15+ min ago (1091+ words) On 25 November 2024, Chippenham experienced its worst flooding in 50 years A year after devastating floods left a Wiltshire town centre submerged in water, local businesses say they are still "nervous" every time it rains. On 25 November 2024, Chippenham experienced its worst flooding in 50 years when the River Avon burst its banks in the wake of Storm Bert. When Storm Claudia hit earlier this month, many worried business owners put out sandbags and raised furniture off floors to avoid further damage. An Environment Agency (EA) spokesperson said they know how important it is to reduce the town's flood risk and "additional measures" would be brought in to ensure Chippenham's floodgate "operates reliably and safely". A volunteer who helped a barbershop clean up has been given free haircuts for life G Hatto, a barbershop on the High Street, was left looking like a "scene…...

18+ min ago (619+ words) David McNeill was presented with the award by Stephen Worley, Honorary Safety Adviser from British Rowing A rowing coach from York has been given a national award for saving the life of a woman who entered the River Ouse earlier this year. David McNeill, 43, from York City Rowing Club, was recognised by the Royal Humane Society (RHS) after he swam out to rescue the woman near the club's boathouse on 12 March. The woman was taken to hospital by ambulance following the rescue. Mr McNeill said: "I'm quite fortunate, I'm a former British Army officer and so I have been trained on mental health and first aid and as a rowing coach you get trained on how to rescue people from the water and do it safely." "I saw some ripples on the water and I thought initially it was someone…...

20+ min ago (618+ words) Great Bentley Youth chairman Alex Jones discovered the damage on Sunday morning Football matches on England's largest traditional village green were cancelled after it was damaged by a car. The criminal cruising in Great Bentley, Essex, left about 100 youngsters unable to play their games on Sunday. Alex Jones, chairman of Great Bentley Youth FC, said families were "absolutely gutted" by the act, which trashed two pitches. Police have been reviewing CCTV footage of the incident shared by people living nearby. The unique 43-acre (17-ha) village green is overlooked by a pub and is also used for cricket and community events. Mr Jones said he was "absolutely gutted" to see it had been damaged when he arrived for a pitch inspection at 06:45 GMT. Mr Jones said the "massive divots" were a safety risk to players "There were 100-odd kids who missed…...

27+ min ago (1454+ words) The North East Ambulance Service is gearing up for its busiest time of year Winter is the busiest period for the NHS, with the flu season, an increase in respiratory conditions, and colder weather all adding to the challenges facing the health service. Frontline staff across the North East and Cumbria tell us how they are getting ready for increased demand. James Atkinson used to be a steelworker on Teesside. Now, he's facing quite a different challenge. It is his second winter as a paramedic and says the season brings a whole range of different problems. "We'll still get our normal jobs. But there's the additional challenge of cold and flu season, respiratory conditions and driving on the road in snow and ice." This will be James Atkinson's second winter as a qualified paramedic He says it is something paramedics…...

33+ min ago (1048+ words) Christopher Steele admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving A dangerous driver who chased a stranger and deliberately ran over him as he lay stricken in the street has been jailed for four years. Christopher Steele, 36, flashed his lights and honked his horn as he followed a car in Stanley, County Durham, before attacking the driver in April 2023, Teesside Crown Court heard. The victim, who suffered multiple injuries, said the attack had ruined his life and he still did not know why he had been targeted, although a judge said it was "classic road rage". Steele, who had a history of motoring offences and was banned from driving at the time, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The victim was driving home at about 23:30 BST on 15 April 2023 when Steele pulled out from the side of the road and started…...

1+ hour, 42+ min ago (1237+ words) Sue had her digital life hijacked by scammers Data breaches are getting so common that it can be hard to know how to react when it happens to you. It's often easy to shrug it off, but there's a risk. Being a victim of a data breach increases your chances of being targeted by criminals and scammers. Sue Shore told the BBC how scammers went after her. We found her details had been leaked online. Sue was a victim of what's known as a Sim swap attack - where scammers trick a network operator into thinking they're the account holder to get a new Sim card for a mobile device. They used it to take over almost all her online accounts through her phone. She said the experience was "horrible". "The scammers took over my Gmail account and then locked me…...

3+ hour, 2+ min ago (85+ words) What does the trial of Hermann G'ring reveal about the unsettling normalcy of evil? For this, we're joined by Jack El-Hai, author of "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist'. Through their exchanges, Jack explains how G'ring sought to control his legacy, and what his case revealed about the psychology of power and guilt in the aftermath of war. Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore. Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast. See all episodes from Dan Snow's History Hit...

8+ hour, 16+ min ago (669+ words) Police said Nathan Russell was a dangerous man Warning - this story contains distressing content and discussion of domestic abuse A man who subjected his partner to a catalogue of abuse including forcing her to eat from the floor has been jailed for 12 years. Nathan Russell was found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. The jury was told how the 32-year-old, of Scott Hall Road, Leeds, would also hit his partner with a metal paddle. In her victim impact statement, the woman said: "Violence against women needs to stop, I believe it starts with women speaking out and holding up a mirror of justice to men like you." West Yorkshire Police started an investigation when the woman contacted officers after telling a family member about the domestic abuse. The court was…...

8+ hour, 20+ min ago (945+ words) Dozens of high-engagement accounts on X have been accused of misleading users following the roll-out of a new transparency feature that shows user locations. Users on the social network seized on examples of pro-Trump accounts that posted about US politics, but which turned out to be based outside the US. There were also anti-Trump accounts with misleading locations too. Posts from some of the accounts have attracted millions of impressions - views, likes, reposts and replies - which can result in payment from X. BBC Verify is not able to independently confirm the information X provides about each account. The location data is visible in a new "about this account" tab which appears on every profile. It also contains a warning that the location data may be affected by recent travel, temporary relocation and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). However, according…...

9+ hour, 31+ min ago (534+ words) If approved, Lincoln Castle Academy would be demolished and rebuilt in stages Plans have been unveiled to demolish and rebuild a Lincolnshire secondary school. Lincoln Castle Academy, on Riseholme Road, would see new classrooms, sports hall and outdoor games areas as part of the project. The Delta Academy Trust, which runs the 900 pupil site, has invited parents and local residents to give their views. If approved, the construction work would be staggered to avoid disruption to students. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the first phase of the project would see the art and drama and the food, design and technology blocks demolished and new buildings constructed on the same spot. The remaining buildings would then be demolished and rebuilt on a staggered timetable, starting with the main hall and concluding with the sports block. Temporary accommodation will be…...