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Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Girls in New Zealand steal ice cream at gunpoint
Three girls led a gang of teenagers who threatened an Auckland takeaway owner with a gun and hammers last night - before making off with bags of icecreams.
The youths burst into the Ranui Food Bar and Takeaway in West Auckland as it was closing shortly before 9pm.
A girl wearing a cap and hoodie pulled over her face pointed a gun at owner Yunan Zheng, who was vacuuming the front of the shop.
"The girl with the gun said, 'Hurry up, give us some money'," Zheng said.
Two others brandished hammers as they rushed into the shop and filled backpacks with icecreams from a freezer. One tried to take cash from the till but was unable to open the drawer.
Hoa Zheng said she had only just restocked the freezers, and believed more than 60 ice creams were taken.
The youths burst into the Ranui Food Bar and Takeaway in West Auckland as it was closing shortly before 9pm.
A girl wearing a cap and hoodie pulled over her face pointed a gun at owner Yunan Zheng, who was vacuuming the front of the shop.
"The girl with the gun said, 'Hurry up, give us some money'," Zheng said.
Two others brandished hammers as they rushed into the shop and filled backpacks with icecreams from a freezer. One tried to take cash from the till but was unable to open the drawer.
Hoa Zheng said she had only just restocked the freezers, and believed more than 60 ice creams were taken.
Woman sweetening coffee drives into river
An Oregon woman lost control of her SUV and plunged into the Santiam River on Saturday morning.
State police said 42-year-old Trena Fiels was trying to put sugar in a cup of coffee when her SUV left Highway 22 just west of Big Cliff Dam and Detroit Lake.
Fiels' SUV drifted off the road and she overcorrected to the left, swerving across the highway and a large shoulder turnout before plunging down a 40-foot embankment, troopers said.
Police said Fiels' vehicle came to rest partially submerged in the Santiam River. Fiels lives in Detroit. She was taken to a hospital by an ambulance to be treated for minor injuries
State police said 42-year-old Trena Fiels was trying to put sugar in a cup of coffee when her SUV left Highway 22 just west of Big Cliff Dam and Detroit Lake.
Fiels' SUV drifted off the road and she overcorrected to the left, swerving across the highway and a large shoulder turnout before plunging down a 40-foot embankment, troopers said.
Police said Fiels' vehicle came to rest partially submerged in the Santiam River. Fiels lives in Detroit. She was taken to a hospital by an ambulance to be treated for minor injuries
Best Party wins polls in Iceland's Reykjavik
A party that calls itself "the Best" has won local elections in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik. The Best Party, founded by comedian Jon Gnarr, secured 34.7% of the vote, ahead of the Independence Party's 33.6%.
Its campaign video featured candidates singing to the tune of Tina Turner's "Simply The Best". Key pledges included "sustainable transparency", free towels at all swimming pools and a new polar bear for the city zoo.
The party also called for a Disneyland at the airport and a "drug-free parliament" by 2020. The Best Party was only established six months ago. Its victory means it will hold six seats on the 15-member city council.
Commentators suggest it has benefited from voters' loss of trust in government and the establishment in the wake of the country's banking collapse in 2008.
Its campaign video featured candidates singing to the tune of Tina Turner's "Simply The Best". Key pledges included "sustainable transparency", free towels at all swimming pools and a new polar bear for the city zoo.
The party also called for a Disneyland at the airport and a "drug-free parliament" by 2020. The Best Party was only established six months ago. Its victory means it will hold six seats on the 15-member city council.
Commentators suggest it has benefited from voters' loss of trust in government and the establishment in the wake of the country's banking collapse in 2008.
Wedding cancelled during ceremony by venue manager
It was a wedding interrupted. A couple and hundreds of guests were told to leave right in the middle of the ceremony. The problem: alcohol wasn't allowed - and a few guests were allegedly caught drinking. "Wedding's over, you guys get out of here," said Ratnesh Karan, the bride's uncle, quoting the hall's manager. They were kicked out in the middle of a sacred Hindu wedding ceremony. "For Hindu community, it's totally embarrassing for people not to finish their wedding," said Ratnesh.
It was the wedding day for Ratnesh Karan's niece. The large, elaborate ceremony was being held at the Moose Lodge in Stockton on Sunday night. The manager found several guests with a bottle of whisky in the parking lot. According to the contract between the party and the lodge, no alcohol was allowed anywhere on the premises. There were even signs on the doors telling guests the event would be cancelled if alcohol was found. So, the manager got on the loudspeaker. "I made an announcement on the P.A. system, the party would end and everyone would have to leave," said Robert Mapp, Moose Lodge Administrator.
"They gave us only 15-30 minutes to get out. It was like a bomb threat and we had to vacate," said Shobina Karan, the bride's aunt. The bride was devastated. "My niece was crying because she didn't know what to do. It was shocking news to her. Her wedding wasn't completely done," said Shobina. The family also says they were called racial slurs by management.
"He called us names. His wife and everybody, they called us names. He called us Indians," said Ratnesh. "No racial slurs; I'm black myself. Why would I slur another minority?" said Mapp. The family says the bride and groom were rushed out so quickly, they didn't even get to toast at their own wedding. In the end, more than 200 guests crammed into the family's garage to finish the second half of the ceremony.
With news video.
It was the wedding day for Ratnesh Karan's niece. The large, elaborate ceremony was being held at the Moose Lodge in Stockton on Sunday night. The manager found several guests with a bottle of whisky in the parking lot. According to the contract between the party and the lodge, no alcohol was allowed anywhere on the premises. There were even signs on the doors telling guests the event would be cancelled if alcohol was found. So, the manager got on the loudspeaker. "I made an announcement on the P.A. system, the party would end and everyone would have to leave," said Robert Mapp, Moose Lodge Administrator.
"They gave us only 15-30 minutes to get out. It was like a bomb threat and we had to vacate," said Shobina Karan, the bride's aunt. The bride was devastated. "My niece was crying because she didn't know what to do. It was shocking news to her. Her wedding wasn't completely done," said Shobina. The family also says they were called racial slurs by management.
"He called us names. His wife and everybody, they called us names. He called us Indians," said Ratnesh. "No racial slurs; I'm black myself. Why would I slur another minority?" said Mapp. The family says the bride and groom were rushed out so quickly, they didn't even get to toast at their own wedding. In the end, more than 200 guests crammed into the family's garage to finish the second half of the ceremony.
With news video.
School expels Pakistani boy, 13, for getting married
A 13-year-old Pakistani boy has taken his school to court, challenging his expulsion after he got married. Gherat Khan, a 7th grader at Peshawar Model School, filed a petition with the High Court in the northwest Pakistani city saying the school's principal sent him packing after she found out about the wedding. Gherat said his wife is 16.
Pakistan has no clear guidelines prohibiting underage marriage. Civil law says boys must be 18; girls 16. But Islamic law says a couple can marry if both have reached puberty and if their parents approve. "I am young but our family had problems," Gherat said, explaining why he tied the knot at such an early age. His father had passed away and his mother was sick, he said. The family had fallen on hard times. So his relatives, including his grandfather, decided to find him a bride who could help the family with housework
Gherat said he loves his wife and does not regret his family members' decision. The school, however, felt differently. Principal Beatrice Jamil said the decision to expel Gherat was taken after consulting with the school's directors. His file said the school removed Gherat because his parents removed him.
But Jamil admitted that wasn't the real reason. Gherat, she said, was told to leave because the school worried he'd share intimate details of married life with classmates. "It's prohibited. It's almost taboo," she said
Video.
Pakistan has no clear guidelines prohibiting underage marriage. Civil law says boys must be 18; girls 16. But Islamic law says a couple can marry if both have reached puberty and if their parents approve. "I am young but our family had problems," Gherat said, explaining why he tied the knot at such an early age. His father had passed away and his mother was sick, he said. The family had fallen on hard times. So his relatives, including his grandfather, decided to find him a bride who could help the family with housework
Gherat said he loves his wife and does not regret his family members' decision. The school, however, felt differently. Principal Beatrice Jamil said the decision to expel Gherat was taken after consulting with the school's directors. His file said the school removed Gherat because his parents removed him.
But Jamil admitted that wasn't the real reason. Gherat, she said, was told to leave because the school worried he'd share intimate details of married life with classmates. "It's prohibited. It's almost taboo," she said
Video.
Chinese police rescue slaves from brick kiln
Chinese police have freed 33 slave labourers who were held in a brickworks and tortured with electric shocks when they disobeyed their masters.
The brutal conditions at the kiln — the latest to be exposed in a series of rural slavery scandals — came to light when a man escaped and told police. The farmer, named as Mr Song, had made his way from the dirt-poor coal-producing Shanxi province in northwestern China to a city farther east, where he hoped to earn more to feed his family back home.
The moment that he arrived at Shijiazhuang railway station on April 17, he was approached by a stranger and offered a job.
Instead of the promised employment, Mr Song found himself working as a slave with 33 other men at the brick kiln.
Conditions were appalling. The workers were regularly beaten, and those who protested were given electric shocks. At night they were herded into a room and the door was locked. They were not paid and were forced to work between 14 and 18 hours a day and watched at all times by guards — who even followed them into the latrines.
But Mr Song was not cowed. He tried to escape but was swiftly recaptured and beaten with staves. On the evening of May 18, he made another attempt. This time he succeeded, and went to the police. They organised their forces and launched a raid to take the owners by surprise. They struck early in the morning on May 21 and arrested 11 people — including the foreman and owner. They also found the machine used to administer the electric shocks.
The brutal conditions at the kiln — the latest to be exposed in a series of rural slavery scandals — came to light when a man escaped and told police. The farmer, named as Mr Song, had made his way from the dirt-poor coal-producing Shanxi province in northwestern China to a city farther east, where he hoped to earn more to feed his family back home.
The moment that he arrived at Shijiazhuang railway station on April 17, he was approached by a stranger and offered a job.
Instead of the promised employment, Mr Song found himself working as a slave with 33 other men at the brick kiln.
Conditions were appalling. The workers were regularly beaten, and those who protested were given electric shocks. At night they were herded into a room and the door was locked. They were not paid and were forced to work between 14 and 18 hours a day and watched at all times by guards — who even followed them into the latrines.
But Mr Song was not cowed. He tried to escape but was swiftly recaptured and beaten with staves. On the evening of May 18, he made another attempt. This time he succeeded, and went to the police. They organised their forces and launched a raid to take the owners by surprise. They struck early in the morning on May 21 and arrested 11 people — including the foreman and owner. They also found the machine used to administer the electric shocks.
Malaysian minister says God created monkeys and rats for animal testing
A Malaysian minister has defended an Indian company's plans to build an animal testing medicine lab in his state, saying that God created monkeys and rats for experiments to benefit humans. The plans by India's Vivo BioTech Ltd. to set up a biotechnology centre in southern Malacca state has come under fire by activists because it will conduct tests on dogs and primates to make medicines. The activists say Malaysia has no regulations on animal research, which could lead to test subjects being abused.
But Malacca Chief Minister Mohamad Ali Rustam said the lab had received state approval, and animal testing was necessary to make drugs. The project is still in the planning phase. "God created animals for the benefits of human beings. That's why he created rats and monkeys ... We cannot test on human beings," he said. "This is the way it has to be. God created monkeys, and some have to be tested."
He said Malaysian agencies, such as the wildlife department, could monitor that the animals were not abused and proper procedures followed. He said eating animals could also be seen as cruel, and yet it was widely accepted. Vivo inked a 450 million ringgit ($141 million) joint-venture deal in January to build the biotechnology centre, including laboratories where trial medicines will be tested on animals. Its partners are state government-owned Melaka Biotech Holdings and local firm Vanguard Creative Technologies.
In a joint statement last month, Malaysia's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments decried the project because Malaysia has no laws protecting the welfare of animals used in experiments. The group opposed the proposed facility for "both ethical reasons and the lack of scientific validity of using animals in testing."
But Malacca Chief Minister Mohamad Ali Rustam said the lab had received state approval, and animal testing was necessary to make drugs. The project is still in the planning phase. "God created animals for the benefits of human beings. That's why he created rats and monkeys ... We cannot test on human beings," he said. "This is the way it has to be. God created monkeys, and some have to be tested."
He said Malaysian agencies, such as the wildlife department, could monitor that the animals were not abused and proper procedures followed. He said eating animals could also be seen as cruel, and yet it was widely accepted. Vivo inked a 450 million ringgit ($141 million) joint-venture deal in January to build the biotechnology centre, including laboratories where trial medicines will be tested on animals. Its partners are state government-owned Melaka Biotech Holdings and local firm Vanguard Creative Technologies.
In a joint statement last month, Malaysia's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments decried the project because Malaysia has no laws protecting the welfare of animals used in experiments. The group opposed the proposed facility for "both ethical reasons and the lack of scientific validity of using animals in testing."
Frenchman with no arms or legs set to swim the English Channel
A Frenchman who lost all his arms and legs in a freak accident is preparing to swim cross the English Channel. Philippe Croizon will instantly earn himself a place in the record books if his 22 miles crossing from Folkestone, Kent, to Cap-Gris-Nez, near Calais, is successful.
Amazingly, just two years ago he was barely able to swim two lengths of his local pool. The 42-year-old Frenchman, who is nicknamed ‘Iron Man’, lost his four limbs in 1994 when a TV aerial he was trying to mend touched an overhead power line. He was immediately hit with 20,000 volts of electricity and had to have both arms and both legs amputated.
Since then Philippe, from Chatellerault, in the Vienne department of central France, has done everything he can to try and lead a normal life. He was inspired to attempt the swim after watching a documentary about crossing the Channel from his hospital bed. ‘This is a dream and I’m determined to fulfil it,’ he said, showing off his specially-designed flippers.
‘At first my parents thought the idea was mad, but I was determined to carry on. The more I practice in the sea, the more I feel confident.’ Philippe has been swimming for up to 30 hours a week for the past two years, and building up his body strength in his local gym. He hopes to complete the 22 mile swim in around 24 hours, and will be accompanied by a medical team throughout.
Amazingly, just two years ago he was barely able to swim two lengths of his local pool. The 42-year-old Frenchman, who is nicknamed ‘Iron Man’, lost his four limbs in 1994 when a TV aerial he was trying to mend touched an overhead power line. He was immediately hit with 20,000 volts of electricity and had to have both arms and both legs amputated.
Since then Philippe, from Chatellerault, in the Vienne department of central France, has done everything he can to try and lead a normal life. He was inspired to attempt the swim after watching a documentary about crossing the Channel from his hospital bed. ‘This is a dream and I’m determined to fulfil it,’ he said, showing off his specially-designed flippers.
‘At first my parents thought the idea was mad, but I was determined to carry on. The more I practice in the sea, the more I feel confident.’ Philippe has been swimming for up to 30 hours a week for the past two years, and building up his body strength in his local gym. He hopes to complete the 22 mile swim in around 24 hours, and will be accompanied by a medical team throughout.
Video game fanatic hunts down and stabs rival player who killed character online
A French video game fanatic hunted down and stabbed a rival player who had killed his character in an online war game. Julien Barreaux, 20, told police he wanted to see his rival player "wiped out" after his character in the game Counter-Strike died in a virtual knife fight.
A court in Cambrai, northern France, heard how Barreaux plotted revenge for seven months after the online "killing" last November. He then located the victim, named only as Mikhael, several miles from his home.
When the man answered the door, he plunged a kitchen knife into his chest, missing his heart by less than an inch, a police officer told the court. He added: "Barreaux was arrested within the hour and told us he had wanted to see his rival wiped out for killing off his character."
Barreaux was jailed for two years for causing grievous bodily harm, and ordered to undergo psychiatric tests and anger management therapy. Judge Alexiane Potel told him: "You are a menace to society. I am frankly terrified of the disproportionate reaction you could have if someone looked at you the wrong way in the street."
A court in Cambrai, northern France, heard how Barreaux plotted revenge for seven months after the online "killing" last November. He then located the victim, named only as Mikhael, several miles from his home.
When the man answered the door, he plunged a kitchen knife into his chest, missing his heart by less than an inch, a police officer told the court. He added: "Barreaux was arrested within the hour and told us he had wanted to see his rival wiped out for killing off his character."
Barreaux was jailed for two years for causing grievous bodily harm, and ordered to undergo psychiatric tests and anger management therapy. Judge Alexiane Potel told him: "You are a menace to society. I am frankly terrified of the disproportionate reaction you could have if someone looked at you the wrong way in the street."
Houses cleaned, topless to bottomless
An Omaha woman offers a different uniform while she cleans house: topless, bottomless or fully nude. This week, a brochure advertising those services was distributed in the neighbourhood near 83rd and Burt Streets.
The business, ODD'Z & EN'Z Janitorial & More, advertises “house cleaning and more . . . in plain or exotic professional attire,” as well as cooking services and child care, according to the flier. House cleaning by a nude maid starts at $125, according to the flier. Nude cleaning with “satisfaction” is $175.
The business owner, Kia Carroll, 27, said she's not a prostitute. Instead, she said, “I am providing entertainment, cleaning up houses and having fun doing it.” What Carroll is offering probably is illegal, said Omaha City Prosecutor Marty Conboy.
A nude performance (which likely would include cleaning a house in the buff while others are watching) violates Nebraska obscenity laws, Conboy said. “Any performance involving nudity is technically illegal,” he said. “If it's a display or performance, it's considered obscene.”
The business, ODD'Z & EN'Z Janitorial & More, advertises “house cleaning and more . . . in plain or exotic professional attire,” as well as cooking services and child care, according to the flier. House cleaning by a nude maid starts at $125, according to the flier. Nude cleaning with “satisfaction” is $175.
The business owner, Kia Carroll, 27, said she's not a prostitute. Instead, she said, “I am providing entertainment, cleaning up houses and having fun doing it.” What Carroll is offering probably is illegal, said Omaha City Prosecutor Marty Conboy.
A nude performance (which likely would include cleaning a house in the buff while others are watching) violates Nebraska obscenity laws, Conboy said. “Any performance involving nudity is technically illegal,” he said. “If it's a display or performance, it's considered obscene.”
'Mini skirt meteorology' used to predict weather
The length of women's mini skirts can be used to predict changes in the weather ahead of announcements from the Met Office, it has been claimed.
The rises and falls in the length of skirts are said to be a good way of forecasting what the weather will be like three days in advance, based on research at eBay.
Analysts at the company said the length of skirts sold on the website becomes shorter several days before the weather changes for the better, and lengthens when colder conditions are due.
On occasions, the trend is said to have predicted a shift in the weather before any advice has been issued by the Met Office using more traditional meteorological methods.
Demand for skirts on the internet auction site reportedly rose by 200 per cent a week before the recent hot weather began, several days before forecasters had announced it.
Ruth Szyszkowski, of eBay, said: "We're calling it mini skirt meteorology. If you want to know what the weather is going to be like in three days, just take a look at hemlines."
The rises and falls in the length of skirts are said to be a good way of forecasting what the weather will be like three days in advance, based on research at eBay.
Analysts at the company said the length of skirts sold on the website becomes shorter several days before the weather changes for the better, and lengthens when colder conditions are due.
On occasions, the trend is said to have predicted a shift in the weather before any advice has been issued by the Met Office using more traditional meteorological methods.
Demand for skirts on the internet auction site reportedly rose by 200 per cent a week before the recent hot weather began, several days before forecasters had announced it.
Ruth Szyszkowski, of eBay, said: "We're calling it mini skirt meteorology. If you want to know what the weather is going to be like in three days, just take a look at hemlines."
Bishops attempt to save one of Britain's only hermits from eviction
Senior clergy and bishops have launched a campaign prevent one of the country's few officially recognised hermits from losing her home. Karen Markham hoped to leave her worldly concerns behind to pursue a life of solitude and contemplation when she became one of Britain’s few officially recognised hermits. But Miss Markham has been forced to break into her daily routine of prayer, religious reading and gardening to engage in a public campaign to save her from becoming homeless. The 44-year-old former music teacher faces the prospect of being forced out of her secluded hermitage – a cottage in rural Shropshire – after its owner decided to sell up.
Senior clergy, including several bishops, have launched a campaign to try and save Miss Markham from losing her home and allow her to continue in the role which they describe as “invaluable”. The Church of England keeps no central record of the number of consecrated hermits in Britain. There are thought to be less than 200 of them, although numerous dioceses said they had never heard of one. Miss Markham has lived as a hermit for six years at the Hermitage of Divine Wisdom in Acton, Shropshire.
Last year she was consecrated to a solitary life of prayer and contemplation by the Rt Rev Michael Hooper, the former Bishop of Ludlow. She is distraught at the prospect of losing her home. “The stability of having somewhere to live has been very important and if I have to leave I will have nowhere to go,” Miss Markham said. “There are so few hermitages in England that it was hard enough to find this place.”
The Rt Rev Hooper is one of a number of bishops, including the bishops of Hereford, Warwick and Dudley, who are backing the campaign to raise funds to buy the cottage which is set to be put on the market in September for around £220,000. “It is of infinite value to have a solitary living in the community with this vocation, which supports us all and never allows us to forget God,” he said. Next week, Miss Markham will attend a meeting in the local church barn where she will talk to local parishioners and supporters about what she does, hoping that they will help to raise the funds to buy the cottage. Until now, Miss Markham has been allowed to live rent-free by the owner of the property – her benefactor.
Senior clergy, including several bishops, have launched a campaign to try and save Miss Markham from losing her home and allow her to continue in the role which they describe as “invaluable”. The Church of England keeps no central record of the number of consecrated hermits in Britain. There are thought to be less than 200 of them, although numerous dioceses said they had never heard of one. Miss Markham has lived as a hermit for six years at the Hermitage of Divine Wisdom in Acton, Shropshire.
Last year she was consecrated to a solitary life of prayer and contemplation by the Rt Rev Michael Hooper, the former Bishop of Ludlow. She is distraught at the prospect of losing her home. “The stability of having somewhere to live has been very important and if I have to leave I will have nowhere to go,” Miss Markham said. “There are so few hermitages in England that it was hard enough to find this place.”
The Rt Rev Hooper is one of a number of bishops, including the bishops of Hereford, Warwick and Dudley, who are backing the campaign to raise funds to buy the cottage which is set to be put on the market in September for around £220,000. “It is of infinite value to have a solitary living in the community with this vocation, which supports us all and never allows us to forget God,” he said. Next week, Miss Markham will attend a meeting in the local church barn where she will talk to local parishioners and supporters about what she does, hoping that they will help to raise the funds to buy the cottage. Until now, Miss Markham has been allowed to live rent-free by the owner of the property – her benefactor.
Council bans ball games on playing field for health and safety reasons
A council has banned children from playing ball sports at a local park – for health and safety reasons. Walsall Council erected a "No Ball Games" notice just yards from another sign that reads "Broadway Playing Fields", to the disbelief of local residents. The ban means that children hoping to emulate England's World Cup heroes this summer will have to look elsewhere, and has been criticised by anti-obesity campaigners.
Tam Fry, chairman of the Child Growth Foundation and spokesperson for the National Obesity Forum, said: "It's absolutely unbelievable – particularly when you have people across Walsall and Sandwell bending over backwards to do something about child obesity. The area is a hot-spot for obesity and at one point was the capital of it in England. Recreation- running around and getting sweaty and playing football is an absolute must for children. They should be allowed to get their 60 minutes worth of exercise a day -and they should get this at the nations parks and playing fields. Councils should be encouraging children to exercise, rather than discouraging it with these stupid signs."
Parents are now worried that the contradictory sign could discourage children from exercising at all or if they do could be fined for doing what comes naturally on a town playing field. David Jones, a 40-year-old builder, said he could not stop laughing when he first noticed the sign. The father-of-two said: "April Fools has been and gone, they are a little late aren't they. It's daft, how can you have a playing field and not play any ball games, the clue is in the title 'playing fields'. They've lost the plot, and confused a bunch of us. My boy wants to go and play footie on it, we're not sure if that's illegal or not.
"But we want children playing and exercising and one of the best way to do it is with a ball, so what are they to do – Stay in doors and play video games? They say it's to do with it being built on a landfill site – but what’s the difference to playing a game of football and running around playing hide and seek or Frisbee." In a statement issued by Walsall Council, Nigel Ilsley, Walsall Council Parks Manager, said: "A sign saying no ball games was put up a few years ago on Broadway West playing fields after land contamination was discovered at the site. The playing fields remain popular and a number of events are hosted there but unfortunately we have had to stop ball games taking place on the site for health and safety reasons.
Tam Fry, chairman of the Child Growth Foundation and spokesperson for the National Obesity Forum, said: "It's absolutely unbelievable – particularly when you have people across Walsall and Sandwell bending over backwards to do something about child obesity. The area is a hot-spot for obesity and at one point was the capital of it in England. Recreation- running around and getting sweaty and playing football is an absolute must for children. They should be allowed to get their 60 minutes worth of exercise a day -and they should get this at the nations parks and playing fields. Councils should be encouraging children to exercise, rather than discouraging it with these stupid signs."
Parents are now worried that the contradictory sign could discourage children from exercising at all or if they do could be fined for doing what comes naturally on a town playing field. David Jones, a 40-year-old builder, said he could not stop laughing when he first noticed the sign. The father-of-two said: "April Fools has been and gone, they are a little late aren't they. It's daft, how can you have a playing field and not play any ball games, the clue is in the title 'playing fields'. They've lost the plot, and confused a bunch of us. My boy wants to go and play footie on it, we're not sure if that's illegal or not.
"But we want children playing and exercising and one of the best way to do it is with a ball, so what are they to do – Stay in doors and play video games? They say it's to do with it being built on a landfill site – but what’s the difference to playing a game of football and running around playing hide and seek or Frisbee." In a statement issued by Walsall Council, Nigel Ilsley, Walsall Council Parks Manager, said: "A sign saying no ball games was put up a few years ago on Broadway West playing fields after land contamination was discovered at the site. The playing fields remain popular and a number of events are hosted there but unfortunately we have had to stop ball games taking place on the site for health and safety reasons.
Driver forced to pay £150 after police remove his car 'to stop it being stolen'
Luckless Marcus Morris reported his car stolen – and police admitted they had taken it. West Yorkshire Police told him a window that had been left open accidentally meant the vehicle was at risk of theft. So to be on the safe side they had taken it themselves – and left Mr Morris with a £150 recovery bill.
Mr Morris, 25, of Chapel Allerton, Leeds, said: "I couldn't believe it. No one I've mentioned it has heard of this happening. It seems outrageous. So what if I had left my window open? If anything had been taken then it'd have been my own fault." Mr Morris, currently unemployed, parked his Volkswagen Polo on Lovell Park Hill, near to the city centre, while he went for a job interview on Monday. He returned an hour-and-a-half later to discover it gone. Believing it to stolen, he contacted police who told him they had removed it to protect it from thieves.
A window had been left open, they said, and a CD wallet was in the back of the car. The vehicle had been taken to a storage facility. When Mr Morris went to collect his car the next morning he was handed a £150 bill. He said: "I'm not working at the moment and that's a lot of money for me. It's money I don't think I should have had to pay." West Yorkshire Police said it made no apology for taking the action. Chief Inspector Elizabeth Belton, of North West Leeds Division, said: "Officers regularly patrol our communities looking for opportunities to prevent crime, which is exactly what has happened on this occasion.
"The vehicle was left insecure with valuables on show in an area with significant levels of car crime and we were unable to locate the owner. We make absolutely no apology whatsoever for the officer's actions, which have prevented this vehicle becoming a target for thieves. Had a thief got there first it would have been a very different story. We need people to take responsibility for their own property and leave their vehicles secure and take any valuables with them every time they park up. We hope Mr Morris's story will serve as a reminder." The charges made for the recovery and storage of vehicles are set nationally by the Government.
Mr Morris, 25, of Chapel Allerton, Leeds, said: "I couldn't believe it. No one I've mentioned it has heard of this happening. It seems outrageous. So what if I had left my window open? If anything had been taken then it'd have been my own fault." Mr Morris, currently unemployed, parked his Volkswagen Polo on Lovell Park Hill, near to the city centre, while he went for a job interview on Monday. He returned an hour-and-a-half later to discover it gone. Believing it to stolen, he contacted police who told him they had removed it to protect it from thieves.
A window had been left open, they said, and a CD wallet was in the back of the car. The vehicle had been taken to a storage facility. When Mr Morris went to collect his car the next morning he was handed a £150 bill. He said: "I'm not working at the moment and that's a lot of money for me. It's money I don't think I should have had to pay." West Yorkshire Police said it made no apology for taking the action. Chief Inspector Elizabeth Belton, of North West Leeds Division, said: "Officers regularly patrol our communities looking for opportunities to prevent crime, which is exactly what has happened on this occasion.
"The vehicle was left insecure with valuables on show in an area with significant levels of car crime and we were unable to locate the owner. We make absolutely no apology whatsoever for the officer's actions, which have prevented this vehicle becoming a target for thieves. Had a thief got there first it would have been a very different story. We need people to take responsibility for their own property and leave their vehicles secure and take any valuables with them every time they park up. We hope Mr Morris's story will serve as a reminder." The charges made for the recovery and storage of vehicles are set nationally by the Government.
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