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Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
How a Labour donor's giant Palestinian flag is dividing a Cotswolds town
At the bar at the Carlton Club in Stroud, quenching their thirst on one of the hottest days of the year, drinkers are in no doubt. Dale Vince, the long-time Labour donor and entrepreneur who founded the electricity company Ecotricity, should not be flying a vast Palestinian flag from his office building. Marcus, recently back on his feet after breaking his leg, gets straight to the point: 'It's out of order. I don't think that flag should be flown in Stroud.' Another female drinker goes further, suggesting that the flag should be torn down and burnt. It is not sympathy for Israel or dislike of Palestinians that motivates such strong opinions from members of what was until very recently the town's Conservative club, just the feeling that wars in faraway places have no place in a quiet Cotswolds town in Gloucestershire. The flag is certainly hard to ignore. At approximately 30ft long, it hangs over two storeys above the entrance to the energy firm's headquarters, located prominently on a main road into town. In 2019, Vince hung an EU flag of the same size in the same place, describing it as 'huge'. The latest display has caused division not just among the people of Stroud, but within the Green-run Stroud district council too. There, Green councillors have forced Vince to apply for planning permission, as the flag is not that of an officially recognised country, even while saying they 'support Ecotricity' and describing the war in Gaza as 'genocide'. By contrast, Lindsey Green, the leader of the Conservative group on Stroud district council, says: 'Stroud is an eclectic and unique place in a very wonderful way. I have been contacted by a few constituents to express their views on the flag. 'All those that have contacted me have been against this and have asked for action to be taken. I do take umbrage with anyone who flouts our planning rules and we cannot have a rule for one and a rule for another. 'A more appropriate approach would be for him [Vince] to try lobbying his MP for action in Gaza instead.' It is not just Vince drawing attention to the plight of Gaza in Stroud. Waving his own 'Peace' flag outside the Ecotricity offices is 87-year-old freelance music journalist Jeff Cloves. He says he started three years ago, even before the Hamas attacks of Oct 7 2023, in solidarity with a man called Tim who stood daily outside the offices of Stroud's then Tory MP, Siobhan Baillie, with a cardboard banner reading 'No War in Gaza'. He has got used to the jeers and occasional abuse and says most people are friendly and supportive. When a couple of lads on trail bikes stick their middle fingers up at him and yell unintelligible abuse from inside their helmets, he just shrugs. Stroud is home to a large artistic and literary community. Laurie Lee, the author of Cider With Rosie, lived in the neighbouring Slad Valley. Stroud's streets are thronged with ageing hippies and eco-warriors. There's also a significant contingent of the green-welly brigade in the surrounding countryside. Hard times appear to have hit the high street which, like many others across the country, has been taken over almost entirely by charity shops. 'It's quite divided,' says Cloves. 'If you walk up the high street there's a kind of political, social, cultural apartheid in place. There's the top of the town, where all the arty-farties and Green voters live, then there's the lower town, which is really, really working class and quite different.' In the space of just a few minutes, he has five brief but friendly conversations with passers-by. One man who says he used to live on a kibbutz in Israel stops for a chat but politely doesn't mention the vast Palestinian flag flying several feet above his head. 'I am one of those who happens to believe Netanyahu is a gangster but I'm certainly not anti-Semitic,' says Cloves. 'I've had very little abuse – it's a bit hard to get angry with someone with a peace flag.' As for his own enormous flag representing Palestine, Vince claims that most of the complaints and calls to have it torn down come from 'shady lawyers' acting on behalf of the Israeli government: 'I'm not going to take it down and I'm not going to seek planning permission. I shouldn't have to take it down. I think it's a moral issue but secondly, I think the council is wrong when it comes to planning law. 'The council says that you can fly the flag of any country recognised by the UK. Yet the regulations say you can fly the flag of any country – full stop. 'What bearing does this have on a small town in the Cotswolds? It has a bearing on all of us and if we stand by and say and do nothing we are complicit in genocide.' The flag battle in Stroud encapsulates an increasingly bitter war over flags developing elsewhere in Britain. In Birmingham, for example, the city council has begun removing Union Flags and the red and white St George's Cross from lamp posts and other street furniture where they were hung in the past fortnight in a 'patriotic outpouring'. The council claimed that they put the lives of pedestrians and motorists 'at risk' despite being up to 25ft off the ground. 'Placing unauthorised attachments on street furniture, particularly tall structures like lamp posts, can be dangerous,' the council said in a statement. Palestinian flags have flown elsewhere on the streets of Birmingham, where almost a third of residents are Muslim, since the war in Gaza began in 2023.
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One bed flats planned for one of town's oldest buildings
A SECTION of one of Shipley's oldest buildings could be converted into one bed flats if new plans are approved. The town's Conservative Club, also known as Shipley Old Hall, dates back to the 17th Century, and is Grade II listed. Now the Otley Road hall is the subject of a planning application to change the use of part of the building to residential, and to install new UPVC windows in the centuries old property. Located near the entrance to Shipley Rail Station, the building was recently sold and the new application to convert the property into residential use has been submitted by Majid Ali. The application says the work will 'improve an area that is currently in a derelict and unused state.' Painted windows at the former Shipley Conservative Club building (Image: T&A) The plans would see a section of the building, including its more modern extension, converted into five one bed flats spread out over two floors. Render on the more modern extension to the building would be covered with timber cladding. A more modern section of the former Conservative Club building (Image: T&A) Timber framed windows/doors would be replaced by UPVC framed double glazed units and composite doorsets. Five of the 30 parking spaces on the site would be allocated to the flats, including two EV spaces. The application says: 'At present the subject site is vacant and recently purchased by the applicant who would like to carry out refurbishment works including improvements and change of use to part of the property into flats. 'The applicant purchased this site for development purposes including bringing this Grade II Listed Building back into use that is subject to planning and conservation area consent. "The site is not currently in use and in need of refurbishment and is considered as being in a prime location for the conversion and development programme that is subject to gaining the relevant permission. 'No external alterations are proposed apart from the replacement of windows and doors that are in urgent need of upgrading due to their deteriorating condition and also to meet the current building regulations. 'The proposed change of use is aimed at preserving and making use of this historic property to provide a positive contribution to the area as a whole. The proposal will provide employment opportunities to support the local economy directly and indirectly. 'The proposal will improve the site area that is currently in a derelict and unused state.' A decision on the application is expected in October.
Telegraph
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Inside the 100-year-old Tory club that defected to Reform
A plaque has marked the 1927 founding of a Conservative club for the past 100 years. But now, behind the sign Tory defectors sup £2.60 pints at the world's first Reform UK bar. The Talbot in Blackpool rebranded this week with a Reform-blue paint job and new signage, marking the first Tory club to turn to Reform UK. Following sweeping success in the local elections, the party says it is confident more pubs will follow suit across the country as it looks to capitalise on its growing grass roots support. Pete Flynn and Nick Lowe, the landlords, are awaiting a visit from 'nice chap' Nigel Farage, who promised to drop by once they were up and running. Punters have flocked from as far as Glasgow, Hull and even Northern Ireland to mark the re-opening. Mr Flynn, 53, wearing a shirt and Reform-coloured tie, and with a pint in hand, told The Telegraph he was proud to have created the first Reform UK club. 'Labour started off somewhere and the Conservatives started somewhere in the 19th century,' he said. 'Everything has got to start somewhere and we thought we would be the first. 'The reaction we have had has been absolutely fantastic.' On Wednesday, locals arrived ahead of the official midday opening time to make sure they were settled down in time for Prime Minister's Questions. Mr Lowe, 56, added: 'People have had enough.' In this month's local elections, Reform UK took control of 10 councils and won two mayoral races. It also added a fifth MP, Sarah Pochin, in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. Kitted out with two full-size snooker tables, two pool tables for just 50p a play, darts boards, and a couple of fruit machines, The Talbot has all the usual amenities of a social club. The pie and mash will only set you back £3.20, a popular chicken curry can be had for just £3.50 or £5 Sunday roasts are on offer. There is also a function room upstairs that can accommodate 80 people, which is set to be used for the Reform's regional AGM. The owners decided on the fresh rebrand after being approached by Mark Butcher, the party's regional chair, and deciding it was a 'cracking idea' earlier this year. Mr Flynn and Mr Lowe say footfall and business have increased during the first few days of the pub's new lease of life which they have owned since 2009. As GB News blared from several screens inside, most pub-goers sat out on the newly painted terrace enjoying their cheap drinks when The Telegraph visited. Louise Sedoskie, 52, said she was happy with the 'brilliant' rebrand. 'Labour have hurt a lot of people – I think it's disgusting what [Sir Keir] Starmer has done,' the carer said of Government policies including winter fuel and welfare cuts. 'But this will help people come together.' Steve Atkinson, 64, said the north of England had been 'crushed' in recent years and Reform was the only answer. 'How can a Sir be in charge of Labour, it's a working class party,' he said. 'We have got to see what Reform can do now. 'If Farage can keep the promises he makes I'd be a happy man.' First-timers Liam O'Brien and Vicky Frost arrived to check out the re-brand, with former Mr O'Brien, a former RAF chief, saying: 'I'm happy with it. 'There used to be more of these places that support the British community.' Antino Wynn, 27, used to be a Conservative member but said he switched allegiance to Reform following Liz Truss's premiership. The night porter suggested people were being drawn to Reform after seeing no life improvements during successive Tory and Labour governments. 'In the north and Midlands, where 'levelling up' was supposed to happen, it hasn't brought the prosperity that has been promised,' he said. 'They are looking for an alternative and Reform is the only party saying what people are thinking and feeling.' For Mr Flynn, who is currently undergoing Reform's vetting procedure to try to stand for the party in the area, and Mr Lowe, it is the party's 'common sense approach' that appeals. The hopeful candidate said the Prime Minister's 'island of strangers' and subsequent immigration white paper was 'the biggest U-turn in British political history'. Nick Evans, a 58-year-old factory worker, summed up the mood of pub-goers by saying unpopular Labour policies would leave the party scrambling for votes. Despite taking over the Conservative club, it is Sir Keir's party at risk from Reform at the next general election in the Blackpool South constituency. 'I don't know anyone that would vote for him now,' Mr Evans said of the Prime Minister. 'It would amaze me if he ever got elected again.' A Reform UK spokesman said: 'While Conservative clubs are closing down and going out of business much like their party, Reform pubs are on their way. 'The results of the local elections show that there is huge support for Reform right across the country so we are confident the Talbot won't be the only Reform pub for long.'
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Liverpool dance school devastated by late-night blaze
A dance school has been forced to close temporarily after it was ravaged by Edge, owner of Jade Studios in Clubmoor, Liverpool, was called by Merseyside Fire And Rescue Service just after midnight on Thursday to be told the building was ablaze. Ms Edge, 47, said the fire had caused thousands of pounds of damage to equipment that was stored in the school, which is in the former Conservative Club where The Beatles once played. She said she was now desperately trying to find a new venue for a community show that was supposed to be happening on Sunday. Ms Edge said: "Someone had apparently started a fire on the other side of the fence, which it burned through, and then got into an air vent in my building and spread from there."The damage to the room is horrendous."She added that special dance mats that cost £2,000 and £800 had been completely destroyed, and that she was now waiting to see when the building would be safe to school opened in 2012 and has about 100 children, mainly from the local area, on its books at any one time. Merseyside Fire And Rescue Service said: "Fire crews gained access to the building, with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus fighting the fire in the roof space with main jets and hose reels. "After extinguishing the main body of fire, crews checked for hot spots with Thermal Imaging Cameras and ventilated the building."The spokesman said an investigation was Police has been approached for comment. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jamaican street food business 'buzzing' for move into town venue
A Jamaican street food chef and entrepreneur says he is "buzzing" for his next adventure in a "no-brainer" move to a new venue. CRAIGS da FLAVA, run by Deron 'Craig' Coleman, has been serving hungry customers at The Pykkerell Inn in Bury St Edmunds since July 2024. Mr Coleman, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to England when he was 10, has now revealed he is moving his business to Thetford Conservative Club. Deron 'Craig' Coleman (right) with Jim Callinan (left) of The Pykkerell inn (Image: CRAIGS da FLAVA) The 45-year-old said: "We've really enjoyed being at The Pykkerell and they were amazing to us. "Unfortunately, some logistics meant that I needed a bit more independence. "So, when we were approached by the Conservative Club and they said 'Hey, your Facebook is gaining traction and your food is amazing', well, to be honest, we were very excited. "Then they showed me the kitchen, and well, it was a done deal." Mr Coleman, who is known by his friends and family as Craig, will be serving food from the new venue from Friday, January 7. He added: "I am really passionate about cooking and we make real authentic Caribbean food. "This is a brilliant opportunity for our business to go further and I am buzzing. "It's a no-brainer really. CRAIGS da FLAVA's jerk fried chicken is one of the most popular items on the menu. (Image: CRAIGS da FLAVA) "We have now signed a six-month contract with them and they understand our product. "We are also working with them to make the food suit their audience." Mr Coleman is supported by his partner Rachel and is the father of seven children. Despite the demands, he says he is determined to make the business a success. The takeaway will also be offering Jamaican twists on other cuisines like sweet and sour chicken and traditional English roast dinner. (Image: CRAIGS da FLAVA) The father of seven added: "I doubt myself every day but I keep on pushing as I want to make this work "Sometimes I feel like I can't do it but my wife tells me to shut up and keep going and she's amazing. "I'm a big family man and I want to make this work for my family so I'm excited for this move. "We want to be loud about our product and I want everyone in Thetford to know we can stand tall against any other takeaway. "Let's see what happens." Thetford Conservative Club, where CRAIGS da FLAVA will now be based. (Image: CRAIGS da FLAVA) CRAIGS da FLAVA will be serving from the Conservative Club in Magdalen Street on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and their menu can be found on their Facebook page. Members of the club can eat at the venue while takeaway will be open to the public.
