Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash in Co Antrim this Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, May 4.

Police are asking road users to avoid the Craigstown Road in Randalstown as officers and colleagues are at the scene of a two vehicle road traffic collision.

A PSNI spokesperson said on Monday afternoon: “Road users are advised to avoid the Craigstown Road, Randalstown, as police and colleagues from emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious two vehicle road traffic collision.

“Diversions are in place. Please seek an alternative route where possible.”

The Wagner Fence and Decking Paint Sprayer is designed to speed up painting jobs while still delivering an even finish – and it’s now on sale on Amazon with 44% off in a limited-time deal

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DIY enthusiasts are singing the praises of a convenient paint sprayer that ‘does the job in half the time’, making it a go-to choice for refreshing fences, sheds and garden furniture this season. Currently, the Wagner Fence and Decking Paint Sprayer for Fences is on offer at £52.99, reduced from £94.49, on Amazon, giving shoppers a 44% discount.

The device is engineered to accelerate painting tasks while maintaining a smooth, uniform finish. It’s compatible with both solvent and water-based paints, plus stains, varnishes and wood treatments, eliminating the need to purchase specialised spray products.

Perfect for smaller to mid-sized projects such as fences, decking and outdoor furniture, it offers adjustable material flow allowing users to regulate paint application for greater accuracy. A removable gun facilitates straightforward refilling, cleaning or product changes, while the three-position adjustable spray nozzle can be customised to accommodate various surfaces and angles.

Alternatively, Argos is offering the McGregor 600W Paint Spray Gun at £22.50, reduced from £30. This model boasts a 1,300ml tank capacity and is described as appropriate for both exterior and interior applications.

Screwfix stocks the Ronseal Precision Finish Fence Sprayer 5ltr at £22.99, down from £27.99, on its site. This option includes dual spray width settings for ‘accuracy and speed’, and features a funnel neck design that enables simple filling and decanting, reports the Daily Star.

The Wagner Fence and Decking Paint Sprayer for Fences has garnered an impressive 4.5 out of five-star rating on Amazon. One satisfied customer remarked: “This is amazing! I once lost two days of my life painting a fence. Beyond me why I didn’t purchase one of these. Easy to use, does the job in half the time – quicker! Nice finish. It takes a bit of practice to get the feel of it – you need a bit of rhythm for evenness. Dries well. I would absolutely buy it again.”

A further reviewer noted: “The sprayer worked well. As recommended in the reviews, I diluted the Ducksback paint with 10% water and gave it a good stir with a drill attachment. It’s so much quicker than using a brush and a lot less physically tiring. The cleaning was easy too. Great instructions. A great, time saving purchase!”

A third customer chimed in: “Works really well. Had no issues. Good quality. Really pleased with the product. Makes painting fences easy.”

However, not all reviews were entirely glowing, with some customers deducting a star for various reasons. One noted: “The fence sprayer seems to do the job fine, but I think the instructions should have made it clear that the paint should be strained first before using. I started spraying my fence then the nozzle choked up and the problem was a thick part of the paint got stuck in the nozzle.”

While another concluded: “Wow, it really saves your arms from aching using a brush or roller, took a little time to get used to, but amazing. Now I don’t mind fence painting.”

The Wagner Fence and Decking Paint Sprayer for Fences can be purchased at Amazon.

Save on the ‘incredible’ M3 noise-cancelling headphones perfect for gamers and music-lovers alike

Shoppers in search of premium, stylish headphones can take advantage of a limited-time saving in one brand’s spring promotion. JBL is currently offering 10% off all headphones – excluding refurbished models – when customers use an exclusive discount code.

To claim the offer, simply enter the code REACH10 at checkout. JBL’s headphone collection includes a wide range of over-ear and on-ear styles, suited to everything from gym workouts to relaxing at home, reports the Express.

The range also features immersive noise-cancelling options designed to block out background distractions while delivering clear, detailed audio, alongside advanced features such as spatial sound and 360-degree head tracking. For gamers, JBL has also introduced dedicated headsets, including one bundled with a complimentary Xbox Game Pass.

To help you discover the perfect pair, we’ve compiled a selection of our top picks from the JBL sale:

JBL Tour One M3 – £224.99 (was £249.99)

JBL’s best-selling headphones, the Tour One M3, combine lossless, premium audio with sophisticated eight-microphone adaptive noise cancelling. These high-end headphones can be used either wired or wirelessly, producing sound that’s nearer to the original studio recording, with roughly three times more data than conventional Bluetooth audio.

JBL Tour One M3

£249.99

£224.99

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JBL

Buy here

JBL is knocking 10% off all headphones excluding refurbished in its spring sale, including the JBL Tour One M3.

Boasting 360-degree head tracking, the headphones guarantee crystal-clear phone calls courtesy of four AI-driven adaptive beamforming microphones that minimise echoes and ambient noise. Battery performance is similarly outstanding, delivering up to 70 hours of playback from a single charge.

Shoppers have given the Tour One M3 glowing reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Many highlight their ‘unbeatable’ audio quality and “incredible” noise cancellation, though some observe that while they’re extremely comfortable, they can feel a touch on the heavier side.

Rival premium alternatives include the Sony WH-1000XM6 from Sony (£329.99), which the manufacturer claims provide its ‘best noise cancelling’ to date, driven by the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 and 12 precision microphones.

JBL Quantum 650 – £102.59 (was £113.99)

JBL’s top-rated headphones in the ongoing sale are the JBL Quantum 650, a wireless gaming headset that works with PlayStation, Xbox and PC. This model presently enjoys a flawless five-star rating and is slashed from £113.99 to £102.59 when customers apply the discount code.

Engineered with 50mm dynamic drivers and distinctive carbon damping materials, the Quantum 650 is designed to produce powerful audio with minimal distortion, generating a more immersive and lifelike gaming experience. It also incorporates spatial audio, enabling players to identify precisely where sounds—like advancing opponents—are originating from.

For Xbox gamers, the JBL Quantum 910X Wireless for Xbox represents another solid choice, and it includes a one-month Xbox Game Pass subscription. This model has been cut from £209.99 to £188.99 and features hi-res certified 50mm neodymium drivers to deliver a rich, immersive audio experience.

One enthusiastic review of the JBL Quantum 650 states: “The sound and how it sits on the head are amazing. In games like Battlefield 6 and Warzone, the footsteps and directional audio are very accurate. Listening to music was also amazing.”

Though some customers point out that, being over-ear headphones, they can become slightly warm during extended gaming sessions.

JBL Tune 730BT – £35.99 (was £39.99)

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A more budget-friendly yet still well-regarded alternative is the JBL Tune 730BT, slashed from £39.99 to £35.99 in the sale. These stylish over-ear headphones are driven by JBL’s Pure Bass Sound to provide ‘powerful’ audio that can be tailored using EQ presets on the JBL app.

Along with dual microphones for crisp and precise calls, the Bluetooth headphones offer up to 76 hours of battery life, with a rapid five-minute charge delivering up to five hours of listening time. Customers describe the Tune 730BT as ‘amazing for the price’, giving them a 4.7-star rating.

One purchaser described them as “amazing for the price,” noting: “Sound quality is good as well as noise cancelling. Battery life is the best, last for ages.”

Others describe them as ‘so comfortable’, though it would be ‘a bonus’ if they included a wired option. In a comparable price bracket is the AKG K72 (£39.99), a pair of budget-friendly yet professional studio over-ear headphones, promoted as ‘pro-quality meets style’.

JBL Tune 780NC – £107.99 (was £119.99)

Also amongst JBL’s top sellers are the JBL Tune 780NC, which blend the brand’s hi-res Pure Bass Sound with spatial audio for a more enveloping, surround-style listening experience. They also feature adaptive noise cancelling to reduce external distractions, alongside dual microphones to guarantee crisp, precise audio during calls for both the listener and whoever’s on the other end.

Much like the Tune 730BT, these also deliver a 76-hour battery life and five-minute rapid charge. The Tune 780NC have been designed with a sleek over-ear look featuring understated metal accents and a selection of colours including black, blue and white.

Achieving a solid 4.5-star rating, one purchaser commended the headphones for their well-rounded performance, stating: “With a powerful bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs, the sound quality is clean and well-balanced. For daily use, active noise cancellation is effective, particularly in crowded settings like public transport.”

That said, not all reviews are completely glowing. One user of the 780NC highlighted a possible disadvantage, observing: “What might be an issue for some is the fact that you cannot replace the ear pads.”

JBL Junior 470NC – £62.99 (was £69.99)

As the name implies, the JBL Junior 470NC are crafted specifically for youngsters, featuring a variety of integrated parental controls. These include an automatic maximum volume cap of 85dB, which can be lowered even further, safeguarding developing hearing.

Parents can also track listening patterns via the JBL Headphones app, view live reports, and establish a PIN code to secure the settings. These youngster-focused headphones have achieved an outstanding 4.9-star rating, with one reviewer commenting: “I bought these for my five-year-old daughter to enjoy her films during long car journeys and they have been a godsend. She’s happy, the sound quality is incredible – worth every penny.”

Though some parents observed that the way the Junior 470NC fit doesn’t always form a complete seal around smaller ears, which they suggest can diminish the performance of the noise cancelling.

Meanwhile, a widely-favoured alternative is the iClever Kids Wireless Headphones (£14.99), an Amazon bestseller that also features safe volume restrictions, alongside vibrant LED lights and an array of playful, child-appropriate designs.

Emergency services have been at the scenes of the collisions

Two people have been taken to hospital after two separate Bank Holiday Monday crashes in Co Antrim.

One person has been airlifted to hospital following a road traffic collision involving an electric scooter near the Kelly’s Complex, Portrush, on Dunluce Road, which resulted in the road being closed to traffic as emergency services attended the scene.

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it received a 999 call at 12:51 on Monday, May 4 following reports of an incident involving an electric scooter in the vicinity of Dunluce Road, Portrush.

READ MORE: Patient airlifted to hospital after Portrush crash – LIVE updatesREAD MORE: Randalstown crash LIVE as one person hospitalised after two-vehicle crash

A spokesperson added: “NIAS dispatched an Emergency Crew to the incident. Ambulance Control also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance, with HEMS crew on board, to attend.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by Air Ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “Road users are advised that the Bushmills Road, Portrush is currently closed following a traffic collision near the Causeway Street junction. Motorists are advised to avoid the area or seek alternative routes.”

Separately, one person has been taken to hospital following a serious crash between a car and motorcycle on the Craigstown Road in Randalstown. Police officers and colleagues from the emergency services have been attending the scene of the two vehicle road traffic collision this afternoon.

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 14:27 on Monday, May 4 following reports of a road traffic incident, involving a car and motorcycle, on Lisnevenagh Road.

A spokesperson added: “NIAS dispatched two Emergency Crews, an Advanced Paramedic and a HART response to the incident. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to Royal Victoria Hospital.”

The road has since reopened.

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

Speaking during the visit, the Lib Dem leader said: “Scottish Liberal Democrats will tackle the chronic housing shortage by returning housebuilding to a level that gets 25,000 new homes built annually, and create new key worker housing so that finding a home isn’t a barrier to taking up a job when somewhere is crying out for your skills.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned the 161 closures so far this year equate to the loss of around 2,400 jobs

Wales was the only part of Great Britain to report a rise in pub numbers across the UK, according to industry figures. It comes as around two pubs closed each day in the first three months of the year amid pressure from higher taxes and regulatory costs.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned the closures equate to the loss of around 2,400 jobs with a particular hit to younger workers.

Figures from the trade organisation show that 161 pubs closed across Britain in the first quarter of the year. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

It represents a 26% jump against the same period last year with local pubs having come under pressure from rising labour costs, taxes, and caution among consumers.

Early this year the UK Government announced business rates support for pubs in England after warnings from the sector further tax changes could lead to more closures and job losses.

A 15% tax relief for pubs and music venues came into effect last month.

However measures from last November’s budget, such as an increase in the minimum wage, still added to a significant jump in business costs for pubs and brewers with that change also applying in Wales.

The BBPA said the latest closure figures highlight a need for longer-term changes to business rates and a wider overhaul of taxes on the hospitality sector.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The scale of these closures is avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade but their profits are wiped out by a disproportionate tax burden and huge costs.

“For too many the sheer weight of taxes and regulatory costs have forced them to shut up shop which will only hurt communities, workers, and the wider economy.

“This underscores why [the UK] Government’s business rates relief was so necessary and the support such a welcome relief.

“We want to work with government to establish a permanent long-term plan that will deliver permanently lower bills, a fairer system, and ultimately protect this treasured sector.”

It comes after a 336 drop in British pub numbers last year to 44,656. It meant more than 2,000 pubs had closed since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Wales was the only part of Great Britain to report a rise in pub numbers in the latest data while Scotland witnessed the heaviest fall in numbers.

Here are the number of closures in each British region:

• East of England – 16 closures to 3,682 pubs
• West Midlands – 11 closures to 3,910 pubs
• South West – 13 closures to 4,582 pubs
• North West – 18 closures to 5,145 pubs
• Yorkshire and The Humber – 10 closures to 4,235 pubs
• South East – 26 closures to 5,643 pubs
• London – 17 closures to 3,432 pubs
• North East – two closures to 1,926 pubs
• East Midlands – 10 closures to 3,579 pubs
• Wales – three pubs gained to 2,901 pubs
• Scotland – 41 closures to 4,188 pubs

The UK Spirits Alliance, which represents hundreds of distillers across Britain, urged the UK Government to carry out a “proper review” of excise duty as hospitality is “fighting for our very survival”.

Neema Rai, spokeswoman for the group and co-founder of Westminster-based Tamesis Dock and the Battersea Barge, said: “Pubs have been hit hard in recent years and we’ve just been hit by yet another excise duty hike.

“Spirits offer higher profit margins and help keep us afloat yet we have the highest rate of excise duty in the G7.

“The [UK] Government needs to carry out a proper review of excise duty if it’s serious about supporting hospitality because we’re fighting for our very survival.”

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It had been a hopeless first half, but it ended on a note of serious concern. A Chelsea corner was allowed to bounce inside the box, and as Derry and Abbott both went for it there was a sickening clash of heads. The Forest player, making only his second league start, left the field unassisted but Chelsea’s teenage debutant required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being removed on a stretcher.

Despite Sunday’s (May 3) wet conditions Newby Hall’s Spring Sports Cars in the Park event attracted large numbers of rain-soaked enthusiasts, admiring the array of vehicles on show.

Among the cars displayed, there were a variety of two and four-wheeled exhibits, including classic UK and European makes such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, and Lotus, of different eras.

Display of classic Sports Cars against the backdrop of Newby Hall, near Ripon (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Newby Hall Spring Sports Cars in the Park (Image: Stuart Boulton – The Northern Echo)

Read next … more cultural attractions and events from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

Ignoring the, at times, incessant rainfall, petrol-heads and casual visitors alike marvelled at the collection, in the surrounds of the 16th and 17th Century country hall and colourful gardens, on the banks of the River Ure, near Ripon.

The bedraggled eventgoers could seek shelter in the magnificent opulence of the hall, itself, among whose architects was no less than Sir Christopher Wren.

There were also the delights of a wander around the award-winning gardens as a counter attraction to car collection.

A beautiful park in Cambridge offers an opportunity for people to escape the hustle and bustle

A hidden gem park off a busy road in Cambridge offers a true beauty spot to venture for a peaceful stroll or even a picnic. Alexandra Gardens lies just off Carlyle Road, a busy road in the Chesterton area.

This small, restful park was created in 1887 on the site of a former Victorian brickworks. In 1891 and 1892 an epidemic of diphtheria in the New Chesterton area held up the purchase of land.

In 1904 Chesterton Rural District Council bought the land for £425. It was agreed the land on Carlyle Road should be made into a public recreation ground.

The park formally opened in 1907 and interestingly, the original planting and landscaping remains. Known for its colourful flowerbeds, expansive green space, and serene atmosphere, the park offers a calming retreat for walkers, nature enthusiasts or even for those looking for some quiet solitude.

With the hustle and bustle surrounding the majority of the city, it can be hard to remember that there’s a whole world just waiting to be adventured outside of your phone and the chaos.

The best spots, that can be hard not to keep a hidden secret, are the ones that remind you of this. Alexandra Gardens offers a green space to quiet all the outside noise and truly enjoy the nature, the flowers and the amenities.

The site also hosts a children’s play area so little ones can run off while the adults can bask in the sun in a prime location, steps away from shops, pubs, and cafes.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a wider six-part evidence and engagement programme for the review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

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Individuals claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will have multiple opportunities to share their views beyond a written consultation. It follows the UK Government’s confirming an expanded approach to collecting evidence for its comprehensive review of the benefit.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced the Timms Review will be underpinned by a six-part “evidence and engagement programme” intended to ensure it captures “as many perspectives and experiences as possible”.

The review, headed by Sir Stephen Timms, marks the first complete examination of PIP since its launch in 2013 and is anticipated to deliver its findings later this year. It will assess how the benefit is functioning and whether it remains suitable for future needs. Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment

In addition to the current Call for Evidence, which remains open until 28 May, the DWP has now detailed further avenues through which disabled people, carers and organisations can participate.

Beyond written responses, the programme will feature a new nationally representative survey, commissioned via independent research organisation NatCen, to gather a broader spectrum of claimant experiences, reports the Daily Record.

There will also be organised workshops and discussion sessions with charities, specialists and those with lived experience to examine issues more thoroughly.

To broaden engagement even further, the DWP is launching a “workshop in a box” toolkit, enabling organisations and community groups to facilitate their own sessions and submit findings to the review. The DWP will also draw upon existing research, including academic studies and data already held by the UK Government, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how PIP is functioning in practice.

Further engagement activities, incorporating accessible formats and face-to-face opportunities, are planned to ensure participants can contribute in ways that best suit their individual needs.

In a statement published on GOV.UK, the review team indicated that the approach is designed to go beyond conventional consultations by combining statistical evidence with first-hand experiences of the benefits system.

PIP is intended to assist with the additional costs associated with living with a long-term health condition or disability, and is paid irrespective of whether the recipient is in employment.

A successful PIP claim is currently worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, equating to between £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week payment period.

The number of individuals receiving PIP has climbed to more than 3.9 million, with expenditure forecast to continue rising, prompting ministers to commission a full review.

The DWP has confirmed that no decisions have yet been reached regarding potential changes, and any recommendations will be guided by the evidence gathered throughout the review process.

A steering group comprising disabled people, charities and policy experts is also providing support for the review, with the government stating that the work is being co-produced alongside individuals with direct experience of the system.

The Call for Evidence remains open until 28 May, with findings anticipated to inform recommendations later in 2026. Ultimate decisions on any potential reforms will be made by ministers following the publication of the review’s report.

Views can be submitted via GOV.UK.