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Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 be released on PC?

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Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 be released on PC?
GTA 6 – officially, there is no PC version (Rockstar Games)

The Monday letters page thinks the PC version of GTA 6 will be out sooner rather than later, as one reader looks forward to the first Zelda movie trailer.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Spring release
I’ve seen a lot of talk this weekend of the idea that the PC version of GTA 6 will be out sooner rather than later. I don’t see any way it could be out this year, or they wouldn’t have mentioned, but it seems roughly six months is the time being thrown around, as the gap between the console and PC version.

That would make it somewhere around May, which is one of Rockstar Games’ favourite times of year to release new games. I looked up the quickest a PC version has been released, in modern times, which was GTA 4 in seven months. I think the longest was GTA 5, which for some reason took 19 months.

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Even without these rumours I can’t see them taking that long again. The only thing that makes me think it might take longer than six months is when GTA Online 2, or whatever it’ll be, starts on console. They’ll want to make sure that’s okay for a few months before the PC version comes along. In fact, that’s probably one of the reasons there’s a delay.
Hammeriron

Business relationship
I hope Grand Theft Auto 6 offers game-changing moral choices. If I recall correctly, didn’t Grand Theft Auto 4 ask players to make a major choice with one mission? Niko had to choose between two targets, and depending on which decision you made the game’s plot branched in some way?

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Also, I can’t help thinking back to the third game, which started with the silent protagonist being sold out by his girlfriend. In the forthcoming game, what if we get to turn Lucia against Jason, or the other way around? There’s no honour amongst thieves apparently.
Michael Veal

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GC: It seems you can treat the Lucia and Jason relationship as purely business, which does seem to leave the option open for things to go sour.

Play Anywhere sometimes
So Xbox brings in 15 hours a month max cloud gaming for Game Pass Ultimate and only five hours for the basic subscription. But doesn’t that mean the Play Anywhere without a console on your phone, and deals with TV companies for streaming through the TV, will also be capped as cloud gaming?

Making yet another farce of Play Anywhere, they really don’t help themselves. I understand Nvidia and Google have brought in charges but when you are offering a service brought to a TV makes it pointless… madness.
TWO MACKS
PS: What would you that mean for the handheld devices they sell? Surely biggest own goal ever if charging for that on expensive handheld devices.

GC: There are no exceptions that we’re aware of. Their argument seems to be that very few people use it that much anyway.

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Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Next gen prep
The news from Microsoft the other day, about limiting the amount of hours we get to stream for free on the different account tiers, is clearly a hint towards what Microsoft is planning for next gen, isn’t it? The number that use the service at the moment are almost pointlessly small, certainly given Xbox’s current active userbase, so it’s not going to make any difference whatsoever to their balance sheet.

What it does allow Microsoft to do is normalise paying for cloud gaming access before they announce their next gen plans: presumably one standard style powerful console at £1,200 and one empty shell of a console with a controller and a tiny hard drive that only streams games for, oh, let’s say a silly fee of £99 or whatever.

This will be their way around the current component cost crisis and allows them to slowly manage consumer expectation around what they should expect from a streaming only future.
Matthew Hardcastle

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GC: That seem a plausible scenario, but we’re not sure charging extra for cloud gaming is going to work out the way they think.

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Ticking clock
I’ve just bought my son a Samsung TV that lets you play Game Pass on it, without the need of a console. Does that mean from November, if he’s on the cheapest tier, he will get, say, five hours of play a month? Because if that is the case he won’t be getting Game Pass. If I’m paying for a service I want it available 24/7, after all that’s what I’m paying for.

I mean every time you fail a mission you won’t be moaning you have failed, you will be moaning you have got four hours left and it will take you 30 minutes to get back to where you were and you won’t be wanting to nip and get a drink or even go to the toilet because them times you’re not there will be using your allowance of play.

Xbox really haven’t thought this through. Phil Spencer got it wrong when he increased prices; this new boss has lowered prices by a few pound, took away day one on some games, and then said your on a timer when gaming. They really do love hurting themselves when they’re on the ropes. As for Game Pass thing, I’ll buy him a PlayStation 5 console for Xmas on Black Friday.
David

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GC: Surely pressing pause stops the clock.

47 years, man and boy
I’ve wrote in before, and been a gamer since 1979-ish, when my dad came home with Pong. From then it’s been Pong to Atari to Spectrum. From Spectrum to Amiga (plus rubbish CD32 and Microcosm and Rise Of The Robots) to PS1. I’m now on a PS5 pro with an extra disc drive purchase. It’s fab.

It’s exactly how I imagined games to look when I was looking at Gunfright (Ultimate Play the Game and playing a cowboy. Now we have Red Dead Redemption 2 and all the other fabulous things like Black Flag, James Bond, Indiana Jones, to name my faves. Exactly what you wanted in games when you were an eight-year-old starting out in games.

It’s been a leap of Star Trek proportions. Graphics, production, sound, quality? Unimaginable when I was enthralled by my Amiga. The industry today is disappearing up its own behind, run by people who have no care, passion, or grace for the people who make the games and in the end, give them the profit they so desire. Yet they treat them like a piece of chewing gum on their shoe.

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Only money and shareholders come into their thinking and it’s a shame for so many people who have invested in this hobby and pastime. What a waste. I spent nearly a grand almost two years ago to now be told that my console will be obsolete in two years?! I am 52 and not going any further with consoles, that’s it. PlayStation 6, 7, 8. Xbox Gonk or whatever, no thank you. Digital only? No thank you. I’ve now made sure every game that I buy is on disc. Thank you CeX.

I would also like to thank you Gamecentral because I have always, every day, read your pages. I trust your reviews and love your content. Please don’t stop.
Indiegaz (PSN ID)
PS: My kids have Nintendo Switches, that’s a different kettle of fish.
PPS: Since I was able to save up and buy a Spectrum magazine from Martins, that had a tape of Road Runner (Acme) on it, every game I have ever bought since then has been something I can have in my hand, right up to the new Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake. It’s sad that in a few years there will be no ownership of the games you work hard to pay for.

Equally authentic
So I just watched a video about Project Milo, I’d completely forgotten about that, but it got me thinking, with AI being so advanced nowadays would something like that be possible now and would there even be a market for it?

I’ve always seen AI being perfect for non-player character dialogue in games (never expected it to be used for artwork). I know everyone at GC is pretty anti-AI in games but what does everyone else think? And how would you use it if you was a developer?
P B

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GC: Considering Project Milo was a complete scam we’re sure modern AI (which has more in common with autocorrect than true AI) would be able to replicate it very accurately.

Uncommon sense
I generally agree with Cranston’s assessment in their weekend feature, about next gen PlayStation and Xbox.

To embellish the points made, it would make sense moving forward if, ignoring Xbox as most people will, Sony releases a new console concept that ditches numerical branding to signal a necessary shift in how they approach new iterations.

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Calling it PlayStation 6 can only mean more powerful, which makes them hostage to uncompetitive price points and, going with the territory as few will be able to afford it, no compelling games to justify owning one. This generation is bad enough. If they stay true to form, I predict now that after the console bombs there will not be a PlayStation 7, with Sony pulling out of the industry altogether.

The alternative is an inevitable digital-only device roughly as powerful as the PS5 Pro with a smaller, slicker form factor selling for less than or roughly the same as the current PlayStation 5. As component prices generally will be cheaper, this will offset the rising cost of RAM chips. As it will be entirely backwards compatible, the current crop of consoles will be discontinued.

It will sell on the basis of its design, a few low cost gimmicks and the fact you will not be able to buy a PlayStation 5. Eventually those who own a PlayStation 5 will need a replacement regardless.

This would provide developers with a long term perspective on game development, enabling them to work with current technology which, through experience, will mean they can reduce the time to make new software for it. If they have to adjust to another more powerful hardware, few will survive the transition.

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It makes some sense for Sony to release a premium priced handheld that can play PlayStation 5 games, not to compete with Nintendo – which I do not think they can, given the latter’s low spec approach, experience and mobile friendly killer IP – that targets a niche market. Either that or something cheaper designed for playing indie software.

I do not recall whether Sony has stated that they are developing a ‘PlayStation 6’ or merely a next generation console. Either way, it cannot be assumed that the next one will necessarily be more powerful.

While a sensible approach to the many issues a next generation console raises, I have absolutely no faith in Sony pursuing this more sensible and sustainable route.
Ciara

GC: Sony hasn’t used the phrase PlayStation 6 themselves, but then they didn’t use the name PlayStation 5 until after the console had already been revealed.

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Inbox also-rans
I love that when Nintendo do finally announce the Directs people want they schedule them one day after the other. Talk about fast and feast. I’d worry if Nintendo were ever normal though, I think being weird is just the price you pay for good games.
Benjy Dog

That 40th anniversary Zelda Direct is blatantly going to have the first trailer, or at least some clips, for the Zelda movie in it. Can’t wait to see it, but I’m very wary.
Onibee

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

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You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

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The Celebrity Traitors release date is LEAKED by Joe Marler and Richard Osman as they break strict embargo during live show

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The Celebrity Traitors release date has been leaked by Joe Marler and Richard Osman as they break strict embargo during live show

It has been revealed The Celebrity Traitors will return on September 23 – after last year’s star Joe Marler leaked the date.

The former rugby star joined Richard Osman and Marina Hyde for a live edition of their The Rest Is Entertainment podcast at London’s Southbank Centre on Saturday.

Joe was offering his advice for this year’s contestants before he let slip the date the show will be back on screen.

Joe said: ‘What is it, September 23, the next series?’ as Richard confirmed: ‘By the way, to point out it’s absolutely embargoed that it starts on September 23… the cat’s out of the bag isn’t it?’

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The BBC released the trailer for the hotly anticipated series last month, as host Claudia Winkleman left the star-studded line-up quivering in the teaser. 

Following Alan Carr’s win as a Traitor in last year’s series, this year’s celebrities include Maya Jama, James Blunt and Richard E Grant.

The Celebrity Traitors release date has been leaked by Joe Marler and Richard Osman as they break strict embargo during live show

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He joined Richard and Marina Hyde for a live edition of their The Rest Is Entertainment podcast at London's Southbank Centre as he said 'What is it, September 23, the next series?'

He joined Richard and Marina Hyde for a live edition of their The Rest Is Entertainment podcast at London’s Southbank Centre as he said ‘What is it, September 23, the next series?’

Richard explained he had spoken to some of the stars involved in this year’s series as he commented: ‘Sounds like it was quite intense,’ which Joe noted was very different to his series.

Joe said: ‘I believe it was a slightly different emotion than our experience. Ours was very laugh-led, and everyone was sort of enjoying catching up, you know, pratting about to the point where they went, “Guys, we’re trying to play a game.”

‘It’s not just for the laughs – “Oh, do you remember going to that party, darling?…”

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‘Whereas this lot really want it from the start, and then I guess they see how well the first series has gone and there’s a little bit of pressure on them to be like: “Oh I’d quite like a bit of that.”

Maya and Jerry Hall are two of the biggest names leading this year’s cast as they join legendary actor Richard E Grant and comedian Romesh Ranganathan.

Also heading to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands are Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Ross Kemp, Bella Ramsey and James Blunt.

Comedians Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Joanne McNally and James Acaster will also join, alongside Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

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The line up will be completed by mathematician Hannah Fry, broadcaster Amol Rajan, Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, prankster King Kenny, Industry star Myha’la, Heartstopper’s Sebastian Croft and My Mad Fat Diary’s Sharon Rooney.

Meanwhile the new series marks Claudia’s return to the BBC after she walked away from her chat show The Claudia Winkleman Show after just one series. 

In the new trailer the celebrities gather in the pews of an eerie church, as Claudia asks: ‘A moment of silence for the celebrities gathered today.’

Maya and Jerry Hall are two of the biggest names leading this year's cast as they join legendary actor Richard E. Grant and comedian Romesh Ranganathan

Maya and Jerry Hall are two of the biggest names leading this year’s cast as they join legendary actor Richard E. Grant and comedian Romesh Ranganathan

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Claudia Winkleman left Maya Jama, James Blunt and Richard E Grant quivering in the chilling teaser

Claudia Winkleman left Maya Jama, James Blunt and Richard E Grant quivering in the chilling teaser

Michael Sheen and Maya Jama sit in the pews of an eerie church in the latest series' trailer

Michael Sheen and Maya Jama sit in the pews of an eerie church in the latest series’ trailer 

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Are celebrity contestants ruining the original spirit of The Traitors with bigger egos and higher stakes

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The camera then panned across a terrified Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Bella Ramsey, Ross Kemp and Sharon Rooney. 

‘Thoughts and prayers,’ said Claudia, before striding down the aisle as she added: ‘Who doesn’t love a dramatic exit.’ 

Funeral-style flowers can be seen behind Claudia, spelling out ‘RIP VIP’. 

Details about the new series are being kept secret, so it remains to be seen who Claudia will choose as her three Traitors.

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With this line-up proving to be the starriest yet, it was previously reported that bosses were forced to double their £1million budget in a bid to cater to the A-List contestants’ demands.

In June, it was reported that producers of the show are ‘shocked’ by how the new series has unravelled after the original Traitors went on a ‘recruiting spree’.

A third of the 21 stars are said to end up as Traitors in a huge twist no one saw coming. 

Insiders say the tactics caused a ‘thrilling shift of power’ to take place in the game which reached new levels of backstabbing and betrayal. 

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It is said to be completely different from the first series of the celebrity spin-off which saw Alan Carr and Cat Burns stick together as Traitors all the way through the series after Jonathan Ross got banished earlier on. 

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Far-right political party poised to win first ever German state election

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Daily Record

The anti-migration party is set to win regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) looks set to win a strong victory in a regional election on Sunday, the first in its history.

But it was not immediately clear whether it would be able to fulfil its ambition of forming the country’s first far-right state government since the Second World War.

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The party of German’s unpopular leader, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was set for a disastrous result in the the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The anti-migration and Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany’s candidate for governor said that “we have written history”.

Ulrich Siegmund, 35, told public broadcaster ARD that voters had sent a signal that “things cannot carry on like this” and that it was “also a signal toward Berlin”.

Of Germany’s unpopular leader, he said: “A very good campaigner for us in this election campaign was Friedrich Merz. Every day this man is in the chancellery is one too many.”

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The AfD went into the vote seeking an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern on its own. That would overcome the so-called firewall of mainstream parties’ refusal to work with AfD, but it was unclear after polls closed whether it would happen.

A first state government would be the biggest prize in the anti-migration party’s 13-year history, at a time of widespread discontent with a national government that has yet to persuade voters that it can get the country’s sluggish economy moving.

Whether or not AfD can form a government, the projected result is a blow to Mr Merz, whose centre-right party has led Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years. Unlike other countries in Europe, modern Germany has not yet had a far-right or right-wing populist party leading a national, state or major city government.

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AfD is the biggest opposition party in Germany’s national parliament and is strongest in the formerly communist and less prosperous east, where Saxony-Anhalt is located.

Its regional branch in Saxony-Anhalt is one of several classified by the domestic intelligence agency as a proven right-wing extremist group. AfD vehemently rejects accusations of extremism.

Projections for ARD and ZDF public television, based on exit polls and early counting, put AfD at a little over 44% of the vote, more than double its showing five years ago in the region of 2.1 million people west of Berlin.

That was far ahead of Mr Merz’s Christian Democratic Union which was seen polling 18.5% and losing about half its support. The Left Party and the centre-left Social Democrats and Greens were seen taking around 9% each.

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It was unclear whether the BSW party would get the 5% of the vote needed to win seats. The projections put AfD at least marginally short of an absolute majority, though that could change.

AfD’s national co-leader, Alice Weidel, described the projected result as “sensational” and said “we have received a very clear mandate to govern here”, The party’s “hand is outstretched to all who want to make Saxony-Anhalt better and move Germany forward”, she said.

A visibly disappointed incumbent governor, Sven Schulze, congratulated AfD on becoming the state’s strongest political force and said that “we as the CDU will also have to deal with this result,” without specifying how.

Franziska Hoppermann, the national general-secretary of Mr Merz’s party, rejected the idea of backing off its refusal to deal with AfD.

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“AfD is a right-wing extremist party. It wants to leave the euro; that would be economic downfall … it works closely together with Russia, it wants a completely different social model,” she said. “We will not work with them.”

There already has been one case in which AfD won a state election but did not end up governing. That was two years ago in neighbouring Thuringia, where a CDU governor took power with a minority government, but against a regional AfD that was well short of a majority.

If the result allows Mr Schulze to try to put together some kind of alliance with smaller parties, that would be delicate, because it would require at least some tacit support from the Left Party, a hard-left party with which the CDU refuses to form coalitions.

Germany’s 16 states have extensive powers, for example in overseeing security matters and running the education system.

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READ MORE: Ex-teacher dubbed Scotland’s Jimmy Savile ‘sexually abused by his alcoholic mum’

READ MORE: Huge fire in Glasgow’s Possilpark as ‘lies’ over use of flats by illegal immigrants blamed

Mr Siegmund has listed among his top priorities “a deportation offensive and above all dropping the incentives for why people come here and exploit our social system”.

He wants to initiate a long process to withdraw Saxony-Anhalt from the regional public broadcaster, citing concerns about “disinformation”.

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AfD in Saxony-Anhalt wants to allow home schooling, which so far is not permitted in Germany.

It pledges to ban schools from officially raising the rainbow flag and ensure they fly the national flag. It opposes taxpayers’ money being “given away” to Ukraine and says it would push to lift sanctions against Russia, but that is not a matter state governments can decide.

State governments also sit in Germany’s upper house of parliament, which has to approve some government legislation. The influence there of Saxony-Anhalt, one of the smaller states in a nation of 83.5 people, is limited – it controls four of the 69 votes.

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ELR Ghost Trains return with jump scares, monsters and surprises

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ELR Ghost Trains return with jump scares, monsters and surprises

Ghouls and ghosts are making a spine-tingling return from October 29 – 31 October, with tickets now available to book.

This year the seasonal spectacular is set in the sinister swamp monster of Irwell Vale. Visitors will find out if they have what it takes to join the Monster Squad and solve the mystery by making their way through the haunted Halloween walkthrough, which will include jump scares.

 More terror is waiting on the platform as fan favourites Vampire Brian and Veronica the witch will be there to prepare visitors with a song, a dance and probably a scream or two as they board the scream train.

ELR spooky Ghost Train back on track (Image: ELR)

The journey is set to be scarier than ever, with flickering lights, eerie sounds, creepy surprises… and perhaps a very unwelcome visitor on board.

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Even the locomotive is in costume, wearing a Halloween Mask created by our friends at Mangostone.

 Chairman of the ELR Mike Kelly said:Who doesn’t love a good scare? This Halloween, climb aboard our Heritage Steam Train for a spooktacular family adventure packed with creepy characters, gruesome surprises and plenty of Halloween fun!

 “Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and join us for a fantastic family-friendly extravaganza. There’ll be plenty of surprises along the way, with some creepy creatures and mysterious goings-on guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.”

So, dust off those cobwebs, grab your costumes and get ready for a Halloween experience the whole family will enjoy. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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New neighbourhood police sergeant for Hulton and Rumworth ward

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New neighbourhood police sergeant for Hulton and Rumworth ward

The latest Hulton and Rumworth Partnership and Communities Together (PACT) meeting was held at St Andrew’s Church on Crescent Avenue.

A full house attended to mark the transition between Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood sergeants.

Sgt Oliver Cooper is leaving the ward beat after almost three years in the role and 13 years policing in Bolton.

His replacement will be Sgt Mike Dixon, who brings two decades of policing experience to the area.

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The regular meeting to discuss issues that matter to residents provided the perfect opportunity for residents to “say goodbye to Sgt Cooper as he moves on to a new role outside of Bolton, and also say hello to Sgt Dixon who is taking over”.

The event attracted local councillors, members of the public, police officers and Police Community Support Officers.

Many of them paid tribute to Sgt Cooper’s service to the community.

One resident told the meeting: “We’ve had a long string of absolutely superb officers looking after our community, and we look forward to more of the same from Sgt Dixon.”

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Officers from Hulton an Rumworth’s neighbourhood team. (Image: GMP)

Addressing residents, Sgt Cooper reflected on his time in the role and his long association with Bolton.

He said: “It’s been a brilliant nearly three years in this job and we’ve achieved a lot together.

“It feels a bit strange to be leaving Bolton after 13 years, but it’s fantastic to see such a great turnout this evening and to have the chance to say farewell properly.”

Sgt Dixon said he was looking forward to building on the work already being carried out in Hulton and Rumworth ward.

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He said: “I hope to bring some different ideas to the role while continuing the brilliant work that’s already happening here.

“I have 20 years of policing experience and I’m looking forward to working closely with residents, partners and local officers in the months ahead.”

The meeting also included an update on neighbourhood policing activity and ongoing issues across both wards.

In Hulton ward, officers discussed concerns about incidents involving underage drinking and antisocial behaviour from children.

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The meeting also heard about reports of e-bike related issues, with Sgt Cooper emphasising the importance of proactive policing.

In the ward of Rumworth, residents received an update on the Thornbank Estate, where fewer reports have been received following recent action.

Locals also heard about work taking place at a housing hub aimed at helping residents gain qualifications and integrate into the community.

Police said they were continuing to assist with closure orders targeting stores selling illicit goods after concerns were raised by residents.

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Officers also reported that issues relating to drugs and anti-social behaviour had improved since June, although work remains ongoing.

Neighbourhood Watch representatives used the meeting to encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity.

Those at the meeting were told that community intelligence remains vital to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, with officers stressing that residents would “never be criticised” for reporting behaviour they believe to be suspicious.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Sgt Cooper for his service and a warm welcome to Sgt Dixon as he prepares to lead neighbourhood policing efforts in the area.

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Operation Coronation was launched last May on the Thornbank Estate off Deane Road in Deane after repeated reports of drug crime and vulnerable people being exploited.

Police say that by working with Bolton Council and housing provider Be One Homes, they have cut crime by nearly 30 per cent and incidents by nearly half.

There were two closure orders for flats in the area that were linked to crimes and drugs, while another three were closed through tenancy action or voluntary surrender.

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Why walkers love The Rusty Bike Cafe in Swainby

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Why walkers love The Rusty Bike Cafe in Swainby

The Rusty Bike Cafe, on Black Horse Lane in Swainby, sits close to the Coast to Coast route as it passes through the western edge of the North York Moors.

The café has a 4.6-star Google rating from almost 500 reviews, while it is also rated 4.6 on TripAdvisor and ranks as Swainby’s number one coffee and tea spot on the site.

Its location makes it particularly useful to walkers tackling the Coast to Coast, but visitors say the welcome is as much of an attraction as the food.

One walker stopping there in August described it as a “perfect stop on the Coast to Coast”.

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They praised the cakes, chai tea and warm atmosphere after encountering difficulties during their walk, adding that the owner had been particularly helpful.

Another recent customer called the café a “lovely surprise”, praising its dog-friendly welcome, sandwich and coffee.

The Rusty Bike Cafe, on Black Horse Lane in Swainby (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Dogs appear to be regular customers too, with the café frequently praised by visitors travelling with pets.

Inside, the cycling theme is difficult to miss.

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The café occupies premises with links to a former bike shop, and bicycles and cycling memorabilia remain part of the interior.

A visitor earlier this year highlighted those reminders of its history while praising its selection of meals, hot and cold drinks and cakes.

Other customers have singled out bacon paninis, cheese scones and sweet treats, while vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices are also offered.

Swainby itself adds to the attraction.

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The village sits beneath the Cleveland Hills and is a popular starting point for walks into the surrounding countryside, with the Coast to Coast bringing a regular stream of long-distance hikers through the area.

That means The Rusty Bike can serve everyone from people out for a short Sunday walk to those several days into a journey across northern England.

There is indoor and outdoor seating as well as parking, giving visitors somewhere to stop regardless of whether they arrive on foot, by bicycle or by car.

The café is currently listed as opening from 10am until 4pm on Friday through Tuesday, with Wednesdays and Thursdays closed.

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For tired walkers emerging from the Cleveland Hills, however, its cakes and warm welcome appear to be making it one of Swainby’s most welcome stopping points.

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Northern Ireland weather forecast for week ahead as conditions remain unsettled

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Belfast Live

A period of low pressure is moving towards the UK

As we ease further into September and get back into routine, it looks like the weather is likely to remain unsettled for the week ahead.

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The Met Office is forecasting a mixture of sunshine, showers, and strong winds throughout Northern Ireland this week, with conditions starting to feel more autumnal.

The weather forecaster said the jet stream will remain active across the Atlantic over the next 10 days, helping to develop areas of low pressure and steer them towards the UK.

A period of low pressure is expected to move away from the UK during Wednesday, although it could remain windy for a time. A ridge of high pressure may then approach from the Atlantic, providing a short-lived drier interval.

Here is what you can expect from the weather in Northern Ireland this week:

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Monday:

A dry bright start then cloud and showers spreading from the west, some heavy. Brightening up again later. Maximum temperature 18C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Showery on Tuesday with strong westerly winds. Showers dying out on Wednesday with some sunny spells developing. Cloudy with rain on Thursday, brighter later.

UK long range weather forecast: Friday 11 September – Sunday 20 September

Changeable initially, with some dry interludes and relatively cool nights, interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers arriving from the west, perhaps accompanied by some strong winds at times too.

A trend toward some longer dry interludes between systems as we head toward mid-September, but at this stage a return of prolonged dry, settled weather looks unlikely. Temperatures will probably be close to average overall, though still with some relatively cool nights at times.

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Bolton Council backs motion on community sites VAT relief

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Bolton Council backs motion on community sites VAT relief

This comes after a motion was passed at a full meeting of Bolton Council to call on the government to bring in VAT relief on essential repairs on community buildings.

Cllr Emily Mort, of Tonge with the Haulgh, proposed the motion, citing her own experience with buildings in her area that need upkeep and repair work, like the Bolton Sea Cadets.

Labour’s Cllr Mort said: “Many community buildings are ageing, roofs need repairing, heating systems need replacing.

“Buildings need modernising so they are accessible, warm, welcoming and fit for the future.”

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The motion was put by Cllr Emily Mort (Image: Phil Taylor)

She added: “All community buildings provide vital social infrastructure for our residents.

“They support community cohesion, reduce isolation, provide space for local services and activities, and help residents access support close to home.

“If the government extends VAT relief to community buildings, as it does for museums, then this will be a life line for many voluntary community groups, helping buildings remain open and affordable.”

As it stands, community groups can end up having to pay 20 per cent VAT on money they raise to make essential repairs.

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In response, the campaign to extend VAT relief is being led by the Cooperative Party as part of a national campaign lobbying the government to change tax rules.

VAT relief is currently available for essential spending on museums and art galleries, provided through the VAT Refund Scheme.

This scheme allows museums and galleries to reclaim VAT on goods and services that is used to provided free public access and services.

Campaigners argue that the same criteria should be applied to community buildings, run by volunteers, used for the purpose of providing free services to the public.

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The motion was ultimately carried by a majority at Bolton Council.

Leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman will now be writing to the chancellor John Healey, housing secretary Angela Raynor and Bolton’s three MPs asking them to support the campaign.

Bolton Council leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman (Image: Phil Taylor)

But Labour’s Cllr Zaman said he was disappointed that it was not supported by town hall’s Green Party group.

He said: “I’m pleased that the majority of councillors supported our motion, but am disappointed that the Green Party did not support it.

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“They really need to take a good look at themselves because anything that assists in the financing of community and voluntary groups must be supported.

“I believe that due to recent policy comments from our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, we will be knocking at an open door, as he has stated his commitment to strengthening community ownership, and giving communities more power over the assets they rely on.”

But Green Party group leader Cllr Hanif Alli says his group refused to vote for the motion in protest against Labour’s running of community facilities.

He said: “Let us be absolutely clear, Bolton’s Green Party Councillors did not vote against support for community centres.

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Green Party group leader Cllr Hanif Alli (Image: Newsquest)

“We abstained in protest to the hypocrisy of this Labour run council who denies locally formed community coalitions a fair opportunity, as in the case of Cobden Community Centre, to bid for and run closed down youth and community buildings in favour of giving them to corporate bodies.

“Any suggestion that we voted against VAT relief or do not care about voluntary organisations is therefore misleading and inaccurate.

“We recognise that removing VAT from essential repairs could provide ‘some’ partial, valuable financial help to volunteer-led community buildings.

“Our abstention was not a rejection of that principle or of the dedicated volunteers who keep these facilities running but a cry for justice and a demand for local community led services instead of bringing big brother type organisations to impose themselves on our local communities in the guise of neutral stakeholders.

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“This was a Labour motion asking their own Labour Government to change national tax policy.

Bolton is represented by three Labour MPs, while the Labour Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is a former Mayor of Greater Manchester with longstanding links to Bolton’s Labour councillors.

“Bolton Labour Party already has direct access to their own people who have the power to make this change, and we would welcome them securing that commitment from their own Labour Government, they don’t need opposition council members’ support to deliver this.”

Cllr Alli said he believed motions are valuable but “they must not become a substitute for real action”.

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Storm creates huge waves and dangerous currents in southern California

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Storm creates huge waves and dangerous currents in southern California

Hurricane Marie, well out in the Pacific, created flooding and dangerous conditions at some southern California beaches over Labor Day weekend, with strong currents and huge waves presenting a threat to swimmers and surfers.

Rose Schoenfeld, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said Sunday that Marie stirred up “life-threatening” conditions as it churned in the ocean hundreds of miles off California’s Pacific coast. Some south-facing beaches have seen surf up to 10 feet (3 meters) high, she said.

“We’re getting reports from lifeguards that the surf conditions are very dangerous, specifically the rip currents,” Schoenfeld said.

Hurricane Marie won’t make landfall and is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by late Sunday, but will still but will still bring rain to parts of Los Angeles County before it dissipates. Some parts of the area have already seen as much as a quarter inch of rain Sunday, Schoenfeld said.

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The National Weather Service advised people to swim only near lifeguards and to stay off rock jetties.

Long Beach’s city health officer on Sunday issued an advisory warning people not to swim at any of the city’s beaches or bays for at least three days. The advisory warned that significant rainfall since Saturday was expected to produce runoff from storm drains and rivers and create unhealthy conditions for swimmers.

Seal Beach, a coastal city in Orange County, announced Sunday that it would close two beachfront parking lots until Wednesday morning “to protect life and property during the anticipated elevated surf and coastal flooding conditions.” The Seal Beach Municipal Pier remained open.

Adam Yacenda, lifeguard battalion chief for the fire department in Newport Beach, a coastal city around 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles, said the beach’s lifeguards carried out 177 rescues Saturday.

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Although the beach has seen far higher waves this summer than in past years, that number of daily rescues is still significant, he said.

“Any time you’re approaching over 100, that’s a busy day,” he said.

Yacenda said only experts should venture into waves in the area. Strong currents are moving along the shoreline and out to sea, with “very strong rip currents,” he said.

“We are red-flag conditions from one end of our beach to the other,” he said.

The storm brought the potential for coastal flooding along beaches, bike paths, roads and some low-lying neighborhoods.

The National Hurricane Center warned Sunday that the dangerous beach conditions were expected to last for another couple of days.

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Mayes-Osterman reported from Chicago, and Associated Press reporter Ryan J. Foley contributed. Mayes-Osterman is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

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Ringley Village residents on rural life, walks and community

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Ringley Village residents on rural life, walks and community

Residents say the mix of rural surroundings, historic landmarks and a close-knit community is what makes Ringley Village a special place to live.

The village sits beside the River Irwell and has a historic core around its old bridge, church and surrounding cottages.

Ringley Village (Image: NQ)

Wendy Clive, a resident, said: “It’s beautiful up here, but it is a bit of a nightmare when it’s raining, it has a couple of floods and comes up the bank.

“It’s tranquil, and you’ve got the pub, La Roma, and the church.”

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Ringley has long been shaped by the river, with its historic sandstone bridge linking the communities on either side of the Irwell.

The area also offers routes for walkers, with woodland, riverside paths and the former canal corridor all close by.

(Image: NQ)

Mrs Clive added: “There’s a canal behind the pub which is disused, but there’s plenty of great walks nearby, there’s one that leads to Little Lever.”

Chedia, who was passing through to collect her child from the school, said she had returned to the area after moving away.

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Chedia said: “I love Ringley Village.

Beautiful scenery (Image: NQ)

“I was brought up in Stoneclough, moved away when I got married then came back, the schools are great around here, there’s a real sense of community.”

The village’s sense of community was also echoed by Paula and Jules, who were out walking their dogs.

They said they had lived in the area for more than 30 years and often found that a simple walk became much longer after meeting people they knew.

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Ringley VillageLa Roma (Image: NQ)

They said: “We’ve lived here 30-odd years, it’s just nice is the village and it’s quite rural.

“There is lots of good walks and that, we know lots of people, they just come out on a dog walk, and you bump into people, and then it gets to about two hours to do a 30-minute dog walk.

“Because of everybody bump into that knows you and knows the dogs!

(Image: NQ)

“It’s far enough away, running in the dip, and it’s sort of like a little bit of away from it all, I think.”

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With the river, woodland and historic village at its heart, residents said the area offers a quieter setting while remaining connected to the wider borough.

For those who live there, however, it is the people as much as the scenery that can turn a quick walk through the village into an afternoon of conversation.

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Amazon plane crash in Miami leaves at least five dead after aircraft overshoots runway

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Manchester Evening News

The cargo plane left the runway and smashed into cars

At least five people are dead after an Amazon cargo plane barrelled off a Miami airport runway and smashed into cars, a sheriff said on Sunday.

The plane struck vehicles, bursting into flames and sending thick black smoke into the sky in a crash that shut down flights at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

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More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the crash, arriving to find the aircraft on fire as crews worked to extinguish the flames and assess patients.

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The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft overran the runway around 2pm after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said the plane struck multiple vehicles after leaving the runway.

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA was sending investigators and issued a full ground stop at Miami International as emergency crews responded.

The Prime Air plane came to rest beside a road near two semi-trucks, according to images from the scene. The aircraft appeared to be resting on its belly and was largely intact despite the fire.

The flight had been operated by 21 Air, a cargo carrier based in North Carolina.

The 32-year-old Boeing 767 was originally built to carry passengers and flew for several airlines for more than two decades before being converted to a cargo plane in 2015, according to flight-tracking site Flightradar24.

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All runways and taxiways were closed, an airport spokesperson said. About 250 flights were delayed at the airport as of late afternoon on Sunday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.

The FAA warned that delays were likely to persist even after the airport reopened, with arrivals and departures expected to resume at a reduced rate.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering information about the crash.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “”We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport today. This is a fast-moving situation and we’re still gathering details. We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We’re doing everything we can to support those affected.”

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