Babul’s, on Market Place, stopped offering takeaways from September 14 after saying rising costs, pressure on its kitchen and abuse directed at staff had made the service increasingly difficult to operate.

But within days, the customer response made the restaurant’s team “stop and think”.

Babul’s said customers had emailed, messaged and commented about how important takeaways had become to them.

The restaurant said it heard from customers who had ordered for decades and families who made Babul’s part of birthdays, New Year’s Eve and other traditions.

Babul’s in Barnard Castle (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

It said messages from older people, customers with disabilities or health problems and carers showed that takeaways were essential, not just convenient.

In a statement, Babul’s said: “Since announcing the end of our takeaway service, the response has been far greater than we expected.

“We’ve read your comments, messages and emails, and some of the stories you’ve shared have genuinely moved us.

“We knew people enjoyed our takeaways. What we perhaps hadn’t fully appreciated was just how much the service means to some people, and the role it has played in their lives.”

The restaurant highlighted customer Malcolm Elsbury, who has launched a petition urging Babul’s to reconsider.

It added: “For some people, takeaway isn’t just about convenience; it’s the only realistic way they can continue enjoying Babul’s.

“Malcolm is one of those customers, and his story really brought that home to us. But he is far from the only person we’ve heard from.”

Babul’s stressed that the problems behind its original decision have not gone away.

The restaurant previously said online, phone and walk-in orders put kitchen and front-of-house staff under heavy pressure at busy times, risking delays for diners and takeaway customers.

It had also reported more rude and verbally abusive behaviour towards staff handling takeaway complaints.

But the business is asking whether a different model could bring takeaways back.

Customers have suggested a smaller menu, online ordering and payment, fixed collection slots, limited busy-period availability and higher prices if needed.

Babul’s said: “Perhaps the question isn’t simply: ‘Should Babul’s bring takeaways back?’

“Perhaps it’s: ‘Is there a better way of doing it?’

“If takeaway were to return, it couldn’t simply return exactly as before.”

The restaurant said limiting dishes and collection slots could control demand, with orders stopping when capacity was reached.

It added: “But if those changes allowed us to offer takeaway again without compromising our restaurant, our standards or our team… would you support it?”

Mr Elsbury’s “Bring Babul’s Takeaways Back!” petition says customers understand the pressures on the independent business and are not demanding the old system back unchanged.

Instead, it suggests online-only ordering, fixed collection slots, a smaller menu, higher prices, selected takeaway times and minimum orders.

The petition says older residents, disabled people, carers and families with young children can find eating out difficult.

It also says people in rural communities around Barnard Castle have fewer alternatives for food.

Mr Elsbury wrote: “We are not demanding that the old takeaway system simply comes back unchanged. We are asking for a conversation.

“We are asking whether there is a middle ground that protects the restaurant, protects its staff and still allows an important service to remain available to the community.”

When Babul’s announced the end of takeaways, it left open a return if a reliable, financially sustainable model could be found.

The restaurant has urged customers to sign the petition and suggest how a revised service could work.

It said: “Nothing about the challenges we originally spoke about has changed, but your feedback has made us think differently about how we might solve them.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact us and share their story.

“We’re listening.”

Paul Kelly, from Clostoken, died following a slurry incident on a farm in Loughrea on Wednesday, with tributes flooding in for the beloved father-of-one

A father who lost his life in a tragic farming accident in Co Galway has been remembered as a “kind, wonderful person”.

Paul Kelly, from Clostoken, passed away following a slurry incident on a farm in Loughrea on Wednesday.

The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

In a notice on RIP.ie, Paul’s family said: “[We] would like to express their sincere thanks to all their extended family, neighbours and friends for all their kindness and help, at this very sad time. May Paul’s gentle soul rest in peace.”

The father-of-one will be laid to rest at Clostoken Cemetery following his funeral mass at the Church of the Holy Family, Clostoken, at 12pm on Monday, reports the Irish Mirror.

He will repose at Kilboy’s Funeral Home, Loughrea on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. His funeral notice reads: “Predeceased by his loving father Vincent and mother Bernadette.

“Paul will be deeply mourned and sadly missed by his daughter Tia and her mother Jana, brothers Richard, Kenneth and Gerard, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, extended family, relatives and many friends.”

An outpouring of tributes has emerged for the Galway man, who has been fondly described as “kind, funny and helpful”.

One heartfelt tribute reads: “To his beautiful girl Tia his pride and joy to Jana and the extended Kelly and Killilea families at this very sad time. Fond memories and chats with Paul he was such a kind and caring gentleman.”

A friend recalled: “I have the fondest of memories with Paul from our days in school, University and then as our neighbour.

“One of the hardest workers I ever knew who loved his family beyond measure and was a kind, wonderful person and friend. He will be very sadly missed around the roads of Clostoken.”

Another pal reflected: “He was always so friendly and hardworking. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.”

While a fourth mourner shared: “Paul was a lovely, friendly man who always stopped for a chat in the morning. He had a warm and kind nature that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Paul adored his beautiful daughter, Tia, and was immensely proud of her. Paul is back in the arms of his beloved parents Bernadette and Vincent.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of a deeply loved father, partner, brother, family member and friend. May the many happy memories you shared with Paul bring you comfort and strength in the difficult days ahead. RIP Paul.”

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

By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 01:42 BST, 20 September 2026 | Updated: 02:19 BST, 20 September 2026

Three sisters who drowned at Brighton Beach had visited the lake where their mother died just two days before the tragedy.

Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were found dead in the early hours of May 13, 16 years after their mother also drowned. 

Exactly what happened to the sisters remains a mystery, but their cousin Natalie Walters-Daniel, 33, believes their visit to the lake where their mother died carried a ‘deeper meaning’.

She told the Sunday Times that the sisters, who were aged 20, 16 and 15 when their mother Janice Adetoro died, had never recovered from losing her.

Janice drowned near the family’s home in Birmingham in 2010. 

Ms Walters-Daniel said: ‘To lose their mum at the ages that they were, it was the crucial stages of growing up and becoming young women.

‘The years where a mother’s presence and guidance and reassurance and love should be, they didn’t receive that.

‘And for them to come to Birmingham, to take that moment that they did within the lake and also to see their mother, I think that there is definitely a connection there.’

Janice had been living with one of her daughters and was last seen by her before she disappeared, prompting her desperate family to appeal for help.

In 2010, their mother Janice Adetoro, who had split from their father and had mental health issues, walked into a park lake

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She suffered from stress-related mental health issues but did not have any medication with her when she vanished. 

Her brother Lincoln said at the time: ‘The girls are so upset and can’t stop thinking about you and for their sake we need you to make contact.’ 

Janice disappeared in January 2010 before her body was discovered in Early February. 

An inquest heard that earlier that year she had turned up at a police station with ‘paranoid delusions’.

Her daughters later moved back to London, where neighbours described them as intensely private and unsociable, with their food shopping delivered once a week. 

Jane worked as a senior accountant, Christina was a junior accountant and Rebecca was an HR administrator.

Sussex Police have since concluded their investigation into the sisters’ deaths and said they found no evidence of crime or third-party involvement.

Ms Walters-Daniel said: ‘We are not going to get the full answers to this.’

She added that an inquest next month could shed some light on the tragedy.

Their father Joseph previously spoke of his devastation at losing all three of his daughters, saying ‘no words can truly describe the pain’ in a heartbreaking tribute reported by the BBC.

‘You were more than my daughters: you were my joy, my strength and the beautiful light that filled my life with love,’ he wrote in the order of service.

‘There are moments when it feels unbearable, but I hold tightly to the memories we shared, the love we knew and the bond that nothing can ever take away.

Flowers and messages left at the scene in Brighton

‘Jane, I will never forget your strength. Tina, your kindness touched so many lives. Becky, your warmth and joyful spirit brought happiness wherever you went.’

Joseph’s wife Genevieve Barnaby described the sisters as ‘the most beautiful girls [who] didn’t give us no trouble’.

Paying tribute to her stepchildren, she wrote: ‘Our hearts are broken. The pain is indescribable.’

Their cousin told mourners at the funeral that their ‘lives will never be forgotten’ and their ‘memory will live on forever’.

A GoFundMe page launched by their uncle has since raised more than £45,000 towards funeral costs.

The page reads: ‘No parent should ever have to bury their child, let alone all three.

‘While trying to process this unimaginable tragedy, my brother is now also faced with the heartbreaking task of arranging three funerals.

‘As a family, we simply want to give the girls the loving and dignified farewell they deserve.

‘We are humbly asking for any support you may be able to offer towards the funeral expenses.

‘Any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the burden on the family during this incredibly difficult time.’

Speaking about an alleged row over Diana’s funeral arrangements involving her sons, the earl said: “(The King) went ballistic, would be the right term, and started really going for my family as a whole, about their sense of duty, not being adequate enough, and ranted for a while, I have no idea how long, but it was a significant period, and I just listened.

Mr Swinney said: “”The movement for self-determination in Scotland is gathering pace, with growing international attention on the issue and a welcome acknowledgement from the Prime Minister of the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence.

Jake Richards, a justice minister, said the Government would put the onus on parents to do more to keep children out of trouble and that they would be “held to account” if they did not.

In an interview with the Times, Mr Richards said: “I absolutely think that the justice system should hold parents to account in a proportionate way for ensuring that they play their role in keeping communities safe.”

The MP for Rother Valley added: “In my constituency, there’s a lot of problems with antisocial behaviour and young people causing problems in town centres. And yes, when I knock on doors, people say we need more police. But they also say, ‘Well, what are the parents doing?’”

His comments indicate a continuation of plans from Sir Keir Starmer’s government where parents would face harsher consequences including heavier fines and prison sentences for their children’s crimes.

Ministers published a white paper in May calling for more parenting orders to be used. The proposals indicated they would be strengthened.

Meanwhile, the first report from the inquiry into the Southport attack found Axel Rudakubana’s parents could have acted sooner to stop him killing three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.

Mr Richards said: “Parenting orders are going to make sure that parents are more involved in the process by which we try to turn around young offenders.”

“Yes, that will have some stick. It could be custodial, or docking benefits — ultimately it will be up to a judge. But we want them to be more involved and that comes with responsibilities as well.”

It comes as the Government are said to be considering lowering the mansion tax threshold to homes worth £1.5 million to help raise £10 billion in the upcoming Budget.

Former chancellor Rachel Reeves announced at last year’s budget that homes worth £2 million would have to pay an extra tax worth between £2,500 and £7,500 every year.

However, the Times reported more homes could be brought into its scope under plans being considered by John Healey for the Budget on October 28. It would double the number of homes affected by the tax.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “As has always been the case, decisions on tax are a matter for the Chancellor to set out at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on rumour, speculation or proposals.”

15 new celebrities descended on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor on Saturday night as the 24th series kicked off in spectacular style. 

As the launch show got underway, fronted by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, the dance partnerships were announced. 

The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially-choreographed dance routines to find out their partner. 

Dani Dyer, 30, returned for her second year after an ankle injury forced her to withdraw early in last year’s competition. 

She was reunited with her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 28, whom she was paired with last year.  

House of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia, 28, partner was Nancy Xu, 35.

This year’s partnerships include House of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia with Nancy Xu

Bethany had requested a female dance partner after she was inspired by Nicola Adams and Katya Jones’ coupling in 2020 as they helped with her coming out journey.

‘That was life-changing for me – to see my family so supportive of an all-female couple and what that meant,’ she said.

Nancy missed out on a partner last year so was delighted to be back in the competition once again. 

Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, has been paired with one of the five new Strictly pro dancers Maddie Ingoldsby.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, is with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden.

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, is with Kai Widdrington whilst dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, is with Lauren Oakley.

Actress Jaime Winstone, 41, has been partnered with Carlos Gu, who will be hoping to replicate his 2025 win with Karen Carney.

Sports Youtuber John Nellis, 33, is with the show’s longest-serving professional Katya Jones.

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, has landed fan favourite Vito Coppola whilst Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, is with Jowita Przystał.

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem is with Kai Widdrington

Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb is with Jowita Przystał

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Sports Youtuber John Nellis is with the show’s longest-serving professional Katya Jones

Love Island star Cach Mercer has been paired with one of the five new Strictly pro dancers Maddie Ingoldsby

The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters is in good hands with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec

Will Best is with show favourite Dianne Buswell, who lifted the Gitterball in 2024

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Dog trainer Graeme Hall is with Lauren Oakley

Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is with Alexis Warr

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey has been paired with Julian Caillon

Actress Jaime Winstone has been partnered with Carlos Gu, who will be hoping to replicate his 2025 win with Karen Carney

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British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker is with another new pro Mark Karmalita

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has landed fan favourite Vito Coppola

The launch featured a sizzling number introducing five new dancers: Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori

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Before the pairings were revealed, all eyes were on the trio of new presenters. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe

The judges, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke then watched on as the celebs participated in a group dance with the professionals

The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially-choreographed dance routines to find out their partner

The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, is in good hands with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec.

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, has been paired with Julian Caillon whilst former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, is with Alexis Warr.

British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, is with another new pro Mark Karmalita and Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, is with show favourite Dianne Buswell, who lifted the Gitterball in 2024.

The judges, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke then watched on as the celebs participated in a group dance with the professionals. 

Some pros have missed out on a partner, with Neil Jones said to be ‘gutted’ that he has once again been left without a celeb.   

Neil joined the BBC dance competition in 2016 and has not been assigned a partner for seven of the ten years.

He was last paired with singer Toyah Willcox in 2024, where they lasted only two weeks before being eliminated.

Neil will now join the other dancers on the bench after he was injured in rehearsals this month.

Before the pairings were revealed, all eyes were on the trio of new presenters. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have taken over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series. 

Earlier this week new host Josh admitted filming the launch show episode had left him feeling wiped out. 

The comic, 43, explained on the latest episode of his and Rob Beckett’s Parenting Hell podcast, that he was left drained after filming the show on September 9.

Josh admitted: “I’m not very well. I don’t want to go too graphic, but I’ve got stomach problems. I just keep nedding a p***, and I’m constipated, and I’ve got stomach pains.’

He added: “I’m not stressed, I’m tired.’

‘Full disclosure, we’ve done the launch show of Strictly on Wednesday. It went well. The next day, I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired in my life, and I still don’t feel like I’ve fully recovered.’

‘Admittedly, I had a show in Dublin the next day, then I came back, and then I had a full-on weekend of parenting.’

Strictly continues with the first live show of Series 24 on Saturday, September 26. 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

CACH MERCER

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AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

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AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

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BETHANY ANTONIA 

AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

AGE: 59

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

TABBY STOECKER 

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AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

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AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

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DANI DYER

AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

WILL BEST

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

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SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

AGE: 34

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

JOHN NELLIS 

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AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’

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Ed Sheeran took the stage Saturday night, issuing a teary apology to the fans who showed up to his solo concert in Philadelphia after a week of chaos.

Sheeran found himself embroiled in controversy after his support act, rapper Macklemore, was dropped from the tour over pro-Palestinian remarks he made on stage. The subsequent fallout saw Sheeran’s other openers quit and drew protests outside Saturday night’s show in Philadelphia.

He opened his Lincoln Financial Field show as part of his ongoing Loop tour by addressing the criticism he’s received, saying, “I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t want to disappoint fans.

“I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics,” he continued.

“But this is a humanitarian issue. I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore. What happened in Israel, and at the music festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” the “Shape of You” singer said.

“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian loss and loss of children’s lives. And the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfolding the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”

Sheeran — in his first public statement since his Instagram post addressed Macklemore’s firing — also said he felt that honoring his commitment to his fans is “completely central to who I am.”

“And that is why I’m here tonight, on my own, and continuing my current tour.”

The concert, originally scheduled to kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET, was pushed to 8 p.m. following the fallout from the controversy, which saw ticket prices plummet after Sheeran’s openers quit.

Earlier this week, Macklemore announced that he had been dropped as the support act for the remainder of Sheeran’s U.S. tour dates, claiming that the singer told him that Robert Kraft — the CEO of Kraft Group who owns Gillette Stadium — had personally called to say that he would not be allowed to perform at the venue.

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Hours after Sheeran said he would not be drawn into a public debate about the Gaza war and that the decision to remove Macklemore was “the promoter’s decision,” Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, the Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas announced on Instagram that they were withdrawing from the tour.

Rowe was one of Macklemore’s replacements for Sheeran’s remaining U.S. dates, while Beoga was serving as Sheeran’s touring band. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was due to tour with Sheeran in South America later this year.

As the backlash over Macklemore’s firing grew, the rapper announced on social media that he would donate $1 million in net earnings from his appearances on Sheeran’s tour to organizations aiding Palestinians, while challenging Kraft to match the sum.

Kraft and Sheeran then each pledged $2 million toward humanitarian relief for Palestinians.

Still, the controversy escalated to the point where protesters showed up Saturday night outside of Lincoln Financial Field, chanting, per TMZ, “F*** your concert, f*** your fans. Palestine is our demand.”

Sheeran is next slated to take the stage September 25 at Kraft’s Gillette Stadium.