Health officials have confirmed one case of the rare virus and are investigating five more suspected cases.

Three passengers have died aboard a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean after a suspected outbreak of hantavirus.

Health officials have confirmed one case of the rare virus, and five more suspected case are being investigated. A British traveller is one of the five reported to be in intensive care.

According to the World Health Organisation, the infections were detected on the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.

The global health agency said in a post on X: “To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.”

Here’s all we know about the virus.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents. It is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections typically occur when the virus becomes airborne from a rodent’s urine, droppings, or saliva.

It can also spread through rodent bites or scratches, though this is rare – and in exceptional circumstances, it can spread between people and cause severe respiratory illness.

Have you had hantavirus in the past? Contact reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk if you would like to spread awareness about the symptoms.

The virus can cause two severe illnesses. The first, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), often starts with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues. If respiratory symptoms develop, the mortality rate is approximately 38%, according to the CDC.

The second illness, Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal syndrome (HFRS), is more severe and primarily affects the kidneys. Later symptoms can include low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

How many cases of Hantavirus are reported globally?

According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, there are an estimated 150,000 cases of HFRS worldwide each year, primarily in Europe and Asia. More than half of the cases typically occur in China.

The latest data from the US shows that from between 1993, when surveillance of hantavirus began, until 2023, there were 890 cases in the country.

However, Seoul virus – one of the main strains of hantavirus that is carried by Norway rats (also known as the brown rat) – is found worldwide, including in the US.

How is it treated?

While there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections, the CDC recommends supportive care to treat symptoms that could include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, antiviral medications and even dialysis.

Patients with severe symptoms may need to be admitted to hospitals in intensive care units – and in severe cases, some may need to be intubated. The CDC recommends eliminating contact with rodents in homes or workplaces to reduce exposure to the virus.

The agency also recommends sealing entry points in basements or attics where rodents may enter homes. Wearing protective gear is also suggested when cleaning up rodent droppings to avoid inhaling contaminated air.

Have there been recent hantavirus cases?

Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus in February 2025.

Medical investigators believe Arakawa contracted HPS – the most common strain in the US – which led to her death. Nests and some dead rodents were found in outbuildings of her house where she was found.

Police records showed that Arakawa searched the internet for information about flu and Covid symptoms in the days before she died.

What do we know about the cruise ship cases?

Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for South Africa’s health ministry, confirmed at least two people had died onboard the vessel, which the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions operates.

The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20, according to the company’s published itinerary, due to arrive in Cape Verde on Monday, May 4. A 69-year-old British man was evacuated to Johannesburg during the trip as passengers showed signs of the virus, and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care.

South African authorities confirmed the first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board. His body has since been transferred to the island of Saint Helena.

The man’s 69-year-old wife also became ill during the journey and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a Johannesburg hospital. The ship measures 107.6m (353ft) in length and can carry up to 170 passengers across 80 cabins, according to Oceanwide Expeditions

The WHO said it is assisting with coordination between member states and the ship’s operator, including the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, a full public health risk assessment, and support for those still on board.

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The NFU-led survey found that 85 per cent of respondents in Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire opposed the return of the birds, mainly due to concerns about livestock welfare and the future of upland farming.

Abigail Teward, NFU environment adviser, said: “It is extremely concerning that 58 per cent of farmers who completed the survey were unaware of the project at all.

“This is particularly worrying given that a longstanding NFU position is that any reintroduction programme must involve early, meaningful and transparent consultation from organisations with the farming community.”

White-tailed eagles, one of Europe’s largest birds of prey, have already been reintroduced in Scotland and other parts of the UK.

However, the NFU survey revealed that a majority of farmers believe their reintroduction in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Durham would pose significant risks to sheep farming, which underpins local economies and cultural heritage.

Farmers warned that without robust evidence, properly funded mitigation measures, and clear long‑term management plans, the costs and consequences of reintroduction would fall disproportionately on them.

Abigail Teward said: “With 85 per cent of respondents opposing reintroduction, farmers are clearly telling us they are deeply concerned about what this would mean for their animals, their livelihoods and the future of upland farming in Cumbria.

“These concerns are grounded in evidence gained from feedback from farmers in Scotland where white-tailed eagles have been reintroduced and other parts of the UK and should not be dismissed.

“Any decision must fully recognise the risks farmers believe they will be asked to shoulder.”

William Maughan, NFU North regional board chair, said: “Farmers are not opposed to nature recovery, but it must work alongside productive agriculture, not undermine it.

“The survey shows serious reservations about how livestock welfare would be protected and who would bear the long‑term responsibility if problems arise.

“Farmers fear that without clear evidence, properly funded mitigation, and a credible long‑term plan, reintroduction would leave them bearing the costs and consequences.”

A further concern was the practical challenge of managing sheep across large and remote upland areas, where close monitoring is often not feasible.

The NFU said the survey findings will inform ongoing discussions with conservation organisations and policymakers.

O’Neill has juggled the roles of Rovers boss and Northern Ireland manager since arriving at Ewood Park in February

Michael O’Neill admitted he has enjoyed the buzz of club football as he declined to answer further questions on his Northern Ireland future after Blackburn’s Championship campaign ended in a home defeat to already-relegated Leicester.

O’Neill has juggled the roles of Rovers boss and Northern Ireland manager since arriving at Ewood Park in February, but while he was successful in steering Blackburn to safety, the 56-year-old has said a long-term job share is unsustainable.

Although O’Neill has not given a direct answer on where he sees his future, those Blackburn fans who want him to remain in charge have heard all the right noises from him.

This week he said the “conditions have to be right for all three parties”, referring to the Irish Football Association, Blackburn and himself, adding that conversations so far have been “very positive”.

O’Neill would not answer direct questions on his future after Saturday’s match as he said his main priority was taking a week off, but he spoke glowingly of his time at Blackburn.

“They’ve made me and my family feel extremely welcome,” O’Neill said. “My wife, my daughters love coming here to the games, so it’s been a real positive experience. It has been draining at times. I’m not going to lie.

“When you’re in that bottom situation, every manager will tell you that…you’re just trying to get your team to a position of safety and obviously it took us to the 45th game, but thankfully we managed to do that.”

This has been O’Neill’s first taste of club football since he spent just shy of three years at Stoke between November 2019 and August 2022, a spell that proved a temporary break from the job of Northern Ireland boss he has otherwise held since 2011.

“You enjoy it when it’s going well,” he said. “But yeah, I’ve enjoyed the day-to-day element of working with the staff. I don’t have staff that I work with on a daily basis in my international job. My staff just come in for the camps.

“Basically I suppose I’m a sole trader, I work on my own and go to games on my own and have conversations with the relevant people and keep in touch with the players.

“Here you’re walking into a staff that’s here every day, you’re working with the analysts, you’re working with the medical team and obviously the coaching staff and people above me in the club.

“It does have a different feel to it in terms of that and from that point of view it is enjoyable.”

Former Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis has been a key part of O’Neill’s Blackburn set-up while also part of his international staff, with the 41-year-old still in the early days of his own coaching career.

“He was an excellent support for me throughout the time because we’ve both been living in a hotel for the best part of three months so we spent a lot of time together,” O’Neill said. “I think we realise now that we probably quite like each other because we had no choice.”

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Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) is dead. The abusive monster’s demise might have a nation of Coronation Street fans cheering, but what does this mean for his victim, Todd Grimshaw?

Finally, the identity of Coronation Street’s ‘Murder Week’ victim has been revealed. After a nail-biting final showdown between victim and abuser, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensued.

An unhinged Theo chased Todd down. If he couldn’t have Todd, nobody could…

The next thing we know, the scream of Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin) rang out into the night. Theo was dead, struck down by an unseen assailant.

Now a murder investigation is about to kick off on the street, Todd’s future looks more uncertain together. Actor Gareth Pierce, who portrays Todd, shares insight into his character’s emotional headspace after learning that his abuser is dead.

”It’s a real cocktail of emotions,’ shares Gareth. ‘In a similar way to what you’ve already seen in the police station immediately after the last really bad beating. He was there to report Theo but there was still that real conflict of emotions where he’s almost defending this person, even though he’s at least woken up enough to realise he has to get out of the relationship in that moment. This is very similar.’

‘ Upon finding it’s Theo that’s died, there must be some relief, but I think there’s also a great deal of shame. It had got to that stage where there’s some self-blame for Todd, it must be a horrible feeling when you know something has suddenly got so much more serious and so beyond your ability to control the situation. He must also be really, really scared as well.’

It’s easy to understand why. After months of relentless abuse, Todd finally found the strength to leave Theo with the courage and support of his friends, only for the vile bully to beat him so badly that it put him in hospital. Then, just as Todd was about to fly off to Thailand to stay with his mum and brother, Theo broke into his flat, refusing to let Todd go.

As Theo’s death is now an active murder investigation, both DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) and Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), who initially interviewed Todd when he reported his partner for abuse, will be taking on the case.

Gareth reveals Todd’s feelings about the investigation:

‘I think there’s quite a mix of emotions there as well. There’s some determination to find out who has done it on Todd’s part, because this was still someone that he loved and had a strong connection to in spite of how dangerous and horrific the abuse had become.’

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‘But I think Todd is very intelligent and he also knows that he is a likely suspect.
So I think there’s also that situation where as soon as you know that you are having to convince someone that you had nothing to do with it, then you start acting in a way that could very much read as suspicious’

Does this mean Todd killed Theo? After months of terrifying bouts of violence, emotional manipulation and gaslighting behind closed doors, it’s safe to say that Todd has more motive than anyone to want Theo dead.

But this is Todd Grimshaw we’re talking about. Is he truly capable of murder? Gareth isn’t ruling anything out.

‘I think definitely our audience will have those suspicions and actually we see that Todd certainly has plenty of motive, some might even go as far as to say justification after having to remain stoic in the face of such sustained provocation. It’s interesting to think is anyone capable of murder in extreme circumstances.’

‘I think we all hope to think of it as far more black and white or good and evil, but I think it’s probably often much more grey in real life. Certainly in a show like ours you get a sense that, maybe Theo really did push him that far.’

But Todd is not the only suspect. His friend, boss and mentor, George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley), was the first of Todd’s loved ones to become aware of his partner’s disgusting abuse. And he’s an undertaker. He’s got the motive and the know-how..

The of course there’s Todd’s other friends, Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins), Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) and Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien). Most notably, Todd’s adoptive daughter Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) is a serious contender for suspicion, since Theo left her adoptive father Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) to die in a blazing carcrash.

Then there’s Gary Windass (Mikey North), Theo’s former best friend. Outraged to discover he’d employed an abuser, Gary not only fired Theo, but threatened his life and smashed his van with a mallet. Not an encouraging sign, given that Gary’s already killed two people in his time.

Let’s not forget Carl Webster, who knows that Theo left Billy to die and was trying to trick him into a confession in order to extort Summer out of her late adoptive dad’s life insurance money.

We know that Todd’s nearest and dearest would go to the ends of the earth to free him from Theo’s clutches, but would any of them go full vigilante. Gareth Pierce thinks it’s a distinct possibility.

‘Just as the audience will say that Todd has plenty of motive, they’ll also know that lots of other people have motive as well, especially due to the way that Theo has actively isolated Todd from his closest friends and family. We’ve seen them start to join the dots and reconnect with Todd and try to extricate him from the relationship over these past few weeks’.

‘So I think that those are the people that the audience will have been willing to swoop in as saviours, and they will definitely have the spotlight on them. The audience will be wondering if, rather than just save Todd from the situation, they’ve actually gone as far as taking the law into their own hands.’

As suspect number one, the police will be watching Todd like a hawk. And not just the police. We all know how Corrie residents love a good gossip. Todd won’t be able to buy a paper from the Kabin without being scrutinised for any sign of guilt. Gareth explains.

‘I think he definitely has all of those emotions; grief, hurt, anger, even relief. He also knows that he very much has a lens on him and his reaction for many reasons. His friends will be watching him thinking, this man was abusing you, he was being awful to you, how can you even grieve for him?’

What about the future? Will we ever see the old Todd again, the sharp-witted devil-may-care trickster who delighted in taking the mick out of his fellow Street residents? Gareth Pierce hopes so, but points out the reality of overcoming such psychological trauma.

‘I think, even when speaking to people just day to day when I’m out, one of the more painful aspects of the story has been witnessing Todd’s spark really leaving him. It’s been very effective and painful, but I think that’s definitely something that the audience have said to me that they really do want to see, his playful side returning. So we’ll be hoping that we get Todd back to that place eventually.’

‘But I think, consistent with coming out of a relationship like this, it will take some time. I think that when Todd is feeling rubbish about himself, that’s when quite often he masks his vulnerability with a spikiness, a sarcasm  and maybe a lack of patience for the people around him. Maybe we will see some of that returning in the immediate aftermath just as a method of self-protection.’

While Todd escaped his abusive relationship, many people aren’t so lucky. Gareth Pierce emphasised the importance of this issue story, and how proud he was to do it justice.

‘I think that I’m the type of person who would have put a fair bit of pressure on myself when first asked to carry a storyline like this to do it justice and to do survivors justice and ensure that they feel seen in what goes out on screen.’

‘But now there is that sense that we’ve depicted it truthfully, and to hear how invested and on the journey our audience have been with us, then yeah absolutely I’m proud. 
I’m hugely proud of the work that every single member of this team has done and it really is credit to everybody’s dedication.’

MORE: Coronation Street boss confirms explosive exit for TV icon with major twists

MORE: Coronation Street boss reveals when we discover Theo’s killer and twists for Todd

MORE: Coronation Street spoiler videos reveal murder aftermath as finger is pointed

Three people have died and five others have fallen ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

Two of the dead are a Dutch couple. The man, 70, suddenly developed fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea and died on arrival at the island of St Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.

The woman, 69, was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital. A third fatality was still on board, according to a source cited by AFP.

A British national aged 69 is in intensive care in Johannesburg and has tested positive for the virus, local officials said.

The outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship run by Oceanwide Expeditions carrying around 150 tourists from various countries. The vessel departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was due to arrive in Cape Verde on 4 May.

Hantavirus is usually passed to humans from rodents via their urine or faeces and can cause severe respiratory illness.

Who are Oceanwide Expeditions?

The Dutch cruise firm emerged from scientific voyages to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard by the Netherlands-based Plancius Foundation.

Oceanwide Expeditions started commercial operations in 1993. It is based in the Dutch port of Vlissingen (Flushing) and specialises in expedition voyages to the polar regions, with the slogan: “Explore the best of Antarctica and the Arctic.”

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The fleet comprises three ice-strengthened ships: Hondius, Ortelius, and Plancius.

The company says: “Our expeditions attract independent travellers from around the globe who are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions.”

Passengers are typically aged between their 30s to their 80s. Most are between 45 and 65.

Oceanwide Expeditions sets out the procedure when passengers become unwell – which is largely concerned with Covid infections.

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It says: “In event of passengers becoming unwell onboard we will follow a set protocol to keep that person and other guests, crew and staff safe and minimise potential spread of infections.

“Infected passengers (Covid or non) are recommended to stay in their cabins, have meals in their cabins and minimise contact with other passengers and crew. There is no requirement to go into isolation unless strictly indicated by a doctor or medical advisor.”

Simon Calder4 May 2026 07:32

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Cruise operator says Cape Verde has not authorised disembarkation

The operator of the MV Hondius has said Cape Verdean authorities have not yet authorised the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical care, as the ship remains off the coast of Cape Verde with three passengers dead and two crew members requiring urgent medical attention on board.

In a statement, Oceanwide Expeditions said local health authorities had visited the vessel to assess the two symptomatic individuals on board but were yet to make a decision on transferring them to medical care in Cape Verde. One passenger remains in intensive care in Johannesburg.

Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort to repatriate the two symptomatic passengers from Cape Verde to the Netherlands, the company said, along with the body of one of the deceased and a closely associated guest who is not symptomatic. The repatriation depends on authorisation from Cape Verdean health authorities.

“The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care,” the company said. It added it was working closely with the WHO, Dutch health authority RIVM, relevant embassies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 07:30

The polar expedition ship at the centre of the Atlantic hantavirus outbreak

The MV Hondius is a Dutch-flagged polar expedition vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, designed for some of the world’s most remote waters. The company describes it as the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel, built to navigate ice-strengthened seas around Antarctica and the Arctic.

The 107.6-metre ship typically takes passengers on expedition cruises lasting between 10 and 19 days, with prices starting from around $7,800 per person. Its passengers tend to be adventurous travellers aged between 45 and 65, though the company says guests range from their 30s to their 80s.

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On this voyage, the Hondius had departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina — a common gateway to Antarctica — on 20 March, heading north toward Cape Verde off the west coast of Africa. It is now docked in Praia, the Cape Verdean capital, with around 150 tourists from various countries on board, according to South African health authorities.

The Foreign Office said it was closely monitoring the situation and stood ready to support British nationals if needed.

Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 07:00

Foreign Office in touch with cruise company on potential virus outbreak

The Foreign Office said it is monitoring reports of hantavirus outbreak aboard the MS Hondius cruise ship.

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Here is the ministry statement in full:

“We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed. We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.”

Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 06:30

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What are the symptoms of hantavirus?

Symptoms of hantavirus vary depending on which syndrome it causes, but both can be severe.

HPS, which affects the lungs, typically begins one to eight weeks after exposure. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches — particularly in the thighs, hips, back and shoulders. These can progress rapidly to breathing difficulties as the lungs fill with fluid.

HFRS, which affects the kidneys, usually develops within one to two weeks of exposure, though in rare cases it can take up to eight weeks. Initial symptoms come on suddenly and include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea and blurred vision.

The WHO has said the virus requires “careful patient monitoring, support and response.”

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Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 06:00

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare infection passed to humans from rodents — typically through contact with their urine, droppings or saliva, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can also spread through a bite or scratch from an infected rodent, though this is uncommon. While rare, the WHO has said it can also spread between people.

The virus causes two distinct syndromes. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, or HPS, is a severe disease affecting the lungs. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, or HFRS, affects the kidneys. Both can be fatal. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can improve the chances of survival.

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Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 05:40

WHO confirms one hantavirus case and five suspected on cruise ship as death toll hits three

The World Health Organisation has confirmed one laboratory case of hantavirus and five suspected cases aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic, with three people dead and one in intensive care in South Africa.

“Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” the WHO said in a statement, adding that medical care was being provided to passengers and crew and that virus sequencing was ongoing.

The WHO said it was facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as a full public health risk assessment. “Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces. While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness,” it said.

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Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 05:33

Full story: What we know about hantavirus virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 05:21

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Three dead and five ill in hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

Three people have died, and five others have fallen ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

Two of the dead are a Dutch couple. The man, 70, suddenly developed fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea and died on arrival at the island of St Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.

The woman, 69, was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital. A third fatality was still on board, according to a source cited by AFP.

A British national aged 69 is in intensive care in Johannesburg and has tested positive for the virus, local officials said.

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The outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship run by Oceanwide Expeditions carrying around 150 tourists from various countries. The vessel departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was due to arrive in Cape Verde on 4 May.

Stuti Mishra4 May 2026 04:37

NATIONAL Icon Banksy is in the news again.

Now here’s a thought which certain of your Press letter writers will be able to answer. ‘Does Banksy have to have planning permission?’

Derek Reed,

Middlethorpe Drive,

York

—

Stick to the rules

ONCE again the planning regime in York shows how its decisions are inconsistent, illogical and unfair.

Outside the city walls in Fishergate, harmless window graphics in a student block are refused by council officers on the grounds they have a negative impact on the building and surrounding streetscape.

Meanwhile, inside the city walls in Piccadilly, entirely inappropriate alien shipping containers are approved by the very same planning authority with no mention of “a significant adverse visual amenity of the location, by virtue of their scale, position and number” or that they “appear as a large and dominant feature in the streetscene, appearing obtrusive in its surroundings”.

The excuse of “temporary” in Piccadilly no longer stands up after three extensions of time in contravention of The 1990 Planning Act making it clear this is not justified.

The latest five year extension brings this supposedly “meanwhile” use to at least 14 years – a greater longevity than might be expected from window graphics!

Matthew Laverack,

Lord Mayors Walk,

York

—

Lead by business?

CUTTING the cost of welfare and illegal immigrants is a priority of the Reform party.

Opponents say this is not fully costed. Leaders of this party are mainly businessmen who have succeeded and made money from running their own companies.

This is in complete contrast to almost all other parties who are either legal know it alls or career politicians who have no idea what running their own business for a profit entails.

So who would you trust with Britain’s finances?

A party who can make ends meet or ones that borrow and spend and bankrupt the country?

I know which I prefer.

Barrie Crowther,

Walton,

Wakefield

What do you think?

Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk

Write a comment

Join the debate and leave a comment in our comments section below this article – we may use your comments for a follow up article.

The proposal, submitted by developers MacMarshalls, seeks permission in principle for up to four houses on land behind Silver Birch Close, near High Rid Farm.

Planning documents argue the site should be classed as “grey belt” land, meaning it does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes, and it is described as a small infill plot between existing development that would “not fundamentally undermine” the wider Green Belt.

The ‘beautiful’ tree helps provide a habitat for animals (Image: NQ)

But people living nearby say the field is anything but expendable.

Charlotte Woodcock, who lives on Silver Birch Close, said the land is centred around a “veteran” oak tree believed to be hundreds of years old.

She said: “It’s irreplaceable.

“It’s a veteran tree which is minimum three hundred years old and it’s beautiful.

A veteran tree is one that is of exceptional age, size or ecological value, often supporting a wide range of wildlife.

She added: “The unique selling point of my house is that it has a view on to this beautiful tree and land that I was told can’t be built on because it is Green Belt land.

“That will be ruined.”

“I will tie myself to the tree if I have to.”

The application, lodged with Bolton Council on April 23, comes as the authority cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing supply, something the applicant says creates a “demonstrable unmet need” for new homes.

However, residents fear approving the scheme could open the door to further development.

Louise Williams, who also live son Silver Birch Close, said: “For me it’s all around this grey belt, because if this gets approved. It will set a precedent and then where is the line drawn?”

The Green Belt land is adjacent to more which worries residents (Image: NQ)

Wildlife is another key concern, with residents reporting deer and protected bats using the land.

Mature trees and hedgerows are known to act as important habitats and corridors for species, say residents.

Ms Williams said: “These are protected species, which I’m sure love this land and the tree. It’s such a shame for the wildlife.”

The planning statement maintains the site is suitable for development, stating it lies within Flood Zone 1 and suggesting any surface water risk could be addressed through design.

But resident Paul Roberts said existing problems are already evident.

He said: “Flooding can happen quite often especially in winter, the drain that runs along the bottom of all our gardens is full to the brim of water.

“The tree roots help prevent flooding by soaking up the water, if this goes it could risk more flooding.”

The drains run along the bottom of the land to prevent flooding into neighbouring propeorties (Image: NQ)

Andy Dakin, who works in property insurance claims, warned building on the field could make matters worse.

“I work in property insurance claims and see everyday issues the last thing we want to see is the urbanising of this farmland which would significantly increase impermeable surfaces, intensify run-off and materially exacerbate flood risk.”

Access to the site is also being questioned.

High Rid Lane where the proposed access route will be, is described by residents as a narrow, single-track road in parts, with space for only one vehicle at a time

While the application suggests traffic from four homes would be limited, council highways engineers acknowledge the road is “sub-standard in width and forward visibility”, albeit with no objection in principle if improvements are made.

Silver Birch Close residents are ‘not happy’ (Image: NQ)

Residents say that does not reflect reality on the ground.

“I walk a pram down this lane every day and can see first-hand the issues cars face trying to get down a one-track road,” Ms Woodcock said.

“Allowing an access road just wouldn’t be viable.”

There is also frustration over how the plans came to light, with some residents saying they only became aware through Facebook despite claims of consultation.

Planning documents state neighbours were consulted on April 27, but residents say no letters, notices or posters were received or displayed in the area, with many only becoming aware through social media.

Ms Woodcock said “I only found out because of a community group n Facebook.

“If I didn’t go on this page, I would have never of known, and for those older generations that don’t use social media, they won’t have a clue.”

The applicant concludes the scheme represents sustainable development in a location close to shops and transport links.

For residents, however, the issue is more fundamental.

“It’s a whole ecosystem that should just be left,” Ms Woodcock said.

A decision has yet to be made by Bolton Council

MacMarshalls has been contacted for comment.

People gathered at the Sands statue to mark 45 years since the republican’s death amid a row over it being erected without planning permission

A Bobby Sands statue that was erected without planning permission “is going nowhere”, a Sinn Fein MLA has said.

The statue of the IRA hunger striker, who was 27 and an MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone when he died in 1981, was unveiled last year at the Republican Memorial Garden in Twinbrook, west Belfast.

It then emerged that it had been erected without planning permission, although Belfast City Council had not previously taken any action.

A DUP motion before the council on Thursday calling for the matter to be “reconsidered” was passed, with support from other unionists and the Alliance Party.

A Sinn Fein amendment seeking a review of the “current enforcement status of all such structures” across the council area was unsuccessful.

SDLP councillors abstained from the vote, after which west Belfast councillor Paul Doherty resigned from the party, stating that the statue of the IRA hunger striker “holds real significance”.

On Sunday, people gathered at the Sands statue to mark 45 years since the republican’s death.

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Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker said the hunger strikers, 10 of whom died during the 1981 Maze Prison hunger strike, had inspired “many generations and many generations here to come”.

He told the crowd: “The spirit of the prisoners (and) our communities can never be broken.

“Our opponents were shook to their core last year and will continue to be because we are on a path, a path to Irish unity, based on equality and rights.

“There’s one very simple message I was asked to give today: the statue is going nowhere, not now and not ever.”

Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan told the crowd the emergence of the IRA was “a direct response to the violent and repressive nature of the orange state, layered upon 800 years of British colonial occupation”.

“I say to unionists, save your lectures and your moralising for others,” he said.

“We will commemorate our patriot dead in our own way.”

He compared unionists voting for a reassessment of the Sands statue to efforts by British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s to “criminalise” Sands.

“Forty-five years later, today in 2026, those in unionism will also fail,” he said.

“This statue of Bobby Sands has pride of place and will have pride of place here in Twinbrook, in Bobby’s home community for generations to come.

“When all of us here today are dead and gone, and largely forgotten about, Bobby Sands will still be remembered. He and his comrades will remain a beacon of light for freedom-loving people everywhere.”

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On tackling crime in London, she backed more stop-and-search, more live facial recognition in crime hot spots, “immediate justice” with on-the-spot fines for graffiti and anti-social behaviour to “take back our streets,” and 10,000 more police officers nationwide, including many in London.

A vet has shared a 9-point new puppy checklist for dog owners to follow when bringing a puppy home for the first time, covering everything from vaccinations and vet registration to socialisation and training

A veterinary expert has identified nine essential steps that every pet owner should take straight away after welcoming their new puppy home.

Bringing a puppy into your household is both thrilling and often daunting, and according to Jen Wormleighton, Head of Veterinary Services at Animal Friends, the first few months of a puppy’s life constitute a vital period for shaping behaviour, establishing routines and ensuring lifelong wellbeing, , reports the Express.

What every new puppy owner should know…

According to Jen, concentrating on several key fundamentals can help owners in avoiding typical early pitfalls.

1. Know Your Puppy’s Stage Before They Arrive

By eight weeks old, the majority of puppies are weaned, inquisitive, and prepared to learn. It’s beneficial to confirm your puppy’s exact age with the breeder or rescue organisation so you’re aware of their needs upon arrival. This also allows you to arrange matters such as training, feeding schedules, and early routines with assurance.

2. Book Their Vaccinations, Flea and Worming Treatments Straight Away

If your puppy hasn’t had their first vaccinations, arrange them the instant they arrive at your home. Maintain their boosters every 2-4 weeks and keep on top of flea and worming treatments as well. These initial precautions help protect them as they develop and discover their new surroundings.

3. Register with a Vet Before your puppy arrives home

Register them with a vet so you’re fully prepared for routine care, advice and any emergencies. Make sure they are microchipped and update your contact details with the appropriate database, such as Pet Database, to ensure records remain up to date. If you’re adopting, your puppy should have already undergone a health check and received vaccinations, though it’s still worth familiarising yourself with the ongoing responsibilities so you feel ready for the road ahead.

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4. Start Socialisation from Day One

Puppies between eight and twelve weeks old are remarkably receptive to new experiences. This is the ideal opportunity to gently introduce them to new people, sounds, objects and everyday handling. If they haven’t yet completed their vaccinations, carry them outside so they can safely take in the world around them. These small but significant early encounters help nurture a confident, well-adjusted dog.

5. Establish a Simple Toilet Routine

First thing in the morning, after naps, meals and playtime, and approximately every hour in between, take your puppy to their designated toilet spot. Choose the same location each time, such as a patch of grass, and reward them when they get it right. Frequent, consistent trips yield excellent results.

6. Begin Gentle Training on Day One

Basic commands can be introduced as soon as your puppy settles in. Brief sessions using treats and praise will help them learn to sit, come when called and take treats calmly. Keep things enjoyable, relaxed and always end on a positive note.

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7. Offer Chews to Redirect Nipping

Teething occurs early in a puppy’s development, and those tiny teeth can be surprisingly sharp. Keep multiple safe chew toys within easy reach and offer them whenever your pup starts nibbling hands or clothes. This teaches them what’s acceptable to chew while providing relief for sore gums.

8. Restrict Walks Until Full Vaccination

After your puppy has completed their vaccination course, begin with short, gentle walks. Prior to this, limit outdoor exposure to carrying them outside for fresh air and new experiences without risking infection.

9. Create a Daily Routine From the Start

Mealtimes, toilet breaks, rest periods, play sessions and training work most effectively when they occur at approximately the same time each day. A consistent routine helps your puppy feel settled and makes the learning process easier for you both.