Business

A TV comedy set in Small Heath, Birmingham, was made to make the people of the West Midlands proud, its creator has said.

In Man Like Mobeen, Coventry comedian Guz Khan plays the starring role of a former drug dealer trying to live a good life as a Muslim, while raising his younger sister.

He said he wanted to portray the experiences of second-generation immigrants and hinted the fifth and final series would provide "closure" for fans.

The show, which also has scenes filmed in Khan's home city, returns to BBC Three on Thursday.

Khan said all actors in the Bafta-nominated comedy were from "very working class backgrounds".

"Instead of trying to manufacture what that's like and what it feels like to be from those communities, we knew it straight away," he added.

He said he felt happy the team had been able to show there was room for different types of comedy, with more realistic, grounded characters viewers might have met at school, on the bus, or in a factory.

"The aim was always to make a show that the people of the West Midlands, Birmingham, Small Heath, and the surrounding areas would be proud of," he said.

Khan said the programme had enabled him to "highlight issues that have affected us growing up".

He also said he realised, after filming the first series, that it was the first time he had done "serious acting".

He described the experience as "emotional and a little bit serious and a little bit dramatic".

The latest series came about because everywhere he went people asked him when there would be more episodes, he said, adding: "We had to make some closure for the fans."

Now he plans to spend more time at home with his wife and five children, to "stay at home and just be a dad".

"Five kids is a lot of kids. I love them. We have a laugh, but it's a lot of work," he said.

Parking wardens who went on strike for a total of six weeks will get a pay rise as part of a three-year settlement.

Unite said nearly 40 wardens who work in Reading took the strike action as part of efforts to negotiate the "significant pay increase".

Reading Borough Council's parking enforcement is outsourced to Canada-based company Modaxo but work is carried out by its UK-based business Trellint.

The trade union said the council had been "losing hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost parking revenue and fines" as a result of the strike.

It said that the wardens were being paid the minimum wage despite living in one of the most expensive areas of the country.

Unite regional officer Richard White said the workers should be "commended".

"They took six weeks of strike action to get their employer Modaxo to come back to the negotiating table with an improved offer and stood firm in their resolve," he added.

"Unite will always back our members in their disputes and this is a great pay win."

Modaxo was approached to comment.

Work to restore a 15th century thatched barn in Upminster, east London has been completed.

Tithe Barn, which dates back to about 1450 and is among the largest of its kind in England, fell into disrepair in recent years and was believed to be at risk of further decay.

Four master thatchers and two apprentices installed a new roof, using about 30 tonnes of water reed. The barn's ancient brickwork and oak frame was also repaired.

Historic England, which the led the project, said it was a "magnificent restoration" and the site was to have a variety of uses, with public access guaranteed under the grant conditions.

The £750,000 project was largely funded by National Highways as part of an agreement it would support local initiatives following its plans to build a new tunnel under the Thames connecting Essex with Kent.

Historic England said the restored building could safely be removed from a list of heritage sites it believes to be at risk of neglect, decay, or poor development.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: "The magnificent restoration of Upminster Tithe Barn demonstrates the powerful benefits of working together to protect our irreplaceable heritage and delivery of positive outcomes for people and communities alike."

However, further funding is needed for a heating system and toilets so that the building can be widely used by the public, Historic England says.

The building has used in recent years as a museum displaying local historic artefacts, but it has not been confirmed precisely how it will be used in the future.

According to Historic England, Tithe Barn was built during the reign of King Henry VI, at a time when England was in the midst of an economic crisis known as the Great Slump, which partly led to the subsequent civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York.

Built with oak felled between 1420 and 1440, it originally formed part of the Waltham Abbey estate in Epping, at a time when the area was open countryside.

It is one of the earliest surviving buildings in the London Borough of Havering and is now a "scheduled monument", meaning it has a high level of protection and is considered a nationally significant site.

At 44m (144.4ft) long, Tithe Barn is one of the largest thatched barns in England.

It is now owned by Havering Council.

People, including members of South Central Ambulance, have left floral tributes to those affected by the incident at nearby Bicester Fire Station.

Jamie Jessett, from the town, said he went to school with one of the firefighters who died, but declined to name them to the BBC.

He said the fire was "devastating", but also that it was "amazing" to see the community come together to pay their respects.

"That's what we need, especially at this moment in time," he added.

Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, travelled from London to the site, where he told the BBC: "I understand from the fire service that firstly they are making sure everything is secure, and then of course in the fullness of time there will be an investigation."

He added he was "devastated" and said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had died, and with the two firefighters in hospital.

"It's a terrible thing to have happened, and I know it's a tight-knit community who are already showing their support for those families," he said.

The MP said he was "in awe of the bravery of those who put themselves in the front line whenever there is danger".

"It's an incredible commitment, it's an incredible path of service, and it's just so tragic that two members of that community have lost their lives," he said.

Leader of Oxford City Council, Councillor Susan Brown described it as a "terrible reminder for us all that firefighters, as well as the other members of the emergency services, put themselves at risk on a daily basis, to protect us all. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude".

Oxford City Council has lowered the city flag, flying over Oxford Town Hall, to half-mast in tribute.

St Laurence's Church in Banbury Road, Caversfield, close to the site, said it had opened its doors "for anyone looking for a space for private prayer or for stillness and reflection" following the "tragic news".

A book of condolence has also been opened at the church, as well as at Garth House – Bicester Town Council's headquarters.

When it comes to keeping it in the family, the Rackleys have got it well and truly sussed, with a watertight business.

In 1985, brothers Beverly, Jerry and Nigel Rackley bought the Starcross to Exmouth ferry.

Back then, Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, Queen and David Bowie rocked Wembley Stadium for LiveAid, and 13 million people tuned in to watch the first episode of Eastenders on BBC One.

The popular soap is still going strong and if Cody Rackley, Beverly's grandson, has anything to do with it – the family business will be ferrying passengers for the next for 40 years, with the 26-year-old now at the helm.

'Best office in world'

Mr Rackley said: "It's nice to keep it in the family."

He crews the vessel that crosses the estuary up to 14 times a day, with dad Jonathan in the wheelhouse, keeping a careful eye out as he picks his way through pleasure cruisers, moored yachts and rubber dinghies.

The Orcombe is a 90-seater boat painted in blue and white and could best be described as no-frills. There is no cafe, no shop and no bar.

"No that's it – you've just got to take in the breathtaking views and wildlife in the estuary, and it's lovely," said Mr Rackley.

"It's the best office in the world."

Bad weather does sometimes mean the 20-minute journey has to be cancelled, possibly one of the reasons Cody doesn't think there are many commuters.

Mr Rackley said: "To drive from Starcross to Exmouth can take between 45 minutes to over an hour sometimes, as the traffic can be an absolute nightmare so this is an nice way to get people across the estuary."

There are regulars such as Andrea Spain from Teignmouth.

She takes the ferry at least once a month and one of the reasons is for a well-known supermarket near Exmouth Railway Station.

"It's the best food hall in the area so makes for a great day out," she said.

The ferry is a cash only service costing £6 for an adult single and £4 for a child.

"I was surprised at just how cheap it is," said Natalie Gray from Exmouth, who was taking the ferry for the first time.

"I didn't even know it existed and I've lived in Exmouth for five years, but it's lovely."

She was travelling with dog Roo – it costs £1 to take a dog on the ferry.

Mr Rackley said: "We've had trips where we've had so many dogs that we couldn't take people, so it just makes up for it when there's lots of dogs on board."

A man who threatened two people with an axe in a Wetherspoons pub has told a court he was "deeply sorry" for his actions.

Jason Semple pleaded guilty at Exeter Magistrates' Court to two charges of threatening a person with a bladed article during an incident in the beer garden at the White Hart Hotel in Okehampton at about 18:00 BST on Sunday.

The court heard the 54-year-old walked through the pub with the weapon to confront a man he had a grievance with.

Mr Semple, of Tavistock Road, Okehampton, has been remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing due to take place at Exeter Crown Court in May.

'Wholly unreasonable'

The court heard Mr Semple had been drinking during the day and threatened two people during the incident which lasted about a minute.

He had no recollection of what happened and could not remember where he had got the axe from, the court was told.

Defence solicitor Jeremy Harris said it was a regrettable incident in which Mr Semple acted in a "wholly unreasonable manner".

Mr Harris added that Mr Semple was "deeply sorry for his actions".

A museum dedicated to pottery is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its official opening.

Gladstone Pottery Museum in the town of Longton in Stoke-on-Trent attracts thousands of visitors every year, and it is where Channel 4's popular Great Pottery Throw Down is filmed.

A pottery factory first opened on the site in 1787, but the bottle kilns were fired for the last time in 1960, and the site was put up for sale.

The Grade II* listed building was eventually opened as a museum on 24 April 1975 by Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. The city council took ownership in 1989.

Gladstone's golden anniversary was marked with a special event on Thursday.

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, and Kelvin the Kiln, the city's centenary mascot, met the staff and volunteers who give the many visitors a warm welcome.

Sharpe said: "We built this city on the hugely successful and traditional ceramics industry. It's what gained us city status in the first place, so I'm incredibly proud to be able to celebrate 50 years of honouring that heritage at Gladstone.

"The fabulous staff and volunteers really bring the story of the city I love to life.

"They've done an amazing job over the last 50 years of showcasing the skills and creativity that mean our local industry is known throughout the world."

One volunteer, Paul Niblett, has worked tirelessly at Gladstone since 1971 – even meeting his wife, Kathy, in a bottle kiln at the museum.

Mr Niblett said: "When we're open, I like the opportunity of saying hello to our visitors, particularly to express thanks for coming.

"I recently chatted to folks from Crewe, Huddersfield and Preston. A couple of weeks ago, my chats included people from Australia and America.

"There is no doubt that the museum is a magnet for people wanting to learn more about our internationally renowned ceramics industry, whether they be schoolchildren, college students, heritage enthusiasts or addicts of well-known TV programmes. Everyone is welcome."

And he added: "Sadly, I've lost a number of stalwart comrades over the years, but I always remember them, especially when we're greasing a throwing wheel, emptying a slip ark or splicing a drive rope.

"They have all contributed to the extraordinary success of Gladstone Pottery Museum."

A pair of ospreys have reunited for a third year after returning from winter migration.

Aran and Elen have both returned to their newly-restored nest near Porthmadog in Gwynedd.

The lovebirds raised two chicks in their first year together and three last year.

The majority of UK ospreys migrate to western Africa, more than 3,000 miles away, before returning to the UK in the spring.

Parents are worried about the future of free play sessions for children with special educational needs (SEN), being run for families in a district.

The Traquinas Hub which runs sessions has been renting space from The Charles Burrell Centre (CBC) in Thetford, Norfolk.

The CBC, which is itself a charity, is increasing the rent from £750 to £1,140.

Increases for all tenants were essential to help it balance its books, the business and community support hub said.

The sessions have had a big impact on families with SEN children.

Charlotte said her son Elijah's complex medical needs meant most groups were not suitable for them.

"We need this for the kids that don't access other places easily," she said.

"It can be very lonely, but having a place like this, there are others in the same situation that you can talk with."

Beth brings her little boy Fernee, who is two years old.

"This the first place I've been for SEN children and they have just been beyond helpful.

"Before we came to this group he wouldn't socialise. He wouldn't play or interact – just be glued to me.

"Now as soon as we walk in he is happy to just run in and he's not shy anymore."

Carla Ferreira runs Traquinas Childcare, which has two nurseries in Thetford, as well as a base at the CBC where they deliver free SEN sessions and paid-for holiday clubs.

She started the SEN group three years ago after her own experience with her daughter, who has a rare genetic condition.

"I know the struggle of these parents, they have to fight for everything,". Mrs Ferreira said.

"I just wanted to do something that they don't have to fight for.

"Why can't a non-profit community building [The CBC] embrace what we are doing here?"

Last October they were told by the CBC that their new rent would be increased by more than 50% to £1,140 per month.

Mrs Ferreira said they could not afford to pay the increased rent and would struggle to find suitable alternative premises, leaving the future of the SEN sessions in doubt.

'Remain sustainable'

Nicola Welham is the manager of the Charles Burrell Centre.

She said like all organisations, core costs like gas and electric had "risen sharply".

"It does mean we have to increase our rents just to enable the centre to remain sustainable," she added.

"If we fail to respond to those rising costs, then we risk the future of the centre as a whole and that would put all of our 60 tenants at risk.

"Traquinas are an excellent childcare provider in our local community.

"We want to support businesses like them, but we also have to be fair to all of our tenants so we charge them all a reasonable rent that reflects the costs incurred."

Penzance will spend some of the £21.5m awarded from central government on changing Market Jew Street with works starting in July.

Penzance Town Fund (PTF) said it aimed to improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public transport.

Other investments would include a climbing centre in a former supermarket and a street food hall in the town's historic Market House, it said.

The PTF boss said some people had complained "because everyone romanticises the past" and asked residents to "bear with us" while the changes were made.

'People hate change'

Business owner and Business Improvement District (BID) manager Sarah Shaw works with the Penzance Town Fund and she said: "The ultimate goal is to have a user friendly, highly populated, busy thriving town of Penzance.

"There's certainly plenty of people grumbling about it but in fact Penzance has always been quite hostile to pedestrians.

"I think people romanticise the past – 'the old days were always better, the town was busier and we all took more money'.

"I think people hate change but we ask them to bear with us."

Following a trial period the banning of cars in the town between 11:00 and 16:00 has been made permanent.

Morgan Lewis who works at Ride on E-Bikes in the centre of the town said: "Local Facebook groups have plenty of moaning about it, but there will always be lovers and haters.

"We need to reinforce pedestrianisation and calm the traffic coming up and down Market Jew Street.

"I think it will help fill the empty shops with new businesses and bring more people into Penzance."

There are three different projects to transform the town planned to take place between July this year through to early 2026 and these will be combined with upgrades to the gas pipework.

Wales and West Utilities programme controller Abby Smith said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we're working collaboratively to agree the best way to get this important work done while causing the least disruption to the community."