Councils face new rules for spending pothole funding, or risk losing their cash
councils will now face tougher rules to prove they are fixing potholes or risk losing up to a third of next year’s funding government is ensuring taxpayers’ money is working harder to get smoother roads and not redirected elsewhere red-rated councils will receive funding to improve performance and deliver visibly smoother, safer roads Councils will […]
Boaters urged to ‘reduce risk and boost skills’ in water safety campaign
Water safety organisations in the UK are sharing an important message ahead of another busy boating season. HM Coastguard (part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency), the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have launched their annual safety campaign for recreational boaters. ‘Reduce the risk, boost your skills’ aims to […]
Major flood risk management scheme completed in Stoke-on-Trent
The Fowlea Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, is a major upgrade to the town’s flood defences that will benefit 333 homes and businesses. The Fowlea Brook runs through the heart of the city and quickly fills up during heavy rainfall. With extreme weather conditions becoming more frequent and intense due to climate […]
Three century old sculpture at risk of leaving the UK
Valued at £750,000, the sculpture is recognised to be of outstanding artistic quality Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the sculpture for the nation An export bar has been placed on Michael Rysbrack’s sculpture of two ‘putti’ supporting a column to allow time for a UK buyer […]
Environment Agency warns of ongoing flood risk in Somerset and Dorset
The Environment Agency continues to call on the public to remain vigilant to the risk of significant flooding in Somerset and Dorset in the wake of Storm Chandra. Current forecasts show conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with further impacts expected across the region. A Met Office yellow warning for rain is in place today and overnight for the […]
18th century dog sculpture at risk of leaving the UK
Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the sculpture The sculpture has been valued at £635,000 (plus VAT of £27,000 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution) An export bar has been placed on Anne Damer’s 18th-century ‘Shock Dog’ sculpture in an effort to protect this rare […]
Crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut teen cancer risk
Unsupervised sunbed use by young people to be banned as part of National Cancer Plan Consultation to launch in Spring 2026, new rules could come into force as soon as 2027 Drive to tackle avoidable cancer and help make the NHS Fit for the Future More young people will be better protected from skin cancer through a proposed […]
Baroque masterpiece worth £9,000,000 at risk of leaving the UK
Valued at £9,000,000 the painting is considered to be a masterpiece of Baroque landscapes The export bar will allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the painting for the nation An export bar has been placed on Claude Lorrain’s Landscape with Rural Dance to allow time for a UK buyer to be […]
Historically Significant 18th Century Sculpture at risk of leaving the UK
The bust has been valued at £3.1 million (plus VAT of £620,000 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution) Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the bust An export bar has been placed on an 18th century bust of John Gordon of Invergordon by Edmé Bouchardon […]
Keep the warmth, lose the risk: MHRA and National Fire Chiefs Council issue winter emollient safety warning
Millions of people use emollient creams to relieve dry or itchy skin during winter. While the creams themselves are not flammable, residue from them can build up on clothing, bedding, bandages and soft furnishings. This can make these materials ignite more easily and burn more rapidly if they come into contact with a flame, cigarette or close to heat sources like open fires, […]