By SOPHIE CHURCH – POLITICAL REPORTER

Published: 00:34 BST, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 05:39 BST, 20 August 2026

The mother of a Green Party MP has claimed the Greens have welcomed ‘less than nice people’ through the door by shunning their eco-roots.

In a dramatic intervention, Liz Spencer, the mum of recently elected Green MP Hannah Spencer and herself a Green member, said of the party in its current guise: ‘It’s not what the Green Party used to be; nice people who wore hemp shoes.

‘That opened the door for lots of less-than-nice people to enter. And no one was primed for it.’

Ms Spencer first joined the Green Party when it was called the Ecology Party, and unsuccessfully stood in the 2017 and 2019 Bolton North East general elections for the Greens.

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But she claimed that a deepening divide within the Bolton branch – with more traditional Greens focussed on the environment on one side and its four newly elected councillors on the other – is making the party a ‘laughing stock’ in local politics.

She said: ‘The Green Party has a set of values; environmental stuff that leads onto social justice stuff’, but that ‘now, we are a laughing stock in local politics.’

She added that ‘the atmosphere of paranoia is huge’ and that ‘nobody trusts anybody’.

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The mother of a Green Party MP has claimed the Greens have welcomed ‘less than nice people’ through the door by shunning their eco-roots

The Greens saw three more councillors – Baggy Khan, Zan Arif and Ismail Ibrahim – elected to Bolton Council at this year’s local elections (Baggy Khan pictured)

Ms Spencer told the Manchester Mill, which first reported her comments, that the party would now likely expel her after her intervention.

This comes as the Greens saw three more councillors – Baggy Khan, Zan Arif and Ismail Ibrahim – elected to Bolton Council at this year’s local elections.

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They joined the leader of the Greens on Bolton Council, Hanif Alli, who was elected in 2024.

But an internal row has broken out with some Greens claiming the new councillors do not align with the party’s values.

Helena Carman, who ran for the Greens in May’s local elections, claimed that Mr Alli is ‘not Green’.

She said: ‘I will stand on rooftops and shout ‘that man is not Green!’ and added: ‘He walks around as if he is, but he is truly not.’

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All four Green councillors on Bolton council have now threatened to resign over allegations of ‘racism’ by its older members.

Mr Alli claimed there is a ‘core ‘white’ group who have now become a ‘dab hand’ at orchestrated abuse and press leaks’ – and branded the more traditional Bolton Greens ‘racists’.

He added: ‘In all my years of being involved in politics, I have never seen such well organised/coordinated en masse racism by a group of people who are in my opinion drunk on a short taste of political power and in their quest to rid the [Bolton Green Party] of any people of colour or tarnish them at any cost to the Green Party and its values.’

Commenting on the disunity in the Bolton Greens, a Conservative source, said: ‘Hannah Spencer’s mum is right. Under Zack Polanski’s leadership the Green Party have turned in on themselves and are now turning on each other.

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‘It just shows how unserious they are about the big issues facing the country.’

And Darren Johnson, a former Green Party councillor and London Assembly member who defected to Labour this year, told the Mail:

‘While I think the Green Party’s membership did need to become more diverse, beyond the old hemp-wearing hippies, by re-inventing themselves as a hard-left populist party they’ve completely lost sight of their values and allowed some rather unpleasant people to join who have no real interest in the Green agenda.’

A Labour spokesperson added: ‘While the Greens are busy fighting among themselves, Labour is focused on delivering for people across Greater Manchester.

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‘This extraordinary infighting shows what happens when a protest party is suddenly expected to take responsibility. The Greens can barely manage their own party without descending into chaos — voters will rightly ask how they could ever be trusted to run vital local services.

‘People deserve serious, competent leadership focused on their priorities, not a Green Party consumed by internal rows and dysfunction.’

A spokesperson for the Green Party said: ‘We do not comment on internal matters. We are continuing to support our councillors and members in Bolton.’

Who doesn’t love Center Parcs?

Since opening its first UK village in Sherwood Forest back in the ’80s, the brand become a cultural and nostalgic touchstone.

The resorts draw around 2.3 million across the UK and Ireland each year with its woodland lodges, pretty cycle paths and family-friendly activities.

They’re so popular, in fact, that they’re often at 97% capacity, all year round.

However, there’s no denying that these getaways have become increasingly expensive — rising to eye-watering prices during the school holidays.

Case in point: Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert found three-bed lodges starting at £2,798 for the first week of August 2026.

Even regular Bank Holiday breaks start from £1,149.

With the cost of just about everything rising, it can be hard to justify spending that on any kind of holiday, certainly on staycations.

Especially when budget airlines are selling European flights for less than a train from London to your favourite Center Parcs.

Metro has done some digging to find the best family-friendly alternatives on the continent.

1. Center Parcs Europe

Die-hard Center Parcs fans — why not swap the UK resorts for a cheaper European one?

Center Parcs Europe is under separate corporate ownership from the UK arm, but offers identical experiences.

We’re talking massive indoor water parks, climbing walls and those same gorgeous forest lodges.

Resorts across France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands often come in at a fraction of the price.

For example, four-night stays for four people during promotional off-peak seasons can be as little as €207 (£177) per person.

Standard off-peak and mid-week getaways typically range between €400 (£342) and €800 (£684) for short stays.

And if you’ve choice but to travel during the summer holidays, prices for a family of four generally range from €1,300 (£1,111) to €2,200 (£1,881).

According to peak summer estimates by Holiday Park Guru, Germany is the cheapest, followed by the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

2. Ulrichshof Nature, Germany

Deep in the Bavarian Forest, and close to the Czechia border, is Ulrichshof Nature.

The complex is perfect for families: there’s a heated outdoor pool, a pirate-themed splash park, a whirlpool and slides.

Away from the water-based activities, there’s also a forest playground where adults and kids can enjoy climbing and zip lines.

Plus, there’s daily childcare available from 9am to 8pm if an adults-only relaxation day calls.

The main difference between the classic Center Parcs is that rather than lodge accommodation, Ulrichshof Nature has family suites of all sizes.

On the cheaper end of the scale, there are standard rooms with balconies.

If you’re willing to splash the cash, you can upgrade to luxury suites with large living spaces.

There are plenty of packages to suit all budgets, many of which include all-inclusive meals with sustainable, regional cuisine.

For example, the July ‘family happiness’ package starts from €366 (£313) for one night.

The ‘lucky riders’ package, which includes three-pony riding sessions, starts from €1,341 (£1,146) for four nights.

The nearest airports are Munich and Nuremberg, around a two-hour drive away.

In September, flights from Gatwick to Munich with easyJet average at £48. Ryanair flies to Nuremberg from Stansted for as little as £30.

3. Lalandia, Denmark

Water babies must try Lalandia at least once.

Denmark’s collection of tropical-themed family holiday resorts has locations across the country, including Billund, Rødby and Søndervig.

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The Billund resort is home to Scandinavia’s largest indoor waterpark (called Aquadomes), where guests can enjoy high-speed water slides, a large wave pool, a lazy river, and a secret cave pool with an underwater aquarium.

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As a collective, Lalandia also features Nordic holiday cottages, indoor play areas, and various restaurants.

There are bowling alleys, mini-golf, fitness centres, and sports halls, too.

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Not to mention the impressive Tarzan course – a forest obstacle course that stretches over 400 metres, complete with a zipline.

For those wanting to experience the Aquadomes, autumn holiday bookings for the Billund location are now open.

A spacious holiday home for a family of four starts from €734 (£627) in October. The cottages have two bedrooms, a covered terrace, and disabled facilities.

You can fly directly to Billund Airport from London Heathrow. British Airways has direct flights in October from £68.

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4. Duinrell, Netherlands

From the largest waterpark in Scandinavia to the biggest in the Netherlands — Duinrell should be on your agenda.

This holiday and amusement park is located in the town of Wassenaar, in the province of South Holland.

You can either stay overnight or visit for the day, whatever your budget permits.

Key features include the amusement park, which boasts rides for all ages, from thrilling rollercoasters to competitive bumper car sessions.

The tropical waterpark is also a highlight: With 21 unique slides, including a spinning giant funnel and a lazy river, it’s the largest in the Benelux.

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The park also features an outdoor tiki pool, open in the summer months.

For those planning on a day trip, tickets for the amusement park and outdoor tiki pool start from €29.50 (£25).

Making a holiday of it? There are multiple accommodation options available, including camping, glamping, and ‘Duingalows.’

A four-person, five-night bungalow stay in September starts from €736 (£629).

Camping by the river starts from €265 (£226) for two nights, while a glamping spot for a family of five starts from €515 (£440) for three nights.

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The closest airport to Duinrell is Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), a 30-minute drive away.

Transavia flies from Stansted for as little as £39 in September.

5. Cambrils Park, Salou, Spain

Last but not least, if southern Europe is calling, check out Cambrils Park in Salou.

It’s located just a five-minute walk from the beach, in the heart of the Costa Daurada, where you’ll find charming villages, natural landscapes, and historic sites.

On-site, it’s a family affair. The park boasts swimming pools with splash areas for the little ones, slides and water games for the adventurous, and a quiet environment where parents can relax.

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Inside, there’s a playroom where kids can take part in creative workshops or group games.

Or, if you feel like a family wellness day, there’s a spa where parents and children can relax together. Whether it’s floating in heated pools or trying hydrotherapy circuits, Cambrils Park believes that wellness isn’t just for stressed-out adults.

As for accommodation, there are a variety of themed apartments available, with one, two or three bedrooms.

There’s the ‘calm and sophistication of La Mediterrània,’ the ‘exotic vegetation of La Polynesia,’ and the ‘energy and colour of the Caribbean.’

For example, a villa for a family of four for four nights starts from €720 (£615) in September, while ‘Aloha bungalows’ that sleep six start from €745 (£637).

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The nearest airport is Reus, a 15-minute drive away. Jet2 fly from Luton for around £30.

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The Getaway Expert

Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro’s resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.

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Take a walk in London’s Trafalgar Square this summer and wilting under the heat will be all sorts of body sizes, some tall, some short: a real mix of sizes.

Picking just two from the crowd to represent the whole human species would be a tall order. But that is exactly what we do when we find fossils of ancient hominins (human relatives).

Anthropologists can estimate a person’s height with reasonable accuracy from the long bones – your femur (thigh bone) works well. On average, the size of this bone
scales well with overall height, given a large samples of bones.

This is exactly what a group of scientists have done using fossils dredged from the seafloor off Taiwan. To add to the mystery, these bones are those of Denisovans, currently one of the most enigmatic species of hominins.

The Denisovans were a widespread species of Homo (the genus which encompasses our own species, as well as close relatives such as Neanderthals). They were initially known only from genetic sequences that had been extracted from isolated fragments of material, such as a small finger bone, at Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia.

The apparent absence of substantial fossil material from this species made them mysterious, although in recent years, fresh discoveries have added to our understanding. These include the Dragon Man (or Harbin) skull, recovered from a river in northeast China. DNA and protein analysis has now linked this large skull to the Denisovans.

The remarkable feature of the fossils analysed by Yousuke Kaifu, from the University of Tokyo, and colleagues, is that they were dredged from the Penghu Channel in the Taiwan Strait.

Most rare hominin fossils are carefully excavated, allowing researchers to record their exact position within layers of sediment and their relationship to associated animals, artefacts and environmental evidence.

These bones were instead recovered from the seabed among the fossilised remains of terrestrial ice age mammals, probably deposited when sea levels exposed the channel as dry land around the time when the ice age was at its height. Their precise discovery locations and geological contexts were not recorded.

This makes the fossils scientifically unusual: their anatomy and preserved proteins contain valuable evidence. However, much of the contextual information normally supplied by an archaeological excavation has been lost.

Recovered long bones

The bones – an incomplete femur (thigh bone) and tibia (the largest bone in the shin) – have been assigned to two Denisovans on the basis of analyses of their recovered ancient proteomes. A proteome is the collection of proteins preserved within a fossil. These proteins can retain evidence of evolutionary relationships, even when DNA has been lost.

These bones produced slightly different proteome signals, which is why the authors suggest that these represent two individuals. The newly described femur and tibia are likewise not directly dated.

Because they were recovered by dredging and lack secure geological provenance,
they can only be placed broadly within the Middle to Late Pleistocene, using the
animal remains and preservation evidence. The Pleistocene epoch lasted from around 2.58 million years ago until 11,700 years ago.

Aside from assigning the bones to Denisovans, the researchers have used them to
infer the stature of the two individuals. They are incomplete, which complicates
matters somewhat, but skilled anatomists can be reasonably confident on the
complete bone sizes.

The lack of context for the fossils – normally provided by the sediments in which they are recovered from – means we don’t know if the two individuals lived at the same time or at least a similar interval.

But the bones are long and when the other body elements are scaled based on the leg bones, it suggests that these individuals were tall. In the new paper, Yousuke Kaifu and colleagues say that the estimated height of Penghu 2 (one of the newly described specimens) was approximately 1.8 metres (5’11”), with a weight of around 83kg.

Their estimates for the other fossil, Penghu 3, give a height of about 1.9 metres (6’3″) and a weight of about 91kg. These estimates, the team writes in their study, “are comparable to the largest known Pleistocene Homo from Africa and Europe”.

Inferring tallness as a species-level trait based on two individuals is challenging, although it has not prevented some headlines from claiming that Denisovans were tall. Think back to our walk in Trafalgar Square.

Proceed with caution

The dangers of reconstructing stature are illustrated by the famous Turkana Boy or
Nariokotome Boy, a remarkably complete Homo erectus skeleton discovered in
Kenya in 1984. He was unusual because his skull, teeth and long bones
were all complete and available for study.

He was already around 1.6 metres tall when he died, but estimates of his age have differed. Dentally, he appears younger than his skeleton suggests. His skeletal development appeared comparable to that of a modern human aged around 11-13, while microscopic growth increments in his teeth suggested that he was only about eight or nine.

The discrepancy reflects uncertainty over whether Homo erectus grew slowly like us, including an adolescent growth spurt, or matured more rapidly.

Different assumptions consequently produced different projections of his adult height, although more recent modelling suggests he would probably have reached approximately 1.76–1.80 metres.

He is the only example of such a complete Homo erectus skeleton, but does this mean that all members of his species would have been as tall? We should be sceptical – just as we should be about the height of Denisovans.

It is not clear from this study whether the change reflects an overall increase in the populations of these whale species, or just a redistribution from other areas.

Other experts the BBC spoke to were concerned that the study suggested there was an influx of the animals from West Greenland. That is a sensitive issue in Greenland, a country where some whales are hunted.

But the scientists said that their findings do suggest that these “opportunistic” baleen whales appear to be adapting and might even be benefiting from the change.

Other Arctic species, however, are “in trouble now”, explained Prof Heide-Jørgensen.

Animals including narwhals and belugas are sharing habitat with – or even being displaced by – these other whales.

“For some species, climate change is not necessarily a problem – it opens up new opportunities,” said Prof Heide-Jørgensen, “but other species are losing their habitat”.

The study is published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, external.

Kaia Gerber raised eyebrows last week when she claimed that she had been possessed as a child and had an exorcism.

The 24-year-old daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber stated that she has been ‘haunted [her] whole life’ and also ‘attracts beings from other dimensions’, resulting in her being taken over by evil spirits. 

These days, Kaia uses crystals to protect herself from negative energy, and practises crystal healing – an alternative medicine practice that ‘harnesses the power of crystals’ to improve health, reduce stress, and balance energy fields.

In 2021 she explained that the Covid lockdowns had changed her daily routine, revealing she no longer likes to rush in the mornings and she will ‘take a lot of time’ for herself. 

Kaia shared: ‘I like to write in the mornings and usually write a few pages. I like to meditate and say a prayer. I think mindful moments like that have really become a huge part of my morning routine. 

‘I’m very into crystals – I have like a million of them all over my bedroom – and I “charge” them out in the moonlight, especially during a full moon. I’m a weirdo like that. 

Kaia added that she’s ‘very into’ breathing, adding to British Vogue: ‘I do 4-7-8 breathing [breathe in for four counts, hold for seven and then breathe out for eight], which I think is incredible, and really calms me down. 

‘And then guided meditations. I think anything that works for you is incredible – I’m someone who likes to try everything.’

Kaia also discussed her love of crystals in a chat with Glamour, sharing: ‘I’ll lay with them on me or place them in different areas. 

‘I am very into Feng Shui and things like that. It’s probably not the most normal thing to witness, but I guess it’s not so far out. 

‘My favourite crystal that I really love is rose quartz. I just think it’s one that everyone should have and it just brings in a lot of really good energy and that’s just one that I like to have all over.’

Kaia also explained that she enjoys writing fan fiction as a hobby. 

She revealed on Jake Shane’s Therapuss podcast: ‘It’s so fun to write something even if you don’t put it — like, I write fan fiction and I don’t put it anywhere, I just like it.’

While she would not reveal the subject of her fan fiction she confessed: ‘It’s not a human. There you go, next question.’

Kaia raised eyebrows last week when she claimed that she had been possessed as a child and her model mother Cindy Crawford had to order an exorcism 

Kaia also recalled her model mother giving her ‘holy water’ to bring with her while filming American Horror Story: Double Feature (pictured in the show) 

Kaia recently opened up about her experience with demonic spirits on The Mitch Churi Chat Show, as she recalled her model mother giving her ‘holy water’ to bring with her while filming American Horror Story: Double Feature.

‘She was like, “I don’t want you to get possessed.” I was told I was possessed as a child.’

Kaia continued: ‘I attract beings from other dimensions in a very casual and chill way,’ before alleging she previously had an exorcism.

‘Do you know how they did the exorcism? They played a didgeridoo all over me! That’s how they did the exorcism.’

A didgeridoo is an ancient wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians and they are not typically associated with the practice of exorcisms. 

‘That actually did happen,’ Kaia further claimed. ‘I’ve never talked about it, but it actually did happen. I’m all healed.’

Kaia and her elder brother Presley, 27, were raised in an interfaith family. 

She previously explained: ‘My dad is Jewish and my mom is Christian, so we grew up doing both; we call Christmas Chrismukkah. 

‘I love learning about both of those sides of my life. We’d do Passover, Passover dinner and Yom Kippur. I love learning all of that – and learning the cooking.’

“I urge the Secretary of State to commission a single, coordinated, independent review into what was known about the conduct of Jeffrey Donaldson, how concerns were handled across political and institutional settings, and what lessons should be learned to protect victims and prevent future failures,” she said.

Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has confirmed that a once touted possible spin-off 6666 has been scrapped.

On Yellowstone, Jefferson White’s character Jimmy Hurdstrom leaves the show’s Montana setting to work on the real 6666 Ranch in Texas.

Sheridan, 56, acquired the historic property after its previous owner’s death, strengthening rumors that a new series might eventually be set there.

However, Sheridan has now clarified that the project will not proceed because of his aversion to the idea of ‘trivializing’ the lives of the real people he employs on the ranch.

‘I would never fictionalize that ranch,’ he said on Tuesday’s episode of the podcast Rodeo Time.

Although ‘people thought that that was gonna be,’ the showrunner insisted: ‘That’s never gonna happen.’

Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has confirmed that a once touted possible spin-off 6666 has been scrapped. Above, Sheridan in 2021

On Yellowstone, Jefferson White’s character Jimmy Hurdstrom – pictured (left) with Denim Richards as Colby (right) – leaves Montana to work on the real 6666 Ranch in Texas

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The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Sheridan for further comment. 

The original Yellowstone series included occasional scenes of Jimmy’s life on the 6666 Ranch, with actual workers there featuring in the supporting parts.

‘I’ve actually got on my computer all the scenes of Jimmy at the 6666 pulled out and strung together, and it makes its own perfect little movie where you watch him go there as this misfit and leave a man and a respected cowboy,’ said Sheridan.

He observed that viewers ‘who are in the cowboy world’ were able to recognize Heath Ownbey, the real-life cattle manager of the Waggoner Ranch, ‘and so for the people who know, that rings really true to them.’

However, the prospect of manufacturing new storylines on a full-out spin-off would involve ‘making up lives. Now I have to invent a drama. We can’t just watch a kid learn how to rope every single episode,’ Sheridan noted.

‘So now I’m trivializing and fictionalizing something where real people work and they raise their families there, and I could never do that to them.’

He said he was ‘very protective’ of the ranch and ‘very, very careful’ of the ‘big responsibility’ of being the ‘person who has to protect that brand.’

The 6666 Ranch was founded in 1870 by the cattleman Samuel Burk Burnett and was in the hands of his great-granddaughter Anne Windfohr Marion by the time Sheridan’s association with the property began.

In 2020, Marion died of lung cancer aged 81 and in 2022, Sheridan’s investment group bought the ranch for a rumored $320 million.

Sheridan, 56, acquired the historic property for a rumored $320 million in 2022 after the death of the previous owner. ‘I would never fictionalize that ranch,’ he said on Tuesday’s episode of the podcast Rodeo Time

Although fan hopes of a 6666 show have been dashed, another spin-off set in Texas, Dutton Ranch, starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, has been renewed for a second season

Another heartthrob from Yellowstone, Luke Grimes, has landed a spin-off of his own entitled Marshals, which premiered in March

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Kelly Reilly, Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Chow, Wes Bentley and Cole Hauser are pictured in a publicity still for season two of Yellowstone in 2019. The phenomenal success of the show cemented Sheridan’s status as one of Hollywood’s  hottest showrunners

Although fan hopes of a 6666 show have been dashed, another spin-off set in Texas, Dutton Ranch, has been renewed for a second season after airing its first run of episodes from May until July to a ravenous response from viewers. 

That show stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser as the fan favorite couple of Beth Dutton and her ‘bad boy’ husband Rip Wheeler from the original series.

Another heartthrob from Yellowstone, Luke Grimes, has landed a spin-off of his own entitled Marshals, which premiered this March.

Two period spin-offs have also emerged from the franchise – 1923, led by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, and 1883, starring Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Sam Elliott.

Sheridan’s vast television empire also includes such series as the Texas-based oil drama Landman, fronted by Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore, as well as the spy thriller Lioness, featuring Zoe Saldana, Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman.

Seaside classics in Northern Ireland include Whiterocks Beach and its dramatic limestone cliffs, White Park Bay with its wild, isolated arc and resident cattle, and Downhill Beach, famous for the clifftop Mussenden Temple overhead

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A lesser-trod spot on the Causeway Coast has been named the world’s third most underrated beach.

Along the 115miles of glorious coastline that make up the northern-most reaches of the country, there are plenty of spots that’ll be familiar to anyone who’s spent time heading to the beach.

Portstewart Strand, with its golden miles and drive-on access, is perhaps the most famous. Other classics include Whiterocks Beach and its dramatic limestone cliffs, White Park Bay with its wild, isolated arc and resident cattle, and Downhill Beach, famous for the clifftop Mussenden Temple overhead

But it’s none of these that have been named the third most underrated in the world.

“Along Northern Ireland’s dramatic Causeway Coast, Castlerock Beach offers a kilometre of golden sand backed by sweeping views and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Whether you’re walking the shoreline or simply taking in the Atlantic views, it’s an easy reminder that some of the best beach days happen away from the spotlight,” writes SkyScanner in its Paradise Guide.

For those who have never been, Castlerock is a lovely, low-key alternative to the bigger-name Causeway Coast spots. It has golden sand, dunes, and enough nearby history and golf to fill a day without ever feeling touristy.

The beach itself is slightly less than a mile of golden sand, with fresh air, breathtaking views and a friendly, low-key atmosphere. It’s a genuine Blue Flag/quality beach, having won the Rural Award Beach Seaside Award in 2014 under Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’s criteria, according to Visit Portrush.

The dunes that run toward the Lower River Bann Estuary are among the oldest in all of Ireland, which gives the landscape a wild, untouched feel. With or without a pair of binoculars, you’ve a decent chance to spot marine life such as porpoises and seals in the water, plus the beach draws rare seabirds.

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Although it doesn’t have the same access as Downhill Beach, Mussenden Temple is nearby. The circular stone building sits dramatically on the cliff edge overlooking Downhill Strand, built in 1785 as a library and open to the public year-round via the National Trust, writes Causewaycoast.

Another nearby point of interest is Hezlett House, which is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest buildings, now run by the National Trust, where you can explore a well-preserved late-1600s cottage and grounds.

For those who like to tee off, Castlerock Golf Club has an 18-hole championship links course right behind the beach and dunes, which is considered one of the oldest and most iconic courses in Northern Ireland.

The beach is surprisingly easy to reach. It’s a two-minute walk north from Castlerock railway station, making it one of the more accessible North Coast beaches if you’re not driving.

Essentially, Castlerock is a quieter, more residential seaside village than Portrush or Portstewart, but with beach, dunes, cliff-top history, and golf all within easy walking distance of each other — and it works well as a stop on a wider Causeway Coast route toward the Giant’s Causeway or Downhill Demesne.

​The Marisco Lounge in Scarborough’s South Bay is seeking a new pavement licence from North Yorkshire Council.

​Located at 11-12 Sandside, the business wants permission to place chairs and tables outside the business.

​Loungers UK Ltd’s proposal states: “The application is for outdoor seating to the front of the premises for the service of food and drink.”

​The café and bar is at a “prime location” in the South Bay and according to its website, it has “plenty of outdoor seating and really big windows on both floors that open up all the way to the fantastic views looking out across the harbour”.

Marisco Lounge, Sandside, Scarborough. Google Maps

​The business has a 4.2 rating out of five on Tripadvisor and is listed as the 79th best restaurant in Scarborough out of 299.

​The company also operates The Pescado Lounge at the site of Whitby’s former Star Inn the Harbour.

​Marisco Lounge previously applied for a pavement licence from North Yorkshire Council in 2024.

​The deadline for representations by members of the public is Monday, August 31.

​Anyone wishing to make representations regarding the application should give notice in writing to: North Yorkshire Council, Licensing Services, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG.

​​The authority can also be contacted by email at licensing.east@northyorks.gov.uk.

​

​The council’s website states: “It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.”

Thursday’s Inbox is pleased by CeX’s rumoured retro plans, as one reader mocks Sony’s attempts to make a successful live service game.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Negative waves
Great preview and interview of Marvel’s Wolverine, although I give equal kudos to the Insomniac guy for answering honestly. I don’t imagine Sony was expecting all the negativity from the first wave of hands-on, so I’m surprised they didn’t just cancel this second one once they found out.

I think it raises some interesting questions about what happens when the person playing a game isn’t very good at it and, more importantly, the intense negativity of fans online. I’m not trying to defend Wolverine – I liked the Spider-Man games but can take or leave this new one – but the way people just unleash their negativity for no good reason is not healthy for anyone.

I believe that’s basically what the other Insomniac guy said already. There’s enough going wrong in gaming right now without dogpiling on new games before you’ve had chance to play them. If Wolverine is no good then don’t buy it, but starting a hate campaign months before is not on.
Clovis

Unidentified leak
Well, this business with the GTA 6 leaks is very strange. For a start I don’t understand where they’re getting the information and clips from. It’s implied to be hacking but they don’t seem to talk about that and why are they only getting year old clips of the unfinished game?

And surely they don’t think that Rockstar will actually give in to their demands and release the game on disc? They’d be more likely to give GTA 6 away for free than do that. And I don’t think they can anyway, because Sony’s turned off their disc factory. There literally won’t be any discs soon.

I think these people are going to greatly regret all this, when they end up being sued to hell and back by Rockstar. And all for some pointless videos that barely show anything of interest.
Ragnor

Talking it up
I’ve really enjoyed the recent run of previews and interviews over the last week or so. Star Wars Zero Company has moved right to the top of my watchlist – had a great time with Marvel’s Midnight Suns and if they’ve tidied up some of the bloat, it sounds like a GOTY contender.
The Light Knight
PS: I trust young Jenkins took the rest of the day off after that potted plant line in the Wolverine preview.

GC: Thanks.

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Final mistake
Absolutely ridiculous that Sony has cancelled yet another live service game (or turned it into a normal game, which is basically the same thing). Turns out forcing single-player developers to make highly monetised multiplayer games is not something that works. Sony has tried it often enough now that they’ve proven that beyond doubt.

With luck we’ll find out that Fairgames has been cancelled soon and then that will hopefully be it for the whole ridiculous saga, that has ruined a whole generation of gaming for Sony.

I find the Horizon game particularly stupid because who asked for a multiplayer game of that in the first place? Especially one that changes the art style for an ugly cartoon style. The detailed graphics and creature designs were the best bit of the proper games and that’s completely ruined by this game.

We could’ve probably had a proper sequel by now if it wasn’t for this nonsense.
Kinder

Bad management
Another Star Wars game is cancelled. This is why they’re saying the cost of games need to go up. They either make a game that no one really wants and doesn’t sell enough or start to make a game and then cancel it, this is why they’re losing money. This is why they want more for games.

Maybe if they ran the company properly they wouldn’t be losing so much money and you know when the PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox comes out they’re going to be saying prices are going up because more is going into making the games. And they will still be moaning after that. Games don’t earn enough; they just need to stop wasting time and money.
David

Loss of attraction
Playing through quite a few big releases recently (it’s been a great year to be a Switch 2 owner in my opinion), especially modern Capcom titles such as Pragmata, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and the Final Fantasy 7 remake I noticed how bland the opening menus are for these games and it got me thinking about how much I miss a classic gaming staple: the attract mode.

As gaming has developed away from its arcade roots the attract mode/intro seems to be a lost art. Whether it was the awe-inspiring, iconic intro to Soulcalibur on the Dreamcast (oh the memories!) or the infectious energy of Daytona USA, a good attract screen was designed to grab you by the collar and make you drop a 20p coin.

Arcade games had to fight for your attention, so it became something of a necessity to have a draw – something to pull you in, show off the graphics and gameplay as effectively and impressively as possible. Perhaps one of the more iconic attract screens is the one of Ryu throwing a fireball towards the player in Super Street Fighter 2 or the intro to Dragon’s Lair that boomed out across an arcade floor.

There are more modern exceptions of course and I am sure readers are thinking of some now – the into to Dragon Quest 11 comes to mind.

Nowadays, with modern games leaning so heavily into cinematic storytelling, filmic pacing, and shoehorning sprawling role-playing progression systems into almost every genre, you’re usually just greeted by a sterile, almost silent start menu.

In my opinion, arcade-rooted genres like fighting and racing games always did this best, and modern gaming can at times feel like it has forgotten how to show off right out of the gate.

Do any other readers miss attract screens, and which ones from back in the day stuck with you the most?
Bristolpete

When and why
I think that theory about no Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake news until after Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is out makes a lot of sense. Who can ever predict Nintendo, but I know for a fact they don’t like to nobble their own games if they can help it, unlike EA (I’ll never forgive Titanfall 2).

The question of why they’ve left it so late I have no idea though. I wonder if they’re regretting it now because the summer Direct was already one of the weakest ones they’ve ever had, and a proper reveal would’ve made it a lot better. But too late for that now.
Paulie

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Enter the Collector
I’m glad to see CeX are trying to get a grasp on the retro market.

That is my bag and I love retro gaming.

As a single parent of two young girls I’ve actually relied on CeX while selling old games to get us through the week.

Their buy back is not the best, to the point they would rather give me £5 less for a NES than what they say on their website.

I had no choice, I needed the money.

I understand they need to make a profit but buying something for less than half it is worth and selling it for over double leaves a stale taste in the mouth.

This is a little bit bittersweet for me as they have helped me out, so I have no ill will towards that company and after all they are just a company just making money.

But in the same sense, I have a lot of retro Zelda and Mario stuff, from balloons and rubbish cardboard McDonald’s Mario board games to exclusive Zelda: Ocarina Of Time figures exclusive to Target (an American store) and Zelda shop demos in my collection.

I wouldn’t dream of selling these items to CeX, for how much they lowball you.

What I’m getting at is retro collectors like me are of a certain age and we quite like our collections, we are knowledgeable on how much they are worth and won’t settle for being low-balled.

I wish CeX the best but they are delving into collectors territory now and collectors can be very stubborn indeed.
freeway 77

Inbox also-rans
I really hope GTA 6 doesn’t have the dumb role-playing bits from San Andreas in it. I would’ve thought it was pretty clear that nobody liked that, so I don’t know why Rockstar would bring it back.
Mike

If Insomniac actually end up making a Squirrel Girl game, or at least putting her in another one, I think we’ll all know who to thank for that.
Manger

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