Latest news with #StAlbans
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Archaeological dig at pub 'huge success'
An archaeologist has hailed an archaeological dig open to the public as a "huge success". As part of the redevelopment of the Rose & Crown pub in St Albans, an excavation was opened to visitors between Friday and Monday. During the dig, volunteers from St Albans Museums found pottery from medieval and Roman times, which members of the public could then see up close while visiting the site. Archaeologist Tom Lucas said: "It's just given people a chance to see it happening and to understand the planning process and then the excavation process- it's the museum's mission to share this with everybody, I think it's been a huge success." He noted that some of the Roman materials found during the dig, such as pottery, tesserae and painted wall plaster, had not been found in that part of the city before. At the site, a handling table was set up where visitors could see material after it was excavated. Children were also invited to learn how to wash pieces of pottery that had been uncovered. About 2,400 people visited the dig over the four-day period. Mr Lucas will now write a report on the team's findings, which will be considered as part of the planning process. He said: "Planning archaeology is not usually seen in this way, it's not hidden, it's just usually on construction sites. "People don't really see it going on, but it's happening all around us all the time because it's enshrined in our planning policy. So it's good that it's been seen and everybody enjoyed it." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Creating modern theatre in an ancient space Women who helped unearth Roman town celebrated 'Significant' finds in Roman town dig
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Archaeological dig at St Albans pub 'huge success'
An archaeologist has hailed an archaeological dig open to the public as a "huge success".As part of the redevelopment of the Rose & Crown pub in St Albans, an excavation was opened to visitors between Friday and the dig, volunteers from St Albans Museums found pottery from medieval and Roman times, which members of the public could then see up close while visiting the Tom Lucas said: "It's just given people a chance to see it happening and to understand the planning process and then the excavation process- it's the museum's mission to share this with everybody, I think it's been a huge success." He noted that some of the Roman materials found during the dig, such as pottery, tesserae and painted wall plaster, had not been found in that part of the city the site, a handling table was set up where visitors could see material after it was were also invited to learn how to wash pieces of pottery that had been 2,400 people visited the dig over the four-day period. Mr Lucas will now write a report on the team's findings, which will be considered as part of the planning said: "Planning archaeology is not usually seen in this way, it's not hidden, it's just usually on construction sites."People don't really see it going on, but it's happening all around us all the time because it's enshrined in our planning policy. So it's good that it's been seen and everybody enjoyed it." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
O2 phone shops in high risk areas locking their doors after spate of armed robberies by crime gangs
Customers at certain shops now have to knock on the door and be let in by a security guard PHONES LOCKED O2 phone shops in high risk areas locking their doors after spate of armed robberies by crime gangs PHONE shops in high risk areas have been forced to lock their doors to customers after a spate of armed robberies by organised crime gangs. O2 has confirmed a 'locked door' policy is now in place at a number of high street stores across the country in response to the terrifying raids - including Richmond in south-west London, The Strand in central London and St Albans, Herts. Advertisement 3 O2 has confirmed a 'locked door' policy is now in place at a number of high street stores across the country Credit: Andrew Styczynski 3 The move is in response to the terrifying raids - including Richmond in south-west London, The Strand in central London and St Albans, Herts Credit: Andrew Styczynski 3 Instead of just walking into the shops, customers now have to knock on the door and be let in by a security guard Credit: Andrew Styczynski Instead of just walking into the shops, customers now have to knock on the door and be let in by a security guard. The Sun found staff at the shop in St Albans on Friday were operating a one in one out system, only allowing up to three members of the public in at a time. According to a source, they were forced to bring in these measures after two terrifying robberies which left staff members fearing for their lives. They said: 'At the end of February we had an attempted robbery. Three guys came in and tried to force their way into the store room. Advertisement 'I saw them, all with their faces covered, out of the corner of my eye and I thought I was done for. 'We suspected they had a weapon and they were trying to force staff back there to open the door - the police came that time and they didn't manage to take anything. 'A few months before in October the shop was actually robbed, they took thousands of pounds worth of phones. 'There were two customers in the shop at the time, and because of the threats and the suspected weapon it was decided that the door would be locked. Advertisement 'No one should come into work and be scared they're going to be stabbed over a phone - no one wants to lose their life over just a phone. 'It has affected trade a little, but you know now all the people coming in have the intention to buy and it makes staff feel safer while helping them so I think it's worth it.' Moment phone snatcher receives instant karma as he's knocked off his bike by furious Londoners In May, the O2 shop in Richmond was targeted by two armed men, with one swiftly arrested by police. Just a few months before in February, the same shop was raided by armed thieves who forced staff into the store room and made off with a number of mobiles. Advertisement An O2 spokesperson said: 'In response to a growing number of thefts at stores in certain areas, we have introduced a 'locked door' policy at a small proportion of our stores, including in St Albans. 'These stores remain fully open for our customers, and the only difference they will experience is that instead of opening the door themselves, it will be opened for them by a security guard. 'This decision has been taken to prioritise the safety of both our employees and our customers, as well as the security of our stock. 'We are working closely with law enforcement, and with other providers who are facing similar issues, to tackle this problem.'
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Stevenage man accused of rape while in Met Police says women 'didn't say no'
A man accused of raping two women while he was a Metropolitan Police officer told detectives that neither woman said "no", a jury Cummings, 26, who lived in Lytton Way, Stevenage, is on trial at St Albans Crown Court after being accused of raping two women he had relationships woman said Cummings raped her in 2024, shortly after she ended their relationship, and the other said he raped her in 2021, when they were heard on Thursday how Cummings, who denies rape, told police that one woman had not "told me to stop" and the other had never said "no" to sex. A prosecuting barrister told jurors Cummings had already been convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking. James Thacker KC said Cummings had either pleaded guilty or been found guilty of those offences after a trial in September. However, jurors had not been able to reach verdicts on the rape charges - and a second trial was being staged, he said the two women lived in different parts of Britain, did not know each other, and had relationships with Cummings at different times. 'Servicing' Some of Cummings' answers to police questions, following his arrest in 2024, were read to jurors by a prosecuting lawyer on told officers that one of the women wanted "sex with no strings attached" and had "rated" the encounter."She didn't tell me to stop," he said when questioned."She didn't say no at any point."He added: "She wanted it and then afterwards she made it very clear that she enjoyed it."Cummings told police how he felt at that point that he was "used for sex".He said: "She said she thoroughly enjoyed it, she needed servicing, and I was there and did the job." Cummings told police he could not specifically recall the 2021 encounter that the second woman had complained he told police: "It was always consensual."He added: "Ninety per cent of the sex we had (she) started, initiated."There has never been a time when she has said 'no' to having sex."If she said 'no', then nothing would happen." The trial continues. Jurors were expected to be asked to consider their verdicts next week. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Zombies fans from across the globe fund new St Albans mural
A mural honouring rock band The Zombies has been unveiled in their hometown after money was raised by fans from across the brightly-coloured portrait of the band was painted on to the side of the Pioneer Club in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where the band had their first rehearsal in was unveiled to the group - whose hits include Time of the Season and She's Not There - on Saturday to coincide with a screening of their new documentary film, Hung Up On A from across the globe hit the £2,000 ($2,744) fundraising target for the mural within 48 hours so it would be in place in time for the screening. Lead singer Colin Blunstone said the artwork "perfectly captures the spirit of the original band in the mid 1960s" and cemented The Zombies' "lifetime connection" with their Rod Argent added the whole band was "very moved to see this beautiful mural".Steve Rossi, who co-runs The Zombies fan club, said fans had been looking for a way to honour the band in their home town for some club had previously led campaigns to get the band back into US and UK charts, as well as an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of said: "This was about the Zombies community coming together once again to honour our band."The full total raised, £2,712 ($3,700), was passed to the band's US-based management who organised the painting of the mural. Artist Ant Steel, from Norwich, admitted it was a tight turn around but was proud of his involvement, especially as the unveiling event was attended by American news broadcasters and fans from Japan."I know how much it means to so many fans across the globe, I feel really happy and honoured they chose me," he mural is based on the cover of their 1965 debut album Begin Here, combined with the psychedelic colours of their acclaimed second release, Odessey and Oracle, from 1968. "Mixing the two together shows the joy and happiness they brought to their fans over the years," Steel explained. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
