Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
Due to the rise of fuel prices, it is unlikely you’ll see black cabs roaming around looking for passengers. Instead, they will be at a standstill at designated ranks. Some 10,000 diesel powered black cabs are blaming the “extortionate” prices which on average are 161p a litre according to the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association. General secretary, Steve McNamara says the price has increased by about 25% since 2020, “Fuel is the largest part of your daily running costs. If your running costs are up 20-25%, it starts to bite. What we’re seeing is more cabs looking to park on ranks. They’re trying to avoid cruising around.” Transport for London who regulates the black cabs in the city are looking at whether permission can be granted for fares to be increased.
Crazy News
A nightclub is set to be selling off chunks of its sticky carpet! Halifax’s Acapulco has been around since 1961 and since then, many punters have stepped foot on the distinctive carpet since it was installed 20 years ago. Owner Simon Jackson has said that the idea come about when a man was celebrating his birthday with his mum and grandmother who had both been regulars in their youth. Mr Jackson says that the club is full of memories for generations of people in Halifax and beyond: “We got to thinking how many people have met here and had first kisses, birthdays whatever here, that’s when we got the idea. Just think how many people have walked on its famous, crazy pattern”. The parents of the birthday boy actually met on the dancefloor. To own a piece of history, a square costs £5, or £50 for a framed sample. The new carpet will be of a similar design and the proceeds will be donated to a local Street Angels group.
Happy News
AirBnB has announced that it will offer free, short-term housing for up to 100,000 refugees who are fleeing Ukraine. The company have also been part of a larger movement to support refugees and other displaced people from across the globe, recently announcing that it has provided housing to 21,300 Afghan refugees. Last year, they have also created the Refugee Fund and has received donations from more than 4,000 people. The company says: “We know that Hosts and guests on Airbnb around the world are eager to stand up and assist this massive effort to help those fleeing Ukraine”. The stay will be funded by the company, donations to the Refugee Fund and the generosity of hosts through their website.
