Andrew Husband, Reform leader of the council, said the authority had made significant progress in supporting the local economy, improving community safety and tackling homelessness, while managing what he described as a continuing care crisis and the impact of changes to local government funding.

Speaking as councillors reviewed the council’s latest performance report, Cllr Husband said the authority had remained focused on directing resources towards areas that matter most to residents.

“We have continued to deliver strongly across many of our priorities, while also being open about the challenges we are managing,” the Chester-le-Street member said. 

“It demonstrates how we have continued to respond to the care crisis and wider operational challenges we face as a large and complex council, while dealing with the impacts of national reforms in areas like local government finance, which do little to resolve our structural funding gaps.”

The report shows the council supported 1,429 businesses over the past year, secured 14 inward investment projects and helped create or safeguard 1,673 jobs across County Durham.

Council investment of £1 million in festivals and events generated an estimated £7.6 million for the local economy, according to the report.

The council said reports of anti-social behaviour had fallen to their lowest level in two years, while fly-tipping remained low at 9.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. 

The report highlighted work to address housing pressures, with 483 households helped to retain or secure accommodation and 889 households assessed as homeless receiving support during the year.

The authority also met its target to repair 90 per cent of road network defects within agreed timescales in three out of four repair categories.

And Cllr Husband said these improvements showed residents were seeing the benefits of the council’s work.

He told cabinet members: “Together, that adds to the sense that alongside our economic ambitions we are continuing to deliver practical improvements which residents can see and feel in their day-to-day lives.”

Hamilton’s victory, in such convincing style, has inevitably raised questions about what he and Ferrari can go on to achieve.

The team entered this year with high hopes that the new regulations for chassis and engine could give them a chance to return to the front.

So six consecutive Mercedes victories at the start of the year, and the obvious fact that Ferrari’s engine was lagging behind the best, were an unwelcome surprise.

The Ferrari car was as good as anything else in the corners – perhaps the best – but that was not enough to compete with Mercedes.

Barcelona changed all that. Ferrari introduced their second major upgrade of the year, to follow the first at the fourth race of the season in Miami.

And on a track where power is not such an important part in lap time, it made a critical difference.

Hamilton was left behind by Antonelli in Monaco a week ago, on a track where power is even less important. But this time he was the fastest driver in the race.

The win – in combination with Antonelli’s first retirement of the year – puts Hamilton 41 points adrift of the Italian, and extends his lead over Russell to nine.

And under F1’s engine rules, Ferrari have been granted two upgrades this season, Mercedes only one. The first could come, it is said, as early as the next race in Austria.

Hamilton has been seeking that elusive eighth title ever since he lost it in the controversy of Abu Dhabi 2021. To achieve it with Ferrari would be one of the biggest stories F1 has ever seen. Can he do it?

“With the way that the year started out, I have not really been thinking about it like that,” Hamilton said. “I’ve not been thinking about an eighth.

“Mercedes have come out the gates with a blistering car and blistering pace, both drivers doing such a great job. We know we have this power deficit.

“There’s going to be tracks where we go to with long, long straights where that makes it even harder.

“But we’ve got a great car at the core and if we keep adding performance and we can go through the corners quicker, maybe we can narrow that deficit down a little bit until we improve or until we close the gap on power.”

Wolff said: “I’d rather not fight with him for a title because I know what he’s capable of. If he smells blood, he goes. I’ve seen it many years where suddenly the Lewis Hamilton train started to go and then it’s very difficult to stop it.”

Uruguay’s national team have blamed Fifa after a chaotic start to their World Cup campaign following the delay to their travel from their Mexico base to Miami for their first match.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have travelled to Cancun for final preparations before getting their World Cup underway against Saudi Arabia on Monday but the squad were left waiting as their prepared plane didn’t have clearance to fly to the US.

The problem facing the team was reportedly due to issues with paperwork for the aircraft which meant it had not been approved to take the route from Cancun to Miami.

The Uruguayan team remained at the Mayakoba Complex, a hotel resort about 45 minutes from Cancun International airport, before a solution was found, with the Uruguayan FA left angry with Fifa.

The AUF said: “Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4.15pm.”

An AUF spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic that they considered Fifa to be responsible for the problems, though Fifa did not immediately respond after a request for comment.

Bielsa had been scheduled to attend a pre-match press conference at the Miami Stadium at 8pm EST on Sunday, with no confirmation over a new time or a complete cancellation.

Uruguay legend Diego Forlan appeared upset at the situation, writing: “Who is to blame???,” Forlan wrote, followed by “Arriba Uruguay!!”

The Independent has contacted Fifa for comment.

Uruguay’s plight is one of a number of travel issues that teams and individuals have faced when travelling to the US for the tournament.

Somalian referee, Omar Artan, was famously denied entry into the country due to unspecified “vetting concerns” despite being on the list of approved Fifa employees and Palestine’s football chief, Jibril Rajoub, revealed on Friday that he is still awaiting permission to enter the country.

Iran, meanwhile, are claiming its fan ticket allocation has been revoked – just one week before their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles with the country’s football federation (FFIRI) stating last Tuesday that it is a decision which will “sabotage the presence of Iranian fans”.

Elsewhere, Ghana’s Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada, due to previously being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police. Fifa confirmed in a statement: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp … to Canada for their first match against Panama … as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.”

Uruguay play their first two group stage matches in Miami, taking on Saudi Arabia on June 15 before facing Cape Verde on June 21. They travel back to Mexico for their final group game against Spain on June 27.

The Monday letters page worries about the changes coming to Xbox, as a reader looks forward to Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Peak Chief
I’ve been spending a lot of the weekend going back through old Xbox 360 games, thanks to a busted PlayStation 5, and I’m going through Halo 3 for the hundredth time. I sometimes forget how good these Halo games were and I know not everyone is a fan of them, like 343, but Halo at its peak just couldn’t be beaten.

I’ve played these levels countless times and it still feels fresh because there are always new ways to beat them. Add in the fantastic soundtrack and you’ve got one of the best games ever made.

The Halo re-remake looks OK but it just has that modern day corporate stink about it, although I know I’m going to end up paying for it, so I can’t really complain.
Simon

Art through the ages
I do wonder if the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake will have separate art style for both periods of time Link occupies.

We could have a colourful dreamy youth, a bit like Pan’s Labyrinth after a big mug of Horlicks, but a future far removed taking on a grittier Lord Of The Rings tone.

I think the original tried this to a certain degree, but stylised graphics have come a long way since then so a much less subtle approach would be interesting to see.
Bad Edit

Old tech
I read the original Xbox was £299 at launch. I think I paid a bit more but my point is 24 years later for the technology we have it’s not a massive jump over that time, taking inflation into account for the state of the art consoles.

I do sometimes wonder if it’s all witchcraft though. I remember setting up the first console after getting broadband and had Far Cry, which had a multiplayer mode, and I was blown away and shocked at hearing some guy in America talking to me.

One thing Microsoft do do well is the online infrastructure, even back then. But it’s still witchcraft how someone on the other side of the world hears your voice in a second and sees your character move… magical and amazing really, something the younger generations take for granted.
TWO MACKS

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Sign of the times
Gaming in the past: 1. Put game in machine. 2. Turn on. 3. Play while eating some crisps.

Gaming in 2026: 1. Put game in machine. 2. Wait half an hour for the game to install off the disc. 3. Wait fove more hours for the game to download a 24GB update from the internet. 4. Finally load game but immediately get stuck on broken account creation screen that errors when you enter your details.

The game in question is Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws on PlayStation 5. Is it any good? Don’t ask me! I know not all games are this bad, but this cannot be OK, right?
Robert (Antisocial Rob)

Indirect news
Very interesting preview article for the forthcoming Tomb Raider game. Nice one!

Of all the stuff that recently appeared on the store, that’s my most wanted game. Looks and sounds to be very promising.

Also, any news when we might actually get to see some proper gameplay footage of the Zelda remaster/remake? A potential masterpiece of a masterpiece, kind of.
Paul C.

GC: None so far but if it’s out this year, so it can’t be too long. Nintendo often have a Direct in September so it should be by then, at least.

Inevitable change
Xbox CEO Sharma’s next 100 days communication was surprisingly candid and brutal in its assessment of the past failures and current problems at Xbox.

The reset she says is needed sounds like it will be deep and far ranging. Who knows what Xbox will look like in a year’s time.

Some have speculated that much that has been done by her up until now, like bringing back exclusives, especially Gears, and that Xbox logo all caps thing was about positive PR. Plugging Sharma’s vision for the repair job into the glory days of Xbox and bringing the faithful on board to her vision for the brand and the big changes that are incoming.

‘It’s only fitting as we return to Xbox, we return to Gears’, to quote Sharma from the recent showcase. Planting the idea that her changes will lead to renewal and better times again.

I don’t think it’s a cynical as it sound though, she could be right. She’s right about the hole Xbox is in, that ‘tough decisions’ are needed and I think that they absolutely feel some exclusivity going forward is needed, even if the specifics are hazy.

It sounds like a genuine attempt to change the pattern and do something new and positive with Xbox. Sadly, though the first moves seem easy to predict. Sack a load of people and close some studios.
Simundo

Dragon Warrior
I kind of like the fact that no one in the West cares about Dragon Quest, because it means it gets to carry on and just be itself. They keep trying to make it edgier and more adult but it never works. Although while they said they changed direction on that for Dragon Quest 12 I still worry that the art looks a lot more serious than I feel it should be.

It’s just goofy kid’s game, that a lot of people in Japan have fond memories. You can’t turn it into Final Fantasy, let alone something like Dragon Age, without turning it into something it isn’t, which I hope they never do.
Royston

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Cause and consequence
That list of games coming out in September and October is insane. As you said, there are going to be so many that underperform.

I guess I’m part of the problem though. Here me out on this…

When Project Gotham Racing 2 came out on the Xbox I didn’t hesitate to spend the £40 on it back in 2003 (It was a bloody good game!).

And I maybe would buy two or three full price games a month. Gaming was my main hobby, so I’d spend the money, even though I didn’t earn loads and I had a mortgage and a young son.

£40 in 2003 is equivalent to about £82 now. But even though I don’t have a mortgage or any young children, and I earn significantly more (even adjusting for inflation), I’m very reluctant to buy games new. There’s money in the bank, but I prefer not to spend it on new games. I’ll wait a few months and get it discounted.

Mafia: The Old Country I got for £25 instead of, I think £40.

This week I bought Resident Evil 4 remake for £9, even though the new one, Requiem, looks really good. But it’s nearly £50, even in the sale. Give it time and it’ll come down.

I’m not sure if I’m wiser or just tight, but if others are like me, it’s not going to help the games industry.

Thanks for the good work!
DB

GC: Your attitude is perfectly understandable but if nobody buys the games near launch then that sort of game won’t get made any more, even if the developer survives – which they’re increasingly unlikely to in the current climate. It’s why there’s not going to be another XCOM, to use but one example.

Inbox also-rans
None of the Xbox games that flopped are a surprise to me but it makes me wonder what will get greenlit now the new boss is in charge. I get the feeling it’s not going to shake the ShooterBox image.
Orion

Surprised to see the trailer for the new Spyro game do so well, but I worry that if Crash Bandicoot didn’t do enough for Activision’s satisfaction that this has even less chance.
Keef

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MORE: Games Inbox: When will the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake be shown again?

MORE: Games Inbox: Does the Nintendo Switch 2 have enough good games?

MORE: Games Inbox: Was the summer Nintendo Direct a disappointment?

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland tried sneaking into the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest in Washington, but was quickly caught and escorted out by the police.

It comes just days after the contentious fighter claimed he’s been prohibited from attending the UFC White House show

The 35-year-old is no stranger when it comes to speaking his mind and he recently took to social media to reveal that he’s been banned from the event – claiming it stems from his criticism aimed at Trump and his relationship with and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

“UFC at the White House with [Benjamin Netanyahu] in the audience. Straight slop,” Strickland wrote on Instagram. “To be fair, they did ban me. But when you make fun of the leaders of America, they tend to be a little bit petty. By leaders, I mean Israel.”

He added: “The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Benjaimin Netanyahu]. That’s not public opinion, it’s fact.”

When asked what he said to be banned, the UFC champion replied: “I made fun of Israel and [Jeffrey] Epstein.” The American later issued a video in response to his claims that he has been banned from attending the White House event and he doubled down on his criticisms aimed at Trump.

“I’m not surprised, but I got the call. I got the call. The UFC higher-ups called me, you know, the big names, and they said, ‘Sean, I’ve got to apologised but you’re not Israeli enough to go to UFC 250 Israel Edition,” he said.

“I’m not really surprised. Moving forward I would like to just apologize to Israel. I’d like to say I’m sorry. I’d like to apologise to Trump, and I just want to prove that I’m Israeli enough for you guys. For instance, whenever the (Epstein) list disappeared and Trump goes out there and says that he can’t really go into it because people by association would get prosecuted and like their names would be tarnished, I want to apologise because I don’t want them to be prosecuted.

“When Trump goes and bombs the f*** out of Iran that no American’s agree with that cost Americans $5,000 to $15,000 to go fight Israel’s war. I want to apologise. Sorry I’ve been a critic of that. Or when Trump goes out there and says, ‘Hey Trump, your approval ratings are the lowest they’ve ever been across all demographics’ and Trump says, ‘Well, you know what? I have a 99% approval rating in Israel. I want to apologise.”

Samantha Allen, chief executive for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), has been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). 

The care board boss, who lives in Northumberland, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the NHS spanning almost three decades. 

Reacting to the news, she said: “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. For me it is a reflection on the brilliant people I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career, both here in the North East and North Cumbria and nationally.

READ MORE: All the North East recipients in King’s Birthday Honours List 2026

“I care deeply about the NHS and about creating opportunities for others. I’ve always loved this work and been proud to serve the NHS. 

“If I’ve made any difference, it is because I’ve been part of brilliant teams, all working to improve things for patients, staff and communities.

“I’d like say a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues, friends and family who have supported me.”

Originally from an Armed Forces family, Sam began her career in the NHS at the age of 22 in a temporary reception role with a community mental health team in South London.

It is here that her passion for the NHS first took hold, spending the majority of her career in mental health services before joining the North East and North Cumbria ICB in 2022.

Sam played a leading role in establishing the ICB, bringing together partners across the region to improve care and address health inequalities. 

Her leadership has been a “driving force behind improvements in care and tackling some of the region’s biggest health challenges head-on”.

From women’s health hubs and expanded mental health support, to securing major investment to help people with health conditions stay in or return to work, and better access to urgent dental care, to name a few.  

Alongside this, Sam has also held a number of influential national roles. 

She has championed improvements in women’s health and women leaders across the NHS, and has been a strong voice for raising the profile and standards of NHS leadership/

Sam has helped drive action on sexual safety across the NHS and the need for representation of women on NHS Boards. 

The region’s ICB was one of the first in the country to adopt a sexual safety charter.

Chair of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, said: “Sam is an exceptional leader whose unwavering commitment to patients, staff and the NHS shines through in everything she does. 

“Not only does she live by the values of the NHS, but she also actively supports and inspires others to do the same. 

“She leads with integrity, compassion and determination and has made a profound impact not only across the North East and North Cumbria, but nationally too.

“I am delighted to see Sam recognised in this way. It is richly deserved and we are all very proud of her.”

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, said: “I am delighted to see Sam recognised in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours.

“Sam is a highly respected leader who has made a significant contribution both in the North East and North Cumbria and across the wider NHS, particularly through her work to strengthen leadership, champion women’s health and support the development of future NHS leaders. 

“This honour is a fitting recognition of her dedication, values and outstanding service, and I offer her my warmest congratulations.”

All parts of the UK should feel warmer this week when compared with last week.

Temperatures may fluctuate from day to day though, depending on changes in wind direction and cloud cover, but will generally be close to or above average for the time of the year. Nights and the early commute will become warmer too.

For western Scotland and Northern Ireland temperatures are likely to be at their highest at the start of the week, under gentle south-easterly winds, with highs of around 19-21C (66-70F).

Elsewhere, with winds switching between south and south-westerlies, temperatures more widely in the low to mid-20s Celsius can be expected on some days.

The Bishopthorpe Road Street Party will be held on Sunday (June 21).

The busy street is scheduled to close to vehicles and cyclists from 8am till 9pm to enable organisers to set up and pack away the event – which is set to welcome visitors from 11am till 4pm.

Recommended reading:

Lining the road will be street food vendors, a mini market, a children’s area and space for several live music acts.

An alternative route for motorists via Scarcroft Road, Blossom Street and Nunnery Lane will be signed on the day, a City of York Council spokesperson said.

For cyclists, the route will be through Swann Street, Cygnet Street, St Benedict Road and Price Street.

Residents accessing Vine Street will be diverted via Clementhorpe and Cherry Street.

A council spokesperson said: “Access for pedestrians and emergency

vehicles will be maintained throughout the events period. 

“Traffic signs and barriers will indicate the extent of the closure.”

For more information please contact highway.regulation@york.gov.uk.

Pomegranate Persian Tea Room in Great Ayton currently holds a perfect five-star rating on TripAdvisor, making it one of the highest-rated places to eat in the area.

Located in Park Square, the independently run café has developed a loyal following thanks to its menu, hospitality and dishes that many visitors say offer “something completely different from the usual café experience”.

The venue describes itself as serving modern Persian dishes with a unique twist, with breakfast, brunch and lunch menus inspired by Middle Eastern flavours alongside homemade cakes, speciality teas and coffee.

Pomegranate Persian Tea Room (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Visitors frequently highlight the food as the main reason for returning.

One customer described the tea room as an “amazing hidden little gem”, adding: “Food is exceptional and we have never tasted flavours like it anywhere else. Staff are great and cannot do enough for you.”

Another reviewer said the food was “to die for”, praising the freshness and authenticity of the dishes.

They added: “The atmosphere was very peaceful. We sat outside and felt as though we could’ve been anywhere.”

Breakfast options appear particularly popular among diners.

One visitor described the café’s dates and eggs dish as “a taste revelation”, while another called the Persian breakfast “superb”, praising the friendly service and evident pride in the food.

Others have highlighted dishes including chicken shawarma, lamb shank, Persian rice, kebabs and flatbreads.

A regular customer wrote: “The shawarma, kebabs and flatbreads are amazing, and I’m obsessed with the baklava.”

The tea room’s atmosphere is another feature frequently mentioned in reviews.

One visitor described it as a “beautiful celebration of vibrant cultural fusion”, praising both the décor and the authentic dining experience.

A tourism and hospitality lecturer who visited recently said they particularly appreciated the attention to detail, adding that the combination of authentic cuisine, genuine hospitality and atmosphere made it stand out from other venues.

Others simply describe it as “cosy,” “welcoming”, and “unlike anywhere else in North Yorkshire”.

One reviewer wrote: “It’s such a lovely place. Staff are all friendly and helpful, and the food is fantastic.”

Another said: “If you’re looking for somewhere different which offers a warm and friendly welcome, then I’d recommend the Pomegranate Persian Tea Room.”

The café has also become popular with dog owners, with several visitors mentioning that dogs are welcomed and even receive treats from staff.

Many customers advise booking ahead, particularly at weekends, as the tea room’s growing reputation means tables can fill up quickly.

Situated close to attractions including Captain Cook’s Monument, Roseberry Topping and the surrounding North York Moors countryside, it has become a popular stop for walkers and day-trippers exploring the area.

The six storey high Steel House which can be seen from the A1085 Redcar Trunk Road was once the buzzing administrative hub for British Steel on Teesside and successors Corus and SSI UK, where top executives would meet.

It was later mothballed after the closure of the Redcar steelworks in 2015 with one of its last acts hosting local taskforce representatives attempting to find work and training opportunities for those who were employed there.

The South Tees Development Corporation (STDC) said Steel House had “not been forgotten” and its future remained under review, taking account of market conditions, demand for office space, and overall viability. 

Meanwhile, at a recent meeting, members of the growth scrutiny committee at Redcar and Cleveland Council were similarly told that no development had commenced due to “viability challenges and changes in office demand”.

In February 2021 Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said it was a “no brainer that Steel House should be saved” and welcomed plans to transform the building.

An announcement promised a new look keeping the original structure intact, but adding “dramatic cladding, artificial external lighting and additional windows and light wells…to bring it into the 21st century, signalling the cutting-edge industries the site will attract”.

The intention was to provide new office space along with services for people based at Teesworks, including a creche, coffee shop and gym, while the surrounding landscape would be “carefully redeveloped to provide impressive scenic grounds that will incorporate areas for outdoor eating, relaxation and exercise”.

In June of that year Mr Houchen was pictured with workers tasked with stripping out the building and removing more than 3,500 pieces of redundant furniture and equipment in order that the condition of the building could be investigated ahead of further remediation.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen pictured in 2021 with staff working on the Steel House revamp. Picture/credit: Ian Cooper/Teesside Live. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

The first tenants were predicted to move into the newly refurbished building within 18 to 24 months.

The mayor said it would “wow investors” looking to base themselves at Teesworks.

The 240,000 square feet Steel House, which was first opened in 1978, is situated only a short distance away from the main entrance to Teesworks and also a new park and ride facility that has been built to serve the reclaimed steelworks site.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the STDC, which is responsible for the economic regeneration of the South Tees area, whether there were continued costs associated with maintaining and securing the imposing building, and whether a case could be made out for its demolition.

A spokesman said: “The building itself has already been taken back to a bare structural shell as part of earlier works. 

The former boardroom at Steel House. Picture/credit: Ian Cooper/Teesside Live. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

“As a result, there are no direct ongoing costs associated with maintaining its internal fabric, and there are no standalone security costs specific to Steel House. 

“It sits within the wider Teesworks estate and is covered by existing estate‑wide security arrangements.”

The spokesman added: “Steel House remains part of the wider Teesworks estate, and while redevelopment options have been considered previously, it is not currently within our immediate delivery programme.

 “Our focus is firmly on progressing a number of significant inward investment opportunities across Teesworks that will deliver substantial economic impact in terms of jobs, industrial activity, and long‑term regeneration. 

“These opportunities necessarily take priority at this stage.

 “That said, Steel House has not been forgotten. 

“We continue to keep its future under review as part of the ongoing evolution of the Teesworks masterplan, taking account of market conditions, demand for office space, and overall viability. 

“All options remain open and will be considered at the appropriate time.”