A silver Audi vehicle was reported to be in the area at the time

An investigation is ongoing following a report of an altercation involving a number of men in Belfast.

The incident is reported to have taken place at around 5.15pm on Wednesday, February 25, at the junction of Westland Road and Cavehill Road, in the north of the city.

A silver Audi vehicle was reported to be in the area at the time. There have been no reports of any injuries at this time.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1151 of 25/2/26.“You can also submit a report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

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State Pension recipients can switch from four-weekly to weekly payments by contacting the DWP if their pension is paid into a bank account

The State Pension is worth up to £230.25 per week during the current financial year and is typically paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) every four weeks. However, whilst most pensioners are content to receive a regular income of up to £921 every payment period, many may be unaware they can alter the frequency of these payments to fortnightly or even weekly.

A former DWP employee with 42 years’ experience in handling State Pensions and benefits has revealed the straightforward way every pensioner, already claiming their State Pension or due to retire this year, can modify how often they are paid.

The key thing to note is the frequency can only be altered if the payments have already been arranged to be made into a bank account, reports the Daily Record.

People already on the New or Basic State Pension

Ex-DWP employee Sandra Wrench told the Daily Record: “If you have already made a claim for State Pension and are in receipt of four-weekly payments, and you want weekly payments, then phone the DWP change of circumstances (Pension Service) telephone number on 0800 731 0469, and request weekly payments.

“Alternatively write to The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1AF, with your name address and National Insurance number and ask to be changed to weekly payment for your State Pension.”

People about to claim the New State Pension

Mrs Wrench advised: “If you are yet to claim your State Pension, put in the information box on the State Pension claim form ‘Please pay my pension weekly’.”

The DWP insider also highlighted that the four-weekly pay frequency may make it challenging to budget for household bills as it’s not paid monthly, particularly if someone has been accustomed to receiving their salary at the end of each month.

She stated: “From your ‘budget point of view’ it may be easier to be paid weekly then you know exactly how much State Pension has been paid into your account each month.

“For some members of the public who are used to being paid their wages weekly, claiming a State Pension which is paid every four weeks, can cause financial difficulties and make it hard for them to budget.”

The former DWP employee isn’t alone in raising awareness about the payment options. In 2021, BBC Radio 4 Money Box presenter and financial journalist Paul Lewis, spotlighted the weekly payment option in the Radio Times.

He clarified: “Three quarters of all pensioners are paid four weeks in arrears, but a State Pension can also be paid weekly.

“The Government hides this option when people apply, as the application form simply says ‘State Pension is usually paid every four weeks’.”

State Pension annual uprating

Millions of older individuals are set for a significant State Pension increase from April.

The New and Basic State Pension will rise by 4.8 per cent whilst additional State Pension elements and deferred State Pensions will increase by 3.8 per cent.

This adjustment will result in those on the full New State Pension receiving £241.30 per week, whilst those on the maximum Basic State Pension would receive £184.90 per week.

It’s crucial to bear in mind that the amount of State Pension someone receives is dependent on their National Insurance contributions. To receive the full New State Pension you need approximately 35 years’ worth, but this may vary if you were ‘contracted out’.

Full New State Pension rates 2026/27

• Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)
• Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
• Annual amount: £12,547

Full Basic State Pension

• Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)
• Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
• Annual amount: £9,614

Other State Pension rates

• Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)
• Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)

New Pension Credit rates

Standard minimum guarantee

• Single: £238.00 (from £227.10)
• Couple: £363.25 (from £346.60)

Additional amount for severe disability

• Single: £86.05 (from £82.90)
• Couple (one qualifies): £86.05 (from £82.90)
• Couple (both qualify): £172.10 (from £165.75)
• Additional amount for carers: £48.15 (from £46.40)

Comprehensive details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.

State Pension and tax

Guidance on GOV.UK states: “You pay tax if your total annual income adds up to more than your Personal Allowance. Find out about your Personal Allowance and Income Tax rates.

Your total income could include:

• The State Pension you get – Basic or New State Pension
• Additional State Pension
• A private pension (workplace or personal) – you can take some of this tax-free
• Rarnings from employment or self-employment
• Any taxable benefits you get
• Any other income, such as money from investments, property or savings

Check if you have to pay tax on your pension

Before you can check, you will need to know:

• If you have a State Pension or a private pension
• How much State Pension and private pension income you will get this tax year (April 6 to April 5)
• The amount of any other taxable income you’ll get this tax year (for example, from employment or state benefits)

You cannot use this tool if you get:

• Any foreign income
• Marriage Allowance
• Blind Person’s Allowance

Use this online tool at GOV.UK to check if you have to pay tax on your pension. The full guide to tax when you get a pension can be found on GOV.UK here.

Cormac Sale, now also 22, had been driving a Skoda Fabia from Horwich towards Bolton along Chorley Old Road on a wet and dark night on December 14, 2024.

More than a year on, Bolton Crown Court heard how Sale had alarmed a series of witnesses with his dangerous driving before causing the tragic crash that killed Spencer Rothwell-Poole.

Jonathan Savage, prosecuting, said: “At the time the weather was poor and the road was wet.”

Sale, who wore a shirt and tie in the dock, listened on as Mr Savage told a packed court room full of Spencer’s loved ones how Sale had been seen by five different witnesses.

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

He said a woman driving past Sale had feared he was going to hit her, while a passing van driver managed to see the defendant through the window.

Mr Savage said: “He was able to see the driver and he described the defendant’s face as expressionless.”

Other witnesses saw Sale driving the Skoda at between 60-75mph, well over the speed limit on that part of Chorley Old Road and weaving over to the wrong side of the road.

Tragedy struck when Sale crashed into Spencer, who had been riding his motorbike at the correct speed and in a proper manner.

Spencer Rothwell-Poole was a well-loved son and brother (Image: Public)

Sale appeared to keep his eyes on the ground as the court was played footage showing the horrific head on crash he had caused after crossing over to the wrong side of the carriageway.

Witnesses rushed to help and Sale appeared to be incoherent, asking “has there been a car crash?”

Spencer was tragically declared dead at the scene.

Interviewed by police, Sale admitted in a prepared statement that he had taken an “unspecified amount of Ketamine” and that he had been treated for addiction.

But a blood sample showed that he had nearly ten times the legal limit in his system at the time, while his car insurance appeared to have lapsed not long before.

Spencer was renowned for his love of motorcycles (Image: Public)

Videos found on Sale’s mobile phone showed a long pattern of dangerous driving in the six months leading up to December.

One such video appeared to show him inhaling from a balloon while behind the wheel.

 Another showed a woman inhaling nitrous oxide and appearing to drive the car with her foot while Sale sat in the driver’s seat.

Another photograph appeared to show Sale driving with one hand while there were also several messages about the acquisition and use of Ketamine.

Fellow motorcyclists paid tribute at Spencer’s funeral procession (Image: Public)

Sale, of Ina Avenue, Bolton, ultimately pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier court hearing.

He denied causing death by driving while uninsured, which was not pursued by the prosecution.

A moving statement from Spencer’s father Derek Poole spoke of how his son had been a “little miracle” who had overcome being born with a “hole in his heart” and “infection after infection”.

Spencer had pulled through to spend happy years at nursery and primary school, growing up with his brother Josh.

Having been diagnosed with Autism, Spencer “came on leaps and bounds” after attending a special school.

Mr Poole said: “He was very kind and thoughtful, even though he was very shy Spencer was always there with a smile on his face.”

He added: “He loved motorbikes, sometimes more than anything else, that was his chance to get away.”

Spencer’s love and knowledge of motorbikes stayed with him for the rest of his life and he would often work with his brother Josh on them.

Mr Poole said: “Everybody knew Spencer as GG as he was a big unit over six foot odd and he was a gentle giant who loved everybody and everybody loved him.”

Turning to the devastating crash, he added: “Cormac Sale didn’t just kill my son. He killed the family.”

Mr Savage added a further statement from Spencer’s brother Josh who spoke about how in his short life Spencer had been his “best friend”.

He said: “If I have children, he would have been an amazing uncle, he would have been the joker of the family.”

He added: “He was an amazing, safe, careful motorbike rider who did everything by the book.

“I miss him every day.”

David James, defending, said Sale, who has no previous convictions, had earned credit for his eventual guilty plea.

He said he had shown real remorse since then and that he had been working to address what had made him offend in the way he had since then.

Mr James said that Spencer would “be on his shoulders” for the rest of his life and that Sale wished to offer a “public apology” through him to the family.

But Judge Jon Close said Sale’s lack of previous convictions were “purely fortunate” given the record of criminal driving the court had heard about.

He said that five other drivers had expressed concerns about Sale’s behaviour that night.

In Spencer’s case, he said there was “no suggestion that he was doing anything other than driving appropriately and properly down that road”.

Judge Close noted that in the months leading up to the fatal crash, Sale had shown evidence he had been driving in a “reprehensible manner”.

Turning to Spencer’s family, Judge Close said Sale had left “ruin in your wake.”

Judge Close said: “You have taken from them more than you could ever hope to realise.”

He added: “Your selfish actions took the life of a good man who, as you have heard, was well loved.”

Judge Close jailed Sale for ten years and eight months, ruling that he will have to serve two thirds of his time in prison before being eligible for parole.

He banned him from driving for five years with a seven year and one month extension to take account of his time in prison.

Before going down to the cells Sale appeared to say: “I’m sorry, I really am sorry.”

Judge Close concluded by thanking members of Spencer’s family for their “quiet dignity.”

Coronation Street fans are wondering if a love triangle storyline is about to begin – and it could be terribly awkward if so.

Recently, it became apparent that Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) had a bit of a crush on Ollie Driscoll (Raphael Akuwudike).

They went on a date in the Bistro, which was some welcomed happiness for Lauren after a traumatic few years involving Joel Deering (Calum Lill).

This week though, another character started taking a shine to Ollie, and it was Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney).

Things between Ollie and Lauren were put on hold as a result of Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) interfering. With Ollie believing Lauren had stood him up, he attempted to talk to her about it in yesterday’s episode, but Lauren didn’t really want to.

Lauren grew suspicious when Amy wandered in and it became increasingly clear that Ollie might like her. Annoyed and somewhat jealous, Lauren told Amy that she looks particularly cosy with Ollie, and that she should go for it if interested.

The scenes between Ollie and Amy were brief yesterday, but fans of the ITV soap are now beginning to wonder they’re going to start seeing each other.

Ange wrote on X: ‘I smell a Lauren/Ollie/Amy love triangle starting to form #Corrie’.

Sarah added: ‘Ollie seems a nice bloke. They just need to get him away from his granny. Think I’d rather he get with Lauren, but if they want to pair him with Amy I wouldn’t be against it’.

Ryan wondered: ‘Could they put Amy & Ollie together? #Corrie’

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If it does happen, it’ll cause drama for two reasons.

If Lauren knows she still has feelings for Ollie and wants to fight for him, he’s going to find himself torn between her and Amy. A classic soap love triangle story if you will.

The second reason is far more problematic though, as Ollie and Amy are actually cousins!

It turns out that Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson) – who is set to be killed off in upcoming scenes – is none other than Ben Driscoll’s (Aaron McCusker) dad.

As first revealed by Radio Times, Maggie had an affair with Jim four decades ago and it will come to light that the patriarch, who is dad to Street legend Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), is also Ben’s father.

With Amy and Ollie being Steve and Ben’s children, starting a romance is a big no no!

If Maggie discovers Ollie and Amy are dating, what will she do to stop it?

MORE: Killer Maggie’s new target confirmed in Coronation Street as she takes spiteful action

MORE: Coronation Street’s Cait Fitton shares emotional tribute after death of beloved family member

PARIS (AP) — They lurk in the oceans, a last resort to pulverize attackers with nuclear fire should France’s commander in chief ever make that terrible call.

French President Emmanuel Macron, the person with the power to unleash France’s nuclear arsenal, will on Monday update French thinking on the potential use of warheads carried on submarines and planes, if it ever came to that. This in the context of concerns in Europe that Russian war-making could spread beyond Ukraine, and uncertainty about U.S. President Donald Trump ’s steadfastness as an ally.

For decades, Europe has lived under a protective umbrella of U.S. nuclear weapons, stationed on the continent since the mid-1950s to deter the former Soviet Union and now Russia. Lately, however, some European politicians and defense analysts are questioning whether Washington can still be relied upon to use such force if needed.

As the only nuclear-armed member of the 27-nation European Union, the questions are particularly pertinent for France.

Possible revisions to France’s nuclear deterrence policy, sure to be carefully calibrated and scrutinized by allies and potential enemies alike, could be among the most consequential decisions that Macron makes in his remaining 14 months as president, before elections to choose his successor in 2027.

That Macron feels a need to bare France’s nuclear teeth, in what will be the commander in chief’s second keynote speech laying out the country’s deterrence posture since his election in 2017, speaks to his concerns, voiced multiple times, about geopolitical and defense-technology shifts that threaten the security of France and its allies.

Those voicing doubts about Washington’s reliability include Rasmus Jarlov, chair of the Danish parliament’s Defense Committee.

“If things got really serious, I very much doubt that Trump would risk American cities to protect European cities,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We don’t know but it seems very risky to rely on the American protection.”

He and others are turning to France for reassurance. In the longer term, Jarlov argues that other European nations also need to arm themselves with nuclear weapons — an almost unfathomable prospect when U.S. protection seemed absolute in European minds.

“The Nordic countries have the capacity. We have uranium, we have nuclear scientists. We can develop nuclear weapons,” he said. “Realistically, it will take a lot of time. So in the short term, we are looking to France.”

Adjusting to geopolitical risks

The world has changed dramatically since Macron’s first policy-making nuclear speech in 2020, with new uncertainties shoving old certainties aside.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fifth year, brought war to the EU’s door and repeated threats of possible nuclear use from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

China is expanding its nuclear arsenal. So, too, is North Korea’s nuclear-armed military. In October, Trump spoke about U.S. intentions to resume nuclear tests for the first time since 1992, although U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright later said that such tests would not include nuclear explosions.

Russia revised its deterrence policy in 2024, lowering its bar for possible retaliation with nuclear weapons. The United Kingdom has announced plans to buy nuclear-capable U.S.-made F-35A fighter jets, restoring a capacity to deliver nuclear airstrikes that it phased out in the 1990s, leaving it with just submarine-based nuclear missiles.

The chosen site for Macron’s speech on Monday — the Île Longue base for France’s four nuclear-armed submarines — will drive home that French presidents also have nuclear muscle at their disposal in an increasingly unstable world. They each can carry 16 M51 intercontinental ballistic missiles armed with multiple warheads.

“There are high expectations from the allies and partners, and maybe also the adversaries, about how the French nuclear doctrine could evolve,” said Héloïse Fayet, a nuclear deterrence specialist at the French Institute of International Relations, a Paris think tank.

Speaking in an AP interview, Fayet said she’s hoping for “real changes.”

“Maybe something about a greater and a clearer French commitment to the protection of allies, thanks to the French nuclear weapons,” she said.

France’s nuclear force

Macron said in 2020 that France has fewer than 300 warheads — a number that has remained stable since former President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a modest reduction to that level in 2008.

Macron said the force is sufficient to inflict “absolutely unacceptable damage” on the “political, economic, military nerve centers” of any country that threatens the “vital interests” of France, “whatever they may be.”

Nuclear specialists will be watching for any hint from Macron that he no longer considers the French stockpile to be sufficient and that it might need to grow.

The language of deterrence is generally shrouded by deliberate ambiguity, to keep potential enemies guessing about the red lines that could trigger a nuclear response. Officials from Macron’s office, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the nuclear policy changes that Macron might make, were extremely guarded in their wording, not least because deterrence is a strictly presidential prerogative.

“There will no doubt be some shifts, fairly substantial developments,” one of the officials said.

Protecting Europe

Again with careful wording, Macron in 2020 said the “vital interests” that France could defend with nuclear force don’t end at its borders but also have “a European dimension.”

Some European nations have taken up an offer Macron made then to discuss France’s nuclear deterrence and even associate European partners in French nuclear exercises.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he’s had “initial talks” with Macron about nuclear deterrence and has publicly theorized about German Air Force planes possibly being used to carry French nuclear bombs.

European nations engaging with France are seeking “a second life insurance” against any possibility of U.S. nuclear protection being withdrawn, says Etienne Marcuz, a French nuclear defense specialist at the Paris-based Foundation for Strategic Research think tank.

“The United States are unpredictable — have become unpredictable — because of the Trump 2 administration,” he said. “That has legitimately raised the question of whether the United States would truly be prepared to protect Europe, and above all, whether they would be willing to deploy their nuclear forces in defense of Europe.”

___

Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin contributed.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said in 2022 it was seeking external funding to turn TunedIn! into an arts and culture centre of excellence, maximising its potential and potentially drawing visitors from further afield

Then in 2024 Government ‘levelling up’ funds were allocated for alterations including a new bar/café and box office and a redesign of its studio theatre.

Council spending decision documents recently issued for cabinet approval show the contract term of an external project management and design consultancy providing a multi-disciplinary contribution to the project has been extended with additional levelling up contingency funds being identified to cover the shortfall in costs.

This increased the value of the contract issued to the private firm by £53,337 to £302,325.

A report said: “The council is committed to delivering the scheme, but cannot complete it without approval to vary the contract so that it can continue to project completion. 

“Failure to vary the contract will result in the multi-disciplinary team no longer being able to complete the development, and the outcomes and impacts afforded by the funding being lost.”

TunedIn!, which is located next to the boating lake at Redcar, is currently closed and due to re-open in April once the refurbishment is complete. 

A spokeswoman for the council said: “The project remains on schedule, with Esh Construction currently due to complete the works, including fit-out, by the end of April.

“No delays are being reported at this stage.

“The investment at Tuned In! is focused on upgrading the auditorium and stage, alongside supporting and back-of-house spaces, to enable a year-round programme of performances from grassroots activity through to ticketed shows. 

“This includes improved studio and green room facilities, as well as enhanced café/bar provision to support both daytime use and evening performances.

“Following construction, there will be a period of commissioning and programming ahead of reopening.”

TunedIn! originally cost £5m when it opened in 2011 and was a European Regional Development Fund scheme.

It failed to keep up with income targets and has continued to be subsidised by the council, providing office space for staff and also being utilised as a testing centre during the covid-19 pandemic among other uses.

Hannah Spencer (Green) 14,980 (40.69%, +27.53%)

Matt Goodwin (Reform) 10,578 (28.73%, +14.67%)

Angeliki Stogia (Lab) 9,364 (25.44%, -25.32%)

Charlotte Cadden (C) 706 (1.92%, -5.98%)

Jackie Pearcey (LD) 653 (1.77%, -2.05%)

Sir Oink A-Lot (Loony) 159 (0.43%)

Nick Buckley (Advance UK) 154 (0.42%)

Joseph O’Meachair (Rejoin) 98 (0.27%)

Dan Clarke (Libertarian) 47 (0.13%)

Sebastian Moore (Soc Dem) 46 (0.12%)

Hugo Wils (Comm Lge) 29 (0.08%)

Green maj 4,402 (11.96%)

26.43% swing Labour to Green

Electorate 77,501; Turnout 36,814 (47.50%, +0.70%)

2024: Labour majority 13,413 (36.69%)

Turnout 36,560 (46.80%)

Doctor Amir Khan is known for sharing handy health tips on ITV; however, he recently shared the medication he’d “never” advise people use, and there’s reason behind it

Millions of people use medication every day, but there are some medicines doctors actually don’t like prescribing. For ITV‘s Doctor Amir Khan, he previously admitted there’s a certain kind he would “never” recommend people use, as he thinks it can lead to risky consequences.

The health guru shared the expert advice in a previous episode of the No Appointment Necessary Podcast, which he hosts with presenter Cherry Healey. At the time, they were talking about sleep, and how people can struggle to get a good night’s rest but, according to the GP, there’s something you should try to avoid when attempting to doze off.

It’s not the only vital guidance to be shared on the topic either. It’s also been revealed there’s a simple technique you can use that can help you get off to sleep easily too.

In a clip shared on social media, the doctor was asked when a person should turn to sleeping pills for help. He replied: “I would say never. Never, ever use sleeping tablets.

“There’ll be lots of people watching this going ‘well, I’ve got insomnia, I need sleeping tablets’. Actually, what you need is probably cognitive behavioural therapy and psychiatric input to look at why you’re not sleeping and what can be done.

“The only time I might, and this is so rare, give out sleeping tablets is if there has been an acute situation, like you’ve had a death in the family or you’ve been through a very traumatic incident, and you can’t sleep.

“I will never give them out for more than a week because they’re so addictive, you can build up a tolerance to them and the quality of sleep you have on sleeping tablets, you don’t get into that deep REM sleep that you need to feel fully refreshed. “

It turns out, sometimes, sleeping tablets can actually lead to doing more harm than good. This is why the doctor is so cautious about prescribing them.

What you need to know

While doctors occasionally prescribe sleeping pills for people in severe need of them, they should only ever be used on a short-term basis. They can sometimes be a temporary measure to aid the problem, and are usually only issued for around a week or so, under a doctor’s supervision.

They aren’t considered a long-term solution to sleep issues. Even though they can be effective for initiating sleep, long-term use can cause dependency, tolerance and even daytime drowsiness.

If you suffer with something like insomnia, lifestyle changes and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) are preferred first-line treatments.

People are not advised to use sleeping pills without speaking to a doctor first, as the medication may not be right for you, or there may be better ways of managing symptoms. Don’t use over-the-counter options without contacting your GP first.

If you are prescribed them, there’s no need to be afraid of using them though. You just need to ensure you approach taking them with caution, and be aware of their potential risks.

While they can be effective for short-term relief of insomnia, both prescription and over-the-counter options also come with significant, well-documented risks. This is why they should never be used long-term.

If you’re concerned about your level of sleep, contact your doctor for further advice. They will guide you on the best ways to manage it.

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Ivy Lane is poignantly named in honour of owner Samantha Ness’s late grandmother.

Samantha explained: “My Nana, Ivy Lane, raised me and always believed in me.

“I started Ivy Lane Hair & Beauty to create a space where my daughter Libby and I could work side by side and grow together in late January 2025, after she qualified as a hairdresser.”

Recommended reading:

Samantha brings her wealth of experience in the hair care industry, which spans over 30 years, to Ivy Lane.

“We pride ourselves on treating every client exactly the same — whether they have been coming to me for 30 years or it is their very first visit” (Image: Supplied)

Prior to setting up the business, in Auster Road, York, the stylist ran a home salon in Clifton Moor.

She said: “Education remains a huge priority for me and my team, and I am proud to have completed many courses with the brands that we work with – Neal & Wolf and Olaplex – including Neal & Wolf’s Colour Master.

“We are lucky to have a diverse clientele and truly cater to every individual person.

“On the hair side, I offer a wide range of services from ladies, children, barbering and advanced colour work, occasional styling, with a strong focus on education and technical colour.

“I am a Neal & Wolf Colour Master, and hair extensions will also be launching very soon, offered by my daughter Libby.

“On the beauty side, we offer medical-grade aesthetics, sports massage, holistic massage, lash lifts, tints, waxing, and spray tans, pedicures and nail services.”

Samantha is a Neal & Wolf Colour Master (Image: Supplied)

Samantha’s team comprises of three other staff members, Libby Ivy Lane’s junior stylist and Ella and Anaya, the salon’s two assistants.

Four self-employed professionals – Florentyna, a medical aesthetics practitioner, Charlotte, the team’s beautician, Vicky, a holistic massage therapist and Harry, a qualified physiotherapist, also work at Ivy Lane.

Samantha said: “We have grown from a team of two to a team of eight within a year.”

She added: “We pride ourselves on treating every client exactly the same — whether they have been coming to me for 30 years or it is their very first visit.

“Our salon atmosphere is relaxed and calm.

“If clients are in for longer appointments, we often introduce them to each other, and the whole salon becomes part of one big conversation.

“We are a diverse salon where everyone is welcome and can offer quieter appointments if preferred.”

The salon celebrated its first year in business in January (Image: Supplied)

To be named a finalist, Samantha said, means everything to her and her daughter.

She explained: “To be recognised by York as such a new business is completely overwhelming.

“We are so grateful to our amazing clients who have nominated us for this award.”

You can name Ivy Lane Hair & Beauty Salon as your winner by filling out the voting slip included in each of our newspaper before Saturday (February 28).

Key information:

Opening times – Tuesday (9am till 8pm); Wednesday (9am till 6pm); Thursday (9am till 8pm); Friday (9am till 6pm); Saturday (9am till 3pm).

Website – https://ivylaneyork.uk/.

Contact number – 07399 332849.

The building has become a centre for vandalism, as it’s covered in graffiti and windows are boarded up

“Fed up” residents are demanding answers over the future of a derelict building that has been left as an “eyesore” for 19 years. Bretton Court along Flaxlands in Bretton, Peterborough, has been left in disrepair for nearly 20 years.

Once the home of The Roundhead Pub and offices, the building has since been a centre of vandalism, with boarded up windows and graffiti covering it. Nearby residents have seen the building get into a worse state over the years.

They are “fed up” with nothing being done with it, and are demanding answers from its owners. Residents John Hopkins, Alan Gasparutti, Carol Strong and Jo Parker are some of these residents.

“We are all ashamed of it – it’s been like that for a long time and nothing is being done about it,” said Carol. She added: “It looks terrible.”

John, who has lived in Bretton since he was a child, and Alan feel the state of the building will put off people moving to the area. John said: “I know people that have moved away because they feel the community feel is gone [in Bretton]. Buses go past this building and it’s the first thing you see. What do those people think of it?”

Alan said: “The building has been derelict for 19 years. It’s so big, but nothing has been done with it. We don’t want an eyesore here. If anyone goes near there, it will put them off.”

Jo has lived in Bretton since the 1970s. The former art teacher said the “heart of the community has been ripped out” since it has been left in disrepair. She added: “When I moved here, it [Bretton Court] was a place for everyone.

“The pub used to have a gallery, but they didn’t replace it with anything. It feels like Bretton has been left behind. It used to be a great community.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the building is a “disappointing sight”.

They added: “Nothing is being done about it. If it’s not better taken care of, it’s just going to get worse. The barbed wire around it looks like a prison right in front of our houses.”

Several planning applications have been submitted to Peterborough City Council for the building, including conversion of the former pub into shops and offices. These were permitted, but no work has taken place.

John, Jo, Alan and Carol would like to see Bretton Court put to better use. Carole wants the building to be turned into “something for the community” and “something to bring people in”.

She added: “We are just fed up. We want something sorted, but there are always excuses.”

John would like the building to be used for something to improve the nearby health centre, as well as something for the “future generation”.

Jo would like to see it be used for art. She said: “Coming from the world of arts, it could be an art and crafts centre, a dance studio, something to do with music and an art gallery. There is a lot of potential there.”

The building is operated by Medesham Homes, which is a joint venture created by Peterborough City Council and Cross Keys Homes in 2016. Cross Keys Homes has been seeking to dissolve its partnership with Medesham Homes.

The residents feel “fobbed off” by the council, and want some answers over the building’s future. John said: “We want conversations with them. We want to know what is going on, and maybe some input. If they have plans, let us know what is going on.”

Councillor Mohammed Jamil, cabinet member for finance and corporate governance at the council, said he is aware of residents’ concerns.

Cllr Jamil said: “We are fully aware of the issues concerning Bretton Court, including the impact this may be having on nearby residents, and are actively working with Cross Keys Homes to resolve the long-term future of the site as part of our interest in Medesham Homes Ltd.

“We are working to agree terms, and conclude discussions with Cross Keys Homes as soon as possible. Following this it is anticipated that the site will eventually be refurbished or redeveloped.”

A Cross Keys Homes spokesperson said: “We appreciate, and share, the frustration of local residents regarding the ongoing issues at Bretton Court. We have been looking to dissolve the Medesham Homes partnership for several years now since it was clear that Peterborough City Council didn’t want to keep investing in the joint venture.

“We have made several offers to them and are still waiting for the council’s response with draft heads of agreement on our most recent offer made in August 2025. Unfortunately, without a response, it is impossible for Cross Keys Homes to move forward and realise the positive benefits of the site regardless of which partner takes it over.”

Medesham Homes have been contacted for further comment.