Category: Liverpool

Sports lawyer Tom Murray believes Manchester City will be found in breach of at least some of the 115 Premier League charges against the club, but he warns a final outcome could still be more than two years away14:53, 19 May 2026Updated 14:56, 19 May 2026Manchester City is still waiting for the outcome of the charges made against the club(Image: Getty Images)Manchester City is anticipated to be found guilty of breaching at least some of the 115 charges brought against the club by the Premier League, though a final verdict could still be more than two years away, according to sports lawyer Tom Murray.The founding partner of the ‘Three Points’ law firm expects the process to remain protracted, further complicated by the appeals procedure. Liverpool fans are keen to discover the outcome of the case, as any hypothetical punishment for City — such as a points deduction or the stripping of titles — could impact the Reds and other Premier League clubs.City stands accused of violating financial regulations across a nine-year period dating back to 2009. The investigation was launched in 2019 and encompasses allegations of financial reporting irregularities and of non-cooperation with inquiries. City denies any wrongdoing.READ MORE: Liverpool fans hit out after Mohamed Salah jersey spotted in new kit launchREAD MORE: Liverpool fans have same Arne Slot message for club after seeing new 2026/27 kitThe hearing commenced in September 2024 and spanned 10 weeks, yet all parties remain awaiting a ruling.The sheer volume of charges and gravity of the allegations appear to have contributed to the lengthy wait for a decision, with the case representing uncharted territory in English soccer.Murray reckons the sheer volume of allegations means Manchester City will ultimately be found guilty of something.Liverpool fans are waiting to discover the outcome of the case(Image: Getty Images)Yet, despite ongoing chatter about when a verdict might be delivered, Murray refrained from offering a timeline, having consulted with those involved in the proceedings.”I don’t think anyone knows,” Murray told the ‘Price of Football’ podcast. “I’ve spoken to barristers working on the case, and even they don’t know when the decision will be released. As much as I would like to speculate, I think it would be pointless.”What do I think the outcome is going to be? I think Manchester City are going to be found liable, in breach of something. With the number of charges there are I don’t think they are going to get away with this.”But this is going to be strung out for as long as possible and I think we can expect an appeal and we’ll be back in the same position. In two years’ time, it wouldn’t be surprising if we still don’t have a final outcome.”By contrast, Stefan Borson, who previously advised City on financial matters, anticipates a decision “quite soon.”He’s even suggested it could land before the campaign concludes. “I think it’s coming quite soon, but then we have said that before, right?” he said. “My best guess and the kind of feeling in the parties is that it will come at the end of the season.”June would be most likely, that’s the feeling. There’s no justification now from a kind of how long it takes to write this up, there’s no justification now.”This is now ridiculous territory. 18 months to write up a decision in a private arbitration is clearly ridiculous. There’s been little things that I’ve heard that would signify that we are coming to the end of the process of writing it up.”

We took the first ever train service from Liverpool to Llandudno, taking the opportunity to explore its attractions, and speak to some of the locals about what it means for the town00:01, 19 May 2026View of Llandudno beach(Image: Liverpool ECHO)People from a seaside town in North Wales say they are looking forward to welcoming more Scousers, after a new train service from Liverpool to Llandudno launched on Monday (May 18), creating a direct link for those looking to travel between the two destinations.To mark the occasion, the ECHO booked a ticket for the first service from Liverpool Lime Street Station, catching the 6.46am train to Llandudno, and taking the opportunity to explore its attractions, and speak to some of the locals about what it means for the town.It comes less than a year after Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, and then First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, met at Llandudno Junction railway station to discuss improved rail links, along with the chair of Transport for Wales, Vernon Everitt.In October, Mayor Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region and North Wales share deep historic, economic and cultural ties, and improved transport links will only strengthen that partnership in the future.Llandudno train station(Image: Liverpool ECHO)“Creating better connections across the North West and into North Wales is a key part of our vision for a more joined-up, more productive economy.”In terms of the impact on Llandudno, the benefits of this new partnership came up in several conversations we had on our visit, particularly among small business owners dependent on the visitor economy – similar in that regard to seaside towns across the UK, including New Brighton and Southport here in Merseyside.The budget-friendly Welsh town has been hugely popular with generations of Merseyside families, but it’s hoped the new direct transport link will increase visitor numbers from Liverpool, and also incentivise more people to travel from North Wales into the city region.These sentiments were shared by Mike, 55, who has run The Welsh Rock Shop since 1995, a confectionary store on Mostyn Street in Llandudno town centre.As a result of the new train service, Mike anticipates increased tourism from Liverpool, benefiting both locals and visitors. He said: “It’s fantastic for everyone, and I can only see it being a good thing.”We used to get a lot of day-trippers coming on the coaches, but they’re becoming more and more expensive. Then there were regulars coming down from Liverpool and the Wirral, but who’ve said they haven’t come as much because of fuel prices.Mike, 55, has run The Welsh Rock Shop since 1995(Image: Liverpool ECHO)”But with a train going straight through to both places every day, it’s much easier for people to come and less expensive. Then there’s the other aspect which is people from here getting to go to Liverpool for a day out too, so it works both ways.”We go to the game [at Anfield] quite a bit, so it’ll be good for us to have an alternative to driving up, and maybe have a couple of drinks in Liverpool for a change.”Across the road from the rock shop is Dave, who owns The Habit, a family-run café and coffee shop, after taking it on from his mum a few years back. Dave is excited about the prospect of more people coming to Llandudno, especially for the general prosperity of the town.He said: “Anything that brings people here is a good thing, because high streets across the UK are suffering, businesses are moving out to the outskirts, so it’s more and more difficult for people to make a living.”Llandudno has so much going for it, and I hope the new train will be an added boost to all the other things going on here.”Dave owns the family-run Habit café and coffee shop after taking it on from his mum a few years back(Image: Liverpool ECHO)One visitor loved Llandudno so much he decided set up home permanently. Richard Cleary, 73, moved from London to Wales several years ago, and told us he enjoys the sense of calm around the town, adding: “You can see how well preserved the architecture and buildings are.”It’s a wonderful location, and there’s plenty of things for people to do. Speaking of which, I’m off to walk around the Orme, which is magnificent and presents incredible views of the coastline.”One of Llandudno’s most popular sites is the Great Orme, which is a limestone headland rising 200 metres above the sea. Visitors can walk to the top, or use the Great Orme Tramway.Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno(Image: Liverpool ECHO)The Great Orme is also famous for being home to a herd of goats who live on the rocks. On occasion, visitors may find one or two of those goats venturing into the town centre.To travel up, you can use the tramway located on Church Walks, which has been around for more than 100 years, and after being lovingly restored, people can enjoy travelling in its original tramcars.Near the bottom of Church Walks, we come across Gail who runs Mostyn House B&B with her husband Mick. They moved to Llandudno four years ago and set up the business after falling in love with the town over the course of several visits.Gail said: “We originally took it on as a guest house, and then we’ve expanded with the tea room as well.”I was a hairdresser for 40 years and used to holiday here for about 20 years. We eventually decided to take the leap and set up a home and a business here, and it’s worked out brilliantly.Gail runs Mostyn House B&B with her husband Mick(Image: Liverpool ECHO)”The new train will only make things better. We get people from international places, and we do have people from Liverpool, but if there’s a train service, it’ll make it a lot easier, and we hope more people from Liverpool will come down now.”Llandudno suits all ages, it’s not just for old people as it was years ago. There’s a lot of young families coming in now, and all sorts of people from different cultures, it’s a nice mix, and there’s many things to see and do.”Just being on the prom and seeing all the façades of all the old Victorian buildings, there’s a lot of history here, nice shops, it’s gorgeous really.”Llandudno also has twin West and North Shore beaches, with West Shore Beach much quieter than Llandudno’s North Shore. The beaches are perfect for a relaxing walk, or some family-friendly fun on the coast.Eira Pritchard runs a gift shop on Llandudno Pier(Image: Liverpool ECHO)Llandudno Pier, which is the longest pier in Wales, was originally built in 1876 but still remains a popular attraction with families. Visitors can stop for ice cream, or visit an arcade.As we walk down towards the beach, we meet Eira Pritchard who runs a gift shop on Llandudno Pier. She said: “The summer season is starting now, but when we have a day off, we’ll be using the train as well and definitely taking a trip to Liverpool.”We do have a lot of people from Liverpool coming down here, in couples or as families. If it’s a nice day, people are on the beach having picnics, or they take a walk along the pier, which is a big thing for all of us.”There’s a lot going on here, and now, fingers crossed, we’ll be getting a lot more people from Liverpool down here as well.”

Closures are being rolled out through phased consultations, with many sites shutting their doors through the summerThe Beefeater on Queens Drive in LiverpoolAn update has been issued after the company behind Premier Inn announced it is set to close two of its restaurant chains in the UK. Whitbread, which runs several chains throughout the UK, will close the last of its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants, cutting nearly 4,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland.This decision will directly impact four restaurants in the city region, among the hundreds affected nationally. At the time of the initial announcement, the company said most staff would be kept on, but 12% of its employees from the affected locations would lose their jobs.The cuts form part of a new five-year plan that will see Whitbread try to make a quarter of a billion pounds in cost savings. Among the hundreds of restaurants to close, four locations across the Liverpool City Region will face the cut.Those that will soon be lost include Ocean Plaza Brewers Fayre in Southport, The Packet Steamer Beefeater in Bootle, Preston Brook Beefeater in Runcorn and the Stag & Rainbow on Queens Drive.The company has now provided an update on the five-year plan, which will see Whitbread become a “pure-play hotel business”, to the Liverpool ECHO. It comes after the ECHO questioned the company on the future of The Derby Lodge in Huyton.Packet Steamer was previously voted Whitbread Restaurant of the YearA spokesperson said: “This change will involve exiting all of our remaining branded restaurants, which trade under brands including Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, a number of which will be converted into approximately 600 additional Premier Inn rooms, with the remainder expected to be sold as going concerns.“The proposed changes announced build on the success of our Accelerating Growth Plan, announced in 2024, which involved the conversion of over 200 branded restaurants to additional rooms, and the creation of an integrated restaurant in each hotel. This format has proved highly popular with guests and under the proposal, it would be rolled out to all hotels where there is currently a branded restaurant.“We recognise the impact of this proposal on colleagues who work at the affected sites. As a business which recruits around 15,000 people every year, we expect to be able to retain a significant proportion of those affected and will be looking to redeploy as many of our impacted colleagues as possible.“However, we do anticipate that the proposed changes, which are subject to consultation, would result in a reduction of around 3,800 roles of a total UK and Ireland workforce of around 30,000. We will do all we can to support those colleagues affected.”The full list of Brewers Fayre premises set to close under the company’s plans includes:Abergavenny (Abergavenny)Afon Conwy (Conwy)Aire & Calder (Yorkshire)Bankhead Gate (Fife)Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria)Barry Island (Vale of Glamorgan)Bedford South (Bedfordshire)Bicester (Oxfordshire)Bideford (Devon)Bobbing Apple (Kent)Brampton Hut (Cambridgeshire)Brookers Oast (Kent)Burton House (Lincolnshire)The Carousel (Yorkshire)Castlewood (Derbyshire)Central Park (Warwickshire)Cepen Park (Wiltshire)Chafford Hundred (Essex)Chequers Corner (Essex)Cheswold Lodge (Yorkshire)The Clarence Pier (Hampshire)Cockermouth (Cumbria)Cottams Field (Lancashire)Craig House (Edinburgh)Crossways (Caerphilly)Dalesway (Yorkshire)Derry City (Northern Ireland)The Drove (Sussex)Duke of York (Kent)Exeter (Devon)The Farrier (Lincolnshire)Flagstaff Island (Leicestershire)Freebridge Farm (Norfolk)Glastonbury (Somerset)Gordano Gate (Bristol)The Hampton (Peterborough)Hanley (Staffordshire)The Harbour (Northern Ireland)The Howgate (Cumbria)Inn On The Quay (Devon)Inshes Gate (Highland)Kembrey Inn (Wiltshire)Kincardine Way (Falkirk)King William IV (Nottinghamshire)Lakeland Gate (Cumbria)Lewins Mead (Bristol)Lock Keeper (Derbyshire)Lodmoor (Dorset)Loggans Moor (Cornwall)Mains of Balquharn (Aberdeenshire)The Marina (Leicestershire)The Mayflower (Essex)Minehead (Somerset)Monkey Puzzle (Hampshire)Mulberry Tree (Essex)Newhaven Quay (Edinburgh)Oakenhurst Farm (Lancashire)Oaks (Norfolk)Ocean Park (Cardiff)Ocean Plaza (Merseyside)Old Nelson (Gloucestershire)Old West Quay (County Durham)Orbital (Staffordshire)Papermill (Buckinghamshire)Pirnhall Inn (Stirlingshire)Queens Crossing (Edinburgh)The Redwood (Staffordshire)Rhubarb Triangle (Yorkshire)Rising Sun (Hertfordshire)Royal Quays (Newcastle)The Sandpiper (Carmarthenshire)Stable Gate (Lancashire)The Swallow (Suffolk)Swansea Vale (Swansea)Telford Lodge (Northamptonshire)Tindale Crossing (County Durham)Tirfounder Fields (Rhondda Cynon Taff)Turnpike (Yorkshire)Victoria Park (Gwent)Walsall (West Midlands)Water Mill (Yorkshire)The Wessex Flyer (Bristol)The Wessington (Sunderland)Wheatlea Park (Lancashire)Whittle Inn (Gloucestershire)Widnes (Cheshire)Willen Dragon (Buckinghamshire)The Windmill (Sussex)Winsor House (Greater London)The following Beefeater restaurants are set to close:The Anchor (Lincolnshire)The Applecart (Oxford)Badgers Sett (Worcestershire)Bagle Brook (Port Talbot)Balmoral Inn (Hampshire)The Barn (Buckinghamshire)The Beacon (Kent)The Belgrave (Devon)Bentley Green (West Midlands)Border Gate (Cumbria)The Brache (Bedfordshire)The Brecks (South Yorkshire)Broomside Park (County Durham)The Bull (Kent)Carnon Inn (Cornwall)Centre (Dundee)The Coldra (Newport)Countess Wear (Devon)The Cricketers (Surrey)Crossbush (Sussex)Crows Nest (Hertfordshire)Deer Park (West Lothian)The Dukes Worksop (Nottingham)Eureka Park (Kent)Euston Way (Shropshire)The Farmhouse (Cheshire)Farnborough (Hampshire)The Fountain (Greater London)The Foxburrow (Suffolk)Frome Flyer (Bristol)George In The Tree (West Midlands)The Gifford (Bristol)Gourdie Croft (Dundee)The Granary (Cambridgeshire)Great Oak (Hampshire)Great Yarmouth Seafront (Norfolk)Griff House (Warwickshire)Halfway House (Bedfordshire)Halifax (West Yorkshire)Hamilton (Glasgow)Harbour Lights (Hampshire)Harlow Mill (Essex)The Haywain (Essex)Heaton Park (Lancashire)The Kingswood (East Yorkshire)Lady Nairne (Edinburgh)The Ladybridge (Staffordshire)The Lakeside (South Yorkshire)Liberty Bell (Essex)London Woolwich (Greater London)The Longbow (Rhondda Cynon Taff)Longbridge (West Midlands)Longford House (Staffordshire)The Longwall (Oxford)The Lydiard (Wiltshire)Malta Inn (Kent)Manor Farm (Kent)Marsh Mills (Devon)Medina Quay (Isle of Wight)Mill House (Surrey)Mill Lodge (Lincolnshire)Millers Barn (Nottingham)The Millfield (York)Moor Mill (Hertfordshire)Morris Dancers (Lancashire)Morton Park (County Durham)Moseley Park (West Midlands)Oakley Hay (Northamptonshire)Oast & Squire (Hampshire)The Orchard (Worcestershire)Oxford Kidlington (Oxford)Oyster Reach (Suffolk)Packet Steamer (Merseyside)The Parkway (Surrey)The Pavilion (Somerset)The Plough (Kent)Preston Brook (Merseyside)Priory Marina (Bedfordshire)Quay House (Lancashire)Rackstraws Farm (Berkshire)Red Lion (Lancashire)Redditch (West Midlands)Roman Way (Nottingham)Sir Thomas Wyatt (Kent)Smugglers Haunt (Dorset)The Somerford (Dorset)The Southcote (Berkshire)Springwood Park (Cheshire)Spruce Goose (Hampshire)Stag & Rainbow (Merseyside)Strawberry Field (Essex)The Talpore (County Durham)The Three Fish (Shropshire)Travellers Rest (Greater London)The Turnpike (Northamptonshire)Twelve Bells (Gloucestershire)Walston Castle (Cardiff)Ware (Hertfordshire)The Waterfront (Swansea)The Watermill (Essex)White Hart (Sussex)White Lodge (Somerset)White Rock (Devon)Whitegate Inn (Lancashire)Whitley Bay (Northumberland)The Woolpack (Kent)

The Liverpool shop worked closely with the family for Venezuela Fury’s wedding07:57, 17 May 2026Updated 22:34, 17 May 2026The wedding of Venezuela Fury and Noah Price, with the bridesmaids in blue dresses made by Evangeline Designs(Image: Credit: Mancpicss66)Two Scouse mums played a crucial part in Venezuela Fury’s wedding after receiving an unexpected Instagram message. Tyson Fury’s 16-year-old daughter tied the knot with her now husband Noah Price, who is aged 19, in a ceremony in the Isle of Man yesterday as her heavyweight boxing champion dad watched on.The boxer attended the ceremony with his wife, Paris Fury. Venezuela had 18 bridesmaids, including Bambi Fury. All of the bridesmaid dresses were made by Evangeline Designs, based on Stafford Street in Liverpool city centre.The dressmakers, who also made the outfits for Noah’s mum and other guests at the wedding, was only set-up last year by friends Dominique Roberts, from Woolton, and Daisy Miller, from Walton.The pair got the chance to make the dresses after working with Atlantis Price last year. Unbeknownst to them, Atlantis was part of Noah’s family and knew Venezuela well.L-R Dominique Roberts from Evangeline Designs, Liverpool with Paris Fury(Image: Supplied)Speaking to the ECHO, Dominique, 32, said: “I’ve worked with travellers for 14 years now. One of the travelling girls that comes into the shop is called Atlantis Price.“She’s very big on Instagram. She got a dress off us for York Races last year. She’s also friends with Venezuela, which we only found out when the family came into the shop.“Anyway (Atlantis) was promoting us, saying, ‘yeah, go to them, they’re really good,’ etc. Then one day we just randomly got a message on Instagram off Paris saying, have you got a shop? That’s just how it started.The wedding of Venezuela Fury and Noah Price, with the bridesmaids in blue dresses made by Evangeline Designs(Image: Credit: Mancpicss66)“It being such a big wedding, there were so many people who were wanting to do the dresses. We’re only two little people who came together a few months ago, and we didn’t expect to get it.“But after speaking to her she said, we’re going with yous and we nearly died. We were like, ‘what, we actually got it, just us two?’“That was around January, February time. It was just surreal really. There’s millions of dressmakers all over Britain and Europe that would have wanted to do that. Out of all of them, it’s us. We were dead shocked.”Dominique and Daisy have had to adapt to their new-found attention. She said: “We had Netflix come in as well, which was a big shock.“When Paris came in with a camera crew, we just didn’t know what to do. It was madness, but it was brilliant at the same time. It was something that we’d never think of happening, but we got there.”Daisy Miller from Evangeline Designs with Molly-Mae Hague and her daughter Bambi(Image: Supplied)Seeing the dresses on full display yesterday was emotional for both of them. Dominique said: “We can’t believe it. The photos are coming through and my Instagram’s going off the run. The two of us are just like, “oh my God, oh my God.’ That’s all, we keep saying.“There were quite a few guests who went to the wedding wearing our outfits and we have got a very specific style anyway. We call it traveller-style and it’s very glamorous. So when we did see (the guests wearing them), it was a mix of emotions.“There were happy tears. We managed to get through it…the long hours that we were having to do to get them done, because obviously we were doing other people’s weddings and like dresses and everything as well as this wedding.“We were doing so much, and then to get through it all and then see it, it was emotional. We’re just two mums. It’s nice to see that people actually like the work.”Molly-Mae with Bambi in her bridesmaid dress(Image: Credit: Mancpicss66)Dominique said the guests were great to work with too, adding: “They’re all really down to earth people – easy to talk to, polite.”Dominique feels that having dresses on show made by Scousers is “good for the city”. She said: “London is meant to be the fashion capital, but I don’t think it is in the slightest. I think Liverpool has the most dressmakers I’ve ever seen. They’re all over the place, and they’ve all got completely different styles.“The shop is not just a dressmaking shop. It’s got a cafe, it’s got a beauty academy, it’s got a fabric shop inside of it.“We have all the dressmakers from the city coming as well to get fabrics. We all get along, which is the main thing. If you need support or advice, you can always ask one of the other dressmakers that’s coming through the door. It’s like a community.”

New businesses have moved in but there is uncertainty about what the future holdsL-R Meg Alderson and Sammy Leigh of Goodness Grief Tattoo Company of Cavern Walks Shopping Centre(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool ECHO)There is a mixture of excitement and uncertainty in a Liverpool shopping centre that people “don’t know about”. Cavern Walks opened in 1984 on Mathew Street as a luxury retail destination, with hanging plants, candy pink lamp posts and a wall-climber lift linking two shopping levels.In the 2000s, the site, built on the original location of the Cavern Club, was filled with high-end brands such as Cricket and Vivienne Westwood and boasted high profile customers such as Coleen Rooney and Alex Gerrard.But when the ECHO visited last summer, Cavern Walks was mostly deserted, with just a handful of customers, several shut-down shops and a closed upper level.A ‘new era’?There was hope for business owners in spite of these struggles last July, with new tenants set to move-in and the hope of the prospect of a long awaited 150-bed Beatles-themed hotel moving in on the upper level.Cavern Walks was bought in 2022 by JSM Company Group and Craig Greenwood’s Greenwood Developments. JSM told the ECHO in July 2025 the shopping centre was approaching a “new era” thanks to the new hotel and shops.L-R Cavern Walks Shopping Centre in Liverpool June 2025 v May 2026(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool ECHO)But it looks like the hotel plans have been scrapped. The ECHO reported earlier this month documents had been lodged with Liverpool Council planners, solely by JSM, to install 85 serviced apartments on the first to seventh floors instead.’It’s open but everyone thinks it’s closed’When the ECHO visited Cavern Walks this week, workmen were present in the upstairs level but none of the tenants we spoke to were aware of what they were doing.Lisa Trapasso-Emina, from Norris Green, runs Reborn Baby Dolls, selling dolls which are made to resemble real life babies. She enjoys working in the shopping centre but says she will only be able to stay open there if it is better promoted.Lisa said: ”I love it here. I love the shop, love all the other shops (and) the store holders, everybody’s lovely. The atmosphere’s nice. It’s just very quiet. A lot of people don’t know we’re here. It’s open but everyone thinks it’s closed.The interior of Cavern Walks, July 27 1993, with the upstairs level open and glass lift in operation(Image: Mirrorpix)“All the units are full. We need a lot more advertising, a lot more publicity. Also, do you remember out on Lord Street, there used to be an arch saying ‘Cavern Walks’?“We need something like that back there. Maybe bright lights out on Mathew Street because it looks quite dark as you walk past. Unless you stick your head in, you don’t really know there’s anything there. We’ve all put signs out and done the best we can ourselves, but I think we need more.“Maybe we need the upstairs sorting out, and then once that happens it might be better. We need customers to come in because without customers, I don’t know how long I can stay here for.”Lisa Trapasso-Emina, owner of Lisa’s Reborn Baby Dolls(Image: Liverpool Echo)On what she knows about plans for the upstairs level, Lisa added: “I’ve heard lots of different things. I’ve heard there’s going to be shops up there (or that) there’s going to be a hotel.“There’s a lot of banging going on up there, so something’s happening, but I just don’t know what. I think if they take this ceiling down, it will brighten up. I think it’d be gorgeous like it used to be. It was such a beautiful feature at one time. Hopefully if we stay positive things will get better for us.”Adam Williams, 65, who lives in Bootle, runs Rojeans vape shop. He moved here in 2017 from his previous base on Hanover Street. He too said he had no knowledge of what was happening upstairs.Adam Williams, owner of Rojeans vape shop(Image: Liverpool Echo)He said: “I was sold an empty promise that this shopping centre would be buzzing. It doesn’t look like that will happen but it’s not going to be my problem.”Adam will be closing his shop in October and is looking forward to retired life. He insists however that he is not calling it a day because of what’s happening in Cavern Walks.He says he made the decision due to increased government taxation on vapes and competition from convenience stores who also sell vapes.Adam has previously said independent vape shops like his lose out to some convenience stores who sell illegal vapes under the counter.’It is getting busier and busier’Sammy Leigh, 33, from Liverpool city centre, opened the Goodness Grief Tattoo Parlour in October. Her priority in terms of improving Cavern Walks is getting the upstairs level open again.Sammy said: ”They’re throwing metal down the stairs every day, so we assume they’re doing something. It’ll be cool if it’s a hotel.”We get mainly tourists obviously because they come through The Beatles thing. We do an endless amount of Beatles and Liverpool tattoos.The upstairs level of Cavern Walks is still closed(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool ECHO)“I don’t think it massively matters (what is built there). When we got here, there was a promise that there would be more footfall at some point and it is getting busier.“I think people living or staying, or whatever, up top, it can only help us. It’ll be nice I think once the whole building’s up and running.”Sammy argues the shopping centre has given her business a rare chance to have its own physical base. She said: “We’ve just tried to make a nice little space that’s a bit welcoming and not like your traditional studio.The opening of Cricket revamped fashion store – pictured Louise Bonsall (L) with Cricket director Justine Mills with Lesley Owen sister of Michael Owen back in 2003(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)“We were looking for a ground floor space because we wanted somewhere that people could walk in. We’ve been in private studios for so long.“But it’s so hard to find ground floor space that isn’t extortionate or taken by a franchise. We came across this and just snapped it up because it’s a cute little spot. It’s worked out well so far. It’s been nice.”There was a similar feeling from Janey Fairhurst, the company director of Mathew Street Records, a music shop and cafe.Janey, 32, from Wigan, said: ”We’ve been here about seven months now. Footfall has been great. We’ve met some absolutely amazing people and are excited for it to continue to grow.Janey Fairhurst, the company director of Mathew Street Records(Image: Jamie Greer/Liverpool Echo)”All the other businesses are feeding off each other, which is what you want. I think, location-wise, it’s fantastic for us, being so close to The Cavern where it all began for The Beatles.“In terms of records, everybody’s back into it now. (The cafe) is perfect for us. When we do our live events as well, it’s going to be absolutely fantastic.”JSM declined to comment on its plans for the upstairs level of Cavern Walks and calls from businesses for greater promotion of the shopping centre.The ECHO also approached Mr Greenwood via Greenwood Development’s website and his air conditioning business, Everkool, for a response.

Eurovision is always eventful and it was another memorable evening for the 70th edition of the international song contest, which was staged in Austria’s capital city, Vienna. From technical blunders to Australian pop princess to a surprise package win, Eurovision 2026 will live long in the memory for anyone who was there or followed it. We have just rounded up our list of the full leaderboard, which you can view hereThanks again for following. Let’s do the same again next year for Bulgaria!

The Athletic has live coverage of Chelsea vs. Manchester City in the 2026 FA Cup Final.Welcome to The Athletic’s Premier League predictions challenge, where Savinho has lifted young Wilfred back to within striking distance of the summit.At 9.41pm UK time on Wednesday, Manchester City were cruising to a 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace — just as our guest subscriber Jack predicted, which would have taken the readers 10 points clear at the top of our predictions league with two rounds to play.However, that 84th-minute goal from Savinho, securing a 3-0 victory, meant a precious spot-on prediction for six-year-old Wilfred instead, taking our boy-wonder to within three. And, not for the first time this season, it left me wondering just what I have been up against in this game. Wilfred is a Palace fan, for goodness’ sake. What kind of six-year-old successfully predicts a 3-0 defeat for their own team?!Each week since the season began in August, four of us — an algorithm, a guest subscriber on rotation, Wilfred and I — have been predicting the Premier League results with varying degrees of success.We are awarding three points for a correct scoreline and one point for a correct result. We are also awarding a bonus point for any “unique” prediction, so Wilfred earned four after getting a bullseye with City 3-0 Palace.It leaves the subscribers with a slender lead over him going into the final two rounds.My brief hopes of a resurgence are over; the best I can hope for now is to avoid the further humiliation of being dumped to the bottom of the table by the algorithm.This week’s guest subscriber is, by the luck of the draw, another Aston Villa fan: Joe, 22, from Birmingham.Good luck, Joe.Our subscriber’s match of the weekBournemouth vs Manchester City, Tuesday, 7.30pm UK/2:30pm ETJoe says: “Manchester City will likely come into this match knowing that anything but a win will hand the title to Arsenal. Bournemouth are still fighting for a Champions League spot for next season and will be no pushovers. There will be nerves for both teams but City have a great record against Bournemouth and I expect them to continue that with a 3-1 win.”Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester CityOli says: As Joe mentions, City have won 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth. Of all the match-ups that have taken place at least 10 times in the Premier League era, this is the most one-sided. But Tuesday’s edition looks like such a difficult game for Pep Guardiola’s team as they try to take the title race to the final set of fixtures the following Sunday — Bournemouth are unbeaten in 16 matches in the league since Arsenal won 3-2 at their Vitality Stadium on January 3. If I predict a City victory, it’s with no sense of certainty. It’s a real test, just three days after the play in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, too. It will be very tight.Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester City lost 2-1 at Bournemouth last season – the only time they have failed to defeat them in the clubs’ 17 Premier League meetings (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Oli’s other predictionsAston Villa vs LiverpoolIf I knew what kind of line-up Unai Emery was going to pick tonight (Friday), I would have a clearer view on this. If his Villa team had held on to win at Burnley last Sunday, which would have all but guaranteed Champions League qualification, I suspect he would have rested his entire starting XI here ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Freiburg. But the race for the Champions League qualification is tight enough to make me think he will go full-strength — or close to it. And if he does, it might be Liverpool who are left clinging nervously onto fifth place.Aston Villa 2-1 LiverpoolManchester United vs Nottingham ForestUnited have taken just one point from their past four Premier League meetings with Forest, dating back to December 2023. It’s the type of miserable record United have often gently cast aside in the four months since Michael Carrick was named interim head coach. This should be another of those victories that sum up their undoubted progress under Carrick, even as certain questions linger about the way forward for them beyond this season.

Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham ForestBrentford vs Crystal PalaceCredit to Pep Guardiola for recognising Oliver Glasner’s right to prioritise Palace’s upcoming UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Glasner’s wrap-them-in-cotton-wool approach worked in Manchester City’s favour on Wednesday but might well work against them when Palace host Arsenal on the last matchday of the Premier League season, just three days before that final against Rayo Vallecano. The challenge for Glasner is to keep his players ticking over rather than risk losing rhythm altogether. Brentford, pushing to qualify for Europe next season, will want to capitalise on that.Brentford 2-0 Crystal Palace
Palace’s priority for the remainder of this season is the UEFA Conference League final they play in on May 27 (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Leeds United vs Brighton and Hove AlbionLeeds have never beaten Brighton in the Premier League. Admittedly, that is only a seven-game sample size, but it’s still quite striking. They are, however, unbeaten in the league since March 4 — also only a run of seven matches, but again quite striking. In these situations, people sometimes say, “So something has to give”. But it doesn’t. This could be a draw. It really might be a draw.Leeds 1-1 BrightonWolverhampton Wanderers vs FulhamThe risk when Rob Edwards took over at Wolves last November was that, with relegation already looking inevitable, the positive energy he hoped to bring — and did bring for the first few months — might fade over the remainder of the campaign. That is how it is turning out; Wolves going down is not his fault by any means, but relations with an unhappy fanbase have already become strained. That is a concern. In that difficult atmosphere, against a team who have all but given up, this should be an away win to keep Fulham’s faint hopes of European qualification alive.Wolves 0-2 FulhamEverton vs SunderlandFrom the buoyant mood of a month ago, heading into a home Merseyside derby with genuine hopes of beating Liverpool to Champions League qualification, Everton are now five games without a win. Every one of the five has been tight, but precious points have slipped through their fingers. They too could yet get into Europe, but they’ll need to beat Sunderland. And nobody — with the exception of Nottingham Forest the other week — finds that easy.Everton 2-1 SunderlandNewcastle United vs West Ham UnitedAs much as I’m intrigued by the dynamic between Eddie Howe, his Newcastle team and the St James’ Park crowd after such a disappointing season, this one is all about West Ham. They desperately need a result on Sunday — ideally, a win — to heap the pressure back onto Tottenham, who don’t play until Tuesday, in the relegation battle. I can see West Ham scrapping for a point. I’m just not sure I see enough match-winning quality from them at the moment.Newcastle 1-1 West HamArsenal vs BurnleyFrom the very start of this season, Arsenal’s pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2004 has been a slog. How often have their supporters been able to sit back and enjoy the ride? Very rarely. But this looks like the kind of game where everything falls into place for them and a state of something approaching nirvana takes hold. Arsenal will score early on Monday night, then they’ll score again, and it will get to the point where their play is flowing more freely and irresistibly than it has all season. I’m going for a 4-0 win and, with goal difference and even goals scored potentially still a factor in this title race, I was tempted to go higher than that.Arsenal 4-0 BurnleyChelsea vs Tottenham HotspurI was at the “Battle of the Bridge” in 2016, when Chelsea, at the end of a miserable season for them as outgoing champions, found the motivation to inflict a terminal blow to Tottenham’s title hopes. It was a wild night, and it’s tempting to imagine something similarly anarchic here. These two teams have the worst disciplinary records in the Premier League — neither of them aggressive in any positive sense, but both lacking composure and prone to immaturity and recklessness when the pressure is on. The last thing Spurs, desperate for points in their attempts to avoid relegation, will want on Tuesday is for Chelsea to come out ready for a street fight.Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

Liverpool council said an inspector has confirmed all the equipment in the play area is safe21:13, 15 May 2026Updated 21:13, 15 May 2026Swings at Everton Terrace playground(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)It’s been claimed a swing snapped as a child played on it at a new children’s play park. Parents raised concerns over a new Liverpool City Council play area on Everton Terrace after the incident which reportedly happened last weekend.The playground opened in Everton on Saturday, May 9 following an upgrade as part of the council’s programme to refresh a number of playgrounds across the city. Following Saturday’s opening, it was claimed a swing at the park had “snapped” while a young child was on it.It was also claimed a young girl suffered facial injuries, while a boy was reportedly injured following an incident with a rope swing. Parents have claimed the park was “poorly built” and are worried about their children’s safety.A spokesperson for the council said an inspector has confirmed all the equipment in the Everton Terrace play area is safe to use.One mum visiting the park with her children at the time of the incident said: “The swing snapped off with a baby inside. The baby was really hurt. A little boy got took out by the rope swings and smacked into a rock. A little girl smashed her nose off the bar.”The newly upgraded Everton Terrace playground(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)The Liverpool Echo attended the playground this morning, Friday, May 15 and there was no signs of damage.A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “All of our play areas are independently assessed and must pass rigorous health and safety checks before they are opened to the public. This includes stress testing all equipment.“Any reported incidents are taken extremely seriously. We have reached out via social media to understand what happened in this instance.“A play inspector has confirmed that all the equipment in Everton Terrace play area is safe to use.”Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here.

May 15th 

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The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
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 stories

Arsenal are the latest club to express an interest in Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for West Ham this season but he will realistically be available if the Hammers are relegated. Manchester United and PSG have also been linked.

Manchester Untied are monitoring Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest. The Welsh international’s versatility is a major asset and he’s equally comfortable at left or right-back.

Chelsea remain interested in Mike Maignan this summer but failing to qualify for European competition would scupper their hopes of signing the French international. The AC Milan goalkeeper was heavily linked last summer but penned a new contract.

Lucien Jack wants to remind people “there is a human being” underneath the glitz and glamLucien Jack claims he experienced homophobia in Liverpool city centreA man has claimed he was called “a nonce” among other homophobic slurs as he finished his shift in Liverpool city centre. Lucien Jack, originally from North Hampshire, said within minutes of leaving nightclub Dysco on Saturday night, he was targeted on Stanley Street.The 37-year-old, who now lives in the city’s business district, said he was vlogging, as he does every week, for his YouTube channel when the incident happened on May 9. At the time, Lucien was dressed as his drag persona, Teena, and was promoting two events he his hosting this week.When the ECHO met with Lucien, he said he wanted to be photographed and interviewed as himself, as opposed to Teena. He said this was to highlight that “there is a human being” underneath the glitz and glam of a drag persona.He told the ECHO: “Every week I do a vlog called Teena Talks, and I always try to create different content – whether I’m touring or at home. Because I had shows coming up, I decided to go around Liverpool to promote them.“I have a drag character, and her personality can be quite confrontational in a playful way. The joke is always on me, and I never set out to make anyone feel uncomfortable, it’s part of the act and part of the fun. I perform across Liverpool in lots of different venues – bars, private events, and restaurants. This time, I just had finished on Stanley Street and left the venue.Lucien was dressed as their drag persona when they were targeted in the city centre “Within seconds of leaving, and starting filming in the Pride Quarter, someone shouted ‘yuck’ at me and pointed. It immediately felt like this wasn’t going to be an easy start. Someone called me a nonce and someone else shouted transphobic slurs.“I’m in the Pride Quarter, where I perform regularly, so I should feel safe there. But quite quickly, things escalated. I heard derogatory comments, including slurs and being called offensive names. It was relentless, and it made me feel quite unsafe in that moment.“I have dyspraxia and I am neurodivergent so I tend to be able to focus on what is happening in front of me. I didn’t even realise everything that was being shouted at me until I watched the footage back later while editing.“A man also came up to me and asked, ‘Are you a man?’ in a confrontational way. That moment made me feel scared. It all happened very quickly, with more comments from people around him.”Lucien said the homophobia had “nothing to do” with the venues on Stanley Street, nor did he report the incident as he said it is something he has become used to as a drag queen.Lucien said he is determined not to be deterred by the incidentHe added: “You are always going to get prejudice. I can go home and take my drag off but there are others out there who can’t. There are trans people who will be perceived in a certain light by these people. It’s quite scary how people feel they can be openly rude.”Lucien also claimed this was only part of the abuse he received that day in drag. He said earlier on, while still promoting his shows, teenagers kept “making noises” at him.He added: “It wasn’t the main issue of the day, but it made for a difficult start. I can deal with things like that – it’s just kids. But I was more conscious that I was being filmed, and I was concerned about the person filming me at the time.”Despite what happened, Lucien said he is still going ahead with his events. The first being Queerovision on Friday, May 15 at Navy Bar 2.0 and a Eurovision viewing party on Saturday, May 16 at Hot Water Comedy Club.He said: “I’ve lived here for a year and it’s such a welcoming city. I love it, but it does show the current times we are in and where we are headed. People should be able to live their lives how they want to without the relentless attacks.”If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK runs a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also report hate crime via: