Marathon has some unusual ideas (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
The Monday letters page is keen to find out what happens after Resident Evil Requiem, as one reader has no sympathy for Crimson Desert players.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
Marathon effort The thing that gets me about this weekend-only Marathon business is how Bungie have less than zero respect for people’s time. We’ve all been saying that about games for a while now but level-grinding to unlock something you can only play for eight days a month is crazy too me.
Never mind what you’re supposed to do if you happen to work over the weekend (I often have to come in on a Saturday) but I guess that just makes the ones that do get to play it even cooler, right?
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As if the ugly graphics weren’t putting enough people off, this actually kills any though I had of ever giving it a try. I don’t know whether the game is going to be successful or not – it seems to be doing okay but not great – but when I play a video game it’s not so it can become a second job for me. Zeiss
Marketing spend Is it only me that gets constant adverts for World Of Warcraft’s new expansion, every time I go on YouTube? I have no interest in the game, I’ve never played it or visited a website about it, and I’ve certainly never watched a video on it, but I get spammed with ads for it constantly.
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The weird thing is I get very few other ads about games, despite that being one of my favourite things. Fortnite is about the only other thing I get a lot, which probably says a lot about how much these companies are spending on advertising compared to everyone else.
I’m a big Resi fan and have been watching a ton of videos about it lately, but I never saw a single ad for Resident Evil Requiem. That doesn’t seem to have affected its sales but I wonder what would’ve happened if it had been shown everywhere? Logan
Risk and no reward I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve got any sympathy for anyone that pre-ordered Crimson Desert and is now regretting (or, more likely, pretending to anyone that will listen that it’s good, actually). A too-good-to-be-true game from a developer with no experience in the genre, or anything much except one MMO, should send those alarm bells ringing straight away.
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If you’ve got £55 just lying around, that you can afford to gamble on a game being good, based on virtually nothing, then I don’t think you can really complain about anything. I’ll wait until the game is cheap… and then spend the money on something else, because it sounds awful. Spency
Single option I don’t think the PlayStation 5 still beating the Switch 2 in sales is too much of a surprise. Nobody is going to buy an Xbox Series X/S at the moment so if you want triple-A games then the PlayStation 5 is the only option.
The Switch 2 is a great console but it’s not going to be the first choice for anyone but families and hardcore Nintendo fans. That is still a lot of people, but I think there’s always going to be more wanting to play the best-looking versions of the latest games.
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Resident Evil Requiem on the Switch 2 looks good but it’s still not as great as the PlayStation 5 version. But it’s not just graphics. Nintendo’s online services are still very limited compared to Sony and Microsoft. Who wants to play EA Sports FC on Switch 2? And you still can’t play Call Of Duty, despite all Xbox’s talk.
If you’re into games even just a bit you can’t make do with just a Switch 2, so your only options are a PlayStation 5 or a PC. Kimble
Pokémon Endgame Loved the Reader’s Feature about Pokémon Pokopia. I’m what I guess you’d call a lapsed fan and haven’t really been into the series properly since the DS days. I took a chance on Pokopia, after all the good reviews, and I’ve been loving it.
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I almost got teary eyed at the end, especially when I realised there was tons of stuff I could still do, and that’s before getting into the Minecraft stuff or Animal Crossing style home improvement. Really excellent game and all the better because it was a surprise. More of this please, Nintendo! Colin
Future fashion Nice Reader’s Feature about what the next mainline Resident Evil should be, although I doubt even Capcom knows yet, as the success of Requiem probably caught them a bit off guard. If the rumours are right, we’ve got remakes of Code: Veronica and Resident Evil 1 coming first, so it’s obviously a long way off.
I’m more than up for those but Resident Evil 1 again seems like the perfect time for another soft reboot, with Resident Evil 10 following after that. As to what it will be I think there’s two main problems: do you change the characters and do you change the gameplay?
Considering how popular Grace seems to be I think there’s no doubt that Capcom can still make fun new characters, without having to rely on the old ones. In terms of gameplay though, Requiem was pretty traditional really and people loved that. Probably a lot more than if it had been open world or co-op or whatever.
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So as much as we can predict anything at the moment, I think you’ve just got to look at what’s successful now, before they start making the new game. If people had hated Requiem and were demanding something new then that’s probably what Capcom would’ve done, but that’s not how it is right now.
Games taking longer to make is bad in so many ways but one that I think not a lot of people mention is that you start making them based on current trends and then by the time it’s finished who knows what will be popular. That probably explains a lot of live service games. Cubby
How they do it Just wanted to say that I really appreciate the behind the scenes videos in Resident Evil Requiem. I guess I already knew that’s how they did the tech but it’s really nice to see a fairly long segment broken down like that.
Although I wonder how long until time-consuming and expensive things like that are just faked with AI, because it’s ‘good enough’. Crazy to think that 30 years ago the same franchise had tank controls and characters that looked like something out of Minecraft. Happy birthday Resi! Winston
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Front loaded That’s me finished Resident Evil Requiem on all three difficulties. It’s safe to say it is superb, with amazing graphics, fun gameplay, and a pitch perfect tone.
I still can’t help feeling it could have been even better though. To my surprise, as a big fan of Resident Evil 4, my favourite sections of the game were Grace’s. They’re really tense and atmospheric, with the Rhodes Hill Care Centre making for a wonderful setting. Having zombies with personalities works brilliantly and I wish they had doubled down on the idea with even more variety.
The second half of the game has more generic and returning enemies from the series, which seem a bit uninspired compared to those in the first half. There is too much fan service in general towards the end, especially with the bosses, and I would have preferred to see more original ground broken. I’m not convinced we even needed to return to Raccoon City at all, I’d have preferred to stick around Rhodes Hill with perhaps more institutions/buildings nearby to explore.
It’ll be really interesting to see what direction they take for the next game. I know they experimented with open world for this one and I think that might be the way to go to reinvent the series again. Can’t wait to see! Ryan O’D PS: My favourites are:
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Resident Evil 4 remake
Resident Evil 2 remake
Resident Evil 1 remake
Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil 7
GC: We think it’s fair to say most, if not all, Resident Evil games are better in the first half than the second.
Inbox also-rans This business about the EU Switch 2 model made me realise how happy I am that region locking is a thing of the past. What a dumb idea that was. Focus
Crimson Desert might be a bad game but I tell you one thing, it’s made me really keen on playing a new The Witcher, just from looking at the videos. Hopefully the rumours of new DLC this year are true. Kryzer
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A dog trainer has shared a “game-changing” trick to stop your dog pulling on the lead – and owners can’t believe they didn’t know it sooner as it would have saved them so much trouble
Southend Dog Training has turned to social media to unveil his technique for managing your pets on walks and guaranteeing you both enjoy the time outdoors. In his video, he said: “If your dog pulls on a lead, listen to this. Do this one thing and it’ll change how your dog walks. Instead of pulling back, yanking or restraining, pull up.” He explains this will assist in slowing the dog down, while pulling the lead backwards only generates a stronger desire to pull further.
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He added: “When a dog is being training in bite work, it’s often being pulled back creating restraint. To cause the dog to drive forward harder. We unintentionally apply this technique to dogs when we want them to stop pulling forward.
“We unintentionally frustrate the dog. Pull up on a short but relaxed lead and then relax and your dog will slow down.”
Alongside this, he advised owners against getting their dogs excited before a walk, suggesting it’s preferable to ensure their pet is settled before stepping out the front door.
Responding to his post, one user said: “My Springer Spaniel is terrible for pulling. I’ll try this tomorrow.”
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Another user commented: “I think my dog is broken I’ve pulled up since the day I got him. That lead is never relaxed. He waits nicely at the door and gate then thinks he has.”
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A third user said: “I tried this, but makes no difference especially at the starts of walk when he’s super excited I feel like I’ve tried everything.”
One more user suggested: “Teach your dog the ‘stop’ command. Walk a few paces, when it pulls say STOP. And do exactly that. Then walk. Repeat. Walk.”
A final user stated: “I’ve got a German shepherd puppy 1 year old. Every time I get his lead out he goes crazy making it difficult to put his lead on.”
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It follows after a dog trainer urged owners against giving in to their pets when they make ‘complaining’ sounds.
The canine expert from K9 University Dog Training posted on TikTok to offer some crucial guidance for pet owners, encouraging them to avoid responding to their dogs’ particular noises.
In a clip, the dog trainer outlines “three different sounds your dogs make, what they mean and how you should respond”.
The initial recommendation is to resist giving in when a dog produces a ‘complaining’ noise, frequently accompanied by pawing or scratching.
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The trainer cautions: “This behaviour should never be rewarded by letting them have what they want otherwise it’ll exacerbate the issue.”
Regarding a dog’s whining or crying, which could lead an owner to provide solace, the trainer recommends a contrary approach.
He explains: “This is a sign that your dog is anxious or stressed. There are two different sides to this – there’s a whine that’s self-soothing and there’s a whine that can escalate into a bigger reaction like barking or lunging.”
The last sound to be mindful of is howling, which the trainer indicates is typically a symptom of separation anxiety: “They’re lonely and trying to find the rest of their pack.”
An Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck on the taxiway at LaGuardia Airport, leaving up to 60 people injured and forcing the airport to close until Monday afternoon
An AirCanada aircraft has reportedly crashed into a vehicle on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport late on Sunday evening, resulting in multiple injuries and prompting the airport’s closure.
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The New York Post has reported the vehicle was a fire engine which struck the plane, leaving four firefighters “critically injured.” The Mirror US has reported that as many as 60 people may have been hurt, citing WNY Fire Watch.
The incident is said to have occurred on Runway 4 within Delta’s terminal area at roughly 11:37 p.m., according to AeroCrewNews and NYCFireWire. All FDNY units are understood to have been dispatched to the location apart from the first-due engine company.
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According to local news outlet Col Live, the aircraft involved was Jazz Airlines Flight 646, operated by Air Canada’s regional carrier Jazz Airlines. The plane had travelled from Montreal, Quebec, and had only just landed in New York when it struck a Port Authority emergency vehicle, as the aircraft tried to cross runway 04/22.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ground stop suspending all flights at the airport, citing an emergency. The regulator’s notice suggested a strong likelihood the halt would be prolonged, without offering additional details, reports the Express.
Emergency services personnel are said to remain on location working to secure the area.
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Passengers and airport staff described the scene as chaotic, with flights facing delays or cancellations. Reports indicate the airport will remain closed until 2 p.m. on Monday, causing substantial travel chaos at one of New York City’s busiest transport hubs.
The cause of the incident is still under investigation. Officials have not yet confirmed the identities or medical statuses of those who were injured.
Videos shared on social media depict evacuation and rescue efforts taking place at the airport following the collision, with one clip seemingly showing the aircraft’s nose angled upwards by several degrees as passengers disembarked.
Authorities at the airport have been approached for comment by the Express but have not yet released a comprehensive statement regarding casualties or the details of the collision.
Eight key points after Noah Donohoe inquest week eight | Belfast Live
Need to know
The inquest into the death of the schoolboy at Belfast Coroner’s Court, which is being heard with a jury, has just finished its eighth week.
Noah Donohoe(Image: Facebook)
Eight key points after week eight of inquest into death of Noah Donohoe
A family has denied trying to freeze Noah Donohoe’s social media accounts, after their shared email address was linked to the request to do so. The inquest into the death of the schoolboy at Belfast Coroner’s Court heard this past week that Noah’s mother Fiona Donohoe was effectively “locked out” of her son’s Instagram account by the action.
On Thursday, the jury inquest heard evidence from three witnesses who are to remain anonymous. M1 refers to a witness who was a pupil at St Malachy’s at the time of Noah’s disappearance, M2 is his sister and M3 is their mother. Over their three statements it was established that a request had been put to tech company Meta that owns Instagram to memorialise Noah’s Instagram account, which effectively freezes it and retains the information in it at that time.
Brenda Campbell KC, representing Ms Donohoe, said that as a result of the memorialisation “the day after she learned that her child had died she had no access to any of his private social media”, and Ms Donohoe was “locked out”. Ms Campbell said Ms Donohoe was concerned “someone had done this to deliberately deprive her and us of that access” to Noah’s accounts.
Toxicologists also told the inquest this week that it cannot be ruled out that Noah may have had drugs in his system at the time of his death. The forensic analysts said there was no evidence that the schoolboy was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but the presence of some substances including so-called “designer drugs” cannot be excluded because of the limits of testing.
Forensic scientist Amy Eleanor Quinn, who carried out a toxicological analysis on samples from Noah’s body in July 2020, gave evidence to the inquest at Belfast Coroners Court on Wednesday, alongside Dr Simon Elliott, consultant forensic toxicologist, who carried out a review and further testing of samples in November 2024.
In a joint statement they agreed that Ms Quinn had found evidence of a small amount of alcohol in Noah’s blood but that this was consistent with having been generated by the body after death and there was no reason to believe he had consumed alcohol in the hours before he died.
They further agreed “there is no toxicological evidence that the deceased was under the influence of drugs at the time of his death within the range of screening performed”. They also agreed that “it is not possible to exclude that drugs not included in the scope of analysis may have been present at the time of his death”.
Emails sreveal staff at the resort wrote to golf tour operators offering to switch trips in the United Arab Emirates that were disrupted by the war to his own resort.
Donald Trump’s Ayrshire golf course has used the chaos caused by the US President’s war in Iran to drum up business, it can be revealed.
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Staff at Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire wrote to golf tour operators offering to switch trips in the United Arab Emirates that were disrupted by the war to his own site.
“I can only imagine the impact recent events in the Middle East may be having on your UAE bookings and wider plans,” a business development manager for Trump Turnberry wrote in an email to members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The sender suggests they could re-arrange tours originally booked to take place in the Middle East to visit Turnberry instead.
“We’ve seen an increase in last-minute bookings for golf and accommodation at Turnberry as a result of changing travel arrangements,” she wrote. “And I would be delighted to support you and your clients should a “stay and play” option be of interest.”
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The email continues: “If you’re available for a call, it would be great to connect and explore how we can assist.”
Our sister title The Mirror approached the Trump Organisation, which operates the course, for comment.
Trump visited Turnberry personally last year, holding meetings with Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen at the resort’s hotel.
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UAE and other countries in the region are under threat of retaliatory strikes from Iran, following Trump’s decision to bomb the country at the start of March. Travel has been heavily disrupted through the region, and has yet to recover.
Trump said yesterday that he would give Iran 48 hours to open the vital Strait of Hormuz or face a new round of attacks. He said the U.S. would destroy “various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
He may have meant the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran’s biggest, which was already hit last week, or Damavand, a natural gas plant near Tehran, Iran’s capital.
Meanwhile, a Cabinet minister played down Israel’s warning that Tehran now has long-range missiles capable of hitting Europe – after two targeted the US-UK base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, around 2600 miles away. One failed and the US shot down the other.
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Steve Reed said: “There is no specific assessment the Iranians are targeting the UK or even could if they wanted to.”
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For nearly a decade, Paul Limb of Action Coach, Bolton, has been coaching local business owners as part of Action Coach – a worldwide franchise operating in over 80 countries.
Now Paul is now also podcast host, with the first episode of Lancashire Business Stories – showcasing local business talent – which aired on March 16.
Paul recently started a podcast – Lancashire Business Stories – dedicated to highlighting local business people and their stories (Image: Paul Limb)
Paul said: “I’s all about helping local businesses grow, creating more jobs, and getting more money into the local economy.
“Local businesses are already being impacted by events at home and abroad.
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“I wanted to offer them support in the form of ideas they can implement to build a more resilient business, able to withstand challenges and thrive in difficult conditions.”
Paul has had an unusual journey towards his current position.
His first role was as a high-performance sports coach, helping athletes improve via training in mental toughness and stamina.
He also worked with parachutists and skydivers.
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“I’d be in the plane telling them ‘it’s ok’ and ‘you can do this,’” said Paul, “then I’d have to leap out with them.”
His first ‘proper’ job – as Paul put it – was in publishing, working in various Lancashire papers throughout the 80s, including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Then, in a second twist, Paul moved into working on home interiors in 1990.
Action Coach event (Image: Paul Limb)
He did this for several decades before moving towards the business coaching side of things when he set up Lancashire Business Coach in 2017.
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Lancashire Business Coach then bought the rights to franchise the Action Coach brand in the Bolton area.
This didn’t affect the work Paul was doing – it just gave him the right to use the already-established Action Coach brand name.
Now, Paul is has even started a podcast – Lancashire Business Stories – showcasing local business owners as they take listeners through their lives and careers.
He will also be hosting a free workshop at the Bridge Street Holiday Inn on Friday, March 27 to help people build 90-day business plans.
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The event can be booked via the Action Coach website, with business owners getting in free by using the code VIPGuest when booking tickets.
“We want to create 10,000 jobs over the next ten years,” said Paul, “that’s the goal.”
UK travellers are being reminded that airport security can refuse items even if they’re usually permitted in hand luggage
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
05:26, 23 Mar 2026
Brits preparing for holidays abroad are being reminded of potential restrictions they may face whilst travelling. Some unspecified items might not be allowed in your hand luggage.
Most of us are aware that specific things are forbidden on aircraft as part of cabin baggage. For example, corkscrews, knives, and scissors are banned.
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However, you might not realise that an item which may “normally” be listed as acceptable could still be rejected at security. The Government explains on its website: “There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK.
“There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example, sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance.” GOV.UK provides a comprehensive list of all items prohibited on flights.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to understand that occasionally an item might be considered acceptable to bring but could still be refused entry. GOV.UK states: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”
As a general rule, though, these personal items are not permitted in hand luggage:
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Corkscrew – but allowed in checked luggage
Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) – check with your airline whether it’s allowed in checked luggage
Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) – check with your airline whether it’s allowed in checked luggage
Non-safety matches – and not allowed in checked luggage
Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps – and not allowed in checked luggage
Additional items subject to specific regulations include lighters, food and powders, and frozen goods.
Lighters
GOV.UK states you may only take one lighter on board. It must be placed inside a resealable plastic bag (similar to those used for liquids), which must remain on your person throughout the flight. You must not:
Place it in your checked luggage
Place it in your hand luggage following screening
Food and powders
Food products and powders in your hand luggage may obscure images on x-ray equipment. Your bags might require manual inspection again by security. You may place these items in your checked luggage to reduce delays.
Frozen items
GOV.UK states: “You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example, liquid, food or ice packs.” Some exceptions apply including:
Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
Baby food and baby milk
Liquids
There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can carry in your hand luggage. Where feasible, pack liquids in your checked baggage (luggage that you check in). At most airports, you’re not allowed to take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This rule applies even if the container isn’t full.
However, some airports now allow passengers to bring liquid in containers capable of holding up to two litres. As of the time of reporting, these airports included:
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
Birmingham
Edinburgh
Bristol
Belfast International
Belfast City
Bournemouth
It’s recommended to check the specific rules regarding liquids at your departure airport before travelling.
Locals say the area is ‘overcrowded’ and they wish there were better parking and more shops
People living in a 10-year old housing development say its becoming too overcrowded as ‘too many houses are being built’. The first residents of Alconbury Weald in Huntingdonshire first moved in around 2016, with new houses still being built at present.
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While residents like the neighbourhood, some think some things could be improved. Sandra, who wished for her surname to not be included, moved to the area around three years ago with her partner Brian.
She said it was a “very nice neighbourhood”, but added how she wishes parking was better. She said: “The only downside is the parking. I don’t think they [developers] thought about parking properly.” Sandra also believes there are too many houses being built in the area now.
She added: “We are seeing too many houses built. It’s becoming overcrowded.” Currently, Alconbury Weald only has one shop, which is a Co-op.
Some people hope to see more shops soon to offer them more variety. Tereza Mistolerova, who moved to Alconbury Weald with her husband in September, hopes for this.
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She said: “We would like a big shop because in the little Co-op, by 8am all of the pastries are gone! Also there is a gym, but it’s more like a hotel gym. We’re just praying there will be a big leisure centre at some point.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, also wants more shops. She said: “We need more shops rather than just one Co-op.
“I understand there will be plans for others, so I am hopeful we will have some more, then it will be the perfect place to live.” Developers of Alconbury Weald, Urban&Civic, said the first phase development of the area is “well underway”.
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Paul Murfin, communications and partnerships manager for Alconbury Weald said: “[There is] over 75% of the homes delivered alongside a nursery, primary school and special educational needs school, with the new secondary school due to open in September 2027.
“Really importantly, we know that what makes a place come to life is the shops and cafes for meeting friends and neighbours. Alongside The Watch Office Bar and Kitchen, Co-op and our regular food trucks, we are pleased that Swynford Coffee will be added to the mix next month.
“Work has also started on the parade of shops at The Glade (which will open next year) and the health centre (which will open later this year). We continue to work with residents through formal consultations as well as regular meetings with them and with Alconbury Weald Community Association.
“This helps ensure the facilities that come forward are shaped by them and meet their needs. The design and layout of future spaces also respond directly to feedback from them through these discussions as well as regular independent Quality of Life surveys.”
Clubs from across the region gathered at the park for a busy day of junior and senior racing, bringing another competitive winter of cross-country action to an end.
Proceedings began with the under-11 boys’ and girls’ race, which was held as an individual event. The relays then got underway, with under-13 and under-15 teams of three athletes each tackling single-lap legs around the park.
The senior races followed in the afternoon, with both the women’s and men’s events featuring teams of four. Athletes from under-17, under-20, senior and veteran age groups all competed together in the senior categories.
Each runner completed one lap, with changeovers playing a key role throughout.
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Medals were awarded to the top three teams in each category, rounding off the day’s competition and giving clubs the chance to end the season on a high.
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The first 45 minutes was the epitome of two teams cancelling each other out – but once the second half began the landscape was set for City’s win.
They were the more progressive, aggressive side. Their attacking intent started to overwhelm Arsenal, the pressure became impossible to resist. Smoother on the ball and more cohesive than an Arsenal side based on organisation, the traffic only flowed one way.
Arrizabalaga already had Arsenal’s nerves on edge with an injudicious dash from goal which resulted in a yellow card for a panicked foul on Jeremy Doku.
Much, much worse was to come for Arsenal and their goalkeeper.
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It remains six years since Arteta won his one and only trophy as Arsenal manager, and the way in which his team went into their shell here will be a concern that he must hope is not repeated as the pressure mounts in the closing weeks of the season.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport: “Manchester City played to win. I think that’s what they’re bred to do over ten, 15 years. I think now they’re very much bred to win. I think they’ve been really disappointed with the FA Cup final at the end of last season [when they lost to Crystal Palace].
“A lot will be read into it putting a marker down or whatever, but I don’t think so. I think it was just about Manchester City winning trophies, which is what they’ve done so regularly recently – and this is another big one.
“It is also a huge day for Pep Guardiola, who’s won everything, but now stands alone in terms of managers winning the League Cup. He’s won it five times, going one clear of Sir Alex Ferguson. How much of a testament is that to his ability, his special touch and what he’s done over the years with Manchester City?”
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Arteta is braced for the battle to recover from this setback and focus on three trophies, saying: “We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season.”
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s painful, especially for our players and supporters, because we really wanted to lift that trophy. It was two very different halves, especially the first half when I think we were better than them and had the best two chances of the game.
“We didn’t capitalise on that. Credit to them for what they have done. A really sad day.”
He must hope it is the last sad day of what has been an outstanding season so far – for Guardiola, he will hope City’s win, and the manner in which it was achieved, will play on Arsenal’s nerves.
Much of Britain is to experience wetter and cooler conditions this week following an unusually warm spell (Picture: PA)
Britain’s early spring warm spell is set to come to an abrupt end this week with the arrival of rain and colder temperatures.
Much of the country will see the mercury return to single figures after an unusually dry and sunny interlude to March.
An early heatwave saw temperatures rise as high as 20C last week in parts.
Scotland had its hottest day of the year so far on Friday, with a high of 20.2C recorded at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.
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But it may be too early to put away the winter coats as the country is set to experience a ‘cold plunge’, the Met Office has said.
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From Monday, colder air and winds will see temperatures fall along with some showers towards the middle of the week and even possibly snow in Scotland.
Boats pictured punting on the River Cam in Cambridge on Thursday (Picture: PA)
Showers will sweep across Britain from Wednesday as temperatures return to around average for this time of year (Picture: Shutterstock)
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said a new weather system coming in from the north west would turn conditions colder for most.
But he added that temperatures would stay in the mid teens for the vast majority of southern England until Wednesday.
He said: ‘Wet weather continues to spread south and eastwards through Tuesday.
‘Colder weather moving in from Wednesday. A notable drop in temperatures, wintry showers, particularly across the north of the UK and staying chilly into Thursday as well but a little drier.’
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Temperatures will drop to single-figures across the country on Wednesday (Graph: Metro)
Forecaster Alex Deakin said conditions would return to around average for the time of year later this week, Sky News reported.
But he added that the drop could be a ‘shock to the system’ for some after the warm spell.
He said: ‘Temperatures by Wednesday (will be) single digits for many, and that’s the max, so it’s going to get cold at night.
‘Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that’s when the cold plunge really comes in.’
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