Latest news with #GoogleStreetView
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Robber stole cash and tobacco at Tredegar petrol station
Newport Crown Court heard that Liam Watts and another man – who has not been identified – entered Nantybwch Service Station in Tredegar wearing balaclavas at around 8.45pm on December 23, 2023. There was a lone woman working in the service station, and the men grabbed her and told her to open the till. The men took £200 in cash, and Watts emptied packets of tobacco and cigarettes into a bag. The men hit Nantybwch Service Station in Tredegar. (Image: Google Street View) The pair warned the woman not to call the police, and the other man then grabbed a bottle of brandy as they fled. She phoned the police, and CCTV footage of the incident was provided. Police searched an address in Tredegar on January 1, 2024, in relation to an unrelated matter. Whilst at the address, they recognised a pair of grey Armani tracksuit bottoms. Forensic checks revealed Watts' fingerprints on a tobacco pack which had been dropped during the robbery. The defendant, who has five previous convictions for 12 offences, pleaded guilty to robbery. In a statement read out in court, the woman said she was left feeling 'particularly nervous' when working by herself late at night after the robbery, and she was concerned that the other man had not been identified yet. Liam Watts robbed a petrol station with another man. (Image: Gwent Police) Kevin Seal, appearing for Watts, said the defendant was 'sorry' and 'embarrassed' about his offending, and was so intoxicated during the robbery that he didn't realise the member of staff was somebody he knew. He said Watts developed a drug addiction and issues with alcohol after receiving a large amount of money and spending it all in a short period of time 'mixing with others and taking cocaine'. 'That's probably the worst thing that ever happens to him,' said Mr Seal. 'He then went on effectively a spree of offending.' Mr Seal said Watts was 'grateful' that he was now in custody, and that this gave him a chance to address his substance issues. 'It has put the brakes on a one way path,' he said. Addressing the defendant, Judge Carl Harrison said: 'This was a lone female working at night at 8.45pm in December. It was dark outside. 'Your offending has had a long-lasting effect on her.' Watts was jailed for two years and three months, and the woman was granted a five-year restraining order against him.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Former Christchurch Hunters and Collectors building transformed from ‘Dirty 30' eyesore after the earthquake
Hunters and Collectors, Cosmic Corner and Central Surf - as they were on Google Street View in 2007. Photo / Google Built across the two landmark Christchurch sites, the South Island's largest flexible workspace blends an ultra-modern office environment within a perfectly preserved shell of brick, timber and exposed columns. The design strides boldly into the future while thoughtfully reflecting the past. It was a four-year passion project for friends and business partners Tom Harding, Mike Fisher and Alex Brennan. Mike Fisher, Alex Brennan and Tom Harding of Qb Studios. Photo / Supplied 'We didn't have all the money in the world, so we had to do it in a way that we could finance it, and to do that, we had to do it in two stages. Stage one was refurbing the existing Hunters and Collectors building, getting that tenanted and then going again,' says Harding. On either side of the building's four storied central atrium are offices and break-out spaces that house small to medium-sized companies – with a penthouse suite that has room for a business of 40 or more staff. The atrium at Qb High Street features exposed brick, concrete columns and balconies that give the feeling of the indoors being outdoors. Photo / Supplied From the third floor, the atrium gives the impression of a narrow street with offices having shallow balconies and doors that open out. The exposed brick and soft lighting enhance that outdoor illusion. The ground floor reception feels like it's only missing a concierge – it's that much like a hotel lobby. That's not by mistake. 'You hit the nail on the head there. That was sort of always the ambition to make the office space feel like a boutique hotel. This is probably the first one that we feel got closest to that brief in many ways,' says Mike Fisher. Qb has six locations across Auckland and Christchurch – their latest is their most unique in an industry that is still in its infancy here. 'If you look at it in terms of the percentage of the market that is in this type of space, it is still very low, probably relative to other countries and global trends,' says Harding. The foyer and cafe at Qb High Street, featuring exposed concrete beams that had been attached to the neighbouring building before it was demolished. Photo / Supplied Qb High Street has maximised the space available to provide an environment that is aesthetically pleasing and utterly functional, from open and collaborative to completely private. Though the meeting pods may not suit the more claustrophobic workers. The financially claustrophobic, however, might enjoy the unrestrictive terms. 'We've got companies that are 20 people and now can accommodate up to 50-person companies, but they don't have to come in and sign a 10-year lease or a 5-year lease,' says Fisher. 'And they can walk in this afternoon and start operating. All they need is a laptop,' he adds. Fisher describes the commercial space as 'a turnkey product' that essentially turns 'office leasing into a service-based model where you pay a subscription'. The history lessons here are both obvious and subtle. The "Hunters and Collectors building" after the earthquake and before its dramatic refurbishment. The brick and concrete beams are still visible in the new design. Photo / Supplied 'All of the boardrooms that are bookable were named after the previous occupants of the building. Cosmic Corner, Hunters and Collectors, Echo Records,' says Fisher. There's also the Elephant Room – named after they saw an old photo of an elephant being walked down High Street. Harding and Fisher are open about the amount of work that was required – and the disparity with what they'd anticipated. 'In the end it was a complete rebuild. When we acquired it, we thought we were probably going to come in and get away with doing a lot less work. As you go up, particularly on the top level, that's where you see a lot of the original features. But yes, certainly some challenges and a lot of money to retain what came through the earthquakes,' says Fisher. Inside the former "Dirty 30" building. The historic columns, that many Hunters and Collectors customers will remember, are retained in the new building. Photo / Supplied 'We've done our best to expose as much as we can,' adds Harding. Lead architect on the project and director at Architecture Studio, Richard McNeill, said this was one of the most technically challenging projects they had undertaken in the past two decades. 'From preserving parts of the original 1880s building to navigating tricky structural and seismic challenges, every part of it was unique,' said McNeill. The result is a triumph for central Christchurch and a benchmark for the city's last remaining 'Dirty 30'.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
How to Prepare Your Kids for a Big Move in Alabama
Relocating to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when kids are involved. Whether you're moving across town, to another city in Alabama, or transitioning from an apartment to your first house, the emotional impact on children is significant. Kids often see their home as their entire world, so a move can feel like a major upheaval. With the right approach, however, moving can be a positive and even empowering experience for the whole family. If you're in Alabama, especially in areas like Auburn where families are constantly on the move, preparation and communication are key. Whether you're hiring apartment movers in Auburn AL or working with a full-service Auburn moving company, these strategies will help make the transition smoother for your little ones—and for you. Children need time to process big changes, just like adults. That's why it's important to start the conversation early. Be honest and age-appropriate in your explanation. Use positive language to highlight the benefits of the move: 'You'll have a bigger bedroom.' 'We'll be closer to grandma.' 'You'll make new friends and explore a new neighborhood.' Encourage questions and answer them patiently. Kids may ask the same things multiple times—this is their way of processing the change. Involving them early helps them feel a sense of control and participation. Even small decisions can help kids feel more involved. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities that foster a sense of ownership over the move. Picking paint colors for their new room Choosing what toys to donate or keep Decorating moving boxes with their names and stickers Helping create a 'moving countdown' calendar Older kids may enjoy researching their new city or helping to pack essentials. If you're using professional help like apartment movers in Auburn AL, let your children meet the movers on move-in day so they're not surprised when strangers handle their belongings. Moving involves many steps, so building a shared family timeline will help everyone stay organized and reduce anxiety. Final day at the old home Packing days for each room A goodbye party or outing to favorite spots The big move-in day School enrollment dates First day at the new school You can create a visual timeline using magnets, a whiteboard, or a printed poster with colorful stickers. Visual cues are especially helpful for younger children who don't yet grasp the concept of weeks or months. If you're moving within Alabama—say from Birmingham to Auburn or from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery—it can be helpful to visit the new neighborhood beforehand. Walk through the new house or apartment Visit nearby parks or playgrounds See their new school or daycare Eat at a local restaurant or café Meet neighbors or future classmates If an in-person visit isn't possible, take a virtual tour online. Use Google Street View to explore the area or browse through photos of the town. This makes the move feel less mysterious and more like an adventure. Moving to a college town like Auburn? The community is known for being welcoming and family-friendly. Ask your Auburn moving company if they have any local resources or recommendations for new families. Moving day is hectic. To avoid chaos (and meltdowns), pack a 'first night' essentials box or backpack for each child. Favorite toys or stuffed animals Pajamas and a change of clothes Toiletries and snacks Books or coloring supplies Blankets or nightlights Chargers for tablets or handheld games Label the box or bag with their name and keep it in your personal vehicle—not in the moving truck. This ensures that your child has comforting and familiar items on hand as soon as you arrive at your new home. Kids thrive on consistency. Moving disrupts everything—from bedtime to mealtime to where the cereal bowls are kept. That's why it's important to maintain as many routines as possible, even during packing and moving. Stick to regular bedtime and wake-up routines Eat meals at familiar times Keep school or daycare attendance as regular as possible until the move Schedule playdates with friends before leaving Once you move in, establish new routines quickly. Having breakfast together at the same time or doing a nightly bedtime story can bring stability to an otherwise unfamiliar environment. A big part of helping children transition is giving them space to say goodbye to people, places, and routines. A goodbye party with school or neighborhood friends A photo book of favorite memories in your old home Drawings or cards for teachers and neighbors One last visit to a favorite park or ice cream shop After the move, encourage them to say hello to their new environment. Take walks around the neighborhood, meet new neighbors, and enroll them in local activities like soccer, dance, or scouts. Auburn and other Alabama cities have plenty of youth-focused programs to help kids get involved and make friends. Many apartment movers in Auburn AL also serve families who are downsizing or upgrading—ask if they know local community groups or events tailored to kids and families. Moving is a major life event, especially for children. But with the right approach—built on honesty, involvement, routine, and emotional support—it can become a rewarding experience that teaches resilience and adaptability. If you're relocating to or within Alabama, especially to fast-growing areas like Auburn, working with trusted professionals like an Auburn moving company can take the logistical stress off your plate, giving you more time to focus on your family's emotional well-being. Remember: It's not just about transporting boxes — it's about moving your life. With preparation, patience, and a few thoughtful touches, your kids can transition to their new home with confidence and maybe even a little excitement. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Extra.ie
Gay man wins big payout after church performs 'exorcism' on him
A gay man has won a five-figure payout after the Church of England performed an exorcism in an attempt to try to turn him 'straight'. 37-year-old Matthew Drapper, who was volunteering at St Thomas Philadelphia, Sheffield, in England, back in 2014, was told he had come under 'demonic possession' due to his 'sexual impurity'. He had been taking part in a weekend event held at the church when a husband and wife at the event, told him that performing the ritual would rid him of his homosexuality, thus 'releasing demons' from his body. St Thomas Philadelphia in Sheffield. Pic: Google Street View During the 'exorcism', the couple, who were prayer leaders at the church, stood over him and said he had to 'break agreements with Hollywood and the media' as these were causing him to have 'gay feelings'. Mr Drapper said when he looks back on that time, 'it seems like something out of a horror movie' and that the whole experience left him in a state of depression He told The Times newspaper: 'For someone to be standing over you saying they can see the demons leaving your body is quite terrifying. But when you are deeply tied into the church, as I was at that time, it is easy to believe anything they tell you.' Matthew Drapper. Pic: Instagram Mr Drapper said the whole experience caused him to lose his Christian faith and over time, led him to leave the church in 2016, before making a formal complaint some three years later. He had initially requested an apology from the church, but they said there was 'no evidence' to substantiate his claims, but afterwards the Diocese of Sheffield, in agreement with the complainant, asked the Barnardos charity to investigate in 2021. Mr Drapper has since been awarded an undisclosed five-figure sum from the Church of England.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
People are furious about an old cottage being turned into new homes
People are furious about an old cottage being turned into new homes People fear pedestrians will be at risk Hillcroft is on a narrow lane called Heol y Cawl in Dinas Powys, which residents say presents a traffic risk (Image: Google Street View ) Residents say lives will be put at risk by an old cottage on a town's small lane being turned into three homes. A number of people living near Hillcroft in Heol y Cawl in Dinas Powys, raised objections to the scheme, arguing the road is too narrow and that having more vehicles use it could pose a risk to pedestrians. Vale of Glamorgan council's planning committee narrowly voted in favour of turning into three separate homes. In a meeting on Thursday, July 10, council planners said they were satisfied with the proposal in front of them, with one official saying the lane was "lightly" impacted by traffic and a planning consultant on behalf of the applicants saying there was no record of any accidents having taken place there. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . One resident, Hannah Reeves, said: "A lot of cars come to visit Heol y Cawl. They don't dare come down [it] because it's too dangerous. "There's an access at the top, there's an access at the bottom, but there's also a very dangerous access right in the middle of the hill and I watch people all the time trying to come in and out of that small access. "There's a wall right opposite and they take ages... and if anyone drives up the hill and a car comes downhill... one car has to go back down to Mill Road on a very steep bend and it could be a fatal accident there." Article continues below Mill Road is one of the main roads in and out of Dinas Powys and joins with Pen y Turnpike Road. Speaking on behalf of the applicant, planning consultant Powys Jones said he understood residents' concerns about road safety in relation to the scheme, which will have seven car parking spaces but said: "We have looked at the road safety statistics and the highway officers agree there is no record whatsoever of any accidents over the last 20 years in this street and the reason for that is stating the obvious. "Even though it's used by pedestrians, the street is narrow therefore speeds are low. Drivers take care." Some members of the planning committee, like Cllr Marianne Cowpe, later argued that many accidents were not recorded and that the data might not be a fair reflection of the safety of the lane. Referring to a site visit conducted by members of the committee before the meeting, Cllr Carys Stallard said she and other councillors were advised not to drive up Heol y Cawl. Another resident, George Eralil, said: "If planning permission is agreed.. this is going to impose significant construction challenges. You cannot get a truck with any sort of material on that street. "There is a dangerous hill. it's a bend. "I do not want my five-year-old daughter to be in any danger. There's been two insurance write-offs recently on that street because of vehicles being scraped." Planning committee member, Cllr Stallard, also criticised the affordability of the future homes, adding that they would be sold for about half a million pounds each. One of her committee colleagues, Cllr Nic Hodges, criticised the development on similar lines, pointing out the lack of a financial contribution by the developer for affordable housing. Financial agreements, called section 106 agreements, are usually made between developers and councils when a new scheme is approved. They are often used to mitigate a potential impact that the project may have or they are used to secure funding for improvements to infrastructure and housing in the local area. According to a council report, an independent review of the development found that getting the applicants to make a section 106 contribution would make the Hillcroft scheme unviable. Hillcroft, which is described by Vale of Glamorgan Council as being an early nineteenth century cottage, is also part of the Dinas Powys conservation area. Concerns were raised by objectors about the potential heritage impact developing the building might have. Council planning officer, Stephen Butler, said a lean-to on the building was initially going to be demolished - a proposal opposed by the council. However, this is now being retained as part of the latest plans and Mr Butler went on to add that the council's heritage planning officer was satisfied the scheme did not cause any harm. Mr Powys said the extensions that would be built to the rear of the building would not have any significant impact on the area because they would not be visible to passers-by. The vote on approving the planning application was tied, with seven planning committee members voting in favour, seven voting against and two abstaining. Article continues below Plans were approved after the committee chair, Cllr Neil Thomas, broke the deadlock using his casting vote.
