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  • City eye Hull left-back Giles – reports

    City eye Hull left-back Giles – reports


    The 26-year-old full-back made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing eight assists as the Tigers secured Premier League promotion via the play-offs with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Wembley last month.

    Giles remains under contract at the MKM Stadium until 2027, with an additional year’s option, though he is reportedly attracting interest from several Championship clubs.

    Norwich are understood to be assessing a number of left-back targets in this transfer window as they look to strengthen that area of the pitch and avoid a repeat of last season’s injury problems.

    The Canaries concluded the recent campaign with four recognised left-sided full-back options, but that group has since been trimmed.

    Jeffrey Schlupp has moved on after being released, while Harry Amass has returned to Manchester United following the conclusion of his loan spell. Ben Chrisene and Lucien Mahovo remain at the club and are both contracted until 2028.

    Versatile down the left flank, Giles has represented ten different clubs during his career, having come through the youth ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    While at Molineux, he had loan spells with AFC Telford, Shrewsbury Town, Coventry City, Rotherham United, Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough.

    He left Wolves permanently in July 2023 to join Luton Town following their promotion to the top-flight but featured just 14 times for the Hatters before a loan switch to Hull in January 2024.

    After an impressive six-month spell in East Yorkshire, the Tigers exercised their option to sign him permanently for a reported £4.25m.

    Ryan Giles featured 37 times in all competitions last season for Hull (Image: PA)

    However, the former England U20 international struggled for regular game time, leading to a loan return to Middlesbrough in January 2025.

    The defender had hoped to make his move to the Riverside permanent, but later rediscovered his form back at his parent club under Sergej Jakirovic, establishing himself as one of the Championship’s standout attacking full-backs last season.

    With 196 Championship appearances to his name, he was widely expected to be part of Hull City’s Premier League plans next term.

    However, BBC Sport suggest the club may face a potential six-point deduction at the start of their top-flight campaign due to alleged Profit and Sustainability Rule breaches, with an overspend of around £6m.

    As a result, they may need to raise funds through player sales before the end of June, putting Giles among the likely departures.

  • Arson arrest as man seriously hurt at petrol station in Leicester

    Arson arrest as man seriously hurt at petrol station in Leicester



    A man has been been taken to hospital in a serious condition following a van fire at a petrol station in Leicester.Leicestershire Police said emergency services were called to the station in Uppingham Road at 13:19 BST on Saturday. The force said a man in his 60s had suffered burn injuries and was taken to hospital, but no other people were injured.A 62-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, police added.Officers said part of Uppingham Road was closed, but has since reopened and the petrol station remained closed for investigation work.

  • ‘Phenomenal’ city restaurant crowned the best in the region by Muddy Stilettos

    ‘Phenomenal’ city restaurant crowned the best in the region by Muddy Stilettos



    The restaurant opened just over a year agoMuddy Stilettos announced the winners on Tuesday, June 16(Image: Matt Hague)It is no secret that Cambridgeshire is full of culinary delights and selecting a restaurant worthy of a special occasion can take some thought. Thankfully, the Muddy Stilettos Regional Awards 2026 may help to narrow down your search, as one charming restaurant in Cambridge has been named as the best in the region.The restaurant taking the crown as the ‘best’ across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire is Margaret’s on Chesterton Road. Sibling to Michelin-starred Restaurant 22, which was also shortlisted, Margaret’s is a modern British bistro which offers a “produce led shared and set menu that elevates locally sourced ingredients”, according to its website.The lifestyle magazine, which announced the winners on Tuesday, June 16, has run its regional awards for 13 years. They aim to celebrate and show appreciation to the multitude of local businesses across the UK.Each year the magazine asks its millions of readers to nominate their favourite local businesses in 28 counties nationwide across 21 categories. The shortlisted finalists were revealed in April 2026, with a highly anticipated wait until the winner was crowned.Margaret’s, which only opened in June 2025, offers a seasonal set menu and prides itself on using local ingredients from a range of suppliers. As the menu changes regularly, a sample menu is available to give potential customers an idea of the dining experience they’d be in for.The sample menu features a selection from Yorkshire pork loin served with Romano peppers and wild asparagus, to a Suffolk chicken supreme with spring vegetables & its own garden herbs.The highly-commended finalists in Cambridgeshire included Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton, Midsummer House in Cambridge, Restaurant 22 in Cambridge, The Teller’s Table in St Ives, and Vanderlyle in Cambridge.One previous guest at Margaret’s wrote: “Words are not enough to describe what a brilliant experience this was. First I’ll start with the obvious; the food was phenomenal. You can tell that the chefs really put thought into everything that they prepare.”The flavours were incredibly well balanced. The food came out hot which is such an importance to me.”Another commented: “We’ve always been a huge fan of Restaurant 22 and have been looking forward to trying since opening. Very pleased to say that the quality of food and level of service has been mirrored at Margaret’s.”Meanwhile, another previous diner said they were “absolutely blown away” by Margaret’s roast. The review added: “The beef cheek stuffed Yorkshire pudding and the Australian truffle cauli cheese were both proper highlights.”This is an elevated, delicious and seasonal experience – every single element was exquisite, with combinations I couldn’t even dream of. The staff were super attentive and so friendly.”

  • Young sports star who ‘brought so much joy’ dies suddenly

    Young sports star who ‘brought so much joy’ dies suddenly



    Ben Kane passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” on June 1318:26, 20 Jun 2026Updated 18:30, 20 Jun 2026Tributes have poured in for BenA young GAA star from Dublin, “who brought so much joy and laughter into any room he entered,” has been remembered following his tragic death.Ben Kane, from Glasnevin, died “suddenly and unexpectedly” on Saturday (June 13), according to a death notice published by his family on RIP.ie. Ben, known as ‘Kaner’ amongst his friends, was the cherished son of Mary and Dermot, adored brother of Amélie and treasured grandson of Danny, Rita, Dan and the late Margaret, and nephew of the late Linda, reports Dublin Live.He leaves behind his extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours, friends, teammates and fellow club members who will deeply miss him. Ben was an exceptionally talented GAA player and lifelong member of CLG Na Fianna in Glasnevin.The Dublin club has shared a moving tribute to the well-loved young man on social media.”On behalf of CLG Na Fianna, we extend our deepest condolences to Dermot, Mary and Amélie on the passing of Ben Kane,” they said. “Kaner was a valued player, teammate and friend whose spirit, dedication and kindness touched everyone at the club.”We mourn the loss of a vibrant young life and will always remember his commitment on and off the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family at this heartbreaking time. Ar dheis Dé a raibh a anam.”Ben studied at Trinity College and was a cherished member of their GAA squad, playing an instrumental part as they secured the Senior Football Division 2 League title in 2024, while also helping guide the side to victory in the 2025 Trench Cup as the college won back the trophy for the first time since 2012.In tribute to the gifted sportsman, Trinity College Dublin G. A.A. said: “TCD GAA extend our deepest condolences to Dermot, Mary and Amélie on the passing of former TCD footballer Ben Kane.”Kaner was a valued teammate – a caring, sound and all round gent. He was a key player in the 2024 League success, 2025 Trench Cup run and 2022 All Ireland Fresher victory.”We mourn the loss of this life taken too early. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”Ben was enormously popular amongst his teammates and peers at both Trinity College and Ardscoil Rís secondary school, with numerous tributes flooding in for the gifted footballer, who has been fondly recalled as being “ten times the man off the pitch that he was on it”.Ben played for Na Fianna and the Trinity College GAA teamA close friend of Ben’s said: “I was lucky enough to know Kaner through GAA from nursery right through to adult football. I’ll never forget the years of him cheekily dinking the ball over my head in shooting drills, and running off laughing with that big smile on his face.”He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, and I will always remember working nights with him, spending hours laughing and joking, while also having the kind of conversations that helped me with life. He was so intelligent, caring, and always had time for others.”Looking back at the photos and videos from all of the nights out with the team, he was the life and soul of every night and someone who made every occasion better just by being there. My thoughts are with Dermot, Mary, Amelie, and all his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”A teammate of Ben’s at Trinity paid tribute, saying: “When I met Ben playing football in first year in college, I was struck by what an amazing player he was. I learnt over the next few years that he was ten times the man off the pitch that he was on it. He was the kindest, funniest and most genuine lad in the dressing room, and he always lit the place up with his grin.”I’d like to offer my sincerest condolences to Ben’s family, friends and club mates. He’ll be sadly missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him.”A further teammate of Ben’s expressed: “I was genuinely privileged to have met Ben playing freshers GAA in TCD in 2021. I am even more privileged to have become good friends over the following years together.”Ben had the jokes to make an entire dressing room laugh, but he was also extremely kind, and always had a genuine interest in what a friend had to say, with a few words of advice always provided.”He was truly a lovely person, as well as a fabulous footballer, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”A former classmate of Ben’s from his days at Ardscoil Rís also paid tribute, saying: “I was fortunate enough to spend 6 years in ASR with Ben and a significant amount of time in BESS with him too.”He was truly a larger than life personality who brought so much joy and laughter into any room he entered. My lasting memories of him all centre around him having everyone in stitches laughing – either in a classroom, college lecture hall or a football pitch.”I am truly at a loss for words – my deepest condolences and thoughts go to his family at this time. Fly high Kaner.”Ben’s funeral took place at Our Lady of Dolours Church on Botanic Road on Friday, with the young man subsequently laid to rest at Glasnevin Cemetery.

  • Five defendants in North Staffordshire magistrates

    Five defendants in North Staffordshire magistrates



    They’ve all appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centrestokesentinel Administrator10:34, 16 Jun 2026Updated 15:45, 20 Jun 2026Lee Ferns, aged 53, admitted two charges of possessing a class B drug.Here are the latest cases from the region’s courts:LEEK: Fifty-three-year-old Lee Ferns was handed a 12-month conditional discharge by magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre after he admitted two charges of possessing a class B drug. Ferns, care of Prince Charles Avenue, Leek, has 45 previous convictions for 95 offences and was searched by police in Leek on October 30.Prosecutor Alexandra Youster said: “He admitted he was in possession of a bit of weed and whizz. Police recovered a bag of herbal cannabis and three wraps of white powder. He was voluntarily interviewed. He admitted being in possession of cannabis and amphetamine.”The offences placed him in breach of a conditional discharge he received on May 8, 2025 for three charges of possession of drugs.Iain Haley, mitigating, said Ferns became homeless and the drugs were for his personal use. But he has been accessing addiction services and is now clean of drugs. He is now living in a caravan and volunteering at St Paul’s Church in Leek.Magistrates took no action on the breach of the conditional discharge. They sentenced Ferns to a 12-month conditional discharge for the drug matters. He was ordered to pay a £26 surcharge.NEWCASTLE: DJ Jonathon Chapman has been banned from the roads for 14 months after he was caught drink-driving. The 36-year-old had performed as a DJ at a Newcastle venue and was travelling home towards junction 15 of the M6 when police stopped him in Clayton Road, Newcastle, in the early hours of May 23.Prosecutor Alexandra Youster told North Staffordshire Justice Centre that information was passed to the police that Chapman may be driving under the influence of alcohol.Miss Youster said: “The driver was stopped. The defendant gave a positive roadside sample and was arrested and taken to custody where he gave an evidential sample of 48 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, against the legal limit of 35.”Chapman, of Lansbury Avenue, Wednesbury, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.Andrea Wilkes, mitigating, said Chapman works as a carpenter during the day and is a part-time DJ. He travelled to Newcastle to DJ and had a couple of drinks early in the evening. He had his own intoxiliser, which showed he was under the limit but when he was stopped by police he was over the limit.Miss Wilkes added: “He realises he should not have had his drink early doors.”Magistrates fined Chapman £461 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £184 surcharge. His ban will be reduced by 14 weeks if he completes a drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course.BIRCHES HEAD: Drink-driver Oliver Hankey has been banned from the roads for 13 months. North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the 24-year-old forklift truck driver was showing-off to a friend on the way home following a night at a snooker hall.Prosecutor Alexandra Youster said Hankey was stopped by police driving a Volkswagen Polo at speed in Park Hall Road, Longton, on December 5.Miss Youster said: “It was suspected he was under the influence of alcohol. He gave a positive breath sample at the roadside and was taken to custody where his reading was 43 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, against the legal limit of 35.”Hankey, of Handel Grove, Birches Head, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.Andrea Wilkes, mitigating, said Hankey had two pints of lager.She said: “He and his friends were in high spirits. He realises now that is what alerted police to him. He accepts he was probably showing off a little bit because he had another person in the car.”Magistrates fined Hankey £426 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £170 surcharge. His ban will be reduced by 13 weeks if he completes a drink-drivers’ rehabilitation course.STOKE: Mum Rachel Gladwin has been hit with a £253 court bill after she assaulted her partner. The 33-year-old assaulted her victim following a row at their home on February 4.Prosecutor Lee Stone said: “They were shouting at each other. He said she shouted, ‘You are not going to see me ever again’. She was red in the face with anger. As she walked past she elbowed him causing him to be winded.”Gladwin, of Cornwallis Street, Stoke, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.Andrea Wilkes, mitigating, said the relationship was coming to an end.Miss Wilkes said: “She went upstairs to try to calm the situation. He stood by the door. She barged him out of the way and left. He reported the matter to the police.”Magistrates fined Gladwin £120 and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.BALL GREEN: Forty-four-year-old Lee Johnson jumped on a car roof causing £400 damage. North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Johnson jumped from a seven-foot wall in Whitfield Road, Ball Green, on to a parked Ford Fiesta on May 25. Johnson, of New Garden Street, Stafford, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Simon Leech, mitigating, said Johnson fully accepts he should pay for the damage. Magistrates ordered Johnson to pay £400 compensation.Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

  • Liverpool waterfront pub inspired by city’s one o’clock gun

    Liverpool waterfront pub inspired by city’s one o’clock gun



    The pub is named after the famous cannon that once boomed across the city every afternoonThe One O’clock Gun in the Royal Albert Dock. Pictured Rob Swift, operations manager(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)Standing proudly on Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, The One O’Clock Gun is more than just a waterside pub, it’s a reminder of the city’s maritime past. Housed within the Grade I-listed Britannia Pavilion, part of the world’s first non-combustible warehouse complex, the venue, which opened in 2021, sits among the same brick, stone, and cast-iron structures that helped make Liverpool one of Britain’s most important ports.Named after the cannon that once boomed across the city every afternoon, signalling one o’clock for dock workers, sailors, and residents from 1867 until 1969, the inspiration behind the pub is firmly rooted in Liverpool’s history. Today, while the ships and warehouses serve a different purpose, The One O’Clock Gun is a popular stop for visitors and locals looking to enjoy a pint in one of the city’s most iconic waterfront locations.The pub’s operations manager, Rob Swift, 36, from Heswall, chatted with the ECHO about breaking into the industry, how customers can support their local, and the importance of giving new visitors to the city a “Scouse welcome”.Operations manager of The One O’Clock Gun in the Royal Albert Dock, Rob Swift(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)How did you get into the pub industry in the first place?My first ever job was a kitchen porter, but I always had an interest in cocktails from a very young age. My first cocktail bar job was at Alma De Cuba.I’ve been the operations manager at The One O’Clock Gun for around eight months, but I’ve worked for the company for about 10 years. I started as a bartender at Ma Boyles, and then I’ve kind of done everything you can do in a lot of different sites. I like the atmosphere you get from a nice pub or bar. I’ve got a love for pubs like any good Brit.What is the significance behind the pub’s history/name?When you’re walking around the docks, you can see a gun located on the inner quay. It would be fired at 1pm [to allow ship’s captains and dock workers to synchronise their time pieces].I believe it [the pub building] was originally a leather shop that sold bags and belts, but this is the first time it’s been completely revamped into a pub.The ‘Snug’ inside The One O’Clock Gun in the Albert Dock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)READ MORE ABOUT LIVERPOOL PUBSWhat’s your best-selling drink?We sell a lot of Guinness and Cruzcampo. We’re very sort of pint-heavy. There’s nowhere better than the Albert Dock for a pint on a sunny day. When you look towards the inner quay towards the Tate, and there’s a little gap in the buildings, the sun will come down. There’s nowhere better to sit.What is it about your local community that you love?We have a few regulars. Our main one is a guy called Tony, who comes in most days and has two Cruzcampos. He’s a lovely fellow who lives close by.The thing with the Albert Dock is that it’s a very touristy spot, so we get a lot of tourism, so it’s really important to us that we show people good Scouse hospitality.Inside The One O’clock Gun in Liverpool’s Albert Dock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)A lot of the time, we get visitors where it’s the first time, they’ve stepped into a British pub or a Liverpool pub. Sometimes, we get people off the big cruise ships, and we’re the first impression of what Liverpool is like, so we want to be a good introduction for people.Being on the docks, there’s not as much housing around here as there is in a suburb, so we don’t get as many regulars as you would in other pubs, but we still have a few who live around here and come in, and they’re great.We pride ourselves on our hospitality, warmth, and authenticity. Sometimes pubs can feel a bit transactional, but we definitely try to make people feel welcome when they come in by having a chat and providing that old-school kind of hospitality. I think it’s really important nowadays, especially with people not going out as much and having as much disposable income.The One O’Clock Gun in the Royal Albert Dock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)How can people support their local pub?Just by getting down to them and embracing them. It’s a hard time for hospitality, and we know that people have to choose whether they go out a lot more now. So when you do decide to go down to a pub get involved in the atmosphere, have a chat to the people on the table next to you. Trying to create that community is really important.Also don’t be afraid to try something new, it’s never too late to try a Guinness.That community base is really important. Being a flagship for people entering Liverpool for the first time, we want them to have a good time and see what the city is about, even if it is just a little pint in the pub.Do you want your pub or know a pub that deserves to be featured as the Liverpool ECHO’s next Pub of the Week? Send an email to rebecca.mcgrath@reachplc.com

  • Emergency services attend to injured after two trains collide near Bedford – video

    Emergency services attend to injured after two trains collide near Bedford – video



    Emergency services rushed to the scene of a collision on Friday between two trains north of London. A train driver died and 89 people were injured after two East Midlands railway services collided in the Bedford area. Members of the public were told to stay away from local hospital emergency departments on Friday night unless they were suffering from a genuine emergency

  • Major developments open door wide for Leeds United – 3 World Cup bargains emerging: View

    Major developments open door wide for Leeds United – 3 World Cup bargains emerging: View


    Leeds United will no doubt be alert to transfer market opportunities emerging now that the window is open. That includes World Cup stars featuring across the pond.

    United’s recruitment over the summer window is going to be strategic once again. The 49ers have sought value in their signings ever since taking over, and have a pretty strong success rate too.

    This summer, Paraag Marathe expects a host of signings that can raise the bar of the starting lineup. With that, there’ll surely be one eye on those involved in the World Cup.

    Of course, basing our recruitment solely on performances in this tournament is unwise. However, if there’s a player that already featured high on the shortlist, their exploits on the international stage will be taken into account too.

    Here, I look at three World Cup players that could be available for a bargain price

    Ladislav Krejci – Wolves, Czechia

    Heavily linked with Elland Road already, Wolves centre-back Ladislav Krejci is someone that would certainly fit a particular recruitment focus of Leeds’.

    Pascal Struijk’s future is uncertain at Elland Road. That means we need a left-footed centre-back to take his place, should he leave.

    Krejci, 27, has just been relegated with Wolves and could be attainable for a somewhat reduced fee, relative to what he’d typically cost.

    What he lacks compared to Struijk’s elegance on the ball, he more than makes up for in his athleticism and ability to provide huge threat from set pieces.

    Wolves dropping into the Championship should see Krejci be attainable for a fee that Leeds deem worthy of exploring.

    Mohamed Amoura – Wolfsburg, Algeria

    Onto another relegated side nicknamed the Wolves, Germany’s Wolfsburg.

    Their 29-year stay in the Bundesliga came to an end this season with relegation via the playoffs. And, it could spell trouble for their aims to retain star players, including forward Mohamed Amoura.

    The Algerian attacker scored eight and assisted three in the 25/26 season, off the back of 10 and nine apiece in the 24/25 campaign. He was also Algeria’s top scorer during World Cup qualifying with 10 goals and four assists in 10 games.

    As an alternative option to play off of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, akin to Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor, Leeds could certainly do worse than Amoura.

    Last summer, Amoura was expected to command up to £34million. But, expect that to be significantly less now, which might catch United’s eye.

    Leeds may want to add a bit of star power in attack and vary up the front line behind Calvert-Lewin as the target man. Amoura could add what Farke is looking for.

    Jhon Lucumi – Bologna, Colombia

    Back to left-footed centre-backs, it does look as though Leeds will have to get our ducks in a row in the event of Struijk leaving.

    Another option at the World Cup could be Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi, representing Colombia in defence.

    The 6ft1in defender was highly sought after last summer, particularly by Sunderland to the tune of £24million. But, the Serie A side managed to retain his services for another season, at the cost of seeing his contract edge towards 2027 expiry.

    Lucumi, soon to be 28, could well follow a similar pipeline to Leeds’ hit signing Jaka Bijol, who also joined from a mid-table Italian club.

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  • Men filmed themselves robbing party guests in Leicestershire

    Men filmed themselves robbing party guests in Leicestershire



    Two men who filmed themselves threatening, assaulting and robbing several guests at a party in Leicestershire have been convicted.Leicestershire Police said Richile Vangu, 20, threatened attendees at a party in North Kilworth in the early hours of 21 November with a knife and demanded they hand over designer clothing and transfer money to him.The force added Vangu forced some of the victims to dance for him while an associate filmed it on a mobile phone.Following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, Vangu, of Bowes Road, London and Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, 19, of Slippers Place, London were found guilty on Friday of multiple offences. They are due to sentenced on 27 July.Police said when some victims told Vangu they could not each transfer £1,000 – the sum he demanded – they were told to go to an address in Bath Lane later the same day to pay.On the afternoon of 21 November, some of those who had been at the party went to Bath Lane, where they did transfer money, officers said.While inside the property, police said Vangu fired a BB gun at them and repeatedly whipped one of the victims with a belt. Some of the group were also punched repeatedly.This was filmed by one of the group and uploaded to social media, the force added.

  • Cambridge cycle wands flattened as locals say it’s ‘proof they are in the way’

    Cambridge cycle wands flattened as locals say it’s ‘proof they are in the way’



    Cycle wands on Cambridge’s East Road have been flattened, sparking debate among readers who suggest emergency vehicles could be to blame for the damage to the controversial traffic schemeDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers06:00, 20 Jun 2026Flattened cycle wands on East Road in Cambridge(Image: Cait Findlay – CambridgeshireLive)Readers of Cambridgeshire Live have been sharing their thoughts after cycle wands on a busy Cambridge road were flattened. Images showed several of the wands on East Road were lying completely flat.Residents expressed varying opinions on what caused the damage and what action should be taken. Many attributed it to emergency vehicles, while others demanded the posts be removed entirely. Some argued the scheme was simply worsening traffic congestion.A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council confirmed the authority was aware of the flattened cycle wands. They said officers will inspect the site to assess the damage and replace the wands.A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the cycle wands on East Road which have been flattened. One of our officers will visit the area to review the damage and replace the wands as required.”One reader, Wachoooo suggests: “They’re flattened by emergency vehicles driving over them constantly, as it’s the fastest way to get through traffic.”Danieal writes: “Just remove them and put the road back to the way it was and was designed to be. We all know the barriers were only put in place to hold up traffic and create bottlenecks.”Calumen Nomen says: “Is that the end of the ‘trial’ then? When is it going to dawn on these people that we are never going to get back on buses and bikes – why should we? What’s their next plan – back to black and white tele for the plebs because it ‘saves carbon emissions’?”Banallbikes feels: “It’s proof that they are in the way of vehicles and serve no purpose, so they should be removed.”Over on our Facebook page, Szilák I comments: “It used to be 2 lanes and worked fine.”Sootys S says: “Cycle wands were put up to increase traffic queues, to justify introducing congestion charges, rather than for cycle safety.”Otto B writes: “Probably to let emergency vehicles through, cyclists and buses don’t use their lanes anyway.”Jonny S agrees: “Yes, flattened predominantly by Fire Engines because they have to use the cycle lane to bypass the massive backlog of traffic caused by making East Road a single lane. Because making a massive traffic choke point right next to the police and fire stations is clearly a great idea.”Should the trial of the cycle wand end now? Comment below or HERE to have your say.