Dsc on range rover

DRIVERS who will have to pay up to £690 to park outside their own homes are furious at their “gestapo” local council. Parking permits in Merton are set to increase based on each vehicle's emissions - in a bid to cut air pollution in the area and stop people using cars to get around. But it's thought that the permits would be the most expensive in Britain, with charges for the most polluting cars costing up to £540 per year. This is on top of the already existing £150 levy for all diesel vehicles and older petrol models. And all annual visitors’ permits in the Labour-controlled authority will increase to a whopping £690. Merton Council say the new scheme is being put in place to improving air and to reduce levels of carbon dioxide. But the new prices have sparked outrage with residents feeling frustrated and victimised. One Wimbledon local, David Folkerson says he couldn’t swap his old Audi for an electric car even if he wanted to. He told The Sun: “I’ve got an … [Read more...] about Drivers’ fury at ‘gestapo’ London council charging them £690 to park outside their OWN homes

Allowing teachers to award grades to pupils this summer is "as good a compromise as we can come to" following the cancellation of formal exams, Boris Johnson has said. The prime minister described this year's system for awarding A-level and GCSE grades in England - as well as some vocational and technical qualifications - as "durable" and the "right way forward". Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world With the government aiming to avoid a repeat of last year's grades scandal - which saw a moderating algorithm ditched after widespread complaints it unfairly downgraded pupils' grades - teachers have been told to base students' grades on a range of evidence. This includes mock exams, coursework, essays and in-class tests. Advertisement Schools will also have the option of using assessment questions provided by exam boards to help decide what grades to award, although the assessments are not expected to take place under exam … [Read more...] about COVID-19: No exams and teacher-assessed grades ‘as good a compromise as we can come to’, says Boris Johnson

A MCDONALD'S mad-man has eaten a burger every other day for over TWO decades. David Geyer, 32, first visited the fast-food restaurant in 1997 and he has been addicted ever since. From trainers and clothes to socks, David has spent £4,200 [€5000] on McDonald's merchandise. The gardener even has a tattoo of a juicy burger and fries on his leg. His home in Bergheim, Germany, features a makeshift McDonald's sign and a menu on his living room wall. David, who has eaten over 4,360 burgers, said: “McDonald's has been a huge part of my life for so many years. “It felt right to get a tattoo last July as the fast-food chain has become a part of my identity. “I never order the same meal over and over again because then it would get boring. “But a Big Tasty Bacon meal with fries is to die for. “It is my favourite.” David has no complaints about the menu but tends to avoid the ‘Filet O fish’ and vegan options. He said: “I am always hungry for a McDonalds and often … [Read more...] about I’m SO addicted to McDonald’s I’ve spent £34k on eating burgers constantly for two decades and own £4.2k of merchandise

MRS Hinch may be known for her stylish grey home, but her garden is sure to give you some serious envy this sunny lockdown weekend. Sophie Hinchliffe , who has 3.5 million followers on her popular home account, has been lovingly transforming the Essex pad she owns with husband Jamie - and the outdoor space is no exception. The 30-year-old cleanfluencer posts regular updates on Instagram about her garden - which she's kitted out with a teepee for son Ronnie, nearly one, and B&M's popular egg chair. Sophie bought the chair for £150 last summer - raving that she was "so chuffed" - and accessorised it with B&M fairy lights and fake ivy from The Range. The groomed garden features rattan furniture, potted plants, a walled flower patch, a stylish patio area and a spacious grassy area for dog Henry to enjoy. The greenfingered gal, who has a mixture of fake and real plants, previously admitted she had "no clue what I'm doing" when it came to gardening - but has since … [Read more...] about Inside Mrs Hinch’s enviable garden with B&M’s hanging egg chair, stylish BBQ area and a teepee for Ronnie

While there's light at the end of the tunnel for many British businesses after months of lockdown, there's some familiar favourites that will never return to the High Street. Many businesses have been told they could reopen on April 12 if the government reaches its Covid vaccination target, as part of Boris Johnson's plan to get the country out of restrictions. Hairdressers, salons, clothing outlets and many small, local businesses such as florists will be able to trade again after more than three months of closures. But for many towns and communities, the high street will never be the same again as one by one big chains that have been part of Britain's culture have fallen under the pressure of the pandemic. Some struggling brands will return to the high street but others will now operate online-only. Paperchase is closing 27 stores while Jaeger, John Lewis, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Bonmarché, Hays Travel and Prezzo will reduce their store counts. Sir Philip Green's … [Read more...] about High street favourites that won’t re-open in April as Covid closes iconic chains forever