“Fires and barbecues are strictly prohibited due to the very real risk they pose to people, wildlife, and the wider landscape. We want everyone to enjoy the Heath, so please behave responsibly, and respect the space and those who care for it. Every visitor is also a ‘Heath Guardian’.”

Once there was a thriving colliery here. On the flat land just beyond the pile of bricks there was headgear, railways, coke ovens, brickworks, spoil heaps and a gasometer, plus there were lines of terraces providing accommodation for the 1,500 men and boys who worked on the site.

The Leasingthorne Colliery Reservoir Tower, by Northern Perspectives (Image: Northern Perspectives)

Now all that survives of Leasingthorne colliery, which was between Coundon and Kirk Merrington which can be seen at the top of the picture, is this pile of bricks – the remains of the reservoir tower.

As Memories 741 told last summer, Leasingthorne was brought into life in 1836 by the Chilton branch of the Clarence Railway. Its heyday was the 1930s and its closure in October 1967 was followed by rapid clearance of the colliery and demolition of the low, single storey terraces.

READ MORE: WHY YOU DON’T WANT TO LINGER AND DIE AT LEASINGTHORNE

Now all that remains of this classic Durham mining community is a single terrace and a former pub – the Eden Arms Hotel – that has become a private home now the thirsty miners have been moved on.

The Eden Arms Hotel at Leasingthorne is now a private house

Dave Wilkin, the Durham-based cameraman behind Northern Perspectives

READ MORE: MEET THE MAN AND HIS DRONE BEHIND NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES

And the reservoir tower, which was once on the edge of the pit yard. Its monumental status is captured in this wonderful photograph by Northern Perspectives, our regular contributor who uses the latest drone technology to shed new light on our beautiful and historic landscape. To see more of his amazing work, including his aerial videos, search “Northern Perspectives” on Facebook.

SEE ALSO: THE NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES VIEW OF A WONDERFUL VIADUCT ON A LINE FROM DARLINGTON

FORMER Labour candidate and Labour agent at the recent Heworth by-election David Ellis’s letter criticising the Liberal Democrats’ response to the Boundary Commission’s proposals is based on a misunderstanding of the point being made.

Nobody has claimed that changing ward boundaries would automatically change school catchment areas. As a former headteacher, Mr Ellis will know that catchment areas are reviewed through a separate process.

However, councillors were briefed by Labour’s own council officers that there is an attempt, where possible, to align ward boundaries and school catchment areas. The reason is obvious: both are intended to reflect the communities people belong to and the services they use.

Indeed, Labour’s own submission to the Boundary Commission refers to school catchment areas no fewer than 18 times. It is therefore rather strange to suggest that catchment areas are somehow irrelevant to discussions about ward boundaries.

That means ward boundaries can have implications for future decisions. If communities currently associated with Rural West York are moved into wards centred on Acomb, it becomes more likely that future reviews of catchment areas and other community-based services will view those neighbourhoods as part of Acomb rather than Rural West.

This was precisely why local residents raised concerns.

Read next:

The Boundary Commission specifically asks consultees to consider community ties and local identity. Highlighting the potential consequences of splitting established communities is therefore entirely legitimate and forms an important part of the consultation process.

Residents deserve a debate based on the facts and on what best reflects local communities, rather than accusations of “false information” directed at those who hold a different view.

Cllr Anne Hook,

Liberal Democrat councillor for Rural West York ward,

Upper Poppleton,

York

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Poor Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches). All he wanted was a holiday. Now he’s about to lose the the love of his life while facing a murderous kidnapping criminal, and possibly, his long-lost dad. Classic Emmerdale.

Tissues at the ready, Dales fans. We all knew the day that Lewis’s heart was going to get broken as soon as the exit of his boyfriend Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) was announced. We just didn’t know it would be so Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Since arriving in the village seven years ago with his mum the iconic Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley), Vinny has embarked upon a journey of self-discovery after realising that he was attracted to men, and Lewis has been a key part of that journey.

As a gay man and someone with autism, Lewis is no stranger to being different, Sharing a flat with Lewis at the time, Vinnie was given a safe space by his friend to process his feelings and accept who he was, which led to the end of his marriage toGabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), but eventually came to accept that he was attracted to men.

What started as a fun, quirky friendship soon evolved into some deeper, and their first came after they bonded over shared triumph with a classic Emmerdale activity- saving runaway sheep.

Together these two are Emmerdale’s answer to Heartstopper, which is ironic, given that’s the show where Lewis’ actor Bradley Riches started his career!

Unfortunately, ITV has announced cuts this year, and Vinnie Dingle is just one character unlucky enough to be saying goodbye to the Dales, along withOlivia Bromley (Dawn Taylor) and Jimmy King (Nick Miles).

Whatever the circumstances of Vinny’s exit, we’re betting it’s something to do with Lewis’ long lost and slightly unstable father, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill).

The  man-bunned menace was first introduced to us last year as the prison hubby of Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley). Now he’s back to reconnect with his son, and open a cafe with the frankly genius name A Slice of Kev-en.

Now it seems Lewis is about to have his world turned upside down by meeting his delightfully unhinged dad.. and his relationship with Vinny, along with his very life, could be at stake.

Last week’s trip to the Dales saw Vinny surprise Lewis with a spontaneous trip to Madeira. Although he wanted to go, Lewis’ anxiety got the best of him andthe spontaneity of the trip bothered him enough to decide not to go. But he insisted that Vinny still goes on the holiday, leaving Lewis feeling bittersweet.

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After some encouraging words from his big bro Ross (Michael Parr), Lewis decided to go on vay-cay- after all and rushed to catch Vinny up at the airport. However, the Love Actually Moment was ruined when Lewis was violently bundled into the back of a van!

In this week’s trip to the Dales, Ross receives a concerning message about Lewis abduction, stating that Lewis is at risk unless his father returns ‘Penny’ to the kidnapper. The plot thickens…

After doing some digging with Liam (Johnny McPherson), Ross discovers that Kev is Lewis’s dad … which leads to him being approached by Kylie, Lewis’s kidnapper!

If he wants to see Lewis again, Kylie demands the return of ‘Penny,’ which she deems the ‘most precious thing in the world’.

Liam finds Kev selling cakes from his van, but Ross is annoyed by Kev’s attitude, leading to a scuffle. Under duress, Kev claims Penny is a diamond he sold to a pawn shop, and Ross demands he buy it back.

However, once alone, Kev looks at a diamond around his neck, making it clear he didn’t sell it after all. Is this diamond worth Lewis’ life.

Ross and Liam are panicking over Lewis’s abduction. Ross receives a threatening text from Kylie featuring scalpels. Kylie video calls Kev, demanding he return “Penny” by the end of the day.

Meanwhle, A terrified Lewis is being held by Kylie.When Lewis asks if she is going to kill him, Kylie responds enigmatically which only worsens Lewis’ panic. 

Will Kev and Ross save Lewis from Kylie before it’s too late?

Given Vinnie’s impending exit, why do I have the nasty feeling that Vinnie will get caught in the crossfire?

MORE: ITV axes huge awards show after extreme budget-cuts: ‘It’s dead in the water’

MORE: Megan executes her final trump card ahead of Coronation Street sex abuse trial

MORE: Emmerdale star reveals major characters Kev could bring down – and he’s here for it

The opening day of music and entertainment began at 12 pm and ran through to 11 pm, with rap icon Skepta and electronic DJ and producer Sammy Virji among the standout performers.

Rudimental (Image: Danny Crompton)

Then there was a surprise appearance from Manchester-based star Aitch, who popped out unexpectedly during a set by Drum and Bass artist Bou.

Fans cheered as he played his new tune ‘Ring my Bell’, a remix of Anita Ward’s 1989 hit.

Armand Van Helden (Image: Danny Crompton)

Wilkinson, Nia Archives, Andy C, and Mall Grab also featured on Saturday’s line-up.

Sunday featured a number of heavy hitters, from hip-hop duo rudimental to DJ legend Calvin Harris.

Other key acts taking to the Parklife stage included Zara Larsson, Armand Van Helden, Shy FX, and Chris Stussy.

Zara Larsson (Image: Danny Crompton)

Our gallery shows highlights from all of Sunday’s action, photographed by Danny Crompton.

The full 36-picture gallery is available to view above.

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are reportedly planning a ‘quickie divorce’ after they announced their split after decades together.

The TV golden couple have been married for 23 years, having met in 2001 when they were working for rival broadcasters.

Kay proposed on Christmas Day in 2002 at Taley’s family home and the couple tied the knot the following year in Bolton.

After their first wedding in Kay’s stomping ground, the couple renewed their vows in 2013 with their two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, present.

Daly, 57, and Kay, 52, are now said to be planning a quick divorce to keep proceedings stress-free and inexpensive, having reportedly decided how their assets will be split. 

A source told The Mirror: ‘Tess doesn’t want to spend thousands on solicitors for a divorce. A friend suggested they look at getting a quickie divorce online.

‘They don’t see there’s anything to fight over and know they’ll agree on everything fairly.

‘They’re still living under the same roof and have effectively re-coupled as friends. They won’t be fighting over assets and will always stay close.’

The couple shocked the showbiz world last month when they shared a joint statement on social media detailing their decision to part ways.

‘After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably,’ the statement read. 

‘This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us.

‘We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.’

They concluded: ‘There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together.

‘We will not be making any further public comments.’

The couple previously hit a rough patch in 2010, when Kay admitted to sexting Page 3 model Rhian Sugden after meeting her at a nightclub.

He later admitted to sending flirty messages to ‘four or five girls’ during that period. However, his representatives insisted that these interactions were not physical.

The radio presenter also reflected on his actions on Radio 1, revealing that his wife was ‘extremely upset’.

‘I’ve let down my wife, Tess. I’m an idiot,’ he said live on-air. ‘I’ve been stupid and daft, but I’m not a sex pest.’

He added: ‘In some ways, I’m glad this story has come out. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.’

Metro contacted Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s representatives for comment.

MORE: I don’t fancy my wife anymore — but I’m terrified of divorce

MORE: I was married three times by 26 — but my fourth wedding is going to last

MORE: My cheating husband earns £450,000 – how do I stiff him in the divorce?

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Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

The boy is in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after Thursday’s incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire

Wowcher has come under fire after issuing an apology “unreservedly” for what it admitted was “unacceptable” wording in a marketing email that appeared to make light of a horrific crocodile attack on a three‐year‐old boy at a Cambridgeshire zoo.

The youngster is fighting for his life in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition following Thursday’s (June 18) shocking incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire.

He is believed to have been attacked by at least one crocodile after allegedly being thrown into the enclosure. But on Saturday, as the family reeled from the ordeal, Wowcher customers were stunned to receive a promotional email pushing “special deals”, with the headline: “Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid.”

Fury mounted as screenshots of the message circulated on social media networks and discussion forums. Norwich Norfolk UK Community Notice Board posted: “Why do wowcher think its ok to use this as a heading on their emails? ?”.

One subscriber declared themselves “now unsubscribed” while another branded it “disgusting”, adding “if that’s real someone needs to be fired”.

A further customer commented: “Emailed them back but no answer. Won’t be using them again for sure, even if its a poor effort at a joke somehow.”

A Wowcher representative stated: “We are extremely sorry for an email subject line sent by Wowcher yesterday. The wording was unacceptable. It should never have been written. It was never approved for use.

“The responsibility sits with us and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed. We recognise the hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“We are reviewing all scheduled marketing content while we urgently strengthen our creative, approval and sign-off safeguards. There is no excuse for this. We apologise unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again.”

A 30-year-old man detained on suspicion of attempted murder following the youngster’s fall into the enclosure is understood to have learning difficulties and had been visiting with a carer.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the arrested man, from Norfolk, was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. He has been bailed until September 18.

Officers were alerted to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday by ambulance crews following reports that the boy, who had no connection to the man, had sustained serious injuries. Cambridgeshire Police stated the youngster “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

Tracey Johnson, spouse of the zoo’s owner, is reported to have leapt into the enclosure to rescue the child. Officers confirmed the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said previously: “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

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