Wirral's independent local news website led by local football club New Ferry Rangers has been in development for nearly eight years What began as a vision to breathe new life into a disused building has evolved into a fully renovated facility poised to become a central hub for the Wirral community “This was never just about saving a building,” said Simon Crabtree of New Ferry Rangers “It was about creating a space the entire community could benefit from—a place that brings people together Talks with Wirral Borough Council began back in 2017 with the aim of handing over the former youth club to the Rangers one of the most active community organisations in the area With the council’s support and funding from Sport England the transformation of the space has taken shape But while the physical work is largely complete the doors remain closed—awaiting the funding needed to bring in staff we need around £40,000 to employ a full-time manager and two part-time staff members,” Crabtree explained the centre will begin generating its own income and we’ll be able to grow the team and services offered.” The delay is already being felt in the community New Ferry is one of the UK’s most deprived areas in terms of health and wellbeing and residents were hopeful the hub would be a turning point “We had an open day recently and the reaction from locals was incredible,” said Crabtree “People are excited—it’s something positive the sooner we can begin to make a real difference.” The centre is expected to host a range of services and activities aimed at tackling food poverty But finding the final chunk of funding has been challenging with many grant providers tightening their budgets amid rising costs “Charities are feeling the pressure everywhere,” Crabtree said but we also need the community’s help—whether that’s asking employers if they can donate He was quick to praise the support received from Wirral Borough Council calling them “instrumental” in getting the project to this stage The cost of running community spaces is going up—especially utilities—and the central government needs to recognise the role grassroots projects play in public wellbeing.” The team behind the New Ferry Community Hub hopes it will become a lasting resource for the area helping to lift up residents and provide a sense of community and purpose “This is more than just a building,” Crabtree said “It’s a symbol of what local people can do when they come together—and it has the potential to change lives.” class=”has-medium-font-size”> Email us at news@birkenhead.news to Dunkirk in France three times a week - and take 20 hours to get there.. and editor of the Much Better Adventures Magazine 2022 Travel Media Awards Finalist: 'Young Travel Writer of the Year' 'Sustainability Feature of the Year' More posts by Stuart Kenny A new direct ferry service linking Rosyth on the east coast of Scotland and Dunkirk in France could open as early as 2025 the ferry company who would be running the route The route is nicknamed ‘Project Brave’, and the idea for it was first aired in 2022. According to the Metro it lacked the required funding at that time - with an estimated £3 million apparently required to get the route up and running and the creation of the route - which would run three weekly return trips - now once again looks like a real possibility Rosyth is extremely conveniently placed on the east coast of Scotland. It sits on the coast of the Firth of Forth in Fife, just outside of Scotland’s newest city, Dunfermline, with easy access to one of Scotland's Great Trails, the Fife Coastal Path The cruise terminal in Rosyth is only a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh and Rosyth can also be reached in under half an hour from Edinburgh by train though - not for those who get sea sick easily It is set to last around 20 hours one-way and thus it will be one of the longest sea journeys available in Europe (the route which currently holds that record being the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry crossing was the one who previously estimated the required cash for the route at that £3 million mark but he also noted it would bring in more to the Scottish economy “It is estimated the direct ferry link would initially carry 51,000 passengers a year bringing an additional £11.5 million of spend to the Scottish economy,” he said A past service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge in Belgium was discontinued in 2010 and there are currently no currently no public ferry routes leaving from Rosyth to international destinations a plethora of ferry routes running between the Scottish mainland and the various islands of the country and there are a range of links between the UK and Ireland Current international UK ferry routes include: the Rosyth-Dunkirk route would provide a fantastic new flight-free travel option for those travelling between Scotland and France Voices involved in the project have even suggested that it could lead to further routes between Scotland and northern Germany or Scandinavia Inspired? Check out our range of adventures in Scotland and France At around 2.20pm officers were on patrol when they saw a Suron electric motorbike being driven by a male with a passenger wearing a balaclava Police then followed them along New Chester Road The two males were then seen running on Kempton Road towards Esher Road and after a pursuit on foot Following a search of the area a machete was recovered on top of a wheelie bin and the second male was detained a short time later A 22-year-old man from Rock Ferry was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries A 17-year-old male from Rock Ferry was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle riding without a helmet and possession of an offensive weapon “Our officers are committed in removing anyone who stores carries and uses weapons through proactive use of stop and search powers warrants and education work alongside partners “The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated not only for the victim and their family but also for the offenders involved “I would urge people to speak to their children and family members about the dangers of knife crime “We continue to seek out those involved in knife crime enticing young and vulnerable people to carry weapons or involved in gangs.” If you have any information on this incident please contact the Merseyside Police social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 Image: https://depositphotos.com/ Police are becoming increasingly concerned for Andrew Murphy and enquiries have been ongoing to find him and make sure he is safe since he was reported missing Officers have now released a CCTV image of Andrew taken at Aldi on Bebington Road on the day he was last seen If you believe you may have seen Andrew that day or since or have any information about his whereabouts please get in touch with Merseyside Police as a matter of urgency of slim build and with cropped brown hair and blue eyes When last seen he was wearing the clothes seen in the image: an oversized green Michael Kors waterproof rain mac down to his knees a blue dressing gown/house coat underneath black trainers with white soles and he was carrying a blue Adidas backpack If you see Andrew, please call 999 so police can make sure he’s safe. You can also pass on any sightings of Andrew via this form: www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/mp/v2/add-something-reported-missing/ or any other information to @MerPolCC or 101 say they are desperate to find him as officers continue to investigate his disappearance Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the 47-year-old and enquiries have been ongoing to find him and make sure he’s safe Andrew was last seen on Saturday, 29 March, when CCTV captured him at Aldi and several appeals have been issued since then in an effort to locate him his family have issued the following:“This is totally out of character for Andrew to go missing with no explanation Our family are desperate for any information and his safe return home to his young daughter “Andrew is 5ft 9in and has a very slim build He was wearing a khaki green water jacket which was knee length with denim jeans and a navy blue Adidas rucksack We have shared the most recent picture we have of him.” If you see Andrew or have any information about his whereabouts please get in touch with Merseyside Police as a matter of urgency.If you see him please call 999 so police can make sure he’s safe Andrew Murphy was last seen on Thorburn Road in New Ferry at 1pm on Saturday of slim build with cropped brown hair and blue eyes When last seen he was wearing an oversized green Micheal Kors waterproof rain mac down to his knees blue jeans and was carrying a blue Adidas backpack You can also pass on any sightings of Andrew via this form:   https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/mp/v2/add-something-reported-missing/  or any other information to @MerPolCC or 101 The Arran for Ardrossan Harbour group boarded the Glen Sannox ferry in Brodick on Saturday and headed for the mainland The harbour needs an £80m upgrade to fit two new ferries but there has been no agreement between owner Peel Ports the Scottish government and North Ayrshire Council over who should pay Services are being diverted along the coast to Troon in the meantime The campaigners marched off the vessel chanting and waving placards ShareSaveMoment houses set alight in overnight firebomb attacksVideo posted online shows the front of a house being dowsed with liquid before being set alight. Watch: Vintage vehicle parade celebrates Albion MotorsA procession of vintage cars, buses and lorries made its way through Glasgow to the Riverside Museum. How this Scottish park names its famous Highland cowsPollok Country Park in Glasgow is welcoming its newest bunch of Highland cow calves. Drone footage shows wildfire blazing in the hills above CumbernauldDrone footage shows the extent of the wildfire which began blazing in the hills above Cumbernauld on Thursday night. Wonky lamb with wobbly walk becomes internet starWhen owner Rhoda Meek decided to share Wonky on her social media, she quickly attracted attention. Inside Scotland's abandoned Clune Park estateOften dubbed "Scotland's Chernobyl", only a handful of residents remain in Clune Park in Port Glasgow. Watch flames and explosions rip through battery recycling plantFirefighters have been tackling a large blaze at a battery recycling plant in North Ayrshire exactly a year after another fire at the site. 'To know the Big Yin's seen my stand-up is incredible'Rosco McClelland has won this year's Sir Billy Connolly "Spirit of Glasgow" Award at the city's comedy festival. Glasgow tower blocks demolished by controlled explosionsThree 1960s tower blocks in Glasgow have been demolished to make way for nearly 400 new homes. King launches Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Baton RelayKing Charles handed the Commonwealth Games baton to Sir Chris Hoy at Buckingham Palace. Reform's Tice struggles to name new Scottish councillorsThe deputy leader of Reform UK has struggled to name his two new Scottish councillors while on a visit to Edinburgh. James McAvoy grateful to Glasgow for giving film 'a real Scottish crowd'The X-Men actor praises his home city's "amazing energy" as he picked up an award the Glasgow Film Festival. Fireworks explode in street after van set on fireFireworks light the night sky after a van was set on fire in front of houses. Roads shut and buildings evacuated after gas leakFootage posted online showed a small fire burning in the road in Glasgow's west end. Moment woman is arrested under abortion protest lawPolice were called to a demonstration near Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Dancing in the street: Dozens perform Strip The WillowAbout 100 people gathered for a mass ceilidh dance on the newly revamped Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. Dogs audition for a role in a Glasgow comedy playThe Walking Shadows' script calls for the dog to make an appearance and perform a trick on stage. The migrant women learning DIY skills to take control of their livesWomen who've fled war and violence have been offered basic DIY training to help them settle in new homes and communities. Fishermen rescue humpback whale tangled in ropeA single rope had become anchored around the tail of the humpback just off the coast of Skye. Child psychiatric care 'was more like abuse'Young women tell their stories from years spent on a Scottish adolescent psychiatric ward. Tasmania's Incat has delivered on its promise to build the world's largest battery electric passenger ferry officially launching the China Zorrilla from its shipyard in Hobart today The vessel measures 425 ft in length and will be home to a whopping 40-MWh battery Hull 096 is not only the largest electric ship in the world but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built – and one of the most significant single export items in Australia’s manufacturing history," boasts the press release on the launch The Hull 096's spec sheet reveals an overall length of 129.68 m (425.46 ft) a waterline length of 121.51 m (398.65 ft) The original plan for the ninth vessel built for ferry operator Buquebus was for it to run on LNG 'The next ship I deliver to you will be 100% electric,'" revealed Juan Carlos López Mena ‘Then the next one must be the one we’re commissioning today.’ And with great courage we’re going to make history.’" Then work began on turning promise into reality and building the China Zorrilla to run emissions-free you can watch key construction milestones in the video below Now the exterior is complete and has been treated to a fresh paint job for the official launch The vessel's monstrous Energy Storage System has yet to be installed but will add 250 tonnes to the ferry's dry weight making it "four times larger than any previous maritime installation" according to Incat This ESS will power eight electric waterjets manufactured by Wärtsilä which will push the e-ferry across the River Plate between Buenos Aires in Argentina to a port in Uruguay when it enters service But before up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles can get on board for the maiden voyage work continues on the vessel's interior – which will host "the largest shopping space on any ferry in the world," at 2,300 sq m (24,750+ sq ft) "This is a historic day – not just for Incat but for the future of maritime transport," said Incat's chairman "We’ve been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades and most important project we’ve ever delivered the 100% electric ferry will undergo sea trials on the River Derwent in Tasmania with Incat reporting that everything is on track for delivery to Buquebus by the end of 2025 Source: Incat New Ferry town centre is currently undergoing redevelopment as part of Wirral Council’s plans to revive the town The explosion in a former furniture store off Boundary Road tore through the town’s high street injuring 81 people making 78 people homeless and leaving 28 businesses closed behind police cordons Seven businesses were destroyed and never reopened and since then those who live in the town argue it has continued to see a decline A multi-claim civil litigation was recently settled after claimants argued two major UK gas suppliers contributed to the explosion by failing to disconnect the gas supply Two housing developments are also currently underway while a third is in the pipeline providing over 70 new homes councillors approved giving another £1.2m towards the project this falls far short of the £5.2m needed to deliver plans developed by the local authority It came from a funding pot of £3.1m leftover from two cancelled projects Other projects awarded extra funding included the new U-boat museum and expanded plans for the Woodside Ferry Village The money will go towards works to improve the town’s high street on Bebington Road The plan is to “make the shopping areas more attractive for traders visitors and residents and will include traffic-calming measures additional CCTV to deter anti-social behaviour and a re-provided public car park” A council report had originally included a recommendation that council officers re-allocated any future funds to help reach £5.2m if other projects fell through Director of Regeneration Marcus Shaw said a review of projects needed to take place before any funding commitment could be given it’s shovel ready and there’s new homes being built as we speak.” She said the high street needed some funding as the explosion had devastated the town and the current funding available would mean change was “pretty basic,” adding she was surprised plans were changed last minute and delays would make the project harder to deliver “This is about giving you confidence that we know what we’re doing as a directorate and at the moment I don’t feel comfortable putting this to members to make a decision I want to come back with the confidence that we have a better understanding of our financial position.” The council also approved two masterplans for the areas around Woodside as well as Wallasey Town Hall and have given the greenlight to move ahead with six selective licensing schemes around Birkenhead town centre looking at improving housing standards Image: One element of the New Ferry regeneration will be changes to how Bebington Road looks J Freeley has started the demolition of multiple buildings in New Ferry to make way for new affordable homes in the town The project kick-starts the second phase of plans to regenerate the area following a devastating explosion in 2017 Appointed by Wirral Council under the Procure Partnerships Framework J Freeley is scheduled to be on site for 14 weeks Asbestos will be safely removed prior to demolishing the buildings including a former Co-op store and premises from 104 to 124 New Chester Road A commercial building in Grove Street has already been taken down requiring the removal of a swimming pool and associated plant and equipment All the properties have been vacant for several years J Freeley will install fencing to secure the sites for future development The contract is J Freeley’s second with Wirral Council and follows the successful demolition of Wallasey town hall’s north and south annexes said: “We’re pleased to be working with Wirral Council again to help deliver another significant regeneration project which have been frequently vandalised over the years He added: “The contract builds on our expertise of working within built up areas requiring extra care to minimise disruption and to maximise safety This will be particularly important when we demolish the former Co-op as occupied retail premises neighbour the site “Manual demolition methods will be implemented together with scaffolding and a crash deck to prevent debris from falling.” Regeneration and Housing Committee for Wirral Council said: “It’s great to see work progressing so well on the first phase of the New Ferry regeneration while at the same time preparations are being made for the second and last phase “The demolition of the vacant building on Grove Street will allow the council to create more parking spaces there while the removal of the row of empty shops facing New Chester Road will take away a real blight on the area to be replaced by much needed new housing in the coming months.” New Ferry was devastated by an explosion on March 25 which injured 81 people and forced many out of their homes and businesses that the “apocalyptic” explosion that injured 81 people and caused “utter devastation” was an insurance job that went badly wrong The final developments in the first phase of an innovative programme to increase the number of affordable homes using Manchester City Council-owned land are working through the planning process The last planning application of this phase has been submitted by One Manchester for a site in Moston while Mosscare St Vincent’s (MSV) has now received planning approval for a site in Cheetham Hill Mosscare St Vincents has now received planning approval for 70 new homes – including 26 apartments – on Alderford Parade and Dinnington Avenue in north Manchester Every property in this development will be available at social rent – the cheapest level of rent available – and will offer a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments The homes will be built to low carbon standards with each of the properties achieving an EPC A rating – and each of the homes will have an electric vehicle charging point All of the homes have Secure By Design accreditation and the ground floor apartments will be available to people who require an accessible property There are also dedicated parking bays for each of the properties MSV is also on site with two further Project 500 developments in Harpurhey (Parkmount Road and Jonas Street) which will deliver a further 46 affordable homes – 12 for social rent The proposed scheme by One Manchester off Moston Lane in north Manchester would deliver 29 Manchester Living Rent homes and represents the last tranche of 357 homes for initial Project 500 programme sites The scheme will develop a mix of 18 one-bed cottage flats across three separate buildings Each of the houses will have private gardens and the flats will share a landscaped rear garden And each property will have access to a private car parking space One Manchester also has two other Project 500 sites currently in development A site on Blackwin Street in Gorton will deliver seven new homes – a range of two- to four-bedrooms properties – and a further site on Brigham Street in Openshaw will deliver 24 houses and flats The North West industrial investment market experienced a moderate contraction in 2024 with £1.030bn of transactions across 63 deals in total This is according to a new report by industrial and logistics property consultancy Key investment market highlights show the North West saw £1.030bn of industrial transactions in 2024 across 63 deals broadly in line with the five-year average (£1,075bn) The North West industrial sector maintained its position as one of the most attractive property sectors in 2024 driven by robust rental growth and strong investor demand despite some hesitancy due to interest rate uncertainty and the political environment The industrial open storage market emerged as a key sub-sector and overseas investment dominated the institutional market leading to notable acquisitions such as Premier Park and Broadheath Network Centre Traditional UK investors began returning cautiously focusing on top-tier assets with strong ESG credentials industrial property sector pricing in 2024 was heavily influenced by interest rates and the cost of debt with slight decreases in rates not alleviating high swap rates the North West industrial occupational market saw Big Box take up of 3.22 million sq ft – an 18% increase from 2023 though still some way short of the peak six million sq ft peak that was recorded in 2021/22 Of the total square footage acquired in 2024 2.32 million sq ft (72%) was either speculative new-build or Grade A – double the previous year’s figures Key occupational market highlights showed that the H1 2024 take-up of big box units (more than 90,000 sq ft) totalled 1.28 million sq ft across eight transactions with expectations for improved take-up in H2 2024 Year-end take up figures are predicted to be broadly in line with pre-Covid years Prime Big Box rents were between £9.50 and £10 per sq ft with a new record rent of £11.50 per sq quoting rents have increased to more than £11 per sq ft Multi-let Industrial (MLI) demand remains very strong with new-build take up totalling 812,000 sq ft A total of 70% of new-build MLI transactions were below 15,000 sq ft for another consecutive year increased void on second-hand MLI assets has promoted rental or growth through refurbishment programmes Big Box units comprising 2.68 million sq ft in total are currently under construction across 11 schemes mostly outside the prime areas of Greater Manchester and central M6 corridor said: “The North West industrial sector had a relatively stable 2024 and it possibly provided the turning point in the investment market noticing a window to strike at relatively attractive pricing levels the biggest challenge of 2024 was the lack of opportunities stifling activity the availability of comparable pricing and the lack of any core deals with continued strong overseas investor demand coupled with the gradual return of some UK institutions.” He added: “ESG credentials remain paramount for institutional investors with strong BREEAM and EPC ratings key to generating future demand and premium pricing These are becoming paramount to investment decisions despite a slight cloud following the October budget and the new US government We expect more speculative funding and development activity once supply starts to diminish and the occupational markets improve as we get into the meat of 2025.” Cumbria’s first-of-a-kind digital and gaming hub has announced their partnership with key delivery partner VR Gateway The Carlisle-based business has been chosen as the primary delivery partner is transforming the old Whittles building in Whitehaven town centre into a three-story high-tech hub to upskill The space will include dedicated gaming and VR suites and access to recording studios with £2.8m secured from Sellafield Ltd Social Impact Multiplied (SiX) scheme said: “We have been working with VR Gateway since our initial public consultations in 2021 and they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and alignment regarding Levels.” saidL “We are incredibly excited about our involvement in Levels This project is truly transformative for West Cumbria and one we are aligned with regarding vision and values.” Levels is scheduled to open in autumn later this year is collaborating with Anchor Housing to provide veterans with a pathway to stability and belonging as they embark on the next chapter of their lives the partnership has supported 14 veterans to transition from supported accommodation from Launchpad’s Speke House to independent Speke House in Liverpool is one of three houses offering temporary housing and holistic support to vulnerable veterans many of whom arrive at Launchpad after experiencing homelessness veterans regain stability and prepare to reintegrate into civilian life But what happens when they’re ready to move on offering a seamless transition to ‘forever homes’ in one of their 1,700 locations across the UK Launchpad’s Independent Living Coordinator at Speke House is working closely with Anchor Housing’s Operations Manager have played a vital role in helping residents take this transformative step said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anchor for providing not just housing but a true sense of home for our residents and welcoming communities makes a profound difference in their lives and we deeply appreciate your partnership.” a global recruitment company which operates out of the centre of Altrincham has invested £100,000 to move into the heart of the town will enable WRS to enhance its staff productivity and wellbeing while supporting the business’s global expansion This move will enable the £57m turnover business which operates internationally in the energy to work towards its goals of turning over £100m in the near future said: “This relocation represents a significant investment in our company’s future with an estimated value of over £100,000 for the move in renovations This investment will not only benefit our company but also contribute to the local economy by creating new jobs and supporting local businesses.” As well as the growth potential offered by 249 its comprehensively furnished office space will improve the working environment and experience for the WRS UK-based staff It has excellent on-site facilities which will enhance employee wellbeing and productivity on-site state-of-the-art gym and shower facilities EV charging bays and secure indoor cycle storage Mark added: “The excellent amenities are part of the reason we selected 249.” Advertise with us Video Services One Stop Shop now being offered at Wallasey town hall Liverpool FC’s 20th league title becomes most engaged Premier League win in history info@theguideliverpool.com +44 151 702 0143 Calendar Food & Drink Picante launches new Margarita Masterclasses Liverpool restaurant week returns next weekend with hundreds of dining deals Nightlife New Kapsule music venue opening at Invisible Wind Factory this weekend 20 things you can do this week in Liverpool (28 April – 4 May 2025) Tate Liverpool unveils Chila Kumari Singh Burman retrospective as centrepiece of 2027 relaunch Mel Giedroyc returns to Liverpool for a night of Eurovision Classics at the Philharmonic Hall Family Mum creates chilled Scandi style play cafe that parents will love as much as kids Find out the free family entertainment happening at Smithdown Festival this weekend Directory The Northern Guide Advertise The Guide Liverpool: Getting Ready for the BIG dates in 2025 12 ways The Guide can help support your business in 2025 The demolition specialist J Freeley has been appointed by Wirral Council to carry out the 14-week programme This saw a former commercial building on Grove Street which contained a swimming pool and associated plant levelled and secured with fencing ahead of the council’s highway team starting work to turn it into public car parking with more than 50 new spaces being created including provision for Blue Badge holders the demolition contractors are set to move onto New Chester Road Traffic management arrangements are being finalised and asbestos will be safely removed prior to work beginning to demolish the buildings which include the former Co-op store and premises from 104-124 New Chester Road The final part of the programme will see the removal of the former public toilets on the Woodhead Street car park “It’s great to see work progressing so well on the first phase of the New Ferry regeneration while at the same time preparations are being made for the second and last phase “The demolition of the vacant building on Grove Street allows the council to create more parking spaces there even as the rest of the work continues to be replaced by much-needed new housing in the coming months.” there will need to be traffic management arrangements in place while the demolition work is happening particularly when contractors are working on New Chester Road; some inconvenience to residents and people travelling through New Ferry will be unavoidable at that time access to the Woodhead Street car park will be maintained throughout the demolition phase of this scheme Sign up today to be the first to hear exclusive Liverpool news & offers Download it today to be the first to hear exclusive Liverpool news & offers gannets flashing through the air like fireworks This is dawn looking out towards the Isle of Arran golden moments like these have been harder to come by for those crossing the Firth of Clyde with one inescapable issue overshadowing the scene with unreliable service records and engine troubles that have often left them in the dry dock."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This week Britain’s newest passenger vessel was launched with MV Glen Sannox making its first sailing between Troon Ask the locals and they will tell you that the saga has seen more twists and turns than the TV"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" show"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" The Traitors"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" And if you’re not familiar with the construction fiasco "}}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"To recap: the controversial £200m ferry is seven years late over budget and the crux of a Scottish government procurement soap opera more absurd than the story of Boaty McBoatface technical problems and the operator Caledonian MacBrayne’s sticky-taped fleet but now visitors can rely on the most modern ferry sailing in the country (£9.20 passenger £37.20 car; calmac.co.uk)."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The bumper-sized dual-fuel juggernaut needs to sail from Troon’s deeper harbour so the journey takes nearly half an hour longer That’s extra time to see the beauty of the marbled sky as the sun sets behind Arran’s muscular hills It’s a win-win."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The first impression when you arrive is one of by-the-seaside hijinks Arran has long been the Costa del Clyde for Glaswegians and Central Belters and yet the island is still characterised by wild spaces and wrinkled glens all underpinned by beautiful light and nature."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"As you disembark the granite ridges of Goatfell can be mistaken for Skye’s snarling Cuillin Hills the road to Blackwaterfoot (aka “The String”) rushes through pine forest and sheep pasture to the Machrie Moor standing stones they are the lonely cousins of the Calanais stones on the Isle of Lewis and but it could be a hidden nook in the Great Glen; Lochranza Castle channels the same spirit as Eilean Donan Revel in childhood nostalgia here — for a fleeting moment it’s the castle in Tintin’s "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The Black Island"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"1ad796c1-8d3b-4e3b-9b81-b30eb84cc35b","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Lamlash Bay is perfect in summer","title":"Lamlash Bay village on the Isle of Arran with Goatfell mountain in the background.","credits":"Alamy","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F7e7eb193-7db0-48e5-b233-f2efec067232.jpg?crop=4242%2C2499%2C0%2C0","ratio":"4242:2499","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The shortbread-coloured sandy beaches are glorious too with dunes that poke through the wildflowers but there’s Blackwaterfoot for dog walkers and the pebbly Catacol beach could almost be in the Antilles in the Caribbean Cleat’s Shore is an official naturist beach though on a typical Ayrshire day it’s void of colour It’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to bare their bits to Kintyre across Kilbrannan Sound "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"When the sun steps out the island comes to life and nowhere more so than at Auchrannie Resort (B&B doubles from £125; auchrannie.co.uk) The Center Parcs-type estate has two big house hotels it works its socks off as the island’s best all-round destination "}}]},{"name":"inlineAd1","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"A different mood is in the air at Butt Lodge in Lochranza and it’s not difficult to imagine the smell of gunpowder at this former hunting house (open from April B&B doubles from £240 for a two-night stay; buttlodge.co.uk) brilliant food and drink is an Arran birthright blues and oatcake tins pop with colour at the Arran Cheese Shop just north of Brodick and ice cream from the neighbouring Taste of Arran deli is served in all seasons A tub of Scottish tablet is the antidote to any new year diet The Isle of Arran Brewery is also on this road and it’s 11 miles to Lochranza Distillery its daily changing menu can include takeaway langoustines on the half-shell and lobster and mussels in a coconut curry (mains from £12 "}}]},{"name":"interactive","attributes":{"id":"89e5c5b1-d993-4134-b1a0-6514c231ec2f","display":"primary","url":"https://components.timesdev.tools/lib2/responsive-graphics-1.0.0/responsive-graphics.html","element":{"value":"responsive-graphics","attributes":{"date-to":"2025-01-16","deck-id":"71400","date-from":"2025-01-16"}}},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"As soon as summer arrives you’ll find me in the Drift Inn in Lamlash for beer-battered prawns and golden-hour pints with happy locals in the waterfront garden looking out towards the Holy Isle (mains from £13; driftinnarran.com) The view of the island’s silhouetted contours closer up on a half-day cruise (£24; lamlashcruises.org.uk) black Hebridean sheep and maroon-robed monks it’s "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Brigadoon"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" meets Buddhism at mindful 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be stunning glorious golden beaches and granite mountains make the Isle of Arran a dream spot for summer — and getting there has never been easierA new ferry will sail between Troon and Brodick on ArranALAMYMike MacEacheranSunday January 19 2025 The Sunday TimesA whaleback island to the west with unreliable service records and engine troubles that have often left them in the dry dock Ask the locals and they will tell you that the saga has seen more twists and turns than the TV show The Traitors To recap: the controversial £200m ferry is seven years late The first impression when you arrive is one of by-the-seaside hijinks all underpinned by beautiful light and nature • 11 of the best Scottish islands to visit Other reminders of elsewhere in Scotland sneak up on you: Glen Rosa leads to a glass-blue rockpool for a wild dip it’s the castle in Tintin’s The Black Island Lamlash Bay is perfect in summerALAMYThe shortbread-coloured sandy beaches are glorious too the island comes to life and nowhere more so than at Auchrannie Resort (B&B doubles from £125; auchrannie.co.uk) A different mood is in the air at Butt Lodge in Lochranza B&B doubles from £240 for a two-night stay; buttlodge.co.uk) it’s now golf bags for a day on the greens at Lochranza’s 11-hole course (from £10; arran-campsite.com) Lochranza Distillery is one of two whisky houses on the islandALAMYLike golf (there are seven courses) one of two swish whisky houses and easily my favourite (tours £15; arranwhisky.com) • 10 of the best road trips in Scotland it’s Brigadoon meets Buddhism at mindful retreats run by the Centre for World Peace and Health amid Tibetan flag-bearing stupas (holyisle.org) Become a subscriber and Sign up for the travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X a powerful gas explosion tore through the town injuring 81 people and destroying 60 properties residents are still rebuilding—both their homes and their lives was performing in a school production of Footloose Power had settled in for a quiet evening at home with his cat barely taking in the chaos around him—alarms blaring he saw the devastation: the furniture store across the street where children had been dancing earlier that day The shock of the explosion left many residents struggling to comprehend what had happened Power remembers collapsing in exhaustion near a lamppost desperate to find their loved ones,” he said that he finally saw Pauline and Christopher approaching The aftermath of the explosion was just as harrowing were unable to return to their homes for weeks even my mum’s Mother’s Day gift was still sitting there the family lived in temporary accommodation still paying a mortgage on a house they couldn’t live in We were juggling bills on both properties while trying to rebuild our lives.” But it wasn’t just the physical loss that weighed on survivors—it was the emotional toll I couldn’t walk past a shop window without feeling a surge of panic afraid another explosion would happen,” Power admited but the scars are still there,” Power said He hopes to see more independent businesses return to the area restoring the town’s once-thriving community Though Power and his family have moved to a new home near Oxton Village the realization that I could have been standing by that window when it blew in.” 25 March isn’t just a date—it’s a moment that changed everything The captain of the Glebe Rowing Club has raised serious concerns about the safety of local rowers and paddlers if a new ferry stop near the Sydney Fish Market goes ahead without proper consultation says the plan could endanger novice rowers and disrupt vital community recreation time on Blackwattle Bay It is one of the few protected spaces for human-powered watercraft on Sydney Harbour “Like how a park provides valuable green space for the community the Bay is an important ‘blue space’ for exercise and recreation,” said Galea the community blue space will be lost forever.” This makes it hard to anticipate fast-moving vessels or the wake they create “Our pontoon is a floating one that is rocked by extra wash Novices are supervised but sometimes have trouble staying on course,” Galea explained “More ferries and power boats mean more risks.” Galea said increased washing and reduced calm water time might force the club to cut back its Learn to Row programs These programs cater to public high school students and new adult members “We might not be able to accept new members if we need to reduce the hours of training time as a safety precaution,” he said He also expressed frustration with the planning process describing it as fragmented and ineffective Although Infrastructure NSW consulted with the club early on Galea said Transport for NSW did not follow through on recommendations for community engagement but they are ignoring the recommendation to consult with community users,” he said The club is not opposed to the ferry altogether They are asking for scheduling that protects early morning training times with the first services arriving after 8:30 am They also propose extending the existing “No Wash” zone to outside the Bay “If the Fish Market brings more industry and life to Pyrmont people will need somewhere nearby to exercise,” Galea said “We just hope the government does not leave water safety off the agenda in the rush to make sure the Fish Market is profitable.” Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The New Ferry Community Land Trust was presented The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).  The trust was established in 2018 as a result of the devastating explosion in the town in March 2017 In 2020 the CLT was awarded a grant from the Town Centre Fund by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to assist with the costs of the trust These funds helped to refurbish a building in the district centre as shops and flats with the income to be used to fund the community projects and maintain the town by doing monthly litter picks.  The CLT were awarded for their voluntary efforts by receiving the Kings Award for Voluntary Service and is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK two of the volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace later this year along with other recipients of this year’s Award The award is one of sixteen to be presented to organisations in Merseyside this year “It is wonderful to see this prestigious award given to an organisation that is constantly ‘putting the community at the heart of regeneration’ “Their care and hard work that ensures information relating to local developments is accessible for all enables everyone to play a part in shaping their own community  which has the potential to transform neighbourhoods.” the three voluntary board members of CLT – who have full time commitments elsewhere have given their time to organising community projects and organised the town’s Christmas lights and decorations They cleaned back alleys and held community markets and summer festivals to include the community.  Their building refurbishment project at 78-80 New Chester Road The four flats are currently 95% completed having been further delayed by challenging structural issues faced by the 123-year-old building which are currently being resolved with additional support by registered social housing provider Regenda The first of the one- and two-bedroomed flats will be available for rent in Spring 2025 In November the CLT were notified that they were receiving this award “This award is a true honour for our organisation and the work it does behind the scenes in New Ferry.” At the presentation at the Lever Club in Port Sunlight “In the last 8 years we have achieved so much with our band of over 35 volunteers with the litter picks “Although we’ve had a setback with unforeseen structural issues inside our building project – Mel Roberts House – we are determined to get the scheme over the line so that it can begin earning an income that will be reinvested back into the New Ferry community with new events and projects “New Ferry Community Land Trust’s Board Members and volunteers are honoured to receive this prestigious award for our resilience and perseverance.” New Ferry Community Land Trust is one of 281 local charities social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award this year Their work reminds us all of the strength that a community can have and how working together can create greater lives for everyone involved Lead image: (L-R) Margaret Evans (New Ferry CLT); His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Mark FW Blundell; Mark Anthony Craig (New Ferry CLT) and Margie Kegg, New Ferry CLT-Chair of the Board. Credit: www.fotopiaimages.com a 15-year-old boy was stabbed in Merseybank Road detectives would now like to speak to 18-year-old Joel Price ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook 18-year-old Joel Price from New Ferry has now been charged with the following offences:Section 18 Wounding with intent and Possession of a bladed article in a public place Price was additionally charged with Drug driving; Driving without a licence or insurance; Possession of cannabis; and Possession of a bladed article in connection with separate matters Price will appear at Liverpool Adult Remand Court If you have any information on the suspected possession ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 Image: GOOGLE  For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 00:25 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 High pressure brings further fine and settled weather this week Any patchy cloud will clear this evening leaving some late sunshine to end the day with a rural frost and some patchy fog forming under light winds in places Tuesday will be another dry and settled day Feeling warm in the sunshine with light winds though turning cloudier from the west later in the afternoon The remainder of the week will see high pressure dominating It will stay dry with plenty of sunny spells Breezy at times but temperatures will be on the rise Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average “It’s great to see work progressing so well on the first phase of the New Ferry regeneration while at the same time preparations are being made for the second and last phase “The demolition of the vacant building on Grove Street allows the council to create more parking spaces there even as the rest of the work continues to be replaced by much-needed new housing in the coming months.”