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The Key Ingredient I Always Skip For The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I was pretty surprised to find out that making brownies without melted chocolate tended to make them fudgier and gooier.

But I’m not the only one to have noticed the result. 

Food and cookery writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall found that cocoa batters rendered the dessert “truffle-y and rich without being too heavy – and it seems to be easier to produce the great shiny crust so beloved of brownie purists”. 

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I’ve stuck to the trick ever since, even when a recipe tells me not to. I’ll confess I commit another cocoa-based infraction, too: I never, ever use chocolate chips when making cookies, no matter how much I’m told to. 

Why avoid chocolate chips in, er, chocolate chip cookies

Often, chocolate chips – which are usually made to maintain their tiny teardrop shape even when cooked – behave differently to craggy, unevenly chopped chocolate. 

They don’t seep or melt into decadent puddles as much as their chopped chocolate cousins. Chocolate chips are also uniform, which makes each bite predictable (welcome to some, but I would argue it makes eye-rolling-back “best bites” less likely; it also stops chocolate from pooling evenly in the biscuit).

A chopped chocolate cookie; cross section of spread chocolateA chopped chocolate cookie; cross section of spread chocolate

Then, there’s the question of quality

“To use chopped chocolate is to relinquish a bit of control in how the cookie looks, but to gain control of the type of chocolate you stir into the dough,” Epicurious said

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While chocolate chips can come in milk or dark chocolate, it’s very hard to find brands that give you control over the percentage of cocoa for either option. Chocolate bars, meanwhile, allow you to pick the best match for your bake (I don’t like to go below 70% for a plain chocolate chip cookie).

And though some brands reliably offer less palm oil and more cocoa butter than others, that choice becomes far more limited once you start looking at premade chocolate chips.

Nashville business Bunica’s Bakery shared a video on social media stating that in their experience, the chocolate from bars are typically more delicious than chips: “The darks are rich while the milks are creamy.”

Pros agree we should choose chopped chocolate

If you think I’m getting into “old woman shouts at cloud” territory here, fair enough – but at least I’m not alone in my skyward ramblings. 

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Flour company King Arthur has pointed out on its site that Ruth Wakefield, who’s credited with inventing chocolate chips in 1938, actually used chopped chocolate for the job.

After the company tried multiple recipes comparing chocolate chip vs chopped chocolate cookies, “test after test proved that chopped chocolate produced a superior cookie”.

Recipe developer Molly Marzalek-Kelly, who was initially sceptical about the approach, told the publication: “Small, pebble-like chocolate chips don’t blend easily into the dough like chopped chocolate, thus leaving more open space for the cookie dough to spread or puff while baking.

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“This may lead to cookies that are cakey rather than chewy.”

Meanwhile, Gemma Stafford, a professional chef, cookbook author, and host of Bigger Bolder Baking, said in a YouTube clip: “Do not use chocolate chips in your cookies… you want to use a chocolate bar, something around 72%.”

She urged bakers to chop up the bar so you get big and little chunks – and “when this bakes, it will pool, and it will melt all throughout your cookie”. Yum.

And ex-Epicurious writer David Tamarkin, who’s a staunch defender of chopped chocolate in cookies, wrote: “You can’t ruin something as amazing as a chocolate chip cookie. Except, you know, by using chocolate chips”.

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So, for the foreseeable future, I’ll be using the trick on my favourite cookie recipe (at the moment, I’m on a Sally’s Baking Addiction kick, though I’ve found the New York Times’ hit recipe has proven delicious, even in an air fryer).

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Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet ‘removed from school’ by Duke and Duchess of Sussex after just two days of term – due to security fears

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Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, were enrolled in a British school - until new security fears

Prince Harry and Meghan have pulled their children from their new British school, it was revealed tonight.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex removed Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet after just two days.

The children, seven and five, who grew up in America, only came to live in Britain a few days ago. Now, they have been taken out of their prep school for security reasons, according to ITV News.

It said they are now ‘starting somewhere new’ after Harry and Meghan ‘discussed the practicalities with their security team and it was decided they needed to change school’.

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A spokesperson for the Sussexes said tonight: ‘The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements. 

‘The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.’ 

Meanwhile, sources close to the couple said the decision was made due to the practicalities of getting the children there and back. 

‘It’s a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents. It was perfect for them in every way and the children really enjoyed their time there,’ a friend of the couple told HELLO! magazine. 

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‘They really wanted to make it work, but they had to make a difficult decision based on the fact that the team couldn’t make the school run operationally secure.’ 

The dramatic development came as it emerged that Harry’s demand for taxpayer-funded police protection is being ‘reviewed’ now he is back in Britain.

Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, were enrolled in a British school – until new security fears

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The duke and duchess are said to have been informed that ‘a decision’ was made at a meeting last week to examine the threat to both of them.

The prince has been at loggerheads with the Home Office for years over its decision to remove his automatic right to security. Harry has long argued that he was born a prince and needs police protection when in the UK.

But he lost a series of legal battles against the Home Office which deemed he had forfeited the right to be able to call at will on taxpayer-funded protection after he quit as a frontline royal in 2020 and moved to a new life in California.

Only last year, after yet another defeat at the Royal Courts of Justice – against his father His Majesty’s government – the prince declared in a petulant BBC interview that he could not imagine a time when he could safely bring his family to his country of birth.

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But now that he has had a sudden change of heart, bringing Meghan, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to live in the UK, his access to police protection is being reviewed, it was reported tonight.

The decision is said to involve reviewing the risks to Prince Harry and also to his wife.

ITV News said the Home Office committee that decides on security provision for high-profile royals and politicians – known as Ravec – has written to Harry informing him a ‘full review’ will take place.

If true, then this decision defies complaints made by Team Sussex about the meeting held last week by Ravec, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures.

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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, posted a video of herself, Harry and children in the UK to her Instagram

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, posted a video of herself, Harry and children in the UK to her Instagram

Meghan shared scenes of the family enjoying the British countryside as they settled into life in the UK

Meghan shared scenes of the family enjoying the British countryside as they settled into life in the UK 

Meghan and Harry pictured in 2022. Questions are now raging over who will fund security for the couple and their children

Meghan and Harry pictured in 2022. Questions are now raging over who will fund security for the couple and their children

Some in Harry’s camp had accused Buckingham Palace of trying to scupper the Ravec meeting with King Charles’s bombshell letter last week which made clear Buckingham Palace’s view that the Sussexes were ‘private citizens’ not working royals. 

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Harry and Meghan were taken by surprise by the letter and would prefer to be known as ‘public figures’, it was made clear by sources close to them.

They believed the timing of the letter may have been an attempt to influence the Ravec committee on whether to reinstate Harry’s taxpayer-funded security.

At the time, the Daily Mail reported that such claims were incorrect, and the letter was sent out by the palace to offer clarity ahead of a busy programme for the Sussexes, not to interfere with his battles with the Home Office committee. In fact, those close to the King believed the move could make it easier for him to see his son privately.

Tonight, Harry’s fears that the letter could have been designed to block his bid for security appeared unfounded with the news that Ravec is going to fully review his need for protection for him and his family.

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ITV News’s royal correspondent Chris Ship said: ‘It was decided that Harry should get a full review of his security now that he is resident in his home country and his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have started classes at a British school.’

It was said the official review carried out by Ravec, called a Risk Management Board (RMB), would be conducted for both Harry and Meghan. It would be the first review of the potential risks and threats facing Meghan since the couple left the Monarchy in 2020.

Princess Lilibet, five, and Prince Archie, seven, playing carefree in the English countryside in a video posted online by their mother

Princess Lilibet, five, and Prince Archie, seven, playing carefree in the English countryside in a video posted online by their mother

Feet being warmed on the fire in a traditional English countryside setting, in a social media post shared by the duchess

Feet being warmed on the fire in a traditional English countryside setting, in a social media post shared by the duchess

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In fact, Harry had a new ‘RMB’ completed in July, eight weeks ago, but this was conducted before those assessing his case knew about his plans to relocate his family to the UK.

Currently, said ITV News, the only protection the Sussexes have been given by British police is the phone number of a police liaison officer. The duke has been told to call the phone number should he need police help, but he believes this is essentially zero protection as it would take officers a long time to reach him, were he or his family to be in distress or under attack.

Harry argues he is the son of the British monarch, the fifth in line to the throne and a veteran of the British Army who completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He was criticised by some British officers for his decision to boast in his 2023 memoir Spare about how many people he had killed during his battles against the Taliban. Some suggested this had massively increased his need for protection against those who might seek revenge.

Scotland Yard does not discuss the security arrangements of royals but it is understood that protection is arranged on a case-by-case basis and is constantly under review. During some recent UK events attended by Harry, such as charity evenings, he has clearly been afforded police security.

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Harry and Meghan also pay millions for private security. But in America, their bodyguards may be able to shoot people deemed a threat. In Britain, their close protection agents are not allowed to carry guns, explaining why the duke is desperate to reinstate his automatic police protection.

The Home Office and Team Sussex were contacted for comment.

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Power goes out in Ainsworth for second time in a week

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Power goes out in Ainsworth for second time in a week

Power around the BL2 postcode area went off tonight (September 14) at around 8pm, leaving residents without power for the second time in a week.

A previous incident on September 5 left residents without power, which SP Electricity North West stated was due to a faulty fuse at a local substation.

One anonymous resident said: “This is no longer funny now.”

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Electricity North West said: “This power cut has been caused by an unexpected incident with the underground cable that provides electricity to your home or business.”

They estimated that the issue should be fixed by around 10:30pm, and confirmed an engineer has been dispatched to the area to fix the issue.

Power outages in Ainsworth have been a frequent occurrence in recent weeks, with Electricity North West stating some issues may have been caused by bird strikes in the area.

More than 100 properties have been affected.

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Two Jack Russells put down and family banned from keeping dogs after horror neglect

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Daily Record

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Irene Pallent, 65, her partner Derek Lane, 61, and Irene’s son Stuart Pallent, 40, have been given suspended prison sentences and animal bans

A family has been prohibited from keeping animals following their neglect of three dogs, leaving them to endure weeks of suffering. Irene Pallent, 65, her partner Derek Lane, 61, and Irene’s son Stuart Pallent, 40, have received suspended jail terms and are banned from owning animals for between 10 and 15 years after failing to care for three Jack Russell Terriers.

The dogs were discovered at Leighton Road in Grangetown last December and seized by police before the RSPCA launched an investigation. The animals were all experiencing severe fur loss and had overgrown nails – with one being blind.

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The three family members were sentenced for their neglect at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on September 3, having each admitted to two animal welfare offences. The court heard there was particular worry about an elderly female dog named Sadie, who was nearly bald and appeared blind, with discharge seeping from her eyes.

Sadie

The veterinary surgeon who examined them following their removal by the RSPCA said their requirements had not been fulfilled and they had endured unnecessary suffering for at least six weeks due to the defendants’ failure to address their skin condition. Sadie was almost entirely bald with severe dermatitis and a bacterial skin infection known as pyoderma, reports Teesside Live.

She weighed 3.8kgs (8.37lbs) and was assessed with a body condition score of 2/9, indicating she was severely underweight. Sadie’s body was covered with multiple lumps, her nails were overgrown and she had lost her sight.

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She was also displaying signs of neurological issues and was continually moving in circles.

The veterinary surgeon stated Sadie had been left to suffer for a minimum of four weeks due to the defendants’ failure to address her deteriorating physical condition. Given her advanced state of dementia, the vet advised she should be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

Rosy and Susie

Eight-year-old Rosy was a female Jack Russell terrier type who was similarly underweight and experiencing severe skin loss alongside overgrown nails. The third animal, Susie, was another older Jack Russell terrier type with fur loss.

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Her nails had also become overgrown and she had various lumps beneath her skin, notably three mammary tumours.

In her written statement to the court the vet said: “Sadie, Rosy and Susie were all suffering from advanced skin disease. This was obvious from the very notable loss of fur, the thickened and reddened skin and the notable irritation to the animals particularly when handling them. There was also a notable odour.

“The most likely initiating cause of the skin problem was flea allergic dermatitis, one of the most common skin diseases in dogs and fleas are one of the most common parasites. Flea bites initially cause minor irritation. However, with exposure over time, many animals become allergic to the bites and even one or two bites can cause major histamine release leading to severe itching.

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“Left untreated the skin becomes disrupted, the hair falls out, the skin becomes thickened and infected. This leads to further distress for the dog.

“Any responsible and humane person would have recognised that there was a problem causing all three dogs distress and would have sought appropriate advice and treatment. In the case of Sadie, her emaciated state was visibly obvious. Whatever the reason for loss of body condition, it is incumbent on an owner to monitor the condition of their animals and address any notable changes.”

Jointly responsible

Throughout the investigation, Derek Lane acknowledged sharing responsibility for the dogs alongside Irene and Stuart Pallent, agreeing to surrender them to the RSPCA. He was informed that a veterinary surgeon had assessed the animals and concluded they had endured needless suffering, yet Lane rejected the opportunity to obtain a second opinion from a vet of his choosing and declined to participate in an RSPCA interview.

Irene Pallent stated that Sadie belonged to her son, while the remaining two dogs were hers. She acknowledged that all three dogs were in a poor condition at Leighton Road, but declined both an independent veterinary examination and an interview regarding the circumstances.

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Stuart Pallent informed the Inspector that he, his mother and her partner had all shared responsibility for the dogs prior to their removal, though he too declined to be interviewed about the matter. Irene Pallent, now residing at The Peppergarth, Northallerton, received a 17-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

Derek Lane, also of The Peppergarth, and Stuart Pallent, of Yarm Road, Stockton, each received a 16-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a 10-year ban. All three defendants were ordered to pay costs of £450 each and a £154 victim surcharge.

Rosy was taken in by the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton and St Helens Branch, where it took six weeks to bring her skin condition under control. She has since been rehomed and is virtually unrecognisable, though her skin continues to be carefully monitored.

‘Weeks of neglect’

Despite receiving lengthy treatment, Susie’s health did not improve and she was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice. RSPCA Chief Inspector for Durham and Cleveland, Natalie Hill, said: “These little dogs suffered weeks of neglect because the defendants hadn’t provided the most basic of care.

“Providing flea treatment is part and parcel of being a responsible owner and treating pets regularly stops infestations before they harm the animal or spread in the home. Sadly all three dogs had not received the care they should have for quite some time; Sadie’s condition in particular was very distressing.

“Thanks to the appropriate treatment, Rosy now looks like a different dog, and her transformation is also testament to the love and care she received at our branch-run animal centre in Warrington.”

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Seven Scottish men arrested after attack at property ‘linked to feuding traveller families’

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Daily Record

Shocking scenes were captured on CCTV showing violence unfolding at the home in Cheshire.

Seven Scottish men have been charged after a group of masked men attacked a property in Cheshire.

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The Record understands the violent scenes are linked to warring traveller families. The yard is understood to be owned by the McGinleys.

Shocking footage showed a tipper truck reversing at speed into vehicles parked in the driveway of the property in Middlewich, on Saturday, September 12.

Dozens of masked men wielding weapons then jumped out of a convoy of cars.

Shocking scenes showed the men trashing cars and the windows of the home with baseball bats and pick-axes.

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The truck used to ram the driveway was then set on fire during the chaos.

A man, who emerged from the home, was seen chasing the mob away as they fled the scene.

Officers from Cheshire Constabulary have arrested and charged seven men in connection.

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A 26-year-old man remains in police custody.

Nathaniel Lowe, 34, from Motherwell, was charged with two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

James Lowe, 29, from Morningside, Newmains, was charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

Nathaniel Lowe, 58, of the same address in Morningside was charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon. A 17-year-old boy who can’t be named for legal reasons was charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

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John McPhee, 30, from Larkhall, was charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon. Billy McPhee, 52, from Larkhall, was charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 26-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

They are due to appear at Chester Magistrates later today.

The bitter war of words did not end once the face-off was over. The two warring families continued their spat in the comments section beneath the TikTok post.

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One McGinley member told the McPhees that they were their “bosses” before claiming the McPhees had locked themselves away inside the shop. The McGinley member added: “You know we run you seven days a week.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 12.20pm on Wednesday, 9 September, 2026, we were called to a report of a group of males causing a disturbance on Hamilton Road in Rutherglen. Officers attended however there was nothing ongoing and no reported injuries.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

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Andy Burnham cancels engagements after death of father

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Andy Burnham hugs his parents, Eileen and Roy, after he was selected as the Labour candidate to become the mayor of Greater Manchester in September 2026. They are standing in front of a red banner reading "Labour North West".

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled official engagements on Monday and Tuesday following the death of his father Roy, who had Alzheimer’s.

He had been due to host a meeting of business leaders in Downing Street on Monday, and was expected to speak at the annual trade union TUC Congress in Brighton on Tuesday.

In July, Burnham spoke about his father’s condition and said it had influenced his drive to reform adult social care in England.

He had also said his father’s illness was so advanced that he did not know his son had become prime minister.

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Speaking to the Times newspaper, external shortly before formally taking over as prime minister, Burnham said it was “a sadness, because he would be [proud]”.

He continued: “The way I look at it, it’s his achievement as well. A whole family achievement, although he doesn’t know it.”

The prime minister later said care home staff had shown his father footage of him entering Downing Street, calling it a “wonderful” thing.

Burnham said he wanted to help “my dad and the millions like him” when setting out plans to reform adult social care.

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He said he had been “overwhelmed” by the skills and professionalism of care workers supporting his father.

Burnham has described how his father, a former telephone engineer, had raised him with “laughter, love and support” alongside his mother Eileen in Culcheth, Cheshire.

In his 2024 book Look North, he wrote that neither of his parents had attended university, but could have done had they “grown up in a different time and different place”.

“Their knowledge of that fact seemed to make them all the more determined that their three sons would go.”

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Opposition politicians have offered their condolences to Burnham and his family.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “No matter how old you are, or how much you try to prepare, losing your father is a profoundly painful experience.

“A part of your life that has always been there is suddenly gone forever and it can feel as though a part of you won’t ever be the same again.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “My heart goes out to the prime minister on the loss of his dad.

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“From our conversations he sounded like a wonderful man.”

Green party leader Zack Polanski said: “There are moments in life such as this sad time that transcend politics and I join the whole country in sending condolences.”

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Major disruption as Teesside trainlines blocked due to ‘incident’

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Major disruption as Teesside trainlines blocked due to 'incident'

TransPennine Express has confirmed that all lines between Middlesbrough and Redcar Central are currently blocked while emergency services deal with the situation.

As a result, services on the Manchester Airport to Redcar Central route may be delayed, revised or cancelled in both directions.

Rail passengers have been warned that disruption is expected until at least 7pm today (September 14).

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Those whose trains are cancelled or significantly delayed are being advised to postpone their journeys where possible or seek alternative travel arrangements.

Rail replacement transport has been requested between Middlesbrough and Redcar Central in both directions, with passengers urged to speak to station staff for onward travel assistance.

To help passengers complete their journeys, tickets are being accepted at no extra cost on:

  • Northern services between Middlesbrough and Darlington
  • TransPennine Express services between Darlington and Manchester stations
  • LNER and CrossCountry services between Darlington and York

The rail disruption comes as Cleveland Police urged motorists to avoid a major road in Middlesbrough because of an ongoing incident.

A force spokesperson said: “We’re urging motorists to avoid the Dockside Road area of Middlesbrough as road closures are in place, including Dockside Road to the roundabout before the stadium, while police deal with an incident.

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“Traffic disruption is expected, so please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.”

Drivers have been warned to expect delays around the area while road closures remain in place.

Passengers can check the latest rail updates through TransPennine Express journey information services.

Those delayed by 15 minutes or more may also be eligible to claim Delay Repay compensation.

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Did you know that The Odyssey was nearly a Disney film?

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Did you know that The Odyssey was nearly a Disney film?

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Market traders left in limbo as they await temporary move ahead of refurb plans

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Cambridgeshire Live

Cambridge City Council approved plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme of the city’s market square

Cambridge Market traders said they have been left in limbo as they wait for a temporary move after the approval of controversial refurbishment plans.Cambridge City Council’s planning committee voted to approve plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the market square at the start of this month.

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The council said they were “committed” to keeping the market, which has operated since the Middle Ages, open – but traders are still waiting to hear where they will be moved to.

Lisa Huffer, who works at the Peter Graves florist stall, said: “There’s so much uncertainty for traders and people want to buy their winter stock. A lot of people don’t know whether to buy or not.”

The 50-year-old said she was worried that the cost of renting the new pitches would cause independent traders to be “pushed out”.

The council said they had submitted a planning application last week for temporary stalls to be set up on a number of nearby streets, which is expected to be decided on in November. These include King’s Parade, St Mary’s Passage, Petty Cury and Sidney Street with more stalls available on Fisher Square and Sussex Street during busier trading periods.

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Sam Findlatar, a customer, said shopping habits have already changed and moving traders could cause the market to lose even more customers.

The 52-year-old said: “This has had such an impact, particularly in Cambridge, if you get rid of traders from this area, more people will lose their habits.”

Another trader, who did not give her name, said she’s had her pitch for over 25 years and felt “anxiety” over the plans. She said: “I understand it does need upgrading, but if it can be done a lot cheaper and kept as a traditional Cambridge market.”

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Tom Wells, who has traded at the market since he was 13, said he feels “betrayed” by the council.

The 21-year-old said: “I think the people feel the same – customers feel betrayed – they went against the people they are supposed to represent. There will no longer be a market here, there will be a miniature shopping centre. We’re not against a refurbishment, we’re just against their refurbishment – they say they have consulted us, I would say they haven’t.”

One trader, who wanted to stay anonymous, said she was “excited” for the scheme which she thought would improve the area.

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She said: “It will be a better area, with a better atmosphere. I think we need more security, it’s not about changing the market or architecture, it’s about the security – we’re having issues every weekend.”

Marcin Rys said: “Have you ever seen anything done by the council that actually works? I don’t believe it’s going to happen like they say it’s going to happen – it’s going to be one big mess, that’s my opinion. We’ve seen their latest achievement on Adam’s Road.

“The city centre has got something really unique, character – they will make it like the train station, it’s cool but it’s not Cambridge.”

The 47-year-old said he’s spent 20 years building his business up and feels that the council owes them all certainty about what’s going to happen.

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A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council said the application for a temporary market is being consulted on until October 7.

They said: “Trading has continued on the Market Square since the Middle Ages and the council has committed to keeping the market open throughout any works. Work on the square could start in January 2027 if councillors decide this autumn to proceed with the Civic Quarter project.

“We propose to operate a temporary market for the duration of the works, with temporary stalls on King’s Parade, St Mary’s Passage, Petty Cury and Sidney Street, with additional locations at Fisher Square, and Sussex Street for busier trading periods.”

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London council that left disabled person homeless after blunder ordered to pay compensation

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London council that left disabled person homeless after blunder ordered to pay compensation

After months of silence, the council initiated their housing register application, however, the assigned housing caseworker to the pair had left the council by this point. Internal council documents indicated that officers tried to contact X and the other person, named as Y, between January and April 2024 about potential properties with no response.

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10 bars and clubs in Teesside to check out during freshers’

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10 bars and clubs in Teesside to check out during freshers'

Freshers can expect two weeks of club nights, social events and live entertainment designed to help them settle into student life and make lasting friendships.

Teesside offers students everything from late-night clubs and live entertainment to relaxed venues during Freshers’ Week and beyond.

Here are 10 bars and clubs to check out in the area.

(Image: Walkabout)

1. The Terrace, Teesside University Students’ Union

For many students, this will be the first stop – particularly if you’re enrolling with Teesside University this year.

At the heart of the campus, The Terrace and the wider Students’ Union will host Freshers’ events from September 20 to October 4.

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The fortnight’s events include the Official Moving In Party, Find Your Feet Day, quizzes and games nights at The Terrace and The Hub.

2. Stack Middlesbrough

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

For those who don’t want to go clubbing every night, Stack offers a more laid-back social scene.

The shipping-container venue in Exchange Square features street-food vendors, bars, DJs, tribute acts and live music.

It’s ideal for daytime meet-ups and relaxed evenings before heading out elsewhere.

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3. Central Hotel, Middlesbrough

Central Hotel, Middlesbrough (Image: Google Maps)

The Central is a long-standing Middlesbrough favourite, known for affordable drinks and late-night entertainment.

Close to the town centre, it regularly features on Freshers’ bar crawls and student nights.

4. Empire, Middlesbrough

Empire is one of Teesside’s best-known nightclubs and live music venues.

It hosts DJs, dance events and themed club nights, making it a big-room favourite during Freshers’ Week.

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5. Club XS, Middlesbrough

Club XS, Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Club XS has long been a Middlesbrough nightlife staple, known for dancefloor-focused nights and a student-friendly atmosphere.

Its late opening hours and central location make Club XS a common final stop for Freshers’ nights out.

6. Flares and Popworld, Middlesbrough

Popworld and Flares, Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Flares and Popworld bring two venues under one roof.

Flares plays throwback hits from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, while Popworld focuses on chart hits and singalong favourites.

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The pair are regular stops on student nights and at Freshers’ events.

7. Play, Middlesbrough

Play Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Play is one of the newer venues on Teesside’s nightlife scene.

It combines club nights with interactive games and social activities for a break from the usual nightclub experience.

8. KU, Stockton

KU Stockton (Image: Yorkshire.com)

A short drive from Middlesbrough, KU in Stockton is another popular student venue.

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Its riverside setting, live music and club nights attract students from across Teesside.

9. The Keys, Yarm

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The Keys in Yarm is a cocktail bar and nightclub attracting crowds from across the region.

It offers a change of pace from Middlesbrough town centre’s larger student venues.

10. Sapphires, Middlesbrough

Sapphires, Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Sapphires remains a popular late-night destination in Middlesbrough, with themed events and dance music that make it a student favourite.

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Sapphire stands out as one of Middlesbrough’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ venues, offering a welcoming atmosphere and lively nights out.



Freshers’ Week officially begins on Sunday (September 20), with Teesside University Students’ Union promising two weeks of events, giveaways, club nights and activities.

Events include the Official Moving In Party at The Terrace, a Freshers Icebreaker at The Hub and daytime activities to help students settle into university life.

Teesside has plenty to offer, whether you want the dancefloor or a more relaxed night out.

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Students can find the full Freshers’ events programme on the Teesside University Students’ Union website.

Cleveland Police launched an anti-spiking campaign ahead of the celebrations, with increased patrols and support at Freshers’ events across Teesside throughout September.

Cleveland Police will distribute anti-spiking bottle stoppers and pint-glass covers, while promoting the Holly Guard safety app and Ask for Angela scheme.

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