A ceremony was held at the site on Monday, February 9 to mark the commencement of the improvements.

South Ayrshire Council has this week announced that works on the upgrade and extension of Troon Leisure Club are underway.

A ceremony was held at the site on Monday, February 9 to mark the commencement of these improvements.

The makeover will combine retained refurbished and new-build elements to provide:

* A new fitness gym and multi-functional studio

* New building frontage, entrance, reception, and circulation area

* A refurbished wet changing area

* A new dry changing area

* New baby change facilities, accessible changing, and toilet provision and:

* Alterations to external parking, access and landscaping arrangements.

The project is on track for completion in the Spring of 2027.

South Ayrshire Council’s Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said: “I’m pleased that works to modernise and expand Troon Leisure Centre are underway.

“This is the latest in a series of upgrades we’re making across our Sport and Leisure facilities in South Ayrshire, showing our commitment to investing in and improving our services.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: “This leisure facility is at the heart of the Troon community, so it’s exciting to announce that works are progressing. The new and improved Club will offer even more opportunities for Troon locals and visitors to improve their health and wellbeing.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Housing and Property Services, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to mark this milestone in the delivery of the Troon Leisure Club project. The investment in a facility that is modern, efficient, sustainable and fit for purpose is part of wider improvements across our Sport and Leisure provision.”

Jo Cameron, Alliance Delivery Manager, said: “By working with trusted, Scotland-based partners, we’re ensuring the Troon Leisure Club upgrade is delivered with local insight and expertise. Together, we’re creating a sustainable, future-ready facility that supports health, wellbeing and social connection across the whole community, and we’re really pleased to see work underway.”

Frank Foy, Project Director at Thomas Johnstone Ltd., said: “This project brings together a strong team with a shared focus on quality, coordination and long-term value. As works get underway, our role as main contractor draws on our specialist experience in delivering building extensions and refurbishments within live environments.

“We’re pleased to be working closely with Alliance Leisure once again, alongside South Ayrshire Council, to deliver a well-considered solution for the local community.”

The local authority has launched a dedicated microsite for the Troon Leisure Club project to keep everyone up to date with the progression of works and give details on how to access their Sport and Leisure services during the closure. Visit https://troon-leisure-redevelopment.co.uk/ for more details.

Services running between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport are not able to run due to the failure, according to Northern.

The train company says that services running between the stations “will be cancelled or delayed”, with disruption expected until 2.30pm.

Services between Blackpool North and Manchester Airport, a line which passes through Bolton, are said to be affected, alongside multiple other lines.

Network Rail Manchester Piccadilly says: “Disruption between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.

“There is a problem with the points, which allow trains to move across lines of track. We’re on site to investigate and resolve the issue.”

Northern says you can travel on the following train operators and routes at no extra cost:

⚠️Disruption between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport⚠️

There is a problem with the points, which allow trains to move across lines of track.

Advertisement

We’re on site to investigate and resolve the issue.

Please check @nationalrailenq for travel updates.

— Manchester Piccadilly (@NetworkRailMAN) February 12, 2026

Manchester Metrolink services between Manchester Stations and Manchester Airport.

Manchester Metrolink services between Manchester Stations and East Didsbury.

Transport for Greater Manchester 42 and 142 bus services between Manchester City Centre and East Didsbury.

Transport for Greater Manchester 42C bus services between Manchester City Centre and Heald Green.

Transport for Greater Manchester 43 and 103 bus services between Manchester City Centre and Manchester Airport.

Transport for Greater Manchester 50 bus services between Manchester City Centre and Burnage/Mauldeth Road.

Transport for Greater Manchester 11 service between Stockport and Gatley.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities in overnight attacks, officials reported on Thursday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow was “hesitating” about another round of U.S.-brokered talks on stopping the fighting.

Washington has proposed further negotiations next week between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Miami or Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, which was the location of the last meeting, Zelenskyy said late Wednesday.

Ukraine “immediately confirmed” it would attend, he said. “So far, as I understand it, Russia is hesitating,” Zelenskyy told reporters in a messaging app interview late Wednesday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that another round of talks was expected “soon” but gave no further details.

American officials made no comment on the possibility of further talks as part of a yearlong peace effort by the Trump administration. Zelenskyy said last week that the United States has given Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach a deal.

But with Russia’s invasion of its neighbor marking its fourth anniversary later this month, disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv over key issues have held up a comprehensive settlement. The issues include who keeps the Ukrainian land that Russia’s army has so far occupied, especially in the eastern Donbas industrial heartland, and Moscow’s demands for Kyiv to surrender more territory.

Ukraine wants Western-backed security guarantees, including a date for joining the European Union, and a postwar reconstruction package in place before it can contemplate signing a proposed 20-point settlement, Zelenskyy said.

Russia hammers civilian areas

Russia has meanwhile continued to pound Ukrainian civilian areas, including residential areas and the power grid, and Moscow has not responded to a U.S. proposal for an “energy ceasefire” that would also halt Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities, Zelenskyy said.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Russia to stop hitting electricity infrastructure, reminding Moscow in a statement that targeting civilian infrastructure is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, Russia fired 219 long-range strike drones, 24 ballistic missiles and a guided aircraft missile at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.

The main targets were the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, the second-largest city of Kharkiv, Dnipro in central Ukraine, and the southern port city of Odesa, the air force said — all cities that have come under relentless bombardment.

In Dnipro, Russian strikes injured four people, including a 4-year-old girl and a newborn boy, regional head Oleksandr Hanzha wrote on Telegram.

In Kyiv, several residential buildings were damaged, and two people were injured, according to the city administration.

In Odesa, one person was injured as a residential high-rise was partially destroyed and a market and a supermarket caught fire, regional head Oleksandr Hanzha wrote on Telegram.

Temperatures have moved above freezing point in Kyiv, but it is still bitterly cold in the city.

Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, said 2,600 buildings were left without heating after the Kyiv attack in addition to 1,100 buildings in the capital that already were without heating due to previous attacks.

In Odesa, nearly 300,000 residents were left without running water, Kuleba said, while in Dnipro the central heating system stopped working for some 10,000 people.

Ukraine strikes Russian oil and equipment

Ukraine has hit back at Russia with long-range strikes on military targets and oil refineries that generate a large slice of Russia’s income.

Ukraine’s General Staff said Thursday that one of its domestically produced, long-range “Flamingo” missiles hit one of the Russian military’s biggest storage sites for missiles, ammunition and explosives in the Volgograd region and caused major explosions.

Separately, Ukrainian forces also hit and started a fire at the Michurinsk Progress Plant in Russia’s Tambov region, a defense enterprise producing high-technology equipment for aviation and missile systems, the General Staff said.

Ukraine’s military also confirmed it damaged the Volgograd oil refinery in a strike the previous day.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

The Manchester United co-owner said in an interview that ‘the UK had been colonised by immigrants’

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said he is ‘sorry if his choice of language offended anyone’ following his claim that the UK has been colonised by immigrants‘.

The Manchester United co-owner made the comments in an interview with Sky News. The billionaire, who is founder and chairman of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Ineos, said that politicians needed to ‘do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track’.

He has now apologised following backlash over his comments stating he was ‘sorry’ over his choice of language. Sir Jim said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe.”

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

He added: “It is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”

Sir Jim went on: “My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK. My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”

The Football Association will examine whether Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments about immigrants have brought the game into disrepute, it is understood.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday night described the comments as ‘offensive and wrong’ – and called on him to apologise.

And Andy Burnham, who is part of a group of local officials working with Ratcliffe and United on the regeneration of the Old Trafford area and stadium, said: “These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC.

“Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing, portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another. It is inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory and should be withdrawn.

“Footballers who have arrived from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have enhanced the life of our city region, as have the many people working in Greater Manchester’s NHS and other essential services and industries.

“We appreciate their contribution as a city region famous for the warmth of our welcome.”

In what appeared to be criticism of the Glazer family who hold a majority stake in United, Burnham added: “If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions.”

Trafford Council leader Tom Ross said: “These comments are wrong and they need to be withdrawn. Trafford has a proud history of being a welcoming, tolerant and diverse borough. People have always come here for opportunity, safety and community. We embrace and celebrate that reputation.

“People from many different backgrounds also work with the Council and our partners to help us deliver vital services for everyone in Trafford including in our care homes and schools.

“Manchester United draws fans and players from across the world and they too play an important role in the life of our borough.We need everyone to continue to work together to make sure we remain a welcoming borough for everyone who lives, works and visits Trafford.”

Dozens of people have been killed and thousands displaced after a cyclone hit Madagascar with gusts of up to 167mph.

The trail of destruction left by Tropical Cyclone Gezani has caused at least 31 deaths, the country’s disaster management office said.

Four others are missing, 36 are seriously injured, and 6,870 are displaced, with more than 250,000 people classified as disaster victims in total, officials said.

At its peak, the cyclone unleashed gusts of up to 167mph (270kph) – enough to tear metal sheeting from roofs and uproot large trees – with sustained winds of 115mph (185kph).

It comes just days after another cyclone, Tropical Cyclone Fytia, wrought havoc in Madagascar, killing 14 people and displacing 85,000 more.

Toamasina, the island nation’s second-largest city, was the hardest hit by Gezani, with 29 people killed as homes collapsed beneath the onslaught.

All told, 75% of the city’s infrastructure was destroyed, according to the office of President Michael Randrianirina. Power has been cut off since Tuesday.

“I have never experienced winds this violent,” said resident Harimanga Ranaivo. “The doors and windows are made of metal, but they are being violently shaken.”

Another resident, who gave his name only as Michel, described the scene as “devastation” when reached by phone.

He said: “Roofs have been blown away, walls have collapsed, power poles are down, trees have been uprooted. It looks like a catastrophic landscape.”

Red alerts were issued for several regions at risk of floods and landslides as the cyclone made landfall.

Gezani weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland on Wednesday, passing some 60 miles north of the capital, Antananarivo.

But it’s expected to pass into the Mozambique Channel, which separates Madagascar from mainland Africa, where forecasters warn it might strengthen again.

Now the island faces the prospect of Gezani turning back and bringing fresh destruction to its southwest coast next week.

Weather alerts have also been issued across the channel in Mozambique, where floods last month hit more than 700,000 people.

Read more:
Scramble to reach the starving after devastating floods
Cameroon re-elects world’s oldest president

Madagascar’s cyclone season lasts from roughly November to March, with more than a dozen tropical storms or cyclones recorded since 2020.

After years of authoritarian rule, there is hope that this election in Bangladesh will put the country on a path to democracy.

It is the first time people will be able to have their say since a mass student uprising in 2024 led to the ouster of the country’s longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

Read more: Bangladesh votes in first general election since bloody ousting of Sheikh Hasina

It was a day the world saw Gen Z topple an autocrat.

Once an icon of democracy and economic progress, Hasina is now in self-imposed exile in India, convicted and sentenced to death for ordering a brutal crackdown against protestors.

The UN estimates 1,400 people were killed in less than two months.

Her party, the once-dominant Awami League, is banned from this election, challenging claims from the caretaker government that this will be an entirely free and fair election.

But it is, at very least and for the first time in a very long time, an election where it’s hard to predict the outcome.

Many will be seeing it as a test to assess the strength and impact of the youth vote and student movements in other parts of the world, like Nepal.

In both countries, frustration over a lack of jobs and endemic corruption exploded, unseating long-established leaderships.

But the truth is, it’s the old guard looming large in this vote on the surface.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is the frontrunner, the largest party, led by Tarique Rahman, son of the former PM Khaleda Zia.

He is part of a well-established dynasty.

Read more:
Bangladesh’s first female prime minister dies
India walks tightrope harbouring deposed Bangladeshi PM

Then there’s Jamaat-e-Islami, banned under Hasina and dedicated to running the country under Islamic law.

In December, the student-led National Citizens Party (NCP) made the controversial choice to ally with the much older party.

The split within the youth vote could limit the political impact and influence of young voters.

But there are a lot of them, about 45% of the 128 million registered voters are between the ages of 18 and 33, according to the Election Commission.

Nobody yet knows what they will do, or the many Awami League voters unable to back their party. So far, there are some early indications of low voter turnout in Awami strongholds.

Advertisement

Share

In full: Wednesday’s The World

Advertisement

But more broadly, there is also a lot of hope and optimism in the air in Bangladesh.

There’s a sense of excitement, people speaking freely about their hopes and that openness hasn’t been on show in previous elections.

Many believe this could be an era-defining vote after years of autocracy and a chance to experience a real contest that doesn’t feel fixed.

One trend to watch for is the role of rising anti-India sentiment.

After years of good neighbourly relations, many voters, particularly young people, accuse Delhi of being overbearing and of supporting Hasina’s regime at the expense of democracy.

The ‘fantastic investment’ will be unveiled this weekend

A Wigan pub is set to reopen this weekend following a major refurbishment of more than a quarter of a million pounds.

Wigan’s Simms Road Inn, which is located on Garswood Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, has a history stemming as far back as 1701 and is uniquely positioned to be also considered a part of St. Helens. Its new look will be unveiled this Saturday on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

The popular pub has been given a revamp following a combined investment of £320,000 from licensee Jack Duffy, his parents Julie and Tony, and operator Admiral Taverns. The new look modernised the venue whilst also retaining a number of its key historical and identifiable features, such as its two open fireplaces.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

Advertisement

The full refurbishment features brand new fixtures and fittings, as well as furniture and flooring. A brand new bar has also been installed, alongside a cosy rug area and expanding its sports set-up with a new darts board and four flat screen televisions which will regularly screen Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

The pub’s exterior has also been completely revamped with new lighting, signage and a fresh coat of paint. Its spacious beer garden, which can seat up to 72 people, has also been updated. Throughout the week, the pub will have a regular schedule of entertainment including a weekly quiz night and live music once a month. They are also organising a charity walk for Williams Syndrome Foundation.

The pub’s drink offerings include Guinness, Peroni, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti and more, as well as a range of cocktails. There will be a range of offers throughout the week, including two cocktails for £12, as well as a food menu featuring traditional pub favourites like braised steak, homemade pies, and fish and chips, as well as sharing platters and sides like fried mushrooms, garlic bread, prawns, chicken goujons and chilli nachos.

Advertisement

Licensee Jack, who runs the pub with the support of his parents, said the intention of the new look was to ensure there is something for everyone. He added that his memories of visiting pubs as a child will help him continue to angle the venue as family-friendly. “We’re really thrilled with the results of this fantastic investment so far,” Jack said.

“We look forward to welcoming regular and new customers through the doors this week. We have loved every minute of our time at the Simms Road Inn so far and I would like to thank everyone, from our family and friends to our customers and of course the team at Admiral Taverns, for all their ongoing support so far. I look forward to everything the future holds for this fantastic community pub!”

Ashleigh Kirk, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, added: “Jack, Tony and Julie have brought a real passion and dedication to the pub since taking it over and they have built a strong community focused local that I am sure residents will enjoy.

“On behalf of myself and everyone at Admiral Taverns, I wish them and the entire team at the Simms Road Inn the best of luck in the future.”

Simms Road Inn is on 532 Garswood Rd, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 0XH.

Emergency services were called to Bowburn where the A177 meets the A688 at 9.56pm on Wednesday (February 11).

One person was trapped inside their vehicle, the ambulance service said, and two were taken to University Hospital North Durham for further treatment, including one who suffered chest and leg injuries.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We received a call to 999 at 9.56pm on Wednesday (February 11) to reports of a three-vehicle road traffic collision at the junction of the A177 and A688 near Bowburn.

“One person was trapped inside their vehicle. We sent a duty officer, doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service, our hazardous area response team and two emergency ambulance crews.

“Two patients were taken to University Hospital North Durham for further treatment, one of which had chest and leg injuries.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Durham Constabulary for information.

The family say they were forced to flee

Advertisement

A home underwent an exorcism after a family were forced to flee due to disturbances reportedly caused by a poltergeist.

The Fahey family – parents Jackie and Ester, daughter Martha, son Michael, his fiancée Mary and Martha’s baby Sarah-Louise – lived in Corab during the 1990s.

After Sarah-Louise’s birth, the household was plagued by paranormal activity.

The disturbances ranged from peculiar odours and objects being moved or destroyed, to unexplained sounds and sudden temperature plunges.

What frightened the family most was that many of the bizarre occurrences appeared to originate in Sarah-Louise’s bedroom, reports Galway Beo.

One evening they heard her distressed cries coming from her room and rushed to check on her.

They discovered the infant sitting upright, surrounded by her soft toys arranged in a perfect circle.

The situation deteriorated to such an extent that the family eventually vacated the property, with Michael and a mate remaining behind.

The case attracted nationwide media coverage and ultimately the family secured help from professional para-psychologist Sandra Ramdhanie.

The Faheys took Sandra to the property and showed her Sarah-Louise’s bedroom, as this was where they suspected the majority of the haunting occurred.

Sandra claimed she uncovered that an infant had died in the dwelling a century earlier, claiming it was envious of the care which Sarah-Louise was getting and that was why it haunted the property, particularly her bedroom.

An exorcism was performed, with Sandra lighting candles and incense, urging the family to direct all their love towards the ghost baby.

The poltergeist departed from the house peacefully, restoring normalcy.

In a conversation with RTÉ at that time, Michael expressed: “Firm beliefs in any type of things to do with ghosts and poltergeists and I actually believe in the psychic part of it as well.”