Mercury Extra

Established in 1874, the Leicester Mercury stands as one of the UK's leading local newspapers. It has received numerous accolades and is recognized as the primary source of news for Leicestershire, known for its high readership among local residents. The newspaper delivers engaging and top-notch local news and sports coverage every day of the week, with the exception of Sundays and Christmas Day. It actively engages with Leicestershire's communities, promoting ambitions and supporting local individuals in making a meaningful impact.

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#17077

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Articles

Hydrangeas can grow bigger flowers and stay hydrated with one natural material

2 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Katherine McPhillips |Andréa Oldereide

Hydrangeas, with their thirst for water, are particularly demanding in spring as they strive to develop robust shoots capable of sustaining their summer blossoms. Without adequate hydration, these plants may experience stress, leading to frail shoots and a scarcity of buds, resulting in a feeble hydrangea with minimal flowering potential. As temperatures rise, it's crucial to water hydrangeas correctly.
Make your bed linen feel softer by adding one natural item to the washing machine

2 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Katherine McPhillips |Andréa Oldereide

It is always nice to get into a bed with clean bedding at the end of a busy day. Yet, this soothing experience can be short-lived if bed linens are not laundered correctly. It's common to overstuff washing machines with bulky bedding, hindering proper soap rinsing. Frequent overloading leads to a buildup of detergent and fabric conditioner, rendering your sheets and covers stiff and decreasing their comfort.
Clean extractor fan in 5 minutes with one natural item - no scrubbing

2 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Angela Patrone |Andréa Oldereide

It's not uncommon for the overhead fan in your kitchen to become a repository for grease, which can contribute to lingering kitchen odours, highlighting the importance of routine cleaning. A neglected extractor fan may be the culprit behind persistent condensation or robust cooking smells, signifying a need for thorough cleaning. This device plays a pivotal role in evaporating steam and fumes.
Cook's simple fudge recipe means you'll never waste Easter chocolate again

2 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Katherine McPhillips |Andréa Oldereide

If you find yourself with an abundance of chocolate this Easter and the thought of another bite is less than appealing, fear not. Becky Excell, a culinary whiz and the brains behind Glutenfree Cuppa Tea, has devised a "magic" fudge recipe that utilises leftover Easter treats. She said: "Welcome to the most beginner-friendly Easter recipe you could have possibly dreamed of." This incredibly easy fudge can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes, and there's no need for an oven, reports the Express.
Simple fix can turn baked potatoes extra crispy with 1 common ingredient

2 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Katherine McPhillips |Andréa Oldereide

While it might seem straightforward to pop a baked potato in the oven and wait for it to cook, improper preparation can result in a soggy, unappetising spud. "I used to believe the only thing you needed to bake a potato was tin foil, but the last time I wrapped up a baked potato, it came out of the oven watery, mushy, and totally inedible," reporter Katherine McPhillips wrote for the Express.
Nearly three quarters of dentists across Leicestershire not taking on new NHS patients

3 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Annie Gouk |Tess Rushin

Nearly three quarters of all dentists across Leicestershire are still not taking on any new NHS patients. New data has revealed it is still just as difficult to register at an NHS dentist in Leicestershire as it was six months ago. Updated analysis of the 120 practices in Leicestershire on the NHS’s “Find a dentist” website has revealed 89 - the equivalent of 74 per cent - are still not currently accepting adults aged 18 or over.
Gardening expert shares 'foolproof' lavender planting tip to ensure 'full' blooms each year

3 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Talya Honebeek |Isobel Pankhurst

English lavender is a firm favourite amongst British gardeners. Known for its hardiness, delightful fragrance and appeal to pollinators, this perennial shrub also boasts slug resistance. The key to vibrant lavender with an intense aroma lies in ensuring it's planted in well-draining soil and bathed in sunlight, as ample sunshine heightens the scent of both leaves and blooms. Lavender's tolerance to drought makes it a sturdy survivor even in the driest spells.
Strawberry plants to produce 'giant and tastier fruit' if fed two 'powerful' kitchen items

3 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Angela Patrone |Andréa Oldereide

Strawberries, heralded as one of the best fruits to introduce into your garden come spring, can sometimes leave gardeners perplexed and disappointed. Despite nurturing them with total care, many find their homegrown strawberries stay diminutive and uninspired in flavour. However, green-thumbed aficionados from the HomeGrowers Facebook community are confident that achieving a "bountiful harvest of plump, juicy berries" is possible by employing an optimal homemade fertiliser.
One item is all you need to banish stubborn garden weeds - and it's not white vinegar

3 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Nicola Roy |Andréa Oldereide

Gardeners with patios or paving stones are all too familiar with the persistent issue of weeds sprouting between slabs, leaving outdoor spaces looking unkempt. Tackling these unwelcome guests without resorting to harsh chemical weedkillers can be a dilemma. While manual removal is an option, it's laborious and often provides only temporary relief as weeds tend to reappear.
DWP state pension error update as thousands of women owed up to £11,725 in underpayments

4 days ago | leicestermercury.co.uk | Levi Winchester |Kieran Isgin

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released a significant update about state pension errors that have resulted in thousands of people being underpaid. The DWP is currently investigating two sets of so-called correction exercises. The first correction exercise is about married women whose state pension was not automatically increased when their husbands retired, widows whose state pension was not automatically reassessed, and individuals over 80 with low state pensions.