Tech

Driver speeds away from police at 130mph missing HGV

by Emma
written by Emma

A driver was caught speeding away from police, driving in excess of 130mph before abandoning the car at a nearby cemetery.

Officers signalled at the man's grey Seat Leon to stop on Bothwell Road, Hamilton at about 20:20 on Wednesday, due to the nature of his driving.

Instead he drove off at speeds of between 130mph and 160mph onto the M74 northbound, then on to the slip road at Daldowie Crematorium where the car was found.

Police believe the man nearly collided with a heavy goods vehicle near this slip road. Officers said a 20-year-old man was later arrested and charged.

Con Shannon Watts said the man was a "danger to himself" and to others on the road.

She appealed for the lorry driver to get in touch with police and for any dash cam footage that witnesses may have between 20:20 and 20:40.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the force via the non-emergency line.

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Market

Theatre scheme helps people in 'loneliest borough'

by Shannon
written by Shannon

A new project is attempting to tackle isolation in what has been described as "London's loneliest borough".

Hampstead Theatre in Camden has launched a programme for adults at risk of social isolation, offering writing and performance sessions or tickets to see a show at the theatre.

Costas, 84, is one of those who is taking part in the scheme. He is now a budding playwright.

"This community experience is unbelievable," he said. "To be honest, I didn't know that I had it in me. I've started writing since then. I'm on my third play."

Jennifer Davis, theatre and participation director for Hampstead Theatre, runs the course.

She said she was inspired to launch it after reading Camden's State of the Borough Report in 2024.

According to the document, more than a third of adults in Camden said they felt lonely some of the time, often or always. At 36.3%, the figure was the highest of all the London boroughs.

"I couldn't quite believe it. Camden is such a busy, bustling part of the capital and I couldn't understand why," Ms Davis said.

"I thought the theatre needed to do something about it.

"There's lots of brilliant theatres doing this kind of work, and for me, theatre has always offered a community, a home, and I wanted to open up Hampstead to the Camden community."

She added: "Whether you're on the stage, whether you're writing a play or performing in it, or watching it, it is a communal experience.

"It's where conversations can be sparked and bonds are built – I just thought we were the perfect place to be doing this kind of work."

Ms Davis said the theatre had worked on the project with Age UK Camden, Wac Arts and the Winch – local charities that support people in the borough.

"Theatre is such a brilliant way of sharing, exploring your identity, meeting new people and building bonds," she added.

'More lonely society'

Professor Jason Arday, who has a Radio 4 programme called A Lonely Life, said loneliness was "becoming part of the general zeitgeist".

"We are living in a more lonely society for lots of different reasons," he said. "Division plays a big part of that, the turbulence and the stresses of life, I think people are finding it harder."

Professor Arday said small interventions, such as the project by Hampstead Theatre, were "hugely impactful".

"Importantly, it does set a premise for best practice, in terms of what other communities can engage in across the nation," he said.

"You probably couldn't think of many better instruments than the arts."

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Economy

Library to open after £17m refurbishment

by Grayson
written by Grayson

A library will officially open in a former department store following a £17m refurbishment.

About 100 guests have been invited to mark the opening of The Place – on the site of the former Palmers shop – in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

The building also has a community hub and a learning centre offering diplomas, degrees, courses and community services.

Conservative councillor, Carl Smith, said: "The Place is one of the biggest regeneration projects the town has seen in recent years."

While the library has been open to the public since 6 May, Lady Dannatt MBE, Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk, is set to officially open the building at 11:30 BST.

From Wednesday, East Coast College and the University of Suffolk will be holding taster sessions for people to find out about the courses and qualifications due to be offered at the site.

Andrew Turner/BBC
Kerry Murray said "so many people" have joined the library since it reopened

Head of library operations Kerry Murray said the library has already seen an increase in footfall since it opened a week ago, and the "build-up" to the official launch has "been immense".

"Customers are really excited to come back to the library," she said.

"That there's something like this invested in their town for local people, and really invigorating the town, and bringing it back to life."

The project in the five-storey building was funded with money from the government's Town Deal and Future High Streets fund, as well as the East Coast College and the University of Suffolk.

Smith said: "We are looking forward to welcoming the people of the borough to see for themselves just how impressive The Place is.

"It has been incredibly complex to completely refurbish this historic building, and I would like to thank our partners and the team at Morgan Sindall for their hard work in helping us realise our ambitions for our community."

Andrew Turner/BBC
The Place has gone into the former Palmers department store building which originally opened in 1837
  • Palmer family members see old store transformed
  • Milestone reached in £17m project to develop old shop
  • Great Yarmouth: Transformation of derelict Palmers department store begins

Palmers originally opened in 1837 but closed in March 2020. It was then taken over by Beales, but the company went into administration.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council bought the building in 2021 with ambitions of turning it into a community hub for the town.

The regeneration of the building aimed to preserve as many historic details as possible so visitors could learn about the town's history.

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Industry

'I found out about Lions selection on Ceefax'

by Liam
written by Liam

One of the biggest stories from the announcement of British and Irish Lions squad was the selection of 20-year-old Henry Pollock.

The forward was one of four Northampton Saints players named in the 38-strong party for the tour of Australia.

His name and picture were greeted by loud cheers by the 2,000 fans inside Indigo, a venue within London's O2 Arena complex, in scenes very different from former Lions learned of their selection.

Winger Ian Hunter, who was picked for the 1993 Lions tour to New Zealand, said he discovered his selection "on Ceefax… sitting on my own starring at the TV, waiting for page one to move to page two".

Getty Images
Ian Hunter injured his shoulder in the opening game of the 1993 tour of New Zealand

Ceefax was a teletext service that allowed people to check the latest BBC news and sport via their televisions.

Hunter, 56, said he was not expecting his selection.

"Anyone who is there or thereabouts is always thinking 'What if?' but obviously when it came up it was an amazing experience," he said.

Northampton Saints posted a video on social media of the players watching the Lions squad announcement.

Despite the technological changes since he played, Hunter said he knew the emotions they were going through.

"It's the same feeling. Being picked for the Lions is the pinnacle of anyone's career," he said.

Hunter's tour with the Lions was cut short, after he injured his shoulder in the first match, but he added: "Just putting the jersey on… was a 'pinch me' moment… definitely my proudest moment."

'A journalist phoned me up'

Getty Images
Colin Deans toured New Zealand with the Lions in 1983

Former Scotland forward Colin Deans was selected for the 1983 Lions tour to New Zealand.

The 70-year-old, who coached at Northampton Saints and lives in Northamptonshire, said he found out from a journalist who called him.

"There was no announcement. I think I got a letter two days later from the Lions," he said.

"It was one of the press who phoned me up and said 'Congratulations.'"

On Thursday's event, when the latest squad was announced, he said: "I think the Lions is becoming quite a successful financial animal; it was absolutely great."

Getty Images
Henry Pollock was named in the Lions squad, despite having only played just one test for England

He did not play in 1983 but then was made captain for the proposed 1986 tour of South Africa.

That did not go ahead due to a boycott of sports tours in the country because of apartheid.

Despite that, Deans was still at the captain's dinner on Wednesday evening and at the announcement event at the O2 the following day.

Deans said he was not surprised by Henry Pollock's selection.

"Pollock is one of those guys that rugby needs, he's brought this air of freshness… he's just unbelievable," he said.

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Market

Campaigners join national walk against solar farms

by Nolan
written by Nolan

Campaigners have taken part in a walk to protest against plans to install thousands of solar panels on agricultural land.

The Claydons Solar Action Group organised the event near Winslow and The Claydons in Buckinghamshire as part of a national community walk day on Sunday to highlight the issue of rural solar farm development.

Developers say the Rosefield Solar Farm would provide enough clean energy to power more than 57,000 homes – and would have a shelf life of 40 years.

The Conservative Mid Buckinghamshire MP, Greg Smith, described the plan as "inefficient technology that trashes the countryside and damages our food security".

A government spokesperson said projects were "subject to a rigorous planning process, in which the views and interests of the local community and impacts on the local environment, including any impact on amenities, landscapes and land use, are considered."

Greg Smith MP
Land in North Buckinghamshire that is earmarked for a solar farm development

The walk at Botolph Claydon was one of 25 taking place nationally against solar farm developments, with others planned in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk and Bedfordshire.

Greg Smith MP
MP Greg Smith joins campaigners fighting the solar farm plans

Geography teacher Lorraine Campbell, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said: "The whole reason people come to live in the countryside is because they want to be able to enjoy the wildlife and the landscape.

"It's being taken away from us.

"This is not the place for solar panels. This is agricultural grade land, it's full of biodiversity.

"Solar panels should be put on the roofs of warehouses, of distribution centres. There are hundreds of those."

Local councillor Frank Mahon said the plan was a "ridiculous proposal".

"North Buckinghamshire has become a dumping ground for major infrastructure, HS2, East West Rail, a mega prison, not to mention three solar farms.

"Nobody is taking into consideration the beautiful countryside we have and the amount of farmers that will lose their livelihoods."

'Tiny fraction'

MP Mr Smith said constituents were "absolutely opposed to the deluge of solar farms, battery storage, substation rebuilds that we're seeing in our beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside".

"Two thousand acres of solar panels to produce enough energy for 50,000 homes – a tiny tiny fraction of our energy need."

A government spokesperson said: "Solar is at the heart of our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, and just this week the government confirmed that new build homes will have solar panels by default.

"As of September last year, solar farms covered around 0.1 per cent of the total land area of the UK, while bringing huge benefits for the British public and our energy security."

A consultation on the Rosefield plan took place between 18 September and 5 December 2024 and the planning process was ongoing.

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Economy

Boys deny throwing seat over Westfield barrier

by Claire
written by Claire

Two teenage boys have denied throwing a chair 50ft (15m) from the top floor of an east London shopping centre, allegedly as part of an internet prank.

They were arrested after a viral video showed an incident at Westfield Stratford shopping centre on 1 March, where a chair was thrown and missed shoppers walking below.

The boys, aged 14 and 15, both pleaded not guilty at Stratford Magistrates' Court to a charge of criminal damage recklessly endangering life.

The charges state the boys, who cannot be named because of their age, damaged a seat worth £500 and were "reckless as to whether the life of another person would thereby be endangered".

Prosecution barrister Matthew Groves told the court the defendants went to the top floor and one boy "picked up a large footstool and threw it over a balcony railing".

He said the incident was filmed by the other boy "with a view to being posted on the internet" after which "it came to the attention of the authorities".

The boys were conditionally bailed to appear for trial at the same court on 3 July.

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Economy

Skateboarders hope to inspire future Olympians

by Camila
written by Camila

A group of skateboarding enthusiasts are hoping a festival this weekend could uncover the Olympic skateboarders of the future.

Skaters from Birmingham Skate Spaces (BSS), a community interest community (CIC), are taking part in the tenth B-Side Hip-Hop Festival on Saturday.

It is the group's first appearance at the festival – but director Berni Good says it makes perfect sense.

"Skateboarding, and graffiti, and hip-hop, all kind of sit side by side with each other," she explained.

Organised by the Birmingham Hippodrome and other creative groups, the festival includes graffiti classes, dance battles, basketball and music.

Joe Bailey
Now in its tenth year, B-Side showcases breakdancing as well as skateboarding

The centrepiece of BSS' stand is a mini ramp, which has been built specially for the festival.

It is modular, meaning it can be taken apart and set up elsewhere for future events.

Its construction was funded by a grant from the governement's Shared Prosperity Fund and used as an opportunity to mentor 10 young people, who helped build it.

"So these young people who weren't necessarily in employment, education or training came along… and we equipped them with skills that they could then [use to] go out and seek employment," said Ms Good.

BSS
The mini ramp was created by a group of young people who were being mentored by Birmingham Skate Spaces

BSS says on its website it aims to improve "the wellbeing, cultural prosperity and health of Birmingham by building outdoor and indoor skateparks".

Ms Good said skateboarding was also effective at allowing young people to feel part of a community and giving them a safe space in which to socialise.

Its skate part at Bournbrook – which two years ago was saved from closure – was built entirely by volunteers.

"When you put your blood, sweat and tears into something, you have more of a sense of ownership of it," said Ms Good. "You're learning the skill, but you are also owning and being part of a community."

BSS
Dill (left) was one of the young people who worked on the mini ramp with mentor Chris Clarke

On Saturday, the mini ramp will be set up outside the Hippodrome, where coaches from Skateboard GB will be giving free lessons – with all equipment provided – before professional skateboarders put on a demonstration.

Ms Good cites Bombette Martin – the first skateboarder to compete in the Olympics, and who grew up partly in Birmingham – as an example of what can be achieved by young people.

"It's all about inspiring people to get on the board, show them how to do it and give them the ability to participate in this wonderful sport – that is now in the Olympics," she said.

"There's no reason why we can't have some Brummies rocking up at the Olympics in the future."

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Industry

Future of tree facing the chop hangs in the balance

by Avery
written by Avery

The future of an ancient oak tree hangs in the balance after councillors deferred a decision to fell it.

The 60ft (18m) tree, which is more than 100 years old, was said to be the cause of subsidence at several properties in Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, according to an engineer.

But despite damage caused to his home, nearby resident Rob Selwyn was among those urging Thurrock Council to spare it the chop.

The local authority's planning committee chose to delay a final decision on Thursday, saying it wanted more evidence before swinging the axe.

Rooted in the grounds of a listed building on South Hill, the tree is protected by a preservation order.

However, an engineer's report found it was causing "severe damage" to properties in Saffron Close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Alexander Stevanovic/BBC
Roy Selwyn's home is among those affected by subsidence

Mr Selwyn said he preferred lopping the tree and installing a barrier over felling it.

The 77-year-old's comments came despite cracks appearing both inside and outside his home.

"I don't want to see it cut down," he said. "If it's lopped, that would take back the branches and curb its growth.

"A metal barrier placed between my home and the roots of the tree would also help."

Alexander Stevanovic/BBC
Betty Beaumont said the tree felt like home

The tree survived a previous bid to fell it eight years ago over concerns about subsidence.

Thurrock Council's planning committee was told that if it did not act this time round, it could be liable for any damage.

But Conservative ward councillor Barry Johnson said evidence of damage caused by the tree was not a "proven fact".

More than 15 objections were also made against the tree's destruction.

Betty Beaumont, who lives nearby, said the tree was a "landmark for the village".

"When you're driving down from the flyover, you know you're home because you can see it, " she said.

Her concerns were echoed by Gary Collins, landlord of The Bell pub, who said the village would be lost without it.

He added: "There must be another way of solving the problem."

Alexander Stevanovic/BBC

In a report made by the council's planning officers, the tree was deemed a "fine specimen that provided a "high level of amenity in the village".

However, the report concluded it must be axed.

"In normal circumstances, its removal would not be permitted," the author wrote.

"However, it is considered that it is likely that the tree is a contributory factor to the subsidence occurring at the property, and therefore its removal is justified."

Planning committee councillors did not follow the recommendations and voted to delay the decision to get more evidence.

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