One person described the roads as having ‘masses of potholes’

Locals say public transport is “non-existent” in a Cambridgeshire town, and the “hideous” roads are blighted with potholes. Ramsey is a rural town in between Huntingdon and Peterborough.

Despite being within a driveable distance from bigger towns and cities, locals feel their public transport to get to these places isn’t good enough. As well as public transport, people find Ramsey’s roads to be filled with potholes, making them unattractive and unsafe.

Jane Kinpton described public buses as “non-existent”. She said it feels like it takes “two hours to get to Peterborough” by bus, despite only being a 25-minute drive away.

Jane, who lives in Ramsey Forty Foot with her husband Jeff, added: “We live near a bus stop and hardly see any buses. We don’t use public transport, even though we have a free bus pass. We only use it to go to Cambridge.”

Jeff said: “We have two cars instead. You won’t believe the mileage we have to do.” Jane added that she believed the town’s roads were “dangerous”. Jeff agreed: “I know two people that have had to have tyres changed because of the potholes.”

Elaine Baxter doesn’t live in Ramsey, but travels to the town regularly to visit her parents and often uses the buses. She said: “I think the buses aren’t too bad for a rural area. However, the problem is you can’t get back from Peterborough or Huntingdon so easily.”

Elaine’s mum is immobile and her dad is blind. With limited public transport, she said her parents are “trapped” here. She added: “It’s really hard to get them to the hospital [in Peterborough].”

With her parents being vulnerable, Elaine also has concerns about the pothole-filled roads. She said: “I find walking with my mum hard. And with my dad being blind, dad has face planted the pavement a couple of times. It’s a hazard.”

Long-term resident Debbie Lowther describes the roads as “hideous”. She said: “We have masses of potholes. However, Fen roads are notoriously bad, and it comes down to costs.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she “doesn’t bother” to use the buses. She added: “They are either always late or don’t turn up. I go to Peterborough quite a bit as my daughter lives there. It takes ages to get there on the bus. Despite petrol going up, I’d rather just drive to avoid wasting my life away.”

The woman also described Ramsey’s potholes as “abysmal”. She said: “They seem to be everywhere. It’s so dangerous not just for drivers, but for cyclists and even someone walking across the street. What if someone was walking with a child in a pushchair and they become caught in the pothole? Someone could get really hurt.”

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority oversees transport in the county. Despite a claim that a journey takes around two hours to Peterborough, the CPCA emphasised that it is funding a bus route that will take around 40 minutes to Peterborough.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said: “I wasn’t prepared to leave Ramsey stranded and worked with the Combined Authority Board to launch the X31 this year, giving people a reliable connection to Peterborough.

“I want our rural places to have improved public transport and that’s why I’m working to bring in a franchised bus service that works better for those communities. And in the meantime I’ll continue to support places like Ramsey where there is a strong case for us stepping in to keep services running.”

A CPCA spokesperson added: “Like most of England, bus services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough operate under a deregulated system, which means commercial operators decide which routes to run based on profitability. Where services are less viable, often in rural areas, the Combined Authority can step in to fund them, but resources are limited.

“The Combined Authority has been supporting bus services in Ramsey. At the start of this year, we funded the improved X31, which provides direct journeys of around 40 minutes between Ramsey and Peterborough via Upwood and Bury. These services run every two hours and are also timed to support students travelling to Peterborough College.”

The spokesperson added: “We also fund the Ramsey to March 32 service, which stops at Whittlesey, where onward journeys to Peterborough can be made. In September 2025, when the previous operator pulled out of the former 31 Ramsey Peterborough route, we stepped in to save the service and keep the town connected until the improved X31 could launch.

“We understand the challenges rural communities face with public transport. That’s why we’ve been investing back into the bus network to protect and improve services in areas like Ramsey. We are always reviewing how well our subsidised services are performing and will make changes if needed.

“Looking ahead, the Combined Authority is working to bring in bus franchising, which will give us far greater control over routes, frequencies and service standards across the region. This will allow us to design a bus network that better serves our communities.”

The county’s roads are overseen by Cambridgeshire County Council. On the issue of potholes, a council spokesperson said: “Ensuring safe travel is a key priority for us – this year we’re continuing record levels of investment in highways maintenance across the county, which is being used to repair roads, cycleways, footpaths and other highway assets.

“Residents can help us keep our roads and footpaths safe for all users, by reporting the issues they find online via our website.”

Comedian Jorma Taccone has revealed that Kevin Spacey was the one Saturday Night Live host that he was not excited to work with during his time on the show.

Taccone was a member of the Lonely Island trio alongside Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer. The group produced digital shorts on SNL from 2005 to 2011 as the late night series began to incorporate the internet into their comedy, meaning the short writers interacted with the variety show’s cast members — including the weekly guest hosts and musical acts.

“In general, I liked almost every host that came to SNL,” Taccone, 49, said on Friday’s episode of The Daily Beast’s podcast show Obsessed. However, he added that there was one celebrity that he “wasn’t super geeked on.”

“I’ve never said this before,” Taccone confessed before revealing that he was talking about Spacey, 66, who hosted SNL for the second time in May 2006 with musical guest Nelly Furtado.

The “I’m On A Boat” co-writer recalled: “I did not enjoy that, and felt very uncomfortable around him.” Taccone did not elaborate further.

Spacey, a once celebrated two-time Oscar winner, was exiled from mainstream Hollywood in 2017 after multiple men accused him of sexual misconduct. He has consistently denied all allegations against him and maintained his innocence.

In 2022, the Usual Suspects actor was cleared by a jury in a $40 million civil lawsuit brought by actor Anthony Rapp, who accused Spacey of molesting him when he was 14. Spacey was then tried in London in 2023 on nine alleged sex offense allegations from four men, and acquitted on all counts.

Last month, Spacey reached civil settlements with three men out of court over more sexual assault allegations from between 2000 and 2013.

Representatives for Spacey did not immediately return The Independent’s request for response to Taccone’s statement.

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Taccone is not the only SNL cast member who recalled an uncomfortable experience during the House of Cards actor’s hosting stint. In 2022, Tina Fey revealed at the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival in Los Angeles that Spacey had flirted with her years before he came out as gay in response to the sexual assault allegations against him in 2017.

“This is the kind of weird thing that used to happen to me,” Fey said at the time. “One time when he was hosting SNL, at the after-party, it was late and Kevin Spacey tried to hit on me.”

She joked that she doubted his attraction to her at the time, saying: “I was like, ‘Who is this for? Who is this little performance for?’”

Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Next week is set to bring heat into the Dales

If anyone moved to Emmerdale for a quiet life, then it’s definitely the wrong village for them. The ITV soap has teased more drama to come next week in the Dales.

After Bear Wolf confessed to murdering Ray Walters, and Moira Dingle off the hook, the sentencing begins with Bear nervously awaiting his time to shine on the stand.

Elsewhere, after the birth of baby Leyla, Jacob decided to drop his complaint against Dr Caitlin Todd – thanks to Charity’s interference also. However, things continue to get worse for the trainee doctor.

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As Joe Tate continues to swan around even after everything he’s done, he might not have the taste of success much longer as Dawn decides enough is enough.

Here’s what else is coming up in the Dales…

It’s time for the sentencing…

It’s the day of court. Paddy, Dylan share an emotional moment before heading out to face the day ahead. April’s a bundle of nerves as she prepares for her testimony, with Marlon encouraging her to be brave and use the day to tell the jurors the truth about Ray’s abuse. As the trial begins, the defence and prosecution barristers argue their cases in front of the judge, jury, and spectators, and Bear is overwhelmed as he’s forced to relive Ray’s death and his experience at the farm.

April then testifies but struggles under cross-examination; leaving her devastated. Before long it’s Dylan who testifies for the defence, recounting how Bear saved his and Paddy’s lives from Ray. But will he cope under cross-examination? Afterwards, April’s distraught in the court corridor, worried she messed up, but Marlon tries to comfort her by praising her bravery.

Back in the courtroom, Simo takes the stand and Bear begins to spiral on hearing his words. After court adjourns, Zara explains the situation and how she feels they are left with no other choice, than putting Bear on the stand the next day and Paddy reluctantly agrees… But will Bear be up to it?

The next day Paddy and the family nervously arrive at court before Bear’s testimony to see whether Bear will make or break the case. The tension lessens briefly when Bear’s counsellor commences by giving a powerful expert testimony, explaining how Bear was groomed by Ray and feared for his life.

With his family watching encouragingly, a nervous Bear Wolf then takes the witness stand to begin his own testimony…

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Jacob tries to trap Dr Todd…

Jacob is uncomfortable bumping into Dr Todd in the village as she mocks him overtly. When Dr Todd maliciously implies to Sarah how Jacob is desperate to return to work despite their baby, Sarah heads to confront Jacob. Soon furious Jacob finds Todd in the Woolpack Corridors and warns her off from lying to his wife. When Jacob follows her into the ladies loo he has seemingly fallen into Dr Todd’s trap as when Vanessa walks in she is alarmed to find Jacob in there.

Later, Vanessa confronts Jacob about his earlier conduct and Sarah demands to know what’s happening, and Jacob finally comes clean to her about all of Todd’s harassment. As Jacob tearfully confesses to all of Todd’s bullying, Sarah comforts him and promises they will face the problem together.

The next day Sarah notices how much Jacob is suffering as a result of Todd’s manipulation and offers her support, urging him to stand up to his bully. She later goes to confront Vanessa for believing Todd over Jacob. At work when Jacob speaks to Carol in HR about making a formal complaint about Todd he is blindsided when Carol reveals Todd has already submitted a complaint about him. And how Todd has provided a substantial file of evidence, including voice recordings. Jacob despairs, feeling he has no chance against such a longstanding colleague.

Later, Jacob tells Sarah about Todd’s file of fabricated evidence against him. Seeing Jacob’s ready to give up, Sarah strongly encourages him to fight back for the career he has always dreamed of, for Leyla’s sake. Heading Sarah’s words, Jacob goes to Tug Ghyll to speak to Todd.

Dawn plans her revenge for Joe…

Dawn struggles to muster the energy to deal with Joe’s excitement over the baby. Soon a troubled Dawn heads to find Moira and confesses she’s struggling to stay with Joe and disguise her loathing of him. Moira urges her to stay for the money as she will need the money to fight him in court. And soon the plan begins..

Elsewhere in the village…

The ladies darts craze continues in the pub. Struggling to keep Robert’s betrayal from Cain ahead of his operation Moira’s stress mounts. That evening Cain expresses worry about how his operation will change their relationship, but Moira assures him they will face whatever together as a team as they wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.

The new BBC Radio 2 Breakfast DJ has praised the vegan hair-growth supplement that helps promote healthier, fuller locks

They say hair is people’s most important accessory, but when thinning or loss kicks in due to age and stress, it can take a serious toll on confidence. Fortunately, the beauty world is currently undergoing a hair-care revolution, with one particular supplement leading the charge.

DR.VEGAN’s Hair Saviour has earned a high-profile fan in Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Sara Cox, whose signature blonde fringe has become as iconic as her voice. Designed to rescue thinning strands and boost density, these capsules have already helped thousands of shoppers achieve a thicker, more resilient mane.

The science behind the results is just as impressive. The formula features a blend of 14 key nutrients, including biotin, zinc, and saw palmetto, but the real star is the patented AnaGain™.

Extracted from pea sprouts, this clinically validated ingredient has been shown to increase the probability of hair growth by a staggering 78%. For those looking to restore their hair’s “lustre” without the fuss, this vegan-friendly ritual is becoming a go-to.

Sara Cox, who was announced as Scott Mills’ replacement on the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 after his sudden departure and dismissal, has previously said about using DR VEGAN: “My hair was feeling dry and looking a bit dull, so I needed help.

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“After about 6 weeks, I started to notice less shedding and my hair began to feel fuller, and after about 10 weeks, I started seeing new baby hairs coming through.”

Even better, the supplement is currently available for 56p per day until midnight on 31st May. Anyone wishing to take advantage of the promotion, which offers up to 40% off the first three months, must enter the code HAIRSAVE at checkout, reports the Mirror.

Various purchase plans are offered for the capsules – with two capsules required daily for 60 days – including 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day subscription packages, as well as one-time purchases in different quantities.

The company suggests its subscription plans offer the best value, with the 90-day package costing £52.40 when using the promotional code, down from £77.97. Purchasing these three pouches as a single order would total £56 after the discount is applied.

DR. VEGAN notes that consumers generally notice improvements in hair density, reduced hair loss, and fresh growth within 12 weeks. A study involving 100 individuals who used Hair Saviour for 2 months or longer found that 81% found it beneficial, 73% experienced enhanced hair strength after 3 months, and 70% witnessed new hair growth after 3 months.

On the high street, Hairburst is selling an Advanced+ Hair Growth Starter Kit with the three-month programme, priced at 91p per day or £84.49 for the full three months. Meanwhile, at Chāmpo, the sought-after Pitta Growth Serum in its larger format is available for £46, reduced from £56.67.

Returning to DR VEGAN supplements, they’ve proven popular, with one delighted buyer sharing: “My hairdresser and I have noticed a huge difference. I am no longer shedding multiple strands throughout the day, and new hair has been growing.”

Another customer reported comparable results, saying: “For anyone worrying about their hair…definitely give these a try. My hair feels thicker, stronger, and silkier… hair on the sides (near my fringe area) has started to grow in again, and my scalp feels a lot calmer.

“My hairdresser has noticed a difference and commented on how healthy my hair looks. I’m delighted that this works and will definitely be reordering some more.”

A third buyer remarked: “My hair is growing like crazy and is in so much better condition than it’s ever been.” It should be noted that one less impressed customer awarded three stars, observing: “Haven’t noticed any change yet, I’ll review properly when it’s taken a bit longer.”

However, many others celebrated the impressive outcomes they experienced with Hair Saviour. One DR. VEGAN enthusiast recounted their journey, explaining: “I’m 51 and in my menopause, and my hair was thinning, especially around the front hairline.

“I saw these advertised online and thought I’d try them… And I’m glad I did, they work! Slowly, my hair is growing back at the front, and the sides of my hair are actually growing for once!”

Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications covering her voice and likeness, apparently in a bid to halt the creation of artificial intelligence deepfakes.

The pop superstar, who was recently named as Spotify’s most-streamed artist of all time, submitted two sound trademarks covering her voice, one including the phrase “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift,” and the other simply “Hey, it’s Taylor.”

She also filed to trademark an image of herself holding a pink guitar during her record-breaking “Eras” tour.

In a blog post, intellectual-property attorney Josh Gerben (who does not represent Swift) argued that is likely the filings are intended to protect Swift from unauthorized AI versions of herself being created.

“Theoretically, if a lawsuit were to be filed over an AI using Swift’s voice, she could claim that any use of her voice that sounds like the registered trademark violates her trademark rights,” wrote Gerben.

Gerben continued: “The image-based filing serves a similar purpose. By protecting a distinctive visual, down to Swift’s commonly worn jumpsuit and pose, Swift’s team may gain additional grounds to pursue claims against manipulated or AI-generated images that evoke her likeness.”

Last year, actor Matthew McConaughey was granted a trademark for his signature catchphrase “alright, alright, alright” in a similar legal move.

Attorneys for the entertainment law firm Yorn Levine, representing McConaughey, applied for the protection in December 2023, but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved the trademark in December 2025.

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While state consumer protection laws already protect celebrities from having their likeness replicated to sell products, McConaughey’s trademark strategy means that the Interstellar actor will now have grounds to sue in federal court over general “misuse” on the internet, even if misleading AI videos using his image are not explicitly selling anything.

Yorn Levine founder and lawyer Kevin Yorn said in a statement shared with The Independent: “We embrace AI, invest in it, and actively support its evolution. Progress, however, should have boundaries. Protecting individual voice, image, and intellectual property is essential to building a future that works for everyone. Along with Matthew, we are forward-looking, engaged in the possibilities of AI, and thoughtful about how everyone’s creative identity is represented and protected.”

McConaughey told the Wall Street Journal: “My team and I want to know that when my voice or likeness is ever used, it’s because I approved and signed off on it. We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world.”

Chelsea are once again on the lookout for a new manager following the departure of Liam Rosenior

Chelsea are on the search for a new manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last week. The Blues decided to part ways with the manager following a 3-0 defeat against Brighton.

Calum McFarlane is taking interim charge of the side until the end of the season, with the search over Rosenior’s permanent successor now taking place. Several names have already been linked with the role, including Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and former midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Chelsea should be getting used to searching for a new manager, given the changes in the managerial hotseat over the last few years. Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has previously revealed that he has turned down the role at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Galatasaray claim refs have ‘evil inside’ after Jose Mourinho waged war on Turkish officialsREAD MORE: Joe Cole tells Frank Lampard to steer clear of ‘insane’ Chelsea return – ‘Stay away’

The Blues approached the German following Frank Lampard‘s exit in January 2021. Speaking to The Times just a month later, Rangnick revealed talks with Chelsea over the position, but there was one major sticking point.

“I said, ‘I would love to come and work with you, but I cannot do it for four months,” he said. “I am not an interim coach.’ To the media and players you would be the ‘four-month manager’, a lame duck, from day one.”

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Following his rejection of the job, Chelsea turned to now England boss, Thomas Tuchel, who went on to win the Champions League just a few months after his appointment. “Thomas is tactically on a very sophisticated level,” Rangnick said.

“[His assistant] Zsolt Low was my player and assistant coach at Leipzig and plays a vital role in his staff. And you can see from the way he interacts with players, Thomas also has great leadership skills.

“I can only congratulate Thomas and Chelsea for the choice.”

Tuchel left in 2022, and was replaced by Graham Potter. Chelsea have since had Lampard (interim), Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Rosenior as managers.

Less than a year after making the comments about turning down the Chelsea job, Rangnick took up the interim role at Man Utd. In his 29 games in charge, United won eleven, drew 9 and lost 9.

The 67-year-old is now the manager of the Austria national team. He will lead the nation in this summer’s World Cup, where they will take on Jordan, Argentina and Algeria in their Group J encounters.

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Major producers, including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, Sudan, and Kenya, are now entering critical planting cycles as energy and fertiliser costs soar.

As the season shifts towards the Northern Hemisphere in May, the window to secure the 2026 harvest is rapidly closing.

Last year, ten countries accounted for two-thirds of all people facing acute food insecurity globally, said the UN.

Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan alone represent nearly one-third of the total, according to the report.

Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen experienced the worst food crises, both in terms of the share and absolute number of people facing acute food insecurity.

More than 80 per cent of those affected live in countries affected by conflict.

An estimated 35.5 million children were acutely malnourished across the surveyed countries, including just under 10 million with severe acute malnutrition.

For many, the damage will be irreversible.

Children who survive acute malnutrition, often suffer permanent “stunting” – lifelong cognitive and physical damage.

Famine was last year confirmed in two areas – parts of the Gaza Strip and in Sudan – marking a first since records began, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the UN-backed global hunger monitor.

Improvements were reported in Bangladesh, Niger, parts of Nigeria and Sudan, and the Syrian Arab Republic, the report said.

Anthony Joshua has signed a deal to fight fellow former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Eddie Hearn has announced.

Joshua, who has not fought since he was a passenger in a fatal car crash in December, will first have a comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July.

Fury and Joshua – both two-time world champions – have carried British boxing on the global stage for more than a decade, yet despite years of negotiations and false starts, the fight has never materialised.

But promoter Hearn posted on social media on Monday that the long-awaited fight was “signed, sealed and delivered”.

“As I said, the landlord will collect his rent. That is certain,” Joshua said about the fight.

Joshua, 36, must first get past unknown 35-year-old Albanian Prenga – who boasts a record of 20 wins, all by stoppage, and one loss.

The British fighter’s most recent appearance in the ring was against Jake Paul in December.

Later that month Joshua’s driver crashed in Nigeria, with two members of the boxer’s team being killed.

“It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring and today is the next step on that journey,” Joshua said.

A date or venue for Joshua v Fury has not been announced. Hearn has previously suggested it could land in November on streaming giant Netflix.

Joshua attended Fury’s recent comeback fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov and was called out by his British rival immediately after he secured a comfortable decision win. Fury, 37, attempted to goad Joshua into the ring, but he declined.

Afterwards, Team Fury said they had signed their part of the contract and were waiting on Joshua to do the same.

“I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off,” Joshua added.