Girl, 13, rescued from sea at Whitley Bay
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The National
3 hours ago
- The National
'Mindless' vandalism of Scottish UNESCO heritage site condemned
Photos shared on social media on Sunday show the Vinnie sculpture, information board and bench at the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site in the Lusset Glen, graffiti-ed in an act that has been damned by West Dunbartonshire Council. The area is part of UNESCO's Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site. It is also understood that the same kind of blue spray paint was on the steps outside the Mildam Park in Faifley at the weekend, reading "Stop the Boats". Vinnie statue in the Lusset Glen. (Image: Supplied) An information board at the site was also vandalised. (Image: Supplied) Councillors in the area have since hit out at the vandalism, which was reported to the local authority. Cllr William Rooney for Kilpatrick, said: "I'm disgusted to see this kind of vandalism in our community. I've escalated the matter to the chief officers at the council so this can be removed immediately. "The installation in Old Kilpatrick was added only in the last couple of years as part of the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project, and it has already been targeted by vandals. "It's a crying shame to witness such mindless vandalism in Old Kilpatrick and Faifley." It is understood that a local woman who saw the images on Facebook went up to the monument shortly after seeing the damage and cleaned up the site. A council team have also visited the site and carried out any repairs and clean-up work. (Image: Supplied) Cllr Lauren Oxley for the Waterfront ward, said: "I was saddened to hear that our beloved Vinnie, along with the bench and Antonine Wall information board in the Lusset Glen, had been vandalised. "I got in touch with the council's vandalism team straight away, and I've been advised that they'll be out today to assess for any damage and finish any clean-up that's still needed. I also know some kind residents have already been down to help tidy things up - thank you so much for taking the time to do that. "Grateful to everyone who brought this issue to my attention, and hopefully this isn't a situation we need to deal with again." A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council says they are "disappointed" by the graffiti and the site has been promptly assessed and cleaned. They said: 'The council is disappointed in this mindless act of vandalism at Lusset Glen in Old Kilpatrick. "The sculpture is located in close proximity to the Antonine Wall World Heritage and reflects the rich Roman heritage of the area. "The bench and area have been fully cleaned up and restored.'
Belfast Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Co Down village community shells out time and money to clean up rat-infested beach
Once strewn with rubbish, seaweed and completely green, the beach on the Ards Peninsula has seen a vast improvement since Deborah Mann organised a community clean-up. Living in Millisle for over 40 years, Deborah was prompted by her husband Gary to post a notice on Facebook to organise a village beach clean. Efforts to tidy the beach then moved on to improving the general surroundings, with John McLean (80) taking to weeding the surrounding area. Overseeing the efforts, liaising with the council and providing well-earned drinks to volunteers is Deborah. 'It was actually my husband Gary Mann to prompted this, he has been litter picking for a long time,' said the Co Down woman. 'He enjoys doing it, loves being on the beach. On July 15 — he doesn't do social media — he said to me to stick it [the notice] on Facebook, because he was going down to start weeding this beach. The support he got was unbelievable. A lot of the other residents came to help, there must have been nearly 100 bags cleared.' However, despite their good intentions to clean up the beach, they initially received pushback from Ards and North Down Borough Council. Grievances were initially raised due to environmental issues and wildlife concerns. 'The beach is now infested with rats. Council kept saying it is not allowed to be touched because it is an environmental issue,' she said. 'About a week later a couple of the guys decided to get together and de-weed the whole Main Street, it was also cleared of rubbish. They tirelessly worked for hours. 'A few days after that, a few professional painters gave up their time and painted a couple of derelict buildings. 'I then started a GoFundMe, within two days it went from a £400 target to £3,400. Every single penny is going towards the cleaning and restoration efforts. 'The council has actually given us the bags now to help clean up. We have actually got DAERA onboard as well about this rat situation. 'We are painting gable walls, with permission of the landlords and on the derelict buildings. 'We plan to paint otters on them, seagulls, everything to do with a seaside village. 'Hopefully there will be benches, we have a joiner, he is going to do mock door frames and window frames. And we are going to put window boxes in as well. 'There will be a painting — the artist is costing around £200 per painting.' With the council now onboard with their plans to clean up the small coastline, Deborah reflected on how the village used to be when she met her husband in 1984. 'This place was thriving. Now all we have is an off-licence and the Spar. You've got your chemists and your two pubs but there is nowhere to go to have a cup of tea and a traybake with friends. 'We don't have a community centre, and the population of Millisle is very low .' Pensioner John McLean is a key worker in making Millisle beautiful . 'When I started to do this, it didn't really enter my head the importance of what I was doing,' he said. 'About half a dozen hours I did on the Friday — two weeks ago — then on the Saturday I did nothing because of the bands and the marches. 'So, after church on the Sunday I started to get stuck in again, to finish the 100 yards to the entrance. 'I didn't for one minute think that I would be getting involved with this, I really appreciate it.' Volunteer Edna Caskey said: 'The progress on the beach has been fantastic, this will be a continued effort by us to keep the beach clean.'
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm 19 and only want to have sex with women twice my age – is this normal?
I don't want anything serious but wonder if it is normal for guys my age to be attracted to women a lot older DEAR DEIDRE I'm 19 and only want to have sex with women twice my age – is this normal? DEAR DEIDRE: WOMEN my age just don't do it for me. I am only attracted to older ladies after I had awesome sex with a woman twice my age. Most of my mates have been dating girls for the last few years, but no one I have met has ever attracted me — that is until I met this older woman. I am 19 and I have never had a girlfriend my own age. This woman is 38. I met her when our train was delayed and we spent an hour on the platform chatting. I ended up buying her a cup of tea and we then boarded the train together. I couldn't believe my luck when she said she was travelling to the same city as me. She was sexy, sophisticated and knew exactly what she wanted. Once we got off the train, she invited me back to her flat. After a couple of drinks, we ended up having amazing sex. Afterwards I told her how old I was and she couldn't believe it. She thought I was 26. She said she was only into casual sex and didn't do serious relationships. We only met up again a couple of times. I was disappointed but it didn't last long as I met another stunning woman in a club a few days later. I knew she was older; she told me she was 41 but she didn't look it. We had a great time dancing and drinking. We have been messaging ever since and are going to meet up at the same club next weekend. I am hoping it will end up with us having sex. I don't want anything serious but wonder if it is normal for guys my age to be attracted to women who are a lot older. Understanding open relationships DEIDRE SAYS: It is not unusual to be attracted to older people. Older people are often more confident, which is attractive. They may also be sexually confident – but you are less likely to develop a lasting relationship with them. While there may be specific reasons behind your attraction, as long as you are both consenting adults and looking after your sexual health, it is probably not worth overthinking it. It's worth bearing in mind though that these women will have a lot more life experience than you. So do be wary of anyone who tries to take advantage. My support packs Learning To Love and Age-Gap Relationships fully explain the issues you may face. Get in touch with Deidre Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays. Send an email to deardeidre@ You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page. SHOULD I LET FRIEND HELP ME PARENT EX'S BABY? DEAR DEIDRE: ONE of my best friends says he loves me and, even though I am pregnant by another man, he doesn't mind that my baby is not his. I promised myself I was through with relationships after my partner left me when he found out I was expecting. I was heartbroken but decided to focus on my future with my child. My family and friends have been so supportive. This particular pal, who I've known since school, has been amazing. I am 27 and he is 29. I really do like him and he says he loves me. He is cool about me being pregnant by another man but I am scared of being hurt again. It has taken me a while to come to terms with my partner leaving and I don't need any more stress. I keep wondering whether to give him a chance and perhaps turn our friendship into something more. DEIDRE SAYS: There's no rush to turn your friendship into a relationship until you are both sure. He is a good friend who is being supportive and, if he is willing, he can continue as he is without you needing to take things further right now. It is important that you allow yourself time to settle into a routine of being a new mum once your baby arrives. It will also give your friend an opportunity to see the realities of the responsibilities that come with a newborn. FEAR I'M ABUSER JUST LIKE MY DAD DEAR DEIDRE: MY dad abused me when I was a child and I'm scared I have inherited the trait. My partner wants me to move in with her and her five-year-old son – but what if I turn into my father? I am a 33-year-old guy and my girlfriend is 30. We met on a dating app almost a year ago and get on really well. Her son seems to like me, too. His dad left when he was a baby and it has just been him and his mum ever since. My father was a big boozer, and I vowed I would never be like him – even though I do enjoy a drink. It is not a problem for me but I worry I have my dad's taste for it. While I love my partner and her son, I am frightened about living with them. I think perhaps I would be better off alone. It would be safer. DEIDRE SAYS: I am sorry you were abused. Like you, many survivors end up worrying that they are destined to hurt children because of what happened to them – but this is a myth. You are your own person, not your father, and you deserve to enjoy the kind of happy family life that was sadly denied to you in childhood. Talk to your partner about how to handle any family pressures before you make the decision to move in. Seek support through NAPAC – National Association For People Abused In Childhood ( 0808 801 0331). XMAS ALREADY RUINED BY KIDS DEAR DEIDRE: IT'S only August but my family are already arguing about Christmas. My adult son and daughter don't get on – and as usual I am stuck in the middle. I was widowed five years ago and ever since my husband died we have always alternated Christmases between my son and his kids and my daughter and her family. My daughter is already looking at venues to have Christmas dinner out but my son says he won't be going because it is too expensive. He says he will be having a budget Christmas in his own home. I'm 65. I have offered to pay for him and his family, just to keep the peace but he is a proud man and won't accept any charity from me. I have tried to reason with him but he just gets so angry so I have had to back down. I used to love Christmas but I am starting to think it is going to be a disaster this year. I may miss out on seeing my lovely grandchildren and I know they will be disappointed too. I just wish my son and daughter could clear the air. They still have months until the big day. Surely it isn't too much to ask. DEIDRE SAYS: It isn't, but it is important to stay neutral rather than get caught up in their battles, which may be childhood rivalries being replayed. Say how unhappy the arguing makes you and point out that Christmas is supposed to be the season of goodwill. They have time to sort out the issue themselves or to let it go unresolved but, either way, it is their choice. You may miss out on seeing one set of grandchildren this year and decide to be with the ones who need you most. Vow to make Christmas different next year. My support pack Worried About Christmas will help.
