The ceiling collapse was caused by a leak from solar panels

A woman who was told her Co Down home was safe to live in was left in a nightmare situation when the roof caved in last week. Julie Hanna has lived at the property in the Ardilea Close area of Downpatrick for the past ten years.

Last Wednesday, April 29, she was out of the property when her daughter heard a dripping noise found to be coming from the attic door. Calling Julie to inform her about the leak, she then placed a jug underneath, with the water flow increasing very quickly.

Whenever Julie returned home around 15 minutes later, she said water began coming in through the living room ceiling downstairs, drenching the floor and damaging furniture.

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Speaking to Belfast Live, Julie said: “My daughter heard a dripping noise and when she went upstairs to investigate it, she saw the drips were coming from my attic door, so she put a jug under it. Within ten minutes, she said it was flooding through the hatch.

“Within around 15 minutes I got home, and by then the water was coming into the living room. When it hit the landing and came through whatever cracks there were, through the carpet and has travelled aong and went down into the living room. My living room floor was drenched and furniture has been damaged.

“The plumbers came back out to fix the leak or see where it was coming from, and when they turned the water back on it made the water come through the ceiling in the living room again.”

A contractor for Clanmil Housing Association attended the property the following day, isolating the property’s solar panels, with the mains water supply temporarily switched off, with both this and the electricity being reinstated later that day.

An electrical contractor also carried out checks on April 30 and May 1, with dehumidifers provided at the property to assist with drying. Julie said she had been told the property was safe to live in, as both the water and electricity had been reinstated, and to keep an eye on the leak.

However, she did not feel comfortable living in the damp property, and stayed with family. On Friday night, May 1, the ceiling upstairs caved in.

“They said it was suitable to live in but on Friday night, the roof caved in. If I stayed there like they suggested, it could have fallen on me while I was walking up the stairs,” Julie added.

“My grandkids come up to see me and it could have fallen on them. I’ve been staying here, there, and everywhere for the past week. It has been a nightmare.”

Clanmil Housing Association said they attended the property on May 5 to help with clearing up after the ceiling damage and to arrange repairs, with the work expected to be completed as soon as possible.

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Local SDLP councillor, Conor Galbraith, has been assisting the family after the ceiling collapse caused by a leak from solar panels. He is calling on the housing association to take preventative action.

Councillor Galbraith said: “The family impacted have been warning Clanmil for some time about leaking coming from the property’s solar panels and a significant smell of damp. Their pleas for repairs were ignored and they arrived home at the weekend to find their ceiling had collapsed and a significant portion of their furniture had been ruined.

“This family was left with no support over the weekend, no alternative accommodation was provided and they were basically left homeless. Work is now ongoing to make the house habitable again, but Clanmil are pursuing a sticking plaster approach that will not address the underlying issues that caused this collapse.

“There are other properties in this area that are experiencing similar issues with solar panels and unless the housing association changes their approach to routine repairs we will see similar incidents in future. Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their home and I would urge Clanmill to listen to their tenants and take preventative action and carry out routine repairs before another family has to go through such an ordeal.”

A spokesperson for Clanmil Housing Association said: “We can confirm that a customer first reported a leak at their property to us on 29 April 2026. Our contractor attended the same day to assess the situation and the issue was quickly traced to the solar panel system.

“A specialist contractor attended the following day, 30 April, to isolate the solar panels within the home. As a precaution, the mains water supply was temporarily switched off. Both water and electricity were safely reinstated later that day.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this time while we carried out necessary repairs. Disruption to utilities was for the minimum time possible to allow the repairs to be carried out.

“Our electrical contractor also carried out checks on 30 April and returned on 1 May to ensure everything remained safe and fully operational. Dehumidifiers were provided at the property to assist with drying.

“Our housing and property teams visited the customer on Tuesday 5 May to assist with clearing up following some ceiling damage and to arrange all necessary repairs. We intend to complete the remaining work to the ceiling in the property as soon as possible, and our contractors are currently on site working on this.

“Other than the repairs that are currently being completed as a result of this leak, there are no other outstanding repairs at this property that have been reported to us.

“Our records show that a number of other repairs identified by customers have now been completed, although we acknowledge that some repairs have taken longer than expected to carry out.

“To ensure any outstanding issues are resolved as quickly as possible, and that customers are clear about their responsibilities, we will visit all customers over the next week and offer a maintenance clinic with their Maintenance Officer. Our in-house maintenance team will also be in attendance to carry out on-the-spot repairs where possible.”

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Andrew’s story is a reminder that with the right support, people with autism don’t just access employment — they thrive in it.

When Andrew Bates walks through the doors of Titanic Belfast, he’s not just starting another shift — he’s stepping into a place where he belongs.

For Andrew, who is autistic, getting to this point hasn’t always been easy.

Like many people with autism, Andrew faced challenges that often go unseen — building confidence, adapting to new environments, and navigating a world that isn’t always designed with neurodivergent people in mind. The path into employment can feel uncertain, and for many, out of reach.

But Andrew didn’t give up.

With the support of Orchardville, a Northern Ireland charity with over 40 years’ experience supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, Andrew was given the opportunity to prepare for work in a way that worked for him — at his pace, with the right guidance, and with someone in his corner.

That support made all the difference.

In October 2017, Andrew began his journey at Titanic Belfast. Today, he works as part of the hospitality crew in the cafe, where his responsibilities include barista duties and serving customers. Over time, he has grown not only in skill, but in confidence — becoming a valued and trusted member of the team.

What may seem like everyday tasks to some represent something much bigger for Andrew — independence, routine, and pride in a job well done.

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“I feel part of something,” is how many people describe the impact of meaningful work — and for Andrew, that sense of belonging is everything.

Behind the scenes, Orchardville continues to provide tailored, one-to-one support — from job coaching to ongoing mentoring — ensuring Andrew has the tools and encouragement to succeed long-term. It’s this kind of support that helps turn opportunities into lasting employment.

Andrew’s story is just one example of what’s possible when barriers are removed and potential is recognised.

On 16th April 2026, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State (Department of Work and Pensions) visited Titanic Belfast to see that impact first-hand. During the visit, the Minister met Andrew and fellow Titanic Belfast employees Jack Gardiner, James Johnston and James Nelson — each with their own journey into employment, each demonstrating the value of inclusive workplaces.

The visit highlighted the powerful partnership between Orchardville and Titanic Belfast, which has already supported nine people into employment — changing lives not just through jobs, but through confidence, dignity and opportunity.

For Andrew, this isn’t just a job. It’s a future that once felt uncertain — now firmly within reach. And his story is a reminder that with the right support, people with autism don’t just access employment — they thrive in it.

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

“Officers attended and moved on an estimated 300 people. Officers made three arrests, including two men on suspicion of organising the event and a third who was arrested on suspicion of organising the event and a third who was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. A number of large speakers were also seized by police.”

The Gather North Farmers & Indie Market will debut at the Manor House Hotel and Spa in West Auckland on Sunday (May 10), running from 10am until 2pm.

Organised by Naomi Katze of Gather North Events, the market builds on the success of the popular Middleton-in-Teesdale event and marks an expansion into a second location.

Visitors can expect a carefully curated mix of local food, drink and independent traders, including farmer-butchers, dairy producers, fishmongers and cheesemakers.

Stalls will also offer artisan bread, sweet and savoury bakes, fudge, truffles, preserves and handmade goods.

A range of dietary options, including vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free produce, will also be available.

Among the traders appearing at Gather North for the first time are The Sourdough Jar, Balefire fermented chilli sauces, Wear Beer brewery, and Floral & Flame candles and melts.

The event will also host the launch of a brand-new business, Flavour Punks, which specialises in unique dry spice rubs.

Street food will be a major feature of the market, with vendors such as Ribs By Ginge serving American-style barbecue including ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage and sides.

Alongside food and drink, visitors can browse a selection of independent makers showcasing handcrafted and often quirky creations.

The hotel itself will be open throughout the day, with its lounge bar and café serving light meals and drinks, while part of the market will be set in the hotel’s gardens.

The event is free to enter and dog-friendly.

Following the launch, the West Auckland market will run monthly on the second Sunday of each month.

Naomi said she was “absolutely delighted” to bring the Gather North market to a new location, adding that visitors can expect the same high standards and “very special Gather North Events vibe”.

The dispute in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran has caused major disruptions to jet fuel supplies recently.

As a result, jet fuel prices have surged, with fears of shortages continuing to grow.

Major airlines around the world have already responded to rising jet fuel prices by increasing fares and cutting flights.

Lufthansa, for example, announced in April it would cancel 20,000 flights over the following six months to save fuel.

Meanwhile, more than 120 flights from the UK have already been cancelled for May, according to new figures from Aviation analytics company Cirium.

“Risk of some disruption” to flights this summer

Despite all these cancellations, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, speaking on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips recently, said there would be limited disruptions to upcoming summer holidays.

📢 Coming up on Sunday Morning with @TrevorPTweets …

🔵 Transport Secretary @Heidi_Labour
🔵 Green Party leader @ZackPolanski
🔵 SNP Westminster leader @StephenFlynnSNP
🔵 Tory peer Lord Hayward

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🕣 Sunday 8:30am
📱 https://t.co/ofq10rQCZi
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 & Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/56oE9nZkwn

— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 3, 2026

Ms Alexander explained: “I’ve spent every week of the last two months in close contact with airlines and airports.

“On Thursday of this week, airlines told me very clearly that they have good visibility over the next six to eight weeks of jet fuel supply.

“There is no current disruption to jet fuel supplies.

She continued: “The last thing I want is for people to turn up at a departure gate and have last-minute cancellations.

“I am confident, sat here today on the basis of the information that I have available to me, that the majority of people who are travelling this summer will have a similar experience to that which they had last year.”

The Government has also introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to group passengers from different flights together onto fewer planes to save fuel.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also issued an update saying there is “a risk of some disruption” to travel this summer due to the situation in the Middle East, but reassured travellers they would be “well protected”.

Did you know that if you arrive over 3 hours late at your destination, and it’s the airline’s fault, you could claim up to £520 per person.

Always remember to contact your airline in the first instance.

Know your rights before you travel: https://t.co/TG4Uyf7Ytb pic.twitter.com/bWsnkKp4RD

— UK Civil Aviation Authority (@UK_CAA) May 2, 2026

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The CAA said: “As the summer travel season approaches, airlines, government and industry partners are working closely to support smooth journeys.

“While there is a risk of some disruption as a result of the situation in the Middle East, travellers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest passenger rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.”

Virgin Atlantic temporarily suspends flights from the UK to 2 holiday hotspots

Amid all the travel chaos caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Virgin Atlantic has released its winter 2026 schedule update.

The airline has “significantly” increased its capacity to South Africa for the upcoming winter season.

But Virgin Atlantic has also made the “difficult decision” to temporarily suspend all seasonal services to Dubai and Seattle for winter 2026.

These services will resume in March 2027.

In the meantime, those hoping to travel to Seattle can fly with Virgin Atlantic’s partner Delta Air Lines, which offers daily services from London Heathrow.

In a statement on its website, Virgin Atlantic said: “Unfortunately, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our seasonal service to Dubai for the winter 2026 season, while services to Seattle will be temporarily suspended for the Winter 2026 season only, before resuming in March 2027.

The airline continued: “Our schedule and any affected bookings will be updated in the GDSs on Saturday 09 May 2026.

“We’re very sorry for the disappointment caused to our customers.”

Do these changes to Virgin Atlantic’s winter services affect your travel plans? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

Race Across the World fans praised best friends Jo and Kush after Kush opened up about his anxiety and mental health struggles.

Two Race Across The World contestants have earned acclaim from viewers following a heartfelt revelation.

Best friends Jo and Kush are amongst the duos navigating through eight nations in the extraordinary challenge, working with a restricted budget, without smartphones, internet connectivity or bank cards, and thousands of miles from home.

The Liverpool pair have garnered significant admiration from audiences thus far, despite worries about how rapidly they’re depleting their £26 daily allowance.

And in Thursday’s instalment, as they travelled through Kazakhstan, audiences gained further understanding of their profound friendship.

After discussing his anxiety and his father’s passing, Kush shared: “Every day is difficult day, everyday is a struggle. You have bad days, good days, off days, but every day is hard. I’m trying to learn how to function under high stress,” reports the Mirror.

Becoming emotional, he continued to express his appreciation for Jo, saying: “In the past couple of days I’ve realised how much I value having Jo here.

“I just really appreciate the fact that Jo is always up for looking after me. I don’t think he understands the difference it makes. He’s my best mate.”

Wiping away tears, he added: “In this entire journey, I’ve got nothing, absolutely nothing at all but Jo, that is home.”

This follows Jo supporting Kush through his anxiety earlier in the series, as he struggled with his mental health and confessed he was finding things difficult, and subsequently thanked Jo for helping him through the evening.

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He said: “Thanks for staying up with me last night. It actually made a big difference. I didn’t know if I’d be able to go to sleep. I just need my head to shut up for a minute. But you know how I get.”

Jo told the camera: “I do think Kush can be glass half empty, which is understandable since he has gone through a lot. I understand where that negative state comes from.

“I do let him rant, get it off his chest and then be like, ‘Ok, let’s look at this from a different point of view’.”

Speaking about their friendship back home, he went on: “When Kush is not feeling good, we link up and go off on walks, on bike rides, to the park to play footie, honestly any activity, as long as we’re doing something, I can tell it improves his mood.

“Kush means a lot to me, definitely, and I want to show him that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”

The pair were praised by viewers for their emotional intelligence, with one writing on X: “Swear to god Jo and Kush have me in tears each week. It’s so nice to see how caring they both are of each other. Nothing toxic, just understanding and supporting each other. I’d love to see them both win this.”

Another said: “Without a shadow of a doubt, Jo and Kush are the most likeable contestants in the entire history of #RaceAcrossTheWorld.”

“Jo and Kush are so lovely, such a great friendship and support,” a third wrote, as another said: “Kush what a man opening up showing #itsokaynottobeokay. Brave brave brave. Big and strong.”

Last week, Kush had opened up about his father’s death, who tragically died by suicide during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

He bravely shared: “I remember the day he passed. It was lock down and it was a real big shock. He had really poor mental health and he took his own life. You never forget that shock factor.

“I still think about him all the time. Being on this journey has brought back little moments and I wish I could sort of show who I am now because when you’re 14, I didn’t know who I was and I was still a child.”

He became overwhelmed with emotion as he said: “I made a lot of mistakes when I was younger and I feel like, if I could sort of show him what I’ve learnt…”

Race Across The World continues on Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Three people were arrested on Wednesday by police investigating the incident

A man is due in court on Friday charged with attempted murder following a car bomb attempt on Lurgan PSNI station.

The dissident republican group the New IRA claimed responsibility for the incident in late March that saw a food delivery driver hijacked in Kilwilkie and forced to drive a “crude but viable” device to the Co Armagh station. The device failed to explode.

Three people were arrested on Wednesday by police investigating the incident.

READ MORE: Woman charged with obstructing police over Lurgan PSNI station attackREAD MORE: New IRA to ‘target homes of police officers’ after Dunmurry car bomb attack

A 48-year-old man with attempted murder, attempting to cause an explosion, hijacking and possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or damage property.

He is due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 8. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.

Meanwhile a woman, aged 39, has been charged with obstructing police. She has been released unconditionally in respect of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

She is expected to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on June 3.

A 15-year-old boy also arrested this week was released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “This cowardly and widely condemned attack, which took place on the night of Monday 30 March, put innocent lives at risk.

“I’m keen to offer assurance that we will continue in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice, and would encourage anyone with information to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 1828 of 30/03/26. Information can also be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers, with 100% anonymity.”

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

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