New plans have been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council for 20 new one and two-bedroom flats on the site of the former Empire Theatre in Loftus.

Located at the corner of Deepdale Road and Cowscote Crescent, the long-derelict building would be demolished to make way for the new homes, which would include parking.

The scheme includes a single three-storey apartment building, designed to take advantage of the sloping site by partially setting the lower ground floor into the ground.

This approach ensures that the development does not appear overly dominant within the street scene.

The site has a long history dating back to 1911 when it first opened as the Empire Palace of Varieties, hosting variety shows and early cinema screenings.

Rebuilt and expanded in 1937, it became known as the Empire Theatre and later operated as the Regent Bingo Club.

In 1977, it briefly returned to life as a cinema before closing in 1983.

The building has since been used for storage, but has remained derelict for many years.

A statement from Origin Planning Services, on behalf of applicant Peter Hall, said: “The proposed layout has been carefully developed in response to the site’s prominent corner position and sloping topography.

“Adequate separation distances are achieved between the proposed development and adjacent properties, ensuring that privacy, outlook and residential amenity are preserved.”

Vehicle access would be from Deepdale Road, with 21 parking spaces provided.

The plans describe a “contemporary architectural approach” that aims to create a “high-quality and cohesive appearance” through the use of varied materials and façade detailing.

The flats would be located a short distance from Loftus Leisure Centre and other neighbourhood amenities.

Outline planning permission for residential development on the site was granted in 2023.

The reserved matters application now seeks approval for detailed design, layout, and access arrangements, bringing the long-anticipated redevelopment of the site a step closer.

The northern lights may be visible across the UK, including Manchester, later this week after a powerful solar flare erupted

A powerful solar flare could potentially trigger northern lights displays later this week.

This follows a coronal mass ejection (CME) on May 10 — a vast expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona. These events can eject billions of tons of coronal material and carry an intense magnetic field.

The eruption broke out at 1.13pm on Sunday and is now rotating into Earth’s “strike zone” on the Sun’s northeastern edge. Any significant solar flares or CMEs will have a greater likelihood of being directed towards Earth as this region comes into view over the coming days, reports the Express.

The Met Office says part of the expanding plume of solar material could brush past Earth around May 13 – in just two days’ time. This could set off minor geomagnetic storm conditions, boosting the northern lights across the UK and northern US.

The northern lights are visible in the UK on multiple occasions throughout the year, particularly during periods of heightened solar activity, with 2026 being a peak year.

While best observed in Scotland and high-latitude areas every few months, powerful solar storms can occasionally make them visible across the whole of the UK, including the south, between September and March.

They were last spotted in the UK during intense displays on 23-24 March 2026, with notable sightings reported further south across the country earlier in the year.

The breathtaking displays are produced by solar activity, whereby charged particles from the Sun’s atmosphere travel through space as solar wind and collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These impacts energise oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which then emit energy in the form of vivid, luminous colours.

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She has been struck off The Nursing and Midwifery Council register

A nurse who was found to have administered medication “incorrectly” to a patient has been ordered to be struck off the nursing register. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said Natalie Smith’s fitness to practise as a nurse was impaired by reason of “lack of competence”.

An NMC panel upheld several charges against the nurse who worked at North West Anglia NHS Trust at a hearing on May 1. The panel heard that in December 2018, Miss Smith administered inhaler medication “incorrectly” in that she “did not count at least 8 seconds per puff.” On February 8, 2019, it was determined that Ms Smith did not administer medication as prescribed to a patient.

The panel also found Ms Smith inserted a nasal bridle and cannulated a patient without the required training to safely do so in two separate incidents.

It was also determined that Ms Smith “failed to demonstrate the standards of knowledge, skill and judgment in patient care required to practise without supervision as a registered nurse” by not completing vital signs for a patient when it “would have been clinically appropriate to do so” on January 4, 2019.

She also failed to sign a drug chart for a patient, didn’t sign a patient’s prescription chart to confirm IV medication had been administered and signed to indicate she had administered ibuprofen to a patient when she had not done so between December 2018 and November 2019.

The report said: “The panel considered that Miss Smith’s actions in relation to the charges found proved, namely not monitoring a patient post-procedure who had been sedated, not replacing tracheostomy tube packs, and poor record keeping related to medications administration, put patients at real risk of harm. The panel therefore decided that a finding of continuing impairment is necessary on the ground of public protection.”

The report added: “The panel also considered that Miss Smith has not practised for a considerable period of time, which is likely to have had a detrimental impact on her clinical skills.

“There is no evidence before the panel of any efforts to maintain or develop her competence during this period. The continued lack of engagement and absence of material demonstrating insight or remediation indicate that no progress has been made towards safe practice.”

The striking off order is due to come into effect upon the expiry of the current suspension order, at the end of June 28, 2026.

A spokesperson for North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust said Ms Smith had been suspended from work pending the decision from the NMC Fitness to Practice Committee.

The Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi is the latest politician to call for the Prime Minister to step aside

Another Welsh Labour MP has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign, saying now is the time for him to “step aside in an orderly manner”. On Monday evening the Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, said it was time for Mr Starmer to stand down.

It also emerged that around 80 MPs have signed a letter calling for Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure. The Press Association is reporting Most of these have publicly called for the Prime Minister to stand down, it is understood.

A fourth Government aide has also resigned, joining the dozens of Labour MPs calling for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down following the local elections.

The Labour party was humbled in elections last week which saw them lose more than 1,460 council seats across England and finish a distant second to the SNP in a vote to decide the next Scottish Parliament. In Wales Labour suffered a result which would previously have been considered unthinkable: finishing third, comfortably behind Plaid Cymru and Reform.

The party now has only nine seats out of 96 in the Senedd, with even First Minister Eluned Morgan failing to get re-elected. She has since stepped down as Labour’s leader in Wales and will be replaced as First Minister by Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

Nationally this has been seen as the electorate making their views on Keir Starmer’s premiership perfectly clear.

Posting on social media, Ms Antoniazz, said: “Sir Keir Starmer is a man of great integrity who has led the Labour Party through difficult times.

“There will be those that disagree with me but I think it is genuinely time for him to step aside as PM in an orderly manner. I will make a further statement tomorrow.”

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This came after fellow Labour MP Ruth Jones – who represents Newport West and Islwyn – told the BBC on Monday morning: “I think we need him to set out the timetable for when he is going to stand down – not yet, not in a rush, not in a hasty way.

“He’s done a brilliant job, he’s been there six years, he’s got us in, after one term in the wilderness, he’s got us a massive majority.

“He’s brilliant on the international stage but he’s not cutting through on the doorstep as a leader with charisma.”

Blue Labour, an internal pressure group, has called for the Prime Minister to set out a timetable for his departure.

The group said in a statement on X: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure.

“Nothing has convinced us that he is able to rise to the challenge confronting this country.

“As the process unfolds, no candidate should be blocked from standing; the job is too important for factional warfare and NEC machinations.

“Labour must now navigate a very difficult transition to a new prime minister. It must avoid the danger of retreating back into its comfort zone in which it can pretend there are no hard choices and trade-offs in rebuilding the country.

“There is a hard road ahead. The people of our islands are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The next leader must have a clear programme of government and story to tell the British people about how we will get there.”

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LONDON (AP) — The Beatles are headed back to one of the band’s most famous sites with a new fan experience in London.

Apple Corps Ltd, the company founded by the Fab Four, announced Monday that it will open a new seven-floor fan experience at the company’s early headquarters. The building is the place where the band’s “Let It Be” album was recorded and its rooftop was the site of the Beatles’ last public performance on Jan. 30, 1969.

The attraction in central London will allow fans access to the rooftop, studios and extensive Beatles archives.

“It was such a trip to get back to 3 Savile Row recently and have a look around. There are so many special memories within the walls, not to mention the rooftop. The team have put together some really impressive plans and I’m excited for people to see it when it’s ready,” Paul McCartney said in a statement announcing the attraction.

“Wow, it’s like coming home,” Ringo Starr said in a statement.

An opening date for the attraction has not yet been announced.

Interest in the Beatles remains high, with four biopics in production. Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back,” relied heavily on footage filmed during the “Let It Be” recording sessions and of the farewell rooftop performance.

In 2023, artificial intelligence helped create the final Beatles recording, the song “Now and Then,” which relied on recordings by the original Beatles.

The new location will create 30 jobs

Papa Johns has announced the opening of its second store in Northern Ireland, as part of its wider expansion plan to launch 20 new locations across the region.

The new store will officially open on 21st May on Upper Newtownards Road bringing Papa Johns pizza to even more customers in the area. The opening follows the successful launch of the brand’s first Northern Ireland location in Ballymena in December 2025.

To celebrate the launch, the new East Belfast store will offer customers any large pizza for just £10, available for both collection and delivery for a limited time.

Papa Johns currently operates more than 450 sites across the UK and continues to invest in new store openings, digital innovation, and menu development, such as the recent launch of its Sourdough range. The expansion across Northern Ireland reflects the brand’s ongoing strategy to bring high-quality, handcrafted pizzas to more communities while creating long-term business and employment opportunities.

The Northern Ireland rollout is being led by experienced franchisee Rana Abhol of the Rana Group, who brings over 25 years of experience in the pizza industry. Having joined Papa Johns in 2017, Rana has built a strong track record within the business and currently operates more than 25 locations across the UK.

“We are excited to continue our expansion in Northern Ireland with the opening of our Belfast store,” said Chris Phylactou, Managing Director U.K. & Europe at Papa Johns.

Adding: “Following the success of our first location in Ballymena, this marks another important step in our long-term growth strategy for the region. We’re proud to bring our Better Ingredients, Better Pizza promise to more customers, while also creating valuable job opportunities and supporting local communities.”

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

Savings Credit is the secondary part of Pension Credit, alongside Guarantee Credit

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The Department for Work and Pensions is boosting the incomes of older state pensioners by £17.96 per week through Pension Credit. Savings Credit forms the secondary element of Pension Credit, alongside Guarantee Credit.

Pension Credit raises your weekly income to £238 if you’re single, or to £363.25 jointly if you have a partner. Additional amounts may be available depending on your individual circumstances and outgoings.

These top-ups and additional sums are referred to as ‘Guarantee Credit’. You could qualify for the ‘Savings Credit’ element of Pension Credit if both of the following conditions apply: you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and you set aside money for retirement, such as through a personal or workplace pension.

You’ll receive up to £17.96 Savings Credit per week if you’re single. If you have a partner, you’ll receive up to £20.10 per week. At the higher end, for couples, this amounts to £1,045.

You may still be entitled to some Savings Credit even if you do not qualify for the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, reports Birmingham Live.

The DWP states: “You might be able to use the Pension Credit calculator to get an estimate of how much you could get. Contact the Pension Service helpline if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for extra amounts.”

The Pension Service helpline number is 0800 99 1234 or, via Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone), it is 18001 then 0800 99 1234.

You can also use the British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet via the DWP website.

The helpline operates Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, excluding public holidays. The DWP states: “All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into an account, for example a bank account.”

Writing for Belfast Live, Sinn Féin Chairman and South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney, sets out how the Good Jobs Bill will benefit workers

The ‘Good Jobs Bill’ has now been submitted to the Executive. Hopefully, it will soon be allowed to proceed into the Assembly and Committee for legislative scrutiny to begin.

This is good news. The Bill represents the most progressive piece of employment law ever introduced in the north. Its provisions exceed the existing legislative arrangements in the 26 counties.

Employer and business organisations recently published concerns suggesting there would be insufficient time to scrutinise and amend the bill. That is not the case.

Of course, some organisations and economic interests will express disagreements.

Other political parties may well try to block the progress of the legislation and run the clock down for purely cynical and partisan ideological reasons.

The fact is, this Bill has been drafted to benefit every working family in the north.

In February 2026, the Law Centre NI and Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported that up to 60 per cent of people in the north who are living in poverty are in working families.

Across various sectors of our economy, including retail, hospitality, health and social care, workers are not making enough money to sustain decent living standards for their families.

Low-pay jobs and insecure employment have become a lived reality.

This damning statistic underscores the need to overhaul employment practices through a legislative measure which gets the balance right between employers’ profitability and the right of workers to a fair wage and decent living standards. Now we have an opportunity to get that balance right.

The primary objective of the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights legislation is to address low pay and insecure employment through decent jobs, improved trade union access to workplaces, and collective bargaining.

Passage of this progressive legislation is also about encouraging the development of an economy that is both productive and rewarding for all.

Scare-mongering about unions and collective bargaining rights for workers is misplaced.

Workplace relations between employers and employees do not have to be contentious. Social dialogue provides the mechanism with which to meet the challenges facing the regional and national economies.

The Cambridge Centre for Business Research finds that strengthened workers’ rights and higher union density increase the productivity and profitability of a company while at the same time delivering well-paid jobs.

The Nordic experience shows that strong unions and enhanced collective bargaining rights contribute to improved levels of economic productivity, higher wages, strong workers’ rights, and a better quality of life benefits for workers and families. This model succeeds because it practices social dialogue.

There does not have to be a contradiction between union density and the sustainability of business enterprise models.

Data from the United States illustrates the positive role which unions play in its economy.

Workers in higher union density states, such as Washington, Hawaii, New York and California, earn higher median wages than their counterparts in states with lower union membership.

According to the US Department of Labour, in 2023, annual household income in higher union density states was approximately $12,000 higher, on average, than in lower union density states.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics finds that high union density states also enjoy higher levels of productivity. Washington leads all states in long-term productivity and growth.

These same states enjoy higher living standards, lower levels of inequality, better health outcomes, and levels of educational attainment.

The US Economic Policy Institute concludes that union density and collective bargaining rights improve wages and living standards for both union and non-unionised workers alike.

The presence of unions lifts all boats. The north’s regional economy is increasingly attracting Foreign Direct Investment.

Major investors operate here because of the well-educated workforce, our cost competitiveness, and dual market access.

Investments in engineering, manufacturing, and financial services have increased wages and benefits for thousands of workers across the north.

Some employers have a negative reflex towards empowered workers and collective bargaining.

A more considered response to the evidence from Nordic economies and the contrast in union density in US states should give pause for thought.

Large investors want profitability for their companies and their shareholders. And that’s fair enough.

However, a balance must be struck between gains for shareholders and the importance of raising the living standards of all our workers in the north and indeed across the island.

The ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights legislation will help to rebalance the economy in the interests of businesses, investors and workers.

Empowering our workforce with effective representation is the key to a stronger economy and more and better jobs.

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

Millwall, Hull City, Southampton and Middlesbrough are all vying for a place at Wembley in the Championship play-off final

The Championship play-off semi-finals come to a conclusion this week, with the four teams in action and looking to book their place in the Wembley final.

First up Millwall and Hull City face off on Monday night, with their first leg ending in a 0-0 draw at the KCOM Stadium last week.

On Tuesday, Southampton and Middlesbrough re-ignite their rivalry which has been given extra spice by allegations the Saints sent a spy to eavesdrop in Boro training in the build-up to their clash.

Their first leg also ended goalless, so there is all to play for at The Den and St Mary’s.

Dates and kick-off times

Monday, May 11

Millwall v Hull City, 8pm

Tuesday, May 12

Southampton v Middlesbrough, 8pm

When is the play-off final?

Fans of the victorious sides will be eagerly anticipating their date at Wembley and a chance of promotion to the Premier League.

The date of the play-off final is Saturday, May 23, 2026.

The kick-off time has yet to be confirmed.

When are the other play-off finals?

League One final – Sunday, May 24 – 1pm kick-off

League Two final – Monday, May 25 – 3pm kick-off

Championship play-offs are changing

The Championship play-off final is widely regarded as the richest game in football – achieving promotion to the Premier League is worth more than £200m in extra revenue.

From next season, the play-offs will expand from four teams to six – meaning a place in the top eight could be enough for Premier League promotion.

“Since their introduction in 1986/87, the Play-Offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special,” said EFL chief executive Trevor Birch.

“Following several months of discussion with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion.”