An 800-year-old dress code banning women from removing their hats at official Thetford Town Council functions may soon be overturned. The rule, which requires women to seek the mayor's permission to take off their hats while men may do so at their own discretion, was described as 'demeaning' by newly-elected councillor Francesca Robinson. The matter will be discussed at a meeting next month.
Under Section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act, it is illegal to carry a plank along a pavement in London unless unloading it from a vehicle. The ban also covers casks, tubs, hoops, wheels, ladders, poles, and placards, and rolling a tub along is also prohibited. The law aims to prevent nuisance and ensure ease of passage on public thoroughfares.
Residents of a new development in Beverley, East Yorkshire, are subject to a restrictive covenant banning them from hanging out washing or airing clean clothes outdoors. The covenant at Westwood Park covers windows, balconies, roof terraces, communal gardens, and potentially back gardens. The rule is intended to maintain the estate's appearance, and each home was fitted with a washer-dryer to facilitate compliance.
In 2015, Frank Blades was charged £160 for spending an extra 20 minutes at his wife's graveside at Hannah Park Cemetery in Worksop, Nottingham. The funeral directors passed on the charge from Bassetlaw District Council, which said its gravediggers worked beyond contracted hours. The council expressed surprise the charge was passed on, and Mr Blades said he accepted it but wanted to warn others.
Handling a salmon in suspicious circumstances is an offence under Section 32 of the Salmon Act 1986. The law targets the sale of illegally obtained fish, but its broad wording has caused confusion. Additionally, the Polish Potatoes Order 2004 makes it illegal to import Polish potatoes into England unless written notice is given to an inspector at least two days in advance, due to ring rot outbreaks in Poland.
