National Highways has confirmed that roadworks will be carried out on the A66 between Hulands Quarry and Cross Lanes, affecting traffic in both directions.

The scheme forms part of gap safety improvement works along this stretch of the route.

During the works, motorists will encounter a contraflow system controlled by temporary traffic lights, with lane closures in place for extended periods.

The works are being delivered by National Highways, with Durham listed as the highway authority.

Drivers are being warned to expect delays, particularly during peak travel times, and are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys.

When will the A66 roadworks take place?

The works will be carried out in a number of phases across February, with different operating times on each set of dates:

• Sunday, February 9 (8pm) to Wednesday, February 12 (8pm) – Lane closures and contraflow in place 24 hours a day.
• Thursday, February 13 (6am to 8pm) – Daytime-only lane closures with contraflow and traffic signals.
• Friday, February 14 (6am) to Sunday, February 16 (8pm) – Lane closures in place throughout the period, affecting both eastbound and westbound traffic.
• Monday, February 17 to Thursday, February 20 – Lane closures in force between 6am and 8pm each day (Tuesday to Friday), including bank holidays.

Motorists are advised that timings may change at short notice due to weather conditions, and are encouraged to check for updates before setting off.

A SILVER coin minted to mark the centenary of the late Queen’s birth has left fans feeling short-changed — for making her look like Mrs Doubtfire.

Social media users said the Aussie $5 was closer in appearance to the 1993 comedy film character.

One even mused that it was as if Queen Elizabeth had “just ran into a wall”.

Another describeD the image as “unpleasant”.

And she’s not the only right royal shocker on coinage.

In 2011, the Royal Mint’s official £5 William and Kate wedding coin was panned, and Prince Harry was barely recognisable on a Canadian $15.

POSHO PLIGHT

UK’s ‘most exclusive estate’ turning into ghost town as mansions fall to ruin

Advertisement

Advertisement

SHOP DROP

One of UK’s first American-style shopping centres to be BULLDOZED after 43 years

Advertisement

Last year the final batch of £1 coins featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait entered circulation for the last time – and they could be worth a pretty penny.

More than 23million of the coins were released on Wednesday August 20 by the Royal Mint.

That means you could spot one in your change.

These pieces will be the final ones bearing Elizabeth II’s portrait to enter circulation.

Plus, the Royal Mint said these coins dated 2022, are the rarest £1 coins in active circulation.

If you are keen to spot the coin, there are a few details you can spot.

The front, or heads side, of the coin features a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth and the date 2022.

While the reverse, or tails side, features an image of a crown with an English rose, Scottish thistle, Welsh leek and Northern Irish shamrock.

The coin joins a raft of other rare £1 pieces, including the 2011 Edinburgh City coin that has sold for 95 times its face value.

These coins have a mintage of just 935,000, making it a rare find.

If you’ve missed work as a result you may be eligible for financial support

Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough anyway but for some people the effects are worsened by the fact they may be left temporarily unable to work and end up out of pocket.

It’s possible to apply for financial help in the event you need to take time away from low-paid work if you’ve been subject to a violent crime.

Those with severe injuries, as well as victims of sexual assaults or those left to cover funeral costs of someone who died or who lost a close relative, can claim payments of between £1,000 and £250,000 if they’re eligible – all the criteria can be found here. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

If your injuries were not severe enough to be eligible for that level of compensation you may still be able to receive up to 25 days of support from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) hardship fund if you meet the relevant requirements.

The fund is only for people injured in England and Wales – separate support rules apply for victims of crime in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.

Who is eligible?

In England and Wales you can apply if all of the following are true:

• you were the victim of a violent crime and were mentally or physically injured by your attacker
• the injuries were sustained in England or Wales
• you were injured on or after November 27, 2012
• your injuries are not severe enough to qualify for compensation as the victim of a violent crime (as per the above link)
• you earn less than £120 a week on average
• you do not get statutory sick pay (SSP) or equivalent sick pay scheme run by your employer
• you could not work for at least seven consecutive days as a result of the crime
• you do not have any unspent convictions that resulted in a custodial sentence or community order

If you have other unspent convictions you might not get financial help or the amount you get might be reduced. It’s also essential that you report your injuries to the police as soon as you can and normally within 48 hours.

CICA must receive your application within eight weeks of the crime.

How to apply

To make an application you’ll need to contact Victim Support. To do so you’ll have to provide:

• the unique police crime reference number
• a doctor’s certificate (fit note) showing you’ve been unable to work for at least seven consecutive days as a result of the crime
• a pay slip or letter from your employer showing your average weekly earnings
• a copy of your most recent tax return if you’re self-employed

To contact Victim Support call 0808 1689 111. The line is open 24 hours a day all year round.

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

Illegal TV Fire Sticks and/or ‘dodgy boxes’ are streaming devices that have third-party software installed in them, allowing users to watch premium content from providers such as TNT Sport, Sky, Disney+ and Netflix for free.

The use of these devices is a “serious crime”, and police forces across the UK and Ireland, as well as organisations including Crimestoppers and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have been attempting to stamp them out.

People who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Is it acceptable to use illegal streaming devices?

Despite the risks of using ‘dodgy boxes’ and other illegal streaming devices, the Sports Industry Report 2026  recently revealed that 58% of fans and 66% of professionals think it is socially acceptable to use pirate streaming channels to watch live sports content. 

Subscription costs are to blame, according to 60% of fans and 90% of industry professionals, for the use of illegal streaming devices.

Despite these findings, piracy levels in the UK have declined by 3% (down from 32% to 29%), according to the Intellectual Property Office’s most recent online copyright infringement tracker survey.

Following the release of these results, we ran our own poll to see what readers thought about the use of illegal streaming devices.

We asked: “Do you think it is socially acceptable to use illegal streaming devices?”

At the time of writing, around 65% of people said yes, it is socially acceptable to use illegal streaming devices, while 24% said it wasn’t.

A further 12% replied saying they’d prefer not to comment.

What do you think?

The dangers of using illegal streaming devices

“Illegal streaming services are increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, often involved in other types of crime,” BeSteamWise explained.

Meaning those who use illegal streaming devices run the risk of “letting criminals in”, resulting in:

• Viruses and malware
• ID theft, scams, and fraud
• Inappropriate content

Around 39% of illegal streamers in the UK have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy, according to BeStreamWise.

The average amount stolen through illegal streaming is £1,680, while one in ten have lost more than £5,000.

What is the penalty if caught with a ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick?

Not only can the use of illegal streaming devices leave users open to ID theft, fraud, and viruses, but it can also result in fines and jail time.

Those caught using or selling a ‘dodgy’ fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.

It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services “without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full”.

A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of up to five years.

The likes of Sky and Amazon are working to crack down on the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks. (Image: Getty Images)

More than 1,000 people across the UK were recently contacted via email or text, requesting that they stop using illegal streaming devices or face criminal prosecution.

The messages, sent as part of FACT’s latest campaign, warned users they are not anonymous and watching unauthorised content carries “serious risks”.

This came off the back of a high-profile case involving Jonathan Edge, from Liverpool, who was jailed for his role in running and personally using an illegal streaming service. 

Edge was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, in a prosecution supported by FACT and Merseyside Police.

An individual who had been loading illicit streaming services on to so-called “Firesticks” has today been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

➡️ https://t.co/tlf6ycnptr pic.twitter.com/yr093FtQQe

— Premier League Communications (@PLComms) November 12, 2024

Edge’s own use of the unauthorised service was treated as a distinct crime, leading to a separate concurrent sentence of two years and three months.

FACT said this highlights that it’s not just suppliers of illegal streaming devices that can face criminal prosecution, but users as well.

Sky taking “significant” action to stop the use of illegal streaming devices

Piracy is a “serious” issue for Sky, Amazon, and others, with people using the devices to access paid content for free.

But Sky has warned users that it is taking “significant” action to ensure its content remains protected.

A spokesperson said: “At Sky, we invest significantly in protecting our content, which can include taking action against those who watch Sky without paying the proper subscription fee. 

“We of course ensure that any action we take is compliant with all applicable laws.”

Sky is taking action against those using illegal streaming devices to watch its content for free. (Image: Sky)

Amazon blocking ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick apps

Amazon is also cracking down on the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks by blocking apps that are identified as helping users gain illegal access to pirated content.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore.

“Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.

“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”

Under the new change, users trying to download ‘dodgy’ apps are now met with a message reading: “App installation blocked.

“This app has been blocked because it uses or provides access to unlicensed content.”

RECOMMENDED READING:

This latest update comes after Amazon released its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which runs on a new Vega operating system.

This operating system makes it much more difficult to turn the device into a dodgy stick.

Do you think it is socially acceptable to use an illegal streaming device? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.

Several national chains with outlets in Belfast have moved to cashless payments as the trend grows across the high street — but the shift has sparked some backlash from consumers.

Belfast Live has investigated which well-known businesses in the city are refusing to accept cash and contacted the companies involved for comment.

Those confirmed as operating cashless policies are largely concentrated in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, cafés and hotels, though the approach has also spread to other industries such as telecommunications.

Japanese food restaurant chain YO! Sushi displays prominent signage at the entrance of its Victoria Square location stating that it does not accept cash. The company was approached for comment but did not respond.

Malmaison, the boutique hotel chain with a location on Victoria Street, also operates a predominantly cashless model. However, the company said staff are permitted to accept cash in certain circumstances.

READ MORE: Watch: Belfast Golf club shows extent of vandalism damage caused by e-bikesREAD MORE: Top events happening at NI Science Festival

A spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Malmaison operates a predominantly cashless model across our hotels, reflecting guest preferences and supporting safe, efficient service. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all and recognise that on occasion, a guest may not have access to a cashless payment method. In these circumstances our teams are empowered to accept cash.”

While some chains have publicly confirmed cashless policies, this does not necessarily mean every outlet under the same brand follows the same approach.

Domino’s Pizza, for example, moved towards cashless payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a spokesperson said decisions are made by individual franchise owners. Belfast Live contacted several Domino’s outlets across the city, with a number confirming they still accept cash.

The company is not alone in this franchise-led approach, and customers are advised to check with individual stores before assuming a location is cashless.

Pizza Hut is another chain that operates cashless policies in some locations, though this may not apply universally. Customers are advised to check payment options when placing orders. Belfast Live contacted Pizza Hut for comment but did not receive a response.

Italian restaurant chain Zizzi, which has two Belfast locations, advertises itself as cashless. The company was contacted for comment but did not respond.

Its website states: “To provide the smoothest and fastest payment experience, and to keep our teams safe, we are cashless and we encourage card, Apple Pay or Google Pay transactions.”

Popular Mexican restaurant chain Boojum, which has four Belfast locations, also operates a cashless policy.

A statement on its website reads: “Every Boojum store has been operating as card and contactless only since March 2020. This reflects changes in consumer behaviour post-pandemic and allows for faster service and shorter queues.”

The chain did not respond to a request for comment.

The Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre, located on Talbot Street, is another cashless venue. Belfast Live confirmed this directly with the hotel, which also applies the policy to its SQ restaurant and bar. The venue did not respond to an email request for comment.

Chocolate café chain Knoops, which has a store in Victoria Square, states on its website that all locations are cashless. The company’s media department did not respond to Belfast Live’s enquiry.

Telecommunications retailer VodafoneThree, which operates two stores in Belfast, confirmed both locations are cashless.

A spokesperson said: “Following the creation of VodafoneThree, we are aligning our processes across all our stores in the UK, including moving to cashless. We have already seen benefits, including a reduction in fraud, and we are supporting customers with the change.”

Latin-inspired bar and restaurant Revolución de Cuba, which has a Belfast location, currently operates a cashless policy. However, a spokesperson told Belfast Live the approach is under review.

Advertisement

They said the policy was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to support safety and efficiency but acknowledged that payment preferences vary and a spokesman said the company is reconsidering its position.

A significant portion of UK adults now live largely cashless lives, relying on contactless cards and mobile payments for everyday purchases. But as digital payments become the default for many, questions are being raised about accessibility, consumer choice and whether some people risk being left behind as cash continues to disappear from the high street.

The ongoing closure of bank branches on high streets is also playing a role in a move away from cash. With fewer physical banks available, both customers and businesses are increasingly reliant on digital payment systems. For some businesses, security concerns are another factor, as holding large amounts of cash on-site can pose risks — something contactless payments help to reduce.

In the weeks ahead, Belfast Live will continue exploring this issue in more detail as we seek answers from businesses, campaigners and others to determine whether the move towards cashless payments across the board is inevitable.

What do you think about the decline of cash in Belfast? Are you a business or a consumer that wants to add to the series? Email Rob.Currell@reachplc.com

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

Jo Coles was speaking after Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake called for a review of a North Yorkshire Police officer’s decision to file a safeguarding report on a farming family when attending a reported burglary at their home.

The MP said he did not believe the force’s response was “proportionate or appropriate” after the family complained to him.

Speaking at this week’s North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting in the wake of the MP’s comments, City of York councillor, Michael Pavlovic, asked what instructions police officers received in respect of child protection and safeguarding.

In response, the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said she had spoken to the force’s safeguarding teams to seek assurances following the incident.

She added: “My understanding is that safeguarding should be everyone’s responsibility.

“Certainly, all the lessons from all the public inquiries that I’ve been aware of are that actually the mistakes, the errors and the failures that have taken place historically have taken place when institutions and agencies weren’t talking and were ignoring warning signs.

“If there is any agency who may feel that there is any reason why they shouldn’t be raising a concern that would be a concern to me.

“If we had people thinking in our community that they shouldn’t be raising safeguarding concerns because a political figure might come down and criticise them for it, I think that is a deeply, deeply dangerous place to be.”

The Deputy Mayor said public servants should feel they could report safeguarding concerns if they have them, and that they would be investigated in the proper way by professionals.

“We should be ensuring that our public services, our police officers, our social workers, our firefighters or whoever it might be, who might be making one of those safeguarding referrals, can do so without fear of comeback from either a political figure or anybody else for that matter.”

Mr Hollinrake wrote to the force after receiving a complaint from a constituent that a police officer was called to a report of an attempted burglary at an unnamed farm on November 17, last year.

But while at the home, police say the officer noticed a “strong odour” and that the home appeared unclean, with sticky and dirty surfaces and floors.

The officer decided to submit a public protection notice (PPN) following the visit due to children being in the house, an action which can trigger a multi-agency safeguarding response.

North Yorkshire Police has defended the officer’s actions, saying they “did the right thing” and that the incident was an example of “the safeguarding system working as intended”.

He tried to claim he had no idea what was secreted within the bath panel but he finally changed his tune

A drug dealer was found in possession of more than 60 wraps of crack cocaine hidden underneath a bath panel when police raided his home. Examination of his mobile phone revealed he was involved in supplying both crack cocaine and cannabis.

Tomiwa Salami, 18, was arrested on October 22 last year at his flat in Newport after a search warrant was executed by police. The address in Capel Crescent, Pill, was searched and 62 wraps of crack cocaine were seized from underneath the bathtub.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard police also recovered cannabis, mobile phones, and other electronic devices from the address. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

When arrested the defendant claimed the cannabis was for his own personal use and denied knowing about the crack cocaine.

Salami later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, and possession of Class B drugs.

The defendant was sentenced to a total of 26 months imprisonment.

Following the hearing Pc Kieron Gibbs, of Gwent Police, said: “During our investigation the evidence we gathered from a mobile phone seized showed clearly that the defendant was involved in the sale and supply of crack cocaine and cannabis.

“Salami claimed that the cannabis was for personal use and that he had no knowledge of the crack cocaine recovered from the bathroom.

“However, when confronted with the evidence, the defendant admitted the charges he faced in court.

“We’re grateful to the continued support from our communities whose valuable information helps us bring people who only seek to profit from the vulnerable by selling and supplying drugs to justice.”

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.