Nottinghamshire County Council has published a list of 44 of the worst roads in the county which are due to be repaired.Nottinghamshire County Council is set to add 44 major resurfacing schemes to its 2026/27 highways capital maintenance programme as part of an £11m “Worst First” package for roads requested by elected members.A report to the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, dated June 15, recommends approving the programme after highways officers and technical staff at Via East Midlands assessed more than 150 requests from county councillors.The proposed schemes have been selected using carriageway condition survey data and highway inspection defect records, with the council saying the 44 sites are those most suitable for resurfacing and would deliver the greatest improvement to the overall condition of the highway network.The work forms part of the second phase of the county council’s highways capital and revenue programmes, which was approved by Cabinet on April 20. That earlier report recommended additional highways investment totalling £58.75m, including £11m for member-requested resurfacing schemes under the “Worst First” approach.- Advertisement -The programme now being recommended has an estimated cost of around £11.2m. The report says this minor over-programming is expected to be absorbed by Via East Midlands from its forecast over-recovery of overheads. Financial comments in the report state the works would be funded from additional highways funding approved by Cabinet in April.Five schemes are proposed in Rushcliffe. These are Main Street in East Bridgford, from Kneeton Road to around 90 metres past Cross Lane; Colston Road in Cropwell Bishop, from a surface change around 330 metres east of the A46 to just past the junction at Skylark Hill; Tithby Road, from C28 Bingham Road to Cropwell Bishop Road in Cropwell Butler; Hickling Lane in Upper Broughton, from the A6006 Melton Road to Green Lane; and the C4 Gotham Road and Lantern Lane roundabout in East Leake.The Rushcliffe schemes have forecast cost bands ranging from £100,000 to £400,000. Tithby Road is listed as one of the longer local schemes, covering 2,000 metres, while Hickling Lane is proposed for in-situ reconstruction rather than standard resurfacing.Elsewhere in Nottinghamshire, the programme includes major works in Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, and Newark and Sherwood. The largest single cost band listed in the appendix is for A6075 Debdale Lane and A6075 Priory Road in Mansfield, from A6191 Chesterfield Road North to the mini-roundabout at Church Hill, which is forecast at £700,000 to £800,000.Other higher-cost schemes include sections of C85 Salmon Lane in Annesley Woodhouse, the A614 Bawtry Road in Bircotes, the A60 Mansfield Road in Woodthorpe, Valley Road in Carlton, Bellamy Road in Mansfield, and several schemes in the £300,000 to £500,000 range.The report says not all member requests met the technical requirements for full resurfacing. Some locations have instead been identified as more suitable for other maintenance treatments, such as hotbox repairs or machine patching, and are being redirected into the prioritisation queue for those ongoing programmes.The council says a list of outstanding requests is expected to be released soon, setting out what is planned for each site. Locations that remain technically suitable for resurfacing but have not been included in this year’s programme are expected to be reconsidered for funding as part of the 2027/28 capital works programme.The report says the resurfacing programme supports the council’s wider objective of reducing the number of roads requiring maintenance and repairs. It also says the work supports the authority’s legal duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain highways in a safe condition.The environmental impact of the programme is also set out in the report. Resurfacing the 44 sites is expected to generate around 10,000 cubic metres of material from the existing road surfaces, which the council says would typically be recycled and reused as construction aggregate.However, the report also notes that asphalt production and paving are carbon-intensive. It estimates the proposed programme would require around half a million litres of virgin bitumen and could produce between 1,300 and 3,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent during production and paving.The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment is being asked to approve the 44 schemes for addition to the 2026/27 highways capital maintenance programme. The report makes clear that the decision is to add the listed schemes to the programme, while other outstanding resurfacing requests will either be handled through alternative maintenance routes or reconsidered for future funding.Here is the full list of the 44 locationsAshfieldResurfacing of A608 Cordy Lane, Underwood, Selston, from near Willow Court – £150,000 to £200,000Resurfacing of C85 Annesley Lane, Selston, from M1 Bridge to B600 Nottingham Road – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing and structural patching of Salmon Lane, Annesley Woodhouse, from Skegby Road to M1 bridge – £400,000 to £500,000Resurfacing of B6020 Chapel Street, Kirkby in Ashfield, from B6018 Sutton Road to Wheatley Avenue – £250,000 to £300,000Resurfacing of B6020 Lane End / Urban Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, from Railway bridge to Portland Street – £200,000 to £250,000BassetlawResurfacing of A614 Bawtry Road, Bircotes, from near Elm Cottagebeyond Snape Lane travelling north – £400,000 to £500,000Resurfacing and structural patching of A614 Bawtry Road, Bircotes, from near Snape Lane to Hawk’s Nest – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing of A57 Markham Moor A1 Bridge North (A638) roundabout, the full roundabout – £150,000 to £200,000Resurfacing and structural patching of A60 Doncaster Road / High Road, Carlton in Lindrick, from approach to bend at Red Lane to Pinfold Drive – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing and structural patching of A60 Doncaster Road, Langold, from Hodsock Park Lane Byway to A634 Oldcotes – £300,000 to £400,000BroxtoweResurfacing of B600 Main Road / Watnall Road, Watnall, from near Common Lane (end of layby) to Little Holland Gardens – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing of B5010 Derby Road, Stapleford, from Toton Lane junction to surfacing joint at Hall Road – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing of Main Street, Newthorpe, from B6010 Beauvale past Greenacres to surface change near bend at No 202 – £200,000 to £250,000GedlingResurfacing of A60 Mansfield Road, Arnold – from the Ram Inn near Henry Street to Arch Hill Layby – £200,000 to £250,000Resurfacing of A60 Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe, from the junction at Woodthorpe Drive to the junction at A6514 Valley Road – £400,000 to £500,000Resurfacing of Killisick Road, Arnold, from Gleneagles Drive to Parry Way – £100,000 to £150,000Resurfacing of Valley Road, Carlton, from Marshall Hill Drive to Foxhill Road – £400,000 to £500,000Resurfacing of Birchfield Road, Arnold, from Oakdale Road to Homefield Avenue – £250,000 to £300,000Gunthorpe Road, Gedling, from Stanhope Road to Bayliss Road – £100,000 to £150,000Resurfacing of Hilton Road, Mapperley – whole road length – £250,000 to £300,000Resurfacing of Godfrey Street, Netherfield – whole road length – £100,000 to £150,000Resurfacing of Whittingham Road, Mapperley, from Haywood Road to Kent Road – £50,000 to £100,000MansfieldResurfacing of A6075 Debdale Lane / A6075 Priory Road, Mansfield, from the junction for the A6191 Chesterfield Road North to mini roundabout at Church Hill, including the mini roundabout – £700,000 to £800,000Resurfacing of Bellamy Road, Mansfield – From the Lindhurst Lane roundabout to Bingham Road Roundabout, including the roundabout at Bingham Road, the Bingham Road roundabout to Gamston Road and Bingham Road roundabout to the A6191 Southwell Road West – £400,000 to £500,000Resurfacing at Priory Square / Station Street / High Street, Mansfield, from Rose Lane to the A6075 Debdale Lane junction – £200,000 to £250,000Resurfacing at C140 Atkin Lane / High Oakham Hill, Mansfield, from High Oakham Road to the Alexandra Avenue bend – £50,000 to £100,000Resurfacing at Sandlands Way, Mansfield – from the Mini roundabout at the junction of Sandlands Way and New Mill Lane – £50,000 to £100,000Surface dressing on Sandlands Way / New Mill Lane, Mansfield, from the B6030 Clipstone Road East to Sanderling Way (Foxglove PH) – £100,000 to £150,000Resurfacing on B6033 Bath Lane / Ravensdale Road, Mansfield, from the roundabout at Barringer Road to the pedestrian refuge near the mini roundabout at Brunt’s School Access (travelling west) – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing on Cedar Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, from Park Hall Road to Hazel Grove – £150,000 to £200,000Resurfacing on Ruskin Road, Mansfield, from the A6075 Abbott Road junction to approximately 20 metres past Peel Crescent junction – £50,000 to £100,000Resurfacing on York Terrace, Market Warsop – Whole road length – £50,000 to £100,000Barringer Road, Mansfield, from Ravensdale Road to Old Mill Lane – £50,000 to £100,000Newark and SherwoodResurfacing on A6075 Forest Road / Tuxford Road, Ollerton, from Briar Road to the B6387 Main Road – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing on Haywood Oaks Lane, Blidworth, from Dale Lane to Haywood Oaks Farm Cottages – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing on Normanton Road / Station Road, Southwell, from Newark Road to Corkhill Lane (including the junction) – £200,000 to £250,000Resurfacing on Balderton Lane, Coddington, from Barnby Road crossroads travelling north to 30mph limit entering Coddington – £300,000 to £400,000Resurfacing on Holme Lane / Langford Lane, Holme, from the A1133 to High Street junction, Holme – £150,000 to £200,000Resurfacing on Bilsthorpe Road / Main Street, Eakring, from the layby entering Eakring to Kirklington Road – £200,000 to £250,000RushcliffeResurfacing on Main Street, East Bridgford, from Kneeton Road to approximately 90 metres past Cross Lane – £250,000 to £300,000Resurfacing on Colston Road, Cropwell Bishop (Phase 1), from approximately 330 metres east of the A46 to approximately 10 metres past the junction at Skylark Hill – £200,000 to £250,000Resurfacing on Tithby Road, Tithby, from Bingham Road to Cropwell Bishop Road, Cropwell Butler – £300,000 to £400,000Reconstruction on Hickling Lane, Upper Broughton, from A6006 Melton Road to Green Lane – £100,000 to £150,000Resurfacing on Gotham Road / Lantern Lane Roundabout, East Leake – the whole roundabout – £100,000 to £150,000
Author: admin

Council reveals list of 44 worst roads in Nottinghamshire due to be repaired | West Bridgford Wire

Police cordon at Cambridgeshire zoo after boy attacked in crocodile enclosure
Video showed police activity at a zoo where a three-year-old boy was left with critical injuries after ending up in a crocodile enclosure. Cambridgeshire Police said it was called to Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, at 13:24 BST, and a man had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is in a critical but stable condition, the force said. A spokesperson for Johnsons of Old Hurst said its thoughts and prayers were with the boy and his family, and that its Tropical House would remain closed until further notice.

Boy, 3, ‘thrown into zoo crocodile pit by stranger’ as woman jumps in after him
A three-year-old boy is fighting for his life after he was reportedly thrown into a crocodile enclosurePaige Ingram Multimedia Journalist, Tom Kershaw Head of Live News and Sam Russell and Jordan Reynolds Press Association06:43, 19 Jun 2026Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire(Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)A zoo owner’s wife heroically jumped into a crocodile enclosure in a frantic attempt to save a seriously injured three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown in by a stranger.Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire. Officers were called to the scene at 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed.A local resident, who asked not to be named, revealed that Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, bravely leapt into the enclosure in a bid to rescue the youngster. The villager stated: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”The boy was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition, police confirmed. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, reports the Mirror.Detective Inspector Verity McCann commented: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other. Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”In a statement posted on social media, Johnson’s announced that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain shut until further notice. They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”(Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)The ambulance service confirmed that multiple emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene, including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance. A uniformed officer was standing guard at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police vehicle parked nearby in the car park.Nestled off a quiet, tree-lined country lane in the village of Old Hurst and surrounded by residential properties, the zoo also features a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse within its grounds.The attraction is home to over 100 animals, amongst them lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras and meerkats. The crocodiles are housed inside a tropical building within a converted cattle shed, while other animals are kept in outdoor enclosures.The Johnson family has dedicated the past two decades to the care and handling of crocodiles. Current owner Andy Johnson has been involved in producing a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, according to the zoo’s website.Neighbour Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives near the zoo, recalled previous visits where he felt entirely safe. Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”He described a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were roughly 15ft below, adding that fencing ran along the walkways, which he believed stood around 4ft high.Local councillor Charlotte Lowe admitted she “can’t fathom” how the young boy ended up inside the crocodile enclosure.Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.”She went on to say: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.”This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online. The police will provide an update with further information in due course. My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child. It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council stated: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time. We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police. We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”

Indoor golf simulator opening in North Staffordshire today
Here’s everything you need to knowInside Proper Golf LeekAn indoor golf simulator is opening today. Proper Golf Leek is on Ball Haye Road, in Leek.It opens on Friday 19 June – and gives golfers the chance to play some of the sport’s most-iconic courses and holes. It also has a site in Yorkshire.In a social media post, Proper Golf Leek states: “Proper Golf is officially opening its doors on June 19 and our state-of-the-art indoor simulators are ready for action. Whether you’re looking to dial in your swing, play a round on world-class courses regardless of the weather, or just kick back on the leather sofa with some friends, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss out on being one of the first to experience it.”For more information about Proper Golf Leek – and to book – click here.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

Friday’s Headlines Celebrate Juneteenth — Streetsblog USA
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Rumour ranking: Assessing the top 20 transfer window whispers
A Como star is linked with Man Utd while Liverpool are said to have rekindled their interest in a Juventus midfielder…
With so much transfer talk doing the rounds, we’re here again through the summer to sift through the bullsh*t and highlight the whispers that might have some substance.
Each day we’re ranking the top 20 rumours involving Premier League clubs, the higher the link, the more likely we feel they are to become done deals.
So we start with the tittle-tattle…
20) Marcus Rashford – Manchester United to Barcelona
Not only have Barca refused the chance to sign Rashford for £26million, they have already spent three times that amount on the winger’s rival for an England place. Some slap in the face, that, even if there are noises suggesting Barca are of the belief that they can pull United’s pants down to keep Rashford where he wants to be. Of course, United would be daft to even consider it which, apparently, they aren’t. So the England star will be heading elsewhere.
19) Khephren Thuram – Juventus to Liverpool
With Victor Munoz ‘hijacked’ and a move made for Yan Diomande, Liverpool are also eyeing midfielders. Among them is Thuram, who Juve are reported to be open to selling for £30million before the end of the month to help balance their books. The Reds are among a cluster of clubs eyeing the 25-year-old and they were interested when he moved from Nice to Turin in 2024. But Liverpool need to shift midfielders first, which seems unlikely given the tight timeframe.
18) Martin Baturina – Como to Manchester United
Reports in Italy are linking United with the Croatia midfielder, who smashed in his country’s first equaliser against England. Villa too have been credited with an interest, but at this stage, it smells like United are being used, probably by the player’s camp, to whip up a frenzy around the 23-year-old who moved to Como last summer from Dinamo Zagreb. Now he’s supposedly valued at between four and five times that amount.
17) Diogo Costa – Porto to Chelsea
Chelsea have made do without a reliable no.1 for too long, but that could change if they move decisively for the Portugal stopper. Which they appear some way off doing. Costa is valued at £51million by Porto, so he won’t come cheap.
16) Lewis Hall – Newcastle to Chelsea
Chelsea are being linked with Hall after Cucurella made a swift exit for Real Madrid, and the Newcastle defender is certainly being eyed by the vultures circling St James’ Park. So a return to his boyhood club could make sense, but we suspect Chelsea might at least try to appear a little more clever than simply buying back a player they sold three years ago.
15) Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa to Arsenal
At least half of the Big Six is keen on Rogers, who Villa are open to selling for the right price. Which, apparently and entirely reasonably, is above £80million. This, we reckon, is Rogers’ most likely move this summer, though Arsenal’s interest in Barcola could scupper any hopes the England star might have of playing for the Gunners.
14) Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea to Real Madrid
You just know Fernandez was green with envy when Marc Cucurella got the move he craves, and Real could yet come back for the Argentina midfielder. Apparently, Fernandez is Jose Mourinho’s ideal midfield signing but we cannot see them stumping up the kind of cash Chelsea would demand for a player they paid £107million for in 2023. If this drags, Fernandez’s behaviour towards the end of the window could be interesting…
13) Bradley Barcola – PSG to Arsenal
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are keen on Barcola, which we’re sure they are but they have other priorities around wingers much closer to the top of this list. Arsenal, though, are preparing to make an offer for the PSG star, according to The Independent. But they need to raise the cash first through sales, with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all potentially on their way out.
12) Crysencio Summerville – West Ham to Manchester United
Apparently, United are talking to West Ham about their winger as they look to strengthen their options on the left. That isn’t one of United’s top two priorities this summer but we assume they see an opportunity in the Hammers’ relegation. Summerville, currently starting for Netherlands at the World Cup, is valued at £50million but United can afford to wait for time to motivate the Irons to come down on that figure.
11) James Trafford – Manchester City to Newcastle
After being taken in by Pep Guardiola a year ago, the England goalkeeper knows he has to get away from the City bench this summer. Newcastle don’t hold a grudge for being turned down when Trafford returned to his boyhood team, but they are not the only club interested. Spurs are also being linked. This could come down to who creates room in their goal for Trafford quickest.
10) Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace to Liverpool
It’s pretty quiet around the Palace midfielder for whom we anticipated a big market this summer. That could yet materialise, with Liverpool and Chelsea most closely linked. And Liverpool are said to be ‘accelerating’ their interest.
9) Hayden Hackney – Middlesbrough to Everton
This one appeared to be almost done but Boro and Everton still seem some way off on the fee, with the Toffees seeing the offer of an £18million package rejected. Boro, apparently, want something closer to £20million plus £5million in add-ons, which puts enough distance between them and Everton for other clubs to swoop.
8) Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham Hotspur to Juventus
Juve are said to have looked at Alisson and Jordan Pickford, then cast their eye over Emiliano Martinez. But Vicario is now in the Old Lady’s sights, perhaps because he’s the most available of the four Premier League stoppers. Villa have proven themselves to be no pushovers when it comes to Martinez but Spurs would be receptive to an offer for Vicario after a wretched season for the Italy keeper. Handily for Spurs, Napoli are also interested, but they have keepers to sell first, which could prompt Juve to move.
7) Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United to Manchester City
Tonali’s agent has been trying to manufacture a move out of Newcastle since at least the start of the year, with Spurs the latest Premier League club to be linked with the Italian. But Manchester City are said to be ‘undeterred’ and fancy themselves to pull off the deal. Lads, it’s Tottenham.
6) Jack Grealish – Manchester City to Everton
Grealish enjoyed his season at Everton, who certainly enjoyed having him. So another year on loan with the Toffees seems to suit all parties. Though we also aren’t ruling out something coming out of the blue for the England star.
5) Mateus Fernandes – West Ham to Manchester United
The most likely mover of the two Hammers players to be linked with United, because the Red Devils’ need for midfielders is greater, while Fernandes seems the savvier buy. Again, though, the only way this gets done quickly is if another of the Portugal star’s suitors makes a decisive offer, prompting United to pull their finger out rather than squeeze the relegated Irons all they can. West Ham wanted £100million, apparently, which they have now reduced to £85million. They will have to come down a fair bit further too.
4) Yan Diomande – RB Leipzig to Liverpool
This link is a climber, despite Liverpool having an offer rejected by Leipzig. The Reds might have been blown out for now but their intent is clear, even if they may regret not getting this one done before the World Cup. Apparently, Liverpool offered a package worth around £86million, but Leipzig are expecting something in excess of £100million, especially with PSG keen. But they have a chain involving Bradley Barcola and Liverpool are said to be willing to pay more than the Parisians. So it’s a ‘no’ for now, and the Reds want it known they are considering other options, including Barcola, but we expect Diomande to be a Liverpool player before the summer is out.
3) Luka Vuskovic – Tottenham Hotspur to Brighton
Our assumption was that Brighton and Tottenham would find common ground over Vuskovic given the two clubs’ motivation to sign the other’s player. But Spurs have got their hands on Jan Paul van Hecke while simultaneously rejecting an offer of £35million for a player yet to wear their colours competitively. Brighton, apparently, do not intend to go any higher. In which case, we have ourselves a stand-off. Given Vuskovic is keen to go, we anticipate Brighton doing what’s necessary, even if they refuse to be made a patsy by Spurs.
2) Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest to Manchester City
City have seen a couple of offers rejected, the latest being £106million plus add-ons that could take the fee to £120million. We cannot see City getting this far only to walk away. This will get done, but it probably won’t be swift. He was excellent in England’s World Cup opener v Croatia.
1) Ederson – Atalanta to Manchester United
All done bar the signing, apparently. United seem to have got a good deal for a midfielder who could prove to be one of their most important signings of a busy summer.
EEAST ‘highest‑performing ambulance trust in England for heart attack care’
New figures demonstrate strong clinical outcomes, improving response times and high patient satisfaction for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).EEAST’s 2025/26 Annual Quality Account shows the emergency service is one of the best‑performing in England for time‑critical conditions such as heart attacks and cardiac arrest, even during a year of record demand.During 2026, the trust has been under fire over its performance. In March, the service was last in national performance rankings.EEAST’s out-of-hospital cardiac arrest desk, which links clinicians in the control room to the scene of a cardiac arrest via video link, is now being explored by other ambulance services in EnglandThe organisation, which operates in Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, was 10th in the country’s league table, down from 9th place in the previous quarter.The service was judged “low performing” with the lowest grade, 4, for patient safety, access to services, and people and workforce.In May, the service was attacked by unions. GMB Union heavily criticised bosses for instructing staff to spend no longer than 42 minutes attending a scene for a category 2 (C2) response. The emergencies could include conditions and injuries such as epilepsy, strokes and burns. The same month, UNISON claimed staff were ready to quit over problems booking annual leave.Earlier in June, the trust revealed its new Patient Plan and how it aims to deliver better care by not taking all patients to the hospital as it responds to rising demand and more complex needs. The plan outlines how it will deliver faster emergency responses for the sickest patients, while helping others get the right care earlier, often closer to home.The Annual Quality Account shows that during 2025/26, EEAST was the highest‑performing ambulance trust in England for heart attack care, significantly above the national average.Survival outcomes following out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest were also among the best in the country, with EEAST achieving the highest performance nationally for several key measures, including return of spontaneous circulation and delivery of post‑resuscitation care. The trust handled nearly 1.5 million emergency contacts in 2025/26 – the equivalent of one 999 call every 29 seconds.Despite this sustained pressure, 999 calls were answered in an average of two seconds, ambulance response times improved across all call categories compared with the previous year, and performance for the most life‑threatening emergencies remained stable.In 2025/26, EEAST clinicians safely supported over 159,000 patients through telephone assessment and clinical advice.This approach helps patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits and ensures emergency resources are available where they are needed most. Overall, 93% of patients rated their overall experience as good or very good. The trust received 3,722 compliments, with six compliments recorded for every complaint, which fell significantly.Simon Chase, chief paramedic and director of quality of EEAST, said: “Our teams respond to extraordinary demand every day, and this quality account shows the real difference their skill, compassion and commitment make for patients.“We know there is more work to do, but we are proud to be delivering some of the best outcomes in the country for the patients who need us most.”

Class of 2026 graduate with international education provided by UK-China experts | News | University of Leicester
18 June 2026
The latest students to benefit from a truly international education have graduated from an institute in China established by the University of Leicester and Dalian University of Technology (DUT).
A cohort of more than 200 students graduated from the Dalian Leicester International Institute (DLI) in Panjin, on Tuesday 16 June.
Established in 2017 to teach joint undergraduate degree programmes in China with the DUT, the Institute currently offers five undergraduate courses in Applied Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Environmental Sciences.
Students are recruited from China but also have the opportunity to complete part of their studies at Leicester. They are taught by experts from both Leicester and DUT and are awarded degrees from both institutions when they graduate.
The class of 2026 comprises graduates who will go on to pursue further study at universities in China or have opted for overseas postgraduate or doctoral studies. A number have also secured employment.This week’s graduation ceremony was attended by a delegation from the University of Leicester, which was led by President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah.
He told the graduates: “Today is a matter for great pride. You graduate with a degree from two world-class universities. This will have a major advantage in an increasingly competitive job market in China, as well as in the world.
“You are all shining examples of success and the global education you have received will mean you are prepared for what comes next.
“Your degree represents far more than academic achievement. It demonstrates resilience, adaptability, collaboration, communication and critical thinking – the very qualities employers and communities increasingly value in a fast-changing world.
“Use your education not only to enrich your own life, but to improve the lives of others.”
Professor Jingzhe Pan, Dean of Dalian Leicester Institute (DLI) at the University of Leicester, said: “I am very proud about the great achievements made by our DLI students, these are the best possible award to all our staff who have been working hard to deliver and support the DLI programs.”
Professor Jingjing Zhan, Assistant President of Dalian University of Technology, said: “As the first Chinese Dean of DLI, I am very proud to see so many young talents have graduated every year. We are incredibly proud of our graduates. Their remarkable academic success is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between two institutions.”
There are currently 1,200 students studying at the Dalian Leicester Institute (DLI). They are taught by staff at Dalian University of Technology, flying faculty and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers in Panjin, a city in Liaoning Province in the north-east of the country. Fifty per cent of the course is taught by Leicester staff and 50% by Dalian University of Technology staff, with 100% of the programme delivered in English. Around 80% of graduates go on to further study, many of whom choose to study in the UK.
The University of Leicester has a Chinese-language website which provides information for potential applicants.
Johnsons shares statement after boy ‘seriously injured’ in crocodile enclosure
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder18:34, 18 Jun 2026Updated 18:39, 18 Jun 2026Inside the reptile house(Image: CambridgeshireLive/Cait Findlay)Johnsons of Old Hurst has shared a statement after a 3 year old boy was ‘seriously injured’ on the afternoon of June 18.Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm on June 18 to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure.The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is critical but stable. Specially trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Johnsons has now confirmed that the Tropical House part of the site will be closed until further notice.It has added that the team’s “thoughts and prayers” are with the boy and his family. Johnsons shared: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”Out of respect to the family, our Tropical House will remain closed until further notice. If you have any questions about the incident, please direct enquiries to Cambridgeshire Police Constabulary. The rest of the site will remain open as normal.”

Warrington and Leeds teams confirmed with Arron Lindop call made
Arron Lindop will make his long-awaited return for Warrington Wolves after being named in the centres to face Leeds Rhinos at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.The 20-year-old has been sidelined since June 2025 after suffering an ACL injury against Leeds in Super League. He partners Matty Ashton for Warrington, with Toby King sidelined through injury. Rising youngster Zack Gardner is also set to miss the rest of the season, having suffered a dislocated shoulder on his first senior appearance of the year last week against St Helens. He was forced off in the early exchanges, as Warrington went on to claim an 18-6 victory at the BrewDog Stadium.Sam Powell, Toafofoa Sipley, Jordy Crowther and Kelepi Tanginoa have all been named on the bench by head coach Sam Burgess.It will mark the first time back-rower James Bentley has faced Leeds since his off-season move from AMT Headingley to Warrington – and his 200th career appearance.Leeds, meanwhile, welcome back full-back Lachie Miller after serving his three-match suspension. He replaces Fergus McCormack.Cameron Smith will mark his 200th career appearance in the Round 15 contest.Warrington Wolves: Josh Thewlis, Matty Ashton, Arron Lindop, Josh Smith, Albert Hopoate, Leon Hayes, Ewan Irwin, Luke Thomas, Danny Walker, Liam Byrne, James Harrison, James Bentley, Ben Currie.Bench: Sam Powell, Toafofoa Sipley, Jordy Crowther, Kelepi Tanginoa.Leeds Rhinos: Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Maika Sivo, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Danny Levi, Keenan Palasia, Chris Hankinson, James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins.Bench: Cooper Jenkins, Jarrod O’Connor, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell.









