Anfield: Views sought on neighbourhood improvement plans
Key features include plans for improved pedestrian routes, new landscaping, updated street lighting and reconfigured on-street parking.There are also plans for a new mini-roundabout at the junction of Walton Breck Road and Oakfield Road, reduced road widths, and speed limits to calm traffic.The council said the scheme would also support matchday operations and was part of a wider £250m investment in the Anfield area which included over 600 new homes and upgrades to Anfield Stadium.Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said the scheme "reflects the voices and needs of our residents"."From better lighting and safer crossings to new green spaces and improved accessibility, this project is a direct response to what people have told us they want to see."I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of Walton Breck Road."People are being asked to share their thoughts in an online survey, or to attend a drop in event in at The Liverpool Lighthouse on Oakfield Road on 13 August.The consultation closes on 22 August 2025.
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Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
How Alexander Isak reached boiling point at Newcastle as Liverpool target goes nuclear
Alexander Isak's potential blockbuster move to Liverpool is set to dominate the rest of the summer transfer window - but how did his relationship with Newcastle unravel to bring us here? It hasn't taken Alexander Isak long to fall from hero to zero in Newcastle circles. The Swedish striker is at the epicentre of an increasingly bitter tug-of-war between the Magpies and Liverpool, with a seismic £150million transfer hanging in the balance. Once adored as the crown jewel of St James' Park, Isak's bond with the Geordie faithful has been shattered into a million jagged pieces amid reports he's refusing to play for the club again - even if a transfer away fails to materialise. But how exactly did it come to this? Just weeks ago, Isak was king of the North East - a Swedish sorcerer who combined grace with power, effortlessly gliding past defenders before unleashing with his thunderbolt of a right boot. Interest from elsewhere was inevitable, but with three years remaining on his contract and a daunting £150m price tag designed to deter all but the boldest of suitors, keeping Isak at Newcastle this summer looked a formality - initially, at least. READ MORE: Alexander Isak torn apart after bombshell Newcastle claim – 'Who do you think you are?!' Liverpool's relentless pursuit changed everything. Despite Newcastle's repeated refusals, the Reds have remained unwavering in their mission, even after spending big on Hugo Ekitike. They want Isak - and are refusing to retreat despite Newcastle's position and swift rejection of their £110m bid earlier this summer. Isak wants Liverpool, but with Newcastle holding significant negotiating leverage, he's been pushed to drastic measures. With the transfer window slamming shut on September 1, the standoff has plunged the Magpies into total chaos, their pre-season preparations in tatters and fans reeling from the betrayal of a player they once worshipped. Isak's refusal to reintegrate could signal the beginning of the end of an explosive saga bubbling with broken promises, bruised egos, and big-money bids. Here, Mirror Football takes a look back at how this ugly, volatile drama all started and has unfolded... The broken promise: Summer 2024 It all began with a spark of ambition in the corridors of St James' Park. In March 2024, Newcastle's then-co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi sat down with Isak and his representatives, painting a picture of a glittering future. After establishing himself as one of the most potent strikers on the planet, Isak was assured that improved contract terms were on the horizon - a reward for his early promise and a sign of the club's intent to build around him. But that dream soon soured. By July, Staveley and Ghodoussi had been ousted, ushering in a new regime under sporting director Paul Mitchell. Mitchell, eyeing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) with a hawk's gaze, slammed the brakes on any new deal. Isak's existing contract, running until 2028 and already making him one of the club's top earners at around £150,000-a-week, was deemed sufficient - no need for upgrades, no room for negotiation. The Swede was left seething, feeling underappreciated in a squad where loyalty seemed negotiable. Whispers of unrest began to echo, as Isak pondered whether Newcastle's ambitions truly matched his own. Betrayal in black and white: October 2024 Isak began the 2024/2025 campaign in disappointing form, scoring just once in seven matches. More concerning than the stats was his body language - at times tense and withdrawn - hinting at frustrations beyond mere goal droughts. He felt undervalued by the club, a simmering discontent that turned to resentment when Newcastle handed someone else what he'd long been promised. In October, Anthony Gordon signed a lucrative long-term extension, bumping up his wages and tying him to the Toon until 2030. For Isak, it felt like a slap in the face. Liverpool had been circling Gordon for months, and Newcastle's desire to lock him down was no secret. Even so, the announcement landed with a thud in Isak's camp - an unmistakable signal, at least in their eyes, about where the club's priorities lay. Glory and grievances: Spring 2025 Isak eventually channelled his frustration into firepower. He ended the 2024/25 season with 27 goals in all competitions, including a decisive strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool - a 2-1 win that ended Newcastle's 70-year domestic trophy drought and etched his name in Magpies folklore. But underneath the surface, the cracks were widening. As the season wore on, Newcastle's resolve thawed. A bumper contract - one that would have made Isak one of the Premier League's top earners - was prepared. But by this point, the Swede was already weighing up his options amid whispers of Liverpool interest. Later on in early summer, it emerged that Isak wanted £300,000 a week to entertain signing a new deal, but Newcastle could only afford to offer him £200,000 - an increase of at least £50,000 on his current deal. However, at this stage, Liverpool's interest in him had ramped up, and Isak started to seriously question his future at the club. The new contract was never tabled, and negotiations have been stalled ever since. Pre-season powder keg: July 2025 Fast-forward to the summer of 2025, and the simmering tension finally caught fire. Last month, Isak was conspicuously absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour squad to Asia, officially sidelined by a "minor thigh injury". The real reason, however, soon emerged as Isak made his stance clear by 'refusing' to join the tour. Liverpool had identified Isak as their top striker target of the summer. When told he wasn't for sale, they turned their attention to Ekitike - who, at the time, was in advanced talks to join Newcastle. That's when Liverpool delivered an ultimatum: sell us Isak, or we'll hijack your move for Ekitike. Newcastle stood firm, unwilling to be strong-armed. But days later, the tables turned. Ekitike signed for Liverpool, and almost immediately, Isak informed Newcastle he wanted to "explore his options" - the polite way of saying: let me join Liverpool. Newcastle were left in disarray. Losing out on Ekitike stung, especially after missing out on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro earlier in the window, leaving them without a clear replacement for Isak. With their star striker sidelined, the squad jetted off to Asia. Meanwhile, Isak's bold new stance lit a fire under Liverpool. Exile and escalation: August 2025 On August 1, Liverpool made their opening move with a £110m bid for Isak, rising to £120m with add-ons. Despite mounting pressure, Newcastle held firm: £150m or nothing. Liverpool then signalled they wouldn't return with an improved offer unless the Magpies softened their stance - putting the ball squarely in Isak's court. Meanwhile, the striker trained alone, frozen out of the senior squad amid whispers that his attempts to force a move had alienated several team-mates. Pictures of the Swede have also been taken down from the club shop, while Adidas staff told Chronicle Live that during the club's trip to South Korea, jersey sales with Isak's name and number dropped dramatically. Toon boss Eddie Howe even barred Isak from attending a family barbecue at the club's training ground last week, fully aware of the volatile atmosphere swirling around the striker. He also admitted that Isak was unlikely to feature in Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa, though he insisted the door remained open for a return. With Newcastle unwilling to lower their valuation and Liverpool unwilling to raise theirs, the saga seemed destined to stall. Then came reports that Isak was ready to reintegrate and even commit to a new contract if a transfer fell through - only for a fresh bombshell to emerge, seemingly dashing any hope of a truce. Nuclear fallout: August 2025 On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that Isak is resolute: he has no intention of returning to Newcastle and is "adamant" he has played his final game for the club. The striker is so firm in his stance that he's prepared to refuse to play even if Newcastle decide not to to sell him. From Isak's perspective, the trust broke down when Newcastle reneged on their promise of a lucrative new contract. He made it clear that the 2024/25 season would be his last at St James' Park - though some at Newcastle dispute this. According to The Times, Isak has already moved out of his Northumberland home, which has since been put back on the rental market - an unmistakable signal of his determination to force a departure. As the transfer deadline hurtles toward its inexorable close like a freight train through the fog, Isak's insurrection stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of footballing love affairs, where yesterday's idol can become tomorrow's exile in the blink of an eye. Whether Newcastle capitulate or Liverpool walk away, this saga's radioactive fallout promises to haunt St James' Park for seasons to come, a cautionary tale of promises broken and ambitions unbound. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Wales Online
5 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Teeth whitening shopper says 'I was sceptical but this works' in 30% off deal
Teeth whitening shopper says 'I was sceptical but this works' in 30% off deal Celebrating five years of gleaming smiles, MySweetSmile is offering huge discounts on their award-winning oral care products MySweetSmile's teeth whitening products are popular with shoppers and the brand now has a host of deals live Oral health is crucial for maintaining sparkling teeth, healthy gums and fresh breath, which is why investing in dental care products is a wise decision. However, it can quickly become costly, and with a plethora of options available, shoppers face the challenge of deciding which products are worth the cost. MySweetSmile is one of the few brands that has received high ratings - winning awards and being hailed as the UK's top teeth whitening brand. Now, they are marking five years of success and they have a series of deals to express their gratitude to customers - both new and existing. To start with, they are offering a 30% discount across popular MySweetSmile products if shoppers sign up. They also have a buy two get one free offer on all products and free two-day delivery on orders over £20 for UK-based shoppers. Among the range of products on offer, customers can select from a variety of options such as the Teeth Whitening Powder, now priced at £24.99, reduced from £29.99. This product is clinically proven and dentist-approved to lift deep-set stains and prevent new ones from forming without causing any harsh peroxide damage, sensitivity or enamel harm, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Teeth Whitening Strips, also discounted to £24.99 from £29.99, are easy-to-use, non-slip strips that deliver quick results without damaging the enamel. The Precision Teeth Whitening Pen is also available with a £5 discount. It's designed for targeted whitening for those desiring extra sparkly teeth. Refresh your smile £30 £25 My Sweet Smile Shop here Product Description You can shop the Teeth Whitening Strips at My Sweet Smile Its fine brush tip allows customers to apply the formula precisely where needed, and it doesn't use any peroxide, so there should be no sensitivity caused to the teeth. For customers with damaged or sensitive enamel, the Enamel Care Serum could be an ideal choice. This product targets the root cause of sensitivity by repairing and strengthening the enamel. For optimal results, customers simply follow their regular night-time brushing routine before applying the serum, dispense two to three pumps onto their toothbrush, brush for two minutes and spit out any excess. Sensitive gums are a common problem for many, but the Gum Serum from MySweetSmile which is powered by hyaluronic acid, promises to hydrate, soothe inflammation, and strengthen gum tissue. It should be used after a regular brushing routine, with two pumps dispensed onto the tongue and gently spread across the gums, allowing it to absorb for two minutes. MySweetSmile's teeth powder can be used on mature teeth as well as caps, crowns, veneers, and dentures Of course, not every brand suits everyone's needs, and if MySweetSmile isn't the right fit, there are other options available. For instance, Boots offers the Rapid White Blue Light Tooth Whitening System for £23.33, which is clinically proven to whiten teeth up to five shades in two weeks and features sensitive action formulas that are peroxide-free. Alternatively, Lookfantastic sells the Spotlight Whitening Teeth Whitening Pen for £14.95, a handy tool that delivers professional-looking results at home and minimises stains for a brighter smile. Customers have shared their experiences on the MySweetSmile website, including Margaret, 63, who said of the Teeth Whitening Powder: "I always thought my yellow teeth were just part of ageing, but after just a few uses of MySweetSmile, I can't stop smiling at the mirror. My teeth feel so much cleaner and brighter-it's like I've turned back the clock on my smile!". Before and after using MySweetSmile's teeth whitening strips Emily, 39, shared: "I was sceptical at first, but this really works. My teeth looked dull and yellow no matter how much I brushed, but now they're sparkling clean and bright. The compliments haven't stopped, and I feel so much more confident!" Tom, 34, commented on the Teeth Whitening Strips: "I'm always running around with work and barely have time for self-care. These strips fit perfectly into my busy routine, and the results are incredible! My teeth are whiter, and I feel so much more confident." However, on Amazon, some customers had differing opinions. One customer noted: "I have only just started using this, so I have not seen much difference yet but the powder leaves your mouth smelling fresh." Article continues below Another added: "I bought this as it was recommended online. I'm not a smoker and I haven't been drinking much, I do drink coffee regularly but I equally regularly clean my teeth. There's an initial improvement but I'm not sure it's what I expected. I used it every day in the first week and only noticed the difference post brushing. Shortly after that - little difference." The teeth whitening products can be purchased from MySweetSmile.
The Independent
5 minutes ago
- The Independent
Pensioners could be set for a £500 boost to state pension next year – here's why
Pensioners could be set for a boost from April next year, with the state pension looking set to rise by up to £538. That's because of the rules around the state pension triple lock and how recent economic data sets out the likelihood of a rise. At present, increases to the state pension are decided by either inflation, wage growth or 2.5 per cent – whichever is the highest. That is to ensure pensioners' income doesn't leave them trailing as living costs continue to increase – though with people living longer and the pension bill escalating rapidly, change is likely to come in the future. Employment data released on Wednesday shows the UK job market slightly cooling, with lower vacancies at present still counteracted by wage growth – one of the three factors dictating state pension payment changes. How much is the state pension and how much will it go up? Next month is when data around wages will count for 2026/27, so this month gives a good indication of where we are headed. Right now, the full new state pension is £230.25 a week, or £11,973 per year. But with inflation expected at 4 per cent across much of the rest of 2025 and pay growth easing back to 4.6 per cent, a rise of between 4.0 and 4.5 per cent is estimated to be the outcome. That equates to £478.92 extra at the lower end, and £538.79 at the higher end of the scale. Will I need to pay tax? However, with that rise in state pension income comes another dilemma for those receiving it: the potential for paying taxes they didn't previously need to. 'This isn't the crunch month for the triple lock, but we're not far off now. Total pay is up 4.6 per cent in the year to April-June, and it's the May-July figure that counts for the triple lock,' explained Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown. 'A rise of 4.0 to 4.5 per cent means the state pension would be between £12,451 and £12,512. This would bring it within touching distance of the personal allowance – so anyone with even a very modest personal pension income could end up paying income tax.' The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570, which is the amount of income you do not have to pay tax on, the government website notes. Beyond that figure – so receiving a full state pension would mean just an extra £59 – the basic tax rate would apply. That includes income from property, dividends, earnings or elsewhere. It's important to remember the tax would only be paid on the portion of income above the personal allowance threshold, not the entire amount. That also remains dependent on no changes to the tax threshold levels, the triple lock remaining in effect, and the Treasury backing the increase order during their March review. The numbers apply to the new state pension rather than the basic state pension, which is for those born before 1951 (men) or 1953 (women). 'The Bank of England expects inflation to ease in the coming months, so that by the time we get to the state pension rise in April next year, this increase might be well ahead of annual price rises at the time,' Ms Coles continued. 'Of course, this is only part of the picture. Inflation has been particularly focused on household bills and food prices, which pensioners on lower incomes spend a larger proportion of their income on. It means many of those who rely heavily on the state pension will be holding their breath for the rise in the spring.'
