TWO major cinema sites will close for good today as “gutted” locals sob for their loss.

As part of a Restructuring Plan, Cineworld is eliminating at least six popular sites in the UK.

2

2

Advertisement

In July, the cinema giant announced the Restructuring Plan was to “return our business to profitability”, “attract further investment” and “ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK”.

Although local residents may argue otherwise.

Sites such as Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus all featured on the elimination list.

As of October 6, we saw the back of the Cineworld’s in Swindon Circus, Bedford, and Glasgow Parkhead.

But today, Cineworld’s in both Loughborough and Yate will too, take a bow.

A spokesperson for Cineworld Yate said: “After years of providing movie-lovers with a place to feel more, we have made the difficult decision to close Cineworld Yate.

“The cinema will remain open until October 13.

“We hope you continue to enjoy watching movies at our local cinemas of Swindon Shaw Ridge.”

Hundreds of locals shared their thoughts in the comment section.

One person wrote: “Totally Gutted.

“We need a going away party. I’ll provide the entertainment. Let’s do it, we will miss you guys and our own cinema.

“I’ll never go to the movies again.”

While a second person wrote: “I’m genuinely gutted about this.

“I was recently diagnosed autistic and I’ve found this cinema to be one of the most pleasant, calm and welcoming environments for someone like me who struggles with sensory overstimulation.”

A third person said: “It was a lifeline for some people.

“They don’t realise how devastating this is for some people.”

And a fourth said: “Can’t believe it’s the end! Some great memories of working here and met lots of great people! Sad to see it go!”

Meanwhile, the same statement was released about the Loughborough Cineworld.

Customers were advised to visit local cinemas in Burton upon Trent, Nottingham, and Hinckley.

Even though Hinckley is to be eliminated.

Again, dozens of locals took to the comment section to share their thoughts.

One said: “Really sad news about Cineworld Loughborough.

“One of the selection I have visited and enjoyed with my Unlimited card.

“Sending all my best wishes to everybody affected by the closure.”

While a second wrote: “Such a shame, the best cinema we’ve ever been to for the wheelchair access, customer service and viewing experience.

“Love to all the staff who have always gone above and beyond.”

 And a third said: “This is so sad, this is my favourite cinema.”

Although six Cineworld sites made the elimination list, the chain is said to be renegotiating rent agreements for around 50 of its sites.

Struggling businesses might take this route to lower operating costs.

But the landlords don’t need to accept the conditions.

Meaning all 50 additional Cineworld complexes could also be at risk of closure if the chain and its landlords cannot reach an agreement.

THREE helpful tools could reveal whether you qualify for a benefit that unlocks the winter fuel payment.

Pension Credit is worth on average £3,900 a year and comes with a host of additional perks including a free TV licence for over 74s.

1

The Government benefit also opens up the winter fuel payment which is worth up to £300 this year.

Around 800,000 eligible for Pension Credit are yet to claim it, with The Sun launching a campaign to improve uptake.

Luckily though, there is one quick way you can find out whether you might qualify for Government benefits, including Pension Credit.

Three organisations have free-to-use calculators that reveal what benefits you might be eligible for.

They also tell you how much you might get, how payments could be affected based on earnings or an increase in working hours and how your benefits might be impacted if you experience a change in circumstances.

The three main online calculators you can use are:

You can also access Turn2Us’ calculator via The Sun’s website.

What information you will need ready

To help the calculators accurately estimate what benefits you might be entitled to, you will need certain information ready beforehand.

The Government’s website says you’ll need accurate information about your:

• savings
• income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
• existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
• outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
• Council Tax bill

You should be able to find information about your savings by logging into online banking via your computer or smartphone.

Bear in mind, you can’t use the above three calculators if you are a prisoner, student or non-British or Irish citizen.

You also cannot use them if you are on strike, live outside the UK or living permanently in a residential care or nursing home.

What is Pension Credit and who is eligible?

Pension Credit is a government benefit designed to top up your weekly income if you are a state pensioner with low earnings.

The current state pension age is 66.

There are two parts to the benefit – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.

Savings Credit is extra money you get if you have some savings or your income is above the basic full state pension amount – £169.50.

Savings Credit is only available to people who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016.

Usually, you only qualify for Pension Credit if your income is below the £218.15 or £332.95 thresholds.

However, you can sometimes be eligible for Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit depending on your circumstances.

For example, if you are suffering from a severe disability and claiming Attendance Allowance, as well as other benefits, you can get an extra £81.50 a week.

Meanwhile, you can get either £66.29 a week or £76.79 a week for each child you’re responsible and caring for.

The rules behind who qualifies for Pension Credit can be complicated, so the best thing to do is just check.

You can do this by calling the Pension Service helpline on 0800 99 1234 from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday or by using free online calculators.

Those in Northern Ireland have to call the Pension Centre on 0808 100 6165 from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

It might be worth a visit to your local Citizens Advice branch too – its staff should be able to offer you help for free.

Pension Credit is known as a “gateway” benefit which means it opens up a host of perks, like the winter fuel payment and a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.

It also unlocks discounts on your council tax and the Warm Home Discount, if you are on the Guarantee Credit part of the benefit.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains all you need to know about the payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months.

Advertisement

Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically.

Those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year.

If you do meet the criteria but don’t automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will have to apply on the government’s website.

You’ll qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if:

Advertisement

• you were born on or before September 23, 1958
• you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, known as the “qualifying week”
• you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit

If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply:

• you live in Switzerland or a EEA country
• you have a “genuine and sufficient” link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK

But there are exclusions – you can’t get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain.

This is because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.

You will also not qualify if you:

• are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole “qualifying week”
• lived in a care home for the whole time between 26 June to 24 September 2023, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Payments are usually made between November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

THE £10 Aldi Specialbuy that can make radiators more effective and slash energy bills this winter is here just in time to help you keep your home warm without breaking the bank.

With the colder months just around the corner, Aldi has launched a bargain buy that could help you stay toasty while cutting down your energy bills

2

2

Advertisement

The Superfoil Radiator Reflector, which costs just £9.99, is designed to make your radiators more efficient by reducing heat loss and ensuring your home stays warmer for longer.

Available from October 13 in-store only, this nifty device is a must-have for those looking to save on their heating costs this winter.

HOW IT WORKS

The Superfoil Radiator Reflector is a heat-saving product that fits behind your radiators to reflect warmth back into your room, rather than letting it escape through the walls.

Aldi claims it can cut heat loss by an impressive 86 per cent, making it a savvy choice for households trying to stay warm without cranking up the thermostat.

It’s also super easy to install. The reflector comes with built-in adhesive strips, so there’s no need for extra tools or complicated instructions.

Just cut it to fit your radiator, stick it on, and you’re good to go. The product can be used on up to three radiators, making it a budget-friendly solution for any home.

With energy bills soaring, the Superfoil Radiator Reflector offers a simple, low-cost way to boost your home’s efficiency.

By reducing the amount of heat lost through your walls, you’ll not only keep your home warmer but could also see a reduction in your energy bills over time.

Aldi’s £9.99 buy is certainly a more affordable option compared to other home insulation methods.

Plus, it’s a one-time investment – no ongoing costs, no maintenance needed. Once it’s in place, you can sit back and enjoy a warmer home without any extra effort.

HOW IT COMPARES

While Aldi’s Superfoil Radiator Reflector is only £9.99, a quick search online shows some competitors charging far more.

For example, Screwfix sells Superfoil Insulation from starting at £19.00, while Amazon has options priced at £25.

That said, you can still find other affordable alternatives – B&Q offers 5 metres for £14.95.

Although a trip to Aldi might land you with some other heat-saving goodies.

ALDI WINTER WARMERS

If you’re looking for more ways to stay warm this winter, Aldi has a range of winter essentials hitting stores soon.

For instance, the Ambiano Heated Throw, priced at £29.99, is another great buy to keep the chill at bay.

The heated throw, available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Cream, features nine adjustable temperature levels and is machine washable once the cable is removed.

It costs just 4p an hour to run, making it an affordable and cosy option for those frosty evenings.

Aldi claims using the heated throw for a couple of hours a night would only cost around 56p a week – meaning you could keep warm for a whole year for under £30.

If you’re after more comfort, Aldi is also offering the Silentnight King Size Thermal Mattress Cover for just £11.99.

This teddy fleece mattress topper adds an extra 3 tog of warmth, perfect for cold winter nights.

It’s machine washable and tumble dryer safe, so keeping it clean is a breeze.

The Superfoil Radiator Reflector, Ambiano Heated Throw, and Silentnight King Size Thermal Mattress Cover will all be available in Aldi stores from October 13.

As with all Aldi Specialbuys, these items are only available while stocks last, so it’s worth getting to your nearest store early to avoid disappointment.

You can check where your nearest Aldi store is using their store finder tool on the Aldi website.

Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s insulation or simply snuggle up with a heated throw, Aldi’s range of budget-friendly products has you covered this winter.

If you’re keen to stay warm and save money, these bargains are well worth snapping up before they’re gone.

SAVE MONEY AT ALDI

Unlike other major grocers, Aldi does not have a rewards or point card system but that does not mean you cannot save on your shop. 

Every week the store releases a list of special buys, which are unique bargain products you find online at Aldi and in-store. 

The store releases a fresh range of deals every Thursday and Sunday, so be sure to check regularly to see what’s new. 

Meanwhile, it seems Aldi is geared up with bargain home-finds.

The budget-supermarket announced its latest home fragrances to help interior lovers update scent-scapes for the winter.

A FURIOUS son says his late mum’s ‘artivist’ neighbour is a nightmare after leaving a mound of ‘rubbish’ to build up in his garden for years.

John Kirby has been forced to take mum Doreen Moore’s house off the market after struggling to sell it due to the “eyesore” pile.

13

13

Advertisement

13

13

Doreen – who had Alzheimer’s – had been living in a care home since last year, before her death on Monday.

And John, 62, has been trying to sell her two bedroom home in Dalgety Bay, Fife, in Scotland, in an effort to keep up with her care bills and now cover the small debts that have built up.

He said 86-year-old Doreen, even up to her dying day and despite the memory loss caused by her condition, was asking if the house had sold and if the rubbish had gone.

However, neighbour Denis Carbonaro said the pile-up is actually part of his latest ‘artivist’ campaign which he calls the ‘Dalgety Baycott’.

He said the house sale delay “is a small price to pay” as he looks to protect what he calls his ‘Busker’s Home’.

Carbonaro said the conflict “stems from almost a decade of disrespect towards my privacy, intellectual property, my work, and my model”.

He previously created a number of wooden sculptures several years ago, including a Spanish galleon and a woolly mammoth, and later a shrine to Covid victims.

The artist then opened The Bark Park in 2015 to show off the works in his front and back gardens, and for people to visit for donations.

However, bad weather has destroyed all of the art and left mounds of debris – with a fridge freezer, shopping trolley and other rubbish also since added, leaving it resembling a scrapyard.

John says he and his neighbours have complained to Fife Council, as well as Police Scotland, but he claims they’ve been told Carbonaro is not breaching any rules.

However, he believes the artist was warned off by the authorities from sounding an air raid style horn attached to a tree.

John told The Sun: “I don’t know what I can do. I’ve tried going down all the routes I can.”

He now fears all the old wood used to build the sculptures could prove to be a fire hazard.

Which he says would be made worse by the fact most of the houses have external gas pipes, installed after the estate was originally built, and his mum’s are just yards from the rubbish pile.

Meanwhile, when the Covid shrine first collapsed, it crushed a neighbour’s greenhouse, claims John.

“Years ago he went around gathering a whole load of wood in a big car and dumped it in his front yard,” he explained of the origins of the sculptures.

“I think Fife Council told him to clear it up, and that’s when he did the mammoth in the front yard.

13

Advertisement

13

13

“I thought it was fantastic,” he admitted. “I really thought it was really good, but my mum hated it from day one.

“She just said it would make it hard for her to ever sell her house. I just said to my mum, it was modern art, that’s how things are moving now.”

John went on to say: “Shortly after that he did a big spider at the back of the house and, again, I also I thought it was absolutely fantastic and clever.

“Again, my mother just didn’t like it.

“Then progressed to the ship up the tree, which was done outside his property,” he continued.

“Again, I was kind of a fan of that but then he did a whole load of other stuff.

“He did a shrine during Covid, and then storms came along, and destroyed a lot of his artwork in the garden, and he just kind of went into anarchy mode.

“He’s just dumping more and more rubbish in the garden now and it goes back a number of years.” 

“I don’t think many people had an issue with The Bark Park.

“Maybe some people could have made a donation but he’s at war with everybody. Why he’s decided to put all of that s*** in the front garden I’ve no idea.”

John said people have been discussing the issue on local Facebook groups, but: “It’s almost like he’s thriving on the publicity.

“Every day the garden just gets worse and worse and worse. I mean, there’s a fridge freezer in the front garden now, and I’ve now heard there’s a banner hanging from his front windows.

“I don’t know what he’s trying to do. I’ve had to take the house off the market because nobody’s going to buy it with that eyesore.”

He said another neighbour was told by an estate agent “there’s absolutely no point you putting your house on the market”.

“They suggested to her to go down the legal route with solicitors,” he added.

John said his estate agent – having put the house up for sale in early July – suggested several weeks ago he speak to Mr Carbonaro – but he claims he wouldn’t budge.

And alleges he has since been messaging him disparaging things on a daily basis, despite them previously having got along fine.

He said the council’s head of planning said “he’s not breaching any regulations, so there’s nothing I can do”.

Fife Council service manager Alastair Hamilton has confirmed council colleagues have visited the property, however the owner is not breaching any planning legislation. 

He added: “We responded to a complaint and have raised the concerns of neighbours with the owner of the property.”

Police Scotland told The Sun: “We would only comment if a report of criminality had been made to the police.”

CARBONARO’S RESPONSE

In an email statement, Carbonaro told us John’s claims of him being “at war” with his neighbours are not correct, and “the reality is more complex”.

He explained that between 2015 and 2020 Bark Park operated without any complaints.

He said: “The core issue is a fundamental ‘disrespect for diversity’.

“Bark Park is not a cookie-cutter home, but a Busker Home, created by a busker/inventor.

“The ‘Busker Home model’ is essential to sustain this independent project, and it requires respect for my privacy, my intellectual property, and contributions from visitors.

“While the park itself was successful, the Busker Home model, designed to ensure its sustainability, was not.

“After years of attempting to maintain this balance, my ‘Wows on Strike’ in 2020 and the ‘Pay the Piper since 1284’ campaign in 2023 failed to bring any change, leading me to escalate my actions.

“The desperate need to protect my privacy and my intellectual properties gradually led to the latest artivist campaign, ‘Wows don’t grow on trees, garbage and clutter do’.

“The visual noise of this campaign, unlike the audio megaphones used in the ‘Pay the Piper’ campaign of 2023, cannot be labelled as antisocial behaviour.

“Instead, it has quietly but powerfully achieved results similar to those of a peaceful, legal, and socially acceptable boycott.

“One that, despite its silence, has proven to have an undeniable economic impact, mirroring the equally undeniable economic and personal toll I have endured for nearly a decade due to the ongoing lack of respect.”

He continued: “My visual noise campaign, now known as the ‘Dalgety Baycott’, is having noticeable economic repercussions on the surrounding property market, mirroring the way Bark Park once boosted the area’s prestige.

“The situation has now reversed, much like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which economically impacted the bus company.

“Just as Rosa Parks was initially labelled the ‘bad’ person for defending her rights, I too have been portrayed as the ‘bad boy’ for defending my privacy, intellectual property, and the Busker Home model.

“However, I believe that over time, those who have disregarded these rights will come to understand the deeper issues at play.

“John Kirby’s home may be seen as the first casualty of the ‘Dalgety Baycott’, but a few months’ delay in the sale of his ‘Mother’s Home’ is a small price to pay for finding solutions to the larger ‘Busker’s Home’ issue next door, which stems from almost a decade of disrespect towards my privacy, intellectual property, my work, and my model.

“The ‘Dalgety Baycott’ will continue until the rights of Busker Homes and those of their buskers/inventors, are properly acknowledged and respected.”

He added: “I hope this provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the current situation.”

13

Advertisement

13

13

13

13

Advertisement

13

THOUSANDS of households across the UK can now claim hundreds of pounds worth of free cash, household appliances, and help with energy bills under the extended Household Support Fund.

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the scheme will continue to run from April 1, 2024, through to March 31, 2025, offering assistance to those struggling with the Cost of Living.

2

2

Advertisement

The extension of this grant offers a helping hand to vulnerable households struggling to pay for necessities like energy, water, and essential household items.

HOW IT WORKS

Each local council receives a portion of the £421million fund, which is then distributed to residents based on need.

Some councils may provide direct cash payments, while others issue vouchers to help cover essentials like energy or food.

How the money is distributed will vary, so it’s important to check with your local authority.

For example, Birmingham City Council has announced £200 payments to help residents with winter costs.

Other councils, like Coventry, have offered community supermarket schemes, where households can pay £5 a week and get a basket of food worth up to £25.

However, there are changes to the scheme this time around.

Some councils have introduced monthly caps on funding, meaning once the allocated amount for the month is spent, applications are paused until the following month.

This is to ensure that everyone has a chance to receive support, but it does mean you should apply as soon as possible.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE?

The Household Support Fund is designed to help households in financial difficulty, particularly those on low incomes or those who don’t qualify for other forms of government assistance.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet due to rising living costs, you could be eligible for support.

You’ll likely need to prove your financial hardship when applying.

This can include showing evidence of your income, benefits, or other forms of support you’re currently receiving.

For example, if you’re receiving Universal Credit or a council tax reduction, you could qualify.

But even if you’re not on benefits, you may still be able to get help if you can demonstrate financial hardship.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the Household Support Fund are handled by your local council, and the process can vary depending on where you live.

Most councils offer online application forms, but if you need help completing an application, you can call your council’s customer service centre for assistance.

To apply, you’ll need to provide details such as your National Insurance number and may need to submit bank statements or benefit evidence.

If you’re applying for a family member or someone else, there’s also an option to upload supporting documents like benefit letters or pay slips to prove eligibility.

Some councils, such as Haringey, are issuing automatic payments to eligible residents, while others require residents to apply directly.

If you’re unsure of the process in your area, it’s best to check your local council’s website.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

The support available through the Household Support Fund can vary depending on where you live, but most councils offer help with energy bills, food support, and household essentials.

Single people or couples without children can receive up to £120, while families may be eligible for £160.

Households can also get help with essential items like fridges, cookers, and bedding if there’s an exceptional need, such as a medical condition or a risk to a child’s wellbeing.

But it’s not just energy and food that the fund can help with.

If you need support with heating repairs, lighting repairs, or even housing costs in an emergency, the Household Support Fund may be able to help, as long as other housing schemes have been exhausted.

To find out what support is available in your area, you can use the government’s local authority checker on the gov.uk website.

Simply enter your postcode, and you’ll be directed to your council’s website, where you can find more details about the fund.

It’s worth noting that some councils are experiencing high demand for the scheme, so you may face delays in receiving your award.

For instance, vouchers for fuel support are currently taking between 5-10 working days to be issued, while applications for household appliances can take 4-6 weeks.

If you’re struggling and think you could benefit from this scheme, it’s a good idea to apply early, as councils may pause applications once the allocated monthly funds are exhausted.

So, if you’re finding it tough to make ends meet, don’t miss out on this lifeline.

Apply through your local council today and see what help you can get to ease the burden of rising living costs this winter.

B&M shoppers are rushing to buy a Christmas-themed cat toy scanning for 10p instead of £2.50.

One savvy saver recently spotted the laser chaser and flashing ball pack in their local branch.

1

The shopper posted their find on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group after snapping it up for just 10p.

Plenty of fellow bargain hunters have liked and commented on the post keen to find one of the cat lasers for themselves, with one simply saying: “Need to go shopping”.

Any B&M shoppers looking to snap up one of 10p cat lasers won’t be able to find it online.

It’s not guaranteed you’ll find it in your local branch either, so it might be worth calling your local branch ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

In any case, you should always shop around before buying something like this as you might find the same, or similar, item for less at another retailer.

You can use online price comparison sites like Price Spy and Trolley to see if a product you have found is the cheapest against others.

You can also use the Google Shopping/Product tab to do a quick scan of the internet.

However, we had a quick look online to see if any other retailers are selling a cat laser for less than 10p and there weren’t any.

If you’re looking to pick up a 10p bargain on your next B&M shop, you should get the retailer’s scanner app.

It’s free to download on to your smartphone via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Once downloaded, you can use the camera on your phone to scan barcodes in-store.

It then tells you if a product has been reduced in price, even before a member of staff has changed the label.

The app also offers you a description of the product you are scanning.

It’s quite common for shoppers to find 10p bargains in their local B&M stores.

One customer recently found a stainless steel egg slotter for just 10p instead of £2.99.

Another shopper found pet toys slashed to 10p in their local branch this summer.

Remember, you can find your nearest B&M branch by using the retailer’s store locator tool on its website.

Other ways to save money at B&M

One ex-B&M manager said the best time to visit your local store is first thing on a Wednesday.

This is when staff slash items to as little as 10p to clear excess stock and make way for new lines.

Deals expert Tom Church urged shoppers to keep an eye out for red stickers products as well.

These are put on special buy products that have also been reduced in price.

It’s worth signing up to Facebook pages dedicated to hunting for bargains from B&M and other discounters too.

Some of the best ones to join are B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More and Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group.