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Council meeting descends into chaos as five resign

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Wales Online

The dispute is believed to stem from the appointment of council clerk

A council meeting descended into chaos resulting in five councillors resigning one after the other. The five councillors had previously voiced concerns regarding governance at Caldicot Town Council and declared in a statement that they “do not believe sufficient progress has been achieved” in tackling the issues they had raised.

A statement released by the council said it “does not recognise the suggestion that there are ongoing governance failings” and that it operates in accordance with its rules, statutory legislation, national regulations and its code of conduct.

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Four of the five had walked out of a council meeting in October, expressing frustration that bodies responsible for upholding standards on local volunteer councils — which are permitted to employ their own staff — indicated they either wouldn’t, or couldn’t, pursue their complaints.

The dispute is believed to stem from the appointment of council clerk Mark Tredwin in September 2024, initially on a probationary basis, before being confirmed in a permanent role in 2025.

Complaints had been lodged against the clerk, who is understood to have the backing of a majority of councillors. The council has a full membership of 16, though it now faces six vacancies following the resignations and the recent death of a fellow councillor.

Amongst the concerns highlighted was a claim that a member of staff had been prevented from returning to their duties following sick leave, alongside internal personnel issues and tensions between the clerk and dissatisfied councillors.

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The situation has now intensified following the departures of councillors Jill Bond and Rachel Grumach, who represent the West End ward, Tony Easson representing the Dewstow ward, and Castle Ward councillors Robert Wilsher and John Woodfield.

Three of the five were originally elected as Labour councillors, although Tony Easson, who also serves as a Monmouthshire County Councillor, was latterly listed as independent after his suspension from the Labour Party, whilst Rachel Grumach and John Woodfield stood as independents.

In a joint statement, the five said: “The decision reflects shared and long-standing concerns about governance, organisational effectiveness, and the overall working environment within the council, impacting delivery to the Caldicot community.”

They said that over the previous 15 months they had attempted to tackle the matters through “proper channels” within the council and external bodies including the Welsh Local Government Association, Audit Wales, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, the Information Commissioner’s Office, One Voice Wales – the umbrella organisation for town and community councils – and Monmouthshire County Council’s monitoring officers, as well as local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd.

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“While these engagements were undertaken in good faith and in the interests of securing improvement, the councillors do not believe that sufficient progress has been achieved to address the underlying issues,” the statement issued by the five said.

Caldicot Town Council’s statement said resignations are “always a matter of regret” and thanked the five for the service but said there would be no detrimental impact on how the council functions.

It said: “Like many councils, Caldicot has experienced periods involving employment matters which have placed pressure on administrative capacity.

“Members have consistently been advised that the greatest risk to the council’s effectiveness arises not from governance structures themselves, but from divisions within the membership and any failure to adhere collectively to agreed governance procedures, standing orders and the code of conduct.

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“The council remains committed to transparent decision-making and to serving the residents of Caldicot. Work continues to ensure stability, continuity and effective service delivery.”

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Man allegedly punched pregnant girlfriend in stomach and said he ‘hoped baby died’

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Belfast Live

It’s claimed the 25-year-old also beat the woman over the head with his phone and kicked her repeatedly in a row over him buying cocaine

A man allegedly punched his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach and said he hoped the baby died, the High Court heard.

Oisin McDonald also beat the woman over the head with his phone and kicked her repeatedly in a row over him buying cocaine, it was claimed.

Police found the 25-year-old accused from Co Armagh hiding under cushions at a blood-spattered flat in Lurgan earlier this month.

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McDonald, of Killough Gardens in the town, was refused bail on charges of causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing Class A drugs.

Prosecution counsel Mark O’Connor said on Monday the woman was spotted running from apartments at William Street on March 11 with her face covered in blood. Police called to the scene discovered blood on walls of the stairway area and on the kitchen floor inside the debris-strewn flat.

McDonald was located hiding behind a sofa, concealed under cushions while sweating profusely and in an agitated state. He had blood all over his hands and claimed a relative had taken his girlfriend to hospital after she fell down the stairs.

As officers spoke to him a small bag of white powders suspected to be drugs was observed on a television cabinet. The woman was 12 weeks pregnant at the time of the alleged attack, the court heard.

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In hospital she was initially reluctant to make any complaint, but later claimed McDonald had been physically and verbally abusive during their relationship. She told police an altercation broke out on March 11 over him purchasing cocaine.

“During this he beat her to the back of the head with his phone, causing a laceration, and punched and slapped her face,” Mr O’Connor submitted.

“He punched her to the back of the head, and kicked her all over her body.”

At one stage McDonald allegedly pulled the woman by the hair to get her back into the property. Counsel further contended: “He punched her to the left side of her stomach and told her that he hoped the baby died.”

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McDonald faces further charges of theft, criminal damage and fraud over claims he smashed the woman’s phone and took £355 from her universal credit account.

During his police interviews he denied all of the allegations against him. He claimed his girlfriend had tripped over a bicycle in a communal area of the flats, fell backwards on to stairs and hit her head off a wall.

According to McDonald’s account, he tried to stem the bleeding before calling a relative to take her to hospital.

Lord Justice Colton was told the defendant has long-term mental health problems, including ADHD, autism and a sensory processing disorder.

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But despite accepting there were addiction-related issues to be addressed, the judge ruled that McDonald must remain in custody to protect the alleged victim.

He said: “I would be concerned if released he would not comply with conditions and that would put the complainant at significant risk.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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UK’s Ultra Cyber to be bought by aerospace giant Airbus

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UK’s Ultra Cyber to be bought by aerospace giant Airbus

Shonnel Malani, managing partner at Advent and chairman of the board at Ultra Electronics, said: “During what has been a time of major geopolitical tension and uncertainty, we are proud that the investments made in Ultra Cyber, under Advent’s ownership, have supported efforts to help protect the country and its allies from electronic warfare, and contributed to strengthening the UK’s sovereign capabilities.”

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Lord Mayor opens Park 18Twenty, the new Shouksmiths HQ

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Lord Mayor opens Park 18Twenty, the new Shouksmiths HQ

Shouksmiths, which offers full large-scale mechanical and electrical packages to the construction industry, opened Park 18Twenty, on Murton Way, Osbaldwick.

The scheme combines a modern office complex with six newly built industrial units, offering high-quality space for businesses seeking to establish or expand their presence in the area.

The development was officially opened by The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Elizabeth Rowley.

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Shouksmiths to open Park 18Twenty at Murton on Thursday

Park 18Twenty holds particular significance for Shouksmiths. The site has been home to the company since 1966, when J H Shouksmith & Sons Ltd moved from Micklegate where the company had been based from the 1820s. The old offices were demolished in 2024, to make way for Park 18Twenty.

The name Park 18Twenty pays tribute to the company’s founding year, reflecting both its heritage and its continued investment in the future of the region.

During the opening, Director Richard Shouksmith thanked the Civic Party, in particular Cllr Rowley for his support in his capacity as Councillor for the Osbaldwick and Derwent ward. He then went on to map out the heritage of Shouksmiths from 1820 to today.

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Community Shield moves to Cardiff as Wembley booked by The Weeknd

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Community Shield moves to Cardiff as Wembley booked by The Weeknd

A statement from the Football Association confirmed: “Due to alterations to the 2026-27 football calendar, next season’s Premier League will begin over the weekend of Saturday 22 August, and Wembley Stadium connected by EE is unavailable on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August due to pre-planned concerts.”

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Timeline: The key events in the murder of Natalie McNally

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Timeline: The key events in the murder of Natalie McNally

9.59pm: McCullagh arrives at Ms McNally’s house in Lurgan and makes a 10-minute 999 call. He tells emergency services “Please come as soon as you can, she’s pregnant, she’s cold”. He is asked by the call handler: “Is the patient breathing?” and responds tearfully “No, she’s gone”, adding “there’s blood everywhere”. He tells the call handler Ms McNally was 15 weeks’ pregnant.

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Coronation Street fans ‘grossed out’ over worrying scenes as they fear for fan favourite

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Daily Mirror

Coronation Street fans are worried about Bernie Winter following a series of “gross” scenes that aired on Monday night’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap

Coronation Street fans are worried about Bernie Winter following a series of “gross” scenes. The cafe waitress, played by Jane Hazlegrove, ended up crossing paths with Mal Roper on an ill-fated night out earlier this year, and she ended up in his hotel room, where they shared a kiss.

Almost immediately after they shared an evening taking drugs in his hotel room, he began working alongside her at Roy’s Rolls as an electrician, and she ended up spending some time in prison when he was mysteriously attacked in the night. Bernie later worked out that her long-lost son Kit, a police officer, was behind the attack, but hasn’t said anything, seemingly aware of the trouble it could land him in.

As the world’s longest-running TV soap continued on Monday evening, Bernie and her husband Dev, who has forgiven Bernie fort her infidelity, returned home from their holiday only to find Mal walking the cobbles once more, having enjoyed a miraculous recovery that had him on life support mere weeks ago.

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Dev instantly reminded Mal that he wasn’t welcome, but he shot back: “How nice of you to ask how I am after my recent attack and life-saving treatment. They still haven’t caught who did it, you know.”

Later that day, Mal casually walked into the café and stirred up trouble as soon as he saw Bernie and Dev. Bernie said: “We don’t wanna be rude, Mal, but wouldn’t it be best if you didn’t hang out round here any more?” It was then that Dev raged: “No, you are hanging around my wife like a bad smell. And I’ve had enough!” Mal continued to ask them how their holiday was, but Dev chased Mal out of the cafe.

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Mal said: “You can’t treat me like this,” and feigned injury when Dev ushered him out of the way. All of this took place in front of DS Lisa Swain, who immediately read the situation, and simply warned Dev not to do it again. Fans instantly reacted the the worrying development with Mal, and shared their concerns for Bernie.

One wrote on Reddit: “Bernie and Mal…frankly that is just gross and sensationalist. Gross because it comes out of nowhere. Gross because it is not a part of a larger character or plot development or an issue being explored. Gross because the story is completely unmoored from anything or anyone else in the show…

“So it all comes down to someone deciding to show a loud-mouthed, middle-aged woman being sexually humiliated for the sake of it! Like, why?! Why?! Ugh, just ugh. I’m up for an outrageous soap plot as much as anyone but at least make it grounded in something likely for the character OR developed as part of a long-running plot.

Another wrote: “I can’t blame Dev for confronting Mal and making him leave Roy’s. He wants you to leave his wife alone,” and a third said: “Bernie and Deb have arrived home! Sucks Mal is out and had to ruin that. He needs to leave but nope he’s going to stick around still”

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Actress Jane Hazlegrove, who joined Corrie as Bernie in 2019 but previously had a short stint as Sue Clayton in the 1990s, recently explained that her alter-ego had been left “absolutely terrified” by Mal.

She revealed: “She’s really quite frightened, and she’s been on the end of an aggressive, violent man a lot. So this is absolutely terrifying, she’s in deep now. It is really dangerous.” She added: “She’s made herself vulnerable—somehow she thinks she can kind of pull down her armour. That’s her superpower, the way she has this hard shell that keeps her safe and. But this is really bad.

“He’s unhinged. Then she also then discovers that someone has cut her head out of her wedding picture. I mean, this is stalker territory, he’s been in the house!” Mal attempted to kiss Bernie when they first met, and she tried to keep this from Dev before deciding that coming clean was the best option. Jane added: “Bernie decides Dev must know the truth in order to remove Mal’s power over her.

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“Then everything is laid out, isn’t it? She’s being fully transparent finally, it has taken weeks and weeks on end, but it is the only option over to her. She knows that if Dev knows what Mal has been up to, it will all be okay.” She added: “It takes away Mal’s power, he’s got no power whatsoever. Because that’s what he’s been blackmailing her with.”

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.

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Council hits two Bridlington homes with closure orders

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Council hits two Bridlington homes with closure orders

East Riding of Yorkshire Council were granted the orders against the homes in Kirkgate Mews and Southback Lane in Bridlington by Beverley Magistrate’s Court on Friday (March 20).

Each home was owned by the council, who said it was “continuing” to work with Humberside Police to ensure the area was safe to live in.


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The council said that allegations arising from the property in Southback Lane included stabbings, threats of violence and damages to resident’s property, domestic violence, drug dealing and organised crime groups who used the property.

In Kirkgate Mews, reports included drug dealing, rowdiness, large dogs kept off the lead and not muzzled, and a large quantity of cars left in “severe disrepair” in the communal car park.

The council said activities at both properties had had a “detrimental” affect on locals, particularly older residents who felt “unsafe” and “intimidated”.

A council spokesperson said: “Many reported to have feared reprisals for speaking out and were unwilling to give named testimony.”

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The order for the home in Southback Lane bans anyone from entering the property for three months, other than the resident and two named people, officers from the council, police, other emergency services or utility providers.

Anyone entering the home in Kirkgate Mews within the three-month period, aside from police, the council or emergency services, could be fined, imprisoned, or both, police have said.

Served by the council’s anti-social behaviour team on March 20, the order will run until June 19.

Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, Cllr Lyn Healing, said: “We are dedicated to supporting safe and welcoming communities and taking firm action against anti-social behaviour.

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“We will continue to work with Humberside Police to ensure that the East Riding remains a good place to live for all residents.”

More information about how to report antisocial behaviour can be found at  www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/crime-and-community-safety/anti-social-behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour can also be reported to the council by calling 01482 396380.

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Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle demands justice for family of defrauded pensioner Joan Green | UK News

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Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle demands justice for family of defrauded pensioner Joan Green | UK News

It is “outrageous” that a convicted fraudster tracked down by Sky News in Tenerife is still on the run, the Speaker of the House of Commons has said.

Pamela Gwinnett isolated 89-year-old Joan Green from her family during the COVID-19 pandemic, convinced Joan to give her lasting power of attorney, then raided her life savings.

Gwinnett spent almost £300,000 of retired accountant Joan’s money on Botox, expensive meals and mortgages on properties she owned.

She fled to Tenerife and did not attend her trial, but was given a six-year prison sentence in her absence last year for theft and fraud by abuse of position.

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Pamela Gwinnett and Joan Green.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is the local MP for Ms Green’s family, told Sky News: “Here she was, found guilty, sentenced to six years.

“What a way to have your sentence, in the sun in Tenerife! Lap of luxury.

“Living in an apartment, taking the sun every day, going out for meals.”

He added: “People will be asking – why? I’m also asking why. That extradition order needs to take place now. Enough is enough. Let’s get on with it.”

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The moment Sky News confronted Gwinnett at her home in Tenerife.
Image:
The moment Sky News confronted Gwinnett at her home in Tenerife.

The Speaker said he fears there could be other victims out there.

“My worry is, how many others have also lost money in the same way?” he said.

He added: “She was a master of manipulation of vulnerable people. So please, if there are other people out there, do come forward. I don’t think this is a one-off. I hope it is, but I suspect not.”

Joan, from Chorley, Lancashire, died in 2022.

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Gwinnett, 63, fled to Tenerife in breach of her bail conditions while awaiting trial and has been living in a picturesque seaside apartment in the south of the island for the last 11 months.

When Sky News caught up with her, despite her conviction, she claimed Joan’s family had taken the money, adding: “They have made me a scapegoat.”

The Speaker said it was “appalling” that Lancashire Police had initially dismissed Joan’s family’s concerns as a civil matter.

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Read more from Sky News:
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When presented with the same evidence – gaping holes in Joan’s bank accounts – Greater Manchester Police launched a criminal investigation.

Lancashire Police said: “We can confirm that in March 2023 we were contacted in relation to an allegation of fraud.

Gwinnett had been charged and was awaiting trial when she fled to Tenerife. Pic: GMP
Image:
Gwinnett had been charged and was awaiting trial when she fled to Tenerife. Pic: GMP

“Our handling of that allegation is currently subject to an ongoing complaint which is with our Professional Standards Department and for that reason it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”

The Speaker thanked Sky News for our investigation into Gwinnett.

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“These people are scamming vulnerable people,” he said. “Without you, we wouldn’t be highlighting this case nationally and internationally”.

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Man arrested after early hours sexual assault in Edinburgh as cops launch probe

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Daily Record

Witnesses to the incident, which took place over the weekend, are asked to contact police as soon as possible.

Cops are appealing for information after an individual was sexually assaulted in Edinburgh. The early morning attack took place at around 2am on Saturday, March 14 on Brunswick Road in the Leith area of the capital.

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A 29-year-old man was arrested and released pending further enquiries. Police Scotland say an investigation has been launched and is continuing.

In the meantime, anyone who may have seen what happened, or has any information on the incident, is being urged to come forward.

Sergeant Paul Gray said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch.

“If you think you can help, please contact us on 101 quoting incident number 1631 of 14 March, 2026.”

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Family of Amy Doherty ‘crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain’ after murder probe launched

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Belfast Live

“Her bubbly character and fun-loving spirit lifted the hearts of all who met her.”

The family of a woman murdered in Derry at the weekend say they are “crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain”.

Detectives from the PSNI‘s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry following the death of young mum-of-two Amy Doherty.

Amy, aged 28, was found injured in a house in the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city on Saturday morning, 21 March. Her death marks the 30th adult female to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

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READ MORE: Amy Doherty: Police name 28-year-old Derry murder victimREAD MORE: Derry murder victim Amy Doherty remembered as ‘beautiful girl with the biggest heart’

Paying tribute her parents, Patrick and Sharon, said: “Her bubbly character and fun-loving spirit lifted the hearts of all who met her.”

They said Amy was the best mother to her two children, Rhea and Ronan, and that she loved her brothers Shane and Ryan.

They paid tribute to her career in caring for the “sick and elderly” before asking people to “please pray for us all at this time”.

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In a statement on Monday afternoon, a police spokesperson said: “Amy was found, badly injured, at around 10.20am on Saturday. She was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Ambulance Service but, sadly, passed away a short time later.

“At 28 years old, Amy was just a young woman. And my thoughts are, first and foremost, with her family and friends at this unimaginably distressing time.”

They added: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody at this time. Our enquiries are continuing, and the local community will continue to see a police presence in the Summer Meadows area over the coming days.

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“I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 469 of 21/03/2026.”

Alternatively information can be provided, with total anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

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