleaning cycle, don't be afraid to use it regularly. 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Brita Marella XL jug, 3.5l capacity £24 at Argos £18.99 at Amazon Peak water filtration starter pack £40 at Camden Coffee Roastery Some fancier machines provide a water pH testing strip: based on the results, they'll remind you to descale after a set period. Most machines, however, rely on you to remember. The easiest option is to put a reminder in your calendar. Consult your machine's manual for specific recommendations, and consider that your water hardness and usage levels will affect the required frequency. Using the right descaling method for your machine is essential – the manufacturer will usually recommend a specific type – as some products may damage the metal parts inside. We'd recommend using coffee-machine-specific descalers, such as Urnex Dezcal and Puly Cleaner powder descaler. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Alternatively, Young's top money-saving tip is food-grade citric acid. It's more affordable than pricey specialist products. It's safe to consume, and any residue is easy to detect. It works on more than coffee machines, too – it'll tackle limescale anywhere in the home. Whatever you do, don't attempt to make up for lost time by using more descaler than advised, as this may damage the machine. You want just enough to dissolve limescale; any more and it may start attacking metal parts, too. Always follow the instructions. Also, avoid using vinegar. Unless, that is, you're happy to risk tainting your machine permanently and potentially eating away the rubber parts and internal components. Rinse the machine through thoroughly after descaling. Run several cycles of clean water through before brewing another batch – you don't want it in your coffee. 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an hour ago
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Plans for Bedworth children's care home withdrawn after concerns
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