Simon Spark

The Humber Bridge Board cancelled two £27 fines issued to 79-year-old Tony Hughes after a PayPoint cashier entered the letter O instead of zeroes in his vehicle registration. The RAC said such penalties had no justification and urged the bridge operator to improve its processes. The board acknowledged an honest mistake and said it would waive administration fees in similar cases, while advising drivers to check that registration details are entered correctly.

A motorcyclist asked to remove his helmet while refuelling in Nafferton has called for clearer signage on forecourts as policies differ across retailers. Reactions from other riders reveal mixed views on helmet removal, influenced by safety concerns, communication issues and age‑verification requirements. Shell cites the need to confirm customers are over 16, while local police say they have not requested helmet removal in East Yorkshire. Industry bodies declined to comment, and practices vary widely between stations, prompting calls for clear on‑site guidance.

A Grimsby woman, Nora Mubarak, faced racial abuse after a video of her rescuing a young seagull circulated online with false claims she had harmed it. North East Lincolnshire Council leader Oliver Freeston shared the footage with a critical caption before later deleting it and acknowledging it depicted a rescue. Mubarak said the clarification was insufficient and the abuse continued, attributing much of it to anti-Muslim stereotypes. She called for accountability while expressing hope that public understanding would improve.

A shortage of specialist thatching straw, driven by climate impacts, aging machinery and limited new entrants to the trade, is threatening the viability of the thatching industry in parts of England. Grower Robin Kurzaj warns the sector is at a critical point as more farmers retire and weather conditions destroy crops. Efforts in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire aim to rebuild local supply, while Historic England acknowledges difficulties in sourcing traditional materials and advises flexibility during shortages.

Schools in parts of England plan to allow later arrivals on Monday if the World Cup match between England and Mexico takes place overnight, with some institutions marking pupils present despite late arrival times. Head teachers say a flexible approach is pragmatic given the timing, though the game may be moved to Sunday evening. England coach Thomas Tuchel encouraged children to watch the match, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged families to prioritise school attendance. Schools are preparing to support students regardless of the match outcome.

Residents of Wroxham Avenue in Grimsby have decorated their street with St George’s Cross flags and bunting as they gather to watch England’s World Cup matches. The community has spent over £250 on decorations, with families watching games outdoors on projectors and TVs. Locals describe a revived spirit of togetherness, hoping England’s recent win and strong performances will carry the team to the final.