A number of homes had to be evacuated while eight crews dealt with a field fire.It broke out on the edge of Croxley Green, near Watford, at about 12:30 BST.The blaze spread to neighbouring fields and woodland, and residents in Little Green Lane were asked to leave their homes as a precaution.Greg Duke, the area commander for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the flames “spread rapidly” and were heading towards homes, but crews “worked hard to protect these properties and were able to successfully contain the fire”.A water bowser, a nebula misting system and a drone were also deployed to the blaze, which is now under control.
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Croxley Green homes evacuated after field fire spreads
GALLERY: Northants Steelbacks supporters having a Blast at Finals Day at Edgbaston
The showpiece event is being played in mid-summer instead of September as it has been for many years, and the sun shone in Birmingham.Hundreds of Northants fans made the short trip to the second city to back Darren Lehmann and his team, and they were rewarded with a 17-run win over Somerset in the semi-final.Chris Lynn top-scored with 39 as the Steelbacks were bowled out for 143, but then David Willey and Ben Sanderson both claimed three wickets as the west country side were restricted to 126 for nine in reply.The win means the Steelbacks will play Hampshire Hawks in the final, which is scheduled to start at 6.45pm.Photographer Peter Short was on hand to capture the Shoe Army enjoying their day out.See the Chron sport section for the report and reaction to the win over Somerset. 1. In the pink…The Steelbacks supporters enjoying the sunshine and their team’s semi-final win over Somerset at Edgbaston (Picture: Peter Short) Photo: Peter Short2. Getting their voices heardThe Steelbacks supporters enjoying the sunshine and their team’s semi-final win over Somerset at Edgbaston (Picture: Peter Short) Photo: Peter Short3. Back to blackThe Steelbacks supporters enjoying the sunshine and their team’s semi-final win over Somerset at Edgbaston (Picture: Peter Short) Photo: Peter Short4. Wendell’s in the houseThe Steelbacks supporters enjoying the sunshine and their team’s semi-final win over Somerset at Edgbaston (Picture: Peter Short) Photo: Peter Short
10 of the best places to get ice cream in Cambridgeshire
The county punches above its weight, with artisan gelato parlours, creative dessert cafés and family‑friendly chains.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of the 10 best places to get ice cream in Cambridgeshire:
1. Heavenly Desserts, Peterborough
Visitors rave about Heavenly Desserts’ beautifully presented waffles, cookie dough and gelato, repeatedly calling the ice cream “delicious” and portions generous.
Diners like the wide choice of sundaes, modern interior and attentive service, making it a favourite for post‑dinner treats and special occasions in the city centre.
Based in Peterborough, it currently boasts a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from more than 3,190 reviews on Google.
2. Jack’s Gelato, Cambridge
This iconic ice cream shop is a local favourite in Cambridge city centre, beloved by residents and visitors alike.
The location boasts beautiful ice creams and sorbets, which the shop describes as “local, fresh, mostly organic and always delicious”.
Located on Bene’t Street in Cambridge, visitors can enjoy unique flavours including Milk & Cookies, Coconut Ube and Coffee, Cardamom & Banana alongside classic picks like strawberry and vanilla.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 200 TripAdvisor reviews.
3. Kaspa’s, Peterborough
Visitors note that Kaspa’s serves consistently good ice cream and thick shakes, with waffles frequently described as “amazing” and great value.
Guests like the fast service, lively atmosphere and extensive menu, making it a crowd‑pleaser for groups looking for over‑the‑top sundaes and loaded desserts.
Based in Peterborough, it currently boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based off more than 3,250 Google reviews.
4. Bohemia, St Neots
Bohemia’s dessert menu earns repeated praise, especially its waffles and sweet plates that often come with ice cream.
Based in St Neots, Diners highlight generous portions, well‑balanced flavours and a stylish, cosy setting.
Many Tripadvisor‑style reviews call it a brilliant place to linger over coffee and pudding after tapas or brunch.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 932 Google reviews.
5. Hadi’s Gelato, Ely
Reviewers repeatedly describe Hadi’s gelato as “light, creamy and so flavourful”, with Italian‑style scoops made fresh in small batches.
Feedback highlights generous portions, good value and fun flavours like mango and Belgian chocolate, making this a much‑loved stop near Ely’s centre on sunny days.
Located in Ely, it currently boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based off more than 100 Google reviews.
6. Louie’s Desserts, Wisbech
Louie’s is a dessert shop and ice cream parlour that also sells milkshakes, cookie dough, waffles and doughnuts.
Reviewers note the excellent milkshakes, and customers can get a second shake half price when they buy one in a “Thirsty Thursday” offer.
Based in Wisbech, it currently boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 700 FoodHub reviews.
7. Cherry Hill Chocolates, Ely
At Cherry Hill Chocolates, in Ely, visitors highlight artisan chocolates alongside rich gelato and chocolate ice cream.
Reviews mention friendly, knowledgeable staff, a tempting cabinet of flavours and the pleasure of strolling out with a cone or tub after browsing the compact but well‑stocked Fore Hill shop.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 50 Google reviews.
8. Sophie’s Afternoon Tea & Cakes, Ely
Reviews praise Sophie’s for indulgent homemade cakes, sundaes and iced coffees, with many noting desserts are sweet but “not too sweet”.
Guests enjoy the cosy tea room setting, welcoming service and the option to pair traditional afternoon tea with a scoop or two of ice cream on warmer days.
Located in Ely, it currently boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 140 Google reviews.
9. Sunshine Café, Whittlesey
Visitors love Sunshine Café’s old‑school banana splits and classic sundaes, often mentioning “lovely” ice‑cream‑topped puddings.
It’s praised as a friendly, good‑value spot where generous portions, proper café comfort food and traditional desserts make it a favourite with locals in Whittlesey town centre.
Based in Whittlesey, it currently boasts a rating of 4.3 out 5 stars based off more than 440 Google reviews.
10. Hunts Desserts, Huntingdon
Hunts Desserts is frequently praised for fresh, made‑to‑order waffles, cookie dough and shakes piled high with ice cream.
Visitors like the wide choice of toppings and flavours for delivery or takeaway, describing it as a reliable evening fix when you want indulgent, American‑style desserts in Huntingdon
Located in Huntingdon, it currently boasts a rating of 4.3 out 5 stars based off more than 90 Google reviews.
Mystery Shea Charles update spotted this evening as Leeds United await progress
Leeds United are in ongoing discussions to sign Shea Charles from Southampton, who has been mysteriously left out of their squad tonight.
The 49ers have masterminded two seriously impressive signings already in Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic joining.
Up next, a goalkeeper, depth in certain areas, and possibly some progress on Shea Charles are the deals to look out for.
Shea Charles left out of Southampton’s pre-season squad as Leeds United talks ‘ongoing’
It’s been a long saga so far for Leeds’ talks to sign Charles from Southampton. The latest from Graham Smyth is that it’s an ever-ongoing process.
Leeds’ most recent bid, supposedly knocked back, amounted to £23million plus add-ons, looked to be edging the Whites closer to a compromise.
However, the speed at which Muharemovic was agreed is in stark contrast to the snail pace talks with the EFL club. Understandably, it’s leaving fans itching for a conclusive update.
Well, Charles has mysteriously been left out of Southampton’s pre-season squad tonight. The Saints face Eastleigh in their first friendly of the summer, and have named an otherwise very strong lineup:
The Echo’s Alfie House notes an obvious possibility that Charles could be left out due to fitness. He only returned to pre-season this week.
New signing Lewis Dobbin is straight into action, though, joining Southampton this week. That’s around a similar time that Charles returned to pre-season training.
Leeds United need to step up transfer intent – Shea Charles and James Trafford would be incredible
If Leeds can continue in the same vein as Muharemovic and Wilson, we could be in for a superb season ahead.
That means striking an agreement to sign Charles from Southampton. There could be a multitude of reasons for Charles not being present this evening, as appears the case. But, it’s certainly an intriguing development.
Leeds will want this deal done after Southampton digging their heels in for a month. His absence could (and I stress ‘could’) be a major hint that we’re making progress towards a deal.
Conversely, it could be easily explained as Charles not being ready for minutes on the pitch. Daniel Peretz, Aaron Ramsdale, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ryan Manning, Finn Azaz, and Cameron Archer (among plenty of others) are also missing.
After that, if James Trafford is the goalkeeper we end up signing to replace Karl Darlow, us Leeds fans could get carried away.
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Pepe’s Piri Piri wants 2.30am licence for North Staffordshire takeaway
Hospitality chain Pepe’s Piri Piri wants a 2.30am weekend licence. The branch opened on Newcastle-under-Lyme High Street last month and is the fast-food chain’s 255th UK outlet.Now it has lodged a premises licence application to open until 2.30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It also wants to open until 1am during the rest of the week.Newcastle Borough Council is consulting residents and businesses until Wednesday 5 August.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTo view the application call the council on 01782 717717 to make an appointment. To comment on the application, email here.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free
Disney Store CANCELS Popular Pre-Sale Due To Unexpected Crowd Problems | the disney food blog
Lorcana is a super popular Disney-themed trading card game. Your favorite Disney heroes and villains are being attacked, and it’s up to you to save them! The game features iconic Disney characters like Mickey and Friends and princesses, but has expanded to include recent hits like Monsters, Inc. and Turning Red.
We love Lorcana!
But Lorcana is so popular that it’s causing chaos at in-person events. The Lorcana pre-release at Disney Springs yesterday was so popular that the police were called in for crowd control, and the hours-long line was so long that we saw someone ordering DoorDash to keep their spot. But somehow, the Lorcana pre-release in London, England, yesterday was even MORE crowded!The Disney Store on Oxford Street in London is the only Disney Store in England, so with a rare Lorcana drop, crowds were expected. But what Disney wasn’t prepared for? A line to start forming at 5 PM the night before the store opened at 9 AM! About 600 people were in the line by the store’s opening, according to The Standard, which snaked for almost half a mile.
© @itsamecooper via The Standard
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the situation escalated early Friday morning when large groups of scalpers stormed the queue, pushing and shoving to get to the front. Scalpers, people who buy high-profit items for resale, have been targeting Lorcana recently. Popular and rare editions of Disney’s Lorcana cards retail for £100 at the Disney Store, but are already being sold on eBay for £650.
Lorcana cards
One Lorcana fan there told The Standard that a group of at least 100 scalpers “descended” on the queue, coming in from all sides as they pushed to get to the front. “They were obviously fighting between themselves. One was trying to get in through the front of the Disney Store. Another had stolen the tickets [from Disney Store staff] and was handing them out to his friends,” she said. “It was quite frightening. It was chaos. Any order was completely gone. They ruined what could have been an amazing experience.”
© @itsmecooper
Tickets for the pre-release were scheduled to be distributed at 7 AM, with the store opening at 9 AM. But after the chaos caused by the scalpers, Disney canceled the Lorcana event via a Facebook post. The Lorcana pre-release would no longer take place, and the Disney Store had a delayed opening later that morning.
©Disney
The statement read: “The safety of our Guests, Cast Members and the local community is always our highest priority, and following the disruption outside the Oxford Street store overnight, we made the decision, alongside local authorities, to open later than usual this morning. As a result, today’s planned in-store release of the Disney Lorcana Curator’s Collection: Heroines Edition will no longer take place. We know how disappointing this is for our fans, and we sincerely apologise to those affected. We are working internally to review the process for future in-store launches.”
©Disney
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on future Lorcana events. After the high demand this weekend, our team of Disney experts is confident that the process will change soon. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney news!
The Longest Line In Disney World Today Isn’t Where You Think!WE KNOW DISNEY.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Do you play Lorcana? What do you think of these crowds? Comment below!
Zandile Tshuma’s Family Reveals Burial Plans As They Await UK Decision
Zandile Tshuma’s Parents Share Their Final Wish For Daughter And Granddaughters
The family of the late Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters has revealed its wish to bury the trio in Zimbabwe as they wait for UK authorities to decide when their bodies can be released for repatriation. While no funeral date has been set, relatives say bringing them home would give the family the closure it has been seeking since the tragedy.
Zandile Tshuma’s Family Awaits UK Repatriation Process
According to The Chronicle, the family is still waiting for the legal and administrative processes in the United Kingdom to be completed before funeral arrangements can move forward.
Speaking to B-Metro, Zandile’s uncle, Mr Leon Leroy Khumalo, said it was still too early to confirm what would happen next.
“At the moment I cannot give you a full view of what is going to happen since the bodies of our loved ones are still in the UK.”
He explained that the family was waiting for guidance from UK authorities before making any firm plans.
“Once we get further information, we will know whether they will be released early to us so that we can start working on the funeral proceedings.”
Mr Khumalo said relatives had already begun seeking quotations for funeral services in both Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, although everything depended on the outcome of the official processes.
“We don’t know exactly when the bodies will be released by the coroner and when they will be handed over to the funeral parlour to start preparing the repatriation of the three bodies, if that is going to happen.”
Parents Hope To Lay Daughter And Granddaughters To Rest In Zimbabwe
Mr Khumalo said Zandile’s parents remained determined to have their daughter and granddaughters buried in Zimbabwe.
“The parents are really keen that the remains of their loved ones lie in this country so that they can have closure of this whole episode.”
According to The Chronicle, the family will announce the funeral programme once the repatriation process has been completed and the bodies have been released.
Family Appeals For Continued Prayers
Mr Khumalo also thanked Zimbabweans at home and abroad for their support during the family’s difficult period, saying the messages of sympathy had given relatives strength.
As of 18 July 2026, no burial date had been announced because the family was still awaiting the outcome of the UK legal process.
The family’s immediate focus remains on bringing Zandile Tshuma and her daughters home. Once the necessary approvals have been granted, relatives hope to give them a final resting place in Zimbabwe and begin the process of healing.
Persimmon Homes North Midlands welcomes new construction director – Insider Media
Richard Flamson (image credit: Persimmon Homes North Midlands)
Persimmon Homes North Midlands has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new construction director.
Richard Flamson joins Persimmon Homes from Vistry, where he also served as construction director, bringing more than 25 years of experience in housebuilding and construction.
He has built his career through a range of operational roles, progressing from site manager to construction manager before moving into senior leadership positions.
Flamson said: “I am delighted to be joining Persimmon Homes North Midlands and look forward to working with the team to build on the region’s strong performance.
“I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of the business and help maintain the highest standards of quality, safety and customer service as we deliver much-needed new homes and support the communities we build in.”
Charlotte Goode, managing director North Midlands, added: “We are pleased to welcome Richard to the North Midlands business. He brings a wealth of experience from across the housebuilding sector and a strong operational background that will be invaluable as we continue delivering high-quality homes across the region.”
Reorganising Cambridgeshire’s councils – what’s going on?
After 18 months of negotiations, redrawn maps and rigorous debates, this week should have marked the beginning of the end for the reorganisation of local government in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.But when Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, made his announcements for other English councils, his response for the area was – no decision.He stated that “more time is needed to get the decision right.”It’s left council leaders baffled, MPs angry and lots of unanswered questions.Why are councils being re-organised?In December 2024 the government said unitary authorities would replace the current two tier system and would run services currently provided by county, city and district councils.It said this would save money and remove confusion for residents who often don’t know which council is responsible for which service.Cambridgeshire currently has a two-tier system, with a County Council and five district councils.Peterborough already operates as a single unitary authority. However the original plans said new authorities had to have around 500,000 residents to be financially sustainable. The population of Peterborough is less than half that.East Cambridgeshire District Council leader Anna Bailey said the delay will make it harder to achieve a proper and safe transition by April 2028. [BBC]What were the options?Four options were put forward for the government to consider. All proposed two or three unitary authorities.A public consultation also took place.Different councils backed different options.Huntingdonshire preferred an option where they would form one unitary.Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire wanted an option that would see them form one joint council.Peterborough preferred an option where parts of Huntingdonshire would combine with the city.The County Council wanted two councils, splitting the county in two.Why are council leaders worried about the delay?County Council leader Lucy Nethsingha said council workers ‘need clarity’ on their future [Phil Shepka/BBC]Despite the delayed announcement the government has said Cambridgeshire and Peterborough must still hold shadow elections in 2027 and have new councils operational by April 2028.The Conservative leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Anna Bailey, said this will put strain on staff, who can’t start the process of preparing for a transfer of services and will make it harder to achieve a proper and safe transition by April 2028.Lucy Nethsingha, the Liberal Democrat leader of Cambridgeshire County Council said she has ‘major concerns’ about the delays and added: “Council workers deserve clarity about the future.”Cambridgeshire County Council is responsible for highway repairs [Laura Foster/BBC]What will it mean for council tax and services?Council leaders said services will continue as normal and residents won’t notice a change. Bins will still be collected, social care will continue and highways will still be repaired.However some longer term plans are already being delayed. Cambridgeshire County Council didn’t procure a new highways contract because of the re-organisation plans.Changes to council tax haven’t been confirmed. However different councils currently charge different rates and it’s not known whether the rates would be equalised as councils merge.Peterborough residents pay the cheapest council tax, £1,836.72 per year for a Band D property.A resident in the same band in Huntingdonshire pays £1,956.28 to the county and district councils.For Cambridge City residents that figure is £2,024.49. These figures don’t include other council tax elements such as those paid to the police and fire service.When will the decision be made?Steve Reed said the decision will come “as soon as possible.” A later statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it would be ‘by October.’The times will be very tight as parliament returns from its summer recess on 1 September for just two weeks. There is then another four-week recess for the party conference season. MPs then return on 12 October.Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.More on this storyRelated internet links
Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos – Brad Arthur recalls moment he knew he could transform fallen Super League heavyweights
Brad Arthur’s first impressions of Leeds Rhinos were hardly encouraging.Cold, jet-lagged and watching his new side trail 24-4 at Warrington Wolves, the Australian was left wondering what he had signed up for.What followed convinced him that the Rhinos were a club worth investing in.”I can remember the first day I got here at Warrington,” said Arthur ahead of the second anniversary of his first game in charge.”I’d just got off the plane. I was cold, I was tired and we weren’t that great in the first half. I was wondering what I’d got myself in for.”But I saw plenty of fight and courage in the team in the second half. That was enough for me to know there was more than enough to work with.”I asked a lot of questions and everyone I spoke to wanted higher standards and expectations and to be held more accountable.”It’s easy to say that and harder to deliver on it. It takes a lot of hard work, tough love and cuddling at times. Everyone’s response has been pleasantly enjoyable and surprising.Brad Arthur pictured at Warrington shortly after his arrival in July 2024. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)”The bit I’ve really enjoyed is being at a club that just wanted to do better.”Two years on, Leeds have gone from play-off outsiders to League Leaders’ Shield favourites under Arthur’s guidance.The eight-time champions hold a two-point advantage at the top of Super League with mouthwatering games against Wakefield Trinity, Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors still to come.Arthur, however, is refusing to look beyond Sunday’s West Yorkshire derby at Castleford Tigers.The Rhinos are the team to beat in Super League right now. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)”I’m only really worried about the road to Castleford,” he insisted.”We’ve got a few home games and a few away games. We’ve changed a few things for away games that seem to be working at the moment. We’ll continue to go down that path and we enjoy playing at home so we’ve got a good balance of games left.”But nine games is still a long way. Things can chop and change in the table really quickly. We’re aware of that, without having to talk about it.”Our focus is just on being a reliable team on a weekly basis. We’re doing that at the minute but you only need one week of not being reliable and you can start to have question marks.Leeds beat Castleford comfortably in March. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)”Castleford will throw everything into it.”While Leeds have built their title challenge on consistency, the Tigers have struggled to produce it from one week to the next.Castleford have mixed statement wins over Wigan and St Helens with a string of heavy defeats, among them those to Warrington and the Hull clubs.If ever there were an occasion for Castleford to show their best side, this is it.”Leeds are the benchmark,” acknowledged Carr. “There’s no better way to test yourself than against the team coming first so I’m excited.”They compete really hard, work hard for each other and come at you for the full 80. They definitely don’t take a play off and that’s why they are where they are on the table.Castleford are set for their biggest crowd of the season. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)”They’ve got strike, they’ve got power and a good balance in everything they’re doing at the moment.”We’re at home. It’ll be a bumper crowd here and an unreal atmosphere. We’ll get good weather and it’ll be a good day.”It’s what you play for. It’s what you’re here for.”There have been more bad days than good during Carr’s first season in charge, leaving the Tigers chasing promoted trio Toulouse Olympique, York Knights and Bradford Bulls with a third of the campaign remaining.But with more high-profile signings on the way and steady progress behind the scenes, there is growing optimism about the club’s long-term prospects.A date with the Rhinos in front of a packed house at Wheldon Road could provide a window into Castleford’s future.”That’s our vision,” said Carr, who has this week added Robbie Mulhern, Alfie Johnson and Tyrell Sloan to his new-look squad for 2027. “That’s our goal as a club – from board level down to playing level – and where we need to get to.”We’ve got a passionate rugby league community here in Cas. We’re a one-club town and have to make sure that our fans are proud to come and watch us play and support us.”That’s our job – to play well and make that happen. It’s definitely something we want to try and make a common thing for us moving forward.”
