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Belfast Council proposing pedestrianisation of Donegall Place and Castle Place following success of Fleadh

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Belfast Live

“That is where cities are moving, and we do not want to fall behind the times”

Belfast City Council is to formally propose to Stormont the pedestrianisation of Donegall Place and Castle Place, following the success of Fleadh.

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In 2019, SDLP Councillors Gary McKeown and Dónal Lyons proposed a motion asking Stormont to consider city centre pedestrianisation, after the Primark fire.

At the August meeting of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee on Wednesday, Councillor McKeown said that the motion should be revived, with a particular stress on Donegall Place and Castle Place, in the light of a groundswell of public feeling after the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

READ MORE: Belfast City Council looking at ways to extend ‘cramped’ Christmas Market beyond City Hall

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The committee agreed to the proposal, as well as a Sinn Féin suggestion that representatives from the Stormont Department for Infrastructure give councillors an update on their plans. The decisions will have to be ratified at the full meeting of Belfast Council next week, where they are expected to pass.

Two weeks ago, just after the Fleadh, the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said she would forward a consultation including proposals for the expansion of pedestrianisation in Belfast city centre. No details have been given of the consultation, which is part of the Eastern Transport Plan, a strategic framework to guide transport policy and investment decisions up to 2035.

11 years have passed since the predecessor framework to the Eastern Transport Plan, the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, expired in 2015. Local representatives have criticised the time it has taken for the ETP to be presented.

Councillor McKeown said at the City Hall meeting: “After the Primark fire, we saw the benefits of pedestrianisation, and it was the council’s view, and many people’s view, that we should use it as an opportunity to springboard to a place where more of the city is transformed into something that is pedestrian friendly.

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“In my mind, that would look like something beyond just closing down streets, and more like using it as an opportunity to develop activities, animation, cafes, things that become attractions bringing people into the city. Not just for transactional purposes but to actually increase dwell time.”

He said: “At that time we were concerned that with the barriers being removed around Primark, we would revert back to form, and unfortunately that has been the case. There has been very little movement in trying to identify an opportunity to transform the city centre to something which is much more attractive for people, other than a route for buses to choke up the place with fumes.”

He said: “We saw during the Fleadh that there is a real demand to animate the city centre and populate it. None of us are under the impression that every day is going to be a Fleadh, but it has shown the opportunities that are there for some intelligent use of the city centre.

“What we want to do is to write to the Minister for Infrastructure. I know she is proposing to carry out a consultation, but there is a lack of specificity around that.

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I am asking this committee to reiterate the point it made back in 2019.”

He proposed writing to Minister Liz Kimmins specifically requesting Donegall Place and Castle Place be included in a pedestrianisation programme, “and anywhere else in the periphery deemed appropriate” in collaboration with Belfast City Council, the Stormont Department for Communities and other partners. He said this would make the city centre “person focused and not vehicle focused.”

He said: “When you look at the core of other cities, you see Grafton Street pedestrianised in Dublin and, as it is soon to be, Oxford Street in London. That is where cities are moving, and we do not want to fall behind the times in what we are offering.

“This is an opportunity, and the Fleadh showed it, in sharp contrast to what it is normally like, to make this city centre something that actually works for people, rather than just providing a route for vehicles. But we have to push for that, and it is frustrating sometimes.

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“It has to be done in a way that is appropriate, and facilitates access for deliveries and people with disabilities. If that can be done in other cities, there is no reason why it cannot be done here.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said: “Councillor McKeown is right that the Fleadh has shown increased pedestrianisation for the city centre is a good thing. But we also have to make it accessible.” He said it had to “be made as inclusive a space as possible.”

He added: “I would probably go further, because we do need to take the talk of pedestrianisation into action. The Minister has said she is looking to release the Eastern Transport Plan. We should ask that a further briefing is given to this committee in relation to proposals within the ETP.”

Alliance Councillor Fiona McAteer said: “We have to be very careful that people with mobility issues are getting in at the very beginning. As everyone will have seen on social media, people were complaining they would not be able to use Belfast city centre the way they used to.”

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She said: “It is not going to be 24 hours/seven days a week. It could be one day a month, or “diet traffic” where lanes are reduced, there are lots of different things we could do. But we have to make sure we are talking to the right people from the beginning, so that no one feels left out.”

SDLP Councillor Dónal Lyons said: “I was lucky to go to Galway over the summer, where I was struck by the fact that on 5pm on a Friday evening, in the West End of Galway, you will see half a dozen forklifts come out with concrete blocks, and just pedestrianise an area for the weekend. People flood in and enjoy the streets.

“One fellow I was talking to, a wheelchair user, welcomed it because he didn’t have to be dodging traffic in medieval streets of cobblestones, a similar environment to our cathedral quarter. Of course there is a solution to all of these questions, and a further briefing on the Eastern Traffic Plan would be useful.”

DUP Councillor Sarah Bunting said: “We have to be really careful, and it has to be a really in-depth consultation, because we need to protect that access for people with disabilities, and we don’t want to be counter-productive by asking people to use public transport more and then restricting routes they are used to.”

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Putin Threatens British Military Targets Over Ukraine Comments

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Putin Threatens British Military Targets Over Ukraine Comments

A top aide to Vladimir Putin has issued the strongest threat yet against British military targets following Andy Burnham’s trip to Ukraine.

The prime minister gave Kyiv the blueprints to build long-range cruise missiles on Monday, a move which has infuriated Moscow.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday that the UK was “one step away” from becoming legally complicit in supposed “terrorism” against Russian civilians.

She claimed this would have “catastrophic consequences” for the UK unless the Burnham government altered its course.

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Zakharova said: “We have repeatedly warned that any British military installations and equipment in Ukraine and beyond its borders could be targeted in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory carried out using British weapons.

“We propose that the British leadership once again carefully analyse the situation and immediately, in the most resolute and unequivocal manner, abandon the hostile, aggressive line, which can only…create the risk of the conflict escalating to an entirely new level.”

Her words come after a flurry of warnings from the Kremlin over the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine.

When it was confirmed that British drones had been used by Ukraine to target sites deep within Russia last week, Putin’s embassy in London warned the UK would face “consequences”.

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Russia accused Ukraine of firing British Storm Shadow missiles at a shopping centre in the occupied Ukrainian city of Donetsk on Wednesday, too.

The Kremlin alleged that the UK was adding “fuel to the fire” of the Ukraine conflict after Burnham granted Kyiv the ability to build its own Shadow Storm missiles.

But the prime minister seemed unperturbed by the threats, telling reporters: “Who started the fire?”

However, there are fears that Burnham’s strong moves may elicit more of an aggressive response from Russia.

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Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Putin has avoided engaging in direct conflict with Ukraine’s Nato allies, like Britain.

But the director of the CIA made a surprise trip to Moscow this week and allegedly tried to warn Putin against launching an attack on the defence alliance.

While Donald Trump described the meeting as “semi-routine”, the Wall Street Journal and CBS News reported that John Ratcliffe was trying to stop Russia from testing Nato.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov still rejected suggestions Moscow was upping its aggression towards Europe on Thursday, and instead claimed the blame lies with Ukraine’s allies.

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He said: “Russia faces a very aggressive policy from European countries.

“This aggression comes specifically from European countries. Claims to the contrary distort reality and are nothing more than media rumour.”

Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Where are Amanda Owen’s nine children from Our Yorkshire Farm now?

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Where are Amanda Owen's nine children from Our Yorkshire Farm now?

Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine and Nancy became familiar faces as cameras documented everyday life at the family’s 2,000-acre Ravenseat Farm in Upper Swaledale.

But much has changed since the programme first aired in 2018.

Some of Amanda and Clive’s eldest children have now left school and developed careers of their own, while others continue to help with farming and the family’s ambitious restoration of neighbouring farmhouse Anty John’s.

The family has also returned to television in Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, with a fourth series due to continue their story.

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So what are Amanda and Clive Owen’s nine children doing now?

Raven Owen

Raven is Amanda and Clive’s eldest child and has followed a very different career from the traditional farming life viewers saw at Ravenseat.

She studied Biomedical Science at York St John University, graduating with first-class honours in 2022 before going on to complete a master’s degree in the same subject.

Raven’s professional profile says her research has included work relating to oncology and improving chemotherapy drugs.

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She has since moved into scientific work and is listed by her management as working as an assistant scientist, while a more recent professional profile describes her work in analytical chemistry and chemical residue analysis.

The Owen family from Our Yorkshire Farm and Our Farm Next Door (Image: CHANNEL4)

Despite building a career away from Ravenseat, Raven has not left farming life completely behind.

She still returns to the family’s North Yorkshire farm and helps out when needed, while continuing to appear in Our Farm Next Door.

Viewers saw Raven return home during the third series in 2026 to join the rest of the family for youngest sister Nancy’s ninth birthday.

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Reuben Owen

Reuben has arguably become the most prominent of the Owen children on television.

After viewers watched his love of machinery develop during Our Yorkshire Farm, he went on to build his own groundworks and heavy plant machinery business.

That eventually resulted in a television career of his own.

Reuben first appeared alongside his father in Beyond the Yorkshire Farm: Reuben and Clive before becoming the focus of Channel 5’s Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales.

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The programme follows Reuben as he grows his machinery and contracting business alongside friends and members of his family.

A third series aired on Channel 5 in 2026, with episodes continuing through June.

His brothers have also become involved, with Miles appearing alongside him and Sidney joining Reuben for farming and machinery jobs.

Reuben continues to appear in the family’s Our Farm Next Door programme as well, meaning he now features across both the Channel 5 and Channel 4/More4 sides of the Owen family’s television story.

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Miles Owen

Miles, the third eldest of the nine children, has remained particularly close to the farming world in which he was raised.

He is now described as a full-time farmer, splitting his time between work at Ravenseat and helping Reuben with his groundworks and digger business.

Miles is particularly interested in sheep and cattle farming but has ambitions to broaden his experience into arable agriculture.

His longer-term aim could eventually see him take on more responsibility at the family’s farm or establish a farming operation of his own.

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He has also become increasingly visible on television.

Alongside appearances in Our Farm Next Door, Miles has joined Reuben on Life in the Dales, combining farming work with his interest in diggers and machinery.

Edith Owen

Edith was still a young child when viewers first became familiar with the Owen family, but she has now grown into one of the older siblings.

Unlike Raven, Reuben and Miles, considerably less has been made public about Edith’s plans away from television.

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She nevertheless remains part of the family’s current TV story and has continued to appear in Our Farm Next Door alongside her parents and siblings.

That programme has given viewers an opportunity to see just how much the younger Owens have changed since the early days of Our Yorkshire Farm.

Production company Wise Owl Films recently highlighted that transformation itself, remarking on how much the Owen children had grown since filming on Our Farm Next Door began in 2023.

Violet Owen

Violet is another of the Owen children who has largely remained outside the individual celebrity spotlight.

She grew up on screen helping around Ravenseat and remains involved in the family’s television appearances.

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Violet is among the children credited throughout Our Farm Next Door, which continues to show the siblings taking part in farm life and the restoration of Anty John’s.

Amanda has spoken about wanting her younger children to retain the freedom and independence that comes with growing up in the Dales, describing how they explore the countryside around their home rather than spending their lives indoors.

Sidney Owen

Sidney, often known as Sid, has increasingly emerged as another of the family’s practical hands.

Viewers have seen him working alongside his older brothers and father, including tackling jobs connected to the Anty John’s renovation.

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During series three of Our Farm Next Door, Sid and Amanda inspected a collapsed bridge on the track leading to the farmhouse.

He later joined Reuben and Clive as they worked on repairing it.

Sid also appeared alongside Reuben and Miles during the 2026 series of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, including during sheep shearing at the family farm.

Like his older brothers, he appears to have inherited plenty of the family’s enthusiasm for machinery and practical farm work.

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Annas Owen

Annas remains one of the younger Owen children living the rural life viewers first came to know through Our Yorkshire Farm.

Her recent television appearances have increasingly shown her taking responsibility for animals herself.

The Owen family (Image: CHANNEL4)

In series three of Our Farm Next Door, Annas and sister Clemmie were shown hoping to buy their first sheep.

Later in the series, Clive gave Annas, Clemmie and Nancy a lesson in working with the family’s sheepdog Nellie – continuing the tradition of the Owen children learning farming skills from an early age.

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Clementine Owen

Clementine, generally known as Clemmie, has also continued to feature prominently among the younger members of the family.

Like Annas, she was shown attempting to negotiate the purchase of her first sheep during the latest series.

She has also joined Amanda on some of the historical adventures surrounding Anty John’s.

One episode saw Clemmie and Nancy accompany their mother and a local historian to a church connected with a former resident of the farmhouse, as Amanda continued researching the property’s past.

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Nancy Owen

Nancy is the youngest of Amanda and Clive’s nine children and was only very young when Our Yorkshire Farm first put the family into millions of homes.

She turned nine during events shown in series three of Our Farm Next Door, with Raven returning to Ravenseat to join the family celebrations.

Nancy has continued to provide some of the programme’s lighter moments too.

When new doors were being fitted at Anty John’s, she had an important question for the adults – why there wasn’t a cat flap.

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She has also joined her sisters in learning to work the family’s sheepdog and exploring the countryside around Ravenseat.

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Waiting for Odysseus: In wartime Kyiv, an ancient story finds new meaning

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Waiting for Odysseus: In wartime Kyiv, an ancient story finds new meaning

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — War’s timeless ache — death, captivity, the agonizing wait and the pull of home — has found a new stage in wartime Kyiv, with Homer’s epic reimagined as a contemporary Ukrainian odyssey.

The play “Odysseus, Maeotis” is ready to open in the Ukrainian capital as the ancient tale enjoys a global moment with Christopher Nolan’s IMAX spectacle and box-office hit “The Odyssey” starring Matt Damon.

In Kyiv, the story is performed by professional actors and active-duty soldiers, including Daniil Mireshkin, a serviceman who plays the warrior king Odysseus

“I think this combination of myth and modernity allows us to draw parallels and understand just how critical the question of return is: the return of military personnel to civilian life, the return of our territories and the return of ourselves to our true identity as Ukrainians,” Mireshkin said.

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The actor spoke to The Associated after a final rehearsal Tuesday, ahead of a premiere that has been repeatedly delayed due to successive Russian attacks.

“This story helps us talk about these topics, which, as it turns out, haven’t lost any of their relevance,” Mireshkin said.

Drones and killing machines as modern monsters

The staging at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater is designed to be austere and unsettling.

Against a darkened set laced with neon light bars, projections wash over the actors themselves. The monsters of the original — the Cyclops and the sirens — are replaced by drones that buzz across the stage and models of robotic war machines.

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The play unfolds in parallel: Odysseus’ punishing journey and the long wait at home by his wife, Penelope.

Director Ivan Uryvskyi is candid about how the play recasts the ancient poem’s themes of return and those trapped in exile and captivity.

“Of course, very little of Homer’s original text remains here, because the play was written from scratch. We simply took the core narrative arc — Odysseus’ return home,” he said.

At the edge of the known world

An additional Greek reference is carried in the play’s title: “Maeotis” is an ancient name for the Sea of Azov, taken from the people who lived along its shores, a place once considered to be the edge of the known world.

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The sea is home to Mariupol, the port city seized by Russia after a 2022 siege, and the play is based on accounts by its defenders from the Azov brigade, now part of the 1st Corps Azov — a part of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Mireshkin, the lead actor, and playwrite Oleksii Dorychevskyi are members of the 1st Corps Azov. Dorychevskyi drew on a year of interviews with former prisoners of war for the production. According to the Corps, an estimated 600 Azov brigade servicemen are among the thousands still in Russian captivity.

For Daryna Leheida, who plays Penelope, the ancient queen’s plight resonates with the stories of women in Ukraine who wait for loved ones to return.

“It’s about the fate of Ukrainian women who wait, believe and hope, but who can also feel powerless, hopeless and stripped of faith,” Leheida said.

“It’s about the temporarily occupied land waiting to come back home,” she said. “It’s about the children and people who are waiting, what we face during this waiting and the toll that war takes on us.”

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Police investigation continues into York cycle path incident

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Police investigation continues into York cycle path incident

Officers were called by the ambulance service at about 11.10am on Saturday, August 15, following a disturbance on the Foss Islands Cycle Path off Wigginton Road near the junction with Crichton Avenue.

As reported, police said two people were injured in the incident, and four people were subsequently arrested.

The four arrested were three 16-year-old boys and a 64-year-old man. They were taken into custody on suspicion of wounding with intent.

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All four were released on police bail.


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In an update, a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police told The Press: “The investigation is  ongoing and there are no charges at this time.”

One of the injured was treated at hospital for minor knife wounds, police said at the time. The other person sustained ‘more serious injuries believed to have been caused by a wooden implement’.

The spokesperson confirmed that the second casualty has since left hospital.

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Pitbull daytime party coming to North East this Bank Holiday

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Pitbull daytime party coming to North East this Bank Holiday

The Pitbull Universe Party is taking place at Motel Mexicana on Mosley Steet, Newcastle on Sunday, August 30, with organisers promising an afternoon dedicated to the star’s music and collaborations.

Running from 2pm until 7pm, the over-18s event will feature DJs playing Pitbull tracks alongside songs by artists including Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Jason Derulo, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin.

The event has been described as a “full afternoon dedicated to the Pitbull universe featuring the hits, collabs and the ones you forgot about until the chorus comes on”.

People take part in a Guinness World Records attempt for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps ahead of Pitbull’s headlining show at BST Hyde Park (Image: David Parry/PA)

Organisers are also encouraging partygoers to embrace the theme by wearing bald caps inspired by the singer’s trademark look.

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Food and drinks will be available throughout the event, while VIP packages can be booked for groups.

The event forms part of the August Bank Holiday celebrations in Newcastle and is being staged at Motel Mexicana, located at 36-38 Mosley Street in the city centre.

Early bird tickets are available through ticketing platform Fatsoma.

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Man United latest: Possible Joshua Zirkzee replacement named as talks for deal progress

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Manchester Evening News

Manchester United have been linked with several transfer dealings as the end of the summer window approaches

Manchester United are bracing themselves for an intriguing final few days of the transfer window. Michael Carrick has less than a week to bolster his squad before September 1

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United initially concentrated their initial recruitment drive on overhauling their midfield and have added Carlos Baleba to their engine room. However, Carrick may be looking to bring in reinforcements across other areas following the club’s opening loss to Hull City.

The Reds have been linked with an interest in Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic. Benjamin Sesko is one of the few natural centre-forwards within Carrick’s ranks, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are also capable of filling in.

Meanwhile, United forward Joshua Zirkzee could potentially depart Old Trafford. Here, MEN Sport examines the biggest transfer stories surrounding the club.

Striker ‘target’ emerges

While Zirkzee is reportedly edging towards an exit, Matanovic could fill his position in Carrick’s squad. The 23-year-old netted 15 goals across all competitions for the German outfit last season.

Gazzetta dello Sport claims that United are competing to snap up the Croatia international. The Reds are claimed to be joined by Spurs in the battle for his services.

Furthermore, Fiorentina are reportedly weighing up an “ambitious” swoop for Matanovic as they hunt for Moise Kean’s successor. Matanovic moved to Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

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Joshua Zirkzee ‘closing in’ on exit

Fiorentina are also reportedly in discussions over a move for United striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in the club’s attack since his arrival from Bologna in 2024.

Gazzetta reports that Fiorentina are “in negotiations” over a £4.2million loan deal for Zirkzee, with the option to make the deal permanent next summer. The Serie A side are said to have earmarked the United forward as an “ideal replacement” for Kean, who is poised to join Como.

Fiorentina reportedly face a battle with Juventus for Zirkzee’s signature, though La Viola are keen to accelerate their pursuit while Juve focus on selling Jonathan David on. Gazzetta adds that Fiorentina are “closing in” on a deal to bring Zirkzee in as Kean’s successor.

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The 25-year-old has netted nine goals in 75 appearances for United, having joined the club for £36.5m following an impressive spell with Bologna.

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Two Yorkshire seaside villages named the best in the UK

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Two Yorkshire seaside villages named the best in the UK

Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes earned the top spots on a list compiled by World Atlas, which ranked 17 picturesque seaside destinations across the country.

The list highlighted 17 “gorgeous little UK seaside villages everyone has to visit at least once” and named the two North Yorkshire villages among the best of the best.


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Robin Hood’s Bay, a former fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, was ranked number one and is described as a “atmospheric” destination with a sandy beach, cobbled streets and a variety of pubs and cafés.

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It also features a network of narrow lanes and stone cottages set against dramatic cliffs, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical charm.

The steep, cobbled streets lead down to the beach and offer a striking contrast between land and sea, making it “a particularly striking spot for photographs.”

A view of Robin Hood's Bay from the cliffs.Robin Hood’s Bay is loved by walkers. (Image: Getty)

Staithes, located just 10 miles from Whitby, was in the second spot and is another traditional fishing village steeped in maritime history.

It is known for its connections to explorer Captain James Cook and its winding streets lined with characterful cottages.

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The village was likened to the famous Italian coastal town of Positano, thanks to its historic port, picturesque setting and charming architecture.

Expect beach walks in a picture-postcard setting in this 'most breathtaking' North Yorkshire village by the seaStaithes has ‘breathtaking’ views of the coast. (Image: Getty)

The World Atlas ranking highlights the growing appeal of the UK’s coastal villages, which offer a mix of natural beauty, heritage and charm.

Rounding out the top five were Aldeburgh in Suffolk, Blakeney in Norfolk, and Lymington in Hampshire.

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New GTA 6 previews confirm affinity mechanic, Red Dead honour system and more

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New GTA 6 previews confirm affinity mechanic, Red Dead honour system and more
No one’s yet to play the game besides Rockstar… and that one leaker (Netflix/Rockstar)

A ton of extra GTA 6 info has been shared via new US previews, such as how the game builds upon Red Dead Redemption 2 and that you can influence Jason and Lucia’s romance.

Even in just 26 minutes, the GTA 6 gameplay preview on Netflix showed off a lot of new details that somehow weren’t already spoiled by the frequent leaks, while also re-emphasising the game’s very impressive graphics.

British culture magazine Dazed did indicate that it and a few others got to preview the game personally behind closed doors, but it was unclear if anyone was allowed to play GTA 6 themselves or if they simply saw the Netflix preview early.

Turns out the answer is no, no one went hands-on with GTA 6 (well, some influencers might have but they haven’t posted any videos yet). But some were given a completely different gameplay demonstration, which means further details not shown in the Netflix preview have been unearthed.

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So far, it seems Rockstar only invited a limited number of US press and influencers, and as of time of writing we could find only two previews, not including Dazed’s.

The first is from IGN, which describes a slice of gameplay demoed by Rockstar’s co-studio head Rob Nelson, so they definitely didn’t get to play it themselves.

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What IGN can confirm is that there’s an affinity mechanic between Jason and Lucia, where the two can strengthen their relationship as they work together to rob people and do crimes.

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While this doesn’t have any gameplay benefits, it sounds like it will have an impact on the story or at least certain cut scenes, which could point towards multiple endings depending on whether you push Jason and Lucia into a more romantic relationship or keep them strictly as work partners.

‘They will remain partners in crime. You will always have the benefit of working together and having each other’s back – whether they’re romantically close or not doesn’t change that,’ explains Nelson.

‘They will still work together. It’s really about what you want for them, their story, and how it plays out. Whether you’ve nurtured the relationship or not will definitely have a bearing on how their story plays out.’

GTA 6 Jason and a fancily dressed Lucia in an elevator
It sounds like you can keep Jason and Lucia as platonic partners (Netflix/Rockstar)

There’s also a deliberate effort to not let you feel as overpowered as you could in previous GTA games, where you could freely gun down civilians if you wanted to, so long as the cops don’t catch you.

In GTA 6, the regular citizens may fight back if you throw the first punch. As such, the game borrows from Red Dead Redemption 2 and makes it so you can taunt or threaten people with your gun by pressing the aim button while your weapon is holstered.

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‘I think in previous GTA games you were a bit all-powerful. You were the only one with an invisible arsenal hidden away. Apart from the police, everyone would run in terror from you if you started acting out. This world in GTA 6 is not like that,’ explains Nelson.

It was previously suggested, by Dazed, that GTA 6 will be far more grounded than previous entries, so returning fans could be in for a shock to learn they can’t get away with rampant violence so easily.

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Another aspect that’s being brought over from Red Dead Redemption 2 is that game’s Honour system or rather a reworked version of it called Criminal Profile.

In Red Dead Redemption 2 you could gradually rebuild your reputation through acts of kindness, even after going on a killing spree. GTA 6’s Criminal Profile system is described as more nuanced, as your reputation changes depending on how you interact with the world.

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It’s not entirely clear what sort of impact your Criminal Profile will have on gameplay, but even small criminal acts like littering can affect it. What’s more, if you shoot at someone in self defence, that won’t affect your profile as much as you doing so without cause.

There’s also talk of carjacking requiring a bit more effort than a simple button press. Depending on the model, some cars demand certain tools, such as a key cloner for bypassing certain locks, meaning you’ll come across plenty of vehicles you won’t be able to access until you progress further into the game.

The New York Times has posted their own preview, but they received the same experience of watching Nelson play the game. They confirm that GTA 6’s map will be three times larger than that of Red Dead Redemption 2.

As suspected, there’s also a very clear effort to appeal to those who enjoy role-playing sessions in GTA Online; something which required unofficial modding but has since been officially supported by Rockstar. You can see this in the Netflix preview as you can check a fridge for a drink or sit down and watch some TV.

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‘I hope that there will be people that want to get up, have a cup of coffee, shower, get dressed, go out for a little exercise,’ says Nelson, adding that his own playthrough of the game exceeded 80 hours, which covered the main story and some optional side activities.

He also goes into how the non-playable inhabitants of GTA 6’s world were built, boasting about how each and every one of them was made without procedural generation and that there are over 600,000 unique animations in the game. That’s double the amount in Red Dead Redemption 2, so it’s no wonder the game’s taken so long to come out.

YouTuber TGG has a preview of his own too, but he has plans to make multiple deep dive videos to share what he has learned. As such, he’s only briefly summed up what he intends to cover on X, such as how the aforementioned Criminal Profile system works, the new Wanted level mechanics, and how the driving fares compared to GTA 5.

GTA 6 Lucia standing in front of a burning car
In the Netflix preview, Lucia sets her own car on fire in order to escape the cops (Netflix/Rockstar)

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I know he’s a chauvinist, but he does things to me in bed no one else has

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I know he's a chauvinist, but he does things to me in bed no one else has
This week’s diarist is torn between her romantic interests (Picture: Myles Goode/ Getty)

Welcome to How I Do It, the series in which we give you a seven-day sneak peek into the sex life of a stranger.

This week, we hear from Phoebe*, a 29-year-old lawyer living in London, who up until recently has been in a nine-month ‘just sex’ situationship with her colleague, Jared*.

‘I’d just come out of a three-year relationship when things began heating up between Jared and I, but I never thought anything would actually happen between us,’ she says.

‘But now it’s been months of super hot but rough sex, which I love.

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‘I’ve asked him to do things to me that I’ve never done with anyone before. He’s even slapped me in bed, which I found such a turn on.’

The problem is, Jared doesn’t want a girlfriend who is as financially successful as Phoebe. He wants to feel like the provider, so he’s told her they can never be in a relationship.

Since then, she’s given him the cold shoulder, but despite having plenty of male attention, no one is scratching the itch that Phoebe has for wild sex.

‘I’m going on dates with really hot and lovely guys, but I spend all my time thinking about Jared,’ she adds.

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Without further ado, here’s how Phoebe got on this week…

Ask Metro


Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.

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The following sex diary is, as you might imagine, not safe for work.

Monday

I’m up and in the office by 9am and when I walk in, Jared and I immediately lock eyes.

We’ve been sleeping together for the past nine months after he broke up with his ex. I was actually part of the reason they ended their five year relationship — we kissed on a work trip to LA after months of flirting, and he later left her.

But we haven’t become boyfriend and girlfriend. In fact, I can’t even look at him without feeling conflicted.

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I’ve fallen for him, but we’re absolutely not compatible. His views on women are a problem, but I do like how rough and dominant he is in bed. It doesn’t make any sense.

I’ve endeavoured to ignore him for now, after he dismissed my feelings when I said we were more than just a hookup.

I can feel him staring at me all day, but I keep my eyes fixed on my screen. 

I get home late and head to the gym before going to bed.

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Tuesday

Again I head into work, but today I’m wearing a tight skirt for after-work drinks, and maybe to torture Jared. Again, I ignore him. All day. 

He sends me a message about a meeting but I write a blunt, no fuss response and he gets the hint. 

Once I clock off, I head to a bar to meet a friend, Ryan. We’ve always been friends, but it’s always had a flirty undertone to it.

He’ll make comments on how good I look and is sometimes quite handsy, it’s pretty obvious that if I wanted to, I could. And tonight, I want to. 

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He’s very tall, well built and has an impossibly charming smile, and we laugh over two drinks at the bar, before I suggest getting a bottle and taking it back to mine.

He only lives two streets away from me, so there’s a good chance that if it’s good tonight, this will become a regular hookup. 

Half a bottle in, I hold his gaze and look at his lips, giving him the signal. He’s practiced at this and immediately takes the hint, leaning in and kissing me on the sofa. He’s good, really good, and our breathing gets heavy as he lays me back. 

I’m immediately wet, this has been a long time coming and I can tell in the way he’s devouring me.

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He goes down on me right there and it’s not long before I’m close to orgasm. Then he pulls away and takes his t-shirt and jeans off, settling over me and pushing into me. It feels incredible and we go at it for about 10 minutes before I climax. 

He finishes shortly after, and in that moment I’m deeply satisfied. We curl up in bed and while I’m content, I hate that there’s a niggling thought in my mind that Jared would’ve done it better.

Wednesday

I kick Ryan out of my bed early, take a shower and head to work. I feel a little smug at the events of last night and Ryan texts me to say it was as good as he’d hoped it would be, and to message him whenever. 

I’m in some meetings with Jared today and I can tell it’s bugging him that I’ve been radio silent. After all, we’ve spent nine months acting like boyfriend and girlfriend, he even helped me move house and built my furniture. 

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The day drags a little but I get home and order food in, watching an episode of Heated Rivalry. I fall asleep but wake up to a buzz from my phone. It’s Jared.

‘Are you giving me the silent treatment?’ 

I ignore it, and drift off again.

Thursday

I’m working from home today and that’s ideal because I have a second date.

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He’s a guy I met on Hinge, and to be honest I don’t think he really has any flaws. He’s handsome, pays for everything, plans the dates and takes the initiative — who knew men like this still existed? 

We laugh a lot and he likes how self-sufficient and career driven I am, which is the total opposite of Jared. 

He comes back to mine and we begin making out. It’s not long before I slip my hand into his boxers and he gets hard. We both go down on each other which is great, but as soon as I get on top, he struggles to stay hard. I tell him it’s fine and we switch positions but again, no luck.

Eventually it’s a little awkward and we give in, instead he just stays the night and we cuddle. Hopefully he was just nervous and, if we have date number three, next time it will be better.

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Friday

After a long busy day at work, I get a text from Jared. 

He wants to come over. My heart flutters.

Of course he does, he wants sex. But it’s not like we were exclusive or anything.

I leave it and go and see some friends at a cute pub for dinner. My friends ask me why I want a man like Jared, with all of his archaic views. I wish I had the answer.

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We laugh a lot and I try to forget my boy troubles, if just for a little while.

Saturday

I’m off to my yoga class this morning, before grabbing brunch with my sister. It’s great to catch up, as she has her own flat now and is all grown up. I’m so proud of her. 

By the time evening rolls around, I’m really missing Jared. I miss the electric connection we have and the intense attraction, coupled with sex that practically makes me forget my own name.

I know I shouldn’t, but I call him. He doesn’t answer but then immediately calls me back. 

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He’s out with friends and jokingly reprimands me for ignoring him. He does agree to come over in the next hour though.

He gets in and there’s little to no small talk, my heart beats fast. He grabs my face and we begin making out passionately, as we make our way to the bedroom.

He strips my clothes off and does the same for himself before bending me over and going down on me like I’m all he’s ever needed. I orgasm and barely have time to recover before he flips me over and gets on top of me.

He puts his hands on my throat, gently choking me and I enjoy the heady feeling. Then he spits in my mouth as he thrusts. There’s something about how dominant he is, and how I can give up complete control with him which really turns me on.

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It’s rough and hard and then he finishes, and we crumple into a heap, breathing hard.

After a few minutes he leads me into the shower, and we kiss each other as we clean off the incredible sex we’ve just had. Then he makes himself at home in my bed and I fall asleep content.

Sunday

He leaves early to go and meet friends, so I’m left with my own thoughts. I know I shouldn’t have caved last night but I feel on a high now. 

I need to move on and find someone new, it’s not that I even want to find a husband. I just want to find someone who is respectful and where there’s an even power dynamic when it comes to dating.

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What I do know is I need to avoid Jared. I spend the day reminding myself that was the last time we will ever have sex, and text Ryan to arrange to see each other next week.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

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Plans proposed to reduce environmental impact of historic Scott Trial

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Plans proposed to reduce environmental impact of historic Scott Trial

Richmond Motor Club is set to be given temporary planning permission allowing the motorcycle trial to be held this year while work takes place to draw up plans to mitigate potential damage caused by the event.

The Scott Trial sees around 200 riders tackle a challenging course of around 130km through Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

The event, which will celebrate its centenary this year, attracts some of the best trials bike riders in the world.

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Richmond Motor Club has handed out more than £230,000 to local charities and good causes since taking over the running of the trial in 1991.

The majority of the route is within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and passes through protected habitats, three areas of ancient semi-natural woodland and close to numerous archaeological features and scheduled monuments.

The motor club had initially sought either another five-year extension to its planning permission or consent for the event to continue permanently.

However, following discussions with officers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the application has been amended to provide temporary consent while work takes place on a full planning application aimed at securing the trial’s long-term future.

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A report to members of the authority’s planning committee says a recent assessment identified 324 heritage assets within 100 metres of the route, including remains associated with historic lead mining, quarrying and prehistoric and Romano-British settlements.

Historic England has called for “micro-rerouting” wherever possible to avoid sensitive features including structural remains, earthworks and unstable spoil heaps.

Officers say a long-term conservation management plan should accompany any future application for permanent permission.

Concerns have also been raised about the route passing through Birk Park Wood, Arkle Beck Wood and Cuckoo Hill Wood.

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Potential damage identified includes soil compaction and rutting, damage to exposed roots and low branches, collisions with trees and the impact of spectators and marshals.

Measures proposed include inspections before and after the event, marking the route every 20 to 30 metres to keep riders away from tree stems and using signs to keep spectators out of ancient woodland.

Officers say a longer-term woodland strategy should form part of any future application.

The authority also wants improved ecological monitoring, with previous measures including fencing sensitive habitats, briefing riders, marshalling and changing routes in subsequent years where damage occurs to allow habitats to recover.

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Planning officer Ian Nesbit said in the report: “The applicant (through the agent for the application) has committed to actively engaging with officers of the authority to understand and to agree the various plans, surveys and assessments required for the validation of a new ‘full’ planning application, that if approved, would provide a permanent permission for the trial and look to achieve better, long-term ecological, archaeological and arboricultural outcomes than the current ‘five-year extension’ approach.”

Planning officers have recommended that temporary permission is granted for this year’s event while further work takes place on long-term mitigation measures.

The authority’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

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