The Swansea Council has approved plans to construct environmentally friendly homes with advanced energy-saving features across various areas, aiming to reduce energy costs and emissions in the region.
Swansea Council Approves Construction of Energy-Efficient Homes
The Swansea Council has approved plans to build hundreds of new homes featuring innovative energy-efficient designs. The developments will occur in several areas, including Manselton, Clase, Bonymaen, and Ravenhill. These homes will be built adhering to the ‘Swansea Standard’ and include features such as solar roofs, battery storage, and ground source heating to reduce energy bills. The council is also enhancing existing properties, adding 156 homes to its housing stock through buybacks and property conversions. Overall, £250 million is earmarked for housing improvements over the next five years.
Couple Jailed for “Dine and Dash” Crimes Spanning Multiple Restaurants
Bernard McDonagh, 41, and his wife Ann McDonagh, 39, have been sentenced to jail terms of eight and twelve months respectively for a spree of “dine and dash” frauds costing businesses over £1,000. The couple ordered expensive menu items and fled without paying, affecting restaurants in Swansea, Taiback, Port Talbot, and Bridgend. Ann McDonagh also faces charges of theft and obstructing a police officer. The incidents have highlighted concerns from business owners struggling during financial hardships.
ITV Weatherman Des Coleman Returns After Illness
ITV Central weatherman Des Coleman has announced his return to television following a two-month hiatus due to illness. Coleman, known for his energetic on-screen presence, suffered from a cerebral fluid leak and tinnitus. He expressed gratitude for the support received from viewers and colleagues. Coleman’s return is scheduled for May 30.
Sky Warns Customers About Upcoming Channel Closures
Sky has informed its customers that certain channels, including Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and MUTV, will be inaccessible from June unless they upgrade their SD boxes to newer models. Affected customers have been offered the option to cancel their subscriptions without penalties. The changes are part of Sky’s shift in delivering TV services.
Heart Failure Detection Enhanced by AI Technology
A study by the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine indicates that AI can significantly improve the detection of heart failure risks through the analysis of echocardiographic images. This research involved deep learning to identify structural and functional heart anomalies. The findings, published in ESC Heart Failure, suggest that AI-enhanced heart scans provide more detailed diagnostics and might streamline the selection of patients for clinical trials.
Fire at Abandoned Mattress Shop in Gateshead
A significant fire broke out at a former mattress shop on Gateshead High Street, prompting a response from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police. Eight fire engines attended the scene, and the area was cordoned off for several hours. No injuries were reported.
Boy Placed in Isolation Over Haircut at School
Katie Burton expressed shock after her son, Harry Currie, 12, was placed in isolation at Teesdale School for having a grade two buzz cut. The school deemed the haircut “extreme” under its uniform policy. Katie is now seeking a new school for Harry, citing the school’s failure in their duty of care.
Couple Fined £400 for Littering With an Envelope
Ian and Deborah Day from Bentilee were fined £200 each by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for littering after Deborah disposed of an envelope in a public bin. The council’s Environmental Crime Team is currently re-evaluating the case.
CCTV Appeal Following Birmingham Assault and Robbery
West Midlands Police have released CCTV images of four men wanted in connection with an assault and robbery that occurred on May 10 on Belgrave Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. The public is urged to come forward with any information.
Fatal Accident at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
A person was tragically killed after being sucked into an engine of a KLM Cityhopper Embraer E190 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The incident occurred during the plane’s pushback from the stand before departure to Denmark. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the fatality.
Gary Lineker Regrets Fallout with BBC Over Social Media Comments
Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker has expressed regret over the fallout with the BBC regarding his social media comments on a Government asylum policy. Lineker thanked his colleagues for their support during the crisis and emphasized his commitment to free speech.
Toxic Caterpillars Warning for UK Residents
The UK Forestry Commission has issued a warning about oak processionary moth caterpillars that cause rashes and respiratory issues through their venomous hairs. Residents in affected areas are advised to avoid contact and report sightings to the Forestry Commission.
Manhunt for Escapee from UK Prison
Police are searching for Daniel Gee, who absconded from Kirklevington Prison in North Yorkshire. Gee was serving an indefinite sentence for firearm and blackmail offences. Authorities believe he may have fled to areas including Whitby, Carlisle, St Helens, and Merseyside.
Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Final Features Hilarious Prank on Simon Cowell
Port Talbot’s Troll Dancers pranked Simon Cowell with squirty cream during their semi-final performance on Britain’s Got Talent. Despite the humorous incident, the group was eliminated ahead of the final round.
Wizz Air Cancels Flight, Stranding Passengers
Wizz Air cancelled a flight from Poznan Airport to London Luton while on the runway, leaving passengers with only a €4 voucher. The airline has offered passengers reimbursement for reasonable expenses and rescheduled the flight.
Third Teenager Dies Following Staffordshire Crash
A 17-year-old girl has become the third fatality from a car crash in Penkridge, Staffordshire. The incident, involving a single vehicle, also resulted in the deaths of Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, and Morgan Jones, 17, from Wrexham.
UK Holds Highest Diesel Prices in Europe
The RAC has reported that the UK has the highest diesel prices in Europe, averaging 155p per litre. They blame high retailer margins for the inflated prices and call for fairer pricing practices.
Carmarthenshire Council Considers Reintroducing Means-Testing for Disability Grants
Due to increasing demand and costs, Carmarthenshire Council may reintroduce means-testing for disability grants to streamline the assessment process. The initiative aims to allocate resources more effectively to those in greatest need.
