bbcuk--2020-02-11--The end of Take Me Out: How it changed our love life

It 's been 11 years since we first stepped foot on the Isle of Fernando 's , but now it 's time for Take Me Out to turn out the light .
The dating show , hosted by Paddy McGuinness , has been cancelled by ITV after more than 100 episodes .
`` We 're heartbroken and devastated , it 's how we met , '' former contestants Adam and Beckie Ryan told Radio 1 Newsbeat .
They were both on series eight and are now married with one child .
The show has seen eight weddings and six babies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for bringing them together , even if the beginning was n't exactly smooth .
Beckie , then 29 , was initially rejected by Adam - he turned out the light on her and chose someone else , but then contacted her two days later .
`` He says he was playing hard to get , but I think he panicked and realised that he needed me in his life , '' Beckie jokes .
Adam , then 32 , sent a `` cheeky message '' while Beckie was actually on a date with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what made it cheeky .
`` I just took my chance , shot my shot and it worked , '' Adam says .
`` Our first date was in London , and I took Beckie to the theatre .
Then six months later , we went back there and I proposed to her on stage . ''
While Paddy did n't go to the wedding , it 's fair to say his presence was felt on the big day .
`` He sent us a really lovely video wishing us well , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D'Acampo .
`` We had about 20 other contestants that did come along to the wedding , because they 're friends for life . ''
They now have a family of their own , with baby Indigo who 's almost two years old .
Beckie describes him as `` the best thing ever '' .
Even after they were on the show , Beckie and Adam continued to watch .
Beckie thinks the show was successful because it could be watched with the whole family .
`` Adam watched it with me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't believe we were actually on this ' .
It was such an amazing show . ''
`` It was part of your Saturday evening .
You could watch it before you were getting ready to go out , and I think all the contestants were pretty normal , nice and relatable to lots of families around the country , '' Adam adds .
So why has the show been axed ?
Adam thinks shows like Love Island have probably taken over for dating programmes .
And the figures back that up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out was watched by an average of 1.83m people , with Love Island having an average of 2.86m .
An ITV spokesman said : `` We 'd like to thank Paddy , the production team at Thames as well as all the contributors who have appeared on the show for all their hard work in making the show such unmissable television .
`` It 's sad to see the end of such an iconic show but we have lots of exciting projects with the channel lined up . ''
But the legacy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam 's twin brother due to marry Ella - a contestant from series eight and one of Beckie 's friends .
And while they did consider a honeymoon at Fernando 's , Beckie and Adam decided to go to Florida and the Caribbean instead .
`` But maybe one day , for our five-year wedding anniversary , I 'm going to take Beckie back to Fernando 's , '' Adam says .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Allow Instagram content?
This article contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Meta’s Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-02-11--Severn Bridge lorry caught on CCTV as it is blown over

The moment a lorry was blown over in high winds on the old Severn Bridge near Bristol was caught on @ @ @ @ @ happened on Monday at the tail end of Storm Ciara which caused travel chaos across @ @ @ @ @ carriageway of the bridge remains closed .

The moment a lorry was blown over in high winds on the old Severn Bridge near Bristol was caught on bridge tower CCTV.
It happened on Monday at the tail end of Storm Ciara which caused travel chaos across the UK.
The lorry driver suffered minor head injuries.
The westbound carriageway of the bridge remains closed.


bbcuk--2020-02-11--Messy spaghetti baby video goes viral

Messy spaghetti baby video goes viral

A mum whose baby son became a social media star after he was filmed making the most of his spaghetti dinner has praised people for not judging his genetic condition .
Emma Ayers began filming 12-month-old Albie after he tipped spaghetti over his tummy and started rubbing it in - and the clip has since been watched by millions of people on Facebook .
Albie , who has Down 's syndrome , was tube-fed until he was five months old .
He was encouraged to play with food as part of his development , but `` bathing '' in it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family .
Miss Ayers , from Royston , Hertfordshire , said : `` If people can get the same joy out of Albie that we do we 're thrilled , but then they did n't have to clear up afterwards .
`` Everyone is commenting on what a cute baby he is , nobody has said the words 'Down 's syndrome ' , they have n't judged .
`` If one person who is in the same situation as we are can watch this and just see Albie , and not see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brilliant . ''

A mum whose baby son became a social media star after he was filmed making the most of his spaghetti dinner has praised people for not judging his genetic condition.
Emma Ayers began filming 12-month-old Albie after he tipped spaghetti over his tummy and started rubbing it in - and the clip has since been watched by millions of people on Facebook.
Albie, who has Down's syndrome, was tube-fed until he was five months old. He was encouraged to play with food as part of his development, but "bathing" in it was "a new one" to the family.
Miss Ayers, from Royston, Hertfordshire, said: "If people can get the same joy out of Albie that we do we're thrilled, but then they didn't have to clear up afterwards.
"Everyone is commenting on what a cute baby he is, nobody has said the words 'Down's syndrome', they haven't judged.
"If one person who is in the same situation as we are can watch this and just see Albie, and not see anything else, then this has been brilliant."


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Children with arthritis 'facing delays to diagnosis'

Delays diagnosing and treating children with arthritis are leaving them in pain and at a higher risk of lifelong damage , a national charity has warned .
Arthritis is commonly thought to affect only older people , but 15,000 children have the condition in the UK .
Versus Arthritis says many children are not getting help soon enough .
The NHS said : `` Arthritis in young people is rare and diagnosing it can be difficult because symptoms are often vague and no specific test exists . ''
Eleven-year-old William Riddler , from Ripon in North Yorkshire , has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ( JIA ) until he was nine years old .
He now has it in most of his joints .
`` I wish people could see the pain , like the pain in my arms , because people do n't see it , so sometimes they do n't believe you and then they just start laughing or something , '' he said .
`` I wish people could see it to understand because people normally think just older people can get it and younger people ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of families and young people at Versus Arthritis , said : `` We know that young people often face significant delays getting to diagnosis simply because even their GPs do n't recognise that it 's a condition that can affect people as young as two .
`` It 's often considered that they 're just going through growing pains or they 've just got a bit of a viral infection and that 's not the case . ''
While the exact number of children affected by a delayed arthritis diagnosis is not known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families it supports have had similar experiences .
William 's mother Louise Riddler said : `` They [ doctors ] put it down to just a virus when his knee swelled up .
William went on to have numerous X-rays and tests but it was only after an ultrasound was carried out on his thumbs , that he was diagnosed with arthritis .
`` I think if William had been diagnosed at three he would have been able to have a simple steroid injection .
Not being diagnosed till nine , by that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of his joints . ''
• Arthritis 'makes me hurt all the time' Dr Rachel Tattersall , a consultant in young people 's rheumatology in Sheffield , said : `` The sooner we recognise and treat arthritis , the easier it is to reduce the disease process with standard medicines .
More established disease may have already caused damage and is more difficult to treat . ''
An NHS spokesperson said : `` NHS services across the country are committed to providing timely care to any child who needs it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be raised with the relevant team . ''
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint .
In the UK , more than 10 million people have arthritis or other , similar conditions that affect the joints .
Arthritis affects people of all ages , including children .
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ( JIA ) , the symptoms often improve as a child gets older , meaning they can lead a normal life .
There 's no cure for arthritis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , physiotherapy and surgery that can help slow it down .
Versus Arthritis provides help and support for people in the UK with arthritis .
You can also look up arthritis services near where you live .

"I wish people could see the pain, like the pain in my arms, because people don't see it, so sometimes they don't believe you and then they just start laughing or something," he said.


bbcuk--2020-02-11--Snow and ice to cause further travel disruption across Scotland

Travel disruption is expected to continue with more snow and ice forecast across Scotland .
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning which runs from midnight until 12:00 on Wednesday across most council areas .
Snow is expected to lie in regions above 100m ( 328ft ) with up to 10cm ( 4in ) forecast above 250m ( 820ft ) .
Drivers have been warned to be aware of icy surfaces and strong winds which may lead to `` blizzard conditions '' .
It comes after an amber alert was issued on Tuesday over much of Dumfries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire .
Some drivers were stranded on the A702 on Tuesday night after the Dalveen Pass became blocked , just north of Durisdeer village , Dumfries and Galloway .
Gritters were sent to the scene , along with police and a mountain rescue team .
The Dumfries and Galloway Virtual Operations Support team - which was put in place by the police and Dumfries and Galloway Council - said drivers were advised to avoid the route .
The Met Office said that with the new yellow warning there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers .
It also warned of potential rail and flight cancellations and said there was a `` slight chance '' some rural communities could become cut off .
Forecasters said there was a small chance of power cuts and mobile phone coverage could be affected .
Police have urged commuters to plan their journeys , particularly at rush hour .
Both the M74 motorway and the West Coast mainline run through the area covered by Tuesday 's amber warning .
Scotland Transerv later said they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the south west .
One car skidded on ice and crashed on the A74 ( M ) near Johnstonebridge at about 16:00 on Tuesday but police said it appeared no-one had been hurt .
Dumfries and Galloway Council activated its virtual operations support team ( DGVost ) to give updates on the situation .
In the Scottish Borders , the local authority allowed school transport to leave early in the areas affected and urged residents to take `` extreme care '' when out and about .
The wintry conditions had already caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the amber warning .
Rail passengers in the south of the country were facing disruption after a landslip closed the line between Kilmarnock and Dumfries .
On the roads , there were reports of blizzards on some routes , and the M74 was closed southbound for a time between junction 12 and 13 at Abington due to a road accident .
Images posted on Facebook by police showed that a lorry had shed its load , blocking all three lanes of the motorway which reopened at about 12:15 .
The winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of west coast ferry services .
In the Highland Council area , Kingussie High School , nine primary schools and six nurseries were closed , affecting more than 1,000 children .
It follows several days of disruption caused by the weather which began with Storm Ciara at the weekend .
A number of further weather warnings are in place in the days to come .

It came at about 15:00 on Tuesday to help the occupants of a vehicle which had slipped off the road in a "remote location" in the region.


bbcuk--2020-02-11--Health Minister Robin Swann says he needs £661m

The health minister says he needs more than £660m to maintain existing services and meet commitments made in the deal which restored devolution .
Robin Swann , who has held the post for a month , set out the extent of the funding pressures on Tuesday .
He said his ability to start cutting waiting lists and tackle other serious problems depends on the budget his department receives next month .
The funding requirement includes commitments on pay parity and staffing .
`` I appreciate that some £492m to maintain existing services and a further £169m to meet 'New Decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant ask , '' he said .
An increase of nearly £500m is being sought `` just to meet the inescapable costs of maintaining existing service levels with no growth in Transformation and meet the Agenda for Change pay award '' .
He said that simply maintaining the status quo would mean `` another year of frustration and falling short of public expectations '' .
`` In terms of waiting lists , it would allow a focus on red flag and urgent cases such as suspected cancer but overall the current totally unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve . ''
Mr Swann acknowledged that the 'New Decade , New Approach ' document had raised expectations .
`` To deliver the health and social care commitments in the document would require a projected further £169m .
`` It covers , for example , vital funding for enhancing and reforming social care , growing the social care workforce and improving its pay levels .
`` In terms of hospital waiting lists , 'New Decade , New Approach ' states that no-one waiting over a year at 30 September 2019 for outpatient or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting list by March 2021 .
`` This commitment alone will cost in the region of £50m .
It should be seen as a first step in dealing with the waiting list crisis .
To get to a more sustainable position will need sustained additional investment over future years to not only deal with backlogs but bring about much needed change . ''
Mr Swann said he accepted other departments are under financial pressure .
`` I very much welcome the priority attached to health by executive colleagues both in public and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the scale of the challenges in our departments .
I certainly owe it to patients and their families to be frank with them .
My ability to start reducing waiting times and improve other struggling services will be heavily dependent on the budget allocation received by my department next month . ''

"We are all facing up to the scale of the challenges in our departments. I certainly owe it to patients and their families to be frank with them. My ability to start reducing waiting times and improve other struggling services will be heavily dependent on the budget allocation received by my department next month."


bbcuk--2020-02-11--HS2: Outrageous rail project will not benefit Wales, transport expert says

The controversial £106bn High Speed 2 rail project will have an `` overall negative economic impact on Wales of £150m a year , '' a transport professor has warned .
The UK government has approved the rail line linking London to Birmingham - and then on to Manchester and Leeds .
Passengers from north Wales may benefit from quicker journey times and HS2 may boost north-east Wales ' economy .
The Welsh Government wants its `` fair share '' from HS2 's billions in funding .
Department for Transport ( DfT ) figures estimate the south Wales economy could lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is finished due to inferior transport infrastructure .
• How much ?
Six reasons why HS2 is so expensive • What is the HS2 route and how much will it cost ?
• Just how blow-out is the HS2 budget ?
The DfT forecasts the north-east Wales economy will be boosted by £50m annually by HS2 's quicker journey times .
Trains between north Wales and London - which currently take about three hours and 45 minutes on average - could be about 30 minutes quicker when HS2 opens between Euston and Crewe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crewe .
Prof Mark Barry , who helps advise the Welsh Government on transport , said HS2 `` does not benefit Wales at all '' .
`` As it is now , we 're supporting a massive scheme in England with no benefit to Wales - and getting no funding .
And that 's outrageous , '' he said .
HS2 - the 470-mile , 225mph ( 360 km/h ) project which is due to be completed by 2040 - is already over budget and behind schedule .
In a letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drakeford said Wales had been been `` systematically neglected '' on rail investment , a fact underlined by the HS2 announcement .
Calling on Boris Johnson to `` mitigate this '' by extending HS2 services into Wales by 2027 , he demanded investment on rail lines in Wales to Milford Haven and Holyhead by 2030 .
Mr Drakeford also called for funding to improve rail lines in Wales to Milford Haven and Holyhead by 2030 .
Downing Street has been asked to respond .
Earlier , in the Senedd , Mr Drakeford said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wales needs to come to an end .
Of course money must come to Wales .
`` We have 11 % of the track , 20 % of level crossings and we 've had 2 % of the funding over the last 10 years . ''
Why wo n't it help Wales ?
Unlike in Scotland and Northern Ireland , rail infrastructure is not devolved in Wales .
This means Wales does not benefit from per capita funding the other UK nations get from big public spending projects in England .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales gets a fair deal on rail infrastructure funding .
The decision by the UK government to press ahead with HS2 will only intensify that argument .
Scotland and Northern Ireland have already received much more money than Wales as a consequence of the money already spent on the project .
That wo n't change ( because rail infrastructure is n't devolved ) unless the UK government proactively decides to change it .
UK ministers may point to other money for Wales in growth deals or the predicted boost to the economy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be enough to settle this argument .
`` There 's no direct transport benefit of HS2 to Wales , '' added Prof Barry , the man who drew up the £738m South Wales Metro project .
`` And as they 're spending £100bn over 20 years on England , Scotland will be getting £10-£15bn from the Treasury - plus they are getting a transport benefit by better services to Scotland .
`` So Wales gets a disbenefit and no money .
The reality is we have to devolve rail powers to Wales to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can improve our services . ''
Wales has received about £755m as a result of HS2-linked funding so far , according to the Welsh Government .
The Welsh Secretary said the UK government was `` investing record amounts in Wales ' railway infrastructure '' .
Simon Hart MP said Network Rail would invest £1.5bn in Welsh railways between 2019 and 2024 .
But there is cross-party condemnation for the HS2 in the Welsh assembly , with Plaid Cymru criticising the decision .
Boris Johnson admitted the decision to continue Europe 's most expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult '' .
He added : `` The cost forecasts have exploded , but poor management to date has not detracted from the fundamental value of the project . ''
The south Wales main line between London and Cardiff is being electrified in a £2.8bn project - but Prof Barry said Wales needed quicker track , more line capacity and more stations .
`` It should n't be all about how quick it takes to get to London , '' he added .
`` Studies conclude the most important investment is within city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make in services around Cardiff and the valleys , Swansea and north-east Wales and upgrading the main lines .
`` We 've got 30 years of catch-up due to the lack of investment in Welsh railways . ''

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--On patrol with the public 'policing' their community

Members of the public are leaving the comfort and safety of their homes to walk the streets in the hope @ @ @ @ @ BBC South investigation has found a number of communities carrying out their own night-time patrols @ @ @ @ @ time when more towns and cities are hiring professional security firms , to tackle low-level @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers in @ @ @ @

Members of the public are leaving the comfort and safety of their homes to walk the streets in the hope of cutting crime.
A BBC South investigation has found a number of communities carrying out their own night-time patrols.
It comes at a time when more towns and cities are hiring professional security firms, to tackle low-level criminality and anti-social behaviour.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers in England and Wales.
A film by Ben Moore and Nikki Mitchell


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Coronavirus: 12 patients treated by two coronavirus GPs being traced

Twelve patients treated by two British GPs who have been diagnosed with coronavirus are being traced by health officials , the BBC understands .
Between them , the two doctors worked in four different places in East and West Sussex - a nursing home , an A & E department and two GP practices .
The pair are now in isolation , and efforts to trace those that came into contact with them are ongoing .
The GP practices , in Brighton , have now reopened after a deep clean .
Worthing Hospital continues to operate as normal , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing home - Patcham Nursing Home - has closed to visitors as a precaution , but nobody there is reported to be unwell .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
• 'If someone coughs , it makes me nervous' • China and the virus that threatens everything One of the doctors has been named as Catriona Greenwood .
She was infected by Steve Walsh who caught the virus in Singapore before staying with her and a group in a chalet in France .
The second GP has not been named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , Mr Walsh said he had `` fully recovered '' from the virus , but remained in quarantine .
The total number of people with coronavirus in the UK is eight .
There are six cases in the Brighton area - Steve Walsh plus five others , and there are two Chinese nationals with the virus in York .
On Tuesday , the World Health Organisation said the official name for the disease caused by the coronavirus is Covid-19 .
Prof Neil Ferguson , infectious disease expert from Imperial College London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases of the virus could still rise .
`` I think we 're in the early phases of a global pandemic at the moment , '' he said .
Prof Ferguson added it was likely that only one in three cases coming into the UK was being picked up .
But John Oxford , emeritus professor of virology at Queen Mary University London , said he thought the virus had a weakness - and people 's actions could help slow transmission .
`` It 's not about wearing a mask - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and kissing , '' he said , speaking on the Today programme .
What are the symptoms of coronavirus and what can help stop its spread ?
The main signs of infection are fever ( high temperature ) and a cough as well as shortness of breath and breathing difficulties .
Frequent hand washing with soap or gel , avoiding close contact with people who are ill and not touching your eyes , nose and mouth with unwashed hands , can help cut the risk of infection .
Catching coughs and sneezes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your hands can minimise the risk of spreading disease .
Anyone experiencing symptoms , even if mild , after travelling from mainland China , Thailand , Japan , Republic of Korea , Hong Kong , Taiwan , Singapore , Malaysia or Macau , is advised to stay indoors and call the NHS 111 phone service .
On Monday , the government issued new powers in England to keep people in quarantine to stop the virus spreading .
Under the Department of Health measures , people will not be free to leave quarantine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pose a threat .
As of Tuesday evening , a total of 1,358 people have been tested for coronavirus in the UK .
The BBC understands that two prisoners on a wing at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire have been tested for the virus .
One of them , a remand prisoner , had recently returned to the UK from Thailand .
The overall number of infections is more than 44,000 on mainland China , with cases in more than 20 countries .
On Wednesday , around 300 employees were evacuated from Singapore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one person fell ill with the virus .
The Chinese Grand Prix - which had been scheduled for 19 April in Singapore - has been postponed as a result of the outbreak .
Have you been affected by any of the issues raised here ?
You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms of use and privacy policy

"I want to give a big thank you to the NHS who have been great throughout, and my thoughts are with everyone around the world who continues to be affected by the virus," Mr Walsh said.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Regulator Ofcom to have more powers over UK social media

New powers will be given to the watchdog Ofcom to force social media firms to act over harmful content .
Until now , firms like Facebook , Tiktok , YouTube , Snapchat and Twitter have largely been self-regulating .
The companies have defended their own rules about taking down unacceptable content , but critics say independent rules are needed to keep people safe .
It is unclear what penalties Ofcom will be able to enforce to target violence , cyber-bullying and child abuse .
There have been widespread calls for social media firms to take more responsibility for their content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russell who took her own life after viewing graphic content on Instagram .
Later on Wednesday , the government will officially announce the new powers for Ofcom - which currently only regulates the media , not internet safety - as part of its plans for a new legal duty of care .
Ofcom will have the power to make tech firms responsible for protecting people from harmful content such as violence , terrorism , cyber-bullying and child abuse - and platforms will need to ensure that content is removed quickly .
They will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks '' of it appearing at all .
The regulator has just announced the appointment of a new chief executive , Dame Melanie Dawes , who will take up the role in March .
`` There are many platforms who ideally would not have wanted regulation , but I think that 's changing , '' said Digital Secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan .
`` I think they understand now that actually regulation is coming . ''
Julian Knight , chair elect of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Committee which scrutinises social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muscular approach '' to regulation .
`` That means more than a hefty fine - it means having the clout to disrupt the activities of businesses that fail to comply , and ultimately , the threat of a prison sentence for breaking the law , '' he said .
In a statement , Facebook said it had `` long called '' for new regulation , and said it was `` looking forward to carrying on the discussion '' with the government and wider industry .
Communication watchdog Ofcom already regulates television and radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals with complaints about them .
This is the government 's first response to the Online Harms consultation it carried out in the UK in 2019 , which received 2,500 replies .
The new rules will apply to firms hosting user-generated content , including comments , forums and video-sharing - that is likely to include Facebook , Snapchat , Twitter , YouTube and TikTok .
The intention is that government sets the direction of the policy but gives Ofcom the freedom to draw up and adapt the details .
By doing this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle new online threats as they emerge without the need for further legislation .
A full response will be published in the spring .
`` Too many times social media companies have said : 'We do n't like the idea of children being abused on our sites , we 'll do something , leave it to us , ' '' said chief executive Peter Wanless .
`` Thirteen self-regulatory attempts to keep children safe online have failed .
Seyi Akiwowo set up the online abuse awareness group Glitch after experiencing sexist and racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving a talk in her role as a councillor was posted on a neo-Nazi forum .
`` When I first suffered abuse the response of the tech companies was below [ what I 'd hoped ] , '' she said .
`` I am excited by the Online Harms Bill - it places the duty of care on these multi-billion pound tech companies . ''
In many countries , social media platforms are permitted to regulate themselves , as long as they adhere to local laws on illegal material .
Germany introduced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that social media platforms with more than two million registered German users have to review and remove illegal content within 24 hours of being posted or face fines of up to €50m ( £42m ) .
Australia passed the Sharing of Abhorrent Violent Material Act in April 2019 , introducing criminal penalties for social media companies , possible jail sentences for tech executives for up to three years and financial penalties worth up to 10 % of a company 's global turnover .
China blocks many western tech giants including Twitter , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese social apps for politically sensitive content .

The intention is that government sets the direction of the policy but gives Ofcom the freedom to draw up and adapt the details. By doing this, the watchdog should have the ability to tackle new online threats as they emerge without the need for further legislation.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--UK's 2021 census could be the last, statistics chief reveals

The 2021 census could be the last one ever to be carried out , the UK 's national statistician has revealed .
Prof Sir Ian Diamond said he was examining cheaper alternatives to the 10-yearly compulsory questionnaire delivered to every UK household .
The census , which has been conducted for almost 200 years , provides valuable population information to help councils and the government plan services .
But Sir Ian said he was `` hopeful '' data from other sources could replace it .
`` The census is frankly as good as it is possible to get , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we can get to a similar place , more quickly , using different strategies . ''
Although the roots of census-taking in Britain can be traced back to the Domesday Book in 1086 , it was not until 1801 that an official census was conducted , when the population of England , Scotland and Wales was recorded to be nine million .
However , statisticians regard the 1841 census , when each head of the household was required to fill in a form on behalf of everyone living at the address on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern census .
The method has stood the test of time - with more questions about the characteristics of each household member added over the years - but costs have ballooned .
The Office for National Statistics , which has responsibility for the census in England and Wales , said an estimated £906m would be spent next time - nearly double the figure for 2011 .
The censuses for Scotland and Northern Ireland , which are conducted at the same time , are administered separately .
'Better and more granular' Sir Ian acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he pointed out that a drive to get most people to complete next year 's census online would allow resources to be targeted at those who were less likely to respond .
The former University of Aberdeen vice-chancellor said his officials would undertake research , alongside the census , to find out if accurate information could be obtained via other means , such as the Ordnance Survey , GP lists , council tax records and driving licence details .
He said such `` administrative data '' - combined with regular , large-scale population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more granular '' information in a `` cheaper '' and `` more timely '' way , though he said no decisions had been taken .
`` We 'd only move away from [ the census ] if we can replicate that richness of data , '' he said , adding that the government would have the final say after the census results and research had been evaluated , in 2023 .
In a 2018 white paper , the government said its `` ambition '' was that `` other sources of data '' would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not explicitly say that the census itself should be scrapped .

Although the roots of census-taking in Britain can be traced back to the Domesday Book in 1086, it was not until 1801 that an official census was conducted, when the population of England, Scotland and Wales was recorded to be nine million.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Baroness Scotland: UK suspends funding to Commonwealth Secretariat

The British government has suspended its funding of the Commonwealth Secretariat , the body that runs the international organisation from London , the BBC has learned .
UK diplomats have told Lady Scotland , the secretary-general of the Commonwealth , that Britain 's annual £4.7m voluntary contribution will be withheld until her secretariat improves its financial procedures .
The Secretariat insisted it was implementing recommendations made by external auditors .
The UK decision came after Lady Scotland was criticised by auditors for `` circumventing '' usual competitive tendering rules when she awarded a lucrative consultancy contract to a company run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered that procurement rules had been waived by the secretariat on no fewer than 50 occasions over three years .
Both New Zealand and Australia have also suspended their discretionary funding to the Commonwealth Secretariat until its financial systems are tightened up and tested by external auditors .
The UK decision threatens to plunge the secretariat into a financial crisis and will raise fresh questions about Lady Scotland 's leadership .
Commonwealth heads of government have already rejected calls to give Lady Scotland an automatic second term of office when it comes up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis came to a head last week when Commonwealth high commissioners in London - who together form the organisation 's board of governors - met to discuss the results of the investigation by the external accountancy firm KPMG .
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the central administrative hub for the intergovernmental organisation that comprises 54 countries - many of them former British colonies - and encompasses almost a third of the world 's population .
About two-thirds of the Commonwealth Secretariat 's funding - some £18.4m in 2018 - comes from automatic subscriptions from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second budget for the secretariat - the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation - which is discretionary and provides about a third of its funding , worth about £12m in the most recent audited accounts .
The UK is the largest contributor to this fund .
A senior British diplomat wrote to Lady Scotland on 3 February to say that continued UK funding would be suspended until the Commonwealth Secretariat complied with the recommendations of the KPMG report .
These conditions included a register of occasions when procurement rules were waived , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest , and an updating of the body 's whistleblower policy .
The official gave the secretariat a deadline of 21 February to implement all the reforms which would have to be signed off by the chairman of the Commonwealth 's independent audit committee .
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said : `` We are committed to an effective Commonwealth that delivers for its member states , so we have set a number of conditions on UK funding to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation for this financial year .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretariat 's procurement policy and its implementation are in line with international best practice . ''
A Commonwealth spokesperson said : `` The Commonwealth Secretariat does not comment on private exchanges with its member countries .
`` The Secretariat complies fully with the audit process and implements recommendations accordingly . ''
New Zealand has also put its £1.5m contribution on hold .
A spokesman for its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said : `` An independent audit report by KPMG has identified significant weaknesses in the Commonwealth Secretariat 's approach to managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand has put on hold its voluntary financial contribution to the Secretariat until we receive independent confirmation the recommendations from the audit report have been addressed by the Secretariat . ''
Australia has gone one step further and cut its funding to the Commonwealth Secretariat by £414,000 and has made its remaining contribution of £260,000 contingent on the reforms being implemented .
A spokesperson for Australia 's Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade said : `` This new funding amount will be paid only after there is independent confirmation that the issues identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Secretariat . ''
Commonwealth high commissioners called in KPMG last September amid concerns about the secretariat 's financial procedures .
The resulting report by the Commonwealth 's audit committee accused Lady Scotland of `` circumventing '' the usual competitive tendering rules by awarding a £250,000 commission to KYA Global to carry out a review of the secretariat .
The consultancy firm was owned by Lord Patel of Bradford , a friend of Lady Scotland and a fellow Labour peer .
The audit committee report - dated last November - claimed Lord Patel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time with debts worth more than £40,000 .
And it stated that the Commonwealth Secretariat was unable to provide the auditors with KYA Global 's final report setting out its recommendations .
The report also found that the Secretariat had no register either of tender waivers or conflicts of interest and was unable to explain why not .
Under Commonwealth rules , competitive tendering procedures can be waived in certain circumstances , such as if a decision has to be taken urgently or if there are not enough suppliers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and June 2018 when the usual procurement tenders had been waived by the Commonwealth Secretariat .
Some of these decisions predated Lady Scotland 's appointment in April 2016 .
Lady Scotland 's lawyers have insisted the decision to award the contract to Lord Patel 's firm was fully justified and complied with procurement procedures at the time .
In a statement last month , Lady Scotland 's solicitors , Carter-Ruck , said KYA Global Ltd was awarded the two contracts `` on the basis of its proven track record in change management consultancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed '' at the beginning of Lady Scotland 's term of office .
It said : `` This decision was wholly justifiable and SG Scotland was advised that this complied with the procurement procedures that were in force at the time . ''
The statement continued : `` The Secretariat has complied fully with the request of its auditors and has adopted and implemented , or is implementing , their recommendations . ''

The report also found that the Secretariat had no register either of tender waivers or conflicts of interest and was unable to explain why not. Under Commonwealth rules, competitive tendering procedures can be waived in certain circumstances, such as if a decision has to be taken urgently or if there are not enough suppliers.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--UK universities 'gagging' student sexual assault claims

UK universities are using `` gagging '' clauses to stop students from going public with complaints of sexual assault , bullying and poor teaching .
Students said they felt pressured to sign non-disclosure agreements and one was told she would be expelled if she broke her contract .
Nearly a third of universities have used NDAs for student grievances since 2016 , data obtained by BBC News shows .
Universities UK said NDAs should not be used to silence students .
Non-disclosure agreements , which were designed to protect business secrets , are legal contracts that stop people from sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'should not be silenced' NDAs were also used in settling complaints of false advertising of courses , lack of disability support and accommodation issues , according to the data obtained under Freedom of Information laws by The Next Episode podcast .
The government said it was `` unacceptable '' to use NDAs for student complaints and is legislating to stop their misuse .
'What happened after was worse than my assault' Charlotte - not her real name - said she reported being sexually assaulted by another student while an undergraduate at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She reported it to the university and the police .
Officers interviewed the arts student for five hours before telling her that there was not enough physical evidence to prosecute because she had `` blacked out '' .
Charlotte said she was `` plunged into emotional chaos '' and overdosed shortly afterwards .
She took three weeks sick leave to recover , but felt unsupported when she returned to university and her academic work suffered .
Charlotte said a staff member thanked her in a private meeting for not ruining her alleged attacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be expelled if she made a fuss , she added .
`` They literally thanked me , '' she said .
`` I ca n't believe someone would say that when it happened to me .
Not him . ''
In a recording , shared with BBC News , staff can also be heard telling her classmates she had `` got herself into a very bad place '' and discouraging them from contacting her .
`` It was hell on earth , '' Charlotte said .
`` How they treated me was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt so alone . ''
She submitted a formal complaint and took legal action , after which she received £1,000 in compensation .
As part of the settlement , she signed an NDA preventing her from discussing the terms .
The University of West London said it disputed the allegations and had provided Charlotte with all the support it could , adding that it could not comment further because of its confidentiality duties .
In a statement , it said it had reviewed its policies in light of national recommendations for responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have implemented those and have a team of staff who are trained to support students who find themselves the victim of sexual assault . ''
Olivia , a student at a different university , says she was violently sexually assaulted by a fellow student during her undergraduate degree and reported the attack to police , but the case was dropped because of insufficient evidence .
As a result of the decision by police , her university refused to investigate , according to documents seen by BBC News .
Following the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she will be `` expelled '' if she talks or posts publicly about her allegations or the university 's safeguarding procedures .
Olivia , also not her real name , says she signed the document because she was afraid for her safety and it contained an agreement that prevented her attacker from contacting her , but she feels it does not go far enough .
She was not offered any money or given any legal advice before signing it .
Her university has also threatened to sue her if she speaks out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` They told me to not tell my parents , to not tell my friends , to basically just be quiet about it… it made it feel like it was my fault . ''
Georgina Calvert-Lee , a lawyer specialising in sexual assault cases , said most uses of NDAs on students with these types of allegations were `` unethical '' and likely to be legally unenforceable .
Tiziana Scaramuzza , now 36 , a former PhD student , was paid by Oriel College , Oxford , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 .
She says she repeatedly raised concerns with senior staff about what she thought were failures in suicide prevention measures and about alleged breaches of confidentiality when supporting at risk students .
She told the BBC a staff member had been discouraging depressed students from going to the doctor in favour of one-on-one support sessions with them , despite not being qualified to do so .
`` I was bullied into keeping quiet and all my concerns were dismissed or shouted down , '' she said .
`` They treated me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions to improve safeguarding measures , Oriel college offered her a £5,000 settlement with an NDA to sever ties , which she accepted .
`` It was completely inappropriate , '' she said .
`` They treated me like an inconvenience , like I was the problem , instead of dealing with the problem .
`` Once I moved to a different college to finish my PhD , I learnt they had n't made any changes , which was concerning because a lot of students were vulnerable . ''
Oriel College said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims but confirmed that a `` thorough investigation '' into welfare provision in 2013 had been conducted .
It added : `` The college takes the welfare of students and staff very seriously .
We currently have several members of staff , external doctors and counsellors providing welfare support . ''
How widespread is the problem ?
BBC News sent Freedom of Information requests to almost all of the UK 's universities asking how many students had signed non-disclosure agreements in the past four years after bringing a complaint and how much , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
All but two of the 136 universities contacted responded , with varying degrees of transparency owing to data protection concerns or claims of confidentiality .
Of these , 45 universities said they had used NDAs but not all of them disclosed full details , meaning it is hard to determine the true scale and this is an underestimate .
The data shows about 300 students have signed NDAs after complaints since 2016 , with the total cost paid out being more than £1.3m - equivalent to about 50 undergraduate degrees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ £40,000 .
However , the data also showed not every student who filed a complaint received a payout - sometimes just an NDA - and it is not clear why this is .
It comes after the BBC found universities had spent £87m on pay-offs with staff since 2017 .
The student complaints regulator , the Office of the Independent Adjudicator , said the use of NDAs was `` not appropriate '' and advised against the practice .
It receives more than 1,500 complaints a year and said it was important grievances were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universities learnt from them .
In a statement , the government said : `` Harassment of any sort is abhorrent and higher education providers have a responsibility to ensure they provide a safe and inclusive environment . ''
Universities UK , which represents 136 institutions , added : `` Every student should feel safe and supported through their time at university and this includes feeling empowered to speak out if they have concerns . ''
Have you been affected by issues covered in this story ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

Olivia, also not her real name, says she signed the document because she was afraid for her safety and it contained an agreement that prevented her attacker from contacting her, but she feels it does not go far enough.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Petrol and diesel car sales ban could start in 12 years, says Shapps

The UK 's planned ban on sales of new petrol , diesel or hybrid cars could start as early as 2032 , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said .
Last week , the government sparked industry concern after bringing the date forward from 2040 to 2035 in a bid to hit zero-carbon emission targets .
But Mr Shapps told BBC Radio 5 live it would happen by 2035 , `` or even 2032 , '' adding there would be consultation .
The SMMT car trade body had previously said the 2035 figure was `` concerning '' .
The government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a United Nations climate summit in November .
• How will the petrol and diesel car ban work ?
The summit , known as COP26 , is being hosted in Glasgow .
It is an annual UN-led gathering set up to assess progress on tackling climate change .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who announced the 2035 date , said at the time that the ban would come even earlier if possible .
The UK has set a target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050 .
Experts warned that the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old conventional cars on the roads 10 years later .
Hybrid vehicles are now included in the proposals , which were originally announced in July 2017 .
Once the ban comes into effect , only electric or hydrogen cars and vans will be available .
The Scottish government does not have the power to ban new petrol and diesel cars but has already pledged to `` phase out the need '' for them by 2032 with measures such as an expansion of the charging network for electric cars .
The Society of Motor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commenting for the moment .
Last week , after the ban was brought forward to 2035 , SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the move was `` extremely concerning '' .
He said : `` Manufacturers are fully invested in a zero emissions future ...
However , with current demand for this still expensive technology still just a fraction of sales , it 's clear that accelerating an already very challenging ambition will take more than industry investment . ''

The Scottish government does not have the power to ban new petrol and diesel cars but has already pledged to "phase out the need" for them by 2032 with measures such as an expansion of the charging network for electric cars.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Wildlife photos: Squabbling mice top 'people's poll' award

Anyone who 's travelled on London Underground 's network will know them - the little black mice that scurry along the platforms and under the rails .
Sam Rowley was so fascinated by these subterranean rodents , he spent a week down the tube trying to picture them .
And one night , he captured an image of two of them literally battling over a morsel of food dropped by a passenger .
That persistence to get the snap has won Sam the Wildlife Photographer of the Year LUMIX People 's Choice award .
• The 'zombie fungus ' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , internationally famous WPY competition were asked to rank some of the images that did n't quite win its top prizes last October , but were nonetheless fabulous shots .
Some 28,000 voted for Sam 's `` Station Squabble '' as their favourite in this `` best of the rest '' category .
He spent late nights at a central London tube stop , down on his belly trying to get the perfect low-angle view .
His two subjects had been foraging separately until they chanced across the same morsel of food .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over who should have it before then going their separate ways .
`` I usually take a burst of photos and I got lucky with this shot , but then I had spent five days lying on a platform so it was probably going to happen at some point , '' Sam said .
The Londoner is currently working in Bristol as a researcher for the BBC 's natural history film-making unit .
Sam says photographing urban wildlife is his passion .
He believes people have a connection with the animals in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among us .
He also admires the tenacity of the animals that eke out an existence in what is a very tough environment .
`` These tube mice , for example , are born and spend their whole lives without ever even seeing the Sun or feeling a blade of grass .
On one level , it 's a desperate situation - running along gloomy passages for a few months , maybe a year or two , and then dying .
And because there are so many mice and so few resources , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irrelevant as a crumb . ''
London 's Natural History Museum runs the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition .
Sir Michael Dixon , the institution 's director , said of the picture : `` Sam 's image provides a fascinating glimpse into how wildlife functions in a human-dominated environment .
The mice 's behaviour is sculpted by our daily routine , the transport we use and the food we discard .
This image reminds us that while we may wander past it every day , humans are inherently intertwined with the nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope it inspires people to think about and value this relationship more . ''
There were four runners-up , or `` Highly Commended '' , images in the LUMIX poll .
These included an unfortunate orangutan being exploited for performance , taken by Aaron Gekoski ; a dramatic picture of a mother and cub jaguar tackling an anaconda , captured by Michel Zoghzhogi ; a touching portrait of a conservation ranger and the baby black rhino he 's looking after , shot by Martin Buzora ; and a group of white arctic reindeer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andres .
The 56th WPY competition is currently being judged by a panel of experts , and its grand prize winners will be revealed in October .

"These tube mice, for example, are born and spend their whole lives without ever even seeing the Sun or feeling a blade of grass. On one level, it's a desperate situation - running along gloomy passages for a few months, maybe a year or two, and then dying. And because there are so many mice and so few resources, they have to fight over something as irrelevant as a crumb."


bbcuk--2020-02-12--BBC chairman Sir David Clementi warns over subscription fee

A diminished BBC would weaken the country as a whole , the corporation 's chairman will warn in a speech later .
Sir David Clementi will say putting the broadcaster 's services behind a paywall would lessen its ability to `` bring the country together '' .
Not everybody would be able to access the `` live important moments we enjoy as a nation '' , like Royal weddings and Olympic successes , he will tell staff .
His comments come amid a debate about the future of the licence fee .
In December , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , and Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan last week launched a public consultation on whether non-payment of the TV licence fee should remain a criminal offence .
Last month , the BBC 's highest-paid presenter Gary Lineker told The Guardian the licence fee should be made voluntary .
Some have suggested a Netflix-style paid subscription service as an alternative .
• Do I need a TV licence and what does it pay for ?
In his speech in Salford , Sir David will say : `` The BBC is a great national asset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom .
`` Sitting behind a paywall , it would no longer be the place that brings the country together for the Strictly final , or Gavin & Stacey on Christmas Day , or the Armistice Anniversary or Holocaust Memorial .
`` Nor would it be the place that all could turn to celebrate live important moments we enjoy as a nation : Royal weddings or jubilees , or Olympic successes . ''
Sir David will warn `` it would be very unlikely to continue the level of properly curated programmes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education services '' .
And the BBC `` would not have the same commitment to investing in home-grown ideas and talent '' .
Media analyst Claire Enders told BBC Radio 4 the BBC and the US-based streaming giants were `` incomparable '' .
BBC newsreader Huw Edwards agreed that the comparison was `` nonsense '' .
Sir David 's speech will note how that if there was a voluntary subscription , the government would have to take over the £250m investment that the licence fee contributes to the World Service .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's [ licence fee ] consultation , but it must be based on the evidence , '' advance comments from his speech said .
`` A decision of this scale , taking hundreds of millions out of the BBC and the creative economy , must not be taken in isolation . ''
It was revealed last month that 450 jobs will be cut from BBC News under plans to complete its £80m savings target by 2022 .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion @ @ @ @ @

"Sitting behind a paywall, it would no longer be the place that brings the country together for the Strictly final, or Gavin & Stacey on Christmas Day, or the Armistice Anniversary or Holocaust Memorial.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Moseley Road Baths: Swimming pool scaffolding down after 17 years

A historic swimming pool can be seen without scaffolding for the first time in almost two decades after costly roof repairs were finished .
Moseley Road Baths , which first opened in 1907 , is the oldest of Britain 's five Grade II* listed swimming baths .
Fixing the roof at the Birmingham baths cost more than £800,000 .
The Gala Pool area will serve as an arts venue while its long-term future is considered , Historic England said .
A second pool is still used for swimming .
The repairs above the Gala Pool in Balsall Heath were completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups and other organisations .
Historic England approved a grant of more than £700,000 and the building 's owner , Birmingham City Council , has provided £100,000 .
With the roof repairs completed , work can take place on restoring other parts of the Gala Pool 's infrastructure , including the balcony area , alongside ongoing repairs and maintenance elsewhere in the building .
Now it is weatherproof , events and fundraising activities could take place while a permanent use and further funding were being sought .
They are the only baths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuously hosted swimming since they opened , said Historic England According to their website , there were originally three entrances to Moseley Road Baths dividing visitors into men 's first or second class washing baths and swimming pools , with a third entrance to the women 's washing baths .
It was several years before women were allowed to swim and the pools were then segregated with a men 's side and a women 's side .
When it opened , water in the pools was not heated and one pool was boarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , concerts and social clubs .
Rare fixtures and fittings are still intact , including an almost complete set of 46 private washing rooms .
The washing baths , or `` slipper baths '' as they were known , were still being used until October 2004 .
Moseley Road Baths have been on the organisation 's Heritage at Risk register since 2005 .
After being under threat of closure for many years , residents in Moseley got together to form a campaign group to save the pool .
In 2017 they set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs the baths and is staffed partly by community volunteers .
An animation celebrating the baths will now be shown at the site from 5 March , after the community was involved in creating it .
You may also be interested in : • Bravery medal for saving Princess Anne to be sold Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , on Twitter , and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone .

According to their website, there were originally three entrances to Moseley Road Baths dividing visitors into men's first or second class washing baths and swimming pools, with a third entrance to the women's washing baths.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Ben Nevis tourists thank rescuers with 'generous' gifts

Four men rescued from Ben Nevis in high winds and blizzard conditions have apologised to , and thanked , their rescuers .
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and Inverness Coastguard helicopter went to the aid of the tourists , who were not equipped for winter hillwalking .
Following Monday 's incident , they have sent the team a donation along with gifts of whisky , wine and chocolates .
Lochaber MRT has thanked the men for the `` generous offer '' .
In a statement , the rescue team said the group had admitted to having made `` a significant error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry '' .
The rescue on Monday afternoon came during bad weather in the wake of Storm Ciara .
The four men , who were visiting Scotland from abroad , were taken to Belford Hospital in Fort William for treatment .
Lochaber MRT , like other mountain rescue teams , rely on grants and public donations for funding .
Responding to calls on social media for people to take out insurance before heading into Scotland 's hills , or for people to be charged for being rescued , the team said such measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you stop ?
Insurance for fishing , rugby , football all of which have more incidents and injuries than mountaineering ? ''
said the team .
The team said efforts should be focused on increasing awareness of mountain safety and weather forecasts , adding that the rescued four men should be `` cut a little bit of slack '' .

Responding to calls on social media for people to take out insurance before heading into Scotland's hills, or for people to be charged for being rescued, the team said such measures would be unworkable.


bbcuk--2020-02-11--Queensferry Crossing: The bridge that should never close

Before the Queensferry Crossing opened in August 2017 , its designers claimed it would not be closed by high winds and they have been correct .
Instead , an unexpected problem has been detected with ice .
The bridge connecting Edinburgh and Fife was shut on Monday night after accumulations of ice and snow fell from cables on to the carriageway .
Eight vehicles were damaged and the bridge remained closed until Wednesday morning on safety grounds .
Mark Arndt , of Forth Bridges Unit with Amey , said the closure was caused by a `` unique set of weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strong westerly winds along with snow and sleet resulted in accumulations on the main cables .
At an elevated height , that snow accumulation became chilled , he said .
It then fell to the carriageway as ice .
Scotland 's Transport Minister Michael Matheson said this was the first time the bridge had been closed in the two-and-a-half years since it opened .
He said there had been a similar incident last year but the bridge had not been closed .
Mr Matheson said the bridge authorities were in the advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensors on the cables to detect accumulations .
The transport minister claimed the new crossing had displayed much greater resilience than the Forth Road Bridge had before it .
Mr Matheson said there had been 30 occasions since the Queensferry Crossing opened where the old Forth Road Bridge would have been partially or completely closed .
That is due to the high winds that often batter the Forth estuary .
One of the design features of the £1.35bn Queensferry Crossing was that it was fitted with 3.5m-high baffle barriers to break up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modelled in a wind tunnel by Italian engineers and tested on sections of road near the bridge .
Before it opened , bridge operators said the wind shields should `` almost entirely eliminate the need for closures '' and that has been the case until now .
The Forth Road Bridge , in contrast , was often closed to high-sided vehicles and HGVs .
The 1.7 miles ( 2.7km ) publicly-funded crossing was the biggest infrastructure project in Scotland in a generation and carries about 24 million vehicle journeys a year .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 683ft ) , equivalent to about 48 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other .
The steel required for the bridge deck weighs a total of 35,000 tonnes - equivalent to almost 200 Boeing 747s .
Cables can be replaced with more ease than on the Forth Road Bridge - it can be done as part of normal maintenance works without closing the bridge .
The foundations of the bridge are large caisson - circular steel structures - sunk into the mud of the estuary to bedrock level .
The south caisson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liberty .
It is 35m in diameter and when it was constructed it was 50m in height .
The Queensferry Crossing is the longest three-tower , cable-stayed bridge in the world .
Designers said wind shields along each side of the bridge were tested against the stormiest of conditions .
Before it opened , Mike Glover , technical director for the Queensferry Crossing Project , told BBC Scotland 's Brainwaves programme one solution considered had been a solid barrier to stop the wind getting through .
However , he said that would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite dramatically and not positively '' .
`` So what you have to do is create a wind screen which accepts the fact that air pressure will come through , '' he said .
`` You are creating a permeable screen through which some of the air comes but the rest is scooped up and over the bridge . ''
Bridge expert Alan Simpson , a past chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland , said the barriers were `` more like a thick hedge than a wall '' .
Other more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the Second Severn Crossing , opened in 1996 , have some wind shield protection , usually on either side of the bridge towers .
But the Queensferry Crossing has wind shields across its full length .
Mr Simpson said : `` The wind on the Forth is so strong in comparison to the other major bridges .
We are talking about a bridge at the same latitude as Labrador in Canada . ''
Building a major bridge at such northerly latitudes and in such an hostile environment was a difficult test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not reckoned with the circumstances that created icicles on the cables .
Ice build-up of this kind has not been an issue on the other Scottish cable-stayed bridges , Erskine on the Clyde and Kessock , near Inverness .
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson also pointed out that the ice accumulation was not a problem during the so-called Beast from The East , one of the worst weather events to hit the country in years .
He said it was a very `` limited set of circumstances '' that led to the problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at the problems experienced by similar bridges around the world in a bid to mitigate against the risk .
One of the suggestions is `` collars '' released down the length of the cables to clear ice accumulations , which have been fitted on the Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver , Canada .
`` One of the challenges is that there is no single solution . ''
the transport secretary said .
`` They all have to be designed and developed on the very specific circumstances that the bridge is experiencing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said work was being taken forward to introduce ice sensors in the coming months .
However , he said : `` Ice sensors will not prevent ice and snow building up on certain occasions .
They are there to provide a warning . ''
Time will tell whether this leads to more closures in the future .

Scotland's Transport Minister Michael Matheson said this was the first time the bridge had been closed in the two-and-a-half years since it opened. He said there had been a similar incident last year but the bridge had not been closed.


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Why cafe culture has rich Italian flavour in Wales

There were more than 300 Italian cafes in Wales before World War Two , but now there are just 11 still being run by the same families .
Nick Servini tracked them down to find some were reaching major milestones .
With a name like Servini , growing up in a place like the south Wales valleys you can not get away from the question : Does your family own a cafe ?
The answer is : Yes .
My grandfather used to run Servini 's in Aberdare , a place where it became a rite of passage to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story of the Italian cafes is well documented , as is their decline .
But there are two other inevitable questions I 'm often asked : How many are left and which one is the oldest ?
The truth is no-one really knew the answer , until now .
Servini 's opened in 1933 , making it one of just 11 cafes to have been established before the war , and which are still run by the same families in the same premises .
Under that definition , it sits alongside : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales , going against the perception that they are mainly based in the south Wales valleys .
That perception is not entirely misplaced because , in the decade after the war , there were many Italian families that opened up in former mining communities and five remain to this day : One other cafe worth a mention is the Royale in Pontypridd , which dates back more than 100 years and remains open , although the business has changed hands a number of times among Italian families .
And while Italian cafes continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are the oldest .
The standout date belongs to Sidoli 's in Rhyl which , this year , marks an extraordinary anniversary ; 110 years of trading .
The business was started by the grandfather of Maria Sidoli , Domenico , who , like the vast majority of Italians in Wales at that time , came from the small town in the mountains of northern Italy called Bardi .
It was a classic example of what became known as chain migration , where close connections are established between different parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of early successful cafes were established and word was sent back to Italy that help was needed .
Over subsequent generations , hundreds of cafes , restaurants , ice-cream parlours and fish and chip shops sprung up , primarily in former mining communities but also along the coast .
Maria continues to run the small cafe on Wellington Road to maintain the unbroken family tradition .
While Maria 's father and grandfather were interned on the Isle of Man , like the majority of Italian men running cafes in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the end of the war .
`` It 's a bit like a classic novel , the cafe does not change , '' said Maria .
`` It 's still utilised in the present day as it was 60 years ago .
`` We get expats , people who emigrated to America , New Zealand and Australia , and they come back after 25 years and we are probably the only thing they can identify with . ''
She said : `` My mother did 61 years in catering and my Dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they did 120 years between them .
`` They came here as children and it 's part of the fabric of their lives and , for a lot of people , it is linked to happy memories , hopefully , and that is a good thing . ''
One of the ironies about the decline in the number of original Italian cafes is that it has been occurring while coffee has become big business on the high street .
An interesting aside is that while virtually all of those who started these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brothers who originated from a neighbouring town , started what was to become Britain 's biggest coffee chain , Costa .
But Maria contrasts the intimacy of her cafe with the large chains : `` It is a very different experience and people value different experiences , '' she said .
`` Some people do n't want to be asked how they are or they do not want to be called by their first name , they want anonymity .
`` But some people like the personal touch .
It 's down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : These glasses are made from coffee Another big milestone has been reached by Cresci 's in Skewen , near Neath , as the original business opened 100 years ago .
It did move six doors down the street in 1947 but , in the eyes of the villagers , it was the same cafe .
John Cresci , 80 , helps to run it with his sons , Robert and Joseph .
He was born above the shop and recalls the heyday of being situated close to three pits which meant hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And they inevitably popped in to buy cigarettes or chewing tobacco to help them deal with the dust underground .
• Would you add butter to your brew ?
• What does a $ 75 cup of coffee taste like ?
When asked about the longevity , he said : `` You become part of the village , part of the place .
`` You are born here and you go to school here .
I have known the customers all their lives .
You can not beat that can you ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are customers you do n't want as friends , but I will still take their money . ''
The current custodian of Servini 's in Aberdare is my cousin Marino .
He said he did not plan to run the shop and had done a course in hotel management before his father put pressure on him run the business as he approached retirement .
He has now put the business up for sale as his children have gone into different careers .
`` We have gone through a couple of recessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when I first took over , and that hit people hard , '' he said .
`` In the past 10 years we have had the internet and that has taken trade off towns .
• 'We made more than five billion teabags last year' '' But then people might say ' I have saved a bit of money on the internet and I might come in to town to do a bit of shopping and have a cup of coffee ' .
`` People have more leisure time these days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ here with their bikes outside .
Things have changed but you have to adapt to it .
`` Eighty per cent of our customers are regulars .
We know their faces .
We know them by name and that is how the business survives .
`` If they are coming back we know we are giving them something they actually want .
`` People come here to have a chat with us .
There are quite a few people who do not see anyone all day unless they come into the cafe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is the story of the Italian cafes in Wales .
To walk into these cafes is like walking into a piece of history .
In many cases they are a great legacy of Wales ' industrial past .
But they are also living , thriving businesses that have become part of the fabric of the communities they have served for generations .
• Wales Live is on BBC One Wales on Wednesday at 22:30 GMT

Servini's opened in 1933, making it one of just 11 cafes to have been established before the war, and which are still run by the same families in the same premises. Under that definition, it sits alongside:


bbcuk--2020-02-12--HS2: Why do big government projects cost so much?

The government has approved the controversial High Speed 2 ( HS2 ) rail project - designed to link London , Birmingham , Manchester and Leeds .
The project has encountered numerous problems , with a review warning costs could double to as much as £106bn .
But HS2 is far from alone when it comes to projects that have gone over their initial budget .
Here are three very different examples .
Crossrail - a rail line running through central London - was meant to open in December 2018 .
But after a series of delays , the line is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The service , between Berkshire and Essex , via central London , is now set to cost £18.25bn - more than £2bn over the original budget .
Although the work on the 26 miles of new tunnels was completed in 2015 , the project has been hit by software problems with the new signalling system .
At the same time , work on the Bond Street and Whitechapel stations has taken much longer than originally planned .
Crossrail said Bond Street 's opening had been delayed `` because of design and delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong mix of concrete was poured into the station in 2012 , which had to be replaced .
Last year , a report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee found an `` unacceptable '' lack of accountability over the delays , although the Department for Transport rejected this claim .
Universal credit , the government 's plan to change the benefit system by replacing six existing payments , suffered numerous early setbacks .
These included an IT system that struggled to cope and was prone to crashing .
In 2013 , the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutinises public spending for Parliament - found almost three-quarters of the cost of setting up universal credit had gone on the IT system , with significant sums written off .
One problem with the IT system , identified by the NAO , was that it could n't identity potential benefit fraud .
This meant staff had to carry out multiple manual checks , which took up a lot of time .
The issues with the IT system led to the postponement of the national rollout of the scheme .
Universal credit is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2024 , adding £500m to the overall cost .
• What is universal credit and what 's the problem ?
The Scottish Parliament building opened its doors in 2004 , with a hefty price tag .
Problems around the cost , design and delivery eventually led to a public inquiry , led by Lord Fraser , involving 66 witnesses .
The building was three years late and the cost had spiralled to £414m , more than 10 times the original 1997 estimate .
John Campbell , the counsel to Lord Fraser 's inquiry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management failure of `` gigantic proportions '' , with civil servants , politicians and the construction managers all to blame .
When he delivered his verdict , Lord Fraser said there was no single `` villain of the piece '' but he was astonished ministers had been kept in the dark over cost increases .
He also said it was far too late in the day before anyone appreciated the scale and complexity of the proposed design .
`` It verges on the embarrassing to conclude , as I do , that virtually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management were asked , '' he wrote .
The initial £40m estimate `` never had any basis in reality '' and quality had been prioritised over cost throughout , according to the report .
In a separate report , Audit Scotland said lessons must be learnt .
It said much greater care should be taken in choosing contracts and that project risks must be better understood .
Why do government projects run into problems ?
Historically , most major governments projects have n't delivered on the promises of their initial cost-benefit analysis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NAO ) report .
The NAO blamed `` over-optimism '' and said many projects started off with unrealistic assumptions about the time , costs and risks involved .
But this problem is n't unique to the UK , according to Nick Davies from the independent Institute for Government think tank .
`` Nine out of 10 mega-projects around the world ( where costs are over £1bn ) go over time and over budget , '' he says .
Meg Hillier , who chairs the Public Accounts Committee , a group of MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says : `` There 's often a lot of political pressure to make an early announcement and this means it 's a bit of a back of an envelope when it comes to initial costings . ''
Changes in ministers and senior civil servants can also add to the problem , according to Mr Davies .
`` Churn means you lose expertise , especially as it take a good six months to get up to speed , '' he says .
Even when ministers stay in the same job , projects often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to proceed has been made .
`` When it goes wrong it 's often late in the day , '' says Ms Hillier .
`` Politicians need to know when something is going wrong at an earlier stage '' , she adds .
• Is Cummings right about civil service churn ?
• How often do ministers change jobs ?
• Channel Tunnel - One of the biggest engineering projects undertaken in the UK .
While it transformed travel from London to Paris and Brussels , the project was beset by delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened in May 1994 , it was one year behind schedule and £2bn over budget .
• Edinburgh tram line - By the time trams hit Edinburgh 's streets in 2014 , the project was five years late and had cost £776m ( double the original estimate ) .
Disagreements led to a standstill for several months .
When construction finally resumed , it created gridlock because of a `` catastrophic failure '' of traffic management .
• Millennium Dome - Opened to mark the new millennium , the dome was heavily criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the predicted 12 million visitors .
Closed at the end of 2000 , the government faced initial difficulties trying to sell the vacant site , costing taxpayers £1.8m a month in upkeep .
The Dome was eventually redeveloped into an entertainment complex and rebranded as the O2 in 2005 .
How can government manage projects better ?
In an effort to tackle some of these issues , the government has created the Infrastructure and Projects Authority ( IPA ) .
Run by infrastructure experts , the authority oversees the delivery of major projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IPA , Nick Smallwood , said there had been recent successes such as the 30-hour free childcare programme and the cleaning-up of Sellafield and other historical nuclear sites .
But he also acknowledged that `` we can do better '' .
Teaching more people in government how to handle complex projects was one solution favoured by Mr Smallwood .
Since 2012 , some 2,000 people had received training , he said .
So has the IPA 's work made a difference ?
Mr Davies says government departments have been reasonably positive about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it gives .
But to make a real difference , he says , governments need to do a better job at learning lessons from past projects .
`` If you know that road junctions tend to go over by 10 % , that can really help when it comes to budgeting current projects , '' he says .
`` But it 's much harder to do this when it comes to mega-projects , because there are so few of them . ''

Meg Hillier, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, a group of MPs that examines how government spends public money, says: "There's often a lot of political pressure to make an early announcement and this means it's a bit of a back of an envelope when it comes to initial costings."


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Rushden shoe firm run by generations of twins turns 100

A shoe firm started 100 years ago by identical twin brothers is still going strong - under the helm of identical twin grandsons .
DB Shoes , in Rushden , Northamptonshire , was founded by Jack Denton and Bill Denton on 11 February 1920 .
The company is now run by Jack 's grandsons , David and Charles Denton , who helped rescue it in the 1990s .
Charles Denton said : `` It 's in our blood .
Shoes are part of our history .
I 'm extremely proud of that . ''
Jack and Bill Denton came from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in another firm - Wilkins and Denton - from 1873 .
George 's father , also George , was listed in the census as being involved in the shoe trade in 1841 .
The twins began their own army boot firm , originally called Denbros Ltd , on 11 February , 1920 .
• The shoes hidden in homes to ward off evil They were also known as the Denton Twins and `` all round sportsmen '' when they played county cricket for Northamptonshire .
Both served with the Northants Regiment during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Germans in 1918 .
Grandson Charles , 56 , said if Jack and Bill could see the firm now they would be `` very proud that we have lasted in Rushden , that we have survived out of the hundreds that closed '' .
Northamptonshire is renowned internationally as the home of shoemaking .
In Rushden alone there were once 40 shoe firms .
The company still specialises in supplying made-to-order wide-fitting shoes - and has a thriving mail order business .
`` We had to reinvent ourselves and found our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our ageing population , '' Mr Denton said .
He said he and his brother David had four children between them , although none of them are twins .
He added that only time would tell if any of them `` decide to take it on '' .

Grandson Charles, 56, said if Jack and Bill could see the firm now they would be "very proud that we have lasted in Rushden, that we have survived out of the hundreds that closed".


bbcuk--2020-02-12--From macho to mindfulness: How rugby is changing

When you think of professional rugby union , it might not be mindfulness and meditation that come to mind .
But playing top level sport can be an emotional rollercoaster .
There are the highs and lows of winning and losing , the pressure to perform and if you end up injured , that can take its toll too .
As the conversation around mental health in sport opens up , one top rugby club is leading the way .
Radio 1 Newsbeat has spent six months behind the scenes with Harlequins , one of the Premiership 's top clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tackles and Title Dreams .
Tries , Tackles and Title Dreams is now available on BBC iPlayer .
Few rugby players make it to the top of the game but even for those who do , it 's far from easy once you get there .
Your performance is constantly scrutinised , there 's the battle for selection and dealing with an injury is another matter altogether .
Nathan Earle , 25 , is a winger for Harlequins , who was badly injured during a match against Northampton Saints back in April 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've ever been in , '' he says .
`` When Elliott [ the physio ] came onto the pitch I was begging for gas to help .
`` That was the only time in my life I could have done without my lower leg and been alright with it . ''
Nathan tore his anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL ) - a ligament that helps stabilise the knee .
After having surgery , he 's had months of physiotherapy and hopes to return to the pitch this spring .
Newsbeat followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Getting back out on the pitch is probably the only thing keeping me going at the moment .
`` If I did n't have that end goal , I 'd be way worse off than I am now . ''
Nathan and I are chatting over a game of pool in the Harlequins players ' lounge .
Breakfast is being served .
I bet him a sausage and egg muffin on the game but , smiling , he reminds me that the food here is actually free .
Despite the frustrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive .
Injury is a reality in all professional sport , but rugby is particularly known for its physicality .
Often , players are forced to retire through injury , long before they 'd like to .
`` It 's tough .
You need to take time away from it , '' he says .
`` Whether it 's seeing the guys here away from this environment or visiting your family and friends - you just need time off . ''
Nathan thinks it 's definitely more acceptable to open up about your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's incredibly important , '' he says .
`` We 've got a mindfulness coach , which helps a bit .
We do a bit of meditation and we have this guy called Andy who is basically everyone 's confidant .
If you want to talk , he 's always ready to listen .
`` He 's not a therapist , he 's an ex-Army man but I think he 's seen a lot of it in the Army . ''
At Harlequins , they 're trying to create a space where mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
Someone who knows all about the unforgiving nature of the sport is the club 's head of rugby , Paul Gustard .
While he now coaches the side , he used to play for Leicester Tigers and Saracens .
He tells Newsbeat things have changed a lot since he was a player .
`` When I started playing rugby , it was very alpha-male dominated , '' he says .
`` You 'd try to deal with [ mental health issues ] yourself , and that 's not conducive to being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
When Paul took over running the club in 2018 , he set about introducing the players to the practice of mindfulness .
Now , players can choose to take part in weekly sessions either as a group or on their own .
The aim is to stop worrying about the past or imagining the future , but instead focus on the present moment .
Paul says : `` Mindfulness was something I really wanted to bring into the club .
`` I think mental health has become more prevalent across society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He thinks it 's possible that some people at the club - be it players or staff members - could suffer from mental health issues during their time there .
But he hopes it 's an environment where people can start to talk about their issues , share their experiences and even seek help .
It definitely seemed that way during our time with the club .
While there was all the usual joking around , there was also a strong sense of friendship and support .
`` It 's pleasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we want to talk about these issues and there is help out there , '' says Paul .
`` As a rugby club we 're embracing that . ''
Tries , Tackles and Title Dreams is now available on BBC iPlayer .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"It's tough. You need to take time away from it," he says. "Whether it's seeing the guys here away from this environment or visiting your family and friends - you just need time off."


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Do roundabouts make Milton Keynes healthier?

Luton and Milton Keynes are similar-sized towns producing similar levels of pollution .
Yet Milton Keynes is a much healthier place to live .
Might this have something to do with its infamous roundabouts ?
Even on the hottest day of the year , the front windows of Gill Bottoms 's semi-detached home in Luton are shut tight .
It is a security measure - not just from potential human intruders but from pollutants in the air outside .
The retired library manager moved to Luton 56 years ago , a town which a scientific air quality study recently found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country at dispersing pollution .
Three years ago , Mrs Bottoms was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder ( COPD ) .
`` I have chest problems , I ca n't breathe properly at times , '' she said .
`` There have been times when I can not breathe at all and I have to call for medical assistance .
`` There are times when I 've been out shopping when I dare not open the windows in my car because the cars coming past , there are just so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic lights , that I just ca n't breathe . ''
Experts from Birmingham Institute for Forest Research and Lancaster University 's Environment Centre recently looked at the UK 's 146 most populous urban areas to find relationships between their populations , their layout and levels of pollution .
Luton does not have the worst levels of pollution .
In fact , it is roughly middling and as the scientists said they would expect for a town of its size .
But where it does fall down , according to the study , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air so it becomes less concentrated .
The scientists found Luton fared particularly badly because its population is crammed into a fairly small , built-up , space .
`` It ( Luton ) is the town that benefits least from the 'dilution effect ' of converting emissions into concentrations - and it is the concentration that matters for health , '' said the study 's lead author Professor Rob Mackenzie .
The borough council hopes a park and ride scheme , encouraging car-sharing and providing better electric car-charging facilities will improve air quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Milton Keynes , the geography of the town means the air is healthier to breathe .
Often ridiculed for its endless roundabouts and its concrete cows , it now seems its 1960s design lays at the heart of its pollution-busting success .
`` The Milton Keynes roundabouts do two things - they reduce stop-start driving which reduces production of pollution , and they make space to help the pollution dilute and mix away , '' said Prof Mackenzie .
`` Milton Keynes has taken up much more space for its people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produces is diluted in a greater space .
`` Luton is much more compact so it does n't gain from that dilution benefit .
`` The biggest effect green spaces have on air pollution in urban areas is to provide space for that pollution to disperse . ''
`` I used to live in Leicester and Milton Keynes just does n't feel like a congested town at all , '' she said .
`` You 're never sat in a traffic jam inhaling other people 's fumes and there are large green spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more spread out town .
`` We 've got so many people who exercise outdoors - you 've got people on bikes , mums jogging with babies in buggies and really popular parkruns . ''
One of those exercising is Claire Horner .
`` I used to live in Luton and I would never dream of exercising outside in Luton but that is what I do in Milton Keynes , '' she said .
`` I do all of my exercise outside .
It is nice fresh air .
I love it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the town still has work to do .
Chris Gossop , of the Two Mile Ash Environmental Group , said some areas of the town had seen denser development and trees replaced with a new underpass .
`` We are aspiring to become a zero carbon community and we are going to have to do something about transport , '' he said .
The British Lung Foundation warns that high pollution levels not only exacerbate existing breathing problems but can also `` contribute to the development of some lung conditions '' .
Pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vary from street to street and hour by hour .
But given towns , once built up , can not easily change their own design , what can they do to lower the concentrations of pollution in the air breathed by inhabitants ?
Prof Mackenzie says the only option for places like Luton is to lower the overall amounts of pollution its residents and visitors emit by providing better , cleaner , public transport and moving to electric motoring .
Towns like Luton , he says , can not `` rely on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid the problem '' .
`` I 'd be advocating that Luton recognise that their particular situation puts them at a relative disadvantage , so they ought to work even harder at driving down emissions from traffic . ''

"There are times when I've been out shopping when I dare not open the windows in my car because the cars coming past, there are just so many fumes, when you're standing at traffic lights, that I just can't breathe."


bbcuk--2020-02-12--Coronavirus: Brighton reacts to the spread of the illness in the city

Five of the eight confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK have been linked to Brighton .
But while authorities have told people to carry on their daily routines , on the streets uncertainty is building .
Steve Walsh , a businessman from Hove who recently returned from Singapore , is thought to have infected 11 people - five of whom live in the city .
A Brighton GP and an A & E doctor at nearby Worthing , West Sussex , are among those already identified as carriers .
Brighton Council said residents should n't panic , but Maddy Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University , said she was `` really worried '' by the latest developments .
`` I 've been over-thinking it .
I was planning on not coming out today , '' she said , adding that she had ordered some masks which were `` turning up tomorrow '' .
She said she would be wearing them when she went home to Suffolk to see her family as she did n't want to pass the virus on to them if she had it .
`` It 's a two week incubation period .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it or not ? ''
she said .
Her friend Alex Fitzgerald-Starr , also 19 , laughed at this suggestion .
She said she was `` pretty chilled '' about it all but said she was worried it might have `` got into to the university '' .
The University of Sussex has confirmed a student that had recently returned from overseas had been admitted to hospital for tests .
The results are not yet known .
Alex said that while the pair were at Brighton University , `` we all socialise together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halls of residence .
Get on the same buses .
Come into town .
It would spread so easily , '' she said .
• How worried should we be ?
• Can the virus be transmitted by door handles ?
And other questions Cassidy Seaborne , from Whitehawk , in Brighton , was out with her one-year-old daughter in a buggy .
`` I want to put a mask on her , '' she said .
Ms Seaborne said she was `` scared '' by reports the virus had a worse effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or young children '' , and she really just wanted to stay at home .
`` If someone coughs , it makes me nervous , '' she said , adding that she had seen `` about five people in masks on one bus '' in one day .
In contrast , Frank Hayden , 45 , from Eastbourne , who works at Timpson 's in Brighton , shrugged off such concerns .
`` I 'm not bothered .
I come into contact with the general public on a daily basis .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ?
I 'm not one for scare-mongering , '' he said .
However , he said he did n't `` watch the news or read much '' .
`` If I catch it , I 'd just do what I 'm told to do , self-isolate , '' he said .
Meanwhile , parents of pupils at Cottesmore St Mary 's Catholic School in Brighton were told two people from the school have been advised by Public Health England to self-isolate for 14 days after coming into contact with a coronavirus case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wish to keep your child off of school at this time , then we will authorise this absence . ''
Journalist Sarah Lewis has a daughter at Cottesmore .
She said she `` initially had a moment '' when she got the message , but was `` trying not to panic '' .
She said : `` Judging by my Whatsapp groups , a lot of people are choosing to keep their children at home . ''
But she would be sending her daughter to school on Wednesday and was reassured that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
`` They have done a lot of work with the children on prevention , even before today , with hand-washing and so on , '' she said .
`` The head teacher is lovely - a mum herself , and very careful . ''

She said she would be wearing them when she went home to Suffolk to see her family as she didn't want to pass the virus on to them if she had it.