The BBC’s Russia editor has been able to live and work in Moscow and report on events since the invasion of Ukraine.
30.06.2023 - 11:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Blackpool, the vibrant seaside resort loved by many, is facing a major problem that is driving tourists away. Derelict properties, including abandoned cannabis farms, are wreaking havoc on the town, leading to an increase in anti-social behavior and a decline in holidaymakers.
Hoteliers group StayBlackpool is sounding the alarm, urging the council to take strict measures against irresponsible owners and tackle this blight head-on.
Ian White, a director of StayBlackpool, didn't mince his words when he addressed the full council meeting on Wednesday. He expressed his frustration, saying: "Having moved to Blackpool in 2005, I see many of the abandoned buildings still the same 20 years later. Are the owners being chased, are the owners being charged council tax, business rates or both to encourage them to deal with what are often dangerous eyesores?"
Mr White emphasised the detrimental impact these neglected properties have on the community, stating: "These properties become magnets for crime and anti-social behavior. They significantly put off decent people from returning and put residents off venturing out of their homes onto the safer streets." A staggering 85% of the nearly 19 million visitors last year choosing not to stay overnight but returning home instead.
Blackpool Council leader, Coun Lynn Williams, who is also responsible for tourism, assured that action was underway to address the issue. Currently, the council has around 40 to 50 problematic properties on its radar.
A new strategy to combat this problem is set to be presented to the executive in September. The council is already working closely with various partners, including the police, to tackle the issue head-on.
Efforts have already yielded results, as
The BBC’s Russia editor has been able to live and work in Moscow and report on events since the invasion of Ukraine.
PinkPantheress has teamed up with American rapper Destroy Lonely on her latest track ‘Turn Your Phone Off’.The track follows her viral, chart-topping song ‘Boy’s A Liar Pt.2’ featuring Ice Spice. ‘Turn Your Phone Off’ sees Pink singing about an unwanted caller’s “calls coming through” despite her phone being turned off.Taking to Twitter to announce the song, the singer shared: “This song has been on my mind since I leaked it in 2021 – I was just waiting until the perfect opportunity to drop it.
Rita Ora still can’t believe she pulled together such a star-studded cast for her “You Only Love Me” music video.
Milania Guidice is opening up about her methods into losing weight in a new podcast interview.
Paddy McGuinness shared a throwback snap that had Top Gear fans all sharing the same sentiments. The picture was taken at Soccer Aid 2018 and followers were quick to spot his Top Gear co-star Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff in the line-up.
Lana Del Rey addressed being cut off at Glastonbury during her headline performance at BST Hyde Park in London.The singer-songwriter faced some backlash last month, after her set at Glastonbury 2023 was abruptly cut short. After taking to the stage 30 minutes late at the Worthy Park site, her set ran beyond the strict festival curfew — leading to organisers cutting off her microphone and switching off the screens mid-way through.Now, during her headline performance on the final night of this year’s BST Hyde Park concert series (July 9), the ‘Video Games’ singer addressed the tumultuous set, and apologised to fans who were there.Following her rendition of ‘Candy Necklace’, which was the 15th song of her 19-song setlist, Del Rey made light of the previous show, stating: “I think this is where I got cut off last time.
Four dogs have been shot dead by a farmer outside Moffat, Dumfriesshire, after the pack of animals were "abandoned" on Sunday morning and attacked and killed sheep.
A new provider has been awarded the contract to deliver medical services in Moffat.
Charlie Puth wants fans to stop throwing things on stage at concerts.
A nurse has been struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after a man she was having a secret relationship with died while in his car with her.
Charlie Puth is addressing the incidents taking place at recent concerts.
Blackpool town centre could see the construction of more offices as the council initiates negotiations to attract further investment to the resort. Earlier this year, work commenced on a £100m seven-storey office block on King Street, to accommodate over 3,000 civil servants starting from 2025.
More than one year after getting married, Hannah Berner is revealing the celebrity who slid into her DMs ahead of her wedding to Des Bishop.
Charlie Puth decided to shoot his shot in the final hour of Hannah Berner's bachelorette days. The 31-year-old comedian and alum, who married fellow comedian Des Bishop in May 2022, shared that the 31-year-old «Light Switch» singer slid into her direct messages the day before she went to her bachelorette party. Berner confessed about the moment on the most recent episode of her podcast with co-host and good friend, Paige DeSorbo. «I think I should finally drop the tea of the celebrity who DM'd me,» Berner said, having previously hinted at the moment. «For people who don't know, it was the day before I was going to my bachelorette party, and I was sitting on the couch.
Idris Elba has said he’s been put off from playing James Bond after responses to his potential casting “became about race”.The actor, known for starring in Luther and The Wire, has often been mentioned as a favourite to take over from Daniel Craig in the role of 007.Speaking on the SmartLess podcast (via The Telegraph) with hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, Elba explained that any interest in playing the character was soured due to some of the “disgusting” reactions to the rumours.“The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this,” Elba said. “James Bond… it’s one of those coveted [roles].“Being asked to be James Bond was like ‘OK, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle’.
News networks continued to focus on the instability in Russia, as Vladimir Putin spoke for the first time since a failed rebellion led by Wagner Group mercenary chief Yevgeniy Prigozhin.
Charlie Puth’s 2023 tour before he turns it off like a…”Light Switch.”The 31-year-old pop star has just nine concerts remaining on his ‘Live Experience Tour’ that runs up and down the U.S. and Canadian West Coast until July 11.And if you want to see Puth live before it’s too late this summer, you still can.Tickets are available for all upcoming gigs on his tour calendar.Want tickets?Well, pay “Attention.”You can grab seats for as low as $48 before fees on Vivid Seats.That’s a steal considering how much fun audience members have been having at shows.Don’t believe us?Check out this enthusiastic audience member on Instagram and tell us that the ‘Charlie Live Experience’ doesn’t look like a good time.You can’t.Need to be that Charlie Puth fan at a show this summer?Here’s everything you need to know and more.All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation.A complete calendar including all upcoming Charlie Puth 2023 North American tour dates, venues and the lowest tickets prices available can be found below.(Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time.
Prince William was seen working on his barista skills as he shined a light on local projects supporting people with experience of homelessness.The Prince of Wales, 41, visited the Mosaic Clubhouse in Lambeth, south London on Monday (26 June) - a charity which supports local people and aims to break the link between mental health struggles and homelessness.The Prince - who last made a public appearance at Royal Ascot last week - spoke with Clubhouse members who had experienced homelessness about how the charity has supported them through some of their most difficult moments. He also met with representatives from Old Spike Roastery, a coffee social enterprise that offers employment opportunities to those people who have experienced housing difficulties.The Prince was seen having a go at brewing his own coffee with people from the enterprise as he discussed their work in supporting people who've been homeless, as he launches his own project Homewards which aims to reduce the number of people in the UK without a secure place to live.
Vladimir Putin has said he is confident of being able to implement future plans in the war in Ukraine despite the Wagner rebellion. The leader broke his silence following the extraordinary events in Russia which seen armed mercenaries advancing on Moscow.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has been banished from Russia after Vladimir Putin dropped charges against him.