The Bolton News previously reported in May of 2025 that Bolton Council was set to enforce yellow box junction rules under plans in the “very near future” at the time.

The Trinity Street, with the junction of Newport Street in the town centre was earmarked

Since then, through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, there has been £0 made from the yellow hatch-box scheme.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “The council is working through the set-up of this enforcement and enforcement is due to commence soon.

“Our intention is to enforce this yellow box first, with a plan to roll out yellow box enforcement across the borough.

“Drivers are reminded not to enter yellow box junctions unless their exit is clear, as blocking the box can cause congestion.”

In Manchester, these are already in effect.

Manchester’s yellow box fines (officially known as Moving Traffic Contraventions) are roughly £70 penalty notices issued when drivers stop in a hatched yellow box junction.

These fines are captured by ANPR cameras, introduced in the city as far back to 2023.

So far, Bolton Council has not enforced this scheme, which is to start with the Newport Street Junction.

It is expected that other junctions across the borough will be introduced in this scheme once it has been introduced.

The Highway Code says a motorist cannot enter a yellow box junction unless their exit is clear, or if they are waiting to turn right across traffic and their exit route is also clear.

In 2023, The Bolton News reported that a consultation was underway about tightening up enforcement on the following box junctions:

Bridge Street/St George’s Street (Bolton), Higher Bridge Street/Topp Way (Bolton), Newport Street/Trinity Street (Bolton), Blackburn Road/Lawson Street (Astley Bridge), and Cricketers Way/Leigh Road (Westhoughton).

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after Portugal’s World Cup win over Croatia as he paid tribute to his old team-mate Diogo Jota, a year on from his death in a car crash.

At full time, Ronaldo held up and wore a Portugal shirt bearing the number 21 in memory of Jota, who died aged 28 alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3 last year.  

Ronaldo stayed away from the Liverpool star’s funeral mass as he did not want to cause a ‘circus’ – a decision for which he was criticised – but a year later has left a beautiful tribute. 

‘We knew it before the game. It was such a special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,’ Ronaldo said afterwards of the tribute to Jota.

‘I was amazed because of the situation of today. It means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but also the way we won the game. It was a difficult game, we knew it.’

Jota racked up 49 caps for the national team, scoring 14 goals, and won the UEFA Nations League with them twice.  

Portugal’s superstar led his team-mates in remembering Jota a year on from his death

His death had a profound impact on football and throughout the years, Liverpool’s players and staff explained how much it had hurt them. 

Ronaldo was on holiday in Mallorca last year when Jota died and chose not to return to Portugal in the aftermath for the memorial, explaining to Piers Morgan: ‘Two things, people criticise me a lot. As I say, I don’t care about that, because when you feel your conscience is good, free, you don’t have to be worried about what the people say.

‘But one of the things that I don’t do, it’s after my father died, I’ve never been in a cemetery again.

‘And second, you know my reputation, wherever I go is a circus. I don’t go also because if I go, the attention goes for me and I don’t want this kind of attention.

‘People can continue to criticise me, I felt good with my decision.

‘I don’t need to be in the first line for people to see me, I’m planning the things, I’m thinking about his family.

‘I don’t need to be in the cameras for the people to see what I do. I do [it] behind the scenes, my friend.’

Liverpool revealed on Thursday they have installed a permanent memorial at Anfield to honour Jota and his brother Andre Silva. 

Portugal’s players stand around with Ronaldo and his Jota shirt after beating Croatia

Former Liverpool and Portugal forward Jota died in a car crash in Spain on July 3 last year

Reds supporters paid their respects to him throughout the 2025-26 season, singing his name in the 20th minute of every match, while his No 20 shirt was also retired by the club. 

And, on the eve of the first anniversary of his death, Liverpool have unveiled a memorial at their home ground for Jota and his brother. 

The poignant tribute is named ‘Forever 20’ in honour of Jota’s shirt number and Liverpool say ‘it celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt for them by family, team-mates and supporters across the world’.  

At the centre of the memorial is a flowing heart sculpture, which is said to acknowledge Jota’s iconic goal celebration. 

It also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 when viewed from different angles. Silva, who played for Portuguese side Penafiel at the time of his passing, wore the No 30 shirt. 

The lyrics to Jota’s famous chant of ‘he will take us to victory, oh, his name is Diogo’, are featured too.

One side of the memorial reads: ‘In its creation and through the hands of sculptor Emma Rodgers, this memorial has been inspired by the many personal tributes and mementoes left at Anfield by visitors from across the international football community.

‘Some of these tributes are contained within the sculpture and plinth via a unique manufacturing process. It means they are forever embedded.

Liverpool have installed a memorial at Anfield to honour Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva

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‘Based on a continuous ‘flowing heart’ design incorporating the brothers’ shirt numbers 20 and 30, the artwork not only conveys the enduring bonds they shared, but also expresses the love and admiration in which they were held by their family, team-mates and fans – with the heart gesture itself reflecting Diogo’s signature goal celebration.

‘This memorial honours the brothers’ lives and celebrates their lasting legacy.’

The memorial is on 97 Avenue at Anfield, the location of the area where thousands of people came to pay tribute in the immediate aftermath of Jota’s passing.

A PlayStation controller also sits on the plinth to mark Jota’s love of gaming and his celebration. 

Liverpool added: ‘Every detail has been carefully considered from beginning to end, with the final touches of patina introducing soft hues of Jota’s home flag and the teams he loved throughout his journey.

”Forever 20′ will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.’

Major Jason Watson, an active-duty officer, criticized both Trump and Vance on Wednesday for actions such as engaging in war with Iran without congressional approval, according to an online video of the event.

The footage shows Capitol Police officers detaining Major Watson, who was holding a sign advocating for the impeachment, conviction, and removal of Trump and Vance.

While not naming Major Watson directly, the office of Air Force Secretary Troy Meink acknowledged reports of an Air Force officer protesting at the Capitol and stated that an investigation “will proceed unimpeded.”

In a post on X, the department affirmed, “The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including any that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of our military.”

U.S. military regulations impose strict limitations on service members’ political activities, especially when in uniform.

Furthermore, Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice forbids officers from employing “contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, and other U.S. representatives.

Major Watson appeared to acknowledge the potential repercussions of his actions, stating: “What matters far more than who I am is what I have to say and the price I’m willing to pay to say it.”

Whether you’re after live music, comedy, community events, or maybe a little bit of magic, here are five things happening in Bolton this week that are worth adding to your diary.

A Night to Remember: Motown Show

This Friday (July 3) Bolton hosts The Voice UK finalist Bizzi Dixon, along with his backing vocalists, the Motown Divas, and their “soulful vocal dynamics” as their high-energy show takes us back to 1960s Detroit.

With tickets priced at £35, the show is said to include a night of high-energy dancing and feel-good songs in two 50-minute extravaganzas featuring 38 hits from the Motown and soul era.

With an estimated run time of 2 hours and 20 minutes (not including an interval), the event will start at around 7pm and will be taking place at the Octagon Theatre.

The event organisers ensure that the throwbacks of Motown, as well as the nationally celebrated vocals of Dixon, are guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles, stalls, and even down the streets!

Tickets are selling quickly, so make sure to head over to The Octagon Theatre website to grab yourself one if you can see you and your loved ones enjoying this guaranteed night of retro tunes.

Ben Hart (Image: Matt Crockett)

Ben Hart: The Labyrinth

If you’re in the mood for some magic, mystery, and wonder this Saturday, July 4, The Octagon Theatre has just the show for you as they present Britain’s Got Talent finalist and internationally acclaimed magician Ben Hart’s brand-new theatrical magic show.

The show, which is being promoted as a “funny, dark, and baffling” experience, promises that Hart will “read minds, manipulate reality, and blow your mind,” and we’re told that the production focuses on the themes of human choices, hidden patterns, and finding a route through chaos.

The show will run for 65 minutes with no interval and will begin at 8pm. A fair number of tickets are still available to purchase from The Octagon Theatre website and are all priced at £20, regardless of where they are seated.

However, please be aware that this show should only be attended by people aged 12 or older, according to The Octagon Theatre’s guidelines.

(Image: Newsquest)

Smithills Hall Garden Party

If you and your family are in the mood for a sense of community, a range of activities, as well as delicious food, all while experiencing a historic site, the annual Smithills Hall Garden Party is just the thing for you on Sunday, July 5.

The event organisers promise that the garden party will offer “fabulous family fun”, stalls offering artisan goods, games, face painting, children’s workshops such as circus skills, as well as live music and much more entertainment for the whole family.

This year, the party is collaborating with local tearoom Bake & Roast, who are said to be offering a “special summer handmade afternoon tea”, which you are able to book on their website. The afternoon tea costs £28.50 per adult and £16.50 per child; however, a £10 deposit per head is required.

The garden party’s special afternoon tea will include finger sandwiches, mini sausage rolls, canapés, a selection of homemade cakes, and a mini cream tea with a choice of tea, coffee, or a soft drink.

Entry to the event is free; however, charges may apply for certain activities, rides, and amenities. It will be running from noon until 4pm.

Abba – Thank You for The Music (Image: Agency)

4 – Thank You for the Music – ABBA

If you’re a fan of classics such as Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, and more, then you’ll want to get down to The Octagon Theatre on Thursday, July 9th to see the iconic ABBA tribute.

The international smash hit has been performing for 22 years and says that it combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances of its all-star cast to present a show like no other.

The event organisers prompt fans to join them for the “party of the year”, saying that you can dance, you can jive, and overall have the time of your life as they bring you all the hits.

The show, taking place at The Octagon Theatre, is set to begin at 7pm and tickets, available online, are £34 per seat.

5 – Music of James Bond by Candlelight

On Friday the 10th of July, Bolton’s very own Victoria Hall will be transformed into an atmospheric deep dive into the world of James Bond.

Starting at 7:30pm, the show is described as “more than a concert” and is said to bring together the music of Adele, Billie Eilish, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sam Smith, and more to explore the unmistakable sound of Bond.

Performed by world-class musicians and vocalists, every note is said to echo the sophistication of the James Bond universe and present the vast and unequivocal talent of The Great British Orchestra.

Tickets are available to purchase at xperiencelive.co.uk, varying from £45–£50 depending on the seating area.

Be aware, though, that last entry is at 7:15pm in preparation for the show to begin, so don’t miss out!

Multiple GMP cars and ambulances were seen in attendance

Officers descended on a Trafford street after a ‘disturbance’ left a man injured. Emergency services were called out to Aimson Road East, in Timperley, at around 5.20pm on Thursday evening (July 2).

Greater Manchester Police says it received reports of a disturbance at a property on the street. A man suffered a ‘minor’ injury, according to the force.

Officers arrested a woman in her 60s on suspicion of assault. The investigation remains ongoing today (Friday). An image from the scene showed at least four GMP cars and two ambulances in attendance on Aimson Road East.

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A GMP spokesperson said: “At around 5.20pm yesterday (July 2), officers responded to reports of a disturbance at a property on Aimson Road East, Timperley. One man suffered minor, non life-threatening injuries.

“A woman in her 60s was arrested on suspicion of assault. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence has become yet another flashpoint in a politically divided America. There are even two different government organisations overseeing the celebrations.

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was set up by the US Congress in 2016 as a bipartisan body to oversee the semiquincentennial celebration and signed into law by Barack Obama. They branded the celebration as America250 and set to work to plan the national jamboree.

Freedom 250, meanwhile, was set up by the Trump administration under the supervision of the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. Federal funds were diverted from the congressional commission towards the events planned by the Trump-aligned celebration.

But more important than the squabbles over who owns the celebrations, the boycotts of the Great American State Fair or the controversies surrounding celebratory monuments such as the 250-foot triumphal arch, dubbed by its critics the “Arc de Trump”, are the battles being fought over whose interpretation of history will be presented as the nation looks back over its first 250 years.

The commemorative celebrations are being run through the National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior. One of its most important monuments, the President’s House memorial in Philadelphia – where the first two presidents, George Washington and John Adams, lived and worked when the city served as America’s capital in the 1790s – has been at the centre of a controversy over competing interpretations of history.

This goes back to the early weeks of Trump’s second term. In March 2025 he issued executive order 14253: Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. The order requires the Department of the Interior to ensure that the educational materials in its jurisdiction – including the national parks – do not “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times), and instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people”.

It also ordered the restoration of sites removed or changed since 2020, when Confederate monuments had been removed in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Finally, it charged vice president J.D. Vance with implementing the same policies at the Smithsonian Museum.

In November 2025 an administration official, Jeffrey Anderson, published an essay alleging that “woke orthodoxy” had hijacked America’s story. This was circulated to members of the Trump administration. The President’s House, he wrote, focused too much on the evils of slavery. There was not enough information about the achievements of the men who lived and worked there.

Working under the Secretary of State for the Interior’s order implementing the president’s executive order, the national park service began the removal of historical panels in places of national significance early in 2026. This included the President’s House memorial in Philadelphia.

Washington had infamously brought his slaves with him to the house and had moved them every six months to avoid Pennsylvania’s emancipation laws. The President’s House exhibit had told this story, something that Anderson’s essay had particularly objected to. This and other explanations of US history deemed to “inappropriately disparage Americans past” were removed.

Legal battle

The City of Philadelphia, which had been instrumental in the development of the President’s House site, took the administration to court over the decision. The administration’s lawyers argued that: “Ultimately, the government gets to choose the message it wants to convey.”

Presiding judge, Cynthia M. Rufe, disagreed. In a decision comparing the administration’s actions to the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s novel 1984, Rufe held that the US government does not have the power to “dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts”. She ordered the removals stopped and anything removed under the order to be replaced.

On June 18, her decision was unanimously overturned by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. In a decision written by prominent conservative judge, Thomas M. Hardiman, the court held that the city had no “statutory, property, or contractual rights that
empower it to curate the exhibits in the President’s House”. His judgment praised the historical context provided by the replacement panels.

Activists and government officials disagree with Judge Hardiman, and so do Philadelphia’s tour guides. At the open-air site, volunteers share copies and read aloud from the removed intepretative panels.

The legal battle to oppose Trump’s executive order is not over. A coalition of interest groups sued the Department of the Interior, challenging the lawfulness of the removal of hundreds of exhibits and markers across the US, including the President’s House.

Less than a week before Philadelphia lost on appeal, federal judge Angel Kelley found that the government was seeking “to rewrite the Nation’s history with a white-out pen”. She ordered the government to stop removing the signs, exhibits and artefacts and return those that had already had been removed by July 3. In her view, the government had rushed to remove the items in time for July 4 and “it is equally important that our shared history be honestly told and fully restored by the 250th Anniversary”.

That order has now been paused by the First Circuit Court of Appeals until the full case can be heard. But the First Circuit is not bound by the decision in the Philadelphia case and is dominated by Democratic appointees. Split decisions by the federal circuit courts can lead the US Supreme Court to take up a case on appeal. Ultimately it might fall to America’s top court to decide whether the order to remove and replace exhibits is lawful.

The executive order states that museums “should be places where individuals go to learn – not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history”. Many critics believe that is exactly what the executive order does.

Now – as with so many of the contested decisions taken during the second Trump administration – it will be down to the courts. At stake, as the US prepares to commemorate and celebrate its 250th anniversary, is the nature of America’s story about itself.

Next, there’s nothing like a hot chocolate under the stars or a warm coffee while you listen to the dawn chorus, and for that you need a mug. It’s expensive, but I love the classic Kuksa, a hand-carved wooden mug made by the Sámi, an indigenous group who live nomadically in Scandinavia. I’d choose this every time over a metal cup, which I find leaves the liquid too hot and burns my tongue, whereas wood is perfect and water drunk from it tastes divine.

To keep my phone running, I always take a powerbank. My cheap and cheerful Belkin model does the job and doesn’t weigh much.

Everyone should take a water bottle to camp, but I always take a Sigg Traveller, because it conducts heat rather than contains it. Before I go to bed I boil water, fill the bottle, wrap it in a fleece and use it as a hot water bottle. Then by morning, it’s cooled down so I can drink it.

The camping kit you can live without

As long as camping has been mainstream, there have been manufacturers trying to sell you “must-have” items. Ignore them. They will take up space in your bag, and eventually, in landfill.

Examples that spring to mind include lamps (a headtorch strung from the roof of your tent works just as well) and French presses. For me, cowboy coffee – boiling the ground up beans and letting them settle in the bottom – is where it’s at. Camping kettles are also redundant; your stove will do this job and nearly all have pouring lids now. Another bugbear of mine is portable radios with torches, they are unwieldy, unnecessary and will annoy your neighbours. And don’t get me started on tent heaters. Finally, I’d veto marshmallow toasting sticks (find a stick – they are free).

Phoebe Smith is host of the multi-award-winning Wander Woman Podcast.

A GP shares four crucial warning signs of dementia that can appear before memory loss begins – here’s what to look for, and the importance of early detection

A GP has revealed that certain early indicators of dementia might become apparent even before memory loss sets in. Dementia is a progressive condition affecting brain function, resulting in a deterioration of cognitive abilities including memory and reasoning, alongside speech and emotional changes over time.

Studies indicate that more than 944,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. One in 11 people aged over 65 in the UK have dementia.

The prevalence of dementia is rising as life expectancy increases. While there’s no cure available, swift diagnosis is vital so that a treatment strategy and medications can be implemented to manage symptoms effectively.

Dr Johannes Uys, from Broadgate General Practice, has identified several early warning signs that might signal the beginning of dementia. Though many associate memory difficulties with dementia, Dr Uys points out that physical symptoms can sometimes emerge before memory loss occurs.

He outlined four early signs to watch for, which are more frequently associated with particular forms of dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease dementia.

The expert further stressed that symptoms differ from one person to another, with each individual experiencing dementia uniquely.

“However, if you notice any of these early signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and provide the necessary support”, he added. Risk factors for dementia vary considerably, with some being unavoidable such as age, while others can be controlled through lifestyle adjustments in our earlier years.

Physical activity and a nutritious diet are recognised as reducing the risk.

Additional positive modifications include keeping a healthy weight, stopping smoking, lowering alcohol intake and cholesterol levels. The NHS recommends that reducing saturated fats, salt, and sugar, while boosting fibre consumption could also prove helpful.

The GP proceeded to outline these four early warning signs to watch for:.

Prompt diagnosis of dementia enables swift support for patients. Yet, a recent Alzheimer’s Society survey discloses that just one in three people visits a doctor within the initial month of spotting dementia symptoms in themselves or a family member.

A survey of 1,100 people demonstrated that most individuals delay seeking assistance due to doubt about whether the symptoms are connected to the condition or simply indicators of getting older. It’s vital to understand that dementia isn’t a normal aspect of ageing, and if you’re growing progressively forgetful, particularly if you’re aged over 65, it’s recommended to see your GP.

Specialists forecast that by 2050, an alarming 150 million people globally will be impacted by the condition, based on research published in the Lancet Public Health. Presently, approximately 900,000 people in the UK are living with it.

A spokesperson said: “Firefighters are working extremely hard to bring this fire under control. The amount of smoke being produced by this fire has been significant, and though the level of smoke has greatly reduced since our arrival, we advise people, particularly within the Haringey borough area, to continue to keep their windows and doors closed at this time.

The prehistoric cave dates back to the Lower Paleolithic era and was likely populated between 400,000 and 250,000 years ago, offering a rare glimpse into ancient daily life that archaeologists know very little about

A trailblazing archaeological find has unearthed a ‘time capsule’ showcasing the everyday life of an ancient population, remarkably preserved for millennia.

Archaeologists have made the extraordinary discovery of a prehistoric cave in Israel, which lay undisturbed for thousands of years, providing a snapshot of human life dating back between 400,000 and 250,000 years. This groundbreaking find, remarkably intact, is a treasure trove of information about an era of which archaeologists had hitherto known very little.

The cave, thought to have been inhabited towards the end of the Lower Paleolithic or Old Stone Age, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early hunter-gatherers.

This period, predating the advent of agriculture, urban settlements, monarchies, and written records, was marked by the use of basic stone tools for everyday tasks such as processing game, woodworking, and crafting simple garments.

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What makes this discovery even more remarkable is that relics found within the cave remain precisely where their long-forgotten users left them, affording scientists a rare opportunity to piece together an authentic account of the daily lives of these ancient people.

Researchers attribute the findings to the Acheulo-Yabrudian culture, not a specific ethnic group or civilization, but rather an archaeological label for sites that exhibit comparable technological developments and daily patterns.

As these people were unable to read or write, archaeologists identify the Acheulo-Yabrudian culture through the stone tools discovered across sites in the Levant, including handaxes, scrapers, and blades, reports the Express.

These artefacts enable archaeologists to categorise sites and determine which groups were exchanging which technologies, before dating the areas using geological and radiometric techniques.

The cave appears to be a snapshot in time with flint tools found alongside the bones of animals such as gazelles, deer, and horses, as well as indications that water was accessible nearby.

These findings imply the cave was an appealing spot for prehistoric hunter-gatherers to set up camp and return to repeatedly.

Researchers aim to determine how long people lived there and whether the tools and bones might indicate longer stays at campsites and more intricate social interactions.

The researchers also characterise the Acheulo-Yabrudian culture as existing during a significant transitional period in prehistory.

During this epoch, people crafted increasingly advanced stone tools, utilised caves more frequently, and left increasing evidence of the controlled use of fire.

Archaeologist Ron Shimelmitz from the University of Haifa said: “This time capsule belongs to a unique period at the end of the Lower Paleolithic era, just before Neanderthals and modern humans became dominant and spread across many regions. Only a handful of sites from this important phase have been uncovered in Israel and the wider Levant, and most of them are inaccessible for research.”

There are few surviving sites from this prehistoric chapter and it could offer a revolutionary new insight into the lives of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.