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Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,UK,England,WA1,83,The Mall,Golden Square Shopping Centre,Warrington,Cheshire,WA1 1QE,shop,shops,pawn,store,stores,unit,buy,sell,loan,loans,hard times,poverty,branch,chain,branches,second hand,used,cast,electrical,entertainment,products,product,gold,franchisee,Rcapital,cheque cashing
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2RG8YH8 - Cash Generator is a United Kingdom-based Buy and Sell store. Its headquarters are in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The retailer opened its first store in Bolton in February 1994. The company has expanded, with corporate and franchise stores, and currently has 120+ stores across the United Kingdom (2018).
The company describes itself as a Buy, Sell and Buy Back Store. Its core business is the buying and selling of second hand goods, mainly electrical, entertainment products and gold.
Cash Generator was founded in 1994, by British businessman Brian Lewis. Having noticed the success of a similar business in the United States, he decided to emulate the business model in the United Kingdom, and opened his first store in Bolton
Cash Generator was 100% owned by Lewis from February 1994, until April 2008, when a management buyout was staged by three directors and in conjunction with New World Corporate Finance
In 2017, Axcess sold Cash Generator to investors Rcapital.
As of June 2018, Cash Generator is a purely franchisee focused business with a defined business model with over 120 stores and 58 franchisees, which includes stores ranging from Cornwall to Northern Scotland.
Cash Generator offers a range of financial services, including cheque cashing, money transfer, foreign currency exchange in some stores. The company has a partnership with Western Union and Number One Currency. In 2015, the company ceased issuing short-term loans as the market for Payday Loans became more heavily regulated
with a greater focus on buying, selling and Buy Back. Services vary in each store so check out availability via the website.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,England,London,city,centre,central,Unit 12,Ravenswood Industrial Estate,Shernhall St,UK,E17 9HQ,E17,electric,electrical,lighting,advertising,display,displays,and,ad,ads,art,artwork,museum,museums,neons,doorway,door,dream,of,dreams,store,shop,cafe,the,Rolling Scones Cafe,Chris Bracey,cold cathode,Chris Braceys
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R3Y98F - Chris Bracey has been the Neon Man for 37 years creating iconic artpieces for David la chappelle,
Martin Creed etc. With a cult following in London and Los Angeles.
New & used neon fantasies, salvaged signs, reclaimed neon signs, old movie props and retro displays.
Neon art made from found objects, retrieved and renewed waste and lights.
Fairground & circus lighting, architectural sign salvage. Led & cold cathode luxury products.
Designers & makers of all things with light.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,London,city,centre,central,historic,American,USA,1950s,style,antique,neon,light,lit,electrical,sign,for,the,Stop & Drink,and,monochrome,BW,shop,store,wild west,US,lounge,sprits,Scotland,Wales,BOGOF,offers,retail,retailing,legislation,liquors,ABC
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R3Y98N - A liquor store is a retail business that predominantly sells prepackaged liquors (typically in bottles), wine or beer, usually intended to be consumed off the store's premises. Depending on region and local idiom, they may also be called an off-licence (in the UK and Ireland), off-sale (in parts of Canada and the US), bottle shop, bottle store or, colloquially, bottle-o (in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Canada), liquor store (in Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand) or other similar terms. A very limited number of jurisdictions have an alcohol monopoly. In US states that are alcoholic beverage control (ABC) states, the term ABC store may be used.
The Twenty-first Amendment of the United States Constitution allows states to regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. State regulations vary widely. The majority of the U.S. states have laws specifying which alcoholic beverages must be sold in specialty liquor stores and which may be sold in other venues.
In seventeen alcoholic beverage control (ABC) states, the specialty liquor stores are owned and operated exclusively by the state government, where liquor stores often sell only spirits or sometimes sell spirits and wine but not beer. ABC-run stores may be called ABC stores or state stores.
In Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Texas, liquor stores are also known as package stores
locally in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and areas bordering these states the term pack or packie is used as well, because purchased liquor must be packaged in sealed bottles or other containers when it is taken from the store
In three states (Kansas, Minnesota, and Utah), only low-point beer may be sold in supermarkets or gas stations. In Utah, stores not owned and operated by the state are known as Package Agencies. These are liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state for the purpose of selling packaged liquor

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,London,city,centre,central,historic,American,USA,1950s,style,antique,neon,light,lit,electrical,sign,for,the,Stop & Drink,and,colour,coloured,shop,store,wild west,US,lounge,sprits,Scotland,Wales,BOGOF,offers,retail,retailing,legislation,liquors,ABC
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R3Y98Y - A liquor store is a retail business that predominantly sells prepackaged liquors (typically in bottles), wine or beer, usually intended to be consumed off the store's premises. Depending on region and local idiom, they may also be called an off-licence (in the UK and Ireland), off-sale (in parts of Canada and the US), bottle shop, bottle store or, colloquially, bottle-o (in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Canada), liquor store (in Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand) or other similar terms. A very limited number of jurisdictions have an alcohol monopoly. In US states that are alcoholic beverage control (ABC) states, the term ABC store may be used.
The Twenty-first Amendment of the United States Constitution allows states to regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. State regulations vary widely. The majority of the U.S. states have laws specifying which alcoholic beverages must be sold in specialty liquor stores and which may be sold in other venues.
In seventeen alcoholic beverage control (ABC) states, the specialty liquor stores are owned and operated exclusively by the state government, where liquor stores often sell only spirits or sometimes sell spirits and wine but not beer. ABC-run stores may be called ABC stores or state stores.
In Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Texas, liquor stores are also known as package stores
locally in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and areas bordering these states the term pack or packie is used as well, because purchased liquor must be packaged in sealed bottles or other containers when it is taken from the store
In three states (Kansas, Minnesota, and Utah), only low-point beer may be sold in supermarkets or gas stations. In Utah, stores not owned and operated by the state are known as Package Agencies. These are liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state for the purpose of selling packaged liquor

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,evening,dance,clap,clapping,on,the,WN1,Station Road,Lancashire,England,UK,WN1 0SD,all,nighter,all-nighter,illuminated,Northern,Soul,and,other,electrical,equipment,Players,machine,rig,light,lights,lighting,last,anniversary,gig,gambling,gamble
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R5PPB7 - The Wigan Casino was a nightclub in Wigan, England. Operating between 1973 and 1981, it became known as a primary venue for Northern soul music. It carried forward the legacy created by clubs such as the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, the Chateau Impney (Droitwich), the Catacombs (Wolverhampton) and the Golden Torch (Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent). It remains one of the most famous clubs in Northern England. In 1978, allegedly the American music magazine Billboard voted Wigan Casino The Best Disco in the World, ahead of New York City's Studio 54. Although there is no tangible evidence of this award ever being publicised.
This England, a TV documentary about the Wigan Casino, was filmed in 1977. Russ Winstanley and Dave Nowell wrote a history of the club, Soul Survivors, The Wigan Casino Story, which was published in 1996.
Wigan Casino was the name of the last incarnation of a Wigan ballroom called the Empress. Local DJs Brian Rigby and Alan Cain approached lease owner Gerry Marshall to run all-nighters. Venue manager Mike Walker brought in Russ Winstanley, who had a DJ set at the local rugby club, to the Casino. At 2 am on Sunday 23 September 1973, Wigan Casino started its first-ever Northern soul all-nighter, with Winstanley as the DJ. After Winstanley and his helper Ian Fishwick, Kev Roberts was the third DJ at Casino all-nighters, who was quickly joined by Richard Searling Soul performers that performed there include Jackie Wilson, Edwin Starr and Junior Walker.
Young people from all over the UK regularly attended Wigan Casino to hear the latest northern soul artists and to dance. There were long queues to get in. The second dance floor, Mr M's, stayed open until 6 am and played oldies songs from a variety of DJs including Dave Evison and Steve Whittle. All-nighters generally ended with three songs that became known as the '3 before 8': Time Will Pass You By by Tobi Legend, Long After Tonight Is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe, and I'm on My Way by Dean Parrish.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,train,England,UK,rail,public,CW2 6HR,CW2,Nantwich Road,Crewe,Railway,Birmingham New Street,station,Nantwich rd,platform,public transport,60144,Electrical Multiple,Unit,Units,city,service,services,green,carriages,carriage,at,the,BR,British,railway,railways,destination,Birmingham,Brum,council,bankrupt
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R8T9G9 -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Merseyside,England,UK,city,Tithebarn Street,Liverpool,L2 2LZ,L2,decorated,art,artist,BT,cabinets,Sine,Missione,1945,&,1942,music,icon,blue,yellow,Ukraine,street,streetart,street art,Scouse Banksy,Liverpool Banksy,Liverpools Banksy,electrical boxes,electrical box,artwork,artworks,Anfield
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R1WX50 - Read more at https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/sine-missione-meet-scouse-banksy-15605322
He is the street artist from Liverpool few people know but whose work everyone on Merseyside has seen.
And if you haven't noticed it before you won't be able to stop seeing his art after you have read this.
From Queens Drive to Aigburth Road, Crosby to Kirkby, the instantly-recognisable work of Sine Missione is peppered across the region.
It means that at least some of the thousands of dull, often vandalised, green electrical boxes that dot most streets across Liverpool now shine with fresh paint and the faces and words of the likes of Che Guevara, Bob Marley, John Lennon and Bill Shankly.
It all started with an image of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue being introduced to Larkhill Lane in Clubmoor about five years ago.
Now, after catching up with the artist some may dub the Scouse Banksy, the ECHO can shed light on the work making passers-by smile and, crucially for the man behind it, think about the world they live in.
And the L13 location of his first piece and the focus on electrical boxes begin to make sense when you realise Sine Missione is an electrician from nearby Anfield - details he was happy to be revealed, so long as his name and picture were not.
He told the ECHO: I'd been looking at these green boxes for years. They are a blight on the city - they are like vandalism and I've taken it upon myself to look after them.
They are like visual vandalism, it's really hard to be happy if all you see is black, grey and brown. There's no colour anywhere and we need colour in our lives.
So he bought some paint, gave an electrical box a fresh coat of paint then returned when it was dry with a sticker of Christ the Redeemer he had created.
That was the birth of Sine Missione - the first of hundreds of pieces of art that have seen him hard at work in the dead of night, posing as a workman to avoid the questions of officials

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Merseyside,England,UK,city,Tithebarn Street,Liverpool,L2 2LZ,L2,decorated,art,artist,BT,cabinets,Sine,Missione,1945,&,1942,music,icon,blue,red,street,streetart,street art,Scouse Banksy,Liverpool Banksy,Liverpools Banksy,electrical boxes,electrical box,artwork,artworks,Anfield
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R1WX52 - Read more at https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/sine-missione-meet-scouse-banksy-15605322
He is the street artist from Liverpool few people know but whose work everyone on Merseyside has seen.
And if you haven't noticed it before you won't be able to stop seeing his art after you have read this.
From Queens Drive to Aigburth Road, Crosby to Kirkby, the instantly-recognisable work of Sine Missione is peppered across the region.
It means that at least some of the thousands of dull, often vandalised, green electrical boxes that dot most streets across Liverpool now shine with fresh paint and the faces and words of the likes of Che Guevara, Bob Marley, John Lennon and Bill Shankly.
It all started with an image of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue being introduced to Larkhill Lane in Clubmoor about five years ago.
Now, after catching up with the artist some may dub the Scouse Banksy, the ECHO can shed light on the work making passers-by smile and, crucially for the man behind it, think about the world they live in.
And the L13 location of his first piece and the focus on electrical boxes begin to make sense when you realise Sine Missione is an electrician from nearby Anfield - details he was happy to be revealed, so long as his name and picture were not.
He told the ECHO: I'd been looking at these green boxes for years. They are a blight on the city - they are like vandalism and I've taken it upon myself to look after them.
They are like visual vandalism, it's really hard to be happy if all you see is black, grey and brown. There's no colour anywhere and we need colour in our lives.
So he bought some paint, gave an electrical box a fresh coat of paint then returned when it was dry with a sticker of Christ the Redeemer he had created.
That was the birth of Sine Missione - the first of hundreds of pieces of art that have seen him hard at work in the dead of night, posing as a workman to avoid the questions of officials

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,north,Wales,Cymru,coast,Victorian,architecture,LL30,traditional,resort,holiday,Unit 1,Conwy,UK,LL30 1RY,big,store,shop,Mostyn Champneys,Retail,Park,electronics,brand,chain,warehouse,electrical,profit,profits,performance,sign,Dixons Carphone,out-of-town,strategy,aftercare,Team Knowhow,problem,refurbished devices,second-hand tech
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2PH9M5M - Currys (branded as Currys PC World between 2010 and 2021) is an electrical retailer and aftercare service provider operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland, specialising in white goods, consumer electronics, computers and mobile phones.
Established as a bicycle retailer in 1927, Currys expanded the range of goods sold and from the 1960s became a major retailer of household electrical items. In 1984 the company was bought by rival retailer Dixons, and the Currys brand was used for all outlets of the combined company. From 2008, the business turned away from shops in town centres to larger out-of-town stores under the Currys PC World brand, combining the operations of Currys with Dixon's PC World under one roof
after the formation of Dixons Carphone in 2014, the stores gained Carphone Warehouse departments. It was announced in July 2021 that all Currys PC World stores would be rebranded to Currys.
Dixons Retail began a trial combining Currys and PC World shops in 2008. During the Dixons Carphone Christmas 2015?2016 results update to shareholders, Sebastian James, group chief executive, revealed that over the following financial year the three-in-one shop format (shops featuring Currys, PC World and Carphone Warehouse branding under one roof) would be rolled out across the company's entire portfolio in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Following reorganisations in 2020 and 2021, Dixons Carphone announced that the Currys PC World stores would be rebranded to Currys in October 2021

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,appliance ref,and,next,due,Passed,fail,green,Euro Pat Test,labels,testing H&S,safety,appliances,electric,health & safety,safe,working,regular,checks,check,annual,in-service inspection & testing of electrical equipment,testing,appliance,next test,danger,dangers,overdue,unsafe,equipment,domestic,communal,stating,states,a,pass
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2PFAAP8 - In electrical safety testing, portable appliance testing (PAT, PAT inspection or PAT testing) is a process in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety. The formal term for the process is in-service inspection & testing of electrical equipment. Testing involves a visual inspection of the equipment and any flexible cables for good condition, and also where required, verification of earthing (grounding) continuity, and a test of the soundness of insulation between the current carrying parts, and any exposed metal that may be touched. The formal limits for pass/fail of these electrical tests vary somewhat depending on the category of equipment being tested.
British law (the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) requires that all electrical systems (including electrical appliances) are maintained (so far it is reasonably and practicable) to prevent danger. Private houses are not covered by this legislation, although occupiers' liability requires householders not to deliberately expose occupants or visitors to unreasonable risks. The HSE and the local authority are responsible for the policing of this legislation.
Fixed wiring in buildings
Guidance from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, published under the IEE brand) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that a competent person must inspect the installation regularly in any public building or a place that people work. They suggest initial intervals for combined inspection and testing that range from three months (for construction equipment) to one year, and in many cases, longer periods for re-testing (certain types of appliance in schools, hotels, offices and shops)
Carrying out PAT
This can be done by hiring an external company to test all the electrical products in a business (someone who has had some PAT training, either by an official qualification or by attending a health and safety course

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,data,park,Sherwood Drive,Milton Keynes,England,UK,MK3 6EB,German,keyboard,typewriter,electronics,and,electrical,company,cipher,attachment,Tunny,coding,code,decode,decoding,enemy,secret,messages,war,wartime,message,Enigma,Government Code and Cypher School,GC&CS,Adolf Hitler,Nazi,WWII,Nazis
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2PGDBFB -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Edinburgh,Scotland,UK,Scottish,fast food,unhealthy,fat,fatty,fried,food,white,battered,sign,signs,shop,window,restaurant,cafe,9,EH1 2HE,EH1,chippy,blue,yellow,glow,glowing,glows,electric,electrical,fishy,seafood,British,traditional,culture,tourist,attarction
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2RH9DGM - The British tradition of eating fish battered and fried in oil was introduced to the country by Spanish and Portuguese Jewish immigrants, who spent time in the Netherlands before settling in the UK as early as the 16th century. They prepared fried fish in a manner similar to pescado frito, which is coated in flour then fried in oil. Fish fried for Shabbat for dinner on Friday evenings could be eaten cold the following afternoon for shalosh seudot, palatable this way as liquid vegetable oil was used rather than a hard fat, such as butter. Charles Dickens mentions fried fish warehouses in Oliver Twist (1838)
The modern fish-and-chip shop (chippy in modern British slang) originated in the United Kingdom, although outlets selling fried food occurred commonly throughout Europe. Early fish-and-chip shops had only very basic facilities. Usually these consisted principally of a large cauldron of cooking fat, heated by a coal fire. The fish-and-chip shop later evolved into a fairly standard format, with the food served, in paper wrappings, to queuing customers, over a counter in front of the fryers. As a boy, Alfred Hitchcock lived above a fish and chip shop in London, which was the family business. According to Professor John Walton, author of Fish and Chips and the British Working Class, the British government made safeguarding supplies of fish and chips during the First World War a priority: The cabinet knew it was vital to keep families on the home front in good heart, unlike the German regime that failed to keep its people well fed.
By 1910, there were over 25,000 fish and chip shops across the UK, a figure that grew to over 35,000 shops by the 1930s.Since then the trend has reversed, and in 2009 there were approximately 10,000 shops

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Derbys,HighPeak,SK13,High Peak,town,centre,charitable,social,wellbeing,Derbyshire,store,shop,shopping,low,cost,Glossopdale Furniture Project,George St,projects,collection,donate,electrical,white goods,fixing,reduce,reuse,community,Registered Charity,1118353,Reuse Network,Glossop,England,UK,SK13 8AY,fundraising
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K1Y813 - Read more at https://www.glossopdalefurniture.co.uk/serving_the_community_of_the_high_peak.html
The Glossopdale Furniture Project is a registered charity based in Glossop, supported by Derbyshire County Council, High Peak Borough Council, Foundation Derbyshire and various Charitable Trusts. Covering the whole of the High Peak area it was set up in 1997 when it became obvious of the serious need for a charitable project of this nature.
Those it helps are referrals from social services, housing charities, women's refuges and many other local organisations who support individuals and families in need. During 2019-2020 the Project supported over 150 households by providing free Emergency Packs of furniture and everyday essentials to those who have been homeless and given a new tenancy where the property has none of the necessary items. Depending on need, a basic pack can consist of a bed, sofa, chest of drawers, wardrobe, fridge, bedding, crockery, microwave, kettle and toaster to help set up their new home.
The Project is the only voluntary organisation within the High Peak offering such a service and is in constant demand. It is seen by the statutory and voluntary agencies who use the Project as a lifeline for their service users. Such is the demand, requests for the Project's assistance have been received nationally from well beyond the High Peak region it serves.
As a charity, fundraising is on-going - because the need is always there. Relying on the donations of unwanted furniture and household items to maintain its stock, the Project reclaims, restores, refurbishes and upcycles furniture for sale. Its premises at Pikes Lane and George Street are open to the general public for the purchase of used and pre-loved furniture which goes towards the charity's funds. With a growing trend in retro decor, the Project's dedicated specialist furniture painting workshop is kept busy. This not only helps fund the charity but also benefits the local environment by diverting

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,Cheshire,England,UK,rail,railway,train,trains,131,131a,box,safety,victorian,Edwardian,showing,error,in,Crewe,CW1 2DB,BR,railways,track,point,points,orange,traditional,technology,electric,electrical,dashboard,dash board,signal,feedback,control
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JWGTCN -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,England,UK,station,train,trains,north,Vernon way,control,room,centre,railway,the,heritage,relays,points,switching,CW1,entrance,jcn,CW1 2DB,electronics,signals,signal,relay,age,pano,panorama,wring,mechanical,electrical,wide,Westinghouse,All Electric,Style L,lever frame,Crewe Railway Age
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JX2WEA - Crewe Heritage Centre is a railway museum located in Crewe, England. Managed by the Crewe Heritage Trust, the museum is located between the railway station and the town centre
the site was the location of the 'Old Works' which was demolished in the early 1980s.
History
The centre was established in the old London, Midland and Scottish Railway yard, which was once part of Crewe Works, between the junction to Chester and the West Coast Main Line. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, on 24 July 1987. It was renamed in 1992 as Crewe Railway Age by the owning registered charity but, after the management of the centre was taken over by a new group of volunteers, the museum returned to its original name of Crewe Heritage Centre in early 2008.
Exhibits
The centre has a series of exhibits, ranging from the only surviving APT-P train, miniature railways, three open signal boxes (Crewe Station A, Crewe North Junction and Exeter West) and a varied collection of standard gauge steam, diesel and electric locomotives, as well as occasional visiting locomotives. The Main Exhibition Hall features many artefacts and exhibits associated with Crewe, from its locomotive and carriage construction to its famous junction railway station. Brake Van rides are available to the public during special events.
Advanced Passenger Train
APT No.370 003/006 at Crewe Heritage Centre
Built by British Rail (BR) the 1970s and 1980s, this Class 370 Advanced Passenger Train (APT) is the only surviving APT set. Numbered 370 003/006, it is open at all times with an occasional cafe run from the original buffet car (selected days only). The APT-P museum can be found inside one of the carriages, with photographs on display from the APT project

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,old,town,the,building,Victorian,window,offices,of,Mersey Power,Company,Limited,in,Runcorn,Percival Lane,power station,3-phase,50 Hz,250 volts,Mid-Cheshire Electricity Supply Company,Halton,Cheshire,England,UK,WA7 1JH,electric,electrical,works,co,company,Co Ltd,distribution,cabling,connection
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K1416A - The Percival Lane power station in Runcorn was built and operated by the Mersey Power Company Limited. It comprised two stations A and B commissioned in 1921 and 1941. The station supplied electricity to commercial, industrial and domestic users over a wide area of 95 square miles around the River Mersey including Widnes, Ellesmere Port and Runcorn.
History
In 1911 the Salt Union built a vacuum evaporating plant at Runcorn to produce salt from brine. Steam was generated to drive turbo-alternators. The exhaust steam from the turbines was used to evaporate brine. Only a portion of this energy was used in the salt works
the Salt Union obtained parliamentary authority to provide a public supply of electricity. This was through two Electric Lighting Orders: the Runcorn Electric Lighting Order 1910 and the Widnes Electric Lighting Order 1910, both these Orders were authorised by Parliament under the Electric Lighting Orders Confirmation (No.1) Act 1910 (10 Edw. 7 & 1 Geo. 5, c. lxxv). A new company, the Mersey Power Company Limited, was formed in 1911 to operate the public electricity supply. In 1918 the Company resolved to build a large generating station at Percival Lane, Runcorn (53?19'53N 2?45'25W) to meet the expanding demand for electricity. The company had local industrialists among its major shareholders and was able to promote and encourage the use of electricity by local industry

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Fuller,DNO,pylons,distribution,Cheshire,electric,Fuller Electric,overhead pylon,UK,powerlines,switchgear,England,Altrincham,tension,insulators,grey,local,substation,sub-station,transformer,transformers,grid,connection,connections,user,users,Distribution Network Operators,Distribution Network Operator,BRUSH Electrical Machines Limited,Brush,technical,mechanical,physics
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JH5D3A -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,powerlines,tension,distribution,UK,Altrincham,pylons,overhead pylon,England,DNO,Fuller Electric,switchgear,Fuller,electric,insulators,grey,local,substation,sub-station,transformer,transformers,grid,connection,connections,user,users,Distribution Network Operators,Distribution Network Operator,BRUSH Electrical Machines Limited,Brush,technical,mechanical,physics
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JH5D8D -
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Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@Hotpixuk,Hotpixuk,badly,poorly,maintained,Peel,ports,Wa4,London road,A49,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA4 6RW,decay,swing,canals,iron,ironwork,riveted,poor,condition,local,resident,anger,frustration,frustrations,delay,delays,maintenance,work,refurbishment,scheduled,structural,mechanical,electrical,highways,infrastructure
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JEKR2G - Stockton Heath swing bridge set for refurbishment
Thursday, 10 March 2022, more at https://www.warrington.gov.uk/news/stockton-heath-swing-bridge-set-refurbishment
Plans continue to develop for the full refurbishment of Stockton Heath swing bridge, with works targeted to take place next year.
The works will involve Peel Ports investing around ?6million in undertaking a complete structural, mechanical, electrical refurbishment and repainting programme to improve the longevity of this key asset.
The swing bridge, across the Manchester Ship Canal, links Stockton Heath village to the town centre and the north.
Peel Ports and Warrington Borough Council are in advanced discussions for the major refurbishment works to begin in April 2023. This date has been chosen in order to ensure that there is sufficient time for preparations to be made for these works, to ensure that their impact can be mitigated as much as possible.
However, it is clear that these essential works will cause considerable disruption, and both Peel Ports and the council feel it is vital to give as much warning time as possible of the planned works.
The chosen start date will also ensure that the majority of the works are undertaken during more favourable weather conditions. In addition, the inclusion of the summer holidays in the works period (where traffic flows and associated disruption will also be reduced), aims to minimise disruption to children travelling to and from school.
Peel Ports estimate that the works will take approximately nine months to complete and have ensured 12 months' notice to communicate this so bridge users can make alternative arrangements during this time.
Their appointed contractor has looked at all options to undertake these works while maintaining some access for people to cross the bridge. However, due to the extent of the refurbishment, the works can only be carried out safely with the bridge being completely closed to all users, including pedestrians, cyclists
--Stockton-Heath--Warrington--Cheshire--England--UK--WA4-6RW-2JEKR36.jpg)
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@Hotpixuk,Hotpixuk,badly,poorly,maintained,Peel,ports,Wa4,London road,A49,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA4 6RW,decay,swing,canals,iron,ironwork,riveted,poor,condition,local,resident,anger,frustration,frustrations,delay,delays,maintenance,work,refurbishment,scheduled,structural,mechanical,electrical,highways,infrastructure
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JEKR36 - Stockton Heath swing bridge set for refurbishment
Thursday, 10 March 2022, more at https://www.warrington.gov.uk/news/stockton-heath-swing-bridge-set-refurbishment
Plans continue to develop for the full refurbishment of Stockton Heath swing bridge, with works targeted to take place next year.
The works will involve Peel Ports investing around ?6million in undertaking a complete structural, mechanical, electrical refurbishment and repainting programme to improve the longevity of this key asset.
The swing bridge, across the Manchester Ship Canal, links Stockton Heath village to the town centre and the north.
Peel Ports and Warrington Borough Council are in advanced discussions for the major refurbishment works to begin in April 2023. This date has been chosen in order to ensure that there is sufficient time for preparations to be made for these works, to ensure that their impact can be mitigated as much as possible.
However, it is clear that these essential works will cause considerable disruption, and both Peel Ports and the council feel it is vital to give as much warning time as possible of the planned works.
The chosen start date will also ensure that the majority of the works are undertaken during more favourable weather conditions. In addition, the inclusion of the summer holidays in the works period (where traffic flows and associated disruption will also be reduced), aims to minimise disruption to children travelling to and from school.
Peel Ports estimate that the works will take approximately nine months to complete and have ensured 12 months' notice to communicate this so bridge users can make alternative arrangements during this time.
Their appointed contractor has looked at all options to undertake these works while maintaining some access for people to cross the bridge. However, due to the extent of the refurbishment, the works can only be carried out safely with the bridge being completely closed to all users, including pedestrians, cyclists

Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,Northern Powerhouse,North West,England,UK,scrapping return rail tickets,RMT,ASLEF,train,approach,Manchester,Greater Manchester,M60 7RA,Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road Capacity Scheme,Network Rail,Northern Powerhouse Rail,NPR,Victorian,shed,platform,platforms,TfGM,carriage,carriages,service,track,Avanti,WCML,EMU,destination,Electrical Multiple Unit,at,Avanti West Coast,late,cancelled,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2J92PEP - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,Hotpixuk,@Hotpixuk,Electric,electrical,supply,cable,cables,rest,resting,bird,birds,Northwich,Cheshire,England,UK,English,Against,Clear Sky,blue sky,sunny,blue skies,perched,Great Budworth,Gt Budworth,countryside,pole,ples,line,lines,wire,wires,electric,electricity,insulator,insulators
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2DD8FYF -

Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,UK,points,junction,signal,green,West coast mainline,overhead,electrical,cable,Railway line junction,Warrington,Cheshire,England,WA1,rail,railway,line,multiple,safety,RMT Union,no service,no trains,clear pway,clear,permanent way,walkout,lines,rails,electrified,electrification,public,transport,infrastructure
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ABJGHK -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,service,services,council,green,ecological,lamps,tube,tubes,WEEE,regulation,regulations,used,disposal,disposing,of,recycle,recycled,Hazardous,Waste,Consignment,Note,sleeved,Teflon coated,linear,SON,landfill,light bulb,lightbulbs,Eco,eco-friendly,greenwashing,electrical,recycling,waste,collection,responsible
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K3XNMF -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,history,historic,tech,technology,Bush Radio,electronics,electrical,plastic,circle,circular,blue,tuning,dial,MW,LW,FM,on,1960,receiving,set,cream,creme,cities,stations,transmitters,Motala,Hilversum,Home,London,Eireann,Lahti,Welsh,Moscow,LuxBG,broadcasting
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K3XN9B - Standalone audio stereo FM tuners are sought after for audiophile and TV/FM DX applications, especially those produced in the 1970s and early 1980s, when performance and manufacturing standards were among the highest. In many instances the tuner may be modified to improve performance. Electronics specialists and hobbyists buy, collect and restore vintage FM or AM/FM audio tuners on the secondary market. The restoration usually begins with replacing the electrolytic capacitors that may age over time. The tuner is outfitted with improved tolerance and better sounding upgraded parts. Prices have increased relative to the increasing demand for the older audio tuners. Those with the most value are the best sounding, most rare (collectible), the best DX capable (distance reception) and the known build quality of the component, as it left the factory.
Most of the early tuner models were designed and manufactured to receive only the AM broadcast band. As FM became more popular, the limitations of AM became more apparent, and FM became the primary listening focus, especially for stereo and music broadcasting.
The McIntosh MR78 is known as one of the first FM tuners precise enough to tune into a weaker station broadcast on the same frequency as another stronger signal.
In Europe, where a second AM broadcast band is used for longwave broadcasting, tuners may be fitted with both the standard medium wave and the additional longwave band. However, radios with only medium wave are also common, especially in countries where there are no longwave broadcasters. Rarely, radios are sold with only FM and longwave, but no medium wave band. Some tuners may also be equipped with one or more short wave bands.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,history,historic,tech,technology,Bush Radio,electronics,electrical,plastic,circle,circular,blue,tuning,dial,MW,LW,FM,on,1960,receiving,set,cream,creme,cities,stations,transmitters,Motala,Hilversum,Home,London,Eireann,Lahti,Welsh,Moscow,LuxBG,broadcasting
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K3XN9E - Standalone audio stereo FM tuners are sought after for audiophile and TV/FM DX applications, especially those produced in the 1970s and early 1980s, when performance and manufacturing standards were among the highest. In many instances the tuner may be modified to improve performance. Electronics specialists and hobbyists buy, collect and restore vintage FM or AM/FM audio tuners on the secondary market. The restoration usually begins with replacing the electrolytic capacitors that may age over time. The tuner is outfitted with improved tolerance and better sounding upgraded parts. Prices have increased relative to the increasing demand for the older audio tuners. Those with the most value are the best sounding, most rare (collectible), the best DX capable (distance reception) and the known build quality of the component, as it left the factory.
Most of the early tuner models were designed and manufactured to receive only the AM broadcast band. As FM became more popular, the limitations of AM became more apparent, and FM became the primary listening focus, especially for stereo and music broadcasting.
The McIntosh MR78 is known as one of the first FM tuners precise enough to tune into a weaker station broadcast on the same frequency as another stronger signal.
In Europe, where a second AM broadcast band is used for longwave broadcasting, tuners may be fitted with both the standard medium wave and the additional longwave band. However, radios with only medium wave are also common, especially in countries where there are no longwave broadcasters. Rarely, radios are sold with only FM and longwave, but no medium wave band. Some tuners may also be equipped with one or more short wave bands.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,Somerset,south West England,UK,England,secure gate,Tayhope,secure,security,power supply,Page 1 of 50Health and Safety ExecutiveKeeping electrical switchgear safeHealth,Health and Safety Executive,Keeping electrical switchgear safe,HSE,electrical switchgear,safe,electrical supply,access,access to switchgear,secure gates,secure locks,locked securely,heavy,steel,hardened,substation,Multi-lock,system,multilock,four,4,lock,locks,padlock,padlocks
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy R9GTH2 -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,on an,electrical,distribution,facility,Somerset,South West England,UK,England,fence,fences,keep out,zinc,steel,gate,gates,national,grid,gates sign,No access,Refused access,WPD,substation security,substation,security,secure,dual locking facility,plant,substation gate,substation gates,access,entry,equipment,electricity,electricity distribution,utility,utilities
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy R9GTT1 -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,town centre,railway,platform,EMU,Electrical Multiple Unit,Scotrail train,Scotland,UK,sunshine,summer,electrification,electric trains,transport,SLC,train in station,train at platform,departing train,pano,panorama,passenger services,passenger service,Hamilton Station,Hamilton West Station,Caledonian Railway,BR,British Rail,platforms,footbridge,ticket office,Scottish transport,Railways in Scotland,blue livery,overhead,electric cables
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PE1J40 - Hamilton West railway station serves the Hamilton West area of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, in Scotland, lying on the Argyle Line.
It is situated near the headquarters of South Lanarkshire Council
the Hamilton campus of the University of the West of Scotland
Hamilton Sheriff Court
and the Hamilton Racecourse. It is situated next to New Douglas Park, home to Hamilton Academical Football Club.
The station is operated by Abellio ScotRail who also provide all passenger services.
The station was once part of the Caledonian Railway and later, the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. It was originally opened by the Caledonian in September 1849, as the terminus of their branch line from Newton and was originally known simply as Hamilton.[2] The branch was then extended to Motherwell and also to Ferniegair (to join existing routes southwards to Strathaven & Coalburn) in December 1876 - a new Hamilton Central station serving the town was opened on this route at the same time, with the former terminus renamed Hamilton West and rebuilt for through traffic.
Services south of Haughhead Junction to Larkhall & Coalburn ended in October 1965 due to the Beeching Axe, but the line as far as Larkhall was reopened in 2005. The Hamilton Circle line was electrified by British Rail in 1974, as part of the wider scheme to electrify the northern end of the West Coast Main Line.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,UK,Welding supplies,Supplies,building,entrance,outside,exterior,Mersey,Equipment,Co,Company,Ltd,limited,business,firm,arc,house,Installation,of,industrial,machinery,and,equipment,factory,businesses,electrical,protected,factories,industry,industries,traditional,buildings,units,unit
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PCTA94 -

Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,carriage,livery,Manchester Airport,service,TOC,TransPennine Express,platform four,Cumbria,England,UK,rail,railway,Express Train,train,First,First Group,planform,platform,Carlisle,station,Carlisle Station,EMU,Electrical Multiple Unit,Northern England,TransPennine North West,North West,doors,open,British Rail Class 350 Desiro,British Rail,Class 350,Desiro,350/4,Siemens,Siemens Desiro
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PB6G58 - The TransPennine Express brand was launched in the early 1990s by British Rail's Regional Railways sector. It became part of Regional Railways North East and on 2 March 1997 was privatised with Northern Spirit and its successor, Arriva Trains Northern maintaining the brand.
In August 2014, the Department for Transport announced FirstGroup, Keolis/Go-Ahead and Stagecoach had been shortlisted to bid for the next franchise. In December 2015, FirstGroup was awarded the franchise with TransPennine Express taking over on 1 April 2016. The franchise will run until 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for two years.
As part of a recasting of the franchise map by the Department for Transport, services from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North, Manchester Airport to Barrow in Furness and Oxenholme to Windermere were transferred to the Northern franchise on 1 April 2016
The TransPennine Express routes are subdivided into three sections:
North TransPennine, which includes all routes that pass through the core section between Manchester and Leeds
South TransPennine, which includes services running on the Hope Valley line and the South Humberside Main Line
TransPennine North West, which consists of services on the West Coast Main Line.

Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,carriage,livery,Manchester Airport,service,TOC,TransPennine Express,platform four,Cumbria,England,UK,rail,railway,Express Train,train,First,First Group,planform,platform,Carlisle,station,Carlisle Station,EMU,Electrical Multiple Unit,Northern England,TransPennine North West,North West,doors,open,British Rail Class 350 Desiro,British Rail,Class 350,Desiro,350/4,Siemens,Siemens Desiro,RMT Union,worst,cancellations
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PB6G59 - The TransPennine Express brand was launched in the early 1990s by British Rail's Regional Railways sector. It became part of Regional Railways North East and on 2 March 1997 was privatised with Northern Spirit and its successor, Arriva Trains Northern maintaining the brand.
In August 2014, the Department for Transport announced FirstGroup, Keolis/Go-Ahead and Stagecoach had been shortlisted to bid for the next franchise. In December 2015, FirstGroup was awarded the franchise with TransPennine Express taking over on 1 April 2016. The franchise will run until 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for two years.
As part of a recasting of the franchise map by the Department for Transport, services from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North, Manchester Airport to Barrow in Furness and Oxenholme to Windermere were transferred to the Northern franchise on 1 April 2016
The TransPennine Express routes are subdivided into three sections:
North TransPennine, which includes all routes that pass through the core section between Manchester and Leeds
South TransPennine, which includes services running on the Hope Valley line and the South Humberside Main Line
TransPennine North West, which consists of services on the West Coast Main Line.

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,blue,line,BR,British Rail,train,trains,south,bound,town,city,platform,4,four,southbound,extension,Victoria to Brixton,metro,subway,lines,to,the,sign,map,maps,schematic,tube map,diagram,Harry Beck,circuit,design,electrical,draughtsman,Harry Becks,tube
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JHB6YM - Victoria line is a London Underground line that runs between Brixton in south London and Walthamstow Central in the north-east, via the West End. It is printed in light blue on the Tube map and is one of the only two lines on the network to run completely underground, the other being the Waterloo & City line.
The line was constructed in the 1960s and was the first entirely new Underground line in London for 50 years. It was designed to reduce congestion on other lines, particularly the Piccadilly line and the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line. The first section, from Walthamstow Central to Highbury & Islington, opened in September 1968 and an extension to Warren Street followed in December. The line was completed to Victoria station in March 1969 and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II who rode a train from Green Park to Victoria. The southern extension to Brixton opened in 1971, and Pimlico station was added in 1972.
The Victoria line is operated using automatic train operation, but all trains have drivers. The 2009 Tube Stock replaced the original 1967 Tube Stock trains. The line serves 16 stations and all but Pimlico provide interchanges with other Transport for London or National Rail services. The line, the most intensively used on the Underground, is used by over 200 million passengers each year, making it the sixth-busiest tube line
The 3.5-mile (5.6 km) extension from Victoria to Brixton with stations at Vauxhall and Stockwell was approved in March 1966. Preparatory work had started at Bessborough Gardens near Vauxhall Bridge Road in May 1967. The contract was awarded on 4 August 1967. A proposal to build Pimlico tube station received Government approval on 28 June 1968. In July, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh visited tunnel workings under Vauxhall Park.
The Brixton extension was bored using the older Greathead shield. Although slower, use of the tunnelling shield allowed easier digging through the gravel strata south of the Thames

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,North West England,UK,delays,Northern Rail,passenger,electric,Chris Grayling,resign,poor transport,transport,railways,Secretary of State for Transport,terrible,links,season ticket holders,train travel,travel,city centre,Manchester,trains,Electrical Multiple Unit,TOC,Train Operating Company,renationalise,re-nationalise,rail network,Strategic Rail Authority,strike,industrial dispute,new timetables,DfT,fail,failures,train fleet,growth,extra carriages,electrification,Ordsall Curve
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy P4HWHC - Last month's major timetable change wasn't just about rescheduling trains, but was designed to deliver more services between Leeds and Manchester, Manchester and Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds, Lincoln and Sheffield, and so on and so on. All these service improvements need more trains ? and those trains haven't arrived yet. New trains are being built, and the inevitable delays to their arrival have yet to be announced. But delays to new trains in London and Scotland are causing problems in the North.
Second hand trains from Bristol and Edinburgh can now been seen at work in Yorkshire, but not nearly as many as there should be. And delays to electrification in London means diesels haven't been released to Bristol, which in turn has kept Yorkshire bound trains in the South West. Brand new electric trains in Scotland have unsafe curved windows in their driving cabs, so haven't entered service, which means Scotland's diesels haven't headed south of the border.
This new timetable should have seen even more changes, but many service improvements have been held back until December. Even without the introduction of these more frequent schedules, there is a big shortage of trains, resulting in the trains that are running having fewer coaches than demand requires. Passengers are being left on platforms.
The other company which needs to deliver on promises is Network Rail ? not that it has promised much in the North.
Leeds and Manchester are booming rail hubs. They have seen massive increases in passenger numbers, yet there has been little (Manchester) or no (Leeds) investment in the railway infrastructure. Widespread electrification was promised and then unpromised. It hasn't been cancelled, but it won't happen. The short lengths of railway that are being electrified have been massively delayed.
The Ordsall Curve in Manchester has created more demand without creating any new capacity. Manchester Victoria is full, and yet more trains are running through it.Result is chaos

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,North West England,UK,delays,Northern Rail,passenger,electric,Chris Grayling,resign,poor transport,transport,railways,Secretary of State for Transport,terrible,links,season ticket holders,train travel,travel,city centre,Manchester,trains,Electrical Multiple Unit,TOC,Train Operating Company,renationalise,re-nationalise,rail network,Strategic Rail Authority,strike,industrial dispute,new timetables,DfT,fail,failures,train fleet,growth,extra carriages,electrification,Ordsall Curve
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy P4HWHH - Last month's major timetable change wasn't just about rescheduling trains, but was designed to deliver more services between Leeds and Manchester, Manchester and Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds, Lincoln and Sheffield, and so on and so on. All these service improvements need more trains ? and those trains haven't arrived yet. New trains are being built, and the inevitable delays to their arrival have yet to be announced. But delays to new trains in London and Scotland are causing problems in the North.
Second hand trains from Bristol and Edinburgh can now been seen at work in Yorkshire, but not nearly as many as there should be. And delays to electrification in London means diesels haven't been released to Bristol, which in turn has kept Yorkshire bound trains in the South West. Brand new electric trains in Scotland have unsafe curved windows in their driving cabs, so haven't entered service, which means Scotland's diesels haven't headed south of the border.
This new timetable should have seen even more changes, but many service improvements have been held back until December. Even without the introduction of these more frequent schedules, there is a big shortage of trains, resulting in the trains that are running having fewer coaches than demand requires. Passengers are being left on platforms.
The other company which needs to deliver on promises is Network Rail ? not that it has promised much in the North.
Leeds and Manchester are booming rail hubs. They have seen massive increases in passenger numbers, yet there has been little (Manchester) or no (Leeds) investment in the railway infrastructure. Widespread electrification was promised and then unpromised. It hasn't been cancelled, but it won't happen. The short lengths of railway that are being electrified have been massively delayed.
The Ordsall Curve in Manchester has created more demand without creating any new capacity. Manchester Victoria is full, and yet more trains are running through it.Result is chaos

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,North West England,UK,delays,Northern Rail,passenger,electric,Chris Grayling,resign,poor transport,transport,railways,Secretary of State for Transport,terrible,links,season ticket holders,train travel,travel,city centre,Manchester,trains,Electrical Multiple Unit,TOC,Train Operating Company,renationalise,re-nationalise,rail network,Strategic Rail Authority,strike,industrial dispute,new timetables,DfT,fail,failures,train fleet,growth,extra carriages,electrification,Ordsall Curve
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy P4HWJ5 - Last month's major timetable change wasn't just about rescheduling trains, but was designed to deliver more services between Leeds and Manchester, Manchester and Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds, Lincoln and Sheffield, and so on and so on. All these service improvements need more trains ? and those trains haven't arrived yet. New trains are being built, and the inevitable delays to their arrival have yet to be announced. But delays to new trains in London and Scotland are causing problems in the North.
Second hand trains from Bristol and Edinburgh can now been seen at work in Yorkshire, but not nearly as many as there should be. And delays to electrification in London means diesels haven't been released to Bristol, which in turn has kept Yorkshire bound trains in the South West. Brand new electric trains in Scotland have unsafe curved windows in their driving cabs, so haven't entered service, which means Scotland's diesels haven't headed south of the border.
This new timetable should have seen even more changes, but many service improvements have been held back until December. Even without the introduction of these more frequent schedules, there is a big shortage of trains, resulting in the trains that are running having fewer coaches than demand requires. Passengers are being left on platforms.
The other company which needs to deliver on promises is Network Rail ? not that it has promised much in the North.
Leeds and Manchester are booming rail hubs. They have seen massive increases in passenger numbers, yet there has been little (Manchester) or no (Leeds) investment in the railway infrastructure. Widespread electrification was promised and then unpromised. It hasn't been cancelled, but it won't happen. The short lengths of railway that are being electrified have been massively delayed.
The Ordsall Curve in Manchester has created more demand without creating any new capacity. Manchester Victoria is full, and yet more trains are running through it.Result is chaos

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,Maplin,electronics,maplins,store,shop,closing,Cheshire,UK,receiver,winding up,savings,bargains,high,street,High St,doomed,Maplin.co.uk,Another,closed,in danger,Empty,empty store,Retail,problems,problem,lost,logo,Maplin Sign,signage,Electronics,gadgets,electrical,ICT,Computer,accessories,accessory,final,finished,shabby
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MGMJT9 -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,Maplin,electronics,maplins,store,shop,closing,Cheshire,UK,receiver,winding up,savings,bargains,high,street,High St,Maplin.co.uk,Another,closed,in danger,Empty,empty store,Retail,problems,problem,lost,logo,Maplin Sign,signage,Electronics,gadgets,electrical,ICT,Computer,accessories,accessory,final,finished,shabby
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MGMJTF -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,Maplin,electronics,maplins,store,shop,closing,Cheshire,UK,receiver,winding up,savings,bargains,high,street,High St,doomed,Maplin.co.uk,Another,closed,in danger,Empty,empty store,Retail,problems,problem,lost,logo,Maplin Sign,signage,Electronics,gadgets,electrical,ICT,Computer,accessories,accessory,final,finished,shabby
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MGMJTY -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,Maplin,electronics,maplins,store,shop,closing,Cheshire,UK,receiver,winding up,savings,bargains,high,street,High St,doomed,Maplin.co.uk,Another,closed,in danger,Empty,empty store,Retail,problems,problem,lost,logo,Maplin Sign,signage,Electronics,gadgets,electrical,ICT,Computer,accessories,accessory,final,finished,shabby
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MGMJW5 -

Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,Maplin,electronics,maplins,store,shop,closing,Cheshire,UK,receiver,winding up,savings,bargains,high,street,High St,doomed,Maplin.co.uk,Another,closed,in danger,Empty,empty store,Retail,problems,problem,lost,logo,Maplin Sign,signage,Electronics,gadgets,electrical,ICT,Computer,accessories,accessory,final,finished,shabby
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MGMJWB -

Description
Keywords: GoTonysmith,@HotpixUK,Socailhousing,Social Housing,UKhousing,UK Housing,Repairs,Group,Van,working,in,partnership,with,England,UK,white van man,white van,maintenance,MDGroup,MD Group,issue,problem,town,centre,town centre,Bridgwater Town Centre,Peugeot,Partner,Peugeot Partner,Peugeot Partner Van,parked,on street,plumbing,electrical,contract,Repairs Contractor,Main Contractor,trusted partner,Somerset
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MM9A1R -

Description
Keywords: line,electrified,WCML,England,UK,main,Virgin,Warrington,Cheshire,WBQ,Bank,Quay,cables,cable,copper,valuable,theft,steal,temptation,danger,unsafe,vandal,insulator,lead,stolen,crime,damage,kids,children,Overhead line,electric train line,West Coast Main Line,Bank Quay,Railway lines,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,support,sun,sky,loss,cost,tax,payer,taxpayer,freight,delays,thieves,criminal,criminals,transformer,switch,gear,switchgear,signal,signalling,metal,scrap,offence,transport,police,forensic,marking,agents,scrap,railtrack,network,rail,insulator,insulators,glass,plastic,electrical,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,freight delays,scrap metal,Transport Police,British Transport Police,forensic marking agents,Scrap Metal Dealers Act,Network Rail
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H550GA - Cable theft costs millions of pounds each year. The total cost to the economy, taking into account the impact of freight delays to power stations, supermarkets etc and on passengers who miss appointments or have their day ruined, is even higher.
The theft of metal is a big problem for the railway as thieves target signalling cables, overhead power lines and even metal fences to sell for scrap.
Britain's rail network is designed to fail safe, which means that when a cable is cut trains are brought to a standstill. This protects passengers but can lead to lengthy, frustrating delays while the problem is found and fixed safely.
A large proportion of funding comes from the UK Government, so these thefts are, ultimately, costing taxpayers money.

Description
Keywords: Yorkshire,England,UK,English,Clocks,hand,hands,English,Electronic,Pul,Syn,Etic,PulSynEtic,Pul-Syn-Etic,time,Northern,Rail,Roman,Numerals,finger,fingers,BR,British,Rail,Electrical,history,historic,Coat,Of,Arms,North,Eastern,Northern Rail,Roman Numerals,British Rail,Main Line,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,platform,ECML,clocks,relic,relics,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Coat Of arms,North Eastern Railway
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy G9BJTJ - York railway station is the main-line railway station serving the city of York in North Yorkshire, England. It lies on Britain's East Coast Main Line (ECML), 188.5 miles (303 km) from London. Originally it was part of the North Eastern Railway.
Despite the small size of the city, York is one of the most important railway stations on the British railway network because of its role as a key railway junction approximately halfway between London, the capital of England, and Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. It is few miles north of the point where the Cross Country and TransPennine Express routes via Leeds leave/join the ECML connecting Scotland and the North East with southern England, the North West and the Midlands. The junction was historically a major site for rolling stock manufacture, maintenance and repair.

Description
Keywords: City,triode,capitals,cities,dial,illuminated,life,news,radio,talk,drama,station,stations,still,tube,tune,valve,war,wartime,wireless,pentode,program,old,fashioned,oldfashioned,radiogram,frequencies,frequency,brown,Berlin,Touluse,Budapest,GoTonySmith,broadcast,brussels,button,communicate,communication,country,countrys,dial,electric,electrical,electricity,electromagnetic,energy,entertainment,frequency,gramaphone,illuminated,illumination,light,listen,listening,london,long,medium,message,power,prague,radio,radiogram,radiowave,receive,receiver,scottish,short,sound,transmit,tune,tuner,uk,valve,wave,wavelength,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F7DCX4 -

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Keywords: City,triode,capitals,cities,dial,illuminated,life,news,radio,talk,drama,station,stations,still,tube,tune,valve,war,wartime,wireless,pentode,program,old,fashioned,oldfashioned,radiogram,frequencies,frequency,brown,Berlin,Touluse,Budapest,GoTonySmith,broadcast,brussels,button,communicate,communication,country,countrys,dial,electric,electrical,electricity,electromagnetic,energy,entertainment,frequency,gramaphone,illuminated,illumination,light,listen,listening,london,long,medium,message,power,prague,radio,radiogram,radiowave,receive,receiver,scottish,short,sound,transmit,tune,tuner,uk,valve,wave,wavelength,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F7DCX7 -

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Keywords: history,historic,simple,basic,old,power,classic,electric,electrical,electricity,ammeter,amp,ampere,amperes,amps,1900,1900s,1901,1902,1903,8422,wood,wooden,case,England,English,old,metre,British,GB,UK,industrial,industry,sepia,BW,Amp Meter,Great Britain,Black & White,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Black and White
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F89PJ4 -

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Keywords: Vintage,antique,history,historic,simple,basic,old,power,classic,electric,electrical,ammeter,amp,amperes,amps,1900,1900s,1901,1902,1903,8422,wood,wooden,case,England,English,old,metre,British,GB,UK,industrial,industry,Amp Meter,Great Britain,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,meters
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F89PJ5 -

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Keywords: Gray recycle food waste,clinical sanitary waste,hazardous electrical waste,textiles,and,paper,or,card,board,cardboard,confusion,about,what,to,put,in,into,a,garbage,can,container,GoTonySmith,mix,mixed recycling,protocol,process,glass,cans,sensible,responsible,separation,separating,office,factory,workplace,making an effort,trying,the,mixing,your,recycle
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ECW4HD -

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Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,3,North Street Martock,England,TA12 6DH,TA12,door,window,sign,Martock charity shop,charity shop notice,charity shop door sign,we do not accept electrical items,electrical items not accepted,rule,Martock,Somerset,village charity shop,second hand shop,thrift shop UK,safety notice,electrical safety,fire safety,consumer safety,shop signage,printed notice,window sign,door sign,green painted door,community retail,voluntary sector,UK high street,rural England,editorial documentary,green
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R5PNR2 - This image shows a printed notice displayed on the door of a charity shop in the village of Martock, Somerset, clearly stating We do not accept any electrical items. The sign is mounted behind glass within a green-painted wooden door, with the heading Martock Charity Shop visible at the top of the notice.
Such signage reflects common safety and compliance requirements faced by UK charity shops, particularly around the acceptance of second-hand electrical goods, which can pose risks related to fire safety, product liability, and PAT testing regulations. Many small, volunteer-run charity shops choose not to accept electrical donations due to the cost and responsibility of testing and certification.
Images like this are frequently used to illustrate themes including charity retail, donation restrictions, health and safety, voluntary sector operations, and the realities of running community-based shops in rural English villages. The straightforward, utilitarian design of the notice emphasises clarity and compliance over branding, a typical feature of small local charities.
The photograph is suitable for editorial use in contexts relating to UK charity shops, high street change, community volunteering, retail regulation, and consumer safety awareness.

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Keywords: Astley Pit Lamp Room,Tyldesley,Manchester,Lancashire,UK,M29,7JB,M297jb,gotonysmith,mine,miners,historic,NUM,national,union,of,Mineworkers,workers,electrics,electrical,facility,recharge,recharging,lamps,lights,Deployment,Deployment Lamp room,disused closed dusty urbex,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Astley,Green,pit,national coal board,coal board
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy D8EHH6 - The Deployment Lamp room at Astley Green, Tyldesley, Manchester, Lancashire, UK M29 7JB

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Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,UK,Victorian,rivets,iron,steel,footway,footpath,walkway across,swinging,bridge,bridges,Weaver,river,NW,England,navigation,road,Northwich,town,centre,crossing,crossings,hydraulic,fence,fencing,electric,electricity,electrical,path,pathway,pedestrian,rail,railing,railings
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2A9GHX8 - Many of the structures of the Weaver navigation are of historical importance, and are grade II listed. They include the Hayhurst swing bridge and Northwich Town bridge, which are believed to be the earliest swing bridges powered by electricity. Both have a sectional pontoon, which is immersed in the river and carries about 80 per cent of the weight of the bridge. Dutton Horse Bridge, which carries the towpath over the weir stream at Dutton, is one of the earliest surviving laminated timber structures. Dutton railway viaduct, which was built by Joseph Locke and George Stephenson for the Grand Junction Railway, is grade II* listed, and a civic celebration was held on its completion, as there had been no deaths and no serious injuries to the workers during its construction.

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Keywords: Circuit,Board,breadboard,stripboard,electronics,buildings,city,urbam,congested,solder,component,electrical,logic,etched,etching,PCB,printed circuit board,printed,copper,wire,components,maplins,mullard,PCBA,substrate,sub,strate,IPC,through-hole,construction,through,hole,foil,Patterning,tony,smith,hotpix,hotpixuk,Surface-mount,technology,Surface,mount,Grappenhall Village,Grappenhall,Cheshire,England,UK,village,Warrington,A50,A56,integrated,circuits,365days,www.thewdcc.org.uk,thewdcc.org.uk,wdcc.org.uk,society,District,Camera,club,photographic,photography,SLR,DSLR,group,GYCA,Bellhouse,bellhouse Club,extrememacro,hotpix.freeserve.co.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Flickr 3837494135 - 'Surreal Circuits that resemble buildings. Taken on a WDCC ( Warrington District Camera Club ) practical photo macro evening, in Grappenhall.
A more conventional studio subject can be found here www.flickr.com/photos/hotpixuk/3874777337/
(c) Hotpix Tony Smith - Hotpix.freeserve.co.uk WDCC',

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Keywords: from,Bosch,Worcester,central,heating,boiler,technology,high,tech,hitech,hi-tech,gotonysmith,integrated,PCB,tech,printed circuit board,A printed circuit board,or PCB,is,used,to,mechanically,support,and,electrically,connect,electronic,components,using,conductive,pathways,tracks,or,signal,traces,etched,from,copper,sheets,laminated,onto,a,non-conductive,substrate,gotonysmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CEYA9K - Blue Printed Circuit Board with resistors, capacitor and transistors, from Bosch Worcester central heating boiler
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
Excluding exotic products using special materials or processes, all printed circuit boards manufactured today can be built using the following four items which are usually purchased from manufacturers:
Laminates
Copper-clad laminates
Resin impregnated B-stage cloth (Pre-preg)
Copper foil

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Keywords: 365days,blue,circuit,board,macro,components,vintage,resisters,resistors,capacitors,diodes,schematic,transisters,transistors,old,electronics,electrical,text,numbers,layout,extrememacro,pcb,surgace,mound,solder,soldor,stillife,stilllife,still,life,sex,sexy,hotpix!,#HotpixUK,#TonySmith,#TonySmithHotpix
Description: Tony Smith image Flickr 3691490136 - 'Doesn't look like \u00a3500 worth does it?
Electronics rarely does.
This is an old school PCB (Printed Circuit Board) designed perhaps early 1980's and using surface mounted (soldered it looked like) components. It is from a Worcester Bosch central heating boiler. This type of board has largely been superseded by total integrated circuit designs. This the sight of actual components like this is now rare in modern electronics.
When does a PCB look like a city ? www.flickr.com/photos/hotpixuk/3837494135/
(c) Hotpix / HotpixUK Tony Smith - Hotpix.freeserve.co.uk WDCC',

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Keywords: mono,monochrome,B/W,black,and,white,vehicle,electrical,milk,man,morning,delivery,bottles,cartons,deliveries,morning,eggs,cream,cheese,butter,yogurt,or,soft,drinks,float,fresh,Smiths,Wales,&,Edwards,Osborne,Harbilt,Brush,Bedford,and,British,Leyland,gotonysmith Bluebird Automotive unigate Dairy Crest united dairies,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy D8HD4W - A traditional British electric milkfloat vehicle
Milk deliveries frequently occur in the morning and it is not uncommon for milkmen to deliver products other than milk such as eggs, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt or soft drinks. Originally, milk needed to be delivered to houses daily since the lack of good refrigeration meant it would quickly spoil. The near-ubiquity of refrigerators in homes in the developed world, as well as improved packaging, has decreased the need for frequent milk delivery over the past half-century and made the trade shrink in many localities sometimes to just 3 days a week and disappear totally in others. Additionally, milk delivery incurs a small cost on the price of dairy products that is increasingly difficult to justify and leaves delivered milk in a position where it is vulnerable to theft.
Because of the relatively small power output from its electric motor, a milk float travels fairly slowly, usually around 10 to 16 miles per hour (16 to 26 km/h) although some have been modified to do up to 80 mph (130 km/h). Operators often exit their vehicle before they have completely stopped to speed up deliveries
milk floats generally have sliding doors that can be left open when moving, or may have no doors at all. They are very quiet, suiting operations in residential areas during the early hours of the morning or during the night.




