Wendy Robertson played key part in ensuring court continued to operate following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building.
A Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service employee who played a key role in ensuring Airdrie Sheriff Court continued to operate following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building has been recognised at the organisation’s Service Excellence Awards.
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Wendy Robertson, who works in Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court Operations, was named as a finalist in the Outstanding Service Delivery category after helping co-ordinate the response to the discovery of RAAC at the Airdrie building in 2023.
She was instrumental in managing the move to alternative accommodation for staff and assisting with the preparation of refixing and transfer orders to allow court business to continue at Lanark and Hamilton, ensuring disruption to justice services was kept to a minimum.
And she was among five staff members from Glasgow and Lanarkshire recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).
Other finalists from the area included Alexander Shaw and Hazel Hay from Bothwell House in Hamilton.
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The SCTS Service Excellence Awards was established to celebrate the successes of those who go the extra mile, have made a meaningful difference to the organisation and consistently demonstrate the SCTS values of Respect, Service and Excellence when carrying out their roles.
The finalists represent all areas of SCTS, including courts, tribunals, and the Office of the Public Guardian.
Malcolm Graham, chief executive officer of the SCTS, ccongratulated all the finalists, saying: “People are at the heart of SCTS and every day colleagues go above and beyond to deliver an excellent service for the users of our courts, tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian.
“Our SCTS Values and Behaviours are at the core of our organisation’s culture and the SCTS Service Excellence Awards recognise those individuals and teams who are exemplary in demonstrating our Values and Behaviours and show appreciation for their efforts.
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“We had over 100 nominations from across the organisation and the response awards reflects the number of fantastic people working across SCTS in support of delivering justice in Scotland.
“I congratulate all nominees and finalists.”
The 18 finalists, three finalists across six categories, each received their award at an event in Parliament House.
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Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Today, a major astrological shift takes place as Chiron departs fiery Aries for grounded Taurus. This moves away from Chiron’s cosmic placement for the past seven years.
Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, this change will bring greater clarity. Let it alleviate some emotional baggage from your life.
Step into this new cosmic moment and let go of old habits. Don’t give energy to what no longer serves you.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday June 19, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
A major change occurs in the astrological calendar today, as the healer Chiron leaves your sign and arrives in the earthy Taurus for an initial three-month visit. For the past seven years, he has been urging you to develop your sense of individuality and come to terms with any perceived vulnerabilities. Now you have a chance to work on your personal value and worth.
A developing healing dimension has shaped up in your situation in the last year. It may have felt a little bit raw at times, but this has nudged you towards deeper insights and coming to terms with past hurts and disappointments. Now you can move more into the moment. This is a fine opportunity to discover your authentic self-worth rather than rely on others’ validation.
The Sun in Gemini forges a pivotal link to the powerful Chiron, which then relocates to the most sheltered area for you personally, for the next three months. Friends who really understand the deeper side of your nature can really show up and can be influential in the next three months. You can enjoy getting into nature with them or going for spa days or retreats.
If you have a well-established friendship group, today’s arrival of the complex Chiron into the most social part of your chart for three months may not impact on you obviously. Your natural and instinctive ability to tune into others can be amplified, and people can share their concerns more with you. You’ll likely happily oblige, but don’t lose yourself by being too giving.
The archetype of your sign gives you an aura of invincibility with your charisma sufficient to overcome ever challenge. Is that always how it feels? No? Well, if your professional success hasn’t always matched up, you may have been frustrated that the “stars” don’t deliver. The truth is, we’re all forged by our unique birth chart, not just our sign, but do push hard now for acclaim.
Knowledge comes in many forms. For some, it can be hard-earned life experience, developed at the sharp end of daily reality. For others, it can be born from academic prowess. Others, through a love of travel, culture, and languages. Whatever your special talents, they can shine out strongly now. Yet ironically, you can become more conscious of what you believe you lack.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
You could find yourself becoming more aware that within your innate desire for partnership, or at least cordial relationships with people in general, where you feel required to open up and make yourself vulnerable. This can be true of many of us, of course, but the transforming power of Chiron will likely flag this dynamic more powerfully over the next three months.
You may often find yourself giving friends brilliant relationship advice and can do so even more frequently in the months ahead. If you are looking to meet someone special, you may find yourself becoming more aware that, for all your consideration, others may not be so open to tuning into your relationship situation. Look to point your wisdom towards your own needs.
You’re one of the most freedom-loving members of the zodiac. Daily routines can be an anathema. You know that you have to do your bit, and do, but if it all gets too rigid and dull, your attention span plummets. In recent years, the chaotic energies of Uranus may have left a mark, but now healer Chiron urges you to embrace life’s finer details and your well-being.
In your early life, did you feel you had to be the adult in the room, or at least take on a lot of responsibility? If so, this may still echo. If embracing spontaneity and fun makes you feel uncomfortable, as if you should be attending to more virtuous and worthy demands, healer Chiron’s arrival in your pleasure sector, prompts you to look to become more at ease with joy.
Over the last seven years, your rebellious ruler Uranus, has stormed through the tender home and emotional part of your life. This disrupts but it also pushes us to break free of what no longer serves. If you have been affected by a separation, loss, home move, or have felt isolated, the potent energies of Chiron for the next three months can help you gently unpick things.
As a water sign, your senses and feelings define you. Yet we live in a world of fast exchanges and multiple types of messages, which can both amuse and stimulate or overwhelm. Working on your resilience to this welter of information is going to be a theme in the next three months. It’s not words, memes, or music; it’s the deeper meaning they hold that will call out to you.
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The former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager has been engaged in extensive talks with Rangers’ American chairman Andrew Cavenagh regarding their plans for the squad
Previous manager Danny Rohl had instructed his players to reconvene at their Auchenhowie training ground on Monday to commence preparations for the upcoming season.
However, the squad has now been informed to delay their return until Thursday, when they will be introduced to new manager McInnes for the first time.
The 54 year old is currently in the United States, where he had been on a family break.
He was also seen among thousands of enthusiastic Scotland supporters in Boston as he watched the national team’s opening World Cup triumph over Haiti last week. It’s anticipated he’ll attend the Gillette Stadium tomorrow evening to witness Steve Clarke’s side take on Morocco, reports the Daily Record.
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Meanwhile, Reach Sport understands the former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager has been engaged in extensive talks with Rangers’ American chairman Andrew Cavenagh as they start mapping out the alterations McInnes wishes to implement at the club.
He is due back in Glasgow within the next 72 hours, when he will intensify his assessment of the first-team squad he has taken over from Rohl, alongside the summer recruitment targets he aims to secure.
McInnes has signed a three-year contract at Ibrox and will now be tasked with restoring the club to the success it enjoyed in the late 1990s when he was part of the title-winning teams assembled by Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat. Meanwhile, Rohl has expressed his gratitude to the Ibrox club and believes they are now better placed to challenge for honours.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “As I move on to a new chapter, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone connected with Rangers.
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“It’s been an incredible honour to be part of this amazing club. Thank you to the players, staff and, of course, the brilliant supporters for the way you welcomed and backed us.
“It was a privilege to experience your passion and have you by our side.
“I would also like to thank Andrew for giving me the opportunity and his support throughout my time at the club.
“I’m proud of the work we all did together over the past year. While there is always more to achieve, I believe the club is in a stronger position and well placed for what lies ahead.
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“I will take with me many great memories and a huge amount of respect for this club and everyone connected to it.
“I wish you all nothing but success for the future. All the best, Danny.”
Amethyst & Aura welcomed customers to its new Cornmill Shopping Centre premises today (June 18) after relocating withing the centre and rebranding from Beaded Treasures to reflect its expanded range of crystal, wellness and artisan products.
Founded in 2021, the independent boutique focuses on handmade jewellery, ethically sourced products and holistic wellbeing items while supporting artisans and Fair Trade principles.
Cornmill centre manager Zoe France (L) and owner of Amethyst & Aura Ambica (R) (Image: PR)
The new 360 sq. ft. store at Unit 27, next to Puff Puff Vape Shop, stocks crystals, gemstones, handmade beaded jewellery, incense, candles, artisan teas, cleansing bundles, perfumes, fashion accessories, leather bags, clothing, artwork and home decor.
Many of the beaded jewellery pieces are handmade by owner Ambica, while other products are created by artisan makers who share the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
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Inside the latest shop to open in the Cornmill Shopping Centre Amethyst & Aura (Image: PR)
Ambica said: “We are delighted to be opening our new store at Cornmill Shopping Centre. The move marks an exciting new chapter for our business and allows us to expand our product range while continuing to offer the personalised service our customers know and love.
“Our customers have supported us throughout our journey, and we are grateful for the encouragement we have received from the local community. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers into the store and sharing everything Amethyst & Aura has to offer.”
Zoe France, centre manager at Cornmill Shopping Centre, said: “It has been fantastic to watch Ambica grow her business at Cornmill Shopping Centre.
“The move to a larger store and the launch of Amethyst & Aura marks an exciting new chapter, and we are delighted to see the business continue to evolve and thrive within the centre.”
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The store is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
The polls are now closed and the voting is complete for the Makerfield by-election which took place in Wigan on Thursday, June 18.
This by-election has been a hugely anticipated event, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham running as a candidate for the Labour Party – the first step of his plan to launch a leadership bid.
It comes after the sudden resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons on May 14, who confirmed he stood down from the position to make a pathway for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to stand for election.
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Around 70,000 people living in the Wigan constituency had the opportunity to go out and vote on Thursday and have their say in choosing a new Member of Parliament in Makerfield.
Aside from Kenyon and Burnham, another 12 candidates are running: Jake Austin for the Liberal Democrats, Count Binface for Count Binface Party, Dan Clarke for Libertarian Party, John Dyer for Independent, Ed Gemmell for Climate Party, Paul Gould – Independent, Howling Laud Hope for The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, Rob Pownall for Independent, Rebecca Shepherd for Restore Britain, Sarah Wakefield for Green Party, Peter Ward for Rejoin EU, and Michael Winstanley for Conservative and Unionist Party.
Counting is expected to get underway shortly after the polls close at 10pm on Thursday, with the results expected in the early hours of Friday morning.
During general elections, you often get an idea of who has won through an exit poll, which can be published once polls close at 10pm. This is compiled through interviews with voters as they leave polling stations, revealing the predicted results as soon as the voting ends and it is usually pretty accurate at revealing whether there will be a majority government or a hung parliament.
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However, no exit poll has been conducted for the Makerfield by-election.
A poll was carried out by Opinium between June 3 and 11, 2026, ahead of election day. The study included 543 local residents who suggested how they would vote in the by-election.
The results of that poll showed:
Labour – Andy Burnham: 46%
Reform – Rob Kenyon: 41%
Restore – Rebecca Shepherd: 7%
Conservative – Michael Winstanley: 3%
Green – Sarah Wakefield: 2%
Liberal Democrats – Jake Austin: 1%
Other: 1%
According to the latest odds, as of 9.30pm on Thursday, Mr Burnham was the heavy favourite with the bookies to win.
William Hill – Labour 1/12, Reform 6/1, Restore 16/1
At just 21 years old, Ellie has transformed the space into a purpose-built clinic designed to help local residents manage pain, recover from injuries, improve mobility and support their overall wellbeing.
Ellie first qualified as a Sports Massage Therapist at 18 before later becoming a Pilates Instructor.
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After years of building a loyal client base, she took the leap into opening her own clinic in York.
The clinic combines Sports Massage therapy and Pilates services under one roof, offering both hands-on treatment and movement-based rehabilitation to help clients move, recover and feel their best.
Ellie said: “As someone who was born and raised in York, opening my own clinic here is incredibly special. Building a business in the city I’ve always called home has been a long-term goal of mine, and I’m excited to create a welcoming space where people can access high-quality treatment and movement services.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders on Capitol Hill, including top national security figures, were voicing strong reservations Thursday —- and some outright condemnation — of the Trump administration’s agreement to end the fighting in Iran.
The memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump started a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear program. While Trump allies noted the agreement is not final, the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran’s sale of oil and the plan for a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran and its economy were met with criticism from Republican leaders and conservative influencers, including some close Trump supporters.
“President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective,” said Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who has urged Trump to keep up the pressure on Iran and last month warned against striking a bad deal.
“The $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran — though not funded by U.S. taxpayers — would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” Wicker said, referring to the Democratic administration’s Iran agreement that Trump withdrew from during his first term.
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The criticism from within Trump’s own party — though hardly unanimous — comes as he is trying to bring an end to the unpopular war fewer than five months from midterm elections, where Republicans are facing headwinds in their effort to hold their narrow majorities.
Trump calls his critics ‘fools’
Wicker’s points were backed by a number of his colleagues, many of whom supported the war when it began.
“History demonstrates giving billions of dollars to the theocratic lunatics who want to kill you is an exceptionally bad idea,” said Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a staunch supporter of the war. “And so I hope we don’t do that.”
Trump on Truth Social called his critics “fools” and said the $300 billion payment to Iran by the United States is “fake news.” The interim pact promises a $300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction. It’s not clear where that money will come from — but Trump said, as Wicker noted, the U.S. would not contribute.
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“All there is for the U.S. is Success, Lower Oil Prices, and Victory,” he posted.
Some senators question financial provisions
As the memorandum was released to Congress on Thursday, several Republican senators said it left them with questions, many of them about its financial provisions.
Majority Leader John Thune and South Dakota colleague Sen. Mike Rounds were seeking clarity on how financial incentives to Iran and conditions barring funding terrorism would be enforced, because “right now, a lot of money’s going to go to Iran,” Rounds said.
To be sure, there were Republicans more closely aligned with Trump’s America First policies in the Senate and elsewhere who were giving him the benefit of the doubt.
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Sen. Roger Marshall stressed the point in the memorandum that supporters say gives the U.S. the upper hand. In a social media post, the Kansas Republican said one of the most important provisions “lays out a key commitment that strengthens regional security and ensures that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Louisiana GOP Senate candidate John Fleming, who has focused on Trump’s most loyal supporters ahead of a June 27 Republican primary runoff, said that means Trump has suggested that the U.S. will strike Iran again if it does not live up to the agreement.
“The criticism may be worthy if there isn’t follow-through,” Fleming said. “He’s using the speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick in offering them plenty of help, but at the same time he’s got that stick ready if they don’t live up to their agreements.”
MAGA voices send a warning
Still, some of Trump’s strongest supporters in conservative media have warned against the agreement.
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Conservative radio host Mark Levin suggested a strategic rethinking to hold off on an agreement with Iran until after the midterms.
“We should consider slow-walking the enemy, building up our munitions, our oil reserves, get the price of gasoline down, get through the midterms, then knock them out,” he said in a social media post. Instead, the U.S. seemed to be “rushing to a deal, building up their oil industry” and agreeing to governments “transferring billions to them.”
Right-wing social media influencer Laura Loomer, who has long supported Trump while also promoting conspiracy theories, was more pointed in her criticism.
“Who is giving the President tainted, pro-Islamic intel?” she posted on X.
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What all the critics shared is an abiding distrust of the Iranian regime, no matter their relationship to Trump.
“It does smack of the kind of appeasement,” said former Vice President Mike Pence, whose relationship with Trump was fractured after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. “Bottom line. I don’t trust the Iranians.”
A three-year-old boy is in a critical but stable condition after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s of Old Hurst zoo in Huntingdonshire, as a 30-year-old man has been arrested
Paige Ingram and Sam Russell and Jordan Reynolds Press Association
23:40, 18 Jun 2026Updated 23:46, 18 Jun 2026
Cambridgeshire: Police at zoo where boy was pushed into crocodile enclosure
A zoo owner’s wife leapt into a crocodile enclosure in a desperate bid to rescue a seriously injured three-year-old boy who was allegedly hurled in by a stranger.
Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after being called to Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, at 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police said.
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A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, leapt into the enclosure in an attempt to rescue the youngster.
A villager said: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”
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The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains critical but stable, the force confirmed. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”
In a social media statement, Johnson’s announced that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain shut until further notice. They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”
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The ambulance service confirmed that an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance were sent to the scene. A uniformed officer was standing guard at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police vehicle parked nearby in the car park.
The zoo sits off a quiet, tree-lined country lane in the village of Old Hurst, surrounded by residential properties, and also boasts a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse on site.
The attraction is home to over 100 animals, amongst them lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats. The crocodiles are housed inside a tropical building within a converted cattle shed, while other animals are kept in outdoor enclosures.
The Johnson family has been caring for and working with crocodiles for the past two decades. Current owner Andy Johnson has been involved in producing a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, according to the zoo’s website.
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Neighbour Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives near the zoo, said he had visited before and felt perfectly safe there. Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”
He described a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were roughly 15ft below, adding that fencing ran along the walkways, which he believed stood around 4ft high.
Local councillor Charlotte Lowe admitted she “can’t fathom” how the young boy ended up inside the crocodile enclosure.
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Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.” She went on to say: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”
Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.
“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”
Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”
A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time. We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”
The police were called at around 4pm today (Thursday) by concerned members of the public who had seen the main apparently holding the gun in Church Street, Norton.
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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “We are aware of this incident and enquiries are ongoing.”
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“Earlier today (18 June), we received reports of a man acting suspiciously on Church Street in Norton.
“The man has come forward to assist with our enquiries as we continue our investigation into the incident.
“We would like to reassure you all that there are no risks to the public and thank you to everyone who called in with their concerns.”
Anyone with further information should contact police on 101 quoting 12260112863.
Residents have taken legal action against the operators of the North Wales landfill site, but some councillors recently said complaints have decreased
Residents in a long-running battle with a landfill site over the unpleasant smell coming from it are taking legal action against the operators. More than 140 households impacted by the odour coming from Hafod Landfill Site in North Wales recently joined a group legal action against Enovert after legal firm Hugh James agreed to support their case.
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The firm said it had agreed to support residents’ action to “ensure that the landfill is operating with due respect to its neighbours without emitting excessive odour levels” following a Senedd Petition’s Committee report published earlier this year.
That inquiry found that monitoring data showed clear breaches of nuisance odour threshold as defined by the World Health Organisation, but not enough that it was considered a risk to public health. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
Now families from Johnstown, Ruabon and Rhos are looking to take the matter to court. Stephanie Eedy, Partner in the Environmental team at Hugh James, said: “For years, residents have described the serious impact this alleged odour nuisance has had on their daily lives.
“The Senedd committee’s findings now underline the scale of that failure. We are acting for residents in a group claim for loss of enjoyment of their homes and gardens.
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“This action is about securing redress for those affected and pushing for proper steps to protect residents going forward.
“This is not about shutting a site down or threatening jobs. It is about accountability, fair treatment and ensuring the community does not have to endure an unreasonable nuisance.
“Some of our clients have described the odour as ‘a very strong gas and rotting stench’ and a ‘smell like rotten eggs and burning’ which is pungent and lasts all day.
“Some have had to cancel gatherings on several occasions, claiming it is impossible to sit outdoors and enjoy weather because of the odour, which lingers on clothing meaning they cannot hang washing outdoors.”
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One of the lead campaigners against the landfill site, Steve Gittins, said the problem which has blighted residents for 19 years has not been resolved and claims residents are still fighting to get good air quality data to see exactly what is going on at the site, which has an environmental permit to operate until 2062.
“The air quality data that is supposed to be posted to the citizens page as part of Enovert’s engagement with the community has been unavailable for two months because apparently you need an Enovert password to access it.
“The measurement of fugitive emissions outside of the perimeter of landfill by AQ Mesh pods (technology that samples air quality in real-time) seems intermittent. Then the recent rainfall has led to more leachate – smelly, contaminated water running off the site into the drains. It is still creating real problems for residents.”
A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) which enforces Enovert’s environmental permit, said: “We take residents’ concerns about odour from Hafod Landfill, operated by Enovert, very seriously and recognise the impact this can have on the local community.
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“We continue to regulate the site in line with its environmental permit and will investigate reports of potential pollution. The site operator is required to minimise odour at all times, including during planned works, and we expect them to comply with these requirements.
“Ambient air quality monitoring is not required under the environmental permit and data from AQ Mesh pods are not used when assessing compliance.
“The operator has been progressing actions specified in site action plans, including the installation of new landfill gas wells, capping works, and the development of a new cell.
“These measures are intended to enhance landfill gas capture and reduce the potential for emissions and off-site odours. We are monitoring this through regular inspections, data review, and compliance checks.
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“Where permit breaches are identified, we will consider appropriate action in line with our Enforcement and Sanctions Policy. We will continue to keep the site under close review and take further action where necessary to protect the community.”
More recently, Wrexham Council councillors said complaints against the landfill site have decreased in recent months. Enovert was commended by members of the local authority’s homes and environment scrutiny committee on Wednesday for initiatives over the previous 17 months to bring emissions under control.
Complaints about nuisance odour have dropped from 548 in 2025 – reaching a peak in January that year of 260 – to 294 thus far this year – once more peaking in January with 174. The overall trajectory of complaints submitted by the public is downward.
Speaking to the committee, James Hladkij, Enovert’s Group Environmental Manager, said: “We had a massive spike in air quality complaints in January 2025.
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“As the year went on, odour complaints declined. Unfortunately, they’re still well above the levels that we want and expect.
“In January 2026 again we saw a peak and complaint numbers have slowly reduced.
“For 98% of the time the two off-site community pods measured below the effective detection limit of eight parts per billion of Hydrogen Sulphide, which is the annoyance level.
“Around 96% of the time, the pods were well below that on-site too. So that gives you an indication of the levels we’re receiving.
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“Every complaint Enovert receives is investigated where possible and all are logged on our internal systems. We don’t want to damage the community around Hafod.
“We’ve provided all the data and reports to Public Health Wales, who came back and said that they weren’t concerned at the current levels. They did say if there was an escalation in levels they would want to know about it and investigate.”
Rhys Ellie, NRW’s Industry and Waste Regulation Team Leader, noted that monitoring of the site had shifted its primary focus to leachate management.
“Since the start of January, we did 48 off-site odour monitoring assessments,” he said. “These determined that landfill gas odours are more prevalent around New Hall Road and the site entrance.
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“The main headline is concentrating on leachate management and infrastructure. We will continue to monitor progress with a key objective of reducing leachate levels to within current permitted limits.”
Cllr Paul Pemberton, who last year criticised Enovert about the odour coming from the landfill site, also acknowledged that progress had been made.
“It’s come on leaps and bounds,” he said. “I have Just one question, do you think the reduction in complaints is caused because complainants felt they were being ignored or feel it’s not worth complaining going forward?”.
“It can take a long time for them to restore their faith in the system.”
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Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for strategic planning and public protection, stated that the decline in complaints was consistent with the data showing reduced odour emissions.
“When you look at the data the odour, which is the source of most of the complaints in the residential areas, is virtually down to zero level and has resulted in zero complaints.
“The data behind the complaint confirms that the smells are effectively disappearing and therefore the source of the complaints has disappeared.”
Cllr John Phillips concurred that conditions in the area were considerably improved compared to January 2025.
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“From where we were 18 months ago to where we are today, it’s improved,” he said. “I’d like to pass my thanks on to everyone at Enovert and NRW.
“It’s about keeping that momentum going, continuing to be a good neighbour. I think that is important. I don’t live in Johnstown, but I’m in Johnstown virtually every day and in all honesty, from a personal point of view, I’ve seen a difference.”
Dyson’s handheld fan doesn’t look like a regular bladed model. Tall and cylindrical, it doesn’t have spinning blades but a precision nozzle with a honeycomb mesh liner that can be rotated 360 degrees so you can point it whichever direction you like.
You can place it on your desk or attach the included lanyard and wear it around your neck – and it’s probably the best wearable implementation I’ve seen on a handheld fan so far.
You can hang it around your neck using the included lanyard (Alex Lee/The Independent )
Coming in ink/cobalt, carnelian/sky and stone/blush – I’ve been testing the latter, a delicate pink colour that matches Dyson’s other vibrantly-coloured gear. A doddle to set up, it charges via USB-C at the base of the fan. Flick the switch up to turn it on and out comes a nice, strong airflow.
What’s special about Dyson’s handheld fan compared to most is the sheer power it delivers – not a surprise, given Dyson’s cooling heritage and its range of fans for the home. There are six different fan speeds. The sixth (boost mode) can only be activated by holding down the plus button. Dyson obviously doesn’t want you to use it all the time.
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Inside the fan is a brushless DC motor that Dyson says spins up to 65,000RPM, and on boost mode, that delivers wind speeds of 55mph. It’s really impressive. Boost mode is so intense and actually gives me a little shiver whenever I used it. Most of the time, level five has been sufficient enough to keep me adequately cool.
It does get quite loud on level five and boost mode, but I’ve tested a lot of handheld fans for The Independent, and the hushjet mini cool is one of the quietest I’ve tested at its high airflow speeds.
You get six hours on a single charge when using the lowest fan speed – a setting I barely touched in the heatwave. On the higher settings, it’ll only last an hour. You can charge the fan and use it at the same time, but annoyingly, it won’t let you use it beyond level one. It takes roughly three hours to charge to full once depleted. It’s an impressive bit of machinery, but worth the price?
At £99, I’m not too sure. My favourite handheld fan (the Commem turbo fan) costs a tenner and delivers what feels to me like a similar amount of airflow on the highest setting. Although it’s significantly louder than the Dyson hushjet mini cool, I don’t really mind the noise. If you do, then the Dyson might be the better choice, but it’s just as powerful and doesn’t cost nearly as much.
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When comparing the Dyson hushjet mini cool to Shark’s £130 three-in-one chillpill, I found that, while it isn’t as powerful as the Dyson in terms of raw fan speed, it actually made me feel cooler. That’s largely down to the misting feature, which sprays a fine mist of water at your face. The Dyson hushjet mini cool is more of a traditional handheld fan – the airflow is incredibly strong, but when the air itself is hot, it sometimes feels as though I was simply having warm air blown back at me.
That doesn’t make the hushjet mini cool bad – far from it. It has excellent build quality, powerful airflow and quiet operation at higher speeds. But it’s very expensive for what it is. If you just want something to keep you cool, cheaper options will do the same job, making the Dyson a tricky handheld fan to recommend.
Key specifications
Speed settings: 6
Battery life: 5 hours on lowest speed, 1 hour on highest speed
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