Opposition is growing among councils in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regarding the government's new National Scheme of Delegation, which requires planning officers rather than elected councillors to decide most planning applications. While the government states the move will improve efficiency and consistency, some local councillors have criticised it as undemocratic and a loss of local say. Despite votes against the changes, such as at Central Bedfordshire Council, officials have noted that the national regulations will still apply across the country from 31 October.
Summary headline: Opposition grows among councils in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to new rules on planning applications
A major improvement scheme for Bank Street in Rawtenstall is scheduled to start on Monday, aimed at creating a safer, more attractive, and accessible environment. Alongside preparatory work at the Hall Carr estate, the project forms part of a wider £55 million Levelling Up East Lancashire programme led by Lancashire County Council.
Summary headline: Work to improve Rawtenstall town centre begins as part of Levelling Up scheme
The Goole Swing Bridge in East Yorkshire, which is over 150 years old, is scheduled to close for a weekend on 17 and 18 October for a £200,000 upgrade by Network Rail. The project involves installing new power cables and control units to improve safety and reliability. During the works, replacement buses will run between Hull and Doncaster.
Summary headline: Victorian railway bridge in East Yorkshire to undergo a £200k upgrade
Photographer Paul Wolfgang Webster is set to exhibit a collection of 75 previously unseen photographs of Dame Vivienne Westwood taken during an anti-fracking protest in Lancashire in October 2018. Webster captured intimate moments of the fashion designer and activist stringing together banners, making tea, and dancing to Abba, showcasing her hands-on approach to activism. The exhibition will run at Manchester Central Library from 12 October to 31 December 2026, coinciding with the council-ordered restoration of the drilling site to farmland.
Summary headline: Unseen photographs of Vivienne Westwood reveal her as a 'born protester' at an anti-fracking demonstration
A nine-year-old lurcher named Jude, who spent 427 days waiting for a new home at the RSPCA's Leybourne Animal Centre in Kent, has learned how to play and respond to his name after being rescued from a property with no electricity, clean water, or bedding. Jude was saved alongside eight other dogs and several snakes. Staff noted that multi-animal rescue cases are increasingly placing pressure on the charity, with inspectors handling hundreds of similar incidents across England and Wales. Jude's former owner was convicted of an animal welfare offence and banned from owning animals for 10 years.
Summary headline: Kent rescued lurcher Jude learns to play after living in darkness
North East Lincolnshire Council has announced that a government kinship care pilot is providing financial support to benefit more than 450 children in the area. The scheme, one of seven pilot zones across the country, allows eligible carers to apply for a time-limited financial allowance equivalent to minimum fostering allowances. While local families and officials have welcomed the support, national charity Kinship has noted that the pilot covers only a fraction of children in kinship care and urged for broader implementation.
Summary headline: Kinship care pilot supports over 450 children in North East Lincolnshire
Music producer and model railway enthusiast Pete Waterman has exhibited his latest scale model, depicting the West Coast Main Line through Blisworth, Northamptonshire, at the Great Electric Train Show in Milton Keynes. Created alongside fellow rail fans the Railnuts over 29 weeks, the 64-foot model is part of their 'Making Tracks' series and may be their final major build for exhibitions.
Summary headline: Pete Waterman showcases Blisworth model railway at Milton Keynes show
Aleksej Zemlanojs from Folkestone reported being about £2,000 out of pocket after multiple parcels and returns handled by delivery company Evri went missing or failed to reach retailers. After Zemlanojs gathered CCTV and tracking evidence, Evri investigated and stated that a driver for a third-party contractor would no longer deliver on its behalf, while also noting inconsistencies and an unusual pattern of claims linked to the address. Kent Police stated the matter was a civil issue with insufficient evidence of theft.
Young drivers from Bristol belonging to Team Phoenix are achieving success in national, European, and world hovercraft racing championships. The niche motorsport involves racing on mixed land and water circuits at speeds of up to 70mph using craft that feature no conventional steering or brakes.
Summary headline: Bristol teenagers compete in high-speed hovercraft racing with no brakes
Kash Raju, a 33-year-old father from Derby, was initially told his headaches and migraines were caused by dehydration and work stress. Following the sudden death of a friend, he went to A&E for a CT scan, which revealed a grade 4 astrocytoma brain tumour. Given less than 12 months to live, he has undergone emergency surgery and is undergoing NHS radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while raising £200,000 to access personalised immunotherapy and dendritic cell treatments abroad.
Summary headline: Dad urges others to get symptoms checked after migraines turn out to be brain cancer
The RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire has confirmed it will relocate if the proposed multi-million pound Fens Reservoir is approved. Built in 2003, the 70-acre site is in an area earmarked by Anglian Water and Cambridge Water for the new reservoir, which could supply water to 250,000 homes. The RSPCA has started searching for a new site and is in discussions with Anglian Water regarding support and compensation.
Summary headline: RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre to relocate if Fens Reservoir project goes ahead
A 17-week public engagement exercise regarding plans to rebuild Frimley Park Hospital at a new location is coming to an end. The current hospital building contains reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) across two-thirds of its structure. The proposed replacement site is on 55 acres of land including Pine Ridge Golf Club and surrounding woodland. While the NHS trust highlights the need for modern facilities and safer buildings, local campaigners and MPs have raised concerns regarding traffic, infrastructure, environmental impact, and the loss of recreational community space.
Summary headline: Final chance to comment on plans for a new Frimley Park Hospital
Schools in Kent and Sussex have reported changes in pupil behaviour, improved engagement, and calmer learning environments one month after a nationwide restriction on smartphones came into force during the school day. While educators and some students have praised the policy for reducing distractions and improving real-life social interactions, researchers note that some studies question whether bans alone are sufficient to improve academic or mental health outcomes.
Summary headline: Kent and Sussex schools report positive early impacts a month after smartphone ban
Jo King, a 45-year-old from West Mersea, Essex, has customised her £45,000 Tesla Model Y into a bright pink, bubble-blowing vehicle featuring heart-shaped exhausts and unicorn-themed accessories. Alongside her husband Matt, she spent over 100 hours modifying the car, which she now tours at shows across the country to break into a traditionally male-dominated car scene.
Summary headline: Essex owner of bright pink, bubble-blowing Tesla breaks into car culture
Organisers have announced that Surrey Day 2027 will take place on 8 May with the theme 'Inspirational Surrey', celebrating the county's rich creative heritage in arts, literature, and music.
Summary headline: Surrey Day 2027 announced with 'Inspirational Surrey' theme
A Reform UK councillor has criticised Durham County Council for failing to remove white dragon flags flying in Crook, claiming the imagery is linked to white nationalism. While extremism experts note the symbol has connections to far-right activism, others suggest it can also be interpreted through English mythology. The council stated it is taking a common-sense approach and will only remove flags if they feature clearly inflammatory content, pose safety risks, or are addressed during routine maintenance.
Summary headline: Dragon flags in Crook spark row over alleged far-right links
A charity in Westfield, East Sussex, named Veterans' Growth, is using horticultural therapy to help ex-service personnel improve their mental health, build support networks, and gain new skills. The programme has experienced a rise in demand, providing a safe space and a sense of community for veterans dealing with PTSD, retirement, and social isolation. Local figures, including Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, have highlighted the importance of such early-intervention services in preventing crises and reducing strain on emergency services.
Summary headline: Veterans find mental health support through gardening therapy in Westfield
New audio guides designed to help blind and partially sighted passengers familiarise themselves with station and train layouts have been introduced at six railway stations, including Brighton and Eastbourne in Sussex. Developed by Sight Loss Council volunteers and Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), the guides aim to improve travel confidence by offering descriptive navigation alternatives to traditional visual maps.
Summary headline: Audio guides for blind and partially sighted passengers introduced at Sussex railway stations
Halloween has expanded from a single night into a lucrative month-long season, with several UK attractions, retailers, and farmers reporting that it now generates more income than Christmas. High demand for pumpkin patches, immersive scare parks, costumes, and themed events has driven significant economic activity across October.
Summary headline: Halloween has grown to surpass Christmas for some attractions and businesses
Loraine Wilson, whose 26-year-old son Samuel Wilson was murdered when Zac Newman drove a van into a group in Ilkeston's Market Place in December 2023, has stated she feels ignored by Derbyshire County Council regarding her campaign for improved road safety measures. Despite a petition with over 7,000 signatures calling for basic safety improvements such as permanent bollards and cameras, Wilson reports a lack of meaningful action or response from the council over two and a half years. Derbyshire County Council stated it did not wish to comment before speaking to the family, while local MP Adam Thompson has also expressed frustration over months of inaction.
Summary headline: Mother feels 'blanked' by council over road safety pleas following son's murder in Ilkeston
