AN infestation of venomous false widow spiders has forced the closure of four schools – some for almost a month.

Ellen Wilkinson Primary School, Star Primary School, Lister Community School and Rokeby School in Newham, east London, have been closed since Wednesday.

Parents have been told the infestation was discovered during a routine check by Newham Council’s environmental team.

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Redditch Advertiser:

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THOUSANDS of Clear & Simple Digital Pregnancy Tests are being recalled after a “small number of false positive results”.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said people who have bought the tests should check the lot number to see if it is one of those affected.

Manufacturer Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech estimates that more than 58,000 affected tests have been distributed in the UK.

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Redditch Advertiser:

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HUNDREDS of thousands of London Underground passengers face travel chaos on Friday after last-ditch talks failed to avert a strike.

Members of Aslef on the Central Line will walk out for 24 hours in a dispute over industrial relations, halting all services.

The strike will also hit services on the Waterloo and City Line, which links Waterloo with the City of London.

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