TWO BEDROOM CARAVAN
1 Double Room & 1 Twin Room
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Living Area
Bathroom with Shower
Bedding Included Enclosed Veranda THREE
(Currently Being Renovated)
1 Double Room, 1 Twin & 1 Bunk
Fully Equipped Kitchen Dining Area, Living Area
Bathroom with Shower Bedding Included, Enclosed Veranda
Implementing universal kerbside collections for waste batteries and electricals across the UK could save Ј6bn over the next decade by increasing recycling and avoiding the costs associated with waste fires.
This was the key finding of independent research conducted by experts, which investigated the costs and benefits of various options for collecting small waste electrical devices and batteries at the kerbside.
Only a quarter (100 of 391) of local authorities currently offer kerbside collection for small mixed waste electric and electronic equipment, which includes devices like old mobile phones, electric toothbrushes, vapes, power tools and toys – but these voluntary services only cover around 23% of households in the UK, and collection methods vary significantly between participating councils. Because of this lack of convenient and consistent recycling options, waste electrical items, which often contain powerful batteries, are commonly (but incorrectly) discarded in the general rubbish or mixed with other recycling – where they can explode or ignite and pose a significant fire risk. It is estimated that every household, on average, incorrectly discards nearly 6kg of waste electricals each year – or 155,000 tonnes in total.
Furthermore, reports state that 1.6 billion batteries were thrown away in 2023/24 in the UK, or 3,000 every minute – with just over a billion of these hidden in electrical devices. This has contributed to what recycling and waste operators are calling an “epidemic” of battery fires. In 2023, more than 1,200 serious battery-related fires in waste facilities or vehicles were reported and the problem is rapidly growing year on year – with a 70% increase in fires between 2022 and 2023 alone.
The total annual cost of the impacts of batteryrelated waste fires in the UK is now estimated at more than Ј1billion. These costs have skyrocketed from previous estimates, owing to increased frequency of incidents and higher associated costs of the impacts (such as repairs,
insurance premiums and public service impacts etc). The risks posed by battery fires include not just the obvious risks to peoples’ safety but also damage and downtime to essential infrastructure; the loss of valuable recyclable materials, and pollution to watercourses and the wider environment. In its report, Eunomia recommends that the best way to address this growing epidemic of battery fires is to implement universal kerbside collections of batteries and small waste electrical devices as part of normal council recycling collections –making correct recycling more convenient for all householders, not just those living in councils where collections already happen. The report suggests that the best cost/benefit balance would be achieved by retrofitting existing refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) with external cages, where possible, to safely store batteries and small waste electricals – collecting them on existing recycling rounds. This would be supported by both national and local communications campaigns, which would be enabled and made more cost-effective by a consistent approach across the country. If such a scheme were rolled out today, Eunomia estimates that the number of waste fires would drop correspondingly (with anticipated increased compliance levels) from over 700 a year to just over 100, and that the capital expenditure needed to implement the new service would equate to around just 70 pence per household. Responsibility for this service would continue to fall to local authorities, but the relatively modest additional operational expense could be supported by producers of batteries and electrical devices under a reformed Extended Producer Responsibility regime. Chairman of the Environmental Services Association Michael Topham, said: “The UK is facing a growing epidemic of batteryrelated waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment. Whether discarded on their own or hidden inside electronic devices, batteries wreak havoc when they are
thrown in the wrong bin, but this sadly happens all too often because of a lack of convenient recycling options for householders. Eunomia’s report provides clear evidence of the huge benefits of implementing a nation-wide kerbside WEEE and battery recycling scheme – not just for preventing fires and protecting infrastructure but also realising a £6billion economic benefit while supporting a more circular economy for batteries and waste electricals. We urge government to commit to rolling out mandatory universal kerbside recycling services for waste electricals and batteries, and to ensure all parties pay their fair share towards delivering them.” James Kelly, CEO of the British Metals Recycling Association, said: “The increase in the number of fires across the waste industry is deeply concerning. Be they caused by waste electricals and electronic equipment or orphan lithium-ion batteries, urgent action clearly needs to be taken. The best way to tackle this is by introducing a kerbside collection scheme, which would make it easier and simpler for the householder to recycle these items. However, this would need to be supported by a national communications campaign to educate householders about the dangers of the incorrect disposal of WEEE and orphan batteries.”
Toni McNamara, Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) Executive Director, said: “While there is no consensus on local authority-operated collections from LARAC membership, we strongly support producer-funded battery and small WEEE collection schemes, and any initiatives focused on reducing the risk of battery fires.” Jon Hastings, Chair NAWDO said: “Fires in waste collection vehicles and treatment facilities pose a risk to staff working in this critical industry, and are causing operational disruption and higher costs for local authorities. It is essential that producers are made responsible for the costs of providing more convenient collection services for batteries and small electrical items to help tackle this growing and dangerous issue”
Getting a comfortable night’s sleep during the warmer weather can be a challenge, which is why sleep experts have shared their advice to prevent overheating and to get a good night’s sleep throughout the mini heatwave. If you’re trying - and struggling - to keep your body temperature under control at night, try these tips: Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and spicy food Strenuous exercise before bed gets your blood pumping and keeps your heart rate and body temperature up. Alcohol will make you feel hot. While your body is not actually heating up, it will feel like it and may prevent you from feeling cool and comfortable at night. Spicy food often contains capsaicin, which can increase your body temperature and interrupt your sleep. Also, eating spicy food before you go to bed may give you indigestion, making it difficult as your body battles discomfort. Practice mindfulness and meditation
Anxiety can cause your fight-or-flight response, which can lead to night sweats in bed, which is a common stress symptom. Turn off unnecessary electronics before bed Electronic devices such as computers, games consoles and TVs can get hot after use, leaving rooms, especially smaller ones, feeling stuffy and trapped with heat. Switch to breathable bedding
If you’re struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in, you may be using bedding that is not breathable enough for the summer months. Cooling bed sheets should wick moisture away from you and help you to regulate your core body temperature. Have a light meal for dinner
Eating a meal too close to your bedtime can be harmful to your sleep. The more food you eat, the more uncomfortable you may feel. Heavy meals tend to be high in fats and carbohydrates, which takes more energy for your body to break down.
Take a shower before bed Showers can help to regulate our body temperature, which can ease us into a peaceful sleep.
The trend towards working from home is continuing, with an increased demand for extra space in the form of a garden office. The uptake of working from home shows no sign of slowing, and many employees have the benefit of working remotely on a regular basis. However many people struggle to find the space or a dedicated professional environment away from domestic distractions. There is an increasing trend towards garden offices which can provide a more productive home-based workspace.
To help people looking for an alternative the factors below may help home workers think about a range of factors. Size and layout: it’s important to determine the size and floor plan needed for a garden office, including desk, seating and storage. Insulation and heating: year-round comfort is important. Electrical and internet connectivity: both are vital for working from home and these need to be included in your plan. Many garden offices include manufacturerfitted electrical sockets, and the building usually just needs to be connected to an available power source.
Natural light: think about how to maximise natural light. Large windows and doors can help to create a bright and airy workspace, even in a smaller garden office. Security: this is
important, so consider the sturdiness of windows, sliding doors and locking systems, to deter intruders.
External finish: the latest garden office exteriors now include attractive low-maintenance composite materials, while solid timber cladding remains very popular.
Build quality: choose a reputable manufacturer that uses highquality materials and craftsmanship. This means that you will benefit from a highspecification garden office which has a warranty.
Planning permission: in most cases, a garden office does not require full planning permission but it’s important to check local planning regulations to ensure that a garden office is compliant. Location-wise, a garden office should be located in the rear garden and not closer to a public road than your house. If in doubt, check with your local planning department. Also, if you live in a conservation area, a listed building, or area of outstanding natural beauty, the rules for permitted development are more complex.
Affordability: a garden office is invariably more affordable than moving to a larger house, or building an extension. An external office can often be an attractive feature when you come to sell your home, and may improve its desirability and value.
Up to 340,000 workers in Yorkshire and Humber have started to receive boosted payslips as workers begin to see the benefits of the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates taking effect. The changes will help provide families with better financial stability and living standards, delivering real terms pay increase of £1,400 per year for eligible full-time workers, supporting the Government’s plan to kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change. This uplift delivers better financial security for working people and allows for further workers to potentially benefit from positive spillover impacts including possible wage increases for those already earning more than the legal minimum. Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: “Workers across the country are beginning to receive the much-needed boost to their pay slips, as our Plan for Change is putting more money into their pockets. By ensuring a hard day’s work is rewarded with a fair day’s pay, we’re raising living
Operating from branches in High Green and Sheffield Lane Top
standards millions of families and ensuring that everyone is a part of this government’s mission to deliver economic growth to every part of the UK. If you haven’t already, check your pay to ensure you aren’t missing out on a well-deserved pay rise for work done from 1st April.”
To ensure workers were fairly compensated, for the first time this Government instructed the Low Pay Commission, the body which recommends the wage rates, to include the cost of living and inflation in its assessment. On top of this, the Employment Rights Bill, a key pillar in the Plan to Make Work Pay, will release an additional £600 a year to some of the lowest paid workers. This will ensure that these workers get receive an uplift to wages that delivers better quality of life.
Workers in Yorkshire and Humber have earned this pay rise and they need to make sure they get it. Visit gov.uk/ checkyourpay to check if you are eligible.
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Footballing legend Gordon Banks has been honoured in his home-town of Sheffield with a multi-million-pound Hub officially unveiled in his name. The long-standing football site on Woodbourn Road in Darnall, Sheffield has had a revamp thanks to a £2.1m grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation and an additional £0.9m in partnership funding from Sheffield City Council. Thanks to this significant investment the local community now has access to multiple floodlit pitches, and a refurbished pavilion building, that provides changing facilities and a social
space that hosts a cafe and meeting room.
This well-loved facility is providing much improved playing opportunities for people of all ages in and around Darnall thanks to its seven LED floodlit smallsided 3G pitches. Turn up and play sessions are available, and local group Darnall Education and Sports Academy (DESA) are running activities for young boys and girls in the community.
Sheffield United Community Foundation (SUCF) are putting on Premier League Kicks sessions, Wildcats, ladies sessions and LGBTQ all turn up and play.
Weekly coaching programmes for disabled young people by SUCF
and a new pan-disability league in partnership with Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA are becoming a regular fixture providing competitive football for players aged 16 years and over.
This summer, Sheffield Wednesday Community Foundation is bringing in a Walking Football session early.
Local clubs Aden Steelers, Darnall Diamonds and Sheffield City are also using the site as a training facility.
In addition, athletes from Sheffield Hallam University are making use of the facilities in the pavilion after training and races at the 400m track which is also on site. As well as the
game changing impact this Hub is having on the local community, it’s also playing an important role in looking at possible alternative infills for 3G pitches.
The six 5v5 pitches are being used as part of a three-year research programme funded by the Football Foundation to research possible alternative 3G pitch systems. This project will work with SportsLabs (a FIFA Accredited Test Institute) and Loughborough University to collect performance data and player feedback to ensure every element of the playing experience is taken into consideration.
Chris Barry from the Football Foundation said:
“This fantastic new community Hub will not only provide great places to play but also a great space for the local community to come together. Funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government through Sport England, as well as Sheffield City Council, has played a vital role in making this project a reality. Thanks to their investment, this facility will have a transformative impact on the local community, supporting their physical and mental health, bringing them together and benefitting the local economy. We are delighted it is also providing a home to an important piece of research work that the Football Foundation
is leading on. Whilst we don’t have any answers yet, the seven pitches here in Sheffield, all using different pitch systems, are providing a vital resource for our work looking at the future of 3G pitches.
The Gordon Banks Sports Hub at Woodbourn Road joins three other Foundation-funded Hub sites in the city – Graves, Thorncliffe and Westfield. All these sites are operated by Leisure United, the charity operator of the National Football Trust, who’ll re-invest any surplus revenue generated at the sites back into grassroots sport across the city.
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Chris Wilder felt United deserved to end the regular Championship season with a win at Bramall Lane but is bullish about the Blades prospects as they now prepare for a two-legged tie against Bristol City.
Reflecting on Saturday’s entertaining stalemate, Wilder remarked:
“Thanks to the supporters for staying
behind at the end, I thought it was a good performance, and we deserved to win the game, even with tenmen at the end.
“It was an awkward one with Blackburn having something to play for, we were disappointed to go behind, but we reacted positively. The attitude and approach were great and the feel after the lap of
acknowledgment was really good.
“Two points per game is an incredible achievement in my opinion with the challenges we’ve had to overcome, the players have given everything for the shirt and the attitude has been first class.”
Looking ahead, he added: “The teams in the play-offs deserve to
be there, we deserve to be third, but the slate is wiped clean now and we have to go and prove ourselves again.”
Tickets for the Blades
Home Leg of the Playoff Semi Final on Monday 12th May are on general sale now with the Away leg already sold out.
Rotherham United’s
Hakeem Odoffin was a double winner after being crowned the club’s Eric Twigg Foods Player of the Season for 2024/25 as well as picking up the Players’ Player Award. Odoffin, who missed out on the award last season in second place only to the near-perfect Viktor Johansson in goal, scoops the award for his consistent performances across a number of positions for the Millers in the current campaign.
The former Hamilton man has skippered the side in the absence of club captain
Jonson Clarke-Harris and has excelled with stellar performances in midfield, central defence and even at wing back.
The ever-reliable performer was a regular under Steve Evans earlier in the 2024/25 campaign and has continued to be a prominent feature for Matt Hamshaw’s Millers and has made 51 – 52 after the final game against Peterborough United –across all competitions.
As confirmed by boss Hamshaw, contract negotiations with Odoffin remain ongoing as the Millers do their utmost to
try and down one of their prize assets ahead of the new campaign.
Forward Sam Nombe has landed the Hughie Construction Golden Boot award for finishing as the club’s top goalscorer in 2024/25.
The Croydon-born marksman has a reputation for his goal return at Sky Bet League
One level having hit a similar tally last time he competed at the level with Exeter City in 2022/23 and has once again reached double figures this time out. Whilst not memorable for the goal itself, his improvised finish at Cambridge United helped the Millers to their first away win on the road for over two years, while he also notched a last minute winner at Bristol Rovers and a stunning strike which proved the difference in a narrow victory at Bolton Wanderers.
Nombe perfected a range of finishes throughout the 2024/25 campaign in performances which saw his name in the hat for both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season prizes. The supporters have spoken, and Mallik Wilks has landed the 2024/25 Goal of the Season award with an outrageous solo effort against Mansfield Town. Wilks picked up a loose ball from a Mansfield Town set-piece just outside the Millers’ box, headed clear by Sam Nombe, before bursting forward and shrugging off the challenge of Caylan Vickers and carrying the ball the length of the pitch and sending an effort crashing in off the post. Following a fan vote, Wilks’ second goal of the Good Friday game landed the award
despite stiff competition provided by Sam Nombe, Liam Kelly, and two other strikes from Mallik himself!
In fact, competition was so stiff, the winning goal won by just one vote, edging out Mallik’s other goal from that very same game!
Jack Holmes has been awarded the PFA Community Player of the Season for Rotherham United for his contribution off the field in the local area throughout 2024/25. Holmes, in his maiden season in the EFL and with the Millers, having signed from non-league Stamford in the summer, has been a player who has always said ‘yes’ when it has come to communityrelated activities and a regular presence at local schools and initiatives in Rotherham and beyond.
The 23-year-old has been highly-commended by Community Trust staff for his willingness to get stuck into the various visits and events he has attended throughout the course of the campaign.
Whilst a number of players were strongly considered for this award with Holmes prevailing as the eventual winner, there was also special praise reserved for forward Jordan Hugill.
The Millers’ frontman – who had asked for this information to remain private – made a significant anonymous donation to a charity close to the hearts of Millers fans at Christmas time which we felt deserved recognition as part of this community award. Everyone at Rotherham United would like to say a huge thank you to our players and staff for continuing to devote
in the
Josh Windass cemented a place in the SWFC history books as the curtain came down on the Championship campaign.
Windass’ goal in the Owls’ 1-1 draw at Watford on Saturday gave him the outright tag as our leading marksman since the turn
of the century.
The attacking midfielder’s close range effort took his tally to 53 – passing Marcus Tudgay to assume pole position.
A delighted Windass said: “The lads all knew about the record and they were all trying to help me get it.
‘IT’S NExT LEvEL’
Grant McCann praised his players for shaking off the affects of a weekend of promotion celebrations to finish the job at Notts County and claim the Sky Bet League Two title. Celebrations stretched over several days after Rovers beat Bradford City to win promotion back to League One. But the squad showed no sign of the exertions
“Five minutes earlier as they swept past Notts County to become champions with an excellent performance.
“We just needed to manage the week with the players,” manager McCann said. “We know they had a couple of days on the booze, which they deserve. We all won promotion last weekend.
“But when the boys came in on Tuesday, we
I could have scored, I tried to put it in the top corner instead of finishing it normally, but the next chance came and I was on the end of it, so I’m really happy.
“To have the record does mean a lot to me, there’s a lot of strikers on the list and I play a little bit deeper so I’m proud
of that.
got our heads straight back in the game and focused on Notts County and how we could hurt them, what we needed to do to win this game without relying on anyone else. That was the focus and the players were tremendous. They delivered the game plan excellently and saw the game out really well.
“We had a few other opportunities to
“I’m proud as well to have scored some big goals, some really important ones, and that’s something I will always will be able to look back on with a lot of satisfaction, personally and for the team.” score from but the performance was excellent and the energy of the team was great.
“The subs again came on and made a huge impact.
“Today was all about winning the game and we’ve done that. We’ve secured the league title and it feels amazing.
“Promotion is great but when you win the league, that’s next level.”
TALL
