It’s really got so much to shout about

Average asking prices for typical first-time buyer homes in some parts of Britain have jumped by nearly a fifth over the past year, according to analysis by Rightmove. But there’s one place in Cambridgeshire where it is the most expensive to buy a home as a first time buyer!

Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: “Affordability continues to shape where first-time buyers are looking, and we’re seeing the strongest price growth in areas where homes remain within reach for more people.

“Lower-cost locations are still seeing strong interest, with competition for homes helping to hold prices up. In more expensive markets, tenants are taking a bit more time and thinking more carefully about what they can afford, which is keeping growth relatively flat.”

The most expensive first-time buyer hotspot in Cambridgeshire, unsurprisingly, is Cambridge. Here, the average asking price is £351,126, representing an annual change of 1%.

This really isn’t a surprise, as Cambridge offers the perfect balance between the peace and greenery of a smaller town and the dynamic energy of a culturally rich city. It is highly pedestrian and cycle-friendly, reducing reliance on cars for daily commuting.

Cambridge is also the “tech centre” of the UK, with an abundance of both web development and biotech talent. With London just a 55-minute train trip away, it couldn’t be better situated, being so close it is hugely beneficial with the capital remaining a key economic hub.

It’s also well known worldwide for its history, particularly Cambridge University, founded in 1209 and granted a royal charter by King Henry III in 1231. Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university.

Iran and the United States have reached a peace deal after more than 100 days of war, $30bn spent, and around 10,000 people killed.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced that a peace deal between US and Iran has been reached late on Sunday night.

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after: ‘The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.

‘Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.

‘Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!’

Pakistan said the official signing ceremony, which needed Iran’s Supreme Leader’s approval, would be signed in Switzerland on Friday.

They added: ‘Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

‘With the agreement now in place, mediators will facilitate a series of meetings this week. These pre-implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony.’

Trump’s post came hours before a UFC event at the White House marking his 80th birthday.

Iranian state media reported Pakistan’s statement after a day in which Israel, sidelined from the negotiations, attacked Beirut’s southern suburbs and posed a threat to the discussions nearing an end.

The deal largely returns to a status that existed before the war, but with thousands of people dead and Iran wielding a new source of negotiating pressure with its ability to influence transits of the strait.

The waterway is crucial to significant shipments of oil, natural gas and related products like fertiliser, and its effective closure rocked the global economy.

Khamenei’s son is now supreme leader, though he has not been seen in the public since the war began.

MORE: Trump launches deadly strike on Venezuela after bragging about peace deal

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It is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets — ideal for families, dog-walkers and anyone seeking a quieter day by the sea

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The UK boasts an abundance of stunning beaches, but one sandy coastline is frequently overlooked, allowing visitors to savour the expansive stretch of sand without battling the crowds.

Brancaster Beach in Norfolk was previously recognised as among the UK’s finest beaches by Parkdean Resorts, which assessed coastal destinations across various criteria, including average temperature, rainfall frequency and daylight hours at beaches throughout the UK.

Given that Brancaster takes pride in being among the driest areas in Britain, its beach earning this accolade comes as little surprise.

The bay attracts both residents and tourists alike, as it offers ample space for strolls, welcomes dogs, and its glistening waters are ideal for activities such as sailing or kite surfing when conditions are breezy.

The Parkdean Resorts team noted: “Made for serene spring strolls, Brancaster is the perfect place if you’re looking to explore over the next few months, rain or shine.”

The beach forms part of the Brancaster Estate, a National Trust property, and includes several amenities, such as a car park and toilets (though the latter may be tide-dependent, with additional facilities available at the nearby Brancaster Staithe harbour). One unusual attraction for history buffs is the wreck of the SS Vina, which becomes visible at low tide.

According to the UK Beach Guide, “the ship was used as target practice by the RAF during World War II but became stuck on a sandbank”. While it makes for fascinating viewing, it’s best appreciated from a distance – trying to reach the wreck on foot is regarded as dangerous, reports the Mirror.

On TripAdvisor, visitors have posted enthusiastic reviews praising the beach and its tranquillity. One person who went last summer wrote: “An amazing beach with the added bonus of very [few] people. Wide open space as far as the eye can see. Particularly amazing at low tide. Parking is a bit expensive £7 for 2 hours but on balance worth it.”

Another commented: “Beautiful sandy beach on the North Norfolk coast. Clear blue and cool water and sandy shore make for an ideal day out with family or friends, especially in warm weather. Short drive from Hunstanton and King’s Lynn. Parking is nearby with plenty of spaces. Just check for the tides before visiting, as the beach becomes unreachable when there is high tide.”

After you’ve finished at the beach, there’s lots to discover in the local area. Brancaster Staithe Harbour is especially worth visiting.

The former Roman town features numerous sailing boats and fishing craft, and offers a modest Crab Hut alongside an ice cream vendor, though there are also ample picnic areas if you fancy stopping for lunch.

The National Trust adds: “Parking is free, but the harbour does get very busy around high tide, with boats launching and recovering, so we ask that visitors time their visit accordingly. The harbour starts to get busy from 2 hours before high tide and then for the following 2 hours after high tide”.

Brancaster Beach is less than a two hour drive and 66 miles from Cambridge.

The section 34 order, which came into force at 7.45pm on Saturday (June 13), was put in place for 24 hours around the town centre.

Police said this was done because of a protest which took place and the potential for disorder arising from it.

Four arrests were made following a protest in Burnley on Saturday night (Image: Social Media)

The order grants officers the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of preventing or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, or distressed, or the occurrence of crime and disorder.

A 43-year-old man, a 19-year-old man, and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of exposure.

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All remain in custody.

A police spokesperson said: “Our enquiries are continuing to identify other people who were involved in the disorder at the protest and anyone identified to have done so will be arrested.”

A dispersal order was put in place in the town centre as a result of the protest (Image: Social Media)

Oliver Ryan, the MP for Burnley, said: “This isn’t what our town wants or needs. Reform need to calm down, everyone needs to take a step back.

“Let me pay tribute to our police though, who were impeccable in the face of all this nonsense.”

Afrasiab Anwar, leader of Burnley Council, said: “While a small number of people gathered in the town centre, police acted appropriately to maintain order, and a dispersal order remains in place to help keep people safe.

A map showing where the dispersal order is in place. It remains in force until 7.45pm on Sunday (June 14) (Image: Lancashire Police)

“This flash protest has caused unnecessary disruption to local businesses, many of whom were simply trying to operate as normal on an evening.

“Burnley has always shown its strength in difficult moments. We must not allow the actions of one individual to divide our town or damage relationships between communities.”

The protest came in the wake of an alleged stabbing of a 17-year-old girl in Brierfield on Friday evening (June 12).

Police confirmed a 30-year-old British man of Pakistani heritage was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident in Wood Street.

The girl has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home with her family.

Met Office forecasters have said parts of the UK could be baking under a heatwave by the end of the week with temperatures approaching 30C

Brits have been wanted that parts of the UK could be roasting in heatwave conditions towards the end of next week, forecasters have said.

Southern parts of the UK could see temperatures as high as 28C or more by Thursday, Met Officer forecasters have warned.

Parts of the south and south east of England are likely to see temperatures rise the highest but thunderstorms and rain showers are also likely in some places, forecasters have said.

In many places Monday is due to be dry and settled, but cloudy and cooler in the North East with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Tuesday could see further rain making its way in from the coast. But Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said high pressure building across the country will bring warm and humid conditions, with temperatures climbing above the seasonal average in some areas.

She said: “Throughout the week things are heating up in the south and South East.

“We’ve got high pressure starting to build and there’s a warm plume moving up through continental Europe.

“Whether or not it’ll be a heatwave remains to be seen as there’s still a lot to play for, but things are certainly turning a lot warmer, if not maybe even hot, by the end of the week, although this is mostly confined to the South East.

“Other areas will warm up, but it’s also very humid so they are likely to be cloudy, with rain and showers.

“By Thursday we’re looking at around 28C in London, so certainly pushing into the high 20s.”

Looking further into the future, the hot weather is due to stick around. The Met Office’s long range forecast for Monday June 29 to Monday July 13 said: “High pressure is expected to lie close to the UK at the start of this period, bringing plenty of dry, settled weather.

“Temperatures will likely be above normal, with the potential for hot conditions, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms, especially in the south. Towards mid July, the influence of high pressure may weaken or shift more to the north or west of the UK, bringing an increasing chance of unsettled weather.”

Footage show Wowed locals stopped to take photos and videos as the kilted march passed through the US host city today.

This is the scene in Boston as thousands of Scotland fans marched to the baseball on Sunday evening. The Tartan Army met at Evans Way Park at around 2pm as locals soaked up the sun and enjoyed carry out beers.

Fans still celebrating last night’s result sang songs and clapped to the sound of bagpipes before the march began at 4.45pm. Lead by local police, nearby roads were blocked off as supporters waved flags.

The foot soldiers are now heading to Fenway Park stadium to watch the Boston Red Sox take on Texas Rangers and one set of pals even got the home team’s kits printed off with the names of Scotland’s footballing heroes on the back.

Richard Laidlaw, 50, from Newton Mearns had McLean on the back of his jersey. He told the Record: “We’re here for just over a week so we thought we’d make the most of it and go to the Red Sox.

“We just thought we’d get the strips and get all the Scotland players in the back of the shop, just for a bit of a laugh.

“My friend organised the whole thing. It took a lot of organising to be fair to. But it’s just a case of making the most of this amazing trip.”

Stunned locals stopped to take pictures and videos as the kilted march passed through the park.

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The Red Sox match starts at 7.20pm an Fenway Park and over 5,000 Scots are expected to be in attendance at the match – which has been billed as a ‘Scotland celebration game’.

It comes after jubilation broke out on both sides of the pond in the early hours of Sunday morning after John McGinn took Scotland to the top of Group C with a stunning 1-0 victory over Haiti at Boston’s Gillette Stadium.

Celebrations were seen and felt across the country after Steve Clarke’s men secured their first World Cup win in 36 years – after a 28-year wait to return to the tournament.

Some of the merriment continued into the wee hours, including on Great Western Road in Glasgow. Supporters poured out of pubs and houses to belt out Flower of Scotland at 4am, led by a piper.

In a video shared online, supporters can be scene arm-in-arm belting out the national anthem. Some can be seen to stumble and stagger after enjoying a few drinks during the evening before.

The win over Haiti has Brazil and Morocco on red alert with both keenly aware there is now a three-way fight to emerge out of Group C. Scotland will next take on Morocco at 11pm BST on on Friday.

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An application has been submitted for around 400 new homes and a rural travel hub in Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire Live readers have expressed firm opinions on proposals for 400 homes and a “travel hub“. Many questioned what the hub entails, and whether existing local amenities can accommodate the growth.

Approximately 400 homes, a local centre, and a travel hub could be built in a Cambridgeshire village if proposals go ahead. An application has been submitted requesting an environmental impact assessment for the potential development of land at Crows Nest Farm in Papworth Everard.

The application was lodged with South Cambridgeshire District Council on behalf of Mac Mic Strategic Land Limited, Christine Elizabeth Peck, and Sarah Lemond.

Papworth Everard is 10 miles west of Cambridge and six miles south of Huntingdon. While the proposed scheme could change, the application outlines roughly 400 residential homes, a local centre, and a rural travel hub, alongside highways and drainage infrastructure.

One of our readers, Wachoooo asks: “By the phrase ‘travel hub’ do they mean a bus stop with a bike rack?”

Bobbinbootsie says: “Yet more pressure on the NHS, schools, roads etc etc. Just keep building more houses, pile more people in to add to the congestion.”

On our Facebook page, Simon W asks: “Is a Rural Travel Hub what I think it is? Papworth Everard is about to get stuffed.”

Pauline G comments: “Will they not need water? Not enough now in this area?”

Geoffrey P questions: “Wasn’t there talk about a travel hub at Dry Drayton just up the road?”

Rosie A Rms comments: “The whole county is getting these boxes every time I drive to a place I have not been for a few months there are a load of new houses, on estates with silly names like willow woods, which of course have been cut down to build these little tacky boxes, which people will have to live in because that is all that seems to be on offer, they are built to make money for the investors in the companies and they don’t care about the region or their customers.”

Paul S says: “They should build in Burwell: there aren’t nearly enough properties there; it’s practically a ghost village.”

Helen B writes: “Unjustified and not needed housing on agricultural land. The council should focus on smaller developments on land that is already developed to provide truly affordable housing. We don’t have the skills, labour or resources to build the scale of development proposed.

“Our land and environment will be destroyed. We need it to feed ourselves and reduce imported food. Once this land is built on, we won’t be able to recover it. There are only so many people who can move out of London and the Home Counties. More people brings more burden on the NHS which drives the need for more people. House building is not production and economic growth in itself, but this government is using it as such.”

Do you think that Cambridgeshire needs more housing? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

The so-called ‘pong’ seems to get worse after hot and/or wet weather

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City centre roads will close for efforts to identify and eliminate the ‘ Peterborough Pong’ this June. Bourges Boulevard is set to close for “no more than five days” from Tuesday, June 16, with works expected to take place overnight only between 8pm and 6am.

The southbound stretch of Bourges Boulevard will be closed between the Crescent Bridge roundabout and Rivergate. According to Anglian Water, the works being carried out are tankering and investigatory works to investigate the odour.

This odour – known locally as the ‘Peterborough Pong’ – has become a regular problem, lingering around Bourges Boulevard whenever there are prolonged spells of hot and/or wet weather.

It follows an announcement in April by Anglian Water to fit specialist smell-trapping covers to drains near the Park Inn on Bourges Boulevard.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “The nature of the work we do does mean there are smells from time to time, and hotter temperatures can make these more noticeable. Our team is carrying out investigations on our nearby sites and assets to find a solution for this odour. “

Motorists likely to be affected by the upcoming road closure are advised to use the following alternative routing: Thorpe Road, Nene Parkway, Oundle Road, London Road, Town Bridge, and Rivergate.