The proposals for the former United Services Club on Miners Avenue, Hartlepool, say the applicant is “keen to reinvigorate and transform” the empty building, describing the scheme as a “highly sustainable” way to recycle a brownfield site in the neighbourhood.

Planning permission is being sought to convert the premises into three separate commercial spaces, which together would provide 191 square metres of commercial floorspace, along with storage and toilet facilities for future occupiers.

Only the front facing section would be converted. (Image: Robinson Brown Design)

The planning statement says the site currently consists of a vacant brick building with a flat felt roof and surrounding hardstanding, and argues that bringing an existing, disused structure back into use is preferable to pushing new development onto undeveloped land elsewhere in the town.

Read more:

With West View youth club, a Baptist church and the community centre all on its doorstep, the former club is described as sitting at the heart of a “well‑established” residential area on the northern edge of Hartlepool.

Developers say the plot is within walking distance of local services and close to bus routes, and that they have looked at other potential premises in Hartlepool’s town centre and local shopping parades but found no sites of a suitable size that are both available and viable for the same amount of space.

The application is now being considered by Hartlepool Borough Council, which will weigh it against the local development plan, national planning policy and other material considerations before making a decision.

“Each evening has been designed to offer something completely different”

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will come alive with music with a programme of open-air concerts this summer.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the castle’s historic grounds, the Summer Concerts at Hillsborough Castle will feature three standout evenings, each offering a unique musical experience.

Taking place from the 26th to 28th June 2026, Peter Corry Productions will kick things off with Ceili at the Castle, starring The Celtic Tenors and special guests.

READ MORE: SSE Arena Belfast to be renamed as Odyssey Trust announces new partnerREAD MORE: From 1630 licence to modern nightlife complex: How White’s Tavern became an unstoppable Belfast powerhouse

On Saturday, 27th June, the spotlight turns to ‘Hillsboroughton’, a vibrant soirée hosted by Claire McCollum inspired by the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.

A spokesperson said: “Audiences can look forward to an enchanting evening of music and storytelling exploring themes of love lost, love found and love conquering all – with tongue firmly in cheek.

“A stellar line-up of local talent will be joined by acclaimed West End star Norman Bowman, creating a beautiful Summer garden party atmosphere in the Castle gardens. There’s also a prize to be won for Best Dressed on the night.”

Bringing the series to a spectacular close is ‘Thank You for the Musicals 2’, hosted by Peter Corry, who will also perform his most loved songs from the world of musical theatre.

He will be joined on stage by special guests for an “uplifting celebration of musical theatre” featuring powerful performances of some of the world’s best-loved show tunes from Hollywood to Broadway.

Peter Corry, of Peter Corry Productions, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Historic Royal Palaces to bring this exciting series of summer concerts to such a beautiful venue, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

“Each evening has been designed to offer something completely different, from the joy and energy of a traditional céilí to the glamour of musical theatre and a little tongue in cheek love and elegance with Hillsboroughton.

“It’s a chance for audiences to enjoy world-class entertainment in a truly stunning location.”

The weekend of musical entertainment will also be fueled by a number of food and drink vendors on site.

Peter added: “We are delighted that we have also teamed up with a number of local businesses within Hillsborough Village to offer exciting dine and stay packages and would encourage the audience to make the most of their trip and explore the beautiful village of Hillsborough.”

Caroline Walker, Head of Hillsborough Castle, said: “We are delighted to welcome this exceptional concert series to Hillsborough Castle.

“These events offer visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Castle and gardens in a completely unique way, while enjoying some of the very best musical talent Northern Ireland has to offer.”

To book tickets see www.petercorryproductions.com

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

The comment was made in a staff group chat after the boy’s mum had asked Into The Woods to help find his lost toy

The mum of a young boy who was called “some loser” by staff at a Carryduff soft play area has said she is disgusted that “her child was mocked” when she asked for help finding his lost toy.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the mum, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is a “disgrace” that her son, who is non-verbal with additional needs, was mocked in a staff group chat at Into the Woods, Carryduff, after she had asked for help in finding his favourite toy that he had lost while playing.

She said it was the fourth time that she had attended the play area that week with her son who “loved the place”, saying that it is advertised as somewhere suitable for children with additional needs due to the sensory equipment it has there. However she now says she would never return after the way her son was spoken about.

The concerned mum said that she only discovered what was said about her son when a former staff member made a post on social media about the business which highlighted what was said in the staff group chat.

The message said: “Some loser lost their toy. Search party first thing”, and had a number of laughing reactions.

She said: “It is a disgrace that people who are working at a soft play area for young children would talk about my son like that. To use that language about children is just horrendous.

“My son had loved going to Into the Woods because of the sensory toys that were there and it was the fourth time we had been that week. He ended up losing his favourite wee toy there and I had messaged them asking if they could have a look out for it and sent a pic of my son with the toy. I never imagined that they would then go and mock him.

“I only found out about this from a former employee there and I have been told that the person who made the comment is a manager there, although they have denied that.”

Into the Woods has said that it has apologised for the remark made about the young boy and issued a statement saying: “To address the language used in the message. We immediately gave a verbal warning to the member of staff that make the comment (it was not the owner). They assured us it was not meant with any malice or ill intent but an attempt at ‘Belfast Banter’. We explained to the staff member, that regardless of the intent, it was still unacceptable and we apologies for their behaviour.

“The staff member in question is autistic with learning difficulties and struggles with social cues, they feel deep remorse for the misunderstanding and any upset the situation has caused. We want to highlight that this is not an excuse but simply an explanation. We cannot comment on anything further at this time, due to legal action we are taking against a disgruntled former employee.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

‘Nobody wants to see our young people criminalised or hurt, but this issue cannot be ignored’

A local councillor in West Belfast is calling on the Justice Minister to act on the growing misuse of scramblers and e-scooters.

Cllr Paul Doherty said he regularly receives reports of vehicles racing through residential areas and near misses on pavements, and is calling for action to address this.

It comes ahead of a motion being brought to Stormont by the SDLP this week focusing on ways to address the issue, including giving the PSNI stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, as well as initiatives to promote responsible use of scramblers and e-scooters.

READ MORE: ‘Kids are out of control on e-scooters – someone is going to be killed’READ MORE: £100,000 worth of cannabis delivered to pensioners house by drug dealers

Cllr Doherty previously brought a proposal to Belfast City Council looking at alternative ways to address issues around these vehicles.

West Belfast Councillor Paul Doherty said: “Too many communities across the North are being plagued by the misuse of scramblers and e-scooters. I regularly receive reports of vehicles racing through residential areas and near misses on pavements, and this is happening far too often.

“Efforts to deal with these issues have been too slow. Across this island we have unfortunately seen people seriously injured and even killed in incidents involving these vehicles and that cannot be allowed to continue. While other jurisdictions have taken action, we continue to lag behind.

“Nobody wants to see our young people criminalised or hurt, but this issue cannot be ignored. I have brought forward proposals in Belfast including dedicated sites for scrambler use, alongside proper training on the risks and responsibilities involved.

“We have seen up to a 90% reduction in illegal use through programmes delivered alongside local schools and youth centre initiatives that take this activity away from our parks, roads and community spaces, and instead point young people towards safer, more responsible use – rehabilitating and upskilling towards positive use of these vehicles.

“This week the SDLP Opposition is calling on the Justice Minister to build on that good work, alongside giving the PSNI stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour. We need to end the scenes of scramblers and e-scooters being driven dangerously across our pavements, parks and greenways, putting both riders and pedestrians at risk.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up this afternoon:

Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall; McNeil, Ndiaye, Beto.
Substitutes: Travers, Patterson, Keane, Barry, George, Dibling, Alcaraz, Rohl, Iroegbunam.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Substitutes: Woodman, Pesci, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha.

Kerry Katona was reportedly snubbed from being asked to appear on the latest season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Earlier this month the latest season of the ITV reality series returned to screens – this time seeing celebrities who previously took part returning to compete in South Africa.

Those currently in the running to be crowned Legend of the Jungle include Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sinitta, Adam Thomas and Sir Mo Farah.

However, one past star of the show whose been noticeably absent in All Star versions in recent years has been former Atomic Kitten member Kerry.

In 2004 she won her season of the show – which also saw Peter Andre and Katie Price take part.

Although Kerry’s win drew in an estimated 14 million viewers – a stark contrast to last year’s season which only pulled half that figure – she’s not been invited back for either of the two All Stars series’, despite her desire to take part again.

It’s now been reported that her highly publicised private life – which has included drug admissions, bankruptcies and divorces – could be affecting her casting chances.

‘Everyone at I’m a Celeb loves Kerry and they’ll always back her as one of the most popular winners of the show,’ a source explained to The Sun.

‘But times have changed and bosses have such a fine line to tread when it comes to keeping the audience happy. Kerry will tell you herself she’s like marmite, you either love her or you hate her!

‘There are also big hoops to jump through when it comes to who can cope in such an environment.’

They went on to share: ‘She was actually considered for the current All Stars series but not everyone was on board. Sadly, it looks like – despite her being synonymous with the show – she’ll never get a chance to do it again.’

The source said Kerry ‘had a big mouth and won’t be filtered’, a trait that was ‘something everyone loves her for’.

However, they said bosses ‘can’t take the risk of not knowing what she’ll say after the show is filmed, especially as the series is shot so far in advance’.

Kerry – who went on to appear on other reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice and Celebs on the Farm – recently revealed she’d spoken to producers about returning to I’m A Celebrity…but they never replied.

‘I keep getting turned down for some reason,’ she also told The Sun.

‘I think it’d be amazing. I’ve been to the interviews for both series.

‘And they said, “Definitely, Kerry. You were the first queen and had the highest ratings”, but then they never came back. I’d do it in a heartbeat, not even to win it. Just for me.’

The last time Kerry appeared in a reality show was for her own ITV2 series The Next Chapter, which wrapped up in 2011.

She also last performed with Atomic Kitten in 2017. Although she reunited with Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton in 2013, she left the group again after getting drunk and hitting Natasha following a performance in Australia.

Last month her former bandmate shut down speculation they could ever work together again.

Speaking to The Mirror, Natasha shared: ‘I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She’s a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl.

‘There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.’

Last year she also told The Daily Mail: ‘I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I’ve spent a lot of time with Jenny [Frost] this summer.’

Jenny joined the band after Kerry’s exit. They released three albums, going on hiatus in 2004 before their official split four years later.

Metro has contacted ITV and representatives for Kerry Katona for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: David Haye’s girlfriend flattered by ‘ugly bird’ remark and slams I’m A Celeb women

MORE: David Haye’s famous ex speaks out after ‘throuple’ claim and I’m A Celebrity backlash

MORE: I’m A Celebrity fans brand David Haye a ‘bully’ after Adam Thomas clash

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police said Sunday they are investigating whether a string of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London are the work of Iranian proxies, as the country’s chief rabbi said British Jews are facing a campaign of violence and intimidation.

The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing fires at synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.

No one has been injured in the blazes, the latest of which caused minor damage to a north London synagogue on Saturday night.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.

“We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran. As you would expect, we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” she said.

“I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London,” she added.

Israel’s government has described Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, whose name means the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, as a recently founded group with suspected links to “an Iranian proxy” that has also claimed responsibility for synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The police force has deployed extra uniformed and plainclothes officers to northwest London after attacks in the past month on synagogues, Jewish charity ambulances and a Persian-language media organization critical of Iran’s government.

In the most serious incident, four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were torched on March 23 in the Golders Green neighborhood,

No one has been injured in any of the incidents, which all happened within a few miles of each other. Several people, ranging in age from teens to people in their 40s, have been arrested and charged.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attacks, and pledged that “those responsible will be found and brought to justice.

“This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” Starmer said.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia also posted a video claiming Israel’s London embassy was going to be attacked with drones carrying dangerous substances. Police said the embassy was not attacked, but the force shut the nearby Kensington Gardens park on Friday as officers examined discarded items including two jars containing powder. Police said nothing harmful was found.

The U.K. has accused Iran of using criminal proxies to conduct attacks on European soil targeting opposition media outlets and the Jewish community. Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence service says that more than 20 “potentially lethal” Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year to October.

Some security experts say Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia is likely a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said any “thugs for hire” who carried out such attacks would face justice.

“Let’s be really clear — it’s a mug’s game,” he said. “That’s what people who are now serving long prison sentences have found out, and the same fate awaits those responsible for these recent crimes.”

Shay Holmes was initially charged with attempted murder but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his plea to the lesser charge.

The 23-year-old also pleaded guilty to a count of dangerous driving following the alleged ‘hit-and-run’ on January 8 this year.

He entered a not guilty plea to the charge of attempted murder but guilty to GBH with intent.

Paul Abrahams, prosecuting, said: “The Crown has reviewed this case very carefully and I have had a case conference with the police and we are content with the offer of the pleas.

“Therefore, in due course we will offer no evidence on count one (the attempted murder charge).”

Judge Jonathan Carroll remanded Holmes in custody to allow time for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.

“You will be sentenced in due course,” he said. “You should understand that a custodial sentence is inevitable.

“I will adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report so the question of dangerousness can be assessed.”

Carr Lane in Spennymoor (Image: ANNA BARNES)

His arrest was made after a 44-year-old man was left with critical injuries after being hit by a car on Carr Lane shortly after 1am.

The surrounding area was taped off following the incident, with pictures showing police cars at the scene while a number of items lay in the road.

At the time Durham Police later launched an appeal for any residents with CCTV to get in touch.

Holmes, of Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor, will return to court on June 19 to be sentenced.

The spate of burglaries occurred on Elliott Street, in Tyldesley, on the night of Wednesday, April 15, between 11.45pm and 3am.

Greater Manchester Police say they have been patrolling these areas and securing evidence to identify those responsible.

GMP are also urging business owners in the area to “ensure that they are extra vigilant with safety measures by securing their premises with locks, shutters and alarms”.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “We are patrolling these areas and want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to secure evidence.”

• If you have any information that would assist police in their enquiries, please report this online or call 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, if offenders are on site, ensure your safety and call 999 immediately.

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in domestic-related shootings at different homes early Sunday, police in Shreveport said.

The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were people shot.

The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes, which extended across three locations. Some of the children shot were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It’s a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.

___

This story has been corrected to attribute the statements about the shooting to police spokesperson Chris Bordelon, not Police Chief Wayne Smith.