The global property advisory has entered into consultation with staff at the office

Property advisory firm Avison Young is closing its Cardiff office as part of an ongoing review of its operations.

The Canadian headquartered global firm is consulting with the office’s 12 staff and identifying potential alternative roles based at other locations.

Avison Young’s other UK offices, which are not affected, include those in London, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

Its Cardiff office, based at the city centre 1 Kingsway office scheme, was launched following the firm’s acquisition of rival GVA in 2019.

Recently the office has seen a number of high profile staff moving on, including its former principal and office managing partner, Peter Constantine, who last December joined Newmark, based in Cardiff, as part of its UK leisure team.

HMRC had filed a winding up petition against Avison Young (UK) for unpaid taxes, but was withdrawn last month following a multi-million-pound settlement. Avison Young, via its Toronto headquarters, last month also confirmed it has reached a major recapitalisation deal with funders. The transaction, which is expected to be finalised in October, will reduce its det and preferred equity by nearly 70%.

Avison Young said its decision to close its Cardiff office ties in with the expiry of its lease at its 1 Kingsway offices and would allow the firm “to continue to bald a strong foundation for its long-term growth across the UK.”

The Cardiff team has advised on a wide range of property deals in Wales from office lettings to freehold investment sales, including acting for Cardiff Council on its £50m plus acquisition of the Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay and for Delancey on its acquisition the 2 Kingsway office scheme in the centre of Cardiff for £13m. Last year it also acted for Cowell Group, founded by the brother of Simon Cowell, Nicholas Cowell, and Bravo Investment House, on their acquisition of the 90,000 sq ft Churchill House office building, also in the centre of the capital.

President of Avison Young for the UK and Ireland, George Roberts, said: “Our primary focus throughout this transition is supporting our employees and maintaining seamless service for our clients and partners. We are now consulting with the 12 affected colleagues in Cardiff to support them through this change, including identifying alternative roles based from other locations.”

Founded in 1978 Avison Young employs around 4,300 with more than 100 offices globally.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (September 16), Councillor Darren Grimes said residents expected the council to spend money wisely while protecting frontline services.

He told councillors at the Salvus House meeting: “We’ll keep a laser-like focus on reviewing contracts where we can, stripping out any waste and avoidable costs and ensuring we don’t waste money on expensive gimmicks.”

Cllr Grimes said many of the rising costs facing the council were beyond its control.

“The biggest cost drivers that we face as a council aren’t optional extras, they’re not add-ons, they’re unavoidable cost pressures linked to national decisions that we must locally fund,” he said.

(Image: Stuart Boulton)

The council is warning that it will need to find tens of millions of pounds over the next few years to balance its books as demand for services continues to rise.

Much of the pressure is coming from areas such as children’s social care, home-to-school transport and staff pay.

If no action is taken, council forecasts show a funding gap of £23.3 million next year, rising to £83.7m over four years.

To help deal with the shortfall, officers have drawn up a list of possible savings.

These include changing the way some services are delivered, making greater use of technology and artificial intelligence, cutting back office costs, securing better-value contracts and finding efficiencies across council departments.

Some of the biggest savings are expected to come from long-term transformation projects designed to make services cheaper to run.

However, Cllr Grimes said those plans would take time to deliver.

“Transformation is no silver bullet and requires a total rewiring of our services, doing things very differently and leaning into a digital solution and artificial intelligence,” he said.

The report also highlights the impact of staff pay awards, with the council estimating that a 3.5 per cent pay rise next year would add around £10.8m to its costs.

Cllr Grimes called for more funding from central government, arguing councils were being left to cope with rising demand for services without receiving enough financial support.

He said the authority would not “shirk away” from the difficult decisions needed to set a balanced budget, which will be laid out in February next year.

Ashraful Islam will have to complete unpaid work and pay a fine, but will not go to prison for his crimes

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A student caught with hundreds of images of child abuse, including hundreds of images categorised as the most serious, has avoided jail.

Ashraful Islam, 21, of Chippenham, Gloucestershire, admitted taking indecent images of children and voyeurism when he appeared in court on Friday, September 10.

He was given a 26-month custodial sentence suspended for three years, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was imposed for a period of 10 years, reports GloucestershireLive.

Islam was arrested in connection with an unrelated matter in March 2026.

His phone was seized, and as part of this, a significant number of child abuse images were located, including nearly 350 images classed as category A – depicting the most serious form of child abuse.

As well as this, images showing ‘upskirting’ of schoolgirls were also found on Islam’s phone.

In police footage of Islam’s arrest, when asked by a police officer if he needed to take anything to the police station, Islam replied, “I really need to put my uni work in, otherwise I fail.”

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Det Con Will Saunders of Wiltshire Police said: “Islam was found in possession of hundreds of images of child abuse. Each of these images represents a real victim who has suffered serious, life changing abuse and those who view, possess, or share such material are contributing to that harm.

“I’d like to thank the officers who worked on this case particularly the digital forensics unit whose hard work allowed us to uncover a true picture of his offending.”

As well as the custodial sentence and SHPO that has been granted, Islam must also pay a £228 surcharge and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

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Michael Carrick has replaced the man responsible for the Grimsby loss, but while he has reversed the mood around the club, he has not been able to deliver Carabao Cup success. After a summer of significant investment, he may soon face some awkward questions regarding his suitability for this job.

The dormant conflict in Yemen has erupted once more, with the Houthi rebel group seizing control of the Red Sea port city of Mocha and a number of islands from Yemeni government forces in recent weeks. This has given the Houthis a foothold close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key trade gateway linking Asia and Europe.

The advance of the Houthis has alarmed Yemen’s northern neighbour, Saudi Arabia, for three main reasons. First, the Houthis’ drive down the coast constitutes a military setback for the Saudis and the pro-government forces they have long supported militarily and financially in Yemen.

Second, the Saudis have become more reliant than ever on access to Bab al-Mandab to export their oil since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war between the US, Israel and Iran in February 2026. Control of Yemen’s western coast would allow the Houthis to further restrict Saudi Arabia’s energy exports.

And third, the Houthis are closely allied with Iran. This means Tehran now has the possible means to control two of the most important maritime chokepoints for the transit of global oil supplies. The Bab al-Mandab Strait was carrying roughly 7% of global oil supplies by June.

How did we get here?

The renewed hostilities bring to an end a ceasefire in the Yemeni conflict that had been in place since 2022. The Houthis, in origin a movement that emerged in the 1990s to protect the interests of Yemen’s substantial Zaydi Shia Muslim population, had previously engaged in armed conflict with the longtime Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh.

In the aftermath of Saleh’s forced resignation in 2012, which followed popular mobilisation against his autocratic rule, the country entered a period of instability. During this period, the Houthis moved from their stronghold in the north of the country to take control of the capital, Sana’a, in 2014.

Unwilling to see its southern neighbour come under the control of forces allied to Iran, Saudi Arabia launched an all-out war in March 2015. The objective was to restore the internationally recognised government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, Saleh’s one-time deputy who had succeeded him in office, to power.

The fighting persisted for several years, but an effective stalemate was reached early on. While attempts to negotiate a lasting agreement to end the war failed, all sides agreed on a ceasefire in April 2022. The ceasefire lapsed in October of that year but both sides largely refrained from major escalatory actions and the level of conflict remained low.

Hopes for a more substantial deal between the warring parties were briefly raised in March 2023. That month saw China broker a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries after their 2016 suspension.

But in a clear assertion of its independence from Iran, Houthi leadership expressly rejected the notion that normalisation of relations between the two regional powers should lead to a deal between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

The prospects of a long-term deal to end the conflict were dealt a further blow by the Houthi response to Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which followed the deadly Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on in October 2023.

Shortly after that war began, Houthi fighters fired several missiles and drones at an Israeli ship in the Red Sea. The US Navy also shot down Houthi-launched missiles and drones heading towards Israeli territory, in what was the first US action in defence of Israel since the start of the conflict in Gaza.

There was further escalation in January 2024, when the Houthis staged a large-scale attack on several US Navy vessels in the Red Sea. This was followed by US and UK airstrikes against Houthi targets. In May 2025, the US and the Houthis agreed a ceasefire which was mediated by Oman.

The relative peace that followed came undone in July 2026. On July 13, the Saudis attacked Sana’a International Airport in order to prevent a plane carrying the Houthi delegation to the funeral of Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, from landing. The Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia claimed the flight represented a violation of Yemen’s sovereignty.

The Houthis launched missile attacks on airports in the south of Saudi Arabia in response, while also declaring the imposition of a strict maritime embargo against Saudi vessels. On Telegram, Houthi official Yahya Saree announced an end to what he called the “de-escalation phase” of the conflict.

The recent rapid advance of the Houthis along Yemen’s western coast has focused attention on the group’s potential to disrupt global oil supplies even further. However, the offensive also has major implications for Yemen itself.

It constitutes a major setback for the Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, which are far more diverse than is commonly assumed. These forces include those under the control of Tareq Saleh, nephew of the fallen autocrat, as well as southern groups with aspirations for autonomy and other tribal and local forces.

The advance also represents a challenge for the Houthis themselves. They now control a swathe of new territory, and with it a larger population. There are questions regarding the capacity of the Houthis to withstand the inevitable attempts to dislodge it from its new position.

Earlier in the conflict, in 2015, the Houthis won control of areas in the south such as Aden, Abyan and Lahj. But they were soon pushed back by government forces and resistance fighters, and forced to relinquish their control of these areas.

Recent reports suggest that the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has requested that the US launch airstrikes against the Houthis. The invitation was apparently declined, but is unlikely to be the final word in the seemingly endless conflict between Riyadh and its antagonists in its southern neighbour.

By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 21:51 BST, 16 September 2026 | Updated: 22:42 BST, 16 September 2026

Lidl announced earlier this year it had plans to open more stores in Cambridgeshire

A new Lidl supermarket could open in a Cambridgeshire village but there are concerns that a busy road nearby could be made “far worse” by the development.

Earlier this year, Lidl announced a “wish list” of 876 locations, including some in Cambridgeshire, where it wants to open new stores. Plans have since been revealed for a new Lidl in Hartford, near Huntingdon, which would be on a plot of land south of Main Street (B1514).

A Lidl spokesperson previously said: “A new Lidl foodstore off Main Street/B1514 in Hartford would provide local residents with an additional shopping option, while reducing the need to travel further afield for regular grocery shopping.

“The site, located to the east of Hartford and adjacent to Huntingdon Road, has previously been identified for development. We believe a new Lidl foodstore would deliver a range of community benefits, including greater access to affordable shopping and the creation of new jobs for local people.”

The land that the new store would be built on had outline planning approval for 25 to 30 homes. However, the Lidl spokesperson said this scheme had “not progressed”. A planning application sought a request for an EIA Screening Opinion which has now been deemed as not an EIA development. The local planning authority considered that the project would “not give rise to ‘significant effects’ on the wider environment owing to its scale, nature and location”.

Several locals have now shared their concerns about the new supermarket. One person said: “The traffic resulting from the development would make an already busy road far worse.”

They questioned why Huntingdon needs another supermarket, adding “we have plenty”. Within a short distance from the site are other supermarkets such as Tesco Extra, Sainsbury’s and a Lidl just seven-minutes away by driving.

Another objector claimed: “It will increase road use on what is currently a busy area. The jobs that will be created in the long term are not necessarily the ones needed for Huntingdon – lots of retail opportunities currently.”

Meanwhile another person said they are “highly concerned” that Lidl has given “too little consideration” to the current traffic flows and congestion along Main Street.

They added: “The proposed entrance is very close to a pedestrian crossing and the two bus stops, and almost opposite the exit from Owl Way. A more sensible and less dangerous entrance, in my opinion, as a local resident, would be off Huntingdon Road, where all leaving traffic could be directed to turn right up to the roundabout, rather than try to cross the already very busy traffic flow.”

The supermarket giant intends to submit a full planning application for the new Lidl store.

Forever Home ended on a major cliffhanger tonight but fans are going to have to wait to find out what happens next.

Graham Norton’s Forever Home has been airing throughout the week, but this will no longer be the case.

The series continued to air tonight, Wednesday, September 16 on Channel 5, as Carol Crottie (played by Amy Nuttall) and mum Moira (Denise Welch) work out how to handle the body in the basement.

Elsewhere, Kaden (Lewis Cope) confronts increasing financial pressure as he attempts to sell his father’s property ahead of the birth of his and Dan’s (Shane Zaza) child.

Forever Home has shown its opening three episodes across three successive evenings on Channel 5, but regrettably for viewers, the drama will not continue tomorrow night.

In its place, an acclaimed period drama that has been absent for nearly a year will occupy the 9pm slot. All Creatures Great and Small officially returns with series seven premiering on Thursday, September 17, on Channel 5.

The complete principal cast will once again feature in the new episodes, headed by Nicholas Ralph as the renowned vet James Herriot, Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon and Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot.

Taking place one year following the conclusion of series six, it marks a fresh chapter in All Creatures Great and Small with the conflict finally concluded as a “new vet in town threatens the status quo”.

The official synopsis adds: “James is stumped over a cat’s mystery illness, while Helen embraces the future over tradition.

“As Jimmy prepares to start school, everyone pitches in to help.”

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However, the Forever Home story is far from finished, with three further episodes still to come.

Viewers will need to wait until Monday, September 21 for episode four to air on Channel 5.

Episodes five and six, the penultimate instalment and grand finale of Forever Home, will then be broadcast on consecutive nights, Tuesday, 22 September and Wednesday, September 23 respectively.

Forever Home continues on Monday, September 21, at 9pm on Channel 5.

It has been revealed that the soap star will be taking a break from his role as Alfie Moon in the BBC soap this Christmas season to star as Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend.

This will be before his criminal trial for allegedly drink driving which has been scheduled for November 2027 at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

His temporary absence will happen following the permanent departures of a number of other characters on EastEnders.

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This week saw the death of Zoe Slater played by Michelle Ryan while according to The Metro, actresses Kellie Bright and Charlie Suff will be departing soon as will Aaron Thiara who plays ‘bad boy’ Ravi Gulati.

In addition Jessie Wallace – who portrays Alfie Moon’s partner Kat – is set to depart Albert Square, though temporarily as she is also performing in a pantomime.

Another cast member who has been missing from the soap from some time is Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater for over two decades since 2004.

Lacey Turner will be in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA)

Set to be a contestant in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing, she is taking a break from Eastenders but remains a fan.

She explained she was “really sad” at the departures from the show, complementing both Mr Thiara and Ms Bright.

She said: “I always hope they will come back. They’re part of the furniture.”

Mr Richie, who will be returning, is also well known for coming fourth on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020 as well as hosting a number of TV game shows.

He also has strong links to Oxford’s theatre scene, having performed at the New Theatre in 2006 in a production of Scrooge.

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More recently, he appeared in the city in 2025 as part of the Prat Pack, bringing a mix of music and comedy to local audiences.

The show teams him with fellow entertainers Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley and Joe Pasquale, who bill themselves as a tongue‑in‑cheek take on the classic Rat Pack.

Their 2025 tour stopped at the New Theatre Oxford on George Street for a one‑night date on 22 May, mixing big‑band standards, comedy and stories from their decades in showbusiness.

The New Theatre was one of a string of venues on the national run, giving city audiences a chance to see Mr Richie perform live alongside his long‑time friends.

Lena Dunham has revealed she’s welcomed her first child – a baby girl – via surrogate.

The Girls creator wrote about her journey to parenthood alongside her husband, Luis Felber, in an op-ed for Vogue published on Wednesday.

The Famesick author has been candid over the years about her reproductive health struggles, including a yearslong battle with endometriosis and undergoing a hysterectomy.

The 40-year-old said her daughter arrived 13 days late “in the face of a solar eclipse and a meteor shower”.

“I sat on a hospital bed, between the legs of a woman I hadn’t known a year ago, waiting for a glimpse of this person who I had been waiting for with something related to patience, but also none at all,” she wrote.

“I was so focused on our surrogate – in awe at her concentration, her period of quiet followed by what sounded like a roar – I forgot to look down until I heard our baby’s cry. I saw her face, gasping just as she did,” Dunham recalled, saying her midwife instructed her to talk to her newborn.

“‘Hello’ I said. ‘I’m your mama. You…you look nothing like I thought you would, but exactly right. We’ve been waiting for you, do you know that? It was so nice of you to come,’” Dunham shared.