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South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Pill residents hit out at Mail's rundown city story
The issues covered in the report are familiar to Argus readers, and the figures are ones we have reported before. But we also report the many positive things happening in the city (not town as the Mail called it), and we will covering in more depth a number of issues raised in the Mail in the coming days. Today we started by talking to the residents of Pill, which had been highlighted in the report as "in a state of decay", with "drug addicted residents wandering the streets". Here is what we found... Rachel Clark, who works at Newport Support Network (NSN), said: 'I'm Pill, born and bred. The place has had some troubles recently but so has everywhere. Pill is on the up because people are positive here and here at the Newport Support Network, we are aiming to get more positivity.' Tariq Khan, her colleague, also dismissed the Mail's account: 'They took a snapshot of a few chronic problems that are in many places. I'd rather concentrate on the positive things going on in Pillgwenlly.' Nostalgia: Pill, Newport, the oldest community in Newport Councillor Phil Hourihane, who was visiting Tariq Khan's new self-help initiatives hat serve all Newport, earlier gave me a tour of Pill. We walked for 20 minutes and he asked me about our uneventful stroll on busy streets: 'Do you see any drunk people lying in the streets? Any drug deals? Any anti-social behaviour? The Mail is just printing sensationalist rubbish!" New 2025 Pill carnival queen and her attendants chosen Zenab Farzal said: 'I was born and raised in Pill, which has long been seen as a multicultural area. For me it has always represented community and safety and the ability to live your life in your community. There are shops, services and two mosques that served and supported us. All the things we could want were here. 'Things have changed in recent years and it has become different. However, Pill is a vibrant and happy place and negative changes do happen and they can be overcome." Mark Hayes said: 'The Mail is a Tory rag and I don't read it or believe it. I just wish they'd do reports on real issues, like why they can't cut taxes for local businesses, so they can compete with big corporations and make things better and serve their communities. 'Moving big stores to out-of-town is bad news for local businesses because it reduces visitors on foot and that should be in the news, not these political hit-job stories designed to provoke a reaction." Mason Mathias, said: 'Well, who knows what's going on? I didn't take the report seriously. Maybe more police to sort problems, who knows? As for empty shops and no hope, Pill is buzzing compared to the centre of town. I'm only 19, rescuing Newport is for the politicians and businesses, not me Just ignore hype and don't react.' A man who gave his name as Richard, said: 'Our problems are spiritual. We cannot survive without God in our lives. If you want to make a difference, bring it through building God's word in your communities and families. I go to Emmanuel Church, join me there and make things better.' Pill has benefitted from a number of developments in recent years including the £17m Pill Primary School on Mendalgief Road, alongside the Victoria Court housing scheme by Lovell. There's also new play equipment next to St Michael's Primary School. The regeneration of Constable Close by Linc Cymru is nearing completion and Kirby Daniel Court, homes for the over 55's, have been fully redeveloped. In 2023, Newport Council revealed a new 'masterplan' for regenerating the Pill neighbourhood. Commercial Road will be rejuvenated at 'the heart of Pill', with 'quality public services' and a mixture of business, shopping, leisure and community uses. A new 'green corridor' will be developed around Pill Park, bringing together outdoor play and sports areas and serving as a home for community gatherings.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
SNP councillor charged over ‘£500k cannabis farm found at Scots country home'
Cops confirmed that a 70-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were charged in connection with alleged drug offences last year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN SNP councillor has been charged after a £500,000 cannabis farm was allegedly discovered at a Scots country home. Police raced to a farmhouse near Paxton, in the Borders, in February last year after Aileen Orr reported a suspected break-in at the property. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Police raced to the scene in February last year 3 Officers say they discovered a large cannabis farm at the property When officers arrived at the house, they could not find any burglars. Instead, Councillor Orr, 71, found herself at the centre of a huge drugs bust after cops allegedly discovered a cannabis cultivation at the property, The Mail on Sunday reports. Cops confirmed that a 70-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were arrested and charged in connection with alleged drug offences last year. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal And the pair are set to appear in court at a later date. Ms Orr phoned the police just before 1am on February 3 in 2024 after two men tried to break into a house she was staying at. And during an address to the Scottish Police Federation gathering at the SNP conference last year, she said she feared for her life during the incident. She also complained at the event, which Justice Secretary Angela Constance attended, that it took officers 29 minutes to reach the property and the intruders had fled during that time. Ms Orr did not reveal to anyone attending the conference that she and a 29-year-old were arrested over the alleged cannabis farm. It is not known where the cannabis was said to have been discovered by officers. Brit teen facing life in prison after being 'caught with 14kg of cannabis' in her luggage after huge airport arrest A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'A 70-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences after a cannabis cultivation was discovered at a property near Paxton around 12.55am on Saturday, 3 February, 2024. "A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and they are expected to appear at court at a later date."
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Brooklyn Beckham makes sweet family gesture sparking hopes of an end to bitter feud
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BROOKLYN Beckham tonight paid a sweet tribute to a family member sparking hopes that the bitter feud could soon end. The 26-year-old reportedly cut off all contact with his parents and siblings amid an ongoing fallout. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Brooklyn Beckham has paid tribute to his nan, Sandra Credit: Instagram 4 The 26-year-old still isn't seeing eye to eye with his immediate family Credit: Instagram But his love for his nan Sandra, 76, hasn't diminished and he has wished her a heartfelt happy birthday. Alongside a picture of him and his grandma posted on Instagram, he wrote: "Happy birthday nanny xx love you so much." Though it is his first public acknowledgement of his family in many months, there are still seemingly many hurdles to overcome. Last month Brooklyn completely snubbed dad David's 50th birthday celebrations, failing to attend his parties or pay tribute to him on social media. Nor did he congratulate his dad after news emerged of his knighthood. Yet yesterday Brooklyn wished his father-in-law Nelson a happy birthday with a very public display of support for the 83-year-old billionaire businessman. On Monday, there was a snub the other way when Victoria and David Beckham didn't acknowledge an anniversary post Brooklyn made in which he paid tribute to his actress wife, who is said to have a frosty relationship with her mother-in-law. The couple were cheered on by Brooklyn's Godfather, Elton John, who called them "the sweetest, most loving couple". It's not known whether or not Elton's supportive comment have affected his friendship with David and Victoria. According to The Mail, Brooklyn's family - which include Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13 - refer to the aspiring chef as 'The Hostage'. Victoria Beckham and Mollie King pay sweet Father's Day tributes with heartfelt messages as celebs follow suit It has been reported he now spends most of his evenings alone with his wife, watching TV by the fire and running her baths. Brooklyn, who lives in LA, appeared to previously take a swipe at his family on Instagram when he posted a video with Nicola amid claims she was at the heart of the falling out. He emphasised his 'choice' to stick by her, writing: "My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you're the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby." 4 Brooklyn is besotted with wife Nicola Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Love Island star accused of sexually assaulting ex-girlfriend in front of child
*Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of alleged sexual assault*. A star of Love Island has been accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in front of the former couple's one-year-old child. Cashel Barnett, 34, appeared in the first edition of Love Island USA and was dumped on Day 20, ultimately finishing the competition in 17th place. Barnett was arrested in May in the US state of Utah on charges relating to assault, aggravated assault, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. The former Love Island USA contestant has denied all allegations and charges through his attorney, who has also requested that Barnett's privacy is respected. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. He was originally arrested in May, when Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney Ronda Woolson sought a no-bail warrant against him. Outlets in America have reported that the former The Challenge: USA star has not been granted bail since his arrest, with the alleged victim reportedly fearful for her safety. In legal documents obtained by TMZ, it's been revealed that the alleged victim is Barnett's former girlfriend and the mother to his one-year-old child. She has not yet been named, but authorities in have said that she filed a police report on April 25, 2025 about an incident that had occurred earlier that month. In the legal papers, the alleged victim claims that the couple were arguing when she told him to 'get a job'. She attempted to calm Barnett down by hugging him. At this point, it's reported, Barnett slapped her arms away before following her into a bedroom and picking her up by the neck with both of his hands. It's then alleged that, immediately afterwards, Barnett slammed her down onto the bed and proceeded to choke her, 'sit her up and slap across the face her really hard' while repeating the phrase, 'You're okay'. According to documents seen by The Mail, another incident allegedly involved Barnett grabbing his partner from behind and knocking her out after shoving her head against a sofa. He's also accused of sexually assaulting her while she was unable to breathe and lost consciousness temporarily. The documents also state that the alleged incident is claimed to have taken place in front of the couple's one-year-old child, who, it says, became distressed by the incident. Other incidents are also claimed to have taken place between November and December 2024, with the alleged victim reporting cognitive impairment issues and physical injuries to her neck. Barnett's attorney, Andrew K. Deesing, told Entertainment Weekly in May that his client was willingly cooperating with the authorities during their investigation into the case. 'Upon finding out about the arrest warrant, Mr. Barnett immediately retained counsel and then surrendered on the arrest warrant in Utah's Third District Court first thing.' More Trending In another statement to People, Mr. Deesing said: 'Mr Barnett is presumed innocent, strongly denies any wrongdoing, and looks forward to his day in court.' He told TMZ: 'Mr Barnett maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing. My client and his family are enduring an incredibly difficult time, and we hope that his privacy will be respected as we work diligently to defend his name and reputation.' Barnett competed on the inaugural season of Love Island USA in 2019, following its runaway success in the UK – the series was eventually won by Caleb Corpew and Justine Ndiba. View More » He then appeared on another game show, The Challenge: USA, which pits former reality TV contestants against one another across various daily tasks. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Kevin Costner responds after stuntwoman suing him over rape scene shares graphic allegations MORE: Oscar-nominated actress reveals she was cruelly rejected by Wicked after 6 auditions MORE: Orlando Bloom hints at relationship status with Katy Perry in Instagram post
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Jazz star quits orchestra after being sacked by Conservatoire
The Mail on Sunday reported that the 58-year-old was told to stay away from classes at the Glasgow institution after the allegations came to light. Confirming his dismissal, a spokesperson for RCS told The Herald last week: "RCS has robust policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.' One of the world's leading saxophonists, Smith was awarded an OBE for services to jazz in the 2019 New Year honours list. READ MORE: Leading jazz musician sacked by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Orchestra statement after jazz star sacked from Conservatoire role Glasgow Jazz Festival 2025 wraps with packed shows A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, Edinburgh-born Smith has gone on to record with definitive jazz label Blue Note and work with myriad jazz greats, including Chick Corea and Dame Cleo Laine. He established the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in 1995 and ensured its progress until funding began in 1998. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra said: "The Board of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra has formally accepted Tommy Smith's resignations from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra Board and as its Artistic Director. "We thank Tommy for his enormous contribution to Jazz - in Scotland, the UK and beyond. His work in building up the SNJO, TSYJO and the RCS Jazz Education programme has nurtured an amazing talent base of musicians and created a lasting legacy for Jazz in Scotland. "Building on this foundation, we are well-placed to deliver our planned 2025-26 programmes with interim artistic direction from Senior Orchestra members, Alumni and an extensive roster of visiting bandleaders and arrangers, while we search for his replacement."
