Brentford beat Macclesfield to end their magical FA Cup run that saw them knock out the holders Crystal Palace in the biggest upset in the competition’s history
08:29, 17 Feb 2026Updated 08:30, 17 Feb 2026
The Macclesfield heroes stood together, soaking up the adulation from the Moss Rose supporters after being edged out by Premier League side Brentford.
Despondent and dejected, but undoubtedly immensely proud of the gargantuan effort that they put in over the course of the 90 minutes against a Brentford side, who came from behind to draw with Arsenal six days earlier, while some would argue it was a game that they could have won.
The stadium announcer expressed how everyone associated with the Silkmen felt. He said: “You did us so proud,” while factions of the supporters showed their affection to one of the key men behind the run, John Rooney. The chants soon shifted to Robert Smethurst, the businessman who brought the club back from the ashes.
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The millionaire resonated with many for the emotional scenes during the FA Cup third-round win over Crystal Palace and for the incredible story of a drinking session that led to the purchase of Macclesfield, some months after the club was wound up by the High Court.
Commemorative half-and-half scarves, tin-foil FA Cup trophies and even tributes to Palace-slayer Paul Dawson after he displayed a Terry Butcher-esque bloodied head bandage in the previous round.
After the relentless media train and 90 minutes of nail-biting and pulse-raising moments, an exasperated Smethurst emerged into the boardroom.
“Jesus, hello,” he said. “I’m absolutely b*********.”
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To the surprise of no one, the Macclesfield players were too. Not just for the 96 minutes against the Bees, or the 100-plus against Crystal Palace, but this FA Cup journey began in August, when three second-half goals from Sean Etaluku, Ethan McLeod and D’Mani Mellor saw off the challenge of Atherton Laburnum Rovers, who ply their trade in the North West Counties Premier Division and the 10th tier of English football.
Marine and Tamworth are the recent success stories, teams that have broken the status quo and progressed into the proper rounds of the competition, both staging glamour ties against Tottenham Hotspur.
Macclesfield went one better, and if they’d taken advantage of first-half pressure, it could have been two.
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Never in manager John Rooney’s wildest dreams did he think this would happen. It’s easy to forget that he only took the reins days before pre-season when Robbie Savage joined Forest Green Rovers, accelerating from new-campaign preparations to retirement overnight.
He said: “Something we spoke about early on the season was to try, make the playoffs and have a good FA Cup run.
“Did we think we’d get to the fourth round? I didn’t, I certainly didn’t.
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“But for what the lads, myself and the coaching staff have achieved, the people behind the scenes in the office, everyone comes together, it’s a real community club, so for us to go on this journey and do it all together has been something I’m so proud of.”
The memories, infinite. The money, reportedly £400,000 for Monday night alone, is period-defining. But with the cash influx for the Silkmen and its endless benefits, there is an underlying issue in non-league football that is putting future incredible stories, like Macclesfield’s, into serious jeopardy.
For non-leaguers, managers and board members up and down the country, their pre-season objective is either “Survival and a good FA Cup run,” or “playoffs and a good FA Cup run.”
The common goal? The financial reward that only the FA Cup brings. Clubs are being forced to withdraw from leagues midway through the season, while gestures of goodwill from supporters and local communities are needed to keep the lights on, and even GoFundMe campaigns are being established to help clubs survive until the end of the season.
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Silverware and cash windfalls are commodities; sustainability is the prize that non-league clubs desperately crave.
The FA Cup brings its own magic. While some of the joy has been sucked out of it, it is non-league clubs and part-time outfits that add the sparkle to the competition everyone loves and craves.
A Cambridgeshire County Council report said cutting the speed limit would improve the safety of Bates Drove after a fatal collision.
The speed limit along Bates Drive near Littleport could be cut to try and improve safety after a fatal crash. Cambridgeshire County Council is proposing to cut the speed limit on the road from 60mph to 50mph.
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A report published by the authority highlighted that a “tragic” fatal motorcycle collision occurred along the road in June last year, with another “serious” motorcycle collision taking place just eight days later.
The report added that a further two incidents where people had been injured had been recorded along the road in recent years. Following these incidents a multi-agency investigation was launched to assess the safety of the road.
The report said: “The investigation team undertook several site visits and conducted a thorough review of the traffic conditions. Their assessment concluded that the existing speed limit is inappropriate for the road’s structure and environment.
“Bates Drove is characteristic of Fenland infrastructure, it is undulating due to subsidence, narrow in places, and visually deceptive in terms of safety, particularly for powered two-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, sections of the nearby A1101 are straight and encourage higher speeds, further increasing the risk of serious collisions.
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“Many surrounding Fen roads are already subject to a 50mph limit, reflecting the unique challenges posed by the terrain and road layout. Reducing the speed limit on Bates Drove would bring it in line with these roads and enhance safety for all road users, especially vulnerable groups.”
However, concerns have been raised about the plans to cut the speed limit to 50mph. A consultation undertaken by the county council received five objections, with many arguing that repairing the roads would be a better option.
One objector said: “The road surface is more of an issue than the speed limit. The new speed limit won’t be enforced and so won’t make a difference. The council is proposing speed limit changes purely as it’s cheaper than sorting the road.”
The county council report said road maintenance is “undertaken according to the authority’s asset management plan”. It added that cutting the speed limit would not be a substitute for ongoing maintenance, but would be a “proportionate and evidence-based measure to address specific risks identified by a multi-agency investigation”.
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In the report council officers recommend going ahead with the speed limit reduction. It said: “Reducing the speed limit to 50mph was considered the most proportionate, cost-effective, and evidence-based intervention.
“It aligns with vision zero principles, addresses the immediate safety concerns identified by the investigation, and harmonises Bates Drove with similar Fen roads already subject to 50mph limits.”
A decision on whether to cut the speed limit along Bates Drove is due to be made on February 18.
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Ereaders are one of the greatest inventions for bookworms. Ideal for homes overflowing with books or your summer holiday luggage allowance. And there’s a reason Amazon’s Kindles dominate our guide to the best ereaders: because, well, they’re the best.
With displays that cause no glare and storage for hundreds of books (a book shelf could never compete), a Kindle is as comfortable to read as any book or magazine, while still retaining all of the most useful features of reading on a tablet. You can download books to read instantly and read for weeks without needing a recharge. They also allow for customising your reading experience, from highlighting passages to adjusting the font size. You can even look up the definition of words you come across.
I’ve been a tech writer for a decade and I’ve had a Kindle the entire time, so I’ve tried and tested multiple generations of Kindle tech. I’ve watched as buttons have been replaced with touchscreens and fancy styluses, and storage went from a few thousand books to tens of thousands. I’ve even seen the beloved ereader transform into a digital notebook with the release of the Kindle Scribe.
Amazon offers a variety of Kindles at different price points, each tailored to different types of readers. There are also kids’ editions, which are essentially the same as the standard models but include a children’s book subscription and a kid-friendly cover. However, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, the tiny distinctions all blend together, so I put a range of Kindles to the test to see which is the best for most people.
Best premium model – Kindle Paperwhite signature edition: £189.99, Amazon.co.uk
Best for note-taking – Kindle Scribe: £379.99, Amazon.co.uk
How I tested
I’ve been tracking updates to Kindles for years (The Independent)
I’ve used a Kindle for a decade, and I have been testing some of these Amazon Kindle devices for six years. I took these ereaders on planes, trains and automobiles, and I’ve used them in broad, direct sunlight as well as in the middle of the night. I also tested the built-in Audible functionality, which lets you switch between reading and listening to a book.You can find my full testing criteria at the end of this guide.
Dancer Alexis Warr has confirmed that she’s set to leave the UK again after returning to take part in the show’s huge arena tour
Strictly Come Dancing star Alexis Warr has confirmed she’s set to leave the UK again after returning to take part in the show’s huge arena tour for the first time.
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The professional dancer only joined the BBC One dance show’s pro line-up for the first time last year and despite it being her debut year, she was given a celebrity dance partner in the shape of George Clarke.
And it turned out to be a successful first partnership for Alexis, as she and George were seen making it to the Strictly 2025 series final, which took place live on December 20.
The pair were seen going up against fellow finalists, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu as they competed for the 23rd series title, which eventually went to former footballer Karen and her dance partner Carlos as they were seen lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy.
However, George and Alexis have since had a second chance at winning, but this time on the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 tour. The show, which features the show’s judges, professional dancers – and stars from the 2025 series gives fans of the hit BBC One dance contest to get a closer glimpse at the standout performances seen on-screen, and get their own experience of what goes on in the Strictly ballroom.
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And after dazzling audiences up and down the country over the past month, the Strictly Live 2026 tour was seen coming to a glittering end on Sunday night (February 15), which came after George and Alexis had been confirmed as the tour winners on Friday (February 13), days before the string of shows even came to an official end.
Alexis has now shared her first update since the end of the tour. On Monday (February 16), she shared a selfie in which she could be seen enjoying a well-deserved rest in bed, and it was alongside the post that she confirmed her return the the US was imminent.
She typed alongside the smiling snap: “Heart is so full. Having a day to rest, process, pack, then fly back home tomorrow. Just want to say love ya’ll and thank you [heart emoji].”
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It comes as her Strictly co-stars are among those sharing their praise for Alexis and George’s tour win. Vicky Pattison, who also joined the show on the road, reshared a video from Strictly Live of the winners lifting the trophy and said: “My babies… Congratulations @georgeclarkeey and @alexis_warr!!! I love you both so much.” Professional dancer Katya Jones also gushed: “Smashed it on her first year @alexis_warr. So happy for these two!!!”
Fans have also expressed their delight. @talleymcauley said: “The fact they did this when George wasnt at so many shows just proves how much people love them. So proud of Team Warrkey, the best partnership to come from this series.” @zawnlis commented: “My winners from day one. They had that extra special something that made them a great partnership. A total novice to tour winner. Alexis a great teacher. Yay!!!”
@_heatherhay_ replied: “Amazing news. Was gutted when they didn’t win the main series.” @joanne.meadows71 gushed: “So deserved. Best partnership in the history of SCD.” @alisend73 added: “Yay my winners. Should’ve won the show but I’m so pleased they won the tour. @alexis_warr is a great addition to the Strictly family and what an amazing partnership she had. with @georgeclarkeey.”
The driver was found to have no insurance, MOT, or tax
A dangerous driver who led police on a pursuit has been disqualified from driving. David Russell, 40, fled from officers in Newmarket Road, Cambridge, on November 25, 2025.
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Russell, of Ditton Fields, Cambridge, drove along a bus lane, weaved through traffic, ignored a red light, and reached speeds of about 40mph in a 20mph pedestrian zone. The 40-year-old eventually stopped in Ditton Fields, where he was arrested.
Following police checks, he was also found to have no insurance, MOT, or tax. Russell pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance and MOT at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday (February 9).
He was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to complete 12 months of unpaid work. PC Oliver Wadsworth, who investigated, said: “Russell’s driving put innocent members of the public at risk, which is selfish given he could have simply stopped when indicated to do so.”
If you’d like to pair your next U.S. ski trip with a hotel housing a blizzard of luxury, read on.
Here, we reveal 12 standout mountain properties so enticing that you may find it difficult leaving for the slopes each morning.
In Colorado, there’s a Five-Diamond-rated ski-in/ski-out property with heated marble bathroom floors; a hotel that looks like a European fairytale ski chateau brought to life; and a property that offers a “slippers to ski boots” concierge service, with gear prepared and taken onto the slopes for guests.
Head to Utah for a hotel that offers a children’s “High Chocolate” afternoon tea-style service with gourmet cocoa and a brand new property with an outdoor pool, hot tubs and Native American art belonging to a Hollywood legend.
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Discover the “grand dame” in New Hampshire with a roll call of famous past guests, and the Montana hotel with its own private heated gondola.
In Wyoming, meanwhile, you can check into an opulent slopeside property and ease the day’s aches away in an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpools.
1. The Little Nell — Aspen, Colorado
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The Little Nell is the only hotel in Aspen to offer ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain (known as Ajax by locals) (The Little Nell)
The Little Nell is the only hotel in Aspen to offer ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain (known as Ajax by locals).
Inside the 92-room property, guests relax in rooms featuring gas log fireplaces, wool carpeting, Fili D’oro down comforters and heated ensuite marble flooring.
On the food front, the hotel is home to the Michelin-recommended Element 47 restaurant and the lively Ajax Tavern, famous for its truffle fries and wagyu burger.
The concierge team can organize snowcat powder tours and ski-in/ski-out spa treatments.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square feels like a historic ski chateau from Europe that’s been transplanted into the Rockies (The Arrabelle at Vail Square)
With its clock tower, steeply pitched roofs, wrought-iron balconies and flowery façade motifs, The Arrabelle at Vail Square — just steps from Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola — feels like a storybook palace from Europe.
Guests will certainly feel like royalty as they relax in the rooftop pool and the 10,000-square-foot spa, which features 11 treatment rooms, a steam room, a whirlpool and a sauna.
The old world Alpine vibe continues across the public spaces and guestrooms, which are richly decorated with warm woods and stone. There are 81 guestrooms and condominiums in total, including a sprawling five-bedroom villa.
Pendry Park City has a stunning rooftop pool and 175 luxury guestrooms (Park City Chamber of Commerce)
Pendry Park City, in Canyons Village, offers ski-in, ski-out access to Park City Mountain, which, with 7,300 acres of terrain, is the largest lift-served ski resort in the U.S.
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And because the hotel is right next to the new high-speed 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola, explorations of this incredible ski-scape don’t begin with frustrating lines.
The property has a spa offering treatments such as the “high altitude radiance body treatment,” a rooftop pool with stunning mountain views, and four on-site dining destinations: Kita, an upscale sushi restaurant; Dos Olas, a Mexican-inspired cantina; The Pool House rooftop eatery; and Apres Pendry, a lobby lounge serving European-inspired alpine snacks.
Features in the 175 guestrooms include deep-soak tubs and walk-in showers, and 65-inch TVs.
Grand Hyatt at Deer Valley serves an afternoon tea-style service with gourmet hot cocoa (Grand Hyatt at Deer Valley)
Grand Hyatt Deer Valley has every hotel-stay base covered.
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There are 381 luxury rooms, including 26 premium suites with private balconies, kitchenettes and cozy fireplaces; on-site ski lockers; a kids’ club with games room; and several tempting culinary and cocktail destinations, from speakeasy-inspired Hidden Ace to family friendly apres in the Living Room.
At the latter, children can indulge in “High Chocolate,” an afternoon tea-style service with gourmet hot cocoa, s’mores cookies and pastries.
There’s also an Alpine-inspired spa and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with a large, heated pool and three hot tubs.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is brimming with luxuries, from plush in-room bathrobes to a heated outdoor pool and a spa with 23 treatment rooms (Park Hyatt Beaver Creek)
Creature comforts are not in short supply at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, which transformed its 189 guest rooms in 2025. They feature Nespresso coffee machines, mini-fridges, wet bars, Le Labo bath products, air conditioning, wifi, plush bathrobes, and private balconies showcasing mountain or village views.
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Elsewhere, guests can loll in a heated outdoor pool, soothe aching leg muscles in five hot tubs, and have massages in the Exhale Spa, which has 23 treatment rooms.
Refueling options include the 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, which rustles up dishes in a wood-fired oven, and lively Brass Bear Bar.
When you’re ready to hit the slopes again, you won’t have far to go. The hotel is located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain with direct access to the white stuff.
W Aspen has a rooftop pool and hot tub, as well as lively spots for sipping apres cocktails (W Aspen)
Even in glitzy Aspen, the W Aspen stands out thanks to a number of signature features.
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Firstly, there’s The Rooftop, a year-round rooftop bar where guests enjoy a heated pool, hot tub, fire pits, a food and beverage service — and 360-degree mountain views.
Then there’s 39 Degrees, a restaurant and apres destination where creative cocktails are sipped to live DJ sets, and Hidalgo, a cocktail lounge speakeasy created by mixologist Dushan Zaric from New York City’s legendary Employees Only bar.
And while the 88-room hotel isn’t ski-in/ski-out, the slopes are only a minute or two away by foot.
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch — Beaver Creek, Colorado
Service is unparalleled at the Ritz-Carlton (The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch)
Ritz-Carltons are renowned for top-level pampering, and at the Beaver Creek incarnation during the winter season, one manifestation of that is a “slippers to boots” ski concierge service, which preps skis and snowboards for guests and helps them into their boots.
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There’s also a “ski nanny” service that assists kids in ski school: they’re given help gearing up and transported to and from lessons.
Other plus points at the property include reimagined guest rooms and suites following a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2022; multiple restaurant options, including Buffalos, where comforting bison chili is served; a vast spa with plunge pools and a Himalayan salt wall sauna; and apres workshops from whiskey tastings to painting lessons.
One&Only Moonlight Basin features a beautiful indoor pool and a private gondola for guests (One&Only)
This property in Big Sky Resort in southwest Montana marks the U.S. debut for luxury hotel brand One&Only.
It opened in November 2025, so, at the time of writing, is brand-new though there are many more reasons to book.
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There are the Alpine-chic rooms, suites and cabins; there’s the 17,000-square-foot spa, complete with a beautiful indoor pool; and there’s a Japanese restaurant by Michelin-starred chef and former professional snowboarder Akira Back.
But for many, the main talking point will be the private heated gondola that whisks guests to Big Sky’s Madison Base in around five minutes.
9. Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa — Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa has 40 rooms and a top-tier restaurant (Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa)
The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa — a total rebuild of the original, which was destroyed in a fire in 2019 — in the legendary ski town of Jackson Hole cossets winter sports enthusiasts in boutique-y luxury, and tempts them with top-quality cuisine.
There are 40 rooms featuring handcrafted, custom furnishings, while the Wild Sage restaurant serves carefully curated dishes from dawn till dusk.
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At breakfast, you can fuel up for the slopes with omelets featuring morning dew mushrooms and locally grown seasonal vegetables, and yogurt parfait made using yoghurt from Wyoming’s Shumway farms.
In the evening, while Jackson Hole has several excellent restaurants, you may be tempted to head back to Wild Sage for Provençal garlic soup and beef tartare crafted with local ranch-raised beef.
The hotel offers complimentary transport to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort daily.
The Inn at Sundance Mountain Resort features Native American art once belonging to Robert Redford (Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah)
The Inn at Sundance Mountain Resort, which opened on January 22, 2026, has 63 rooms and sits a snowball’s throw from the Outlaw Express lift.
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This means guests can bank a few runs first thing and return straight to the hotel’s amenities at the end of the day.
These include two hot tubs, a large outdoor pool, a sauna and cold-plunge outdoor shower, a fitness center, and a cozy living room serving drinks and nibbles.
For an elevated dining experience, head to the Tree Room, where Native American art once belonging to Robert Redford, who founded the resort, adorns the walls.
11. Omni Mount Washington Resort — Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Omni Mount Washington Resort is a true grand dame hotel, with a roll call of famous past guests (Omni Mount Washington Resort)
Stay at the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, located in the tranquil Bretton Woods resort, and you’ll be following in the footsteps of a roll call of famous guests, including Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, John D. Rockefeller, Princess Margaret and Alfred Hitchcock.
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The opulent 200-room property, which opened in 1902, truly is a “grand dame” hotel.
As you might expect, the amenities are eye-catching, and they include a 25,000-square-foot, full-service spa; a heated outdoor pool; two golf courses (worth noting if you’re tempted back in the spring or summer); and an indoor climbing wall.
Eating and drinking options? You’re spoiled for choice. Elegant dining comes courtesy of the 1902 Main Dining Room, Stickney’s Steak & Chop Pub is the go-to venue for crowd-pleasers (think smash burgers and BLTs), and you can toast being on a superb ski trip at The Cave speakeasy and Rosebrook Bar.
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole oozes opulence and features a stunning outdoor pool (Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole)
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole is the town’s flagship hotel, a complex located in Teton Village at the base of Rendezvous Mountain that oozes opulence.
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There’s a slopeside heated pool and a trio of whirlpools that glow at night, a Forbes five-star spa, and multiple restaurants, including the Steadfire Chophouse that opened in July 2025 and a pool café that serves complimentary s’mores in winter.
The 157 rooms all include a gas fireplace and a private terrace.
A total of 60,000 reports of rodents being spotted in homes and streets have been logged since 2019.
The rat population in ‘Scotland’s rat capital‘ is booming – with 60,000 reports of the rodents in homes and streets.
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The number of rat sightings across Glasgow has been consistently rising each year with more than 60K reports since 2019, figures show. A new freedom of information request to the council shows they received 6,170 reports of rats in 2019. By 2025, the number of rat sightings had increased to 12,155.
Already 53 have been logged in the first month of this year, with an overall total of 59,874 sightings in seven years. Alarmingly, many of these have been within people’s homes.
Dumbarton Road, Paisley Road West, Argyle Street, Shettleston Road, Hathaway Lane and London Road all topped the list for rodents.Glasgow has previously shamed as having more rats than any other area of Scotland. Last year it was named as the third worst place in the UK for the vermin.
A prominent trade union convener recently said Glasgow needed to declare a ‘rat emergency’ amid fears warm weather this summer could cause a further explosion in numbers across the city. GMB’s Chris Mitchell reissued a plea to Glasgow City Council to step up action, saying the number of rat sightings from his cleansing teams and the public continues to rise on a daily basis.
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He said: “I have been very vocal in the past when it comes to this. Despite investment to bolster the number of street cleaners and cleansing workers, more needs to be done to get a grip on the rat crisis.”
The GMB chief says that he fears the problem will only get worse as we move through 2026. When we have warmer weather, rats breed more frequently. It is a perfect storm, sunshine, food and overgrown areas that they can hide away in.
“I’ve been banging the drum on this problem for what feels like forever. My fear is it is moving increasingly into the city centre, all I hear from our members are reports of rats in bins, rats running about Glasgow’s lanes and even some sightings in the flagship shopping spots. This is a big year for the city; we need to invest now to get this under control.”
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The new data shows there has been a continued worrying spike in sighting. The full breakdown of the figures shows the council logged 6,170 vermin reports in 2019 – with 1,502 of these within properties.
There were 7,404 in 2020, with 1,339 indoors; 7,405 the following year, with 5,939 of these outside. In 2022, the council received notification of a combined 7,387 sightings but this figure rocketed to 8,959 in 2023, with almost 2,000 of these in domestic properties.
It rose again in 2024 to a combined total of 10,341 reports and increased in 2025 to a high of 12,155, with 2,332 of these of vermin in people’s homes. Drumchapel and Anniesland councillor Paul Carey, who worked with the Glasgow Times on the FOI request, says what was once predominantly an issue in Glasgow’s more disadvantaged areas has now become a much bigger concern.
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He said: “It used to be that housing estates and schemes was where you expected to see rats in back courts or bin sheds, but that is sadly no longer the case. We are hearing about them in the city centre, public parks, everywhere. It’s a problem that these figures show is getting worse and we need more of a focus to tackle it.”
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council asked the public to help them tackle the difficult problem.
They said: “The best way to deter rats is to ensure all food waste is properly disposed of in a bin. Rats are unfortunately a feature of urban life but they do prefer to keep out of sight of people and other predators. Rats are also always in search of a source of food and somewhere to nest close-by.
“It is therefore vital for anyone out and on-the-go to use one of Glasgow’s 5,500 public litter bins for any food waste and litter, or if at home, to use a food waste bin that will provide suitable containment and be uplifted routinely. We provide a pest control service for domestic properties and we follow British Pest Control Association guidance that indicates property owners should undertake hygiene and pest proofing measures to ensure the effectiveness of any pest control treatment.
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“We have extended our pest control team as part of recently agreed investment in frontline services, which includes recruiting 200 street cleansing and parks staff to help keep Glasgow in good condition. We have also begun rolling out on-street bin hubs, which have more frequent bin collections for flatted properties across Glasgow. Early evidence indicates the introduction of bin-hubs is helping to improve the management of waste and better control the pest population as a result.”
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The unisex shoes, originally priced at £110, have received rave reviews
Emily Sleight Reviews & Affiliates Writer and Nadia Breen
08:50, 17 Feb 2026Updated 08:52, 17 Feb 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
For those hunting for fresh spring trainers, New Balance has cut the cost of a popular pair by a huge 40%. The U509V1 Shoes, originally retailing at £110, are now available for £66.
According to the product description: “The New Balance U509v1 is a versatile, unisex sneaker that blends early-2000s running style with modern, everyday comfort. Released as part of New Balance’s lifestyle range, these trainers are characterized by a low-profile design, lightweight construction, and ABZORB midsole technology for superior shock absorption and comfort.”
The shoes reportedly feature a blend of ‘cushioning’ and ‘compression resistance’ to deliver maximum comfort. Their lightweight synthetic and mesh design makes them an ideal choice for the milder spring temperatures, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Among the New Balance customer reviews, one buyer commented: “They are marvellous and really help my very bad balance. Thank you. I will continue to purchase in the future. I have also told my friends who struggle with their balance and comfort and they will consider purchasing in the near future.”
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A second customer wrote: “Very comfortable every day shoes. Always on my feet – because of my job – and [I] must say they’re very comfortable. I also wear these on my walks everyday. Can’t complain. Will definitely be buying another pair. 10/10! !”.
A third satisfied buyer commented: “Top quality, don’t feel plantar fasciitis wearing these beauties.”
A fourth reviewer stated: “Comfy trainers. Son loves them and said they fit great.”
At present, no negative feedback has been posted about the trainers online. You can view them here.
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The alert comes as research shows around one in two UK adults are affected by the health condition
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
09:08, 17 Feb 2026
NHS GP and BBC Morning Live’s resident doctor, Dr Punam, has issued a warning to anyone aged 40 and over regarding an ‘important’ blood test they should have. The health expert shared the alert during a recent episode of the talk show, speaking with hosts Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley.
During her time on the show, she heavily discussed the importance of getting your cholesterol levels checked, as she warns one in two people will have high cholesterol. The condition, known as hypercholesterolemia (specifically high LDL) or hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids/fats in the blood), puts you at risk of a stroke or heart attack due to excessive fatty buildup in arteries.
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High cholesterol is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it often does not present any obvious signs until the damage has already been done. Cholesterol can only be accurately measured via a blood test. For more information, visit the NHS website.
Dr Punam told viewers: “Around one in two of us will have raised cholesterol, and it is a concern because a lot of people don’t even know that they have it.” According to the British Heart Foundation, this high number means that approximately half of all UK adults have a total cholesterol level above the recommended guidelines of 5mmol/L.
The doctor added: “And that’s because we don’t feel cholesterol. So, most of the time, with high cholesterol, you don’t get any symptoms, and what tends to happen is that, over a long period of time, cholesterol can build up in your arteries. It can cause them to narrow and harden, and it can increase your risk of things like heart disease, and you can develop chest pain, pain in your leg, and shortness of breath.”
Dr Punam went on to stress that if you are 40-years-old or over, and you have never had your cholesterol checked, you should “definitely book an appointment to get that done”. She emphasises that it is wise to ask the doctor for a test, especially if you are worried, have high-risk factors, or have a strong family history.
If you are at high risk, getting a blood test once a year is considered reasonable, and some people may need it twice a year if they are on medication or have high levels. Dr Punam also cautions that if you had your cholesterol checked in your 20s and it was okay, that one test is not “viable forever”, and it is good to get it rechecked to understand your baseline.
Gethin Jones asked: “My sister’s quite rightly constantly nagging me to make sure it gets checked, but then how often should you get checked?” Dr Punam replied: “So, in terms of if you are at risk, so if you are over the age of 40, and you’ve never had your cholesterol checked, definitely booking an appointment to get that done is.
“It is very reasonable if you’ve got risk factors, you’ve got a strong family history, because remember, high cholesterol can run in families. So, you could be doing all the right things and discover that you’ve got high cholesterol. So really it’s about getting that blood test.
“If you’re at high risk, once a year is absolutely reasonable; some people might need it twice a year if you’re on medication or have really high levels. It’s really about a sort of individual risk basis that we do that on.”
What does the NHS say about getting cholesterol checked at 40?
High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test. Your GP might suggest having a test to check if your cholesterol level is high. This may be because of your age, weight or a condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes).
The NHS says: “Ask your GP surgery for a cholesterol test if you have not had a test before and you’re over 40, overweight, or if high cholesterol or heart problems run in your family. You’re more likely to have high cholesterol. You can also get a cholesterol test at a pharmacy, but you might have to pay for it.”
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How does a cholesterol test work?
There are two ways of having a cholesterol test. One option is to take blood from your arm. The NHS says: “Some blood will usually be taken from your arm with a needle. This is sent to a lab to check your cholesterol level. You should get the result in a few days. You might be asked not to eat anything (to “fast”) for up to 12 hours before the test. But most people do not need to fast.”
Another option is to have a finger-prick test. The NHS explains: “If you’re over 40, you may have a test during your NHS Health Check. You can also get this check at a pharmacy. This is a check-up that can help spot early signs of problems like heart disease and diabetes.
“The test can be done by pricking your finger. A drop of blood is put on a strip of paper. This is put into a machine that checks your cholesterol in a few minutes.”
Affected operators include Avanti West Coast services from London Euston to Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Wrexham General, Crewe, Chester, Holyhead, Liverpool Lime Street, Stockport, Preston, Blackpool North, Lancaster, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.
YouTuber and experimental singer/songwriter Look Mum No Computer will represent the country in Vienna in May, the BBC has announced this morning.
The news was revealed on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
The electronics performer and self-proclaimed Eurovision fan Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle, launched his YouTube channel in 2016.
Look Mum No Computer representing the UK at Eurovision 2026
The singer said: “I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey.
“I have always been a massive Eurovision fan, and I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year, so getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour that I am taking very seriously.
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“I’ve been working a long-time creating, writing, and producing my own visions from scratch, and documenting my process. I will be bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see what we’ve created.
“I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised!”
Look Mum No Computer first arrived in 2016 as Sam Battle, the frontman of the indie rock band Zibra.
The band performed for BBC Introducing at Glastonbury in 2015.
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Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, has been in the music scene since 2014 (Image: Melanie King/BBC)
He has since launched his solo career, focusing on electronic and synth sounds, having played at venues across the UK and Europe.
As Look Mum No Computer, Sam has released various singles, albums, and EPs.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Look Mum No Computer representing the UK at Eurovision in Vienna in 2026.
“His bold vision, unique sound and electric performance style make him a truly unforgettable artist.
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“Look Mum No Computer embodies everything the UK wants to celebrate on the Eurovision stage – creativity, ambition, and a distinctly British wit.
“I am sure he will make us all proud on the international stage in May.”
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When is the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest?
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest is its 70th anniversary and is being held in Vienna, Austria, following JJ’s victory at the Grand Final last year with the song Wasted Love.
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The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, on Saturday, May 16, with the Semi-Finals taking place on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14.
The Grand Final and the Semi Finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, as well as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
What is your favourite UK Eurovision Song Contest act? Let us know in the comments.