Latest news with #Co-operative
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lough Neagh fishing industry 'victim' of environmental damage
The fishing industry on Lough Neagh is "a victim" of the environmental challenges facing the lough, politicians have been told. The comments by representatives of the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative came as eel fishing in Lough Neagh was temporarily paused. The Co-operative said it was because the quality of the catch wasn't good enough. The season started on 5 May, but was suspended on 12 May. The Co-operative plans to resume fishing on 9 June, depending on its own assessments of the quality. Speaking at the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committee meeting this morning, CEO Kathleen McBride said that Lough Neagh eel was marketed as "the ultimate", as a product with Protected Geographical Indication status since 2011. "I have a sample catch scheduled for every week now until the week before the 9th. "We will gut these ourselves and try and assess them as best we can to see, and we'll work very closely with our markets in Holland to see is it what they're expecting, is it what they're needing?" She added that, while the science did not show a major decrease in the fat content of the eel, "our customers are telling us there's a significant decrease." Brexit means NI eels can't be sold in Britain Man sentenced after smuggling hundreds of endangered eels The former CEO of the Co-operative, Pat Close, told the committee that the fishing industry on Lough Neagh was probably "collateral damage" from the other environmental challenges facing the Lough. "There are many, many external factors and influences over which we have no control, or indeed had much consultation if any about, but that has led to a situation where the fishing industry is probably collateral damage and certainly a victim in this situation because of the impact all of these things have had on the fish quality, particularly the fat content." Most of the eel catch is exported to the Netherlands, where it is smoked. The rest of the catch is sent to England. The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute said it had been "due to begin collecting samples on behalf of the department on the 13th of May". It added that because of the suspension, it was "therefore not able to assess the condition of any eels caught since fishing commenced and are not in a position to comment." Ms McBride urged the government to support the eel-fishing industry. "Our eels are traditional here; our methods are very traditional, and better than that, they're very sustainable. There's practically no carbon footprint on that capture. "And I think that's to be lauded in comparison to what's happening within the agricultural industry. "So we should be supported in that and looked up to how this works in a rural area."
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Long-serving Welsh councillor dies suddenly as colleagues pay tribute
Long-serving Welsh councillor dies suddenly as colleagues pay tribute He was described as 'a true gentleman, a devoted colleague, and a cherished friend' Councillor Peter Richards of Neath Port Talbot (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council ) Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Neath Port Talbot councillor who died suddenly. Councillor Peter Richards of the Baglan ward died on April 9 at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. He was first elected to Neath Port Talbot Council in June 2004 and had served continuously as one of the Baglan ward members until the time of his death. Speaking at the annual general meeting of council held on May 8 a number of members paid tribute to Cllr Richards before a minute's silence was observed for him in the chamber. Speaking at the meeting the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: "I first met Peter when I was elected in 2008 and it was clear from the outset that he was a person of exceptional kindness and unwavering support. "Our friendship blossomed as we worked together on behalf of all our communities and I will always remember and be grateful for his guidance and encouragement at that time. "Peter's commitment went far beyond his own ward. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the welfare of everyone living in Neath Port Talbot. Article continues below "As a cabinet member of the Labour administration he approached his duties with both professionalism and dignity, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. "His work with the Co-operative movement exemplified his passion for community and services. "Peter was a true gentleman, a devoted colleague, and a cherished friend. "His absence will be felt deeply by us all but his legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire our work." Labour representative for Gwaun-cae-Gurwen and Lower Brynaman Cllr Sonia Reynolds added: "Peter was loved in his community, valued within our group, and respected across this council. He will be deeply missed." For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here. The tributes came at the annual general meeting of the council where a new mayor and deputy mayor were sworn to their roles alongside the returning leader. Article continues below They also came after another councillor announced his decision to leave the current governing coalition over disputes over major plans for Neath town centre. You can read more about that here.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
M&S and Co-op customers warned over common task after 20 million targeted
Millions of Brits are being urged to take hefty precaution after hackers were able to gain access to several supermarket giant's IT network, after reportedly posing as employees Major cyberattacks targeting two popular UK retailers have sparked widespread chaos in recent weeks. It is believed hackers, said to be part of a criminal group nicknamed 'DragonForce', posed as employees to gain access to the firms' network. The assault resulted in the Co-operative and Marks & Spencer scrambling to keep up with online orders and stock availability, with some stores only being able to operate on a cash-only basis. Confused customers flocked to social media, showing how swathes of shelves had been left empty, while warning signs on meal deal availability had also been erected in certain stores. "As part of our proactive management of a cyber incident, we have made the decision to pause taking orders via our M& websites and apps," M&S stated on April 25. "Our product range remains available to browse online. We are truly sorry for this inconvenience. Our stores are open to welcome customers." On May 2, a spokesperson for the Co-op revealed it was continuing to experience 'sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access' their systems. "This is a highly complex situation, which we continue to investigate in conjunction with the NCSC and the NCA," it added. "We have implemented measures to ensure that we prevent unauthorised access to our systems whilst minimising disruption for our members, customers, colleagues and partners. As a result of ongoing forensic investigations, we now know that the hackers were able to access and extract data from one of our systems." It is widely reported that hackers managed to access data from 20 million past and current members of the Co-operative, while Marks & Spencer - which saw its shares tank - has yet to disclose whether personal data was stolen at all. The Co-op has reassured customers that the stolen data only includes names and contact details - and not passwords or financial information. Experts say the series of cyberattacks expose the retail sector's 'critical vulnerability' and have been described as a 'wake up call' by Cabinet minister Pat McFadden, as he announced a boost in cybersecurity investment. "What we have seen over the past couple of weeks should serve as a wake-up call for businesses and organisations up and down the UK, as if we needed one, that cybersecurity is not a luxury but an absolute necessity," he added. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror's Money newsletter here for all the best advice and shopping deals straight to your inbox. If you're concerned about ransomware attacks, consumer brand Which? has warned against one common task you may not normally think twice about. "Don't download attachments you haven't been expecting or click on links that are trying to persuade you to give away personal details," the brand said. "You can always contact a company directly if you want to check if a message is genuine." The publication also advised only downloading software/apps from a 'trusted source' and making sure you look for 'reputable software manufacturers when deciding what to download'. Updating your PC to the latest software will also help keep your security protection. "Windows 10 and 11 allow you to turn on a setting that protects folders from unauthorised programs such as ransomware," Which? explained. "To turn it on, open the Windows Security app (select the shield icon from your Taskbar – if you can't see it, click Show hidden icons, which looks like ^). Scroll down, select Ransomware protection and click Controlled folder access to turn it on."
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Oswaldtwistle theatre at 'heart' of town added to 'at-risk' list
A Lancashire theatre which has been "at the heart of the community for more than 150 years" has been added to a heritage "at risk" Theatres Trust, a charity that campaigns to protect the UK's historic performance spaces, has added Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre & Theatre to its annual Theatres at Risk Register as part of efforts to protect the is among 13 theatres across north-west England on the list of those under threat due to severe structural or safety issues or redevelopment theatres on the register include Liverpool's Epstein Theatre and Manchester's Theatre Royal, the city's oldest surviving theatre. The venues across the region featuring on the Theatres Trust 2025 register - which has a total of 44 UK theatres on it - are as follows: Greater Manchester Tameside Theatre - Ashton-under-Lyne's only Grade II-listed, purpose-built theatre which is of architectural and historical significance, featuring 1930s Art Deco Hall, Ramsbottom - built in 1874-1876 as part of the Co-operative movement. It has been unused since Theatre, Salford - which was designed by eminent theatre architect Bertie Crewe, with rare substage Hippodrome - a Grade II-listed music hall constructed for the Broadhead Circuit which operated 17 venues in the Royal, Manchester - the city's oldest surviving theatre building, built in 1845. Lancashire Burnley Empire - the town's only Grade II-listed purpose-built Victorian theatre, built in Gardens Morecambe - the Grade II-listed big concert party hall was built in 1897 to the designs of Mangnall & Gardens, Blackpool Pavilion - the entertainment complex built between Longthorne Pavilion - an Art Deco pier pavilion in Blackpool dating from the 1930 on Blackpool's North Civic Arts Centre & Theatre - which the charity said was "at the heart of the community for more than 150 years". Merseyside Garston Empire - built in 1915, it is a rare surviving example of a ciné-variety house, designed to bring theatre and silent films to the Theatre - a Grade II-listed theatre built above a music shop in 1913 and originally intended as a music hall which was closed in 2023 when its financial support was Theatre, Southport - an Art Deco theatre built in 1932. Its original features remain largely intact. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
