Objectors said there was no community consultation

A West Belfast Gaelic Athletic Club has received approval for a major extension and facelift, despite objections from local residents.

St Teresa’s GAC, at Glen Road Heights, has been successful in its application for an extension to the existing clubhouse to provide an indoor sports hall, changing rooms, reception, a fitness suite, and a new pitch.

Elected representatives at the February meeting of the Belfast City Council Planning Committee unanimously approved the application, which includes a proposed relocation of a grass pitch and the creation of a new 3G training pitch with integrated ball walls, as well as a new building to be used as a club store and match day shop. Other site works will include increased parking, new fencing, catch nets, floodlighting, dugouts, and paths.

READ MORE: South Belfast residents claim they haven’t been consulted about planned GAA pitch in South Belfast

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The site currently has two large sports pitches with a clubhouse and associated parking. There is also an existing nursery school within the site opposite the existing clubhouse.

Statutory consultees raised no objections, but at the time of the committee approval final comments from Shared Environmental Services and DfI Rivers Agency were outstanding. Council officers recommended the application for approval.

The council received 14 letters of objection from local residents. Some said the design plan was “out of character for residential area” and warned about future issues relating to floodlighting, noise, traffic and parking, and access for emergency vehicles

Objectors raised concerns about children’s health and safety due to increased air pollution, the impact on the mental health of locals, on wildlife and biodiversity ,and about the loss of green space and views for residents. Objectors said there was no community consultation, and the proposal amounted to overdevelopment.

The council officer planning report states: “The proposal seeks to extend the existing clubhouse, formalise the existing car parking area and add a 3G training pitch adjacent.

“This is proposed in the existing car parking area as well as part of one of the existing sports pitches. Two pitches are proposed directly adjacent to this area, extending in a northeast direction, where the existing large pitches are currently, ie, a GAA grass football pitch and a smaller GAA grass training pitch.

“The proposal does result in a net loss of open space, approximately seven percent of the site. The predominant use is for recreation and the proposal seeks to complement the existing recreational use in terms of extending the facilities. It is considered in accordance with the requirements of policy.”

The report adds: “Concerns were raised by objectors that the proposal would result in a loss of their view of the landscape nearby; however it is considered that the proposed pitches would have a negligible visual impact on the locality.

“The extension to the clubhouse will have no greater visual impacts than the existing building on site. All buildings and structures are of a scale and character that would be reasonably expected at a sports facility.

“The proposed scale, form, massing, design and materials are considered acceptable and will not adversely impact on local character. On balance, the proposal would not result in adverse visual impacts.”

It states: “The proposal will result in the loss of approximately 2600 metres squared of green space, which is approximately seven percent of the overall site, albeit that there is additional green space outside the red line of the development. The proposal’s small footprint in relation to the facility as a whole will not negatively impact the availability of open space.

“Officers are therefore satisfied that on balance, the loss of open space would not result in detriment to the overall green infrastructure provision. There would be no adverse landscape or biodiversity impacts, and the proposal would have minimal impact on sustainable drainage systems given the large areas of surrounding grassed open space.”

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The deputy leader of the Labour party, Lucy Powell, has appeared to concede the by-election in Manchester.

Labour’s deputy leader has admitted the Greens had won the ‘argument that they were best placed’ to keep Reform UK out of Gorton and Denton.

‘I wanted Angeliki Stogia to be my colleague in Parliament,’ she told Sky News.

‘But I think what is really clear is that there is a big majority in this constituency that hasn’t voted for Reform. And on the day the Greens have managed to win that argument that they were best placed to do that.

‘But I’m not sure whether that would totally translate in a general election.’

She added that ‘parties of government too often lose by-elections midterm like this’ and that ‘at the next general election, the choice across the country, not just in one constituency, will be between a Reform government or a Labour government, and I think that will focus people’s minds in a different way.’

‘We’ve got to, of course, take stock, as we always do, and show humility and that we are hearing what people are saying.’

A Labour defeat in the party’s long-time stronghold would be a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.

But Ms Powell insisted ‘there is no leadership contest’ and that Sir Keir was determined to ‘show our labour values more strongly’.

Zack Polanski’s Greens appeared confident that they were in the lead, saying ‘things are feeling positive’.

Labour won Gorton and Denton in 2024 with more than half the vote, but the mood at the count pointed to a likely defeat for the party’s candidate Ms Stogia and a possible victory for the Greens’ Hannah Spencer.

We’re expecting the result to happen at 4am on Friday morning.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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The Ship Inn, a detached freehouse and inn at High Hesleden, County Durham, is now up for sale.

The vintage inn blends its original features with some contemporary upgrades.

A welcoming public bar. (Image: Stuart Edwards, Durham)

This includes a well-equipped commercial kitchen, a welcoming public bar seating area, and an elegant restaurant already known for serving fresh, locally sourced cuisine.

The pub also embraces our furry friends with a pet-friendly seating area dubbed the ‘Dog Room’.

The popular business offers ample accommodation with six deluxe en-suite letting bedrooms, each fitted with LCD TVs and Wi-Fi.

There are six deluxe en-suite letting bedrooms. (Image: Stuart Edwards, Durham)

There is also a three-bedroom self-catering ‘crow’s nest’ apartment.

The pub and accommodation are complemented by manicured gardens with outdoor seating and stunning views of the North Sea.

The location further benefits from ample private parking, a wide driveway, and a double garage.

The listing describes the property as “a versatile freehold opportunity.” (Image: Stuart Edwards, Durham)

The listing describes the property as “a versatile freehold opportunity combining a successful pub business, high-quality letting accommodation, and development potential in a scenic coastal location – perfect for owner-operators or investors seeking a lifestyle business with strong income streams.”

The pub’s owner accommodation is generously sized, featuring a spacious landing, fitted kitchen, large lounge/dining room, separate kitchen, three bedrooms, and a modern wet room.

This accommodation is conveniently located within the main building.

The pub and accommodation are complemented by manicured gardens. (Image: Stuart Edwards, Durham)

The additional modern accommodation block could be ideal for Airbnb-style lets or holiday rentals, with potential for further development on the available land.

The Ship Inn sits in a desirable part of County Durham, close to the scenic Durham Heritage Coast.

This includes award-winning beaches like Seaton Carew and Crimdon Dene, along with scenic walking routes such as the Durham Coastal Footpath.

The area is rich in maritime heritage, with attractions such as the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool’s Historic Quay, and the vibrant Marina.

FORT HANCOCK, Texas (AP) — The U.S. military used a laser Thursday to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, according to members of Congress, and the Federal Aviation Administration responded by closing more airspace near El Paso, Texas.

Just over two weeks ago, the FAA shut down the El Paso airport and the surrounding area after another use of an anti-drone laser. This time, commercial flights are not affected by the expanded airspace closure over Fort Hancock.

Rep. Rick Larsen and several other top Democrats on the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee said they were notified through official channels.

“Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system,” Larsen and the other representatives wrote. “We said months ago that the White House’s decision to sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA was a short-sighted idea. Now, we’re seeing the result of its incompetence.”

The Defense Department and Transportation Department referred questions to the FAA, which said in a brief statement that it had expanded the airspace closure around Fort Hancock. Border Protection did not immediately respond to questions.

Huntley was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after being assaulted at HMP Frankland

The alleged attacker of Ian Huntley reportedly shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” following the assault on the Soham murderer with a metal pole at a high-security prison.

Durham Constabulary has confirmed that a prisoner, believed to be Huntley, was assaulted in the workshop of HMP Frankland near Durham on Thursday morning and subsequently taken to hospital.

The Sun, which initially reported the attack, stated that the killer was rendered unconscious with a metal pole and quoted a source describing his condition as “touch and go”.

According to the newspaper, a man exclaimed “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the 52 year old was struck six times. The Press Association understands Huntley was left lying in a pool of blood following the incident.

Huntley received treatment for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in hospital, the force announced on Thursday afternoon.

A prisoner in his mid-40s has been identified as a suspect in the attack, according to police.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “The 52-year-old prisoner who was injured during this morning’s assault in the workshop at HMP Frankland remains in a serious condition in hospital following treatment for head injuries.

“Police forensic teams have examined the scene of the attack throughout the day to gather evidence.

“A suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified by officers investigating the incident.

“He has not been arrested at this stage but remains in detention within the prison.”

Former caretaker Huntley murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on 4 August 2002, before disposing of their bodies in a ditch.

Thursday’s assault was the latest attempt on Huntley’s life and he was thought to have been kept under close observation to prevent similar attacks.

He is serving a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves at least 40 years for the murders.

In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a makeshift weapon, inflicting a “severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck” with a 7in (18cm) wound which required 21 stitches.

Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”

He described Huntley as a “notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general”.

Abin Mathai, 45, was a “devoted dad” who died in hospital after suffering a traumatic head injury at work – the Blackburn Malayali Community have since raised over £15,000 to cover funeral costs

A “devoted dad” from Blackburn has died following a traumatic head injury sustained at work.

Abin Mathai relocated to the UK from India in 2023 alongside his wife Diana and their two youngsters. The maintenance worker, aged 45, passed away on November 14, 2024 at Royal Preston Hospital.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Preston Coroners’ Court on Wednesday, February 25. The hearing did not receive evidence regarding Abin’s workplace at the time of the incident.

Area Coroner Emma Mather confirmed that Abin, who lived on Kirkby Road in Blackburn, died “as a result of a traumatic head injury”. A full inquest, to be heard before a jury, will take place on a date yet to be confirmed.

The coroner stated: “Brief circumstances ae that Mr Mathai has died following an incident with regards him working. The evidence suggests that the cause of death was a traumatic head injury. His body was identified by admission to the mortuary at the Royal Preston Hospital using his hospital wristband.”, reports Lancs Live.

Mrs Mather noted that scheduling the final inquest had been complicated by “diary conflicts”.

Following Abin’s death, the Blackburn Malayali Community launched a GoFundMe appeal which has raised over £15,000 to cover funeral costs and provide support for his bereaved young family. On the fundraising page, the group shared: “On November 14th, our dear friend Abin Mathai (45) tragically lost his life unexpectedly here in Blackburn, UK. He was a loving husband to Diana and a devoted father to their two young children. His unexpected death has left an irreplaceable void in their lives, compounding their grief and placing them in significant financial distress.

“Abin and his family came to the UK just a year and a half ago on a carer visa, filled with hopes and dreams for a brighter future. As the primary pillar of his family, his loss has left his wife, Diana-who works in a care home-struggling to support their two children and navigate life without him.

“In his final act of kindness, Abin selflessly donated his organs, saving and transforming the lives of others even after his passing.

“We, his friends and community, are rallying together to provide the support his family desperately needs during this difficult time. The funds raised will go towards: Helping bring his family from India to the UK to say their final goodbyes, providing immediate financial assistance for Diana and the children to help them rebuild their lives and offering emotional and mental health support to the grieving family.

“Let us honour Abin’s memory by supporting his family and giving them the strength to move forward. No contribution is too small, and every donation will make a meaningful difference.

“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this difficult time. Together, we can ensure that Abin’s family does not face this tragedy alone. Please share this campaign so we can reach as many people as possible.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.

“Vitamin C helps with collagen formation and so ensuring you get enough from foods such as citrus fruits, berries, green vegetables, peppers and tomatoes may help. Zinc, found in meat, poultry, cheese, some shellfish, nuts, seeds and wholegrains, also helps the body produce collagen.

Tributes have been paid to The Wire actor Bobby J. Brown, who has died at the age of 62 following a barn fire accident

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Wire star Bobby J. Brown has passed away aged 62.

The Hollywood actor, who appeared in the acclaimed HBO series The Wire, died on Tuesday, February 24 following a barn fire incident, reports the Mirror US..

Brown’s daughter confirmed his death to TMZ, whilst the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner stated the cause of death was diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation.

The manner of death was classified as accidental.

The blaze started after Brown went into the barn to jump start a vehicle. Moments afterwards, the actor called for a family member to fetch a fire extinguisher.

However, by the time his relatives reached the barn, it was completely consumed by flames.

It is understood he did not suffer from the burns sustained in the fire.

His agent, Albert Bramante, told TMZ, “I am upset and saddened. He was such a good actor and person. He was totally dedicated to the craft of acting and was a joy to work with.”

Tributes have poured in from admirers, with one posting on X, “Sorry to see him go so young. I was just watching him on Homicide last night. RIP.”

Another wrote, “RIP! He was very good and had a strong presence in his brief scenes in We Own This City. Very believable as Bernthal’s character’s predecessor.”

A third commented, “Tragic news…Rest in peace, Bobby J. Brown. Such a talented soul taken too soon.”

A fourth stated, “Every time I see ‘Bobby Brown’ in a headline, my heart stops, but this is a tragedy for the acting world regardless. RIP Bobby J.”

Bobby made his debut in 1998, taking on the role of Terry in the sixth series of Homicide: Life on the Street.

The performer is best remembered for his work on the 2002 drama The Wire. Nevertheless, he delivered memorable performances in numerous other productions including Pecker, We Own This City and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Bobby was also due to feature in a mini-series called The Sessions.

Beyond his on-screen work, Bobby helmed various documentaries such as Off the Chain and Tear the Roof Off- The Untold Story of Parliament Funkadelic.

He hailed from Washington, D. C.

Before establishing himself in the entertainment industry, he pursued boxing. He subsequently changed direction and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

Bobby was a committed Jehovah’s Witness. His relatives are arranging a memorial service to honour his life and achievements.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has said Wales needs to see change to the nation’s Parliament at May’s election.

Speaking to WalesOnline ahead of the party’s conference in Newport which starts on Friday, February 27, the man who hopes to be Wales’ next First Minister said it would be a bad thing for the nation if change doesn’t happen.

Mr ap Iorwerth said voters need to understand “that it could be Reform [in government] unless people turn up in big enough numbers to vote for Plaid Cymru and I think that’s a message that’s important that people keep in their minds at all times.”

He added: “We need there to be a party that is bigger than Reform and it’s only Plaid Cymru – poll after poll after poll after poll tell you – that could be in that position. I really want to cement that in order to take Wales forward.”

Polls keep flipping between his party or Reform UK top with Labour either third or fourth. If that happened it would be the first time since 1999 that Labour wasn’t in power.

Are those polls right? The Ynys Mon MS said: “The real sense that I get – and I get it from polls consistently and more importantly on the doorstep, speaking with hundreds and hundreds of people throughout Wales – there’s a sense that change has to happen in this election.

“There’s a sense of expectation that the time is now, that it would be a bad thing for Wales were there not to be a change.

“It’s really, really important that we focus on that. In that option for change there are two directions we can head in and it is the positive vision, Wales-focused vision of Plaid Cymru or it is a new Conservative party, the chaos on offer, the lack of focus on Wales that comes from a new party on the populist right in Reform.

“Polls, as one might expect I guess, can vary but the pattern of there being two options, I think, has become pretty established now for, well, you’re talking 18 months.”

Most recent polls have shown Plaid Cymru or Reform UK in the lead and the most recent by More in Common put Reform UK top. Is that a worry, I ask him.

“I think it’s a focus.

“If we want people to believe us that we’re not complacent because we’re not because the election hasn’t happened. Some polls are making it clear that we could win this election but we haven’t.

“It’s really important that people understand that it could be Reform unless people turn up in big enough numbers to vote for Plaid Cymru and I think that’s a message that’s important that people keep in their minds at all times.

“We need there to be a party that is bigger than Reform and it’s only Plaid Cymru, poll after poll after poll after poll tell you, that could be in that position. I really want to cement that in order to take Wales forward.”

In recent weeks the tone from both Labour and the Conservatives has switched with both attacking Plaid as a “separatist” party which will “break up” the UK.

Is that damaging Plaid Cymru? “No,” he said.

“I find it very, very interesting that what you have is other parties paying a lot of attention to us because they know there is a very real possibility that we could be chosen by the people of Wales as that beacon of hope in the election on May 7 and the old guard want to stop that from happening.

“On the ‘separatists’ chants from Labour and the Conservatives people know that I am in no way an isolationist and my belief is in building Wales and in building Wales in partnership with others. But what I hear, and what I think a lot of people hear all the time, is Labour, Conservatives, and Reform just talking Wales down so much and trying to describe Wales as some basket case that should never be able to have an ambition for creating a better society.

“I don’t think that’s a very good look for them.”

Is there a target on Plaid’s back?

“There’s no doubt that Labour are targeting us because they can see the change that is happening in front of their eyes in Wales currently where so many people who have long respected Plaid Cymru and who understand what we are and what we stand for, but for whatever reason, probably because in the old-style politics, Labour could put themselves up as the best way of keeping the Conservatives out, that has all gone.

“So now Labour can see very clearly that it is Plaid Cymru that is able to stand up for Wales and fend off the threats of the populist right or parties that want to undermine Wales.

“It’s not surprising that Labour are entrenching now to a position of attacking Plaid Cymru as they see support for us growing.”

Their manifesto will follow in a few weeks but we know that it won’t include any referendum on an independent Wales in the first four years term of any Plaid Cymru government – Mr ap Iorwerth has made that clear.

But that’s a different tack to the last time Welsh voters were asked to vote in a devolved election.

Then, in 2021, when Adam Price was leader, Plaid said if it formed a government it would offer a Welsh independence referendum within the first term of government should it be able to command a majority.

I wonder aloud if that shift has caused a backlash among his traditional support base. Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I mean quite really honestly no. I was speaking at a Yes Cymru event recently and there wasn’t any backlash there either, in an event which was about independence, and that’s because people know that my belief in Wales, and our ability to shape our own nation, is ingrained deeply in me.

“I want to, and I will always make the case for us being brave enough and confident enough to, go on a journey as a nation but I also believe and people know that I trust the people of Wales when it comes to the pace of that journey.

“The key thing for me is that when I make the case to people why wouldn’t they want to have a debate on whether there’s a different way of shaping Wales’ future? They almost always, whether they believe in independence or not, say: ‘Yeah, absolutely right, let’s have that debate’.

“That is what my politics is all about. It’s about building a better future for Wales, dealing with stuff that we can now, on health, education, and jobs, but also making the case for where we can go when the people of Wales think the time is right.”

He did not expect a backlash, he added. “To be honest with you this isn’t something that I have put together as a policy platform. This is what I believe. And these are the discussions that I’ve had lifelong.

“I find that people agree with me that we should be exploring whether there are other options, whether they support independence or not, but that’s neither here nor there.

“And I find that people like the pace and attitude with which I approach this, which isn’t about separating – it’s about building new relationships. It’s not about breaking Britain up, it is about redesigning Britain, and I find that it’s a positive engagement that I have with people on that basis but this has been my position always.”

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Reports suggest that Huntley was left in a ‘pool of blood’ after the incident

Ian Huntley’s alleged attacker reportedly yelled “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the Soham killer was was bludgeoned by a metal pole at a maximum security jail, according to reports.

Durham Constabulary has confirmed that a prisoner, understood to be Huntley, was assaulted in the workshop of HMP Frankland near Durham on Thursday morning and taken to hospital.

The Sun, which first reported the attack, said the killer was knocked unconscious with a metal pole and quoted a source saying his condition was “touch and go”.

According to the paper, a man shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the 52-year-old was hit six times. The Press Association understands Huntley was left in a pool of blood after the incident.

Huntley was treated for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in hospital, the force said on Thursday afternoon.

A prisoner in his mid-40s has been identified as a suspect in the attack, according to police.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “The 52-year-old prisoner who was injured during this morning’s assault in the workshop at HMP Frankland remains in a serious condition in hospital following treatment for head injuries.

“Police forensic teams have examined the scene of the attack throughout the day to gather evidence.

“A suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified by officers investigating the incident.

“He has not been arrested at this stage but remains in detention within the prison.”

Former caretaker Huntley killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002, then dumped their bodies in a ditch.

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Thursday’s assault was the latest attempt on Huntley’s life and he was thought to have been kept under close observation to prevent similar attacks.

He is serving a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves at least 40 years for the murders.

In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a home-made weapon, causing a “severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck” with a 7in (18cm) wound which required 21 stitches.

Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”

He described Huntley as a “notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general”.