Councillors are worried children in Comber will try to cross River Enler on fallen trees

A call has been made for trees in County Down that were felled into a river by the notorious Storm Eowyn to be lifted, over a year after the event.

Elected representatives at Ards and North Down Borough Council have said fallen trees over the Enler River, Comber, are presenting a health and safety problem and present “an accident waiting to happen,” with children attempting to treat the deadfall as a bridge across the water.

Councillors have agreed at committee level to ask officials to “engage with other statutory agencies” and safely remove the fallen trees over the Enler River, which have been there for 14 months since Storm Eowyn. Uncertainty appears to remain as to what branch of government is exactly responsible for addressing the problem, and also who owns the land in question.

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The motion, which was agreed at the March meeting of the council’s Environment Committee, still has to go to the full council meeting next week for ratification, where it is expected to pass.

Storm Éowyn, named after a JRR Tolkien character, occurred on January 21, 2025. It was a highly destructive windstorm affecting Ireland and Britain, bringing 100mph gusts and stronger, and causing over one million power outages. The storm caused a fatality in County Donegal, created havoc across the natural world, particularly with trees, tore roofs off buildings, and caused severe travel disruption. It is believed to have been the most severe storm in Northern Ireland since 1998.

At the Ards North Down council meeting, DUP Councillor Libby Douglas, who forwarded the motion, said: “Storm Eowyn, as we all know, caused damage to the roof at Bangor Aurora Leisure Complex, extensive tree damage in parks, and widespread debris that forced closure of roads and closed some of our cemeteries.

“Along the Enler River in Comber, several trees fell across the river bank, into fencing for social housing at Newtown Green. I have been contacted by many constituents who walk along this stretch with their dogs, and families with their children. It is also an area that young people use to get access to the skate park.

“Requests have been made to statutory agencies including the Rivers Agency at DfI, and Apex Housing, but no-one will take responsibility for having the trees removed.”

She said: “The worry is these trees stretch from one bank to the other, and they present a dangerous temptation to children and young people to try and climb onto the trees, to see how far across the river they can go. I worry this is an accident waiting to happen and young people will end up in the River Enler. I also believe it is a security issue for the people in Newtown Green, as some of the fencing has been damaged.”

She added: “The brighter evenings mean that young people will be around this area on a more frequent basis, and so the problem needs to be sorted sooner rather than later.”

DUP Alderman Trevor Cummings said: “It is a health and safety issue now, and is very concerning. It is being raised (to me) by parents on a regular basis. It runs parallel to the Comber Greenway, a frequently used path, so accessibility is all too easy for children and young people.

“Essentially what we are looking for here is a coordinated response. Many of us have approached each department. The principle of community planning lies right at the core of local government, and I believe we are best placed to approach departments in a coordinated fashion to ask for their assistance.”

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Health professionals had stated the child required “required increased and close supervision” but they were left on their own

A children’s home where a vulnerable child attempted to harm themselves has been rated inadequate. “Serious and widespread failures” were highlighted after an OFSTED inspection at Clare Lodge Secure Children’s Home in Peterborough.

OFSTED inspected the children’s home over February 10 and 11 and a report was published on Tuesday, March 18. The report said children often “do not feel valued or respected” by staff.

In one instance, a vulnerable child with a history of self-harm was left alone in a lounge area for an extended period of time, almost entirely out of view of CCTV. The child became unresponsive after tying a ligature around their neck, according to the OFSTED report.

After staff checked on the child, emergency services were called to the home and the child was taken to hospital. The centre manager was aware of the incident as he had walked past the room on two occasions but did not take any action. The child had a safety plan in place and health professionals had said she “required increased and close supervision”.

Not all the children have clear strategies to help them in their risk assessment reports to help guide staff in “effectively supporting and safeguarding” them, according to the report.

The report added: “Placing social workers said that they are not always informed about incidents or concerns about the children promptly. They say that incident reports that are sent to them are not always sufficiently detailed and leave them having to contact the home for further information and clarifications. Some family members also shared concerns about the lack of communication from staff.”

The home has had three different centre managers since February 2025. The report stated that the centre managers have failed to “develop a good-quality service” for its children and have “not established effective and collaborative working relationships” with the heads of departments.

Councillor Katy Cole, PCC Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We acknowledge receipt of the report and accept responsibility for the concerns raised regarding Clare Lodge. We are taking Ofsted’s feedback extremely seriously, and steps are already being taken to make the necessary improvements to the facility.

“As Cabinet Member, I want to emphasise that we are all corporate parents and I take that responsibility seriously. We remain dedicated to further developing Clare Lodge and delivering a high standard of care for the vulnerable young girls who reside there, ensuring they are supported, protected, and given a voice.

“I am committed to ensuring that every child in this city is treated with the respect and care that I would want for my own children.”

It was a much-needed victory for the east Belfast boys, who have perished in two Cup competitions over the past 10 days

Declan Devine’s Glentoran enhanced their title credentials on Wednesday night with a 3-0 win over erratic Cliftonville at the Oval.

It was a much-needed victory for the east Belfast boys, who have perished in two Cup competitions over the past 10 days.

Not only were they beaten by rivals Linfield in the BetMcLean Final on Sunday, but they were dumped out of the Irish Cup the previous week by Larne – albeit on a penalty shootout.

Defender Daniel Larmour headed the Glens into a first half lead before striker Pat Hoban bagged a delicious double after the restart.

The win moved the Glens up to second place in the Sports Direct Premiership table, just two points adrift of Larne. With only six games remaining, it promises to be race to the finish line.

It was the Glens who had the first sniff at goal after only three minutes when Cliftonville goalkeeper Peter Morrison flapped a cross from Jarlath O’Rourke, but there were no takers in the middle.

Cliftonville really should have been in front on 11 minutes when Brian Healy burst through the middle, totally unchallenged and, when confronted by Andrew Mills, he could only blast his effort against the legs of the big shot-stopper.

The visitors almost shot themselves in the foot six minutes later when Morrison let an innocent back pass skip under his boot, only to get back and whip the ball off the line.

Defender Danny Amos picked up the scraps, but he could only shoot over the crossbar.

But Glentoran at last made the breakthrough on 25 minutes. Ryan Cooney’s long throw in caused mayhem in the Reds’ defender. The ball was flicked on by O’Rourke to Larmour and his header looped over Morrison’s outstretched glove.

Another Morrison error 10 minutes from the interval led to Jack Malone putting the ball in the net, but referee Jamie Robinson spared the big keeper’s blushes by awarding him a free kick.

Then, just before the interval, MJ Kamson Kamara joined his forwards to meet a Cooney corner kick, but he could only head wide.

After the restart, Glens midfielder Cammy Palmer tried his luck with an audacious 30-yard effort that curled inches past the post.

But the home had to wait until only the 52nd minute for the killer second goal. This time, Jarlath O’Rourke’s free kick was helped on by Larmour and Hoban superbly flicked the ball over the head of Morrison.

They did it again on 63 minutes. Another Cooney throw in was helped on to the post by Reds’ skipper Rory Hale and when the ball fell to Hoban, hoofed home from six yards for his 30th goal of the season.

Cliftonville almost fell further behind when Amos’ shot was beaten out by Morrison and when Palmer reacted, but he could only flick the ball into the gloves of the relieved goalkeeper. Then, Hale was perfectly positioned to knock an Amos shot off the line.

The Glens now face Coleraine at the weekend, while Larne face a tricky test away at Glenavon.

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Callum Wray, of Annan Road, in Billingham, was first put on the sex offenders register back in 2022 after being convicted of making indecent images or pseudo-photographs of children.

The now 25-year-old was handed a suspended sentence, as well as a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and made subject of a restraining order.

Callum Wray, 25. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

But now, Wray has appeared back in the dock at Teesside Crown Court for his latest set of offences.

On Wednesday, March 18, he was sentenced to three years behind bars after being arrested last summer.

Wray was detained in June 2025 and later charged with two breaches of a SHPO, failure to comply with notification requirements and breach of a restraining order. In February he was additionally charged with making and distributing indecent images.

He will now spend three years behind bars.

Detective Constable Niamh Birdsall said: “I am pleased with the outcome today which has resulted in communities being protected from Callum Wray and his predatory behaviour.

“We will put people before the courts where necessary, in order to protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”

A year after the actor’s death, a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent film, in one of the boldest uses yet of artificial intelligence in moviemaking.

First Line Films announced Wednesday that Kilmer has posthumously joined the cast of a film titled As Deep as the Grave. The producers said that, before his death, Kilmer had signed on to perform in the movie but was unable to because of his health.

Kilmer’s estate gave permission for his digital replication, and is being compensated for it. Mercedes Kilmer, the actor’s daughter, said the role resonated with her father.

“He always looked at emerging technologies with optimism as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” she said in a statement. “This spirit is something that we are all honoring within this specific film, of which he was an integral part.”

Kilmer died last April at the age of 65 from pneumonia. In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and required two tracheotomies. After losing his natural speaking voice, Kilmer turned to an AI software company to digital recreate his voice. In his final screen performance, 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer’s voice was digitally altered.

The use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking has been one of the most contentious topics in Hollywood in recent years. Lately, some have attempted to make greater inroads for AI-generated performance. The company Xicoia last year launched the AI-concocted persona “Tilly Norwood”; earlier this month, it debuted a music video.

SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, has condemned Xicoia’s “AI actor,” but it has regulations around other uses of the technology. Its rules stipulate that consent from performers must be given for the use of digital replicas. “Consent not obtained before death must be obtained from an authorized representative or the union,” reads its guidance.

Representatives for SAG-AFTRA didn’t immediately respond to questions Wednesday.

As Deep as the Grave, formerly titled Canyon of the Dead, was shot several years ago but has been stuck in postproduction. It’s based on a true story about the archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, whose Arizona excavations uncovered Native American history. The AI version of Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.

The cast includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi, and Abigail Breslin.

Coerte Voorhees, the film’s writer and director, said Kilmer, who identified as part Native American, was drawn to the project five years ago. Producers are seeking distribution with the hope of releasing the film this year.

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“It was very unfortunate that his health at the time prevented him from playing this role which spoke to him spiritually and culturally,” Voorhees said. “We are honored to collaborate with his daughter Mercedes, who brings her own filmmaking experience, to bring this character to life in the way that we had all originally imagined it.”

The film, which is named after a last-ditch pass sometimes made in American football, centres around Gosling’s character Ryland Grace, a science teacher who through a number of extraordinary circumstances, finds himself on a spaceship with no recollection of how he got there, tasked with saving the world from sun-eating bacteria.

A judge told Dillon Day he was reluctantly adjourning his sentencing hearing to allow time for a Probation Service report to be carried out into his offending behaviour.

The 22-year-old had pleaded guilty to a catalogue of motoring offences at an earlier hearing, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Joel Wooten, representing Day, urged the judge to give his client a chance to have a pre-sentence report compiled before any decision of his future was made.

Recorder Peter Reid told the Middlesbrough man that he faces prison for the appalling standard of his driving.

He said: “With great reluctance, I will adjourn for a pre-sentence report mainly because you are still immature and clearly have problems of your own.

“In my judgement the only possible sentence in this case is one of immediate custody for this utterly appalling driving.”

Day, of Cheddar Close, Middlesbrough, had pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified and failing to surrender to custody following his behaviour on November 28 last year.

He will return to court on April 13 to be sentenced.

An independent committee investigating the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades on Thursday heard that a series of failures contributed to the blaze’s burning seven buildings and killing 168 people as it opened its first hearing on the evidence.

Former residents and relatives of the dead have been waiting for answers since November 2025, when the fire shattered the close-knit community of Wang Fuk Court, which housed thousands of people in the suburban district of Tai Po.

In his opening remarks, the committee’s lead lawyer Victor Dawes said the fire is suspected to have started at a platform in a light well outside two low-level units, noting that cigarette butts were found there and on scaffolding.

Dawes said the evidence showed that multiple factors came together to produce the disaster, ranging from fire alarms and hose systems being shut off to the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting and covering windows with foam boards.

“On the day of the fire, nearly all fire safety systems meant to protect lives failed because of human factors,” he said.

The fire broke out on Nov. 26 and quickly engulfed seven of the apartment complex’s eight buildings. A number of people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, fraud or corruption.

The judge-led committee, set up in December, will also examine if systemic problems such as bid-rigging existed in large-scale building maintenance and renovation works. The government said at the time that the committee’s work was expected to take nine months.

After listening to the opening remarks from lawyers, the committee will hear oral evidence from witnesses, including Wang Fuk Court residents. Various government departments are involved in hearings.

Before the hearing, Phyllis Lo, who lost her mother in the fire, said she hopes to listen to the findings from different sides to get a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

Another resident Seneca Lee said she wanted to know what caused the fire spread through so many buildings and killed so many people.

Many former occupants of the apartment complex are living in temporary housing scattered across the city. Hong Kong officials last month proposed to buy back the homeownership rights from the fire victims, citing results from a survey of residents’ preferences. But that dashed the hopes of some who want to rebuild their homes at the site.

Hong Kong leader John Lee on Tuesday said the government is working on plans to allow the affected residents to visit their apartments and recover some of their belongings in April.

Durham County Council cabinet members backed plans to increase the coverage of Article 4 Directions for Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) beyond Durham City and its surrounding areas to cover the whole county.

It means all new HMOs, regardless of size, will require planning permission from August 2026. 

Currently, houses can be converted into small HMOs—accommodating between three and six residents—without planning permission. Only properties housing more than six residents require planning consent under existing rules.

The move comes after residents warned that the increase in HMOs is negatively impacting the character of communities. 

Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “The policy will benefit both existing residents and future occupiers by protecting residential amenity and ensuring appropriate standards of accommodation.”

The number of HMOs across County Durham communities has steadily increased in recent years after predominantly being utilised for student homes in and around Durham city. 

Durham County Council said the shared housing can be an affordable option for residents, but can harm community cohesion by introducing transient residents and the loss of family housing. 

“An over-concentration within a locality can have a negative impact on the residential amenities and change the overall character of an area,” said Councillor Cathy Hunt. 

Other negative impacts include the loss of family housing and community cohesion due to the presence of a more transient population.

The cabinet member for children and young people’s services added: “It’s important we use our planning powers to maintain mixed and balanced communities and drive up standards of accommodation.”

A planning policy is also being developed to ensure clear guidance when determining HMO applications. 

Interim changes detail how applications should not lead to three or more of the 10 nearest properties being HMOs. It should also not result in the ‘sandwiching’ of a residential property between two HMO properties or an HMO and a property that is not a home.

The policy also sets detailed requirements to ensure the HMO accommodation is of a high standard for those living there and that the living conditions of neighbouring residents are protected.

A public consultation on the interim HMO policy will be held from March 25 to May 5, where residents can give their views.

A gardening expert advised on which flowers you must plant now in spring, with a focus on one that come into bloom in summer and can last for months as cut flowers

As the weather brightens up and we’re heading into spring, you may fancy donning your gardening gloves and reviving your outdoor area. Gardening guru Ish, who goes by @gardening.with.ish online, could have the perfect recommendation for you.

Describing the blooms as “tall, hardy, and low-maintenance,” Ish suggested planting Nigellas at this time of year. “Not only do these work as amazing pollinators, but they will grow in time for wedding bouquets or flower arrangements,” he said enthusiastically in his caption.

Ish also emphasised that “Nigellas can offer bursts of purple flowers all throughout the summer,” enhancing their visual charm and why they’re perfect for beginners.

These plants can be “sown directly in the soil,” or if you’re short on space, you can “start them off in a tray” instead.

He noted that Nigellas flower from “June all the way to September,” and also “last for about 10 days in a vase, so if you’re keen to get some fresh looking flowers, these might work for you”.

Ish revealed his preference for beginning them in a tray before moving them outdoors because it’s “very easy to thin them out”.

He intended to “lightly sprinkle in the seeds,” followed by a “covering and a good water”.

Though Ish warned they must be “about 30cm apart” as they can “really bush out quite a bit”. Beginning them in a tray enables him to “spread them out” when relocating them into the ground.

After sowing the seeds in the tray, he applied a “light dusting of compost over the top” without compacting it, reassuring viewers it would “soon take care of itself”.

He recommended using the seed packet “as a makeshift label” to monitor what’s growing in each section.

Ish explained that when transplanting your Nigellas outside, they flourish in and love “well-drained soil” and enjoy “plenty of sun”. He emphasised they need approximately 20 to 30cm of space to “bush out”.

“When they start to flower, take care of dead-heading as well because the more you take care of it, you’ll actually grow more flowers,” he advised.

Additionally, the plant will “continue providing them [flowers]” regularly until the end of August.

Are you planning on adding Nigellas to your garden, or have you already started? Drop us a comment below…