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‘Let’s just get this sorted’

A Northern Ireland “city without a toilet” is to make a new public facility a top priority.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s recent corporate committee heard concerns of years of delays and cross-party lobbying without a plan for a loo.

A report on council priority projects was presented to the chamber for the next 12 months with Dundonald Ice Bowl’s £64m redevelopment first on the list, but no sign of toilets.

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Downshire West DUP Alderman Allan Ewart said: “As you know I have been pushing for toilets in Lisburn city centre. If that was agreed by the council that we push ahead, is this report saying we won’t be able to do it in the next year?”

New signage to direct people to usable toilets in Lisburn were recently put up in March after four years of campaigning by a councillor with a kidney disorder.

Lisburn South DUP Alderman Paul Porter added: “I think Allan might be being too soft there. I am very proud of what we do here as elected members, but for years we were known as the city without a toilet.

“The fact that we have to lobby so hard. Several councillors from several parties. So I don’t think there is any confusion in the direction of travel.

“But I just want to make sure we are not here at the end of September or November and before you know it we are round robin again. Let’s just get this sorted.”

The council website shows that the local authority operates four public toilets in the total district of more than 150,000 people, with two in Lisburn at Wallace Park and Castle Gardens and one each in Moira and Royal Hillsborough. There are no opening times listed for the toilets.

The most up-to-date public survey carried out by the council (2022) revealed 64% of respondents still being dissatisfied by the public toilet provision even after being shown an online map of their location.

CEO David Burns responded: “The report is definitely not saying that. What we will do is for the governance and audit committee to bring forward a report in June to identify the projects of each directorate.

“I would fully expect your request to feature on there. Members did give a clear indication that they would like a report back and the workload has been reprioritised to deal with that.”

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Police are hunting a suspected gunman who is reported to have opened fire at a restaurant

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A widespread police search is underway to locate a suspected gunman who opened fire at a restaurant before allegedly attacking more people while escaping. The deadly incident took place today in Tarsus, a town located near the port city of Mersin in southern Turkey.

According to reports from local media, the attacker initiated the violence from his vehicle, shooting into the dining establishment from his car. At least five people were killed and an additional seven individuals were injured during the sequence of violent assaults that followed, reports The Mirror.

CNN Türk reported that the suspect killed his ex-wife with a rifle and fled in his car. The outlet said he also opened fire on the restaurant restaurant in Kadelli Neighborhood of Tarsus with a gun from the window of his car.

Following the shooting at the restaurant in Tarsus, the suspect then reportedly fled in the vehicle. Turkish news outlet tabyadijital.com said that the suspect injured seven people along his escape route.

Emergency services flooded the scene, taking the wounded to hospital while security forces set up a cordon around the various crime scenes.

It is also being reported in local media that two of those who tragically died are the owner and an employee of the restaurant where the terrifying scenes unfolded. Another two people, a shepherd grazing his flock and a lorry driver were also shot to death.

Police have launched a large-scale manhunt with helicopter support as they try to find and arrest the gunman. Cops are monitoring traffic on the highways in the region and teams are also using drones to try and apprehend the suspected shooter.

She added: “I think what was interesting for me to see is where I haven’t changed, and I still feel the same way I do about life and why I’m doing this and how I interact with people around me and that’s moving, because I can kind of see myself, which is hard for us to ever really see ourselves, so I can see what my DNA is.

In January a decision was made by councillors in secret to give up the community hall

Ards and North Down Council has “acknowledged” it will be giving up an important local resource by turning a community hall in Holywood to a film industry hub.

Elected members at a committee meeting in Newtownards have agreed to a motion that states a decision made by the council in secret and away from the public and press might be a threat to an “important community asset.”

In January councillors chose to earmark Queens Hall Hollywood for development as the potential site for the Screen Industries Digital Innovation Hub. The full details of the vote in the restricted debate are not available, so it is unverified what parties pushed the decision through.

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But at the May meeting of the council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee, elected members unanimously carried a motion forwarded by the Alliance Party. The motion states: “This council acknowledges that the decision taken in January 2026 to adopt Queen’s Community Centre as the preferred site of the proposed Holywood screen industries innovation hub has the potential to remove an important community asset from Holywood.

“The council therefore resolves to undertake an exercise to assess the need for community space in Holywood, with a report assessing need to be brought back to the relevant committee.” The motion does not attempt to reverse the decision, and will have to be ratified at the full council later this month.

The hall was built as a community centre in the 1950s, and a leisure centre was added in 2000. Although the council officially regards it as a leisure asset, the old part of the Queen’s Leisure Complex is still predominantly used as a community centre.

In October 2022 the council approved a cross-party notice of motion requiring engagement with the community in Holywood to ascertain needs and desires in respect of community use of Queen’s Hall. In 2010 Serco took over management.

Green Party Councillor Lauren Kendall said her party voted against the original proposal to develop the hall, and added the motion was “an attempt to retrospectively justify decision-making.” She said the January decision was “taken in confidence, without the community’s knowledge or consent.”

At the committee meeting, Alliance Alderman Councillor Martin McRandal, who tabled the motion, said: “In recent years the non-leisure part of the facility has been allowed to deteriorate. Sound and lighting equipment in the main hall has been removed, the stage in the main hall is unsafe to use, floors are in desperate need of repair, and the working kitchen is dilapidated.

“The management of Queen’s Hall in Holywood stands in stark contrast to Queen’s Hall in Newtownards, where the facility has been animated over the years by the council putting on a programme of events. In regards to the 2022 Holywood motion, very little has been done – in the following three years there was one community engagement station in Holywood, that was poorly attended.”

He said: “Under the Belfast Regional City Deal, this council was awarded sizable funding to establish an Innovation Hub. It was decided that a specialist hub, serving the digital and creative industries be established in Holywood. That was very welcome news.

“Late in 2025, Holywood and Clandeboye councillors were informed that negotiations for the preferred site had broken down, and that time was running out to identify a site, and thereby secure the funding. Having reviewed all other options, the only viable option in Holywood was the site of Queen’s Hall.

“Holywood and Clandeboye councillors were effectively presented with a Sophie’s Choice scenario. On the one hand we have a secured pot of funding that can be used to provide an economic boost to the town, on the other we have a community need, the case for which still needs to be properly made. And once that case is made, we need to seek a source of funding in order to regenerate the building.

“The decision was made by the council in January to proceed with Queen’s Hall in Holywood as the preferred site of the Innovation Hub. But nothing there is set in stone, this is the start of a process which will take some time to work through.”

He said: “The decision has the potential to remove a sizable and well-loved community asset in the heart of Holywood. Holywood has one other community hall at Redburn, away from the town centre.

“It is our concern that the potential for losing Queen’s Hall would result in Holywood being underprovided in community space. The notice of motion calls for a report assessing need for community space in Holywood, and in undertaking the work I would like officers to carry out further engagement with the community stakeholders to assess the need, and compare community provision of space in Holywood with that of other towns of similar size, within our borough and outside.”

The Lord Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough, Alliance Councillor Gillian McCollum, seconded the motion. She told the committee: “The heart of this motion is about balance, it is about ensuring that as a council we make decisions that are both ambitious and responsible, that builds prosperity but also creates trust.”

She added: “For many years the message from the community in Holywood has been consistent – Queen’s Hall is needed and it should be maintained as a dedicated community venue.”

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Sir Keir Starmer insisted his premiership is not over and he wants to lead Labour into the next general election, according to PA.

He said: “I do want to fight the next election. Obviously, I recognise that after the local election results, the elections in Wales and Scotland as well, that the first task is obviously turning things around and making sure that my focus is in the right place.

“The last 10 days, there’s been a lot of activity, which hasn’t been as focused in my view as it should have been, and I remind myself every day that I was elected to office to serve the people, to serve the country, that’s what I believe in, and that’s what I’ll be getting on with.”

He said he would not “walk away” and would not set out a timetable to stand down if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election.

The 2025/26 season is drawing to a close and, after another eventful year for Welsh rugby, it feels like the right time to reflect on what has unfolded.

It has been a challenging campaign for Cardiff, the Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets, with financial uncertainty and off-field turbulence often overshadowing matters on the pitch. Yet there have still been notable positives.

Cardiff’s run to the United Rugby Championship play-offs was a significant achievement, while a number of players across the four regions produced performances that offered genuine encouragement for the future.

There have also been plenty of setbacks along the way and no shortage of areas requiring improvement as Welsh rugby continues to search for stability.

With the season drawing to a close, here are the WalesOnline rugby awards for 2025/26.

Player of the season – Rhys Carré

There were many contenders, and Dragons backrower Aaron Wainwright was close, but we have plumped for Rhys Carré.

Just three years ago Carré was kicked out of the Wales squad by Warren Gatland for not meeting fitness targets and he seemed destined to join the long list of talented players who did fulfil their potential on the international stage.

A move back to Saracens has certainly played a part in Carré’s resurgence and the 28-year-old has taken his game to another level this season for Wales.

The powerful loosehead did his job in the scrum but is punching his weight as a ball carrier on the biggest stage and is having huge game-defining moments.

His sensational solo try in the narrow defeat against Ireland in Dublin will live long in the memory.

Most improved player – Rhys Barratt

The 24-year-old has kicked on enormously this season and has impressed for Cardiff throughout.

Barratt is a solid scrummager, but he brings so much with his work rate around the park.

He is a very explosive carrier who makes a lot of tackles and is a jackal threat, while he is also a talented ball player, as evidenced by a tremendous 50/22 in the victory over Racing 92 in January.

The fact he has been officially called up to the senior Wales squad for the first time is testament to the impact he has made this season.

Breakthrough player – Bryn Bradley

The 23-year-old has long been regarded as one of Welsh rugby’s brightest prospects, but this was the campaign in which Bradley truly announced himself as a player of genuine substance.

Harlequins have struggled badly at times this season but Bradley has been one of their better players and has established himself as a permanent fixture in the starting XV.

Bradley was thrown in at the deep end in a Champions Cup fixture in La Rochelle in January and was outstanding, helping Harlequins to a famous 27-17 victory.

He is a powerful carrier who consistently gets over the gainline and has an excellent offloading game.

His first call-up to the Wales squad is more than justified.

Most underrated player – Dan Thomas

The 32-year-old has been outstanding for Cardiff this season and it would be a struggle to find a player more consistent.

Thomas is a workhorse who puts his body on the line and does the unseen dirty work which allows others to shine.

The former Scarlets, Gloucester and Bristol Bears backrower has made more tackles than any other player in the URC this season (232), while he is a scavenger at the breakdown.

He is very unlucky not to make the Wales squad but Thomas has been worth his weight in gold for Cardiff since joining from Bristol.

Best signing – Fletcher Anderson

The Scarlets signing narrowly pips Ospreys second-row Ryan Smith to this award.

Anderson has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving in west Wales from the Crusaders. He is one of the best ball-carrying backrowers in the URC and consistently makes significant post-contact metres.

The 23-year-old produces big moments in games and the Scarlets have done well to retain his services.

Anderson has already confirmed he is open to represent Wales when he qualifies on residency in 2030 and the Welsh Rugby Union must help the Scarlets make that a reality.

Most disappointing signing – MacKenzie Martin

The 22-year-old made a fast start to his professional career, making his Wales debut against Ireland in 2024 at the age of just 20 after just a handful of games for Cardiff.

After falling off the radar it was hoped a loan move to the Dragons could reinvigorate his career but that hasn’t been the case.

Martin has spent some of the season out injured but he has struggled to make an impact when on the field of play and quickly fell out of favour at Rodney Parade.

It is such a shame because the 22-year-old has the physical attributes and natural talent to develop into a top player.

Martin has decided to take up a contract offer with French PRO D2 outfit Béziers and one hopes it is not a case of out of sight out of mind for the talented backrower.

Biggest mess – Y11 deal to buy Cardiff

The whole saga surrounding Y11’s bid to buy Cardiff was extremely messy and evidently had a detrimental effect on players and staff at the Ospreys.

The Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to choose Y11 over a consortium which included three prominent Hollywood directors as their preferred bidder to buy Cardiff set off a destructive chain of events.

While the WRU deny this, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart claimed they were using the Y11 bid for Cardiff as a way to cut down to three professional teams.

He claimed the WRU’s intentions were to demote the Ospreys to semi-professional status in Super Rygbi Cymru.

The WRU deny this and said Y11 had been given permission from the URC to own both Cardiff and the Ospreys.

As a result Swansea Council launched legal action against the WRU while Ospreys supporters launched widescale protests at games.

In the end the WRU and Y11 could not reach an agreement and the governing body has decided to take Cardiff off the market.

Few episodes in recent Welsh rugby history have been handled more chaotically, and it is difficult to see how Ospreys players, staff and supporters can place their trust in Y11 when its proposed takeover of Cardiff could have led to the demise of Wales’ most successful region.

Result of the season

This has to be the Dragons’ stunning victory over French giants Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup round of 16.

It is hard enough to beat a French club at home but to win away in Paris was a special achievement.

This was an epic contest where the Dragons raced into an early lead before the Parisians came racing back to claim the lead.

But the Men of Gwent fought back with former Wales and Lions prop Wyn Jones scoring the winning try deep in injury time.

After years of frustration and false dawns, the Dragons and their supporters were richly deserving of a victory of such significance.

Biggest loss – Aaron Wainwright

Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake’s departures from the Ospreys to join Gloucester represent significant losses, but Wainwright’s exit from the Dragons is arguably the biggest of the three.

Wainwright will join English giants Leicester Tigers next season bringing an end to a decade at Rodney Parade.

The 28-year-old is one of the finest players ever to put on a Dragons shirt and has taken his game to the next level this season.

Filo Tiatia has signed Terrell Peita from Northland and the Blues as a replacement. He has some very big shoes to fill.

Biggest disappointment – Wales Women

This award goes to both Wales Women and the Scarlets.

Yes, Wales are playing catch-up with many of the other tier one nations when it comes to women’s rugby but they should be doing better.

Sunday’s 43-24 defeat at home to Italy left Wales with the Six Nations Wooden Spoon for the third season in a row.

Given the WRU’s investment into the women’s game over the past few season’s that is not good enough and things must change or the pressure will continue to mount on head coach Sean Lynn.

Police are hunting a suspected gunman who opened fire at a restaurant in Tarsus in the south of Turkey after allegedly killing his ex-wife with a rifle

A massive search is underway for a suspected gunman who opened fire at a restaurant before reportedly attacking further victims during his escape. The incident took place today in the southern Turkish town of Tarsus, located close to the port city of Mersin.

According to local media reports, the suspect used his vehicle to launch the attack, firing into the eatery from his car. At least five individuals have been confirmed dead and a further seven people sustained injuries in the series of violent assaults that followed, reports The Mirror.

CNN Türk reported that the suspect killed his ex-wife with a rifle and fled in his car. The outlet said he also opened fire on the restaurant restaurant in Kadelli Neighborhood of Tarsus with a gun from the window of his car.

Following the shooting at the restaurant in Tarsus, the suspect then reportedly fled in the vehicle. Turkish news outlet tabyadijital.com said that the suspect injured seven people along his escape route.

Emergency services flooded the scene, taking the wounded to hospital while security forces set up a cordon around the various crime scenes.

It is also being reported in local media that two of those who tragically died are the owner and an employee of the restaurant where the terrifying scenes unfolded. Another two people, a shepherd grazing his flock and a lorry driver were also shot to death.

Police have launched a large-scale manhunt with helicopter support as they try to find and arrest the gunman. Cops are monitoring traffic on the highways in the region and teams are also using drones to try and apprehend the suspected shooter.

​The conversion of a garage into a hair salon has been given retrospective approval at 3 Greenfinch Close, Crossgates in Scarborough, following North Yorkshire Council’s decision to give plans the green light.

​According to a statement submitted by a planning agent, the applicant, Mrs Robinson, was “under the impression that this type of development would not require planning consent”.

​“The applicant wishes to place on record that she had no intention of flouting the planning rules and was under the genuine belief that such small-scale activities would not require permission,” it adds.

​The salon will offer haircuts, colours, and styling to customers who are predominantly residents within the local community in which she serves.

Garage Converted Into Hair Salon. Greenfinch Close, Scarborough. Google Maps

​“The applicant had built up an existing client base working in the area until she decided to set up her own business, and therefore her clients, some of whom are elderly, must be able to easily access the salon within the local community,” according to submitted plans.

​The applicant proposed opening hours from 8am to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday only.

​No objections were made by Seamer Parish Council.

​The Highway Authority said that a suitable level of parking would be maintained within the site, including parking for the operation of the hair salon, and added that the increase in vehicle movements and parking could be accommodated at the site.

​However, the council’s environmental health officers recommended that conditions be imposed to mitigate any impacts on neighbouring residents.

​An officer said: “Hairdressing activities typically generate low-level noise from conversation and hairdryers. However, the property is positioned within a tight residential area, and therefore any commercial activity has the potential to impact on neighbouring amenity.”

​The officer suggested that the council include conditions that cover the hours of operation, a restriction to hairdressing services only, limiting the number of clients, and waste management.

​Planning officers agreed with the recommendation, and said it would be “appropriate to impose conditions in relation to hours of operation, restrictions on hairdressing use only, client number limits”.

​A report states: “It is felt that the current hours of operation are appropriate for the scale of business and residential setting and therefore will be secured by condition.”

​The retrospective application was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.