Blog

  • Staffordshire college group named in vocational skills reforms > A Little Bit of Stone

    Staffordshire college group named in vocational skills reforms > A Little Bit of Stone



    A Staffordshire college group has been named as part of a new West Midlands group helping to shape the rollout of new vocational qualifications.

    Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, which includes Stafford College, is one of three West Midlands organisations listed by the Department for Education as “Qualification Practitioners”. The group has been set up to help share best practice as colleges and schools move towards new post GCSE qualification routes.

    The announcement comes alongside a wider government package aimed at creating more construction industry placements and supporting new vocational qualifications.

    The Department for Education says £96 million will be allocated nationally to create tens of thousands of placements on building sites for learners starting construction courses from September.

    The funding forms part of the government’s £625 million Construction Skills Package, which aims to train up to 60,000 skilled workers by 2029.

    The government says the construction industry is facing shortages, with Office for National Statistics figures showing more than 35,000 vacancies.

    The changes also include plans for V Levels, which are due to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels from 2027.

    V Levels will be equivalent to one A Level and are intended to allow students to combine academic and vocational subjects where they have not yet chosen a specialist route.

    New subjects announced for delivery from 2028 include V Levels in construction design, engineering design and engineering manufacturing.

    The government has also announced new Occupational Certificates in subjects including bricklaying, painting, plumbing, accounts and finance, and adult care worker.

    Foundation Certificates are also planned in engineering, health, legal services and social care.

    Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said

    “We’re removing the snobbery from hands-on learning and putting it on par with academic to break down barriers for young people to get rewarding jobs.

    “Our landmark vocational qualifications and placements will create a strong pipeline of workers by equipping young people with the real-world skills that employers need and that will fuel the jobs of the future.”

    The other West Midlands organisations named in the Qualification Practitioners group are Heart of Worcestershire College and Three Spires Trust.

    The Department for Education says new guidance has also been published to reduce restrictions around T Level industry placements, including removing limits on the percentage of remote hours a student can complete and how many employers they can work with.

    For students in Stone and across Staffordshire, the changes could affect the range of post GCSE routes available through local colleges and training providers in the coming years.

  • Liverpool Council Plans Surplus, No Staff Cuts



    Liverpool City Council has released a draft budget that plans for a healthy surplus with no staff cuts, improved services, and a massive capital works program.Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the Council is setting a clear roadmap for investment, growth and service delivery across one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities.”Our priority is to ease cost-of-living pressures wherever we can,” Mayor Mannoun said.”We recognise that, like households across our community, Council’s budget is under strain. That is why we are managing it with discipline and care, ensuring it remains strong while honouring the commitments we have made to keep the budget in good shape.
    “Notwithstanding the challenges, we continue to enhance the services we deliver, doing so responsibly and within our means.””Number one, the budget for a surplus of $1,239,360 million. Given that we are on track to reach our budgeted surplus of $800,000 this financial year, we are on track for two consecutive positive years of operation.”Now that includes no staff cuts and no cuts to events and includes record spending on capital works,” he said.For 2026–2027, Council is delivering an operating budget of $303 million and a capital works program of $244 million, ensuring continued investment in essential infrastructure, community facilities and frontline services.”The capital works program includes major projects such as the $44.3 million Brickmakers Creek revitalisation, the $57.7 million Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre, city centre streetscape upgrades and critical flood mitigation works.Mayor Mannoun highlighted the program is strongly supported by external funding, with $188 million in capital grants and contributions helping reduce pressure on ratepayers.Council will also continue to deliver strong service outcomes, with more than one million annual visits to its libraries, leisure centres and cultural venues, alongside high-performing early childhood, waste and maintenance services.Mayor Mannoun said the plans reflect Liverpool’s unique identity and future ambitions.”What makes Liverpool special is the strength and diversity of our people,” he said.”This is not simply a plan, it is a commitment to deliver on what our community expects of us as their local government as we build a stronger, more connected Liverpool, together.”Mayor Mannoun said the proposed measures focus on practical improvements residents will notice day to day.”The inaccurate prediction of 140 job losses was just that: inaccurate,” Mayor Mannoun said.”We know households are under pressure from rising living costs, and Council has a responsibility to keep rates as low as possible while carefully managing spending and continuing to deliver the services residents expect in a growing city.”Initiatives to be considered include:Employee costs of $114,948,671, representing a 7.6 per cent increase from 2025/26 with no staff cuts.Allocating $650,000 from the General Reserve to begin implementing a neighbourhood model (The Neighbourhood Response Network) focused on compliance and local presentation.Providing an additional $675,000 to Parks to support enhanced services such as lawn mowing during peak periods.Increasing household clean‑up services from two to four collections per year, with a maximum two‑week service period, subject to community agreement.Lowering the eligibility threshold for a red bin upgrade from six to five household members.Filling 26 vacancies within the Operations Directorate.
    “These are the services that shape how people experience their city,” Mayor Mannoun said.”Whether it’s cleaner streets, better maintained parks, improved waste services or stronger local compliance, Council is focused on delivering the basics well and ensuring Liverpool continues to grow as a clean, safe and liveable city.”Detailed financial and operational modelling is now underway, and Council will continue to keep the community informed as the proposals progress.Residents are invited to view and provide feedback on the draft Operational Plan and Budget from 19 May 2026 to 15 June 2026 at Council’s libraries or online at www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

  • Plans submitted for 180-home Potton scheme

    Plans submitted for 180-home Potton scheme


    A proposed residential development could deliver new homes, affordable housing and green space on the edge of Potton.
    Bellway Strategic Land has submitted outline plans to Central Bedfordshire Council for a development of up to 180 homes on a 22-acre site north of Myers Road.
    The proposals include a mix of one to five-bedroom properties, including bungalows, with almost a third earmarked as affordable housing through low-cost rent or shared ownership.
    Alongside the homes, more than ten acres of green infrastructure would be created, including public open space, children’s play areas, and new walking and cycling routes.
    The scheme could support the future expansion of the Potton Green Wheel, a long-term project aimed at improving links between green spaces and public routes around the town.
    Plans also include a new access road from Everton Road, an emergency access point via Myers Road, and upgrades to nearby junctions and pedestrian links, including routes to Potton Primary School.
    Matthew Gransbury, strategic land and planning associate for Bellway, said: “There is a significant and growing need for new housing in Central Bedfordshire. 
    “Our proposals for the site at Myers Road would help to address this identified shortfall across the district whilst also meeting the recognised demand for smaller-sized properties for first-time buyers and downsizers within Potton itself.
    “With almost 3000 households on the district’s housing waiting list, the need for affordable homes is particularly acute. 
    “This development would provide 30 per cent affordable housing in line with the council’s policy requirements.
    “Prior to submitting our planning application, we conducted an extensive consultation process which involved engagement with the local planning authority, ward councillors, Potton Town Council, and residents. 
    “Feedback received during this process was integral in shaping the proposals to balance the requirement for new housing with the need to respect the countryside setting.
    “As a result, the maximum number of homes proposed has reduced from 200 to 180, allowing for an increased green buffer between the development and the existing properties on Myers Road. 
    “Proposed allotments have been changed in favour of more tree planting and community orchards, which could serve as outdoor educational spaces to connect residents with nature.”

    Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day.

    Find out how Bdaily can help →

    Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.

  • ‘Wholesale’ Leicestershire drugs network dealers locked up

    ‘Wholesale’ Leicestershire drugs network dealers locked up



    All had pleaded guilty on the second day of trial.Galloway, 31, of Myrtle Road in Leicester, was given 11 and a half years in prison; Jahed, 30, of Coleman Close in Leicester, was sentenced to eight years and three months in jail; and Senior, 31, of Thorpe Field Drive, Leicester, was jailed for six years and three months.Leicestershire Police said Galloway and Jahed had each supplied at least 5kg of drugs, while Senior had handled 1kg of cocaine.In addition, Khusal’s partner, Saffron Franklin, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two and a half years, and handed 150 hours’ unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation programme.From their Hazeldene Road home, Khushal would buy cocaine and heroin from Lancashire in wholesale amounts, then split it to supply both drug dealers and users in Leicestershire.

  • Calls for new recycling centre to end ‘ridiculous’ Northern Ireland waste deal

    Calls for new recycling centre to end ‘ridiculous’ Northern Ireland waste deal



    A council faces calls for a new recycling centre to end a “ridiculous” agreement to send waste 400 miles away for sorting. Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s recycling waste has been transported to Newry in Northern Ireland since March 2025.

    Susie Williams, a member of the public, asked Cambridgeshire County Council how likely it is that a recycling centre could be built in Cambridgeshire and when this could happen. She said: “The trucks generate considerable amounts of carbon emissions and particulates, which is not really acceptable for two councils who are aiming to become net-zero.”

    Cllr Ros Hathorn, chair of the county council’s environment and green investment committee, said that the waste market and providers “do not serve the East of England particularly well” and don’t have “sufficient capacity” to take their recycling.

    READ MORE: {{title}}

    The Liberal Democrat councillor said the waste partnership, Recycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (RECAP) which includes all local authorities in Cambridgeshire, is starting to look at other solutions.
    She said: “It is not as straightforward as just building an industrial unit, putting some kit in there and switching it on – it’s a long, expensive process. It requires a licence from the Environment Agency, which is not straightforward to get.

    “It needs to get planning permission and, as a new facility would create significant traffic in its area, there is likely to be objections to it.”

    Cllr Ros Hathorn speaks at a meeting of Cambridgeshire County Council(Image: YouTube)

    Cllr Hathorn said that the upcoming local government reorganisation “has slowed down the prospects of any big project being started in the near future”.

    The council was asked to approve a new strategy document for RECAP. Cllr Darren Green said he was “very encouraged” to see it recommended recycling take place locally.

    The Green Party councillor said: “I think this council must do everything it can to change this. Other counties can process their blue bin recycling locally – why can’t Cambridgeshire?”

    Cllr Darren Green(Image: YouTube)

    Cllr Mike Black said that “everyone can see that this looks ridiculous”. He called it an example of market failure and “privatisation not working”.
    The Labour councillor said: “I don’t like hearing local government review as an excuse for doing nothing or delaying things. We have a new government after 15 years of the same, we have a vast need for change – and we need to change quickly.
    “I don’t think we should be saying that local government review stops councils from being innovative and planning for the future. Indeed, I think on these sorts of issues, we should be trying to get things done as quickly as possible.”

    Cllr Steve Tierney disagreed, saying “things aren’t always as simple as they appear”. The Conservative councillor said: “It’s not market failure when markets don’t deliver the outcome you want – that’s market reality – it would only be failure if they simply couldn’t do it.
    “It’s not ideal to send things to Northern Ireland, I accept that. I would like to see a change that changes that, but only if it’s cost-effective for the taxpayer.
    “If this works out to be the cheapest way to do it for the taxpayer, then I’d carry on supporting doing it – for the simple reason I don’t think we need to be layering costs upon the tax payer for virtue projects.”

  • HS2 Staffordshire latest as Government admits project could rise to £102 billion

    HS2 Staffordshire latest as Government admits project could rise to £102 billion



    A timetable has been laid outNeil Lancefield, Will Meakin-Durrant and Abbie Llewelyn, Press Association and Dave Knapper West Midlands Content Editor14:56, 19 May 2026The cost of HS2 has shot up(Image: PA)High-speed trains between London and Staffordshire won’t be running for at least another 14 years. The announcement comes as Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced the HS2 project could end up costing more than £100 billion.The Cabinet minister told the Commons she was “angry” about the “obscene increase in time and costs”, which she blamed on “the failures of successive Conservative governments”. She said the expected cost of completing the high-speed railway was between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion (in 2025 prices).That means it will be more expensive than the Artemis II mission to send four astronauts to the Moon, which is estimated to have cost 93 billion US dollars to date (£69 billion). Constructing HS2 from London to Birmingham – plus the now abandoned onward legs to Leeds and Manchester – was initially estimated to cost £32.7 billion (in 2011 prices), but the budget has spiralled.Services were planned to launch in 2026, but the new target schedule is between May 2036 and October 2039. Ms Alexander also announced that HS2 trains will run slower than planned to save money.She said the maximum speed of services will be 320km/h (199mph), down from the original design of 360km/h (224mph). She branded the previous plans a “massively over-specced folly, with the prospect of the fastest trains anywhere in the world tickling the fancy of Conservative ministers”.Services will still be among “the fastest trains in Europe” despite the top speed being cut, she told MPs. Ms Alexander said the cost increase is mostly because of “past misunderstanding of the work required, underestimation and inefficiency, issues within the control of HS2 Ltd, some of its suppliers, and previous governments”.HS2 services between Old Oak Common in west London and Birmingham’s Curzon Street station are expected to start running between May 2036 and October 2039.Meanwhile in Staffordshire and the high-speed trains will not run between Euston station in central London and Handsacre Junction – which sits between Rugeley and King’s Bromley – until between May 2040 and December 2043. Handsacre Junction is where HS2 trains are planned to leave the dedicated high-speed tracks and merge onto the conventional West Coast Mainline.Ms Alexander said the overall budget includes work at Euston, but the Government was still seeking a private investor for the site. The revised cost and schedule for HS2 follows a comprehensive review by HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild, who began his role in December 2024.A major review published following the announcement found that “gold plating” HS2, including by focusing on achieving the “highest possible speeds”, is among the faults that contributed to the project’s woes. Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the former national security adviser, criticised the “original sins” in the decision-making behind the scheme.Labour ministers commissioned an internal review into whether scrapping the entire project would be better value for money than continuing with it. This found that abandoning the scheme – which has already cost an estimated £40 billion – would cost at least as much as completing it.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

  • Liverpool gets Man City 115 charges update as lawyer gives new verdict

    Liverpool gets Man City 115 charges update as lawyer gives new verdict



    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.”

  • Accelerating AI Conference 2026 set to bring leaders and innovators to Milton Keynes – Znewsservice.com

    Accelerating AI Conference 2026 set to bring leaders and innovators to Milton Keynes – Znewsservice.com



    The Accelerating AI Conference 2026 will return to Milton Keynes on Tuesday 9 June 2026, convening business leaders, technology specialists, public sector partners and regional support organisations to examine how artificial intelligence can be adopted in practical, responsible and commercially viable ways.
    Taking place at The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton Mill, the half-day conference will focus on real-world AI adoption for businesses across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the wider South Midlands.

    The event will open with networking from 8:30am, with the main conference programme beginning at 9:00am and concluding at 2:00pm.

    Delivered with the support of a broad group of regional partners, speakers and business organisations, the conference is designed to move beyond the hype around AI and give attendees useful, actionable insight into where the technology is already creating value.

    Partners and contributors include the South Midlands Growth Hub, Milton Keynes City Council, the British Business Bank, the University of Bedfordshire, techUK, Business MK, and speakers from businesses including Fliweel.tech, Qoob, Dragon IS, Zoho UK and Smart City Consultancy.

    Accelerating AI Conference 2026 is aimed at business owners, senior leaders, marketing teams, operational decision-makers and SMEs that want to better understand how AI can support productivity, innovation, customer experience and growth.

    The programme will explore how AI is changing day-to-day business operations, from automation and digital employees to Microsoft Copilot, AI-led marketing, autonomous robotics, regional business support, public sector adoption and access to finance.

    Confirmed speakers include Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of Fliweel.tech, who will explore how AI agents are evolving into operational digital workers; Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director at Qoob, who will discuss how businesses can build marketing teams that work effectively alongside AI; and Lionel Naidoo, Managing Director of Dragon IS, who will examine Microsoft Copilot, agents and the opportunity for every organisation.

    The line-up also includes Robert Simpson, Director of Business Development at Zoho UK; Ian Pulford, Director at Smart City Consultancy and Head of Ohmio UK; Lisa Beckett, Head of Customer, Data and Insight at Milton Keynes City Council; Lewis Stringer from the British Business Bank; Dr Ed Braund from the University of Bedfordshire; and Usman Ikhlaq, Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence at techUK.

    The conference builds on three previous Accelerating AI events held at MK:U and Aiimi, which collectively welcomed more than 400 attendees. Featured as part of Milton Keynes Tech Week in 2025, the event continues to support the region’s ambition to become a leading hub for digital innovation, business growth and responsible AI adoption.

    This year’s conference is expected to welcome more than 150 guests to The Ridgeway Centre, one of Milton Keynes’ prominent event venues.

    Speaking ahead of the event, Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director at Qoob and one of the event’s co-organisers and speakers, said: “AI is moving quickly, but many businesses are still trying to understand what it means for them in practical terms. This conference is about bringing together people who are already applying AI across different sectors, so attendees can hear what is working now, what is coming next and how to take sensible, confident steps forward.

    “What makes the event valuable is the mix of perspectives. It is not just about one company or one technology. It is about connecting businesses with practical examples, regional support, funding guidance and people who can help them turn interest in AI into action.”

    Alongside speaker sessions and expert insight, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with regional support organisations and learn more about funding, advisory services and growth programmes available to SMEs.

    The South Midlands Growth Hub will share guidance on funded support available across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, including 1:1 advisory support, specialist programmes, Network & Learn events and information on the next round of grant funding due to open in July 2026.

    The British Business Bank will also be represented, offering insight into access to finance and investment support for smaller businesses across the region.

    Representatives from Milton Keynes City Council, the University of Bedfordshire and techUK will contribute perspectives on public sector AI adoption, regional innovation, research, skills and the wider national technology landscape.

    Matthew Rigby-White added: “Businesses do not just need inspiration around AI; they need a clearer route forward. By bringing together technology specialists, support organisations, public sector leaders and regional partners, the conference is designed to help people leave with useful ideas, stronger connections and practical next steps.”

    Event details

    Event: Accelerating AI Conference 2026
    Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
    Time: Networking from 8:30am, conference starts at 9:00am, event closes at 2:00pm
    Venue: The Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill, Wolverton, Milton Keynes
    Agenda: To be confirmed

  • Four arrested after copper wire from solar farm recovered from crashed car | West Bridgford Wire

    Four arrested after copper wire from solar farm recovered from crashed car | West Bridgford Wire



    Police have arrested four men and recovered valuable copper wire from a crashed car following a break-in at a solar farm.Officers were called to the site on Weston Road, Egmanton, near Tuxford, in the early hours of Thursday (14 May), when a security camera was activated.While enquiries were being conducted, a vehicle was seen travelling at speed and was followed.The car was found a short time later, crashed and abandoned at the junction of Weston Road and Moorhouse Road.A significant amount of copper wiring was discovered inside the vehicle.- Advertisement -Further investigations led to the arrest of a man who was seen walking along the nearby A1.Three further suspects were then located in a ditch near Weston and detained.Four men, aged 28, 45, 47 and 65, were arrested on suspicion of burglary.Following searches, suspected counterfeit banknotes and a quantity of cocaine were recovered, with the 47-year-old being further arrested on suspicion of possessing counterfeit currency and the 28-year-old held on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug.The 28-year-old has now additionally been arrested for two shop thefts, and the 65-year-old on suspicion of one shop theft.Detective Sergeant Andrea Brown, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:“The officers who attended worked efficiently during the night to piece together information from a number of calls into the control room.“They successfully detained four suspects, and detectives are now investigating the incident further.“Break-ins of this nature can be extremely costly for businesses and are taken very seriously by the force.“We’d like to hear from anyone with any information, or relevant dashcam, doorbell, CCTV or mobile phone footage, about the incident.”If you can assist, call 101 and quote incident 9 of 14 May 2026, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Park visitors slam ‘extremely harsh’ enforcement as new machines installed

    Park visitors slam ‘extremely harsh’ enforcement as new machines installed



    A spokesperson for the country park said that the new machines are ‘quicker’ and “easier to use”Milton Country Park(Image: Amy Britton/CambridgeshireLive)A Cambridgeshire country park has installed a new parking machine after customers complained about an “extremely harsh” system. Milton Country Park, situated just outside of Cambridge, has recently announced a new parking system “following lots of customer feedback”.Visitors claim to have had received unfair fines from the previous system. One person wrote: “While the park itself is lovely, the parking enforcement is incredibly harsh. It’s a popular spot for families with young children, but the management shows zero leniency – staying even a minute past your paid time results in a £60 fine.”Another stated: “Great park but horrible parking process. App is truly awful and machine gets busy. You can lose the first 15 minutes just trying to pay, and time starts the moment you enter the car park, not pay.”A review on Tripadvisor said: “Whilst the park itself was fine, the main issue was the parking. I paid for two hours and left within that time, however, around 10 days later I received a parking fine claiming I had underpaid – which I hadn’t.”The customer appealed the charge but claimed it was rejected. They said that because they had paid in cash, they had no evidence and ended up paying the fine.A spokesperson for Milton Country Park said: “Following lots of customer feedback about the parking machine in our car park, we’re pleased to let you know that we have removed the old machine and have now installed two brand-new machines with a much simpler pay-on-exit system.”They added: “The new machines are easier to use, quicker, and designed to make parking more convenient for everyone. Thank you to everyone who took time to share their feedback – we really appreciate it and are always looking at ways to improve your experience with us.”The country park offers visitors a large green space and outdoor activities including paddle sports and open water swimming. The site contains a cafe, playground, bike track, woodland, and lakes.Describing the site itself, one visitor said that is is an “incredible place to relax and enjoy with family and dogs”. Another described it as the “most beautiful park” they had ever visited.