“It’s frustrating, and at times, disheartening, when we are so proud and determined to bring a little colour and vibrancy to what can sometimes feel like a very grey city.”

The owners of a Belfast coffee shop say they have been left frustrated and disheartened after their business was targeted for the fourth time in weeks.

Dilly and Dolly’s on Ann Street in the city centre was broken into on Friday night with cash taken and damage caused to the premises.

The business took to social media to share news of the incident, which they say is one of a series over recent weeks.

READ MORE: Irish Cup semi-final disorder sees child struck by bottle and nine police officers injuredREAD MORE: Police hunt suspects after two men ‘manhandled from vehicle’ in north Belfast hijacking

They said: “Tonight, Dilly & Dolly’s was broken into. Money was taken and there was some damage done and to be honest, it’s been a tough one to process.

“It’s already been a difficult year, watching so many businesses around us close their doors, leaving us surrounded by empty buildings. It’s hard not to feel like that makes things like this easier to happen.“This is the fourth incident in just a few weeks, and the police have been called out 3 times in the last two weeks alone. It’s frustrating, and at times, disheartening, when we are so proud and determined to bring a little colour and vibrancy to what can sometimes feel like a very grey city.”

Natalie Lennon opened Dilly and Dolly’s on the Upper Lisburn Road in June 2021 after losing her job during the pandemic.

The Hannahstown woman previously told Belfast Live she wanted to bring something different to Belfast and since their opening, the Dolly and Dolly’s name has grown – with a second location on Ann Street following a year later.

Despite this latest setback, Dilly and Dolly’s said it would be business as usual on Saturday: “But we’re still here. And we are not going anywhere. I want to say thank you to my team, who continue to show up, work hard, and care so much about this place every single day. So tomorrow, we will dust ourselves off and open our doors as usual.

“Thank you to all our lovely customers who continue to support and encourage us, we will see you tomorrow! Team Dilly & Dolly’s & Natalie x.”

When contacted, police said they are appealing for information and witnesses in relation to a report of a burglary at commercial premises in the Ann Street area of Belfast yesterday evening, Friday, April 3.

A PSNI spokesperson added: “At around 8.45pm, it was reported that entry had been forced to the premises, and a sum of money taken from the till.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who might have been in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or who has any information which could assist, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1560 of 03/04/26.”

You can also report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Prince Edward has become the first royal to visit his disgraced brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Edward is said to have wanted a ‘quiet word’ with the former prince, who is currently staying at a temporary home at Wood Farm in Sandringham until his permanent home is renovated.

The Duke of Edinburgh is the first family member to see Andrew in two months during his visit to Norfolk this week.

The visit comes two months after Edward also became the first senior royal to speak about his brother’s allegations in the Epstein files.

The rest of the royal family have avoided the former duke since he was evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor in February following his connections with late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Edward had planned to stay near Wood Farm, but instead resided in the main house because his brother was reluctant to leave, according to sources as reported by The Sun.

Sources say the former duke has been ‘dragging his heels’ for not taking up his new residence at Marsh Farm on the royal estate sooner.

But palace aides have long indicated that Andrew must be in his permanent new home by Easter weekend.

Signs of Andrew, 66, moving out and preparing for his arrival to his new home were spotted when the former prince met with Sandringham estate manager, Edward Parsons, on Friday.

Flat-packs and removal boxes were seen being driven away, marking signs that his final move is nearing completion.

This comes after Andrew’s belongings at his former royal home were reportedly set on fire weeks after the former duke moved out.

A friend of the royals said Edward was the ‘first and only member of the royal family’ to visit Andrew.

The friend also said: ‘Andrew has been ignored by everyone since he left Royal Lodge, including his daughters and ex-wife, who have stayed away.

‘Edward has already publicly made his feelings clear when he expressed concern for the victims.

‘Edward was meant to be staying at Wood Farm as he regularly books it for Easter, but his brother was there.

‘Andrew has been dragging his heels. He could have moved by now, but has been reluctant. Edward has had a quiet word with his brother.’

Edward and his wife, Sophie, are understood to be celebrating Easter in a wing of the main house at Sandringham estate.

Last month, the King refused to see his brother Andrew when he stayed for a week just one mile away from Wood Farm.

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

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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The Department for Transport revealed that all speed cameras were to be painted yellow by October 2016.

This should make most of them easier to see, but what if a speed camera was practically invisible because of how far away it is?

Well, they exist.

7 common speed camera myths

How far can a speed camera catch you?

Long Ranger mobile speed cameras

These new cameras are an advancement upon current speed camera technology and have an impressive range of over 1km, which has seen them dubbed the ‘Lone Ranger’. 

It is the longest-distance speed enforcer on UK roads.

The camera can also be used for recording drivers not wearing seatbelts and people using the phone while driving.

UK speed limits explained

RAC road safety spokesperson, Pete Williams, said: “Although this new long-range camera could be used to enforce illegal mobile phone use or tailgating, its primary use will no doubt be to catch speeding drivers, if indeed it becomes more widely used by forces.

“Some drivers will inevitably end up being very surprised when a notice of intended prosecution letter arrives on their doormat when they felt they had managed to slow down enough after spotting a police car in the distance.”

Recommended reading:

What is the penalty for speeding?

The minimum penalty for speeding is generally a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

If it’s a first offence and you don’t have points on your licence, you could be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points.

There is a wide range of speed cameras currently operating on British roads.

Consett Comedy Festival returns to the town for the fifth year and this special anniversary is being capped by Simon Brodkin’s return as a headliner, as seen on Live at the Apollo.

He will be accompanied in the line-up by Alun Cochrane, as seen on Mock the Week, and Will Burns, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent.

But they will be joined on stage by a total amateur.

Me, as seen in The Northern Echo.

Over the next few weeks I will be undergoing an intensive crash course, learning the ropes from the festival’s organiser Lee Woolhouse and North East stand-up legend Steffen Peddie, before taking to the stage to perform.

@joshua.nichol Join me on my journey to learn stand up comedy just weeks before my first gig. Help. Also, the marquee will be finished by the time the show comes around, don’t worry. #standup #consett ♬ original sound – Joshua Nichol

It is sure to be the longest five minutes of my life, it may be even longer for members of the audience…

Organiser Lee Woolhead is celebrating five years of Consett Comedy Festival this year. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

In a month’s time, with the help of Steffen, I will be developing a routine and seeing just how difficult it is to make people laugh on purpose – and you will be able to join me along the journey which started in what will be the main stage of the festival at Consett Rugby Club on a bright but chilly March morning.

“Steffen is a proper comedy legend especially in the North East,” Lee said.

“He’ll teach you what’s right and wrong and the main thing is confidence.

“If you show the audience you’ve got nerves, they will eat you alive.

“If you go up there and you’re confident with it, even if what you’re saying is not that funny, people will stick with you because they’ll want you to do well.”

Mick Miller on stage at the Consett Comedy Festival. (Image: LEE WOOLHEAD)

The festival started life just after Covid and has comics like Mick Miller, Joe Pasquale, Gary Delaney and Seann Walsh perform.

It is now celebrating an important milestone of turning five and organiser Lee said it is one of the highlights of his year.

“I miss it,” he said.

“We’ve got to do it again, we can’t let people down. There’s a community of people now who keep me up for it, asking me how we’re getting on with Consett.”

Previously, when asked why he does it, Lee said: “It’s never been about making loads of money from it, it’s just been about bringing comedy to the North East.

“It’s been so successful because people recognise how authentic and quality it is.”

Join me on this journey – comment if you think I can do it, equally if you think it will be hopeless, tell me!

The Consett Comedy Festival runs from May 1 to May 2, 2026, at Consett Rugby Club, with tickets on sale now.

The bright red bench, on the banks of the River Wear, honours Alexandra Ellis, now 34, who lives with heart failure caused by a congenital defect only discovered at the age of 12.

Recalling her diagnosis Ms Ellis said: “When a cardiologist scanned my heart, it was immediately clear that something was wrong.

Alexandra Ellis on the bench which is a ‘living tribute’ to her (Image: Supplied)

“They discovered an atrial septal defect and explained that the right side of my heart, along with the arteries leading to my lungs, was under such severe strain that it was close to collapsing.”

Shortly afterward, she underwent open heart surgery in 2003.

Miss Ellis said the surgeon told her that without intervention she might only have had months to live.

She said: “I consider myself incredibly fortunate that I experienced symptoms early enough for it to be detected.

“The experience of surgery was profoundly lifechanging, demanding strength and maturity.

“Physically, it meant facing a major chest incision, broken ribs, and a long recovery surrounded by tubes and wires—followed by challenges like MRSA infections and reconstructive surgery.

“Though it disrupted the normal expectations of childhood and schooling, it ultimately led to a supportive new environment where recovery, resilience, and growth could take root.”

The bench is part of a British Heart Foundation (BHF) campaign marking 65 years of the charity.

Sixty-five red benches have been installed across the UK, each commemorating a person living with cardiovascular disease.

Ms Ellis said: “I feel deeply honoured to be part of a campaign that celebrates not just surviving but embracing life during heart failure.

“This bright and beautiful bench is more than a seat – it’s a beacon of hope and resilience.

“When I first saw it, it lifted my spirits and brought a genuine smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for everyone who uses it.

“My hope is that this bench will continue to offer comfort, joy, and a reminder that even in challenging times, brighter days are ahead.”

Ms Ellis is among dozens who have shared their stories on camera for the national BHF campaign.

The campaign aims to highlight the realities of cardiovascular disease, which currently affects more than eight million people across the UK.

A recent BHF survey of 2,000 adults living with cardiovascular disease revealed that 55 per cent have felt judged or embarrassed about their condition.

One in three said they had encountered people who believed their illness was self-inflicted.

The research also found that around half (48 per cent) had experienced difficulties in personal relationships, while two in three reported challenges with their mental health.

Ms Ellis said: “Having open-heart surgery at such a young age was a life-changing experience.

“It taught me resilience and the importance of appreciating every moment.

“There were times when I felt self-conscious and struggled to adjust, but with the right support and care, I found strength and hope.

“What felt overwhelming at the time has given me a deeper appreciation for life and the people who stood by me.”

The BHF hopes the benches will raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about living with heart and circulatory conditions.

The charity is also calling for donations to help fund further research.

Ms Ellis said: “I am deeply grateful for the advances in medical technology that made it possible to repair my heart defects.

“Yet, after three open-heart surgeries, I now live with heart failure—a life debilitating disease that underscores the urgent need for more funding and scientific discovery.

“This is a daily challenge, and my dearest wish is that the British Heart Foundation continues to be supported, so that people like me can look forward to enjoying life further, watch my children grow, and enjoy new experiences.”

The BHF funds research into treatments for inherited heart muscle diseases and the use of artificial intelligence in diagnosing and predicting heart conditions.

Current projects include the CureHeart programme, which aims to find cures for inherited heart muscle diseases, as well as work using AI to help predict heart attacks up to a decade in advance.

The charity is also exploring wearable technology to improve the detection of hidden heart rhythm problems.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the BHF, said: “Alexandra’s story shows the true reality of living with cardiovascular disease, and we are so grateful that they are courageously sharing their experiences to help others.

“Despite being one of the UK’s biggest killers, our new findings show cardiovascular disease is still misunderstood or not taken seriously – and that those living with it face judgement and challenges.

“By sharing the stories of people who live with cardiovascular disease on our iconic red benches across the UK, we hope to start more conversations that change dangerous misconceptions.

“Research will help us save and improve more lives, but the only way we can fund the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow is thanks to the public’s generous donations.”

To support the BHF and help fund lifesaving research, visit bhf.org.uk.

With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there’s no better way to discover this island than on a high-speed RIB ride

Ynys Môn, or Anglesey, is no ordinary island. Off the wild north coast of Wales, the largest of the Welsh Isles brims with maritime legends and pulses with ancient Celtic spirit.

Once the sacred stronghold of Druids and the final refuge of the Celts, Anglesey feels like an ancient corner of Wales.

Standing stones and Iron Age forts rise from wildflower meadows, while Neolithic tombs sit among storm-lashed cliffs, windswept dunes, and secret coves that beg to be explored.

With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there’s no better way to uncover its dramatic beauty than on a high-speed RIB ride, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and eerie sea caves.

If you think you’ve seen Anglesey’s best bits from land, you haven’t truly experienced the island. The only way to grasp the scale of its raw, rugged beauty is from the sea. And that’s exactly what I did, spending almost an entire day racing across the waves on a high-speed RIB with Ribride.

This full-day tour costs £138.00 per person and lasts over six hours. During this epic voyage of the coastline, we visited sea caves, lighthouses, and deserted coves, and saw something unbelievable – seals, puffins, seabirds and dolphins, right here in Wales.

Our trip began at St George’s Pier, where we were strapped into life jackets and given a safety briefing by our salty skipper, Captain Charles, before boarding our Explorer RIB.

With a jolt from the jetty, we surged into the Menai Strait, wind stinging my cheeks as the mainland faded into the distance.

Our confident captain promised a day-long odyssey through the Swellies, past Plas Newydd and Y Felinheli, with glimpses of Caernarfon Castle, Ynys Llanddwyn, and the towering South Stack Lighthouse.

Few moments rival the thrill of bouncing over the Swellies, the Menai Strait’s most infamous waters. Passing beneath Telford’s grand suspension bridge, this stretch of water is infamous for racing tides and shipwreck legends.

Here, the tide charges in from both directions, clashing over a seabed riddled with unseen rocks. The ghostly remains of shipwrecks below remind us that these dangerous waters have claimed many before us.

As we threaded our way between whirlpools and racing currents, our skipper explained how, centuries ago, tall ships had to navigate this treacherous channel, hoping the tide wouldn’t drag them onto the sharp rocks.

Looking down at the frothing, swirling water, I could see why so many had failed and held onto my seat a little tighter.

Beyond the Strait, the open sea awaited, and Anglesey’s dramatic coastline unfurled around us. Cliffs tumbled into the waves, exposing hidden caves and old smugglers’ haunts. Lighthouses stood sentinel on rocky spurs, guiding sailors home.

At one point, we slowed to a crawl as seals bobbed in the waves, lazily eyeing us up before disappearing beneath the surface.

Further on, puffins flitted above the water, their tiny wings working overtime to keep them airborne. Kittiwakes and guillemots clung to the cliffs, their cries carrying over the wind.

But Anglesey’s jaw-dropping coastline is not just about wildlife and sea views; it’s also rich in maritime history. Over the centuries, this wild stretch of water has claimed more than its fair share of ships, making it a true graveyard of the sea.

The area is littered with the wrecks of doomed vessels, many of which are still visible today during low tide or on calm days when the water recedes to reveal their eerie remains.

One of the most famous wrecks is that of the Royal Charter, which sank off the coast of Anglesey in 1859 during a violent storm.

The ship, which was carrying gold from Australia to London, ran aground on Penmon Point. Tragically, 459 lives were lost, and the wreckage was scattered along the coast for miles.

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Anglesey once lured smugglers to its maze of coves and caves, perfect for dodging the law. These shadowy hideouts brimmed with contraband, from barrels of rum to forbidden treasures.

Smuggling flourished in Anglesey during the 18th and 19th centuries, taking advantage of its rugged coastline and secluded caves. Local lore suggests that Pirate Bay, near Holyhead, was once a well-known drop-off point for smugglers to trade goods under cover of night.

As our RIB sliced through the waves, we approached the enigmatic Ynys Llanddwyn, a small island known as well for its history and legends as for its natural beauty.

This magical spot, with its rugged shoreline and crystal-clear waters, is closely tied to the legend of Saint Dwynwen, Wales’ patron saint of lovers.

According to the story, Saint Dwynwen sought solace on this very island after a heart-wrenching love story of her own, and the island is a place of both romantic and spiritual significance.

The real delight was spotting seals sprawled on sun-warmed rocks, their sleek forms almost melting into the shadows. Though shy, they let us admire them before slipping below the waves.

We didn’t have time to visit the island ourselves, but the views from the boat were enough to make us feel the pull of its history and wildlife.

If you’re lucky enough to visit, you can walk around the picturesque island and explore its historic lighthouse, ancient church ruins and sandy bays.

Cruising the Anglesey coast, we soon glimpsed South Stack Lighthouse, perched alone on its rocky islet, just 30 metres from the mainland yet separated by swirling, perilous waters.

I could only see the lighthouse from the bobbing rib, but once you’re back on dry land, you can visit South Stack Lighthouse to get closer.

The lighthouse is accessible by descending 400 steep steps carved into the cliffside, which I can tell you now are not for the faint-hearted.

But when you reach the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with the chance to cross a narrow bridge that links the mainland to the lighthouse.

It’s a picture-perfect moment, and if you’re keen on learning more, you can visit the lighthouse and pick up cash-only tour tickets to explore the interior and discover the history of this landmark structure.

Close by, the RSPB South Stack Cliffs reserve is ideal for avid birdwatchers. Borrow binoculars and step onto viewing platforms to spot puffins, guillemots, and a flurry of seabirds.

We soon picked up speed and headed towards The Skerries, a scatter of rocky isles off Anglesey’s northwest tip, which stand out as both a dramatic landmark and a vital sanctuary for Welsh wildlife.

Managed by the RSPB, this site is home to the country’s largest breeding colony of Arctic terns, with 2,035 pairs recorded in 2005.

But it’s not just terns that make The Skerries special; the islands also host puffins, common terns, lesser black-backed gulls, herring gulls, and even the occasional roseate tern.

As we approached the remote islands, it became clear why the RSPB had a vested interest in protecting this site. The rocky outcrops are sparsely vegetated but teem with wildlife.

We caught sight of seals basking on the rocks as the air buzzed with seabirds. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a puffin or two darting in and out of their burrows.

One of the best parts of the RIB trip was undoubtedly the wildlife. As we zoomed along, we spotted grey seals lounging on the rocks, looking like they were sunbathing.

They gave us a curious glance before slipping silently into the water. Not far off, puffins darted above the waves, their little wings flapping furiously.

We also spotted dolphins popping up in the distance, their sleek bodies cutting through the water in playful arcs. A few porpoises joined in too, quickly and smoothly diving in and out of the waves.

The cliffs and waters were teeming with seabirds, such as black guillemots and kittiwakes, and we took some lovely photos.

Why you should do this boat trip

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A boat trip around Anglesey is not just a basic boat trip; I loved how stories were interwoven into the landscapes we whizzed by and the sea caves we slowed to visit.

It’s a brilliant way of learning more about the island’s history from the bob of the waves rather than on a traditional walking tour.

The wildlife is another huge draw, with seals basking on rocky outcrops, puffins darting through the air, and dolphins playing in the distance. You’ll see these animals up close in their natural habitat, which you just can’t get on a regular land-based tour.

You’ll also visit places that are hard to reach otherwise, like The Skerries, a remote group of islands home to some of Wales’ most important bird colonies.

Booking the trip is easy. Go to RibRide’s booking page to see all the boat trips they offer and select your date and time online.

Fuel supplies have diminished since the start of the conflict in the Middle East. The bombing of Iran by the US has led to an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil and seaborne gas. 

Critical fossil fuel and trading infrastructure has also been targeted in missile strikes, meaning it’s hard to re-establish supply lines. 

Governments and authorities across the world are starting to put in measures to limit fuel usage. Places like Vietnam have even started urging employers to let their staff work from home, while Sri Lanka has enforced fuel rationing and a four-day working week. 

The UK has so far encouraged people to ‘stay calm’, after reports of huge queues at petrol stations with people panic-buying fuel before prices rise further. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ruled out the kind of universal support offered during the last energy crisis, though she hinted at plans to give extra pots of cash to councils to help vulnerable people in the financial crisis. 

But the price hikes are already hitting people’s pockets. To find out what local councils are planning if a full-blown fuel shortage should hit the UK, we’ve reached out to local authorities across Greater Manchester to ask what support is in place for local residents. 

This is what they said: 

Bolton

Bolton Council says it is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to step into action if needed. 

Currently, the local authority works closely with charities to help residents struggling with the rising cost of living, as well as distributing around £24m of government money through the Crisis and Resilience Fund – previously known as the Household Support Fund. 

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “HSF has now been replaced with the Crisis and Resilience Fund, with a new emphasis on preventing residents from experiencing financial hardship in the first place.

“The council’s cabinet approved the first year of CRF allocation on Monday with spending prioritised in line with Bolton’s Tackling Poverty Strategy 2024 – 2027.

“Additional support for household utility bills is available via our Local Welfare Provision programme.

“The council continues to closely monitor the situation and will bring in additional measures to address the rising cost of fuel as needed.”

Bury 

Bury Council also says it will continue to use government funding to support those struggling with rising household costs. There are currently no plans in place to introduce fuel rationing at the council, but there are contingency plans in place should shortages begin to materialise. 

A spokesperson for Bury Council said: “There is no current fuel supply shortage, and therefore no plans for fuel rationing. Should the situation change, working with the Greater Manchester Resilience Unit, all our services will invoke their Business Continuity Plans to ensure that services remain operational.

“For a number of years, we have supported residents who need help with fuel and food grants through the Household Support Fund, and will continue to do so.”

Manchester 

Manchester established a helpline and program of wraparound services during the last energy crisis in 2022, which it uses to monitor the number of people struggling to cover their bills. A spokesperson indicated they would continue to use this service in light of the conflict. 

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “Since 2022 the Council has provided a dedicated cost-of-living support line that has helped thousands of residents through this period of economic crisis. The Council is very much aware of the crisis in the Middle East and what its impact could soon have on household costs and the price of everyday essentials.

“What we want to make sure people know is that we are here for them. Whether it is additional help in getting bills paid, to putting food on the table, or just needing someone to talk to, the Council has a dedicated team of staff on hand to give people the helping hand they need.”

The free advice line number is 0800 023 2692. 

The council’s finance boss, Coun Rabnawaz Akbar added that the council’s Corporate Energy team is constantly tracking market rates to make sure the local authority is getting the best deals. 

“We have purchased our gas needs in advance into next year so the current volatility in the gas market will have little impact on our budget,” Coun Akbar explained/ “Similarly, we have also bought our electricity requirements up to the start of summer and a Power Purchase Agreement – which will see us purchase our needs directly from a new solar farm – will kick in later this year. 

“While there’s little we can do to mitigate against the price of petrol from the pumps, it should be noted that a significant proportion of the Council’s fleet of vehicles, such as bin lorries, is electric and we continue to look at renewable alternatives to fossil fuels.” 

Oldham 

Oldham Council is also putting its emphasis on financial support for local residents. They added there were ‘plans in place’ in case there are fuel shortages, but did not reveal what those plans entailed. 

A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “We want to reassure people that Oldham Council has support for anyone experiencing financial crisis. Our Crisis and Resilience Fund can help low-income households who need crisis support.

“Residents don’t need to be in receipt of benefits to apply, and our priority is making sure our most vulnerable residents can get the help and support they need.

“We also want to reassure that we do have plans in place in case there are any fuel shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East. We’ll keep checking and updating these plans as things change, but right now, there are no fuel shortages in Oldham.”

Rochdale

Rochdale Council did not indicate whether they had plans in place to tackle a fuel shortage, but indicated they would continue to provide support for those struggling to cover their household bills. 

A Rochdale council spokesperson said: “We have a wide-range of cost-of-living support in place and in addition the council’s household support fund was recently extended for a further six months, providing additional support to residents with the greatest need. We continue to monitor the situation in Iran, in line with the government’s approach.”

Salford 

Salford Council did not indicate whether they had plans in place to tackle a fuel shortage, but indicated they would continue to provide support for those struggling to cover their household bills. 

A Salford City Council spokesperson said: “Residents can apply for the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. We have received an allocation for each of the next three years and the council is considering how best to use the funds to support residents.”

Stockport 

Stockport council did not respond to a request for comment. 

Trafford 

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:  “All local authorities including Trafford Council routinely undertake emergency planning for a variety of potential scenarios. Preparations for emerging issues related to global developments are part of this area of work. We coordinate with partners at the NHS, emergency services and other agencies, and plans are regularly reviewed and updated in light of global developments. This work aligns with national, Government guidance.

“In light of the ongoing conflict, we are proactively reviewing our business contingency plans to specifically look at the impacts of potential fuel shortages and we will continue to closely monitor the situation. 

“We offer support with money matters to Trafford residents for many reasons. Eligibility criteria varies, depending on the nature of the assistance available. Recent examples include setting up the Stretford and Sale West Advice Hubs to improve access to help and information, and the creation of the Money Advice Referral Tool, to help those struggling through the cost-of-living crisis. Our newly-published Trafford Poverty Strategy 2026-2030 Strategy sets out our future plans.”

Tameside 

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “Any significant restrictions on fuel use would be part of a national response, and we would follow government guidance on how services should be prioritised.

“All our services have robust business continuity plans, and we would work closely with partners across Greater Manchester, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) civil contingencies team, to keep essential services running wherever possible.

“We’re working hard to build financial resilience in our communities to support residents. For residents struggling with the cost of living, support is available locally through our Helping Hands campaign.”

Wigan

A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “We know that recent news may be causing some concern about energy bills and the cost of living, but we want to assure residents that you are not alone. 

“From 1 April 2026, Wigan Council will receive funding from the UK government to administer the Crisis and Resilience Fund, aiming to help low-income households who encounter a financial shock and to support activity that builds long-term financial resilience. 

“Running until 31 March 2029, this funding adds to the council’s long-running Here For You campaign which helps residents in need to access benefits, learn how to save energy, and offer financial advice and budgeting support, with the campaign helping residents to access almost £17 million of unclaimed financial support.”

Australia has charged nine men over an alleged conspiracy to bring in 3.5 tonnes of cocaine and methamphetamine by sea and distribute the drugs nationwide, concluding an almost 10-month investigation by federal and state authorities.

The alleged smuggling operation came to light last May when a commercial trawler sank off the Victorian coast at Port Albert. Police officers monitoring the crew’s movements noted they had travelled out to sea in bad weather without standard fishing equipment, raising suspicion about the purpose of the voyage. In the following months, police conducted surveillance of several boat crews suspected to be linked to the syndicate.

The group allegedly made multiple attempts to reach a drop zone in Bass Strait where smaller vessels would have collected large quantities of drugs from a “mother ship” travelling through Australian waters. All attempts failed and no drugs were brought onshore.

The nine men, aged between 31 and 72, were arrested following raids in Victoria and Sydney.

They face charges including conspiracy to import cocaine and trafficking methamphetamine as well as firearms offences. Seven face the possibility of life in prison if convicted. The eight Victorian men are due in court on 28 July and the Sydney man on 20 May.

Four men were also charged in connection with a separate seizure of 30kg of methamphetamine in Perth last August and 41kg of cocaine in Victoria days later.

The syndicate allegedly used their connections in the trucking industry to move drugs between states.

AFP detective superintendent Ray Imbriano said at-sea drug transfers were dangerous and put both criminals and emergency workers at risk.

“At-sea transfers are dangerous, and criminals using this smuggling method risk both their freedom and their lives,” he said. “It also risks the lives of first responders who too often have had to save the lives of crew involved in drug retrieval.”

He said organised criminals were targeting Australia because of an “insatiable” demand for illicit drugs and the community’s willingness to pay high prices, warning that drug importations fuelled gang violence that left “innocent Australians caught in the crosshairs”.

Victoria Police superintendent Dave Cowan said Australia had become a “favourable location” for organised crime syndicates.

“The damage caused by the use of illicit substances ripples throughout the community, and it does not just affect those using the drug,” he said. Victoria Police said the investigation was ongoing and further arrests had not been ruled out.

Scott Mills could potentially face another huge blow after being sacked from the BBC.

The 53-year-old former Radio 2 Breakfast presenter was fired by the corporation following allegations over his ‘personal conduct’, which allegedly relate to a ‘historic relationship dating back more than 10 years’.

It soon then came to light that Mills was questioned by police in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16.

Since then, a plaque honouring Mills at the Fleet Services bridge on the M3 was removed earlier this week.

Now, however, it has been reported that the 53-year-old could lose his Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Southampton Solent University.

The academic institution, who granted him the prestigious title back in November 2009, are said to be preparing to meet to rule on the issue.

A source told the Mirror: ‘The committee will meet later this month. It will be recommended that the honorary doctorate is rescinded.’

At the time Scott was awarded the honour, he said it ‘felt amazing after not really doing any education before’.

He added: ‘I came out of school and just learned from the people I worked with and thankfully the people I worked with were good and took the time to teach me but without that, if I was working at a worse radio station I don’t think I would be doing this now.’

On top of the Mills’ plaque at Fleet services getting removed, the radio star was also recently replaced on Race Across The World’s spin-off by TV presenter and DJ Tyler West.

Previously, it had been announced that both he and series four’s winner Alfie Watts would co-host a podcast titled Race Across the World: The Detour.

Scott and his now-husband Sam won the second celebrity series of Race Across The World in 2024.

Since Mills’ sudden firing, speculation has grown over who will take over his radio and hosting duties.

Mills had been one of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC, with a salary of £315,000 to £319,999 in 2025 after replacing Zoe Ball on the Breakfast Show.

With it understood that Mills will not be involved in any of his upcoming BBC projects, the favourite to take over on Radio 2 is presenter Vernon Kay.

Kay, 51, currently hosts the mid-morning show, having taken over from Ken Bruce in 2023.

Other names being suggested is Gary Davies, who stepped in for Mills this week and is best known as a regular presenter of Top of the Pops, along with Rylan Clark.

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Lancashire Police have said that at around 9.35pm on Friday (April 3), a man fell from a bridge on the southbound carriageway at Junction 27 for Charnock Richard.

The man was struck by a heavy goods vehicle before he was struck by a second vehicle, a Vauxhall Adam.

The man was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

The drivers of the heavy goods vehicle and Vauxhall both stopped at the scene and are being treated as witnesses to the incident, with no arrests made so far.

Due to contact Lancashire Police had with the man earlier in the day, the force has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is standard practice in these circumstances.

The motorway was closed in both directions overnight before reopening this morning.

Now, police are appealing for any other witnesses to come forward as police investigate the incident.

Anyone who was driving in the area at the time and saw anything which could help the police investigation or has any dashcam footage is urged to contact police as soon as possible.

Members of the public can do this by emailing sciu@lancashire.police.uk or calling 101 and quoting log 1271 of 3rd April 2026.