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Uphill station would be on line to Weston-super-Mare

Councillors have been urged to press for the reopening of a forgotten railway station in Weston-super-Mare.

After the Bristol to Exeter main line passes through Worle, a loop line forks off and stops at Weston Milton and at Weston-super-Mare railway station in the town centre. But there is a fourth long since forgotten railway station which once served the town and that campaigners are now suggesting should reopen.

The Bristol Rail Campaign said that a reopened Uphill railway station could serve Weston Hospital, the Weston College’s Loxton campus, the nearby estates, and provide access to Uphill Beach and local walks. The group’s campaigns lead Christina Biggs suggested to a North Somerset Council scrutiny panel on February 26 that the council should press the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) for the funding to reopen the station if it becomes a member.

The original Uphill railway station opened in 1871, just south of the cutting through the hill crossed by Devil’s Bridge. It was followed in 1884 by Uphill Junction railway station, which opened just north of the cutting. The Bristol Rail Campaign are suggesting that a new Uphill station should be in a slightly different location so that it is on the loop line serving Weston Milton and Weston-super-Mare.

Ms Biggs said: “The idea then is that you are not holding anything up on the mainline. You are just using the local trains that would stop at Weston Milton, Worle, and Weston-super-Mare.”

North Somerset Council is expected to join WECA by the end of the year or early 2027, with a public consultation on the plan currently running until April 10. WECA has millions of pounds of transport funding and Ms Biggs said the council should press for some of this to be spend on a feasibility study on opening a new Uphill railway station. She said: “It’s something you could quite reasonably ask of WECA as an introductory thing/taster.”

WECA is already helping to fund the reopening of the Portishead Railway at the other end of North Somerset, which after a decades long campaign is expected to reopen in 2028. Ms Biggs said: “Uphill is pretty minor because its on an existing line. You don’t have any of the problems of the Portishead Line.”

North Somerset Council is yet to debate or decide whether Uphill railway station is a project it wants to pursue.

The sneaker world is buzzing as Nike prepares to release one of its most coveted retros in recent memory: the Nike Air Max 95 OG “Neon,” dropping Thursday, March 5, 2026. Following a highly limited rerelease in 2025 that sparked massive demand and quick sell-outs, this wider edition arrives in full-family sizing, marking what many call the most anticipated Air Max 95 drop in years.

The “Neon” colorway — originally launched in 1995 — remains a cornerstone of sneaker culture. Designed by Sergio Lozano, the silhouette features a distinctive gradient upper with black-to-cool grey suede overlays that fade upward, accented by vibrant neon yellow (often referred to as Volt) hits on the eyelets, midsole branding and outsole. The design draws inspiration from human anatomy, with layered panels mimicking ribs and muscles, while the visible Air unit in the heel provides signature cushioning.

This 2026 version revives the “Big Bubble” construction, restoring the larger, more pronounced visible Air unit in the heel that closely mirrors the 1995 original. Previous reissues, including some from the early 2020s, featured smaller bubbles that drew criticism from purists. Reviewers and on-feet videos circulating ahead of launch praise the update, noting improved sizing consistency — many suggest it runs true to size (TTS) after years of complaints about the model’s fit.

“These are a return to roots,” one sneaker reviewer noted in a pre-release breakdown. “The bigger bubble not only looks more authentic but enhances the ride without sacrificing the classic aesthetic.”

The release timing aligns with broader Air Max celebrations, as Nike rolls out a “Neon Pack” theme for 2026. Alongside the Air Max 95, the pack includes neon-infused versions of the Air Max 90, Air Max Plus and Air Max TL 2.5, plus complementary apparel like graphic jerseys evoking late-’90s energy. The “Neon” 95 headlines the lineup, with its cultural pedigree — worn by athletes, musicians and streetwear icons for decades — driving hype.

Pricing remains accessible: adult pairs retail at $190 USD (approximately $245 CAD in some markets), with scaled options for younger fans — Grade School at $147, Preschool at $112 and Toddler at $82. Full-family availability broadens appeal, contrasting the adult-exclusive 2025 drop that left many out.

Consumers can cop via Nike SNKRS app and select global retailers including Foot Locker, JD Sports, Champs, Finish Line, Dick’s Sporting Goods and others. Some retailers offered early access raffles or draws earlier this week, with standard first-come, first-served drops expected at 10:00 AM ET (or regional equivalents) on March 5. Stock appears more robust than last year’s limited run, though high demand for classic Air Max 95 colorways — especially during the ongoing “big bubble” era — suggests sell-outs remain possible.

The Air Max 95’s enduring popularity stems from its innovative design and versatility. The wavy lines and layered materials create a dynamic look that pairs effortlessly with jeans, tracksuits or athleisure. Its influence extends beyond Nike, inspiring countless homages and even cross-brand collaborations. In recent years, the model has seen resurgence through high-profile retro campaigns, celebrity endorsements and its role in streetwear’s mainstream ascent.

Sneaker analysts point to this drop as a test of sustained interest in heritage silhouettes amid a crowded market. With resale platforms like StockX already showing pre-release interest, the “Neon” could command premiums if initial supply tightens.

As sneakerheads gear up for launch day, the consensus is clear: this isn’t just another retro — it’s a chance to own a piece of sneaker history updated for today. Whether for collection, daily wear or flexing on the timeline, the Air Max 95 “Neon” Big Bubble stands ready to make waves once more.

Nike continues to leverage its Air Max legacy, blending nostalgia with modern tweaks to keep the line relevant. This week’s release underscores the brand’s commitment to its icons while expanding access for new generations.

Mortgage rates ticked higher to 6% this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6% from last week’s reading of 5.98%. 

The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.63% a year ago.

“In fact, rates are down nearly a full percentage point from this time in 2024, spurring activity from buyers, sellers and owners,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “As a result, refinance activity is up, and purchase applications are ahead of last year’s pace.”

The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 5.43% from last week’s reading of 4.44%.

RENT BECOMING MORE AFFORDABLE FOR MANY AMERICANS AS MARKET STABILIZES

Mortgage rates are affected by several factors, including the Federal Reserve and geopolitics. Though mortgage rates are not directly affected by the Fed’s interest rate decisions, they closely track the 10-year Treasury yield. The 10-year yield hovered around 4.02% as of Thursday afternoon.