Latest news with #localMPs
Al Jazeera
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Al Jazeera
Fires in Greece's Crete and near Athens extinguished; two dead in Turkiye
A wildfire on the Greek island of Crete that forced the evacuation of 5,000 people has been extinguished, officials say. Some 230 firefighters and six helicopters worked at the scene near the resort town of Ierapetra, where residents had to leave their homes and visitors their accommodation on Wednesday evening. Reporting from the nearby village of Agia Fotia, Al Jazeera's John Psaropoulos said there was 'no active fire front' by Friday morning. Still, he added, helicopters were operating in the area to ensure there were no flare-ups. The fire left forest trees and some olive trees burned but caused no casualties. Two local MPs told Al Jazeera efforts were under way for the return of the people who were evacuated after the blaze broke out. Elsewhere in mainland Greece, a fire fanned by strong winds that erupted near the port town of Rafina, about 30km (18 miles) east of the capital, Athens, was brought under control on Thursday evening, authorities said. However, firefighting crews remained on alert as winds remained strong. The fire, which led to the evacuation of 300 people, destroyed a few houses and vehicles, local mayor Dimitris Markou told public broadcaster ERT. It also disrupted ferries to and from tourist islands in the western Aegean Sea. Greece has so far been spared the heatwave roasting parts of Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal and France. But starting this weekend, temperatures will rise and reach up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas of the country. Two dead in Turkiye Meanwhile, in neighbouring Turkiye, a local forestry worker was killed while trying to contain a fire near the western town of Odemis, while an 81-year-old resident died from smoke inhalation, authorities said. These were the first deaths in a series of wildfires that have forced thousands of people to flee. Separately, hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, were deployed to battle a wildfire near the Aegean coastal town of Cesme, a popular vacation destination about 190km (120 miles) west of Odemis. That fire, which began on Wednesday, forced the evacuation of three neighbourhoods and led to road closures. Television footage showed flames racing through dry vegetation on both sides of a highway. Over the past week, Turkiye has battled hundreds of wildfires fuelled by strong winds, extreme heat and low humidity. The blazes have damaged or destroyed about 200 homes. Hot dry weather is not unusual for Greece and Turkiye at this time of year. Devastating summer wildfires are common in both countries, with experts warning that climate change is intensifying conditions.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Popular beach town reveals multi-million pound plans to save lido attraction
WORTHING Lido is one step closer to being restored to its former glory as a prime beach attraction. After years of the former lido being turned into an arcade and cafe area, there's now a plan in place to save the 100-year-old building - and return it to its former glory as a seafront pool. 5 5 After nearly 500 people signed a petition calling to restore and protect Worthing Lido, MPs are taking action. While the Worthing Seafront Investment Plan, released in 2022, revealed plans to restore the pool, little has been done since then. So two local MPs are now trying to find several million pounds worth of investment to save the Grade II listed lido in Worthing. According to the council: "The ambition for the Lido is focused on reinstating its swimming pool. "The opportunity exists for the Lido to be a year-round attraction that will be protected from the seafront, whilst also creating a seamless experience between the pool and seaside by opening up the building's façade and exterior." Worthing Council is hoping to emulate the success of similar renovated lidos elsewhere in the UK, like the Grange Lido in Morecambe Bay that recently underwent a £6.8million restoration. The salt-water lido overlooking Lakeland Fells has been closed since 1993 with plans to refurbish it with £6.8million worth of funding starting in April 2023. Similarly, the Victorian Bristol Lido was upgraded in 2008 and reopened with spa treatment, restaurant and even a poolside bar. Other potential renovations to Worthing seafront were for a new and upgraded promenade and the installation of new beach huts. Other details included the "creation of a Worthing Lagoon to enhance the growing water sports industry and provide a new attraction." New £4million lido to open in UK next year 5 The lido on Worthing Beach was originally built as a bandstand in 1925, and was later converted into a swimming pool in 1957. In 1988, Worthing Lido was even used as a temporary home to dolphins from Brighton Sealife Centre. The dolphins were relocated to the lido while their permanent enclosure at the Sealife Centre was undergoing renovations. It's now referred to as a "pool" because the swimming pool element was decommissioned in 1989. A concrete slab was placed over it, and it's now home to a cafe, arcade, and is used as an event space. But some recent visitors described the lido's arcade as being "very run down", with calls for it to be restored to its "former glory." As reported by Sussex World,, Dr Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, and Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, are working with experts on regeneration to investigate options for the council-owned structure. Previously, two comprehensive Levelling Up Fund bids by the council had failed. But there are other funding options to explore, like The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 5 5 The petition, which was started by resident Elaine Deed, said it was "distressing to witness the sad state of Worthing Lido". She added: "Our beloved lido, once a symbol of local heritage, now stands in disrepair, marked by graffiti and perilously close to falling into the sea. "The Worthing Lido is more than a structure; it's an embodiment of Worthing's rich cultural history and cherished memories, enjoyed in the past by locals and visitors." And the .
