A man is facing prison time after he killed his own dad just hours after discovering he was his biological father.

Steven Shevels, 61, died after hitting his head on the concrete floor of the beer garden of the Queen’s Head pub, in Willington, County Durham, on Christmas Eve last year.

Martin Greensmith, 37, admitted pushing Mr Shevels but denied manslaughter.

Following a seven-day trial at Teesside Crown Court this week, a jury found him guilty.

Greensmith had just been told Steven was his biological father hours before the incident took place, the court heard.

Shortly after hearing this news, Greensmith and Steven had an interaction in the beer garden which culminated with the defendant pushing his dad, who fell and struck his head on the ground.

Greensmith was one of several people who went to help Steven, but he left the pub shortly before emergency services arrived.

He was arrested on Christmas Day after returning to his home in Willington.

Examination of his mobile phone revealed he had spent an hour searching online for solicitors and looking at a page about involuntary manslaughter.

Speaking after the verdict, Steven’s sister Angela spoke of how his death had affected their family.

‘My brother Steven was the victim of an unprovoked act of violence that took his life far too soon,’ she said.

‘His passing has left a hole in all our hearts, and a future forever changed for all of his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.’

Detective Chief Inspector Alfie Keane, of Durham Constabulary, said: ‘This is a truly devastating case. It shows how split-second decisions can have life-long consequences and an unimaginable impact on everyone around them.

‘Our thoughts remain with Steven’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

He will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on October 21.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Nimesh Tailor, project director Elizabeth line + at Alstom, said: “Seeing the first of the additional ten Elizabeth line units enter passenger service is a special moment for everyone involved at our Derby site, as well as all those across the country involved in their creation.

Every child is different, but the UK’s leading children’s charity has issued guidance for parents on what to do

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has issued advice for parents who may be toing and froing with the decision of whether or not to let their child walk home from school alone.

As the days start to get shorter and the weather gets colder, the fear of letting your kid roam free in the outside world grows. Coming to a decision on whether or not it’s safe to let your loved one make their own way back from school is quite anxiety-inducing, especially over the dark mornings and evenings of autumn and winter.

There is so much objectivity and nuance surrounding what age it’s appropriate, but luckily for you, the NSPCC has guidance for parents grappling with this question.

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“There’s no legal age that your child can travel home from school alone – this is up to you and your best judgement, or your school’s rules and policies,” the NSPCC website states. “However, you should never leave a child alone who isn’t ready or is unable to care for themselves.

“Every child is different – but some schools advise children under eight shouldn’t walk home without an adult or older sibling.”

The guidance suggests that if both you and your child feel they’re ready to come home alone, it helps to go over some rules about staying safe.

The practices the NSPCC recommends running through with your child are:

• Make sure they know their address and your telephone number by heart, in case they get lost or have to navigate home from somewhere new.
• If they have a mobile phone, remind them to fully charge it before leaving the house, and make sure they have all your contact numbers saved.
• Talk to them about road safety. They should always look both ways before crossing the street, and never be on their phone whilst crossing a road.
• Remind them never to accept a lift from someone they don’t know, or let a stranger into the house. They should never give personal information away – in real life or online.
• Remind them that if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any time, they can call you or a trusted adult.
• If they ever feel like they’re in immediate danger, they should call the police straight away on 999.

Elsewhere, a thread on the popular parenting forum, Mumsnet, from 2022 poses the question: “What age do you let your children walk to school alone?”.

The post received 62 replies, with many mothers agreeing that the summer term of Year 5 (ages 9 to 10) is typically a suitable time to allow your kid to start experiencing this rite of passage, providing you feel they are ready.

A user by the name of SauvignonGrower wrote: “Summer term year 5 is common where we are. Certainly, all the year 6 like to walk with friends.”

A user with the handle ShowOfHands argued that Year 6 is a more appropriate juncture. “Year 6 here and it’s a 15 minute walk,” she wrote. “One village road but a blind bend.

“I don’t worry about the traffic, I worry that DS is hot headed and impulsive. I genuinely worry that he’d end up going to the park instead or when grumpy, just won’t go to school. He starts y6 in September and I don’t know whether I’ll let him.”

SartresSoul commented: “Year 5, I don’t think many schools would let them walk alone before this. It’s common from year 5 in my child’s school and virtually zero year 6’s travel home with parents.”

Opinion on the topic varies from parent to parent, with knowledge of their local areas playing a key factor when considering the safety of their child.

A-lister George Clooney has one… very specific fear when it comes to his legacy after death.

Hollywood is currently at the centre of a raging debate about the ethical use of AI to recreate the likeness of famous people, especially post-mortem.

On the one hand, you have stars like the late Val Kilmer who was ‘brought back to life’ via the medium of AI. On the other you have Robin Williams, whose family has returned to social media after a decade to ‘protect his legacy from rampant AI abuse’.

Meanwhile, high profile actors from across the industry such as stars like Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon are being grilled about their stance on the rapidly-advancing techonology.

Essentially, it’s a hot-button topic which has inevitably made its way to the shores of the Venice Film Festival, where the 65-year-old actor Clooney is accepting a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

Discussing how AI could impact him personally, he was quick to quip: ‘Well, I would like to avoid being in a tampon commercial 20 years after I’m dead. I would like to avoid that.’

He also took a step back to give a wider perspective on his fears around its use in the creative industry; he posed that the ‘revolution in the industry’ was ‘going to hurt us in a lot of ways’.

The Oscar winner warned: ‘If you’re a visual effects supervisor, you’re going to have trouble coming up because that’s going to be a lot of jobs taken away.

‘Probably about 30 per cent of the jobs. I don’t know what the real number is, but there’s going to be a big number of jobs that are going to be taken away, and we’re kind of on our back foot on it. We’re not taking the lead on it.’

His worries about his likeness being out of his control under the thumb of AI after his death are echoed by Williams’ family, as mentioned.

In their statement explaining their return to social media, they wrote: ‘Making that space [online] into one where people can find authentic clips and photos of him is one of the best ways we’ve now found to fight back against rampant AI abuse of his voice and likeness on here.’

As for the Ocean’s 11 star, the threat of AI, and his existential concerns over popping up in a tampon advert in two decades, aren’t the only pressing issues he was quizzed on.

When asked about the current state of US politics, which is well into its second Trump administration, he said: ‘Look, I’m always very optimistic about things, and we’re at a moment in time that’s unfortunate – I think that’s an understatement.

‘I do believe that we’re going to get through all of this,’ adding he hopes the 2028 election will mark a ‘restoration into some normalcy’.

Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to Cornwall Street in Hartlepool at 10.42pm on Sunday, August 30.

Everyone was accounted for, and firefighters used one hose reel and two sets of breathing apparatus to put out the blaze.

The entrance was completely destroyed by fire, while the rest suffered light smoke damage affecting 10 per cent of the property.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and Cleveland Police are investigating.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on 30/08/2026 at 22:42 to an incident at Cornwall Street, Hartlepool.

“Three fire appliances in attendance from Hartlepool and Billingham. Property fire. All persons accounted for.

“One hose reel and two breathing apparatus were used to extinguish the fire. The property sustained 100 per cent fire damage to its entrance and 10 per cent light smoke damage to the rest of property.

“The cause is believed to be deliberate and has been left with Cleveland Police for further investigation.

“The stop call was received at 23:23.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Cleveland Police for a statement on this incident.

Cleveland recorded the highest rate of criminal damage and arson in England and Wales, at 15.0 offences per 1,000 people, in the year to March 2026.

By SABRINA PENTY, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 16:59 BST, 2 September 2026 | Updated: 17:01 BST, 2 September 2026

A Colombian woman who was left disfigured and in need of countless medical treatments after her husband hurled acid at her is seeking euthanasia. 

Maria Consuelo Cordoba’s plea comes nearly a decade after Pope Francis reportedly talked her out of ending her life during a visit to Colombia. 

The 58-year-old, who lives in the capital city of Bogota, became the victim of an acid attack in 2000 after an argument with her then-husband. 

She was left with life-changing injuries, and in the last 26 years, Ms Cordoba has undergone over 80 surgeries, spent long periods in hospital, and continues to receive never-ending medical treatment. 

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Now, physically and financially exhausted, Ms Cordoba says she doesn’t want to keep on living. 

In an interview with Colombian news outlet CityTV this week, Ms Cordoba appeared wearing a mask over her scarred face, with two plastic tubes poking out of her nose, which she says she needs to help her breathe. 

She only has a small hole for a mouth and struggles to eat. She says she is still waiting to have facial reconstructive surgery and is unable to work due to the severity of her condition. 

Ms Cordoba says she spends her days walking around Bogota begging for money so that she can pay for the small room she rents. 

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Maria Consuelo Cordoba (pictured) was left disfigured after her husband hurled acid at her is seeking euthanasia

Pictured: Maria Consuelo Cordoba before the attack

According to Ms Cordoba, she met Pope Francis during his visit to Colombia in 2017. 

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After telling him about her emotional and physical struggles, she says he made her promise that she would not seek euthanasia. 

‘He told me…’Colombia will help you get the surgeries you need’…but you know what? No one has helped me…I’m worse.’

Ms Cordoba, originally from the department of Choco, moved to Bogota with her ex-husband nearly three decades ago in search of work. 

She says her husband threw acid at her after she refused to return to Choco with him. 

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‘When I opened the door he threw the acid at me…I did’t know it was acid because he had it in a bottle of liquor…I just thought he was drinking…When I went out he threw that liquid in my face,’ she recalled.

‘He ran away and I felt like it was burning, so I went home to throw water on it,’ she said.  

Ms Cordoba quickly went viral after her interview with the Colombian broadcaster, with scores of viewers condemning authorities for not having done more to help her. 

Colombia’s health entity, Capital Salud, has since issued a statement saying Ms Cordoba has been approved for euthanasia, but said it would guarantee her the medical care she needs. 

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Capital Salud added that it will support whatever decision Ms Cordoba decides to make. 

‘María Consuelo will continue to be supported with respect, humanity and dignity… we will be available to attend to all her health needs,’ it said.

Ms Cordoba can’t work due to her injuries so she says she is forced to beg for money

Colombia was the first Latin American country to decriminalise euthanasia and remains one of the most progressive nations when it comes to assisted dying. 

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Ms Cordoba’s tragic ordeal comes just months after Spanish chef Ainhoa Caballero Medina requested she be euthanised after an attempted murder by her ex-boyfriend left her in chronic pain.

The 28-year-old says she has faced a relentless battle with life-changing injuries, including brain damage and the loss of her sense of taste and smell.

At the same time, she says her local council repeatedly failed her, refusing to recognise her as a victim of domestic abuse, even as her ex-partner continued to threaten her from prison, where he is under provisional detention and subject to a restraining order.

Unable to escape her physical agony and having lost all hope that the authorities would ever help her, she ultimately sought an assisted death under Spain’s euthanasia law.

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This is the shocking moment three serial fly-tippers are spotted dumping sofas, bin bags and chairs at a beauty spot before speeding away in a white van. 

The eye-opening clip was filmed on a scenic hillside popular with dog walkers on the outskirts of the quaint village of Maesycwmmer in south Wales last week. 

It shows a trio of men hopping out of an allegedly unlicensed vehicle and unloading two leather armchairs, more than one desk chair and a huge pile of litter onto the middle of a road.

Incredibly, pictures shared with the Daily Mail revealed that the men also left behind unopened letters including names and addresses.

The footage was captured by a local man in his 20s who had been enjoying a walk through the countryside when he stumbled across the incident. 

As the fly-tippers zoom away from the scene into the distance, he is heard shouting: ‘I’m calling the police and I’ve got your number plate!’ 

The trio are then said to have turned around and chased after him in a desperate bid to have the footage deleted. The brave walker, however, managed to evade the fly-tippers by dashing to a nearby farm. 

‘I had to pick the boy up basically trembling out of his socks on the floor,’ a farmer, who discovered the Good Samaritan while out on a stroll, tells the Mail.

‘He saw them dumping their rubbish from afar, ran towards them and then the guys chased him. It frightened him to death. I happened to be coming over 30 or so seconds after.

In footage posted to Facebook, the men are seen hopping out of a van before quickly unloading their rubbish

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They then drive off, leaving their waste strewn across the floor while a good Samaritan films

‘The lad was really shaken up, he’s quite a nervous boy who doesn’t like confrontation. He hadn’t experienced something like that before. For me, it happens a lot.’ 

Indeed, last year alone there is thought to have been more than 40 cases of fly-tipping at the very same spot – and the trio responsible for last week’s dumping are allegedly serial offenders. 

Only a couple of weeks ago they were spotted disposing of bin bags on the rural road during the early hours of the morning. 

The farmer, who preferred not to give his name, added: ‘Fly-tipping is a real problem around here. I’ve been trying to combat it for years but it’s probably got worse since lockdown. 

‘In the last month or so the same group of boys have come up here three times. We’ve got cameras and I spotted them literally two weeks ago. 

‘Usually we’d be able to pick the vehicle up using its registration plate, which we’ve got, but the van was off the road, not taxed and not insured. 

‘I must have about 200 crime reference numbers from Gwent Police. It’s amazing seeing what happens up here at night. Well, I say amazing, but it’s highly dangerous. 

‘It doesn’t just stop at fly-tipping. You get the boy racers up here, kids taking drugs and drinking. You wouldn’t believe what goes on in a rural environment when you can see it.’ 

The video was posted to Facebook by a local woman who frequents the hills to ride her horse. So far the clip has racked up almost 1,000 likes and close to 100,000 views. 

Hundreds of residents flocked to the spot where the fly-tipping occurred to watch the solar eclipse only a matter of weeks ago. Dogs are also regularly walked along the path, sparking fears that shards of glass left behind by fly-tippers could cause injuries. 

Fly-tipping is common in the rural area near the south Wales valleys. Only a matter of weeks ago a huge pile of rubbish was disposed of on the road

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In another case, desks, chairs and planks of wood were left behind in the countryside

The three men who were filmed fly-tipping last week were brazen enough to leave behind letters containing addresses and names

One woman, who lives just a couple of miles away, accused the men – and other culprits – of ‘ruining’ an area offering sprawling views over the Welsh valley. 

She fumed: ‘The video was just so frustrating to see. People walk their dogs around that area and it could have been glass which they’d left on the road. It’s really dangerous. 

‘For the eclipse, the amount of cars up there was amazing to see – but then somebody has got to do that. 

‘There was practically nothing there that couldn’t have gone to the tip though. They’re ruining our countryside for quite literally the sake of a few quid. It’s horrible. 

‘We’re fed up. It’s the mentality of it, you know, they’ve done it in broad daylight and expected not to be seen. They don’t care about anybody else.’

Statistics released earlier in February revealed that incidents of fly-tipping reached record levels last year. 

More than 1.26million cases were recorded by authorities between 2024 and 2025, marking a nine per cent increase on the 1.15million confirmed the year before, according to data published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

However, the number of court fines handed out for fly-tipping during the period decreased from 1,378 to 1,250. That meant that only 0.2 per cent of cases resulted in court action. 

Speaking at the time the statistics were released, John Read – the founder of charity Clean Up Britain – described the country’s fly-tipping crisis as an epidemic. 

‘The fly-tipping stats are further evidence of the national pandemic we’re facing in England, and indeed the whole of the UK,’ he said.

‘To be effective, we have to create real jeopardy and fear in the minds of fly-tippers. The cost – and risk – of ‘doing business’ has to become too exorbitant for them.’ 

The Mail approached Gwent Police for comment.  

Parents are being warned that six simple mistakes in their vehicle could see an instant fail on their MOT – here are the things people should check before dropping a car off at the garage

Parents are being reminded to do a number of simple checks before sending their car for an MOT or risk failing. With heading back to school for the first time in six weeks, parents will have even more things to juggle such as school drop-off, after school activities and endless washing.

However, a motoring expert has said that everyday clutter inside a family vehicle could result in an immediate MOT failure. With roughly 1 in 5 cars failing their MOT across the UK and over 5 million parents admitting to driving messy, cluttered cars, an overlooked item on the dashboard or in the backseat could turn a routine inspection into an expensive inconvenience.

DVSA guidelines allow test centres to refuse or automatically fail vehicles if simple safety, cleanliness, or access conditions aren’t met while cars are being inspected.

James Harding, an expert from Blackcircles with over 16 years of industry experience, said: “MOT failures aren’t just costly and inconvenient; they can show a car to be unsafe. You must book your car in for an MOT yearly, and ensure that your car is prepared to be tested.

“MOT test centres can legally refuse to test your car under official DVSA guidelines. If specific safety, cleanliness or administrative conditions are not met, you are at risk of being turned away or automatically failed.

“Before arriving at your MOT appointment, it is important to check that your car is clean and accessible. It is also a good idea to check lights, tyres, fluid and oil levels as well as your dashboard for any warning lights. Sorting any issues that appear ahead of an MOT appointment can help your car to pass.”

What do parents need to check before an MOT?

According to Blackcircles there are six common reasons why a family vehicle might fail its MOT.

• Teddies or toys: Leaving teddies and toys on the top of your dashboard can cause a failure if they block your view of the road. They also pose a major hazard if they interfere with the deployment of your passenger airbags.

• Child seat not secured properly: An MOT has to test the integrity of seatbelts; therefore, if the child seat is loosely fitted, this suggests the restraint system is insufficient. A loosely fitted seat can also pose a significant risk to the child and passengers in an accident; therefore, an insecure seat is a “major defect” in an MOT exam.

• Child seat obscuring seat belt: An MOT requires every seatbelt to be tested. If a seatbelt is trapped behind a permanent child car seat and cannot be inspected, the car will fail.

• Shopping bags or prams in the boot: Every door, including the boot, must open and close smoothly from both the inside and out. If overpacking the boot stops a smooth closure, the vehicle will fail. If your boot is full and the tester cannot access the spare wheel well or suspension mounts, they will fail the vehicle.

• Baby on board stickers: If the baby on board stickers are stuck to the windscreen or front side windows, this could result in a failed MOT. This is because these positions can block your view of the road. Instead, make sure this sticker is on the rear window, and ensure it’s not in the way of the wipers.

• Clutter and dirt: If your car is excessively dirty (inside or out), the tester can legally refuse to examine it. If rubbish, loose bottles or clutter is rolling around near the pedals, this is classed as a safety hazard, and a direct fail. If a number plate is so dirty it becomes unreadable to Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, your car will automatically fail its MOT.

Four appeared in court on Wednesday, September 2

Four people have appeared in court charged with murder after a newborn baby girl, named as Baby S, was found dead with 33 wounds from 15 separate stabbings.

At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 2, prosecutors told a district judge that the baby’s body was found on top of a washing machine in an outhouse at an address in the Wincobank area of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on Sunday, August 29.

Andrea Skopova, 20, Peter Horvath Jnr, 19, Peter Horvath Snr, 38, and Nina Horvathova, 37, appeared before the court on Wednesday morning charged with the murder of Baby S.

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They were remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday.

Horvath Jnr, Horvath Snr and Horvathova, all of Holywell Heights, and Skopova, of Robey Street, Grimesthorpe, Sheffield, are also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by cleaning the scene of the alleged crime.

All the defendants are Slovakian nationals, the court heard.

A 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named, appeared at the court later in a separate hearing, charged with the same perverting the course of justice offence. The girl sobbed in the dock as representations were made about whether she should be released on bail.

District Judge Tim Spruce decided she should be remanded in youth custody until Thursday, when she will appear at crown court with the other defendants.

Prosecutor Luke Hopkinson told Mr Spruce that the baby’s mother is the defendant Andrea Skopova. The father is unknown, Mr Hopkinson said.

Skopova is the girlfriend of the defendant Horvath Jnr, who is the son of the other two adult defendants. Mr Hopkinson said Horvath Jnr is not believed to be the father.

Baby S was found wrapped in a towel and in a blue bag in an outbuilding at an address in Holywell Heights. Mr Hopkinson said she had suffered 33 wounds from 15 “separate stabbings”.

A forensic post-mortem has confirmed that the baby’s cause of death as resulting from stab wounds.

A number of family members packed into the court for the nine-minute long adult defendants’ hearing, many in tears. The four adults stood wearing identical grey t-shirts and flanked by four security guards.

Two women, aged 26 and 37, who were arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail.

Lauren Costello, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute four individuals with murder following a police investigation into the death of a newborn baby girl in the Wincobank area. A fifth individual has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We have worked carefully with South Yorkshire Police as they carried out their investigation. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendants are active and they have the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”

A Hospitality Ulster survey recently found 45% of all hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland were not sure if they would survive the next 12 months

The VAT differential across the island of Ireland is putting hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland under pressure, a Westminster committee has heard.

Businesses told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of shrinking margins during a probe into the taxation of the hospitality and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland.

Figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) suggest that over the course of 2025 the number of jobs in the hospitality sector fell by 2,000, from around 57,000 to 55,000.

Meanwhile, a Hospitality Ulster survey recently found 45% of all hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland were not sure if they would survive the next 12 months.

Selina Horshi, managing director of the White Horse Hotel in Campsie, Co Derry, told MPs said the sector is in “survival mode”.

“The reality here is pretty stark. If there isn’t some action taken, we’re all going to be watching an industry erode,” she told MPs.

“It’s a big industry, and it’s very important to Northern Ireland. It’s the fourth biggest employer. It spreads out wealth across rural and urban areas.

“It employs a lot of women. It employs a lot of young people. You can come into it whether you’re skilled. You can upskill through it. It’s got high-paid jobs. It’s got short-term jobs. It’s so hugely important to our area, and what we’re seeing already is the decline in jobs.

“What we’re seeing already is the closure of businesses, and we just can’t keep clinging on.

“Our reserves have been eaten away by Brexit, by coronavirus by cost of living, by cost-of-doing business crisis. It has just got to an unsustainable point.”

Ms Horshi also highlighted the challenge of competing against hospitality organisations in the Republic of Ireland.

“We’re marketed alongside them, and yet a customer is looking at a price in my hotel, three and a half miles from the border, and the price in Donegal, and what they’re seeing is that the price is lower in Donegal.

“Our costs are roughly equivalent, but our VAT, for example, is significantly different. So for every £100 that I take into my business on accommodation, the equivalent hotel in the Republic taking £100 would retain £4.78 more on the VAT alone. Per room that doesn’t sound like a lot, but we are a high volume, low margin industry, and that quickly adds up to hundreds of thousands of pounds within a business each year.

“The margins have been so squeezed on all sides of the border and all parts of the UK by the cost of living and the cost of doing business, but that VAT differential is really putting pressure on our businesses at the moment.”

She added: “It’s not only VAT.

“In other parts of the UK, there has been rates relief for hospitality, and those haven’t been implemented in Northern Ireland. So that is also a challenge.

“But the one that is the biggest lever is quite simply the VAT differential when you’re looking at food at 9% in the Republic versus 20% in Northern Ireland, and you’re looking at accommodation at 20% in Northern Ireland versus 13% in the Republic.”

Michael Cadden, chairman of Hospitality Ulster and managing director of Lusty Beg Island Resort in Co Fermanagh, said he has been in the business for 25 years, and it has “never been more difficult”.

He gave an example of last year attending a major wedding show in Dublin, and leaving having sold just two weddings, whereas previously he would have have sold up to 25 weddings at the same event.

“The difference has become price. We’re no longer seen as a value proposition, and we’re no longer seen as a value proposition because we simply can’t afford to compete with the prices because our cost base and our tax base is so very, very different,” he told MPs.

He explained that there are multiplying pressures which are leaving it “unsustainable”.

These include a 1 or 2% additional food cost as a result of Brexit, the impact of the national insurance increase on their wage bill, and reaching a “ceiling” in terms of what they can charge for products due to the “relatively low income level in the province”.

“So we’re being squeezed from both sides, and the VAT lever we believe is the one that will relieve that across the board,” he added.

“We have reached a point where the levers that that we’re talking about, we believe it’s now time to start pulling those, or we will start to lose a significant portion of the industry.”

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