2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on I’m a DIY expert and you’re painting your fence wrong – 75p item is a saviour
AS spring approaches, many homeowners are turning their attention to sprucing up their gardens
From weeding the flower beds to trimming the hedge and planting some hardy flowers, there’s plenty that can be done already.
AlamyA DIY pro says there’s a cheaper alternative to using a brush for painting your fence[/caption]
And your fence may also need some sprucing up after a cold and wet winter.
Whilst the traditional paint brush may be your go-to for painting fences, a DIY expert is recommending a surprising alternative that will save you time and money.
Simon Wardle, owner of fencing supplier, Armstrong Cheshire, is advising homeowners to ditch paint brushes which can lead to aching arms and uneven coverage.
Instead, the DIY pro recommends using a simple dish sponge.
He says: “The flexibility and porousness of a sponge makes it the perfect tool for painting your fence.
“It can mold around and reach into any nooks and indentations in the wood, allowing for smooth coverage even on the most textured fence panels.”
The repetitive motion that comes with brush painting can be a real physical challenge and cause significant aches and pains.
But, according to Simon, using a sponge can substantially reduce the strain on your arms.
“Using a sponge significantly reduces the physical strain associated with traditional brush application”, he adds.
“Their lighter weight and efficient coverage minimises repetitive motions, resulting in a more comfortable and productive job.”
Not only is sponge-painting easier on the arms, it’s also much quicker and far more affordable.
At Tesco, you can grab a six-pack of sponges for just 75p, whilst a fence paint brush can be anywhere from £5-15.
If you’re looking to tackle this outdoor task, Simon also offers up additional tips to get the best results.
He says: “Using a primer will protect the fence from weather damage and create a strong bond between wood and paint, ensuring the paint adheres better and lasts longer.
“Use a power washer or a stiff-bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface, as this prevents future peeling or blistering.
“Always give your fence a second layer to enhance the colour and extend the life of your paint job.”
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Celtic vs Aberdeen prediction: Free betting tips and odds as Hoops aim to bounce back from defeat
CELTIC are aiming to bounce back from Easter Road disappointment when hosting Aberdeen on Tuesday.
It’s now just one win from their last four games for Brendan Rodgers’ men after their loss to Hibs and they’ll be hoping home comforts will see them return to winning ways.
SunSport betting experts have previewed the game and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.
Nobody can argue that Daizen Maeda has been Celtic’s standout player this season, with Nicolas Kuhn having a decent start to the season and Alistair Johnston the only other to run him close.
Nine goals and three assists in his last six starts is a phenomenal return and whether playing from the left or through the middle, he’s constantly finding himself with chances to score.
Those numbers could probably be higher when you consider he had an equaliser chalked off on Saturday and two golden chances at the Allianz.
Remains terrific value in the scoring markets, too….
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A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chase their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on New tool for renters to complain about ‘criminal’ landlords – from mould and repairs to deposit and fees, are you owed?
A NEW tool will make it easier for renters to complain about ‘criminal’ landlords and claim compensation.
The new platform will allow tenants to report problems from mould and safety issues to unfair fees and missing deposits.
GettyRenters will see a huge increase in their rights this year and new avenues to complain[/caption]
The “My Housing Issue” Gateway, designed by the TDS charitable foundation, will be a one-stop platform for private sector renters to raise issues.
It will signpost tenants to information about their rights and encourage the early resolution of disputes.
Where disputes are not rectified in a timely manner it will also tell renters how to escalate their complaints.
Additionally 48 per cent wanted clearer information on how to make a complaint.
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy and research at TDS Group said: “Tenants are hungry for better, easy to access information to enforce their rights and hold criminal landlords to account. The gateway will do just that, ensuring renters know where to go for the help they need, when they need it.
“Empowering tenants like this will be vital if the government’s ambitions of a better private rented sector are to become a reality.”
The platform has been launched ahead of the passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will greatly increase the rights of private-sector tenants.
When passed the bill is expected to end fixed-term tenancies, introduce a decent home standard, establish a new ombudsman and protect families in receipt of benefits from discrimination.
It will also end the practise of tenants being forced from their homes under Section 21 notices, also known as “no fault” evictions.
The bill is expected to become law in late summer or autumn and will increase the obligations on landlords to address issues in a timely manner.
Dan Wilson Craw, deputy chief executive at Generation Rent, said: “One of the biggest barriers to improving private rented homes is the sheer number of bodies that play a role in enforcing tenant protections, and the confusion this creates among renters themselves.
“As the government implements the reforms currently going through parliament it is essential that private renters can access free, clear and useful resources and information. This new gateway offers tenants an easy-to-use tool, tailored to their needs – empowering them to make their next moves informed and with confidence.”
There are already many rules landlords need to follow and if they don’t renters could be entitled to compensation.
These include obligations to ensure properties are mould-free and to complete repairs in a timely manner.
If your landlord has failed to do this you could be entitled to have a proportion of your rent refunded.
There are also strict rules on the fees landlords can charge and how they should manage your money, including your deposit.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on New train route to launch ‘coast-to-coast’ service for the first time ever – connecting UK’s most popular beach towns
A NEW train service launching next year will connect two seaside towns in Cornwall for the first time.
Soon holidaymakers and locals in Cornwall will be able to board an hourly service from Newquay to Falmouth.
AlamyNewquay (pictured) and Falmouth will be connected by a direct train service for the first time in their history next year[/caption]
AlamyThe new direct journey will call at six stations, including Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth[/caption]
The new train route will run direct trains between the coasts for the first time, according to Network Rail.
Currently, Brits who want to take a train from Newquay to Falmouth need to change services in St Austell.
This involves boarding both a bus and a train, with public transport journeys taking over two hours.
Newquay is one of Cornwall‘s most popular seaside towns and is a known surfing hotspot.
While Falmouth isn’t as well known as Newquay, the charming coastal town does have a picturesque harbour.
Construction work on the new route has already started, with 500 metres of new track and a new crossing being installed at Newquay Train Station where a second platform is being built.
The new direct journey will call at six stations, including Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.
When the services launch in 2026, they will run every hour.
Other details, such as ticket prices and departure times, are yet to be announced.
The new train route is part of a Mid Cornwall Metro Project, which is seeking to improve rail journeys in the county.
£56.8million is being pumped into the Mid Cornwall Metro Project, most of which has come from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Improvements to five Cornish train stations will also take place under the plans, including Newquay, Roche, Bugle, Par and Penryn.
The new direct train route and improvement work to the stations will see an additional 700,000 seats per year added
Bogdan Lupu, the project director from Network Rail, told the BBC: “It’s a single track line, so we can’t run a lot of trains.
“The loop is going to enable us to pass more trains so we’ll be able to run a train every hour.
“In the summer, you’re going to be able to run both local trains and London-Paddington trains to Newquay, which is going to be great for the local community and for visitors. It will change the face of Newquay.”
Elsewhere in the UK, PortisheadRailway Station could reopen within the next two years, more than seven decades after its previous railway hub was demolished.
And a new £96million train station is set to open in trendy UK neighbourhood compared to New York.
Liverpool Baltic Station will be located in the city’s Baltic Triangle, which has previously been likened toNew YorkCity’s meatpacking district.
Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world
Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey
London to Paris by Eurostar
“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton
Beijing to Ulaanbatar
“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Warriors’ Draymond Green doubles down on championship guarantee
Golden State Warriors Draymond Green isn’t backing down from his prediction of his team winning this year’s NBA Finals. Before the Warriors cruised to a 126-102 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, Green doubled down on guaranteeing Golden State would win it all this season. Green is surprised by people’s reactions to his guarantee […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Bill Simmons details Kevin Durant’s ‘alarming’ courtside behavior
The Phoenix Suns are 1-2 since the All-Star break, and Kevin Durant isn’t pleased. He caught the eye of Bill Simmons during Thursday’s 120-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Although Durant had a tough realization after Sunday’s ugly loss, Simmons was still stuck on Thursday’s game. He explained more on his podcast regarding his […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on How Pelicans turned tables on Spurs with 22-point 4th-quarter advantage
The New Orleans Pelicans picked up a 114-96 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. They were trailing for the majority of the game, but a fourth-quarter comeback allowed them to come out on top. Head coach Willie Green explained what made the comeback possible and gave some credit to center Karlo Matkovic. “We […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Red Wings vs. Wild prediction, odds, pick – 2/25/2025
Two playoff hopefuls face off as the Detroit Red Wings visit the Minnesota Wild. It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Red Wings-Wild prediction and pick. The Red Wings come into the game at 29-22-6 on the year, sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division. In their last game, the Red Wings faced […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Oilers vs. Lightning prediction, odds, pick – 2/25/2025
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to continue their winning streak as they face the Edmonton Oilers. It is time to continue our NHL odds series with an Oilers-Lightning prediction and pick. The Oilers come into the game at 34-19-4 on the year, which places them in second place in the Pacific Division. The Oilers are […]
