What is Scotland’s planned tourist tax and how much will it cost?
Getty Images MSPs have passed a plan to introduce a tourist tax in Scotland. The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will allow local authorities to add a charge to overnight accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets. Why has a tax been proposed? Many European countries, including parts of Germany and Spain, already have levies. […]
Food warning over carcinogenic chemical at plant
An investigation has been launched into the contamination of gardens and allotments by a potentially cancer-causing substance from a chemical plant. The probe is into pollution by a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the Thornton-Cleveleys area of Wyre, Lancashire. PFOA – which was used in everyday items like non-stick pans and waterproof clothing – […]
Why are Primrose Hill locals clashing with Paddington film tourists?
BBC Chalcot Crescent is known for its pastel-coloured townhouses With its idyllic Regency-style terrace houses, Chalcot Crescent has long caught the eye of the many visitors that descend on Primrose Hill. But the north London street is now attracting another type of visitor: the film tourist. It featured in Paddington – the film franchise used […]
‘How we stay responsible as popularity grows’
BBC Kate McNally said Haymarket has measures in place to ensure it can run bottomless brunches responsibly A boom in the popularity of bottomless brunches is providing a welcome boost to the hospitality industry but must be handled responsibly, it has been warned. The latest report of the Responsible Promotion and Retail of Alcohol Code […]
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway hosting open weekend
GWSR Aspiring engineers will see what it takes to run a heritage railway Aspiring engineers are to get the chance to find out what it takes to run a heritage railway. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is hosting a “Young Engineer” weekend to attract and train a new generation of volunteers. Richard Johnson, former […]
Emotional moment Adele hugs Celine Dion at Vegas show
British superstar Adele burst into tears after spotting Celine Dion at her concert residency in Las Vegas. The two singers then shared an emotional hug in the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace, a venue originally built for Dion’s 2003 debut residency. “This truly felt like she was proudly handing the keys to Adele,” Nasser, who […]
Historian calls for tax-free status
BBC The royal charter giving tax exemption to Queenborough dates from 1369 An amateur historian says a discovery he has made means residents of a Kent town should be exempt from tax. Des Cross said a royal charter from 1369 that he recently unearthed decreed that Queenborough residents should not have to pay taxes. Edward […]
Tonne of litter recovered from Plymouth beach
The SHIPS Project The SHIP Project CIC said it recovered about a tonne of rubbish on 21 September A community interest company (CIC) said it collected about a tonne of rubbish during a targeted beach and sea clean on one day. The SHIPS Project CIC said volunteers removed 939kg (2,070lb) of material from Stonehouse beach […]
Leeds’ Northern Ballet Sinfonia ‘may never play again’
Getty Images Northern Ballet decided to reduce live music performances in 2023 Members of a major orchestra have said they fear it will “never play again” after a ballet company announced it was considering merging with an opera company. Northern Ballet, based in Leeds in West Yorkshire, announced last week it was “beginning to explore […]
Is Italy breaking up with you?
Getty Images Italy has long been one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations (Credit: Getty Images) The centuries-old love affair between Italy and its many admirers is coming to a turning point, with the issues caused by overtourism creating a massive rift in the relationship. Since Italy has long been known as the country […]