Latest news with #Hazell
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Iconic 'Popeye' boat reported missing in ‘Abersoch Triangle'
An old fishing vessel that's featured in countless photos has been listed as 'missing' by its perplexed owner. Known as the 'Red Boat', it has languished in Abersoch's inner harbour, Gwynedd, for at least a quarter of a century. The boat's chubby outline and striking colour gave it semi-iconic status – so much so that it featured on a school mural and appeared in a children's story. But in late May, owner Peter Hazell was left scratching his head when arriving at the harbour to find its berth empty. The businessman bought the Red Boat as a renovation project five years ago – he was hoping to make a start once legal matters had been clarified. After its disappearance, he issued an appeal on Facebook 's Abersoch Appreciation Page but this drew a blank. 'It's still a mystery,' he said. 'There are over 20,000 people in that group yet not one person has offered any sensible clues. Someone must have authorised and paid for its removal.' In the absence of information, the appeal became the butt of gentle online humour instead. One man wondered if the boat had disappeared into the 'Abersoch Triangle'. Another added: 'Popeye probably wanted it back.' A call was issued to check back gardens. Little is known about the boat's history or name. Over the years it's had several owners with some living onboard for short spells. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Online photos of the Red Boat residing at the inner harbour go back to at least 2001. Not so long ago the vessel was the main feature of a mural on Ysgol Sarn Bach near Abersoch. Its most recent known appearance in a photo was on May 15. Despite being in a poor state of repair, Mr Hazell had ambitions to renovate the boat once he'd established who was responsible for the berth. His aim was to formalise the berthing arrangement on land with no obvious ownership – he said the Land Registry has been unable to clarify. He said: 'I fully acknowledge that cosmetically the boat was in poor condition, although the hull was solid. She rested above the high average high water mark and the hull would only be exposed to water on high spring tides. 'My intention was to renovate and I am confident Red Boat was capable of being made weatherproof and waterproof. But before doing so I wanted to be sure of the rights of occupation.' Local enquiries about the boat's whereabouts have so far failed to provide answers. Natural Resources Wales has been removing abandoned boats, classified as marine litter, but its efforts have so far focussed solely on the Dee Estuary in northeast Wales. If it was removed as part of a clean-up, by a different body, Mr Hazell wonders why he wasn't approached first, being the known owner. 'How has someone has just removed my boat without notice?,' he said. 'No one is wanting to take responsibility.' Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday If anyone has any knowledge of the Red Boat's location, or who might have ordered its removal, Mr Hazell can be messaged via his appeal post on Facebook here.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Rental e-scooters are removed from Basildon's streets after years of complaints
CONTROVERSIAL e-scooters have been removed from the streets of Basildonafter years of complaints. E-scooters provided by firm Dott had been available to rent via an app since 2020 as part of the council's efforts to improve sustainable public transport. While their removal has largely been welcomed by Basildon residents, some have criticised the ending of the trial as 'a knee jerk decision'. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Decision - Basildon Council voted to end the trial at a meeting earlier this year (Image: Google Maps) Following a vote to end the trial earlier this year, a spokesperson for Basildon Council has now confirmed that Dott staff visited the town over the weekend to remove the vehicles. The scheme has attracted criticism since being launched, with many residents and councillors claiming the scooters were often ridden and parked inappropriately. 'The e-scooter trial could have been a fantastic initiative rolled out to support people to be able to reduce their reliance on cars for shorter journeys and to get out more,' said Basildon resident and The Childcare Guide founder, Larissa Hazell. 'However, due to users' use of them, it has failed. Hazards - The scooters were regularly left dumped around Basildon (Image: Newsquest) 'In the years since the trial was launched, I have only seen a few scooters considerately parked – most of the time they have been dumped on the pavement, causing an obstruction and danger to those using wheelchairs, buggies and those with visual impairment. 'Many users have been riding them dangerously as well, leaving drivers and pedestrians unsure of where the e-scooter rider is going.' Ms Hazell added that while she understand why some riders may be disappointed by the e-scooters' removal, she believes 'they only have themselves to blame'. When Basildon Council announced its decision not to continue the rental scheme, the risks posed to both pedestrians and riders were cited as an important factor. The discarding of the scooters on pavements and footpaths also raised concerns, particularly for those with disabilities or additional needs. Resident Guy Heather said:'I think it's a shame that the council have made such a short-sighted, knee jerk decision to cancel the e-scooter scheme.' 'They should have worked with the scooter operator to improve things rather than lazily chucking the whole thing in the bin. The council would do well to embrace modern, green initiatives like this.' A spokesperson for Dott said: "As the trial in Basildon has now officially ended, our team has removed the vehicles from the area. "We remain committed to collaborating with local authorities to promote safe and sustainable transport solutions in the future."
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
How Vinted killed the charity shop
The humble charity shop has long been a mainstay of the British high street. Thrift stores of clothes, shoes, books and 'bric-a-brac', have boomed in popularity since opening in the 1940s. But charity shops are facing a silent killer. Where people used to bundle up their old clothes and dump them on the shops' doorsteps, now they're being more careful. The 'vintage' jacket which is still in good condition? The wrap dress which was bought for a wedding five years ago? The heeled boots which never quite fit? All can make a pretty penny when sold online on platforms such as Vinted. This, in turn, has hit the quality of charity shop donations. Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, which represents charities with bricks and mortar stores, said the decline in good quality donations was 'undoubtedly true'. He added: 'A lot of our members have said they no longer get the high-quality items they used to receive.' An Oxfam spokesman said: 'Due to some changes in the production of new clothes and online reselling, the quality of donations has dropped compared to recent years.' Martin Wildsmith, chief commercial officer at Sue Ryder, said: 'It is clear that more people are choosing to sell their pre-loved items via online platforms. 'We are always in need of good quality donations so whether it's a pre-loved item from someone's home or surplus stock from a retailer, we would encourage everyone to consider donating to us.' Liz Choonara, executive director of commerce and enterprise at Crisis, a charity with 17 shops across London, said: 'We have seen an impact, we have seen a change in habits. 'Obviously times are tight for people, so people are having to make choices around what they donate.' One shopper, Larissa Hazell, 33, said that she previously donated 'loads' to charity shops, but since becoming a mother, she now chooses to sell old clothes online. The Essex-based businesswoman said: 'I used to donate lots to the charity shop, however since I became a mum and am working far less than I did previously, I now sell as much as I can. 'I regularly go around the house and find things we no longer need and sell them. 'Recently I have sold clothes hangers and a suit bag which would previously have been automatically taken to the charity shop.' Ms Hazell, who earns around £100 a month from selling unwanted garments online, added: 'It is less convenient than donating – but the items often get outside of the house much quicker, as they do not get forgotten by the door waiting to be taken to the charity shop.' Hazell still buys from the charity shop, but said that she does not feel guilty about no longer donating as much. 'I don't feel guilty for selling rather than donating because the money usually goes towards getting the next size up clothes and toys for our child. 'I also sell things cheaper than many charity shops sell things – so parents who are struggling can buy clothes and toys for their children at really low cost,' she added. Lack of designer finds Shoppers have also picked up on the decline in quality, with fast-fashion increasingly replacing designer finds. A Telegraph reporter found a £185 Christian Dior wool coat and a £200 Chloe cardigan under lock and key in London charity shops last year. Previously, another shopper found a £870 Christian Dior dress – also bolted to the rail – in Cancer Research on Marylebone High Street. The same dress was on sale eBay for £165. Another shopper, Bournemouth-based Antonella Lazzeri, 58, said that she began shopping regularly in charity shops around eight years ago, and even used them to source her singer daughter's performance outfits. 'Charity shops are not what they used to be. Over the past year especially I have noticed a big difference in the amount of clothes available in, and in the quality. 'I feel this correlates to the rise of Vinted and other similar websites. You really have to look for designer labels and clothes that do not look like they are worn to death.' Ms Lazzeri attributed the fall in quality to changing consumer behaviour. 'I know friends that used to drop bags of clothes off to charity shops along with handbags and shoes – but are now selling on Vinted – even though they don't really need the money.' Reselling has become so popular that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been cracking down on those not paying tax on their profits. Since January 2024, the tax authority has required online platforms such as eBay, Vinted and Etsy to provide data on users who earn more than £1,700 a year – or complete more than 30 transactions. The rules are aimed at sniffing out online sellers who have slipped through the tax net by failing to declare their trading income. The ongoing donation issue only adds to the problems charity shops are facing. The Telegraph understands that six Oxfam shops are marked for closure in 2025 – after charities warned that the employers' National Insurance raid from April would add £1,000 a year to their costs. More than a quarter of charity shops said they were considering permanent closures in a survey by the Charity Retail Association in December, while a third warned of redundancies because of higher overheads. Others said opening hours would likely be reduced. Two thirds also said that customers would see higher prices as a result. It's not just donations of clothes and odd bits which are falling. The Charities Aid Foundation has found that 5.2m fewer Britons were reaching into their pockets – with less than a third of those aged under 25 supporting any charity. A separate survey, by Mastercard, found that nearly two thirds of Gen Z – those aged between 13 and 28 – are instead prioritising travel, food, arts and live music for their spending. But it is not all doom and gloom. Some charities have begun selling directly on online platforms, while others have paired with corporate partners to increase their donation levels. Ms Choonara, of Crisis, said: 'One of the things we've been doing to mitigate against the quality of donations is working with corporate partners and stock suppliers. 'We're exploring more innovative partnerships around how we supplement some of the donated stock that we might not be getting as much of now, because of people's changing donation habits. 'We're really keen to not see this as an ultimate threat to the charity store model.' Mr Osterly said: 'A rising tide floats all ships. If it's good for Vinted, it is probably good for our members as well.' In a statement, Vinted said it continues to work with charities to raise money for good causes. A spokesman said: 'Both Vinted and charity shops play a critical role in ensuring that every item produced has the longest possible life. 'For many of our members, making money back from the items they no longer use provides them value, which can make a significant difference in the current cost of living crisis. 'We want to continue to work in partnership with charity organisations and offer tools to support this including our charity giving feature and Vinted Pro which gives business sellers and charities the opportunity to sell on Vinted to raise funds for their causes.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Vinted killed the charity shop
The humble charity shop has long been a mainstay of the British high street. Thrift stores of clothes, shoes, books and 'bric-a-brac', have boomed in popularity since opening in the 1940s. But charity shops are facing a silent killer. Where people used to bundle up their old clothes and dump them on the shops' doorsteps, now they're being more careful. The 'vintage' jacket which is still in good condition? The wrap dress which was bought for a wedding five years ago? The heeled boots which never quite fit? All can make a pretty penny when sold online on platforms such as Vinted. This, in turn, has hit the quality of charity shop donations. Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, which represents charities with bricks and mortar stores, said the decline in good quality donations was 'undoubtedly true'. He added: 'A lot of our members have said they no longer get the high-quality items they used to receive.' An Oxfam spokesman said: 'Due to some changes in the production of new clothes and online reselling, the quality of donations has dropped compared to recent years.' Martin Wildsmith, chief commercial officer at Sue Ryder, said: 'It is clear that more people are choosing to sell their pre-loved items via online platforms. 'We are always in need of good quality donations so whether it's a pre-loved item from someone's home or surplus stock from a retailer, we would encourage everyone to consider donating to us.' Liz Choonara, executive director of commerce and enterprise at Crisis, a charity with 17 shops across London, said: 'We have seen an impact, we have seen a change in habits. 'Obviously times are tight for people, so people are having to make choices around what they donate.' One shopper, Larissa Hazell, 33, said that she previously donated 'loads' to charity shops, but since becoming a mother, she now chooses to sell old clothes online. The Essex-based businesswoman said: 'I used to donate lots to the charity shop, however since I became a mum and am working far less than I did previously, I now sell as much as I can. 'I regularly go around the house and find things we no longer need and sell them. 'Recently I have sold clothes hangers and a suit bag which would previously have been automatically taken to the charity shop.' Ms Hazell, who earns around £100 a month from selling unwanted garments online, added: 'It is less convenient than donating – but the items often get outside of the house much quicker, as they do not get forgotten by the door waiting to be taken to the charity shop.' Hazell still buys from the charity shop, but said that she does not feel guilty about no longer donating as much. 'I don't feel guilty for selling rather than donating because the money usually goes towards getting the next size up clothes and toys for our child. 'I also sell things cheaper than many charity shops sell things – so parents who are struggling can buy clothes and toys for their children at really low cost,' she added. Shoppers have also picked up on the decline in quality, with fast-fashion increasingly replacing designer finds. A Telegraph reporter found a £185 Christian Dior wool coat and a £200 Chloe cardigan under lock and key in London charity shops last year. Previously, another shopper found a £870 Christian Dior dress – also bolted to the rail – in Cancer Research on Marylebone High Street. The same dress was on sale eBay for £165. Another shopper, Bournemouth-based Antonella Lazzeri, 58, said that she began shopping regularly in charity shops around eight years ago, and even used them to source her singer daughter's performance outfits. 'Charity shops are not what they used to be. Over the past year especially I have noticed a big difference in the amount of clothes available in, and in the quality. 'I feel this correlates to the rise of Vinted and other similar websites. You really have to look for designer labels and clothes that do not look like they are worn to death.' Ms Lazzeri attributed the fall in quality to changing consumer behaviour. 'I know friends that used to drop bags of clothes off to charity shops along with handbags and shoes – but are now selling on Vinted – even though they don't really need the money.' Reselling has become so popular that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been cracking down on those not paying tax on their profits. Since January 2024, the tax authority has required online platforms such as eBay, Vinted and Etsy to provide data on users who earn more than £1,700 a year – or complete more than 30 transactions. The rules are aimed at sniffing out online sellers who have slipped through the tax net by failing to declare their trading income. The ongoing donation issue only adds to the problems charity shops are facing. The Telegraph understands that six Oxfam shops are marked for closure in 2025 – after charities warned that the employers' National Insurance raid from April would add £1,000 a year to their costs. More than a quarter of charity shops said they were considering permanent closures in a survey by the Charity Retail Association in December, while a third warned of redundancies because of higher overheads. Others said opening hours would likely be reduced. Two thirds also said that customers would see higher prices as a result. It's not just donations of clothes and odd bits which are falling. The Charities Aid Foundation has found that 5.2m fewer Britons were reaching into their pockets – with less than a third of those aged under 25 supporting any charity. A separate survey, by Mastercard, found that nearly two thirds of Gen Z – those aged between 13 and 28 – are instead prioritising travel, food, arts and live music for their spending. But it is not all doom and gloom. Some charities have begun selling directly on online platforms, while others have paired with corporate partners to increase their donation levels. Ms Choonara, of Crisis, said: 'One of the things we've been doing to mitigate against the quality of donations is working with corporate partners and stock suppliers. 'We're exploring more innovative partnerships around how we supplement some of the donated stock that we might not be getting as much of now, because of people's changing donation habits. 'We're really keen to not see this as an ultimate threat to the charity store model.' Mr Osterly said: 'A rising tide floats all ships. If it's good for Vinted, it is probably good for our members as well.' In a statement, Vinted said it continues to work with charities to raise money for good causes. A spokesman said: 'Both Vinted and charity shops play a critical role in ensuring that every item produced has the longest possible life. 'For many of our members, making money back from the items they no longer use provides them value, which can make a significant difference in the current cost of living crisis. 'We want to continue to work in partnership with charity organisations and offer tools to support this including our charity giving feature and Vinted Pro which gives business sellers and charities the opportunity to sell on Vinted to raise funds for their causes.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
BBC News
03-04-2025
- BBC News
Cambridge petrol station stabbing: Man given hospital order
A 20-year-old man who stabbed a man in the back at a petrol station has been given a hospital Hazell, from Cambridge, attacked the man, in his 40s, outside a BP petrol station on Cherry Hinton Road in the city, in the early hours of 5 April victim was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital and treated for a stab wound to the lower back and multiple internal was given the order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act at the city's crown court on Wednesday. Hazell ran away from the scene and was later identified after a public CCTV admitted causing grievous bodily harm at a previous hearing at the same additional section 41 restriction on Hazell's hospital order means he can only be discharged from hospital if the justice secretary Con Alex Galan-Tarachiu from Cambridgeshire Police said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack which initially left the victim in a critical condition."I hope the sentence provides some reassurance to the victim." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
