Author - Lauren Abbott

9 plants and trees to keep away from pets this Christmas

With some festive trees and plants full of toxins that are harmful to pets, here's nine that owners should be aware of when decorating for Christmas.

Hundreds of miles of roadworks to be paused

Hundreds of miles of roadworks to be paused

Almost 900 miles of roadworks will be paused between December and January to try and keep roads running during industrial action by transport workers.

Am I liable if someone falls on a path I've cleared?

Am I liable if someone falls on a path I've cleared?

As the icy snap continues here's what the law says about clearing ice or snow from cars, paths and roads.

Toxic grit and other winter hazards vets say make animals ill

Toxic grit and other winter hazards vets say make animals ill

The British Veterinary Association is urging pet owners to protect animals from the dangers posed by the current cold snap and here's its advice.

Days left to use Second Class post as backlogs build

Days left to use Second Class post as backlogs build

Strike action by Royal Mail workers is reportedly leading to a backlog of deliveries with final Christmas posting dates now just days away.

Supermarket recalls mince pies because they may contain plastic

Supermarket recalls mince pies because they may contain plastic

One of the UK's biggest retailers has been forced to recall three different varieties of mince pie over fears the food may contain pieces of plastic.

Who will get cold weather payments when temperatures plummet?

Who will get cold weather payments when temperatures plummet?

With the UK entering a severe cold snap the icy weather could trigger cold weather payments but who is entitled to extra cash and how do you get it?

First King Charles 50p enters circulation and here's how to get one

First King Charles 50p enters circulation and here's how to get one

The first coins featuring the face of King Charles will begin appearing in people's change but how can you be among the first to get one?

500 gritters on standby as cold snap moves in

500 gritters on standby as cold snap moves in

National Highways says a fleet of more than 500 gritters is ready to treat England's motorways and A-roads as the severe cold weather arrives.

Driving test centres to be affected by strike action

Driving test centres to be affected by strike action

Driving test examiners across the UK have announced a series of strikes for December and January.

'Christmas Eve boxes should be banished – what a waste of money!'

'Christmas Eve boxes should be banished – what a waste of money!'

Columnist Lauren Abbott says Christmas Eve boxes are just another way of making parents spend money and are unnecessary.

December's full 'Cold' Moon to be visible as temperatures fall

December's full 'Cold' Moon to be visible as temperatures fall

The last full Moon of 2022 - aptly named a Cold Moon - will be visible as temperatures plummet below freezing.

Severe cold warning for residents...but what's the advice?

Severe cold warning for residents...but what's the advice?

Bitterly cold weather and freezing temperatures are on their way but what is the official advice for the icy snap ahead?

Thousands of Christmas train services set to be cancelled

Thousands of Christmas train services set to be cancelled

Thousands of train services face cancellations in the coming weeks thanks to further strikes by the RMT and here's when disruption is expected.

The signs and symptoms of Strep A infection

The signs and symptoms of Strep A infection

Parents are being told to trust their judgement if their child is unwell after the deaths of six children and a steep rise in Strep A infections.

Cold weather alert issued for England with -10C possible

Cold weather alert issued for England with -10C possible

A cold weather alert has been issued for the whole of England with lows of -10C possible in some areas by the end of the week, warns the Met Office.

Second Harry Potter themed coin goes on sale

Second Harry Potter themed coin goes on sale

The second coin in an exclusive Harry Potter collection has been released by the Royal Mint and this time features the Hogwarts Express.

Football-related insurance claims likely to jump during World Cup

Football-related insurance claims likely to jump during World Cup

A broken figurine, smashed door and a burnt carpet were all claims related to the last World cup, with one insurer calling on fans to be more careful.

28 Elf on the Shelf ideas

28 Elf on the Shelf ideas

Homes across the nation have been invaded by a contingent of pint-sized pixies - here's a guide to some of the mischief you should be prepared for.

Clean your feeders, says RSPCA as calls about sick birds soar

Clean your feeders, says RSPCA as calls about sick birds soar