Latest news with #TraceyDixon
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
'Complex' South Shields sinkhole repairs continue
A section of a street which was damaged when a sinkhole appeared remains cordoned off nearly four months later amid "complex" of Broughton Road in South Shields collapsed in late January, damaging several vehicles and leaving residents shocked. Councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for neighbourhoods and climate change at South Tyneside Council, said repair work was "very complex" and required "full and thorough" analysis of underground added the local authority was committed to reopening the road as soon as possible, although no dates have been confirmed yet. "Contractors and machinery remain on site at this time," Gibson sinkhole was noticed at about 05:30 GMT on 27 January when car alarms in the affected street went off. No-one was reported to be Tyneside Council leader, Labour's Tracey Dixon, previously said she had "no idea" what caused the road to thanked residents for their patience and understanding as the council continued work towards a permanent repair."Restoring the road and footpath involves deep excavations and assessments, before rebuilding the layers and backfilling the hole," he added."It is being planned and designed to take into account workers' safety, the structural integrity of surrounding buildings and foundations and the impact on the underground sewer and utilities." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Garden lovers are scrambling to B&M to get bargain plant which will turn give your home ‘Bridgerton' vibes for years
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus, how the plant could add £10k to your home TALK OF THE TON Garden lovers are scrambling to B&M to get bargain plant which will turn give your home 'Bridgerton' vibes for years IF you have strolled around your neighbourhood in the past few weeks you may have been treated to the sights of one plant that has been in full bloom. It's officially wisteria season and if you are looking to transform your own home to look like it is straight from Bridgerton, you may be in luck. Advertisement 5 B&M is selling wisteria plants for £18.50 Credit: tiktok@_thelittleedwardian1910 5 Wisteria season is typically in spring and the plant can grow over house and fences Credit: Getty TV viewers who have swooned over the steamy romances in the hit Netflix show can recreate the iconic, wisteria-clad mansion look by popping to B&M. The high street retailer is currently selling the popular purple plant for £18.50 and shoppers are scrambling to snap it up. The beautiful plant can be placed near walls, fences and trellises for the ultimate Regency-era look. These lilac-blue scented flowers are perfect for adding colour and height to outdoor spaces while filling the air with a stunning fragrance. Advertisement TikTok user @_thelittleedwardian1910 showed how they were bringing home the plant to add a pop of colour to their garden. They showed themselves selecting one of the wisteria pots, and wrote: 'Safe to say she came home with me.' Shoppers were quick to comment saying they were going to rush to B&M and get one for themselves. One person wrote: 'Omg I've wanted one for years!! Please be in my local b&m as I'm heading there today!!' Advertisement Meanwhile, one bargain hunter said: 'I bought one last year. It grew so much and I'm so happy it's coming back this year.' Add £10k value Not only does it look beautiful, but experts say they can add £10,000 to the value of your house. Wisteria could add as much as 5% to the price of your house Calling it a 'big ticket plant', Tracey Dixon, of Pure Mortgages and Protection told the Telegraph: 'These are estimates, and the actual impact depends on the property, maturity of the plants, and overall landscaping design. 'But strategically chosen plants can definitely enhance your home's appeal to buyers.' Advertisement Other high-value plants are established trees such as mature oaks, which can add up to £5,000 to a house's value, landscaped beds, which can add £1,500 and neatly-trimmed hedges, which can add £2,000 to your property's value. 5 Many shoppers have said they are rushing to snap up the plant for themselves Credit: tiktok@_thelittleedwardian1910 5 The plant has been spotted in select B&M shops Credit: Alamy Designed to bloom and climb up walls and trellises, the Wisteria Amethyst Falls are great for B&M and Brighton fans alike hoping to achieve an enviable floral façade. Advertisement Homeowners should be aware that desirable plants like wisteria and magnolia aren't always a quick fix and can take years to mature. Oliver Custance Baker, head of Strutt & Parker's National Country House Department, said: and cannot be bought in the shops or built in a matter of weeks. 'The most sought-after plants – and those that can therefore provide the biggest uplift in value – are typically wisteria and magnolia because of their appearance and the time it takes to grow one to maturity.' He added that it can take years to mature, but a well-established garden can boost a home's value by up to 20 per cent. According to the RHS, caring for your wisteria requires 'regular pruning and training' to keep it flowering well. Advertisement 5 Wisteria can add up to £10,000 to your home Credit: Getty 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots. Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. However they added that it is 'well worth the effort' as it 'looks amazing in full bloom clothing the front of a house, draping over a pergola or scrambling along a sunny wall. They added: 'Plants will dry out quickly on light or sandy soil so keep them well watered, particularly when newly planted and in dry periods. 'Prune twice a year in July/August and January/February.' Advertisement RHS experts explained that wisteria is best planted in autumn or spring, it ideally loves south or west-facing walls and it can begin flowering within three to four years of planting. If you manage to nail it in your home, you'll certainly be the talk of the ton.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Garden lovers are scrambling to B&M to get bargain plant which will turn give your home ‘Bridgerton' vibes for years
IF you have strolled around your neighbourhood in the past few weeks you may have been treated to the sights of one plant that has been in full bloom. It's officially wisteria season and if you are looking to transform your own home to look like it is straight from Bridgerton, you may be in luck. 5 B&M is selling wisteria plants for £18.50 Credit: tiktok@_thelittleedwardian1910 5 Wisteria season is typically in spring and the plant can grow over house and fences Credit: Getty TV viewers who have swooned over the steamy romances in the hit Netflix show can recreate the iconic, wisteria-clad mansion look by popping to B&M. The high street retailer is currently selling the popular purple plant for £18.50 and shoppers are scrambling to snap it up. The beautiful plant can be placed near walls, fences and trellises for the ultimate Regency-era look. These lilac-blue scented flowers are perfect for adding colour and height to outdoor spaces while filling the air with a stunning fragrance. More on gardening TikTok user They showed themselves selecting one of the wisteria pots, and wrote: 'Safe to say she came home with me.' Shoppers were quick to comment saying they were going to rush to B&M and get one for themselves. One person wrote: 'Omg I've wanted one for years!! Please be in my local b&m as I'm heading there today!!' Most read in Fabulous Meanwhile, one bargain hunter said: 'I bought one last year. It grew so much and I'm so happy it's coming back this year.' Add £10k value Not only does it look beautiful, but experts say they can add £10,000 to the value of your house. Wisteria could add as much as 5% to the price of your house Calling it a 'big ticket plant', Tracey Dixon, of Pure Mortgages and Protection told the 'But strategically chosen plants can definitely enhance your home's appeal to buyers.' Other high-value plants are established trees such as mature oaks, which can add up to £5,000 to a house's value, landscaped beds, which can add £1,500 and neatly-trimmed hedges, which can add £2,000 to your property's value. 5 Many shoppers have said they are rushing to snap up the plant for themselves Credit: tiktok@_thelittleedwardian1910 5 The plant has been spotted in select B&M shops Credit: Alamy Designed to bloom and climb up walls and trellises, the Wisteria Amethyst Falls are great for B&M and Brighton fans alike hoping to achieve an enviable floral façade. Homeowners should be aware that desirable plants like wisteria and magnolia aren't always a quick fix and can take years to mature. Oliver Custance Baker, head of Strutt & Parker's National Country House Department, said: and cannot be bought in the shops or built in a matter of weeks. 'The most sought-after plants – and those that can therefore provide the biggest uplift in value – are typically wisteria and magnolia because of their appearance and the time it takes to grow one to maturity.' He added that it can take years to mature, but a well-established garden can boost a home's value by up to 20 per cent. According to the 5 Wisteria can add up to £10,000 to your home Credit: Getty 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. However they added that it is 'well worth the effort' as it 'looks amazing in full bloom clothing the front of a house, draping over a pergola or scrambling along a sunny wall. They added: 'Plants will dry out quickly on light or sandy soil so keep them well watered, particularly when newly planted and in dry periods . 'Prune twice a year in July/August and January/February.' RHS experts explained that wisteria is best planted in autumn or spring, it ideally loves south or west-facing walls and it can begin flowering within three to four years of planting. If you manage to nail it in your home, you'll certainly be the talk of the ton.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Garden lovers are scrambling to B&M to get bargain plant which will turn give your home ‘Bridgerton' vibes for years
IF you have strolled around your neighbourhood in the past few weeks you may have been treated to the sights of one plant that has been in full bloom. It's officially wisteria season and if you are looking to transform your own home to look like it is straight from Bridgerton, you may be in luck. 5 TV viewers who have swooned over the steamy romances in the hit Netflix show can recreate the iconic, wisteria-clad mansion look by popping to B&M. The high street retailer is currently selling the popular purple plant for £18.50 and shoppers are scrambling to snap it up. The beautiful plant can be placed near walls, fences and trellises for the ultimate Regency-era look. These lilac-blue scented flowers are perfect for adding colour and height to outdoor spaces while filling the air with a stunning fragrance. TikTok user @_thelittleedwardian1910 showed how they were bringing home the plant to add a pop of colour to their garden. They showed themselves selecting one of the wisteria pots, and wrote: 'Safe to say she came home with me.' Shoppers were quick to comment saying they were going to rush to B&M and get one for themselves. One person wrote: 'Omg I've wanted one for years!! Please be in my local b&m as I'm heading there today!!' Meanwhile, one bargain hunter said: 'I bought one last year. It grew so much and I'm so happy it's coming back this year.' Add £10k value Not only does it look beautiful, but experts say they can add £10,000 to the value of your house. Wisteria could add as much as 5% to the price of your house Calling it a 'big ticket plant', Tracey Dixon, of Pure Mortgages and Protection told the Telegraph: 'These are estimates, and the actual impact depends on the property, maturity of the plants, and overall landscaping design. 'But strategically chosen plants can definitely enhance your home's appeal to buyers.' Other high-value plants are established trees such as mature oaks, which can add up to £5,000 to a house's value, landscaped beds, which can add £1,500 and neatly-trimmed hedges, which can add £2,000 to your property's value. 5 5 Designed to bloom and climb up walls and trellises, the Wisteria Amethyst Falls are great for B&M and Brighton fans alike hoping to achieve an enviable floral façade. Homeowners should be aware that desirable plants like wisteria and magnolia aren't always a quick fix and can take years to mature. Oliver Custance Baker, head of Strutt & Parker's National Country House Department, said: and cannot be bought in the shops or built in a matter of weeks. 'The most sought-after plants – and those that can therefore provide the biggest uplift in value – are typically wisteria and magnolia because of their appearance and the time it takes to grow one to maturity.' He added that it can take years to mature, but a well-established garden can boost a home's value by up to 20 per cent. According to the RHS, caring for your wisteria requires 'regular pruning and training' to keep it flowering well. 5 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots. Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. However they added that it is 'well worth the effort' as it 'looks amazing in full bloom clothing the front of a house, draping over a pergola or scrambling along a sunny wall. They added: 'Plants will dry out quickly on light or sandy soil so keep them well watered, particularly when newly planted and in dry periods. 'Prune twice a year in July/August and January/February.' spring, it ideally loves south or west-facing walls and it can begin flowering within three to four years of planting. If you manage to nail it in your home, you'll certainly be the talk of the ton.
BBC News
13-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
South Tyneside Council proposes new plan to tackle child poverty
A council has unveiled a new strategy to "mitigate, reduce and prevent" child Tyneside Council has outlined plans to tackle the issue after data showed a third of its neighbourhoods were among the worst deprived areas in the country, according to the Local Democracy Reporting financial support would be provided to families, employers would be encouraged to pay the real living wage and the free school meal programme would be leader Tracey Dixon said the new strategy was needed as the area was suffering from "devastating levels of child poverty". "We know that almost a third of young people in South Tyneside are living in poverty and the impact of that on children's lives and childhoods can be linked to low birth weight in babies, poor physical and mental health and much more," she said."Our child poverty strategy directly tackles those burning issues." Strategy priorities The strategy has four overarching priorities, namely maximising family income, making work a route out of poverty, focusing on ensuring the best start in life and making all decisions through a "poverty lens".More specific plans include a programme designed to reduce the cost of the school day for families, increasing the number of baby boxes available to new parents and improving the uptake of Healthy Start Tyneside Council would also become part of the national Get Britain Working Agenda pilot scheme - a government policy which aims to improve employment by helping people to enter or rejoin the workforce. However, Dixon, who is deputy chair of the North East Combined Authority's Child Poverty Reduction Unit, noted "most of the levers to action real change are still in the control of central government".She said she hoped the council's strategy would "directly influence" the work of the national Child Poverty Taskforce in developing its National Child Poverty Strategy due to be published later this year. The strategy will be discussed by the council on 20 March. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
