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"We're treated like peasants. Like we're not good enough to live in decent homes," says Lorraine Branch, a tenant on the Nags Head Estate in east London.

She is part of a group of tenants who have resorted to enlisting lawyers and health workers from the charity Medact, to fight against Peabody after complaining for years of damp and mould in their homes.

The tenants said the Bethnal Green estate has had long-standing problems which they blame for health issues including respiratory illnesses, and claim previous repairs have only been a "quick fix" which have not resolved them.

Peabody, one of England's largest housing associations, said it had "invested over £1m on improvements" in 2024 but "unfortunately, it will take time to resolve all the issues".

Lorraine has been living on the Nags Head Estate for 14 years with her four children.

She said: "We've tried to gather all the tenants, door knocking, handing out leaflets, gatherings just to get people involved.

"We've hired lawyers, we've had medical professionals run by a charity to help us."

'They're quick fixes'

Lorraine showed me a wall of one of the flats which was painted last summer.

The wall was clearly still damp and the paint came off on her hand when she touched it.

"They're quick fixes," she said.

"They're not properly insulating the walls. Nothing is getting resolved," she said.

"In the long term you'd think they'd put in the money to fix the problems rather than keep coming back, keep coming back. It's costing more money."

The BBC filmed in another flat with black mould in the hallway, kitchen and on the shower curtains.

The carpet was wet and the flat smelt damp.

The tenant, who did not want to be named, said they had reported the problems to Peabody but claimed it did not act for eight weeks.

After the housing association organised washing the mould off, the problems "quickly returned", they added.

Fatima Tejani has lived on the estate for 16 years with her family and said her respiratory problems started after she moved in.

"I started to have COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], lung problems," she said.

"I blame the house.

"When you have health problems, you have mental health problems. Peabody has made us sick."

'When I'm out I'm fine, but when I'm inside [the flat] I start to cough. It's not normal for me."

'If we go to sleep, are we going to wake up?'

In 2024 her family was moved to temporary housing for three months whilst Peabody conducted repair work.

But when the family returned they found "more difficulties than before", including condensation on the windows and damp carpets.

Fatima believes the repairs were cosmetic and said they did not address the root causes of the mould and damp.

"I'm really worried about the combination of water and electricity," she added.

"What's going to happen? If we go to sleep, are we going to wake up?"

The housing association provided them with dehumidifiers but her three children, who share a room, said it makes it difficult to sleep.

Her 10-year-old son said: "I would wake up and my face – it wasn't sweating – but there was water all over my face."

'High rates of health problems'

The tenants eventually decided they would begin working with professionals at the health justice campaign charity Medact, to push for a solution.

In a survey it carried out in 2024 of 37 households – about a quarter of the social tenants on the estate – 35 said they had visible mould, and 30 households said they had damp in their properties.

The charity said 31 households reported new symptoms or injuries since moving into their properties, and 19 said at least one member had developed a respiratory condition.

Medact said in its opinion, these were "likely related to the widespread mould and damp on the estate".

Medact's Dr Isobel Braithwaite explained: "We've seen really extensive issues with damp, mould, leaks and disrepair and we've also seen that people are reporting really high rates of health problems, particularly respiratory but also affecting mental health.

"We think those things are linked."

Tracy Packer, Peabody's managing director for north-east London, said it was "an important report" which "reflects survey responses from around a quarter of homes on the estate."

She said Peabody wanted to hear from all Nags Head residents to "help us shape this investment and agree where the improvements will be made".

"Last year we invested over £1m on improvements here and I'm committed to designing a £3m plan with residents which I hope will make a positive difference.

"Unfortunately, it will take time to resolve all the issues."

She added wider issues, such as overcrowding, "continue to be a huge problem and is a major part of London's housing emergency", along with "rapidly rising costs" which means its social rented homes "cost far more to run, than the rent can cover".

"This makes it an exceptionally challenging situation," she said.

"But we are doing our best and are determined to improve."

It comes as landlords for social housing in England will have to fix damp and mouldy properties more quickly from October, the government has announced.

The rules will eventually cover private landlords as well.

Campaigners called for stricter rules after two-year-old Awaab Ishak died because of mould at his Rochdale home in 2020.

Kwajo Tweneboa, a social housing activist said: "Residents reach out to me because they've knocked on every other single door and they've been ignored.

"When it comes to fixing these issues and costs, yes – we can talk about building houses, but treating people as human beings with respect costs nothing.

"Yet it is the biggest issue when we talk about the housing crisis and social housing in particular."

The auction house Sotheby's has postponed its sale in Hong Kong of hundreds of sacred jewels linked to the Buddha's remains, after a threat of legal action by the Indian government.

The sale of the collection – described as one of the most astonishing archaeological finds of the modern era – had drawn criticism from Buddhist academics and monastic leaders. India had said it offended the global Buddhist community.

Sotheby's said the suspension would allow for discussions between the parties.

A British official named William Claxton Peppé unearthed the relics in northern India nearly 130 years ago, alongside bone fragments identified as belonging to the Buddha himself.

The auction of the collection, known as the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era, circa 240-200 BCE, was due to take place on 7 May.

In a letter to the auction house two days earlier, the Indian government said that the relics constituted "inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community. Their sale violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions".

A high-level Indian government delegation then held discussions with Sotheby's representatives on Tuesday.

In an emailed statement, Sotheby's said that in light of the matters raised by India's government "and with the agreement of the consignors, the auction … has been postponed".

It said updates on the discussions would be shared "as appropriate".

Notice of the gems sale had been removed from its auction house by Wednesday and the website page promoting the auction is no longer available.

A school has been forced to close off areas of its site after people illegally accessed its playing fields and pitched a number of caravans.

The head teacher of Ysgol Emrys Ap Iwan, in Abergele, Conwy said a "small but significant" number of people had caused criminal damage to enter the land, and legal processes have made it difficult for the police to evict them.

In a letter to parents, Matt Wildsmith said several areas of the school would remain cornered off while it dealt with the situation, with pupils advised to stay indoors.

Conwy council said it had a duty of care for the welfare of all communities and was working with the school to resolve the situation.

Police have made 69 arrests and seized a total of 272 vehicles in a six-month operation in the Thames Valley.

Operation Scalis involved local neighbourhood and roads policing teams using ANPR technology.

Working alongside the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), officers from Thames Valley Police seized 173 vehicles for no insurance, 105 vehicles for no tax and 49 vehicles from people without a driving licence.

The arrests were for a variety of offences including drug driving, drink driving, outstanding warrants and immigration offences.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said "The primary targets are uninsured vehicles, but any additional criminal activity discovered is also addressed."

Officers used data from MIB to identify uninsured driving hotspots across the region.

254 tickets were issued to people speeding, using their phone while driving or driving carelessly.

PC Doug Murphy said: "This enforcement enhances road safety and reduces the financial impact on law-abiding motorists in the Thames Valley."

Figures from MIB suggest, every week, at least one person is killed by an uninsured driver.

Simon French from MIB said: "Tackling this issue together isn't just about getting people to pay premiums – it's about increasing safety for all road users.

"Our message is simple: There is nowhere to hide. Drive with adequate insurance, or you will be caught."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged the public to "act responsibly" as an extreme wildfire warning remains in place across the country.

Firefighters worked through the night to tackle a number of blazes across Scotland, including one at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran.

Meanwhile crews are expected to be working through the night to tackle a large grass fire in Cumbernauld which broke out on Thursday evening.

Wildfire warnings have been issued at the highest level for Friday and Saturday following a long period of dry weather.

In Cumbernauld, firefighters were called to reports of the blaze near Fannyside Loch at 20:40 on Thursday.

By 22:00 on Friday four fire engines were still at the scene, though operations were being scaled back. Firefighters are expected to remain at the site through the night.

A fire service spokesperson earlier urged members of the public to avoid the area and said those who live locally should close windows and doors.

Firefighters also contained a wild blaze on an area of dunes and grass near a gas plant in Peterhead.

Crews were called to the area near the St Fergus Gas Terminal at about 13:00 – including a specialist wildfire unit and five fire engines – and left at about 19:40.

Some properties in Cumbernauld were evacuated overnight including a dog kennel and cattery.

Eran Yehudai, the owner of Crowbank Kennels and Cattery told BBC Scotland News he had to evacuate 25 dogs and 10 cats from the premises.

He said: "I was putting the dogs to bed as we do every evening but when I got out of the kennels I could see a red sky.

"Within a few minutes the fire was getting closer, we started seeing flames and by about 22:30 we decided we have no choice but to evacuate all the animals."

He called in help from staff and a neighbour who each packed their cars with crates to transport the animals away from the fire.

"When they were leaving there was already flames on the road, they were weaving between the flames – it was quite worrying and scary," he said.

Mr Yehudai was escorted back to the property by a fire chief so that he could get the last five dogs to safety. They returned early the following morning but are concerned they could end up have to evacuate again.

"Throughout the day I have seen smoke coming from the ground again, I take it there is a concern that the fire might reignite and we might find ourselves in the situation all over again," he said.

Councillor Adam Smith said locals in the nearest residential area, Abronhill, were concerned.

He told BBC Scotland News: "The glow from the fire lit up the sky for miles around.

"People were really alarmed and asking if they had to evacuate."

Smith, the SNP member for Cumbernauld East, also said residents in Airdrie and Coatbridge – up to 10 miles away – reported seeing the blaze.

The councillor said there had been a number of wildfires in the area but this was the "most significant" he had seen.

Fannyside Road is closed between Forest Road and Greengairs Road with the public urged to avoid the area.

A large grassfire also took hold at Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran at about 13:00 on Thursday. Three crews were sent to the scene, with one remaining on Friday morning.

Police have told hillwalkers there will be no access to the popular Goatfell walk due to public safety.

'Human behaviour'

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander Michael Humphreys urged people to act responsibly in rural areas.

He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "What we see is the majority of fires, it is human behaviour that starts the fire in the first place."

"Enjoy the countryside, it is a sunny day today, but act responsibly.

"If you normally use a barbecue maybe think about taking a picnic instead or using a designated area.

"Take all your litter home, glass can reflect and start a fire and if you do smoke just make sure your cigarette is absolutely fully out."

Wildfires have been extinguished in Skye, Aberdeen, Thurso, Rothesay, Bonhill, the Galloway Forest Park and the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh in recent days.

The extreme warning will remain in place until Saturday with temperatures set to cool over the weekend.

An installation of more than 20,000 ceramic poppies has been unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), in Lincoln.

Each poppy has been handcrafted, and some have been laid out in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber.

Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: "People are stunned. It has great impact. They're very moved. We've had people in tears."

Military personnel laid some of the final poppies at the installation on Friday.

There are 617 handcrafted poppies on the Memorial Spire, in honour of 617 Squadron (the Dambusters).

The display is part of VE80 Lincoln, a project marking VE Day.

It was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who moved to Lincolnshire in 1998.

He said he was pleased with people's reactions to the display, and added: "I have put my heart and soul into this."

Ms van der Drift said she hoped it would show people the "power of remembrance".

She added: "Now more than ever, with everything that is going on in the world, we need to remember why we need to avoid war, and do everything within our reach to find peaceful solutions."

The installation will be on display until the end of August.

Each poppy will be sold to raise money for the IBCC, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and the Wooden Spoon Trust.

VE80 Lincoln is a collaboration between the IBCC, Francourt Events, Sage Blue and Lincoln Rugby Club.

Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds latest episode of Look North here.

Two people had to be cut free from a car which ended up on its side following a crash.

Jersey Fire Service said it received a call at about 15:00 BST on Sunday to reports of the incident involving a single vehicle in St Peter's Valley.

A service spokesperson said firefighters removed the windscreen from the car to remove a passenger before cutting through the vehicle's roof to free the driver.

The passenger and driver suffered minor injuries, the spokesperson added.

A woman who has regularly been refused taxi rides when travelling with a guide dog says the experience is "infuriating and embarrassing".

Hannah Burgess, 27, from Milton Keynes, recently posted a video online in which one driver can be heard refusing to take her dog Morris, although he later changed his mind.

The Equality Act 2010 states taxis must carry assistance dogs at no extra charge.

Ms Burgess said the car was booked with Skyline Taxis Milton Keynes, which has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment.

Ms Burgess, who was born with albinism, describes her vision as "blurry and distorted" and believes that, aged 13, she was the youngest person in the UK to get a guide dog.

She has been travelling with Morris, a golden retriever, for just over a year.

In a video posted online, the private hire driver can be heard saying: "I'm sorry, I can't pick the pet."

A passer-by intervenes to tell the driver to take the dog, and later he does accept the fare and apologises.

Ms Burgess said she put a note in online bookings that she had a guide dog but was frequently refused, with some drivers seeing Morris and driving straight past.

"It's exhausting, it's infuriating, it's embarrassing. It feels rubbish every time; it never gets easier," she said.

"It's just so upsetting, first of all that they think it's OK to do that, but also that I'm having to deal with it so frequently.

"I shouldn't have to argue or convince someone that I'm worth being treated the same as another customer just because I've got a guide dog."

The only exception to the law requiring drivers to take assistance dogs is if they have a council exemption certificate due to a medical condition.

Drivers found to have broken the law can face a fine or losing their taxi licence.

Buckinghamshire Council licensed the taxi in the online video.

Ms Burgess said she had not made a complaint to it but intended to.

Mark Winn, the authority's Conservative cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said the council was "deeply concerned" to hear about any such incident and it took "such matters very seriously".

He said all drivers attended mandatory training about their legal obligations, which must be refreshed at least every three years.

He urged anyone experiencing any issues to report them to the council's taxi licensing service.

The charity Guide Dogs said a survey found 60% of owners had been refused a ride when trying to travel with their dog.

Clive Wood, its lead policy and campaigns manager, said a refusal could be "humiliating" and "really have an impact" on day-to-day life.

David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire and Taxi Association, said the issue was "unfortunately common" and that "a lot of it is [drivers] just don't like dogs and that is not acceptable, it's illegal".

He called on the government and councils to do more to educate drivers on the rules.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: "Discrimination like this is completely unacceptable – councils should use their existing powers to ensure drivers and operators understand their legal duties."

A football stadium flood-light could be repurposed as a telecommunications tower after a provider submitted plans.

Hereford FC's Edgar Street ground, is switching to more sustainable LED flood-lights, for which smaller stands closer to the pitch will be erected after the football season ends in mid-May.

Three of the existing 27m-tall flood-lights, which are among the tallest structures in the mostly low-rise city, are due to be taken down.

The fourth, on the north-west corner of the ground, could now host mobile telecoms equipment.

Network operators EE and Hutchison 3G, which trades as Three, have applied for planning permission at the ground, which the football club leases from Herefordshire Council.

Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), jointly owned by operators EE and Three, has been given notice to stop using its current mobile equipment on two existing towers at the Blackfriars End, where a former stand has been demolished.

"This new equipment is urgently required to maintain coverage," said the applicants' agent, Guy de Rose, adding the existing equipment was dilapidated and no longer met "operational requirements".

Under the plans, antennae, dishes and "associated ancillary works" would be installed on a platform on the north-west tower.

Mr de Rose added the project had been designed to "minimize environmental and visual impact while delivering substantial public benefits".

Comments on the application are invited until 20 May.

Herefordshire Council has not said when it will take down the remaining towers.

Separately, the authority has confirmed its redevelopment of the Blackfriars End will not now include student accommodation, but has given no further indication of its plans for the site.

The UK's statutory parental leave system is "one of the worst in the developed world" and has "fundamental flaws", a group of cross-party MPs has said.

A report published today by the Women and Equalities Committee said paternity leave rules "entrench outdated gender stereotypes".

It added that "bold" action is needed, but warned any changes would require significant investment.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said the government is carrying out a review to see how it best can support working families.

Introduced in 2003, statutory paternity leave allows most new fathers and second parents in the UK to take up to two weeks off work.

It applies to all partners, regardless of gender, after the birth, surrogacy or adoption of a baby.

Those eligible receive £187.18 a week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower.

This works out as less than 50% of the National Living Wage and fathers are ineligible for statutory paternity leave if they are self-employed or earn less than £123 a week.