Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
The Lower Thames Crossing that will link Tilbury in Essex to Gravesend in Kent is closer to becoming a reality, as it has been granted £590million by the government.
The total cost is estimated to be a staggering £10billion for the longest road tunnel within the UK – at 14.5miles (23km).
It has been classed as a “national priority” by the government as it would help “smoother, less congested passage of vital goods from Europe to our regions” according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Estimated to reduce traffic and congestion at the Dartford Tunnel by 20%, it is hoped that for construction to begin next year for an opening of 2032.
Crazy News
A yellow mongoose pup escaped from a wildlife park on the Isle of Man and was eventually found in a city 15 miles away in Douglas.
Gef escaped from the Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh by burrowing out of the enclosure.
Only nine months old, he was born in September last year alongside another pup so the staff were surprised how far he managed to escape: “We were initially surprised at how far he had gone. But they do travel quite far in the wild to find new territory and a mate”.
Gef is set to rehomed within another zoo as part of a breeding program.
Happy News
Friday was Bring Your Dog to Work Day, and in the lead up to the day, research revealed that London leads the way for pet-friendly workplaces than anywhere else in the UK.
The Kennel Club conducted the survey that found that two in five dog owners are allowed to bring their friend to work.
The capital is 12% above the national average of having policies that allow the dog-friendly environments.
On top of this, 55% of dog owners nationwide would say they would be more likely to take a job that allowed to bring their dog to work.
There are benefits to the company for allowing these policies: an increase of better morale, job satisfaction, productivity and a positive working environment.
Charlotte McNamara, spokesperson for The Kennel Club says: “Welcoming dogs into the workplace can really lift spirits and help build a positive atmosphere. When done right, it’s a win for everyone — owners, colleagues, businesses and, of course, the dogs”.
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