Last minute: All inclusive 5* Turkey holiday from £231pp - incl. 7nts spa hotel & flights

Get your bank holiday started right pirates! Our Holiday Finder is offering a bit of the 5* treatment, close to the beach in beautiful Turkey. You'll be staying at the 5* Grand Prestige Hotel & Spa, with flights included from several UK airports. The cheapest options depart in early May, the perfect way to take… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Costa Brava: 7nts from £117pp incl. 3* hotel, full board & flights

Pirates, snap up a bargainous bargain with 7 nights in Costa Brava for a mere £117pp including the 3* Moremar Hotel, full board & flights. Craziness! This knock-down rate is - as they often are - a last minute bonanza, but there are decent rates for other months if you still fancy lounging by the… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Planned Oxford Street pedestrianisation halted by Westminster Council much to the delight of the taxi trade

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London mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street have been halted by Westminster council branding the project “unacceptable”.Residents living around the busy central London location are worried that the closure of Oxford Street will force taxis, buses and other traffic into smaller, and already congested, side roads creating gridlock on their doorstep. Sadiq Khan wanted to start work pedestrianising the famous stretch of shops starting with the western end of Oxford Street later this year. Several busy taxi ranks were due to be lost and relocated into side roads one which included the Selfridges rank. The cabinet member at Westminster Council for Oxford Street, Daniel Astaire, has now given orders to cease any further plans or work on the project. During a recent council meeting last week the cabinet member said: “TfL and the Mayor are the main proponents of the changes to the street, but it belongs to the council and the decision rests with us. “I have informed them, much to some surprise, that detailed work on a scheme is to be stopped. They had even wanted to appoint an artist to design street concept art, but I have stopped this too. At present there is no scheme nor a proposal which is acceptable to the council.” Plans to pedestrianise have come under severe pressure from the taxi industry who have had grave concerns about the proposals also citing plans to exclude taxis from nearby Tottenham Court Road.

Richard Massett, chairman of the LTDA, said in November 2017: “The loss of taxi access to this section of Oxford Street will cause considerable inconvenience to disabled passengers, many of whom rely upon London’s fully-accessible taxi fleet to get around safely and conveniently. The door-to-door service that taxis offer are also relied upon by the millions of tourists who visit Oxford Street every year. Their needs have clearly not been considered."

April 28, 2018 at 08:10AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man mysteriously dies in the back of a London black Taxi

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A man was found dead earlier this week in the back of a London black Taxi which he took from Heathrow airport to a hotel in the centre of town. The man was originally believed to of just fallen asleep during the journey, but on arriving at his desired location, four star hotel The Windermere, on Warwick Way, he was unresponsive. The taxi driver rushed for help from within the hotel where members of staff phoned 999, but paramedics were unable to save the mans life. The Windermere Hotel, Victoria, and the surrounding area was cordoned off while investigations took place. The mans death is currently being treated as unexplained.

April 27, 2018 at 10:29PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

See Christmas in New York: Cheap flights from £259 return (lots of dates)

Mateys, we know how much you love Christmas in New York so when we spotted these bargain fares for late November and early December, we knew we had to let you know. Flights from a number of UK cities start from just £259 return, and while most of the airlines don't include checked bags any… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hawaii Not? Multi-city Los Angeles & Maui holiday 7nts from £1,125pp - incl. flights & hotels

Aloha mateys! We every so often feature deals to Honolulu in Hawaii, but this time around we've put together a multi-city holiday taking you to Los Angeles and the beautiful island of Maui, with an overnight stay in Tinseltown staying at the luxurious 4* LA Hotel Downtown before jetting off to paradise. In Maui you'll… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2nt cruise from Italy to France and Barcelona from £69pp - incl. full board (flights from £67rtn)

Pirates, a cruise can be a great way to see multiple places in one go while keeping the price down - check out this awesome cruise we have found from Genoa in Italy, visiting Marseille in France before arriving in Barcelona. Flights are not included but we have included some examples for you at great… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Thailand beach paradise: 7nts in Khao Lak from £584pp - incl. 4* resort, breakfast & flights

Pirates, we can't resist the beautiful beaches of southern Thailand, and some of the best in the region are to be found around Khao Lak. Expedia are offering a great deal to Khaolak Bhandai Resort & Spa, a lush 4* property that is a few minutes' walk from those white sands and turquoise waters. Flights… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

July all inclusive Turkey getaway from £456pp - 7nts 4* hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, fancy heading to the sunshine of Marmaris in Turkey, then check out this all inclusive getaway we have found offered by Thomas Cook. There are great rates in July from a range of airports and luggage is included, there is 10% off off holidays to Turkey right now so be quick to grab this… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last Minute Majorca getaway from £140pp - 7nts hotel, breakfast, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, if you are on the lookout for a last minute getaway at a truly bargain price then you have come to the right place. We have come across this holiday in Majorca for only £140 per person for a week in the sun. Breakfast is included in the price as well as your flights,… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Crazy Business Class Fares: Flights to the USA from £735rtn (Christmas & New Year)

We have found incredible Business Class fares from London to cities across the US from just £735 return. We've found available dates in December, January and beyond - perfect for enjoying Christmas, New Year and the ski season!. These flights are operated by Delta and Virgin Atlantic - 2 airlines with a great Business Class… Michael POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last chance: Up to 10% off UK resort stays, 2nts from £77 - choice of accommodation (sleeps 2-8)

Pirates, Away Resorts are offering up to 10% off 2, 3 and 4 night stays at 5 of their UK holiday villages in Lincolnshire, Isle of Wight, Mersea Island, North Wales and New Forest. You can choose your accommodation from a wide range such as caravans, beachfront chalets and luxury lodges with hot tubs in… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Work Stopped On Oxford Street Pedestrianisation As Residential Votes Were Not Counted By TFL

Westminster’s cabinet member for Oxford Street, Daniel Astaire, has now told officials to stop working on the pedestrianisation plan. At a full council meeting last week Mr Astaire said: “TfL and the Mayor are the main proponents of the changes to the street, but it belongs to the council and the decision rests with us.  

Westminster council now says TFL's plans are “unacceptable”

“I have informed them — much to some surprise — that detailed work on a scheme is to be stopped. They had even wanted to appoint an artist to design street concept art, but I have stopped this too. At present there is no scheme nor a proposal which is acceptable to the council.”

He said Westminster could only back a plan that addressed the concerns of residents. Mr Astaire warned that any legal move by TfL to take control of what has been described as Europe’s most polluted street could take four years.

In his manifesto for the 2016 mayoral election Mr Khan said he would: “Restore London’s air quality to legal and safe levels, with action to make travel greener and pedestrianise Oxford Street, while protecting the green belt.”

When the Mayor then launched his proposals for Oxford Street in November he was accompanied by Westminster’s deputy leader Robert Davis, suggesting support from the council. 

Mr Davis has stepped aside from his role while he is investigated over claims that he received more than 514 “gifts and hospitality”.

TfL bosses initially claimed that the most recent round of consultation — between 6 November and 3 January — revealed 64 per cent outright or partial support for pedestrianisation.

However, it later emerged that many responses from residents had not been recorded because TfL had given out an incorrect email address. 

The deadline for responses was extended to April 6. 

Mr Astaire, who steps down next week, said “the overwhelming majority of Westminster’s residents and businesses” were against the plans.

Local Conservatives are under pressure from three candidates standing for the single-issue Campaign Against Pedestrianisation of Oxford Street party in next Thursday’s council election. 

Westminster Conservative leaders are worried that CAPOS could draw enough votes away from the Tories to allow Labour to win West End, Marylebone High Street and Bryanston and Dorset Square wards.

The Tory candidate for Bryanston and Dorset Square ward, Eoghain Murphy, said in a tweet this week: “Only the Conservatives will protect residents’ interests against the Labour Mayor’s plans. Don’t waste your vote!”

A spokesman for the Mayor said: “The Transformation of Oxford Street is a joint project between Westminster council, TfL and the Mayor… We continue to work closely with Westminster council to look at all the latest consultation responses in detail, and ensure everyone’s views are taken on board before a final proposed scheme is  presented.”

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Uber launch Destination United

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Manchester United and Uber are bringing Old Trafford to Bengaluru in India to surprise a devoted Manchester United fan and allow him to be the first fan to experience Uber’s 360 Old Trafford Destination United Experience, which encapsulates the essence of the Theatre of Dreams.As the club’s Official Ride Partner, Uber have created the experience as part of its global campaign, Destination United, supported by COPA90, to celebrate its support of Manchester United football fans around the world, collapsing the distance between the fans and the club by bringing them closer to the team they so passionately support.The Old Trafford Destination United experience kicks off in Bengaluru from 27 to 29 April, and will include an appearance from club legend and IPL player, Wes Brown.Thanks to the latest technology, an immersive group 360 experience pod has been created which will encapsulate the essence of the Theatre of Dreams, transporting the visitors through a unique fan journey into the atmosphere and history of Old Trafford.Destination United will also be celebrated at Old Trafford with Uber’s manifesto, pledging its desire to bring fans close to the club displayed around Old Trafford. Two deserving fans chosen by Uber will also be the team’s mascots on the day, leading out the first team on The Theatre of Dreams’ hallowed turf.Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, commented: “Through Destination United, Uber have come up with some really creative ways in which they can connect with our fans worldwide. Their ability to do this on a global scale allows us to engage further with these fans, creating lasting memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for supporters of all ages, no matter where they are in the world.”Chief Brand Officer at Uber, Bozoma Saint John, said: “We are collapsing space and time between the MUFC global fan base by bringing them closer to their passion for the sport and their fellow supporters, creating an opportunity to experience the Theatre of Dreams in a way only Uber can do.”

April 27, 2018 at 01:32PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Have a corker in Corfu: 7nts from £144pp incl. 3* hotel & flights *July from £246pp*

Pirates, get your scurvy selves to lovely Corfu, Greece, with 7 nights from £144pp including the 3* Lord Complex Hotel & flights. The super cheapo rates are to be found in May, but with prices around £250pp for peak July & August, this cute family-run hotel is a great option at several times of year.… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Fuerteventura group getaway in June from £221pp - 7nts aparthotel & flights

Ahoy pirates, grab your squad and head to one of the nicest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura. For this holiday in Fuerteventura you will stay for a week in great apartment and the holiday is based on 4 sharing, however there are still great prices to holiday as a couple. Book with just £49 each.… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive 5* Hilton in Egypt: 14nt beachfront family holiday from £376pp - incl. flights

Love it or hate it pirates, Egypt is still hugely popular with UK tourists, so we're pretty chuffed to show you this great deal for one of Egypt's best 5* resorts. You can spend 2 weeks relaxing and unwinding at the 5* Hilton Hurghada in early summer season from just £376 per person, based on… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Institute of Licensing launches Guidance on determining suitability of Taxi and Private Hire applicants

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The Institute of Licensing has this week launched guidance to assist local authorities making decisions about the suitability of applicants and licensees in connection with taxi and private hire driver, vehicle and operator licences. The document was officially launched at the IoL’s Taxi Conference by Institute of Licensing President James Button and Stephen Turner, Chair of the working party responsible for drafting the Guidance. The Taxi Conference took place in Swindon with an audience of over 100 licensing practitioners hearing from a range of expert speakers. The document entitled ‘Guidance on determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades’ (click to download the document) considers how regard should be had to the antecedent history of the applicant or licence holder and its relevance to their ‘fitness and propriety’ or ‘suitability’ – this would include previous convictions but may also include other information coming to light for the licensing authority to consider.

This Guidance cannot have the force of legislation, new or amended; the need for which is both abundantly clear to, and fully supported by the Institute and the other organisations working with it. The Guidance can be used by local authorities as a basis for their own local policies and if widely adopted will achieve greater consistency so that applicants are less able to shop between authorities. It is acknowledged that consistency cannot be fully achieved without the imposition of national minimum standards. Cases such as the exploitation uncovered in Rotherham and subsequently other areas, together with other individual cases have highlighted the importance of vetting and assessing potential licence holders and the potentially catastrophic consequences of inadequate vetting. A level of consistency across the country would do much to ensure safety of passengers including children and vulnerable adults. The Institute of Licensing are delighted to present this Guidance which has been produced in partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA), National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers (NALEO) and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG). IoL Chairman, Daniel Davies said: “This is an important step forward for taxi licensing standards. This Guidance has been produced by the IoL in partnership with the LGA, LLG and NALEO and provides an opportunity for local authorities to raise standards and consistency in the licensing of taxi and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. This is fundamentally needed in the absence of new law, to provide a better standards for safeguarding passengers, including children and vulnerable adults. “The majority of applicants and licensees are professional, hard working people and this guidance will assist local authorities in setting the bar for entry to the trade to ensure that that professionalism is protected and preserved. I commend the Guidance to local authorities and hope that it will prove invaluable in their role as licensing authorities charged with the sometimes difficult task of vetting applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades.”

April 27, 2018 at 10:09AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 4* Budapest city-break from £163pp - 2 nts hotel w/ 2 rooftop pools, breakfast & flights

Ahoy mateys! Budapest is arguably one of the prettiest cities in Europe, boasting spectacular buildings and the world-famous baths and it's also still relatively cheap! So live it up in style at the grand 4* Continental Hotel Budapest boasting a roof-top spa with indoor and outdoor pools plus fine dining in a central location.… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

A Jaunt to Jersey? Stay at fancy 4* hotel in St Helier from £55pppn incl. fab breakfast

Pirates, treat yourself to a stay at the 4* Hotel de France in St Helier, Jersey from £55pppn. The hotel has a fabulous spa and pool complex to enjoy, and has a picturesque garden. Offer Details: Many travel durations possible - 1 night minimum stay Sample dates spanning November 2018 - January 2019 Example Dates:… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT