North Yorkshire Council says 507 people from 100 households have been resettled under Afghan resettlement schemes as of September 15.

Of those, 64 people from 12 households have subsequently moved out of the county.

A further 180 people from 46 households have been resettled in North Yorkshire since February 2021 through the separate UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS).

The council originally pledged to accommodate 200 people through that programme.

However, completion of the pledge has been delayed due partly to the larger-than-anticipated number of Afghan arrivals.

The UK’s Afghan resettlement schemes were established to relocate vulnerable Afghan nationals and former UK government employees following the 2021 Taliban takeover.

North Yorkshire Council says its immediate priority is finding new homes for Afghan families currently living in Ministry of Defence accommodation as their leases come to an end.

Twenty-three households remain in MoD service family accommodation without an offer of replacement private rented, council or social housing, although the report says most still have some time remaining on their three-year leases.

North Yorkshire is also expected to accommodate 73 people a year under the Afghan Resettlement Programme as part of a national “fair share” approach based on population.

The council has been awarded funding to purchase nine properties for Afghan households between 2026/27 and 2029/30.

The report, which goes before the council’s Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday (September 28), also gives an update on how refugees are integrating into communities.

Families receive three years of integration support from the Refugee Council, initially involving intensive casework before moving towards greater independence.

English lessons are provided alongside courses covering subjects including driving theory, workplace communication, IT and life in the UK.

The council says progress in helping refugees into employment remains “steady”.

Jobs secured range from professional roles to semi-skilled and lower-skilled employment, while some refugees have established their own businesses.

Three former doctors from Afghanistan are studying to become doctors in the UK, while eight refugees have secured jobs with North Yorkshire Council through its normal competitive recruitment process.

Barriers to employment include English language skills, difficulties matching existing qualifications to available jobs, access to transport and health issues.

The report says there are no additional financial implications for the council arising directly from the programme, with the UKRS and Afghan resettlement schemes funded by the Home Office.

By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER

Published: 14:35 BST, 23 September 2026 | Updated: 14:48 BST, 23 September 2026

For those living near airports or under busy flight paths, aircraft noise can be a seriously unwelcome disturbance.

Yet some areas in the UK are affected more severely than others, with takeoffs and landings interrupting everything from afternoons spent in the garden to futile attempts at sleep.

But where are you most likely to find yourself reaching for a pair of earmuffs? 

Research has revealed which UK locations experience the highest levels of aircraft noise, with offending hubs including spots in London, the north of England, Scotland and beyond.

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The study, from wellness firm Nature’s Best, highlights where residents may be most exposed to the sounds of flights overhead when trying to get a good night’s rest.

Luton tops the ranking for the highest level of nighttime aircraft noise with 51 decibels (dB).

Luton Airport operates 24 hours a day and allows night flights, which could help explain why the town records a particularly high level of nighttime aircraft noise.

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Luton Airport tops the ranking of airports exposed to the highest degree of noise

Leeds ranks second at 46 dB. 

Leeds Bradford Airport sits relatively close to several residential areas, including Yeadon, Horsforth and Rawdon, while also being around eight miles from Leeds city centre. 

This proximity to built-up areas could help explain why aircraft noise is more noticeable for some residents, particularly those living close to flight paths.

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London ranks third at 38 dB. With several major airports serving the capital and surrounding area, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City, residents can be exposed to a complex network of flight paths.

However, it must be noted that some of the largest airports are subject to specific night-flight restrictions.

Leeds records the second-highest level of nighttime aircraft noise

Top 10 UK locations with highest level of aircraft noise at night

1. Luton – 51 dB
2. Leeds – 46 dB
3. London – 38 dB
4. Southampton – 36 dB
5. Reading – 35 dB
6. Liverpool – 35 dB
7. Glasgow – 35 dB
8. Bournemouth – 34 dB
9. Aberdeen – 34 dB
10. Bradford – 34 dB

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Further down the ranking, Southampton records 36 dB, while Reading, Liverpool and Glasgow hover around the 35 dB mark. 

Liverpool John Lennon Airport also operates across a 24-hour period, with specific measures in place to manage noise from nighttime flights.

Rounding out the top ten are Bournemouth, Aberdeen and Bradford.

Readers have raised concerns about water and services over plans for around 4,000 homes on Cambridge’s southern edge

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Readers of CambridgeshireLive have been sharing their views on proposals for thousands of new homes on Cambridge’s southern fringe.

A new “mixed-use community” featuring thousands of properties, a new country park and local amenities could be built as part of a major development. Pigeon and Lands Improvement are advancing plans for ‘Cambridge South’.

The Cambridge South site covers approximately 190 hectares and is borderd by the M11 to the west, the Cambridge railway line to the south, Great Shelford to the east and Trumpington to the north. The proposed location is within a 15-minute walk of Cambridge South station, the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) and the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.

According to the new Cambridge South website, the scheme would create a “mixed use community located to the south of Cambridge”.

It adds: “Our ambition is to create a well-connected, sustainable place that responds to local needs and opportunities, helping more people live close to jobs, services and green space.”

If given the green light, the development would provide around 4,000 new homes, including 50 per cent affordable housing, homes for Cambridge Biomedical Campus key workers, a new country park along the River Cam, direct access to Cambridge South station and the Guided Busway, new walking and cycling connections and a ’20-minute neighbourhood’, with schools, healthcare, shops and community facilities.

One reader, Oopsiblewoff comments: “We don’t need more houses, we have too many. What’s needed is wood, some solar panels and wind turbines.”

Alydavid agrees: “Absolutely agree. However, it is far more important that rich people get richer, and there is certainly no need to provide the infrastructure needed to support this disaster.”

Southernvillager says: “This article does not mention that the site is in the Green Belt and is not included in either the existing Local Plan or the new, almost final one. It was put into the call for sites for the new one but was rejected due to the level of harm to Green Belt, landscape and biodiversity.

“It is in the wrong place and would destroy what is left of the south western Green Belt, which is an important part of Cambridge’s historic setting – a compact city surrounded by countryside and with green fingers running into the city. The development proposes about twice the number of houses in Great Shelford and would effectively merge the Shelfords with Trumpington, creating a small town on the southern edge of Cambridge. None of this site is 15 minutes walk from Cambridge South station.”

Yellowperil thinks: “There are too many questions about this plan. How much green belt land will be destroyed? How much environmental damage to South Cambridgeshire? Why do we need 4000 extra houses ? Or are these just flats? Who will be buying these square box-shaped properties and why? What infrastructure will be in place? New hospitals? New water supplies? Great Shelford will no longer be a lovely village!”

Whynot2 asks: “Where’s the brown water going? Milton works is at capacity now.”

Beekeepermike questions: “What additional infrastructure are the developers going to build (not just promise to build after the houses, but before. It is too easy for them to back out once the houses are built) – additional roads and not just feeder ones onto the existing overcrowded roads, GP surgeries (fully staffed and large enough to cope with the number of people, say 4 per house), schools (primary and secondary), and new facilities at Addenbrooke’s hospital to cope? The planners and planning inspector never think of these and enforce them. And as many have already said, this does away with the separation of the Shelfords/Stapleford and Trumpington entirely, on green belt land.”

Do you think that building these houses is a good idea? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER and ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 13:40 BST, 23 September 2026 | Updated: 14:33 BST, 23 September 2026

Two trainee RAF pilots ejected from a Hawk jet and escaped with minor injuries before the aircraft crashed in Wales this morning.

The Hawk T2 plummeted to the ground moments after taking off, with witnesses reporting a ‘big bang’ and flames coming from the jet.

Both crew members, understood to be trainees, ejected safely using parachutes.

They were located shortly afterwards and are currently being treated for minor injuries, North Wales Police said. 

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Witnesses described seeing flames coming from the Hawk T2 training aircraft after it took off from the RAF Valley, in Anglesey, and heard ‘a big bang’ before it came down near the village of Rhosneigr. 

Footage shared online shows what appears to be the wreck of the aircraft engulfed in a fireball and a huge plum of smoke billowing into the air. 

A separate video posted to Facebook shows a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter landing in a field close to the incident. 

Farming influencer Gareth Wyn Jones published a picture on the social media site appearing to show two ejected crew members with parachutes floating to the ground.

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‘Hope everyone is ok,’ he wrote. ‘Rhosneigr, big bang, jet on fire out of control and two parachutes??’

The Hawk T2 training aircraft crashed moments after taking off, with both pilots ejecting safely (pictured) 

Footage shared online shows what appears to be the wreck of the aircraft engulfed in a fireball and a huge plum of smoke billowing into the air

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Witnesses described seeing flames coming from the Hawk T2 training aircraft after it took off from the RAF Valley, in Anglesey, and heard ‘a big bang’ before it came down near the village of Rhosneigr

The pilots were located shortly after the crash and are being treated for minor injuries

One eyewitness said they had watched the jet take off and told his wife ‘it’s in trouble as I could see flames’.

He wrote: ‘We watched it climb then as it was parallel with us, it started to pitch up violently twice… then both pilots ejected and the Hawk crashed about a mile away.’

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A source told The Telegraph: ‘We’re aware of an incident involving a Hawk jet. We believe the crew was not seriously injured and ejected… we believe this happened within the last hour.’ 

North Wales Police has warned people to avoid the area ‘until further notice’.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Local officers are currently in attendance to reports of an incident involving an aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, alongside colleagues from North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed.

‘Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage there are no reports of any wider damage or injuries.’ 

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‘Please avoid the area until further notice. Updates will be issued when appropriate.’ 

 A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: ‘An incident involving an RAF T2 Hawk aircraft, flying out of RAF Valley, occurred near Anglesey. An investigation is underway and we will not comment further at this time.’

RAF Valley, where Prince William was once stationed as a search-and-rescue pilot flying Sea King helicopters, is home to the RAF’s No 4 Flying Training School and is responsible for training Britain’s next generation of fighter pilots.

The Hawk T2 is built by BAE Systems and have been used to train British pilots since 1976. 

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This is a breaking news story. More to follow.  

“Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage, with no reports of any wider damage or injuries,” North Wales Police have said.

Local officers are currently in attendance following reports of an incident involving an RAF training aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey.

Also at the scene are members of the Royal Air Force, North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed, the statement adds.

The authority has launched a search for an experienced festival producer, cultural organisation or consortium to help develop and deliver what it hopes will become a nationally significant event for County Durham.

Building on the success of festivals including Lumiere, the council says it is seeking a “bold, ambitious and distinctive” concept that could become a permanent fixture in the county’s cultural calendar.

Councillor Karen Allison, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “We have a significant opportunity to create an ambitious, nationally significant cultural event that will shape perceptions of County Durham for years to come.”

The move comes after organisers announced in October 2025 that Lumiere, which transformed Durham with large-scale light installations every two years, would come to an end following its final edition in November that year.

Over its 16-year run, Lumiere attracted more than a million visitors and generated £43 million for the local economy, becoming one of the county’s best-known cultural events.

Now, Durham County Council is looking to create a successor event capable of delivering a similar impact while offering something entirely new.

Cllr Allison said: “The commissioned event should be capable of becoming a defining cultural moment for County Durham: bold in concept, ambitious in scale, participatory in nature and recognised nationally for its originality.

“We are particularly interested in ideas that bring together culture, creativity, technology, innovation, and community participation in ways that are distinctive to County Durham and cannot be replicated elsewhere.”

According to a council procurement site, the authority wants proposals that represent a “step change from traditional festival models” and have the potential to become a recurring event with national recognition.

Organisers are also being asked to create opportunities for local residents, particularly children and young people, to play an active role in shaping and delivering the festival.

The expression of interest period for the new festival remains open until October 8, with the contract expected to begin in February 2027.

When Lumiere’s final edition was announced last year, Artichoke chief executive Helen Marriage said the decision had “not been taken lightly”.

She said: “When we first brought Lumiere to Durham in 2009, we didn’t know if it would work.

“Fifteen years on, Lumiere has become part of Durham’s story.”

At the time, council leader Cllr Andrew Husband stressed that Lumiere’s end would not mark the end of major cultural events in the county.

He said: “This is by no means the end of light art or major events in County Durham.

“This is an opportunity for us to take time to reassess how we present light art in County Durham and explore new ways to fire people’s imaginations and bring communities together.”

Two pilots have been injured after an RAF jet crashed in Wales.

Emergency services are at the scene in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey on Tuesday afternoon following the crash involving a training jet near the RAF Valley training base.

North Wales Police warned people to avoid the area until further notice and confirmed the two pilots are thought to have “minor injuries”. It is understood they were both able to eject from the jet before the crash.

There have been no reports of any wider damage or injuries, police said.

North Wales Police said in a statement: “Local officers are currently in attendance to reports of an incident involving an RAF training aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, alongside colleagues from the Royal Air Force, North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed.

“Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage there are no reports of any wider damage or injuries.

“Please avoid the area until further notice. Updates will be issued when appropriate.”

RAF Valley sits on the Welsh island of Anglesey and is a training base for the air force’s fighter pilots.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for more information.

More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent

Plans were submitted for the new coffee shop at Houghton House on Doxford International Business Park in Sunderland, including a drive-thru lane, reconfigured parking, and electric vehicle (EV) charging bays.

If approved, the development would see part of the office building extended to accommodate the drive-thru window.

A planning statement included with the application said the project would create up to 45 full-time equivalent jobs and support the gym within the same building.

It described the coffee shop as an “attractive facility” for business park employees, nearby residents, and commuters.

Developers said they expect “minimal queues” at the drive-thru and believe the site would not pose a “significant adverse impact on the safety of road users travelling on the surrounding road network.”

The statement continued: “There are no adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposals and there are no specific policies which indicate that development should be restricted.”

The proposed layout includes 32 parking spaces to the east of the building, four of which would be accessible bays.

The addition of EV charging points was described as an improvement to existing infrastructure, offering a convenient place for drivers to recharge.

A decision on the application will be made following a consultation.

The annual weekend will see an exciting line-up open their doors – including the 19th Century historic buildings within Plean Country Park, the historic Leighton Library in Dunblane.

Attractions across Stirling will throw their doors open to welcome visitors this weekend, as part of an annual celebration.

Doors Open Days is returning to the city as local attractions and landmarks welcome visitors to celebrate the region’s history, people and heritage.

On this coming Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, visitors are invited to step inside buildings and spaces across Stirling that are usually closed to the public.

As the country’s largest free festival dedicated to architecture, history and culture, Doors Open Days is a national invite to explore Scotland’s built and cultural heritage, and to see it through fresh eyes.

Stirling’s Doors Open Days feature an exciting line-up of venues and events, including the 19th Century historic buildings within Plean Country Park, the historic Leighton Library in Dunblane and a new walking tour of the historic tenement buildings of Stirling city centre.

Each building or site opens not only its doors but also a window into the past, present and future of the community.

These are the places where stories were lived, art was created, and history unfolded, with the public invited to step inside during the festival.

Finance, Economy and Culture Convener, Cllr Gerry McLaughlin believes the event will give people a major insight into history and culture.

He said; “We are privileged in Stirling to be the home to some of the most storied historical sites in Scotland, but we also host some incredibly unique built history and heritage which can sometimes be overlooked. “Doors Open Days is an excellent and unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to take a deep dive into the history, culture and architecture that has shaped Stirling over the past decades and centuries.”

Director of The Scottish Civic Trust, Doors Open Days national coordinator, Joe Traynor, said: “The National Doors Open Days encourages everyone to explore what’s often right in front of them. The festival is a chance to see familiar places with fresh eyes, to learn, and to make memories with friends and family. We’re delighted that Stirling is taking part in this year’s programme and helping to celebrate the places that shape Scotland.” Earlier this year, Stirling topped the list of places to visit in the UK in 2026 by TimeOut magazine due to its packed cultural calendar, breathtaking scenery and travel links to the remainder of the country.

Since its launch in 1990, Doors Open Days has become a beloved tradition that now reaches all 32 local authority areas.

It brings together thousands of volunteers, organisations and visitors every year with one common goal: to make Scotland’s heritage accessible, engaging and open to all.

A fifth casualty was found outside the house and taken to hospital with burn injuries

Tributes have been paid to a woman and three children who tragically died in a house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, on Tuesday morning (September 22).

Flowers, balloons and soft toys have been left at the scene of a house fire on Stone Square, where the “intense” fire which “spread very rapidly”.

The four victims were found in the upstairs bedroom of the house in Bootle, Sefton, on Tuesday morning when firefighters entered the property, and a fifth casualty was found outside the house and taken to hospital with burn injuries.

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On Wednesday morning, a number of floral tributes had been laid next to a police cordon closing off access to the road. Candles had been placed on the pavement, along with pink and blue star-shaped balloons.

Soft toys, including Minecraft and Star Wars characters, were also laid at the scene.

One card had the message: “God bless you all. Heartbroken to hear about the devastating fire.” Another said: “Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts.”

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the blaze just before 3.45am on Tuesday and found the semi-detached house well alight, a spokesman for the fire service said.

Chief fire officer Nick Searle described it as an “intense fire which spread very rapidly”.

A joint investigation with Merseyside Police is being carried out to establish the cause of the blaze. Next of kin have been informed but the victims have not yet been formally identified.

Fire service area manager Kevin Longshaw said: “This is a devastating incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.

“We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the immediate term, we again extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.”

In a statement, Bishop of Liverpool the Right Rev Ruth Worsley and Bishop of Warrington the Right Rev Simon Robinson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating incident in Bootle, in which several people have tragically lost their lives.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time. We pray, too, for all those affected by this tragedy and for the emergency services who responded to the fire.”