With just nine days to go until the big day, Lidl has announced it’s slashing the prices of its Christmas veg to just 15p. 

The retailer is reducing the price of its British Carrots (1kg), British Parsnips (500g) British Mini Roasts (1.5kg), British Red Cabbage and the all-important British Brussels Sprouts (500g), which means savvy shoppers can pick up the full festive works for just 75p!

These brilliant bargains will be available in store from December 17 while stocks last.

Ryan McDonnell, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “This year more than ever, we want to ensure shoppers can enjoy the highest quality produce for the best value price.

“As we look forward to Christmas and the New Year our customers can rely on the fact we will never be beaten on price.”

The rate of coronavirus cases in Gedling borough has risen slightly, latest figures show.

Tuesday’s (December 16) update of the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of COVID-19 for every local authority area in England shows the borough has an infection rate of 184.1 per 100,000 people after 217 cases were recorded in a week.

The seven-day figure records new cases up to December 10 and is up on the previous week, when the rate stood at 163.7 after 193 new cases were recorded.

The data indicates that cases are rising across the borough, albeit at a slower pace than was seen before the second UK lockdown.

People will learn tomorrow (Thursday, 17) whether there are any changes in restrictions. Gedling borough has been in the very high alert Tier 3 category since the lifting of the national lockdown earlier this month.

It is expected that the borough will remain in tier three, which means pubs and restaurants in the area would remain closed over the Christmas period.

Rail passengers in Gedling borough will be hit by an above inflation fares rise for the first time in eight years, the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed.

Ticket prices will increase by an average of 2.6% from March 1 next year, which is July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation plus 1%.

The average increase across all fares will still be the lowest since 2017.

Season ticket holders have until February 28 to renew at existing prices and the cost of daily fares will stay the same until then too

Rail travel has been badly hit during the coronavirus crisis, and Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said delaying the price rise from January “ensures passengers who need to travel have a better deal this year”.

Regulated fares make up about half of fares and include season tickets on most commuter routes. But operators are expected to match their rises for unregulated fares.

The rail minister said: “By setting fares sensibly, and with the lowest actual increase for four years, we are ensuring that taxpayers are not overburdened for their unprecedented contribution, ensuring investment is focused on keeping vital services running and protecting frontline jobs.”

The government took over rail franchise agreements from train operators in March, following the collapse in demand for travel caused by the virus crisis. This is expected to have cost about £10bn by mid-2021.

The government said the rise will help recover some of the significantly increased costs met by taxpayers to keep services running during the pandemic, Mr Heaton-Harris said.

Pub-goers across Gedling borough are being asked to flood social media and MPs’ inboxes with messages about why their pubs matter this Christmas, as the area prepares for a very different festive season. 

The call to action is part of the #PubsMatter campaign which has been set up to remind politicians and the media just how important pubs are to local communities across the UK. 

The campaign has been set up by a coalition of industry partners including the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Guild of Beer Writers, the Campaign for Real Ale, the Society of Independent Brewers, the Independent Family Brewers of Britain and UKHospitality.

The #pubsmatter campaign puts a spotlight on pubs, tap rooms, social clubs and hospitality venues that are at the centre of their communities. These venues have been disproportionately hit by recent restrictions and lockdown measures despite the important role that they play in looking after their regulars, providing local amenities, raising money for charities, and tackling loneliness and social isolation. 

Anyone who loves their local is encouraged to share why #PubsMatter to them on social media and contact their MP, using resources available at whypubsmatter.org.uk 

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “There has never been a more important time to send a clear message to politicians and the media that pubs matter.    

“Despite the fact that many publicans have spent thousands ensuring their pubs are COVID-secure, hundreds are still unable to reopen under the current guidelines. This is not only hurting local businesses, but also the wellbeing of the people using them. Pubs need fair treatment and better financial support to get through the festive period.”

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who penned the foreword for CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2021 earlier this year, said: “It’s clear from the testimonials flooding into the #PubsMatter campaign that Christmas this year won’t be the same without the backdrop of our pubs.

“The one thing we have all missed during lockdown is human connection and social interaction which, above all else, is everything that the Great British pub provides – a warm, happy and friendly place for people to drink and eat. This is even more keenly felt at Christmas, a time of year that we would usually trek the miles to reconnect with friends, family and colleagues.

“Yet despite the important role that many pubs play in our local communities – and the significant investments that many pub landlords have made to re-open COVID-secure premises post-lockdown – it looks like most of us will be unable to visit our local this Christmas. This is a reality that will weigh heavily on people who have already faced a year of loneliness and social isolation due to the ongoing pandemic.

“The Great British pub is recognised around the world as a uniquely British institution and the passion and the heart and soul that goes into brewing is equal to the top winemakers, distillers, cheese makers, bakers, artisan chocolatiers or any other craft led hospitality producer. It is something we should be very proud of and should aim to protect for generations to come.

“I fear that without greater Government support our unique pub culture will be under significant threat, and we will see many pubs close their doors forever.”

To find out more and take part, visit whypubsmatter.org.uk and regularly check the @CAMRA_Official Twitter feed from 13-16 December for updates and testimonials.