Local authorities turn off solar panels after a series of fires, Andy Burnham urged to stimulate the housing market, and an electrician finds Viking-era sword pommel
Local authorities in Suffolk and Northumberland have discounted solar panel installations on public buildings after a spate of fires on school roofs.
PV panels were blamed for an incident last month at Sidegate Lane Primary School in Ipswich.
It was the third fire at a school in the county in little over a year.
A spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council warned that solar panels had to be installed, maintained and managed safely.
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The freshly appointed prime minister, Andy Burnham, must focus on stimulating building activity if he is to be successful, claims the FMB.
Despite steps to kick start the housing market, delivery has dropped over the last year.
Many small builders continue to face significant barriers, such as rising costs, skills shortages and planning delays.
The trade body said the government had to match its ambition to build homes with conditions that enable small builders to thrive.
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An electrician discovered a gold and silver Viking-era sword pommel while out with a group of metal detectorists.
Andy Green, who had only taken up the hobby six weeks before, said his hands “started shaking” when he realised what he had found.
The pommel, which was found near Corby, was recently declared treasure by the coroner.
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