NEW YORK (AP) — It might be hard to imagine the Iran war weighing on stuffed toys with names like Snuggle Glove, Bizzikins and Wobblies, but even plush playthings are not immune when oil shipments from the Middle East are constrained.

Like many soft toys, the creatures developed by a manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are made with polyester and acrylic, synthetic fibers derived from petroleum. Three weeks after the war started, suppliers in China notified Aleni Brands that getting the materials already was costing them 10% to 15% more, CEO Ricardo Venegas said.

“I think this situation demonstrates how much oil permeates throughout our system, and we can’t get away from it,” said Venegas, who founded Aleni Brands last year and is in the process of adding product lines. “Who would have thought that the price of a toy would have a direct relationship with oil?”

It’s not just toys. Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas go into making more than 6,000 consumer products, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Computer keyboards, lipstick, tennis rackets, pajamas, soft contact lenses, detergent, chewing gum, shoes, crayons, shaving cream, pillows, aspirin, dentures, tape, umbrellas and nylon guitar strings are just a few of them.

So far, the war’s most tangible and immediate effect for many people outside the conflict zone has been spiking gasoline prices. Travelers also are seeing higher airfares and flight fees as airlines respond to the rising cost of jet fuel. Consumers may find themselves paying more for food, furniture or any of the myriad of goods transported by trucks that run on diesel.

But crude oil isn’t just refined as fuel. It gets turned into chemicals, waxes, oils and other mixtures that appear in a vast array of everyday items, including most made with plastic and rubber. Petroleum derivatives also are used in a lot of packaging. With disruptions to global oil supplies now in their eighth week, higher production costs also could make things more expensive for shoppers, according to trade groups and some companies.

Venegas, a 30-year toy industry veteran, said he would absorb higher material costs for now but expects to increase prices for customers by early 2027, if the war goes on another three to six months.

From crude oil to T-shirts and rugs

While 85% of global oil consumption is in the form of fuel, the rest goes into a wide range of consumer products, according to Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at Columbia University’s School of Business.

Crude oil is mostly a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, which are compounds made of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Refineries and chemical plants separate and break them down to convert them into smaller chemical building blocks known as petrochemicals.

Six petrochemicals — ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene and xylenes — are the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters, which manufacturers in turn use to design and deliver products. More from the Department of Energy: Automobile parts, ballpoint pens, curtains, dice, eyeglasses, fertilizer, golf balls, hearing aids, insect repellant, kayaks, luggage, mops and nail polish.

Materials account for a big share of production costs for many manufacturers, including those that supply carpets, clothing and tires, according to Andrew Walberer, partner and global lead in the chemicals practice of global strategy and management consultancy Kearney.

Take a button-down shirt, for example. Walberer estimated that materials account for 27%-30% of how much it costs a manufacturer to make one. Labor costs contribute 10% to 30%. Business expenses tied to marketing, distribution and administration comprises the rest, he said.

The ripple effect

Experts say if oil holds above $90 per barrel for the next several months, cost pressures will accelerate throughout the supply network.

Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America CEO Matt Priest said most of the trade organization’s members keep a two- to three-month inventory of finished products, providing a temporary cushion against higher materials costs.

Roughly 70% of the materials in synthetic shoes are petrochemical-based, and 30% of the costs for those materials are directly tied to oil price rate swings, according to a report the organization published last month on the U.S. footwear industry’s “exposure to oil prices & the impact on shoe costs.”

The FDRA analysis estimated that between materials, factory energy and transportation, companies paying more for petroleum could translate into a 1.5% to 3% increase in the price shoppers pay for a pair of shoes by late summer and the fall.

By the end of April, U.S. shoe and clothing manufacturers need to start signing contracts with suppliers, mostly outside the U.S., for orders of polyester staple fiber and polyester filament yarn to get their designs on retail shelves and online for the holiday shopping season, according to Nate Herman, executive vice president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

One kilogram, or a little over two pounds, of the materials used in polyester textiles, has increased in price from an average of 90 cents before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran to $1.33 per kilogram, Herman said. He estimated that each garment will cost 10 cents to 15 cents more to produce as a result.

Another cost for importers

Some businesses are looking for ways to offset rising costs.

Lisa Lane is the founder of Rinseroo, which sells portable shower head, bathtub and sink attachments for cleaning, pet grooming, and bathing. She recently tripled the number of the slip-on hoses she procures from China each month after her manufacturer said the cost would be 30% higher in another 30 days. She had a few days to decide whether to place a three-month advance order.

The components of Rinseroo’s products include petroleum derivatives like polyvinyl chloride, Lane said. After purchasing 240,000 units instead of her usual 80,000, she is also evaluating cost-cutting options.

Lane said she wants to hold off on increasing prices for retailers that sell the attachments since Rinseroo did that last year to offset higher U.S. tariffs on imports from China. For example, a hose for washing pets in a bathtub went up to $33.95 from $29.95 on retail websites, she said.

“We want to stay at that sweet spot where people want to continue to buy from us and feel like they’re getting a good value,” Lane said.

Another company, which sells wound care products like bandages, dressings, pads and sponges to nursing homes and other medical facilities, plans to raise its prices by 15% in a matter of weeks. Gentell CEO David Navazio noted that adhesives in the products rely on several petrochemicals.

Including energy for production and materials, Navazio estimated the company’s costs are going up by 20%.

Gentell, which is based in Yardley, Pennsylvania but has its main manufacturing location in Toronto, also makes private label products for other companies, including a medical technology firm that supplies retail stores like CVS.

Because bandages and dressings are necessities, Navazio said he doesn’t think his business will suffer if it raises customer prices. Less certain is whether prices will come down once the war ends and oil shipments stabilize.

“In the past, I’ve seen transportation costs come down, but I’ve never seen prices of raw material come down,” he said.

Worried shoppers flooded social media claiming the cult favourite had vanished, with some even fearing it had been pulled completely.

The panic kicked off when customers noticed the plant-based bake was missing in multiple stores across the UK, as reported by creatorzine.com .

Threads quickly popped up on Reddit pages r/greggsappreciation and r/VeganUk on Saturday (18 April), as baffled fans searched for answers.

What’s the Difference Between Best Before and Use-By?

One user asked: “Where are the vegan sausage rolls??”

The person added: “My daily ritual of walking to Greggs has been RUINED by the lack of vegan sausage rolls… can anyone provide any insider information on this?”

Others soon joined in, reporting the same issue in different areas.

One person wrote: “It’s the same in the Edinburgh area! Had the craving and tried 3 different outlets on my route with no avail!”

(Image: Jam Press)

Another user said: “Last 2 times I’ve been in two different Greggs they haven’t had any.”

One person added: “Didn’t have any or even a shelf for them in the last 2 Greggs I’ve been into.”

While another user posted: “What!? This would be devastating news if true.”

The sudden disappearance left some customers claiming their usual Greggs trips had been “ruined”.

Recommended Reading:

But the bakery chain has now moved to calm fears.                          

A spokesperson said: “We experienced a brief interruption to supply of the Vegan Roll in some shops last week.

“Availability has now returned to normal across our shops.”

The vegan sausage roll – launched in 2019 – has since become one of Greggs’ biggest hits, winning over both plant-based fans and curious meat-eaters alike.

Craig Ferguson, 22, set off from Santa Monica pier, Los Angeles, on Tuesday February 22, and reached the 1,500-mile mark in Kansas on Tuesday April 21, with the finish line in Boston, Massachusetts, where he hopes to reach ahead of Scotland’s opening World Cup match with Haiti.

Jason Cundy labelled Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton as the ‘worst performance’ he has ever seen from his former side.

Liam Rosenior’s side were totally outplayed away to Brighton, with goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck dealing a hammer blow to the Blues’ hopes of Champions League qualification.

Chelsea have now lost five league games without scoring a goal for the first time since 1912 and are seven points off Liverpool in fifth with only four games left to play.

Vocal chants from the away fans called for Rosenior to be sacked in the second half, despite the Englisman only replacing Enzo Maresca four months ago.

And ex-Chelsea defender Cundy pulled no punches when analysing his former side’s performance on Tuesday evening.

‘That was disgusting, absolutely disgusting,’ he told talkSPORT. ‘I am ashamed of that performance tonight. Absolutely ashamed. It’s gutless.

‘They absolutely battered us. They embarrassed us. At 2-0, I’m thinking the scoreline just doesn’t do it justice. And at 3-0, it still doesn’t.

‘The shape of the team, when they’re five at the back, wow, that just didn’t work. You saw that after about seven minutes. Could not get out of our box. Couldn’t get out of our half. Brighton, it was like a training game for them.

‘First half, I don’t know what that was. That was absolutely turgid. Disgusting. And do you know what? It’s getting worse. Brighton are a good side, but that is unacceptable

‘I think it’s the worst [Chelsea] performance I’ve ever seen, and I’ve played in a few. I can’t think of a worse performance than that. I genuinely can’t. I cannot think of a worse gutless spineless performance.’

Chelsea’s only victory in their last eight matches in all competitions came in the FA Cup quarter-final against struggling League One side Port Vale.

But Cundy does not hold out much hope that the Blues will keep their FA Cup hopes alive on Sunday when they travel to Wembley to take on Leeds United in the semi-finals.

‘Do you know what? We got Leeds at the weekend,’ he added. ‘And I’m telling you now, we ain’t winning that game.

‘We are not winning that game. We’re getting dumped out the FA Cup.

‘I don’t know where the next victory is going to come from. I don’t know where the next shot on target is going to come from. Absolutely disgusted.’

Speaking post-match, an equally infuriated Rosenior pointed the finger at his own players for what he described as an ‘unacceptable’ performance.

‘For the fans, honestly, apologise, that’s unacceptable,’ Rosenior told Chelsea TV after the game.

‘I will defend the players when they deserve to be defended. Three or four of them gave everything, I’m not going to name names but three or four is not good enough.

‘I have my own ideas about what needs to happen at this club moving forward. All I can do at the moment is apologise to the fans for what we put in today.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Como send Cesc Fabregas message to Chelsea as pressure mounts on Liam Rosenior

MORE: Frank Leboeuf slams two Chelsea stars after Brighton thrashing – ‘They’re not leaders’

MORE: Tim Sherwood makes Liam Rosenior sack prediction after Chelsea defeat to Brighton

Mexico’s government has announced a significant increase in security measures at key tourist destinations following a shooting at the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids, less than two months before the country is set to co-host the Fifa World Cup.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw a lone gunman open fire on tourists atop one of the iconic pyramids at the UNESCO Heritage Site, a popular attraction near Mexico City. The attack resulted in the death of one Canadian tourist and left a dozen others injured.

The shooting immediately prompted questions for President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding her government’s security protocols ahead of the major international tournament, which Mexico will jointly host with the United States and Canada this summer.

Teotihuacan, located approximately an hour from the capital, was anticipated to be a significant draw for visitors during the festivities, with local lawmakers having recently proposed reviving a nighttime interactive light show at the pyramids for World Cup attendees.

The unexpected act of violence poses a challenge to President Sheinbaum’s administration, which has been striving to project an image of safety and stability in the lead-up to the tournament, particularly after a surge of cartel violence in Guadalajara, another World Cup host city, in February.

Mexican security analyst David Saucedo commented: “Events like this only further magnify the negative images that Mexico has on security issues, undermining the narrative that President Sheinbaum is trying to build that Mexico is a safe country.”

On Tuesday, President Sheinbaum described the shooting as “an isolated incident”, acknowledging that the archaeological site lacked adequate security filters. She noted that such an event had not previously occurred in such a public space.

While Mexico grapples with cartel violence, particularly in strategic and rural areas, mass shootings in public spaces remain rare compared to the United States, where firearms are more easily obtainable.

Sheinbaum suggested the shooter appeared to be influenced by “outside influences”, specifically referencing the 1999 Columbine massacre in Colorado.

“Our obligation as a government is to take the appropriate measures to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again. But clearly, we all know — Mexicans know — that this is something that had not previously taken place,” Sheinbaum stated.

Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Security Secretary, who leads the government’s efforts against cartels, announced on Tuesday that security forces have been instructed to “immediately strengthen security” at archaeological sites and major tourist destinations nationwide.

This will involve increasing the presence of the Mexican National Guard, enhancing security checks, and fortifying surveillance systems to “identify and prevent any threats” to both citizens and visitors.

The government’s swift announcement aims to allay persistent concerns about violence in Mexico ahead of the tournament.

President Sheinbaum’s administration has frequently highlighted its security achievements, including a sharp decline in homicides to their lowest levels in a decade, as well as the apprehension of several high-ranking cartel leaders and a reduction in fentanyl seizures at the US-Mexico border.

However, recent months have presented challenges, notably the outbreak of violence in Guadalajara following the killing of a powerful cartel boss.

Despite this, Sheinbaum has assured that there would be “no risk” for fans attending the tournament, a sentiment echoed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who expressed “full confidence” in Mexico as a host nation. Sheinbaum subsequently met with Fifa representatives to review World Cup security arrangements.

Mexico’s government has committed to deploying 100,000 security forces across the country for the World Cup, with a particular focus on the three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Officials also plan to utilize over 2,000 military vehicles, dozens of aircraft and drones, and establish security perimeters around stadiums and airports in key urban centers.

“As you can see, we are very prepared for the World Cup,” Sheinbaum affirmed in early March.

Despite the unusual nature of the shooting at the pyramids, this extreme act of violence has intensified scrutiny over the government’s ability to prevent such incidents during the upcoming football tournament, once again increasing pressure on the administration.

Fifa, when approached for comment on the pyramid shooting, typically refrains from addressing security issues or incidents that occur away from tournament venues.

Security analyst David Saucedo warned that the imperative to concentrate security in host cities and tourist areas like Teotihuacan might inadvertently divert resources from other crime-ridden regions that are in greater need of police and military presence.

“Events like the one that took place yesterday in Teotihuacan clearly show that public safety agencies are overwhelmed,” he concluded.

Elizabeth Colligan, 82, was pronounced dead after being found injured on Cardowan Road in Carntyne at around 4am on Saturday, April 18.

A man has been charged in connection with the death of Elizabeth Colligan in Glasgow.

The 82-year-old was pronounced dead after being found injured on Cardowan Road in the Carntyne area of the city at around 4am on Saturday, April 18.

Officers from Police Scotland launched a probe on Sunday after the pensioner, known as Betty, was found injured and pronounced dead at the property.

Cops then issued an appeal for Grant McKinnon – understood to be her grandson who previously lived with her.

In an update on Tuesday, detectives said dog units had been sent out to search for McKinnon, 30, and warned members of the public not to approach him. A few hours later, police confirmed a 30-year-old man had been arrested in connection with her death.

Pictures from the scene showed five or six officers detaining a man before he was led away to an open police van on the street. Police have now confirmed that the man has been charged. He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court later today.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Elizabeth Colligan. Elizabeth, 82, was found injured on Cardowan Road in Glasgow around 4.20am on Saturday, 18 April, 2026.

“Emergency services attended, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The 30-year-old is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday, April 22”

Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont added: “Our thoughts remain with Elizabeth’s family and friends during this very difficult time.

“We would like to thank the local community for their support while our investigation has been ongoing.”

Ten police vehicles were seen around a stretch of Cardowan Road following the incident. Multiple officers have been on scene and on patrol in the area since.

Forensics officers in their all-white suits were spotted on the street, with a tent erected outside a cottage block of flats. Officers were also seen carrying out door-to-door enquiries and have been reviewing CCTV as part of the probe.

Loved ones described Betty as “one in a million”, saying: “You never deserved this.”

A heartbreaking message attached to a bunch of flowers at the scene on Monday read: “Granny, I’m so sorry for the pain you went through and hope you’re at peace now…”

Meanwhile, Chloe Duncan said on Facebook: “Our wee aunty Betty only one left from our granny’s side. My mum’s wee aunt, my great aunty.

“Thinking of everyone in the family at this sad time, absolutely gutted, will cherish the memories we had with you when we were wee. Hope you are up there with granny now at peace, you never deserved this.”

Heartbroken locals also paid tribute to Elizabeth who was remembered as a “beautiful wee soul”. The gran worked as a lollipop woman at Our Lady of Peace RC Primary school in the city.

Lindsay Donald said: “Rest easy, Betty, you were the best wee lollipop woman there was. Thinking of the family at this awful time.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Months on from his tragic passing and Ricky is set to be celebrated at a star-studded ‘Las Vegas-style’ event

Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney was given an emotional reminder about the loss of her ex-partner Ricky Hatton ahead of a big tribute night in Manchester.

The actress, who plays Cassie Plummer in the ITV soap, was among those to share her devastation at the boxer’s passing, after he was found dead at his home in Hyde, at the age of 46, on September 14. At the time, he had been planning a return to the ring after a 13-year hiatus with a fight scheduled for December.

Claire, who enjoyed an eight-month romance with Ricky in 2024 after they worked together on Dancing On Ice, said days after the tragic news was announced: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky.

Click here to sign up for more Coronation Street updates in our newsletter

“My thoughts are with his family, especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter. To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy.” She added: “Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”

It was then in October that Claire joined many fellow mourners for Ricky’s final send-off, which took place at Manchester Cathedral following a two-hour journey from Tameside to Manchester city centre, passing many important local spots throughout Ricky’s life and career.

Months on from his tragic passing and Ricky is set to be celebrated at a star-studded ‘Las Vegas-style’ event, which will take place at the AO Arena on June 7. Organisers have said that the Evening4Ricky show will feature a reimagined boxing stage as a line-up of artists and performers take part in a series of entertainment ‘rounds’.

Tony Bellew, Steph Houghton, Natasha Jonas and Johnny Nelson are some of the names confirmed to be involved in the upcoming event so far, with funds raised going towards supporting the Ricky Hatton Foundation and other national and local mental health charity partners, all of which carry out vital work in mental health support and wellbeing.

While out in Manchester, Claire came across a poster for the upcoming celebrations, which she took a picture of and shared to her Instagram Story. Alongside the post, shared on Tuesday (April 21), the soap star said: “Saw this in Manchester yesterday @speak3536 @rickyhattonfoundation.”

Despite knowing each other for years, it wasn’t until after taking part in the now-cancelled ITV competition show Dancing On Ice that Claire and Ricky got people talking about a relationship after being spotted on a series of pub dates, including in Stockport. They then stepped out on the red carpet together for the first time in May 2024 at the first opening night of the £365m Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

But it was in December that year when it was reported Ricky and Claire had split. The breakup came before Christmas and asked about the split during a red carpet appearance, Claire told MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!”

The security services are investigating whether a shadowy group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, may be carrying out the “dirty work” of the Tehran regime, Mr Hall added, by recruiting people in London and other parts of the UK to commit crimes.

Jimmy Bullard has explained why he quit I’m a Celebrity: South Africa despite knowing it would also send home his campmate Adam Thomas – which led to a furious showdown between the pair.

Former footballer Bullard was partnered with actor Thomas for a pivotal trial in which the losing duo would be sent home from the ITV reality show. Despite Thomas throwing himself into the challenge, Bullard almost immediately abstained from taking part, telling hosts Ant and Dec: “I just don’t have it in me.”

Thomas angrily confronted Bullard, shouting: “You’re taking the p***!” before telling him he should have left the show after the trial instead of prematurely ending his time on the show also. Almost eight months after the series was filmed, they are reportedly not on speaking terms.

Speaking to the cameras after exiting the show, Bullard addressed the “kerfuffle”, stating: “Letting Adam down’s a killer. He’s my boy, you know? From day dot, we had the craic. He wants to do well, and I get it.”

Bullard, who said he “struggled” with how hard he found the show, said his decision to use the opportunity to leave stemmed in part from wanting to be with his parents.

“I thought we were going in for stars for the camp to eat, but then they leave the door open where you could say ‘I’m a celebrity… get me out of here’ and go home – I got my mum and dad at home, the dad ain’t too well, so that comes in.”

He added that, despite people thinking he’s outgoing and a wind-up, that “doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready for them trials and stuff”.

“I lost David Haye, Gemma [Collins], they were my big bounces, I’d say. You could bounce off of them. Unfortunately, my time was up in the game.”

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day

Advertisement

New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day

New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.

Advertisement

Try for free

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

After realising Bullard was quitting the show on their behalf, Thomas said: “You’re joking me bro. Jim, come on, man. Don’t do this bro! Is that how we’re going out, yeah?”

However, despite Ant and Dec encouraging Bullard to continue for Thomas’s sake, he remained adamant, stating: “I’ve had enough. Sorry, boys and girls.”

Thomas stormed up to Bullard, asking: “What’s up with you, bro? If you wanted to go, go – don’t take me with you. Go home in camp, don’t do it on my f**ing watch.” Bullard told him: “I choose when I come and when I go.”

Because Bullard did not complete any of the trial, Ant and Dec intervened, allowing campmates to vote for whether they would let Thomas remain on the show. They unanimously voted in his favour.

According to The Sun, Bullard is threatening not to attend the show’s final, which will be filmed live on Friday in London. Unlike with every celebrity who’s left so far, Bullard did not complete a post-exit interview with ITV. The Independent has reached out to the channel and Bullard for comment.

The spin-off show proved to be a tough experience for former Emmerdale actor Thomas, who also struggled with campmate David Haye while in the jungle.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Thomas admitted that Haye “broke” him while filming the show. It came after Haye turned on Thomas for asking not to do a Bushtucker Trial as he was feeling unwell.

“Who gives a s*** if he doesn’t feel well,” Haye said. “He’s a grown-ass man. I don’t like guys who are a bit useless. I hate them useless guys.”

Writing on Instagram, Thomas said: “He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now, am not one to hold a grudge.”

“I just always worry that we get ourselves into a situation where we get into conflict with local businesses”

A Co Down councillor has raised concerns that street cafe culture is causing a “daily obstacle course” for blind people.

Disability issues came to light as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee this week approved its new cafe pavement policy.

The chamber also heard a “worry” that a potential “conflict” between the council and local business could happen when enforcing policy rules.

READ MORE: Downpatrick set to be World’s 5 Star attraction to St Patrick

READ MORE: Dublin commuter plans face scrutiny amid ‘Free Staters’ priority concerns

Slieve Croob Alliance councillor Helena Young said: “I have recently been contacted by constituents on these matters, with one person being a member of RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), so we are acutely aware of issues around accessibility.

“You have tables and chairs and all sorts out and these kind of obstruct pedestrians from being able to move along the pavement.

“Sometimes there can be a collision hazard for people who cannot see them. Some businesses are not following the council guidelines. Instead of our streets becoming more accessible they are like a daily obstacle course for some people who are blind or partially sighted.

“Can the council confidently state that in light of the equality act requirements that it has a comprehensive understanding on how the policy of granting pavement licenses doesn’t detrimentally affect blind and partially sighted people?”

The council policy provides guidelines to businesses applying for pavement licences and regulations on safeguarding pedestrians.

Crotlieve Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Ruane added: “Obviously, post-Covid, we have seen a lot more of these in our towns.

“I just always worry that we get ourselves into a situation where we get into conflict with local businesses. It’s one of those things that is fine in one street and just round the corner it doesn’t work.

“I think we need to work with businesses as I can just see us as a council getting into conflict with local businesses.

“It’s a difficult one as most of our towns were never built with large footpaths and we need a common sense approach.

“Is it up to us to enforce the policy? Do we go out walking the streets and check where tables and chairs have been placed with a hard and fast approach as I think that will lead to conflict.”

A council officer responded: “There are guidelines to try and strike a balance for the needs of all.

“The policy has been reviewed and has taken on lessons learned to date. The policy has been equality screened and there is guidance in how businesses will be monitored and the necessary visits required for checks.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.