Jake Wallace

Residents of Luxulyan have rallied to clear and support the volunteer-run Luxulyan Environment Green Glebe Space after a 24 July fire destroyed wooden shelters, tools, furniture and other equipment. The project, which promotes wildlife and biodiversity across 1.5 acres, estimates replacement costs of up to £10,000. Local volunteers cleared the site within an hour, while donations are being raised to help rebuild it; the fire service has not confirmed the cause of the blaze.

A fire on 24 July destroyed shelters, tools, furniture and other equipment at the volunteer-run Luxulyan Environment Green Glebe Space in Cornwall. The project, which promotes wildlife and biodiversity across 1.5 acres, estimates that replacing the lost items could cost up to £10,000. Local residents quickly rallied to clear the debris and support an online fundraising campaign, enabling the site to be cleared within an hour while the group begins rebuilding.

Organisers have announced that Alstock, a charity music festival held at Priory Park in Bodmin since 2007, will end after its 25 July 2026 event. Founded by Luke Hodge in memory of his father, Al “Big Al” Hodge, the festival raised more than £100,000 for local and national charities and financially supported students through the Al Hodge Award. Hodge said the decision followed careful consideration and thanked the festival’s volunteers, performers, traders, sponsors and attendees for their support over nearly two decades.

About 200 people marched across the Tamar Bridge from Saltash to protest toll increases and call for lower charges, long-term government funding or free crossings. The Tamar Toll Action Group said local residents pay more than £2m annually in tolls, while protesters highlighted the burden on people who regularly cross for healthcare and other needs. The bridge committee said financing the crossing is extremely challenging and respected the right to peaceful protest; the Department for Transport said toll decisions rest with the joint committee but that it would continue working with it.

Pensioner household inflation in Jersey reached 4.7%, up from 3.8% a year earlier and well above the island-wide rate of 2.8%. Statistics Jersey attributed the higher rate partly to heating oil and other fuel costs rising 53.5% and domestic services increasing 14.8%. Overall inflation was driven mainly by household services and food, while low-income households experienced inflation of 3.6%.

An architecture graduate proposed a communal living housing concept designed to make accommodation more affordable for young people in Guernsey and reduce outward migration. Inspired by UK student housing, the plan features studio flats linked to shared dining and living spaces and increases housing capacity by 25% compared with traditional designs. Survey findings show strong interest in affordable communal living among young islanders. Local officials and The Drawing Room architecture firm expressed interest in further exploring the concept as a potential solution for both young residents and single people of all ages.

Guernsey Coastguard warns against tombstoning, urging people not to let peer pressure or alcohol influence decisions to jump from heights into the sea. James Way highlights rapidly changing water depths and the risk of serious injury or death, noting over 200 related incidents in the British Isles in the past 20 years. He encourages anyone wishing to jump into water to do so only under qualified supervision.

Blanchelande College in Guernsey will introduce a full ban on smartphones and internet‑enabled devices for Year 7 students from September, citing concerns about distraction, wellbeing, and new UK regulations on mobile phone use in schools. The policy aims to reduce pressure on parents to provide smartphones and promote a focused, healthy school environment. Basic phones will be allowed only for safety purposes and must remain in lockers. Other private colleges on the island already enforce similar restrictions.

An AAIB investigation found that a Gatwick-to-Guernsey flight overran the runway after the captain misjudged the landing perspective on a sloped runway and delayed full braking. Inexperienced supporting pilots did not call for a go‑around. No injuries or damage occurred. Aurigny and the leasing airline updated safety management processes, while the Channel Islands’ civil aviation authority enhanced oversight of wet‑lease operations. A safety recommendation urged De Havilland Canada to improve access to emergency procedures in its quick‑reference materials.

Investigators concluded that a Gatwick-to-Guernsey flight overran the runway after the captain attempted a gentle landing and misjudged the runway’s perspective due to its slope. Limited experience among other crew members contributed, as they did not call for a go-around. The aircraft stopped beyond the runway without injuries or damage. Following the incident, Aurigny and the leasing airline updated safety management practices, and the Channel Islands aviation authority enhanced oversight of wet-lease operations. A single safety recommendation urged De Havilland Canada to improve access to emergency procedures in its quick reference handbook.

Guernsey’s leading business groups urged the States to reach a decision on long‑debated tax reforms, warning continued delays risk harming economic stability. Ahead of the 15 July debate, they supported elements such as a reduced 3% GST and protections for lower‑income households but questioned whether the proposals would close the structural deficit, noting reliance on uncertain future revenues. They emphasised that public sector savings must be delivered and argued growth policies are essential alongside taxation. Deputies opposing the package were called on to outline alternative means of raising revenue or achieving savings.

Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development says Brittany Ferries’ planned route cuts and vessel sales could enhance the island’s transport links with France. Discussions with the operator include a proposed Portsmouth–Guernsey–Cherbourg service that could increase Islander sailings to seven days a week while maintaining key freight connections. The committee expects passenger numbers to rise as routes are consolidated and stresses that the Voyager fast‑boat service will continue unaffected. Stakeholder engagement is underway before any final decisions are made.