A section of protected woodland has been badly damaged in a fire that firefighters said was probably started deliberately.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the 33-acre (13-hectare) Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, in Barton-le-Clay, at about 21:00 BST on Friday.Firefighters tackled a fire involving trees and brush measuring about 30m by 30m (100ft by 100ft) before extinguishing it by about 03:30 and returning to dampen hotspots.Reserve warden Dean Elcome said he believed the blaze had been caused by a disposable BBQ being thrown into the undergrowth.Barton Hills, located in the north Chilterns, is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and protected by law.”The fire destroyed a small part of Barton Hills,” said Elcome.”A swathe of the woodland has either been damaged or destroyed… but it could have been much worse.”He added: “Please, please, please don’t think it’s OK to visit with the intention of having a fire or BBQ on site – you’re not welcome.”It’s illegal, thoughtless, extremely dangerous, and if found you will be prosecuted – I just think people don’t care and have a complete lack of respect.”According to the Woodland Trust, the habitat contains an “important population” of leaved lime trees and is home to the scarce Herb-Paris and stoats, weasels and hares.The fire service said at the fire’s height, four fire engines, a water carrier and about 30 firefighters were at the scene.”It is believed the fire was most likely started deliberately,” it said.Whizz Middleton, of Mrs Middleton’s Oil, based nearby, helped direct crews to the location of the fire and said they “worked tirelessly for almost 12 hours”.”The people involved were brilliant, reassuring, dedicated and kind and absolutely determined to battle the impenetrable undergrowth to dampen the fire,” she said.”I think the most infuriating thing about the drama that unfolded last night is that it was entirely predictable.”Bedfordshire Police was contacted for comment.Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.Related internet links
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Protected woodland damaged in suspected arson
West Bridgford and Rushcliffe bus services are changing in June – see maps including new Green 12 | West Bridgford Wire
Nottingham City Transport is changing West Bridgford and Rushcliffe bus services in June. The changes come into effect on 21 June 2026. The operator explains that the number of people travelling by bus has never fully recovered since the pandemic, with 1 in 10 fewer customers each year. This is because of the increase in home working, hybrid working and online shopping, which means people need to travel less.- Advertisement -In addition, Nottingham has experienced a number of major roadwork schemes in recent years, which have seen customer numbers decline on affected routes. Passengers found alternative ways to travel whilst services were disrupted and despite the works now being finished, they haven’t returned to the bus. As an example, one group of services is carrying 25% fewer people than before the works on their routes.The 50% increase in the Bus Fare Cap at the start of 2025 has contributed to decline in bus usage around the country, with NCT passenger numbers in the last year falling by 3.77%. These changes include:Providing a much-requested direct link between Ruddington and West Bridgford CentreReturning Green 11 to be a Meadows and Lady Bay service to improve reliability, moving the extension to Cropwell Bishop to a new routeReinstating the link between Cotgrave and The Cropwells directly to West Bridgford Central AvenueGreen 5, 5ARevised timetable on all days.On Sundays, all buses will operate as a 5 rather than a 5A.Preview new timetable here >>Green 6Revised timetable on all days.The timetable will start earlier on Sundays, with a bus from Gamston at 07:03 and from City at 07:30.Preview new timetable here >>Green 7Revised timetable on all days.The Saturday timetable will start slightly later, with the first bus from Edwalton Fields at 08:13 and from City at 08:38.This service is part-funded by EMCCA.Preview new timetable here >>Green 8Revised timetable on all days.Green 8 and 9 will no longer operate as circular services around Wilford Hill and Compton Acres.Green 8 will follow its current route between City, West Bridgford, Musters Road and Boundary Road, returning back to the City the same way.Buses will run every 30 minutes on Monday to Saturday daytimes and hourly on Sunday daytimes.Loughborough Road between Greythorn Drive and Boundary Road will no longer be served by NCT. Our Green 10 provides an alternative service for Wilford Hill Crematorium, stopping at Greythorn Drive Top. Boundary Road between Loughborough Road and Musters Road will no longer be served. These areas are lightly used. Preview new timetable here >>Green 9Revised timetable on all days.Green 8 and 9 will no longer operate as circular services around Wilford Hill and Compton Acres.Green 9 will follow its current route between City, West Bridgford and Compton Acres, but will then extend to Ruddington and Clifton, replacing the current Navy 3.This new route provides a much-requested direct link between Ruddington and West Bridgford.Buses will run every 30 minutes on Monday to Saturday daytimes, providing a more frequent service between Ruddington and Clifton than at present. Evening and Sunday buses will run every hour between City and Compton Acres. Preview new timetable here >>Green 10, 10C, 10XRevised timetable on all days.Monday to Saturday evening buses generally run 10 minutes earlier, although the last bus from City at midnight is retained. On Sunday evenings, the last bus from City will be at 22:15.The 10X will be renumbered 10A.Preview new timetable here >>Green 11, 11B, 11CRevised timetable on all days.Green 11 will return to operating between City, The Meadows and Lady Bay, with hourly daytime extensions to the Water Sports Centre.The daily daytime frequency will remain every 30 minutes, with buses every 45 minutes in the evening until the last bus from City at 22:45.NCT say the decision to extend Green 11 beyond Lady Bay was intended to generate additional passengers to support the service that had been in decline for some time. The extension has resulted in reliability issues, not helped by a number of roadworks taking place on the extended part of the route. By returning the route to its original form, this addresses the feedback we have received from residents along the route, particularly in Lady Bay.A consequence of restoring reliability to Green 11 is that they are no longer able to provide the direct link between Lady Bay and Gamston. The time taken to operate to and from Gamston exceeds the time the bus has available to maintain a reliable 30 minute service over the main section of the route.The Tollerton, Cotgrave and Cropwell Bishop section of the route will be replaced by new Green 12.Green 11Preview new timetable here >>Green 12New Green 12 replaces Green 11 between Nottingham, Gamston and Tollerton, Cotgrave, Hollygate Park and Cropwell Bishop.Green 12 will serve Central Avenue and West Bridgford, reinstating this much-requested direct link.Buses will operate hourly on Monday to Saturday daytimes, with a Sunday daytime service introduced and the last bus from Nottingham at 20:10 on Mondays to Saturdays.Some journeys will serve Cropwell Butler and Upper Saxondale, with Sunday buses serving Cropwell Butler and Bingham.The Bridgford Connect ticket will no longer be available, following the introduction of the direct service.
The Cambridgeshire village that lost no soldiers during World War One
The village itself has a few local amenities including a shop and a social hubThe village of Toft in Cambridgeshire(Image: Google Street View)A charming little village situated around six miles west of Cambridge is the only Cambridgeshire village that saw all of its World War One soldiers safely return home. Toft has a small community with a big history including having more than 20 listed buildings of special architectural or historic interest.The name ‘Toft’ derives from an old Viking word meaning ‘curtilage’ or ‘homestead’. The quaint village has approximately 600 residents and is ideally located for commuters within four miles of the M11 motorway.Among the village’s listed buildings is Toft Manor, on Church Road, formerly the Rectory, which was built in 1844 along with several cottages. Toft holds a remarkable history of fortune and bravery as it is one of the rare ‘Thankful Villages’ in England and Wales where all those who served in World War One returned safely.The term ‘Thankful Village’ was promoted by the writer Arthur Mee in the 1930s; in Enchanted Land. He wrote that a ‘Thankful Village’ was one which had lost no men in the war because all those who left to serve came home again.The village consists of a few local amenities including a village shop specialising in South African cuisine with a Post Office, a hairdresser, a village hall known as ‘Toft People’s Hall’ and Toft Social Club that acts as a popular meeting point among the community.Close by, on the outskirts of Comberton and reportedly within Toft Parish Boundaries, there is Comberton Village College which offers education to years seven through to 11.House prices in Toft had an overall average of £442,468 over the last year, according to Rightmove. The majority of properties sold in Toft during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £340,000. Meanwhile, detached properties sold for an average of £647,405.Compared to South Cambridgeshire as a whole, it is slightly more pricey. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average house price in South Cambridgeshire was £430,000 in March 2026, similar to the figure for March 2025.
Council issue derelict building update after major Tunstall fire
Six fire engines attended the blazeGary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive16:01, 30 May 2026Emergency services on High Street, TunstallStoke-on-Trent City Council has issued an update following a building fire in Tunstall. Firefighters rescued four kittens from the blaze-hit town centre building on Friday.A total of six fire engines – including the aerial ladder platform – ended up being deployed to Tunstall where a ‘large’ fire saw part of High Street shut. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed crews rescued four kittens from what they have described as a derelict building.The alarm had been raised at around 5.15am after smoke was spotted pouring from the property.A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: “Members of the council’s building surveyor team have attended the scene of a major fire on High Street, Tunstall. Following an assessment, High Street and Roundwell Street are to remain closed until further notice to allow for contractors to safely demolish parts of the structure and render the building safe. During this time, the public is advised to avoid the area.”Police are appealing for information. A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: “We are appealing for information following a large fire in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called to High Street in Tunstall following reports of a fire.”Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. High Street remains closed whilst firefighters work to dampen down hotspots. Our investigation is ongoing. We are appealing for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact us.”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
Queues in Queen Square as shop vows to ‘celebrate properly’
People were spotted queuing in Queen Square in Liverpool city centre this morning13:12, 30 May 2026Updated 13:13, 30 May 2026Angelina Feetenby, 44, from Birkenhead had been queuing since 9.15am(Image: Liverpool ECHO)People were spotted queuing in Queen Square in Liverpool city centre this morning, Saturday, May 30. The queue was pictured at around 9am as customers waited to get their hands on a free jacket potato from SpudBros.SpudBros Express, located in Queens Square in Liverpool city centre, opened in September last year after the TikTok sensation, created by Preston-born brothers Jacob Nelson and Harvey Nelson, achieved international fame on social media from their mobile shop – affectionately known as their tram – where they whip up jacket potatoes.The store was giving away 100 free potatoes to celebrate International Day of the Potato.Angelina Feetenby, 44, from Birkenhead, took her son and his friends to secure a free spud and was one of the first in the queue.She told the ECHO she’d been queuing since 9.15am after hearing about the giveaway on social media and was hoping to get her hands on a tuna, cheese, coleslaw jacket potato with crispy onions, tram sauce, and garlic butter.She said: “We’ve had quite a few, probably about five or six times now. I just love jacket potatoes, and I think, with all the hype and stuff and following them, I really wanted to try them, and since I tried them, I just loved them.“I think what they’re doing is absolutely brilliant. Especially with half terms and the children being off. It’s really good.”The one-day giveaway also took place across London, Sheffield, Portsmouth, Blackburn, Wakefield and Barnstaple.Each location serves the brand’s cult-favourite menu items, from the Tram Classic loaded with garlic butter, the signature three-cheese mix, beans, crispy onions and world-famous tram sauce, to the Spudfather topped with chilli con carne, tuna coleslaw and bolognese, alongside the build-your-own option.Jacob Nelson, co-founder of SpudBros, said: “It’s crazy to think something as simple as a jacket potato has built this kind of community.“International Day of the Potato felt like the perfect excuse to give something back to the people who queue up, support us online and have helped turn SpudBros into what it is today.“We can’t wait to see everyone in store and celebrate properly with free spuds across the country.”
The killer, the police officer and the drug pushers locked up in May
A Leicester drug kingpin’s network crumbled after a police operation.
Leicestershire Police identified Sarju Khushal, 31, as one of the ringleaders of the organised crime group.
Khushal, formerly of Hazeldene Road, Leicester, would buy cocaine and heroin in wholesale amounts, then split that stock up and supply both other drug dealers and users.
Searches of the address saw officers recover a large quantity of class A and B drugs, drug paraphernalia, numerous devices and cash.
He lived at the home with his partner Saffron Franklin, 30, who assisted him in operating his business.
The investigation found that other men were involved in the operation at various levels – Kenneth Galloway, Mohammod Jahed and Kian Senior were also involved in the supply of controlled drugs.
Galloway, 31, formerly of Myrtle Road, Leicester, was involved in dealing cocaine and heroin, selling those drugs both at street level and to other dealers.
Jahed, 30, formerly of Coleman Close, Leicester, was a dealer who supplied drugs purchased from Khushal, returning substantial sums of money to him in return.
Senior, 31, formerly of Thorpe Field Drive, Leicester, was similarly a dealer who supplied significant quantities of drug from Khushal.
Khushal, was jailed in March last year for 11 years, and was sentenced on the basis he had supplied 19kg of the illegal drugs.
A trial at Leicester Crown Court saw the others involved sentenced recently.
Franklin pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – heroin and cocaine – and possession of criminal property.
She was sentenced to two years in prison, however the sentence was suspended for two and a half years.
Galloway pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, and was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison.
Jahed pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, and was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.
Senior pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, and was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.
Read the full story here.
Motorcyclist dies in two-vehicle crash in Leicestershire
A motorcyclist has died in a crash in Leicestershire.Leicestershire Police said it was called at 20:22 BST on Thursday to reports of a crash in Melton Road, Church Langton, involving a blue Ford Ranger and a grey Honda CBR. The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene, police said. It added the driver of the Ford Ranger suffered minor injuries.Officers asked anyone who may have seen the crash or the vehicles beforehand to contact the force.
City’s children’s services improve after ‘significant financial investment’
A council’s children’s services were rated inadequate in 2024 after a ‘deterioration in the quality of practice’Peterborough Town Hall(Image: Copyright Unknown)A council has been praised for “driving improvements” in its children’s services, after it was deemed inadequate in 2024. Peterborough City Council’s children’s services were rated as inadequate after an Ofsted inspection at the end of 2023.Previously rated good in 2018, inspectors said there had been a “deterioration in the quality of practice”, following the 2023 inspection. Since then, Ofsted has been carrying out monitoring visits into the council’s children’s services.The latest took place on February 24 where inspectors reviewed the council’s response to children experiencing neglect. Inspectors praised the council for remaining “committed and ambitious for children and families”.They added: “There is strong corporate and political support and children’s services have benefitted from significant financial investment. The director of children’s services and the stable leadership team continue to drive improvements across the service.”The reports also said the overall response to children experiencing neglect had improved. While there was praise for the council’s improvements, there continued to be delays in responding to some children in the multi-agency safeguarding hub due to “capacity issues”.During the visit, inspectors said staff made “appropriate referrals” to children’s services for children requiring help and protection due to potential neglect. Social workers were also praised about their “robust analysis of children’s needs” when looking at the functioning of a family.When dealing with children out of hours, the commissioned emergency duty team (EDT) were praised for having an “effective interface”. Social workers were also praised for children having “positive and enduring relationships” with them.Inspectors also said action was taken “appropriately” when children continued to experience harm due to neglect from their parents. The report added that leaders had focused on recruitment and retention to “improve the stability of the workforce”.Inspectors said: “This is showing promising results, with some social workers converting from agency to permanent posts, citing a positive work environment as informing their decisions.”Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children and young people at Peterborough City Council, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of this latest monitoring visit which acknowledges the ongoing progress we have made to achieve better outcomes for all children.”We remain committed and ambitious for children and families and we continue to drive improvements across the service, including for children who have experienced potential neglect.”I want to thank practitioners and staff for their hard work and continued dedication to the children and families of Peterborough. Our administration is fully focussed on working collaboratively and effectively to continue to improve this vital service.“As we now build to our next full ILACs inspection this Labour led coalition is determined to make the changes needed to ensure all children in this city thrive, are safe and able to succeed in life.”
The parts of the Midlands where people are buying their own homes aged just 27
Getting onto the property ladder in your 20s may seem like an impossible goal for many aspiring homeowners, but research by a major mortgage provider shows that in some parts of the UK, the typical first-time buyer is as young as 27.The West Midlands features prominently on the list, with three areas of Staffordshire appearing amongst those with the lowest first-time buyer ages, according to Lloyds.South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase both recorded an average first-time buyer age of just over 27.As well as highlighting the youngest typical first-time buyers, Lloyds also looked at the most affordable locations across the UK for those attempting to get onto the property ladder, spotlighting areas where buying a home may be more achievable.East Ayrshire in Scotland was identified as the most affordable location, based on the average price paid by first-time buyers. The typical first-time buyer property price in East Ayrshire stands at £147,353, according to Lloyds, which highlighted that the region benefits from excellent links to Scotland’s central belt, with access to Glasgow and neighbouring job centres, reports Birmingham Live.This could allow buyers to combine countryside living with a manageable commute to work.Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: “Our research shows there are still genuine pockets of value for first‐time buyers, particularly for those with an open mind who are willing to be flexible on location and property type.”With ongoing cost-of-living pressures and wider economic uncertainty, it’s completely understandable that some people are feeling cautious.”But there are opportunities out there, and for many buyers, that flexibility can make a real difference.”The data comes from Lloyds Banking Group’s housing statistics records, drawing on mortgage approval information from Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers. Average house prices were assessed across the 12 months leading up to February.Providing general advice to those looking to buy their first home, Ms Bryden urged them to research the property purchasing process thoroughly, speak to a mortgage adviser early on and look into the various types of support available.Last week, Lloyds announced it is launching a new low-deposit mortgage which could help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder with a deposit of only £5,000.Below are the top 10 locations with the youngest average ages for UK first-time buyers, showing the average age and typical property price for first-time purchasers, according to Lloyds:1. Ribble Valley, North West, 27.0, £219,9802. South Staffordshire, West Midlands, 27.8, £259,6783. Pendle, North West, 27.9, £188,1364. Rutland, East Midlands, 28.1, £281,1305. Cannock Chase, West Midlands, 28.3, £213,3996. North Norfolk, Eastern England, 28.4, £242,3187. Staffordshire Moorlands, West Midlands, 28.5, £219,616=8. Chorley, North West, 28.7, £221,232=8. Mid Suffolk, Eastern England, 28.7, £289,37210. Westmorland and Furness, North West, 28.8, £212,848Below are the top 10 most affordable locations for UK first-time buyers, according to Lloyds, showing the average property price for first-time purchasers:1. East Ayrshire, Scotland, £147,3532. Inverclyde, Scotland, £149,9293. Blackpool, North West, £150,7804. Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, £151,1715. Na h-Eileanan Siar, Scotland, £155,3006. Hyndburn, North West, £155,9117. Clackmannanshire, Scotland, £156,0418. Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, £156,4989. South Tyneside, North East, £157,55110. West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, £159,437Below are the most affordable locations for first-time buyers across each UK region, according to Lloyds, showing the average property price for first-time purchasers:East Midlands, Bolsover, £191,564East of England, Great Yarmouth, £236,447London, Barking and Dagenham, £363,748North East, South Tyneside, £157,551North West, Blackpool, £150,780Northern Ireland, Mid and East Antrim, £175,308Scotland, East Ayrshire, £147,353South East, Gosport, £228,617South West, Plymouth, £216,166Wales, Merthyr Tydfil, £156,498West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, £171,569Yorkshire and the Humber, Kingston upon Hull, £151,171Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE
Liverpool festival announces venue change ahead of event
The festival is scheduled to take place next weekendLiverpool Feis Crowds at The Pierhead 7th July 2018(Image: David Munn Photography)The organisers of an Irish music festival in Liverpool have confirmed a change of venue just days before the event is due to take place. The Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival is the successor to the short-lived Feis, which came to Liverpool’s Pier Head in 2018. The ECHO reported this morning (May 29) that the festival would no longer take place at Newsham Park, but organisers had promised a new venue would be announced this morning.Organisers claimed Liverpool City Council removed permission for it to use Newsham Park as the festival site due to security concerns related to Martyn’s Law.Officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the law aims to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.In addition to this, at certain larger premises and events, appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks must also be considered. It is named after Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.In its own statement published later in the evening, Liverpool City Council said its safety concerns had “not been sufficiently addressed”.Newsham Park has previously held outdoor music events in the past.Now, organisers of Fields of Éire have confirmed it will go ahead on its original dates, Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, at Liverpool’s Olympia venue on West Derby Road.A post on their Facebook page reads: “We have a massive update regarding our new home for Fields of Éire. As you know, our original plan was to dance together at Newsham Park.”When Liverpool City Council pulled our land use agreement there at the final hour, we quickly lined up Aintree Racecourse to save the event. However, we have been listening closely to your feedback over the last 24 hours.”Many of you were gutted about moving so far out of the area you originally planned for. We heard you loud and clear, and we have pivot plans in place!”To keep the festival right in the community where it belongs, we are moving Fields of Éire to the legendary, beautiful Olympia Theatre! Best of all? The Olympia is just up the road from Newsham Park, keeping us in the exact same local footprint.”You won’t need to completely change your travel, booking arrangements, or local stays. By moving to the Olympia, we are transforming the weekend into a massive fully indoor festival experience. Rain or shine, the craic is 100% protected in an incredible venue with an electric atmosphere.”If you need a taste of the vibes, Kingfishr absolutely smashed it here just the other week, and Irish legends The Saw Doctors have also graced this iconic stage.”VIP tickets will automatically allocated to the seating areas for the best premium views in the house. Standard tickets will be allocated to the standing areas right in front of the main stage.Further updates on the festival can be found in the ECHO’s What’s On section.
