Judge Orders Action Over ‘Psychological Torture’ Caused by Noisy Buskers in Leicester Square

Judge Orders Action Over ‘Psychological Torture’ Caused by Noisy Buskers in Leicester Square

A court ruling demands Westminster City Council address persistent noise complaints from buskers disturbing workers at Global Radio.

A judge has ruled that the noise generated by buskers performing in Leicester Square, especially with repetitive songs on loop, constitutes “psychological torture” for workers in the area. The case was brought to court by Global Radio, whose staff, including employees from well-known stations such as Heart, Capital, and Classic FM, have been enduring the loud music daily.

District Judge John Law ruled that Westminster City Council had failed to address the noise nuisance caused by these buskers. The judge described the situation as a “nuisance” exacerbated by the repetitiveness and poor quality of some performances. He likened the impact of these repetitive sounds to psychological torture techniques used in unlawful practices.

The court heard testimony from Global Radio staff, who described the impact of the noise on their ability to work. Employees reported being unable to hold conversations, hearing loud performances from within their offices, and even seeking refuge in cupboards or wearing headphones to escape the sound.

One worker, Charlotte Jacob, testified that she could not communicate with a colleague sitting only three metres away due to the loud singing of “Hallelujah.” Another, Michelle Gammon, stated that the noise was so intrusive that she could hear it in the building’s bathrooms.

Global Radio has been at the forefront of legal action against the busking noise, accusing Westminster City Council of failing to act since a 2021 regulation was introduced to manage street performances in the area. The company argued that this is the first legal case of its kind under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, typically used to tackle issues like flytipping, to address noise nuisance in public spaces.

A spokesperson for the council responded by acknowledging the concerns and vowed to find a balance between addressing the nuisance while ensuring street performers can continue contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of Westminster.

The case continues to highlight ongoing tensions between public entertainment and the quality of life for businesses and workers in iconic locations like Leicester Square.

Legal Dispute Over Coleen Rooney’s Legal Costs Continues After Vardy’s Appeal

Legal Dispute Over Coleen Rooney’s Legal Costs Continues After Vardy’s Appeal

Rebekah Vardy’s lawyers argue that Coleen Rooney understated her costs in the Wagatha Christie case, seeking a reduction in fees.

Rebekah Vardy’s legal team has accused Coleen Rooney’s lawyers of serious misconduct in a continuing dispute over legal costs from the ‘Wagatha Christie’ libel case. Vardy, who lost the 2022 high-profile defamation case, was ordered to pay over £1.8 million to Rooney for 90% of her legal fees. However, Vardy’s legal team is challenging the amount, alleging that Rooney deliberately understated her costs during an earlier hearing.

During the October 2024 hearing, Vardy’s barristers claimed that the costs submitted by Rooney were misleading, accusing her legal team of “serious misconduct” in understating their costs. Despite these claims, a judge ruled there had been no misconduct.

However, in a fresh appeal, Jamie Carpenter KC, representing Vardy, argued that Rooney had substantially understated her legal costs by around 40% in a budget document, presenting an incorrect figure to the court. Carpenter contended that Rooney’s legal team concealed the true costs from both Vardy and the court during the budgeting process.

Carpenter also suggested that a “proportionate sanction” would be to limit the amount Vardy should pay towards Rooney’s legal fees to £220,955.07 for costs incurred up until August 2021.

Rooney, who is married to former England captain Wayne Rooney, has strongly opposed the appeal. Her legal team insists there is no basis for the misconduct claims, arguing that the budget submitted was not intended to be an accurate representation of total costs but rather a guideline for reasonable and proportionate legal expenses.

The legal dispute stems from a 2019 accusation by Rooney that Vardy had leaked her private information to the press, which was deemed “substantially true” by the court in 2022. As a result, Vardy was ordered to pay a significant portion of Rooney’s legal fees.

The case continues to unfold, with both sides still locked in a bitter battle over the financial aspects of the case. The hearing is expected to conclude shortly, but the dispute over legal costs remains unresolved.

Discover the ‘Notswolds’: The Hidden Gem Near London Offering Cotswolds Charm Without the Premium

Discover the ‘Notswolds’: The Hidden Gem Near London Offering Cotswolds Charm Without the Premium

The Welland Valley Provides Affordable Countryside Living with Easy Access to the Capital

Nestled between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, the Welland Valley offers an idyllic alternative to the expensive Cotswolds, making it an attractive option for those seeking picturesque countryside living without the hefty price tag. Often referred to as the ‘Notswolds’, this hidden gem boasts stunning scenery, a rich history, and a strong sense of community, all just an hour away from London by train.

Ellie Uppal, a local resident who grew up in Great Easton, is a passionate advocate for the area. After returning from studying at Oakham School and Nottingham Trent University, Ellie joined the Three Goats, a small hospitality group, to help develop The Nevill Arms, a boutique country hotel and pub in the charming village of Medbourne. “This region is full of character,” says Ellie, “though people often overlook it in favour of more famous destinations like Cornwall. The Welland Valley has a lot to offer.”

While the exact boundaries of the Welland Valley are debated, the stretch between Market Harborough and Harringworth is considered its heart. Medbourne, with its thatched houses, stone buildings, and community spirit, epitomises the charm of the area. Ellie points out the village’s strong sense of camaraderie, with many residents working from home or commuting to London. Local amenities, including a village hall, sports club, and shop, ensure a balanced rural lifestyle, while Market Harborough and Uppingham provide easy access to additional services.

The region is highly accessible, with London being just under an hour away by train from Market Harborough. Other nearby stations, such as Corby, Kettering, and Peterborough, offer even more options for commuters. Tom Wilson from estate agents King West highlights the area’s connectivity as one of its greatest assets. “London is less than an hour away, but we also have easy access to other major stations, making it ideal for commuters,” he explains.

The Welland Valley is also known for its excellent schools, with prestigious institutions like Uppingham, Oakham, and Rugby just a short drive away. This, combined with the affordable housing market, makes it a popular choice for families. The average property prices in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire are significantly lower than in the South East or London, making the area an attractive alternative for those looking to get more value for their money.

Ben Cripps, a local property developer, believes the region’s central location is perfect for families with relatives spread across the country. “Whether it’s your parents or your children, no one is ever too far away,” he says. Many people who grew up in the area return after their time in London, attracted by the excellent quality of life and the abundance of outdoor activities, from cycling to open-water swimming in nearby Rutland Water.

For those seeking a peaceful and affordable rural lifestyle, the Welland Valley offers a range of properties, from large period houses with expansive gardens to modern family homes. Notable villages like Medbourne, Lyddington, and Great Easton are among the most sought-after locations. For Denise and Stephen Cable, who moved to Drayton almost two decades ago, the area’s charm and the vibrant local town of Market Harborough were major draws. “The town is thriving, with a great mix of big brands and independent boutiques,” says Denise, who runs a property staging business.

The Welland Valley is a hidden gem, offering a perfect balance of countryside beauty, affordability, and easy access to the hustle and bustle of London. It’s no wonder more people are choosing this picturesque corner of the UK as their home.

The Price of a Stolen Phone: Victims of ‘Cryptomuggings’ Lose Life Savings

The Price of a Stolen Phone: Victims of ‘Cryptomuggings’ Lose Life Savings

Rising Threat of Phone Theft Targets Cryptocurrency Investors, Resulting in Huge Losses

In the UK, phone-snatching incidents have reached epidemic proportions, with over 225 devices stolen daily. For some victims, like Toby Atkinson, the consequences of having their phone swiped go far beyond losing an iPhone. Atkinson, who had been out drinking in Shoreditch, found himself the victim of a “cryptomugging,” a crime where thieves steal smartphones from cryptocurrency investors and drain their accounts of significant sums.

The 30-year-old had spent years investing in digital currencies, turning a small birthday gift into a fortune. However, when his phone was taken, so were his life savings of £750,000, all stored in a crypto app without additional protection. “I chased him down, but I didn’t realise there were two other men behind me. They had a machete and a knife. I was forced to watch as they emptied my accounts,” he recalls, visibly shaken by the ordeal.

Cryptocurrency, being a decentralised form of digital money, is particularly vulnerable to theft. Once the thieves had access to Atkinson’s phone, they could transfer the funds instantly with just the passwords stored on his device. These irreversible transactions make digital currency a prime target for criminals. Experts have warned that such crimes are as damaging as any physical robbery, yet the stolen assets can’t be retrieved once transferred.

Unfortunately, Atkinson’s case is not isolated. Sam Kelly, another victim, had his phone snatched in Hackney while ordering an Uber. Though he chased the thief for several blocks, the criminal managed to escape. Despite Kelly’s quick action to deactivate his accounts, the muggers had already drained his crypto wallets. “I still don’t know how they managed to get in so fast,” says Kelly, who had security measures in place but suspects the thieves accessed his passwords stored on his phone.

Both victims reported their cases to the police, but received little assistance. For Atkinson, no criminal investigation was launched into the theft of his digital assets. Meanwhile, Kelly, despite being more fortunate in recovering part of his losses, found little support from authorities, with his case largely ignored.

The lack of legal protection for digital currency is a major issue in the UK. Unlike traditional bank accounts, which are protected by regulations, cryptocurrency transactions are not regulated, leaving investors vulnerable to such crimes. Despite this, some specialists argue that with the right tools, law enforcement could trace stolen crypto transactions, though time is crucial.

While Kelly was able to recover some of his funds, Atkinson is still grappling with the emotional and financial consequences of the theft. “It wasn’t just the money,” he reflects. “All my personal data, my photos, emails… it’s all gone. I felt completely violated.”

As the threat of cryptomuggings continues to rise, experts urge cryptocurrency investors to take extra precautions, treating their digital assets with the same care as physical money. As for the victims, it’s clear that the cost of these crimes is far greater than just the value of the stolen phone.

Singaporean Reflects on Life’s Monotony, Seeks Free Ways to Escape the Work Routine

Singaporean Reflects on Life’s Monotony, Seeks Free Ways to Escape the Work Routine

A Reddit user’s post captures the frustrations of many Singaporeans stuck in a never-ending cycle of work and travel, looking for suggestions to brighten up their daily routine without spending money.

A post on Reddit’s r/askSingapore has struck a chord with many locals, as a user expressed the frustration of seeing 30 years pass by in a monotonous cycle of work and little achievement. The individual lamented, “Thirty years of my life, gone in a blink—no remarkable accomplishments and earning a modest income. Any suggestions for activities that don’t cost money to make my life less dull?”

The post quickly became the focus of online discussions, with many Singaporeans sharing their own struggles with the demanding work culture. One user summed it up perfectly: “It feels like all we do is work, sleep, and repeat. The days blend together until you realise months, even years, have passed.”

Suggestions from Reddit users flooded in, offering free and simple ways to inject some excitement into life. One user recommended exploring local community centres, which often host free events and classes. Another suggested taking up a hobby, like painting, which has been a revelation for her. Others recommended reading, pointing out that books allow one to experience numerous lives, free of charge.

Taking walks in the park was another popular recommendation, with some encouraging joining neighbourhood clubs for social activities that don’t cost a dime. More ideas included visiting museums run by the National Heritage Board or joining free guided tours offered by National Parks.

While these activities were suggested as ways to break the routine, the broader discussion also turned into a reflection on what truly brings meaning to life. Many agreed that while work is essential, it should not overshadow personal happiness. The consensus was that small changes—whether it’s learning something new, reconnecting with past interests, or simply slowing down—could lead to a more fulfilling life.

Over 2,000 Jobs at Risk as British Steel Rejects Government Green Steel Offer

Over 2,000 Jobs at Risk as British Steel Rejects Government Green Steel Offer

British Steel’s Chinese owners, Jingye, dismiss UK government’s £500m offer to support transition to eco-friendly steel production, leaving workers facing uncertainty.

British Steel has announced that it may close two of its blast furnaces, placing more than 2,000 jobs at risk. The company, which is the second-largest steel producer in the UK, is consulting with its workforce about potential redundancies. The closure proposal, affecting over half of British Steel’s 3,500 employees, follows the rejection of a £500m subsidy offer from the UK government, aimed at supporting the transition to greener steel production.

Jingye, the Chinese parent company of British Steel, turned down the offer on March 26, 2025. The subsidy, presented by Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, was designed to assist in converting operations to produce low-carbon steel. However, talks between the government and Jingye have not yet led to an agreement, with the government offering no additional incentives at this stage.

The rejection comes amidst challenging market conditions, including the impact of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, which added a 25% cost on steel and aluminium imports, resulting in the cancellation of some orders. Despite this, British Steel, which contributed £2.3bn to the UK economy in 2023, is struggling with financial instability, with losses of around £700,000 per day.

Government representatives have expressed their commitment to securing a future for the steel industry in the UK, with Reynolds stating that they would continue to negotiate with Jingye. However, the closure of the Scunthorpe site would be a devastating blow for the local community, which relies heavily on the steel industry for jobs and economic stability.

Unions, including Community, GMB, and Unite, have labelled the situation as “devastating” and urged both the government and Jingye to resume talks. Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of Community Trade Union, described the news as a “dark day” for the industry and called for urgent action to prevent further job losses and safeguard the future of steel production in the region.

Red Bull to Replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda for Upcoming Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull to Replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda for Upcoming Japanese Grand Prix

The New Zealand driver’s short stint at Red Bull comes to an end after disappointing results.

Liam Lawson is poised to be dropped by Red Bull after just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, with Yuki Tsunoda set to take his place for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend. Despite securing the seat in December, Lawson’s start to the season has been rocky, including a crash at the Australian Grand Prix and poor performances in China, where he finished 12th following three post-race disqualifications.

Team principal Christian Horner had suggested earlier that Red Bull might consider a driver change, and now, it seems certain that Tsunoda will replace Lawson. This decision follows a crucial meeting held in Dubai on Tuesday between senior Red Bull officials, including major shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya.

While Red Bull has not made an official announcement, sources indicate it will come later this week. Tsunoda, 24, who has been racing for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, since 2021, will be looking to impress at his home race.

Lawson, now expected to return to Racing Bulls alongside Isack Hadjar, had hoped to improve his form, but the pressure of the media and his poor performances have left little time for a turnaround. Horner, who expressed sympathy for Lawson’s struggles, mentioned that the driver still has potential, though Red Bull has yet to see it in action.

Red Bull’s decision marks a surprising move so early in the season, leaving Lawson to refocus as Tsunoda prepares to make his Red Bull debut at Suzuka.

Major Discounts in Amazon’s Spring Deal Days 2025: Shop the Best Offers

Major Discounts in Amazon’s Spring Deal Days 2025: Shop the Best Offers

Amazon’s annual Spring Sale has kicked off, offering incredible deals across tech, home essentials, and more

Amazon has launched its highly anticipated Spring Deal Days, offering customers the chance to grab fantastic discounts on everything from household items to the latest tech. Running until March 31, this week-long event gives shoppers access to bargains without needing an Amazon Prime membership.

As one of the biggest sales of the year, Amazon’s Spring Deal Days offer a vast range of discounts, including everyday essentials like laundry pods and toilet paper, as well as larger items such as washing machines and televisions. This sale is a great opportunity to stock up or replace expensive items at a fraction of the price.

Since its debut in 2022, the Spring Sale has become a staple event for Amazon shoppers, alongside the well-known Amazon Prime Day. While the latter is exclusive to Prime members, the Spring Deal Days are open to all, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy substantial savings without any membership requirements.

The sale features incredible markdowns on a variety of products, including electronics, home appliances, health and beauty items, and much more. Whether you’re looking for a new smart ring, an air fryer, or a stylish pair of Levi’s jeans, there are deals available for everyone.

For those who prefer tech gadgets, items like Amazon’s Fire TV streaming sticks, Kindles, and Echo devices are heavily discounted. Additionally, you can expect excellent deals on Samsung smartwatches, robot vacuum cleaners, and espresso machines, all of which are currently marked down by significant percentages.

The Spring Deal Days run until March 31, so shoppers have ample time to grab these limited-time offers. Be sure to check out the full range of deals and start filling your basket before the sale ends.

Sadiq Khan Accepts £275 Tickets to Watch Liverpool at Wembley, Amid Ongoing Controversy

Sadiq Khan Accepts £275 Tickets to Watch Liverpool at Wembley, Amid Ongoing Controversy

London Mayor Declares Tickets as Part of “Stakeholder Engagement” While Scrutiny Over Free Gifts Intensifies

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has again attracted attention for accepting complimentary tickets to watch his beloved Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. The mayor was gifted two £275 tickets by the Football Association for the Carabao Cup final on March 16, 2025. Unfortunately for Khan, Liverpool was defeated 2-1 by Newcastle in the match.

Khan has declared the tickets in the City Hall register of gifts, explaining that he accepted them as part of “stakeholder engagement” efforts. However, this incident adds to ongoing scrutiny regarding politicians accepting free gifts.

Matthew Pennycook, the Housing and Planning Minister, publicly stated that accepting free tickets for events like concerts is “not appropriate.” He pointed out that he would personally pay for tickets to concerts at The O2, located in his constituency. Pennycook’s remarks come after Chancellor Rachel Reeves was criticised for accepting tickets to a concert by Sabrina Carpenter earlier this year.

While Pennycook emphasised transparency and proper declarations, Khan’s actions have been more controversial. As a lifelong Liverpool fan, Khan has now attended four matches this season using free tickets, including games against Bournemouth, Spurs, and Brentford, all of which ended in victories for Liverpool.

Aside from the football matches, Khan was given a £1,500 ticket for a match between Fulham and Aston Villa in October 2024. This attendance was justified as part of an “official engagement” to visit a sports and hospitality development at Fulham’s new Riverside stand.

The issue of Khan accepting free tickets gained prominence last summer after his attendance at a Taylor Swift concert at Wembley raised questions. In response, Khan stated that all gifts were declared and considered part of his responsibility to promote the capital’s entertainment sector.

City Hall’s watchdog is currently investigating whether Khan showed sufficient caution when accepting £3,000 worth of tickets to a Taylor Swift concert from a company with existing City Hall contracts.

Critics, including Emma Best, the deputy leader of the City Hall Conservatives, have raised concerns about Khan’s actions. Best pointed out that while Khan enjoys luxury perks, the people of London are facing higher council tax, cuts to police services, and crumbling infrastructure.

Despite the criticism, Khan’s supporters argue that the VIP tickets allow him to attend public events while ensuring his safety, given his need for round-the-clock police protection.

Ant Group Leverages Chinese-made Chips for AI Breakthrough, Cutting Costs by 20%

Ant Group Leverages Chinese-made Chips for AI Breakthrough, Cutting Costs by 20%

Jack Ma’s Firm Develops AI Models Using Domestic Semiconductors, Competing with Nvidia’s H800

Ant Group, the Chinese fintech giant backed by Jack Ma, has claimed a significant AI breakthrough by using domestically produced semiconductors, reportedly reducing training costs by 20%. The company’s AI models, trained with chips from Alibaba and Huawei, utilise the innovative mixture of experts (MoE) machine learning technique, yielding results comparable to Nvidia’s H800. These Nvidia chips are currently restricted from sale to China due to US export controls.

Although Ant Group still relies on Nvidia for some AI development, it has shifted more towards chips from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and local Chinese manufacturers for its latest models. According to sources, Ant’s AI models, Ling-Lite and Ling-Plus, have outperformed some of Meta’s models in certain Chinese-language benchmarks. The Ling-Lite model, with 16.8 billion parameters, even surpassed one of Meta’s Llama models.

The company has made these models open source, with Ling-Plus containing 290 billion parameters. For comparison, OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 has around 1.8 trillion parameters. Ant’s models are expected to be used in industrial AI applications, especially in sectors like healthcare and finance.

Training large language models (LLMs) traditionally requires expensive high-performance GPUs, often making it unaffordable for smaller firms. Ant’s approach, however, has reduced the costs involved in training AI models. The company claims it would typically cost around 6.35 million yuan (S$1.17 million) to train one trillion tokens using top-tier hardware, but with its optimised approach, this cost can be reduced to 5.1 million yuan, even with lower-spec hardware.

Ant also acknowledged the challenges encountered during training, where even minor changes to hardware or model structure could result in errors.

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Robert Lea stated that Ant’s development highlights the rapid progress and growing innovation in China’s AI sector. If verified, these advancements could enable China to achieve self-sufficiency in AI, a significant milestone for the country.