Latest news with #Leeds
BBC News
an hour ago
- Business
- BBC News
Cross Gates businesses 'unprepared' for bridge works schedule
Business owners near Cross Gates railway station in Leeds said they had not been kept updated on road closures and work to upgrade a bridge at the work to reconstruct Station Road bridge is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme but shops, cafes and salons nearby said they have lost customers as a result of the Ramsden, who runs HIT Coffee, said: "We have not had good communication, that has been the biggest struggle."Adam Sellers, senior sponsor at TRU, said the firm had met with local businesses and had "introduced a number of measures to ensure they have the latest information". Ms Ramsden said the works had deterred so many customers that she had taken to social media to "beg" people to visit her advising people that the business remained open had been frequently removed, she 31-year-old had also turned up to find access was blocked by vehicles and machinery on occasion."I came to work one day and there was an engineer checking the electricity, he said there were no trains for the next five Saturdays - nobody had told me," she said."We cannot prepare."She said she had been left to find out about the latest works on social media, rather than through direct communication with the company."I put a post out on social media just begging people to come to the coffee shop - there was not a soul in sight, actually begging is just so disheartening," she the drop in customers, Ms Ramsden has reduced the business' opening she has received a rent reduction, she said she was not making money, but still had a mortgage and staff to pay."You do not want to be constantly begging people to come in every week." Carl Thompson has run The Opposition Hairdressing, on Station Road just before the bridge, for nearly 40 67-year-old said he was feeling "particularly aggrieved," following months of work."From the beginning, the support has been non-existent," Mr Thompson said."Running a business these days is hard enough without the additional pressures."He said access had been periodically cut off, with staff and customers facing delays or get to the added that bookings were down."That is a worry," he said."I have no problem with progress, I fully understand the reasoning behind this, it is just a lack of consideration, not just for my business but the whole parade of shops, as well as the other side of the road." The project is part of plans to electrify the railway lines, with work taking place until 25 bridge, which crosses over the line at Cross Gates Station, is currently too low to accommodate overhead a result, it will be removed and rebuilt at a higher August, new bridge approaches will be installed and the new bridge deck will be waterproofed ahead of completion of the scheme at the end of the year, according to are in Sellers, from the firm, said: "We understand that major engineering work can be disruptive."He said TRU were "really grateful for the continued patience of the local community while these upgrades take place". "Following concerns raised, we met with the constituency MP on site, as well as local businesses, and have introduced a number of measures to ensure they have the latest information," he said. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why is Ryanair charging in pounds for items on a flight when the menu says euros? CRANE ON THE CASE
My family and I make regular trips from Leeds Bradford airport to Málaga-Costa del Sol as we have a holiday home in Spain. We often fly with Ryanair and sometimes buy food, drinks and duty free items from the catalogue on the plane. We used to pay in cash, but since 2022 on-board purchases have been card only. The menu and catalogue on the flights are priced in euros, so we pay with our Spanish bank account which is euro-denominated. Recently, though, I checked my bank account and realised I was paying more than I thought for these items. For example, a bottle of water cost €4.10 instead of €3.60 and two cartons of cigarettes cost €118.98 and not €110. What is happening? E.V, Leeds Helen Crane of This is Money replies: As the school holidays descend and families prepare to jet off to sunnier climes, it's crucial to watch out for cheeky card charges. It is a rule of thumb that, when abroad, you should opt to pay in the local currency. That means you get the regular Visa or Mastercard exchange rate. But if you pay in GBP, the merchant can apply an inferior, local exchange rate, which can be much more expensive. This is known as dynamic currency conversion. But how does it work on a plane, which might fly across several countries? Airlines usually offer payment in the country the flight originates from as the default. So if you were flying from Malaga to Leeds, you'd expect to be charged in euros, and vice versa in pounds. You therefore always paid using your Spanish bank account on return flights with Ryanair. > Best bank accounts to get fee-free spending abroad As an Irish firm, Ryanair lists the prices on its menus in euros. That is fair enough, as long as parched passengers pay for their drinks in euros, too - or willingly face any charges associated with paying in another currency. But as you have discovered, that isn't always the case. The reason it seems you have been overcharged for some of your purchases is because you were actually charged in pounds, without your knowledge, on flights from Spain to the UK where the 'local' currency was euros. You would, for example, pay for a bottle of water that you thought was €3.60, assuming this was in euros - but it would actually be in pounds, and on your bank statement that would become €4.10. You say the card is handed over to the flight attendant, rather than them bringing the machine to you, so you can't see what is on the screen. As you weren't paying in the 'local' currency, you were also subject to Ryanair's inferior exchange rate which ramped up the price further. What's worse, your bank would then charge you to convert the GBP payment back to euros. These are small amounts, but as you travel so regularly it has added up. Since 2022 when you had to stop paying in cash, you think you might have overpaid hundreds, as you regularly buy drinks and snacks for your grandchildren on flights, as well as stocking up on duty free items. Since you cottoned on to this payments palaver, you have complained to Ryanair, and also asked cabin crew to explain the rules. Neither has been able to give you a straight answer. You were told in response to your formal complaint that 'By default, the currency for flights to the UK is GBP, not EUR. Euro has to be specifically chosen to be used.' However, it is not clear whether this is the 'local' currency for the flight, or simply the default currency for the card payment machine. A cabin crew member told you that, on flights either to or from the UK, the card machine was set to GBP as the default and that cabin crew needed to ask customers what currency they wanted to pay in. In your experience, this has not happened. When I contacted Ryanair, it said: 'All Ryanair passengers regardless of their destination can choose to pay in GBP, EUR or Polish zloty for inflight purchases.' Ryanair also disputed the amounts you gave for the purchases, saying that you were charged €3.50 for a £3.26 bottle of water and €100 for £95 of cigarettes. This is different from the bank statements you showed me. Ryanair continued: 'Prices displayed in our inflight magazine are in EUR, as this is the base currency in Europe. If passengers choose to pay in GBP, the amount and currency is displayed on the payment device prior to payment. 'These passengers purchased items onboard in GBP. GBP payments are then sent to the passenger's bank. 'If a passenger's bank account is a EUR account, the bank will then convert the charge made in GBP back to EUR at their rate.' I asked exactly how passengers were informed about which currency their payment would be taken in, and what the 'local' currency was. Was this displayed on the card machine, and if not, should the cabin crew tell the passenger the currency they are paying in or does the passenger have to ask? Ryanair simply replied: 'At the time of purchase passengers are informed of the amount and currency.' It also pointed me to page 23 of its inflight magazine, though this does not contain any information about currency other than to say that 'we monitor all prices and exchange rates, and these are subject to change.' I then asked a lawyer for their view on whether prices could be displayed in euros on a flight, but passengers then charged in GBP as the default currency. Jennifer Obaseki, founder of London-based Obaseki Solicitors, said: 'Legally, this is permissible - as long as the pricing and currency conversion are made clear and are not misleading. However, she added that: 'The moment a passenger is charged in a different currency than that advertised, transparency becomes paramount.' Obaseki said the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations of 2008 require retailers to provide 'accurate and complete' pricing information and ensure any currency conversions or added charges are 'clearly communicated prior to sale'. 'In essence, if goods are priced in euros but charged in pounds, the exchange rate and final GBP amount must be disclosed before the transaction is completed,' she said. As a general rule of thumb, passengers should assume that the 'local' currency on a flight is the one of the country you departed from - but crucially, also ask what currency they are being charged in. If it isn't the local one, ask to change to that - especially if you have a card which is denominated in the local currency. If you do like to buy things on flights, it is also worth checking that your payment card will be accepted. Flyers on various airlines say they have been told they can't use e-money cards such as Revolut and Monzo cards in the air, and some airlines will only accept them if they are used via an Apple or Google wallet. Tui, for example, does not accept Monzo. In addition, many airlines don't accept pre-paid cards, such as a Post Office travel money card. This is because transactions made in the air are processed after the flight lands. Flyers could pay using empty cards, and in the case of cash cards that can't go overdrawn the airline might never recoup the money.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
West Yorks mayor meets Daisy the Lurcher at Dogs Trust Leeds
A canine charity warmly welcomed the mayor of West Yorkshire last week, when she met the "happy hounds" in its care. Mayor Tracy Brabin visited Dogs Trust Leeds and toured its rehoming centre, as well as discussing animal welfare issues with staff. She also met Doris, a pregnant Jack Russell Terrier found as a stray; and Daisy the Lurcher, who has been in the charity's care for nearly a year. Ms Brabin said: "It was great to visit Dogs Trust last week and see the important work they do in rehoming our furry friends. "I'm a dog lover myself, so it's wonderful to see these dogs cared for so well until they find their forever home." The team spoke with Ms Brabin about their work in the community, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on dog behaviour, and the need for more pet-friendly housing. The recent passing in the House of Commons of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) Bill was also discussed. Before becoming mayor of West Yorkshire, Ms Brabin won the Westminster Dog of the Year competition with her Labrador, Rocky. More information about Dogs Trust Leeds is available at
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Expanded terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport officially opens
Leeds Bradford Airport has celebrated the opening of its newly expanded terminal. The airport marked the opening with an event hosted by CEO Vincent Hodder and attended by Katie White, MP for Leeds North West, as well as representatives from such organisations as Bradford City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Jet2. Mr Hodder said: "It was an honour to have some of our most valued business partners with us to celebrate this historic milestone for Leeds Bradford Airport. "It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are now enjoying a completely new experience from Leeds Bradford Airport. "It's an exciting time for us too - for our employees, stakeholders, and business partners. "The opening of this building is a huge achievement for all involved." The new terminal extension introduces what is described as a "modernised arrivals process," with a new baggage reclaim area and passport control facility, an 83 per cent increase in seating (including "uninterrupted views of the runway"), and a broader food and drink offering. Ms White said: "This £100 million investment in the airport is a real boost for West Yorkshire. "Leeds Bradford is where so many people start their holidays, visit family, or travel for work. "They deserve a smooth, welcoming experience. "We want the airport to reflect who we are: warm, proud, and open for business. "A modern terminal creates good jobs and shows visitors what we're all about." Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "It was a pleasure to officially open the new terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport and see the improvements they've made for passengers. "West Yorkshire is thriving, and I am delighted to have a new, welcoming gateway that allows more people to enjoy all our region has to offer." Work has now started on the second phase of the project, which will see the refurbishment of the existing terminal. Leeds Bradford Airport is owned by InfraBridge and operated by Leeds Bradford Airport Limited. Airlines at the airport includeJet2, Ryanair, easyJet, Aer Lingus, KLM, Wizz Air, Tui, and SunExpress. The terminal expansion is part of LBA's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to harness £200 million in private investment, create up to 5,500 jobs, and and contribute "nearly £1 billion" to the local economy. Further information about Leeds Bradford Airport can be found at
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Little-known travel hack allows travellers to buy 'unwanted' holidays for MUCH less - but there's a catch
There's a ray of hope for those unable to go on holiday but stuck with non-refundable bookings. And what's more, those looking to pick up an incredible break at a cut-price bargain can count themselves lucky. Online 'marketplaces' have emerged for those who can no longer make their flights, hotels or an entire package holiday. This gives the original traveller an opportunity to recoup at least part of their money. And savvy holidaymakers have the chance to pounce on a trip that's heavily discounted – often by as much as 30 per cent, reports the New York Post. Among the platforms offering this service are Plans Change, Roomer, SpareFare and Travel Transfer. And while the concept has existed for years, they're seeing a boom. Sabina Ahmed, a 46-year-old single mother from Leeds, England, says she books the majority of her travel with SpareFare – one of the most popular sites. The low prices she's found have allowed her to take her son across the globe. She told The Wall Street Journal that the toddler has probably been on 'more holidays than most people have in a lifetime'. But the savings are substantial. The Brit claims she once paid around $1,200 (£895) for a trip to Thailand – when the week-long all-inclusive holiday was meant to cost $4,700 (£3,500). That's a discount of almost 75 per cent. SpareFare charges a 12 per cent commission on bookings, and keeps hold of the money until the trip takes place, reports the NY Post. This is to prevent scams for those picking up a cheap escape – though they also want to protect the seller. Erik Ritland, owner of SpareFare, told The Wall Street Journal: 'We understand these people are already going through a difficult time because you don't sell a holiday if you don't have to, so we want to help them as much as we can.' Meanwhile, affordable summer holidays this year can still be found – particularly if you pick the right destination. British tourists face steep price increases for all-inclusive family package holidays abroad this year to the majority of popular destinations - but others have dropped. Italy and Tunisia have both seen prices drop – down 11 per cent to £1,129 and 4 per cent to £763, respectively. However, the price of a week to Cyprus has surged to an average of £1,166 per person for seven nights next month - up by 23 per cent from £950 in August last year.
