A signal operator says he never heard of anything being planted on unlawfully killed Afghans around the time an SAS trooper allegedly committed a war crime.
Read More »
Soldier unaware of anything planted on Afghan’s body
Volkswagen Amarok W-Series: New-generation Walkinshaw-tuned ute teased
The Volkswagen Amarok W-Series will return, with Walkinshaw once again enhancing the dual-cab ute for Australian buyers.
Read More »
Orioles’ Zach Eflin makes unfortunate admission about shoulder condition
Zach Eflin is someone the Baltimore Orioles look at to be a reliable starting pitcher for them all year ’round as they continue their quest to compete for a World Series title. While the start of the 2025 season hasn’t exactly gone swimmingly for the Orioles, they had an excellent game on Monday, defeating the […]
The post Orioles’ Zach Eflin makes unfortunate admission about shoulder condition appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Thunder trade proposal brings Kevin Durant back from Suns this summer
With the playoffs set to begin in a little over a week, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s full, undivided attention will be devoted towards making it deep into the postseason and even winning a championship. At present, they have the best record in the NBA, a deep team with elite defenders and shooters across multiple positions, […]
The post Thunder trade proposal brings Kevin Durant back from Suns this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Bill Simmons drops bold Austin Reaves prediction amid Luka Doncic’s Lakers arrival
The Los Angeles Lakers could not be thanking their lucky stars any more after a certain turn of events led to their blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, a deal that materialized out of nowhere. The arrival of Doncic means that the Lakers will have their superstar player for the next decade, allowing them to remain […]
The post Bill Simmons drops bold Austin Reaves prediction amid Luka Doncic’s Lakers arrival appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Popular village pub announces sudden closure after 87 years in business due to ‘nearly 100% increase in rent’
A BELOVED pub has announced its closure, after 87 years in business, in another huge blow to Britain’s hospitality industry.
Like many, the popular establishment has cited the cost of living crisis as the reason for staff having to say last orders for the final time, with the owners claiming that rent has increased by almost 100%.
The Gartocher Pub, in Glasgow’s East End, opened back in 1937, and became famed for its Art Deco design.
The boozer hosted popular events, such as karaoke and open mic nights, making it a favoured spot for locals.
Unfortunately, the pub’s owners announced last month that had been forced to close their doors, following a “nearly 100% increase in rent and additional rising costs.”
Taking to Facebook, the pub announced: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of the pub.
“This decision has not been made lightly and follows weeks of careful consideration.
“Unfortunately, a nearly 100% increase in rent and additional rising costs have made it impossible to continue operating.
“The alternative — personally funding the business — simply isn’t sustainable.
“Over the past 11 months, we’ve poured our efforts into making this pub a place you could all enjoy, and we are deeply grateful for your support along the way.
“Though it wasn’t enough to overcome these challenges, we will always cherish the memories and connections created here.”
The owner’s added that the Gartocher’s sister pub, Sparky’s bar, will remain in operation.
Regulars flooded the Facebook post, sharing their sadness over the news.
One person said: “So sorry to hear this. I was made (to) feel so welcome when I came in and worked for you both in the Gartocher & Sparky’s.
“To me, you genuinely wanted to create a successful, community pub. I wish you much success with Sparky’s.”
Another said: “Sad news you worked so hard, all the best for the future.”
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
A third added: “Wish you all the best. (The) pub was great with you as well.”
This follows the news that The Gun, in Homerton, East London has been forced to close after 160 years in business.
An estimated six pubs closed their doors every week last year, leading to around 4,500 job losses, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.
Many closures are due to higher energy costs, rent increases, and higher borrowing costs.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.
“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.
“We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open.
“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”
We’ve been told to tear down our £20,000 garden shed by council but we’ll NEVER let them win – we’ve got a clever plan
A FURIOUS couple say they will refuse to tear down a £20,000 summer house after their bid to keep it was rejected by councillors.
Catherine Curran and her partner Martin Keyes installed the building in their garden nearly four years ago.
But last year they were left stunned when they discovered that council planners had refused retrospective planning for their two metre outbuilding.
The couple appealed against the decision but following a visit to the site councillors on the authority’s Local Review Body unanimously backed the original verdict.
The door is now open for Inverclyde Council to take enforcement action to have the building removed, if the local authority deems such action necessary.
Catherine, 50, said she was furious – not just at the decision, but at the way the couple found out.
She insisted “They are not tearing it down. My partner has spoken to two other councillors, and there are other options.
“They will not take my summer house down. We were invited to the meeting, but I was working a nightshift.
“People all over Inverclyde and Glasgow knew the appeal had been rejected before us.
“I had eight councillors out here two weeks ago to look at my property. They could see we had spent a lot of money on this.
“I think it has been very badly handled by the council.”
Officials had said that the outbuilding had a detrimental impact on the adjoining property because of its size and proximity to the boundary between the houses.
No objections were lodged when the couple’s application for retrospective permission was submitted to the council last year.
The decision was made after members of the LRB visited the property to assess the summer house for themselves.
Councillor Stephen McCabe: “I was pleased that we did have the site visit because I think it did actually give us a perspective that we wouldn’t have had if we didn’t have the site visit.
“Having reviewed the appointed officer’s report and the reasons for refusal I would move that we dismiss the appeal and uphold the original decision.”
Ms Curran said she had also submitted a petition to the LRB with 40 signatures in support of the summer house.
She continued: “I’ve had no objections. Everyone up here loves it.
“We actually said to the council that we’d move it – but that would be the last resort.
“If we did move it to where our other shed is, we would need a crane, as it is all insulated.
“We would have to re-arrange our garden, remove the decking and get it cemented in. Why should we give the council the satisfaction?”
Ms Curran said she feels that they have been treated very unfairly as the summer house doesn’t overlook anyone’s property.
Cllr McCabe’s motion to refuse the appeal was carried without any opposing views being expressed.
Do I need planning permission to convert my shed?
CONVERTING an existing shed or outbuilding into a self-contained living space will usually require you apply for planning permission.
However, there is a “loophole” Brits can use to convert outbuildings into a tiny home without permission.
Planning expert Martin Gaine from Just Planning warned the conversion process is far easier than you may think.
Speaking to The Sun, the Chartered Town Planner of 14 years’ experience explained: “An outbuilding can be built using ‘permitted development rights‘, meaning it does not need planning permission.
“As long as you comply with the various restrictions and conditions.”
One of these is that the outbuilding can only be used for something ‘ancillary’ to your main living accommodation – examples include storage, a gym or a pool room.
If the outbuilding is existing, converting it then into primary living accommodation IS allowed.
Martin explained: “This is because internal changes to an existing building are not considered to be development at all under the Town and Country Planning Act.
But like anything, there is one catch.
The new living accommodation must still have some connection with your use of the main house.
For instance, if your gran is living out there, she must still come into the house to eat.
Dave Navarro Ethnicity, Nationality, Net Worth, Age, Parents & More
Dave Navarro Ethnicity:- Dave Navarro is an American guitarist. He is also recognized as a member of the rock band ...
Read More »
Jerry Mathers Semi-Retirement Ended His Marriage With Second Spouse
Jerry Mathers is a happily married man. He has three grown children with families and successful lives. When he is ...
Read More »
Yellowstone’s Ryan Bingham announces career update away from hit show
Ryan Bingham has announced his latest venture away from Yellowstone. The 42-year-old, who splits his time between acting and music, ...
Read More »