Kilmarnock
Huge fire erupts at oil refinery in kilmarnock
In the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, an enormous fire has started at an oil refinery.
Video captures smoke plumes rising into the sky as a warehouse building catches fire.
It is believed that the liquid asphalt warehouse at the refinery is where the fire originated. Approximately twelve firefighters are on the site attempting to contain the fire.
Although several injuries have been reported, no fatalities have been reported, according to the local media.
A well-known female Chinese #MeToo activist was sentenced to five years in prison for “subversion against the state”.
Friday saw the sentencing and conviction of Sophia Huang Xueqin, over ten months after her trial began.
Wang Jianbing, a labour activist who was tried alongside Ms. Huang, received a sentence of three years and six months in jail.
One of the most well-known voices in China’s #MeToo movement, Ms. Huang, 36, broke groundbreaking stories about victims of sexual abuse.
She had also made public the sexism and misogyny she encountered in Chinese newsrooms.
The accusations of subversion against the two have not been clarified by Chinese officials. The trial took place behind closed doors.
However, supporters of the group claim they were arrested because they regularly arranged gatherings and forums for young people to engage in social issue discussion.
When Ms. Huang was arrested at the airport in Guangzhou in 2021, she was her route to begin her master’s programme at the University of Sussex, which was financed by the UK government.
She was with Mr. Wang, forty, at the time.
Supporters claim that throughout their approximately 1,000-day pre-detention captivity, both of them suffered months of solitary confinement. The trial did not start until September 2023.
Both were being held in secret sites known as “black jails,” where they were subjected to solitary confinement, according to a BBC Eye investigation conducted in 2022.
Amid COVID-19 lockdowns and mounting public unrest in 2021, Chinese authorities initiated
The campaign organisation Free Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing stated, “Their efforts and dedication to labour, women’s rights, and the broader civil society won’t be negated by this unjust trial, nor will society forget their contributions.”
“On the contrary, as oppression persists and injustice grows, more activists like them will continue to rise.”
The convictions were described as “malicious and totally groundless” by Amnesty International on Friday.
Sarah Brooks, the China director for Amnesty International, said, “[They] demonstrate just how afraid the Chinese government is of the new wave of activists who dare to speak out to protect the rights of others.”
“Although #MeToo campaign has given survivors of sexual assault a voice globally, in this instance, the Chinese government has attempted to do the exact opposite by outlawing it.
The floorspace that has tripled in size and the branch now occupies nearly 1.5 acres
PDM, a retailer of building supplies, recently launched an expansion to its Kilmarnock location.
The six-figure investment should better serve the needs of both current and potential consumers, offering a much broader selection of products within a retail area that has tripled in size.
The parent business of PDM, Huws Grey Group, officially opened the refurbished facilities with Daksh Gupta as its chief executive.
After more than 25 years of operation in the town, PDM relocated to its new site in 2006 to expand its product line beyond above- and below-ground drainage solutions.
Today, PDM’s Kilmarnock branch boasts a nearly 1.5-acre footprint and offers a wider selection of basic building, plumbing, roofing, electrical and drainage supplies.
PDM’s managing director, Eddie Hernon, stated: “This investment will enable us to provide our existing customers a one-stop shop for a greater range of products, while simultaneously attracting an entirely new customer base as well. It also provides a solid foundation for success as the construction sector starts to grow once again.”
Through the takeover, SLB—which provides services to clients throughout the central belt—was able to improve its Larkhall facilities, including redesigned exhibit rooms, a scheduled computer system upgrade, and the creation of an online store.
The owners of SLB have decided to hire more employees in the coming months, keeping the current 13 employees on board. There are 19 workers at M&J.
Royal Bank of Scotland provided a £2.1 million loan to help complete the acquisition.
Although managing director Mark Rodger’s late father Tom founded M&J in 1999, the company’s origins may be traced back to Greenock Central Sawmills, which was founded by Mark’s grandfather in the 1950s. M&J supplies timber as well as other construction supplies.
“Since private equity firms dominate the acquisition market, it was wonderful to be able to acquire SLB with the support of the bank, as the company shares our family values and dedication to our employees and customers.”#
“After this combination is successful, we hope to expand in the future by making further acquisitions. We appreciate all of the support from Euan McLeod and the Royal Bank of Scotland staff during this exciting moment for the company.
“This is a major step forward for Mark and the company as it embarks on its next phase of growth,” stated McLeod, Royal Bank of Scotland’s relationship manager. “It’s been rewarding to support them through the purchase.” Best wishes for the future as Mark and his family expand their business go out to them.
The local green space has been overrun by police this morning.
A Kilmarnock park has been cordoned off by police. Playpark near the football pitches of Dean Thistle Football Club is currently manned by officers. A significant police presence has also been observed in nearby Townholm, with multiple police cars parked close to Bonnyton Thistle’s ground.
Dog walkers have stated that officials have restricted access to several areas of the park, telling residents that it is a “crime scene.” Several places immediately off Dean Road and Dean Street have police tape posted.
In the vicinity of the scene, one cop was also observed monitoring the field close to the river. We have reached out to Police Scotland for a response.
At the scene, the 62-year-old was declared deceased.
According to police, a guy was discovered deceased in Kilmarnock this morning.
At approximately six in the morning, officers hurried to the Hurlford Road area of the town in response to a complaint of a person’s worry.
A 62-year-old male was declared deceased at the site, and emergency services were among those who were called to the scene.
Although the death is still being investigated for unknown causes, officials say there is no reason to suspect anything.
“We were called around 6am on Friday, August 25, to a report of a concern for person in the Hurlford Road area of Kilmarnock,” a Police Scotland spokesperson stated.
After emergency personnel arrived, a 62-year-old male was declared deceased on the spot.
Nearly four hours after the alarm was raised with rescue workers, the road and adjacent streets are still crawling with police. “The death is currently being treated as unexplained but not believed to be suspicious. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
-
Rotherham United2 months agoCardwell in, McCart out: The dream start to Rotherham’s summer transfer window
-
Lincoln City1 week agoCharlton Athletic agree contract deal with Lincoln City
-
Featherstone Rovers2 weeks agoFeatherstone Rovers Chairman’s claim
-
Totton1 week agoTotton Man found dead in stolen car
-
Kilmarnock1 month agoPolice close down Kilmarnock road this morning
-
Wakefield Trinity3 weeks agoWakefield Trinity boss statement to fans after Wembley experience
-
Totton1 week agoPolice found dead body of missing Totton woman
-
Sheffield United2 months agoSheffield United welcome new experienced 27-year-old to the defence