The plans concerned the former La Scala building at 49 Chorley Road in Westhoughton, which is being converted into a set of self-enclosed offices.

Though it was deemed that developers would not need planning permission for this work, Westhoughton Town Council contacted Bolton last week over what they deemed unwarranted damage to the building’s windows.

“Cllr Gillian Wroe said: “When I read the documents today it says ‘on the 23rd of April it was approved by John Dyson.’”

“So it’s already been approved?”

Cllr David Wilkinson responded: “If you look on weekly lists of planning approvals you will see that it says ‘not development’.

“So it doesn’t fall within the planning remit as its basically just…”

Plans show the layout of the offices (Image: Bolton Council)

But Cllr Wroe was still confused by the way it had been handled.

“But it was sent to us, so we put it on the agenda last week.”

Cllr Wilkinson agreed with Cllr Wroe’s frustrations.

“I think it is a bit naughty to send us something then approve it before we even have any discussion about it,” he said.

“And I think we need to identify that, although it’s a technicality that the planning department came in and said ‘not development’, we haven’t even made any comment on it.

“We have looked at it, and it is repairs to the windows, but it’s a bit irritating when you get asked and they tick it off the list before you say anything.”

Cllr Wroe moved on to discussing the windows, which were a topic at the previous council meeting.

This is because the original plans to turn the building into a shop were rejected as they risked damaging the building’s historic façade.

Aerial view of the property at 49 Chorley Road (Image: Bolton Council)

The plans were then changed and resubmitted – the new plans only involving changes to the building’s interior.

But this work involved making alterations to the building’s windows, which Westhoughton residents felt was incompatible with the original goal of protecting the façade.

After the last meeting, Westhoughton’s town clerk wrote to Bolton Council to let them know the façade was being damaged, potentially contrary to the planning permission.

No response has yet been received from Bolton Council.

The PSNI has released a statement after a number of incidents involving ‘masked youths’ in the Bishop Street, The Fountain and Nailors Row areas of Derry over the past few weeks, amid ongoing Derry unrest

Advertisement

The Police Service of Northern Ireland [PSNI] has issued a statement following a series of anti-social incidents involving masked young people across recent weeks in Derry.

Several people, thought to be youths, have been linked to disturbances on the evenings of 20 and 21 April, as well as 4 and 5 May. The most recent trouble has taken place around Bishop Street, The Fountain and Nailors Row neighbourhoods.

Officers were alerted at approximately 5.30pm on Tuesday, 5 May, to reports of a group of masked youths gathering in the area. Fireworks were discharged and petrol bombs, glass bottles and masonry hurled at police vehicles.

Derry City and Strabane Inspector Ferriby commented: “Bishop Street was closed temporarily to deal with the disorder, causing disruption and fear yet again to the local communities.”

A 13 year old boy has been detained on suspicion of riotous behaviour and subsequently released on bail pending further investigation, according to police. Inspector Ferriby added: “An investigation is underway to identify all those involved, and we will take action against anyone identified as committing offences,”

Anyone holding information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1383 of 05/05/26.

Alternatively, information can be provided online via the non-emergency reporting form or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Zach Lincoln, originally from the USA, was left baffled after discovering one thing British people do when making sandwiches. “I just found out about this today and, I’m going to level with you, I don’t think I’m ok with this,” he said

When you’re after something swift, delicious, and satisfying, a sandwich is hard to beat. The possibilities are virtually limitless, with fillings ranging from cheese, salad, ham, chicken, tuna, and fish fingers, to more sophisticated options such as avocado or fresh crab, plus the numerous varieties of bread available.

However, an American man who has lived in the UK has revealed a significant distinction between how Britons prepare their lunchtime staple and how it’s done across the Atlantic. Zach Lincoln, who hails from the United States, lived in the UK until recently, and frequently offers his observations on cultural differences via social media, reports the Mirror.

He’s lately shared a video on Instagram disclosing he was completely stunned to discover one particular aspect of how British people assemble their sandwiches. The footage showed Zach appearing bewildered, with the caption: “I just found this is normal here”.

“British people do not realise how weird this is,” he said. “I just found out about this today and, I’m going to level with you, I don’t think I’m ok with this.

“I have come to appreciate many customs here in the UK, but this, I just don’t know what to do with. It came to my attention after making my daughter a turkey sandwich. Well, it was a chicken sandwich actually.

“And I posted about it [and] someone asked which type of butter that I use. I was like ‘what do you mean butter?’

“It was just mayonnaise, turkey, you know, maybe some cheese if they’re feeling saucy, and it became a discussion, and I found out you guys all put butter on your sandwiches. Or many of you, I shouldn’t say all.”

Looking aghast, he went on: “I have not been the same since finding that information out. Like, I understand it, intellectually, but like, I’ve never done it, and I don’t know that I’m capable of doing it.

“Like, there’s part of me that wants to try it just to say I did but like, I don’t, first of all, I don’t eat meat, so I don’t know what situation I would try it, like maybe a peanut butter and jelly?”

Viewers responding in the comments section were largely in agreement. One remarked: “No butter is a CRIME.” Another chimed in: “If you tell us you also eat dry toast I am calling the police.” While a third contributed: “Bro we literally invented the sandwich.”

A further commenter noted: “Sometimes, with *just* the right bread or roll, it’s ONLY butter.” However, in response, another pushed back: “I mean, we Americans definitely understand the value of butter on plain bread, but at that point, you can’t call it a sandwich.”

One viewer offered a practical explanation for the British tradition, commenting: “The butter adds a layer of fat so that if you add salad of some kind (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber) the moisture will not be able to travel beyond that layer and make the bread soggy. It is science.”

One person commented: “Dude get yourself some cheese and onion crisps, a tiger loaf, and real butter. Cut some nice thick slices, slap a load of butter on, then put loads of crisps on and squash it flat and then eat. Thank me later.”

While another quipped: “A sandwich without butter is a sadwich.”

Arsenal reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of the semi-final courtesy of Bukayo Saka’s goal

Wayne Rooney has hit out at Arsenal for going over the top with their celebrations after they beat Atletico Madrid to book their place in the Champions League final. The Gunners secured their spot in the showpiece event in Budapest by edging out Diego Simeone’s side 1-0.

Bukayo Saka’s sharp finish from a rebound was enough to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory in the semi-finals. After Mikel Arteta’s men dug deep to protect their narrow advantage, the Emirates Stadium erupted into a wave of jubilation and raw emotion.

Arsenal’s players, coaching staff and backroom team flooded onto the pitch in scenes of pure elation, as the ground went into raptures. Yet while the moment was enough to give any football fan goosebumps, the former England skipper was far from bowled over by the festivities.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Manchester United legend Rooney began by praising Saka, saying: “I thought he was very good tonight. I thought Arsenal tonight were very efficient in their performance.

“They got the goal and defensively, I thought they were brilliant, the two central defenders were excellent. They deserved it, they’ve played well all season.

“In the Premier League and the Champions League, they deserve to be in this position.”

As the cameras kept cutting to the jubilant Arsenal fans and players, Rooney then took a swipe, saying: “They haven’t won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too heavy. Celebrate when you win…but no, they deserve it.”

Advertisement

Rooney, who won the Champions League and reached three finals throughout his career, may well have been tongue-in-cheek with his remark. But even had his comment been broadcast over the tannoy, it would have done little to dampen the jubilant atmosphere in north London.

Tuesday night marked the first occasion Arsenal have made it to the Champions League final since the 2006 showpiece. In 2009, Rooney was also part of the United side who beat the Gunners 3-1 in north London to reach the Champions League final.

Ji-Sung Park scored and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace as United ran out 4-1 winners on aggregate at the Emirates Stadium over Arsene Wenger’s side. Rooney looked back on that occasion and admitted the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium now, compared to then, is completely different.

Advertisement

Later on, after he was asked if he still felt the celebrations were too much, punditry colleague Daniel Sturridge jokingly butted in and said “I bet you’re fun at Christmas,” to which, Rooney laughed: “I don’t like Christmas.”

Last season, Arsenal were knocked out by PSG at the semi-final stage, with the French giants going on to claim the title by demolishing Inter Milan 5-0. Arteta’s men could yet face Luis Enrique’s side again in the final.

They hold a slender 5-4 advantage over Bayern Munich, with Vincent Kompany’s team hosting the reigning European champions in the second leg on Wednesday evening.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

Advertisement

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

The victim, police have confirmed, was punched in the face on the stairs leading to the toilet at Yates, in Low Ousegate, on Saturday (April 11) at approximately 7pm.

The man sustained an injury to his eyebrow that required medical treatment.

Recommended reading:

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “We’re asking anyone who recognises the man in the images to get in touch, as we believe he may have information that could assist our investigation.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault or the events leading up to it to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to email Ezequiel.GomezBalaguer@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

“Please quote reference 12260064769 when providing information.”

The reform package includes changes to the nomination process for First and deputy First Ministers, allowing the next largest party to step in if the largest eligible party refuses to nominate.

Democracy in Northern Ireland “should not be up for sale to the highest bidder”, Naomi Long has said as her party unveiled a wide-ranging package of reforms aimed at overhauling how the Stormont Assembly operates.

The Alliance leader was speaking as they launched their Democratic Renewal paper, which sets out proposals designed to prevent future collapses of Stormont, increase accountability among Ministers and tighten rules around political donations.

Among the key changes proposed are measures to stop a single party from bringing down the institutions, reforms to ensure all votes carry equal weight, and steps to prevent items from being blocked from reaching the Executive agenda. The paper also calls for greater transparency in political funding and stricter oversight of donations.

Mrs Long said the proposals were aimed at restoring public confidence in a system many voters feel has failed to deliver.

“A generation ago, the people of Northern Ireland were promised government which could deliver for everyone in our society. But the years since have seen other parties reduce that ambition to a system burdened with delay and dysfunction rather than delivery and change,” she said.

“The Executive has been in a state of collapse for nearly half its lifetime, a succession of parties and Ministers abusing their power, and a continuing lack of transparency around political donations and shadowy international influences.

“In short, many people are understandably disillusioned with politics, a frustration shared by Alliance. We need democratic renewal and these proposals are Alliance’s plan to do just that. Democracy should be about delivery for ordinary people, not billionaires with agendas or parties obsessed with causing dysfunction.

“The argument for reform has been won – the Assembly has backed an Alliance call for it and the discussions are taking place right across Northern Ireland. Reform needs to happen, so let’s grab the opportunity and make it the best type possible.”

The reform package includes changes to the nomination process for First and deputy First Ministers, allowing the next largest party to step in if the largest eligible party refuses to nominate. It also proposes replacing the current parallel consent system with a weighted majority for key votes, and limiting the use of mechanisms such as the Petition of Concern to issues relating to identity, legacy and the constitutional framework established under the Good Friday Agreement.

Further measures include placing the so-called “three meeting rule” on a statutory footing to prevent agenda blockages, publishing Executive meeting agendas, and scrapping the system of Assembly designations. The party also proposes renaming the joint office of First Minister and deputy First Minister to “Joint First Ministers” to reflect their equal status.

On standards in public life, Alliance is calling for stronger sanctions for breaches of the Ministerial Code, including empowering the Standards Commissioner to recommend penalties subject to independent review.

The paper also sets out proposals to curb the influence of money in politics, including a cap on donations from single sources, lowering the reporting threshold to £500, and publishing all donations dating back to 2014. It further recommends enhanced powers and funding for the Electoral Commission, alongside the creation of a lobbying register at Stormont.

Beyond Northern Ireland, the party is also advocating for wider constitutional reform at Westminster, including the introduction of proportional representation for general elections, an elected House of Lords, and a UK-wide constitutional convention to develop a codified constitution.

The proposals come amid ongoing debate about how to stabilise devolved government and prevent further periods of political deadlock at Stormont.

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

Indie’s Attic, on Market Street in Westhoughton, has been shortlisted for The Bolton News’ Best Independent Retail Business Award 2026.

This is a moment the team describes as both “lovely” and “incredibly grateful.”

Most clothes are separated into colours. (Image: NQ)

Owners Claire Devlin and Kim Griffiths say the recognition feels like a meaningful reward for years of hard work and community support.

Claire said: “We’re very community‑focused. People say you shouldn’t become friends with your customers, but we absolutely have.

“We love being based here; there are still people discovering us for the first time, so we just want to keep spreading the word.”

The boutique, known for its warm atmosphere and stylish European brands, has grown significantly since Claire first launched it nearly ten years ago as a pop‑up from her home.

Claire and Kim outside of their shop. (Image: NQ)

A single parent at the time, she began selling at artisan markets before opening the Market Street shop in 2019.

Poster (Image: NQ)

What started as a small front‑room operation with around 50 products has now expanded into a thriving two‑floor boutique with hundreds of weekly orders.

Indie Attic has built a loyal customer base both in‑store and online.

The shop prides itself as tidy. (Image: NQ)

Every Wednesday, the boutique releases its weekly “drop”, a curated selection of new clothing from independent brands in Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands.

Customers often rush to order online before popping into the shop to collect their pieces and catch up with the team.

Claire added: “We focus on the brands that we sell that are a little bit different from the High Street. They’re really good quality, but they’re reasonably priced.”

Clothes at the shop. (Image: NQ)

The business continues to grow, with online sales rising, international orders increasing, and a rise in their customer return rate in the first quarter of this year.

Despite their success, Claire and her team remain committed to Westhoughton.

If they win, the team already has plans. A celebratory in‑store event to thank the community that helped them thrive.

To vote pick up a copy of the paper.

A man with multiple aliases used the name of the famed Astor family to dupe a Mexican billionaire out of around $450 million in a bogus stock-backed loan scheme, according to a newly unsealed U.S. indictment and other court records.

Vladimir Sklarov, 63, also known as Gregory Mitchell and Mark Simon Bentley, set up a sham company, Astor Asset Group, that purported to be a legitimate and experienced loan provider that was connected to the Astors, federal prosecutors said. The storied New York family included John Jacob Astor, one of the wealthiest men in America in the mid-19th century.

Although the indictment unsealed on Monday does not name the victim, court records in litigation in England show it was Ricardo Salinas Pliego, the Mexican TV, retail and banking magnate. Salinas also confirmed he was ripped off by Astor Asset Group in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last year.

“I feel like an absolute idiot. How could I fall for this?” Salinas Pliego told the newspaper.

Sklarov was arrested in Chicago on Saturday on the indictment by a federal grand jury in New York City, prosecutors said. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday in federal court in Chicago, according to court records.

A public defender representing Sklarov in Chicago did not immediately return phone and email messages Tuesday.

“As alleged, Vladimir Sklarov represented his company to be affiliated with, and have the financial backing of the famed New York Astor family in order to burnish his brand,” Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement. “That was a complete lie. Sklarov used false prestige to gain control of hundreds of millions of dollars in stock and then liquidated those shares for his own benefit.”

In 2021, Salinas was seeking a $100 million loan that he intended to secure with shares of a company he owned, according to the indictment. Sklarov — using the name Gregory Mitchell and claiming he was “managing director” of Astor — and other, unnamed co-conspirators convinced Salinas that Astor was willing and able to provide the loan, prosecutors said. The other conspirators included a man who also used an alias, Thomas Mellon, whose last name is also that of a prominent and wealthy American family.

Sklarov and other conspirators told Salinas that Astor was originally established from the wealth of John Jacob Astor and that the company had high-profile clients including universities and investment funds, prosecutors said.

Under a deal signed around July 2021, Sklarov agreed to lend Salinas at least $115 million, claiming the money would come from the Astor family, the indictment says. Salinas secured the loan with company shares worth at least $450 million that were supposed to be held but not sold.

Sklarov then sold the company shares, used some of the proceeds to fund the loan to Salinas and kept the remaining hundreds of millions of dollars for himself and other conspirators, federal prosecutors said.

It wasn’t until July 2024 that Salinas learned the company shares had been liquidated, the indictment says. A day later, Salinas received a letter from Astor falsely claiming that Salinas had defaulted on the loan, according to the document. A month earlier, Astor wrongly informed Salinas that it had the right to sell the shares, prosecutors said.

Authorities listed Sklarov’s hometown as Athens, Greece. The Wall Street Journal reported that Sklarov is a Ukrainian-born American who had been convicted of fraud in the past.

Arsene Wenger defended Arsenal’s ‘absolutely normal’ celebrations after their Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid but urged the players to quickly ‘focus’ on tasks ahead.

Arsenal beat Atletico 2-1 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

The first leg in Madrid finished 1-1 and Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal at the Emirates Stadium to send Arsenal into the final, which will be held on May 30 in Budapest.

The full-time whistle sparked jubilant scenes inside the Emirates, with the Arsenal squad continuing to celebrate for some time in front of their delighted supporters.

Some rival fans were quick to question the celebrations and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney even suggested they were slightly over the top.

Reacting to the scenes at the Emirates Stadium, Rooney – a Champions League winner with United in 2008 – told Prime Video: ‘They haven’t won it yet.

‘I think the celebrations are a little bit too heavy. Celebrate when you win…but no, they deserve it.’

But legendary Arsenal manager Wenger described the celebrations as ‘absolutely normal’ and was pleased to see the players and fans express their delight.

However, he reminded the squad that ‘the next step’ for them is to win their first Champions League ahead of a final against either PSG or Bayern Munich.

‘I think Arsenal wanted wanted it a bit more than Atleti and they were more decisive in the duals,’ Wenger said on beIN SPORTS.

‘We said before the game that to go to the final they needed to be strong defensively and they didn’t concede a goal tonight.

‘They played a team who for 45 minutes absolutely needed to score a goal and they didn’t give them a chance.

‘I believe it shows how strong Arsenal are defensively and how disciplined they are, as well a bit the limitations of Atletico, who were not good enough in the final third.

‘In the end it’s a well-deserved win for Arsenal, there’s no doubt they were the better team over the two legs.

‘They celebrate well tonight which is normal but you want to focus already on the final and the next games.

‘The celebration is deserved and happiness is normal – absolutely normal – but the next step is to go to the final and win in.’

After becoming the first Arsenal manager since Wenger to reach a Champions League final, Mikel Arteta said: ‘It’s an amazing night to live this kind of moment with the players and everyone at the club, it’s an incredible feeling.

‘It makes sense with all of the things we do and we go through and I see so many happy faces and proud of what we’re doing.

‘It was unbelievable right from the beginning – the supporters waiting for us outside the stadium, the energy and passion that they put in so it was just great to win this.

‘They set the standards and we’ve tried to catch up with them. We struggled so many years to give that joy back and the pride in their eyes was beautiful to watch.’

Before focussing on the Champions League final Arsenal will look to clinch their first Premier League title in 22 years.

The Gunners boast a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City ahead of their next game, a trip to London rivals West Ham on Sunday.

Man City failed to close the gap to just three points on Monday night as they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Everton.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Alan Shearer singles out ‘exceptional’ Arsenal star after Atletico Madrid win

MORE: Peter Schmeichel urges Manchester United to sign £17m former Arsenal star

MORE: Alan Shearer makes Arsenal title claim after Manchester City slip-up