Durham County Council’s planning committee approved plans for five properties on land near St Gregory Close in Staindrop. 

Matthew Houghton, the applicant, said the homes will be a mix of three and four-bedroom properties.

But Staindrop Parish Council joined nine others in objecting to the plans after raising concerns about the local landscape, impact on current residential amenity, flooding, and infrastructure capacity. 

“There is already permission for a large number of new houses in Staindrop and the impact of two significant developments upon resources within the village is unknown,” parish councillors said. 

An objection letter added: “The approval would represent another missed opportunity to provide affordable housing for local people. This is what the village needs, rather than ‘executive style’ housing. 

“The house designs lack innovation and style and are inappropriate for Staindrop.”

Mr Houghton said he has worked closely with the council’s planning department to ensure the scheme is sensitive to the area and delivers high-quality housing. 

He added: “We are mindful of recent large housing schemes in Staindrop and Barnard Castle that have upset local people, but what we offer is something different to that. The benefit of small, local builders and developments is that we can provide more bespoke and interesting houses with much less visual impact, using local materials and contractors. 

“Not only are the houses an attractive and different product, but the construction phase delivers a serious benefit to the local economy.”

Despite the successes of Staindrop Primary School, Mr Houghton said it currently has to advertise further afield for pupils, and the new housing will boost local services in the village. 

He added: “Supporting local small-scale builders in their endeavours will reduce reliance on volume housebuilders to deliver the much-needed housing to achieve the council’s targets, and in doing so will result in much greater benefits to the local economy.”

Members of Durham County Council’s planning committee unanimously supported the application. 

Nathan Aspin, now aged 36, and Leah Evans, now aged 35, applied for the BBL on October 21, 2020, for the company ‘Faith Aspin Ltd’ – they were both directors of the company.

Documents on the Insolvency Service website state that the company applied for a loan of £50,000 from the Government, which was granted.

Companies were allowed to apply for a loan of between £2,000 and £50,000, subject to a maximum of 25 per cent of turnover.

Ms Evans declared the annual turnover of the company to be £600,000 when applying for the loan.

The turnover figures for companies either had to be for the calendar year 2019, or where a business was established after January 1, 2019, it would have been their estimated annual turnover from the date the business was started.

The latter case was true for Faith Aspin Ltd, which was incorporated on February 19, 2019.

The company filed dormant accounts for the year ending February 28, 2020, before its bank account was opened on or around May 20, 2020, with no transactions recorded prior to the receipt of the BBL on October 26, 2020.

The Insolvency Service says that the first trading income into the bank account appears to have been on July 5, 2021.

The service adds: “On September 23, 2024, Faith Aspin Ltd entered Creditors Voluntary Liquidation with known liabilities of £62,951, of which £50,801 is owed in respect of the BBL.”

Mr Aspin and Ms Evans, both of Newland Drive, Over Hulton, were disqualified from being a director of a company for 10 years.

The order for Mr Aspin started on Tuesday, February 17 this year, and Ms Evans’ order started on February 12.

BBL measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by Covid such as loans, grants and tax allowances.

The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.

People have been encouraged to stay active even while it’s chilly

With the chilly conditions set to last a while longer, households may be looking to find ways to stay warm while indoors. Home specialists have offered suggestions on how to keep comfortable throughout the rest of the winter.

Eric Bramlett, broker and owner of estate agency Bramlett Partners, recommended considering “smart home efficiency” to maintain comfort. He explained: “At home, sealing small drafts around windows and doors can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating costs. Using thermal curtains, area rugs, and proper insulation helps retain heat.

“When out and about, layering breathable fabrics and protecting extremities like hands, ears, and feet is key to maintaining body warmth.” He said the extended daylight hours also present a chance to preserve warmth.

Mr Bramlett said: “As daylight hours increase, taking advantage of natural sunlight can help regulate your internal clock and support overall well-being. Opening blinds during peak sunlight hours naturally warms indoor spaces, reducing reliance on heating systems.

“Even short walks during midday allow you to absorb sunlight, stay active, and avoid the sluggishness that can linger during winter.” The periods when sunshine is most intense at this time of year are generally from noon through to mid-afternoon, until around 3pm.

Simon Browne, a product specialist at window coverings firm Luxaflex, has encouraged homeowners to consider their property’s energy efficiency. He explained: “At this time of year, people often underestimate how much of their home’s heat is lost through the windows – 20 percent.

“Even with good central heating, cold glass can pull warmth out of a room very quickly. That’s where choosing the right window coverings makes a huge difference.”

Mr Browne also recommended making the most of natural daylight, saying: “If you use it well, opening blinds fully during bright hours, then closing them again at dusk, you can capture warmth naturally and lock it in. That combination of natural heat gain and proper insulation reduces draughts, improves comfort and helps create a much more stable indoor temperature.”

For those feeling the effects of the cold weather, some gentle preparation before venturing outdoors might be a good idea. Mr Browne said: “When you’re stepping outside, the cold can create tension in your body because your muscles instinctively contract to protect you.

“So easing that tension with gentle warm-up movements indoors before heading out can help. But at home, managing the warmth through smart insulation, including energy-efficient blinds, prevents that deep chill that makes your body tighten in the first place.”

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Some have said that they have seen a negative impact on their businesses, while others said that it has made a positive effect on the area by reducing congestion

A controversial Cambridge bus gate continues to divide opinions nearly a year after it came into operation. Cambridgeshire County Council installed a permanent bus gate on Mill Road in 2025, with the first fines being issued from March.

The bus gate prevents all non-exempt vehicles passing through, meaning that they must use alternative routes. Those who breach this are issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days. Those exempt who can pass through without receiving a fine include buses, taxis, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.

More than 4,600 fines were issued in the first seven weeks after the bus gate was made operational, according a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Local Democracy Service. Nearly a year since the bus gate was introduced, we headed to Mill Road to find out what people now think about the bus gate.

A 23-year-old, who asked not to be named, works at Hilary’s Greengrocers. He claimed that some places on Mill Road have lost more than half of their business since the bridge closed to private vehicles.

“It has actually been a big problem”, he added. He said that he finds that there have been fewer people on the road, and said sometimes “you won’t be able to see a single person around here”.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We want Mill Road to be an enjoyable, safe place to visit, where local businesses are supported. Mill Road bridge is open to buses, those walking, wheeling, and cycling, emergency services, taxis, and vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders.”

A 50-year-old lady who gave her name as Guzel runs a business in Mill Road. She said that it has “really badly affected us” and in her opinion “it is pointless because for people using a car, when the bridge was open, it was a shortcut but otherwise they are going triple [the amount of] time to reach the other side”. Guzel said that she hopes for a good environment and fresh air. However, this “was not my solution”, she said.

Others have said that the bus gate has made a positive impact. Mill Road For People (MR4P), a group of local residents and traders, said: “One year on from the implementation of the Mill Road bus gate, we have seen a big reduction in congestion (especially on the Romsey side), cleaner air, and fewer collisions.

“There has also been a significant rise in the number of people walking and cycling, with all the health and environmental benefits that brings.” The group continued: “Many people have told us that they feel safer walking and cycling, especially with their children, building up healthy habits for the future.”

Steve Bezzant, 55, runs The Retro Shed on Mill Road. He said that “people are still coming up with push bikes or walking, so even now, it is not really affecting me.” He added: “I get most people coming in, just walking in. If they need to have a car here, they can put it there [near his store], so it hasn’t really affected me.“

Jake, who asked to use only his first name, works at Halls of Cambridge. He said that the bus gate “has slowed down business a bit more for traders than the general public“.

Rather than improving traffic, Jake believes that “it just puts congestion elsewhere“. He said that it he is not personally affected by the bus gate because he doesn’t come from that way.

A 35-year-old who works at Ocean Supermarket said that “people avoid coming here to pick up their groceries” and they “avoid coming to this area to avoid traffic”.

The Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson added: “We are currently working with our partners to explore options for future public realm improvements for Mill Road. Over the next year, we will be hosting several public events and stakeholder meetings to bring forward ideas for the street that align with the requirements of local community groups, as well as businesses, faith organisations, and charities.”

In response to a list of questions about Project 2025, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said: “In just a year, President Trump has made America the hottest country in the world by securing the border, signing the largest middle class tax cuts in history, and bringing in trillions of dollars in investments.”

The victims were confirmed on Saturday as: Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, California; Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho; Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California; Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California; Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, California; and Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California.

Movie fans have been left in a frenzy over a trailer for a brand new historical drama with a stellar cast

A WWII film centring on D-Day is already generating excitement amongst cinema enthusiasts after a trailer for the upcoming feature was released recently. The film boasts an A-list cast including The Mummy’s Brendan Fraser, Andrew Scott, Damian Lewis, Kerry Condon, and Chris Messina, reports the Express.

Pressure will be arriving in cinemas later this year and promises to be a hard-hitting watch. A brief synopsis for the film, which accompanies the trailer, reads: “In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, Pressure follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice-launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.”

The trailer for the film has already accumulated 8.5million views – and counting – since it appeared on YouTube on February 19. Numerous fans also headed to the comments section to praise the teaser as one person posted: “I have a feeling we are about to witness one of the greatest war films that ever made.” A second wrote: “This looks great and very Very epic I can’t wait to see it.” Whilst a third stated: “This story can’t be told enough. The heroic sacrifice these “ordinary” made must not be forgotten.”

Many film and television fans also observed how Band of Brothers alumni Lewis, who played Lieutenant Winters in the HBO drama series, and Scott, who portrayed Private Halls in the show, were reunited once more on the new film. “Ok, time for my yearly rewatch of Band of Brothers,” said one viewer.

As another wrote: “I can’t believe some of the cast of band of brothers are in this movie.” Someone else joked: “So you’re telling me there were 2 different versions of Damian Lewis in D-Day? ! (The other was Lt. Richard Winters in Band of Brothers).” Another quipped: “Pvt Hall and LT Winters have been working overtime on leave,” whilst another observed: “Ah, Damian Lewis, from playing an airborne soldier criticising Montgomery to playing Montgomery himself.”

Others went on to praise Oscar winner Fraser for being cast as Dwight D. Eisenhower and his huge, triumphant return to Hollywood following a lengthy absence from the industry.

One fan commented enthusiastically: “The Brenaissance is in full swing and I’m on board”, referencing Fraser’s much-celebrated comeback to the limelight.

A second wrote: “Count me in. This dude is one of the good ones. Rare these days.”

A third posted: “Never in a million years did I think Brendan Fraser would ever play Dwight Eisenhower… And it looks like he nails it.”

Pressure is based on David Haig’s 2014 stage play of the same name, with the playwright also collaborating on the screenplay with director Anthony Maras.

Pressure will be released in cinemas on May 29 in the USA and on September 11 in the UK.

A reader puts the blame for Xbox’s current problems squarely on Microsoft, blaming management failures, a lack of vision, and unwillingness to take risks.

It was November 2001 when Microsoft entered the gaming console arena. The green, cyberpunk style dashboard was dazzling, and it had one true game-changer: Halo: Combat Evolved. Players could battle grunting aliens across vast landscapes and drive amazing vehicles. Not only did this elevate the game to new heights, but it also drew huge crowds to the console.

In 2004, Microsoft dropped the price of the Xbox to an affordable £149. Sales increased, and Microsoft had established itself as a major player in the industry.

The Xbox 360 followed and held a firm grip on the market, even with the infamous Red Ring of Death incidents. It seemed Microsoft was poised to do for gaming what it had done for operating systems and office software – but that changed. You could blame Nintendo or PlayStation for focusing solely on consoles, rather than trying to turn them into all-singing, all-dancing media hubs.

In 2017, Microsoft launched Game Pass, positioning it as the ‘Netflix of gaming’. But Netflix does not release brand new, unproven films on the platform immediately after production. How can a studio make real profit that way?

Instead, Microsoft thought it clever to release major games like Starfield on Game Pass on day one, rather than waiting at least eight months to a year. With over 10 million players engaging with these titles but only an estimated 1 to 2 million Xbox users purchasing the actual product, out of a 34 million strong userbase, this represents a major shortfall.

Microsoft is not destroying its Xbox base through a lack of games, but through a lack of foresight. Day one releases should not exist on any gaming streaming service. Xbox titles should launch traditionally, for at least eight months to a year before being added to Game Pass.

Xbox is being suffocated by Microsoft, kept afloat only by PlayStation and PC purchases – and perhaps soon by the Nintendo Switch 2 platform. It is sad to see. Within five years, I believe the Xbox platform may cease to exist – not because of its fanbase, but because its owner has never truly learned how to compete in the gaming space.

Look at Sony and Nintendo: gaming consoles are not PCs. Streaming should give players choice, but it should not starve production studios of the glory – and profitability – of successful launches. You may disagree with this article, but you will likely agree that Microsoft is losing with Xbox; not because of the fanbase, but because Microsoft itself is no longer a fan of the Xbox.

Maybe I sound harsh, but I remember the original Xbox. Microsoft promised a multiplayer experience. One example was a game called Brute Force, a brilliant title where you control four characters on a mission. It had four-player local support, but everyone was waiting for the Xbox Live add-on. Microsoft again underdelivered, not realising that adding this component would have boosted sales and expanded its catalogue of exclusive titles. Instead, they prioritised the Halo explosion.

Look at Nintendo and Sony: they protect exclusives because good products sell consoles. Consider No Man’s Sky – not exclusive to any platform – but the studio persisted despite a rough launch. Their belief in the project created growth in a small but talented production team. I mention this because Microsoft has repeatedly given up on gaming projects, stifling the growth of Xbox exclusives.

Perfect Dark was cancelled – a perfect example of Microsoft destroying its own platform. With over a million units sold on the original Xbox, cancelling a sequel makes little sense. A return on DLC and season passes could have bolstered profits and helped sell the Xbox Series X in solid numbers.

Microsoft owns Activision, which promised exclusive games for Xbox, but instead the company cancelled titles as the new owner. Did you know Microsoft lost $300 million putting Call of Duty on Game Pass? Someone should have been held accountable for that decision.

Microsoft is destroying the Xbox – not because it can, but because it lacks vision. Leaders like Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, Elon Musk (yes, I said it), and Bill Gates understood customer needs and delivered great products that were also profitable. Xbox, unfortunately, will fade because no one at Microsoft is taking bold enough risks.

Goodbye, Xbox. It’s sad to see the Chief Master lose the fight.

By reader S.D.E Wilson

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

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MORE: The 40th anniversary of Legend Of Zelda reminds me how much I love the series – Reader’s Feature

NEW YORK (AP) — A rapidly intensifying storm triggered blizzard warnings Saturday for New York City, New Jersey and Boston as communities along the East Coast prepared for the Sunday arrival of heavy snow and damaging winds.

The National Weather Service increased its assessment of the potential severity of a storm that was projected to be much milder only days earlier.

The weather service said 1 to 2 feet (about 30 to 61 centimeters) of snow was possible in many areas as it issued blizzard warnings for New York City and Long Island, Boston and coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Flooding was also possible in parts of New York and New Jersey, it said.

“While we do get plenty of these nor’easters that produce heavy snow and strong impacts, it’s been several years since we saw one of this magnitude across this large of a region in this very populated part of the country,” said Cody Snell, a meteorologist at the service’s Weather Prediction Center.

Snell said the storm would arrive Sunday morning in areas around Washington before stretching toward Philadelphia and New York City and reaching Boston in the evening.

The weather service said the storm could begin as rainfall in some places before worsening, with the heaviest snowfall expected at night and as much as 2 inches (5 centimeters) of snow per hour at times in some areas, before tapering off by Monday afternoon.

The weather service warned that the storm, with steady winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 kph) would “make travel dangerous, if not impossible. Scattered downed tree limbs and power outages possible due to snow load and strong winds.”

Officials scrambled to prepare for a storm that forecasters days ago believed would have a much more limited impact.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city would expand on efforts it used to deal with a major snowfall weeks ago. But officials held off on deciding whether to open schools Monday for the time being.

“We saw on Friday there was expectation that the likelihood was that we were going to face maybe 3 to 4 inches of snow. Quickly that then changed,” Mamdani said. “So we want to make sure that we make a decision based on up-to-date and accurate information.”

New York brought in additional snow clearing equipment from outside the city and planned to increase use of geocoding to keep track of bus stops and crosswalks that need clearing, he said.

With the storm zeroing in, John Berlingieri scrapped plans for a family trip to Puerto Rico to prepare his company, Berrington Snow Management, for what could well be a mammoth task: Clearing snow from millions of square feet of asphalt surrounding shopping malls and industrial parks across Long Island.

Employees spent the last few days recharging batteries on the company’s 40 front-end loaders and replacing windshield wipers on snow removal vehicles, before resting up Saturday.

“I’m anticipating at least one week of work around the clock,” Berlingieri said. “We’re going to work 24 to 36 hours straight, sleep for a few hours and then go back.”

The storm approached just as the icy remains of a snowstorm that struck the region weeks earlier were finally melting away.

Officials in Atlantic City, New Jersey, urged residents and casino visitors to stay off the streets, especially in low-lying neighborhoods prone to flooding.

“I could go on and on probably with a good two dozen streets where we know we will get water and there will be snow on top of that,” said Scott Evans, the city’s fire chief and emergency management coordinator. “So you won’t be able to see it until it’s too late, so therefore please stay at home.”

Many churches canceled Sunday services and other activities. To compensate, St. Veronica Parish in Howell, New Jersey, added an extra Mass on Saturday evening.

“Please stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep one another in prayer during the storm,” the Rev. Peter James Alindogan posted online.

___

Associated Press writers Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, Julie Walker in New York and Larry Neumeister in Brick Township, New Jersey, contributed.

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