Andrea Blazquez

Hosepipe bans in parts of England prohibit using mains-connected hosepipes, sprinklers, irrigation systems and pressure washers for tasks including cleaning windows, patios, paths, outdoor surfaces and private vehicles. Restrictions also cover garden watering, filling pools and ponds, and cleaning leisure boats. Exemptions apply for certain health, safety, animal-welfare, business, medical, religious and recently planted or laid garden uses. Watering cans remain permitted, and some controlled irrigation and sports-surface watering are allowed.

Hosepipe restrictions are in force in parts of England and Wales because of exceptionally dry weather and increased water use. Exemptions cover health and disability needs, animal welfare, certain recently planted vegetation and turf, food crops, sports surfaces, medical or religious pools, essential commercial vehicle cleaning, and professional cleaning services. Watering cans remain permitted, while using a hosepipe for domestic gardens, private vehicles, pools, ponds, fountains, patios, paths and other artificial outdoor surfaces is prohibited.

Manston Airport in Kent may reopen in 2029 following its purchase by RiverOak Strategic Partners and a planned £750 million renovation. Initially intended for cargo operations before expanding to commercial flights, the development follows a public consultation on flight paths and airspace redesign. Proponents highlight benefits for UK air freight capacity, reduced road congestion, and economic growth for the region. The airport, a former RAF base with a long runway and historic infrastructure, closed in 2014 after financial losses and has since been used for filming and temporary lorry parking.

A mother of five describes breastfeeding her children for 13 years and her intention to continue until each child is ready to wean, highlighting social discomfort, criticism from others, and a need for greater acceptance of extended breastfeeding. She emphasises its emotional, nutritional and health benefits while acknowledging challenges such as public reactions and difficulties breastfeeding during pregnancy. She calls for normalisation and broader support for mothers choosing extended breastfeeding.

Hillier Garden Centres will close its Hemel Hempstead location in January 2027 after the local council approved plans to redevelop the site into a storage and distribution hub. Chairman George Hillier said the decision will allow reinvestment in the business, while locals expressed disappointment over the loss of a long‑standing community venue. Another garden centre in Ormesby St Michael also announced closure due to financial pressures.

Coffee grounds mixed with bicarbonate of soda are recommended as an effective natural solution for eliminating odours and repelling pests. Gardening experts suggest placing the mixture in bowls around the home or on patios to deter insects such as mosquitoes, wasps and bees, while the combination also works to absorb unwanted smells in places like fridges, bins and cars. The method involves drying used coffee grounds, adding bicarbonate of soda and placing the mixture wherever needed for odour or pest control.

Morrisons plans to close 100 UK stores due to rising operational costs linked to government policies, with seven specific locations already identified and staff facing possible redundancy. Marks and Spencer will shut 14 in‑store cafés in England and Scotland as part of a restructuring effort aimed at improving customer experience. Fashion retailer Quiz is set to cease trading by July following administration, clearing remaining stock through a closing‑down sale. All identified closures span multiple regions across the UK.