Latest news with #DaveSmith
Leader Live
27-05-2025
- Leader Live
Op Bastion aims to tackle retail crime in north Flintshire
North Wales Police's North Flintshire team - who cover Holywell, Flint, Connah's Quay and surrounding areas - have launched Operation Bastion this week. Officers are aiming to combat retail crimes which have been taking place across those areas. Patrols will be stepped up following a rise in that type of crime in recent weeks. North Wales Police say the public can expect; targeted patrols, increased police visibility and a partnership with local retailers, as well as Cheshire West and North Wales Business Crime. IN OTHER CRIME NEWS Sgt Dave Smith said; "We've seen an increase in retail crime in recent weeks. "We're finding that in most cases, offenders are either professional shoplifters or young people stealing for entertainment, and this won't be tolerated. "We will take positive action against those committing crime."
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The £22m ‘bridge to nowhere' that was built 12 years ago – and still hasn't opened
'It's taking an awfully long time for that concrete to dry, isn't it!' chuckles 72-year-old Dave Smith. The retired engineer and long-term Croydon resident shakes his head as he peers through the metal fencing at the workmen sipping coffee on the steps up to the pedestrian bridge – the bridge that should allow him to carry his heavy shopping bags across the tracks at the north end of East Croydon station. Instead he's lugging them for an extra five minutes around the station because the £22m bridge – installed back in January 2013 and opened on the western side of the station in December 2013 – still isn't open on the eastern side. Behind this increasingly shabby-looking scheme appears to be a familiar tale; a combination of official incompetence, inaction and buck-passing. And it might sound somewhat trivial, but this is the 10th busiest station in Britain – 20 million people started or ended a journey there last year, and 3.3 million people changed trains at the station in 2024. Though the structure – known locally as the 'bridge to nowhere' – will finally open to some extent this October, people who use the station were shocked to learn that Network Rail will not be installing ticket barriers at the eastern end. 'This means that occupants of the series of new tower blocks built by developers Menta in the Addiscombe area [on the east] will have to cross over the bridge to the west to buy tickets or tap in before doing a U-turn and fighting their way back through the crowd if they're using platforms on the east,' says Steven Downes, editor of Inside Croydon online newsletter.'That's utterly ridiculous, and will create real congestion during rush hour at such a busy station. Croydon council really needs to insist that Network Rail put in the required barriers.' Inside the station, staff agree with Smith and Downes that 'there is absolutely no logic to the plan,' but they say Network Rail 'has run out of money' for ticket barriers. They roll their eyes over the fact that the now rather tatty-looking 12-year-old bridge (which is missing floor tiles in several places) clearly needs 'remedial work' before it can finally open to the east. The only people who use the fenced-off area, I'm told, are staff from a nearby cafe who go there to take vape breaks. Just how has it taken so long to open a bridge that has been completed for the best part of 12 years? 2010: a 'truly exciting' new structure As part of plans for Croydon's large-scale regeneration as a commuter town – with a new shopping centre and hoped-for hipster café culture – Croydon council agreed to invest £6m of public money in a new footbridge linking office buildings at Landsdowne Road in the west, with the proposed residential tower blocks on the east side of East Croydon station. Network Rail committed to investing £10m and Transport for London (TfL) £4.4m in the bridge. Craig Marks, CEO of Menta Developments, agreed to spend £2.3m to build steps and a pavement link up to the bridge between their two planned towers (and proposed 54-storey residential block, nicknamed the 'Mental' tower) on Cherry Orchard Road. Then Conservative councillor (now mayor) Jason Perry told the Croydon Advertiser that the 'truly exciting' new structure would be 'enormously valuable' to station users, easing congestion and stimulating new development in the area. 'But the fly in the ointment was Croydon council's planning department,' says Downes. 'When giving permission for the bridge and the development on the east side, it appears nobody thought it would be a good idea to give Menta a deadline for improving their access link on Cherry Orchard Road. It was all left open-ended.' 2012: Lego-like bridge will bring 'joy' A council report revealed that, 'until the Menta scheme delivers the link bridge, there would be a circa 16-metre physical gap' between the existing walkway and the new Network Rail bridge. On the grounds that this 'would seriously compromise' the objectives of the investments made by the London borough of Croydon (LBC), TfL and Network Rail, it was proposed that LBC fund the construction of a temporary link bridge costing £2.7 million, in a 'worst case scenario', designed to last 15 years, Ultimately, this was avoided. The old underpasses (suitable for those unable to use steps) beneath the north end of East Croydon station were often closed as development work on the station began. The Lego-like white and yellow bridge – designed by Studio Egret West and Hawkins\Brown – was installed in November 2012. One hundred metres long and weighing 700 tonnes, the structure was made in 10 prefabricated sections for ease of transportation and assembled on an adjacent station site. Over 22 hours on a Sunday in November, the bridge was constructed as slowly as possible so as not to alarm passing train drivers. Its yellow sections were intended to bring 'joy' into the lives of pedestrians. 2013: Gatwick airport passengers face epic luggage challenge The bridge opened to the public in January but lacked exits at both east and west, only providing linking access between platforms. Steep steps proved a challenge to those arriving from Gatwick airport who'd haul their baggage up to the top, only to realise that there was no exit at either the east or west sides (even though there were no signs warning that it only linked the platforms). They would then have to lug their suitcases back down the steps and along to the southern end of the station to get back to the street. The western exit opened in December 2013. 2013 to 2024: Eleven years of disuse and a ticket-gate 'bombshell' Menta built six residential tower blocks along Cherry Orchard Road (including one block providing affordable and social housing on the other side of the road). Plans to build the sky-scraping 'Mental' tower were abandoned. In 2018, Inside Croydon ran a report on issues with the slippery surface of the bridge, which was partially open to the elements. In 2019, a new planning consent was put in place and, in 2023, Menta's Craig Marks announced that he had finally commissioned the construction of the bridge link to Cherry Orchard Road. By March 2024, the link was ready to be attached to the rest of the bridge. But the bridge wasn't opened. Teachers from the local primary school said 'it was a relief when things finally got built... it was an ugly mess for years with the whole thing boarded up'. The former Labour councillor for Addiscombe West, Jeremy Fitzpatrick, explains that at the 2024 annual meeting of the East Croydon Community Organisation (ECCO) in July, representatives from Croydon council, Menta and Network Rail agreed to answer questions from the community. It was here that around 100 local residents learnt that no party would take financial and legal liability for the link between Cherry Orchard Road and – after 11 years of disuse – the bridge required considerable maintenance work to make it safe. Once that work was completed, one party would need to accept responsibility for extensive ongoing maintenance. Network Rail's representative told the group that this had been put out to tender, but that the quotes for the work which had been returned were higher than they were prepared to pay. This resulted in the contract being retendered, meaning that, at the very earliest, the issue would not be resolved until well into 2025. Both Croydon council and Network Rail acknowledged that communication with the public had been 'inadequate' and promised to do better in future. Fitzpatrick then asked if the east exit would be fitted with ticket barriers and 'they dropped the bombshell that it would not'. Network Rail's spokesman said the installation and staffing of those barriers would be too expensive. 2025: A petition to get it fully open – and provide proper ticket gates Through a metal fence, Addiscombe residents can admire the open courtyard (planted with silver birch trees) that Menta has finally built to allow access to the bridge. On the side of one of the towers flanking the steps, a designer has attempted to lift the mood with a little urban poetry, in blossom-pink caps. 'A THOUSAND MEMORIES CASCADE FROM TREE TO TREE' it shouts. Although only the trees (and the odd workman) will be making any memories there until at least October. One resident of the tower tells me that 'it's ridiculous that we still can't use the bridge – and even more absurd we're not getting ticket gates at this end. I don't believe Network Rail can't afford them. As for staff, there always seem to be about ten guys on that bridge, especially late at night.' At the western end of the bridge, Jeremy Fitzpatrick is handing out flyers calling on Network Rail to 'LISTEN TO THE COMMUNITY and PROVIDE A TICKET GATE at the top of the Cherry Orchard Road stairs!' The former councillor barrister encourages commuters to scan a QR code on the leaflet which enables them to join the nearly 1300 people who've already signed the petition calling for ticket gates at the east end of the bridge. A spokesman for Network Rail says that: 'The original consent and funding was for ticket gates on the west end of the bridge. Should funding become available in future we would be happy to consider gates on the east end. For now, the bridge will still be a quicker route into East Croydon for people who live nearby.' When pushed for a figure on how much ticket gates and staffing would cost, he explained that: 'There's no set figure for how much a gate is.' Adding an entrance to a station suddenly brings in lots of other aspects, including staffing and revenue risk too. He adds: 'Network Rail is finalising plans for the bridge, which includes works to repair the surfaces and now introduces new balustrading and new partitioning to the public and passenger side. The full length of the bridge will open later this year.' Labour MP Natasha Irons (first elected in July 2024) says she has been 'badgering' Network Rail and the council to get the bridge finished. 'I've written to the mayor, Jason Perry, and to the council. Sarah Jones [MP for Croydon West on the other side of the bridge] and I met with Network Rail staff at the bridge and you can see it has been built to have a ticket gate at the east end. It's stupid not to put one in. But Network Rail will always say they don't have any money – because they don't.' A spokesperson for Croydon council said: 'We fully understand and share our residents' frustrations about the delays in the opening of the footbridge linking the east and west side of East Croydon Station. We are pretty clear we would like the ticket barrier [at the east exit] and are continuing to pursue this with Network Rail.' Menta CEO Craig Marks stresses that Menta has met all of its obligations, 'at no cost to Croydon or Network rail, and will be maintaining the entrance area on our land in perpetuity, including the new lift access we have also delivered in that area to the Network Rail (NR) bridge. We have invested around £2m in constructing the 'link piece' to connect to the NR bridge and intend to donate this also at no cost to Network Rail when the bridge is opened.' A savvy student at the Fairfield School of Business (located opposite the east exit) tells me: 'For 13 years, the council, Menta, Network Rail and government have all just gone round in circles blaming each other for the situation.' She shrugs and confides: 'Call me a cynic, but I think the mayor just wants to push everything through as quickly as possible now, so the bridge is open in any form before the next mayoral elections in 2026.' Steven Downes agrees. 'It will open without those gates. A classic example of spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar.'
Edinburgh Live
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay shares 'sad news' following death of 'extraordinary' guest
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Jon Kay has been met with a wave of support after announcing the death of a guest who featured on BBC Breakfast in 2021. The news presenter shared a series of touching photos with Dave Smith, who sadly passed away at the age of 76. In one image, Jon is seen donning a face mask as he snaps a selfie with Dave and posted an extensive tribute in his honour. He penned, "Some sad news to man" Dave Smith has passed away at the age of 76. "The Bristol driving instructor and pub-singer made global headlines in 2021 after he revealed to me on BBC Breakfast that he'd had Covid for about 300 days in a row - longer than anyone else on the planet at the time.", reports the Mirror. "Back then, his doctors told us that the reason Dave had struggled to get rid of the virus was because years of cancer treatment had seriously compromised his immune system. "But Dave confounded medical expectations and eventually beat Covid after ten long months in and out of intensive care. [...] For decades, Dave had performed in pubs and clubs around Bristol. And even though his lungs had been ravaged by Covid, he was determined to sing again. "We followed him as he joined the English National Opera's online programme to help Long Covid sufferers improve their breathing. The transformation was remarkable.. [...] He said that comeback gig was his "best night ever". And it was one of my favourite ever stories to cover." Jon remarked: "Over the last year, Dave's health deteriorated. He told me the COVID and cancer had taken their toll. But whenever we spoke, he always retained his zest for life, his dark sense of humour, his love of performing and a total devotion to his delightful wife Lyn and their families. I am thinking of them all." He concluded by saying: "Dave died peacefully at home earlier this month. His funeral was last week. RIP Dave Smith. An ordinary name. An extraordinary chap. An honour to have known you." After sharing this poignant news, Jon's followers were quick to show their support, with one commenting: "God bless Dave. This is very sad news. I'm sending lots of love to all his family and friends, thinking of them all at this sad time. Xx." Another follower extended their sympathies, remarking: "Awww, you did a lovely story on him at the time. May his soul rest in peace. Seemed a lovely man." A third commenter echoed these emotions, saying: "So sad but what a great man and family. It means the stars will sound more tuneful from now on with the sound of Dave xxxx."
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast star Jon Kay shares 'sad news' following heartbreaking death
BBC Breakfast star Jon Kay has been inundated with support after he shared the news that a guest who appeared on the programme in 2021 had died earlier this month Jon Kay has received an outpouring of support after announcing the death of a guest who appeared on BBC Breakfast in 2021. The news anchor shared a series of heartfelt photos with Dave Smith, who passed away at the age of 76. In one photo, Jon is seen wearing a face mask as he takes a selfie with Dave and posted a lengthy tribute in his memory. He wrote, "Some sad news to man" Dave Smith has passed away at the age of 76. "The Bristol driving instructor and pub-singer made global headlines in 2021 after he revealed to me on BBC Breakfast that he'd had Covid for about 300 days in a row - longer than anyone else on the planet at the time. "Back then, his doctors told us that the reason Dave had struggled to get rid of the virus was because years of cancer treatment had seriously compromised his immune system." "But Dave confounded medical expectations and eventually beat Covid after ten long months in and out of intensive care. [...] For decades, Dave had performed in pubs and clubs around Bristol. And even though his lungs had been ravaged by Covid, he was determined to sing again. "We followed him as he joined the English National Opera's online programme to help Long Covid sufferers improve their breathing. The transformation was remarkable.. [...] He said that comeback gig was his "best night ever". And it was one of my favourite ever stories to cover." Jon remarked: "Over the last year, Dave's health deteriorated. He told me the COVID and cancer had taken their toll. But whenever we spoke, he always retained his zest for life, his dark sense of humour, his love of performing and a total devotion to his delightful wife Lyn and their families. I am thinking of them all." He concluded by saying, "Dave died peacefully at home earlier this month. His funeral was last week. RIP Dave Smith. An ordinary name. An extraordinary chap. An honour to have known you." After sharing this heartfelt news, Jon's followers poured in support, with comments such as, "God bless Dave. This is very sad news. I'm sending lots of love to all his family and friends, thinking of them all at this sad time. Xx." Another follower expressed their condolences, stating, "Awww, you did a lovely story on him at the time. May his soul rest in peace. Seemed a lovely man." A third shared similar sentiments, writing, "So sad but what a great man and family. It means the stars will sound more tuneful from now on with the sound of Dave xxxx."
South China Morning Post
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
The Lens: Should Ubisoft apologise to Japan for Assassin's Creed Shadows?
If you are interested in being a regular contributor for The Lens, please apply by clicking this link. Thoughts from last week Andrea Cheung, 13, Island School Ubisoft is a French company founded in 1986 that specialises in creating video games and owns several popular franchises, including the trending game Assassin's Creed. The latest instalment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is the fourteenth in the series. However, its release has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Japanese citizens. Many do not believe it is acceptable for the main character of a game set in Japan to be non-Japanese. One commentator stated, 'This is purely Asian hate, to have a black dude as the main character instead of an Asian.' Critics also argue that certain scenes are disrespectful to Japanese Shinto culture. Both sides have entrenched views regarding what is appropriate when portraying different cultures. I believe the game developers should not have received as much backlash as they have. After all, this is just a video game, and the events portrayed are fictional, existing only in a virtual world. Even though it is just a fictional game, one potential concern is that some people may develop skewed perceptions of Japan after playing it. Thus, it is understandable that some people in Japan believe that it will affect how others think about their country's culture. However, even with the controversy, Ubisoft has not made any public responses to these recent critiques. I believe they should issue an apology to the Japanese community, as the game may disrespect their culture and create a misleading image of Japan, particularly with its portrayal of sacred Shinto shrines that locals carefully look after. Read up on this issue in last week's The Lens Read and observe A typical gridlocked street in Bali, where people can barely see past the large number of motorbikes. Photo: Dave Smith Bali, a province of Indonesia, is making waves with an ambitious plan to introduce water taxis at its airport by the end of this year, aiming to alleviate the resort island's notorious traffic congestion. As the number of tourists swells, local officials are betting that this aquatic solution can bring relief to both visitors and residents alike. Set to launch in December, the water taxi service will provide a direct route from Ngurah Rai International Airport to some of Bali's most sought-after resorts. 'Sea transport could help mitigate the problem as the congestion on the land cannot be solved quickly. We will encourage tourists to use the water taxi,' said Wayan Koster, Bali's governor, as quoted by The Bali Sun. Authorities have already conducted trial runs using traditional jukung canoes, with a trip to Uluwatu taking around 35 to 40 minutes. Modern vessels in the mix could slash that time to just 25 to 30 minutes. By contrast, a car ride from the airport can take more than an hour, often bogged down by traffic jams. But the water taxi initiative is just the beginning. Reports from The Bali Times suggest that seaplane services might join the fleet of solutions to ease ground congestion, reinforcing Bali's ambition to establish itself as a maritime tourism hub. In a recent partnership with sea transport operators, Bali authorities have also launched routes linking Tanjung Benoa – a peninsula renowned for its beaches – to popular spots such as Serangan Island and Pedungan. Meanwhile, on land, a substantial budget has been allocated for infrastructure improvements, according to Merdeka, an online news outlet. Plans include new roads connecting the provincial capital of Denpasar to the bustling southern resort area of Badung, slated to begin construction in 2026. Staff writers Research and respond What is the cause of Bali's traffic problem? Do you believe that implementing a water taxi system is the best way to alleviate this issue? Are there other solutions to Bali's congestion issue? At what point could overtourism become a problem?
