bbcuk--2020-08-31--Price of plastic carrier bags in England to double to 10p next year

The fee for plastic shopping bags in England will be doubled to 10p and extended to all shops from April 2021 .
Small retailers - those employing 250 people or fewer - will no longer be exempt , the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) said .
Environment Secretary George Eustice described the UK as `` a world-leader in this global effort '' .
Greenpeace said the move was `` a small step in the right direction '' but urged the government to go further .
The environmental group called for `` fast and substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of carrier bags .
Mr Eustice described the original 5p charge at large retailers as a `` tremendous success '' and said the increase to 10p should be seen alongside other measures such as the ban on plastic straws , drinks stirrers and cotton buds in England .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme he had somewhere between six and 10 bags for life at his home but did sometimes purchase carriers when he forgot them .
The increase in charge for single-use bags will encourage the sale and use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Plastic or paper : Which bag is greener ?
In Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , all retailers - including smaller shops - already charge a minimum of 5p for plastic bags .
It was introduced first in Wales in 2011 , then in Northern Ireland in 2013 , before Scotland introduced the charge for all carrier bags in 2014 , and England rolled out its plastic bag charge on 5 October 2015 .
A public consultation in England last year saw the `` vast majority '' of people back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to further reduce the plastic used by consumers .
Since the fee was introduced in England , an estimated 15 billion bags have been taken out of circulation , with studies demonstrating the levy has had an impact on reducing plastic waste on beaches and in the sea .
In 2014 , 7.6 billion bags were given away to customers at England 's seven largest supermarkets , the equivalent of 140 per member of the population .
Between 2017 and 2018 just over a billion bags were sold at major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check : Where does the plastic bag charge go ?
• Seven charts that explain the plastic pollution problem Last December , the Association of Convenience Stores estimated about half of the small shops it represents in England are currently charging for plastic bags .
The government `` expects '' retailers to donate proceeds from plastic bag sales to good causes - but it 's not compulsory .
According to Defra , an estimated £51m was donated in 2017-18 .
But while the vast majority of retailers chose to donate their plastic bag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - some chose to keep the money instead .
Greenpeace welcomed the fee increase , but said plastic carriers bags were only `` one part of the problem '' and the government should be considering taking action on plastic bags-for-life .
Greenpeace 's Sam Chetan-Welsh said : `` By raising the price of plastic bags again the government is taking a small step in the right direction , but by now they should be taking great strides . ''
He added there were `` so many ways ministers know they could be driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` If they 're increasing costs for shoppers , ministers really have no excuse not to increase costs for the companies that are responsible for the escalating volumes of single-use plastic packaging in the first place . ''
Earlier this month , supermarket Morrisons initiated a trial offering paper bags instead of reusable plastic ones , with the aim of ditching all plastic bags from its stores .
Responding to the forthcoming fee hike , CPRE - the countryside charity - said it was time to `` step up and face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government should bring in charges on all single-use , throwaway items - from takeaway cups to wooden forks , '' said Tom Fyans , deputy chief executive .
`` Incentivising re-use systems and finally committing to an all-in Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers are the only ways the government can achieve a litter-free countryside and win the war on waste . ''

Since the fee was introduced in England, an estimated 15 billion bags have been taken out of circulation, with studies demonstrating the levy has had an impact on reducing plastic waste on beaches and in the sea.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Stansted Airport: Jets scrambled as terror police detain men

Counter-terrorism police have detained two men at London Stansted Airport after RAF jets were scrambled to intercept a passenger plane @ @ @ @ @ Kuwait and a 48-year-old man from Italy were detained after arriving from Vienna shortly after @ @ @ @ @ police said .
The RAF confirmed Typhoon fighter jets from RAF Coningsby intercepted a Ryanair @ @ @ @ @ Stansted .
A Ryanair spokesman said the crew of the flight from Vienna to the @ @ @ @ @ to a `` potential security threat on board '' .
He added : `` In @ @ @ @ @ captain informed UK authorities and continued to London Stansted , where the aircraft landed normally @ @ @ @ @ stand where passengers disembarked safely . ''
The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit said the @ @ @ @ @ 7 of the Terrorism Act .

Det Supt Andy Waldie added: "We understandably take any reports of suspicious objects or behaviour on flights very seriously and thankfully on this occasion there was no cause for concern.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Coronavirus: 'Extend Eat Out to Help Out' - restaurant owner

The government 's Eat Out to Help Out discount ends on Monday , having been praised by many of the restaurants , cafes and pubs it was designed to help .
Businesses say the scheme - which gives diners 50 % off , up to £10 - has successfully tempted more people to eat out again after lockdown was eased .
Many want the scheme extended , with one restaurant owner saying the `` biggest worry '' will be in October and November .
Research suggests trade on some days in August was twice last year 's levels .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has applied to sit-in meals and soft drinks , Monday to Wednesday throughout the month , with no limit to the number of times it could be used .
• ' I saved £200 doing Eat Out to Help Out every day' • Will the 'eat out to help out scheme ' be extended ?
Some 84,000 outlets signed up , with claims made for more than 64 million meals , according to the most recently released Treasury statistics .
OpenTable data indicates there were 106 % more seated diners last Tuesday than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are now calls for the scheme to be extended or return later in the year , amid fears the benefits will be short lived .
The boss of pub chain Greene King told the BBC that , while some of its 3,100 locations had seen a huge boost to sales , city centre sites were still struggling , particularly in London .
Andy Lennox runs the two Zim Braai restaurants in Bournemouth , which specialise in African food .
He also founded The Wonky Table , a network of around 500 hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survived the lockdown by using the government 's emergency support schemes , including bounceback loans .
Eat Out to Help Out has helped him recoup some of his losses .
`` Trade 's record-breaking at the moment , '' he told the BBC .
`` It is a false bubble so we 're not getting too excited , but Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday are up probably 100 % [ on last year ] .
The week 's up 50 % .
Thursday has pivoted - it 's the new Monday . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bournemouth this summer for some of the rise .
He does not mind trade being drawn away from the weekend , saying reduced capacity due to social distancing means he could not cope with bumper Saturdays .
Customers at the nearby Olive Café last Wednesday told us they had taken advantage of the cheaper meals multiple times '' This week we 've done breakfast , dinner , breakfast , dinner , '' said Jasmine Sinyinza , visiting the town with her family .
`` We probably would not have gone out as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to book the restaurants before we left home to get the availability , because it 's so popular , '' added her mum , Michelle Sinyinza .
Joanne Botta , general manager of the Spyglass and Kettle - a Greene King pub - in nearby Southbourne , said some regulars were still wary about venturing out .
Nonetheless , there had been surge in evening bookings .
`` The challenge has been getting the ordering right and getting the team levels right , but it feels good to have our pubs packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultancy CGA suggested that across the whole of the scheme 's third week , food sales were 15 % higher than in the equivalent period in 2019 .
It found sales were also growing between Thursday and Sunday , although sales on those four days remained well below last year .
However there is evidence that while places with high levels of visitors and tourists like Bournemouth saw a significant boost , other locations continued to struggle .
Nick MacKenzie , chief executive of Greene King , told the BBC that some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` While a lot of our businesses were 50 % , 70 % , 90 % up year-on-year , central London was about 30 % down .
It is pretty stark .
`` I 've called for the government to think about maybe doing a similar scheme for city centres and for London .
We need to get people back into cities particularly into central London . ''
Some restaurants have committed to carrying on some form of discount for longer .
One of them is Comptoir Café and Wine in central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % discount on Mondays to Wednesdays in September , thanks to its landlord Grosvenor subsidising the deal .
Manager Sabrina Barreiros said her business still needs a boost after a dire July : `` It will help us a lot with trade , and we 'll have people who are back to work in the offices as well . ''
Mr Lennox in Bournemouth will continue to offer 25 % off up to £5 in September .
However he said there was anxiety among hospitality firms about the autumn , calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be revived later in the year .
`` Give September that breathing space , let the schools open .
Then bring it back in October and November where predominantly it 's going to be the quietest part of the year .
That 's where the biggest worry is . ''
He said venues in his area faced a dilemma over hiring extra staff to cope with the huge demand in August , when it was unclear whether they 'd have enough hours for those teams in the quiet months .
On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector .
`` The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic recovery , '' he said .
The government does n't plan to extend the scheme , but a Treasury spokesperson said other support for hospitality goes beyond August .
They highlighted the furlough scheme - which comes to an end in October - and the temporary VAT cut to 5 % .

Mr Lennox in Bournemouth will continue to offer 25% off up to £5 in September. However he said there was anxiety among hospitality firms about the autumn, calling for the Eat Out to Help Out subsidy to be revived later in the year.


bbcuk--2020-08-30--Love Island stars and influencers paid to promote Test and Trace

The government paid social media influencers to promote the NHS Test and Trace service , it has confirmed .
Instagram influencers , including Love Island stars , were paid an undisclosed amount to make posts during lockdown .
The social media posts were part of a wider campaign to inform the public about the programme .
`` Our use of social media influencers has meant over 7 million people have been reached , '' said a spokesman for the government .
`` As a responsible government , we will use every means possible to keep the public informed during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trace .
`` This is just one part of a wider campaign utilising TV , radio , social , print and other advertisements to ensure the public has the information it needs . ''
• Test , trace and the curse of the 0300 phone number The government said that all costs involved in the campaign would be published in due course as part of the regular transparency reports on gov.uk .
Dozens of Instagram influencers including former Love Island contestants Shaughna Phillips , Chris Hughes and Josh Denzel made paid Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hashtags `` # gettested '' and `` letsgetback '' .
Ms Phillips , who has 1.5 million followers on Instagram , posted on 17 August , saying that she wanted to remind her audience `` about the importance of coronavirus testing '' .
She stressed that being tested was `` totally free , quick and is vital to stop the spread of coronavirus '' .
She went on to say that she had visited a drive-through testing centre herself and that she had received her test results within 24 hours .
The Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.1 million followers , and Mr Denzel , who has 1.2 million followers , both follow a similar format .
In each post , the stars reference activities such as going out clubbing or enjoying time at a resort , emphasising that the public needs to `` do its part '' in getting things back to normal .
According to social insights firm Captiv8 , influencers with over a million followers on Instagram can earn up to $ 20,000 ( £14,980 ) per post they make on behalf of advertisers .
Latest figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending 19 August show that the NHS Test and Trace programme is now able to trace 75.5 % of close contacts in England - below the government 's target of isolating 80 % of contacts in coronavirus cases within 72 hours .
Figures for England show 80 % of people who test positive are reached by test and trace teams .
Of that number , about 80 % provide contacts .
And of those contacts , roughly two-thirds will be reached .

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--2020-08-31--Jockey Club boss quits over bullying claims

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing The chief executive of the Jockey Club has resigned after an independent inquiry upheld allegations of bullying , racist comments and the circulation of offensive material .
It is understood the barrister who led the investigation also found evidence of witness tampering by Bushell .
The Jockey Club 's board concluded it was `` untenable '' for her to remain in the position .
The Jockey Club - which operates 15 racecourses including Aintree , Cheltenham , Newmarket and Epsom Downs - announced it has appointed Nevin Truesdale as acting group chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a letter published in the Racing Post , Bushell expressed her `` shock and sadness '' at the decision .
She added : `` I have been subjected to unmerited , dishonourable , bullying behaviour by people I previously held in high regard and trusted .
`` Given the toxicity of the working environment I find myself in , the predetermination of the disciplinary and the clear and ongoing threats to my reputation , I have no choice but to accept the repudiatory conduct described in this letter and to resign with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales Cricket Board - where Bushell is a director - said in a statement : `` We do not underestimate the seriousness of the claims made against Delia , but we will seek to review and discuss what is clearly a complex matter with both her and the Jockey Club before commenting further . ''
Bushell is also on the board of Commonwealth Games England .
A spokesperson for Commonwealth Games England said : `` We are aware of reports in the media concerning Delia Bushell and will not make any further comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing
Delia Bushell had been Jockey club chief executive since September 2019
The chief executive of the Jockey Club has resigned after an independent inquiry upheld allegations of bullying, racist comments and the circulation of offensive material.
Delia Bushell, who had been in the role since September 2019, tendered her resignation on Sunday, having been informed that disciplinary action had begun "on the grounds of gross misconduct".
It is understood the barrister who led the investigation also found evidence of witness tampering by Bushell.
The Jockey Club's board concluded it was "untenable" for her to remain in the position.
The Jockey Club - which operates 15 racecourses including Aintree, Cheltenham, Newmarket and Epsom Downs - announced it has appointed Nevin Truesdale as acting group chief executive following Bushell's sudden departure.
In a letter published in the Racing Post, external-link Bushell expressed her "shock and sadness" at the decision.
She added: "I have been subjected to unmerited, dishonourable, bullying behaviour by people I previously held in high regard and trusted.
"Given the toxicity of the working environment I find myself in, the predetermination of the disciplinary and the clear and ongoing threats to my reputation, I have no choice but to accept the repudiatory conduct described in this letter and to resign with immediate effect."
The England and Wales Cricket Board - where Bushell is a director - said in a statement: "We do not underestimate the seriousness of the claims made against Delia, but we will seek to review and discuss what is clearly a complex matter with both her and the Jockey Club before commenting further."
Bushell is also on the board of Commonwealth Games England.
A spokesperson for Commonwealth Games England said: "We are aware of reports in the media concerning Delia Bushell and will not make any further comment until we have reviewed the situation."


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Asylum seekers: Delays in processing applications rise

Delays in processing UK asylum applications increased significantly last year , official figures suggest .
Four out of five applicants in the last three months of 2019 waited six months or more for their cases to be processed , compared with three in four during the same period in 2018 .
In 2014 , only one in five asylum applicants was waiting that long .
The Home Office said it dealt with `` a high number of complex cases '' and wanted to end `` unnecessary delay '' .
Asylum seekers can not work while their claims are being processed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily allowance of just over £5 and accommodation , often in hostels or shared flats .
• UK ' can not end freedom of movement ' on Brexit day Once an applicant has waited for a year they can apply for the right to work , but the jobs they can apply for are restricted to those on the government 's occupation shortage list .
The Home Office website says straightforward decisions are usually made within six months .
But this standard was dropped as a target last year amid the growing backlog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the end of it' Farzin ( not his real name ) has been waiting for a decision since December , having come from Iran to the UK to avoid religious persecution .
The former importer/exporter says he is yet to be interviewed by officials .
`` We do n't know when it 's going to be finished , '' he says .
`` We do n't know the end of it .
It adds to a sense of despair and frustration . ''
When he arrived in Yorkshire , Farzin thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a job but while he waits he is unable to work .
He says the £5 allowance covers food but not much else .
`` You do n't have social activities .
The only thing you can do is walk around and do some food shopping . ''
Lockdown has made life harder .
`` You are asking someone to stay in a room with £5 a day and with no chance of travelling or doing anything or buying stuff or having the internet or topping up your phone , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipe for producing mentally ill people . ''
Asylum applications made between March and December 2014 - the earliest information available - had a more than 80 % chance of being decided within six months .
By the end of 2019 , this had dropped to 20 % .
By the end of June this year , out of the almost 43,000 applicants awaiting decisions , almost 17,000 had been waiting for at least a year .
Peter Walsh of the Migration Observatory at Oxford University said 2019 had been a `` bumper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitted - more than in any year since 2003 .
This was `` one likely cause '' of the increased backlog , he added .
People applying through the main asylum process are most likely to come from Iran , Iraq or Albania .
Paul Hook , director of campaign group Asylum Matters , said : `` With ever more people forced to wait longer than six months for a decision on their asylum claim , it makes no sense for the government to deny the right to work to skilled , talented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response and the wider economic recovery . ''
A Home Office spokesperson said the government was developing a new `` service standard '' .
`` The Home Office deals with a high number of complex cases and is committed to ensuring asylum claims are considered without unnecessary delay , '' they added , `` and that those who need protection are granted it as soon as possible so they can start to integrate and rebuild their lives . ''

Paul Hook, director of campaign group Asylum Matters, said: "With ever more people forced to wait longer than six months for a decision on their asylum claim, it makes no sense for the government to deny the right to work to skilled, talented people who could contribute to the Covid-19 response and the wider economic recovery."


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Withington attack: Arrest after woman stabbed while walking with son

A woman has been stabbed in a `` vicious and unprovoked attack '' while walking with her five-year-old son .
Greater Manchester Police said the 24-year-old was approached by a man with a knife in Rudheath Avenue , Withington at about 13:30 BST on Saturday .
She suffered wounds to her leg in the attack and was taken to hospital where she is in a stable condition .
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is being questioned by detectives .
The woman 's child was assessed at the scene by the emergency services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued images of a man they wanted to question about the attack , who was last seen making off on foot on to Bromborough Avenue and then continuing in the direction of Whitchurch Road .
Det Insp John Robb said : `` This was a vicious attack in which a woman was stabbed in front of her young son .
`` Our thoughts are with her and her family as she recovers from this shocking ordeal .
`` I would like to reassure the public that this is believed to be an isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for anyone else in relation to this attempted murder . ''
Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram ?
You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline @ bbc.co.uk

"I would like to reassure the public that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to this attempted murder."


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Coronavirus: Ambulance service takes over mobile testing

Mobile testing units which have been run by the Army during the coronavirus pandemic are being officially handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service .
Since late April , soldiers have conducted about 100,000 Covid-19 tests in communities around Scotland The highest number of people tested at an army run Mobile Testing Unit ( MTU ) on one day was 773 .
Soldiers and ambulance service staff worked together last week in preparation for Monday 's handover .
The Army said the soldiers ' work had been instrumental in maintaining the safety of communities across Scotland , as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Alister Jack said the MTUs had helped reach some of the country 's most remote and rural areas .
He said : `` Since the outbreak of the pandemic the men and women of the UK 's Armed Forces have worked tirelessly to support our response to tackle the virus . ''
He added : `` I would like to thank all the troops who have worked so hard to run the units for the past few months .
We are all very grateful for their work .
`` The UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This includes providing six drive through sites , the Lighthouse mega-lab in Glasgow and the opening of the walk-in testing site in St Andrews .
This is on top of testing capacity provided by the Scottish government '' .
The Army said that at peak times , 18 MTUs were deployed .
They were each crewed by 12 staff and all soldiers deployed to the MTUs were fully trained infantry , engineers or Royal Armoured Corps personnel .
Some of the MTU staff have been Army reservists , mobilised at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be going back to their civilian jobs and their regular Army colleagues will return to their units and their operational military roles .
• GETTING ABOUT : Is it safe to use public transport ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Does my child have to return ?

He added: "I would like to thank all the troops who have worked so hard to run the units for the past few months. We are all very grateful for their work.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--What was Edinburgh's Royal Mile like without the festivals?

Hundreds of thousands of people descend on Edinburgh every August for the world 's biggest arts festival .
The Edinburgh Fringe attracts so many visitors that the Royal Mile - where street performers mix with actors promoting their shows congregate - becomes a sea of people .
But what is it like on the street after the cancellation of the festival and the city 's other major cultural festivals ?
In a normal year , the Fringe attracts so many street performers that City of Edinburgh Council has to give them time slots .
But this year James Hessler had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Royal Mile .
James , 58 , from Midlothian , has performed on the street during 20 Edinburgh Fringes .
He said : `` I wanted to come back as quickly as possible so I called the council and was given a licence .
`` Normally you just have to make a loud noise and you have a huge audience during the festival but this year there is a much slower build up to attract people and so you have to have more material .
`` Now we are having to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we see it is getting too big , we do this by making the shows shorter .
`` It 's great to be back out on the Royal Mile and we just have to work harder to get more energy from a smaller audience . ''
Todd Various , 45 , from Midlothian , who has performed street theatre during 16 Edinburgh Festivals , said he estimated there was about 20 % of the normal footfall of the Fringe .
He said : `` This crowd is way better because it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
`` Normally people are muscled into watching what is closest to them . ''
David Bosek , 41 , from Edinburgh , said his street performance with his puppet Evan had been a hit this year .
He said : `` Less people is better for my show because I can interact with people more easily and make more jokes .
`` Busier makes me more money but I prefer more funny and less money .
`` I 've been joking all day with people this year , which I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the festival to run next year in all its full glory . ''
Glynis Hammond , 36 , from Watford in Hertfordshire , said she was `` shocked and happy '' at how many people there were on the Royal Mile .
She said : `` I expected it to be so quiet , so to see so many tourists , so many people here , is just great . ''
Glynis said they should have been on holiday in Ghana , but had come to Edinburgh instead .
She and her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caricatures done by a street artist in the Royal Mile .
`` It is our first time in Scotland and it makes me want to come back , '' she said .
`` I 'm thinking of talking my husband into the Scottish Highlands for Christmas now that I 've seen how great it is here .
Rafkha Gibrani , 20 , from Brighton , was making his first trip to Edinburgh .
He said : `` I was due to be in Mauritius but it was cancelled so I have come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends .
`` I was n't expecting it to be this busy but I am happy to see more people because it means things are getting back to normal .
`` I am enjoying my trip so much and will definitely come back when the Edinburgh Festival is on again . ''
Shops , restaurants and bars in and around the Royal Mile said footfall had been nothing like the levels they would normally experience during the festivals in August .
Naz Issa , manager of Laila 's Bistro in Edinburgh 's Cockburn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a third of what he would have expected at this time of year .
He said : `` It 's been nowhere near as busy , not even half as busy .
`` It 's certainly not a ghost town now , but normally it 's chock-a-block on the Royal Mile with 50,000 people and now there are just a few thousand .
`` During the festival it is very difficult to walk down the Royal Mile .
There is still life here now but it 's not the same buzz .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year when the festival returns . ''
Daniela Scott , who runs her father 's Italian restaurant Gordon 's Trattoria , said : `` Normally it takes me 15 minutes to walk down the Royal Mile to our restaurant during the festival because it is absolutely rammed .
`` Now its like a winter 's day .
`` The Royal Mile is breathing again but there is no buzz and it 's not comparable just now to previous August days during the festival .
`` We need the festival back next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Textiles in the Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile , said : `` It 's much emptier now .
The comparison is dire .
In the festival there are hordes of people walking past the door .
`` I miss the festival .
There is no buzz just now , it is sad .
`` The Royal Mile is a different Edinburgh just now , it 's an Edinburgh for locals . ''

"Normally you just have to make a loud noise and you have a huge audience during the festival but this year there is a much slower build up to attract people and so you have to have more material.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--'We watched the river coming through the floorboards'

Residents living on a road flooded twice in the space of a few months have been living in temporary accommodation @ @ @ @ @ has not even started on some homes in Greyfriars Avenue , Hereford .
The road @ @ @ @ @ runs parallel with the River Wye , had not been flooded for 21 years before @ @ @ @ @ October 2019 and February 2020 .

Residents living on a road flooded twice in the space of a few months have been living in temporary accommodation since February.
Repair work has not even started on some homes in Greyfriars Avenue, Hereford.
The road, a stretch of which runs parallel with the River Wye, had not been flooded for 21 years before the extreme weather seen in October 2019 and February 2020.
Video journalist: Louise Brierley


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Newspaper headlines: Tax rises 'backlash', and schools' budget 'crisis'

Several papers assess the readiness of schools in England as nine million children prepare to return .
Head teachers are being forced to weigh pupil safety against financial stability , according to The Guardian 's lead - which says budgets are being stretched to breaking point because of Covid-19 measures .
The head teacher of one primary school in Devon explains that he would have liked to have had a cleaner on the site to cover shared spaces .
But , he says , it would have cost £15,000 and he is struggling to balance his budget after many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guardian that schools in England are benefiting from a three-year cash boost .
The Times reports that the Department for Education has issued a warning about rowdy behaviour in the classroom - suggesting that children will struggle to adjust after being at home all spring and summer .
Yet the guidance advises teachers against shouting because of the increased risk of spreading the virus and recommends they should use microphones instead .
The Daily Mirror leads with a survey of 6,000 school staff which found more than 80 % believe social distancing between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ministers insist the risk to children is extremely low .
It says business groups and some Conservative MPs have reacted with horror to reports of a corporation tax hike - suggesting it would prompt top talent to leave the country and undermine investment .
Some Tories are said to be particularly worried that measures to repair the economic damage could lead to the party parroting Labour 's policies .
The Treasury has refused to rule out tax rises , saying these are issues for the Budget .
Art experts say that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected as a fake Rembrandt , may in fact have been painted by the artist after all .
The Guardian reports that the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is to put on display `` Head of a Bearded Man '' after it was revealed to have come from Rembrandt 's workshop .
The work , which dates from the 17th century , spent nearly 40 years in the museum 's basement after it was deemed to be the work of an imitator .

The Times reports that the Department for Education has issued a warning about rowdy behaviour in the classroom - suggesting that children will struggle to adjust after being at home all spring and summer.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Five arrests after 500-strong Thetford Forest rave

Five people have been arrested and fined in connection with a forest rave attended by more than 500 people .
More than 100 officers were deployed to break up the unlicensed music event in Thetford Forest , Norfolk , on Saturday at 23:20 BST .
Officers shut down the rave by 18:30 on Sunday .
Since Friday police in England have been able to fine organisers of illegal gatherings of more than 30 people - such as raves - up to £10,000 .
Officers seized audio equipment , generators , a rig and a large flatbed lorry which was used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said five people were arrested - three were issued with £100 fines at the scene while two were taken in custody and later fined £100 .
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison said : `` We understand the disruption such events cause to local communities and the concern people will have , particularly as coronavirus continues to be a real threat .
`` This was a well-established and planned event and we needed additional specialist resources to shut it down safely . ''
Elsewhere , police attended events in Leeds , Essex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn , the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn , was fined for holding an anti-lockdown protest in Trafalgar Square on Saturday .
In London , the Metropolitan Police said it had shut down 21 unlicensed music events , with 58 reported to them on Saturday .
West Yorkshire Police said eight people were fined £10,000 after several parties across Headingley and Burley on Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday .
Police in Harlow , Essex , seized thousands of pounds worth of equipment ahead of an unlicensed music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis Basford said the force would be `` looking to identify the organiser and take them to court '' .
West Midlands Police said it had dealt with about 90 reports of possible breaches of restrictions , but had not had to use its enforcement powers .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has said the new legislation represents a crackdown on `` the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions '' .

Police said five people were arrested - three were issued with £100 fines at the scene while two were taken in custody and later fined £100.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Coronavirus: Face coverings for teachers and students introduced

Face coverings should be mandatory for pupils and teachers at post-primary schools , the head of a teaching union has said .
Coverings are recommended for corridors and other communal areas of NI 's post-primary schools from today .
Education Minister Peter Weir issued the guidance last week after taking advice from the chief medical officer and chief scientific advisor .
Schools in NI reopened last week with most pupils returning to classrooms .
However , the head of a teaching union has said face coverings should be `` compulsory '' .
Justin McCamphill , from NASUWT , told BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` it is not good enough '' that face coverings are being `` strongly recommended '' .
`` We need to move from strongly recommended to actually making sure these measures are compulsory in schools and are carried out in schools , '' he said .
Deirdre O'Kane , principal of St Patrick 's and St Brigid 's College in Claudy , County Londonderry , said the guidance `` has n't been clear '' .
`` The news had broken that it was going to be mandatory , that it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in post-primary schools - when the guidance letter came in it was just recommending it , '' she said .
`` So there is a lack of clarity whether or not children are obliged to wear the masks or whether it is down to personal choice . ''
In a statement issued last week , Education Minister Peter Weir said he was `` recommending '' that `` pupils and teachers wear a face covering in corridors and other communal areas of post-primary schools from next week '' .
The introduction of face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland , with England adopting the policy in recent days , reversing an earlier position Mr McCamphill said his union was supporting the move but also questioned why it was not introduced earlier .
`` We would ask why it is coming now at the last possible moment , '' he said .
`` Schools have been having to prepare for this over the weekend , for tomorrow morning . ''
Mr McCamphill highlighted the potential risk of outbreaks in schools and said the challenges would be around ensuring guidance was followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a position where we do n't know what is going to happen , '' he said .
`` The challenge at the moment is to make sure the guidance that is out there is actually put in place and we have concerns that the guidance does n't have enough enforcement behind it . ''
Meanwhile , the Republic of Ireland 's acting chief medical officer has cautioned there are `` no zero risk options '' for reopening schools .
Pupils in the state began to return last week , with further schools reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glynn made the comments in an open letter to parents and guardians of schoolchildren on Monday .
He said the decision to reopen them has `` not been taken lightly '' .
`` There will be cases of Covid-19 among children over the coming days and weeks , as there have been throughout this pandemic to date , '' said Dr Glynn .
`` But when this happens our public health teams in the HSE will respond and liaise closely with the school involved and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

"The news had broken that it was going to be mandatory, that it was a requirement for children to wear face masks in post-primary schools - when the guidance letter came in it was just recommending it," she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Coronavirus: Pandemic 'causing new wave' of plastic pollution

A charity that cleans up beaches says the coronavirus pandemic has caused a new wave of plastic pollution .
Surfers Against Sewage says it has seen an `` explosion '' of discarded masks and plastics on beaches and in rivers .
The group claims businesses are using the pandemic to revert to using huge amounts of single-use plastic .
From September , it plans to name and shame on social media individual companies whose waste its members most regularly find .
Jack Middleton from Cornwall-based Surfers Against Sewage said : `` Since lockdown has started to be lifted we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ littering our beaches in the form of disposable masks and gloves .
`` While the PPE has helped to save lives over the past few months , we now need to consider how we dispose of it properly to prevent it from flowing into our rivers and oceans and destroying our beaches .
`` We 're used to seeing plastic bottles and bags when we 're surfing but this new type of plastic pollution is something that no-one could have foreseen . ''
Mr Middleton encouraged people to use reusable face masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown were undermining the battle against plastic pollution .
`` We have seen the government roll back on the progress we have made in tackling the plastic pollution crisis , '' he said .
`` The 5p plastic bag charge has been waived for food deliveries and the ban on straws , stirrers and cotton-bud sticks that was just weeks away from being introduced has been postponed . ''
From 5 September to 18 October , Surfers Against Sewage will be launching a campaign called The Generation Sea : Plastic Protest aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As well as 600 beach and river cleans , the campaign will also involve highlighting the brands whose packaging is found most regularly .
Under a measure called Return to Offender , plastic items will be displayed on social media to name and shame the companies responsible for the products .
Charlotte England takes part in mass clean-ups in Bristol along the River Avon through the city centre .
The 32-year-old says she has noticed increasing amounts of PPE , particularly face masks , among the litter she cleans up .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in the streets , '' she said .
`` This is a big problem because before lockdown these items were n't ever really in circulation among the general public , they were limited to the medical industry .
`` I think what 's needed is clear guidance from the government on the promotion of reusable masks .
`` They have said they are safe to use but I do n't think the fact that they are an [ environmentally friendly ] alternative to the single-use masks has been widely communicated . ''

"While the PPE has helped to save lives over the past few months, we now need to consider how we dispose of it properly to prevent it from flowing into our rivers and oceans and destroying our beaches.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Richard Morris: Body found in search for missing diplomat

Police searching for a missing British diplomat have found a body in a forest in Hampshire .
Richard Morris , from Bentley , was last seen running in Alton in the county on 6 May .
Hampshire Constabulary said officers had discovered a body in Alice Holt Forest and the death was not being treated as suspicious .
Formal identification has not yet taken place , but the 52-year-old 's family have been notified .
Police previously searched the forest , where Mr Morris was known to enjoy running .
Officers also inspected 2km ( 1.2 miles ) of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CCTV footage and carrying out house-to-house inquiries , before their search was scaled back .
Father-of-three Mr Morris , originally from Worcestershire , was the UK ambassador to Nepal for four years until 2019 .
Before his disappearance he was appointed British High Commissioner to Fiji .
Mr Morris had also worked as head of the Pacific department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) , consul general in Sydney as well as director general of trade and investment in Australasia .
In a previous statement , the Foreign Office described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleague '' .

Mr Morris had also worked as head of the Pacific department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), consul general in Sydney as well as director general of trade and investment in Australasia.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Coronavirus in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon 'concerned' over 160 new cases

Nicola Sturgeon has voiced concerns after 160 more people tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland .
The latest increase in new cases follows 123 reported on Sunday , with a number of `` clusters '' across Scotland .
The first minister said the rise in cases was `` partly the result of a greater number of people being tested '' .
But she said it was `` undoubtedly a concern '' and that any connection between cases was being `` carefully considered '' by health protection teams .
A total of 69 of the new cases were reported in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Sturgeon saying `` particularly close attention '' was being paid to this .
However , she stressed that the positive results `` still represent less than 1 % of people newly tested yesterday '' .
The number of people in hospital with the virus has increased to 258 , five of whom are in intensive care .
The first minister said it appeared the figures in the Glasgow area `` seem to reflect a number of small clusters , rather than one or two more significant outbreaks '' .
She said ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be needed in the area , although she stressed that this might not necessarily mean a local lockdown - noting that `` lockdown increasingly means different things in different circumstances '' .
Another 27 cases were reported in Lanarkshire , 18 in Lothian , and eight in Ayrshire and Arran - with Ms Sturgeon warning that the latter `` seem to be linked to indoor gatherings '' .
However , there were just four new cases in the Grampian area , with Ms Sturgeon saying this was `` further indication that the Aberdeen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first minister said the fact that the number of cases reflected an increase in tests was `` an important bit of context to keep in mind '' .
But she added : `` The number is a reminder to all of us that the virus is still a very real risk , it is a development that concerns me and it is one we are taking seriously . ''
The increase in cases comes as the latest easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland comes into force , with gyms and swimming pools reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we release ourselves from lockdown , we release the virus from lockdown too .
`` Please follow the guidance - that 's the only way we can make sure these reopenings can happen safely , and they do n't spark an increase in transmission that could take us all back again .
`` The figures demonstrate very clearly that this virus is still present across the country .
The clusters we have seen show it will spread very rapidly if it gets the chance , and the admissions to intensive care last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immensely dangerous for some people . ''
• IMPACT : How is the pandemic affecting life in Scotland ?
• CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• QUIZ : How well do you know the Covid restrictions ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Can a school insist on a Covid test ?
• LOCKDOWN EASING : What changes next - and when ?

"The figures demonstrate very clearly that this virus is still present across the country. The clusters we have seen show it will spread very rapidly if it gets the chance, and the admissions to intensive care last week remind us that the virus is still immensely dangerous for some people."


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Channel swimmer rescued after eight-hour search

A lone man attempting to swim the English Channel from Dover to Calais has been rescued following an eight-hour search .
The hunt was prompted by a call to the coastguard from a friend of the swimmer on Monday .
A helicopter and lifeboats were launched as part of the rescue effort , and the man was eventually found by a boat just 500m off the coast of Dover .
The swimmer was brought to shore and was described as `` cold and tired '' .
The rescue operation began just after mid-day .
A coastguard spokesperson said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a call from a member of the public with information that their friend was swimming unaccompanied to Calais from Dover .
`` Coastguard rescue teams from Deal and Langdon , RNLI lifeboats from Dover and Dungness and coastguard search and rescue helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent were sent .
`` Vessels in the area were asked to keep a sharp lookout and Kent Police , Dover Port Police and Dover Port were informed .
`` The swimmer was spotted shortly before 8pm by a passing vessel only 500 metres off Dover and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold and tired but otherwise well .
`` He has been brought to shore and will be checked over by South East Ambulance Service . ''

"The swimmer was spotted shortly before 8pm by a passing vessel only 500 metres off Dover and was taken onboard the RNLI Dungeness lifeboat, cold and tired but otherwise well.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Child Trust Funds: Teenagers get first chance to access cash

Millions of people turning 18 from now will be able to withdraw money from Child Trust Funds for the first time .
Children born from September 2002 were given vouchers by the government to invest for the future , with the money only accessible at the age of 18 .
The savings pots could now be worth more than £1,000 , or more if parents added contributions .
However , many thousands of young people may have no idea these savings exist in their name .
Child Trust Funds were set up by the Labour government to encourage parents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was for children to have some savings at the age of 18 , to assist with costs such as further education funding or living alone for the first time .
The government initially put £250 into the tax-free account during a child 's first year , then added another £250 when he or she reached the age of seven .
For lower-income families , the payment was £500 .
Parents , family and friends could also contribute to the account , up to set limits .
The scheme was watered down , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2011 .
What happens now ?
The first recipients of Child Trust Fund vouchers will now be turning 18 and can access the money for the first time .
Each month about 55,000 people turn 18 , and eventually a total of about 6.3 million people will be able to redeem the money , or continue to save , according to HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) .
Teenagers can actually take control of their account from the age of 16 , but can only withdraw money from it from 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Child Trust Fund provider will move it into an Individual Savings Account , which is also tax-free , or roll it into another account with similar benefits . '
I did n't know I had one' Kerry McWalter is turning 18 in two weeks and will have access to a Child Trust Fund worth £1,400 .
She is just about to start a pharmacy studies course in Edinburgh , and said she would use the money for living costs and a future holiday as well as saving some of it .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund while looking on social media and used The Share Foundation 's tracing service .
`` When I found out , I was quite surprised .
I was n't aware I had one .
My mum had forgotten about it , '' she said .
She then told a close friend , who discovered she had a similar level of savings that she had no idea about .
How much are they worth ?
This money has often been in accounts where it is invested in shares .
The success of those shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as will the original value of the government voucher .
Accountants estimate that with the maximum parental contribution over the years , and investment growth , the fund could be worth as much as £70,000 .
A more realistic scenario for many people is that the money has sat untouched in accounts over the years .
Even then , those born into low-income families are likely to receive a windfall of around £1,500 .
Where is the money ?
Parents were invited to open a Child Trust Fund with one of a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child being born .
About 4.5 million were set up by parents or guardians .
Children in care had accounts set up by local authorities and these are now managed by The Share Foundation - a charity which is also helping people to track down their funds .
In 1.8 million cases when parents did nothing , the accounts were set up automatically by the UK 's tax authority .
HMRC admits that in potentially many thousands of cases , youngsters have no idea that they have such savings .
Child Trust Funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , which requires a login or registration .
The Child Trust Fund unique reference number , or national insurance number is also needed .
More information on Child Trust Funds is available on through the government-backed Money and Pensions Service .
Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said : `` We want to make sure all young people can access the money which has been set aside for them , to invest in their future and continue a savings habit , as they turn 18 .
`` If you 're unsure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may be , it 's easy to track down your provider online . ''
When accessed there are a range of options for teenagers to consider .
`` Getting a windfall like this can be daunting , '' said Adrian Lowcock , head of personal investing at financial firm Willis Owen .
`` There are lots of options to consider when it comes to how to use the money .
Some may want to spend it , and others may want to invest it to make more money for their futures .
@

This money has often been in accounts where it is invested in shares. The success of those shares over time will determine their value, as will the original value of the government voucher.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Terminally-ill bride who had lockdown wedding dies

A County Down woman whose circumstances persuaded Northern Ireland 's devolved government to allow her wedding to go ahead during @ @ @ @ @ Samantha Gamble , who had a terminal cancer diagnosis , and Frankie Byrne had been @ @ @ @ @ had planned to marry at the end of May .
But coronavirus restrictions meant that @ @ @ @ @ First Minister Arlene Foster said that she did not think anyone `` could have failed @ @ @ @ @ couple '' .
Mrs Byrne , from Loughbrickland , died on Sunday in the Southern @ @ @ @ @ first and deputy first ministers , Mrs Foster and Michelle O'Neill , said they had @ @ @ @ @ in which a person is terminally ill as part of the first steps in lifting @ @ @ @ @ after the couple 's family lobbied politicians .
Thanking them for their decision , Mrs @ @ @ @ @ never know what it means to us '' .
Only six people , including the @ @ @ @ @ , could attend the garden ceremony with wider family joining via video link .

Stormont's first and deputy first ministers, Mrs Foster and Michelle O'Neill, said they had agreed to allow marriage ceremonies in which a person is terminally ill as part of the first steps in lifting lockdown measures in Northern Ireland after the couple's family lobbied politicians.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Reading and Leeds Festival to have two main stages on each site in 2021

Reading and Leeds Festival will be back next year with six headliners split across two main stages in each site .
The event , which sees acts rotate between Reading and Leeds , had been due to happen last weekend but was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Now 2021 's headliners will be Stormzy , Liam Gallagher , Post Malone , Catfish And The Bottlemen , Disclosure and Queens Of The Stone Age .
Up to 200,000 fans are expected at next year 's events - from 27 to 29 August .
The head of the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said it was their `` most epic plan yet '' .
`` Two main stages , six headliners , the best line up of acts 2021 will see and 200,000 fans are going to celebrate the best music , '' he added .
The event , regarded by many live music fans as second only to Glastonbury in the annual UK music calendar , will also include AJ Tracey , Doja Cat , Lewis Capaldi , Mabel and Two Door Cinema Club , along with rappers Ashnikko , DaBaby and Fever 333 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gallagher had been due to headline the 2020 events - along with rock band Rage Against The Machine - and the organisers were able to retain the services of both British superstars .
Gallagher said : `` Yes Brothers and Sisters , I come bearing good news ... Yours Truly is headlining Reading & Leeds 2021 .
C'MON YOU KNOW .
LG '' Catfish And The Bottlemen , who will headline the festival for the first time , told BBC Radio 1 it was a `` huge honour '' to have been asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've always had it in the back of our minds since we first played the BBC Introducing stage [ in 2013 ] , '' the band 's frontman Van McCann said .
`` To be able to come back now and have that slot , it 's a big one .
`` We 'll probably turn up with a few new songs . ''
However , some on social media complained about the lack of female artists among next year 's headliners , all of whom are male .
Robert accused the organisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted that the headliners were being outshone by the women featured in the 2021 line-up , but apparently `` deemed not headline-worthy '' .
The festival will still take place at the usual venues - Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds .
Tickets bought for this summer will remain valid , while refunds will also be available , organisers have said .
• Glastonbury 2021 'aims to be back in June' • Liam Gallagher is 'King ' Eric Cantona 's butler in new video Reading and Leeds are both among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain .
Reading has a capacity audience of 105,000 music fans , while Leeds can take 75,000 .
The Reading Festival itself dates back to the the 1960s , and used to be best-known as a rock festival , but over the years it has included a more diverse line-up and added Leeds as a second site in 1999 .
Last year 's headliners included The 1975 , Post Malone , Twenty One Pilots and Foo Fighters .
Other acts included Billie Eilish , Bastille , Blossoms , Yungblud , Pale Waves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

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--2020-08-31--Snowdon rubbish: 200 bags collected by volunteers

About 200 bags of rubbish have been collected on Snowdon in two months , volunteers say .
Rubbish `` hotspots '' such as the Llanberis Path , the summit itself and area around Llyn Ogwen , have been targeted by the Snowdonia Society charity .
About 600,000 people a year climb Wales ' highest peak but the group says many do not take their litter home .
They believe the answer is better education not more bins .
• Easing of lockdown sparks rise in litter in Wales '' We [ speak to visitors ] on Fridays , Saturdays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litter the day after - so it 's only had a night and a morning to gather and yet we are still seeing large numbers of litter , '' said Dan Goodwin , from the Snowdonia Society , a charity which helps maintain the peak and surrounding area .
Regular finds include nappies , human waste and banana skins .
Mr Goodwin added : `` People are still unaware of the problem of how long banana peel lasts on the mountain .
`` We 're talking about two years for that to completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skins would never dream of dropping a plastic bottle . ''
He said more bins were not the answer and people should instead be educated to bring down what they take up the mountain .
Judy Boddington , who lives in the Conwy Valley and spent Bank Holiday Monday clearing up rubbish , said : `` Quite frankly , it 's heart-breaking to see the rubbish left .
`` There are animals here , as well as people , and it 's just such a shame that they destroy the local environment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we went and dumped rubbish out where they lived ? ''

"We [speak to visitors] on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and we still find lots of litter the day after - so it's only had a night and a morning to gather and yet we are still seeing large numbers of litter," said Dan Goodwin, from the Snowdonia Society, a charity which helps maintain the peak and surrounding area.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Simon Case to be named as UK's top civil servant

A former private secretary to the Duke of Cambridge is set to be named the UK 's top civil servant .
Simon Case , who was made permanent secretary at 10 Downing Street earlier this year , is expected to be announced as cabinet secretary on Tuesday .
The PM will reveal the appointment at a cabinet meeting , sources told the BBC .
First reported by the FT , it comes after Sir Mark Sedwill quit the role following reports of tensions between him and members of the PM 's team .
A Cabinet Office spokesman said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary will be made on Tuesday 1 September . ''
Mr Case , 41 , has been a civil servant since 2006 .
He spent almost two years working as Prince William 's right-hand man before temporarily moving to Number 10 earlier this year to assist with the coronavirus response .
His expected promotion to cabinet secretary comes two months after Sir Mark announced he was planning to step down from the role .
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson , Sir Mark said it was the right time to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase of its coronavirus recovery plan .
As cabinet secretary , Sir Mark advised Mr Johnson on implementing policy and the conduct of government .
The new appointment also comes within the wider context of a `` fairly radical shake-up '' of the civil service , BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley said .
This year has seen a number of senior civil servants in various departments unexpectedly announce they are leaving their posts .
Jonathan Slater , the chief civil servant at the Department for Education , was sacked earlier this month following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England .
He became the fifth permanent secretary to leave his post in six months .
Sir Richard Heaton resigned as permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice in July , saying it had been `` a privilege '' to lead at the Ministry of Justice , despite `` challenging years '' .
Sir Philip Rutnam quit as permanent secretary of the Home Office in February , announcing he would take the Home Secretary Priti Patel to an employment tribunal .
And Sir Simon McDonald announced in June he would step down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Commonwealth Office in September `` at the request '' of the prime minister .

In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sir Mark said it was the right time to go as the government moved to the next phase of its coronavirus recovery plan.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Harry Dunn's family drop plans to sue US government

Harry Dunn 's family have announced they have dropped their plans to sue the US government .
Mr Dunn , 19 , died in a crash outside RAF Croughton last August after which suspect Anne Sacoolas fled the UK .
His parents Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn had intended to pursue a claim against Donald Trump 's administration but have withdrawn that plan as they seek a `` resolution to the impasse '' .
The US state department has said it is looking for a `` reasonable resolution '' .
Earlier this month it emerged that UK Attorney General Suella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual trial or a trial in Mrs Sacoolas 's absence .
Mrs Charles said the family `` can now see that the US government are working towards '' Mrs Sacoolas facing the UK justice system .
The Dunn family said they hoped the decision to no longer pursue a claim against the US government would encourage officials to meet with the family and discuss a way forward .
Mr Dunn died when his motorbike collided with a car outside the RAF base in Northamptonshire on 27 August last year .
Mrs Sacoolas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence official , claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash and was able to return to her home country .
She was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December but an extradition request , submitted by the Home Office , was rejected by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a month later .
Mrs Charles said : `` We are going through a living nightmare and we need closure .
We will only get that when Mrs Sacoolas faces our justice system . ''
She added : `` We can now see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that end . ''
Family spokesman Radd Seiger said : `` Harry Dunn 's parents were relieved to see the signal from the State Department in Washington that they are now working with their counterparts in London to find a resolution to the impasse following Anne Sacoolas 's departure to the US after Harry died . ''

Family spokesman Radd Seiger said: "Harry Dunn's parents were relieved to see the signal from the State Department in Washington that they are now working with their counterparts in London to find a resolution to the impasse following Anne Sacoolas's departure to the US after Harry died."


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Stansted Airport: Two held over 'suspicious device' on plane released

Two men arrested after reports of a `` suspicious device '' in a passenger plane 's toilet have been released without charge .
RAF jets were scrambled to intercept the Ryanair plane and escorted it to Stansted at about 19:00 BST on Sunday .
Counter-terror officers detained two men , but after investigating they discovered the object in the toilet was a mobile phone .
The men are not considered to have committed any offences , police said .
A Ryanair spokesman said the crew of the flight from Vienna to Stansted had been alerted to a `` potential security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from RAF Coningsby intercepted the plane and escorted it to the Essex airport .
The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit said the men were detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act .
But in a new statement on Monday the unit said : `` After examination by specialist investigators , the object was found not to be of concern .
`` Officers spoke with the two men and neither were considered to have committed any offences . ''
Det Supt Andy Waldie added : `` We understandably take any reports of suspicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thankfully on this occasion there was no cause for concern .
`` I 'd like to thank those on the flight for their cooperation and understanding while officers conducted their inquiries . ''

Det Supt Andy Waldie added: "We understandably take any reports of suspicious objects or behaviour on flights very seriously and thankfully on this occasion there was no cause for concern.


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Banwen rave: Eight fined and arrests made for drug driving

Eight people have now been fined up to £10,000 after an illegal rave that attracted 3,000 people , with arrests also made for public order offences and driving under the influence of drugs .
The unlicensed event at Banwen , on the edge of the Brecon Beacons , started Saturday night .
There were still 400 people at the site on Monday morning .
South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thorne said drone footage would help identify organisers .
Officers believe 22 people were involved in planning the rave .
A student who attended the rave admitted being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and likened it to a festival .
Mr Thorne said it `` caught us unaware '' but officers were quickly deployed after calls were received .
He added : `` It is 4,000 acres , a significant sized area , where there was an opencast mine but it is now forested .
`` It is now generally used for rally driving , so you can understand how hostile the land is - and large .
`` We used drones to try and picture where everyone was . ''
He described a police helicopter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with assistance from Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police .
There were `` a few arrests '' he said , for public order offences , such as urinating in the street and drug taking .
Eight people have also been issued with fines of up to £10,000 , under new legislation introduced by the Welsh Government last week to stop gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Vehicles have also been seized , and Mr Thorne said drone footage would be studied to try and identify the organisers .
He said the 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be prosecuted if they did not leave by the end of the day .
`` I 'd like to appeal to those who have organised it to take a level of personal responsibility , '' he added .
`` Local communities have been trying really hard to adhere to coronavirus rules and to have 3,000 people come in and not adhere to it , is really irresponsible . ''
Niamh , a student from Cardiff who attended , said she made a last minute decision to go and admitted being `` taken aback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course there 's that level of feeling bad for the people around there , and I did , but I did n't understand until I went there how big it was , '' she said .
`` It was more of a festival , spread across a good few acres of land . ''
While she said she understood why people would think it was selfish , she said she had a mask on , social distanced and had hand sanitiser .
She added : `` If older people are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go for dinner , go into shops , where you 're still interacting with a lot of people , what 's the difference with people socially distancing and having a dance in a forest outdoors ?
`` I think there 's a lot of stigma around young people doing their version of socialising just because it 's not the same as you going for dinner or into the shops in town , where you 're around just as many people one metre apart .
What 's the difference with doing that outdoors in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words `` illegal rave '' conjured images of `` a bunch of crazy people breaking the rules '' , but she said : `` It was a very relaxed atmosphere and everyone was being as safe as they possibly could . ''

"I think there's a lot of stigma around young people doing their version of socialising just because it's not the same as you going for dinner or into the shops in town, where you're around just as many people one metre apart. What's the difference with doing that outdoors in the woods?"


bbcuk--2020-08-31--Can my child's school insist they take a Covid test?

In just the second week of pupils returning to school in Scotland , almost 17,500 children were tested for coronavirus .
Only 49 turned out to be positive .
Demand for tests of children aged from two to 17 shot up by 300 % in a week , but only two more had the virus than the previous week .
One theory is that the usual back-to-school bugs and colds have kicked in with a vengeance after five months away from the classroom and other children .
Clinical Director Jason Leitch has written to parents to reassure them and give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required and when it is n't .
But when should you worry ?
When should you keep children home from school and what role do schools play in the demand for testing ?
We consulted the latest Scottish government guidance .
My child has cold symptoms - do I send them to school or not ?
This is all down to what the symptoms are .
If your child has any of the coronavirus symptoms which indicate that they need a test then they , and everyone else in the household , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You should book a test for the child with symptoms via www.nhsinform.scot or , if you ca n't get online , by calling 0800 028 2816 .
A runny nose , blocked nose or a sore throat are currently not recognised symptoms that would require a test .
Book a test if you or your child has : • a new , continuous cough ( coughing for more than an hour , or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours ) • loss of , or change in , sense of smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test if you have been instructed to by Test and Protect as a contact of someone who has tested positive .
Can my child be sent home from school with a cold and ordered to have a test before returning ?
All schools are on the lookout for potential outbreaks .
Children will be sent home from school if they are showing symptoms of coronavirus .
This means you should book a test immediately .
Your family must also follow self-isolation guidelines .
All schools have plans in place if there is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland will co-ordinate activity with Test and Protect .
If your child is feeling unwell with different symptoms , you should treat those as you normally would .
Can a school insist my child is tested for coronavirus ?
Someone should be tested for coronavirus if they are symptomatic or if they have been instructed to by a contact tracer .
If someone develops symptoms while in school they will be asked to return home and arrange a test .
If your child has a cold or another illness with different symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek medical assistance if necessary .
But a test should only be arranged if one of the recognised Covid-19 symptoms is present or a contact tracer asks you to .
A school can not insist on seeing evidence of a negative test .
What do we do after a test ?
And if my child is asked to self-isolate , does the rest of the family have to ?
Everyone in the household should continue to isolate until the test results come through .
If the test result for your child is negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolating as a `` close contact '' of a confirmed case , they can end isolation and return to school when they are well enough and have not had a fever for 48 hours .
The rest of their household can end isolation straight away .
If the test is positive , the symptomatic child should remain in isolation until 10 days from symptoms starting , or longer if they still have a fever .
The rest of the household should remain in isolation for 14 days from when the person who tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't have symptoms themselves .
You will also be put in touch with the local contact tracing team so that other close contacts of your child can be identified .
These close contacts will also be asked to self-isolate for 14 days .
The Test and Protect process is confidential , and your close contacts will not be told that it was you that they were in contact with unless you give permission .
Should the whole family be tested ?
Only family members who have symptoms should be tested .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are self-isolating as a close contact of someone with coronavirus , other people in your own household and extended household ( if you have one ) will not be asked to isolate along with you - unless they have also been in close contact with a person who is a confirmed case , in which case they will be informed by the NHS .
If , however , your child does not have symptoms of Covid-19 but has other cold-like symptoms , such as a runny nose , they do not need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not need to self-isolate .
Your child can go to school if fit to do so .
Prof Leitch has written a letter to parents with some guidance on what to do if their child is unwell .
He writes that following the return of schools after a prolonged break , it is `` common for colds and similar viral infections to circulate '' .
In many cases , he says , children will be `` well enough to attend school and continue their learning with little or no interruption to their education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have a `` heavy cold '' , they may need to take a few days off to recover .
However , `` this is not the case for children and young people with potential Covid-19 symptoms , they are required to self-isolate and seek a test '' .
Children who do not have symptoms of Covid-19 but have other `` cold-like symptoms , such as a runny nose '' , do not need to be tested and they and their households do not need to self-isolate .
`` Your child can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so . ''
In a letter to teachers , Education Secretary John Swinney adds : `` We want to minimise any unnecessary loss of in-school learning for pupils and also avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the Covid testing capacity . ''
• RISKS : What are the risks with reopening schools ?

Can my child's school insist they take a Covid test? Published 31 August 2020
Image source, Getty Images
In just the second week of pupils returning to school in Scotland, almost 17,500 children were tested for coronavirus.
Only 49 turned out to be positive.
Demand for tests of children aged from two to 17 shot up by 300% in a week, but only two more had the virus than the previous week.
One theory is that the usual back-to-school bugs and colds have kicked in with a vengeance after five months away from the classroom and other children.
Clinical Director Jason Leitch has written to parents to reassure them and give simple guidance on when a test is required and when it isn't.
But when should you worry? When should you keep children home from school and what role do schools play in the demand for testing? We consulted the latest Scottish government guidance.
Image source, Getty Images
My child has cold symptoms - do I send them to school or not?
This is all down to what the symptoms are.
If your child has any of the coronavirus symptoms which indicate that they need a test then they, and everyone else in the household, including siblings, should isolate straight away.
You should book a test for the child with symptoms via www.nhsinform.scot or, if you can't get online, by calling 0800 028 2816.
A runny nose, blocked nose or a sore throat are currently not recognised symptoms that would require a test.
Image source, Scottish government Image caption, The symptoms which trigger the need for a test are different to regular cold symptoms
When should I book a test?
Book a test if you or your child has:
a new, continuous cough (coughing for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours)
fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater)
loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste
You should also book a test if you have been instructed to by Test and Protect as a contact of someone who has tested positive.
Can my child be sent home from school with a cold and ordered to have a test before returning?
All schools are on the lookout for potential outbreaks.
Children will be sent home from school if they are showing symptoms of coronavirus.
This means you should book a test immediately. Your family must also follow self-isolation guidelines.
All schools have plans in place if there is an outbreak. In an outbreak Public Health Scotland will co-ordinate activity with Test and Protect.
If your child is feeling unwell with different symptoms, you should treat those as you normally would.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Glasgow City Council 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’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post by Glasgow City Council
Can a school insist my child is tested for coronavirus?
Someone should be tested for coronavirus if they are symptomatic or if they have been instructed to by a contact tracer. If someone develops symptoms while in school they will be asked to return home and arrange a test.
If your child has a cold or another illness with different symptoms, those should be treated as normal and seek medical assistance if necessary.
But a test should only be arranged if one of the recognised Covid-19 symptoms is present or a contact tracer asks you to.
A school cannot insist on seeing evidence of a negative test.
What do we do after a test? And if my child is asked to self-isolate, does the rest of the family have to?
Everyone in the household should continue to isolate until the test results come through.
If the test result for your child is negative, and your child is not already isolating as a "close contact" of a confirmed case, they can end isolation and return to school when they are well enough and have not had a fever for 48 hours.
The rest of their household can end isolation straight away.
If the test is positive, the symptomatic child should remain in isolation until 10 days from symptoms starting, or longer if they still have a fever.
Image source, Getty Images
The rest of the household should remain in isolation for 14 days from when the person who tested positive showed symptoms, even if they don't have symptoms themselves.
You will also be put in touch with the local contact tracing team so that other close contacts of your child can be identified. These close contacts will also be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Test and Protect process is confidential, and your close contacts will not be told that it was you that they were in contact with unless you give permission.
Should the whole family be tested?
Only family members who have symptoms should be tested.
If you do not have symptoms yourself and are self-isolating as a close contact of someone with coronavirus, other people in your own household and extended household (if you have one) will not be asked to isolate along with you - unless they have also been in close contact with a person who is a confirmed case, in which case they will be informed by the NHS.
If, however, your child does not have symptoms of Covid-19 but has other cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they do not need to be tested and they and you do not need to self-isolate. Your child can go to school if fit to do so.
Letter to parents
Prof Leitch has written a letter to parents with some guidance on what to do if their child is unwell.
He writes that following the return of schools after a prolonged break, it is "common for colds and similar viral infections to circulate".
In many cases, he says, children will be "well enough to attend school and continue their learning with little or no interruption to their education".
But if, for example, they have a "heavy cold", they may need to take a few days off to recover.
However, "this is not the case for children and young people with potential Covid-19 symptoms, they are required to self-isolate and seek a test".
Children who do not have symptoms of Covid-19 but have other "cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose", do not need to be tested and they and their households do not need to self-isolate.
"Your child can go to school if fit to do so."


bbcuk--2020-08-31--George Ezra opens up about OCD struggle

George Ezra opens up about OCD struggle

George Ezra says he is living with a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ) known as `` Pure O '' .
Standing for `` purely obsessional '' , the condition prompts intrusive or unwanted thoughts , without the repetitive physical actions to relieve them .
Ezra said he would compulsively think of the `` worst thing '' to say in any given situation , then punish himself for being a `` horrible '' person .
Discovering the condition existed made him feel `` less alone , '' he added .
`` I heard about it and instantly there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told the BBC 's How Do You Cope podcast .
`` I said , 'That 's it .
That 's what 's going on .
That 's what I 'm experiencing . '
In hindsight , this is something that I had my whole life . ''
According to the charity OCD UK , Pure O is n't a medically-listed term and it is not generally considered as a separate form of OCD .
`` Like any person suffering from OCD , a person with 'Pure O ' will have compulsions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Coronavirus : How to protect your mental health '' Some will manifest as unseen mental rituals , but importantly there will nearly always be physical outward compulsions too , making the term 'Pure O ' imprecise . ''
Examples of internal compulsions include repeating phrases or numbers in your head , or checking how you feel - for example , you might check to see if you are still in love with your partner .
Ezra said : `` I think we all know OCD ... we hear about extreme cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switch X number of times before they can leave the house .
`` My understanding is what that is is a physical reaction to intrusive thought patterns , about whatever it might be .
'Pure O ' is when you have the thought patterns and the intrusive thoughts without any of the physical actions to relieve them . ''
The singer said he first heard about the condition while recording his Brit Award-winning second album , Staying At Tamara 's .
He described the symptoms as feeling `` like you 're testing yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this situation the worst thing you could think is ... ' And then you have that thought .
`` And then you 'd think .
'Come on , do n't have that thought again , ' and you do .
`` And then you go 'If you 're somebody that can have that thought ... .
you 're [ expletive ] horrible mate . '
'' He added : `` Whilst everything 's going on in your head , you 're vacant to the world around you and you 're not really there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 27-year-old has sought therapy and says the experience has influenced his songwriting .
Whereas hits like Paradise and Shotgun are about `` escapism '' and `` dreaming '' , the lyrics on his next record `` are far more [ about ] addressing the idea of confronting these things , '' he said .
`` That is daunting for all of us [ but ] I believe it 's the right thing for me , certainly , to be doing .
`` I find when people talk about their health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a bit clichéd , '' he continued , but said learning about OCD made him realise , `` I 'm not a freak , I 'm not alone . ''
`` The only reason I talk about it publicly is because I 'm loosely aware of the idea that somebody hearing me talk about this might be helpful . ''
• You can hear the full interview with George Ezra on the BBC Sounds podcast How Do You Cope ?
... With Ellis And John .
Follow us on Facebook , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"My understanding is what that is is a physical reaction to intrusive thought patterns, about whatever it might be. 'Pure O' is when you have the thought patterns and the intrusive thoughts without any of the physical actions to relieve them," he told the show's hosts Elis James and John Robins.


bbcuk--2020-09-01--Coronavirus: How teachers are feeling as schools return

Many teachers are preparing to welcome pupils back to school this week for the first time in months .
Schools in Scotland , Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK are already open .
But for many pupils in England , it will be the first time they have been in a classroom since March .
We spoke to teachers about what 's changed , and how they are feeling about schools reopening . '
I 'm trying to be as safe as I can' Teacher Kemi Olo has thought a lot about how safe she feels returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referral unit , with secondary students who have been excluded from school .
When she welcomes her mixed ability class of eight pupils back this week , the 28-year-old says she will be working mainly from her desk .
`` I wo n't lie to you , I probably will be wearing a mask in the building and wearing gloves as well .
I 'm trying to be as safe as safe as I can be . ''
The Londoner lives with her parents who are classed as being at risk , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her return to work .
`` I am ready to go back to work because the students have missed out on a lot due to schools closing down back in March .
But mentally , because of the anxiety , maybe not so much , '' she says .
For Ms Olo , knowing that there is an increased risk that black Britons could die from coronavirus is a worry .
`` I am black , my parents are black and I do n't want to put them at risk if they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to bring anything home .
My mum is working from home so she does n't have to be in contact with people on a daily basis .
But as a teacher , we have to be in contact with our students so that has added to my level of anxiety .
I 'm just hoping and praying everything will be fine .
She says she feels supported by her school , which is supplying protective equipment .
`` I have to work and the students have to learn . ''
Geography teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers to feel butterflies before the start of a new term .
But this one feels different .
`` I do n't know how the kids are going to be , '' he says .
`` I have n't seen them for six months .
I 've seen them on screen but I do n't know how they are as people . ''
The 48-year-old works at Birkdale School in Sheffield , a private school for boys .
It has set up bubbles - closed groups of pupils - and a one-way system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings when in corridors and communal areas , and on school buses .
Soon after lockdown started in March , he and his colleagues were given `` intensive training '' in remote classroom software and online teaching .
`` It was a huge success , '' he explains .
`` So much so that when the government announced in mid-June that certain year groups could go back to school , we decided that not to do that , because it was going to be more disruptive than the online learning that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experience will help his school react to any new lockdown this winter .
`` If we have to suddenly close down bubbles within the school , we can just revert back to Google Classroom .
The idea of doing online learning would have filled me with terror eight months ago but it has become part and parcel of my daily life . ''
'Everything I had been building to got thrown out of the window' Laura Kline believes classroom learning creates a more level playing field for students than online lessons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be on the laptop on certain days because they 've got three other siblings in the house .
`` One is a university student , another is an A-level student , and so they 're bottom of the list because they 're in Year 9 , and it 's really difficult to expect them to complete the work online with a potentially poor internet connection , '' she explains .
Ms Kline , 27 , qualified as a science teacher last year , and describes the past year as a `` huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When I started in September it was already overwhelming because you have a full timetable just like any other teacher ; I taught Year 11 for the first time , I had a form for the first time .
`` I worked hard and got used to it , and then March came - and everything I had been building to got thrown out of the window because there was a whole new way of learning . ''
During lockdown , she sent work out to year groups once or twice a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessons online which she found a challenge .
`` When the children are not directly in front of you , it 's just not the same .
You ca n't see who understands what you 're saying and who needs a bit of assistance .
`` There are some students I know will be far behind compared to where they should be and I ca n't see , with the pressures that teachers will now be under , how anyone can make up that lost time ; especially for the GCSE students .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability groups where they would n't necessarily need to be .
`` Children have really sensitive morale so once you 've moved them down it is really difficult to get them re-engaged to push them back up to where they really deserve to be . ''
Lee Batstone , head teacher of Madley Primary School in Herefordshire , says he 's spent £10,000 on adapting to government guidelines on cleaning and social distancing .
Since March the school has only been closed for two weeks - it ran a holiday club over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget is increasingly stretched .
`` The longer this goes on without any additional funding , the harder it is going to be '' says the 49-year-old .
As well as standard measures such as regular cleaning and hand sanitising , the school is allowing staff and pupils to wear whatever PPE they want in order to feel safe .
`` We 're a school that 's based on a pupils taking responsibility for themselves in their own actions , but now everything except going to the toilet is supervised and closely monitored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , toilets have been an issue , according to Mr Batstone .
The school 's existing ones are small and the school is operating a one-in , one-out policy so new , temporary portable toilets have been brought in so that every year group has their own .
`` Year 6 at the end of last term had the poshest toilets going - they had wedding toilets that piped music on to the playground , '' he says .
Now that the practical measures are in place , Mr Batstone says the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the children learn to look after themselves without becoming frightened of each other .
`` I think one of the mental impacts [ of the pandemic will be ] making sure children are not scared of other human beings because that could be a long-term effect the longer this goes on . ''
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases @ @ @ @

Coronavirus: How teachers are feeling as schools return Published 1 September 2020
Many teachers are preparing to welcome pupils back to school this week for the first time in months.
Schools in Scotland, Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK are already open. But for many pupils in England, it will be the first time they have been in a classroom since March.
We spoke to teachers about what's changed, and how they are feeling about schools reopening.
'I'm trying to be as safe as I can'
Image source, Kemi Oloyede
Teacher Kemi Oloyede has thought a lot about how safe she feels returning to work. She works in a pupil referral unit, with secondary students who have been excluded from school. When she welcomes her mixed ability class of eight pupils back this week, the 28-year-old says she will be working mainly from her desk.
"I won't lie to you, I probably will be wearing a mask in the building and wearing gloves as well. I'm trying to be as safe as safe as I can be."
The Londoner lives with her parents who are classed as being at risk, and this has impacted how she feels about her return to work.
"I am ready to go back to work because the students have missed out on a lot due to schools closing down back in March. But mentally, because of the anxiety, maybe not so much," she says.
For Ms Oloyede, knowing that there is an increased risk that black Britons could die from coronavirus is a worry.
"I am black, my parents are black and I don't want to put them at risk if they are already at risk. I don't want to bring anything home. My mum is working from home so she doesn't have to be in contact with people on a daily basis. But as a teacher, we have to be in contact with our students so that has added to my level of anxiety. I'm just hoping and praying everything will be fine.
She says she feels supported by her school, which is supplying protective equipment.
"I have to work and the students have to learn."
'Remote learning was a huge success'
Image source, Tom Clark
Geography teacher Tom Clark say it's normal for teachers to feel butterflies before the start of a new term. But this one feels different.
"I don't know how the kids are going to be," he says. "I haven't seen them for six months. I've seen them on screen but I don't know how they are as people."
The 48-year-old works at Birkdale School in Sheffield, a private school for boys. It has set up bubbles - closed groups of pupils - and a one-way system. It is asking pupils to wear face coverings when in corridors and communal areas, and on school buses.
Soon after lockdown started in March, he and his colleagues were given "intensive training" in remote classroom software and online teaching.
"It was a huge success," he explains. "So much so that when the government announced in mid-June that certain year groups could go back to school, we decided that not to do that, because it was going to be more disruptive than the online learning that was happening from home.
Mr Clark says the experience will help his school react to any new lockdown this winter.
"If we have to suddenly close down bubbles within the school, we can just revert back to Google Classroom. The idea of doing online learning would have filled me with terror eight months ago but it has become part and parcel of my daily life."
'Everything I had been building to got thrown out of the window'
Image source, Laura Kline
Laura Kline believes classroom learning creates a more level playing field for students than online lessons.
"I had one student who could only be on the laptop on certain days because they've got three other siblings in the house.
"One is a university student, another is an A-level student, and so they're bottom of the list because they're in Year 9, and it's really difficult to expect them to complete the work online with a potentially poor internet connection," she explains.
Ms Kline, 27, qualified as a science teacher last year, and describes the past year as a "huge shock to the system".
"When I started in September it was already overwhelming because you have a full timetable just like any other teacher; I taught Year 11 for the first time, I had a form for the first time.
"I worked hard and got used to it, and then March came - and everything I had been building to got thrown out of the window because there was a whole new way of learning."
During lockdown, she sent work out to year groups once or twice a week, and there were also weekly live lessons online which she found a challenge.
"When the children are not directly in front of you, it's just not the same. You can't see who understands what you're saying and who needs a bit of assistance.
"There are some students I know will be far behind compared to where they should be and I can't see, with the pressures that teachers will now be under, how anyone can make up that lost time; especially for the GCSE students. They will be falling into those lower ability groups where they wouldn't necessarily need to be.
"Children have really sensitive morale so once you've moved them down it is really difficult to get them re-engaged to push them back up to where they really deserve to be."
'The budget is stretched'
Image source, Lee Batstone
Lee Batstone, head teacher of Madley Primary School in Herefordshire, says he's spent £10,000 on adapting to government guidelines on cleaning and social distancing.
Since March the school has only been closed for two weeks - it ran a holiday club over the holidays - and Mr Batstone says his budget is increasingly stretched.
"The longer this goes on without any additional funding, the harder it is going to be" says the 49-year-old.
As well as standard measures such as regular cleaning and hand sanitising, the school is allowing staff and pupils to wear whatever PPE they want in order to feel safe.
"We're a school that's based on a pupils taking responsibility for themselves in their own actions, but now everything except going to the toilet is supervised and closely monitored," he says.
That said, toilets have been an issue, according to Mr Batstone. The school's existing ones are small and the school is operating a one-in, one-out policy so new, temporary portable toilets have been brought in so that every year group has their own.
"Year 6 at the end of last term had the poshest toilets going - they had wedding toilets that piped music on to the playground," he says.
Now that the practical measures are in place, Mr Batstone says the school's main focus will be about helping the children learn to look after themselves without becoming frightened of each other.