Kevin Pringle became increasingly furious after cars left ‘muddy trenches’ along his grass in the quiet cul-de-sac

An ex-prison officer has created an innocent-looking garden fence designed to stop nightmare parking – with tiny spikes hidden inside to deflate tyres. Kevin Pringle, 64, patented his own simple but effective product to keep cars from mounting and damaging grass verges after a series of terrible driving outside his home.

He installed the fence, which costs around £40 for half a metre, on his front garden measuring four-foot-wide outside his semi-detached home. Kevin said he had been repeatedly relaying the ground with top soil and grass seed after cars left “muddy trenches” along his grass in the quiet cul-de-sac.

The fence has secret spikes which activate when a car hits and slowly deflate its tyres, acting the same way as a police-used stinger. The retiree said the barrier could be used by councils to stop illegal traveller encampments from setting up on grassland and cricket pitches – or by estates, schools and hotels.

Kevin, who lives in Milton Keynes, said: “The quality of driving and parking has without a doubt gotten worse in recent years. Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act says its an offence to drive anywhere other a designated carriageway but you see illegal parking everywhere.

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“Because nothing is done about it, people don’t care and I don’t understand why they don’t realise the effect they’re having. When I searched for solutions, the only suggestion I found was to place big boulders around the edge.

“While this does deter vandals, since they know they’ll risk damaging their vehicle, it creates two new problems – it makes lawn care much harder and the boulders themselves are not very attractive.

“I became determined to find an answer that would both keep the verge tidy and make maintenance easier.”

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His picket-style Smart Fence, tried and tested outside Kevin’s own home, has secret spikes that activate when a car hits and slowly deflate its tyres. The former prison officer said he had been plagued by illegal parking tearing up his own lawn which led to his “lightbulb moment”.

He said: “When I first bought the house, the grass verge that goes to the road was in a bit of a mess.

“I cut the grass and trimmed the hedge. Once I’d made it neat and tidy, I found people were using it as an extension to the carriageway.

“I’d seen people parking on it, mounting it and using it as part of the turning space, leaving out the soil and leaving a muddy trench. I had to go out there multiple times with a topsoil and grass seed.”

Kevin spent three years researching different designs as he wanted to make sure his fence was not susceptible to accidental damage such as “hurting little Johnny on his bicycle”.

While research how to make the spikes “disappear”, he realised they needed protecting. He explained: “The plastic fence covers the spikes and the only way to expose the spikes is with enough weight on top of them to break the plastic fencing.

“The plastic will break along the perforations exposing the fence supports which are hollow tubes with a chamfered top edge.

“This means if an attempt is made to use a motor vehicle to vandalize a lawn or verge the driver will no longer be able to just drive away leaving the damage for the land owner to repair.

“Because you can lift the spikes and fence out of the ground, you can then cut the grass as only the base plate which is at ground level.”

Kevin believes his patented design would be significant in preventing unauthorised encampments and would love to see local authorities and councils put it into use.

He pointed out his own council, Milton Keynes, had invested £250,000 over the last five years to protect sites with barriers such as concrete blocks or mounds of earth.

He said: “I read news articles almost daily about where this product could be used. Its use for stopping unauthorised encampments would be phenomenal – and it would be cheaper.”

Kevin had bought a Hyundai Getz on its last legs to test the fence’s ability to puncture tyres and hopes to see his prototype rolled out widely in future.

He said his Smart Fence would protect homeowners from bad drivers absconding the scene and had sought advice around if the user could be held liable.

Kevin added: “If I try and jimmy your backdoor with a screwdriver and it breaks, you don’t have to pay me for damages.

“Tearing up a garden is criminal damage. If you’re committing criminal damage and you damage your tools such as a car, it is your responsibility.”

A Milton Keynes highways spokesperson said: “Under the law, items can’t be placed on public highway land without the proper authorisation.

“Items may only be placed on the highway where the appropriate permissions have been granted and suitable safety measures are in place to protect all road users.”

‘Fabulous well-made top, feels and looks quality, true to size, appropriate for all ages’

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Summer is just around the corner and fashion enthusiasts will be eagerly anticipating dusting off their warm-weather wardrobes. Of course, the notoriously unpredictable British climate means a versatile top that can be layered over a vest or camisole is an absolute must-have.

At Roman, shoppers are clamouring for a layering piece that fits the bill perfectly. Customers report receiving ‘lots of compliments’ on the Ivory Crochet Tie Front V-Neck Tunic Top, and it’s not difficult to understand why.

The Ivory Crochet Tie Front V-Neck Tunic Top is priced at £38, however those who enter the discount code SUN can secure a 10% reduction. This brings the cost down to a reasonable £34.20, and it also comes with complimentary express delivery.

Available in sizes 10 to 20, the crochet top is made from a lightweight knitted fabric. It showcases a flattering round neckline and full-length fluted sleeves that carry a 70s-inspired feel while remaining contemporary and firmly on-trend.

The top boasts a tunic silhouette and is complemented by tassels on the tie detail. Thanks to its adaptable design, the Ivory Crochet Tie Front V-Neck Tunic Top can be styled in a multitude of ways, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Roman’s boho-inspired summer top available for £34.20

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The Ivory Crochet Tie Front V-Neck Tunic Top costs £38 but those who apply the discount code SUN can pick it up with a 10% saving. This brings the price down to a modest £34.20 and it comes with free express delivery too.

It pairs beautifully with white jeans or linen trousers for an effortlessly polished look, ideal for the office or weekend outings. While on holiday, team the piece with shorts or a floaty skirt for a laid-back coastal aesthetic.

Meanwhile, Marks and Spencer’s Cotton Blend Crochet Look Collared Cardigan is priced at £30. It’s designed with a regular fit, featuring an attractive tie fastening at the v-shaped neckline and a ruffled trim that provides a polished finish.

Alternatively, Next’s Ecru Cotton Mesh Knit Lace-Up Polo Top is available for £49. A striking addition to your seasonal collection, it showcases a breathable mesh knit construction adorned with delightful faux shells scattered throughout the fabric.

The design is completed with a traditional collar and a nautical-inspired lace-up front featuring gold-tone eyelets, delivering a distinctive, artisanal aesthetic that’s ideal for summer layering. It’s also available in blue and pink.

Back at Roman, the Ivory Crochet Tie Front V-Neck Tunic Top has achieved an impressive overall star-rating of 4.9 out of five from 35 reviews. One delighted customer commented: “Love it. Perfect to cover up over a vest top on cooler evenings.”

Another remarked: “Bought this crochet top for my holiday and to wear in the summer. Goes great with my white trousers and jeans. I’m a 14 and the size is accurate and fits perfectly. Very pleased with my purchase and for the good service I always get from Roman.

“Goes with anything,” a third noted.

“Fabulous well-made top, feels and looks quality. True to size, appropriate for all ages. I wore a small vest top under mine.”

While the Ivory Crochet Tie Front V-Neck Tunic Top has received largely positive feedback, one customer deducted a star due to the colour differing from expectations.

The four-star review states: “Nice top but the colour wasn’t like the picture it was darker and didn’t suit me.”

It’s also worth noting that the top is constructed from 100% acrylic. Although this material offers warmth without bulk, it can be susceptible to static electricity and pilling, creating irritating bobbles that compromise the garment’s appearance over time.

Despite this, another customer was delighted with their recent Roman acquisition, commenting: “Got lots of compliments wearing this. Not as see through as you would imagine. Washes well though I did wash this in a delicates bag so it didn’t get caught on zips or buttons.”

A separate five-star review states: “I absolutely love this top, it’s well made, comfortable and very pretty when on, I put it with silk wide leg pants for an evening, had loads of lovely compliments.”

Greater Manchester Police was called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M61 on May 8 just before 12pm, which further led to a collision with a vehicle between junction two at Linnyshaw and junction four at Over Hulton.

The force confirmed on Friday that a man had died and stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

The motorway was closed in both directions throughout the day after the incident.

Traffic on M61 (Image: NQ)

In a fresh appeal for witnesses, GMP has now revealed the man was aged 60 and that its serious collision investigation unit is keen to speak to anyone with CCTV footage, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area around the time.

The force said: “We were called to reports of a concern for welfare just before 12pm, which further led to a collision with a vehicle between junction two and four.

“One man, aged 60, sadly died at the scene. Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones, who continue to be supported at this difficult time.

“No arrests have been made and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident.”

The serious collision investigation unit is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 1270 of 08/05/2026.

Information can also be shared using our ‘report tool’ or LiveChat function on the Greater Manchester Police website gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, witnesses can contact the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man and a woman were arrested on Saturday evening in the Killynure Green area

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of assault following an altercation in the Killynure Green area of Carryduff.

Police were called to the street just before 8pm on Saturday, May 9, following reports of an altercation in the area. A 52-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of assault while a 45-year-old woman was arrested for multiple offences including assault and driving with excess alcohol in breath.

The man has been released on bail while the woman remains in custody.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of an altercation at Killynure Green, Carryduff, shortly before 8pm, on Saturday 9th May. “Officers attended and arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of assault and a 45 year old woman on suspicion of a number of offences including assault, dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol in breath. The man has been released on police bail and the woman remains in custody at this time. “Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with the investigation, is asked to call officers in Lisburn on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1458 09/05/26. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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The Farnworth and Kearsley Neighbourhood Team carried out a proactive operation in and around Highfield on Saturday (May 9), focusing on the use of illegal e-bikes.

During the operation, officers seized two bikes and conducted multiple stop-searches and vehicle stops.

A stolen moped was recovered on Anchor Lane, having been taken from Bolton in April.

The stolen moped (Image: GMP)

An illegal e-bike was also seized in Highfield after being found with throttle control and capable of reaching 22mph without pedal assistance.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We will continue our proactive work around Farnworth and Kearsley, and we are dedicated to taking all illegal e-bikes, off-road bikes, and illegal Sur-Ron’s off our streets.

“Please continue to report the use of these bikes in your area to help us build an accurate intelligence picture.”

North Yorkshire Police has launched an appeal after reports of a person stealing a bottle of gin from St Lawrence Church in Lawrence Street at 1.19pm on Thursday (March 5).

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Police have launched a CCTV appeal to find a man officers would like to speak to in relation to the theft (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

The incident is reported to have occurred at St Lawrence Church in York (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

A force spokesperson said: “We are appealing for any help that would lead to the identification of the male shown in the three still image taken from CCTV at the location.

“If you can help, please email david.fulford@northyorkshire.police.uk, or contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Constable 1222 David Fulford.

“Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number: 12260040295.”