The closure will be in effect from late July until early September

A vital road crossing the Somerset Levels is set to close for the entire summer holidays to enable the replacement of traffic lights. The A361 serves as a crucial link between Taunton and numerous Somerset villages, connecting with both the A39 to Street and Glastonbury and the A372 towards Langport.

As part of its continuing programme to upgrade traffic signals across the county, Somerset Council plans to close the A361 Main Road in the village of Burrowbridge, in order to replace the lights on the bridge spanning the River Parrett.

The closure will be in effect from late July until early September – covering the entire summer school holidays – and will require a considerable diversion for motorists.

The existing traffic signals on both approaches to the bridge are over 30 years old and are nearing the end of their operational lifespan – as was the case with the lights at the Dunster Steep junction near Minehead and on the A39 Westway in Street, both of which were recently upgraded.

Without replacement, the lights risk failing and causing significant disruption for both drivers and pedestrians on one of rural Somerset’s busiest roads.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, said: “This is about replacing end of life equipment, so doing nothing is not an option.

“There is never a good time to do this. During the summer holidays when schools are not operating and the route is quieter is the most suitable time.”

The council’s highways team hosted a public drop-in event at Burrowbridge Coronation Hall on Tuesday (June 2), giving local residents further information about the proposed scheme.

Under the plans, a section of the existing kerbs near the bridge will be widened, creating additional space for pedestrians where the main road meets the River Parrett Trail long-distance walking route.

The existing signalised crossing on the western side of the bridge is set to be replaced and upgraded, while battered kerbs on the eastern approach to the bridge will also be repaired or renewed.

A lengthy stretch of the A361 will be resurfaced upon completion of the scheme, offering motorists a smoother drive through the village and on the approach to Burrow Mump (which is operated by the National Trust).

Work is due to start on June 29, under temporary traffic lights, with access maintained as usual in all directions.

During this initial phase, occasional closures will be necessary between 6pm and 6am, which will be publicised in advance.

Between July 23 and September, this entire section of the A361 will be shut in both directions continuously – though crossing facilities will remain in place and access for residents and businesses (including The King Alfred Inn) will be maintained at all times.

Mr Wilkins (who represents the neighbouring Curry Rivel and Langport division) added: “We know businesses and residents will be concerned about the potential disruption caused, and we will be ensuring signage is in place underlining that Burrowbridge businesses are open as usual during these works.

“Rest assured out team will be working at pace to get this work done and to minimise disruption as much as possible.”

For the duration of the road closure, traffic seeking to reach villages east of Burrowbridge will be redirected along the A361 to the Walford Cross junction, turning right onto the A38 through North Petherton, continuing through Bridgwater town centre before taking the A372 towards Westonzoyland and Othery.

Motorists heading to Taunton from the eastern side of Burrowbridge will follow the same diversion in reverse, adding up to 21 miles to journeys in each direction.

While smaller vehicles may be able to navigate local roads for a shorter route, these alternatives will not be officially promoted as part of any formal diversion.

The Cardiff headquartered business is the UK’s fastest-growing taxi business

Cardiff headquartered and the UK’s fastest-growing private hire vehicle venture, Veezu, has acquired a stake in leading booking and dispatch technology provider Cab9.

London-MMbased Cab9, which provides its tech platform to hire and taxi operators across the UK and internationally, will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership, with chief executive Tarpit Grover remaining in position.

Mr Grover also remains a significant shareholder. The value of the investment and Veezu’s stake in the business has not been disclosed. Acquisitive Veezu partners with 16,00 drivers across the UK and handles around 25 million journeys a year.

Through its latest investment, Veezu, which is backed by private equity firm MML Capital, said it will support the development of AI and automation technologies to enhance Cab9’s ability to provide innovative, reliable and cost-efficient solutions for customers to accelerate growth and increase service provision.

It will also provide additional investment to support the continued development of Cab9’s platform and services, while maintaining its focus on delivering technology solutions for operators.

Mr Grover, CEO of Cab9, said: “This is an exciting next chapter for Cab9 and the strongest leap forward in our journey so far. Over the last decade, we have built technology with purpose, care and a belief that the industry deserves better. That does not change. The people, passion and product thinking behind Cab9 are not going away – they are being strengthened. I am delighted to continue leading

Cab9 and look forward to working closely with the Veezu team as we build on our strong foundations and take the business into its next stage of growth.”

Co-founder and chief executive of Veezu, Nathan Bowles, said: “Cab9 has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality technology to operators across the sector. As Veezu has grown nationally, technology has become increasingly important to our long-term strategy and ability to serve passengers, driver partners and business customers.

“We are excited to be supporting the next stage of Cab9’s growth and look forward to working closely with Tarpit and the team in the years ahead.”

Established in 2013, Veezu now operates in hundreds of towns and cities across UK and is licensed by 63 local authorities.

It also recently acquired the largest private hire operator in Bedfordshire, Go Cars.

On that deal and its wider acquisition strategy, Mr Bowles said: “We’ve always been clear in our ambition to build a truly national network, with a Veezu flag in every region of the UK. Our expansion into Luton is a strong example of that in action, as we continue to grow a network of local transport hubs while delivering the dependable, community-focused service passengers rely on every day.”

“India’s transition is more concentrated in high-utilisation, cost-sensitive categories such as three-wheelers, suggesting that the adoption curve is likely to be non-linear, with PV and two-wheeler penetration accelerating over time as affordability improves, charging infrastructure expands, and policy support strengthens,” Nomura says.

NEW YORK — Kim Kardashian has officially confirmed her romance with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, sharing a series of intimate bikini photos and a candid couple snapshot on Instagram that quickly captured global attention.

The 45-year-old reality star and entrepreneur posted a carousel of images on Wednesday under the simple caption “lately,” offering fans a glimpse into her recent life. Among the photos were striking bikini shots, family moments, travel scenes and, most notably, the first image of her and Hamilton together on her personal feed.

In one bikini photo, Kardashian lounged on a tan chair in a white string bikini, partially covered by a black sheet, with her eyes closed and hand over her face. Another showed her in a sauna wearing a black bikini, smiling with her tongue out and flashing her middle finger at the camera. The post also included a picture of the couple riding bikes, with Hamilton in a white jersey and cap, and Kardashian in a blue windbreaker and slicked-back braid. A short video captured her playfully nearly running into him while he posed for a selfie.

The couple first sparked dating rumors in February and went Instagram official in April on Hamilton’s account, with a video of them driving his Ferrari F40 at a track in Tokyo. Since then, they have been photographed together at events including Coachella and around Los Angeles, but Kardashian’s latest post marks her first public acknowledgment on her own platform.

Celebrity matchmaker Alessandra Conti told Fox News Digital in May that the pairing feels natural. “There are certain couples that just make sense and feel natural,” Conti said. “I love this pair because they are both at the top of their careers, and although incredibly famous, they are in industries that are different but complimentary. Kim is notorious for having very public relationships, while Lewis is known for being private. They both deeply value ambition and living a fully packed, jet-setting lifestyle.”

Kardashian’s sisters and fans quickly reacted in the comments. Her sister Khloe Kardashian wrote, “You are literally the cutest!!” Other responses included “So happy for you mommy” and “So cute & happy love the positive vibes.”

The relationship has generated significant public interest, blending two high-profile worlds: Kardashian’s reality television and business empire and Hamilton’s record-breaking Formula 1 career. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is known for his activism, fashion influence and privacy, while Kardashian has built a global brand through her family’s reality show and ventures like SKIMS and KKW Beauty.

Their pairing comes after Kardashian’s high-profile divorce from Kanye West and Hamilton’s long-term single status. Sources close to the couple describe them as bonding over shared experiences with fame, philanthropy and a desire for balance between public life and personal privacy.

Kardashian has been open about her personal growth in recent years, focusing on co-parenting her four children and expanding her businesses. Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari after years with Mercedes, has spoken about seeking fulfillment beyond racing. Friends say the two complement each other’s lifestyles, with travel, fitness and ambition as common threads.

The Instagram post reflects Kardashian’s continued mastery of personal branding. By mixing casual family photos with glamorous bikini shots and the new relationship reveal, she maintains engagement with her massive following while controlling the narrative around her personal life.

Public reaction has been largely positive, with many fans expressing support for the couple’s happiness. Some commentators noted the visual contrast between Kardashian’s polished aesthetic and Hamilton’s understated style, calling it a refreshing dynamic in celebrity relationships.

The timing of the post coincides with a busy period for both. Kardashian continues developing SKIMS collections and reality television projects, while Hamilton prepares for the intense Formula 1 season. Their ability to navigate demanding schedules has been cited as a strength of the relationship.

Industry observers suggest the pairing could have commercial implications. Kardashian’s influence in fashion and beauty combined with Hamilton’s global reach in motorsport creates potential for future collaborations, though neither has commented on such possibilities.

For now, the focus remains on their blossoming romance. The couple has been spotted at high-profile events and enjoying low-key moments, signaling a balance between public interest and private connection. Kardashian’s decision to share the bike photo on her feed represents a deliberate step in making the relationship more visible on her terms.

As one of the most followed celebrities in the world, Kardashian’s personal updates often generate millions of interactions. Wednesday’s post was no exception, quickly becoming one of her most engaged recent shares. The inclusion of Hamilton marks a new chapter in her public romantic life following several years of focusing primarily on family and business.

Hamilton’s fans have also embraced the news, appreciating his happiness after years of prioritizing career and advocacy. The driver has been open about mental health and work-life balance, and sources say the relationship provides a supportive dynamic that aligns with his current priorities.

The couple’s story reflects broader trends in celebrity relationships, where high-achieving individuals from different fields find common ground despite demanding public schedules. Their shared experiences with intense media scrutiny may help them navigate challenges together.

As summer approaches, fans will likely see more glimpses of the couple through social media and public appearances. For Kardashian and Hamilton, the relationship represents both personal joy and a new layer of public fascination.

Kardashian’s latest post reinforces her status as a cultural trendsetter who continues to evolve while maintaining strong connections with her audience. By blending vulnerability, glamour and relationship updates, she keeps fans invested in her journey.

The romance with Hamilton adds an exciting dimension to both their public narratives. As they continue balancing high-profile careers with their personal connection, the world will be watching to see how this pairing develops in the months ahead.

The company said its performance was ‘underpinned’ by strategic investment

South West brewery group Butcombe has hailed an “exceptionally strong” year after seeing growth across its pub estate.

The business reported underlying group EBITDA – a measure of performance – of £15m, for the year ended January 31, 2026, up 9.1 per cent on a year earlier.

Managed pub EBITA for the period jumped 23 per cent, with like-for-like sales up eight per cent, while its boutique inns offering delivered 12.5 per cent like-for-like growth.

Elsewhere brewing and drink sales rose five per cent over the year.

Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Butcombe Group, said: “The 12-month period to the end of January 2026 was a very strong year for Butcombe Group. The growth that we delivered was all-the-more impressive, in that it followed a prior year of significant growth and momentum for the business.

“We continue to build a leading, premium pubs and boutique inns business, allied to a first-class beer, brands and drinks operation, all underpinned by operational excellence, innovation and strategic investment, with strong momentum as we head into our new financial year.”

But the brewery group, which has 118 pubs and inns and employs more than 1,800 people, said the current trading environment was “less certain” than six months ago.

It warned of low consumer confidence and the likelihood of rising inflation in the second half of the year, particularly on food.

“We will do our best to protect our customers from these pressures and take a long-term view on what is the right thing for our business, an approach that has served us well over the last five years with the support of Caledonia,” the company said.

Trading in the first quarter of the current financial year is in line with expectations, Butcombe said.

The company’s managed pubs delivered like-for-like growth of 3.6 per cent in the first quarter, with 3.7 per cent growth on food, 3.1 per cent on drink and 5.8 per cent on accommodation.

Looking at accommodation, Butcombe said it had achieved occupancy of 74 per cent – up 1.6 per cent on last year.

In May, Butcombe was named among the 22 best companies to work for in the West of England by the Sunday Times.

NEW YORK — Silver prices have shown resilience in 2026, trading around $32.50 per ounce in early June, as strong industrial demand from solar energy, electronics and electric vehicles supports the metal even as macroeconomic headwinds create uncertainty for investors deciding whether to buy or sell.

Silver’s unique position as both a precious metal safe-haven and a critical industrial commodity makes its outlook more complex than gold’s. While gold benefits primarily from monetary and geopolitical factors, silver’s price is heavily influenced by manufacturing cycles, particularly in green technology sectors that are expanding rapidly.

Industrial demand accounts for more than half of annual silver consumption. The solar photovoltaic sector alone consumed record volumes in 2025 and is projected to grow further in 2026 as governments push renewable energy targets. Silver is essential in solar panel manufacturing due to its superior electrical conductivity. Similarly, demand from 5G infrastructure, semiconductors and electric vehicle components continues to rise, creating a structural tailwind that many analysts view as sustainable.

Supply constraints add to the bullish case. Mine production has struggled to keep pace with demand, with several major projects facing delays or higher costs. Recycling provides some offset, but primary supply growth remains limited. This imbalance has led several investment banks to forecast higher average prices for the remainder of 2026, with some targets reaching $35 to $40 per ounce in optimistic scenarios.

However, risks remain significant. A stronger U.S. dollar, driven by resilient economic data and cautious Federal Reserve policy, typically pressures silver prices by making the metal more expensive for foreign buyers. Higher real interest rates also increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like silver. These factors have contributed to periodic pullbacks despite strong fundamentals.

Investment demand adds another layer of volatility. Silver ETFs and physical bar and coin buying tend to rise during periods of economic uncertainty or inflation fears but can fade quickly when risk appetite improves. Speculative positioning in futures markets has swung between net long and short in recent months, amplifying price movements.

For investors considering buying silver in 2026, the industrial growth story offers compelling long-term support. Exposure through ETFs like the iShares Silver Trust or physical holdings can provide portfolio diversification and inflation protection. Companies involved in silver mining, such as Pan American Silver or Hecla Mining, offer leveraged plays on price appreciation, though they carry operational and jurisdictional risks.

Those leaning toward selling or avoiding new positions cite elevated valuations relative to historical averages and potential economic slowdown risks. A recession scenario could reduce industrial offtake, particularly in construction and consumer electronics. Additionally, substitution efforts in some manufacturing processes may cap upside potential over time.

Analysts remain divided. Bullish voices highlight silver’s role in the energy transition, noting that global solar capacity additions are accelerating. Bearish perspectives focus on macroeconomic variables and the metal’s correlation with broader risk assets. Many recommend a tactical approach: adding on dips for long-term holders while remaining cautious on short-term timing.

The current environment features several crosscurrents. Central bank gold buying has indirectly supported silver sentiment, as investors often view the two metals together. Geopolitical tensions continue providing a floor, while technological breakthroughs in solar efficiency could either increase or decrease per-unit silver usage depending on industry developments.

Silver’s dual nature requires investors to monitor both monetary policy and industrial trends. Strong U.S. jobs data and sticky inflation have kept rate cut expectations modest, pressuring precious metals broadly. At the same time, manufacturing PMI readings in key economies show expansion in technology and renewable sectors, supporting silver’s industrial component.

Portfolio allocation strategies vary. Conservative investors may limit silver to 5% or less of total assets for diversification. More aggressive portfolios, particularly those focused on commodities and resources, might allocate higher weights when prices correct. Dollar-cost averaging can help manage volatility in either case.

Tax and storage considerations matter for physical silver buyers. ETFs offer convenience and liquidity but carry management fees. Mining stocks provide operational leverage but introduce company-specific risks including labor issues and regulatory changes.

Technical analysis shows silver trading in a broad range between $28 and $35 in 2026 so far. Breaks above key resistance could signal stronger momentum if industrial data remains robust. Support levels around recent lows would likely attract buying interest from value-oriented investors.

Broader commodity markets provide context. Gold’s performance has been relatively stronger due to its pure monetary characteristics, while industrial metals like copper have shown mixed results based on growth expectations. Silver often trades between these two poles, reflecting its hybrid status.

Looking ahead through the remainder of 2026, key catalysts include solar installation rates, electric vehicle sales data, central bank decisions and geopolitical developments. Earnings from major silver miners will also influence sentiment, particularly commentary on production guidance and costs.

Many experts suggest a neutral to mildly bullish stance for silver over the medium term. Industrial demand provides a solid foundation, but macroeconomic risks warrant caution on aggressive positioning. Diversification across precious metals and resources can help balance these factors.

For retail investors, silver offers an accessible entry into commodities through various vehicles. Understanding the metal’s dual drivers is essential for informed decision-making. Those with high conviction in the green energy transition may favor buying on weakness, while others may prefer waiting for clearer macroeconomic signals.

The silver market in 2026 reflects broader tensions between long-term structural trends and short-term cyclical pressures. As the year progresses, resolution of these forces will determine whether the metal rewards bulls or validates bears.

Ultimately, the decision to buy or sell silver depends on individual risk tolerance, time horizon and views on global growth and monetary policy. While industrial demand supports optimism, investors must remain vigilant to shifting macro conditions that can quickly alter the metal’s trajectory.