Longer school days should be introduced so pupils who have lost learning amid Covid can take part in social and academic activities, a report suggests Picture: PA Photo Readers have given their views on the idea of introducing a longer school day so pupils who have lost teaching time in the Covid lockdown can take part in social and academic activities, a report suggests. A three-year funding package of £13.5bn is required in England to reverse the disruption to pupils’ education due to the pandemic, according to the Education Policy Institute think tank. Ministers should extend school hours, offer more incentives for teachers to work in “challenging areas”, and allow some pupils to retake the year as part of its education recovery plans, the report said.
But it is still legal to smoke outside. As restrictions have eased it has meant that beer gardens have been able to open again. We asked our readers if they thought smoking in beer gardens should be banned. Here’s what you had to say. Isobel Fenton said: “Personally I’d happily see smoking banned altogether but realistically it would be tough on people stopping them smoking outdoors.” Danni Atkins commented: “As a non-smoker it is super gross but smokers do need somewhere to go and have just as much right as the rest of us to enjoy beer gardens. We won’t all be outdoors forever! Surely there’s a better solution to banning it all together.”
Plans to build luxury holiday accommodation have been met with opposition. The former Military base in Anthorn has had plans submitted to create eighty holiday units and change the use of the site. Residents have complained that it will be unsightly will have and impact on the area of outstanding beauty. The plans which have been submitted by agent hope to gain approval for a club house and sports facilities. The applicant who owns land at Anthorn Camp which still has remains of the base evident with a number of derelict buildings, such as access roads and hardstandings is keen to develop the site that will help to regeneration and create employment opportunities.