A new car park was at risk of becoming a park-and-ride site for visitors to a planned Universal Studios resort, a councillor warned.Conservative councillor for Cranfield and Marston Moretaine, Sue Clark, raised concerns about plans for a two-storey, 490-space car park next to a new East West Rail station in Lidlington, Bedfordshire.She warned theme park visitors could end up using the car park because the “ideal station” for a park-and-ride at Ridgmont would not yet be completed.East West Rail said Lidlington would be “a railway station for local rail users” and there were no plans for it to be promoted as a place for Universal visitors to park.In a social media post, Clark said residents at a recent consultation event had been told the Lidlington car park could be used by people visiting Universal Studios.The American entertainment giant intends to build a resort at Kempston Hardwick near Bedford.She added the proposed Ridgmont station, near junction 13 of the M1, depended on about 3,000 new homes being approved at Aspley Guise, but these were not currently allocated in Central Bedfordshire Council’s (CBC) local plan.The new theme park is expected to attract more than eight million visitors a year [Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast]Clark warned pressure on Lidlington would increase and the village risked becoming “collateral damage” if the station did not go ahead, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.In a statement, East West Rail said: “We understand the concerns people have about parking and traffic impacts across the Marston Vale.”We want to be clear that Lidlington isn’t being designed or promoted as a park‑and‑ride, but as a station for local rail users.”Plans for stations and parking along the route, including at Ridgmont, are still being developed.”We continue to work closely with CBC and other partners to ensure that when stations open, parking provision is balanced and appropriate across the network.”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.More on this storyRelated internet links
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Rail parking fears over future UK Universal resort
EMAS stands down critical incident but asks for public to support recovery | West Bridgford Wire
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has stood down the business continuity incident declared on Thursday 28 May.The incident was declared following sustained pressure on services across the region, including a significant increase in demand for emergency care.On Tuesday 26 May, EMAS handled more than 4,500 emergency 999 calls, one of the busiest days experienced outside of winter. A spokesperson for the Trust said:‘While the business continuity incident has been stood down, we know the pressures experienced over the past week remain.’- Advertisement -‘Our focus now is on recovery – improving response times and reducing the waits patients have experienced across our communities, while continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents.‘This will be supported by continued senior oversight and co-ordination over the coming weeks.‘We would like to thank our staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly during this period to continue supporting patients across the region, and our NHS partners for their continued support despite the significant pressures they are also facing.‘Members of the public are asked to continue supporting us during this period.‘999 should always be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.‘If your condition is not life-threatening, other NHS services may be able to help you more effectively, including:• NHS 111• Local pharmacies• Urgent Treatment Centres• Your GPChoosing the most appropriate service helps ensure ambulances are available for those who need them most.
Plans to turn listed pub in Ely into school staff room withdrawn
Bidwells said the current staff common room at King’s Ely was “located away from the main teaching block” and “under-utilised as many staff do not have the time to walk there and back in school breaks”.According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Joe Moor, who was campaigning to save the pub, called it a “very significant moment for The Fountain and for Ely”.The 41-year-old said: “Hundreds of people spoke up because The Fountain is not simply an old building but a nearly 200-year-old Grade II listed pub with real heritage and community value.”We are hugely grateful to everyone who supported the campaign, and pleased that King’s Ely has listened to the strength of feeling within the community.”At the same time, important questions remain about what happens next, including whether any revised proposals may emerge in future.”King’s Ely has been contacted for comment.
Staffordshire Nurse Angelista Joins Love Island 2026 Lineup
Staffordshire nurse Angelista will join the upcoming 13th season of the dating reality show Love Island as an original contestant when the series premieres on Monday, June 1, 2026, according to Closer Online.The 24-year-old healthcare professional, who goes solely by her first name, will enter the villa alongside other newly announced cast members including Sean Fitzgerald, Ellie Chadwick, Lola Deal, and Samraj Toor.Before entering the villa, Angelista stated that her main objective for participating in the series is to establish a genuine romantic connection rather than engaging in reality television conflicts.
“Finding love is my goal,” revealed Angelista.
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Scroll To Continue with ContentThe Staffordshire native explained that she prefers to stay out of arguments, choosing instead to remain a passive observer of any house tension.”I’m not here for drama, I’m non-confrontational. It’s entertaining to watch from the sidelines, I just don’t want to be involved in it,” said Angelista.
Angelista also shared her specific turn-offs regarding potential partners, noting that she dislikes individuals who constantly seek public attention or display arrogant behavior.”Someone who wants to be in everyone’s face all the time,” confessed Angelista.She further clarified the specific traits that repel her when getting to know a romantic interest.
“centre of attention all the time, that’s an ick. Someone that’s obnoxious I don’t like,” said Angelista.
Organisers insist festival will go ahead despite losing venue
It was announced last night that next month’s Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival can no longer be held in Newsham ParkCrowds at the Feis Irish music festival at the Pier Head in 2018(Image: Liverpool Echo)The organisers of an Irish music festival in Liverpool have insisted the event will still go ahead despite a change of location. 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 previously reported that the festival would return this year in the new setting of Newsham Park in Tuebrook. Taking place on Friday June 5 and Saturday June 6, organisers said it would keep the same community feel as before but on a bigger scale.The event promises to celebrate Liverpool’s strong Irish heritage, with more than 75% of the city’s population believed to be of Irish descent. Headliners include country singer Nathan Carter and Irish folk-rock band The Whistlin’ Donkeys.Earlier this month, the festival’s directors secured the right to set up a special area for VIPs with extended hours, despite Merseyside Police opposing the move.However, at around 5.30pm last night (Thursday, May 28), organisers announced the festival would no longer take place at Newsham Park but 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.The festival was due to take place in Newsham Park(Image: Liverpool Echo)Officially known as the The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, this 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.The full statement, shared on The Fields of Éire Facebook and Instagram pages, said: “We are writing to inform you that Fields of Éire will no longer be taking place at Newsham Park.”Despite our team successfully securing the full premises licence for the site, Liverpool City Council has pulled our land use agreement at the final hour, citing security constraints under terrorism legislation (Martyn’s Law).”The event is 100% STILL GOING AHEAD. We refuse to let this stop the music. We have already secured an incredible, massive outdoor venue right here in Liverpool to ensure the festival continues exactly as planned.”We will be making the official announcement of our new home tomorrow morning. Keep your eyes on our page tomorrow for the full reveal, location details, and updated event information.”Thank you all so much for your massive support and understanding—we will see you all very soon!”The council said: “Liverpool City Council is advising people who are due to attend the Fields of Eire Irish Music Festival on 5 and 6 June 2026, that the event will not take place in Newsham Park as advertised.”Following extensive consideration with Safety Advisory Group (SAG) partners – which include Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service – Liverpool City Council, as the landowner of Newsham Park, is unable to issue a Land Use Agreement for the proposed event.”The Council and SAG members have had lengthy discussions with the event organiser, offering support and guidance to ensure that the event could go ahead safely and successfully, but unfortunately concerns raised have not been sufficiently addressed.”Liverpool City Council will only issue a Land Use Agreement where there is clear assurance that appropriate plans are in place to guarantee the safety of event attendees.”The Council and multi-agency SAG partners will not compromise on public safety and apply clear and consistent expectations to all event organisers to ensure events in the city are delivered safely and lawfully.”Ticket holders should contact the event organiser directly for more information.”
Body of man found in Bedfordshire lake
Detectives don’t believe there are any suspicious circumstances Author: Cameron GreenPublished 7 hours agoA man in his 50s has been found dead in lakes near Sandy, Bedfordshire.Emergency services were alerted at around 7am today to reports of a body in Manor Farm lakes, near the village of Stratford. Police, fire crews, and ambulance staff attended the scene. The man was pronounced dead upon arrival. His next of kin have been informed. While the death is being treated as unexplained, detectives confirm there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Trial will ban vehicles entering streets near Leicester school
The Labour-run council said road closure points would be introduced at the junction of The Avenue and Knighton Park Road, and the junctions of East Avenue and Central Avenue with Clarendon Park Road, to prohibit access to motor vehicles, except for those holding exemptions.The no-entry points will be marked with traffic cones and managed by traffic marshals, it said.No waiting restrictions will also be introduced on parts of Clarendon Park Road, between its junction with London Road and the zebra crossing close to the school gates, the council added.The authority said residents in the affected streets could apply for an exemption if they wanted to enter the area during the times of operation.Whittle added: “School streets mean cleaner air, less congestion and a safer environment for children as they go to and from school.”We’ve also seen how school streets can help families adopt healthier habits, with a significant increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school.”This new trial scheme will be introduced under an experimental traffic order that allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.”
Cambridgeshire road to be closed overnight after tanker overturns
The tanker needs to be recovered before the road is reopened17:24, 28 May 2026Updated 17:30, 28 May 2026The tanker overturned on Prickwillow Road(Image: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service)A road in Cambridgeshire will be closed overnight after a tanker overturned. The B1104 Prickwillow Road near Soham will be closed tonight (Thursday, May 28) after a tanker overturned at the junction with Great Fen Road this afternoon.Cambridgeshire Police and the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service have attended to the scene. The road is closed to allow for the vehicle to be recovered. Drivers should find alternative routes when travelling in the area.A spokesperson for the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are currently responding to an incident near Soham where a tanker has overturned at the junction between Prickwillow Road and Great Fen Road.”The road will be closed overnight whilst the vehicle is recovered so please find alternative routes when travelling.”To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
Live: Stoke-on-Trent phone mast on fire
A phone mast is on fire. Smoke can be seen rising into the sky near Tunstall Asda.StokeonTrentLive was alerted to the blaze just after 4pm this afternoon.One StokeonTrentLive reader said: “There’s a phone mast on fire in Tunstall.” Another added: “There is a fire behind the large Tunstall Asda.”StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for a statement following the blaze.This is a live blog. For the very latest on this incident follow our live blog below.
Major plan for new Liverpool neighbourhood with 7,000 homes
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet is set to sign off on a huge vision to regenerate areas close to the city’s north docksAn artist’s impression of how the Pumpfield neighbourhood could lookMajor plans to create a vibrant new Liverpool city centre neighbourhood with more than 7,000 homes are set for approval. Liverpool City Council is aiming to regenerate the Pumpfields and Limekilns areas close to the city’s north docks.The aim is to maximise the area’s potential by turning empty plots and vacant buildings near the city centre into a major new neighbourhood over the next 20 years.The local authority said the vision will reimagine the area as a “highly sustainable extension of the city centre”, that supports thousands of new homes, jobs, learning opportunities, green spaces and cultural activity.The plans, the council says, “will breathe life into an area with significant opportunities for growth, and will play a pivotal role in connecting the city centre with the north of the city”.Stretching between the city centre, waterfront and north Liverpool, the site is being billed as a key piece of the city’s future growth — with new walking and cycling routes, public squares and upgraded streets all planned.Old warehouse buildings along Blackstock Street could also be brought back into use as part of the wider regeneration push, with Canal Square to provide a key civic space and Kingsway Park a linear green park connecting the area with the waterfront.Another image of how the Pumpfields area could lookCity leaders say the plan will create a single, connected district and ensure “comprehensive change in a way that is inclusive, resilient and respectful” of the area’s unique character.The masterplan has already been shaped by talks with residents and businesses, and if approved by the council’s cabinet in June, will guide future planning applications.Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said: “This is one of the biggest opportunities we have to reshape the north of the city and make sure it plays a full role in Liverpool’s future.“For too long, large parts of Pumpfields and Limekilns have been underused, but this plan sets out how we can transform it into a thriving, well-connected neighbourhood with thousands of new homes, new jobs and high-quality public spaces.“Crucially, this isn’t about one-off developments — it’s about making sure everything is planned properly, with better streets, more green space and stronger links into the city centre, waterfront and surrounding communities.“It’s a long-term vision that provides certainty for investors and will help us deliver the homes the city needs, while creating a place people actually want to live, work and spend time in.”
