Following huge power cuts across Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North East this weekend, power supplier Electricity North West is deploying vans with free hot food and drink to affected customers in some regions today.
The utility company has sent out vans with hot food and drink across Cumbria from 9am, reaching locations in Coniston, Alston and Ambleside - however, hundreds of homes in West Yorkshire still remain without power and will not see repairs until later today.
Postcodes still affected include properties in Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield, reports the BBC.
Electricity North West has put out a call to businesses within the South Cumbria and Peak region of the North West to help with supplying hot food and drinks to local communities affected by Storm Arwen.
Anyone who thinks they might be able to help is being encouraged to contact the company's customer welfare team via email.
Customers were quick to reply, with some applauding the company for its efforts to help local communities whilst others took to the comment section to complain - with some stressing that they were now facing their third day without power, amidst freezing temperatures.
One follower said, "well done , hoping you get extra resources shipped in to help you".
Another said, "What about those without power still in Buxton SK17??? Its been 55 hours now!!!!"
A third added, "What about BB10 4RR just would appreciate an update, no power since Friday night".
A fourth simply said, "3 days without power".
Storm Arwen has left thousands of people without power in the UK, leaving many without heating or electricity since Friday.
High winds and heavy snowfall brought by the storm did serious damage to the region's power network, leaving almost a quarter of a million people without power at some points over the weekend.
The storm cut off power to 240,000 homes in the north of England alone, as the country was battered with sleet, snow and gale-force winds over the weekend.
Electricity North West described the network damage caused by storm Arwen as "devastating" with 83,000 of its properties left without power at one point.
As of Sunday evening, 72,000 customers on the network had seen their power restored.
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Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Georgina Pellant -
29th November 2021 
