DRIVERS brace for chaos as this historic bridge, used by 30,000 motorists a day, is set to close this week.
The 93-year-old bridge is being prepared for major renovations which could lead to a whole year of traffic.
Lambeth Bridge will close on January 30, with subsequent closures throughout 2025.
As one of the busiest bridges in the capital, drivers have been warned there may be long delays and pedestrians have been told there will be roadworks when crossing.
It was opened to the public in 1932 and goes from Lambeth on the southside, to near the houses of parliament in Westminster on the north side.
TfL revealed the bridge’s northern junction is the most dangerous spot in London for cycle accidents.
Dozens of collisions were recorded last year, including one fatality.
Now the unsignalised roundabouts will be replaced with signal-controlled junctions.
This will hopefully reduce the number of cyclists who have been caught up in incoming traffic.
TfL’s Head of Projects and Programmes Julie Lewington, said: “We are committed to Vision Zero, the Mayor’s goal to eliminate death and serious injury from the transport network, and these changes will play a vital role in reducing danger at this key junction.”
A TfL spokesperson added: “This scheme will improve safety on the bridge and at both the northern and southern junctions.
“Replacing the roundabouts with signal-controlled junctions means that we can add new, safer signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, replacing zebra crossings on the Westminster side of the bridge.
“Protect and provide time for cyclists to safely connect to existing cycle routes, such as Cycleway 8 on Milbank.”
Further work will take place on the bridge as the construction was built nearly a century ago and is finally getting the revamp it needs.
The maintenance work includes waterproofing, bridge deck repairs, and replacing replacement of temporary security measures.
This work will start this week on January 30 until February 7 and will see the bridge closed to all traffic overnight from 9.30pm until 5am.
From February 7 to 10, it will be fully closed so a new traffic management system can be installed.
Drivers will have to be diverted but pedestrians are still able to use the crossing over the River Thames.
Between February 10 to July 18, there will be a one-way closure from Westminster towards Lambeth.
Buses, namely the 3 and C10, will be diverted to the two nearest bridges, Vauxhall Bridge or Westminster Bridge during times when the bridge is completely closed off.
During part closures, only buses heading from Vauxhall Bridge or Westminster Bridge will be altered.
All of these roadworks will take place on and off throughout the year, starting on January 30 all the way until December 15.
TfL has warned that the roadworks might contribute to increased congestion in surrounding areas and on the nearby bridges.
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, approves of the project.
He said: “I’m pleased TfL is starting work to make both the north and south junctions safer for both cyclists and pedestrians.
“This project is just one example of the Mayor and TfL’s commitment to make London’s most dangerous junctions safer, as we work towards our Vision Zero goal.”
DUNNES Stores are sending shoppers into a frenzy over a new range of must-have pieces for the office.
The new bits are great for wearing into the office and heading for drinks after.
One shopper has taken to social media to share a look at a couple of the pieces that she picked up.
TikTok user Katie Leahy shared a short video to the platform for her followers.
At the beginning of the video, she can be seen holding a large Dunnes Stores shopping bag.
She said: “I was finding it really hard to get a plain black blazer with full-length sleeves.”
The first item she pulls out is a long black blazer, which is in stores now.
Katie said: “This one was just left on a random hanger, it wasn’t where it was supposed to be, I couldn’t find where the rest of them were – and it happened to be a size 10.”
Holding up the blazer, she adds: “Thank God for that, because everywhere else seems to be selling short-sleeved blazers, where the sleeves are crumpled up – I don’t want them for work; they’re going-out blazers, but this is for work.”.
The Single Breasted Blazer is a bargain, selling for just €30.
Available in sizes 8 to 22, shoppers have clearly been loving it, as the only size left in stock online is the smallest one.
In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, fashion bosses wrote: “This sophisticated blazer features a single-breasted design with a peak lapel and faux-flap pockets.”
“Lined for a superior feel, the colour-matched buttons tie the look together.”
And it’s perfect for wearing to the office when you have plans afterwards, as it’s so versatile that it can be styled with almost anything.
Next, Katie takes out a stunning grey cardigan that has hit the shelves.
Holding it up, she said: “How cute is this?”
She then shows a close up of the detailed silver buttons, which add a touch of glam to the piece.
In terms of styling, she said: “That would be lovely with a skirt or even just jeans.
Speaking about the quality, Katie added: “It’s so nice and thick as well, lovely and warm”.
The Savida Boucle Cardigan also costs €30, and is available in sizes XXS to XXL.
Dunnes Stores wrote: “Sumptuously soft, this cropped cardigan from Savida is crafted from a soft and cosy boucle fabric.
“Featuring classic ribbed trims and intricately designed buttons, it can be worn with a skirt and boots or with your favourite denim.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
Для того, щоб унітаз виглядав новим і охайним, за ним потрібно доглядати щодня. Крім щоденного догляду, сантехніка потребує генерального прибирання, в процесі якого ми усуваємо плями жовтого кольору, вапняний наліт, мікроби і справляємося з іншими завданнями. Можна досягти цілі за допомогою підручних засобів. Як швидко упорядкувати унітаз Метод із солодкою газованою водою Рекомендуємо спочатку видалити […]
DUNNES Stores fans are rushing to buy a cute new denim dress for spring – and it’s €75 cheaper.
The Savida Denim Mini Dress is available in stores and online now.
It costs €40 and comes in sizes XXS to XXL.
The denim dress is the perfect dupe for Aligne’s Grace Denim Pocket Mini Dress.
The description for the gúna on the designer brand’s website says: “Relaxed fit with pleat detail at back to add volume, buttons from collar, shirt collar, short sleeves and patch pockets and side seam pockets.”
The Aligne version is priced at €115 – meaning Dunnes shoppers will save €75.
The dress can be easily styled with boots, shoes or high heels depending on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores is making it easy for shoppers to start in the gym this year – with their gorgeous activewear range.
The range features some stunning pieces including jackets, flattering leggings and additional items.
With bargain prices, shoppers are rushing to the tills to pick them up.
One shopper has tried some of the new range, and shared her opinion on social media.
TikTok user Lauren Egerton shared a short video to the platform for her followers.
In the caption of her post, she wrote: “I got a few new pieces from Dunnes Stores and I decided to wear a few of them today! These are all still available to purchase, even the rest that I showed you!”
At the beginning of the video, she can be seen wearing a luxury pair of black pyjamas from Dunnes Stores, with white lining along the edges.
The set costs just €20 in total.
Lauren said: “A very basic outfit for today, it’s only Tuesday. I’m actually off, but I might take myself somewhere nice.”
“I have new bits, they’re very basic.”
The first thing she shows off is a stunning khaki-coloured padded jacket that is perfect for the cold weather.
Holding it up, she said: “Has anyone else bought these jackets in Dunnes?”
She notes that she bought it two weeks ago in black, but went back to buy the second colour.
The Hooded Quilt Jacket comes in four colours: black, blue, khaki, and winter white.
It is available in sizes XS to XXL, and is set to fly off the shelves as it costs just €30.
In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, fashion chiefs wrote: “Designed in a diamond-quilted texture, this jacket has a high neck, zip pockets, dipped hems, and a hood.
“Lightweight and shower-resistant, it’s a great option for transitional weather.”
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
PETER Kay has been spotted on a day out, while on a break from his huge UK tour.
The comedy legend was seen in jeans and a black jacket while out and about.
Peter, 51, donned a black cap and black trainers as he swung a backpack onto his shoulders while standing beside his tour bus.
The comedian was heading back to the bus at the O2 Arena in South London, after a rehearsal.
And the Bolton-born star put his slender figure on display in his casual look.
Pete broke records when he sold out 45 dates at London’s O2 – and he is the only artist in the world to do so.
He has also played a record 100 shows at the Manchester AO Arena – breaking all attendance and performance recordsAt the end of last year, the Car Share star announced 21 new dates, kicking off in February 2025 and finishing in February the following year.
The new 2025 and 2026 shows include his first dates at Aberdeen P&J Live, Brighton Centre, Bournemouth International Centre and Isle of Man Villa Marina.
Peter said in a statement: “It’s been wonderful doing what I love most, stand-up comedy. Laughter is more important than ever in these challenging times and with the cost of living still at an all-time high, ticket prices for the new dates will start from £35.”
The tour, Peter Kay Live, originally kicked off in December 2022.
The new dates will see him visit 16 cities over the course of a year.
Peter was due to embark on a series of shows back in 2017 before cancelling due to unforeseen family circumstances.
Since then he has remained away from the spotlight but has made some surprise performances at small shows and charity events.
When he announced his return, Peter was seen in a photo with musician Bryan Edery looking noticeably slimmer than the last time we’d seen him.
One fan wrote at the time: “Wow you’ve lost weight, look brilliant” while another said: “I didn’t recognise him.”
THE future of Wynne Evans’ BBC show has been revealed after his crude sex comment on the Strictly tour.
The under fire star was forced to apologise after he was caught on video making the comment to It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.
It occurred during the press day for Strictly Come Dancing’s live tour earlier this month.
While the cast members were gathered for photographs, a grinning Wynne made a derogatory sexual joke to Janette and actor Jamie Borthwick about having a “spit roast”.
In an apology, Wynne called his language “inappropriate and unacceptable.”
He was given a stern reprimand from bosses and is now on his final warning after a series of questionable moments.
Following the controversy, the BBC will still air his new travel show with Joanna Page tonight at 8:30pm.
The friends will sail off as they explore the coast of South Wales.
A synopsis reads: “Old friends Wynne Evans and Joanna Page embark on an unforgettable adventure along the south Wales coastline, travelling by boat from Cardiff to St David’s.
“Their mission? To rediscover the art of relaxation, reconnect with Wales, explore the breathtaking coastal scenery, learn the basics of sailing – and most importantly, have fun!”
Gavin and Stacey star Joanna, 47, filmed the six-part series with Wynne, 53, last year.
Dad-of-two Wynne is no stranger to a TV scandal.
Wynne previously came under fire in last year’s Strictly series when he was seen groping his dance partner Katya Jones, but they dismissed it as a joke.
‘Grope’
Wynne encountered a backlash after his Strictly pro partner Katya was filmed removing his hand from her waist.
Fans insisted she looked uncomfortable as she moved it away – but Katya later insisted there was no problem.
In joke
They then sparked further fury, when she was seen refusing to high-five the Opera singer.
The duo were quick to issue a video apology and insisted it was all an innocent “inside joke”.
Crude joke
Wynne came under fire for allegedly telling a “crude” joke to one of the show’s make-up artists.
Insiders claim the opera star made a joke that the folds of his double chin “looked like a vagina”.
A source said: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”
Vile comment
Wynne was recorded suggesting a three-way sex session with presenter Janette Manrara, using the term “spit roast”.
His remark came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, which pro Janette, 41, is hosting.
He reportedly pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when Evans allegedly made the joke.
Wynne has apologised saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”
BMW is lining up an all-electric version of the X5 for 2026 – as the first of six new models to launch in the next three years.
The move will see the German brand’s SUV line-up completely electrified – with even a hydrogen-powered model coming in 2028.
As well as a new fifth-gen X5, BMW will release an all-electric iX5 next year, according to Auto Car.
BMW’s first ever SUV, which has sold some 2.2 million units since its release in 1999, will be fitted with upgraded petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
But neither the iX5 nor X5 will feature BMW’s newly unveiled Neue Klasse platform.
Instead, they will each be given an upgraded version of BMW’s Cluster Architecture platform.
The Neue Klasse platform, which is a new, electric-only type of vehicle architecture, showcases BMW’s new approach to car design and technology.
It focuses on electrification, sustainability, and digital innovation.
But switching the electric iX5, as well as the regular X5, to this platform would prove tricky – requiring the X5’s ICE powertrains to be heavily modified to fit into a platform built predominantly for EVs.
However, the iX5 will still have certain features that would be introduced with Neue Klasse.
That includes updated electric drive components, new-generation batteries with round cells, and a fully networked 800V electric architecture.
The X5 and iX5 will also have a similar look to the Neue Klasse concepts.
This includes a new front fascia with triangular-shaped headlights, while Autocar reveals this will include new X-shaped headlights.
Inside, the X5 and iX5 will likely have a smoother overall appearance, which BMW describes as being more monolithic.
At the rear, it will boast an angled tailgate with a heavily shrouded window for aerodynamic efficiency.
BMW’s X5, a luxury mid-size SUV, debuted in 1999 as the brand’s first venture into the SUV market.
Renowned for its blend of sporty performance, premium comfort, and cutting-edge interior tech, the X5 has continually evolved with fresh designs and a range of powerful engines, setting the benchmark for luxury SUVs.
Interestingly, BMW doesn’t classify the X5 as an SUV but rather as a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ or SAV, emphasising its on-road agility alongside off-road capability.
Over the years, the X5 has grown in size and sophistication, now offering hybrid powertrains and semi-autonomous driving features, further cementing its position as a leader in its class.
This reworking of the Cluster Architecture will also provide the basis for other, future models; the X6 and X7, which will be released in 2028 and 2027 respectively.
Naturally, they will also get electric counterparts; the iX6 and iX7, meaning BMW’s entire range of SUVs will have an electric option.
For petrolheads that love the M Performance range, the X5 M will continue with an updated version of the existing model’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine.
An electric iX5 M Performance model is also in the works, set to be launched in 2027.
What’s more, a hydrogen-powered iX5 will join the line-up in 2028.
It seems to be all change at BMW at the moment, as they recently announced it is discontinuing its gesture control feature, launched in 2015, in favour of a more advanced infotainment system.
They’re also canning the incredibly cool M8 Coupe, according to reports.
The sporty motor, is to be pulled from showrooms in the early part of this year – at least in the US – woth dealers will no longer to accept orders for the two-door, fixed-roof version of the M8.
However, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe variants will remain unaffected.
As for the UK market, there has been no official announcement regarding the discontinuation of the M8 Coupe and therefore, it is currently still available.
MICHAEL van Gerwen admits World Final defeat to Luke Littler still feels “sour” – and that he broke a toe on holiday.
The three-time world champion returned to the big stage in the Dutch Masters but was disappointing in another defeat to Luke Littler in Den Bosch.
MVG, 35, missed the opening Bahrain Masters as he was on holiday in Thailand.
On his injury sustained abroad, he told Viaplay: “You didn’t hear that. I told you that.
“No no, that’s annoying, but you’re not doing anything about it.
“It happened last week on vacation. An accident is just a bump in the road.
“I enjoyed my vacation. Definitely, nice to unwind, go away with family. Now we need to get back to darts, right?”
Van Gerwen admitted that he is still low about the World Final loss to The Nuke.
He added: “At the moment itself it’s very sour.
“But it wouldn’t be fair to myself if I didn’t look at this positively.
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“I put up a very nice tournament and played fantastic. S
“our that I didn’t reward myself, but I can take a lot of satisfaction from it now.”
MVG was also annoyed with his display in the 6-3 semi-final defeat to Littler, 18, on Saturday night.
He said: “I played terrible tonight, this performance was not acceptable.
“I was really focused all day and wanted to win this trophy so much.
“No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get them when I wanted them.
“I was lucky to be 3-3, it could have been 6-0.”
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:
World Championship 2025 – £500,000
World Championship 2024 – £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000
European Tour – £91,000
Player Championships events – £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500
World Matchplay – £10,000
World Grand Prix – £7,500
European Championship – £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
Rob Cross sealed the title in Den Bosch after seeing off Stephen Bunting in the final.
The Englishman powered his way to an 8-5 victory – but quickly found the trophy was a little too heavy for him.
Cross laughed: “There is one other trophy that is a bit heavier and that’s the Worlds.
“I thought I was going to pull a muscle when I lifted it. I thought: ‘Don’t do it!’
“It nearly slipped out of my hand. But it’s amazing to come here and win.
“We turn up and play all over the world. If you are not winning, it doesn’t mean anything. This is special.
“I don’t think I have room for it to take home. Anyone got a spare case? It’s very heavy…”