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‘I have lived near Dovestone for 35 years and it was never like this… it’s hard to describe how bad it is. It’s a nightmare’

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Manchester Evening News

Nearly 1,000 fines were handed out last year but that has not stopped people ignoring the rules, according to those living near Dovestone Reservoir

People living close to Dovestone Reservoir fear a ‘horrendous’ parking and traffic ‘nightmare’ could return now the area is back open to the public.

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The area around the body of water, near Greenfield in Oldham, was closed for over a month following a devastating fire that destroyed a large area of moorland from July 11. People were ordered to stay away as emergency services and fire crews tackled the blaze.

The major incident was stood down on August 3 with crews at the scene for several days afterwards. On August 20, it was announced the roads and car park near the reservoir would reopen.

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That has led to concerns among those living in the area, fearful of a major influx of visitors again, especially during periods of hot weather. More tourists has meant ‘local people tend to avoid it’.

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Before the fire, people said litter would pile up with ‘rubbish everywhere’, empty beer bottles would be left behind, and barbecues lit despite a ban. So many cars turn up, Sarah White said: “They were blocking the roads. You couldn’t even get through at the time.”

While the area has long been a popular visitor destination, people said things had got worse after the COVID-19 pandemic with adverts and social media posts attracting ‘hundreds on bank holidays’. As there is a lack of sufficient parking, motorists reportedly dump their vehicles anywhere including across driveways.

A spokesperson for Oldham council said they were taking action regularly deploying their traffic wardens to the area. In 2025, there were nearly 1,000 fines handed out.

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United Utilities has also published an action plan aimed at tackling issues around safety, litter, and parking in partnership with the relevant authorities. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which manages the area, also said its ‘long-term ambition is to ensure Dovestone remains a safe, welcoming and well-managed place for people to enjoy nature’.

‘It’s a nightmare, then you get abused going home’

One of the worst affected roads is Bradbury’s Lane, where residents living in a row of terraced houses have had to take matters into their own hands putting up orange barriers to try and stop people. Despite double yellows along the roads leading up to the reservoir, those on the street said visitors often risked a fine.

Karen O’Connor said: “I have been here 35 years and it was never like this. It’s just so well advertised now. It’s a nightmare and then you get abuse when you are trying to get back [home] and they think it’s one way. It’s really hard to describe how bad it is.

“It takes forever getting out. They just abandon the cars anywhere.”

The situation has prompted concerns about access for emergency vehicles if the roads are blocked. Karen added: “If something happened to someone up here, they would just be stranded.”

One woman said she had to queue for 40 minutes to get home once. On other times, she said drivers shouted and swore at her because they thought she was queue skipping.

While the reservoir is busy in the summer, people said there are issues now all year around with tourists from Yorkshire and further afield. Natalie Wilde said: “It’s bad. Just litter everywhere. Barbecues everywhere. People who are not from the area, they do not respect it.”

Natalie said she used to go out litter picking regularly but does this less than she used to. She said: “They can see the signs. They just do not listen. It’s horrible. I do not ride around Dovestone anymore but if I see litter, I will pick it up and put it in my bag.

“They need to be more on top of things. Put more bins out especially around Dovestone. Put more signs around to deter barbecues and fires.

“With the tourism, it can’t be helped. It’s a beauty spot. A lot of people come here at the weekend. You even have a guard to try to stop people coming through because it gets out of hand.”

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Councillor Helen Bishop, who represents Saddleworth South on Oldham Council, told the Manchester Evening News: “Although it is great to see people being able to access Dovestone again, especially the memorial forest, I still have deep-rooted concerns that this was too soon, and that a comprehensive plan of action to ensure the access and safety of residents, wildlife, the environment and visitors alike should have been decided and communicated first.”

To encourage people to stay safe when visiting the area, an action plan was published by United Utilities in 2020 to ‘improve the experience of visitors to Dovestone and to reduce the impact from the high volumes of visitor traffic on those who use the site regularly’. This includes CCTV, managing littering, fire rangers patrolling the area, improving paths, signage and warnings to visitors, as well as more communication around the risks posed by the deep water as well as barbecues.

What council and RSPB have said

Ahead of A Level results day earlier this month, Jo Harrison, Asset Management Director at United Utilities, warned people against swimming in the water company’s reservoirs as they have ‘hidden dangers’ and are ‘often in remote locations which makes rescue difficult when people get into trouble’.

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A spokesperson for the RSPB said: “RSPB Dovestone is one of the most visited sites in the Peak District. This brings huge benefits in terms of wellbeing, access to nature and local tourism, but we recognise that high visitor numbers can also create challenges for the landscape, facilities and surrounding communities.”

“The RSPB took on the operation of Dovestone car park in summer 2026. Since then, we have been working to manage the site safely and responsibly, while developing longer-term plans for its operation.”

“We understand concerns that have been raised locally about parking, traffic and litter. Dovestone receives very high visitor numbers, and effective management is important to protect nature, ensure public safety and provide a positive experience for visitors and local residents alike.

“We encourage visitors to park considerately, take their litter home and respect both the landscape and those who live and work nearby.”

“We are committed to being responsible stewards of the site and to working collaboratively with partners to address long-standing challenges around infrastructure, visitor pressure and safety.

“We will continue working closely with United Utilities, Oldham Council, local communities and visitors throughout this process. Our long-term ambition is to ensure Dovestone remains a safe, welcoming and well-managed place for people to enjoy nature, while protecting the special landscape and wildlife that make it such an important destination.”

In 2025, Oldham council issued 717 penalty charge notices at Dovestone car park, 197 on Holmfirth Road, 18 on Bradbury Lane, eight on an access road off Bank Lane, three on Bank Lane and three on Hollins Lane.

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A council spokesperson said: “We want everyone to enjoy our green spaces and countryside – but we also ask that people respect the area and local residents. Sadly, problem parking is an issue at many beauty spots across the country, especially when the weather is good.

“The area around Dovestone is heavily used for parking especially during peak times and our wardens are regularly deployed there.

“The council understands the frustration of residents and has installed measures, such as permanent double yellow lines on roads and streets in the area to try and ease the situation. Last year 946 Penalty Charge Notices were issued in the area around Dovestone Reservoir.”

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A taste of kindness; care home residents enjoy chocolate tasting and fair trade talk

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A taste of kindness; care home residents enjoy chocolate tasting and fair trade talk

Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island has a wide variety of activities and entertainment on offer. Recently they hosted a Chocolate Tasting session with Penny Chinnery from the COOP. There was a lot of excitement – and delicious chocolate – when Penny Chinnery came along for a morning of tasting chocolate and an insightful talk about Fairtrade.

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Shoppers warned do not eat Summit Foods wraps after recall

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Shoppers warned do not eat Summit Foods wraps after recall

Summit Foods is recalling various filled wraps, including its Chicken Fajita Wrap and Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap.

Shoppers are being warned not to eat the products listed and instead to return them to stores immediately.

Shoppers warned ‘do not eat’ chicken wraps sold in Aldi and Morrisons due to recall

The recall includes various wraps that shoppers may have purchased, all of which have use-by dates up to and including September 5, 2026.

They are:

  • Snacksters Chicken Fajita Wrap
  • Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap
  • East Street Deli Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap
  • Target a Snack Chicken Fajita Wrap

Summit Foods has said the affected products may possibly be contaminated with E.coli.

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.

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Those who have already purchased any of the wraps have been urged to return the product.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “If you have bought the above product, do not consume it.

“Instead, dispose of the product and provide proof of purchase on sales@summitfoods.co.uk, stating when and where it was purchased, for a refund.”


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What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued, which provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

Have you had to return a product due to a recall before? Let us know in the comments.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal FC triple deal, Alvarez offer; Liverpool in Barcola talks; Man Utd, Chelsea latest

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal FC triple deal, Alvarez offer; Liverpool in Barcola talks; Man Utd, Chelsea latest

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham remain active as the summer window enters its final stretch. Arsenal are said to have made an offer for Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid named their price but there’s still work to be done to get a deal over the line. The Gunners are set to confirm Gabriel Martinelli’s exit as they remain interested in the likes of Kenan Yildiz and Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Meanwhile, Igor Tyjon and Habeeb Ogunneye will be announced as Arsenal players after medicals, to be followed by James Scanlon.

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Half of landline users unaware of switch-off deadline date

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Wales Online

A similar number have no idea what they need to do

Nearly half of UK landline users are in the dark over the phone switch-off deadline. The UK’s traditional phone network is being switched off as services move to digital technology, meaning households with landline phones need to make the transition to internet-based calls.

A poll of adults who have a landline telephone in their home has found 53 per cent use it on a weekly basis, but 45 per cent don’t understand what they need to do ahead of the switch-off to ensure their phone keeps working as it should. Landlines are vital for many, with one in three relying on theirs to keep in touch with friends and family, while 29 per cent use it to speak with healthcare providers.

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Analogue landlines will be switched off by January 2027.

Nearly six in 10 said their landline remains an important part of their household, with 17 per cent saying it’s cheaper for overseas family or friends to call versus a mobile phone. The research was commissioned by Community Fibre, which offers broadband and calls packages that allow customers across London and the southeast to switch easily to a full fibre home phone service.

TV chef Rustie Lee, who uses her landline regularly, has partnered with the broadband provider to raise awareness of the change. She said: “The landline switch-off is one of the biggest changes to our home phones in years, so if you haven’t switched yet, there are a few things you need to do.

“My top tip is this: don’t just accept the first deal you’re offered by your current provider. Take a moment to shop around, especially look at the newer fibre broadband providers as they will often save you a lot of money. The extra good news is that switching to a new fibre provider is also simple and risk free.

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“You can keep your telephone number, and your new provider can handle the switch on your behalf with your current provider so you won’t have any break in service.”

48 per cent of landline users are not confident they know what they need to do to manage the transition. Nearly half haven’t seen enough information about the change, while 33 per cent are confused about what action is actually required.

A fifth are unsure who is responsible for arranging the switch and as a result, 43 per cent are concerned the transition could lead to a loss, breakage or interruption of their service.

Before taking the survey, carried out via OnePoll, 48 per cent were unaware that the landline service, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) could affect devices in the home other than telephones. These include alarms designed to help elderly or vulnerable people live independently by connecting them to a 24/7 emergency response centre, as well as some home security systems.

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Rustie added: “If you use a telecare alarm or other devices that use a phone line, check with the providers of those services if they’ll be affected too, rather than your phone company.”

In fact, 53 per cent are worried about elderly people in their lives being left isolated if they lost access to their landline and other services. Another 54 per cent expressed concerns that older generations may need additional support to navigate the switchover process.

Peter Rampling, a broadband expert at Community Fibre, said: “The switch from analogue to digital phone services is a nationwide change that is affecting millions of households. But unfortunately, many of those needing to switch may not be offered the best available full fibre service by their existing provider, so it’s important to explore what else is out there before committing.

“Whether you’re sorting your own line or helping someone else to do it, shopping around and switching provider makes absolute sense with the cost-of-living crisis and can save money and effort in both the short and the long run.”

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For information on the switch-off you can read consumer guides and updates on the Ofcom Future of Landline Calls page, and you shopuld contact your telephone provider.

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Dolly Parton’s cause of death confirmed after ‘brief battle with cancer’ as tributes flood in

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Belfast Live

Dolly Parton has died aged 80 after a “brief battle with cancer”, her representatives have confirmed in a statement

Dolly Parton has died following a cancer diagnosis, her representatives have confirmed.

In a statement released to PEOPLE on Tuesday (August 25), the country music icon’s team announced that the star died aged 80 after a “brief battle with cancer”. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.

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“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” the statement read.

“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”

The statement concluded: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

Parton died on Tuesday, with her nephew Bryan Seaver sharing the heartbreaking news with the world through a deeply personal social media post on the same day, reports the Irish Mirror.

According to PEOPLE, Parton was admitted to a hospital in the Nashville area on Friday (August 21), where she sadly passed away four days later. Just four days prior to her passing, the legendary American performer opened up about her deteriorating health in a separate conversation with PEOPLE.

“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this.

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“Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said.

She continued: “But, I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me – as I’ve often said – I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

In lieu of floral tributes, her relatives have asked that contributions be directed towards Parton’s beloved Imagination Library early years reading programme.

The extraordinary force of nature that was Dolly Parton will be remembered for a great many things – singer, songwriter, businesswoman, theme park owner, mother, philanthropist and so much more – but she is perhaps best known for penning a host of iconic hit songs, among them her timeless track Jolene and a modest little number called I Will Always Love You.

The latter evolved into one of the definitive romantic ballads of the 20th century – composed as a tribute to her former creative partner Porter Wagoner, who welcomed her as his co-presenter on The Porter Wagoner Show and secured her a recording contract.

The song achieved phenomenal success when Whitney Houston released her interpretation for the 1992 picture The Bodyguard.

Parton’s foray into cinema commenced in 1980 when she starred opposite Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in 9 To 5. The picture’s title track proceeded to become her maiden chart-topping single on the US Hot 100.

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Her 1973 recording Jolene is universally considered amongst the finest country compositions ever penned.

Her representatives issued a poignant tribute to the country legend through a sincere statement on Tuesday. It reads: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”

It concluded with: “Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

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Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Wednesday, August 26)

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Wales Online

Acrid smoke hangs in the air as clearly as the growing sense of anger as yet another wildfire engulfs a mountainside in South Wales. Residents, whose homes are perilously close to the Maerdy Mountain fire, admit they are frightened. But more than that they are angry and at a loss to understand why this keeps happening.

No official cause of the Maerdy Mountain fire, which broke out on Monday, has been given, but many residents are vocal in their belief that it was started deliberately.

The word on most people’s lips is “why?”. Some fear it will take someone to be killed before the fires will stop. Read on

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Parents are being warned to check payments after CMS errors

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Parents are being warned to check payments after CMS errors

Recent BBC reporting has highlighted the potentially serious consequences of errors by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), which now handles more than 800,000 cases.

For separated parents already facing financial pressure, an incorrect calculation can mean hundreds of pounds being added to their monthly payments.

Similarly, many parents who receive a lower amount than they think is correct.

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One took to parenting forum Mumsnet to say: “At the moment, the system mainly looks at PAYE income, which doesn’t always reflect someone’s actual financial situation, especially if they’re self-employed or have income from things like property (such as landlords), dividends, or company benefits, it also doesn’t take into account windfalls like inheritances.

“That can leave a lot of children missing out on support they should be receiving, as well as requiring taxpayers to pick up the slack.”

Others reported that their ex-partners were hiding income and asked for advice on how to challenge this.

But parents who believe their calculation is wrong can challenge the decision.

Nusrat Siddique, a solicitor at Rayden Solicitors, said: “The Child Maintenance Service calculates child maintenance in accordance with a formula and set criteria.

“Most of the time, they get it right. However, there may be instances when the CMS may have made an error or missed evidence when making their decision on a child maintenance calculation.”

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She added: “If you receive a decision from the CMS which you do not agree with, you can ask them to review their decision. This process is known as seeking a mandatory reconsideration.”

How to challenge a child maintenance calculation

Parents who believe the CMS has made a mistake should first check their original decision letter.

A mandatory reconsideration normally needs to be requested within one month of the date on the decision letter. GOV.UK says parents can ask for a reconsideration if they believe an error has been made or important evidence was missed.

When making the request, parents should clearly explain why they believe the calculation is wrong and provide supporting evidence where relevant.

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This could include bank statements, payslips, tax returns or medical evidence, according to the advice supplied by Rayden Solicitors.

The CMS will then review the decision and issue a mandatory reconsideration notice, explaining whether the decision has been changed and the reasons for the outcome.

What if you’ve missed the deadline?

Parents can still ask for a mandatory reconsideration after one month, but they will need to explain why the request is late.

GOV.UK gives examples including being in hospital or experiencing a bereavement.

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If the parent remains unhappy after the mandatory reconsideration, they can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.

The appeal normally needs to be made within one month of receiving the mandatory reconsideration notice.

The tribunal is independent of government and will consider the evidence before reaching a decision.

Parents must keep paying while they challenge the decision

One important point for parents is that challenging a CMS calculation does not automatically stop the existing payment amount.

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The CMS says its decision remains in place while it is being reconsidered or appealed.

Parents should therefore continue making payments according to the current calculation until the matter is resolved.


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There can also be extra costs if the CMS has to collect unpaid maintenance through its Collect & Pay service.

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Parents paying using Collect & Pay have a 20% collection fee added to each amount collected.

This means parents who believe their calculation is wrong should not simply stop paying. Instead, they should follow the formal challenge process and provide evidence supporting their case.

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Metro 2039 preview – hands-on with gaming’s grimmest post-apocalypse

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Metro 2039 preview - hands-on with gaming’s grimmest post-apocalypse
Metro 2039 – some post-apocalypses are worse than others (Deep Silver)

The Metro 2033 series continues, as Ukrainian developer 4A Games brave the horrors of actual war in order to tell a very serious story of human greed and folly.

There’s a characteristically Slavic sense of gloom that runs through Dmitry Glukhovsky’s Metro books. Even by the standards of post-apocalyptic fiction, which naturally gravitates towards a certain grimness, it stands out for its bleak humour and sense that humanity’s self-destructive foibles will always accompany us, wherever we happen to be. In Metro’s case, that was Moscow’s underground train tunnels, where survivors seek shelter after World War 3 turns the surface into a mutant infested, irradiated wasteland.

Underground, things are only slightly better, with Musovites’ last stand blighted by power struggles and personal ambition. Since Glukhovsky also writes the stories for the video games, they slot seamlessly into this canon. An outspoken critic of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, he’s persona non grata in Russia, which has given him plenty of time to work with Ukrainian developer 4A Games on the latest instalment in the series.

Released in 2010, the original Metro 2033 threw you into a world of inky dark tunnels full of lurking terrors and cosy underground stations, some of which suffered from their own brand of human monster. For most Western players it was the first time they’d heard of Metro and three years later its sequel, Metro: Last Light, offered an outlook that was perhaps a shade less desolate, albeit still replete with the franchise’s hallmark pessimism.

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The third – and best – of the series, Metro Exodus arrived in 2019, mixing time spent in the claustrophobic confines of the Metro tunnels, with open world sections. It cemented the series’ tenets, which along with an atmosphere of dread are typified by expertly administered pacing, blending stealth with more kinetic first person shooting action, and the respite of snatched moments in stations, where human camaraderie briefly replaces constant impending danger.

Due February next year, Metro 2039 is the latest instalment. Developed in post-invasion Ukraine, along with support from teams working internationally, its themes have clearly been shaped by recent experience. In the game’s overground areas things are just as dangerously radioactive, even if the nuclear winter is now starting to thaw, but underground society is breaking down. Hunter, the chief spartan and former people’s hero has started a propaganda based war to recapture the surface from the ‘novo-Reich’ while brutally subjugating the people of the Metro.

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The hands-on section we played occurs around halfway through the game and includes the station of Sevastopolskaya and two missions to the surface. Much of the station was walled off, and story beats deliberately omitted to prevent potential spoilers, but what remains is richly textured, with shadowy, wonderfully detailed environments, and the series’ trademark overheard conversations, as you walk though its snug but chaotic subterranean corridors.

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Perhaps the most immediate difference from the original trilogy is the absence of its hero, Artyom. You now play The Stranger. He’s a darker hero for an even darker time, and unlike his predecessor is fully voiced in conversations, sounding like a growly Slavic Batman. He’s a serious man on a serious mission: to kill Führer Hunter. That means finding him first, and Hunter has an army of henchmen paid to keep you away.

Exploring the ruins of post-nuclear Moscow, you’ll still need to maintain a supply of spare filters for your gas mask, reaching up to wipe condensation from its glass visor from time to time. That immersive physicality extends to expressive hand gestures as the stranger talks, and the usual first gun fiddling when you’re standing still. Especially compared with the first two Metro games, its production values have received an obvious upgrade.

In buildings you rummage through, there are now further secrets to uncover. A UV light lets you find hidden messages, while your oxyacetylene torch and breaching charges let you open up previously blocked pathways. Weapons have also been updated, with blueprints you unearth offering upgrades and entirely new guns to assemble at crafting tables you find on your travels.

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Sometimes they come at a price though. In a memorable early encounter, a blueprint on its own in a cellar looked too good to be true. We decided to take it anyway, triggering a fight with an enraged and very large mutant wielding a club, which in the tight dimensions of a single basement room made for a stressful way of expending every single one of our shotgun shells and Molotov cocktails.

Enemy AI feels as though it’s been given an overhaul. Some mutants may still run, snarling straight towards you, but human foes are not so suicidal. Spotting you, they’ll call for back-up and come and investigate, but shooting an enemy doesn’t cause his friends to line up at the same chokepoint. Instead, they’ll retreat and try and bait you into the open or use RPGs to blow you out of cover.

It makes for really varied firefights, with intentions of stealth regularly subverted into open warfare, enemies’ far greater numbers offset by your powerful and effective arsenal, and the ability to craft more than enough ammo to put it to good use. Checkpoints can be far apart, making every choice in those set piece battles feel consequential, when a couple of mistakes can mean restarting an entire floor of a building.

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When people or mutants aren’t actively trying to kill you, its environmental richness includes scenes the developer calls ‘frozen stories’; tableaux of death, with skeletal remains reaching for a gun that’s just out of reach or a child’s drawing amongst the remnants of a family’s poignant final struggle. It fleshes out the broader tragedy of its world, co-opting the process of exploration into its storytelling.

With five months of development time left, the impression is of a mature, polished game that remains infused with Metro’s charismatic bleakness – albeit one that arrives with a faint glimmer of hope. You can already feel its different rhythms as you progress from Metro station to surface, and then into individual buildings, each one offering its own challenges and stories. And it’s even more impressive when you realise all that’s been achieved in a country at war.

Formats: PC (previewed via streaming), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S
Publisher: Deep Silver
Developer: 4A Games
Release Date: February 2027
Age Rating: 18

Metro 2039 screenshot of mutants
As usual, it’s humans that are the real monsters (Deep Silver)

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Dungannon man with 99 previous convictions refused bail after new burglary charge

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Belfast Live

The court heard the accused aged 27 denied breaking in to house in South Belfast and taking a TV and other items

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A Co Tyrone man with 99 convictions on his criminal record has been refused bail due to concerns he may re-offend.

The application to release Padraig Anthony James Brolly from custody was made and refused at Belfast Crown Court.

From Castle Gardens in Dungannon, the 27-year old is awaiting trial on a charge of burglary.

Prior to reaching his decision on Tuesday on the bid for bail, Judge Philip Gilpin was addressed by both a Crown and a defence barrister.

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The Crown barrister told Judge Gilpin the application was being opposed for two reasons – concerns that Brolly would re-offend and would not turn up for his trial.

Regarding the burglary charge denied by Brolly, the prosecutor said this dated back to June 24 last year when a house on Southview Street in Belfast was broken into and a TV and other items were stolen.

The Crown barrister said that following his arrest on suspicion of burglary, Brolly spent a period of time in custody before being granted bail in February 2026.

She said that on July 4 Brolly breached his conditions by not being at his bail address and that for a period of 47 days he was “at large.”

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It’s the Crown’s case that during this period, Brolly was involved in two separate incidents that are currently under police investigation.

The prosecutor told Judge Gilpin that on July 4 Brolly was reported for an incident of aggravated vehicle taking and that on August 15 he was named as suspect in an assault on a female.

Confirming both of those investigations are currently “ongoing”, the Crown barrister said Brolly was arrested for the bail breaches and returned to custody on August 20.

Telling the Belfast Recorder that the bid for bail was contested, the prosecutor revealed Brolly has 99 convictions on his criminal record.

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She added that in the past, seven bench warrants have been issued for Brolly and that he has breached bail on 27 previous occasions.

Citing concerns that Brolly would both re-offend and not turn up for his trial this November, the Crown barrister said he “simply does not adhere to any bail conditions.”

The Judge was then addressed by Brolly’s barrister who asked that his client be given “one further opportunity.”

Brolly’s barrister said that when he was arrested for the breaches, his client did not resist and co-operated with police.

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Regarding allegations of recent offending, the defence barrister said today was the “first” he had heard of the alleged aggravated vehicle taking incident in July.

He added there was “no statement of complaint” on the incident earlier this month concerning the assault on the female.

The defence barrister also told Judge Gilpin that whilst on bail, Brolly has been engaging with services in an effort to address addiction issues and said “the progress he is making cannot continue if he is in custody.”

After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Judge Gilpin noted Brolly’s “substantial” criminal record and the previous breaches of bail.

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The Judge added that whilst Brolly was entitled to the presumption of innocence, there were two further incidents in July and August under police investigation.

He concluded by telling the court: “I share the prosecution’s concerns in this case about a risk of re-offending and about the risk of the defendant not turning up for his trial so for those reasons … the application for bail is refused.”

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We Are Bolton sponsors category at Bolton News Business Awards 2026

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We Are Bolton sponsors category at Bolton News Business Awards 2026

The organisation have backed the Apprenticeships, Skills and Training Award, which recognises businesses and organisations that are investing in developing talent, creating opportunities and helping people build successful careers.

We Are Bolton is the town’s place brand, dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Bolton as a fantastic place to live, work, study, visit and invest.

The sponsorship reflects the organisation’s commitment to promoting Bolton as a place where businesses can thrive, supported by a skilled workforce and strong opportunities for growth.

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Catherine Price, Bolton Place Brand Manager, said: “We Are Bolton is Bolton’s place brand, with the mission of celebrating and showcasing Bolton as a fantastic place to live, work, study, visit and invest.

“One of the key themes of the place brand is that ‘Bolton Means Business’, that Bolton has everything that businesses need to thrive – a healthy pipeline of talent, excellent infrastructure, strong leadership and a clear vision.

“Successful businesses are born and bred in Bolton; they are part of the town’s DNA, and they embody the determination, ingenuity and character that make our town so special.

“The Bolton News Business Awards shine a spotlight on the amazing achievements, innovation and success stories of our businesses, and this is perfectly aligned with the work of the place brand, so this is a perfect partnership.

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“We Are Bolton are very proud to support the Apprenticeships, Training and Skills Award as it recognises the organisations that are investing in Bolton’s future, providing opportunities for people to develop, progress and succeed, and strengthening the skills that drive our local economy.”

Richard Duggan, regional editor at Newsquest North West and editor of The Bolton News, said: “We’re delighted to welcome We Are Bolton as a sponsor for this year’s awards.

“The Apprenticeships, Skills and Training Award celebrates organisations that are investing in people and helping develop the workforce of the future.

“We Are Bolton champions many of the same values as the awards, including supporting local success and showcasing what makes Bolton such a great place to do business. Their support for this category is a natural fit.”

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The Bolton News Business Awards 2026 will take place at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Thursday, September 17, with Bolton Council as headline sponsor.

Tickets for the 2026 Bolton News Business Awards are on sale via the official ticket page: https://store.newsquest.co.uk/the-bolton-news-business-awards-2026-tickets.

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