Latest news with #Pull
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Meat in the sandwich': back-and-forth about Sonia Hornery derails Wallsend violence debate
COUNCILLORS want solutions to combat an "uptick" in anti-social behaviour and violent attacks at Wallsend Library that have made staff and residents feel unsafe. Newcastle Liberal deputy lord mayor Callum Pull tabled a motion this week urging the state government to increase police patrols and help stop troublemakers in their tracks. Cr Pull said ratepayers are covering the cost of a security guard at the library, and now, the council is in the "extraordinary" position of considering paying police. He said library patrons, shoppers and bus users are being "terrorised". "Policing is the responsibility of the NSW government, and our region pours billions of dollars every year into the state government's coffers," Cr Pull said. "So I think it's a reasonable expectation of Wallsend residents that they'd be able to feel safe in their own suburb, and that we be given the resources, and police be given the resources, that they need to effectively do their job. "For the sake of our town and the good name of our town, I think we can expect that." In May, youths carrying hammers attacked the windows of the library. Two weeks earlier, a group of people blocked the entry and refused to allow people to enter or leave. That same month, Wallsend Swimming Pool was broken into and trashed for the third time this season. The council has restricted access to the library, requiring visitors to scan their cards to enter after 3pm on weekdays. Labor councillor Deahnna Richardson said the majority of bad behaviour in the area is perpetrated by children aged 11 to 17. She requested targeted diversionary programs for youth and a memo detailing the agencies that have been engaged and those needed beyond police to address the issue. "I'm incredibly sad staff do not feel safe in their workplace," Cr Richardson said. "I'm also deeply saddened that we have a group of children ... who are so disengaged ... that they've taken to intimidating other patrons of the library, assaulting Newcastle bus drivers and vandalising our precious community spaces in quite a violent way." Cr Richardson said there is an opportunity to intervene and put supports in place. That tack had the support of Greens councillor Joel Pringle, who said policing alone would not address the issue. He suggested looking at something similar to the Cairns Community Safety Plan, introduced in 2022 to measure behaviour, introduce interventions and evaluates how effective they are. Council chief executive Jeremy Bath said the council had considered the Cairns strategy, but he had reservations about a mass CCTV rollout. "The total number of offences in Cairns two years was 6932, it's increased to 7836 in January of this year, so it's having a limited effect," he said. "I think it's got a lot of PR and a lot of sensationalism to it, but I don't know that it's necessarily the holistic solution that we want to be looking at." Newcastle police have met with the council to discuss a joint response. "A user-pays policing response is not being considered by police, as reducing anti-social behaviour and crime at the location sits within the remit of the Newcastle City Police District," a NSW Police spokesman said. "Police have increased high-visibility patrols of the area in response to those reports and have issued move-on directions to youths at the location on two occasions in recent days." In the last month, police have received three reports of anti-social behaviour near the library. The council debate was momentarily derailed over whether or not Mr Bath or independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge had responded to correspondence from Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery on the issue. Mr Bath claimed there had been no correspondence since Cr Kerridge took office and said Ms Hornery "made a decision in October last year" that she "wanted to communicate exclusively" with the lord mayor on operational issues. "The only emails that I've received from the state member for Wallsend since the election have been to say that she will not meet with me, she will not meet with council staff, she wants to meet exclusively with you," Mr Bath said. "I can't allow the council to think that I'm not responding to the state member for Wallsend, because I am bending over backwards to try and communicate with her." Cr Kerridge described himself as the "meat in the sandwich". "We need to work on it," he said. Ms Hornery took to Facebook on Wednesday to blast Mr Bath for claims he made at the council meeting. "Mr Bath stated that there is no correspondence from me to him relating to the Wallsend Library that has not been responded to," she said. "I can establish that I did indeed write to Mr Bath on 8 November 2024, and the CEO did not respond." Ms Hornery said the letter to Mr Bath was a "sincere representation" on behalf of a Wallsend constituent. Community members are urged to report suspicious activity to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Triple Zero in an emergency. COUNCILLORS want solutions to combat an "uptick" in anti-social behaviour and violent attacks at Wallsend Library that have made staff and residents feel unsafe. Newcastle Liberal deputy lord mayor Callum Pull tabled a motion this week urging the state government to increase police patrols and help stop troublemakers in their tracks. Cr Pull said ratepayers are covering the cost of a security guard at the library, and now, the council is in the "extraordinary" position of considering paying police. He said library patrons, shoppers and bus users are being "terrorised". "Policing is the responsibility of the NSW government, and our region pours billions of dollars every year into the state government's coffers," Cr Pull said. "So I think it's a reasonable expectation of Wallsend residents that they'd be able to feel safe in their own suburb, and that we be given the resources, and police be given the resources, that they need to effectively do their job. "For the sake of our town and the good name of our town, I think we can expect that." In May, youths carrying hammers attacked the windows of the library. Two weeks earlier, a group of people blocked the entry and refused to allow people to enter or leave. That same month, Wallsend Swimming Pool was broken into and trashed for the third time this season. The council has restricted access to the library, requiring visitors to scan their cards to enter after 3pm on weekdays. Labor councillor Deahnna Richardson said the majority of bad behaviour in the area is perpetrated by children aged 11 to 17. She requested targeted diversionary programs for youth and a memo detailing the agencies that have been engaged and those needed beyond police to address the issue. "I'm incredibly sad staff do not feel safe in their workplace," Cr Richardson said. "I'm also deeply saddened that we have a group of children ... who are so disengaged ... that they've taken to intimidating other patrons of the library, assaulting Newcastle bus drivers and vandalising our precious community spaces in quite a violent way." Cr Richardson said there is an opportunity to intervene and put supports in place. That tack had the support of Greens councillor Joel Pringle, who said policing alone would not address the issue. He suggested looking at something similar to the Cairns Community Safety Plan, introduced in 2022 to measure behaviour, introduce interventions and evaluates how effective they are. Council chief executive Jeremy Bath said the council had considered the Cairns strategy, but he had reservations about a mass CCTV rollout. "The total number of offences in Cairns two years was 6932, it's increased to 7836 in January of this year, so it's having a limited effect," he said. "I think it's got a lot of PR and a lot of sensationalism to it, but I don't know that it's necessarily the holistic solution that we want to be looking at." Newcastle police have met with the council to discuss a joint response. "A user-pays policing response is not being considered by police, as reducing anti-social behaviour and crime at the location sits within the remit of the Newcastle City Police District," a NSW Police spokesman said. "Police have increased high-visibility patrols of the area in response to those reports and have issued move-on directions to youths at the location on two occasions in recent days." In the last month, police have received three reports of anti-social behaviour near the library. The council debate was momentarily derailed over whether or not Mr Bath or independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge had responded to correspondence from Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery on the issue. Mr Bath claimed there had been no correspondence since Cr Kerridge took office and said Ms Hornery "made a decision in October last year" that she "wanted to communicate exclusively" with the lord mayor on operational issues. "The only emails that I've received from the state member for Wallsend since the election have been to say that she will not meet with me, she will not meet with council staff, she wants to meet exclusively with you," Mr Bath said. "I can't allow the council to think that I'm not responding to the state member for Wallsend, because I am bending over backwards to try and communicate with her." Cr Kerridge described himself as the "meat in the sandwich". "We need to work on it," he said. Ms Hornery took to Facebook on Wednesday to blast Mr Bath for claims he made at the council meeting. "Mr Bath stated that there is no correspondence from me to him relating to the Wallsend Library that has not been responded to," she said. "I can establish that I did indeed write to Mr Bath on 8 November 2024, and the CEO did not respond." Ms Hornery said the letter to Mr Bath was a "sincere representation" on behalf of a Wallsend constituent. Community members are urged to report suspicious activity to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Triple Zero in an emergency. COUNCILLORS want solutions to combat an "uptick" in anti-social behaviour and violent attacks at Wallsend Library that have made staff and residents feel unsafe. Newcastle Liberal deputy lord mayor Callum Pull tabled a motion this week urging the state government to increase police patrols and help stop troublemakers in their tracks. Cr Pull said ratepayers are covering the cost of a security guard at the library, and now, the council is in the "extraordinary" position of considering paying police. He said library patrons, shoppers and bus users are being "terrorised". "Policing is the responsibility of the NSW government, and our region pours billions of dollars every year into the state government's coffers," Cr Pull said. "So I think it's a reasonable expectation of Wallsend residents that they'd be able to feel safe in their own suburb, and that we be given the resources, and police be given the resources, that they need to effectively do their job. "For the sake of our town and the good name of our town, I think we can expect that." In May, youths carrying hammers attacked the windows of the library. Two weeks earlier, a group of people blocked the entry and refused to allow people to enter or leave. That same month, Wallsend Swimming Pool was broken into and trashed for the third time this season. The council has restricted access to the library, requiring visitors to scan their cards to enter after 3pm on weekdays. Labor councillor Deahnna Richardson said the majority of bad behaviour in the area is perpetrated by children aged 11 to 17. She requested targeted diversionary programs for youth and a memo detailing the agencies that have been engaged and those needed beyond police to address the issue. "I'm incredibly sad staff do not feel safe in their workplace," Cr Richardson said. "I'm also deeply saddened that we have a group of children ... who are so disengaged ... that they've taken to intimidating other patrons of the library, assaulting Newcastle bus drivers and vandalising our precious community spaces in quite a violent way." Cr Richardson said there is an opportunity to intervene and put supports in place. That tack had the support of Greens councillor Joel Pringle, who said policing alone would not address the issue. He suggested looking at something similar to the Cairns Community Safety Plan, introduced in 2022 to measure behaviour, introduce interventions and evaluates how effective they are. Council chief executive Jeremy Bath said the council had considered the Cairns strategy, but he had reservations about a mass CCTV rollout. "The total number of offences in Cairns two years was 6932, it's increased to 7836 in January of this year, so it's having a limited effect," he said. "I think it's got a lot of PR and a lot of sensationalism to it, but I don't know that it's necessarily the holistic solution that we want to be looking at." Newcastle police have met with the council to discuss a joint response. "A user-pays policing response is not being considered by police, as reducing anti-social behaviour and crime at the location sits within the remit of the Newcastle City Police District," a NSW Police spokesman said. "Police have increased high-visibility patrols of the area in response to those reports and have issued move-on directions to youths at the location on two occasions in recent days." In the last month, police have received three reports of anti-social behaviour near the library. The council debate was momentarily derailed over whether or not Mr Bath or independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge had responded to correspondence from Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery on the issue. Mr Bath claimed there had been no correspondence since Cr Kerridge took office and said Ms Hornery "made a decision in October last year" that she "wanted to communicate exclusively" with the lord mayor on operational issues. "The only emails that I've received from the state member for Wallsend since the election have been to say that she will not meet with me, she will not meet with council staff, she wants to meet exclusively with you," Mr Bath said. "I can't allow the council to think that I'm not responding to the state member for Wallsend, because I am bending over backwards to try and communicate with her." Cr Kerridge described himself as the "meat in the sandwich". "We need to work on it," he said. Ms Hornery took to Facebook on Wednesday to blast Mr Bath for claims he made at the council meeting. "Mr Bath stated that there is no correspondence from me to him relating to the Wallsend Library that has not been responded to," she said. "I can establish that I did indeed write to Mr Bath on 8 November 2024, and the CEO did not respond." Ms Hornery said the letter to Mr Bath was a "sincere representation" on behalf of a Wallsend constituent. Community members are urged to report suspicious activity to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Triple Zero in an emergency. COUNCILLORS want solutions to combat an "uptick" in anti-social behaviour and violent attacks at Wallsend Library that have made staff and residents feel unsafe. Newcastle Liberal deputy lord mayor Callum Pull tabled a motion this week urging the state government to increase police patrols and help stop troublemakers in their tracks. Cr Pull said ratepayers are covering the cost of a security guard at the library, and now, the council is in the "extraordinary" position of considering paying police. He said library patrons, shoppers and bus users are being "terrorised". "Policing is the responsibility of the NSW government, and our region pours billions of dollars every year into the state government's coffers," Cr Pull said. "So I think it's a reasonable expectation of Wallsend residents that they'd be able to feel safe in their own suburb, and that we be given the resources, and police be given the resources, that they need to effectively do their job. "For the sake of our town and the good name of our town, I think we can expect that." In May, youths carrying hammers attacked the windows of the library. Two weeks earlier, a group of people blocked the entry and refused to allow people to enter or leave. That same month, Wallsend Swimming Pool was broken into and trashed for the third time this season. The council has restricted access to the library, requiring visitors to scan their cards to enter after 3pm on weekdays. Labor councillor Deahnna Richardson said the majority of bad behaviour in the area is perpetrated by children aged 11 to 17. She requested targeted diversionary programs for youth and a memo detailing the agencies that have been engaged and those needed beyond police to address the issue. "I'm incredibly sad staff do not feel safe in their workplace," Cr Richardson said. "I'm also deeply saddened that we have a group of children ... who are so disengaged ... that they've taken to intimidating other patrons of the library, assaulting Newcastle bus drivers and vandalising our precious community spaces in quite a violent way." Cr Richardson said there is an opportunity to intervene and put supports in place. That tack had the support of Greens councillor Joel Pringle, who said policing alone would not address the issue. He suggested looking at something similar to the Cairns Community Safety Plan, introduced in 2022 to measure behaviour, introduce interventions and evaluates how effective they are. Council chief executive Jeremy Bath said the council had considered the Cairns strategy, but he had reservations about a mass CCTV rollout. "The total number of offences in Cairns two years was 6932, it's increased to 7836 in January of this year, so it's having a limited effect," he said. "I think it's got a lot of PR and a lot of sensationalism to it, but I don't know that it's necessarily the holistic solution that we want to be looking at." Newcastle police have met with the council to discuss a joint response. "A user-pays policing response is not being considered by police, as reducing anti-social behaviour and crime at the location sits within the remit of the Newcastle City Police District," a NSW Police spokesman said. "Police have increased high-visibility patrols of the area in response to those reports and have issued move-on directions to youths at the location on two occasions in recent days." In the last month, police have received three reports of anti-social behaviour near the library. The council debate was momentarily derailed over whether or not Mr Bath or independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge had responded to correspondence from Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery on the issue. Mr Bath claimed there had been no correspondence since Cr Kerridge took office and said Ms Hornery "made a decision in October last year" that she "wanted to communicate exclusively" with the lord mayor on operational issues. "The only emails that I've received from the state member for Wallsend since the election have been to say that she will not meet with me, she will not meet with council staff, she wants to meet exclusively with you," Mr Bath said. "I can't allow the council to think that I'm not responding to the state member for Wallsend, because I am bending over backwards to try and communicate with her." Cr Kerridge described himself as the "meat in the sandwich". "We need to work on it," he said. Ms Hornery took to Facebook on Wednesday to blast Mr Bath for claims he made at the council meeting. "Mr Bath stated that there is no correspondence from me to him relating to the Wallsend Library that has not been responded to," she said. "I can establish that I did indeed write to Mr Bath on 8 November 2024, and the CEO did not respond." Ms Hornery said the letter to Mr Bath was a "sincere representation" on behalf of a Wallsend constituent. Community members are urged to report suspicious activity to local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Triple Zero in an emergency.
The Advertiser
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Business owners to give their two cents on controversial rate scheme
BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts. BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts. BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts. BUSINESS owners who fork out to pay City of Newcastle business rates will have the chance to offer their two cents on a controversial scheme. Several submissions to a recent independent probe into the council raised concerns about the transparency of how Special Business Rate (SBR) funds are levied, allocated and spent. Some argued Business Improvement Associations (BIA) may not be the most appropriate bodies to oversee funds intended for local benefit. The BIAs are independent organisations responsible for the disbursement of up to $100,000 a year. That money can be used for strategic directions to promote local business, marketing and promotions, prioritising and managing beautification projects and coordinating community events aimed at encouraging business demand. Business owners have long questioned the value they receive and the costs of administering the scheme. Liberal councillors Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie at this week's council meeting moved a motion that will give business owners in SBR precincts in the city centre and Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend a chance to have their say on the future of the scheme. Cr Pull said the independent review reinforced the need for better engagement with businesses about the SBR. "Council will now oversee annual consultation with business owners in the SBR precincts, with much broader consultation occurring with the whole community each council term," he said. The SBR is an additional charge levied on businesses in the precincts on top of their standard commercial rates. The scheme has long been a point of contention, with some business owners questioning its necessity and others calling for it to be axed entirely. City of Newcastle made $65.9 million in business rates in 2023/24 from 15,489 active businesses, the second-highest sum of any NSW council. In 2024/25, the council said the cost to administer the scheme, including BIA governance and support, is $152,700. That figure is 10 per cent of total funds levied. The Davidson Business Advisory review of the council recommended that it require BIAs to undertake research with membership and the community annually, or at agreed regular intervals, to assess satisfaction, impact and present the findings to the council for consideration. As part of the council's decision this week, business owners will be asked annually whether they feel the scheme provides value for money and whether they think it should continue. A broad survey will poll community members, grant recipients, property owners, rate-paying residents and tenants on the value of retaining the SBR. Cr Pull said the survey should give the council a clear picture of the position of business owners on the scheme. "These won't be the only questions the council asks in their consultation, but they will be a crucial part of deciding the future of the scheme," he said. Reports were made to the Davidson review of SBR money being redirected to unrelated council promotions that do not directly benefit businesses. The funds, according to Newcastle council, are reserved exclusively for the promotion, beautification and development of those business precincts.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Lidl is selling a £9 garden gizmo in stores this week that will keep insects away when entertaining outside this summer
Watch the video for some top tips on how to get pests out of your garden MAKING A BUZZ Lidl is selling a £9 garden gizmo in stores this week that will keep insects away when entertaining outside this summer LIDL is selling a bargain gadget perfect for keeping your garden insect-free this spring. With temperatures remaining high this week, and summer just around the corner, many of us will be making plans to host friends and relatives in the garden. Advertisement 2 Lidl is selling a bargain gadget perfect for keeping your garden insect-free this spring Credit: Alamy 2 The Lidl gadget is just £9.99 Credit: Lidl But there's nothing worse than sitting down to enjoy an evening in the sun, only to be plagued by irritating insects. Although there are many natural hacks you can try to repel bugs, Lidl's Livarno Home Cylindrical Electric Insect Killer is guaranteed to make your garden a pest-free zone. Landing in stores from Thursday, May 15, the £9.99 product will keep bugs at bay both during the day, and at night. It uses low energy consumption - so you don't have to worry about high electricity bills - and is super easy to clean, thanks to the removable try at the base. Advertisement The bargain buy comes with a practical hanger, so you can hang it from trees or table umbrellas and comes with a three year warranty, guaranteeing your garden will be bug free for years to come. It comes with a 1.5 metre long cable, so you can easily plug it in using an extension cable, and comes with fully insulated housing with protective mesh. The insect killer is part of Lidl's Middle Aisle range, and can be found in the middle of your local supermarket. However, as with all Middle Aisle offerings, once they're gone, they're gone, so you better be quick! Advertisement Amongst the bargains currently on the shelves in the middle of Lidl, is the Japanese Pull Saw With Angled Handle. The bargain buy will set you back by just £4.99, making it the perfect product for penny pinchers. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free The nifty gadget can help you trim back overgrown hedges, thanks to the flexible saw blade with coarse and fine teeth. The product also has an ergonomic handle, and a soft grip, so you can chop hedges with comfort. Advertisement Lidl shoppers can also nab a bargain on a lawn tool, available at a fraction of the price of a similar Bosch buy. The bargain supermarket is currently selling the Parkside Electric Lawn Trimmer for just £24.99, £75 cheaper than Bosch's Universal GrassCut 18V-26-500. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. And this handy buy is even cheaper for Lidl Plus app users, at just £19.99. It is designed for "quick and clean lawn trimming", even in hard-to-reach areas. Advertisement With a 300W motor, the gadget features line spools that can be changed without tools. It also includes a protective hood with a trimmer line cutter, as well as an ergonomic handle. The gadget has an integrated power cable strain relief for the 10 metre power cable. This buy, which hits the Lidl middle aisle on Thursday, May 15, boasts a cutting diameter of 23 centimetres.
