Senior councillors heard this week that the company had appointed Veritau to examine decisions made at the construction company, which reported a £7.5m loss for 2025/26.

York-based Veritau, which is owned by local authorities in Yorkshire and the North-East including North Yorkshire Council, provides internal audit and counter-fraud services to public sector and private customers.

The update was given to the council’s executive committee this week by Councillor Mark Crane, executive member for open to business.

He said: “We are keeping a close eye now, as we have been for a while, on Brierley Homes.

“I do think, if I may say, that the appointment of the new managing director is a positive step forward and he has my confidence. He seems to have got to the bottom of the issues there and I feel that we are on a more sustainable footing.”

Mark Crane. Nyc

Cllr Crane added: “I think members should also be aware that we have asked Veritau have a look at what has gone on over recent years with a view to reporting back to the shareholder board and the executive on any recommendations and any findings that they have.

“From there, we will take the matter further if we need to. I certainly feel it’s on a stronger footing now and I don’t think you can underestimate the amount of affordable homes that are being built as a result of Brierley.”

Cllr Crane said he was unable to elaborate further on what Veritau would be looking for when contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The company appointed Tony Dodds as managing director earlier this year following the departure of Stuart Ede, who left the role in January.

Brierley Homes is forecast to make a loss of £7.47m in 2025/26 — despite a profit of around £700,000 being forecast.

The council has blamed the poor performance on less income from sales than expected, increased costs and delays in the completion of homes, leading to increased overheads and interest costs.

Council chiefs have previously agreed a £27m loan facility for Brierley Homes and the plan warns that £7m of the loan may still be outstanding in five years time.

Gary Fielding, the council’s corporate director for resources, told the executive committee meeting that despite the loss, the company did deliver some benefits to the council, including helping to provide more affordable homes.

He added: “A point I would make is that while a £7.5m loss is clearly unwelcome, £1.5m of that was additional interest earned by the council as the funder of that loan so the net loss to the council is £6m.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Kuwait said it was targeted with a missile and drone attack Thursday, another challenge to the shaky ceasefire in the Iran war following strikes by both Washington and Tehran.

Kuwait’s military made the announcement, without providing further details on what had been targeted. Iran said hours later that it launched an attack in the region, but it did not say exactly what was targeted.

Kuwait, a close ally of the U.S., repeatedly came under fire from Iran and Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq during the war.

The announcement comes as the Middle East is on the edge. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that his administration is making headway in negotiations with Iran to end the war, but the talks remain in flux.

Trump is looking for an agreement that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz — through which about a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas once passed. He is also seeking to get Iran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium while the Islamic Republic wants economic sanctions to be lifted and frozen assets to be released to aid its shattered economy. The war has been unpopular in the U.S., and Iran’s closure of the strait has sent oil prices skyrocketing, driving up fuel prices around the world.

As the negotiations continue, there have been several challenges to the ceasefire in recent days.

On Monday, the U.S. said it conducted what the Pentagon called “defensive” strikes on missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran. U.S. officials said late Wednesday in Washington that forces launched more strikes on Iran, shooting down four one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the strait and hitting an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.

The officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard via the state-run IRNA news agency acknowledged the attack around Bandar Abbas International Airport and said it launched its own retaliatory attack on the air base that launched the assault.

It did not elaborate on the target and it wasn’t clear whether that was the attack that Kuwait announced.

___

Associated Press writer Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.

In Stockton, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) charity partnered with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to organise a series of events during Police Appreciation Week, extending support to officers across County Durham and North Yorkshire.

RRT volunteers visited police stations, serving coffee and cakes while offering officers a chance to relax and feel valued for their daily efforts.

Police officers were supported during Police Appreciation Week through events organised by the Rapid Relief Team and NPCC (Image: Supplied)

Murray Johnston, RRT’s local team leader, said: “The pressures facing police officers all over the country are well documented and this week was a way to show our support in a practical way.

“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to spend time with officers in Stockton-on-Tees, thank them for their service and recognise the vital role they have in supporting local communities, often in very challenging circumstances.

“We hope that these events provided a small boost to officers, gave them a moment to pause and feel appreciated for the work they do in protecting communities every day.”

Three welfare events were held in County Durham and North Yorkshire, reaching more than 240 officers.

In total, RRT hosted more than 200 events across England and Wales during the week, supporting around 16,600 officers over five days.

The programme was organised in response to ongoing concerns about the stress and mental health challenges faced by those in policing roles.

According to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ Pay and Morale Survey 2024, 82 per cent of officers reported experiencing stress, low mood, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties.

RRT also encouraged the public in Stockton-on-Tees to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of their local officers.

This was the charity’s largest UK operation to date, building on more than a decade of supporting emergency services and frontline organisations.

The events were coordinated with Cleveland Police to ensure that they complemented officers’ operational duties, giving them a chance to take a short break during busy shifts.

Superintendent Alan O’Donoghue said: “Response police officers are the backbone of day-to-day policing.

“They are the first to arrive at moments of crisis, uncertainty and vulnerability, often facing risk and complexity with limited information and under intense time pressure.

“Whether dealing with serious incidents, safeguarding those at risk, supporting victims at their most distressed, or managing emergencies that have a lasting impact on families and communities, response officers consistently demonstrate courage, professionalism and compassion.

“The RRT staff were simply outstanding – approachable, engaging and clearly driven by care and compassion.

“Their presence was incredibly well received, not just by me but by officers and staff across the district, and it made a real difference.”

Words and photos by Dave Lawrence

THE pioneering and hugely influential electronic German band Kraftwerk are currently on their first UK tour for nine years.

Sadly, once again, there no visit to York with Stockton being the closest concert, so a trip to the restored Globe Theatre was needed.

Kraftwerk have not released a new studio album for well over 20 years and much of the evening’s setlist was decades older than that, but despite the material’s familiarity it succeeded in remaining fresh, perceptive, visionary and cautionary

Kraftwerk performing at Stockton Globe on 27 May 2026.

In their Tron-style grid-lighted suits the four members remained rooted to their podiums, anonymous and emotionless throughout the performance, the definition of man-machine music.

Although the foot of original member Ralf Hütter – now 79 – could occasionally be seen tapping away to the beat, instead of your attention being drawn to specific musicians and their antics on stage you instead became engrossed in the audio visual landscapes presented.

The vibrant visuals – which often managed to be simultaneously retro and futuristic – were impeccably paired with the pulses, beats, loop and washes of sound for which Kraftwerk are famous.

Kraftwerk performing at Stockton Globe on 27 May 2026.

During opening song Numbers the green on black retro digital graphics scrolled around the screen in hypnotic fashion before a change to yellow and white during the insanely catchy Computer World, one of the most prophetic songs written about the dangers of digital control and surveillance.

On Spacelab we watched the approaching earth from a spacecraft window growing closer until coastlines materialised including the UK. With an unknown destination tagged on the map the spaceship flew closer over a panoramic view of Stockton before landing outside the Globe Theatre to audience cheers.

Kraftwerk performing at Stockton Globe on 27 May 2026.

Stark red, white and black graphics occasionally resembling a Mondrian painting accompanied Man Machine but on a spellbinding version of The Model the band choose not to use custom graphics and instead performed the song while the original video played on the screen.

At one point, Hütter addressed the audience to talk fondly of the late Ryuichi Sakamoto – a friend and collaborator since 1981 when the band first visited Japan. By way of homage the group performed Sakamoto’s Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence which was followed by dramatic versions of Geiger Counter and Radioactivity and their obvious anti-nuclear themes.

Kraftwerk performing at Stockton Globe on 27 May 2026.

Autobahn, Tour de France and Trans Europe Express revelled in the themes of transport and the unique rhythms of each – turning wheels and overtaken vehicles, trains speeding along tracks and over bridges, and the racing pulses and laboured breathing of cyclists.

The show appeared to finish with a sequence of Boing Boom Tschak, Techno Pop, and Musique Non Stop, with each member leaving their consoles in turn, bowing reverentially to the audience before departing, until only Hütter was left and it was his turn to depart.

The band however returned to their consoles to close the show with The Robots with their eerie robotic mannequins on the screen behind them.

It was a striking and memorable way to bring the impeccably presented experience to a close.

British singer James Blunt echoed the sentiment, pointing to practical uses in music production, such as refining backing vocals. Their remarks contradicted Sir Elton John, who told the audience in his new role as the Ivors Academy’s first president: “No matter what kind of music you write, it’s yours, you own it… It came from your soul, it means a hell of a lot to you.

A house was directly struck by lightning and caught fire in a dramatic overnight storm.

Fire crews from Warwickshire and Leicestershire tackled a bungalow blaze after lightning struck the property overnight.

Thousands of people were awoken by the loud crashing of thunder, but residents in Witherley near Atherstone, had an altogether more frightening experience.

Crews had to act quickly when they arrived to find the fire was intense and at risk of spreading. Thankfully no one is believed to be hurt.

A spokesman for Nuneaton Fire Station said: “Early this morning at 3.45 AM, Nuneaton’s White Watch and Polesworth and Leicestershire Fire crews responded to a bungalow fire in Orchard Close, Witherley, following a direct lightning strike.

“The incident was originally mobilized with persons reported. Upon arrival, crews confirmed that thankfully everyone had managed to exit the properties safely.

“Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus (BA) quickly entered the structure with a ladder to access the roof space, deploying a hose reel jet to battle the spreading fire. Due to the intensity of the flames bursting through the roof, crews had to be withdrawn.

“Efforts were immediately redirected to the neighbouring property, successfully stopping the fire from spreading to the adjacent bungalow. Crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service remain on the scene to monitor the area and damp down remaining hotspots.”

The spokesman went on to highlight the importance taking simple pre-emptive measures can have in such circumstances.

“This incident highlights just how vital quick reactions are when a fire takes hold,” the spokesman added. “To ensure you and your family can escape safely keep escape routes clear – hallways and doors must be free of clutter so you can exit quickly in the dark or smoke.

“Know where your keys are – keep door and window keys in a designated, easily accessible place near your exit. Plan your exit – make sure everyone in your home knows the fastest way out.”

Major UK accessories brand Radley is facing multiple store closures after being bought out of administration by Poundland owner Gordon Brothers.

The handbag chain operates 21 shops across the UK and was founded by Australian designer Lowell Harder in London when it operated as a stall in Camden Market during the 1990s.

It was owned by private equity firm Freshstream after the company bought it in 2016, but was put up for sale earlier this year and snapped up by business management consultant Gordon Brothers this week.

The deal includes Radley’s brand and intellectual property assets, but it does not include the company’s retail operations.

Radley and FTI Consulting, which was appointed as administrator on Tuesday, has confirmed 42 job losses with immediate effect, but more are expected as Radley’s shops face closure by September.

A spokesperson for FTI said: ‘The administration team will guide and support affected team members over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process.

‘The administration appointments follow a sustained period of challenging economic conditions for the retail environment, including declining customer demand and increasing operating costs, all of which have had a negative impact on trading.’

Which Radley shops face closure?

All Radley branches, including its two flagship stores in Glasgow and London’s Covent Garden as well as its 19 outlet branches, are expected to close following the buyout agreement.

The full list:

• Covent Garden
• Glasgow
• Ashford (Outlet)
• Banbridge (Outlet)
• Braintree (Outlet)
• Bridgend (Outlet)
• Cannock (Outlet)
• Castleford (Outlet)
• Cheshire Oaks (Outlet)
• Cotswolds (Outlet)
• Dalton Park (Outlet)
• Doncaster (Outlet)
• Gretna (Outlet)
• Gunwharf Quays (Outlet)
• Livingston (Outlet)
• Mansfield (Outlet)
• O2 London (Outlet)
• Springfield (Outlet)
• Somerset (Outlet)
• Swindon (Outlet)
• York (Outlet)

According to Drapers, the stores are expected to continue trading until September to ‘shift stock’.

The news comes days after Quiz Clothing announced the closure of all its stores and Morrisons confirmed it would be closing around 100 of its Daily convenience stores.

It also comes after numerous other closures hit retail chains, restaurants, and banks earlier this month, including Franco Manca, Santander, The Real Greek, and more.

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We often think kind things about the people around us, but how often do we share them? Giving a compliment not only gives the recipient a huge boost but it also releases feel-good endorphins in the brain of the giver. 

However, the thought of giving compliments can feel daunting. What if it sounds cheesy, awkward or insincere? What if it’s not received in the way it was intended? While these worries are all understandable, with a few simple considerations, giving a genuine compliment can be easier than you think. 

Read on to learn more about how to compliment someone effectively, with expert insight from relationship coach and author Rachel Rose. 

How to compliment someone

Read more: How to tell if someone likes you

The psychological benefits of giving and receiving compliments

We all know how warm we feel inside when someone gives us a really thoughtful compliment. But what actually happens in our brains during this type of interaction? “Giving and receiving compliments activates reward pathways in the brain and gives you a hit of dopamine,” explains relationship coach Rachel Rose. 

“The more you do this, the more your brain starts to associate compliments (both giving and receiving) with a feel-good emotional state.” She adds that this is why, for people who feel comfortable with giving compliments, it can become something they naturally want to do more often. “Over time, it builds positive reinforcement and can even shift your baseline mood in a more optimistic direction.”

Step 2: Preparing to give a compliment

Once you know what you’d like to compliment someone on, the next step is preparing yourself to give it. Delivering it in the right circumstances can make all the difference in how it’s received. Here are a few pointers to consider:

Recognise appropriate situations for compliments

First of all, think about an appropriate situation when you could give a compliment such as on a walk, at an intimate dinner, or having a coffee. It should flow naturally with the conversation. A compliment delivered out of context could surprise the recipient and make them feel embarrassed. 

Understanding your intent: genuine vs superficial compliments

Compliments are generally well received when the recipient understands that your intent is real. Superficial compliments that you don’t really mean will land badly and come across as insincere. For example, there’s no point telling someone they look amazing when they are unwell and tired and not looking their best.

Tailoring your compliment to the person

Dishing out generalised and impersonal compliments can come across as transactional. Instead, think about the things you like about the recipient and the positive moments or exchanges that have affected how you feel about them.

Step 3: The art of giving compliments

Delivering an authentic compliment is easy when you know how. Here’s what to bear in mind:

How to be sincere 

The most convincing compliments are offered when the moment’s right or it flows within a conversation. For instance, you may be having a conversation about how you first met and your first impressions – prime time for a compliment. Or, if you’ve noticed something you really love about them, such as how funny they are, you could say this after they’ve made you laugh. If the person makes you feel uplifted, tell them so after spending the day with them. “You’re so naturally funny – I haven’t stopped laughing all day!” for instance, or “you always put me in such a good mood”. 

Use compliments to acknowledge shared interests

Acknowledging your shared interests is also a natural way of delivering a compliment. For instance, if you both love film and you admire how much they know about the subject, tell them. 

Or, if you both enjoy running or playing tennis, saying something like, “Just when I thought I couldn’t be more obsessed with tennis, you came along and made me love it even more”. Likewise, if food is your thing, share a compliment such as, “I really love how much thought you put into organising our dates. You’re so good at finding the best restaurants’. Compliments like this aren’t overdone or grand, but they reinforce a positive relationship built on trust and honesty. 

Focus on effort and achievements rather than just physical traits

While it’s always nice to tell someone they look good, if the only thing you ever compliment someone on is their physical traits, it may make the recipient feel like that’s all you value about them. Instead, compliment them on their effort and achievements, such as how good a parent or friend they are, how dedicated they are to charity and community work, or how you admire their talent for hosting. 

Pay attention to your recipient’s body language 

Taking notice of a person’s body language is a great way of knowing when to give a compliment. If they’re sitting in a relaxed position, giving you plenty of eye contact and mirroring your body language, you’ll find it easier to deliver a compliment in a confident way. If a person’s body language feels more closed and dismissive, you may be more likely to receive a negative reaction. In cases like this, wait for a better time when the mood feels lighter. 

Types of compliment to give

Building a habit of complimenting others

Once you feel comfortable enough around someone to give them a compliment, you may see that it strengthens and deepens your relationship. This is because a compliment that shows you really understand a person improves trust and connection. When you make others feel good, they will feel more positive. These feelings will form the basis of your entire relationship.

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Last September, Luton Council began trialling a new approach to tackling fly-tipping: treating dump sites as conventional crime scenes and employing enforcement officers to search through waste for evidence – a torn delivery label, a prescription slip, an address hidden inside a cardboard box – that could identify who is responsible.

Officers were alerted to an incident on a path at Dunlin Brae towards Mallard Brae in Livingston at around 10.45pm.

West Lothian police have issued an urgent appeal for information after a man was seriously assaulted while out walking in Livingston on Sunday, May 24.

Officers were alerted to an incident on a path at Dunlin Brae towards Mallard Brae at around 10.45pm.

A 58-year-old man was walking when two young men approached him and assaulted him.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment and enquiries are ongoing to trace the two young men responsible.

The two suspects are described as around 5ft 7ins and of slim build. They were wearing black clothing.

Detective Constable Matt Morran said: “Enquiries are ongoing to trace the two men responsible for this attack.

“If anyone was in the area on Sunday evening and witnessed anything suspicious or has any information that may assist police enquiries, please contact Police Scotland through 101 quoting incident number 3675 of 24 May.

“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

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