Lewis said the success of the digs had made her excited for more later this year.”We’ve got a little bit of a grip on Newtown Linford, so going to Stanton-Under-Bardon, we’ll be able to compare the results.”And then in July, we’re going to be doing the same thing again at Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eves, which I think will be the biggest of all of them.”Jan Croft, 73, who volunteered her garden for the digs in Newtown Linford, said she had fun taking part.”I wasn’t worried about them digging up my garden,” she said.”The badger often comes and it’s practically turfed the whole of the garden over before. Within three months, it’s fine.”
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Newton Linford garden digs reveal 6,000-year-old artefact and “much more”
Locals say village ‘back of the queue’ as polls set to open in local elections
Some locals feel their village is ‘left behind’ by a district councilPaul Whitcombe, from Cottenham(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)Cottenham locals say their village is at the “back of the queue” in local politics, ahead of elections this week. People across Cambridgeshire, including South Cambridgeshire, will cast their vote in local elections on Thursday (May 7).Several Cottenham residents have shared what they’d like to see from those elected to South Cambridgeshire District Council. All seats are up for re-election across the district council. You can see a full list of candidates here.Paul Whitcombe would like to see more of a focus placed on the village, as he feels that Cottenham is treated as being at the “back of the queue”. He added: “I think Cottenham is not well-served by South Cambridgeshire. It’s frustrating.”Paul would also like to see more work done on the village roads. He said: “More needs to be done for the potholes. To give you an idea, I had to get a new tyre because I hit a pothole. You can’t talk to the district council about it because it’s a highway issue.”Paul also feels it’s “difficult” to navigate local government in Cambridgeshire as a whole. He added: “We have an elected mayor, we have a combined authority, we have several district councils and we have a county council. This is a county of around 700,000 people, and we have so much governance.”Cottenham in Cambridgeshire(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)From those elected, Paul also wants to see improvements to village broadband, transport, and access to green spaces. He added: “There are no benefits to the guided busway. We have a declining bus service. It’s also hard to get to the countryside. There is one place called Les King Wood.“You need to drive to get to it. Also with the broadband, I used to have Virgin but that was too expensive. I then went to BT. I’m right in the centre of the village, but the broadband is patchy. There is an absence of speed. There is a sense the village is back of the queue when it comes to things like this.”One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, similarly said that she feels the village is “forgotten about”. She added: “For any problem there is, it feels like we are always last for sorting things like potholes. I know that is a problem everywhere, but it feels like it takes ages for one small pothole to be filled.”The woman also feels broadband is a problem. She added: “The broadband in the area needs sorting. We have been promised faster, but we still don’t have top speeds. I just want to see more of a focus on the village and for it to not be left behind.”Other villagers would also like to see elected district councillors push the county council to improve Cottenham’s roads. Adam McDermott said: “The roads have bumps everywhere. I hate driving down some roads because I worry my tyre is going to pop.“It would just be nice for those elected to do more for the village. It feels like sometimes we are missing out or are the last to get benefits.”
Tributes after teen killed by falling tree
The tree fell on the teenager on Holmcroft Road in StaffordA teenage boy has died after being hit by a falling tree.Paramedics, police and an air ambulance were called to Holmcroft Road in Stafford shortly after 18:30 BST on Saturday.In a social media post, Staffordshire Police said: “Tragically, nothing could be done to save the boy. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 19:30.”The force added that the boy’s family had been informed.Police said a cordon had been put in place and would remain while they completed their inquiries at the site, which is between Holmcroft Playing Field and the Stafford North End Community Centre.Several bunches of flowers were left at the scene on Sunday, following the death.Tributes were left at the sceneSt Bertelin’s Church Stafford said it remained open for people after its morning service on Sunday following the boy’s death.In its Facebook post, the church also said it would be open for anyone who wanted to light a candle for the boy or to leave flowers.Ribbons were also being tied to a wooden cross at the side of the church.Tributes were posted on Facebook with the teenager described as “a lovely polite gentle soul” by one writer and another saying they were “heartbroken” at what had happened.Stafford Rangers FC described the death as “heartbreaking”.”Everyone at the club sends their thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time,” they added.A post on the Stafford & District Sunday Football League Facebook group said all of their matches on Sunday would hold a one-minute silence before kick-off.Football 4 Macclesfield, which organised a tournament at Macclesfield FC on Sunday, said a minute’s silence was held in memory of “a young life taken far too soon”.They added: “As a football community, moments like this remind us that the game is about far more than competition — it is about people, friendships, and the bonds we share.”They said that the minute’s silence “was a small mark of respect, but it was observed with great sincerity and unity. He will not be forgotten”.Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related internet links
Liverpool and Slot given clear warning as Champions League worry emerges
Liverpool still have work to do to secure Champions League qualification and there is good reason it is far from guaranteed12:27, 05 May 2026Updated 23:26, 05 May 2026Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)And then there were three. With 35 of 38 Premier League games played, now only a trio of clubs outside the top five can threaten the Reds securing Champions League qualification for a third successive season.Manchester City’s late equaliser at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening may probably not be enough to stop the league title heading to Arsenal for the first time in almost a quarter-of-a-century, but it was sufficient to ensure Everton can no longer catch their cross-city neighbours.Earlier in the day, a woeful Chelsea performance saw them slump 3-1 at home to what in effect was Nottingham Forest’s reserve team and meant they also cannot finish any higher than sixth.READ MORE: Curtis Jones could hand Liverpool potential transfer issue they cannot ignoreREAD MORE: Liverpool owner John Henry sends strong FSG message – ‘don’t settle for mediocrity’And with Fulham and Sunderland also failing to win, the pool of teams to which Liverpool will occasionally be looking over their shoulder diminished significantly over the weekend.Of course, with Aston Villa also losing – dismally at home to relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur – Liverpool remain ahead of the Midlanders in fourth place on goal difference.With the top five qualifying for the Champions League next season, both the Reds and Villa have a six-point buffer to Bournemouth, who are a point ahead of Brentford with Brighton a further one adrift.It means Arne Slot’s side need four points to be mathematically sure of a top-five berth although acquiring three points would leave Bournemouth needing to overturn a goal difference deficit of nine over the final three games to deny Liverpool.Only four times in Premier League history have the Reds taken fewer than the latter tally over the final three games, the most recent of which was last season when only two points were taken with the title having already been won.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook pageThere was a similar return in 2006/07 with Liverpool concentrating on a forthcoming Champions League final date with AC Milan, while only one point was accrued in the dismal finales to the 2014/15 and 1999/2000 campaigns.That season at the turn of the millennium should act as a warning to the Reds. They went into the final three games in a Champions League qualification berth but a home defeat to Leicester City, a goalless Anfield stalemate with Southampton and, on the final day, a 1-0 loss at Bradford City which kept the Yorkshire team up was sufficient to see Liverpool usurped by Leeds United.A late-season slump, then, is very much not beyond the realms of possibility, even if the Reds very much have their destiny in their own hands.The remaining games, though, are not straightforward. Chelsea, surely due a change of fortune after six successive defeats, are at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime, before a clash at Villa that could easily determine the fate of both teams. Brentford are then the visitors on the final day.So, what of the others? Brighton would appear to have the easier fixtures with home games against Wolves and Manchester United sandwiching a trip to Leeds United, although anything less than three wins would render their top-five challenge redundant.Brentford could see their hopes end at title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday before they entertain Crystal Palace ahead of their Anfield trip, while Bournemouth also face City but at home, either side of trips to Europe-chasing Fulham and lowly but in-form Forest.Slot was right at the weekend to determine the job isn’t done yet. But while Liverpool are firm favourites to finish in the top-five, the trend of this season has been if there is a pothole in the road, the Reds have shown unerring regularity in finding it. Three to go.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust appoints chief executive
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust appoints chief executive
Pippa Nightingale has been appointed chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Pippa Nightingale (c) London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Nightingale, who will join the trust in August 2026, is currently chief executive of London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.
David Harrison, chair of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Pippa is an outstanding and values‑driven leader who joins us at a pivotal moment in Bedfordshire and Luton. With major developments such as East West Rail, the new town at Tempsford and the arrival of Universal Studios, this is an exciting time for our communities and our trust.
‘Pippa brings the experience, ambition and collaborative approach needed to lead Bedfordshire Hospitals confidently into the future. She will be joining an already high‑performing executive.’
Nightingale said: ‘I am delighted to be joining Bedfordshire Hospitals. The trust has strong foundations and a clear commitment to delivering outstanding care. I look forward to working with staff, partners and our communities as we respond to the opportunities and challenges ahead.’
Current chief executive David Carter is stepping down on 8 May. Cathy Jones, deputy chief executive, will act as interim executive until Nightingale takes up the role.
Arsenal Extend Premier League Lead Amid Title Race Tensions – SSBCrack News
Arsenal has firmly established its dominance in the Premier League title race, following an impressive 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday. This win has propelled Mikel Arteta’s squad to a six-point lead at the top of the table. However, while the Gunners appear to be in a strong position, the reality is more complex. Manchester City, currently two matches behind after catching up in terms of games played, could potentially close the gap quickly, keeping the tension high as the season progresses.
The stakes are high for both teams as the season approaches its climax. The Opta supercomputer has provided intriguing predictions, indicating that the title race remains fiercely competitive. As of now, Arsenal sits at the top with 76 points, projecting to finish with an expected 82.2 points, giving them a 79.7% chance of clinching the title. Conversely, Manchester City, at 70 points with an expected points total of 79.3, holds a slimmer 20.3% chance to reclaim the title.
City’s next matches include an away game against Everton, followed by a home fixture against Brentford, just a day before Arsenal’s next outing. Should City win both matches, the proximity of their scores could significantly shift the narrative ahead of their next clash.
In the race for Champions League qualification, Manchester United is well-positioned, needing just a victory over Liverpool to secure their spot in next season’s tournament. They boast a robust 100% chance of qualifying according to predictions. Aston Villa and Liverpool are closely matched, separated by a mere fraction of a point, with similar stakes on the horizon. While Villa aims to secure at least fifth position, they also have the Europa League to compete for, which could open a backdoor entry into the Champions League for the sixth-placed team.
The relegation battle is heating up, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley already confirmed to drop down to the Championship. Tottenham Hotspur currently finds itself in a precarious position, expected to face relegation unless they can secure crucial points in their next matches. West Ham’s recent loss to Brentford has left them in a vulnerable spot as well, aware that their fate hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest is inching closer to safety, aiming to escape the relegation struggle and prepare for the next season. As the title race and relegation battle intensifies, fans and players alike are bracing for a thrilling end to the Premier League season.No fireworks for Leicester’s Diwali as stage show set to return
The council said the return of activities to the park would also reduce congestion on the nearby Belgrave and Melton Roads, which are the focus of the celebrations.The authority said the Wheel of Light would be on Belgrave Road, and rangoli artworks would be on display in Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre.It added Leicester’s Diwali lights would be switched on without ceremony two weeks before the celebrations.Graham Callister, head of festivals, events and cultural policy at the council, said SAG had given its “in principle approval” to the proposals – subject to the submission of a formal event management plan.Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “Diwali will always be a huge part of Leicester’s cultural calendar, and I am delighted that we’ve been able to safely develop this year’s event.”Reintroducing activity on to Cossington Park will allow us to bring back some of the most popular elements of the celebrations, and safely welcome the many people who want to join in Leicester’s celebrations.”The council said full details of the celebrations would be publicised later in the year.
Former Littleport soldier Paul Page jailed over weapons stash
Even though Page said he kept the stash under lock and key, Marks said the property was in a residential area and potentially within reach of children if he was not “100% vigilant”.Had the shed been burgled and the items got into the wrong hands, “the consequences could have been very serious”, the judge added.During police interviews, Page denied holding an extreme right-wing mindset, despite having an email address which referenced numbers associated with Adolf Hitler and a tattoo linked to white supremacy, police said.Page had pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a document or record likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.He also admitted two counts of possessing an explosive substance, four counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate, two counts related to the possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of prohibited ammunition and possession of ammunition without a certificate.Page had also been convicted of child abuse in the US in 2006.
Murder investigation live – man dies after ‘fight’ as dog stabbed
Staffordshire Police has confirmed three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the tragic discovery in Burntwood.Police were called to a property in Hazel Grove shortly before 9am on Tuesday (May 5) wirth ambulance crews called shortly after 9am.They found a man with significant injuries and despite the efforts of medics he could not be saved.Police officers have arrested two men, aged 32 and 27, and a woman, aged 33, on suspicion of murder.Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and the force is appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward on this link, by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd chase West Ham star, Liverpool and Arsenal tussle over Barcola
May 5th©IMAGO
The January transfer window is now little more than a dot in the rearview mirror and as such European football has got back to the business of winning games and challenging for as much silverware and success as possible between now and the end of the season. However, as all football fans know, the rumour mill never truly sleeps and while the summer transfer window may be many months away, there are still plenty of top stories to dig into in the meantime.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer storiesRumour
M. Fernandes
Central Midfield
West Ham
?
Man Utd
Premier League
Premier League
Fresh reports in England suggest that Manchester United have turned their attention towards West Ham talent Mateus Fernandes. If the Hammers are relegated from the Premier League they may reportedly be forced to sell the central midfielder.
Rumour
B. Barcola
Left Winger
PSG
?
Liverpool
Ligue 1
Premier League
Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola could be on the move this summer as he goes in search or more minutes and that may lead him to the Premier League. New reports suggest that Liverpool and Arsenal are both keen on signing the Parisian winger.
Rumour
J. Ordóñez
Centre-Back
Club Brugge
?
Chelsea
Jupiler Pro League
Premier League
Chelsea’s clear need for new defenders could see the club make another move for Club Brugge talent Joel Ordóñez, who the club were previously linked with last year.
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