HS2 Construction Firm Boss Cautious About Future Government Projects Amid Rail Line Uncertainty
The chief executive of Mace Group, a construction firm involved in HS2, has expressed caution about taking on future government projects amid doubts over the future of the high-speed rail line. Rising costs have fuelled speculation that the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 could be axed.
Mark Reynolds of Mace Group stated that it is “very rare” for work on a major scheme to “get stopped,” and he acknowledged that working in the UK construction industry has been “challenging.” The government has indicated that it is reviewing how to control the costs of HS2.
HS2 aims to connect London, the Midlands, and northern England, with the first phase between west London and Birmingham already under construction. However, the project has faced delays, cost overruns, and cuts, including the cancellation of the planned eastern leg between Birmingham and Leeds in 2021.
Concerns have also arisen regarding whether the rail line will terminate at Old Oak Common in west London instead of continuing to Euston station in central London.
Poundland to Open First 10 Former Wilko Stores
Poundland is set to open its first 10 former Wilko stores this weekend after agreeing to take on 71 of Wilko’s leases from administrators. The converted shops will be unveiled in locations including Stafford, Barking, Stockport, Southport, and more. However, they will not initially offer Poundland’s full range of products.
Poundland’s retail director, Darren Kay, emphasised the importance of opening these stores quickly to serve local communities and employ local people. He encouraged both new and existing customers to visit the stores and meet their new Poundland teams.
U.S. Government Sues eBay Over Sale of Harmful Products
The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against eBay, accusing the online marketplace of violating federal environmental laws by failing to prevent the sale of harmful products on its platform. The complaint, filed in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, specifically objects to the sale of aftermarket products designed to evade federal emissions controls, methylene chloride-containing products for paint and coating removal, and misbranded or restricted pesticides.
The U.S. Department of Justice contends that some of these products result in vehicles emitting significant air pollution, while others pose imminent or potentially lethal dangers to people. The lawsuit alleges that eBay has the power and resources to halt the sale of these illegal and harmful products but has chosen not to do so, engaging in illegal transactions instead.
