Regards the ATC situation - it's ludicrous. No amount of arse covering from folks 'inside' can cover up for the fact that it's a poor situation, especially as this is probably LBA's busiest ever period. There should be a contingency plan for the contingency plan at this time of year.
If these shortages happened anywhere I've worked, managers heads would roll.
LBA is the laughing stock at the moment. DSA are rubbing their hands with glee.