Ryan Murphy, director of the controversial Netflix true-crime Monster Anthology (2022-), and Bret Easton Ellis, literary provocateur and author of American Psycho (1991), seem the perfect match. Sure enough, Murphy’s new TV adaptation of Ellis’s 2023 novel, The Shards, for Disney+ is an exhilarating mix of teen drama, serial killer nail-biter and homoerotic cat-and-mouse thriller.

The Shards features a fictionalised version of Ellis himself (a standout performance by Igby Rigney). The show details the unravelling of a close-knit group of friends during their senior year at a private LA high school in 1981. It’s triggered by the simultaneous arrival of a charismatic and mysterious newcomer, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere, son of Richard Gere), and the terror and destruction wrought by a serial killer at large in the community dubbed “the Trawler”. Are these events coincidental? Or connected in some way?

Ellis has said that the appeal of his precocious first novel, Less Than Zero (1985) (which he was indeed working on in his senior year, as the series shows) was that it allowed viewers to imagine what it would be like to be a privileged youngster in cool, affluent Beverley Hills.

This TV incarnation of The Shards presents a particularly vivid version of this fantasy. The affluent teenagers pad around beautiful, empty houses, throw endless pool parties, drive through LA in their shiny cars and indulge in as much drugs and sex as they want.

Yet the flip-side of such extraordinary freedom is excessive vulnerability. The story of the Trawler recalls the dark history of late 1970s and 1980s LA. It was a time when over 20 serial killers – each given similarly foreboding monikers like the Night Stalker or the Hillside Strangler – were also traversing the city.

Watching the lives of such a privileged group become shattered might be considered just deserts: a secret satisfaction for viewers enamoured by that Beverley Hills fantasy life. This is, after all, the kind of dark morality which propels the slasher movie (a genre which has influenced both Ellis and Murphy) where characters, usually girls, die in seemingly direct proportion to how sexually active they are.

But The Shards wants to do more than glamorise and invite critique of the lives of affluent youth in the US. Outwardly its sumptuous rendering of Westside interiors and exteriors tempt viewers to regard it as another example of TV’s current fascination with displaying the indulgent existences of the super-wealthy, such as Big Little Lies (2017) or White Lotus (2021-).

The Shards aims at something more profound. At its heart is a comparison between 21st-century existence and the world of the early 1980s. The series reminds us that then there were no helicopter parents, no social media nor smartphones. Factors which explain how these teenagers can do what they wish without adult scrutiny.

Despite the permissive atmosphere – as Bret’s comparison of Mallory’s arrival to “a virus” signals subtly – all this sexual decadence was, in only a few years, about to be extinguished by the advent of Aids.

Lessons for today

Yet The Shards also insists this era is the gateway to understanding the world we exist in now. This is a core message of the novel, conveyed powerfully through references to songs from the period.

Ellis’s fiction has always used music as a way of summing up character or anchoring its narrative in a particular cultural moment. In The Shards, his observations about emblematic music tracks of the time – such as Ultravox’s Vienna or Kim Wilde’s video for Kids in America – focus on what he calls a pervasive social “numbness”.

The novel’s virtual soundtrack is one reason it feels so deeply personal. In literary terms, The Shards is what is known as an autofiction. It’s a mode of writing which differs from straight autobiography. Autofiction conveys personal truth in a way which keeps it unverifiable or obscure, perhaps even to the authors themselves.

Like Ellis’s Lunar Park (2006), another magnificent autofiction, The Shards seems an effort to understand which dark parts of his psyche could have summoned up a creation like Patrick Bateman, the psychopathic anti-hero of American Psycho.

Murphy’s adaptation of The Shards – as expected given Ellis’s close involvement as executive producer and co-writer – preserves much of this personal significance. This helps to elevate it above racy, entertaining but essentially empty, bonkbuster thrillers such as Hunting Wives (2025). It is hard, for example, not to see the casting of newcomer Gere, who plays Robert Mallory with a perfect combination of beauty and menace, in the light of Ellis’s notes about the elemental impression the work of his father, Richard Gere, left on his own formative years.

Ellis’s novel is remarkable for how it creates such a deeply immersive blend of image, narrative and soundtrack in prose. The tools available to screen directors ensure they can do this much more easily, as Murphy’s version of The Shards demonstrates. But the pairing of director and writer ensures the series also, just about, avoids the superficial trap TV can fall into – the lingering on surfaces, the indulgence in sex scenes or gruesome murders. It preserves the powerful elements of autofiction and cultural analysis that drive the original work.

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The crash happened on Moss Bank Way in Bolton shortly after 9.33pm on Friday, August 7.

A fire broke out in one of the cars and two fire engines were called to the scene.

Firefighters extinguished the flames using a hose reel and were in attendance for over an hour.

The crash closed Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 9:33pm this evening (Friday 7 August), two fire engines from Bolton North and Bolton Central fire stations were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Moss Bank Way in Bolton.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving one of the cars and are working alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. Six casualties have been taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

“Crews have been in attendance for around one hour and remain at the scene.”

The crash closed Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road.

The crash closed Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Eyewitnesses said there was a second collision very close by, at around the same time, at the junction between Smithills Dean, Moss Bank Way and Halliwell Road.

It is estimated they were around half a mile apart from one another.

Both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) have been contacted for more information about both of the incidents.

The Bolton News will bring you any updates as they come.

A Welsh council is threatening legal proceedings against householders who leave their bins on the street following collection. Residents report receiving hand-delivered legal warnings from the council threatening prosecution or a Fixed Penalty Notice unless bins are returned to gardens or designated storage areas.

The notice, from Denbighshire County Council, instructs residents to “TAKE NOTICE” in capital letters, citing Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

“It has been observed that a waste receptacle/bin associated with the above property is repeatedly being left on the public pavement/highway outside or adjacent to the premises,” the letter states. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The letter then stipulates that “with immediate effect” residents are “required to present household waste for collection only in the receptacle(s) provided by Denbighshire County Council”.

The notice further warns that “following collection, all receptacle(s) must be returned to within the boundary of your property”, or to “another storage location approved by the council” as soon as “reasonably practicable after they’ve been emptied”. It states: “Receptacle(s) must not be left on the public highway, footway, verge, back street or any other area of public land except when lawfully presented for collection.”

The correspondence then cautions residents they are “REQUIRED to comply within 7 days” and that “failure to comply with this Notice may constitute an offence” resulting “in prosecution and/or a Fixed Penalty Notice”, reports North Wales Live.

Leader of the opposition and Independent party Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts described the correspondence as “confusing” and “heavy-handed”.

“I’m somewhat perturbed by this because it is very confusing for residents, in that on the majority of estates and roads in Ruthin, people will put their bins onto the pavement,” he stated. “I don’t understand where the council draws the line here, because it’s not clear because I know of people who have been told to put it on the main carriageway or it won’t get collected.”

Cllr Hilditch-Roberts then referenced the troubled introduction of the bin collection and recycling scheme that has resulted in hundreds of missed collections over the past two years, alongside the millions of pounds expended attempting to resolve the issues.

He added: “So this just heaps confusion on the residents of Denbighshire. The rollout over the last couple of years has been quite a massive change for residents. A lot of people have struggled with collections, and now having this heavy-handed approach, which really should be an open conversation with the householders looking at solutions, not (creating) problems.”

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council stated: “The council, along with all local authorities in the UK, has powers under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to set requirements for how household waste and recycling containers are presented for collection.

“These requirements can include the type and number of containers residents must use, where containers should be placed for collection, how access should be provided, what materials can be placed in them, and the steps residents need to take to ensure their waste and recycling can be safely collected.

“Where bins or recycling containers are persistently left out before or after the permitted collection period, the council may contact residents to explain the issue and give them an opportunity to put matters right. Where necessary, formal legal notices may be issued under Section 46. The purpose of these notices is to secure compliance and prevent ongoing problems for neighbouring properties and the wider community.

“Residents are asked to store their bins and recycling containers within their property boundary between collections and only place them at the designated collection point for collection. This helps to:”.

• Keep pavements clear and accessible for pedestrians, wheelchair users, people using pushchairs, and people with visual impairments.

• Reduce the risk of waste being spilled or containers being damaged or vandalised.

• Reduce the risk of pests being attracted to waste.

• Prevent bins and recycling containers from being blown into the highway.

• Help keep streets clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

“Residents should place their containers at the correct collection point by 6:30am on their scheduled collection day. Collections can take place at any time up until 5:00pm, so containers should remain accessible until collection has taken place.

“Residents are encouraged to check their collection day and any specific collection requirements on the council’s website and to return their containers within their property boundary as soon as reasonably possible after collection.”

He added: “Bringing bins in promptly after collection is a simple step that helps keep pavements clear, reduces nuisance and environmental problems, and contributes to safer, cleaner, and more accessible communities.”

Sarah Ferguson ‘never approved’ of Princess Beatrice and Edo Mapelli Mozzi’s marriage, according to royal author Andrew Lownie – and now, the York sisters’ husbands are ‘pushing for their wives to distance themselves’ from their scandal-hit parents.

The daughters of disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Fergie have mostly sought to stay out of the public limelight following the ensuing fallout of their parents’ controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to Mr Lownie, both Beatrice and Eugenie are publicly ‘playing down their contact’ with Andrew and Fergie ‘as they realise it is toxic for their careers and public reputation’.

However, Edo, who wed Beatrice in July 2020, alongside Jack Brooksbank, who tied the knot with Eugenie in 2018, are said to feel strongly that a separation between the princesses and their disgraced parents should be enforced.

‘The husbands don’t want their reputations and earnings tainted by association with Andrew and Sarah and are pushing for their daughters to distance themselves from their parents,’ Mr Lownie, writer of bestselling book Entitled: The Rise And Fall Of The House Of York, told the Daily Mail.

He added: ‘Both husbands’ families are appalled by the activities of the former Duke and Duchess of York. A complication is the latter themselves never approved of Edo so no love lost there.’

In recent months, rumours have swirled that Beatrice and Edo’s relationship is on the rocks – after revelations about Andrew and Epstein’s friendship is said to have forced a ‘distance’ between the couple.

Mr Lownie told The Daily Mail: ‘Both husbands’ families are appalled by the activities of the former Duke and Duchess of York’

Beatrice was 31 when she exchanged vows with Edo during a small ceremony before 20 guests at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in the grounds of Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

While the former Duke of York, who has since been stripped of his royal titles and is under investigation for misconduct in public office, walked Beatrice down the aisle, Andrew was conspicuously absent from the official wedding portraits released by Buckingham Palace.

Instead, the late Queen and Prince Philip joined the newlyweds in their wedding photos, as Elizabeth made every effort to ensure that her granddaughter’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was an occasion for the couple to remember.

The Queen lent Princess Beatrice the tiara that she wore at her own wedding and a vintage gown first worn to a glitzy film premiere almost 66 years ago.

It was an acknowledgement not only that lockdown had denied Beatrice the wedding-day fanfare enjoyed by her sister Eugenie and cousins William and Harry, but also of the distress of seeing her father’s reputation wrecked by his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

However, according to Lownie, Fergie, the former Duchess of York, did not feel particularly fond of Edo from the onset – prompting further questions about her and Andrew’s lesser involvement in the nuptials of their oldest daughter. 

The royal author added that despite the actions of her shamed parents, both Beatrice and Eugenie feel a sense of ‘loyalty’ to their parents. 

Mr Lownie added: ‘The daughters are walking a tightrope torn between residual loyalty to their parents and pressure from their husbands. 

‘They also realise they need to keep in with Royal Family, petrified Charles will change their subsidised arrangements at St James’s and Kensington Palaces and that their titles may be removed. If so, bang go their lucrative earnings from the Middle East.’

‘The husbands don’t want their reputations and earnings tainted by association with Andrew and Sarah and are pushing for their daughters to distance themselves from their parents,’ Mr Lownie said

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Mr Lownie added: ‘The daughters are walking a tightrope torn between residual loyalty to their parents and pressure from their husbands’

According to Mr Lownie, while relations become ‘fractured and complex’ with Andrew, the pre-existing ‘tripod’ that Sarah once boasted she shared with her two daughters remains somewhat intact. 

‘There has been plenty of scandal over the years and the daughters have not cut themselves loose largely because they are cut from the same cloth and very much under the thumb of their mother,’ he added. 

However, he noted that Eugenie’s relationship will likely have diminisehd with her mother amid the ensuing revelations about her ties to Epstein.

‘Relations with their father are particularly fractured and complex as daughters take on board each new disturbing disclosure about Andrew,’ he said.

‘It is unlikely Andrew will see his new grandchild except through Facetime.’ 

Eugenie and Jack’s third child was born on August 3 at a hospital in Lisbon weighing 6lb 9oz – with mother and baby said to be doing well.

However, the happy family news is in stark contrast to Andrew’s fall from grace over his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein. 

The controversy surrounding Beatrice and Eugenie’s shamed parents only intensified in the wake of the release of millions of documents connected to the billionaire financier, who died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The file dump included a disturbing photograph of Andrew crouching on all fours over a female lying on the floor, as well as multiple damning revelations about his and Fergie’s association with the man convicted of soliciting sex from girls as young as 14.

In recent months, rumours have swirled that Beatrice and Edo’s relationship is on the rocks – after revelations about Andrew and Epstein’s friendship is said to have forced a ‘distance’ between the couple

According to Lownie, Fergie, the former Duchess of York, did not feel particularly fond of Edo from the onset. Pictured: Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Edo in 2019

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It emerged that Andrew sent photographs of his daughters, Eugenie and Beatrice, to Epstein in two festive emails in 2011 and 2012, up to two years after the former prince previously claimed to have cut off all contact with Epstein.

Astonishing emails unearthed by The Mail on Sunday revealed Fergie was so desperate to cosy up to the convicted paedophile that ‘she was the first to celebrate’ his release from jail ‘with her two daughters in tow’.

The Daily Mail has also found an email from Epstein in 2015 where he told a friend not to worry about meeting Beatrice at an event in Mexico because she ‘liked’ him.

The fallout led to King Charles formally stripping Andrew of all his titles and forcing him out of Royal Lodge, with His Majesty’s younger brother being arrested on his 66th birthday by Thames Valley Police in an extraordinary moment for the monarchy.

It would have been an especially trying time for his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, who retreated from public life as questions were raised about how much they knew about Andrew and Fergie’s dealings with Epstein.

On the same day that Andrew was held in police custody, Edo was spotted spending time in Palm Beach, Florida.

His trip to the US saw him visit the same area where Ferguson and the princesses dined with Epstein, just days after the end of his prison sentence for trafficking a minor for prostitution.

Snaps show him reclining outside the pink art deco Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and holding a glass of rosé at the Bellini restaurant on the rooftop of the Mr C Miami hotel.

He attended a talk at stylish interiors store Hive Home, popular with super-wealthy locals, and was spotted at an evening event at The Carriage House, an exclusive members’ club.

At one point, he visited the ultra-private Fisher Club, a gated island enclave with just 800 residents favoured by billionaires and A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts. One post – a video taken from behind – featured Edo sashaying theatrically along a Florida pavement.

Yet Edo’s decision to travel to the United States, albeit for work, instead of remaining by his wife’s side sparked speculation that their marriage was on the rocks.

One source told the Daily Mail: ‘Things haven’t been great for a while between them, but Beatrice has been determined to soldier on and forge a path through.

‘Beatrice is quite different from her sister. She really wants to almost naively see the good in people and will turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths – that is why she was blind to her father’s behaviour, and the same is true of her belief in Edo.

‘She wants to stay together, but he seems more and more distracted by work and travel. Just when she needs him most, he’s been pulling away.’

It would be located at the site of a former steakhouse restaurant

The location of a possible new Greggs store in Cambridge has been revealed – and it’s just a short walk away from another Greggs that’s already in the city. Plans have been submitted to Cambridge City Council asking for permission to open a new bakery and fast-food chain at Cambridge Leisure Park.

The site, praised for its “top quality” food by customers, was formerly Rocker’s Steakhouse. The restaurant closed following “so many unforgettable years” on Sunday, July 19. The proposed site is located less than a 10-minute walk away from another Greggs location on Station Square. Cambridge also has a Greggs store operating on Fitzroy Street and at Budgens Stores on Cherry Hinton Road.

The proposed plans includes a new shopfront and external seating area and advertisement consent for Unit 7A at Cambridge Leisure Park. Mondays to Saturdays are proposed to be open between 7am and 7pm, while Sundays would open at 9am and close at 5pm.

Greggs recently revealed its intentions to launch more than 100 new storess by the end of this year. The bakery chain opened 34 new stores in the first half of 2026.

The brand operated 2,773 stores as of June 27, 2026 and is looking to expand to 3,500 UK locations over the longer term. It has also begun trialling new Greggs Express outlets, a self-service for food and drinks.

Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Port Vale in the Carabao Cup as violence broke out in the League Two side’s away end

A violent brawl broke out in the stands during the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Port Vale on Friday evening. Police were forced to intervene as punches were thrown in the away end at Molineux.

The sides were playing for a place in the Carabao Cup second round when the brutal scenes broke out. Punches could be seen being furiously thrown, seemingly amongst Port Vale vans, as some supporters attempted to escape beyond stewards into vacant seating.

One punch-related conflict sparked further fans to join in, despite the presence of young children in the vicinity. Upon their arrival, police quickly broke up the violence as supporters continued to hurl abuse at each other.

Port Vale have confirmed they are looking into the incident alongside their hosts on Friday evening. “We’re aware of an incident in the stands at last night’s game and will be working closely with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding it,” they said.

“We take matters of this nature seriously and will consider any appropriate action once the facts have been established.”

Wolves came away 3-0 victors in the opening match of their season. The Championship side scored all three goals in the opening half as Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez all got on the scoresheet.

Despite the defeat, Port Vale boss Jon Brady was pleased with his team’s efforts. Brady wanted his team to be brace against the Premier League hopefuls.

“I thought in the first 15 minutes we had two of the best efforts,” he said. “Jammo (Jaheim Headley) hits the bar, if it goes in, it could have been a different story, maybe. Three big chances we had.

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“I could have come here and play 5-4-1 but I wanted us to go brave as a team and we went after them at times. I was really pleased with some of our play. We just didn’t put the ball into the back of the net.

“You’re playing a team that is expected to go back into the PL with top-class players. We pushed and I feel we showed a very determined side to us. But some of the play from them was fantastic. I’m really pleased and proud of the boys tonight.”

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto told BBC Radio WM: “I’m happy for sure. A first victory is important to bring confidence.

“A lot of things still to improve, that is normal. But we want to stay at a good level to start the season.

“We still need to bring in players that can improve the level of the team. I want things done as soon as possible but the market is delayed because of the World Cup.”

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The young centre is currently playing for England U18s, but could pull on the red jersey in years to come

Will Moore has signed his first professional deal with Bristol Bears.

The son of former Wales second-row Andy has penned a senior academy deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Moore is one of 13 players from Bristol’s NextGen U18 title-winning squad to be offered terms by director of rugby Pat Lam.

Moore is currently in South Africa, turning out for England U18s in the 2026 International Series.

He was previously called up by England’s age-grade side earlier this year for the U18s Six Nations.

However, Moore hasn’t ruled out playing for Wales at senior level – telling WalesOnline earlier this year that he had already met with Steve Tandy.

The young centre was raised in Swansea, having initially come through the Ospreys academy.

He accepted a place at Clifton College, bringing him onto Bristol’s books.

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“I saw it as an ideal opportunity with it only being an hour and a half from home,” he told WalesOnline back in April.

“You hear about how good English schoolboy rugby is and I would agree it does live up to that. I’m studying maths, chemistry and PE for my A levels at Clifton and I’m also part of the senior Bristol Bears academy.

“I had a few Wales U18s non capped appearances but I missed out on the Six Nations period last year with my shoulder. But now is probably the perfect time to try it out.

“It’s no fault of Wales because Richie Pugh (WRU pathway coach) and all the boys were brilliant with me but personally I am eligible to play for England.

“So, I thought there’d be no harm in giving England a try because at this age it doesn’t tie me down to anyone.

“Every camp I’ve been to has been very professional. It’s not much different to Wales.

“I’m not looking any further than this U18s Six Nations. The last two games v Georgia and Italy I want to get my international caps.

“As soon as that finishes I’ll do my A levels, finish school and whatever comes next from that I’ll take it step by step.”

Moore also revealed this year how he has already trained briefly with the star-studded senior team at Bristol, rubbing shoulders with Louis Rees-Zammit and Ellis Genge.

“It’s pretty cool thinking in a couple of years time I could potentially be playing with Louis Rees-Zammit and Ellis Genge,” he said. “It’s just really exciting and I can’t wait to get into it.

“The first day I had with the seniors was the most open environment I’ve ever been to. Everyone is just talking and shaking each others hands.

“It’s an environment where everyone can be themselves. Over the next couple of years I want to keep improving and hopefully sink into that Bears senior environment and hopefully get a senior appearance.”

Having confirmed his senior and academy squad for this season, Lam said: “Next season’s squad of 38 senior players and 30 senior academy players is an exciting blend of experienced PREM performers, established internationals and young, hungry players with huge potential, strengthened further by the arrivals of Ethan Staddon, Sol Moody, Khalik Kareem, Tobi Wilson, Louie Sinclair, and the return of Josh Caulfield and Oscar Lennon.

“With more than 2,000 senior appearances and 15 capped internationals across the squad, there is real experience, leadership and quality throughout the group. We’ve worked hard to build a squad with the cohesion, depth and competition needed to compete consistently across a demanding PREM season and put ourselves firmly in the mix for the play-offs.

“One of the biggest positives for us is to see our pathway produce high-quality young players. The opportunity to offer professional terms to 13 players from our title-winning Under-18s side is hugely exciting. There is real belief amongst our Senior Academy that if they work hard and perform, there are genuine opportunities to progress into the first team.

“This squad has a strong core of players who have grown together over the last few seasons, alongside experienced leaders who know what it takes to compete at the highest level. That balance is important because cohesion and continuity are massive factors in building a team capable of challenging at the top end of the Gallagher PREM.

“It’s an exciting time for the Bristol Bears and we believe this is a squad with the quality, experience and togetherness to compete strongly for the Gallagher PREM in 2026/27.”

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The proposal is for a 32-bed home on the former Chubb Fire factory site in Ferndale

A new care home could be built in the Rhondda Fach if plans are approved. A planning application has been submitted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for the proposed construction of a 32-bed care home on the site of the former Chubb Fire factory on an industrial estate in Ferndale.

The new home is set to replace the existing Ferndale House when it is open. In January 2025, RCT’s cabinet decided not to go ahead with the proposed closure of Ferndale House at the time, agreeing to keep it open until new care accommodation in Rhondda Fach is built.

The council says that staff working at Ferndale House will transfer to the new development when it is completed, alongside the current residents.

This new home would be organised into four clusters of eight rooms to support personalised care with staff facilities on site.

The development includes supporting facilities including office spaces, dining areas, kitchen, laundry, and other amenities as well as sustainable drainage, landscaping, car parking, and associated works.

The application site measures around 1.23 hectares and is the former Chubb Fire & Security factory which opened in 1950 and during its occupation was used to supply fire-fighting equipment. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here

The factory closed in 2005 and all of the buildings have now been removed.

The site has been recently used for a construction compound as part of the development of the adjacent school which was completed in January 2025.

There have been no public letters of objection to the application.

In recommending approval, planning officers said: “The site provides an opportunity to deliver a scheme that responds to local need and helps address the identified demand for care home provision across thecounty borough.

“The development would be located on a brownfield site within the settlement boundary of Ferndale and is considered acceptable having regard to relevant national planning policy and all other material planning considerations.”

The application is due to go before the council’s planning committee on Thursday, August 13.

As a spa lover, I’m surprised this wasn’t on my radar until fairly recently, and its charming, intimate, and quiet luxury will ensure I definitely return again.

When it comes to luxurious spa breaks in Northern Ireland, there are always a few places that are on the tip of everyone’s tongue, the Galgorm Resort, Ballymena, The Merchant, The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick, Lough Erne, Enniskillen, the Culloden and the Slieve Donard, to name but a few.

But one wasn’t on my radar until fairly recently, and its charming, intimate, and quiet luxury will ensure I definitely return again.

The Old Inn has long been a staple destination for food and events in the coastal village of Crawfordsburn. Having been crowned the AA Hotel of the Year 2025, it has since evolved into a luxury spa experience under the Galgorm Collection.

While its “big sister” resort in Ballymena offers vast, sprawling luxury, which I am a fan of, The Old Inn offers a more intimate, less crowded alternative that still has the same high standards we’ve come to expect from the hospitality group. It really is the perfect setting for those seeking a tranquil, more personal experience.

We were kindly invited down to experience their Coastal Calm retreat, which, for busy parents, was the perfect Sunday morning escape. You get access to the Treetop Spa from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm as well as the choice of two 30-minute bespoke treatments followed by a Spa lunch in the restaurant.

The Treetop Spa is aptly named, perched above the beautiful Crawfordsburn Country Park. The outdoor facilities at Spa aren’t huge, but they have everything you need: a large hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, some cosy cabanas perfect for lounging, and a really cosy Conservatory for relaxing, featuring heated marble loungers and a cosy log burner.

From the minute you enter the changing rooms, it’s clear it has the same bougee standards we’ve come to expect with Galgorm properties. I loved how all amenities were covered in the spa: Dyson hairdryers and a tray of hair, body, and hygiene products for use if you forgot your own. They’ve really thought of everything!

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I opted for the Elemis mini facial and back, neck and shoulder massage. My therapist really helped me relax and worked on the areas of my back and neck that I am prone to tightness. Afterwards, she talked me through the products she used and the areas of my skin I had concerns with, and gave me some great advice. I walked out of my treatment after an hour, literally floating. It felt amazing to just switch off and enjoy a quiet Sunday morning.

Afterwards, I joined my husband in the Conservatory for a tasty crumble and yoghurt compote, the perfect refreshing treat after your treatment.

I honestly could have sat there all day, just sitting amongst the trees and listening to the log fire crackling. But it was time to get freshened up and head for our lunch; all that relaxation made us hungry.

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We were shown into the Old Inn Restaurant, which was bustling on a busy Sunday afternoon with tables of families enjoying Sunday Roasts together, while others enjoyed Afternoon Tea.

We were treated to a choice of Prosecco or No-secco if you preferred, and then shown our menu. There were lots of options filled with local produce, Portavogie Prawns to classic chicken wings, but neither my husband nor I could pass up the Minute steak and frites, cooked pink, and it was melt-in-your-mouth, fantastic.

Feeling chilled out and content, we headed home to collect our little darlings from their grandparents. For those looking for a luxury spa journey without feeling overwhelmed by the size or large crowds, The Old Inn, for me, is Northern Ireland’s best-kept secret for a quiet, character-filled escape.

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The incident occurred in Moss Bank Way, Bolton, shortly after 9.33pm on Friday, August 7, and involved a white Vauxhall Corsa and a black Audi A3.

A fire broke out in one of the cars, leading to two fire engines being dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters extinguished the flames using a hose reel and were in attendance for over an hour.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the injuries of the six taken to hospital were not life-threatening.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and is currently being questioned in custody, the force said.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 9.33pm today (Friday, August 7), two fire engines from Bolton North and Bolton Central fire stations were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Moss Bank Way in Bolton.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving one of the cars and are working alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe.

“Six casualties have been taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

“Crews have been in attendance for around one hour and remain at the scene.”

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The crash led to the closure of Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road.

Photos from the scene show two cars, one that appears to be burnt.

Eyewitnesses reported a second collision nearby, around the same time, at the junction of Smithills Dean, Moss Bank Way, and Halliwell Road.

It is estimated they were around half a mile apart from one another.

GMP said there was a crash between two vehicles, but thankfully no serious injuries.

Two red cars crashed (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The force said no arrests were made in relation to the second crash.

Photos show two red cars that appear to have been involved, surrounded by police cars.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been contacted for further information.

The Bolton News will provide further updates as they become available.