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Articles by Lauren Watt
Kent-based businesses move to a four-day working week
Three local businesses have made the change Author: Lauren WattPublished 19 minutes ago New figures show more than 50 organisations employing over 1,400 workers moved to a four-day working week in 2025 with no loss of pay. The 4 Day Week Foundation said the total number of workers now on a four-day week is more than 6,000 at 253 accredited employers including three in Kent. Reflect digital, Charity Bank and Native Ecology are all benefitting from the shorter working week.
Over three million illegal vapes seized across the South East
Over two million were following checks at local ports in Kent. Author: Lauren WattPublished 10 minutes ago Last updated 5 minutes ago Trading standard teams have seized more than three million illegal vapes across the South East since 2021. New figures show over two million of those were found following checks on goods coming into the local ports in Kent and just under one million were found on the high street.
Kent campaign group want long-term reassurance after water shortages
Dry Wells Action are holding a public meeting on Wednesday (21/1) Author: Lauren WattPublished 16 minutes ago A local Kent campaign group are seeking long-term reassurance after further water shortages last week. Water was restored to most homes across Kent and Sussex on Friday after almost a week of disruption with South East Water blaming the outage, which began on Saturday (10/1), on Storm Goretti causing burst pipes and power cuts.
Rogue roadworks by utility firms face prosecution
Kent County Council hopes it will mean roads will be safer and contractors will speed up their work Author: Lauren WattPublished 15 minutes ago Utility companies who flout the rules while carrying out road works in Kent are in danger of being prosecuted. Kent County Council (KCC) hopes its get-tough policy will mean highways will be safer, will flow more freely and will force contractors to speed up the work.
Bradford SEND Co-ordinator thinks new Barbie doll could help children talk about Autism Original
The UK's First Autistic Barbie Doll has been released today Author: Lauren WattPublished 1 hour ago Barbie are continuing to grow representation as they launch the UK's First Autistic Barbie Doll. The new doll has been made in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a non-profit disability rights US organisation run by and for autistic people that advocates to empower the autistic community.
Peterborough council want help to shape biodiversity plans
Public consultation runs until 22nd December 2025 Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago Peterborough residents are being asked to share their views on how their city council can improve biodiversity in the area. The council has launched a public consultation on its proposed Section 40 Biodiversity Report, which outlines the steps it plans to take in meeting its biodiversity responsibilities set out by the government.
Four convicted of laundering £500,000 in doorstep frauds across Surrey, Essex & London
They targeted the elderly & vulnerable Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago An investigation into doorstep frauds targeting elderly and vulnerable homeowners has led to guilty verdicts for money laundering at Guildford Crown Court. Between February and September 2019, fraudsters operated across Surrey, Essex and London, pressuring victims to part with large sums for unnecessary or poorly executed building work.
Learner drivers across Northamptonshire will spend longer on faster roads during tests
The changes come in today - Monday 24th November Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago Learner drivers across Britain including here in Northamptonshire will now spend longer on faster roads during tests. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)have made the changes to better represent the conditions many motorists experience after passing their test, such as driving on rural roads.
Families across Bucks, Beds & Herts stand in solidarity for children failed by SEND system
It's part of the national "Every Pair Tells a Story" action Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago Last updated 5 hours ago Families across Bucks, Beds & Herts are standing together in solidarity today to highlight the number of children being failed by the SEND system.
Youth homelessness is continuing to rise across Hertfordshire
Over 2800 young people contacted the council for support last year Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago Youth homelessness is continuing to rise across Hertfordshire with over 2800 young people contacting Hertfordshire County Council last year due to homelessness or risk of homelessness. That figure is a 13% increase on the previous year.
Stay safe and vigilant this Halloween and Bonfire Night in Cornwall
Devon & Cornwall Police want people to enjoy the festivities safely Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Devon & Cornwall Police are sharing advice to avoid anti-social behaviour during Halloween and Bonfire Night. Neighbourhood Policing Lead Inspector Steve Philp said: "At Halloween, when trick or treaters are out and about, some people may become worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.
Stay safe and vigilant this Halloween in Buckinghamshire
Police want to prevent anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone enjoys festivities responsibly Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago Thames Valley Police are urging residents to stay safe and remain vigilant this Halloween to help prevent anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone enjoys the festivities responsibly.
New ‘z-cards’ to support bereaved teenagers across Cornwall
They've been created by the Cornish charity Penhaligon’s Friends Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Penhaligon’s Friends, a Cornish based charity have created new ‘z-cards’ for teenagers who are dealing with grief. The cards are small enough to fit in your pocket, offer helpful information on how young people can deal with grief and signpost people to Penhaligon’s Friends for further support.
Thousands of runners are taking to the streets of York for the annual Yorkshire Marathon
They will be running 26.2 miles today (19/10) Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago Thousands of runners are taking to the streets of York today for the annual Yorkshire Marathon. The Altra Yorkshire Marathon's scenic route is a flat and fast course over 26.2 miles taking in some amazing views of the city including York Minster. People run for many reasons—some for the challenge, others for the joy—but for many, it’s something more.
There is no place for Hate Crime in the West Midlands
The Police and Crime Commissioner reassures communities Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago The Police and Crime Commissioner is reassuring people that hate crime will be taken seriously by officers in the West Midlands. It comes after two people were killed in an attack on a Synagogue in Manchester earlier this month.
Cheshire based charity continues to support families who suffer the pain and trauma of baby loss
The Meadow Suite at Leighton Hospital has been open for two years Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago The Mid-Cheshire Hospital charity is continuing to raise funds to help families who suffer the pain and trauma of baby loss. In summer 2023 Leighton Hospital in Crewe opened the Meadow Suite, which provides a dedicated baby bereavement suite created to support parents and families who are experiencing the heart breaking loss of a baby.
Targeted fly-tipping interventions carried out across Walsall
The 'EnviroCrime' initiative reflects the council’s zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime Author: Lauren WattPublished 7 hours ago A series of targeted fly-tipping interventions have been carried out across Walsall. Reflecting the council’s zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime the 'EnviroCrime' initiative marks and investigates every fly-tipping incident.
Wolverhampton nutritionist supports less junk food ads
It follows a voluntary ban on TV adverts before the 9pm watershed Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago A Wolverhampton Nutritionist has supported the voluntary ban on junk food adverts before the Watershed. On the 1st of October The UK introduced the restrictions on advertising less healthy food and drink products before 9pm - with a permanent ban coming in January.
Support groups in Wolverhampton remind people not to feel alone
A mental health wellbeing session is being held at Wolverhampton Train station today (10/10) Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago Support groups in Wolverhampton are reminding people not to feel alone if they're suffering with their mental health. People are being encouraged to pause, reflect and connect as Wolverhampton marks World Mental Health Day. This year's theme focuses on ‘overwhelm: when global events and relentless bad news become too much’.
Campaigners issue warning as trees at Poynton Pool remain under threat
Friends of Poynton Pool have submitted an open letter to the council Author: Lauren WattPublished 6 hours ago Last updated 1 hour ago Trees at Poynton Pool remain under threat despite a local group suggesting a more suitable alternative. In 2024 Cheshire East Council’s plan for spillway works put 78 trees in danger at Poynton Pool which was challenged by the local campaign group 'Friends of Poynton Pool'.
Cumberland Council urge safe disposal of hazardous household waste
It comes after a number of fires at local recycling sites Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago Following a number of fires, Cumberland Council are reminding people how to dispose of household chemicals, asbestos and clinical waste. Three separate fires have occurred across Household Waste Recycling Centres sites in Cumberland over the last few months including at Bousteads, Maryport and Fitzington.
Preston Jewish leader calls for greater action Original
It comes as synagogue security increases nationwide People attend a vigil on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, Manchester, after two people died in a terror attack at the Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester. Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago A member of the Jewish community in Preston wants to see more done as security is stepped up at synagogues across the country.
Llewelyn-Bowen family to help raise over £20,000 for Gloucestershire blood cancer patients
September was blood cancer awareness month Louise Neal, CEO at Linc, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and his family are teaming up with Linc Charity to help raise over £20,000 to support blood cancer patients and their families across Gloucestershire.
Raising awareness for young drivers across Gloucestershire
Police are educating young driver about the "Fatal Four" Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Gloucestershire Police are raising awareness of road safety amongst young drivers. Operation Spotlight is running until the 5th October and aims to reduce the number of motorists aged between 17 and 24 who are killed or seriously injured on the country's roads.
Anglian Water upgrade in Towcester to protect environment from flooding
They have completed the upgrades at their water recycling centre Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Anglian Water's @one Alliance has completed important upgrades to their water recycling centre in Towcester. The upgrades aim to help protect the environment from flooding and support future growth in the area.
Northamptonshire students invited to showcase their skills, challenge ideas and build confidence
Applications are now open for the 2026 Chairmans Debating Competition Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Sixth form students across West Northamptonshire are being invited to showcase their skills, challenge ideas and build confidence. They are being invited to put forward teams for the 2026 Chairman’s Debating Competition. Magdalen College School, Northampton Academy, Northampton International Academy, Northampton College and The Duston School have all taken part in previous years.
Westmorland & Furness Council contract award to save taxpayers millions of pounds
The new system will help to administer Revenues and Benefits Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Taxpayers will be saved millions of pounds after the award of a contract to introduce new software that will assist in administering Revenues and Benefits across the Westmorland and Furness Council area. The software will replacing existing systems from the former Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland Councils with one that operates across the whole area.
Vehicles seized during rural crime operation in Cumbria
54 were stopped for routine checks Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago 54 vehicles were stopped in Cumbria last week as part of efforts to disrupt rural crimes in the area. Operation Checkpoint is the largest rural crime operation of its kind in the UK and sees several police forces in the North of England working together to prevent and tackle rural acquisitive crime, wildlife and poaching offences.
Affordable homes given the go ahead in West Northamptonshire
The 18 homes are part of the Council's affordable homes delivery plan Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Plans to transform a disused former Care Home into affordable homes has been given the go ahead. West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet approved the plans at Ecton Brook which will include 12 homes for social rent and 6 shared ownership properties. The scheme will help towards the high demand for affordable housing across the area.
The BIG Sleepout is back in Chichester tonight
The annual event is raising awareness around the reality of homelessness Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago The Big Sleepout is back at Chichester Cathedral tonight helping to raise funds and awareness for vulnerable and homeless people in the community. This is the flagship fundraising event for the homeless charity Stonepillow and they are aiming to raise £25,000.
The Baton of Hope is heading through Northamptonshire
The tour is raising awareness of mental health & suicide prevention Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago The Baton of Hope tour is heading through Northamptonshire today (20/9) with the aim of raising awareness for anyone struggling with their mental health, and support suicide prevention. The Baton of Hope is continuing it's UK tour today through Corby, Kettering Wellingborough and Northampton.
Scaffolding Specialists run 50 miles to Northampton for a children's charity
The two men start the ultra marathon in Birmingham Author: Lauren WattPublished 6 hours ago Two men from Midland Scaffolding Services are taking on an ultra-marathon today in a bid to raise thousands of pounds to help disabled children. Contracts Director Ben Ekins and Estimator Jordan Harrison were inspired to help after their colleague Gary Rouse’s daughter Poppy was born with Down’s syndrome, TOF and a serious heart condition.
Sussex Police highlight the dangers of spiking
It's part of a national awareness week Author: Lauren WattPublished 6 hours ago Sussex Police are reminding people of the impacts of being spiked, as part of a national awareness week. Spiking is when someone is given alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. Spiking can happen to anyone anywhere – no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. It can also be carried out by strangers or by people you know.
Water supply restored to most Spalding customers
The pressure may be slightly lower as repair works continue Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago Anglian water have confirmed that many customers should now have running water, but the pressure may be slightly lower while recovery work continues. A number of people have been without water after four water mains burst earlier this week.
Additional school travel expenses for Ripon families
It comes following changes to the Councils school bus transport programme Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago Some parents in Ripon are now having to pay for travel to the local Grammar School. The decision by the Council last year, highlighted that the Academy was closer than the Grammar School meaning parents were told by the authority that it would no longer be able to fund free bus journeys to and from the school.
Teenage photographer Liz Hatton remembered in North Yorkshire
Today (31/8) would have been her 18th Birthday Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Liz Hatton is being remembered today in North Yorkshire on what would have been her 18th Birthday. The teenager and photographer from Harrogate was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in January last year and died just ten months later. She even inspired the Princess of Wales after pursuing her photography bucket list and was invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales.
Women’s Rugby World Cup returns to York Community Stadium
The USA take on Australia tonight (30/8) Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Women’s Rugby World Cup Returns to the community Stadium in York tonight, Boosting Local Interest Excitement is building as the Women’s Rugby World Cup returns to York this evening at 7:30 PM, when Australia take on the USA in what promises to be another thrilling fixture in the tournament.
Brain Tumour researchers calls for more funding
The lack of Government funding almost halted progress of vital research Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago Last updated 4 hours ago A Cornwall PhD researcher says a lack of Government funding almost halted progress of vital research into brain cancer. Summer Henderson, 29, from Millbrook, is studying multi-drug resistance in two rare types of brain tumour, meningioma and schwannoma.
Fire warnings as heatwave continues across Devon
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue service are sharing safety tips Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago As the warm weather continues across Devon, the local Fire Brigade are reminding people to stay safe. Most grass fires are caused by human activity with something as small as a lit cigarette or a spark from a disposable BBQ igniting dry brush and quickly turning into a fast-moving fire.
Kettering and Northampton Hospitals achieve National Recognition Award
The award is for support to service and ex-service personnel Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago The two hospitals have both achieved a national award for the way they support the armed forces’ community. They were recognised for a number of initiatives including actively employ members of the Armed Forces community, supporting reservists & veterans, Having Armed Forces Champions and actively supporting the armed forces community.
Worcester City Women's player inspired by England Team
It's as England take on Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 Final Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago Worcester City Women's Player Jess Fassnidge is inspired and influenced by the England Team. England are due to play Spain this evening in the Womens's Euro 2025 Final. So far in the competition England lost their opener to France, bounced back with wins against The Netherlands and Wales, then went to penalties against Sweden Before beating Italy to secure a place in the finals.
Cobblers fan appointed as assistant manager of national football team
He's off to the Marshall Islands Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago A Cobblers Fan has been appointed as the assistant manager of a national football team in the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands Men’s National Team will be making history this August by playing their first ever international match.
Paramedics celebrate 100 years of service in Northamptonshire
Frontline staff have been recognised for their dedication to the service Author: Lauren WattPublished 4 hours ago Frontline staff across Northamptonshire have been recognised for their long service. At a ceremony in Delapre Abbey, Northamptonshire on Friday 27 June 2025 seven members of Frontline staff were recognised for their commitment to the East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Derbyshire Police urge owners and collectors to surrender 'ninja swords'
A ban comes into place on 1st August 2025 Author: Lauren WattPublished 2 hours ago Last updated 2 hours ago Derbyshire Police are urging owners and collectors of ninja swords to hand them in ahead of the ban next month. The ban on ninja swords is a result of the tireless campaigning of the Kanda family, who tragically lost their son, Ronan, in 2022 when he was killed with one of these deadly weapons.
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to see increased Police presence
It's part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper has visited Beeston to see how police and partners are working together to keep people safe in Nottinghamshire’s town centres this summer. She looked at local efforts to tackle town centre criminality, street crime, shop theft and antisocial behaviour, as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative.
Man from Loughborough jailed for urging vulnerable woman to take her own life
Tyler Webb became the first person in the country to be charged with encouraging serious self-harm under a new law Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago Last updated 4 hours ago A 22-year-old man from Loughborough's been jailed for 9 years and 4 months for urging a vulnerable woman to take her own life - Subject to a hospital order.
Woman sentenced after dragging PCSO along by her car
The driver fled the scene in an attempt to avoid responding officers Author: Lauren WattPublished 3 hours ago A PCSO who was dragged along by a car has explained how the traumatic incident has left him suffering with his mental health and constant pain. “I don’t go to work to get assaulted. I’ve only ever wanted to help people but this has changed my life and still affects me to this day,” the PCSO explained.
Rising cost of cocoa isn't stopping a Shropshire Chocolatier
Challenging times have created new opportunities. Author: Lauren WattPublished 5 hours ago Last updated 4 hours ago The rising cost of Cocoa has seen a Shropshire chocolatier find new ways to maintain a successful business. Cocoa prices have been on a significant upward trend due to several factors, including climate change impacting harvests in West Africa.
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. v. Velocity Motorcars Nashville LLC
Plaintiff: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. Defendant: Velocity Motorcars Nashville LLC Case Number: 3:2023cv00991 Filed: September 18, 2023 Court: US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee Presiding Judge: William L Campbell Referring Judge: Jeffery S Frensley Nature of Suit: Trademark Cause of Action: 15 U.S.C. ยง 1114 Trademark Infringement Jury Demanded By: Plaintiff RSS Track this Docket This docket was last retrieved on September 19, 2023.
Solonis Named First Recipient of
Solonis Named First Recipient of "Hotel PMS Innovation of the Year" in 2023 TravelTech Breakthrough Awards Today 11:00 AM ET (Business Wire)Print Solonis, a leading provider of modern property management solutions, has been recognized with the "Hotel PMS Innovation of the Year" award in the inaugural TravelTech Breakthrough Awards.
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