Latest news with #Southeastern
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
Iconic railway tunnel dating back 175 years finally reopens after ‘groundbreaking' £10million makeover
A BUSY railway tunnel has re-opened after a major £10 million renovation. Repair works were carried out to tackle leaks and water damage in the structure. 1 London commuters saw an end to disruption as the tunnel, located in the south-east of the city, reopened this week. Southeastern trains between Charlton and Blackheath have resumed service from Monday, July 28. Routes once again run through the mile-long Blackheath tunnel, after being diverted via Greenwich during the second such closure within a year. Project details Network Rail said the extensive repair work saw thousands of bricks replaced, new lining added, and drainage systems rebuilt. David Davidson, Network Rail's chief operating officer for south eastern railway, spoke about the revamp. He described it as "groundbreaking", adding that reliability would be increased by the strengthening and waterproofing work. The tunnel, which first opened in 1849, had been closed since Tuesday, May 27. "Savings from this approach are estimated to be around £10 million and this can be reinvested across the network to deliver more improvements that will keep passengers moving," the rail rep said. "Last summer, engineers cleaned soot from the tunnel lining, carried out detailed surveys, and replaced thousands of bricks to stop water getting in. "This year a new tunnel lining will be installed, drainage systems rebuilt, and essential track work completed - including the removal of the waterlogged sections known as wet beds." New £2billion 'super station' to open in the UK with 250,000 passengers a day and huge outdoor parkland Innovative works The Victorian-era tunnel has undergone a pioneering strengthening and waterproofing process. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and potentially the world. Engineers injected expansive grout into the pockets of sand and gravel surrounding the tunnel to help strengthen the ground. This innovative technique works by knitting and compressing the loose material tightly together. Another layer of grout was then applied to the back of the tunnel lining to waterproof the worst-affected areas. This helped to preserve the brickwork and track, as well as signalling and other railway equipment in the tunnel for years to come. The techniques trialled and used successfully in the Blackheath tunnel during this closure are set to be replicated across other parts of the rail network. More on rails A new £3 billion fleet of more than 90 air-conditioned underground trains has been delayed for another year. And a small English town is set to open a new £42 million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years. Britain's busiest railway will be shutting down for three weeks next month for a £20 million demolition. And an English train station is set to shut for two years ahead of a major £11.5 million revamp.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Busy UK railway line where 650 trains pass every day is shutting for a WEEK for £10million revamp – check dates to avoid
A MAJOR railway line which sees 650 trains pass through every day, is set to close for an entire week. The closure is taking place due to planned engineering works, with commuters able to take replacement buses instead. 1 Southeastern and Thameslink passengers will be affected by the closure, which will take place in the Dartford area. Trains will not be running between Gravesend, Dartford, Slade Green, Barnehurst and Crayford during the February half term in 2026, which runs from Saturday, February 14, to Sunday, February 22. There will also be no Thameslink service between Plumstead and Gravesend, and an hourly Thameslink shuttle service will run between Gravesend and Rainham. Additionally, all Southeastern Metro routes which pass through Dartford will be subject to change. Highspeed services to and from London, St Pancras via Gravesend will continue to operate, however, passengers have been warned that reductions have been planned for peak-time services, particularly affecting the Hayes and Sidcup lines, with minor impacts on the Bexleyheath, Greenwich, and North Kent lines. Lewisham, St Johns, New Cross, and London terminals will also be affected by service reductions. There will also be rail replacement buses serving Gravesend, Dartford, Slade Green, Barnehurst and Crayford on Saturday, February 8, Sunday, February 9, Sunday, March 1 and Sunday, April 5 for preparation works. The planned work will include the renewal of 10 switches and crossings that allow trains to change tracks. It will also include the installation of 400 yards of new rail, and the conductor rail that powers trains between Slade Green and Dartford. There will also be platform adjustments at Dartford station, such as reducing the stepping distance between platforms and trains to improve safety. Picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – & will cut journey times by an hour The work is set to cost £10 million, and is set to improve the reliability of the Dartford Junction railway. Network Rail said that more information on alternative travel will be provided in the autumn. David Davidson, chief operating officer for Southeastern Railway, said: 'The work at Dartford Junction, where 650 trains pass every day, is a vital investment in the long-term resilience and efficiency at one of the busiest sections on the South Eastern Railway network. 'We know there's never a good time to do work like this, but we've deliberately chosen the half- term to minimise disruption, when schools are on holiday and fewer people are commuting. "To make the most of the time available, we'll also carry out additional improvement work at Dartford station. 'We understand this closure will significantly impact travel, and we're working hard to ensure passengers are fully informed about its impact and the alternative travel arrangements available.' Your rights to compensation for train delays YOU may be able to get compensation for train journeys that have been delayed or cancelled. You'll usually need to apply as you won't get it automatically. Train companies have adopted "delay repay", a national scheme used to compensate you for unexpected delays. Passengers are entitled to compensation for a delay of 15 minutes or more. How much you get back depends on how long the delays are and the type of ticket you have. Compensation ranges from 25% of the ticket price to 100%. You'll get a full refund if your train was delayed by 120 minutes or longer. It doesn't matter which train company you are travelling with - the scheme is nationwide and all firms are part of it. But how you claim the money back will be up to each train company and you'll have to apply directly. You can usually do this online. You'll probably need a picture of your ticket and information about the train service you were on to claim. You can find each train line and how to claim at: If your train is delayed or cancelled and you choose not to travel, you can get a refund on the ticket from where you bought it and there are no fees.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Net Income Growth Amid ...
Release Date: July 29, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Ameris Bancorp (NYSE:ABCB) reported a 21% increase in net income over the previous year, reaching $109.8 million. The company achieved a significant improvement in its efficiency ratio, reducing it to 51.63% from 52.83% in the previous quarter. Loan growth was strong, with a 6.5% annualized increase, driven primarily by CNI loans. Non-interest bearing deposits grew over 3% annualized, maintaining a strong core focus. The company successfully repurchased $12.8 million in stock, indicating confidence in its valuation and future prospects. Negative Points There is anticipated pressure on deposit costs, which could impact the net interest margin in the future. The company expects a potential normalization of the net interest margin to the 360-365 basis point range, indicating possible future compression. Non-interest expenses increased by $4.2 million, primarily due to higher salaries and employee benefits. The mortgage segment may see a slight decline in production in the third quarter, potentially impacting revenue. Competition in the market is increasing, with some structural changes in lending practices, which could pressure margins. Q & A Highlights Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with ABCB. Q: Can you provide insights into the current loan growth trends and the outlook for mortgage warehouse lending? A: Palmer Proctor, CEO: The mortgage warehouse experienced strong growth this quarter, reflecting seasonal peaks. Overall, we're seeing a resurgence in market activity, better than the first quarter, with increased competition indicating more opportunities. We expect the third quarter to mirror the second quarter unless unforeseen events occur. Q: How do you plan to deploy excess capital, and are there any changes in your strategic priorities? A: Palmer Proctor, CEO: Our focus remains on organic growth, leveraging our strong position in Southeastern markets. We have added 64 new revenue generators this year and are open to stock buybacks given current valuations. M&A would require a compelling opportunity as we are currently focused on organic growth. Q: What is your outlook on deposit costs and their impact on margins in a stable rate environment? A: Nicole Stokes, CFO: We anticipate some pressure on deposit costs due to increased loan growth demand. Our interest-bearing deposits are already coming in higher than the current mix. If the Fed cuts rates, we expect to aggressively reduce deposit costs, potentially providing a margin boost. Q: Can you elaborate on the competitive landscape and how it affects your growth strategy? A: Palmer Proctor, CEO: We're seeing increased activity and competition, not just in pricing but also in structural terms. Our focus on treasury management and deposit growth is paying off, and we are well-positioned to compete effectively in the middle market space. Q: How do you view the potential for growth in your mortgage segment, especially if interest rates decline? A: Nicole Stokes, CFO: We expect the third quarter to be consistent with the second quarter in mortgage production. Our team is prepared to handle a refinance wave if rates decline, and any rate improvement would enhance profitability, given our current strong baseline. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Scenic UK walking path passes stunning beaches, cosy pubs and is perfect for hikers
The natural path was added as a National Trail by Natural England last year and offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to experience some of the UK's most beautiful countryside and seascapes If your ideal sunny day out involves escaping the hustle and bustle of London for a leisurely country stroll, this 25-mile trail along the stunning Kent coastline might be just the ticket. The path, incorporated into the National Trail by Natural England last year, provides outdoor hikers with the perfect opportunity to soak up some of the UK's most scenic land and seascapes. With the starting point less than two hours from London via public transport, the trail is perfect for those seeking fresh air, exercise, or a place to walk their dogs. It also meanders past some fantastic spots, as Kent is home to some of the finest seaside towns. So why not take a break and savour the coastal pubs, cafes, and restaurants? The straightforward walking route from Ramsgate to Whitstable showcases the spectacular chalk cliffs that have put Kent on the global map, miles of golden sandy beaches, and popular seaside resorts that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The route opens up access to previously unseen locations, thanks to the new path securing legal rights of public access to coastal land, reports MyLondon. The 19-mile coastline around the Isle of Thanet forms a significant part of the path, which is recognised as one of Europe's top sites for wintering birds, chalk reef marine life and sandy beaches, says Natural England. Driving from London to Ramsgate takes about two and a half hours via the A2 and M2. Alternatively, hop on a Southeastern train at Stratford International for a journey of just over an hour. While tackling the entire 25-mile stretch in one go might be ambitious, any part of the route promises delightful sights: Broadstairs This charming Kent seaside town has been ranked among the UK's Top 50 coolest places to live – a testament to its newfound "cool" status. Broadstairs is a haven for those who love picturesque sandy beaches, charming streets with red brick and flint-fronted buildings, distinctive shops, a variety of cafes, eateries and snug pubs, ice cream parlours, and exhilarating clifftop walks offering stunning views. Margate Following the coastal path will also lead you to Margate, famed for its golden sands, excellent dining options, and beautiful coastline – ideal for a leisurely afternoon. Botany Bay Botany Bay boasts soft golden sands and calm waters for swimming, making it a hidden treasure on the Kentish coast. It's a paradise for children with numerous rockpools to explore. Stone Bay For those who prefer a quieter seaside experience, Stone Bay is the ideal retreat. It's a tranquil alternative to its livelier counterpart, Viking Bay, offering families a peaceful haven for uninterrupted fun under the sun, from sandcastle construction to playful frolics and invigorating swims in the sea. Kingsgate Bay This Kentish jewel is a favourite subject for photographers and artists alike, and it's easy to see why. Kingsgate Bay captivates with its golden sands, flanked by striking chalk cliffs and the serene azure waters. The bay's crowning glory is the dramatic natural archway carved into the cliff face, creating a stunning "window" framing the vast expanse of ocean and sky. Viking Bay Viking Bay is a beach that comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor, where it has garnered an impressive 4.5-star rating from almost 1,000 reviews. A delighted visitor exclaimed: "This is hands down my favourite part of the Kent coast. The beach is large, sandy and clean. People just seem happy." Herne Bay Herne Bay boasts a beautiful beach that's perfect for those who'd rather not end their day with sandy toes. It's an idyllic spot to enjoy an ice cream while soaking up the splendid views. Whitstable Famed for its oysters, which are a hit with seafood aficionados from London, Whitstable also charms visitors with its 'long, rambling high street' and a beach that's ideal for a leisurely walk in the sunshine. West Bay Nestled between Margate and Birchington, the sandy beach of West Bay is a local treasure, separated from neighbouring St Mildred's Bay by chalk cliffs. The colourful beach huts that line the shore add a vibrant touch to the landscape. West Bay receives high praise from TripAdvisor users, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers dub it their 'favourite' beach, lauding its cleanliness and breathtaking sunsets. Birchington-on-Sea Tucked between Reculver and Westgate-on-Sea, the delightful seaside town of Birchington-on-Sea offers a sandy bay favoured for rockpooling, boating and other coastal pursuits. Visitors will find an array of activities, from exploring the local museum to dining at charming restaurants and enjoying a pint at one of the excellent pubs. Plus, it's ideally situated for access to other popular spots around Thanet and Canterbury. Ramsgate Key attractions of the 'trendy yet affordable' seaside town of Ramsgate include its beautiful beach, Georgian fixer-upper townhouses, and reasonably priced rentals. Much like its cousin, Margate, Ramsgate boasts solid rail connections to London, potentially making a commute to the city centre just about an hour and a half long. Reculver Towers Reculver Towers, situated near Herne Bay, is unquestionably one of the most iconic landmarks on Kent's eastern coast. In recent years, this historic site has become a popular spot for walkers during lockdown. The serene allure of these towers, coupled with a delightful coastal stroll near Herne Bay, provides a welcome respite from everyday life.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump team 'pissed off' with Kemp over candidate pick in Georgia's Senate GOP primary battle
President Donald Trump's political team and top advisers to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia apparently aren't on the same page when it comes to the key southeastern battleground state's Republican Senate primary. The race is crucial for Republicans aiming to expand their Senate majority, as Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is running for re-election in a state that Trump narrowly carried in last year's election, is viewed by the GOP as the most vulnerable Democrat seeking re-election in next year's midterm elections. Kemp, a popular two-term conservative governor whom Trump had heavily criticized in the past, was courted by national Republicans to take on Ossoff. But Kemp, who is term-limited, announced earlier this year that he would pass on a 2026 Senate run. Sources in Trump's political orbit and Republican sources in Georgia confirm to Fox News that there was an agreement between the president's political operation and Kemp's political team that they would work together to find a candidate that they could all unify behind to take on Ossoff in the Senate race. First On Fox: Trump House Ally To Launch Senate Bid Next Week In Key Battleground State Those sources also confirm that Kemp and Trump – the ultimate kingmaker in GOP politics – met two weeks ago to discuss the Senate race in Georgia. Read On The Fox News App But when the governor floated the name of former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, a source close to the president's political team said "they were told to stand down, because Trump's team wasn't ready to move forward on anybody." And when Kemp and his team did move forward with Dooley, it upset Trump's advisers, who, according to sources, were "already pretty annoyed" that Kemp had passed earlier this year on taking on Ossoff in the Senate race. Popular Gop Governor Passes On Senate Bid In 2026 "We had a deal to work together," a top political source in the Trump orbit told Fox News on Friday. "Kemp went out on his own – which has frustrated and pissed off Trump orbit." The source added that "the best option for the GOP in Georgia was and is Brian Kemp. Unfortunately, he has chosen the path of the weak, and – instead of leading – has decided to circumvent and self-anoint a candidate no one has heard of and the president hasn't met." "The operation that delivered the win in Georgia was the Trump organization – not a faux operation – it's hard to see it rallying behind the blind ambition of someone more interested in 2028 than in 2026," the source said, in a not-so-veiled reference to Kemp's potential interest in seeking the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. But a source close to the governor told Fox News that it's factually not true that they were told to stand down on Dooley. And the source added that Kemp meant what he said that he wants to work with the president and his team and remains that way. Kemp's political team first floated the Dooley trial balloon about two months ago. A longtime Georgia-based Republican strategist said the reaction in the Peach State among Republicans "was very negative." Dooley, who is the son of former longtime University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, is close with Kemp, who is a longtime friend. And Dooley has hired two top Kemp political advisers to help with his potential Senate campaign. A Republican source in Georgia says a decision by Dooley on whether he'll run could come as early as next week. Republican Rep. Mike Collins, a Trump ally and supporter in the House, will announce his candidacy for the Senate next week, sources with knowledge told Fox News Digital on Friday. Republican Rep. Buddy Carter, who for a decade has represented a district in coastal Georgia, launched a Senate campaign in the spring. Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King also announced a run, but ended his bid on Thursday. Trump and Kemp have a turbulent political history. Trump backed the then-Georgia secretary of state in his successful 2018 campaign for governor. But during the two years after his 2020 election defeat to former President Joe Biden, which included a razor-thin loss in Georgia, Trump attacked Kemp for failing to overturn the election results in his state. Trump toned down the criticism in 2022 after Kemp crushed Trump-backed former Sen. David Perdue in the state's GOP gubernatorial primary, as Kemp successfully cruised to re-election to a second term as governor. Kemp Speaks Out After Trump Flips And Praises The Georgia Governor But last summer, amid the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump went on a 10-minute tirade against Kemp at a rally in Atlanta just blocks from the Georgia State Capitol. Trump blamed the governor not only for failing to overturn the 2020 vote count but also for not stopping a county prosecutor from indicting the former president for his attempts to reverse the results. Trump quickly changed his tune on Kemp days later, and praised the governor in a social media post "for all of your help and support in Georgia, where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country." Kemp, in a Fox News Digital interview a few days later, downplayed Trump's tirade against him, calling it a "small distraction that's in the past." As Dooley moves closer to launching a campaign, Collins is just days from declaring his candidacy. Collins, a businessman who founded a trucking company, is in his second term representing Georgia's 10th Congressional District, which includes a large swath of urban, suburban, and rural areas between Atlanta and Augusta. The conservative lawmaker, who's the son of the late Republican Rep. Mac Collins of Georgia, has been moving closer to launching a Senate campaign for weeks. Collins was an early backer of the president, supporting him as Trump first ran for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 cycle. Collins at the beginning of this year reintroduced the Laken Riley Act, which mandates that undocumented immigrants charged with burglary or theft be detained. It's named after a Georgia nursing student killed by a man who had illegally entered the U.S. The case grabbed national attention. The bill, which quickly passed the Republican-controlled House and Senate, became the first legislation signed into law by Trump as he started his second tour of duty in the White House. A Republican source said that Collins has a "great relationship" with the president and his political team. And a Georgia-based Republican consultant told Fox News that "the lane that Mike is going to run in is the America First fighter who's been with President Trump. Carter is also courting a Trump endorsement in the GOP article source: Trump team 'pissed off' with Kemp over candidate pick in Georgia's Senate GOP primary battle
