Prisoners in smell block H
The toilet was installed by Transport for London for bus drivers caught short in the area, but locals are furious about the stone-grey building.
Local politicians in a leafy suburb have joined the fight against the "arrogant" plonking of a toilet block resembling a Dr Who Tardis on a residential street.
The toilet was installed by Transport for London for bus drivers caught short in the area, but locals are furious about the stone-grey building.
Hundreds of objectors have signed a petition against the private, driver-only toilet, known by fuming locals as 'the Turdis', in Biggin Hill, south east London.
Residents say they were given no warning about the permanent portaloo - and now local councillors have pitched in on the row.
There are now three of these bogs in Bromley, with others in Petts Wood and St Mary Cray.
The Biggin Hill bog has already had its window smashed, but neighbours claimed it was a bird.
Speaking last night (Tues), executive environment councillor William Huntington-Thresher said he was calling on TfL to lose the loo as soon as possible.
He said: “It appears TfL intended to notify residents but this did not happen,.
“It is disappointing TfL did not consult residents, and it is also disappointing TfL did not attempt to locate toilets that can be used by a number of bus routes.
“They clearly decided to install these with minimum effort on their part.
“I would agree with residents the location is entirely unsuitable and call upon TfL to remove it as soon as possible.”
The toilets were installed by TfL using its permitted development rights, meaning the authority could only object on the grounds of highway safety.
These rights have only been used previously for bus shelters, and the council is exploring whether it does extend to toilets.
Biggin Hill councillor Julian Benington said: “It is a monstrosity.
"The need for a toilet there is certainly questionable.
"I would like to ask the portfolio holder to ensure this toilet is removed as soon as possible – we don’t want it hanging around until Christmas and the new year.”
Petts Wood councillor Simon Fawthrop said TfL was acting “as though it can do whatever it likes” by placing a toilet in a special conservation area in his ward.
TfL has already apologised for the communication breakdown and is investigating how letters failed to reach Biggin Hill residents, and said it was meeting with neighbours to discuss the site’s feasibility.
Nick Fairholme, a director at TfL, said: “We are sorry that we did not inform all residents of our plans to install a toilet for bus drivers in Biggin Hill.
“We try to be mindful of residents when we install these important facilities but understand that there are concerns about this location.
“We have offered to meet the local community to explore the feasibility of a more suitable location, or if that is not possible to see if any changes can be made to the existing facility.”
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Desk the Halls
Image by: Steve Chatterley
For the third year running engineer Jack Makepeace has created a merry masterpiece of his workspace so he can celebrate Christmas on the job.
Officer manager of Ibsecad, David Coy, said Jack had "knocked it out of the park" in the first 'decorate your desk' contest.
David, who has worked at the firm for six years, said: "I set up the competition in 2016 to create a bit of festive cheer in the office.
"The rest of us used a bit on tinsel and a tree, then Jack created a masterpiece that was absolutely incredible - he deserved the prize of a bottle of JD.
"Last year it got bigger and this year I came in on Monday to an ice castle. Already we're excited to see what he'll do in 2019.
"We were slightly worried about what he could be getting up to in his boxed-in castle but he does sit next to the regional director, Antony Henson, and he has put a window in there so we can have a peek in."
Image by: Steve Chatterley
It is especially brave - as Jack's desk is located next to the boss.
Jack said: "It took me about five hours to make. I have a degree in engineering so, luckily, the drawbridge didn't pose too many problems to construct.
"I then went into the office on Sunday to staple the whole thing together. I promise it was all done in my own time."
Jack has always loved Christmas, but especially so because his blind wife loves all the sparkles.
Jack said: "Charlotte has a genetic disorder called retinitis pigmentosa which meant she lost her sight at 14-years-old.
"She only has a little light perception left so she can see all the sparkles, on the tinsel and from the lights, so it is a very special time for us."
The couple, who have been together five years, live together in Morley, West Yorks., with their guide dog, Moss.
Video by: Ellis Wylam
A Christmas-mad office worker has turned his desk into Britain's most festive workspace - transforming into a snow-covered castle complete with 'smoking' chimney.
For the third year running, engineer Jack Makepeace has created a merry masterpiece of his workspace so he can celebrate Christmas while on the job.
What started as a competition amongst colleagues at building services firm Ibsecad in Leeds, West Yorks., has now become a tradition - with Jack's workmates waiting in anticipation for his Christmassy creation.
This year the newly married Yuletide fan drew inspiration from his recent honeymoon to Sweden when he and new wife, student Charlotte, 23, visited the Ice Hotel.
The 24-year-old created a cardboard castle covered in snow with a working drawbridge and a tunnel for escaping smoke - if somebody vapes through it.
It comes complete with fairy lights, tinsel, penguins and sugar canes.
Jack sits inside his castle to do his work and sets his computer on log fire screensaver mode if he starts feeling the cold.
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Jack said: "I had only worked here a couple of months when the company first set a competition in 2016.
"Others had put Christmas trees on their desk and I decided I wanted to go 'out there' and build a festive house around me.
"I wasn't quite sure whether it was the right thing to do, with me only working here a short while, but I thought 'sod it, it can only make people smile'.
"It went down such a storm that my colleagues said I had to make a bigger house next year - which I did - this year I thought I better build a castle."
Mystery winner of £76m EuroMillions jackpot revealed
Image by: Thomas Maddick
Andrew revealed that he will be sharing his millions with over 20 people in his family, including Trisha's 14-year-old daughter, who has special needs.
Andrew said: “She will be set up for life. Any care she needs she will have.
“I won’t stop doing the lottery. I don’t do any other gambling but I will still buy my £1 scratch card.”
Andrew Clark is believed to have three children named Jamie, 22, Rikki, 23 and Zhoe, 27, and he lives in a home worth around £200,000.
He has three granddaughters aged nine, six, and two. He has put £200 each in their Christmas cards.
When asked about being apparently relaxed about the win, he said: “This is me. We’re very down to earth people. Trish will keep me grounded.”
He added: “Trish bought a Nissan Quashquai. She’s not a car person but that’s what she wanted.”
Andrew used to make parts for Mercedes Formula One.
He said: “Perhaps now I can buy one.”
Asked about Christmas presents, Andrew said: “Everyone will still get the same pair of socks that they were all supposed to get.”
Speaking about their families, Trisha said: “I’m sure they will help us spend it.
“They money will benefit them for life.”
With Andrew claiming the ticket, a frantic six-week search for the winner comes to an end.
The National Lottery deployed ad vans to the area to encourage the winner to come forward, and even enlisted local town crier Steve O'Dare to spread the news.
Andrew's is the 12th biggest win ever in the UK, and is not the first time someone from the area has got lucky.
In 2015, Richard and Angela Maxwell, from Conningsby, Lincs., won £53m.
And in May this year, another winner from Grantham, Lincs., scooped just under £10m.
Image by: Thomas Maddick
BAD HAIR DAY
Image by: Sophia Soares
A baffled schoolboy has been punished by his school for cutting his hair too short - just a day after being told off because it was TOO LONG.
Jonathon Soares, 16, was told by staff last Monday that his haircut - which featured shorts side and a long floppy fringe and he had sported for months - was too long.
The 16-year-old student duly got a £10 trim that night at his local hairdresser and had the sides 'shaved faded' and the top and fringe cut shorter.
However the following day he was stunned when a teacher at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, told him off for his 'Meet Me at McDonalds' haircut.
The teenager, from Great Yarmouth, was punished for his new do and was put in isolation for the rest of the week - where he was forced to work alone.
Image by: Sophia Soares
Image by: Sophia Soares
Jonathan's mum was outraged by the school's decision to isolate her son and is worried this will now effect his GCSEs - which he is set to take at the end of the year.
The youngster's hair is naturally curly and brown.
The youngster's mum, Sophia Soares, 35, said: "It's ridiculous.
"It seems to me like they are making an example out of Jonathan.
"I understand that they need to have the correct uniform and look smart but there are no patterns in it and it's not an outrageous colour - it's just a short back and sides.
"In my eyes how he chooses to have his hair cut is up to him."
Image by: Sophia Soares
The GY Charter Academy pupil now fears he may not get his place at East Norfolk Sixth Form College next year if he gets excluded in his final months at the school.
Sophia added: "You should not isolate a child for their haircut.
"A haircut does not stop you from learning.
"He is not the only child in that school with that haircut either - it's discrimination.
"He's not learning anything in isolation now so he might as well be at home."
A spokesman for the Inspiration Trust, who run a range of schools across Norfolk and Suffolk said pupils and parents are aware of the school's guidelines.
The Trust said: "Great Yarmouth Charter Academy’s guidelines on uniform and appearance have been well publicised, and families and pupils are well aware of the school’s requirements around haircuts.
"These are not difficult to follow, and if pupils choose to go against them they do so knowing the sanctions they are likely to face."
LIVING NIGHTMARE
Image by: Patricia Rodrigues
A restaurant owner puzzled by her sky-high electricity bills says she was horrified to discover she had also been paying the bills for a nearby bowling alley and hotel.
Patricia Rodrigues, 29, couldn't understand why she was paying around £1,300 a month for her pizza restaurant until she had an electrician come round to check it out.
The pizzeria boss claims she was stunned to find she had also been paying for an adjacent hotel and bowling alley - adding nearly £42,000 extra to her bills over the seven years.
The Mondragone Ristorante e pizzeria in Brandon, Suffolk is part of a complex that includes the Brandon Lodge Apartment Hotel and Mr G's Bowling centre which are both owned by landlord Nolan Guthrie.
Image by: Patricia Rodrigues
When Patricia queried her bills with Mr Guthrie, he stated in a letter that it had been agreed she would pay all the power bills as part of the terms of renting out the restaurant.
But Patricia, who has been running the business since 2011 with her brother Fabio, claims she has never formally signed any terms or conditions or even lease.
She claims Mr Guthrie had delayed agreeing a formal lease when she first rented the property and only confirmed the rental amount.
Image by: Patricia Rodrigues
The single mother-of-two said: "When I opened the restaurant, it didn’t enter my mind that we would be paying for someone else’s electric.
"Then we started seeing that our bills were getting really high.
"I have been asking for a contract and a lease to be set up since I have moved in and I think this is why he never done so".
Patricia says her electricity bills started off at £150 and then gradually increased.
She added: "My electricity bill went up gradually - it went to £250 then £300 and so on.
"I was thinking maybe it is just getting busier at the restaurant which means we would be using more electricity - but then it went to £600, £700, £1,000 and kept going".
Image by: Patricia Rodrigues
Image by: Patricia Rodrigues
After having an electricity meter built into her restaurant, Patricia discovered that she should be paying between £400 and £500 a month.
An average household pays around £1138 a year in electricity bills and uses an average of 3,100 kWh a year.
But Patricia, who pays £833 a month on rent, was paying around this in one month and claims she would be using around 100 kWh on a "busy" day.
She added: "When the electrician switched the meter board off, the lights in the whole building went out.
"The landlord came running into the restaurant and tried to throw the electrician out - there was a big argument between them - and he said what they were doing was illegal".
A letter from Weeting-based Forest Electrical, states: "Following my visit to your premises today, I can confirm that the three phase electricity supply contact through a standard meter is also supplying electricity to two further circuits in separate premises to your own.
"In short, you are paying for the electricity to two different dwellings/businesses other than your own."
Patricia claims he has not paid her back the money she is owed and has since stopped paying the electricity bills for the last three months.
She adds: "It has been really hard for me.
"I held on for so long, because if they threw me out I would have nothing.
"I have had the police in here because I was worried about him.
"I just wanted to run away and disappear - it has been so expensive for me."
The Mr Guthrie has denied comment.
Image by: Patricia Rodrigues
Patricia says she is now moving her restaurant after being unable to settle the dispute.
Patricia later said she believed the two extra electricity circuits were connected to hotels rooms on the ground floor next to her restaurant, and rooms on the first floor above - but NOT the nearby bowling alley.
She said she thought there were eight to ten rooms in total.
Speaking today (wed), Nolan Guthrie advised OFF THE RECORD that Patricia Rodrigues had been aware of the extra electricity circuits.
He said this had been an informal arrangement as the rent for her business premises was low.
He denies her claim that she was unaware of this.
CHUBBY CHIHUAHUA
Image by: Patty Stanton
An obese Chihuahua who could barely move has shed more than half her body weight after ditching her indulgent diet.
Bertha tipped the scales at 13lbs when she was handed in to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco after her owner passed away.
The 11-year-old pooch was more than three times the recommended weight for a Chihuahua and could barely carry the massive weight on her tiny legs.
She was adopted by Allison Hackett, 35, in August 2017, who knew she could help the dog slim down and lead a happier life with a calorie-controlled diet.
Image by: Patty Stanton
Bertha committed to her diet of low-calorie, low-carb dog food and trained her palette to enjoy new offerings like carrot and apple.
Since embarking on her weight loss journey, the Chihuahua has shed 8lbs - more than half her body weight.
Allison, a mergers and acquisitions associate, said: "She was unable to move well and she was definitely hindered by her weight.
"She looked like a sausage.
"My friend said she looked like a loaf of bread on tiny legs.
"She is a Chihuahua so she should weigh about 5lbs, but when she was handed into the shelter she was about 13lbs.
"That’s almost triple what she should have been.
Image by: Allison Hackett
Image by: Allison Hackett
"She didn’t have a history so there was no evidence of what her diet had been like before but it was clear that it was bad.
"She lost about a pound during her time in Muttville so when I got her she was 12lbs.
"My vet advised me to start her on a low calorie and low carb dog food.
"We wanted her to lose weight slowly and healthily.
"She would have a quarter of a cup of this food a day in total.
"She reached 5lbs about a year into her diet and her vet is super happy with her at the moment."
Senior dog Bertha experiences regular seizures and can’t go too hard when it comes to exercise.
Image by: Allison Hackett
Image by: Allison Hackett
However, the pint-sized pooch loves to run around her house and can even climb the stairs, which she wasn’t able to do when she was obese.
Allison, of Saint Helena, California, said: "She is a much happier dog and is leading such a happy life now.
"We’re really strict about her diet. She’s not allowed any people food or high-calorie treats.
"Now she can go up and down the stairs, she can stand on her hind legs, she can run around.
"She has so much energy now and it’s so nice to hear the click of her toenails running around the house constantly especially when she could hardly move before."
While the pooch is on the straight and narrow, Bertha still loves her dinners and Allison said food is never far from her mind.
Allison said: "She definitely loves her food. She is always looking for it, she is constantly on the lookout.
"I can tell she's always thinking about it, but she is happy and healthy now and everyone is pleased with her progress."
Video by: Patty Stanton
PRISONER OF AZKABAN
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
A couple have been found guilty of keeping a housemate as a slave - forcing him to live in a cupboard under the stairs "like Harry Potter".
Gabriel Nicolae was made to carry out forced labour and his captors controlled his finances and stopped him from eating or drinking in the house.
He was made to eat highly spiced food and ordered to dance and carry out physical challenges.
Mr Nicolae worked full time at an abattoir earning £300 to £350 a week - but he was given just enough money to buy his bus tickets and around £1 a day for biscuits.
Gabriel was even made to drink out of an outside hosepipe and use woodland when he needed the toilet and had eggs and flour thrown at him.
The victim had been using the cupboard under the stairs as a bedroom like "the boy wizard Harry Potter", a court was told.
Neighbours called police after seeing Gabriel washing in the garden in a basin fashioned from a pile of rocks.
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Ion Boboc, 26 and Christiana Tudor-Dobre, 24, were convicted of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and fraud.
Mihai-Aurel Dan, who was also standing trial, was cleared of both charges. All three are from the St Anne's Park area of Bristol.
Prosecutor Charles Thomas said police visited the trio's address on July 27 2018, after a concerned neighbour called the Modern Slavery Hotline.
Mr Thomas said: “Police were surprised when Gabriel Nicolae emerged from the cupboard under the stairs. He looked dishevelled.”
Important documents such as his ID card, bank card, financial papers, and multiple phone contracts were in a bedroom used by Boboc and Tudor-Dobre.
The jury also heard that the victim was filmed carrying out tasks set by the defendants.
Mr Nicolae eventually revealed that he would have to wash his clothes in the town centre and was not allowed to eat or wash inside the house, with no use of the kitchen.
Ben Samples of the CPS said: “I would like to commend the victim for the incredible strength and bravery he showed in giving evidence and supporting the prosecution, despite the degrading treatment he suffered at the hands of the defendants.
“I would also like to thank the members of the public who contacted the police with their concerns. Modern slavery often takes place out of sight, and it is only with the support of such witnesses that we will defeat it in the UK.
“Finally, I would like to give credit to Avon and Somerset Police, who acted swiftly following the report and built a strong case against the defendants, working in partnership with the CPS South West Complex Case Unit.”
Officer in the case PC Roger Ibrahim said: “Without the information through the Modern Slavery Hotline this abuse would still be happening.
''When we found this man he appeared underfed and was suffering from sores on his feet. No one should be treated in this way.''
The duo will be sentenced for their crimes on March 19.
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNSVideo by: Ashley Moran
STREET AND TWO VEG
Image by: Claire Pisano
Meet the woman who has gained almost 50,000 social media followers by creating penis-shaped routes whilst out - JOGGING.
Claire Pisano, also known as 'Dick_Run_Claire' on Instagram, has daily runs almost exclusively shaped like a penis.
The 33-year-old mum has become an Instagram sensation by mapping out penises with her running app and sharing them online.
Claire, from New Jersey, USA, took up running as a hobby aged 28 and mapped out her first 'dick run' by accident in November 2015.
It happened when she went out for a jog whilst visiting a relative in Kansas, in November 2015, and went took a wrong turn.
Image by: Claire Pisano
She posted her creation online and the Instagram page Dick_Run_Claire was born.
Now Claire has 48,000 followers on Instagram through sharing her penis runs of all shapes and sizes - and has kick started a rude running trend.
Searching for #dickrun on Instagram reveals how thousands of people are getting in on the act to map out a willy on their workout.
Claire, a corporate sector worker, said: " I encourage anyone and everyone to try a dickrun or two.
"Someone once sent me their map of a dickswim, that was pretty impressive actually. I can’t swim in a straight line, let alone draw something.
"The first dick run was a total accident at first. My brother had moved and I was visiting him. I went for a run and took a wrong turn.
"When I got back, I realised what I had accidentally drawn. From what I hear, most dickrunners start out this way. Obviously my friends thought it was funny so I kept it up."
Image by: Claire Pisano
Image by: Claire Pisano
Claire has taken part in two marathons, a dozen half marathons since taking up running and is already training for her third marathon in autumn this year.
If training for a marathon isn't hard enough, Claire's running routine includes the added challenge of trying to map out a penis.
It has seen her draw penises small and large on the streets across America.
Three-and-a-half years after #dickrun was born, Claire says it can be tricky to make each drawing different from the one before.
She said: "I got into running because it was 'me time.- although I always love running with friends.There’s nothing like a run to clear your mind and help you reset.
"The dickruns are funny but there are some super talented people doing #stravaart - really impressive and detailed drawings.
"It depends on the setting. I like the challenge in more rural areas, because you don’t have a lot of roads to work with, so I love finding a random 'road dick'.
"Sometimes they’re super obvious, and I am pretty sure there’s a league of town planners and transportation engineers who are all in on some inside joke making road dicks in their towns."
Whilst some dickruns come naturally, Claire says he spends hours online mapping out new runs.
Claire said:: "I do spend an inordinate amount of time mapping out dickruns.
"I travel for work and for fun, so I map them out anywhere I travel, I have so many mapped that I haven’t run yet."
Image by: Claire Pisano
Image by: Claire Pisano
Image by: Claire Pisano
Farm becomes the first place in Britain to offer yoga classes - in a field full of ALPACAS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
A farm has become the first place in Britain to offer yoga classes - in a field full of ALPACAS.
Rosebud Alpacas is located on a remote smallholding among rolling countryside and has been hailed as the perfect location for calming exercise.
But to add to the experience owners Nick and Lucy Aylett have decided to run their yoga classes in the same field where they keep their alpacas.
And they say their alpaca yoga classes in South Molton, Devon, are a "unique experience" which are "great for mind, body and soul".
Nick said: "They live outside and the chickens are protected by the alpaca herd who are quick to alert all around to any unwelcome visitors.
“We want our land to be an inviting place for others to come and enjoy.
"It is our home and is a very special place that we would really love other people to enjoy too.
"It's a place where people can come to escape, take time out from technology and busy lives, a chance to spend time connecting with the land, the animals and each other.
"Our dream is for this place also to be a sanctuary for people to come and feel at home as well.”
The pair say all their animals are "raised ethically with freedom of choice, their welfare being paramount".
Each session is led by qualified instructor Sian Bartlett and light refreshments are provided after each class.
In addition to the alpaca yoga, they also offer alpaca walking, alpaca picnics, alpaca art sessions and a special "alpaca connection" package.
The alpaca connection session is where guests are guided in meditations and have the opportunity to "walk amongst the herd in mindful observation".
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
Lucy Aylett, 46, runs the alpaca yoga with her partner, Nick Stringer, 55, a former landscape gardener.
Lucy, who used to run a pet supply store, said: "We wanted to move to Devon and change careers, so we bought the alpacas and got some land.
"The alpacas have a very calming presence very much like horses. Being around them we felt very stress-free.
"We started working with them because we breed them and we found that time just flew when you were around them and we wanted to share that with people.
"People go away feeling calm, it's just an experience being around the alpacas.
"They're not lively animals, they're not jumping all over you like goat yoga. That tried to be a thing, but people got fed up with the goats jumping on them all the time.
"You don't get that with alpacas.
"They're very relaxed so it just adds to the feeling of relaxation.
"In our location, there isn't much going on, if you're meditating you don't ear all the traffic, it's all very peaceful and the alpacas add to that.
"We started doing the yoga classes last spring, it just came to me one day. It's difficult to describe.
"I tried some yoga myself, it seemed very peaceful.
"I don't like to force the animals into it, I want to do it in the field so the animals can join the people if they want to but they don't have to.
"It feels more authentic that way."
Image by: Matthew Newby SWNS
WATCH: Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparred in his eponymous boxing club - and got FLOORED
Image by: Photo Contributor44
This is the moment Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparred in his eponymous boxing club - and got floored.
Mayweather, 66, got into an impromptu sparring match with former boxer and boxing coach Ross Thompson, 45, at Mayweather Boxing Club, in Las Vegas.
But Floyd Mayweather Jr's dad did not emerge victorious on Monday Feb 4, 2019 and - ended up on the deck.
“They were having a bit of a trash talk outside of the ring,” said an onlooker, who filmed the video but did not wish to be named.
“Ross told Floyd Senior that his brother Roger Mayweather was a better trainer than him, so Floyd Senior got mad at that and so he threw a few shots about Ross’s career,” claimed the onlooker.
“Then Floyd told Ross that he wouldn’t be able to touch him, because he’s too big… like 'you won’t be able to touch me, I hope I don’t hurt you’ then they got in the ring and went for it,” he said.
“It was really macho, it was great.
“They dodged each other in the ring for a bit, next thing you know Ross put a combination together and Floyd goes down, that’s a sequence of punches, almost like when you’re dancing and you have a sequence of steps, they were pretty fast and it got Floyd Senior laid out on the ground.
“He wasn’t quite unconscious, he was just went down hard, I’d say he was lying dazed on the floor for about 30 seconds after he hit the ground.
“Then he got up, we were all laughing and talking cra*p…they wound up shaking hands in the end.”
Ross Thompson, who threw the winning punch said: “We were getting into it at the club, we have a history, he likes to trash talk at me.
"He likes to trash talk, he's just like his son."
Video by: Photo Contributor44
