As the huge project gets underway, drivers have been advised to use alternative routes in the city

Works are beginning to transform Cardiff’s Callaghan Square as part of the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail. The scheme is a new tram-train route set to be built between Cardiff Central Railway Station and Cardiff Bay.

The scheme, which work is set to start on Monday, June 15, marks the beginning of an ambitious vision for the project, which, when complete, will deliver a “modern tram system” connecting Plasdwr in the north-west of the city with the proposed new Parkway Railway Station in the east.

It is backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s levelling up fund, and is a joint project between Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales, with GRAHAM appointed as the principal contractor. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

The first phase of the project will help manage the increase in footfall, transport visitors to and from Cardiff’s 16,500-seat indoor arena, currently under construction, and carry workers, residents and visitors between the bay and the city centre.

What the first phase of the scheme will deliver:

• A new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay, via the new Loudoun Square Railway Station, which is currently under construction.
• New tram platforms at Cardiff Central Railway Station and an additional platform at Cardiff Bay Railway Station.
• A new twin-track tramway through Callaghan Square.
• A simpler road layout, making the area safer and easier to use.
• New pedestrian spaces, landscaping and sustainable drainage.
• Fully segregated cycle routes and improved pedestrian crossings.

Travel disruption

Cardiff Council says there will be impacts on the highway network while work takes place.

Although there will be no road closures during the first phase of the enabling works, there will be a reduction in traffic lanes on Callaghan Square while the site is cleared and the contractor begins diverting utilities beneath the carriageway.

Variable message signs on major routes into the city are already providing advance notice to motorists, with additional on-street signage being installed on roads approaching Callaghan Square later this week.

Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes while these works are underway:

• From the north, motorists are advised to use North Road, Boulevard de Nantes and Fitzalan Place.
• From the east, motorists are advised to use Newport Road and Glossop Road.
• From the south and west, motorists are advised to use the A4232 (Link Road) and Central Link.

What’s been said…

Cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning and transport, councillor Dan De’Ath, said: “This is a long-term investment in Cardiff’s public transport infrastructure and will play a key role in supporting major developments across the city, including the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Railway Station, the regeneration of Callaghan Square, the new indoor arena and the Atlantic Wharf redevelopment in Cardiff Bay.

“The vision for Cardiff Crossrail is clearly set out in the city’s 10-year transport vision. This is about building a greener, more sustainable and affordable transport system for the city.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience while we deliver these vital works.

“As the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail will run through Callaghan Square, the work involved is very complex, as significant work must take place to divert key utilities beneath the carriageway that serve businesses and residents in the city centre and beyond.”

Deputy minister for transport, Mark Hooper said: “I am delighted that work is due to start this month on Cardiff Crossrail.

“I am committed to the delivery of high quality, affordable public transport and thanks to the Welsh Government’s £50m investment, Cardiff Crossrail will improve connectivity in our capital city.”

Chief infrastructure officer from Transport for Wales, Dan Tipper, said: “The start of works on this first phase is an important milestone in delivering improved public transport for Cardiff.

“Working in partnership with Cardiff Council, we’re focused on creating modern, reliable and more sustainable ways for people to travel across the city.

“Crossrail is a key part of our vision for a South Wales Metro that will support Cardiff’s continued growth, improve connectivity and provide greater choice for residents, businesses and visitors.

“We’d like to thank the public for their patience as we begin this essential work.”

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And contracts director at GRAHAM, Andrew Henry, said: “Work starting on site is a crucial moment for the Cardiff Crossrail project, which will fundamentally change how people move around the city.

“Callaghan Square is a busy, working environment, with significant utility diversions required beneath the carriageway before trackwork can begin. Our team has planned this carefully to keep disruption to a minimum, and we would ask road users to follow the signage in place and allow a little extra time for their journeys.

“Cardiff has an exciting few years ahead and we are proud to be delivering infrastructure of this scale in the city. Our team looks forward to handing over a tram-train connection that will serve residents and visitors for generations.”

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This crash reportedly happened on Tonge Moor Road at around 5,30pm on the afternoon of Saturday June 13, with emergency services called to the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least two cars appeared to have been damaged in the incident, with police officers, firefighters and paramedics all called to Tonge Moor Road.

An eyewitness said: “It seemed like a crash, two cars were badly damaged and they seemed to be cutting someone out of one of the cars.”

Police were on the scene (Image: Public)

She added: “It happened near Happy House on Tonge Moor Road.”

Images from the scene show a large emergency services presence, with uniformed officers on the streets and vehicles parked around the area.

At least two cars are believed to have been involved (Image: Public)

Tonge Moor Road is one of the major routes through the north east of the town, with the incident believed to have happened between the junctions with Saddle Street and Lichfield Street.

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.

Anyone with any further information or concerns about the incident on Tonge Moor Road or about road safety in their areas can call police on 101.

Members of the public have been advised to always call 999 in the event of an emergency as soon as it is safe to do so.

Coxhoe, a former mining village about five miles south of Durham City, sits just off the A177 near Junction 61 of the A1(M).

It also has a literary claim to fame.

Coxhoe Hall, now demolished, was the birthplace of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who was born there in 1806 and went on to become one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era

For all that, plenty of people still stumble over the name.

How do you pronounce it?

Visitors arriving from outside County Durham tend to pronounce it as it looks on the sign: Cox-hoe. Locals wince.

To anyone who has grown up here, it has always been Coxer, rhyming with “boxer”, and that is how you will hear it on Front Street, in the workingmen’s clubs and on the touchline on a Sunday morning.

What’s in a name?

The explanation lies in the village’s history and the way Durham speech has evolved. Coxhoe Village Hall’s history of the area notes that the “hoe” element comes from Old English, meaning a heel or promontory of land, a raised piece of ground.

Over centuries of use in local dialect, that longer ending has been worn down in everyday speech until the “hoe” is little more than an “er” sound at the back of the throat.

Old spellings of the place name back this up. Records show versions such as Cokeshoui in 1235, Coksouw in 1344, Coksow in 1553 and Coxsey as late as 1794.

Each reflects how people were actually saying the name at the time, and none of them suggest anyone was ever carefully pronouncing the “hoe” on the end.

The first part of the name is thought to come from a personal name, probably the person who originally held the land, which makes Coxhoe essentially “Cox’s promontory”.

The developer says she has had to turn away at least 37 families because of a planning condition

A housing development stands virtually deserted despite construction being finished and the properties being marketed for two years. The homes are situated in the small village of Brynteg – near the popular seaside town of Benllech in Anglesey.

They are marketed as “turnkey” properties that come furnished and move-in ready. However, at Parc Delfryn, located adjacent to Storws Wen golf club, just two of the 16 developed homes have found buyers.

The developer attributes this to a planning condition imposed when approval was granted in 2007. This requirement specified that the three-bedroom houses could only be utilised as holiday properties. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter.

This restriction had not hindered sales during an earlier 20-property development that was finished in 2022. That initial phase by the same developer was snapped up remarkably quickly, reports North Wales Live.

However, the landscape has shifted in recent years with mounting concerns about insufficient local housing.

This has resulted in limitations being placed on holiday homes, with second properties subject to a council tax premium (presently 100% on Anglesey) unless they qualify as holiday lets that are rented out for a minimum of 182 days annually.

This has dampened demand for second homes on the island. While the measures have been applauded by many, it has proved detrimental for the developer of Parc Delfryn.

With merely two of the 16 homes sold – the developer wishes to pursue a different approach. They are calling on Anglesey council to remove the planning restriction and permit the properties to be marketed as residential dwellings.

A planning agent says the applicant and owner Collette Cartwright has indicated she would be willing to accept conditions limiting sales to individuals with ties to the island.

The properties are currently on the market at £250,000 following several price reductions.

Agent Simon James, from PLanD, said: “A phase one scheme, also built out by the applicant, comprised 20 holiday homes under a separate planning permission, and was commenced in February 2020.

“This was completed by Easter 2022, the dwellings were marketed and were sold very quickly, however, this took place prior to the tax changes brought into place by the Welsh Government to deter the growth in holiday and second homes in favour of primary residential uses, and which, in line with their objectives, have dramatically affected the local property market.”

He added: “To date, the applicant, notwithstanding the extensive efforts expended in seeking to sell the dwellings over two years, has only sold two properties.

“This in particular has occurred at a time when there is both clear government policy pressure to discourage the creation of holiday homes, in preference to full residential dwellings, and demonstrably, a good level of demand for family homes, itself increased by declining delivery of family homes and a likely rise in demand as both interest rates fall and recently announced significant economic investment in the area.

“There are therefore 14, fully completed, modern family homes ready to be occupied, but which, because of the particular occupancy restriction imposed, are unattractive in the market for the consented, restricted use, even though the price has been reduced quite substantially over time.

“At the same time, in the view of the marketing agents, the dwellings would have been very attractive in the general housing market as family dwellings.

“The applicant has turned away at least 37 families who enquired about the potential purchase of the properties as full time family homes, i.e, these were not general searches, but specific enquiries made of the properties.”

Estate agents Dafydd Hardy and Beresford Adams were asked to compile a report on the marketing history of the site.

It concluded: “We have, we believe, demonstrated that a comprehensive, wide-ranging and sustained marketing campaign has been carried out with a very engaged client/owner who has responded to the marketing advice we have given.

“This has yielded very little positive results, and this indicates that the market for second/holiday homes, at the very least in Brynteg, is simply not there at this time.

“The question therefore is, is it right to leave valuable housing stock lying idle when it can be put to a positive and sustainable use, and meet the acknowledged need of local families seeking attractive and long-term family housing.”

The application is currently under review by planning officials at Anglesey Council.

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Bridgerton actor James Bradwell has opened up about taking on the iconic role of Sgt Gavin Troy in the Midsomer Murders stage play alongside Daniel Casey

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Bridgerton star James Bradwell has shared his experience of portraying Sgt Gavin Troy in the stage production of Midsomer Murders.

The actor, known for his portrayal of Lord Basilio in Bridgerton, is appearing alongside Daniel Casey, who originally played Sgt Troy in the ITV series with John Nettles but has since taken on the lead detective role of DCI Tom Barnaby in the theatrical version.

Last year, the duo assumed the principal roles in a stage adaptation of Caroline Graham’s The Killings at Badger’s Drift, which served as the pilot for the ITV programme.

In a recent interview, the actor discussed his experience working with Daniel and whether he experienced any “pressure” in taking on the character of Sgt Troy.

Speaking to Jadar, James shared, “I felt that pressure when I was cast, and I was able to reach out to Dan. Dan has been so generous, and so lovely with his time for me, and being really intent on having our own dynamic that feels like our own detective buddy feeling, in the same way that he had such a longstanding rapport with John Nettles.

“But he was very clear from day one. He said he’s in the same boat since he’s stepping into John Nettles’ shoes, and those are big shoes to fill. And so that pressure was eased because we were both sort of went through that experience together.”

As the present tour draws to a close, it has been announced that Daniel will reprise his role as DCI Tom Barnaby in 2027, though it remains unclear whether James will accompany him in the extended tour.

This second tour will present the same narrative but with a fresh ensemble of performers, reports the Express.

The synopsis reveals: “Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident.

“DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin, Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.”

The Killings at Badger’s Drift served as the original pilot episode for Midsomer Murders in 1997 and was the opening instalment of the book series by Caroline Graham.

The tour is scheduled to commence in Birmingham on 23 April and conclude in Newcastle on 31 July 2027.

“Since returning to the world of Midsomer last October, it has been such a delight to see the incredible reaction of people around the UK and Ireland to our theatre version of The Killings at Badger’s Drift and, most importantly for me, getting my dear friend John Nettles’ seal of approval after he saw it in Truro,” Daniel shared in a recent interview with the Radio Times.

“So it is wonderful that, after such a successful first tour, we will be touring to even more venues in 2027. Thank you to all those people who have shown such love for the play, and I can’t wait to bring it to a whole new audience in some wonderful new venues in 2027.”

Netherlands squad: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen, Nathan Ake, Sven Botman, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Lutsharel Geertruida, Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer, Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Justin Kluivert, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst

Graze on the Green, located in Rosedale Abbey near Pickering, currently holds a 4.8-star rating on TripAdvisor.

The café and tearoom sit in the heart of the village, surrounded by the scenery of Rosedale and the North York Moors National Park.

Despite Rosedale Abbey being a small and peaceful village, Graze on the Green has become a popular stop for walkers, cyclists and visitors exploring one of the area’s most scenic valleys.

The café describes itself as serving locally sourced homemade food, with breakfasts, lunches, brunches, drinks and a cake counter that changes daily.

Graze on the Green, located in Rosedale Abbey near Pickering (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Visitors regularly highlight the cakes as one of the main reasons to visit.

One reviewer described it as a “fantastic tea room”, praising the “gorgeous homemade cakes”, “lovely coffee” and “proper pot of tea with extra hot water”.

Another visitor said they returned the next day after breakfast and took home a Bakewell tart, calling it “the best I have ever had”.

The café’s breakfasts are also frequently mentioned in reviews.

One customer said the full English and vegetarian breakfast was so good they came back again the following day, while another described the breakfast as “awesome”.

Others praise the café’s sandwiches, lunches and generous portions.

A visitor who booked an outdoor table said they were greeted with a “lovely warm welcome” before enjoying cheese and chutney sandwiches served with salad and chips, adding: “I’d recommend this place 100 per cent.”

Another reviewer said the café offered “top class food, cakes and service”, adding that the cake selection remained a highlight with scones, egg custard tart, Bakewell-style bakes, cheesecakes and blondies among the options mentioned.

Graze on the Green has also built up a strong following among walkers exploring the Rosedale area.

One visitor who stopped while hiking described it as a “cosy café” with great coffee, cakes and friendly staff, adding that they would definitely return.

Another praised the atmosphere, saying the building felt peaceful, with plenty of room between tables and a wide choice of food.

Graze on the Green is also noted for offering gluten-free options and accepting card payments, making it a convenient stop for visitors spending the day in the village.

Rosedale Abbey itself is a popular base for walks, with trails leading through a landscape shaped by medieval history, ironstone mining and sweeping moorland views.

Many visitors combine a stop at the café with walks around the village green, the remains of Rosedale’s former priory or routes towards the old railway and mining remains above the valley.

With hundreds of positive reviews and repeated praise for its cakes, breakfasts and friendly atmosphere, Graze on the Green has become one of Rosedale Abbey’s best-loved places to eat.

Hip dips are having a moment. The perfectly normal indentations that sit below your hips on the outer thigh have become the latest body feature to be scrutinised, fixed and agonised over on social media. But what are they? Can you actually get rid of them? And should you even try?

Formally known as the trochanteric depression, hip dips exist in both men and women and are simply the visible result of the space between two bones – part of the pelvis called the iliac crest and a bony bulge on the upper thigh bone called the greater trochanter. How pronounced they look depends on your bone structure, muscle size and how much fat sits in the area. In other words, they are largely the result of genetics.

Research suggests that some people feel hip dips disrupt the natural contours of the body, though what counts as an attractive figure varies widely from person to person.

The exercises most commonly recommended to reduce hip dips target the gluteus medius, the medium-sized buttock muscle that sits directly over the depression. These include side-lying hip abduction, the side-lying hip clam, standing hip abduction with or without resistance, and weight-bearing exercises such as squats, lunges, step exercises and supine bridges.

Because the gluteus medius comprises three groups of fibres, a mix of exercises is likely to work better than sticking to one. But here is the catch: as you build muscle and reduce fat in that area, the underlying bones and muscles can actually become more prominent, making the dip more visible, not less. A layer of connective tissue called the fascia keeps the muscles separate and ensures some depression will always remain where they meet the bone.

There is also a longer-term risk worth knowing about. Overloading the gluteus medius through repetitive exercise is a leading cause of microtrauma to the muscle and its tendons, which can trigger a condition called greater trochanteric pain syndrome. It affects the same area as hip dips, is up to four times more common in women than men, and will affect up to a quarter of the population at some point in their lives.

Symptoms include hip, thigh and buttock pain and tenderness. The body’s repair process involves replacing damaged tendon tissue with a weaker form of collagen, gradually reducing the strength and integrity of the tendons over time.

Cosmetic procedures

For those wanting faster or more dramatic results, cosmetic procedures are an option, though none come without drawbacks. Surgical fat transfer involves taking fat from elsewhere on the body – the thighs or breasts, for example – and injecting it into the hip dip area.

The risks include bruising, infection, fat loss, tissue death and, in rare cases, fat embolism.

A newer and less invasive option is hyaluronic acid injections, which draw water into the tissue and temporarily increase its volume. Because the injections are given in an area with only small blood vessels, the risks are lower. However, the results are not permanent, since the body breaks hyaluronic acid down over time, meaning repeat treatments are needed.

Although hip dips appear in both sexes, it is almost exclusively women who seek to change them, reflecting broader differences in how men and women are socialised to think about the shape of their bodies.

The honest answer is that short of surgery, hip dips cannot be eliminated. They are a feature of your skeleton, and no amount of gym work will move your bones. Exercise can change the shape of the surrounding muscles to some degree, but may do little to the depression itself and carries its own risks if taken too far. For most people, the most straightforward option remains the least fashionable one: leaving them alone.