Lidl GB announced the stores as part of a £600 million investment plan.

It comes just five months after the German-owned discounter applied for planning permission from City of York Council to build five new sites near York, in addition to one concerning the former Food Warehouse store at Clifton Moor.

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In a statement, CEO of Lidl GB, Ryan McDonnell, said: “As we grow, we want to positively impact our British communities.

“We’re not just opening doors; we’re unlocking regional growth.

“Our expansion translates directly into high-quality jobs and gives British suppliers the certainty they need to invest in the future.

“Above all, it advances our social purpose of making affordable, healthy food accessible to everyone.”

The firm has more than 1,000 stores across Britain, including ones located in James Street, Thanet Road and Monks Cross Drive.  

In May 2025, Lidl revealed 80 potential locations for new stores, including Harrogate, Ripon and Tadcaster.

Employment Minster, Kate Dearden, said: “This kind of investment is exactly what we want to see from big employers – creating thousands of good jobs that pay fair wages and boost the standard of living in communities across the country.

“Lidl’s expansion plans are a real vote of confidence in our plan to grow the economy, demonstrating that responsible business growth can bring significant benefits for both businesses and workers.”

A spokesperson for Lidl said: “To ensure we provide the most accurate timing for each site, we’re holding off on publishing the full list until specific opening dates are finalised.

“However, the 50-store goal is a firm commitment for the next 12 months and we’ll be sharing updates throughout the year as sites open.”

HOUSTON (AP) — Drawing ever closer to Earth, the Artemis II astronauts tidied up their lunar cruiser for its upcoming “fireball” return and reflected on their historic journey around the moon, describing it as surreal and profound.

As the next-to-last day of their flight dawned Thursday, humanity’s first lunar explorers in more than half a century were less than 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) from home with the odometer clicking down.

“We have to get back. There’s so much data that you’ve seen already, but all the good stuff is coming back with us. There are so many more pictures, so many more stories,” said pilot Victor Glover, adding that “riding a fireball through the atmosphere is profound as well.”

Being cut off from all of humanity for nearly an hour while behind the moon was especially “surreal,” according to commander Reid Wiseman.

“There’s a lot that our brains have to process … and it is a true gift,” Wiseman said late Wednesday during the crew’s first news conference since before liftoff.

While out of contact behind the moon Monday, Wiseman, Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen became the most distant humans ever, clocking in at a record 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) from Earth before heading back. As they emerged from behind the moon, they experienced a wondrous total solar eclipse as the orb blocked the sun from their perspective.

Launching from Florida on April 1 diminished the amount of illumination on the lunar far side, Glover noted, but the eclipse was the consolation prize “and it was one of the greatest gifts.”

Friday’s reentry and Pacific splashdown off the coast of San Diego — as dynamic and dangerous as liftoff — now topped everyone’s minds. The recovery ship, USS John P. Murtha, was already at sea, with a squadron of military planes and helicopters poised to join the operation.

It’s the first time that NASA and the Defense Department have teamed up for a lunar crew’s reentry since Apollo 17 in 1972. Their Orion capsule will come screaming back, hitting the atmosphere at a predicted 34,965 feet (10,657 meters) per second — or 23,840 mph (38,367 kph) — not a record but still mind-bogglingly fast.

Mission Control will be paying close attention to how the capsule’s heat shield holds up. During the only other Orion test flight to the moon — in 2022 without a crew — the heat shield suffered considerably more damage than expected from the 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius) of reentry.

Instead of replacing Artemis II’s heat shield, which would have forced another lengthy delay, NASA tweaked the capsule’s descent through the atmosphere to reduce the blisteringly hot exposure. Next year’s Artemis III and beyond will fly with redesigned heat shields.

Artemis III will see astronauts practice docking their capsule with a lunar lander or two in orbit around Earth. Artemis IV in 2028 will attempt to land two astronauts near the moon’s south pole, setting the stage for what NASA hopes will be a sustainable lunar base.

NASA officials have been loath to provide their risk assessment numbers for the nearly 10-day mission, acknowledging launch and entry as the biggest threats.

“We’re down to the wire now,” said NASA’s Lakiesha Hawkins. “We’re down to the end of the mission, and obviously getting the crew back home and getting them landed safely, is a significant part of the risk that’s still in front of us.”

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Thousands of trees will be replanted along the A14, after an MP branded the state of the road as a “real mess”. In 2021, a council report revealed that nearly one million trees had died after being planted as part of upgrade works on the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon.

National Highways admitted a “high failure rate” in 2023, and said it planned to replant 160,000 new trees by March 2024. During a debate in parliament on March 26, 2026, MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty slammed the road as a “real mess”.

He added: “The land has simply not been maintained after the environmental land-management schemes were put in place, so it is reassuring to hear that the trees will be replaced.” Simon Lightwood, MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, also said it was an “absolute scandal” that around “90% of trees died at that particular scheme”.

National Highways has once again admitted it has “not been good enough”, and that it has plans to replant 50,000 trees. A spokesperson said: “The A14 scheme delivered major economic, safety and environmental benefits, but we recognise that our performance on tree planting has not been good enough.

“After identifying losses caused by several factors, including rootstock selection, weather conditions, soil nutrient levels and aftercare, we have launched a 50,000 tree trial to test new measures and inform our future planting regime for all our schemes.”

In January of this year, CambridgeshireLive submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request to National Highways about the trees. The FOI asked how many trees had been replanted along the A14 to replace the dead trees, as well as to provide a map of the replanted trees.

It also asked National Highways to provide the cost of the replanting to date. The FOI response confirmed that 165,000 trees were initially replanted to replace the dead trees.

However, National Highways couldn’t provide a map of the replanted trees or the cost of replanting as it “didn’t hold this information”. The FOI response added that the cost of replanting couldn’t be provided as it couldn’t be separated from other landscaping and maintenance costs.

Donald Trump has tangled himself in an almighty rift with God’s representative on Earth – The Pope.

Upon hearing of the death of Pope Francis, the President told reporters, ‘I’d like to be pope. That would be my No.1 choice.’

Instead, American-born Pope Leo XIV now occupies the Chair of St Peter. Despite this, and amid the Iran war, relations between Washington and the Vatican appear to be reaching a breaking point.

Trump, who also said only his own ‘morality’ can stop him, has still constantly been looking to the Vatican for its approval for his designs on the world.

A fired-up member of Team Trump dredged up a 700-year-old threat to Pope Leo after called the President’s promise to wipe out Iranian civilisation ‘truly unacceptable’.

One Vatican official told The Free Press, that Cardinal Christophe Pierre – Pope Leo XIV’s ambassador to the United States was summoned to a secret meeting at the Pentagon in January.

There Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby, delivered to the Cardinal what was described ‘as a lecture’.

Colby and his team told him America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world. And the Catholic Church had better fall in line.

At the fiery meeting, one US official reportedly invoked the Avignon Papacy, where the French pope fled violence in Rome to take up residency in Côte d’Azur in the 14th Century.

Other nations denigrated the move as the ‘Babylonian Captivity’, damaging the prestige and supposed independence of the papacy.

The move led to the Great Western Schism where three rival Popes vied for power nearly causing the downfall of the Catholic Church.

The fallout of the disastrous meeting led the Vatican to cancel a planned trip to the US on Independence Day.

But the Pope doesn’t seem to have been particularly bothered by the furore and was recently pictured spinning a basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters.

In a move that will infuriate the White House further, Leo urged people to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to ask them, tell them to work for peace and to reject war.’

‘We have a worldwide economic crisis, an energy crisis, (a) situation in the Middle East of great instability, which is only provoking more hatred throughout the world,’ he said.

He said the message to political leaders should be: ‘Come back to the table, let’s talk, let’s look for solutions in a peaceful way and let’s remember especially the innocent children, the elderly, sick, so many people who have already become or will become victims of this continued warfare.’

The Vatican also fears that the Iran conflict has spread to south Lebanon, threatening Christians who are an important protector of the church in the Middle East.

Trump’s team have been desperate for a visit from America’s first Pope, but he has now reportedly snubbed his invitation to attend the nation’s 250th anniversary events.

Instead of spending July 4th in his homeland, the Pope will visit Lampedusa, a small Mediterranean island that has become an entry point for African migrants attempting to reach Europe.

When contacted, the War Department sought to downplay reports of the rift.

‘The Free Press’s characterisation of the meeting is highly exaggerated and distorted. The meeting between Pentagon and Vatican officials was a respectful and reasonable discussion.

‘We have nothing but the highest regard and welcome continued dialogue with the Holy See,’ a War Department official said.

But the Vatican could hand Donald Trump another bloody nose by meeting with Barack Obama – who recently was giddy on a podcast, insisting the only person he would like to meet on Planet Earth is Pope Leo, without hesitation.

And with the Pope’s term in office usually only ending in death, and Trump’s calls for a third term, so far, denied – there can only be one winner on the international stage.

MORE: George Clooney hits back at Trump after White House’s bizarre ‘war crimes’ jibe

MORE: How strong is the US-Iran ceasefire – and has it already fallen apart?

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Scarlett Faulkner, 29, remains critically ill at Cork University Hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries in a roadside attack near Birdhill, Co Tipperary, almost two weeks ago

Fears are growing for Scarlett Faulkner as her family shared a heartbreaking update, revealing that “things are not looking good” as medics prepare to disconnect her life support.

The 29-year-old mum-of-one, from Limerick city, remains critically ill at Cork University Hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries in a roadside attack near Birdhill, County Tipperary, in Ireland, almost two weeks ago.

She received devastating head injuries from the attack on a busy road on Saturday evening, March 21. A woman and a 16-year-old girl, who have been charged in connection with the serious assault of Scarlett, and appeared in court, via-videolink, last Wednesday.

In an emotional update on social media, Josephine Duffy, the partner of Scarlett’s brother Thomas, said medics have made a decision to disconnect Scarlett from her life support machine on Friday, as they remain by her side during her final moments. “Update on Scarlett, things are not looking good. I’m here with Thomas’s sister Mary,” said Josephine.

“On Friday they are disconnecting Scarlett from her life support machine.” Josephine thanked the public for the wave of prayers and support on behalf of the family, saying these “did not go unnoticed,” and asked that people now pray for peace for Scarlett in the time ahead, while also hoping for justice.

The devastating update has left many shaken, as those closest to Scarlett prepare for the unimaginable in the coming days. One pal wrote on social media on hearing the devastating news: “It’s a very sad world we live in, a young woman stole of life, thinking of her heartbroken family in the hard week that lies ahead of them.”

Scarlett’s heartbroken sister Joanne wrote: “I’m lost for words. My heart is broken. My beautiful baby sister,” while a devastated niece wrote: “Never thought I’d see this day Aunty Scarlett.”

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“You didn’t deserve none of this. Only a young girl with your whole life ahead of you. You left us all heartbroken. We’re gonna be lost without you. Your baby girl means the whole world to you. She’s gonna be lost without you aunty. We have memories to last a lifetime. I love you with all my heart.”

Scarlett, a respected member of a Traveller family from Limerick county, was beaten by a group armed with weapons at the side of the R494 in Birdhill.

The motive for the savage assault remains unclear, and Ms Faulkner was left fighting for her life in hospital after she was found by emergency services with catastrophic head injuries on the side of the road.

She is believed to have been attacked by one or more people armed with weapons. Gardai are working on several theories regarding the assault, including that innocent Ms Faulkner may have been travelling in a car that was rammed by a group in another vehicle, dragged from her car, and attacked with implements at the side of the road.

Detectives at Nenagh Garda Station are continuing to investigate the attack. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station on (067) 05450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

He will appear in court tomorrow, Friday April 10

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A man is due to appear in court on Friday charged with an alleged assault on two teenagers.

Police investigating a report of an assault on two males in the Roe Mill Road area of Limavady on Wednesday evening, April 8, charged the man, aged in his 30s, to court.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The 34-year-old has been charged with three counts of common assault and possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place.

“He is due to appear before Limavady Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning, 10th April.

“As is usual procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

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Looking for 10 things to do in London? Luckily, there’s lots to do in this city for cheap in 2026! At least… there is now.

Metro has teamed up with Time Out to bring you the best deals across the capital.

Every Friday, 10 new deals will drop, available in the Metro newspaper, on Metro, and on our socials. You’ll also find them in our weekly London newsletter, The Slice, in your inbox every Wednesday.

Get 40% off afternoon tea (with champagne!) at Pan Pacific London. A rare city pause amidst the chaos, kick back and truly relax.

For sharing plates, head to Tapas Fiesta at Salt Yard Goodge Street, and save a huge £50. Spanish-Italian fusion to leave you satiated, just £30 per person.

Or, as spring has officially sprung, why not enjoy 50% off a spring clean by Housekeep. Head into the new season feeling decluttered and refreshed, without breaking the bank.

It’s all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals.

Things to do in London this week

Enjoy 40% off an afternoon tea with champagne at Pan Pacific London

Ginger Lily Bar and Lounge offers a rare city pause. Sunlight spills through floor-to-ceiling windows onto warm wooden interiors, setting the stage for a truly indulgent afternoon. Freshly baked scones and delicate pastries sit alongside elegant sandwiches, while a half bottle of Taittinger champagne adds a sparkling flourish. Conversations linger, glasses clink, and the tempo of the day slows, making this a luxurious escape you’ll want to savour from the first sip to the last bite.

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Enjoy a set menu & complimentary cocktail at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill from £20

Experience fine dining at its best with an exclusive set menu and a complimentary signature cocktail at Gordon Ramsay’s Bar & Grill in Mayfair. Choose from expertly crafted dishes including cauliflower velouté, chicken supreme, and Basque cheesecake. Opt for the two-course option at £20 or go all-in with three courses for just £25, both served with a signature cocktail, worth up to £16.50.

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Get three courses and glass of Champagne at Dear Jackie, Broadwick Soho for £38

Broadwick Soho arrived with serious flair in 2023 and has been serving up a hit of West End glamour, that feels both indulgent and effortlessly cool ever since. Tucked inside the hotel, Dear Jackie is its seductive Italian dining room, all Murano glow, red silk walls and plush booths that could tell a few stories. The menu leans into refined Italian comfort with superior pasta and reimagined classics, making it an ideal spot to settle in for dinner. With this exclusive Time Out offer, you can sink into Soho’s newest slice of dolce vita decadence for less with a three courses set meun and a glass of Champagne (worth £22). The perfect pre-theatre treat or the start of a night that might run on far longer than planned.

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Three sharing courses and a cocktail at Gouqi by Tong Chee Hwee for £35

Chef Tong returns to London’s dining scene at Gouqi, bringing his acclaimed expertise from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hakkasan. Enjoy top-tier dining for just £35 per person (down from £45) , featuring a Supreme royal dim sum platter, Taiwanese three-cup chicken pot, or Claypot silken egg tofu with seasonal vegetables and steamed jasmine rice. Experience elevated Chinese cuisine that delights!

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Get 25% off bowling, pizza and drink at the world’s best bowling alley*

Experience bowling like never before at Vintners Lanes, Greenwich’s newest boutique hotspot, where industrial-chic design meets vintage charm. Recently crowned Best in the World at the 40th Annual Bowling Centre Architecture and Design Awards, this six-lane stunner serves up more than just strikes. With this exclusive offer, score 25% off a game of bowling, a fresh pizza, and your choice of pint, glass of wine, spirit and mixer or soft drink. Just fancy the lanes? You can grab a bowling session on its own from just £8.95 — the perfect reason to gather your mates and bowl the night away.

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60% off the ultimate BYOB pasta making class at Ann’s Smart School of Cookery

If your idea of pasta-making is tearing open a packet, it might be time to level up. Ann’s Smart School of Cookery has been running for nearly two decades, teaching thousands of Londoners (and beyond) how to turn out restaurant-worthy dishes in a laid-back, hands-on setting. For this class, you’ll be guided by professional chefs through an Italian-inspired menu: fluffy focaccia with balsamic dip, fresh spinach and ricotta cannelloni in a proper tomato sauce, and a creamy asparagus risotto with rocket. You’ll cook, taste and pick up kitchen tips you’ll actually use back home. Whether you fancy showing off to mates at your next dinner party or just want to sharpen your skills, this is a delicious way to spend an autumn afternoon.

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Save over £50 on a Tapas Fiesta menu to share at Salt Yard Goodge Street

Goodge Street Savour Spanish-Italian fusion with a mouthwatering small-plate feast at Salt Yard for just £30 per person (was £81). Enjoy dishes like padron peppers, poached chorizo picante, and truffle arancino, all crafted by Head Chef Panajot Prifti, plus cinnamon-dipped churros to finish. Don’t miss this unbeatable dining experience!

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Enjoy over 50% off a spring clean with Housekeep

A sparkling home without the effort. Housekeep connects you with highly rated cleaners trusted for millions of cleans and a near-perfect 4.9-star average. Book a one, two or three-hour clean and tailor it to suit your space. Add extras like indoor windows, laundry or ironing, and leave notes so your cleaner knows exactly what you need. Everything is arranged in minutes through the app or website. Right now you can take 50% off house cleans from £22.45, making it an easy way to reset your space and enjoy that just-cleaned feeling at home.

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Unwind with a five-star luxury experience for two at The Spa at Athenaeum Hotel

Do you feel that? It’s the feeling of a long-awaited self-care day on the horizon! Invite a friend or partner to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and share a five-star luxury experience at Mayfair’s Athenaeum Hotel Spa. Spend a relaxing hour in the wet area, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, then take your pick from a facial and body wrap treatment or massage. All this with a glass of bubbly for 40% off – you’ll find it hard to say no.

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Get the ultimate BYOB pottery experience from just £23 at Token Studio

Unleash your creativity at Token Studio with a fun 90-minute session! Try your hand at the potter’s wheel, create miniature pottery, or learn hand-building techniques. Prefer design? Opt for pottery painting and customize a mug, plate, or bowl. Plus, bring your favourite drinks to enjoy while you craft!

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Lewis Kent was found unresponsive by his mum Debbie at his flat on Gus Risman Street in Salford on Good Friday and was tragically declared dead at the scene.

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A mother has spoken of the heartbreaking moment she found her son dead at his home, paying tribute to her “gentle giant.” Lewis Kent was discovered unresponsive by his mum Debbie at his flat on Gus Risman Street in Salford on Good Friday.

Debbie revealed she knew something was wrong when her ‘loving, family-oriented’ son had failed to message her or pick up her calls that morning. She rushed straight to his flat, but tragically, Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of death of the 29 year old remains unclear, Debbie told the Manchester Evening News. Greater Manchester Police have since opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing.

A 30 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences, the force confirmed. She has since been released on bail while enquiries into Lewis’ death continue, reports MEN.

Debbie told the MEN how she went to check on Lewis when he failed to send his usual ‘good morning’ message. She explained he was ordinarily ‘very much in a routine’ owing to his diagnoses of autism and ADHD.

“I know when something is not right with Lewis,” Debbie added. “We always say ‘good morning’, ‘good night’, ‘love you all the world’.

“He didn’t text me on the Friday morning, so I thought maybe he’d just slept in. So I tried ringing him because he has done that before.

“I drove down and let myself in through the side door shouting him. I walked through and I just saw him. I just called police and ambulance, within an hour detectives were there.”

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Lewis, a passionate Manchester United fan, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Debbie revealed the family had been planning to spend the Easter weekend together.

Lewis is survived by his brothers, sisters, mum and many close friends. He was shortly due to celebrate his 30th birthday.

Debbie disclosed he had endured difficulties throughout his life, losing his dad and a close friend, but ‘kept going for his family’. Paying tribute to her son, Debbie said: “Lewis was a gentle giant.

“His one-liners were funny, everything he was thinking he just said it. He was just such a lovable person. He was daft as a brush.

“Considering the troubles and traumas he’d had over the years he was such a brave soul. I just feel like we didn’t get enough time for him. He just grew into a beautiful man. He was so gentle.

“He was so loyal and loving. He was the best son, brother and friend. His loyalty ran deep and that’s why he was so loved. “His heart was too big. He was a legend. You couldn’t say a bad thing about him. He will be deeply missed.”

A fundraising page has been set up to help cover the costs of Lewis’ funeral.

Debbie said the family ‘don’t know the full circumstances’ surrounding his death, with enquiries continuing.

Following Lewis’ death, a spokesperson for GMP said: “At around 1pm on Friday 3 April, officers responded to reports of the body of a man in a property on Gus Risman Street, Salford.

“Officers attended and sadly, a 29 year old man was found dead at an address. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death are currently ongoing.

“As part of the investigation, a woman, aged 30, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries.”

The force has been contacted for a further update on the progress of the investigation.

The singer appeared on the Simon Cowell ITV talent series back in 2005

X Factor star Chico has been found guilty of drink-driving as he told a court his arrest came ‘hours after breaking his sobriety’.

Chico, whose real name is Yousseph Slimani, rose to fame on the Simon Cowell ITV talent series back in 2005. He finished in fifth place under the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne.

After his time on The X Factor, Slimani went on to score a number one single with his song It’s Chico Time. 2008 saw him come third on the ITV reality show CelebAir.

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But the former star was in court today (April 9) after he was caught drunk behind the wheel. Arriving in Willesden Magistrates’ Court, Slimani wore a maroon silk shirt and placed his cowboy hat on the table in front.

He told the hearing he drank Famous Grouse whisky for six hours after losing a third friend to cancer. He stated that he consumed the whisky between 1am and 7am and then Nyquil at 5.30pm – a cold and flu medicine similar to Night Nurse – before he was pulled over at about 6.30pm that evening on Chase Way, Southgate, on December 13.

“It was after a third bereavement of one of my dearest friends, which was just devastating,” he said before later telling the court he has not drunk alcohol since. “All young people in their 50s with terminal cancers that have passed on – non-smokers, non-drinkers, several cancers – and basically are not here, sadly.

“On that fateful day, I’m teetotal, I don’t drink, and it felt like I was going out of my mind, couldn’t take it, so I drank.”

Slimani claimed he had been taking Nyquil for ‘a flu which you may call long Covid’ that ‘kept coming and going’ and has been documented on his social media channels. He did not inform police when asked if he had consumed other drugs or medicines, and said this was ‘because when I got arrested, and they were taking me to the police station, my mind was literally going at 600,000mph’.

“And when I got to the police station all I could think of was the implications of me being arrested for something that goes completely against what I am and what I do,” he stated.

Saying that all his fears ‘sadly have all come true’, Slimani noted that these were of ‘the press, the loss of my reputation, the loss of work – everything has happened, it has been a catastrophe’.

Slimani brought a book with him for evidence, which he said he was writing at the time of the alleged offence, titled The Secret 19. Cancer Questions Worth Asking.

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Slimani’s solicitors told a toxicologist that he consumed 810ml of Famous Grouse whisky and 30ml of an unspecified Nyquil product that contained alcohol, the court heard. The toxicologist, Sarah Morley, calculated that the Nyquil would have contributed to 2mg per 100ml of alcohol on his breath.

Ms Morley also told the court: “I can’t verify if the information provided to me has been accurate or not.”

Arresting officer Pc Yuksel stated he was watching Slimani speak to a fellow officer about a separate matter when he noticed the defendant’s ‘quite vivid’ facial expressions that were ‘almost joyful’.

Giving evidence, he said he smelt alcohol on the former singer’s breath, noting: “He was very animated with his facial features, they were very vivid and his demeanour seemed a bit – I don’t know how best to describe it – but under the influence of alcohol.

“I asked him if he had consumed any alcohol, then his demeanour changed… He appeared quite shocked and his demeanour just changed to very defensive, from very happy and expressive to very defensive when asked that question.”

Slimani failed a breath test but was ‘calm and compliant’ when he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, he said. He was then taken to a police station and breathalysed again.

Slimani was convicted of driving a Vauxhall Astra with 40 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the legal limit is 35mg.

He was ordered to pay a £600 fine, £240 surcharge and £620 in costs by District Judge Mark Jabbitt. As a result of the conviction, Slimani was also disqualified from driving for 12 months. The court heard he has been heavily in debt and as a result faced county court proceedings.

Slimani was offered a drink drivers’ rehabilitation scheme that if completed will reduce his qualification by a quarter. The judge said: “It is inevitable that I will find the case proven.”

He added that he is ‘generally sympathetic’ to Slimani’s bereavements but not to excessive drinking or taking medication without checking the effect it has on driving.

North Tyneside Council’s planning committee unanimously granted permission for the installation of the two prefabricated sauna huts on the lower promenade opposite Brook Gardens.

Council officers recommended the plans for approval satisfied the proposals would not inhibit the public space or produce significant environmental or ecological problems. 

The plans have however generated some controversy with 30 objections raised on the council’s online planning portal. The concerns ranged from the potential emissions from the cabins to requests for it to be moved further along the beach. 

Objector and local Jillian Hall told the committee: “I do feel that a sauna is what people want, but let’s take it and make it eco or move it away from the houses and hotels and the park, where thousands of children play. 

Ms Hall continued: “There will be emissions, they may be low but there will be emissions and we have to think about our lungs.” 

The applicant Kenny Lyons responded: “Modern saunas are designed to avoid this by operating at very high temperatures and carefully controlling airflows. This ensures efficient combustion happens and retains heat where it is supposed to be in the sauna not wasted externally.

On the cabin’s stove, Mr Lyons said: “It creates very minimal ash and no visible smoke during hours of operation.” 

The applicant went on to state the stove that would be used for the cabins would produce half the legal limit for particulate emissions.  

The council’s own report also states: “Concerns about potential health impacts from wood‑burning appliances are understood; however, the scale of the proposed installations is small, the usage is intermittent, and Environmental Health raises no objection, recommending standard controls including: regulated hours of operation; controls on ash handling and disposal…”. 

The report continued: “Overall, the development would deliver modest economic, social and well-being benefits consistent with the aims for the Coastal Sub-Area…”