New UUP Mayor wants to prioritise “enterprise, entrepreneurship and ambition”

Ards and North Down Borough Council has elected two of its youngest representatives into the posts of first and deputy first citizens.

At the annual meeting of the council on Wednesday (June 3), the chamber at Bangor Castle agreed UUP Councillor Craig Blaney and DUP Councillor James Cochrane respectively to the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the incoming term of office.

The 40 member chamber also approved new Chairs for all the council’s committees. The first monthly meeting of the council under the direction of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor will take place on June 24.

READ MORE: Five key moments from Ards and North Down Borough Council in May

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At the AGM, the new Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Blaney outlined his priorities for his mayoral term, stating he wanted to champion “enterprise, entrepreneurship and ambition across Ards and North Down, while supporting local businesses, encouraging young people and promoting the borough as a place of opportunity and potential.”

He told the chamber: “From Bangor to Newtownards, from Holywood to Portaferry, from Donaghadee to Comber, from the Ards Peninsula to our towns, villages, townlands and coastal communities, this borough is rich in character, heritage, talent and opportunity. It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, but more importantly, it is a place of remarkable people.

“As Mayor, I want to be a champion for those people. I want to celebrate the volunteers who give their time quietly and selflessly. The community groups who keep local life moving. The churches, charities, schools, sports clubs, youth organisations, emergency services, carers, health workers and local leaders who make this borough stronger every single day.”

He added: “But I also want this year to have a clear theme. Local business is something I am genuinely passionate about. I know what it feels like to take a risk, to back yourself, to worry about sales, bills, customers, staff, marketing, social media and all the pressures that come with trying to build something.

“Our local businesses are not just shopfronts or names above doors. They are families, employers, creators, risk-takers and people who put everything into making their ideas work. They are the backbone of our local economy – and I want to use my year as Mayor to champion them.”

He said: “I want young people in Ards and North Down to know that they do not have to leave this place to find opportunity. I want them to see that ideas can start here, businesses can grow here, careers can be built here, and success can happen here.

“Not every young person will want to start a business, I understand that. But every young person should have the chance to be creative, to pitch ideas, to build confidence and to see that opportunity can be created right here in Ards and North Down.”

DUP Councillor James Cochrane said before the meeting: “Ards and North Down is incredibly blessed with outstanding natural beauty, including the longest stretch of coastline in Northern Ireland. Our borough is home to vibrant towns, villages and communities, each with its own unique character and strengths.

“I am committed to working alongside the Mayor to showcase all that our borough has to offer, while helping to improve the daily lives of those who call this place home. This role carries with it a significant responsibility to represent all residents across Ards and North Down, and I will approach it with dedication, humility and a determination to serve to the very best of my ability.”

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The frightening incident happened on Monday night, with emergency services called.

Fire crews and police were both called to Corrie Crescent, Kearsley, and remained for approximately an hour.

The incident happened between 11.20 and 11.30 pm, and an investigation is now underway.

(Image: NQ)

One resident told The Bolton News: “Well, we are not exactly sure, but somebody threw a petrol bomb at 11.20.”

“There were three fire engines; I was still in bed while this was going on.

“It was disturbing I cannot believe it, because it’s a very quiet neighbourhood. We’ve lived here 50-odd years and never noticed anything like that.”

Pictures from Corrie Crescent show the door and windows boarded up following the incident.

Another resident said: “I don’t really know fully what happened, it was surprising but it was not like overly dramatic.

(Image: NQ)

“It’s unusual for this area.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 11:30pm last night (Monday 1 June), three fire engines from Bolton Central and Farnworth stations were called to attend a house fire on Corrie Crescent, Kearsley.

“Crews wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, and a thermal image camera and a gas monitor to make the area safe. Firefighters were in attendance at the scene for one hour.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “At around 11.30pm on Monday 1 June 2026, we were called to a domestic fire at an address on Corrie Crescent in Bolton.

“Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Corrie Crescent (Image: NQ)

“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.

“We are looking to speak to witnesses who may have seen or heard anything around the Corrie Crescent area at the time the incident took place.

“This also includes any relevant CCTV or doorbell footage.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or gmp.police.uk, and quoting log number 3972 of 01/06/2026.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

The application by developer Banks was backed by Durham County Council’s planning committee – but residents questioned whether the extra housing is needed. 

Located on land to the north of York Hill Road in Tudhoe, the hybrid proposal sought planning permission for two phases: 45 homes in the first phase and a potential further 305 homes. 

Yet, locals had warned about the increased traffic the housing would create, the impact on GP and school capacity, and the overdevelopment of the wider Spennymoor area. 

(Image: BANKS)

Liz Maddison, committee member and county councillor for Spennymoor, said: “What benefits does this development offer to [the area]?. 

“Spennymoor and Tudhoe are being targeted to meet County Durham’s housing needs, not for the benefit of residents.”

More than £1.6 million of funding will be delivered to support schools, healthcare and sports – but Cllr Maddison warned that it did not mitigate for the loss of land. 

“We don’t want or need anymore new homes,” she told the committee. “We already have brownfield sites prepared and waiting for a developer; why couldn’t this be there rather than in the open countryside? We have no housing shortage in Spennymoor and Tudhoe divisions.”

Liberal Democrat member Mark Wilkes also voted against the proposal due to road safety concerns. He said: “A blind man on a galloping horse would see that it’s not safe. It seems nonsensical that someone would bring such a design and we would allow it.”

Despite the concerns, Durham County Council’s planning department had recommended the plans be approved to address the region’s “outstanding housing need”. 

The developer added: “The York Hill Road proposals represent a high-quality, sustainable development that complies with local and national policy and will assist Durham County Council’s housing land supply position, with the delivery of market and affordable housing in the short term.”

Backing the plans, Reform’s James Stephenson said: “This is a good proposal. The county needs 350 houses.”

A former Love Island contestant who was arrested on claims of sexual assault, stalking and coercive control has reportedly been re-arrested.

The man, who is in his 20s and cannot be identified for legal reasons, is said to have been detained again on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

It has been confirmed that he was not involved in the Love Island series of 2025 or the one currently airing on ITV2. 

He was reportedly re-arrested at his home for allegedly trying to contact the victim who made the claims against him.

The man in his twenties has since reportedly been bailed while the Metropolitan Police continue their investigation.

A source told The Sun: ‘This second arrest is a real shock – and potentially very bad news for the ex-contestant.

‘There was an investigation going on into very serious offences that he was arrested over last year.’

The source alleged that the man might have contacted the alleged victim to ‘pressure’ them into withdrawing their claim, adding: ‘If that is true and he has done so, it is incredibly serious and he’s been very stupid.

‘The courts and CPS take a very dim view of that sort of thing for obvious reasons.’

A Met Police spokesperson said in a statement: ‘A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

‘The arrest relates to an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual assault, stalking, criminal damage and assault.

‘He was arrested at an address on Monday, April 27 and bailed pending further enquiries.’

It comes after the Love Island contestant was arrested on a return trip to Gatwick Airport last November, following a woman contacting the police with the allegations.

The TV personality is also accused of assault by beating, causing criminal damage and making threats of revenge porn against his alleged victim.

Love Island returned to ITV screens this week, with a new batch of lovelorn hopefuls presided over by host Maya Jama.

The reality show will once again see the singletons put to the test in the hopes of finding love (and winning a £50,000 prize).

Love Island continues on ITV2 at 9pm.

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Mary Berry’s chicken pasta bake is a wonderfully comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for the whole family

Mary Berry has revealed countless pasta recipes during her illustrious career, all remarkably straightforward to prepare. Among them is her chicken pasta bake, which has garnered more than 170 four-star reviews on BBC Food. The recipe indicates it can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

The recipe notes stated: “A wonderfully comforting chicken pasta bake, this can be made ahead and will go down really well with the family.” It serves six to eight people, and Mary also suggested adding peppers if tomatoes aren’t to your taste.

Ingredients:

For the pasta:

Butter, for greasing

250g penne

One onion, roughly chopped

Three skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

One tablespoon of paprika

Two tablespoons of olive oil

Salt and black pepper

For the sauce:

50g butter

50g plain flour

750ml hot milk

One teaspoon of Dijon mustard

100g Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated

Two large tomatoes, deseeded and cut into small cubes

Method:

Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan, then grease a shallow 1.75 litre ovenproof dish with butter.

Cook the penne with the onion in boiling, salted water following package directions. Drain, refresh under cold water and leave to drain once more in the colander.

Place the chicken strips in a resealable freezer bag with the paprika and a touch of salt and pepper, seal the bag and shake to coat thoroughly.

Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan and rapidly fry the chicken over high heat for two minutes until golden and just cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

To prepare the sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan, then add the flour and whisk until smooth, creating a roux.

Cook for one minute, then steadily add the hot milk, whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Allow to boil for four minutes before stirring in the mustard and half of the cheese, seasoning to taste.

Tip the pasta and onion into the pan with the sauce, stirring everything together.

Spoon half of this mixture into the dish, lay the chicken strips on top, then spoon the remaining pasta and sauce over the chicken.

Scatter the tomatoes across the top, then finish with the remaining cheese.

Place in the oven for around 20 minutes until thoroughly heated through and golden brown on top.

Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) was left heartbroken in tonight’s (Wednesday, June 3) Coronation Street after a conversation with Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney).

Glenda and Debbie have developed a lovely friendship since putting together their dementia choir last year. It has been a huge success, despite their occasional clashes over creative direction.

The choir even sang at Debbie’s wedding to Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) earlier this year – with Debbie as the featured soloist, of course.

However, it’s clear that Debbie has been thinking about the future, and tonight she asked Glenda for a huge favour.

Viewers will know that Debbie was diagnosed with young-onset dementia last year, and the news came as a major shock. She had gone to the doctor about some worrying symptoms, and learnt that she’d suffered several mini strokes, known as TIAs.

After further tests, she received the dementia diagnosis and eventually confided in her family.

Since then, Debbie has been coming to terms with her condition and has been making arrangements for the future.

While sharing drinks at the Chariot Square Hotel, Glenda had Debbie in stitches, recounting a tale from her time performing on cruise ships. With their spirits high, Debbie took the opportunity to ask Glenda to take control of the reins of the choir when the time came.

Though she made light of the request, Glenda was clearly honoured and promised she would step in when things became too much for Debbie to handle.

Glenda made it clear she didn’t want to think about a future without Debbie, but the extent of the deterioration in her condition soon became apparent.

Just minutes after making the heartfelt request, Debbie asked Glenda once again if she’d be willing to take over the choir.

She hid it well, but Glenda was clearly heartbroken to witness the effects of Debbie’s dementia first-hand.

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This isn’t the first time viewers have seen how Debbie’s dementia affects her.

During her time in prison for dangerous driving, after Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) set her up for the Corriedale pile-up, Debbie experienced confusion when she suddenly forgot where she was going.

We’ve also seen her refer to photos hidden in a cupboard to remind her of her loved ones’ names and birthdays, as well as injure herself on hot plates at the Chariot Square.

Debbie has made it clear that Glenda should step in at the first sign of trouble with the choir, even if Debbie is reluctant to hand over control – but will Glenda be able to honour her wishes when the time comes?

Neptune in Aries is at a right angle with Mercury in Cancer, which could either strengthen or weaken your intuition. If answers don’t come naturally, restrain from forcing them.

Scorpio, Sagittarius and Libra, a misunderstanding could arise today. Whether it’s a hiccup in the plan or a clash of personalities, stay calm.

This rare placement has the capacity to impact alll signs differently, do you may feel you are riding solo. Trust in yourself, as you have your own back.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday June 4, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Conversations could prove inspirational or totally baffling. Why the contrast? Well, early on, the dreamy Neptune in your sign can arouse your idealism, but its clash with the chatty Mercury in Cancer can subtly distort reality. Fortunately, later today, the Moon moves into the logical sign of Aquarius, merging with truth-seeker Pluto, and reality can dawn.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Most of us would probably resist the idea that our subconscious can impact what we say or do, preferring to feel that we are very much aware and in control. However, an everyday discussion can nudge some lingering uncertainties or doubts into the open. Rather than pushing these away, the trick will be to consider why you might feel a little anxious.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Your guide planet, Mercury, forges an exact square with the nebulous Neptune today – in your sector of friendships and long-term hopes. While Mercury usually gives you razor-sharp perceptions, conversations around finances or a business idea could prove blurry. If you need to prepare accounts, personal records, or forecasts, you will need to carefully focus.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Your intuition is often very strong and will be amplified today, especially in worldly interactions. This may prompt someone to share something tender they’re going through, and you may respond kindly. What may be more challenging is that you’ll pick up atmospheres so vividly that it will be harder to block out the negative ones, which could prove draining.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

It’s been a very busy time for you recently, Leo, and today can be a time to reflect on ways you can retreat and recharge. Booking a spa day may appeal, as can a therapeutic treatment. You are often a bold voice, but we all need to give ourselves permission to rest from time to time. Although this is escapism, it can be very valuable escapism. So, why not?

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

June is going to have some fabulously upbeat moments, but for that to play out, you need to plan the details that are likely to show up. You could think about a business idea, a group trip, or getting together with someone special today. It’s just that even if you try to grapple with the minutiae in your usual way, these could prove elusive. If so, revisit another time.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Professional and career opportunities are lining up for you, even if not obviously. Your profile is receiving attention, and plaudits can soon follow. Yet today does offer a tricky planetary aspect that needs to be navigated with care. Even if you express yourself with your usual airy clarity, someone may still not fully comprehend. Do be mindful of this, Libra.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

If you are planning a journey, especially a long-distance or overseas one, set out to do so with the utmost precision today, Scorpio. Facts can be hazy or hard to come by, but enthusiasm for what you want to do needs to be balanced with careful preparation. Rush these, and you could end up with the wrong documents, a missed flight, or a missed connection.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Is there someone new who you’re thinking a lot about? If so, it may be best to hold off from reading too much into what this or they might mean. Now, that’s not to say this can’t move forward, but the boundaries between what you’d think is developing, and what is actually possible, can be blurred. In a few days, things can be clearer once again.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You’ll likely find yourself interacting a lot more over the next couple of months with people you are close to or family members. Someone could also seek out your advice and support more actively. Today, nimble Mercury’s hazy vibe meets dreamy Neptune. This can help you lean into their needs, but they can change quickly, so try to maintain a little detachment.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

You might find your energy lower today, Aquarius. This doesn’t mean you can’t get things done, but it does suggest focusing on the essentials. That said, more mundane tasks could more easily bore you. A very creative phase is upcoming, particularly if you enjoy a hobby that requires flair and precision and is also nurturing. Time to join a group interest?

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Your perceptive ruler Neptune is in a right angle with the planet of communication, Mercury. However, their hosts, of Aries and Cancer, respectively, are Fire and Water elements. Mercury prefers Air and Earth, so your ideas might not translate so easily into tangible progress. What you can do is think about how you can create value from your many talents.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of June here.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X that the fatal crash was “utterly tragic” and that he was thinking of “the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives”, while Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the loss of three service personnel”.

Vickrum Digwa’s grandmother speaks out after he was jailed for life for the murder of student Henry Nowak in a case that sparked national outrage and protests across Southampton

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The grandmother of convicted killer Vickrum Digwa has said the case has “destroyed two families” as she broke her silence for the first time about the murder of student Henry Nowak.

Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday after repeatedly stabbing Henry before dishonestly telling police that he had been the victim of a racist attack. The case prompted major protests in Southampton, some of which descended into violence.

Now his grandmother, Bimla Kaur, 75, has disclosed that the family are living in fear of retaliation, with some relatives driven into hiding following the disorder.

She also stood up for Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, who stands accused of assisting in concealing the weapon used in the killing, saying she acted as “any mum would do”.

Speaking from her Southampton home, Mrs Kaur said: “This whole case has destroyed two families: Henry’s and mine.

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“We are in a hard situation because we still have to support him [Digwa] but at the same time our hearts are broken and I’m very sorry for what’s happened.”

Describing her grandson as a “difficult boy”, Mrs Kaur told the Daily Mail the family had been left shattered but maintained his actions contradicted their beliefs.

Digwa is understood to have been part of the Nihang Sikh order, an ancient martial tradition renowned for its use of swords and other weapons in religious practice. Mrs Kaur said: “These weapons are not meant to be used on the innocent, so something has gone wrong. He’s done a very bad thing – there’s no argument over that.”

She went on to say that while she takes great pride in the family’s Sikh heritage, including their ties to the Nihang order, Digwa had betrayed that tradition.

The Nihangs are a historic Sikh martial order dating back centuries, known for their distinctive blue robes and traditional weaponry, and for practising Gatka, a form of armed combat training.

Digwa was regularly seen taking part in Gatka demonstrations and teaching Sikh youngsters at a local gurdwara near his home in Southampton.

Mrs Kaur said: “Most of the men in this family are Nihangs and so is Vickrum. As a Nihang, Vickrum was devoted to that way of life. It meant everything to him.

“It’s an important part of our faith and it’s something that I’m proud of.”

Yet she was keen to reiterate: “But these weapons are not meant to be used on the innocent.”

Mrs Kaur revealed that Digwa’s father Moga Singh and brother Gurpreet Singh have been forced into hiding after their home was targeted in the wake of the conviction.

She said: “It’s not safe for them to be in their home because it was targeted the other night and it’s only a matter of time before it is attacked again.

“Both Moga and Gurpreet are with relatives in a safe place and I’m not sure if they’ll ever return.”

She further disclosed that other members of the wider family were also living in fear of further attacks. “We’re all living in fear because we’ve had threats and are worried that we might also get attacked. But we’ve been in this city a long time and we don’t have anywhere else to go.”

Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, 52, is currently in custody awaiting sentencing for assisting an offender after she allegedly helped remove the weapon from the scene.

Mrs Kaur came to her defence, saying: “I’ve been to see her in prison and she’s doing the best she can. She only did what any mother would have done, which is to protect her child.

“And now she’s going to be punished for this.”

She went on to add: “Kiran has done a good job raising those two boys and was very supportive of them becoming Nihangs. It’s a huge honour for our family.”

Digwa was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years after Judge William Mousley KC declared that he had brought shame upon his family and religion.

The court was told that Digwa was “weapons obsessed” and had been carrying multiple blades, including illegal weapons, alongside religious ceremonial items permitted under UK law.

His father Moga Singh and brother Gurpreet Singh have also faced charges in connection with possession of numerous weapons, including knives, a baton, knuckledusters and swords.

A business linked to the family in Southampton has reportedly shut its doors temporarily in the wake of the trial’s conclusion.

Parts of the Sikh community have disassociated themselves from Digwa, branding him an “imposter” who exploited religious tradition.

One community member said: “Digwa had a really bad temper and thought he could get away with anything. A lot of people here didn’t like him.”

Another added: “He disgraced us all.”

Reacting to the report, Karen Newman, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “Our public services must set the standard for confronting anti-Jewish hatred and discrimination, and we must ensure the NHS, one of our proudest national institutions, is safe and welcoming for every staff member or service user, regardless of faith or ethnicity.”