Latest news with #localAuthority
BBC News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Slough removes 23 unpaid parking fine vehicles in a week
A council's new vehicle removals policy for drivers who do not pay their parking tickets has netted 23 vehicles in just one week of Borough Council has removed the vehicles from the streets including in Chalvey, the Diamond Road estate, from the High Street and surrounding areas since the policy came into force on 28 said that of the removed vehicles, one had racked up a total of 134 unpaid tickets, another had 117 tickets outstanding, and seven others had more than 30 tickets each still waiting to be of them are being stored at a secure compound until the original fines and storage costs are paid before releasing them to their owners. The local authority said that some of the types of parking that would warrant a penalty charge notice include:• parking in a restricted street during prescribed hours;• parking in a special enforcement area more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and not within a designated parking place;• stopping in a restricted area outside a school when said that none of the removed vehicles so far had had fewer than eight outstanding Kelly, lead member for planning, parking, highways and transport, called illegal parking was "antisocial". "The policy we have brought in tackles this problem by literally removing those offending vehicles from the streets, forcing drivers to pay the fines they owe or lose their cars forever," he said."The vast majority of people, if they are caught parking illegally, put their hands up and pay the fine."But as the first week's figures show, there are repeat offenders who think they can park where they want, when they want and not pay any price." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Last chance to stand in Isle of Man local authority by-elections
The window for those planning to stand in five upcoming local authority by-elections is set to vacancies came about as a result of fewer candidates putting their names forward that seat available in April's general are two seats up for grabs in Ballaugh, Jurby and Port Erin, while one seat is available in Douglas Central Ward and Ramsey South for candidates will close at 13:00 BST ahead of polling day on 17 July. Those eligible must be: Over the age of 18Either a British citizen or have the right to remain in the island, Ordinarily resident on the island for a period of five years or more Registered to vote Prospective candidates have been advised to contact the deputy returning officer for their respective local authority to find out more about what the role of commissioner involves prior to submitting their forms. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Stockton MP's asylum seeker comments branded 'inflammatory'
A council leader has said an MP's claims the local authority takes a "disproportionate number" of asylum seekers were "misleading and inflammatory".Conservative MP for Stockton West Matt Vickers said in Parliament last week that Stockton Borough Council had "volunteered" to take in more asylum seekers and it left "huge numbers of lone men hanging around the town centre".Responding, Labour's Lisa Evans said she was "extremely disappointed" by Vickers' said local authority she leads had a "static" number of asylum seekers and that the region had a "proud history" of welcoming people. Vickers said Stockton's asylum seekers were all housed near the town centre which caused challenges in accommodation, public services and integration, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service."The situation is made worse by the council's approach to housing, which allows huge amounts of houses in multiple occupation, bedsits and bail accommodation to emerge around the town centre," he Evans said the council could only house asylum seekers where there were vacancies and it had not taken any decisions to opt into the government's asylum dispersal said much of the available accommodation is in "houses of multiple occupancies with shared amenities", but "this position is reflected nationally".Evans called the MP's comments "unfair, inaccurate and inflammatory"."He cannot blame the local authority for schemes that his government introduced which he failed to address when they were in power." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Battle of Trafalgar (Tavern)! London pub boasting one of Britain's best beer gardens is under threat from killjoy council
One of Britain's most popular beer gardens is under threat after a council moved to remove its outdoor tables following a series of complaints. The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, south-east London, is often hailed among the nation's most picturesque spots for a pint - showcasing views over the Thames and towards Canary Wharf and the Shard. But the historic Grade II-listed venue's outdoor seating could soon be axed after a local authority issued an enforcement notice. The Trafalgar Tavern's al fresco tables are located on the Thames Path, a narrow walkway running along the banks of the capital's river. Greenwich council has told of receiving complaints about access - and officials suggest the seating restricts movement for pedestrians, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. The authority added that it was 'important that everyone can use [the path] easily' - and that a 'balance' was needed. But among those now hitting back is the pub's landlord Frank Dowling, who has been in charge since 2001, as well as its manager Vasil Vasilev. Mr Dowling said removing the tables would only create a 'different problem' and could also mean he has to lose some staff. He said: 'If you don't have tables and chairs there, you're going to have tons of people standing around drinking. 'Vertical drinking is not something that works for us. That causes a different problem. 'If we lose the structure, we lose control of the environment. People will just gather there anyway, but without the order that tables and service provide. 'We have unbelievable staff, and we're very proud of them. They're hardworking people - young people, old people. They're very good people.' Manager Mr Vasilev, 41, who has worked at the pub since 2017, said the council had told them the outdoor seating also restricts emergency vehicles from accessing a ramp - which he claims is already inaccessible due to a parking metre blocking it. Mr Vasilev added: 'It would absolutely damage tourism in the area, without any valid reasons whatsoever. 'It's just ridiculous. We are not blocking pedestrian access - there's plenty of room. 'There are three or four metres of access. We are a family-friendly pub - we have large groups of runners, mothers with prams. 'There is plenty of space outside. The reasons [for the enforcement notice] don't make much sense. The Trafalgar Tavern has been widely praised for its London riverside setting 'People like coming here because of what we offer, but we wouldn't be able to offer it anymore [if the enforcement notice went ahead].' Posting about the proposed ban on Facebook, the Trafalgar Tavern claimed Greenwich council was 'demanding' the outdoor seating be removed. The pub suggested the move risked 'threatening a space that's brought joy to locals, tourists and the wider community'. Mr Dowling said the area remained open to the public and was cleaned and jet-washed by staff several times a week. The pub sits on a section of the Thames Path which Mr Dowling says he leased from the Greenwich Foundation, a naval charity that supports the upkeep of historic buildings in the area. The landlord claims that the rent is paid annually to the foundation and that the pub has legal tenure over the space used for outdoor seating. In addition to the lease, Mr Dowling said the pub entered into a formal agreement with Greenwich council in 2005 under a Section 16 arrangement. As part of that deal, the pub allegedly paid for improvement works to the area outside its front door, including resurfacing, landscaping and changes to a public highway. Mr Dowling said the works were paid for entirely by the pub and carried out with council involvement and approval. One local resident told MailOnline: 'It's a great space but I can understand that additional benches have made it horrendously crowded - especially on a sunny day. 'It's a narrow path along there anyway.' The Trafalgar Tavern's owners previously had a bid for a new nearby pub called the Ship Tavern, beside the river and the historic Cutty Sark vessel, rejected last year. A Greenwich council spokesperson said: 'We're really proud of Greenwich Town Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions of people every year. 'Tourists love the vibrant businesses and beautiful scenery, and we do too. 'That's why we're committed to making sure the area is as accessible as possible, for everyone to enjoy. 'Whilst it's not always appropriate to comment on individual cases, we know that The Trafalgar Tavern is a much-loved, historic venue. 'But we have had some complaints about the extended outdoor seating onto the Thames Path and so there needs to be a balance. 'The Thames Path is very narrow, and it's important that everyone can use it easily - including people in wheelchairs, the elderly or people with pushchairs. 'There are planning policies in place that we need to follow, but we're confident we'll find a sensible solution that doesn't stop people enjoying the pub's view, or using the Thames Path.' Representations opposing the notice can be submitted to the council's planning inspectorate until June 12, quoting appeal reference APP/E5330/C/25/3364847.
The Independent
28-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
‘Unnecessarily complicated' roundabout leads council to publish three-minute tutorial video
A council has published a video explaining how to use a new 'dutch-style' roundabout set to open next week in Hemel Hempstead. The three-minute animated tutorial uploaded by Hertfordshire County Council shows users how to use the roundabout in Boundary Way as a cyclist, driver and pedestrian. The local authority said it wants people to familiarise themselves with how the roundabout operates before it opens on 6 June. When using Boundary Way, motorists must slow down or stop when entering or exiting in order to let pedestrians and cyclists cross safely. The £2.6million plan has come under criticism for being "unnecessarily complicated', with users fearing it is a 'disaster waiting to happen'. 'I don't like the idea of braking when exiting the roundabout to give way to pedestrians,' one local said.
