Selby Railway Social Club will be torn down under the £32 million Selby Station Gateway scheme, which aims to transform the area surrounding the town’s railway station.

Founded in the 1950s as a social hub for railway workers, the club evolved over the decades while retaining its rich heritage, with its walls displaying artwork, memorabilia and treasured mementoes from its past.

Recommended reading:

Now, that chapter is drawing to a close, with contractors Galliford Try preparing to demolish the building and clear the site for redevelopment.

Selby Railway Social Club will be torn down under the £32 million Selby Station Gateway scheme this week (Image: Newsquest)

It comes before the company is due to demolish Selby Business Centre, following the removal of asbestos from the building.

It will see the creation of additional parking and a new station access at Cowie Drive, as well as new and upgraded walking and cycling routes on Station Road and Ousegate.

The project also includes proposals to create a new Station Plaza – thanks to funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – linking the railway station to Selby Park.

Speaking about this, Selby MP Keir Mather said: “The Gateway project will transform our town.

“It’s fantastic to finally see visible progress.

“I know that there’s been disruption in town with car park closures.

“As part of the visit, I put some potential solutions to Cllr Malcom Taylor which he’s agreed to look into.”

Cowie Drive car park has been excavated to make way for an improved facility – set to be complete in early 2027 (Image: Newsquest)

The project is set to be complete in 2029.

In Cowie Drive, contractors have already excavated an area of concrete for a brand-new carpark.

Selby East Councillor Jack Proud said that the Station Road facility is expected to remain open until the new station car park in Cowie Drive is ready to open in early 2027.

He said: “Constructive discussions were held at Selby Station last week with Cllr Taylor, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation.

Alongside Cllr Shaw-Wright, I was able to raise concerns from residents regarding parking arrangements during the important Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) works taking place around the station.”

The two councillors discussed the suitability of directing station users to Back Micklegate car park as an alternative, and a request was made for the Portholme Road facility to be changed for short-stay to long-stay parking to support commuters and residents during the works.

Cllr Proud added: “I, along with colleagues, will continue to keep pushing for practical solutions that minimise disruption while these major improvements are delivered for Selby.”

Alan Shearer has led the tributes to football legend Kevin Keegan after he passed away at the age of 75 following a short battle with illness. 

Keegan was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.

In a statement, his family said: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

‘Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’

And following the tragic news, figures from across the footballing world were quick to pay their respects to Keegan, who represented Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle and later managed the Magpies (twice), Fulham, England and Manchester City.

Newcastle legend Shearer said: ‘My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.’ 

Keegan is one of the best ever English players and enjoyed a successful managerial career

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: ‘RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game. 

‘One of the most important men in making @LFC what it is today.’

Prince William, the official patron of The FA, said: ‘Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. 

‘A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game. 

‘Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. W.’

Former England captain David Beckham posted: ‘Such a sad day to hear the passing of Kevin Keegan.

‘A man that was very kind to me and my family xx. Sending lots of love and thoughts to his family and friends.’ 

Several of Keegan’s former clubs also shared their own tribute, including Newcastle. 

Taking to social media, they said: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history. 

‘Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.’ 

Liverpool shared their own heartfelt post which read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss. 

‘His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin. 1951-2026.’

Former Reds star John Aldridge said: ‘I’ve just been passed the really sad news.

‘The great Kevin Keegan has passed away! He gave me great joy in my teens as a huge LFC fan, and the saying says never meet your heroes? 

‘Well I did!! Roger Hunt and KK and they surpassed everything I thought they were as people. Our thoughts are with all his family. God bless Kevin YNWA.’

Keegan, a forward in his playing days, won 63 caps for England before he later managed the Three Lions.

And they also posted a tribute which said: ‘We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away. 

‘Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000. 

‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.’

Shearer pictured with then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan after signing for the club in 1996

Advertisement

Heartfelt tributes poured in for Keegan from figures and clubs across the footballing world

Former Newcastle owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi added: ‘Devastated to hear about Kevin Keegan. Growing up watching football, he was one of the names that defined an era, a double Ballon d’Or winner, European Cup champion, England captain, and one of the most exciting players the game has seen. 

‘But what he did at Newcastle was different. He turned belief into something you could feel in the stadium. 

‘King Kev wasn’t just admired, he was loved, because everything he did came from the heart. Rest in peace, Kevin. Thank you for everything you gave the game.’ 

During his managerial career, Keegan also took Fulham from the Second Division (now League One) to the First Division (now Championship).

And the Cottagers shared some words for the footballing legend as they said: ‘We’re incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away. 

‘A legend of the game, Keegan led Fulham to the Football League Second Division title in 1999. He left Craven Cottage at the end of that season to focus on his duties as England manager. 

‘Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.’

Manchester City, another of the teams Keegan managed, added: ‘Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75. 

‘Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge. 

‘The promotion campaign in 2001-02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.’ 

John Healey has been appointed as Andy Burnham’s new chancellor, just over a month after dramatically quitting as defence secretary amid an argument about defence funding.

Mr Healey, a stalwart of Labour’s front bench, had held the defence brief since Sir Keir won the party leadership in 2020, first in the shadow cabinet, then retaining the job after Labour’s 2024 general election landslide.

His shock resignation in early June came amid a row over defence spending. Mr Healey did not believe the defence investment plan (Dip) provided enough cash to prepare the armed forces for the future.

He laid the blame at the Treasury’s door for not stumping up the amount military chiefs believed were needed for the Dip and has now returned to government to run the department he publicly clashed with.

In his resignation letter, he said he was left with “no other option” than to resign as he could not accept settlement for the long-awaited Dip “that would reduce the readiness of our forces and increase the risk to personnel on operations, and could make the country less safe”.

He said he was leaving with “great regret and reluctance” because the Prime Minister had been “unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats”.

Sources within Mr Burnham’s new Government billed Mr Healey as an experienced and trusted figure who shares the same outlook as new the PM, and is respected on the international stage.

Mr Healey served in the Blair and Brown governments as well as the shadow cabinets of Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn.

Family, friends, supporters and residents gathered in Hebburn on July 17 to remember comedian and TV actor Terry Joyce during a day of tribute and laughter.

A commemorative Blue Plaque was unveiled on Station Road, followed by heartfelt celebrations at Hebburn Iona Social Club.

Terry Joyce (Image: Supplied via Goffy Media)

Terry Joyce Jnr, the comedian’s son, said: “To see so many people line Station Road for Dad’s plaque unveiling and then walk into a packed Iona was incredibly emotional.

“Dad loved Hebburn and the people of Hebburn clearly loved him back.

“People remember him for so many things – his comedy, his acting, and most importantly the way he made people feel.

“He was the kind of man that made the world a brighter by his very presence.

“The number of people he helped during difficult is immeasurable.

The Blue Plaque to remember Terry Joyce (Image: Supplied via Goffy Media)

“Hearing all the stories and seeing so many faces there was very special for our family.”

Mr Joyce was a familiar face across the North East entertainment scene, with national audiences recognising him from TV appearances in Byker Grove, Super Gran, Spender, and Hebburn.

Known for his generosity off-stage as well as on, he was celebrated as an after-dinner speaker, sharing evenings with sports icons such as Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Charlton, Kevin Keegan, and Bryan Robson.

The event at Iona Social Club included visual tributes and stories, giving attendees a chance to relive memorable moments from his life and career.

Mr Joyce Jnr said: “Our Dad touched so many lives.

“It’s a regular thing for people to tell us about a touching memory or telling us about the joy he brought.

“Friday was a wonderful celebration of his life and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along.”

The blue plaque now stands as a lasting symbol of Terry Joyce’s impact on entertainment and his deep roots in the community.

South Tyneside Deputy Mayor Alan Rice and Deputy Mayoress Margaret Rice attended the unveiling.

Best friend John Burke delivered a tribute speech.

Anne Fountain, South Tyneside culture programme officer, led the project to commemorate Joyce’s life.

She said: “Terry brought so much joy to people across the North East and beyond, not just through his comedy, but through his kindness and generosity.

“Remembering him in this way feels so important.”

The blue plaque serves as a permanent reminder of Mr Joyce’s contribution to the cultural life of Hebburn and the wider North East.

For many, the day was not only a look back at a beloved entertainer’s achievements, but also a reminder of the community spirit he embodied and inspired.

Mr Swinney said: “What I want to do is engage in a constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister about making sure that the mandate I’ve received from the people of Scotland can be turned into reality, and the people of Scotland can have an opportunity to decide their constitutional future through a referendum on independence.”

The common marmoset was discovered on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise shortly before 11.45am on Friday morning (July 17) and was given the name ‘Oyster’ in honour of her discovery on a London bus

A London bus driver was left with no choice but to return to the depot after finding a frightened monkey that had been left behind by its owner. The common marmoset was spotted on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise just before 11.45am on Friday morning (July 17).

According to the RSPCA, a mother reportedly boarded the bus with her pushchair but was unable to navigate down the aisle as a laundry bag was protruding from the luggage bay. When the driver stepped in to help and began moving the bag aside, the monkey started chirping and leaping about.

The driver then peered inside the bag to discover an abandoned monkey, prompting their decision to head back to the depot in Willesden and contact the RSPCA.

Claire Dew, RSPCA London chief inspector, said: “The monkey – a female common marmoset – was inside a small, white, metal bird cage which had been wrapped inside a plastic, chequered laundry bag, with handles, so was well concealed. She’d been left with some apple but was, understandably, very stressed and dehydrated.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the bus driver and the team at Metroline who stayed calm, took the monkey back to their station, put her somewhere dark and cool, to keep her calm, and contacted us for help. They’ve been incredibly helpful and are now assisting with our enquiries so we can trace the person responsible for dumping her.

“No one noticed anything unusual on the bus before the monkey was discovered but we’ll be looking at CCTV and the logs for scanning on and off the bus to see if we can locate the person who left her onboard.”

Wildlife campaigners believe the abandonment is a direct response to new legislation requiring all primates kept in England to be licensed. The marmoset was examined by a specialist exotic animal vet, and thankfully received a clean bill of health, reports MyLondon.

She has since been affectionately named ‘Oyster’, in tribute to her discovery aboard a London bus, and is now settling into her new home at a primate sanctuary equipped with specialist facilities. She will soon be introduced to a male companion who had been seeking a friend.

Chief Inspector Dew added: “In a twist of fate, a sanctuary had been working with us to find a suitable female marmoset to introduce to a lone male they were caring for. We were hoping to transfer one from the north of England but, when that fell through just a few hours before Oyster was rescued, it looked like destiny that Oyster was supposed to go there.

“She’s settled in really well over the weekend, and is eating well, so hopefully she’ll be able to meet her new friend soon. If she isn’t claimed then she’ll remain there with experienced keepers, a wonderful enclosure and company.”

The RSPCA has launched an investigation and is urging anyone who may have witnessed somebody boarding the bus carrying the laundry bag to come forward by calling their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

John Healey has been named as chancellor in the first announcement of Andy Burnham’s cabinet.

The former defence minister was the first to walk up to Number 10 as the new prime minister begins his cabinet reshuffle.

Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, Louise Haigh and Yvette Cooper have all been seen going into the Downing Street address, suggesting top jobs for all four veteran politicians.

It comes after chancellor Rachel Reeves, deputy prime minister David Lammy and housing secretary Steve Reed, all allies of Sir Keir Starmer, were sacked by the former mayor of Greater Manchester during the selection of his top team.

The new prime minister earlier delivered his first speech at Downing Street, in which he said he would bring “life’s essentials back under stronger public control” to make them more affordable for the public and pledged to end rough sleeping.

Concluding the address, he said: “I will give this my all, and I ask you all to pull with me. Let’s build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity.”

Mr Burnham became prime minister this lunchtime after “kissing hands” with King Charles – the private ceremony by which he accepted the invitation to form a government.

Advertisement

Nick Thomas-Symonds leaves role as EU relations minister and paymaster general

Nick Thomas-Symonds has said he will leave his post as the EU relations minister and paymaster general.

In a letter to prime minister Andy Burnham, he said: “I will support the new team of ministers from the backbenches and continue to serve the people of my home constituency of Torfaen, who, as always, remain my top priority.”

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 18:21

Advertisement

Healey appointed as chancellor

Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports

John Healey has been appointed as Andy Burnham’s chancellor, Downing Street has announced.

It is a shocking move from from the new prime minister, and follows weeks of speculation that either Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband could be chancellor.

Mr Healey, who resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government in a row over defence spending, has wide support in the Labour Party after gaining respect as defence secretary – and his appointment shows Mr Burnham’s commitment to bolstering Britain’s defence.

Advertisement

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 18:19

BREAKING: John Healey to be chancellor

John Healey, formerly defence minister, will be chancellor, Downing Street has announced.

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 18:15

Advertisement

Yvette Cooper arrives at 10 Downing Street

Yvette Cooper has arrived at 10 Downing Street, suggesting another senior job in the new government.

She joins John Healey, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, who are all inside No 10.

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 18:14

Advertisement

Andy Burnham promises to be ‘circuit breaker’ prime minister and end decades of failure

Andy Burnham has vowed to end decades of failure by eradicating rough sleeping and overhauling social care, promising in his first speech as prime minister that his arrival in Downing Street will be a “circuit breaker” moment for Britain.

The new prime minister, speaking outside No 10 after a trip to Buckingham Palace to accept an invitation from King Charles to form a government, warned politicians “needed to raise their game” and be better, insisting he would “make Britain believe and hope again” by winning over fed-up voters.

He reiterated his promise to move power outside of Westminster and said he would set out a 10-year plan later this year, adding: “Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again.”

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 18:09

Advertisement

Burnham speaks to von der Leyen in show of strengthening EU-UK links

Andy Burnham has spoken to the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has revealed.

She shared on social media that she had enjoyed “a very good first discussion with” the new prime minister.

“We are both committed to bringing the EU and the UK closer and closer. Together, we will work towards a successful Summit that delivers for our businesses, our young people and our shared security.

Advertisement

“And we will continue our excellent cooperation in support of Ukraine. Europe is stronger when the EU and the UK work side by side.”

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 17:58

Hillary Benn out as Northern Ireland secretary

Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:

Advertisement

Hillary Benn has been sacked as Northern Ireland secretary, saying he wishes his successor “all the very best”.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to work with the many wonderful people I have met over the last 2 years”, he said.

“I wish my successor all the very best in working with the Executive to protect stability, continuing to generate growth and investment and in taking forward the Troubles Bill which is so important for so many families.”

Posting to social media, he added: “The prime minister will have my full support from the backbenches”.

Advertisement

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 17:53

Zelensky welcomes Andy Burnham after first conversation with prime minister

Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Andy Burnham’s assurance that the UK’s support for Ukraine would remain strong.

After speaking with the prime minister, the Ukrainian president wrote on X: “I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

“I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia’s recent attacks.

Advertisement

“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have built the strongest partnership in the history of relations between our two countries, and we will certainly continue working to expand it even further.

“We agreed to discuss our future cooperation, including our work within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, during a meeting in the near future. Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Britain!”

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 17:49

Advertisement

Foreign office minister Lady Chapman the latest to leave government

Foreign office minister Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington said she is leaving the government, as she said cutting the aid budget had been “challenging” and required “much soul searching”.

Lady Chapman, who held a brief that covered international development and Latin America, said she would “always” be proud to have served in Sir Keir Starmer’s government.

She said: “It’s been a great honour to serve as international development minister, and in Keir Starmer’s cabinet.

“I’m disappointed to be leaving but wish the prime minister and his new team every success.“Cutting the aid budget has been challenging and has required much soul searching, but I passionately believe thanks to the work we’ve done, we’re spending the money better than ever before.

Advertisement

“We have a modern strategy and approach, working in partnership with developing countries rather than in a paternalistic way, and keeping strong commitments on global health and humanitarian aid.”

She added: “The UK is once again a force for good internationally.”

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 17:47

Louise Haigh walks into Downing Street

Millie Cooke, political correspondent, reports:

Advertisement

Burnham ally Louise Haigh is walking into Downing Street, suggesting the former transport secretary is getting a senior job in the new government.

She joins John Healey, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, who are all inside No 10.

Bryony Gooch20 July 2026 17:42

A man has gone on trial accused of trying to stab his ex-partner to death as she walked her dog in a park. James McKenna is accused of attempting to murder of Joanne Sidaway in an ambush in Carmarthen Park on January 29 this year. The defendant denies the allegation but has admitted wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

The 57-year-old is on trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Opening the case for the prosecution, barrister James Wilson told the jury that on the morning of January 29 the defendant packed a kitchen knife in his rucksack and walked from his home in Carmarthen to Carmarthen Park, an area where his former-partner Miss Sidaway regularly walked her dog.

He said the pair were caught on CCTV walking separately in the park that morning but the defendant did not approach Miss Sidaway at that point – possibly, he said, because there were other the people in the park at the time. For the latest court stories sign up to our crime newsletter

The barrister said McKenna took a taxi into Carmarthen town centre where he was seen on CCTV at various locations before returning to the park in the afternoon. He said Miss Sidaway also returned to the park to walk her dog again.

The barrister told the court that at just after 4pm a neighbour of Miss Sidaway who was in the park heard “very high-pitched screams” and saw movements and shaking in bushes near the Picton Terrace entrance – he said the woman then saw a man running away, and saw her friend bleeding from wound to her hands. He said Miss Sidaway told her friend that her former partner McKenna had stabbed her. The neighbour took the injured woman home and tended to her wounds while the emergency services were called.

The court heard the victim suffered four penetrating wounds to her chest, penetrating wounds to her upper arm, and “defensive” type wounds to her hands.

Mr Wilson told the court that it was the prosecution case that McKenna stabbed his victim multiple times in the chest with the kitchen knife, and that when he did so he intended to kill her.

The court heard police subsequently recovered a blood-stained knife from allotments near the park, and heard that the defendant was arrested on February 2 after attending the A&E department at Aberystwyth hospital with frostbite to his feet.

The defendant gave officers a prepared statement in which he accepted having a knife and accepted being responsible for the injuries to Miss Sidaway but in which he denied trying to kill her.

The prosection barrister said: “He [the defendant] accepts he had the knife. He accepts he unlawfully attacked Miss Sidaway. He accepts he intended to cause really serious harm. The prosecution does not accept his intent was limited to causing really serious harm. It is the prosecution case that he intended to kill her. Therefore, the issue in the trial will be his intent at the time of the attack.”

James John McKenna, of Bro Hedydd, Carmarthen, denies attempted murder and the trial – which is expected to last seven days – continues.

You can follow live updates from the first day of McKenna’s trial below. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here