The discovery was made during archaeological investigations at land north of Radcliffe Road, where housing is planned by Westchurch Homes.

The work was carried out after planners required an assessment of any surviving remains linked to the former Moss Lane Colliery, which operated on the site between 1927 and 1935.

(Image: Bolton Council)

Excavations revealed the brick foundations of a boiler house that once powered operations at the pit, established by Samuel Scowcroft & Sons during the final decades of coal mining in the area.

Archaeologists from Civic Heritage initially opened two trial trenches targeting buildings shown on historic maps.

While one trench revealed little more than a gravel surface and drainage feature, the second uncovered part of a substantial brick structure.

Drone image superimposed with extent of Trench 1 (left) and Trench 2 (right) (Image: Bolton Council)

The excavation area was subsequently expanded, exposing the full extent of what was identified as the colliery’s boiler house.

In their report, archaeologists said: “The single boiler house recorded at Darcy Lever represents a valuable example of a relatively late structure dating to the first half of the 20th century.”

The building measured around 11 metres long and 3.7 metres wide and was designed to house a Lancashire boiler – a type commonly used to generate steam for industrial processes.

Opening to entrance compartment within north side of west wall 219, looking west (Image: Bolton Council)

Researchers believe the boiler powered electrical motors used to operate equipment including coal screens, picking belts and ventilation systems at the mine.

Detail of boiler seating block on south side of central boiler flue (Image: Bolton Council)

The remains included firebrick-lined flues, boiler seating blocks, brick flooring and evidence of a chimney structure.

Several bricks bore the stamp “Taylor Brookfield Bolton”, linking the site to the former Brookfield Brickworks in Tonge Fold.

Taylor Brookfield Bolton stamped brick, retrieved from curvilinear brick feature 202 (Image: Bolton Council)

Among the finds recovered from demolition debris were fragments of refractory brickwork, a possible coal shovel head and a metal fork believed to have been associated with the boiler’s operation.

Coal shovel and metal fork retrieved from demolition backfill 203 in central flue of boiler house (Image: Bolton Council)

A watching brief was also maintained around the former mine shafts, where archaeologists recorded part of a brick-lined shaft measuring almost three metres in diameter.

The report highlights the significance of the discovery, noting: “The short lifespan of the colliery, operational from 1927 to 1935, means the structural remains uncovered provide an accurate snapshot of the plant as it existed during this period.”

Truncated chimney area 207 at eastern end of boiler house, looking north-west (Image: Bolton Council)

Archaeologists concluded that the remains are of particular interest because the colliery operated for less than a decade before closing in 1935.

They added: “The single Lancashire boiler house recorded at Darcy Lever represents a valuable example of a relatively late boiler house from the first half of the 20th century, purpose built to power electrical motors on a colliery site.”

The findings are expected to contribute to research into the development of power production and industrial technology in the North West during the early 20th century.

Boys who killed two ducks and left multiple ducklings injured after shooting them with catapults have been branded ‘feral monsters.’

The birds were found dead at The Fleet on Sheppey, Kent, over the weekend.

Kent Police confirmed two ducks had been killed and a number of ducklings injured. They want to speak to two boys, aged between 12 and 14 with dark hair, who were in the area at the time.

A statement from Sheerness Town Council said: ‘These innocent animals have suffered horrific and completely unnecessary deaths.

‘Based on the injuries sustained, it is believed that catapults may have been used.

‘This level of cruelty is sickening, unacceptable, criminal, and will not be tolerated.

‘If you think killing animals is amusing, entertaining, or somehow justified, then you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

‘The deliberate targeting of defenceless wildlife is not a prank. It is not a game – it is an act of cruelty.’

The town council added: ‘Parents also have a responsibility. If you are aware of this behaviour and choose to ignore it, excuse it, or turn a blind eye to it, you should seriously reflect on the example you are setting.

‘We want to be absolutely clear. Anyone responsible for these acts should expect to face the consequences of their actions.’

It is not illegal to possess a catapult in public in England but police can act if one is used to cause damage or harm, or if police believe there is intent to do so.

People have also condemned the incident online, describing it as ‘absolutely disgusting’, with those responsible referred to as ‘feral monsters’.

Sheerness Town Council said work is under way to prevent similar incidents and CCTV is being installed at The Fleet.

‘We are also working with Kent Police and other partner agencies to put measures in place to tackle this behaviour and protect the wildlife at The Fleet for the future,’ they said.

‘We are asking the public to remain vigilant. If you witness anyone attacking wildlife, using catapults, or engaging in any act of animal cruelty, call 999 immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it.

‘Our community should be a safe place for people and wildlife alike.
“The senseless killing of defenceless animals has no place in Sheerness. Enough is enough.’

Police confirmed investigations were under way. A spokesman said: ‘Kent Police is appealing for information after two ducks were found deceased and a pair of ducklings were injured near a Sheerness waterway.

‘Officers attended The Fleet near Hawthorn Avenue after the incident was reported at around 11.30am on Saturday.

‘Steps were taken to safeguard remaining wildfowl, and an investigation was commenced that included the examination of available CCTV footage.’

Inspector Julia Bassindale said: ‘We suspect the birds were injured by a catapult and officers are working to identify those responsible.

‘We want to speak to two boys who were seen in the area at the time. They are described as being aged between 12 to 14 with dark hair and were wearing shorts and grey t-shirts.’

A spokesperson for the RSPB said: ‘The intentional illegal killing of any wild bird is a criminal offence which on conviction carries a prison sentence. We are appalled by this incident and urge anyone with information to contact the police.’

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: ‘We are really concerned by any incident targeting animals with weapons. It is totally unacceptable to shoot animals for “fun” – or to harm an animal for target practice.’

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The scheme would allow airlines to share information about disruptive individuals, with the potential to bar them from travelling with any carrier.

Currently, a person banned by one airline can still book flights with another.

A government source told the BBC: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but antisocial behaviour on flights is totally unacceptable.

“It threatens the safety of passengers and crew, and disrupts hard-earned holidays.”

Officials from the Department for Transport are due to meet airlines this month to explore how the plan could be implemented.

The proposal would involve creating a national database of disruptive passengers, co-operatively managed by the government and the airline industry.

Such a scheme would not require changes to existing laws, but there are questions around how it would operate under current data protection rules.

Passenger information cannot currently be shared between airlines under GDPR, which is why someone banned from one carrier can still fly with another.

The government source said: “There are already tough laws in place to deal with offences committed on flights, but we are exploring with industry how we can better address this issue, ensuring we crack down on people who persistently cause chaos.

“Everyone should be able to fly without fuss.”

Disruptive behaviour has long been a concern for airlines, with criminal prosecution used in the most serious cases.

In April, a court heard how a drunken passenger forced a Ryanair pilot to abort a landing at Bristol Airport.

Stephen Blofield, 61, was jailed for 10 months after being found guilty of abusive behaviour on a flight from Krakow in November last year.

In a separate incident, Jet2 issued lifetime bans to two passengers after a mid-air brawl forced an emergency landing in Brussels.

The two men were arrested for intentional assault and battery.

Jet2 has backed the government’s proposal and said it has been calling for a national ban list for some time.

Phil Ward, chief operations officer, said: “The creation of a national database will mean that, as well as being banned from flying with us, disruptive passengers can also be banned from flying with other UK airlines.”

Airlines UK, the industry body, also supports the idea and said it will work with the government to develop the scheme.

A spokesperson said: “Additional measures for the most serious cases of disruption, including the creation of a national ban list, is an important next step ensuring a tiny minority of passengers cannot disrupt air travel for the majority.”

Would you support this ban? Let us know in the comments

The airport will welcome its first-ever JD Wetherspoon pub to Terminal 2 later this year

Manchester Airport has announced that its first-ever JD Wetherspoon pub will open this September, making it the final major food and drink venue to open its doors as part of the airport’s decade-long £1.3bn transformation plan of Terminal 2.

The pub will be located within the Terminal 2 Departures lounge and will have more than 300 covers, with an area of 338 square metres. It will be named The Belle Vue, after the city’s historic showground that housed a pub, zoological gardens, greyhound racing and speedway track.

The Belle Vue stadium was a focal point of social life in the city from the Victorian period right until 2020, when it hosted its final event. Now it will lend its name to the airport’s first Wetherspoons pub.

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Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester. This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”

A specific opening date is yet to be announced but airport bosses confirm that it will be open in September. The airport has released artistic impressions of the space show a clubhouse style design with a blend of classic and modern features, complete with sports memorabilia adorning the walls, taking inspiration from the sporting culture of the North West.

Richard Jackson, Retail Director at the airport, said: “From the outset of the transformation programme, we were keen to ensure we had a varied food and drink offering in the terminal with a strong sense of place and the Belle Vue will complement the existing bars and pubs in Terminal 2, expanding the choice on offer to passengers, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Our new Boutique Mall in Terminal 2, featuring a number of fashion’s big names, will open this summer too – so it is shaping up to be an exciting few months.”

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JD Wetherspoon Chief Executive, John Hutson, added: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport. “We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”

The opening of The Belle Vue will be one of the final stages of the airport’s transformation plan, which has seen Terminal 2 double in size and become the beating heart of the airport. In recent months new features have opened up, including the Great Northern Market and the Boutique Mall, home to the Fever Tree bar and luxury retailers.

The extension of Terminal 2, which opened in 2021, was even recognised by the prestigious Prix Versailles architecture award. As well as the expansion of Terminal 2, the transformation project has also seen Terminal 1 close, while Terminal 3 is undergoing a multi-million pound revamp which has included the opening of a new 470-seat sports bar, Sporting Chance.

For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.

The Knicks are bidding to win their first Championship since 1973 and Karl-Anthony Towns said the fans have been inspiring their comebacks.

“It’s something that’s in the city, you feel that energy in the city,” said Towns, who posted 18 points and 12 rebounds.

“The grit, the grind, the hard work you’ve got to put in to make it in the city.

“I think we reflect our fans and their lifestyles and what it takes to make it in New York City, when we step on that court with the Knicks jersey.”

It was a quiet night for Victor Wembanyama. He was the top scorer for the Spurs but only scored six of his 21 shots from the field.

“We’ve been down in a series before – never in the Finals – but I’m not kicking myself about anything,” said Wembenyama.

“I was bad, it’s not more complicated than that. I’m not worried in the slightest.”

The best-of-seven series continues in San Antonio on Friday before the teams head to Madison Square Garden for Game three on Monday.

Enrique Riquelme hopes to become Real Madrid president and he claimed he would bring Manchester City star Erling Haaland to the club if elected.

Manchester City have released a statement saying claims of a possible Erling Haaland transfer to Real Madrid are “untrue”.

In an appearance on Spanish television programme El Hormiguero, Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he would bring the City star to the Bernabeu if he is elected, holding up a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name and the No.9 printed on the back. Riquelme also vowed to bring Haaland’s City teammate Rodri to the club.

City have released a statement reacting to Riquelme’s Haaland claim, saying there is “no chance of this happening”.

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“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” the statement read. “There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.

“We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”

Haaland has regularly been linked with a move to Real since signing for City in 2022. In January last year the Norwegian striker signed a 10-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034.

Rodri is another who has been linked with a move to La Liga, with the Ballon d’Or winner yet to sign a new deal at City. The Spanish midfielder only has one year remaining on his current contract.

Speaking about his future after linking up with the Spanish national team ahead of the World Cup, Rodri said: “I understand there might be some noise, but for me I’m obviously going to focus on the World Cup. I’m not going to dedicate my time to that, and then after the World Cup let’s see.”

YORK Hospital parking is not just a ‘York Hospital’ problem, nor is it just a ‘city council’ problem.

I understand that there are many constraints on land ownership, development, planning regulations, road layouts etc but isn’t it time to start thinking outside the box?

Surely there are opportunities that would benefit York and the surrounding area by just looking at what may already be available.

For instance…

1. Move the coach parking from Clarence Street to the currently disused area formerly occupied by Sainsburys and Great Outdoors adjacent to Foss Bank

2. Develop the freed-up Clarence Street area and the old Nurses Home car park Into “extra’ hospital parking, possibly using a moving walkway

3. Re-consider the development of the Bootham Park grounds. Are the proposed football pitches a necessity? Why not extend the hospital grounds?

These ideas may not be the ultimate solution but why not give them consideration

Martin Benson,

St Mary’s Walk,

Hambleton,

Selby

—

Henry’s death must not be politicised

THE bodycam footage of Henry Novak’s last moments of his very short life is incredibly chilling to watch.

He informed the police officers attending that he couldn’t breathe nine times, that he’d been stabbed four times, and he still was not believed. Henry was treated inhumanly to say the very least. Handcuffed and cautioned and he lay dying.

The courage Henry’s father showed in his speech outside court after his killer had been sentenced was incredibly brave and humbling to watch.

I really hope that this incident brings about positive change in how the police must not use colour or religion in determining who is believed and who isn’t anymore.

Mr Novak’s wishes are where he doesn’t want his son’s death politicised must also be adhered to.

Politicians’ ‘race-baiting’ will not help bring about the change we need.

Politicians must try to unite the country and not try to divide us over this most senseless death.

My thoughts and prayers are with Henry’s family and friends at this very sad time.

John Jones,

Russet House,

Birch Close,

York

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A derogation was granted to allow the continuation of some trials, including that of Stephen McCullagh who was jailed for 31 years for the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally.

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Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister will accept all the recommendations of a review into legal aid fees and will implement increases to rates and fees.

Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have been involved in a long-running dispute over fees for legal aid and have been engaged in legal action, which has effectively halted crown court cases involving those who require legal aid.

A derogation was granted to allow the continuation of some trials, including that of Stephen McCullagh who was jailed for 31 years for the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally.

In February, Naomi Long agreed to start an accelerated review into the matter and it was concluded on April 27.

In a written statement on Wednesday, Ms Long said she would “take the necessary steps” to implement its proposals.

They include a 8.66% increase to all criminal legal aid fees and counsel fees for preparing and submitting skeleton arguments on sentencing in the crown court.

There will also be a 26.05% increase to hourly rates for Exceptional Preparation in the crown court.

Ms Long said she is also looking into additional changes to Exceptional Preparation hourly rates and criteria and other associated fees and said she is also extending the 8.66% uplift to civil and family proceedings.

In her statement, Ms Long said these measures will cost an additional £5.4 million a year and said she is “making that investment in the interests of the system, the victims, witnesses and defendants who have been affected by the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) action.”

In a statement, the Bar of Northern Ireland said members of the CBA have been intensively engaging with the Department of Justice on the matter since 2024 and participated in the review.

They said the CBA Committee met Ms Long on Wednesday where she outlined her department’s position in relation to the review’s recommendations, adding: “The wider CBA membership will meet to consider its response as soon as possible.”

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Tata Steel carried out a controlled demolition of a gas holder at the Port Talbot site earlier on Wednesday evening.

There is no suggestion the demolition, which the company said was carried out safely, is linked to the ongoing incident at the steelworks. Local residents reported their homes “shook” when the gas holder was brought down.

Shortly after the demolition, the company said: “People working and living in the Port Talbot area may have just heard a loud noise emanating from the Port Talbot steelworks.

“This was the result of the planned demolition of the empty, redundant coke ovens gas holder, which has been completed safely as part of the ongoing engineering works on the site. The gas holder ceased operation with the closure of the site’s heavy-end in September 2024.

“This demolition was required to make space for future raw materials handling areas for the new three million tonne per year capacity electric arc furnace.

“Our thanks goes to the whole team involved from Tata Steel and our contractor partners Thompson of Prudhoe and PDC, in what was a complex programme of work. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”