Latest news with #Greenford
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Giant tunnelling machine is lifted to the surface after finishing HS2 tunnels (no wonder it's costing so much)
A giant tunnelling machine has been lifted to the surface after finishing work on a HS2 tunnel - and no wonder the project is costing so much. The huge metal device has spent more than a year underground working on sections of the new high-speed rail network beneath the capital, finishing its project in June. The so-called tunnel boring machine (TBM), named Emily, had been tasked with a 3.4-mile drive, starting at Victoria Road in the west London borough of North Acton. It has now resurfaced as of Saturday, at its final destination of Green Park Way in the town of Greenford in neighbouring borough Ealing. Since launching in February last year, it has completed one bore of the eastern section of the Northolt Tunnel, the second longest on the HS2 network at 8.4 miles. It has removed 775,000 tonnes of clay and installed 17,514 tunnel segments in the passage, which stretches from Ealing to neighbouring borough Hillingdon. Emily - weighing a huge 1,700 tonnes with a 9.11m diameter - is the third of four machines to work on the tunnel, with the final one expected to finish later this year. But such enormous machines carry a hefty price tag - the entire network could end up costing as much as £80billion to build. Shocking pictures show the device dwarfing the workmen supervising its removal from the ground. Heavily reinforced ropes, hanging from a huge red metal structure, drag the machine from what appears to be an incredibly deep shaft leading down to the tunnel below. The revelation of the truly imposing size of the machinery involved in HS2, or High Speed 2, is a stark reminder of the eye-watering cost of the project. The Department for Transport's 'estimated range' for HS2's total cost in November 2023 was £45-54billion, a report by the Committee of Public Accounts published in February this year noted. The latest estimate by HS2 Ltd - the government-funded company responsible for HS2 - was £54-66billion in June last year, it added. The report concluded: 'With their competing cost estimates still in 2019 prices, then once adjusted for inflation the total programme costs might be close to £80billion.' This came just before another damning report on the cost of the project, published last month. It was discovered last month HS2 is set to be delayed for another two years as a report revealed costs for the project had increased by £37billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced last month the line between London and Birmingham would no longer be completed in the target time of 2033. She claimed the cost of the project shot up £37billion between 2012 and the last general election, The Telegraph reported. The minister accepted 89 recommendations from an independent review into infrastructure projects, spearheaded by former Crossrail chief executive James Stewart. Mike Brown, former Transport for London (TfL) commissioner, became the new chairman of HS2 Limited - the company in charge of the project. A damning dossier of the project's shortcomings said the previous government spent £2billion on the original network between Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds before scrapping it. After the Birmingham to Leeds and Birmingham to Manchester legs were scrapped in 2021 and 2023 respectively, HS2 will now just connect London and Birmingham. More than £250million was spent by HS2 Ltd on failed designs for a new station at Euston by HS2 Ltd, the report also revealed. The company was reportedly asked to provide a cheaper alternative but ended up nearly doubling the price in the second design. A HS2 statement said Emily got through around 38 metres of the Northolt Tunnel each day 'at peak production'. Had this pace been consistently maintained, the 3.4-mile route would have been completed in just over 140 days, or nearly five months. Emily has in fact been working for 14 months. The machine was manned by three teams of 48 working round the clock to dig the tunnel before lining it with concrete segments weighing up to seven tonnes each. It came after two other TBMs, named Sushila and Caroline, worked on the western section of the tunnel from the West Ruislip area of Hillingdon. Sushila and Caroline's drives were completed in December 2024 and April 2025 respectively. The final machine, still working, will complete the work Emily started on the eastern end of the passage this summer. Some 34 cross passages between the eastern and western bores will then be finished, before a flat surface is laid on the tunnel's base for tracks to be laid on. Tunnel shafts for ventilation and emergency access will finish off the Northolt Tunnel project. This passage will eventually take HS2's new high-speed trains from the outskirts of London to the new Old Oak Common station in west London. All four devices finish at Green Park Way, lifted out of the ground like Emily. It comes after Mary Ann, the first of two machines excavating the Bromford Tunnel from Warwickshire to Birmingham, finished work in early May. The 3.5-mile passage stretches from the village of Water Orton to the West Midlands city's Washwood Heath area. HS2 project client director Malcolm Codling said of the completion of Emily's work: 'HS2's tunnelling drives in London for the Northolt Tunnel are nearing completion and it is a real achievement for our team to complete this 3.4-mile section on the tunnel safely and with such efficiency. 'There is still much more to do in the tunnel to get it HS2 ready and we will be focusing on productivity to continue with our work safely to get the HS2 route in London ready for track to be laid, and systems installed.' Emily's work was completed by HS2's London Tunnels contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV). The firm's tunnels and routeway project director, Dave Hannon, said: 'The arrival of TBM Emily at Green Park Way marks a significant milestone in the programme. 'We are now approaching completion of the Northolt Tunnel - an exciting achievement and a testament to the collaboration, dedication, and technical capabilities of our teams. 'With our continued focus we are pressing ahead at pace to complete the remaining works, including cross passages, tunnel walkways, ventilation shafts, headhouses, and portals, as we deliver on part of the HS2 project.' Teams manning Emily removed the clay from the ground on a conveyor belt. The excavated soil has since been reused on sites in Cambridgeshire, Kent and Warwickshire, where it was transported by train. Emily was made by world-leading tunnelling experts, German firm Herrenknecht. This latest machine to finish was named Emily after Emily Sophia Taylor, who established Ealing's Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937. She became the borough's first female mayor a year later. HS2, or High Speed 2, was proposed in 2009 to build a high-speed railway to connect London, the Midlands and the north of England. The project was announced in 2010 by then Conservative Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. But ever since it has been beset by controversy amid ballooning costs. It was originally divided into phase one, from London to Birmingham; phase 2A, from Birmingham to Crewe; and phase 2B, from Crewe to Manchester. The network will now just connect London and Birmingham. And a particularly bizarre element of the works included spending £100million on a tunnel for bats. This is despite there being 'no evidence' the trains will interfere with the mammals, ex-HS2 chairman Sir Jon Thompson said. He claimed this is an example of the UK's 'genuine problem' with completing major infrastructure projects. The company also came under fire when £20,000 was spent on a model station made out of Lego. The company spent the equivalent of £1 per plastic brick - and used it at 20 events in two years. The toys were used to recreate a planned site to help inform communities, businesses and the public about a new train station. The Lego version turned out to be roughly the size of a kitchen table, and consultants Bricks McGee were paid to construct it. In June, a whistleblower who lost his job after accusing HS2 executives of fraud over the true cost of the project won more than £300,000 in compensation. Risk management expert Stephen Cresswell repeatedly raised concerns that the cost of the high speed rail line - which could end up landing the taxpayer with a bill of more than £80billion - was being 'actively misrepresented'. The consultant was told by one HS2 executive to 'disregard' scenarios he had prepared which forecast a 'significant' increase in the price to the public, an employment tribunal heard. As a result, Mr Cresswell warned he found himself in a 'very uncomfortable position' of having a 'very different' view to the high speed rail line company's 'documented position'. The tribunal heard that in a meeting with bosses he said 'fraud had been committed because he understood fraud to be making false statement so as to secure a benefit'. After losing his job, Mr Cresswell took HS2 to an employment tribunal, claiming he had his contract terminated and been denied other work as a result of blowing the whistle. After the rail firm admitted that he had not given adequate levels of protection following his disclosures he has now been awarded £319,070 in damages. In response, campaigners said it was not to late for Labour to consider scrapping high speed rail over years of 'catastrophic mishandling'. HS2 Ltd previously said investigations into Mr Cresswell's claims found no evidence of fraud or illegal activity. In a statement it said: 'HS2 Ltd has accepted that Mr Cresswell raised concerns as a whistleblower and was not then given the appropriate level of protection when his contract came to an end. 'This is regrettable and HS2 Ltd is committed to ensuring that staff and others can raise concerns in confidence. 'This admission does not mean that HS2 Ltd accepts the specific allegations around cost estimating practices raised by Mr Cresswell. 'However, the company is under now under new leadership and a comprehensive review of its skills and structures is being carried out.' In May, a DfT spokesperson said: 'We take all whistleblowing allegations seriously and it is important that individuals are given appropriate levels of protection, which clearly was not the case for Mr Cresswell. 'There is a lot of hard work still to do to get this project back on track, which is why we are overseeing a total reset of HS2, and reviewing the programme's costs, schedule and culture.' A HS2 Ltd spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Emily achieved a peak production rate of around 38 metres per day during her journey beneath London. 'However, this rate reflects the machine's performance during optimal conditions and does not account for the full range of operational factors that determine overall tunnelling progress. 'In practice, the speed of a tunnelling operation is influenced by several variables, including ground conditions, maintenance requirements, logistics, and the careful set-up and commissioning phases at the start of the drive. 'These all contribute to the total time taken to complete a tunnel section. 'TBM Emily's tunnel drive was completed safely and successfully over 14 months, delivering a vital section of the HS2 route that will help to improve rail capacity and connectivity across the country.' They added: 'Our Chief Executive Mark Wild has been clear that the overall delivery of HS2 has been unacceptable and significant changes are clearly needed to break the cycle of cost increases and delays. 'He is now embarking on a comprehensive review which will lead to a full reset of the company and project - ensuring the railway is delivered to the lowest reasonable cost. 'The multi-year financial settlement for the project - set out in the recent spending review - provides greater certainty to the delivery of HS2 and lays the foundations for the reset. 'This work is essential to ensure that HS2 can deliver the transformational benefits of economic growth and vital new rail capacity between our two biggest cities.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Dunelm shoppers running to buy stylish bedroom furniture scanning for £37 instead of £149
DUNELM shoppers are running to buy a stylish bedroom furniture set scanning for £37 instead of £149. The Inga two-drawer bedside table has been slashed in price by 75% at one of the retailer's branches. 1 The deal was spotted by a shopper in Sheffield who posted the find on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook page. They said: " Dunelm (Kilner Way, Sheffield) absolute bargain and still full price online. I bought two they are so heavy and solid." The post has notched up dozens of likes and comments from shoppers in awe at the deal. It is not clear if the bedside table has been reduced in price across all of Dunelm's stores, however one shopper reported seeing it in a Greenford branch in North West London reduced to £37.50. The bedside table comes with solid customer reviews on the Dunelm website, with two giving it five stars and one four stars. Customers can buy it in either whitewashed wood or light oak colours. If you are keen to buy it online, you can click and collect and get it delivered to your home for free. The Dunelm bedside table bargain is not the first that's caught shoppers' attentions in recent weeks. Customers have left glowing reviews for a hanging hammock chair selling for £17.50 instead of £35. Of five reviews left for the chair on the Dunelm website, all are five star, with shoppers commending its value and stylish look. Dunelm shoppers are scrambling to their local store and their 'massive sale' kicks off with posh glasses for 89p and £8 gadgets to keep the Spring chill out It is currently out of stock on the retailer's website though so you won't be able to buy one online for now. How to save money at Dunelm Dunelm is already known for offering homeware, electrical and DIY items at competitive prices, but there are ways to save extra at the retailer, starting with the "Returns Outlet" page on its website. All the products on the page have been bought by customers then returned, with them sold on at a discounted rate. Dunelm also has three outlet stores across the UK, offering stock at up to 70% off. If you're ordering via the website, it's worth checking if you can order a product through click and collect, which is free. Dunelm's home delivery fees can cost up to £9.95, depending on the size of the item, which can see what you pay overall rack up fast. Make sure you follow Dunelm on social media too, where it regularly posts updates on its latest sales and offers on any products. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
All the London pubs you can get a free pint in this week
Hankering for an after-work pint in the sun this week? We bring you good news. One pub chain is going to be dishing out 10,000 free drinks across the UK this Wednesday May 14. What's the occasion, you may be wondering? Craft Union, owner of pubs across the UK, is turning 10 this week, and is celebrating with a big booze up. At one of the Craft Union pubs you'll be able to claim a free pint of Birra Moretti, a Gordons gin and tonic or a Coca-Cola-supplied soft drink. Get down early doors; the offer is limited to one per customer, with each pub allocated an amount of free drinks to give away. If you're not sure about which pubs are owned by Craft Union, fear not. There is probably one closer to you than you think – their boozers include the Old Oak in Hampstead, the Globe in Hackney and the Seahorse on Fleet Street. For the full list of pubs serving free pints on Wednesday, read below. All the London pubs serving free pints on Wednesday May 14 Acton Battersea The Anchor, 61 Holgate Avenue, London, SW11 2AT Bermondsey Blue Anchor, 251 Southwark Park Road, London, SE16 3TS Queen Victoria, 148 Southwark Park Road, London, SE16 3RP Bethnal Green Marquis Of Cornwallis , 304 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 0AG Old George, 379 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 0AN Bow Albert, 74 St. Stephens Road, London, E3 5JL Little Driver, 125 Bow Road, London, E3 2AN Brixton Hand In Hand, 61 New Park Road, London, SW2 4EN Bromley Chatterton Arms, 41 Chatterton Road, Bromley, BR2 9QW Camberwell George Canning, 123 Grove Lane, London, London, SE5 8BG Chingford Wishing Well, 11 Hall Lane, London, E4 8HH Chislehurst Gordon Arms, 47 Park Road, Chislehurst, BR7 5AY City of London Sea Horse, 64 Queen Victoria Street, London, City of London, EC4N 4SJ Croydon Market Tavern, Surrey House, Croydon, CR0 1RG Edmonton Crown & Anchor, 222 Fore Street, London, N18 2QD Eltham White Hart, 2 Eltham High Street, London, SE9 1DA Enfield Lamb Edmonton. 52-54 Church Street, Enfield, N9 9PA Prince Albert, 611 Hertford Road, Enfield, EN3 6UP White House, 570 Hertford Road, Enfield, EN3 5SU Finsbury Eaglet, 124 Seven Sisters Road, London, N7 6AE Finsbury Park The Brook Gate, 175 Blackstock Road, London, N4 2JS Forest Gate Fox & Hounds, 178 Forest Lane, London, E7 9BB Forest Hill The Hill, 45-47 Dartmouth Road, London, SE23 3HN Fulham Bedford Arms, 204 Dawes Road, London, SW6 7RQ Greenford Greenford Arms, 10 The Broadway, Greenford, UB6 9PR Hackney Globe, 20 Morning Lane, London, E9 6NA Hampstead Old Oak, 1 Mansfield Road, London, NW3 2JD Harlesden Royal Oak, 95 High Street, London, NW10 4TS Harrow The George, 269-271 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2TB Hayes Brook House, 240 Kingshill Avenue, Hayes, UB4 8BZ Hayes Old Crown, 81 Station Road, Hayes, UB3 4BG Hounslow Bell, 2 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3JS Lamplighter, 66 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3LF Kilburn Kilburn Bridge, 77 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 6HY Lewisham Lewisham Tavern, 1 Lee High Road, London, SE13 5LD Leytonstone Bell, 468 High Road, London, E11 3HN New Cross Five Bells, 155 New Cross Road, London, SE14 5DJ Paddington Frankfort Arms, 518 Harrow Road, London, W9 3QA Peckham Nags Head, 231 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4TP Penge Crooked Billet, 99 High Street, London, SE20 7DT Pawleyne Arms, 156 High Street, London, SE20 7EU Pimlico Pride Of Pimlico, 85 Tachbrook Street, London, SW1V 2QA Plumstead Volunteer, 130-132 Plumstead High Street, London, SE18 1JQ Rainham Phoenix, Broadway, Rainham, RM13 9YW Romford Havering Well, 148 Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0QA Victoria, 122 Victoria Road, Romford, RM1 2PA Yates, 87 – 89 South Street, Romford, RM1 1PA Shepherds Bush Green, 172-174 Uxbridge Road, Fulham, W12 7JP White Horse, 31 Uxbridge Road, London, W12 8LH Southfields Earl Spencer, 260-262 Merton Road, London, SW18 5JL Southwark George, 40 Tower Bridge Road, London, London, SE1 4TR Stanwell Sir John Gibson, Clare Road, Staines, Surrey, TW19 7QT Stratford Queens Head, 5 West Ham Lane, London, E15 4PH Sutton Crown, 285 High Street, Sutton, SM1 1LD Tottenham Elbow Room, 503-505 High Road, Haringey, N17 6QA Twickenham Bear Tavern 26-28 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3LJ Upminster Plough, 83 Front Lane, Upminster, RM14 1XL Uxbridge The Metropolitan Tavern, 8-9 Windsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB Wallington The Star, 89 Manor Road, Wallington, SM6 0DE Waltham Forest Lord Palmerston, 252-254 Forest Road, Waltham Forest, E17 5JN Watford Cother Arms, 188-192 St. Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 4AT West Norwood Horns Tavern, 40 Knights Hill, London, SE27 0JD Whetstone Three Horseshoes, 1166 High Road, London, N20 0RA Wimbledon Horse & Groom, 131 Merton High Street, London, SW19 1DE Woolwich Earl Of Chatham, 15 Thomas Street, London, SE18 6HU George IV, 120 Rectory Place, London, SE18 5BY
