Prince Harry has contacted the Home Secretary and appealed for an answer on whether he is getting security for his family which could cost the taxpayer at least £5million a year.

The Duke of Sussex, who in a shock move is coming back to the UK with his family within weeks, has reportedly ‘privately pleaded’ with Shabana Mahmood for a decision on whether his security will be provided and funded.

A review of his security which he controversially insists must be funded by the taxpayer even though he is a non-working Royal, was apparently carried out on the orders of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) at the end of July by its risk management board (RMB).

However, the board was apparently not informed that Harry was planning a permanent move back to the UK when it considered its decision.

Original estimates of £5million plus for armed police protection for the family when they were in the UK could therefore skyrocket if the Home Office agrees to fund his security and he remains in the UK with his family permanently.

The review followed a lengthy tussle over whether he was eligible as a non-working member of the Royal Family for taxpayer funded support following his failed legal battle against the government last year.

At the time, the Court of Appeal declared that a grievance did not equate to a valid legal argument.

After he lost the case, he blamed an ‘establishment stitch up’, but continued to battle for a fresh RMB, even writing to the Home Secretary.

Harry, who is said to feel ‘numbed’ by his struggle to have the security provided for his family, has been told the review is now completed but he has not been given the result despite pushing for it, according to today’s Telegraph.

Harry has reportedly appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) for an answer on whether he is getting security for his family in the UK 

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He has now gone direct to the Home Secretary again, this time to ‘plead for answers’, they report.

The matter has become more urgent as Harry has now announced his family’s sudden return to the UK despite previously having declared the UK was not a place he would currently bring them to because it was not safe for him to do so.

The possibility of the Duchess of Sussex landing a plum acting job in Netflix’s The Gentleman is thought to be a key motivator for the surprising volte face.

Harry has repeatedly argued that the taxpayer should fund the cost for his family’s security as they are potentially high profile targets and he is said to believe it is just a drop in the ocean of Ravec’s overall budget for royalty protection.

Meanwhile fellow non-working royals, such as his cousins, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie do not receive police protection.

Ravec, which makes the decisions on royal security, includes representatives from the Royal Household, the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, the Cabinet Office and the Foreign Office.

It previously decided what, if any, protection the Duke should have on each visit to the UK.

Relations between Harry and some members of the committee including Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s private secretary, who Harry apparently nicknamed ‘the Wasp’, have previously been strained.

When Harry’s last full risk assessment was conducted in April 2019, he was deemed to be such a target that he was put in the highest category – level seven out of seven.

He won his right to a full risk assessment late last year which was scheduled for March but was delayed until the summer after all RMBs were ‘paused’.

When it was finally convened, it apparently considered a 40-page risk assessment compiled by the Duke’s private security company at the request of the Home Office among the documents it looked at.

The report warned that terrorists could create a ‘mass casualty event’ if they targeted the Duke in a ‘violent attack’ at a public event.

Prince Harry has previously faced a number of serious threats against him with several people jailed for either plotting to kill him or encouraging attacks on him.

Among the highlights from the last month, To Kill a Mockingbird at Wyndham’s Theatre (ends 12 September) gets my strong recommendation. The Oresteia (ends 19 September), backed by its 5-star reviews? I wouldn’t go so far myself. I did enjoy seeing some more impressive staging from Simon Stone, following his stunning previous production at the Bridge Theatre, The Lady from the Sea, last year. However, the volume levels of the dialogue were exhausting from the start, never mind after three and a half hours. Sitting behind me, I didn’t see whether Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver (*clunking celeb spot*) stuck it out till the end of the night.

Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis has recalled his most iconic and bizarre celebrity encounters during his 25 years on air. 

The Broom Cupboard host, 55, landed a radio show in 2001, and in a chat with the Daily Mail, he recalled: ‘My agent had been asking them for a while, but they kept pushing back saying ‘Toby’s too much of a TV person!’

‘It was always my dream to be a DJ on the radio, not to be on TV, and 25 years on, I still love it more than ever! 

‘I still have the same passion and still pinch myself that I get to do this for a living. From being a London and Birmingham only station, to the UK’s biggest radio brand with 12.8 million listeners, it’s a thrill to be part of Heart.

‘After 17 years on mid mornings, and we got it up to a record 4.3 million listeners, I was asked if I wanted to launch Heart Dance in 2019. I’m a total dance head, so it was a no brainer. 

‘To launch a new national radio station and do the Breakfast Show was and still is a privilege. 

‘That and Club Classics on a Friday night on Heart, getting out DJ’ing all over the UK and in Ibiza this summer at the world famous Cafe Mambo, these are the things you dream about doing and I’m eternally grateful.’

During his quarter of a century on the airwaves, Toby has also had the chance to interview some of the world’s biggest stars. Now he tells the Daily Mail his top 10.  

‘Emma Bunton is my favourite Spice Girl. In all the years I’ve known her and worked with her, she’s never changed. Still the loveliest and kindest and coolest music star!’

Emma Bunton 

‘I’d say my favourite Spice Girl. In all the years I’ve known her and worked with her, she’s never changed. Still the loveliest and kindest and coolest music star! 

‘Soon after I’d started working at Heart they offered me a Saturday morning show, and asked Emma if she’d like to co-host with me for a few weeks. 

‘I can think of worse ways to spend a Saturday morning!

‘My mum had always said, ‘You need find someone like Emma Bunton, she comes across as such a lovely person.’ Thanks mum, no pressure, set the standards high! 

‘She is that girl next door, never a hint of diva! And a big shout to her hubbie Jade, they’re a gorgeous couple!’

Robbie Williams    

‘I’ve Known Robbie Williams for a long time. Not like close pals, we’ve never gone down All Bar One for a pint but we’ve bumped into each other a lot over the years’ 

‘I’ve known Robbie for a long time. Not like close pals, we’ve never gone down All Bar One for a pint but we’ve bumped into each other a lot over the years, starting with Take That’s first TV interview on the O Zone back in the day. 

‘He was always the cheeky classmate, effortlessly funny and charming at the same time. 

‘Then one morning when I was hosting mid mornings on Heart he was in the building at Global, it wasn’t planned that he’d be on the show, but as he walked past the studio window, he saw me, waved and just wandered in as I was doing a live link to the nation!

”Ok, let’s stop that record, Robbie Williams has just rocked up!’ Totally unannounced, came in, sat down and started chatting. We got chatting about relationships! 

‘He was so happy to have met and married Ayda, and I was single at that time. And he was like ‘Tobe, meeting someone special is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Now we need to find you someone.’ 

‘I was then saying, ‘ Rob it’s not about me it’s about you! He said, ‘No Tobe let’s chat about this…!’ After a full on Robbie relationship therapy session, on air, we did finally get to some Robbie music stuff!’ 

Bruno Mars  

‘We did a run of Up Close and Personal live shows with Heart, and Bruno Mars was one of our special guests. ‘He absolutely smashed the gig! I got to chat to him ahead of his performance’

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‘We did a run of Up Close and Personal live shows with Heart, and Bruno Mars was one of our special guests. 

‘He absolutely smashed the gig! I got to chat to him ahead of his performance. Him and his Hooligans had just finished a huge tour the night before but still wanted to do our show. And yes Wet Wipes are on his rider! 

‘I know I’m pretty full of energy but Bruno is a whole other level! Still down to earth, and just loves performing. 

‘Remember that arm wrestling sketch that went viral with Bruno ripping someone’s arm off! Obviously I had to challenge him to a wrestle. I won’t again!’

Lady Gaga 

‘Lady Gaga was wearing a veil over her face so you couldn’t see her very well. Plus she decided to spin round on the studio chair for the entire seven minutes of the interview!’ 

‘This was an interesting one. Gaga came into Global with a huge entourage and not a lot of time to spare. 

‘You often only get six or seven minutes for the whole interview. And believe me they shut the interview down if you go a second over! 

‘So we had that pressure. And also she was wearing a veil over her face so you couldn’t see her very well. Plus she decided to spin round on the studio chair for the entire seven minutes! 

‘So I only really saw her for half the time! But it was a fun three and a half minutes, and she was super cool and friendly. She just wanted to spin that day!’ 

Lionel Richie  

‘How many people does he meet and do selfies with every day of his life? Yet Lionel Ritchie still remembered my name from another interview we’d done for telly a couple of years before’

‘So here’s a guy that’s been there, done it, got the Legends T-shirt at Glastonbury! 

‘How many people does he meet and do selfies with every day of his life? Yet he still remembered my name from another interview we’d done for telly a couple of years before. 

‘He came into the Heart studio with the biggest smile and said: ”Toby! Great to see you!” That felt good! 

‘I’ve always found the real stars who’ve grafted for years and consistently come up with the goods musically, have all the chart and streaming stats to prove it are the nicest ones in the business. 

‘Quite often the ”celebs” who’ve been around for two minutes can be precocious entitled nightmares! 

‘Not Lionel Richie. Charmed us with his stories, and managed to say ”Hello” in 5 different languages! (is it me you’re looking for….)’

Craig David  

‘Craig David came across as very spiritual and present, and in control. Those songs, 7 Days, Fill Me In and Re-Rewind will live on forever!”

‘Rewind to 2015, Craig had been away in Miami for years. There was definitely unfinished business for him in the UK, after the huge success of, Born To Do It.

‘The fanbase had never gone away. He’d kind of left the party in the UK on a high, a bit like Take That had when they spilt and we all saw the appetite their fans had when they made that comeback. 

‘Same for Craig, the affection for him and his songs was clear. But the humility and surprise and excitement in his face was amazing! As humble as they get. 

‘He talked about all that Bo Selecta nonsense, which had hurt him. But not affected the love the UK has for him. 

‘He came across as very spiritual and present, and in control. Those songs, 7 Days, Fill Me In and Re-Rewind will live on forever!’

Carl Cox 

‘I mean as DJ’s go, Carl Cox is right up there! A legend. I’d seen him play at Space in Ibiza where he had the island’s biggest night for over a decade! He is ‘house music’s final boss”

‘I mean as DJ’s go, he’s right up there! A legend. I’d seen him play at Space in Ibiza where he had the island’s biggest night for over a decade! He is ‘house music’s final boss’. 

‘To get to chat to him recently was a joy. He’d grown up in Carshalton (Surrey) and played records for his mum and dad’s parties when he was nine! Now he plays at Ibiza’s biggest club UNIVRS every Sunday night, and is killing it all over again! 

‘He’s just turned 64 but has the youthfulness of a 21 year old. (i think we’re all a bit like that!) He simply loves playing records and making people dance. 

‘He’s got all the swagger, his entrance to a gig in France this summer at Chateau Chantilly went viral. His right shoulder is now more famous than him! 

‘A bit like the original supermodels, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, the likes of Carl, David Guetta and Fatboy Slim are still blazing a trail for everyone else to follow! 

‘Still the main players, the original superstar DJ’s hogging the giant billboards all over Ibiza!’

Fatboy Slim 

‘What a top bloke Fatboy Slim is! Another groundbreaking style-making superstar DJ!’

‘What a top bloke! Another groundbreaking style-making superstar DJ! 

‘We got chatting about his book, It Ain’t Over Til The Fatboy Sings!, Genius! And a brilliant read plus a load of era defining photos and clubbing reference points. 

‘Can’t remember exactly how his former wife Zoe came up, but he mentioned her very fondly. Anyway, I then said I worked with her on Children’s BBC and the O Zone, and that she was half an hour late on her first day when we were live on BBC1. 

‘Fatboy then jumped in and said ‘Oops that would possibly have been my fault. We’d probably been up all night!’ The crazy Nineties!’ 

Take That  

‘I go back a long way with Take That. Smash Hits Parties, Fast Forward covers, almost sinking in a boat off the Isle of Wight, switching on the Oxford Street Christmas lights, we’ve done a lot’

‘We go back a long way! Smash Hits Poll Winners Parties, Fast Forward covers, almost sinking in a boat off the Isle of Wight, switching on the Oxford Street Christmas lights, we’ve done a lot together. 

‘We all got started in the Nineties. Nicky Chapman brought a cassette of It only takes a minute into the Ozone office at the BBC to see if we could give it a slot on the TV show. If it didn’t go Top 20 they were going to be dropped from their label. 

‘We did a short interview, and played a bit of that video in a boxing ring and gym, and it went to number eight I think, definitely top 20, and they stayed at RCA.

‘I last interviewed them for Heart earlier this year. We always hug it out like old friends whenever we see each other. 

‘Gary always says very humbly in his laid back Manchester lilt, ‘Hey Tobe, look at us, we’re still going!’ 

‘Gaz, you’re more than going!! That’s how they’ve always been. Down to earth lads from Manchester, living the dream, still selling out stadiums, and trying to not fall off unicycles! ( if you know you know!)’ 

Kylie Minogue  

‘When I interviewed Kylie  Minogue she answered the door, and said ‘come in!’ First thing she said was, ‘Dannii says hi!’ That put me at ease’

‘I was actually quite nervous about meeting Kylie. I hosted a TV show on BBC1 with her sister Dannii back in the day, Fan TC, and she’s lovely.  Then I’d briefly met Kylie when she came to the set for one of the episodes. 

‘When I interviewed her for Heart at a very cool bougie hotel in Kensington, I was just told to go up to her suite. 

‘She answered the door, and said ‘come in!’ First thing she said was, ‘Dannii says hi!’ That put me at ease. 

‘But she was so genuine and lovely and somehow vulnerable? Just in how she spoke about everything. Without doubt a very savvy business woman, but also incredibly ‘normal.” 

Toby Anstis hosts Heart Dance Breakfast on weekdays from 7AM to 10AM and presents Heart’s Club Classics on Friday from 7PM to 11PM across the Heart network

The Rangers legend has warned that it is cause for concern

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Ally McCoist has admitted that Celtic’s blistering opening to the Premiership campaign ought to concern their rivals.

The Hoops have secured victories in both their league fixtures and progressed comfortably to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, netting ten goals along the way.

They’ve subsequently added another three in their Champions League qualifier playoff against LASK, virtually guaranteeing their spot in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Rangers remain without a league win under Derek McInnes and struggled in their Conference League playoff first leg against Jablonec, though they did sweep aside St Mirren in the League Cup at Ibrox.

The title holders have been splashing the cash following several disappointing transfer windows that left supporters calling for substantial investment, with additional signings expected, reports the Daily Record.

Martin O’Neill has returned to the touchline after receiving hospital treatment for a minor procedure, and McCoist believes his side’s displays will have aided his recovery.

“Celtic have had a great start,” he told talkSPORT Bet slots site.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt the way Celtic have started has helped his recovery, because I thought they were comfortable in the opener. Kasper Hogh looked the real deal against Kilmarnock.

“I watched him down there, a proper centre forward’s goal. Then the signing of Hassan, I don’t mind telling you I was impressed with him in the World Cup, arguably in one of the runs of the tournament which ended up with a disallowed goal if you remember.

“So yes, worrying signs for the rest of the league, no getting away from it.”

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“

Adam was our mutual friend. It’s just not the whole truth.

Courtesy of Nicole Garelick

The study, conducted at RSPB Saltholme on Teesside, was carried out by the Mammal Society as part of its ‘Searching for Shrews’ project, now in its third year.

Ian Bond, a Northumbria Mammal Group volunteer, said: “So far, the Great White-toothed Shrew has not arrived at Saltholme, but what we have learned about other small mammals in the area is perhaps even more interesting.

Owl pellet analysis (Image: Derek Crawley)

“At Saltholme, Barn Owls have been preying on every other species of small mammal that is found in Northeast England, ten different species in total.

“Due to the near demise of Water Voles elsewhere and the patchy distribution of some of the other small mammal species, this is almost certainly the only place in the region where Barn Owls can choose from such a wide menu”.

The reserve is just 12km from the nearest known record of the greater white-toothed shrew, first recorded in the Sunderland area in 2022.

Pygmy shrew (Image: The Mammal Society)

RSPB staff have been collecting pellets every three months since October 2025, and the presence or absence of the invasive shrew is considered important due to its potential impact on native shrew populations.

Barn owls are a valuable tool for this kind of research, as they swallow their prey whole and later regurgitate pellets made of indigestible bones and fur.

These pellets provide a non-invasive way to monitor small mammal populations and identify species living in the area.

Chris Francis (Image: Claire Freeburn)

Chris Francis, senior reserve manager at RSPB Saltholme, said: “These findings demonstrate the habitats we’ve created and continue to manage at RSPB Saltholme are providing homes for a great variety of small mammals, such as Water Voles, Harvest Mice and Water Shrews.

“There’s a good deal more to learn and when it comes to surveying them, nothing beats an Owl to tell us about what’s here. Of all the birds that are seen at Saltholme, nothing excites visitors more than seeing a Barn Owl hunting over the meadows. Beautiful to look at and so well adapted as a hunter.”

Water shrew remains were found in high numbers, with Saltholme accounting for more than a third of all water shrew remains in the North East survey, despite contributing just over a tenth of the total pellets examined.

This highlights the value of the reserve’s managed mix of wetland and grassland habitats.

Barn Owl (Image: Supplied)

The only small mammal species native to the North East not found in the pellets was the greater white-toothed shrew.

Other species more widely found in England but absent from Saltholme include the hazel dormouse, fat dormouse, and yellow-necked mouse.

Saltholme currently supports four pairs of barn owls, with one pair successfully fledging seven chicks this year.

Dissecting owl pellets (Image: Kate Larson)

Mr Bond said: “The Barn Owl is one of Britain’s most recognisable birds, famed for its ghostly silent flight and heart-shaped face. At Saltholme, the pellets they leave behind give us a fascinating picture of the small mammals living on the reserve, while helping us monitor for the arrival of the Greater White-toothed Shrew.”

The Mammal Society’s North East group has examined owl pellets from more than 50 locations across the region as part of the wider project.

The continued absence of the greater white-toothed shrew at Saltholme is seen as significant, given the reserve’s proximity to known populations and its suitability as a monitoring site for the species’ potential spread.

After taking a wicket with the first ball of the Test, England dominated Pakistan across two and a half rain-affected days.

They appeared more measured in their approach than during the ultra-aggressive Stokes-McCullum regime, but still scored at 4.55 runs per over – albeit against a poor Pakistan side.

“We played to the fashion that we wanted to,” Trescothick said.

“We wanted to be able to be clever and smart. There’s moments within the game we’ve done that brilliantly.

“We still have that mantra of applying pressure because that’s the best way of being dominant over teams, if you can put them under pressure.

“I did enjoy the fact we were still scoring quite quickly especially when the ball was new.”

New Zealander Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum’s replacement but will not take charge until the winter tour of South Africa, leaving Trescothick as interim.

Fleming was in contact with Root and Trescothick “every day” during the win over Pakistan.

“He was adamant me and Joe take it on and just run with what we feel is right, to try and get the group back in shape, with a few pointers on what he wanted and how he could see his style being implemented within the group,” Trescothick said.

Trescothick has worked with England as a batting and assistant coach since 2021, but former Australia coach Mike Hussey has been approached by Fleming to be batting coach when he takes over.

Hussey worked with England under Michael Mott during their 2022 T20 World Cup win and with Fleming at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Trescothick could move to a white-ball only role, where McCullum remains England coach, but said he would “love” to stay on with the Test side.

“I want to be involved in all formats of the game because it’s a wonderful place to be,” he said.

“Working with the best and seeing England cricketers do well.

“That’s not really for me to judge so I’ll wait and see what happens.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has spoken to drivers who have claimed they are being sent out in buses which are ‘not supposed to be on the road’, and that it is a ‘matter of time’ before a major incident happens.

Some said the problems in the network have become a ‘crisis’ and warned that there is growing unhappiness among bus drivers in Greater Manchester.

The Bee Network owns the region’s buses, while various operators run the services.

Bus drivers have spoken out about plummeting morale over the safety issues, including ‘anger’ over how many of them had to work long shifts in vehicles without air conditioning over summer when temperatures on board were said to be as high as ‘42C’.

The issue of high temperatures on buses has impacted bus networks across the country this year, with 1,500 bus drivers working for Arriva North London postponing strike action over hot weather working conditions this week after negotiations with trade union bosses.

The LDRS understands that Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is in active talks with trade unions in the region over driver concerns and working conditions in high temperatures.

One former driver at Go North West, an operator which runs Bee Network services, has alleged that MOT tests for buses are being ‘rushed’ through by members of staff who are employed by the company, while claiming that bus defects are routinely being ‘marked as fixed’ without actually being dealt with.

“It’s like our lives don’t matter,” the source said, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“They act like they care about your safety, but it’s all a box-ticking exercise to make them look good.

“There was one incident when the bus cut out, and I smelt burning. I got everyone off the bus and rang it in; all the plastic had fallen off, there was a wiring fault, because someone couldn’t be ars*d doing it properly.

“There could have been a serious fire next to high-rise buildings. I was driving around in a potential firebomb.”

They added: “In the garage, they passed the MOT on five double-decker buses in 40 minutes, but that’s the time it takes to do one car.

“A report came in on the computer about a serious defect, yet it was marked off as fixed.

“One of those buses that passed the MOT the next day, there were a load of reports from drivers of defects. It was just a box-ticking exercise, and this was a Bee Network service.”

Go North West has responded to the claims, saying that the allegations have been ‘thoroughly’ investigated.

A spokesperson said: “Safety is our highest priority, and we take any concerns raised by our current or former colleagues extremely seriously.

“An allegation of this nature has previously been raised with Go North West and was thoroughly investigated. The investigation did not substantiate any of the claims made.

“Our buses are maintained and inspected in accordance with the strict regulatory requirements, and drivers are required to carry out safety checks before entering service and to report any defects identified.

“Vehicles with safety-critical defects are not permitted to remain in service until the issue has been rectified.

“We encourage our colleagues to report any safety concerns and have established processes for doing so. We would never seek to discourage anyone from raising a genuine safety concern.

“If any specific new evidence is provided to us, we will of course investigate it thoroughly.”

A member of staff at the Stockport bus depot, which is managed by Stagecoach, also claimed that safety issues are repeatedly not being addressed.

They said: “Drivers are trained on doing a first-user check and to report defects. Engineers are supposed to look at it and decide if it is on the road or off the road, but they won’t do anything about it; they’ll sign it off and say it’s fine; they’ll sort it later.

“We’ve had CCTV cameras not working, radios not working. There are so many buses with no radio; realistically, we’re not supposed to take a bus out on the road with no radio, in case there’s a diversion or some other sort of issue.

“If someone kicks off on our bus, we’re just stuck. The emergency button in the cab links to the radio; if it’s not working, it won’t do anything.”

The staff member said high temperatures on board vehicles have been a major issue over the summer.

They added: “It’s disgusting; some days it has reached 42C at one point on the bus. It makes you feel exhausted, you’re overdrinking, you constantly need the toilet, you feel dizzy, and if we make one mistake it can be life-threatening with up to 100 people on the bus.

“We’ve had abuse from passengers because of it, people screaming and shouting at us, we were constantly getting abused when the heatwave was, all we could say was sorry.

“We’re told to get off the bus and get a break, but it’s not as easy as that, we have to run on time and everyone needs to get somewhere, you feel that constant pressure.

“One of the drivers had heatstroke and was sick outside the bus, another had to be taken off the bus because he was feeling dizzy, he had to go and sit in his car for AC just to cool him down.

“They don’t take our welfare seriously at all.

“It’s come to the point where it’s become a crisis, and a lot of the public don’t know any of this.

“A driver or passenger will end up seriously hurt at some point because of these issues, it’s just a matter of time until there’s another bad heatwave and a driver faints while driving a bus.”

Sources claim there has been a breakdown in communication between drivers and management at the Stagecoach depot in Stockport.

An issue which has soured relations is understood to be over a broken air conditioning system in the staff canteen, while managers’ offices are said to have working AC.

Other drivers on Bee Network services have spoken out in recent weeks about the difficulties caused by the lack of air conditioning on vehicles, which they believe has put them at risk of ‘passing out’ while driving a bus full of passengers.

The issue was particularly bad during the June heatwave when some drivers reported having to visit A&E after shifts, while passengers said they felt ‘unsafe’ on board Bee Network buses and trams.

Stagecoach accepted there are ‘limited’ issues with radios on buses, but denied that its services are unsafe.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority, and we take any concerns raised by our drivers seriously.

“We strongly refute any suggestion that vehicle maintenance standards at our Stockport depot are being compromised.

“Our maintenance processes are subject to rigorous internal and external auditing, and Stockport’s engineering operation is consistently ranked among the top-performing maintenance operations across the Stagecoach Group.

“All vehicles undergo safety checks, and any defects identified are assessed by our engineering teams to determine whether a vehicle is fit to operate. A vehicle with a non-functioning CCTV system is not permitted to enter service.

“We are also aware of some limited radio coverage issues, which are being worked through with the radio contractors and are outside the direct control of our local management team.

“We have robust procedures in place to support colleagues during periods of hot weather, including guidance on taking appropriate breaks and staying hydrated. We continue to engage with our teams locally to ensure concerns about working conditions are properly heard and addressed.

“We would encourage any colleague with specific concerns about their safety or welfare to raise them directly with their manager or through the appropriate internal channels so that they can be investigated and resolved.”

Concerns over driver welfare and high temperatures on Bee Network buses have been raised by politicians in Greater Manchester, with calls for improvements on vehicles.

Councillor Michael Welton, the Green Party’s representative on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network Committee, said: “This summer’s extreme temperatures have been a wake-up call for the Bee Network’s passengers, employees and infrastructure.

“Air conditioning, window tinting, thermal insulation and shading at stops must all be on the table to protect staff health and keep buses and trams an attractive option in summer.

“The old excuse, that there weren’t enough hot days to justify investing in cooling, no longer holds.

“Greater Manchester’s Green councillors will be asking the Bee Network committee to scrutinise the network’s preparedness for hotter summers, with a focus on employee and customer health and comfort.”

Councillor Amna Abdullatif, co-deputy leader of Manchester Green Party Group, added: “This should be a national wake-up call. There’s no legal maximum working temperature in UK law and no minimum cooling standard for vehicles or workplaces.

“Heat has been linked to over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales this summer alone, according to the Met Office, and that’s before July or August is even counted.

“Unite has raised this nationally for years, warning that bus firms treat every heatwave as a surprise when it’s now a yearly problem. Drivers shouldn’t have to fight alone for basic safety at work.”

It is understood that all Bee Network operators have signed up to a new confidential incident reporting system that allows transport workers to flag concerns, and is set to go live on September 7.

The network is aiming to have a new fully electric fleet by 2030, with new buses with better cooling systems replacing older vehicles without any air conditioning.

Alison Chew, bus network director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Safety and staff wellbeing is a top priority for the Bee Network and something we discuss regularly with operators and unions – and we have sought additional assurances from operators about their staff welfare and vehicle maintenance procedures and policies in light of the allegations.

“All our buses are required by law to meet strict safety standards and undergo regular maintenance and testing. We are investing heavily in a new, modern fleet of electric buses that are better equipped for extreme hot weather.

“We encourage drivers to report any concerns they have either to their manager, through the confidential reporting system that Bee Network operators are signed up to, or to TfGM.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “It’s important public transport workers are protected from extreme temperatures, both for their health and wellbeing and for the safety of passengers and road users.

“Public transport operators have a legal responsibility to make sure their vehicles and workplaces are safe for staff, including during extreme heat.”

Going “doon the watter” on your holidays is now a thing of the past in Scotland as seaside towns have largely declined

Before all-inclusive hotels in exotic locations and magnificent cruise ship holidays that sail all over Europe, most Scots enjoyed a far simpler summer holiday “doon the watter”.

Children nowadays will often hear the older generation speak of their beloved seaside family trips, which generally consisted of ice cream and a good chippy, playing in the sand with your siblings and if you were lucky a few nights’ stay in a caravan park.

Traditional Scottish seaside holidays are now a thing of a past but were a very common practice for working-class families for hundreds of years.

They began to flourish in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the railways and Clyde paddle steamers and peaked through the mid-20th century.

However, by the 1970s and 1980s, seaside holidays largely declined as cheap foreign air travel was introduced and holidaymakers began to choose going abroad instead.

While seeing other parts of the world is an incredible privilege, many Scots will look back fondly with nostalgia at their favourite seaside towns they used to visit.

Here are five popular holiday hot spots from back in the day – do you remember them?

Dunoon

From the Victorian era through to the 1950s and 1960s, Dunoon was a booming destination for Glaswegian holidaymakers taking the steamers ‘doon the watter’ for summer breaks.

The town experienced a major economic and social boom during the Cold War when the US Navy stationed the Holbrook floating submarine base nearby at Holy Loch, bringing thousands of American service members and families to the area from 1961.

It’s widely reported that the once popular coastal town on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, went into rapid decline after the American Navy base shut in 1992.

While not as popular as it once was, Dunoon still attracts a steady stream of outdoor lovers and day trippers via CalMac or Western Ferries.

According to the 2022 census, Dunoon is home to just under 8,000 people. Across the water is Rothesay, another seaside town on the Isle of Bute that once brought in thousands of families every year for a seaside holiday.

Millport

Millport was another popular destination for Scottish families back in the day.

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It is the only town on the Isle of Great Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde, off the west coast of mainland Scotland, within the North Ayrshire council area.

Once a booming holiday destination, the introduction of roll-on-roll-off vehicle ferries in 1972 moved the main island arrival point to Cumbrae Slip, ending Millport’s direct status as a primary steamer and passenger pier terminus.

The deterioration and eventual closure of Millport’s historic pier also cut off direct maritime excursion traffic.

Recent figures list the town’s population to be around 1,170 to 1,270, while the wider Isle of Cumbrae is home to approximately 1,300 residents.

While Millport is no longer a holiday hot spot as such, it’s still described as a “Jewel in the Clyde” on its website. Just a short ferry trip away from Largs, Millport was even previously rated as the “most beautiful” destination in the country by Hidden Scotland.

Gourock

Another charming seaside spot popular with Scottish families was the once small fishing village of Gourock.

Situated on the coast of the River Clyde, Gourock has spectacular views across the Arrochar Alps, Argyll peninsula and beyond.

Gourock transformed into a popular seaside resort in the 19th century, known for its scenic views and outdoor swimming baths.

Visitors today still flock to its famous outdoor swimming pool in the summer months, which is Scotland’s oldest heated saltwater pool. It was first built in 1090 and then rebuilt in 1969.

Today, however, Gourock is a more modern residential and commuter town, known for its ferry links to Dunoon and waterfront promenade.

With a population of around 10,077, Gourock was named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK in 2025.

Saltcoats

Saltcoats was a beloved traditional seaside holiday spot for Scottish families, especially Glaswegians during the Glasgow Fair summer holidays, from the Victorian era up through the 1960s and 1970s.

Holidaymakers and day-trippers could easily catch trains straight from Glasgow Central down to the Ayrshire coast.

A favourite spot was the long, sandy South Beach stretch with views looking out towards the Isle of Arran.

The North Ayrshire town also once had a huge saltwater tidal pool built in a rocky cove. The attraction famously drew thousands of visitors a day for swimming and midnight bathing before it was finally closed in the 1980s.

Saltcoats is no longer the booming ‘doon the watter’ holiday resort it was once was in the mid-20th century, but it remains a popular, budget-friendly destination for quick day trips and an affordable residential choice on the Firth of Clyde

The population of Saltcoats alone is believed to be roughly 12,000.

Crail

Crail is a picturesque, historic coastal village and ancient Royal Burgh located in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland, about 10 miles southeast of St Andrews.

It was once a very popular seaside spot for families thanks to its local caravan sites and sandy shores.

However, the closure of its local railway line in September 1965 as part of the Beeching Cuts and saw less people visit the village.

Crail was once a major and prosperous fishing port and trading hub in Scotland and while not as popular as it once was, the 16th-century Crail Harbour still sees fishing boats regularly landing their catch here.

It is a popular spot for photographers, artists and walkers.

When last recorded in 2020, the population was said to be around 1,600 people.

Good news for some, devastating for others, as the weather seems to be cooling this week, bringing the seemingly endless heatwaves of this scorching summer to a gentle halt.

There’s still a little sunshine left, though – and where better to take advantage of it than by the coast, at one of the UK’s best beachside pubs?

Whether you’ll sip on a Hugo Spritz with a chic seaside view, a pint of the Black Stuff while enjoying the sound of crashing waves or a pint of IPA in a classic English pub, these standout British watering holes on offer are certain to quench your thirst. 

Here, we round up some of the best coastal pubs right on the nation’s beaches that you should visit next. 

The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Dorset

Little-known Seatown, in Bridport, is home to the very definition of beachside pubs, The Anchor Inn.

Serving hearty gastropub food and real local ales from nearby Palmer’s Brewery, you’re getting a real taste of Dorset here – just metres from the sandy shores.

What to eat? Feast on a classic fish and chips, chorizo-baked hake fillet or market fish with roasted fennel, a veritable seaside extravaganza.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You can walk from The Anchor Inn up to the top of Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast of England, a route that will take you around five hours to complete. 

The Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove, Cornwall

The Old Success Inn in Sennen Cove is an ideal Cornish spot

By day, The Old Success Inn is home to yoga and breakfast sessions and fish and chips lunches.

Come evening, you can expect cold pints, a warm ambience and expansive sea views. 

It’s dog-friendly, so Winston can tag along too. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Sennen Cove is a delightful part of Cornwall for surfers, walkers and active visitors. Dog-friendly beaches, popular cycling routes and a surfing centre will keep you occupied all summer long.

The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon 

The Pilchard Inn, near the Burgh Island Hotel (pictured), is worth a look

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Look out adrenaline junkies, as danger (or, at least, mild risk) is on the cards at The Pilchard Inn, on South Devon micro-isle Burgh Island (once beloved by Dame Agatha Christie).

If the tide comes in when you’re full of food and beer, you’ll be forced to ride back to the mainland on a sea tractor.

The pub? It’s all cream stone fireplaces inside, and benches with a sublime view outside.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: The famous Burgh Island Hotel is home to a Mermaid Pool, which offers a natural seawater swimming experience shaped by its island environment.

The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent

Directly on Kingsdown Beach, the Zetland Arms has been open since 1863

Packed in summer thanks to its location right on the seafront at Kingsdown, the bright white Zetland Arms looks across to France.

Go in winter when it’s quieter, and feel the warm embrace of a jar, brewed by Shepherd Neame up the road in Faversham, after a bracing walk.

The sheltered rear courtyard offers respite on windy days – which you’ll be grateful for if you arrive on one.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Colourful beach huts and the White Cliffs are visible on sunny days here. Explore the Kent coastline at your leisure.

The Ship At Dunwich, Suffolk

The Ship At Dunwich is just a three-minute stroll from Dunwich Beach in Suffolk

Relaxed and welcoming, this old smugglers’ inn is ideal for a hearty lunch after a long walk. 

You can even stay overnight if you’ve tired yourself out.

Dogs sleeping under tables, a busy pub garden and fresh fish and seafood will be everywhere you look. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Dunwich Beach, located on the Suffolk coast, is popular among dog walkers living in the area. The pebble beach and nearby town are great to explore, with many visitors remarking on the interesting history and range of tea rooms, restaurants and cafes on offer.

The Atlantic Inn, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly

The Atlantic on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly has unrivalled harbour views

The Atlantic overlooks the harbour on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, just steps from the quay.

Boats, clear waters and sunshine are on display, while burgers, steak, fresh fish and miso and chilli baked aubergine are on the menu.

On Mondays, the pub hosts a curry and pint night, a relaxed way to spend an afternoon or evening soaking up the atmosphere. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: If you’re holidaying on the Isles of Scilly, try out one of St Mary’s walking routes, go snorkelling with seals on nearby St Martin’s Island or visit Tresco Abbey Garden, just 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast.

Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, North Wales

The village of Porthdinllaen, North Wales is home to Tŷ Coch Inn

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Accessible by foot only, the 20-minute walk from the nearest car park to this highly picturesque red-hued beauty makes the visit well worth the effort.

On the north coast of the pretty Llŷn Peninsula, there are magnificent views of the water, and a nautical theme inside, including jugs and jars hanging from the beams.

Go for lunch, there’s no food in the evenings and doors close at 7pm on weekdays.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Enjoy nearby beach Morfa Nefyn Beach and explore walks on the coastal paths.

The Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland

Just yards from the beach, The Ship Inn in Low Newton-by-the-Sea is a pub with hearty food, seaside air and even live folk music nights.

The Ship Inn Brewery opened in March 2008, and the pub is now self-sufficient in real ale, with beer brewed on the premises and rolled a mere 10ft from brewery to cellar. 

So if you’re a beer lover, this is certainly the spot for you. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, a now-ruined castle that dates back to 1313 and is now known for its wildlife.

The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent

In Whitstable, head to The Old Neptune pub on the beach

Backed by the shoreline, one of Whitstable’s oldest pubs, Old Neptune, dates from the early 19th century. 

The beer garden and outdoor seating is perfect for when the weather gets good.

‘Pub on the beach, amazing location for a beer. Iconic spot,’ one delighted visitor said. 

‘Staff are super friendly and accommodating – and go the extra mile for their customers. Good pub grub and speedy service – must visit when in Whitstable.’

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Fresh oysters are the order of the day in Whitstable. Try out nearby Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, explore the beach and stroll through the food stalls and Harbour Market.

Pennan Inn, Pennan, Aberdeenshire

The Pennan Inn in Scotland is quiet and remote, yet quaint and high quality

Pennan, a historic fishing village, is all whitewashed cottages and sea views – and family-run affair the Pennan Inn is the icing on the cake.

The menu changes with the catch and season, but frequently features fish from haddock to halibut and Highland sirloin steak.

‘An AA Rosette kitchen in a village at the edge of the world’, is how the establishment describes itself.  

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Pennan is a wildlife paradise – embark on a dolphin-watching excursion, see the seals lounging on the beach and explore the many tiny coastal fishing villages.

Marsden Grotto, South Shields, Tyneside

Next up on the list is Marsden Grotto in South Shields, Tyneside

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Perhaps one of Britain’s most starkly different seaside pubs, The Grotto is built into a large cave on the coast.

Previously used for smugglers to hide contraband, it has now developed into an inn, and you can even book rooms too. 

It’s steeped in history and ghost stories. Jack the Jibber, a smuggler who was said to have been murdered by fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs, was supposedly hung in a barrel in a cave near the current lift shaft and left to starve, the inn website reveals. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You can reach Marsden Beach either via cliff steps or by the lift operated by the pub. The scenery is dramatic, with sea stacks and arches, plus you can explore rock pools when the tide is out. 

Victoria Inn, Morfa Borth, Ceredigion

Ceredigion’s Victoria Inn is a classic seaside pub

The Victoria Inn is a classic seaside pub on Borth’s high street, known for its views over Cardigan Bay.

From the front, it looks like any old pub. But from the back, the beer garden stretches right down to the shingle.

Visitors are keen to note this, with one Google review from this summer saying: ‘What a great pub. Small terrace out the back with extra benches on the pebble beach. Can’t ask for more on a summer’s evening with the sun going down.’ 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: The Wales Coast Path is complete with clifftop walks, sandy coves and amazing views for those wanting to explore. Market town Aberystwyth is also nearby if you fancy riding the cliff railway or exploring the ruins of a 13th-century fortress.