​North Yorkshire Council has said it “wants to work with the residents of Whitby” as a proposal to permanently decommission the town’s historic North Cliff Lift, which opened in 1931, was postponed.

​At a meeting in Malton on Tuesday, March 17, the authority’s executive committee also decided to withdraw a replacement bus service which it said had become too expensive to sustain.

​The lift has been closed since 2022 due to corrosion and water damage, with “worst-case” repairs estimated to cost £5.5 million, according to North Yorkshire Council.

​​Campaigners, Scarborough and Whitby’s MP, and local councillors have called for the lift – which links North Terrace to the beach below – to be repaired, saying it “is not a luxury, it’s a necessity”.

​Cllr Sandra Taylor, Mayor of Whitby, welcomed the council’s decision not to permanently close the lift: “I’m very pleased at the outcome. The leader of the council has promised he will work closely with Whitby Town Council so that is really positive from our point of view.”

​Commenting on the council’s decision to discontinue the free replacement bus service, she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I think there needs to be a better alternative.

​“The bus service has worked to a degree because it does allow access for some people, but it has failed anybody who was disabled, or in a wheelchair, it wasn’t a wheelchair friendly bus service, so that was the element where it failed really disastrously.”

​Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents Whitby West Cliff on NYC said residents “appreciate the financial constraints” the council is facing but added that the lift is a “necessity”.

​He told the meeting: “Almost 6,000 people signed a petition I started, which shows how important it is to the local community. It hasn’t operated properly since 2018, and we’ve seen really serious health and safety issues, most recently last week.

“The build-up of traffic is another health and safety issue, it’s become like the M1. There have been some serious accidents on the beach, and ambulances have been blocked by those vehicles.

​“The figure of £5 million is a worst-case scenario and doesn’t reflect reality. We need this asset for the residents, for the visitors, for Whitby.”

​Karl Battersby, corporate director of environment at NYC, said: “The main bone of contention is whether the costs are accurate”.

​He said there was “no dispute the lift has suffered significant corrosion internally”, and added: “The bus is far too expensive for us to justify based on its current and historic usage.”

​According to a report presented at the meeting, the cost of operating the bus service in 2025 was £52,744, or £345 per day, and the cost of operating the service in 2024 was £52,440, or £342 per day.

​Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Trumper told the LDRS: “It’s a victory for everyone who’s spoken up about the lift, been passionate about it and been passionate about the community of the town of Whitby.”

​He called on the council to carry out the promised surveys “as quickly as possible because we’d really like to see the lift reopened as soon as possible”.

​Cllr Trumper said: “We’ve been talking about it for a long time, so we need to get it open.”

WARNING: Contains spoilers about the Handcuffed final.

The sheer number of people who pulled out proves just how hard Channel 4’s Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing was: challenging 18 Brits to remain handcuffed to a total stranger. And not just any total stranger – one a team of producers have judged will create the most explosive TV possible.

Tonight, viewers saw Staffordshire porn star Rob, 32, and West Sussex homemaker Charlie, 44, make it all the way to the end, winning the show and a suitcase bulging with £100,000. Now, after the pre-recorded series, they explain whether they stayed in touch and just what they plan to do with the winnings.

The reality is quite sweet – with the pair very much in each other’s lives. Speaking about the moment they were uncuffed, Rob said: “It felt great! I just wanted to shout “FREEDOM” at the top of my lungs. It was a nice moment, but also a little sad moment knowing that my partner has now got to go.”

Charlie added: “It was a huge relief. We actually had to wait quite a long time! It wasn’t like we were instantly un-handcuffed. It was a crazy experience but a huge relief. It took a while to get used to doing things on my own, but that’s maybe because I was very overtired.”

But fans of the couple will be pleased to hear that they have stayed in touch in a major way. Charlie explained: “I’ve learned so much from Rob. He’s such a gentle giant and a kind person. It’s lovely now that we don’t have to keep our friendship secret.

“We can meet up and we’ve been texting a lot. He’s been chatting to my husband Simon! I’ve been chatting to his mum! He and his family are coming over to our house this Friday night to celebrate. I learned so much from walking beside him.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience. Rob was really keen that I didn’t put everyone else’s needs first and I’ve tried to implement that since. We talked about a lot of things! Rob is a very deep person and he’s a very good listener.”

Rob said: “One of the first things I’m going to do is a huge Costco run of food and drink and go out with Tilly to feed the homeless. I was very inspired watching what she did on the programme – I’d like to do a few acts of kindness. I’m also going travelling round South East Asia and investing in a new business. And then I’ll put the rest in savings for a rainy day.”

He added: “I learned a lot. I learned that money doesn’t always buy happiness. It’s important to spend a lot of time with your friends and family, and that I was putting work before everything. I was working too hard and not having an equal balance. And Charlie taught me how to make sourdough!”

Speaking about what they learnt about themselves during the programme, Rob said: “I learned that I need to take a little bit of a step back and prioritise different things in my life. And I want to get a bit more into baking and cooking.”

Charlie said: “That I can slow down, and be a bit more patient. And that I can take some time to rest and recharge, so then I can be my best for myself and others.”

Tonight viewers saw host Jonathan Ross taking the final pairings to Loch Lomond in Scotland to take part in a Mr & Mrs quiz to see who knew each other best. The final three – Charlie and Rob, Tilly and Anthony and Morag and Angie – all then competed in a handcuffed race from Scotland, to Wales and on to London.

Viewers saw Charlie and Rob scramble onto a bus where Jonathan was waiting with the key to unlock them – and a case full of the cash.

Subway is preparing to open its first store in Newton Aycliffe town centre, with a launch planned for May 2026.

An exact opening date is expected to be announced in due course but the shop is due to open in May.

The new store will be located at 43 Dalton Way, with the news shared on social media through both a dedicated Facebook page and the Newton Aycliffe Town Centre page.

Dalton Way in Newton Aycliffe where Subway is set to be opening (Image: GOOGLE)

A page titled “Subway Newton Aycliffe” has been created online, featuring a short description stating: “Subway Newton Aycliffe. New store opening 2026”.

Newton Aycliffe Town Centre also confirmed the development in a post which reads: “The iconic sub shop is setting up right here at 43 Dalton Way, and we are here for it! Fresh-baked bread, loaded subs, and those banging salads packed with fresh toppings… coming Very soon to Newton Aycliffe Town Centre.

“Whether you’re a sub person or a salad person – they’ve got you covered!

“Give their Facebook page a follow so you don’t miss the big opening day: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585399655300

“Who’s already planning their first order?!”

The new outlet will be the first Subway in Newton Aycliffe. Currently, the nearest branches are located in Darlington and Ferryhill.

Subway is known for its made to order sandwiches, salads and freshly baked bread, with customers able to choose from a range of fillings and toppings.

The brand was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca partnered with family friend Dr Peter Buck, who provided an initial 1,000 dollar investment to help launch a submarine sandwich shop.

The partnership would go on to become one of the most recognisable names in the quick service restaurant industry.

Cuba’s widening economic turmoil along with its growing political tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump have paralyzed much of the island and raised uncertainty about what’s next.

The country was plunged into darkness this week by a blackout — the third big failure of its power grid since December — opening the door for Trump to suggest that he might have the “honor of taking Cuba.”

“I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump said on Monday.

Cuba is struggling under the weight of an U.S. energy blockade that has halted oil shipments to the island over the past three months.

Many of the nation’s 11 million residents struggle to keep food from spoiling. Hospitals have canceled surgeries. The leading university has reduced classes due to the power outages and transportation shutdowns.

Here’s what to know about Cuba’s persistent blackouts and deepening crisis.

US leaders say power outages signal need for change

The U.S. State Department said Tuesday that the ongoing blackouts are a symptom of the Cuban government’s failure to provide the most basic needs for its people.

When asked about Cuba at an unrelated White House event on Tuesday, Trump turned to his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who is the son of Cuban immigrants.

Rubio said Cuba’s current political system and government can’t fix the country’s problems. “So they have to change dramatically,” Rubio said.

Cuba’s economic troubles are part of pressure campaign

The Trump administration is demanding that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for a lifting of sanctions.

Trump has for months suggested Cuba’s government is on the verge of collapse and said after the U.S. ousted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that the increased economic pressure on the island meant the U.S. could have a “friendly takeover” there — though he has not clarified what that means.

Talks between the US and Cuba have been ongoing

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed last week that there have been discussions with Washington.

While he wouldn’t provide any specifics about the talks, he did say they were aimed at finding solutions to the “bilateral differences between our two nations.”

Trump has suggested that top Cuban leaders would be smart to avoid the fate of Maduro, who was arrested in a U.S. military operation in January.

The Trump administration is looking for Díaz-Canel to leave power, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of talks between Washington and Havana, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive talks and did not offer any details about who the administration might like to see as a replacement.

Fuel is in short supply

Cuba has struggled with dwindling oil after the U.S. removed Venezuela’s leader, halting critical petroleum shipments from the nation. Trump then threatened tariffs on any country selling or supplying Cuba with oil.

The island is relying on its own natural gas, solar power and its own oil to run thermoelectric plants, but that hasn’t been enough to meet demand.

The impact has been crippling. Buses have cut routes, gas is strictly rationed and a Cuban official said the health care system is teetering.

That’s on top of what was already a shortage of basic necessities, including food and medicine.

Power outages now are a daily occurrence in Cuba

Cuba’s aging grid has deteriorated in recent years to the point of being unreliable. There are daily outages and more frequent major blackouts.

Its thermoelectric plants are in poor shape too, seeing little maintenance. U.S. sanctions have prevented the government from buying new equipment and specialized parts, officials have said.

Shortages of fuel oil and diesel also have limited power production.

___

AP writers Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim contributed from Washington.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

The Duke of Edinburgh during a visit to the Bristol Zoo Project as part of a programme of events designed to reintroduce the zoo’s gorilla troop to visitors ahead of the Easter holidays, at Bristol Zoological Society, Hollywood Estate, Bristol. Picture date: Tuesday March 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire

Aston Martin are reportedly considering replacing Adrian Newey as Team Principal after just two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season

Aston Martin are reportedly considering replacing Adrian Newey as Team Principal after just two races of the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, it is understood that former Red Bull boss Christian Horner is not being considered as a potential replacement.

The Green Machine have suffered a disastrous start to the new campaign under former Red Bull chief technical officer Newey. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are yet to register a point following races in Australia and China, with both competitors failing to finish last time out in Shanghai.

There were even concerns about whether Aston Martin would be able to compete in the opening race of the season in Melbourne earlier this month. This was because two of the four battery packs supplied by Honda for the race weekend developed faults after just the first hour of on-track running in FP1.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton has finger pointed at him for ‘destroying’ Ferrari’s Chinese GPREAD MORE: George Russell’s classy unseen gesture for Lewis Hamilton says it all about Mercedes star

Speaking candidly about the challenging situation Aston Martin find themselves in, as engine reliability issues continue to hamper their performance, Newey suggested that a shortage of F1 experience amongst Honda’s workforce has been a major contributing factor to their troubles.

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He said: “They re-entered with let’s say only, I’m guessing, 30 per cent of their original team and now in a budget cap era. So they started very much on the back foot and unfortunately they’ve struggled to to catch back up.”

Reports from SoyMotor now suggest that Newey’s role at Aston Martin is under threat following their disappointing start to the season.

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They report a significant amount of ‘tension, nervousness, and disappointment’ within the team, which they say is ‘combined with the aforementioned lack of leadership.’

It is thus suggested that Aston Martin is ‘actively searching for a new team principal to take the lead in management and public relations’.

However, this doesn’t imply that Newey will be dismissed, but rather he is expected to transition into a different role within the squad.

Aston Martin’s next opportunity to secure their first points of the season will be in Japan a week on Sunday.

The team have been approached for comment.

Households may be missing out on DWP cost of living support, energy bill grants and council assistance as living costs rise due to Middle East oil price increases

The cost of living could be set to rise sharply for many UK households. This follows the conflict in the Middle East which has caused oil prices to soar, potentially impacting petrol prices, energy bills, grocery costs and more.

However, some individuals may be eligible for more support than they are currently receiving. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), your utility suppliers, and your local council may offer cost of living support for households struggling to cover the essentials.

Citizens Advice has outlined who is eligible and how to claim your entitlement. Check below to see if you qualify.

DWP benefits

The DWP can provide much more than just the monthly or weekly benefit payments it offers. Claiming your entitlement, even if you only receive a minimal payment, can make you eligible for a range of other support like discounts or grants for essential bills, reports the Mirror.

There are online benefit checkers available where you can see exactly what you’re entitled to. People who are sick, disabled, on a low income, or have caring duties may be eligible for certain benefits.

If you’re struggling with the cost of living and only starting your benefits application now, you may be able to get your first payment early whilst you’re waiting for your application to be processed. This is known as a short-term benefit advance.

Advances are available for:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• State Pension

These advances do need to be repaid. Typically, the DWP will deduct from your future benefit payments until the total amount is fully returned. The repayments can be spread out over several weeks or months depending on which benefit you are claiming.

Suppliers

As energy bills become increasingly concerning for households, many individuals may be able to receive support directly from their supplier. This could include grants, fuel vouchers or being placed on a social tariff to reduce your cost of living.

Certain grants can also assist in making your home more energy efficient by helping with the cost of:

• A new boiler
• Boiler repairs
• Loft or cavity wall insulation
• A heat pump

Several energy suppliers also offer grants to help individuals settle their energy debts. Citizens Advice suggests contacting your supplier directly to see what additional support they can provide.

Local councils

Your local council may be able to assist with a variety of cost of living support, including fuel vouchers. However, each council may have different offerings and eligibility criteria so it’s best to check your local council’s website for more details.

Councils might also provide ‘Warm Welcome’ spaces that can be used by anyone to offer some relief. Each space is unique but Citizens Advice notes that these spaces often provide things like hot food and drinks, activities, community meeting places, access to the internet and computer assistance.

Eberechi Eze scored a spectacular goal to put Arsenal 1-0 up against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16, with team-mates left in disbelief at the emphatic strike

Eberechi Eze may have delivered a composed response to his Champions League thunderbolt, but his Arsenal colleagues reacted with rather less restraint. The midfielder fired the Gunners in front during their last-16 clash with Bayer Leverkusen courtesy of a blistering strike that prompted some jaw-dropping reactions.

Eze unleashed a ferocious effort on a bouncing ball from outside the area to defeat Janis Blaswich, who had been performing heroics at the Emirates. The goalkeeper barely had time to respond, such was the velocity of the shot.

William Saliba and Ben White immediately buried their heads in their hands in sheer astonishment, whilst Declan Rice, no stranger to a Champions League screamer himself, could only chuckle at the audacity. Mikel Arteta’s celebrations were passionate, to put it mildly.

The strike represented the 27-year-old’s maiden goal in the Champions League. Whilst those surrounding him descended into pandemonium and mobbed him, Eze merely tugged at the Gunners’ crest on his shirt.

The former Crystal Palace icon did permit himself some emotion as he embraced defender Gabriel Magalhaes once the celebrations started to fade. There was little harm in displaying some elation following a strike that edged Arsenal closer to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

READ MORE: Clubs ‘contact Premier League bosses’ after Chelsea avoid points deductionREAD MORE: Arsenal profit from VAR error for second time this season as mistake admitted

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Former Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson struggled to find adequate praise for Eze’s effort. “What a way to score your first Champions League goal,” he remarked.

“That is sensational. What a hit. With his right foot, it’s out of nothing, it’s a ball bouncing about, loose in the air.

“Eze’s first touch with his left, swivels and as it sat up on his right, he just powers it in. Middle of the goal but right near that post. The goalkeeper had no chance, it went past him in a flash.

Upson believes Eze is finding his feet at Arsenal after signing in the summer. “Just finding the change of gear to play at a club like Arsenal takes a little bit of time to settle in,” Upson said. “Eze is up and down at the moment but he’s getting there. Especially a season like this, there’s so much winning pressure, a slip up is around the corner at every moment.”

If Arsenal succeed in turning their advantage into a win, they will face Sporting CP in the next round of action. The Portuguese side managed to overturn a 3-0 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in their first leg to triumph in extra time.

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Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they face Bayer Leverkusen on March 17. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.

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