Latest news with #LauraCraig
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Baker's social media post calling out thieves who stole £90 of cakes from her honesty box backfires as she is blamed for 'dangling a carrot' in front of the vulnerable
An angry baker called out thieves on social media for swiping up to £90 of cakes from her village honesty box - only for people to blame her for 'dangling a carrot' in front of the vulnerable. Laura Craig has been selling £3 treats from an unlocked cupboard in Salterforth, Lancashire, for the past month but this weekend she noticed stock and income was low. The 39-year-old took to Facebook on Sunday to declare 'dishonest' thieves had been taking cakes without payment so she's had to halt her trust-based sales. The Cake Cupboard owner, who has been selling treats to cafes for two years, says up to 10 cakes per day were stolen between Friday and Sunday - totalling a possible £90 loss. Many Facebook users supported the mum-of-two's idea and said that 'selfish' people should be 'ashamed' they are ruining the honesty box for others. But others branded it 'daft' and suggested she was 'dangling a carrot' in front of vulnerable people. Laura, who lives in Salterforth, said: 'I was angry because they're ruining it for everyone else. 'On Friday I emptied it and saw it was quite empty but I hadn't had many card payments and there wasn't much cash in the tin. I was down by 20%. 'It's a minority that are stealing but it was up to 10 cakes per day over the bank holiday weekend. 'It's a tiny amount but if that happens every day then that's me out of pocket a lot so I have to put a stop to it. 'It had been really good and worked really well and this weekend is the first time we've had theft so I couldn't believe it. 'The first three weeks were amazing. I was selling enough to refill it twice on a Friday and then three or four on a Saturday and a Sunday. 'I'm not naive. I know we're going to be a pound down here and there. It's fine because I know things like that can happen. 'Some people have said they knew it wouldn't work but they're just negative people. You don't know unless you try. 'It's just teething problems. There's cake boxes up and down the county. 'I've been flabbergasted by the support and I've had a lot of private messages with great feedback. 'I'm not going to open it this weekend but I'm looking into CCTV.' The box accepted payment both through cash left at the cupboard and via digital smart phone payments. Laura was a post woman before setting up her dream baking business and figured an unmanned honesty box was the best way to earn some money during her busy weekends. Her post revealing its closure has almost 100 likes, comments and shares with users either supporting the angry owner or appearing to blame her for her struggles. One commented: 'Haa. If I was struggling or homeless and there were cakes sitting there, I would also help myself. 'Same with kids who don't have cash or nothing good from home! Not to mention the tearaway and stoners!! 'Try securing, protecting and managing it and not expecting the other eight billion people in the world to think and act like you want them to. You dangled a carrot and now you're sad someone got a bite.' A second agreed and said: 'We live in a dishonest world. If kids get wind of free cakes, what's going to happen? Daft idea to begin with.' However, one commented: 'Whoever you are who are taking and not paying should be truly ashamed of yourselves. 'This lady works so hard to bring joy to many many cake loving people and you are just spoiling it for the majority. Do the right thing please.' Another said: 'Oh that's rubbish, I don't understand what's wrong with people these days. So selfish.' A third suggested: 'Get CCTV, then if it happens again get it posted all over social media to name and shame. They'll soon stop.'
The Herald Scotland
05-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Platform at Scottish train station to get £2m upgrade
In order for the work to be carried out safely and efficiently, platform 2 will be closed for 15 weeks from Sunday, May 18 until Friday, August 29, 2025. Eastbound trains towards Motherwell and Larkhall will not call at Hamilton West, with passengers asked to travel to nearby Hamilton Central if possible. Westbound services towards Glasgow will run as normal. A section of the station car park will also be closed for the duration of the work, with alternative parking available on Wellhall Road Car Park. READ MORE: Iconic viaduct protected for generations to come BSL totems installed at major Scottish rail stations Scotland's trains: On the right track? – Find all articles in the series here Laura Craig, Network Rail project manager, said: 'Hamilton West is a well-used station, important for people commuting to work or university, and so this project is vital to ensure it remains fit for purpose for years to come. 'We want to provide modern, safer platforms and improvements to the general station environment, which I know passengers will appreciate. 'Closing the platform is the only way we can deliver this work safely. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause some passengers and are grateful their patience and understanding.' Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, added: 'We know how important Hamilton West is for our customers, and this investment will make a real difference to their experience at the station. 'While there will be some short-term changes to journeys, we're working closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum and make sure customers can continue to travel with confidence.' Network Rail is also delivering multi-million pound investments at other stations including platform upgrades at Alexandra Parade, Hillington West and Dunkeld and Birnam.
Glasgow Times
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Hamilton West platform to close for 15 weeks for work
Network Rail engineers will start work on platform two at Hamilton West train station this month. The platform will be demolished and rebuilt with improved surfacing and drainage, and tactile paving will be added to help visually impaired users. READ MORE: Major Southside road closed with emergency services on scene To allow the work to be carried out safely, platform two will be closed for 15 weeks from Sunday, May 18, until Friday, August 29, 2025. Eastbound trains towards Motherwell and Larkhall will not stop at Hamilton West, and passengers are asked to travel to nearby Hamilton Central if possible. Westbound services towards Glasgow will run as normal. A section of the station car park will also be closed for the duration of the work, with alternative parking available at Wellhall Road Car Park. READ MORE: BBC's DIY SOS calls on Glaswegians to help change a family's life Laura Craig, Network Rail project manager, said: "Hamilton West is a well-used station, important for people commuting to work or university, and so this project is vital to ensure it remains fit for purpose for years to come. "We want to provide modern, safer platforms and improvements to the general station environment, which I know passengers will appreciate. "Closing the platform is the only way we can deliver this work safely. "We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause some passengers and are grateful for their patience and understanding." READ MORE: ScotRail warns of hours of disruption due to train fault Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, added: "We know how important Hamilton West is for our customers, and this investment will make a real difference to their experience at the station. "While there will be some short-term changes to journeys, we're working closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum and make sure customers can continue to travel with confidence." Passengers can plan journeys in advance by visiting or
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Iconic viaduct protected for generations to come
Network Rail, along with principal contractor AmcoGiffen, assessed the condition of the viaduct. Concrete repairs were carried out across the structure sympathetically, taking care to replicate its heritage appearance. New safety handrails for staff working at height were installed, along with renewing ballast retention systems at the ends of the structure. Engineers also worked in the River Finnan, protecting the piers from erosion caused by the fast-flowing river. Meanwhile, specially trained rope access technicians descended from the viaduct, reaching and restoring areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. READ MORE: Harry Potter viaduct to undergo £3.4 million in repair work Fencing to prevent Harry Potter fans trespassing on viaduct Repairs begin to world-famous Harry Potter viaduct Laura Craig, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail, said: 'This project was years in planning due to the complexity of navigating such a large-scale, historic structure. Our highly skilled team faced numerous challenges, from preserving the viaduct's original integrity to implementing modern engineering solutions. Every step of the process required meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for its heritage. 'It's an honour to look after the Glenfinnan Viaduct, knowing how much it's loved all over the world. We're proud to see it standing strong and it's a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.' The Glenfinnan viaduct opened in 1901 and is the largest mass concrete viaduct in Scotland, spanning more than 1,000 feet. The build cost £18,904 at the time, which is around £2 million in today's money. Historic Environment Scotland has designated the structure as Category A, the highest level, meaning it's of significant architectural and historical interest. As part of its preservation, Network Rail refrains from cleaning off efflorescence marks from the rain as it drains through, ensuring the character of the structure remains. Ann MacSween, Head of Planning, Consents and Advice Services at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "We welcome Network Rail's investment into the careful repair of this iconic structure. 'Glenfinnan is the most impressive of several mass concrete railway viaducts and bridges along the West Highland Line, which was built 1897-1901. These bridges were mostly designed with an exposed concrete finish, rather than being faced in stone, and are the earliest railway bridges of this style in Scotland. "Over a century after it was first built, Glenfinnan Viaduct still stands strong today, in no small part due to Network Rail's excellent care." The viaduct is an icon of Scottish tourism, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Many pass over the arches aboard ScotRail trains, as well as the 'Hogwarts Express' Jacobite steam train operated by West Coast Railways. Countless more tourists make the trip to Glenfinnan to admire the views from the ground. James Shuttleworth, West Coast Railways' Commercial Manager, added: "Having run 'The Jacobite' for over three decades and celebrated its centenary in 2001, we truly appreciate the historic significance of the viaduct. The recent restoration work has further highlighted its importance, not only as a vital piece of railway heritage, but also as a beloved film star in Harry Potter, for which we proudly provided 'The Hogwarts Express." The restoration of the viaduct is part of a broader programme of work in the Glenfinnan area. A two-year pilot project enhanced the natural habitat by planting trees across approximately 200 hectares to protect, restore and expand rainforest and peatland habitats. Additionally, deer fencing has been installed at Ardmolich to safeguard the newly planted native woodlands from overgrazing. Network Rail is also investing £500,000 to renew over five kilometres of lineside fencing near the viaduct. The project aims to replace life-expired boundary fencing, ensuring the track remains safely separated from public areas.
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Scotsman
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The £3.4 million restoration that has transformed Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in Harry Potter films
The 380m-long Glenfinnan Viaduct has been meticulously restored by Network Rail Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It is one of Scotland's most renowned man-made structures - a 380m-long railway bridge that has become synonymous worldwide with the Harry Potter film franchise. Now, the Glenfinnan Viaduct has been restored to its full glory, with a year-long, £3.4 million restoration project having been officially completed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Glenfinnan Viaduct following its restoration | National Rail The spectacular structure, originally built in 1901 at the top of Loch Shiel, has been the focus of an extensive maintenance programme designed to safeguard its future for generations to come. Concrete repairs were carried out by Network Rail as part of the works. New safety handrails for staff working at height were installed, and ballast retention systems - the stone material under the railway track - were renewed at the ends of the structure. Specially trained rope access technicians descended from the viaduct to reach and restore normally inaccessible parts of the viaduct. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Engineers separately worked on the base of the viaduct situated in the River Finnan, to protect the piers from erosion caused by the fast-flowing waters. A 1950s diesel locomotive pulls the Jacobite carriages in place of the Jacobite, which was unable to run due to the high risk of wildfires, in Glenfinnan. Picture: Jeff| Getty Images Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: 'This project was years in planning due to the complexity of navigating such a large-scale, historic structure. 'Our highly skilled team faced numerous challenges, from preserving the viaduct's original integrity to implementing modern engineering solutions. Every step of the process required meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for its heritage. 'It's an honour to look after the Glenfinnan Viaduct, knowing how much it's loved all over the world. We're proud to see it standing strong and it's a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The works have been completed as a total of £500,000 is separately spent on installing more than three miles of lineside fencing near the iconic viaduct. The largest mass concrete viaduct in Scotland, the Glenfinnan attraction cost £18,904 to build at the time of its original construction - around £2 million in today's money. Ann MacSween, head of planning, consents and advice services at Historic Environment Scotland, said: 'Glenfinnan is the most impressive of several mass concrete railway viaducts and bridges along the West Highland Line, which was built 1897-1901. These bridges were mostly designed with an exposed concrete finish, rather than being faced in stone, and are the earliest railway bridges of this style in Scotland.
