4 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Major incident declared as ANOTHER giant sinkhole opens up on estate forcing families to evacuate over ‘explosion’ fears
A drone view shows a large sinkhole in Godstone, southern Britain, February 19, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville
A SECOND sinkhole has opened in the street – forcing residents to evacuate over “explosion fears”.
Barriers have been placed on Godstone High Street and the road between Oxted Road and Bletchingley Road is closed after a 65ft crate opened up.
The major incident has caused several small building to evacuate amid fears of an explosion caused by exposed cables.
Some homes are currently without water.
The first sink hole appeared on Monday.
Carl Bussey, Surrey County Council Assistant Director for Safer Communities and Chair of the Strategic Coordination Group for the incident said: “We are working together with emergency services and utility companies, as well as our highways colleagues and Tandridge District Council, to protect the public and property in the area.
“Investigations are continuing to make the area safe and to repair utilities, and we ask that people remain away from the vicinity while that important work is ongoing. We will keep people updated as the situation develops.
“Residents from within the cordon – around 30 properties – are being supported by Tandridge District Council with advice around accommodation. Highways diversions are also in place.
“The Local Resilience Forum will continue to meet throughout this incident to ensure everything is being done to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
4 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Meghan Markle caught in ANOTHER ‘plagiarism’ row as shop owner whose store shares ‘As Ever’ name hits out
MEGHAN Markle has been caught in another “plagiarism” row as a shop owner whose store is also named “As Ever” hits out.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, announced her latest rebrand to followers yesterday, revealing her new lifestyle company name and logo.
InstagramMeghan Markle announced her rebrand to followers yesterday in an Instagram video[/caption]
MadewellMark Kolski, 58, owns a clothing brand with the same name – As Ever[/caption]
As EverMeghan and a rarely seen Lilibet on the As Ever advertisement[/caption]
A small business owner now fears he is powerless to act after Meghan used his brand’s name.
Mark Kolski, 58, was stunned after the former Suits actress broadcast her news as he has been running a “one-man band” New York-based clothing company with the same name for the past seven years.
Speaking to The Sun he said he is refusing to change his company’s title and “exploring all possibilities”.
He said: “I’m a very small business, it’s a family-run operation. I’m essentially a one man band.
“This new venture has the power and money of Netflix behind it.
“Even if I wanted to do something I don’t think I have the behemoth of lawyers and money that are behind this.”
Mr Kolski said he doesn’t own the trademark to the name but believes he has common law rights to sell clothing using it since he has been doing business as “As Ever” since 2017.
It comes after The Sun revealed the mayor of a small Majorcan town has accused Meg of “plagiarism” over similarities between her logo and their 14th century coat of arms.
Meanwhile an expert blasted the move as “another headache” for Meghan’s team, and potentially “copyright issues”.
The Sun understands that the logo for ‘As ever’ was drawn up after a “comprehensive global searches of registered trademarks”.
The logo incorporates a palm tree as a nod to the couple’s home in Montecito, while the two hummingbirds are said to be a favourite of Prince Harry’s.
The Duke claimed he saw a hummingbird after the death of Queen Elizabeth.
The shape enclosing the birds and tree was designed to “create a unique and personal emblem”.
The SunNick Ede, a brand and culture expert, said this could be a ‘headache’ for the Duchess[/caption]
The As Ever logo, which has come under fire for being similar toInstagramPicturesque shots of honey and jam from the As Ever site[/caption]
But Nick Ede, a brand and culture expert, told The Sun: “Yes the logo that she has used for the new brand As Ever is clearly very similar to the coat of arms for an area of Majorca.
“This is another brand set back as it looks like its been copied rather than a whole new brand identity created.
“This may potentially create copyright issues and a further headache for Meghan and her team.”
In response to the plagiarism claims, one fan said: “What is she doing. Girl just stop.”
“She is no longer rational and in panic mode is trying anything. Hanging on by her fingernails. Desperation, your name is Meghan,” wrote another.
A third slammed “that is a complete plagiarised logo”.
In her Instagram post, she said: “Some of you may have heard whispers about what I’ve been creating. In two weeks, my series on @netflix launches — but there’s something else I’ve been working on.
“I’m thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into.
“‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always’.
Meghan Markle keeps ‘reinventing’ herself for cash while clinging to royal links AND using kids for clout
By Ryan Merrifield
FICKLE Meghan Markle has to keep reinventing herself while clinging to her royal links – and she is shamelessly using her kids for clout, an expert claims.
Announced less than a year ago, the project is now called As Ever, ahead of its official launch to tie in with new Netflix cookery show With Love, Meghan next month.
In her Instagram announcement, the duchess, 43, said the change meant she was no longer “limited” to selling products from the part of Santa Barbara where she grew up.
But she failed to touch on the trademark issues that have dogged the launch, with officials saying she cannot have exclusive rights to “American Rivera” going forward.
Royal author Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “I think there’s a lot of sort of jumping in and then rethinking.”
He said this reflects much of the ventures Meghan and Harry, 40, have undertaken since stepping down as working royals in 2020.
“It’s always this sort of rebranding of themselves, and reinventing themselves so that they’re always in view of the public…” he explained.
“It does all seem a little bit…how do you put it? Incredibly commercial. It’s obviously aimed at marketing. But from what I read, all this has happened quite suddenly.
“There’s lots of applications being put in and things being registered, and so forth. I think it’s all a little bit sort of done on the hoof, to be honest.”
Today’s rebrand announcement video – filmed presumably in the Sussexes’ garden in Montecito – features Harry’s voice playfully telling his wife at the start “it’s recording” before she giggles.
Mr Vickers, pointing out the duke also featured briefly in the brand’s introductory video, said he’s still essentially the main draw.
“I was going to say ‘product placing’, but ‘Meghan placing’, I mean, we watch her because she’s married to Prince Harry,” he said.
“That’s the reason we watch her, and really the only reason, to be quite honest.”
He added: “I rather wonder what will happen if ever the day comes when she doesn’t need him. But that’s all in the future.
“I’ve said this a million times, but that is why we watch them – because he is Prince Harry…he’s put her on the map.
“She was quite well known before she got involved with him. But she’s extremely well known as a result of having married Prince Harry. That’s what it’s all about.”
The As Ever website also features a rare photo of their daughter Lilibet, and Mr Vickers said this, unfortunately, feels like a commercial decision as well.
“I’m personally rather against people using their children for advertising purposes, especially when their children are officially members of the Royal Family,” he said.
“They’ve been given princely titles. So, once again it’s exploiting the royal side, and also…we don’t often see the children. In fact, do we ever see them full on?
“We see the back of the head, occasionally, or we see a hand, or we see something. It’s all rather tantalising.
“It’s been like that right since the start. So I suppose that when they do appear it’s like gosh, there they are, they exist.”
“If you’ve followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you’ll know this couldn’t be truer for me.
“This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language, beautifully weaving together everything I cherish — food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the everyday.
“I will keep sharing behind the scenes tidbits with you here as we ramp up to launch, and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on everything we’ve been creating. Sending lots of love…”
The new As Ever website features a photo of Harry and Meg’s rarely seen daughter Lilibet, three.
Meghan’s lifestyle brand had originally been called American Riviera Orchard, a nickname for where she grew up in Santa Barbara.
With Love, Meghan, which airs on March 4, will consist of eight 33 minute episodes featuring a host of Meg’s various Hollywood friends trying her simple, yet “elevated”, food.
NetflixThe new Netflix show airs next month[/caption]
4 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Love Island runner up Grace returns to social media after ‘anything to win’ text row with message to fans
LOVE Island All Stars runner-up Grace Jackson has returned to social media amid her “anything to win” screenshots controversy.
The ITV2 matchmaking show contestant, 25, who is coupled up with Luca Bish, also 25, posted a smiling shot to her Instagram page accompanied by a sweet message to fans.
InstagramGrace Jackson has returned to social media after being crowned Love Island All Stars runner-up with Luca Bish[/caption]
She posed for a smiling snap with villa BFF CatherineInstagramInstagramThe pair were seen snuggled up on the long haul journey[/caption]
Grace pulled on a black vest, matching joggers and white trainers – as well as a pair of sunglasses – for the snap which saw her snuggled into the Brighton lad.
She flashed a peace sign at the camera – in perhaps a nod to her being at the centre of recent drama – as the pair struck a pose at the arrivals lounge.
In her caption the Love Island alum wrote: “Hey guys!!
“We got our phones back last night and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the love and support.
“Thank you so much – it truly means the world to us.
“Back to the UK we go.”
Later on, Grace posed for an airport selfie with villa pal Catherine Agbaje and a snapshot of their luggage as she wrote: “Goodbye South Africa you’ve been amazing.”
One issue that marred the couple’s final days in the sun-soaked villa centred on All Stars alum Liv Hawkinsreigniting her feudwith model Grace.
The bad blood was first sparked on Sunday when Liv returned briefly with a major revelation about the Manchester lass during the dumping ceremony.
She claimed she’d seen text messages from Grace to someone where she’d declared she would “do anything to win the show this time.”
Not holding back, Olivia said: “Erm, so I’ve seen text messages of Grace just saying to someone that she would do whatever it takes to win the show this time.”
Grace, who is currently coupled up with Luca, looked horrified at Olivia’s comment, before she yelled: “Wait, what? From who?”
And Reuben Collins, who dated Grace when she first appeared on the show in series 11, was one of many to back her in the fight, declaring on Instagram the accusation was: “FAKE NEWS!!!”
ITVOlivia Hawkins claimed Grace would ‘do anything to win’ after claiming to see screenshots of the model saying so[/caption]
ITVAt the show final, she claimed she had ‘receipts’ of the evidence[/caption]
RexFans then claimed to have sussed the ‘real reason’ the pair hadn’t won[/caption]
4 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Five major carmakers recall over 76,000 motors due to safety fears including faulty airbags, steering wheels & batteries
FIVE major carmakers are set to recall thousands of motors over safety fears relating to various faults with air bags and other components.
Kia, BMW, Renault, Tesla and Jaguar Land Rover are to voluntarily recall more than 76,000 vehicles, according to Korea’s transport ministry.
BMWA host of cars are set to be recalled in Korea, including the BMW 528i[/caption]
GettyThe electric Kia Niro has also been hit with potential fault fears[/caption]
AlamyBMW in Korea are joined by Kia, Renault, Tesla and Jaguar Land Rover in recalling thousands of motors[/caption]
Yonhap news agency claims the issues are related to 37 different models.
Problems prompting the mass recall include a faulty airbag system in Kia’s Niro EV, problems in the cooling pump wire connector of BMW’s 528i, and transformer software problems in Renault Korea’s Arkana SUV.
It is unclear if these issues will affect the same cars in the UK, as there has been no official announcement regarding recalls of the models in question, or concerns over any of the components.
Drivers in the UK can find out if a manufacturer has recalled any vehicle, part, or accessory due to a serious safety problem using the GOV.uk website.
Although usually, if a vehicle has a serious safety defect, the manufacturer will write to you to tell you what to do.
Generally, if a car needs to be fixed or replaced by a manufacturer, the car’s owner rarely, if ever, needs to pay for repairs or parts.
Car recalls must be taken seriously, and drivers are urged not to drive their vehicle when it’s been flagged for a fault.
However, according to recent findings by vehicle history checking service CarVertical, almost three-quarters of cars in the UK recalled for safety or mechanical issues remain on the roads with unresolved problems.
Their study reviewed vehicle history reports from January 2023 to September 2024 and found that only 28% of recalled vehicles in the UK had their defects addressed.
Concerningly, many of these recalls involve critical safety components, such as airbags, brakes, and electrical systems.
While many factory faults are minor, some can pose safety risks.
The study suggests that many UK drivers may be unaware of their vehicle’s recall status or how important it is to address these issues.
Some defects, such as the Takata airbag scandal in 2013, have had serious consequences in the past.
But despite extensive recalls by manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, Honda, and Toyota, vehicles with these dangerous airbags still appear on the used car market today.
Despite that, the UK had the lowest recall rate among the 26 countries studied, with just 3.1% of cars recalled at least once.
The highest recall rates were seen in Portugal, Greece and Spain.
Matas Buzelis, an expert at CarVertical, said: “As cars become increasingly modern and incorporate more electrical components, recalls are becoming more common.
“Fortunately, these issues are usually resolved during regular vehicle maintenance, causing minimal inconvenience to drivers.”
4 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Major supermarket retailer to launch bargain bridal range for the first time with gowns selling for just £24
SUPERMARKET fashion brand George at Asda is launching a bridal range.
The retailer’s first bridesmaid collection will land online next month that promises to be an affordable alternative to costly frocks.
George/AsdaThe bridesmaid dresses will be affordable and stylish from £24[/caption]
George/AsdaGeorge at Asda to launch their first bridal range[/caption]
The stylish collection will feature four different styles of dresses with elegant detailing such as chiffon sleeves, silky satin textures and gorgeous colour ways including navy, pale pink and sage.
Plus multiway styles that are always a hit with bridal parties mean you can get plenty of different looks from one dress.
George/AsdaOne frock from the range is a multiway design[/caption]
George/AsdaThe multiway style means the bridal party can wear the same dress in many different ways for a uniform look[/caption]
The frocks will be available to customers in sizes ranging from 8 – 24.
In the UK, bridesmaid dresses cost anything from £80 – £500, so wedding planners will be thrilled to learn that the George at Asda range will cost between just £24 and £32.
However, the bridesmaid range would make for the perfect outfit for wedding guest or just a statement summer frock.
GEORGE AT ASDAIn three different colours and styles there’s something for every bridesmaids needs[/caption]
Asda’s bridal collection will be online Saturday 8th March.
George has had huge recent success with their viral leopard print puffer coat, £38, that was a dupe of Ganni’s more expensive £587 style.
The leopard puffer was accidentally released too early as it was apart of former Sun fashion editor, Erica Davies, second edit with the supermarket retailer.
When it did relaunch as planned disgruntled shoppers set ‘an alarm for 6am’ but we’re left heartbroken as the coat sold out almost immediately.
Fashionistas ran to Asda to nab leopard-print dupe of a Ganni jacket@carrieinthecity42
In April 2024 George reported ‘soaring growth’ in online and in-store fashion sales.
Asda grew fashion sales by 13.4 per cent over the 24 weeks to 2 March 2024, according to Kantar, an international market research company.
George follow in the successful fashion-footsteps of Tu at Sainsbury’s who launched their first wedding dress range in 2023.
Their collection featured two bridal gowns, one £22 and the other £50.
How Asda has upped it's game
By Fabulous’ Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer
Take a whizz round the aisles in Asda it is hard not to notice how good the George at Asda clothing range is at the minute. Add into the mix their recent collaboration with fashion designer Roksanda, celebrating 40 years of London Fashion Week, which is full of the designer’s signature colour blocking dresses, oversized Borg fleeces and bold stripe co-ords, it is easy to see why the brand is on fire!
All proceeds from the range go to The British Fashion Council to help promote young designers, so a win win! There also seems to be a return to quality in the clothing range. ‘Style Stories’ with fashion influencer Erica Davies is a capsule collection of Autumn must-haves which delivered not only on style, but on great pocket friendly prices starting from £7.
Gorgeous quilted jackets, slogan sweats and a chocolate faux sheepskin flying jacket are among my faves. Plus, George at Asda has just been crowned with the Best Kidswear in our Fabulous Fashion awards voted for by the Fabulous readers. Click to buy enables you to shop the whole range online or you can just have a browse while you do the weekly shop. You are welcome!
4 days agoworld NewsComments Off on The 6 Irish schools where children are banned from owning smartphones as majority opt in – do you think this would work?
SEVERAL schools in a busy Irish town have committed to a bold new initiative that sees children banned from owning a smartphone.
The campaign, which aims to promote the well-being of local kids, will help parents delay from buying their child a smartphone while they’re still in primary school.
Hundreds of students are participating in the smartphone banAlamy Stock Photo
Several schools in Carndonagh, Co Donegal have so far began participating in the campaign.
The community-wide ‘No Smartphone Voluntary Agreement’ is supported by school principals and initially led by Home School Community Liaison Sinead McLaughlin and the Parents’ Association.
Scoil Naomh Pádraig, St. Patrick’s G.N.S, St. Brigid’s National School, Glassalts, Donagh National School and Glentogher National School are among the schools participating in the feat.
The move came after former Minister for Education Norma Foley launched the Government’s policy to encourage parents to avoid buying smartphones for primary school-aged children.
She told how the plan was “not a war on phones” and instead was designed to facilitate and encourage parents to collectively and voluntarily agree to hold off on buying smartphones for their children.
Home School Community Liaison Sinead McLaughlin said she thought the initiative would be very beneficial for the community.
She told Donegal Daily: “I thought it would be a great initiative for our local community, I liaised with the parents and supported the development of the initiative locally.
“As part of my role of HSCL, I regularly engage with parents on such topics and approached the parents association of Scoil Naomh Padraig to discuss the information pack.”
Foley previously drew a distinction between smartphones and regular phones when she outlined the campaign.
She said she understood why some parents may allow their children to have a regular phone because of safety concerns and so that they can keep in contact with them outside of school if needed.
Schools are reporting an increase in smartphones being given to children, some as young as seven or eight.
But a total of five schools in Carndonagh are currently participating in the voluntary agreement, with 297 parents opting into the choice to not provide a smartphone for their kids.
This figure represents 71 per cent of all the children from the five participating schools.
HOW DOES AGREEMENT WORK?
Foley said the use of smartphones was one of the issues always raised with her during visits to schools due to access they allow to inappropriate content and the risk of cyberbullying.
The voluntary no smartphone pact can see parents opt into the agreement by signing a commitment form provided by their school.
Every parent who signs the agreement is collectively agreeing not to buy smartphones for their child until at least the end of sixth class.
The agreement also aligns with the schools’ existing policies, which prohibit the use of mobile phones during school hours or on school premises.
And following additional guidelines from former Education Minister Norma Foley, Carndonagh Community School – a secondary school – has also introduced a ban on mobile phones.
In response to additional guidelines from Minister for Education, Norma Foley, Carndonagh Community School has also introduced a ban on mobile phones.
HOPES FOR INITIATIVE
In Co Louth, nearly 90 per cent of parents from four schools agreed not to give their children smartphones after they finish sixth class.
Last year in Co Wicklow, eight primary schools in Greystones and Delgany lead the way with a smartphone ban.
The schools announced that they were introducing a voluntary no smartphone code, with parents agreeing not buy a smartphone for their kids while they were still in primary school.
The initiative was introduced after principals, teachers and parents noticed a rise in anxiety in children.
Principal of St Patrick’s NS in Greystones Rachel Harper said: “I suppose the strength of this initiative is if everybody signs up to it, so it’s not just one school or two schools.
“If everybody signs up, we hope this is going to become the new norm for primary-age children.”
4 days agoPinoy TvComments Off on Ніжний та пухнастий аспарагус взимку раптово пожовтів та скинув листя: що з ним не так і чим допомогти
Взимку багато хто стикається з проблемою коли аспарагус раптово починає жовтіти, скидати своє ніжне «пір’ячко» і виглядає так, ніби готується до прощання. Що ж відбувається і як йому допомогти? Аспарагус – одна з найневибагливіших та найвитонченіших кімнатних рослин, яка радує своєю ніжною, ажурною зеленню. Але на жаль квітка не застрахована від зимового занепаду. Температурні примхи […]
