The Mercury - Issue 1612

Page 1


There are only a few days left of a consultation, launched by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, to see if people want the current rule changed. At present, it is only possible for dogs to travel on a tram if they are within a carry cage or are assistance dogs. Most buses and trains in the region do not have this restriction and let all dogs travel openly with their owners.

When the Mayor took back public control of Supertram, last

March, he committed to improving the service and passenger experience, to make the public more likely to take the tram.

As part of the improvement work, the Mayor wants to find out if the public wants to let all four-legged passengers out of their carry cages or not at all.

Anyone can take part by completing the consultation questionnaire. Dogs can bark or howl their approval, but all the answers should be completed by their human owners.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

“Some people have said that I’m barking mad for not letting all dogs on trams. It’s been a great bone of contention for them.

I’ve listened and that’s why I’m now asking the public for their views.

“Dogs are already allowed on our buses and trains. We need a fully integrated transport network for South Yorkshire, one that lets passengers move seamlessly between different modes of transport.

“The brilliant thing is that choices like this are now ours to make since we took back public control of Supertram nearly a year ago.

“I’m pleased to see so many people having their say. If you’ve not taken part in the consultation do get involved and let us know what you think about letting dogs on our trams.”

Once the consultation has closed, the results will be analysed and based on the responses, a dogs on trams pilot scheme may be given the go ahead.

The outcome of any pilot will inform a final change in policy, to permanently permit all dogs to travel on Supertram.

The consultation is open until 12pm on Monday 3 March 2025. Anyone, including people who do not live in South Yorkshire, can take part.

Visit www.

southyorkshire-ca.gov. uk/explore_dogs-ontrams to find out more about the consultation and complete the questionnaire.

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URGENT ACTION REQUIRED ON RATE OF PUB CLOSURES

Nearly 300 pubs closed across England and Wales in 2024 – an equivalent of six a week - according to latest figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The industry body, which represents more than 20,000 pubs, reported there were 289 closures in the past year, which equated to more than 4,500 job losses alone.

The BBPA says that the enormous scale of closures can be halted if Government sticks to its commitment to business rates reform, which

must be swiftly and meaningfully introduced.

Overhauling business rates for pubs and breweries, which are amongst the most heavily taxed business sectors in the UK, coupled with phasing in new employment costs, would slow down unnecessary closures the BBPA said.

With the beer and pub sector pouring more than £34 billion into the economy in one year alone and supporting more than a million jobs, the BBPA says Government must

remain committed to supporting the sector.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade. Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.

“We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep

their doors open.

“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”

The BBPA said that the April cliff-edge when business rates relief drops from 75% to 40% more than doubling bills for most pubs, new employment costs kick in and the start of the chaotic and unsustainable beer

26/2/1878 - Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from Elba.

27/2/2010 - An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale strikes central parts of Chile leaving over 500 victims, and thousands injured.

28/2/1954 - The first color television sets using the NTSC standard are offered for sale to the general public.

01/3/1998 - Titanic became the first film to gross over

bottle tax (EPR fees), will all add to the financial pressures.

The cumulative impact of the Budget will create an extra £650 million in costs for the sector, which worsens the outlook for pubs, the trade body said.

The regions that suffered the most from net pub closures were London at 1%, followed by East Midlands and West Midlands, with 0.9% closures. The North East suffered the least closures, with 0.3% net closures.

For every three pounds

spent in a pub, one pound goes straight to the tax man, the BBPA stressed.

Over the last five years, there were more than 2,250 pub closures, with the number of pubs falling from 47,613 at the start of 2019 to 45,345 at the start of 2024.

The BBPA warned that pub closures will have a further impact on those who are part of the supply chain, including farmers, brewers and other industries who form part of the sector’s wider eco-system.

Crossword Clues

across

7) Astral body (4)

8) Respiratory spasm (8)

9) Newly bereaved (4, 7)

11) Randy lad (4)

12) Lucky totem (8)

13) Equine discipline (8)

15) Ice-cream holder (4)

16) Pie decoration (7-4)

18) Distress (8)

19) Speed competition (4)

Last Week’s Solution across: 6) Pad, 8) If you say so, 9) Ask, 11) Speeder, 13) Petty, 14) Terry, 15) You can’t fool me, 16) Shout, 18) Inane, 19) Pungent, 20) Ebb, 23) Commercial, 24) Van DoWN: 1) Mix, 2) Eye, 3) Jumpy, 4) Name of the game, 5) Asset, 7) Assortment, 10) Xenophobia, 11) Stuck-up, 12) Recount, 17) Tutor, 18) Inert, 21) Wit, 22) All To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on 0114 276 3633

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DoWN

1) Building (9)

2) Abraded (6)

3) Festive fir (9, 4)

4) Lesson-giver (13)

5) Lingers uncertainly (6)

6) Ovum (3)

10) Rigging support (4, 5)

14) Steps (6)

15) Poltroon (6)

17) Cultural period (3)

I’ve just accidentally sent a naked photo of myself to everyone in my address book! Not only is it embarrassing, it’s cost me a fortune in stamps!

My wife got mad at me for kicking the dropped ice cubes under the refrigerator. But now it’s all water under the fridge.

My wife is threatening to leave me because of my obsession with wearing different clothes every half an hour.

I said, “Wait, I can change.”

I met a girl the other night at a club who said she’d show me a good time. When we got outside she ran a 40-metre dash in just 4.5 seconds.

As I put my car in reverse, I thought to myself... “This takes me back.”

Did you know a school of piranha can devour a child in 30 seconds?

Anyway, today I lost my job at the aquarium.

Job interviewer: “At the start you’ll be earning £20,000; later that will increase to £40,000. Me: “OK, I’ll come back later.”

I asked my wife suggestions for an exercise routine. She said, “Why don’t you try lunges?” I said: “That’s a...big step.”

An elderly couple is in church. The wife says to the husband, “I’ve let out one of those silent farts, what do I do?” The husband says, “Change the battery in your hearing aid.”

02/3/1998 - Compact Disc players and discs are released for the first time in the United States and other markets. They had been available only in Japan before then.

03/3/1938 - Oil is discovered in Saudi Arabia. 04/3/1882 - Britain’s first electric trams run in east London.

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News, Information and Advice

deliveries - your rights

A LEADING consumer expert has shared her advice on dealing with delivery firms.

Jane Hawkes tips come as delivery disasters become an increasing irritant of modern life.

According to OFCOM, who regulate parcel deliveries, Evri and Yodel customers are the least satisfied with their experience when it comes to contacting parcel firms for help. Amazon and DHL are the best performers. The report also found that, while on average eight in 10 parcel recipients (78%) are satisfied with parcel firms, two thirds (67%) have had a delivery issue in the past six months. The most common issues experienced are delivery delays (27%), parcels being left in an inappropriate location (23%), the delivery driver not knocking loudly enough (20%), and not being given sufficient time to answer the door (19%).

Expert Jane Hawkes says consumers have a range of options to solve a delivery dispute and they need to act quickly to have the best chance of resolving it. She explained: “While the delivery company might be the organisation which has messed up, when you buy an item you enter into a contract with the retailer, not the courier company. You are entitled to a refund if a parcel is left somewhere without your permission, such as at a neighbouring property or in an unsecured area.”

Her top tips are:

• Complain to the retailer as soon as possible - if you experience a problem you should complain to the retailer as soon as you become aware of the issue. It is up to the retailer to investigate, find a solution and if appropriate provide a refund or appropriate redress.

• Know your delivery rights - retailers are expected to deliver purchases within a reasonable time frame usually within 30 days from the date of purchase. Failure to do so and after any agreed deadline is a breach of contract under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

If your delivery was time specific i.e. a date was specified when you agreed the contract and it does not arrive at the

specified time, then you can claim for a refund including postage costs accordingly.

If you didn’t agree on a delivery date and the parcel is late then you should try to liaise regarding a delivery date so the retailer has the opportunity to fulfil the order. However, if the new deadline is not met then this is a breach of contract and you can request a refund. You are entitled to a refund if the parcel was left in a place that you hadn’t agreed to beforehand.

• Be clear about delivery instructions - it’s worth remembering that if you specify a safe place for delivery and something goes wrong, your order could still be deemed as received. If you didn’t provide specific delivery instructions then it’s the retailer who is responsible for your purchase until received. Choose your safe place wisely, consider asking a trusted local neighbour or friend rather than opting for the front porch or refuse bin.

You are entitled to a refund if a parcel is left somewhere without your permission such as at a neighbouring property or in a communal unsecured area.

• Seek a refund via method of payment - if a refund is applicable but you’re hitting your head against a brick wall with customer services, seek the refund via “method of payment” under the Consumer Credit Act instead for breach of contract. Section 75 allows required card providers to refund for disputed purchases of over £100, though you need to bear in mind that there’s a 120-day time limit on debit card purchases. You will need to provide proof of your dispute with the retailer to support your claim.

• Do your researchprevention is always better than cure. Don’t just look at the reviews for the product you are buying before purchase but check the reviews for the courier too. Many retailers will have a certain company they use, so have a look at the feedback from other customers. If it’s dire, then perhaps see if you can get the product from a company which uses a more reliable courier. It is worth looking at how good they are at dealing with missing parcel complaints and refunds.

watch party invitation

Sheffield churchgoers are inviting people to a Watch Party for the 2025 Christian Aid Changemakers Conference.

The annual event is a chance for supporters to get together to hear about the results from Christian Aid Week 2024, find out about the stories behind this year’s appeal and meet up with other supporters and Christian Aid staff. Newcomers are also welcome, to find out more about the charity – now in its 80th year - which works with some of the most vulnerable communities around the world, as well as fundraising, and campaigning on issues including climate justice and poverty. And around the country, people are getting together for watch parties so they can take part via livestream – including the Sheffield supporters who are hosting a party at St Gabriel’s Greystones, Dobbin Hill, Sheffield, S11 7JB.

Christian Aid Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer for the region, Sarah Jane Meyers, explained: “The conference is a chance to encourage and inspire local people and churches who so faithfully support Christian Aid’s work. It’s also a great opportunity for newer supporters to find out a bit more about how they can give, act, and pray during the year. As well as meeting and sharing ideas with others, the conference will be an opportunity to hear about Christian Aid Week and the stories of people and partners in Guatemala which will be the focus of this year’s appeal. We will hear from Patrick Watt, Christian Aid’s CEO, and from Gerardo C Tobar, who is the Programme Manager in Guatemala, as well as other staff, who will talk about how people can get involved with fundraising.”

The party is taking place from 10.30am1.30pm and people can register to attend here - Changemakers Conference: Regional | Christian Aid.

join in with tree planting

Come and join the Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley teams with South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership (SYWP) in celebrating three years of support from the Trees Call to Action Fund.

A series of events are planned where families and friends can join us in planting trees and other activities. The SYWP with its partners in local authorities, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission have been working to increase the tree and woodland cover in South Yorkshire.

Surveys undertaken last year called i-TRees Eco, looked at South Yorkshire Tree cover and the benefits they bring. They absorb air pollutants and carbon, divert storm water from sewers so the water doesn’t need to be treated as well as helping health and well being . With this in mind, the combined annual benefits that trees provide of over £62.5 million a year is likely an underestimation.

However we have less than the national average of woodland cover in the region and the SYWP are working to support national targets to increase tree cover and the extra benefits this brings.

To help achieve this the SYWP was successful in obtaining nearly half a million pounds from the Trees Call to Action Fund (TCAF). With this support the SYWP has been working towards planting 250 ha of woodland and in its first two years of TCAF funding, has planted more than a quarter of a million trees with our partners and landowners.

This is helping to increase tree cover across South Yorkshire and the many benefits to people, nature and climate this brings, whilst also contributing to the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to Hull.

In addition volunteers and community groups helped in planting these trees and taking care of them. Now in our final year we are holding events open to the public to celebrate what has been achieved and provide the opportunity for families and friends to take part.

parents warned on risks

Parents trying to save money on their child’s car insurance could unknowingly be putting them at risk of a hefty fine, a driving ban, and even having their car seized.

Experts have warned that many parents are making a costly mistake when adding their child to their insurance policy—one that could lead to serious legal consequences.

The Dangers of ‘Fronting’

A common but illegal practice, known as “fronting,” happens when a parent lists themselves as the main driver of a vehicle that is actually used primarily by their child. “Parents might think they’re doing the right thing by helping their child get cheaper insurance, but in reality, it’s insurance fraud,” an expert said. “If caught, the policy is voided, and the driver could face a significant fine or even lose their licence.”

Young drivers on a fronted policy could face:

• An unlimited fine

• Six points on their licence

• Their car being seized and crushed

• A criminal record

Other Mistakes That Could Invalidate Insurance

It’s not just fronting that can leave young drivers without valid cover.

Parents and new drivers need to be aware of these common mistakes:

• Failing to declare modifications – Even small changes like tinted windows, new alloys, or a roof rack need to be

reported.

• Not updating the car’s address – If a young driver keeps their car elsewhere but it’s insured at a parent’s address, claims could be rejected.

• Using the car for work without the right cover

– If a young driver is making deliveries or ridesharing on a standard policy, they won’t be covered in an accident.

How Parents Can Legally Cut Insurance Costs

Instead of taking risky shortcuts, parents can help their child get cheaper insurance legally:

• Add the parent as a named driver – This can still lower premiums without breaking the law.

• Choose a car in a lower insurance group

– Smaller, less powerful cars are much cheaper to insure.

• Consider a telematics (black box) policy –Insurers reward safe drivers with lower premiums over time.

• Pay annually instead of monthly – Monthly payments often include interest, increasing the total cost.

“Every parent wants to help their child, but cutting corners on insurance isn’t worth the risk,” the expert added. “The best way to save is by following the rules—because driving uninsured can cost far more than just money.”

By taking the right steps, parents can ensure their children are legally covered—without the risk of fines, bans, or costly mistakes.

easy route to new friendships

Local friendship group, South Yorkshire Oddfellows, says there’s no shame in admitting you’d like more company or friends in your life and it should instead be seen as a promising turning point. The message is part of a mini-campaign being run by the group as it invites anyone looking to expand their social circle to give one of their friendly meetups a try.

A recent survey of 138 Oddfellows members showed the top three reasons behind initially giving their group a try was to spend time with people, to build a new circle of friends and to get out the house more.

“People are not alone in how they feel. It’s essential for us as humans to socialise and spend time with others,” said Julie Davis, Social Events Organiser for South Yorkshire Oddfellows. “Knowing what steps to take to meet new people as an adult, however, is often the stumbling block.

That’s where we come in.”

South Yorkshire Oddfellows, made up of nearly 700 mostly older and active retired members, hosts around 15 events in and around Sheffield, Barnsley,

First established in 1865, Eric Eyre has personally looked after families in the local communities of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham since 1955.

Operating from branches in High Green and Sheffield Lane Top we offer a bespoke funeral service upholding traditional values whilst progressing to cater for modern,

Doncaster, Rotherham, Dronfield and Hathersage each month. Suggested upcoming great firsttry events include our Sheffield Social Afternoons, these are held on the third Wednesday of every month at Central United Reformed Church, 60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield. Another first-try event would be one of our ‘Oddie’s Hikers’ walks, we are meeting on Thursday 13th March at Cannon Hall, Museum, Park and Gardens in Barnsley at 11.00am at their Pavilion Café. We also have lots of other events happening all over South Yorkshire. Almost all of the Oddfellows’ members surveyed (97.83%) also agreed that it was important to regularly participate in interesting activities in later life, with the most cited reason being to keep the mind and body active. Added Julie: “We’ve a great bunch who come here, and there’s always a host who’ll look out for you.”

To find out more about Oddfellows and its upcoming events, get in touch with Julie on Julie. Davis@oddfellows.co.uk or 01709 838673 or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/ activities.’

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Inspectors deliver positive initial findings on Sheffield’s Local Plan

Sheffield’s ambitious Local Plan, our vision that will shape how the city grows over the next decade and more, has taken a big step forward after Government Inspectors shared their initial findings following the latest round of hearings.

Government inspectors spent a large part of 2024 considering the plan, with both Sheffield residents and businesses having an input as part of a series of public hearings. Now, the Inspectors have delivered their initial findings.

In a letter to Sheffield City Council published last week, the Inspectors welcomed our approach to regeneration and recognised Homes England’s assessment that “Sheffield is one of their top current locations in England for partnership and funding work”.

The letter also contains some recommendations, including the need to provide more houses to ensure there is sufficient choice for the future and to maximise the number of affordable homes delivered. The Inspectors have requested that the Council looks at the different types of houses on offer in the Local Plan, ensuring that they offer a suitable mix of

homes ranging from houses, to flats and apartments.

Inspectors have concluded that 38,012 additional homes are needed to meet the needs of a growing city, but this means land for an additional 3,529 homes needs to identified.

The Inspectors have also asked that the Council finds an additional 53 hectares of land for employment uses, to assist in our ambition to create tens of thousands of new jobs over the course of the Plan and further into the future.

As the next step, the requirement for more houses in the plan means we will need to identify potential new locations for housing development. The current draft Local Plan has already identified all the available brownfield and previously developed sites as part of our ‘brownfield first’ regeneration strategy. Therefore, the Council must consider other potential housing options, including development on appropriate and sustainable sites within the city’s Green Belt. Meeting the requirements set out by the Inspector will require additional careful work and is not a decision they are

taking lightly.

Having a Local Plan will enable the council to provide more affordable homes and land for further skilled jobs for the people of Sheffield. Not having a Local Plan leaves the city vulnerable to unplanned development and unable to secure the right standard of development for Sheffield. The council want to extend our thanks to the Inspectors for their support and the careful consideration that has allowed us to reach this point.

They will now be undertaking a process of identifying potential sites that we feel are suitable to ensure Sheffield’s Local Plan can continue to progress to adoption. They will be seeking to ensure that any sites proposed are sustainably located and will avoid proposing sites where there is likely to be significant ecology and landscape impacts. The vast majority of our green belt will remain untouched.

Once the Council has taken a formal view on the sites it feels should be put forward, a period of public consultation on these site proposals will follow in the summer, before the examination recommences later in the year.

Police oPPose Pub’s new licence after gun incident

Police have opposed an application by a Sheffield pub to have its licence reinstated following an incident that allegedly involved a gun.

Concerns about violent crime, grooming and drug dealing have all been cited ahead of the licensing hearing for the Grennel Mower on Lowedges Road.

The Admiral Taverns-owned pub had its licence revoked in August after a man with a gun threatened security staff. He was arrested but never charged.

South Yorkshire Police said their concerns about crime related to the pub remained, and Sheffield City Council will consider the application next week.

Officers sought a review of the licence following the incident.

The owner’s new application said that the premises would

be covered by CCTV, there would be an incident log and that there would be a written zero tolerance drugs policy, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In their objections, the police said the site had “a very long

history of serious violence involving guns, knives, hammers, other offensive weapons, drug taking, drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, serious safeguarding concerns, incidents of grooming, noise complaints and breaches of

licence conditions.”

They added that the current application, external for the pub sought the same style of operation by licence holders, during the same hours, with conditions already discounted by the Licensing Authority.

Queens of tHe stone age announce second

sHeffield date

Following an unprecedented response and a sell-out of their highly anticipated Rock N Roll Circus headline show, Queens of the Stone Age have added a second date on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl.

This additional show will see the likes of Viagra Boys, Shame and The Murder Capital joining the bill for what is set to be another unmissable night of rock ‘n’ roll spectacle.

Rock N Roll Circus festival director Ali O’Reilly shared her excitement about the overwhelming demand: “The response to Queens of the Stone Age’s first show was

incredible. Tickets flew out in record time, and we are excited to give fans another chance to get tickets to see this huge show. “It’s an honour to bring one of the greatest rock bands of our generation to Sheffield for not just one, but two nights at Rock N Roll Circus. With support from Viagra Boys and The Murder Capital, these shows are going to be something truly special.”

Expect a visual feast as the Big Top transforms into a spectacle of light, sound, and jaw-dropping performances. From daring aerial stunt artists soaring above the crowd to an array of circus performers, fire breathers, and mind-bending illusions, every moment promises to be as unforgettable as the music itself.

Tickets are on sale now via this link: https://bit.ly/ QOTSARNRC25. Fans are urged to act quickly to secure their spot at this extraordinary event.

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sat 1st mar PLAYINg THE HITS! disco DISCO PLAYLIST

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

emma mckay t/a wArmSworTh LANDSCAPe & AGGreGATeS of 33 broomhouSe LANe, eDLINGToN, DoNCASTer DN12 1Lj

is applying to change an existing Licence as follows:

to add an operating centre to keep 2 goods vehicles & 0 trailers at:

mALTby CoLLIry, TICkhILL roAD, mALTby S66 7Qw

Owners or Occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

the sale of alcohol to 23:00 each day (02:00 New Years Day), to add off sales to the licence and to remove condition 19. Alcohol shall only be served to diners seated at a table and consuming a meal. Update the floor plans, lastly to increase the opening hours of the premises to open from Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 23:30hrs.

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to Licensing Section, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 19th March 2025

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing General Section. Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for this offence is unlimited

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

Coronation Street: Ken Barlow is on to Cassie but is stopped in his tracks when he collapses. Cassie visits Ken in the hospital but is he ready to forgive her for everything she has done to him and his family? And how will Tracy and Steve react when they find out she is there? In court, Dylan becomes emotional when he tells the Judge how he only meant to scare Mason’s brothers with the knife. Daisy has her 12-week scan, but as the sonographer moves the monitor, Daisy finds it all too much and rushes out of the appointment. Todd and George put pressure on Julie to tell Eileen the real reason she is here, but will Julie listen? Andy pays David for the latest job as David confirms that he needs as much work as possible. Has Andy set David up?

Emmerdale:

Realising that her current surveillance plan isn’t working, as Joe has found out she’s bugged his room, Kim changes tack and recruits a spy. As Joe is lulled into a false sense of security, will he suss? Or is he about to fall into Kim’s Lydia-shaped trap?

And Joe panics when Noah Dingle has another flashback to the night of the limo crash. This one is the most illuminating so far… Is his brother about to find out what Joe was up to that night?With April still struggling in the wake of her shocking stillbirth and stint on the streets, the teenager needs as much support as her loved ones can give her. But Marlon and Rhona are stunned when she goes on to add that she wants to return to school, as well. Jacob tries to drown out his pain.

Eastenders:

Grant is alarmed after accidentally overhearing a conversation between Nigel and Yolande. Put on the spot, Nigel reveals the truth about his diagnosis... But coming clean brings Nigel no comfort, as it’s not long before he and Grant are arguing again! An emotional Grant storms off to try and get his head around Nigel’s devastating news. In that moment, Grant turns to the only person in Albert Square he believes can help him. WHO? And how will Nigel react when Grant unexpectedly breaks the news that it’s time for him to leave Walford and fly home to Portugal. And he wants Nigel to pack his bags and go with him! Elsewhere, one Walford family is in need of help from their friends and neighbours. PLUS, another resident of Albert Square confides a BIG secret to a friend. Only to soon discover that they have been overheard! Uh-oh...

MERCURYH LIDAYS

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FOOTBALLR UNDUP

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“There are Things we have To do beTTer.”

Danny Röhl called for his side to be more clinical in both boxes following Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday evening.

Despite creating several chances in Lancashire, the Owls’ profligacy was punished by the Clarets, but Röhl acknowledged the final score did not reflect the overall

performance against the promotion-chasing hosts.

The Owls boss said: “I think we saw today the importance to have quality in both boxes, they were very clinical.

“We created chances in the first half, and we started the second half very well and had good moments, but then we conceded again.

“From then it’s hard.

They have good finishing, but you look at the scoreboard at the end and it looks like it was a clear win, but I do not have the feeling it was so clear. “We’re doing well between both boxes, but in such games you need to be strong in the box.

“It was an 80% good performance, and 20%

maybe not, but this final 20% is the most important. “If we don’t step up in some areas, it will be tough to make the next step, there are things we have to do better. “We know this period ahead of the international break are tough, tough games. The first thing we have to do is get 50 points, then we can look for more.”

baCK To baCK wins For rovers

Rovers made it back to back wins on the road in Lancashire as they saw off Accrington Stanley.

Harry Clifton’s early goal put Rovers in command and while Seamus Conneely’s equaliser proved to be a setback, an own goal from Benn Ward quickly restored the advantage. There was late drama when substitute Patrick Kelly was sent off on 89 minutes for a late challenge but Rovers held on through seven minutes of added time.

Grant McCann made one change to the side that started the win at Morecambe four days earlier with Jay McGrath returning from injury to replace the suspended Jack Senior. Richard Wood was named among the substitutes on his return to fitness.

Rovers made the perfect start and were ahead inside two minutes.

Jordan Gibson danced into the box with a series of step-overs and pulled the ball back for Clifton, who side-footed into the far corner with a first time effort.

Rob Street was almost in around Accrington keeper Billy Crellin moments later as he raced to meet a ball forward but the Rovers forward was penalised as

the two came together outside the box.

Ted Sharman-Lowe reacted well to the first real moment of threat from the hosts when Donald Love found space on the right to drill a low ball into the centre with team mates lurking. Gibson looked to catch Crellin off guard with a free kick from distance and narrowly cleared the bar with a thumped effort.

Jamie Sterry came even closer moments later. Collecting the ball in space 35 yards out, he smashed a shot which rattled the crossbar.

Gibson looked to pounce on a lofted ball into the box but side-footed well wide as Rovers continued to push.

Joseph Olowu made an important intercepting header to prevent Sonny Aljofree turning in at the far post from a free kick but that was as close as Accrington came to firing back in the first half.

The start to the second half was a low key affair with neither side mounting much threat in the early stages.

But Accrington found the equaliser 13 minutes in when Conneely met a deep cross from Ben Woods on the volley to power the ball beyond Sharman-Lowe.

LA PLATA S.C.

Rovers were back in front on 61 minutes however.

Working back into the box from a cleared set piece, Clifton hooked into the middle where an outstretched leg from Ward diverted the ball into his own net. Despite the two goals in a four minute spell, the pattern of few opportunities continued to characterise the second half.

Tom Anderson and Sterry both made blocks from speculative efforts in quick succession but

there was little to truly trouble the Rovers back line.

Pressure came in the dying moments when Kelly was dismissed after a lunging challenge on Woods close to the touchline on 89 minutes. But, despite the advantage and plenty of added time to work with, the hosts could not fashion an opportunity on the Rovers goal.

riP reg breaLeY

SUFC have been informed that former Blades chairman, Reg Brealey, has sadly passed away.

He joined the Blades board in 1981 - one of the darkest periods in their history - as United were sliding into the bottom division of the English Football League. After witnessing the incredible support the ailing team received, even away from home, he was convinced that the club’s fortunes could be revived.

His underwriting of a share issue raised badly needed funds which enabled the appointment of Ian Porterfield as manager with licence to oversee an incredible recruitment drive.

The arrival of Keith Edwards, Colin Morris and Keith Waugh, amongst others, propelled the team to the Fourth Division Championship in style

at the first attempt; Brealey’s promised rebuild was on its way.

He was responsible for the completion of the South Stand, giving Bramall Lane an important start in the modernisation of the ground. Facilities such as the Social Club, Executive Lounge, Club Shop and Ticketing Office were to become invaluable both in terms of cashflow and customer experience, all on one site.

The vision and plans for the Bramall Lane Centre development would have given the city one of the best stadiums of its time in the country, but planning permission was sadly refused and an opportunity missed. Years later Brealey’s appointment of manager Dave Bassett heralded further success on the field and, as chair, Reg eventually presided over four promotions

and two relegations, leaving in 1991. He served for a short spell two years later. Management, players and backroom staff remember a kind, genuine family man who loved the club and genuinely cared how people were treated. He was refreshingly progressive and did his best for the Blades despite encountering some trying times. Sheffield United sends sympathy and support to the Brealey family at this sad time and say they won’t forget that Reg stepped in at the time we needed it most and delivered back their self-respect.

Rotherham United are delighted to be playing host to The Price of Football Live at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Wednesday 30th April 2025.

The Millers’ home has been selected by the duo who are famed for their informative yet colloquial delivery of football facts on their The Price of Football Podcast for their roadshow which rolls into Rotherham at the end of April.

The event will see local fans of football handed the chance to gain insight into finances across the pyramid from industry expert Kieran

The evening is set to start with the comedic stylings of Kevin who will perform a stand up routine before introducing Kieran for the first half of him delving deep into the intricacies of finance in football across the EFL and beyond.

Throughout the session Kieran will provide a no-holds-barred look at how football clubs keep themselves ticking over

– and in some instances how they don’t – across the ever-changing financial landscape of the beautiful game.

The opening of Kieran’s talk on the night will focus on the latest topical subjects across the sport before the audience will break for an interval at around 8:30pm.

The evening will continue as Kieran dives deeper into the world of football finance

before guests in the audience will have the opportunity to put their questions to Kieran in a Q&A session.

Tickets for the event at are priced at £18 and can be booked directly through Elior UK, who are hosting the event on behalf of The Price of Football Live.

Supporters can pay an additional £5 to add a pie and a pint to their spot during the booking process.

We are informed by Elior UK that there has already been significant interest in this event and it is expected to sell out, so we would encourage anyone wishing to attend to book at their earliest possible convenience to avoid missing out.

Tickets can be booked by emailing aessealnysevents@elior.com or by calling 01709 827780.

Maguire.

ECKINGTON SELF STORAGE

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