Latest news with #MikeBell
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Plans to transform former seafront lido approved
A former seafront lido in Weston-super-Mare is to be given a multi-million pound revamp. The Tropicana was shut down 25 years ago and left to fall into disrepair until graffiti artist Banksy transformed the derelict site into his Dismaland bemusement park in 2015. Since then, the 1930s building has been hired out for events but now councillors have approved plans for it to be transformed into a "nationally significant" venue hosting crowds of up to 5,000 people. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said it was a "really exciting" scheme which the council is "absolutely going to deliver - unlike all the failed schemes of the past". More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset The new scheme will see the existing 1980s building demolished and replaced by a new purpose-built indoor venue, while the 1930s frontage on the promenade will be restored. At a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, Alan Rice from the Weston Civic Society warned adding a "large, monolithic building" to the centre of the seafront would "obstruct and significantly harm the iconic view". Councillor Tim Snaden described the proposed building as "architectural vandalism". But councillor John Crockford-Hawley said although the new building was an "awkwardly built bulky slab" the benefits to the town were outweighed by the harm to the Tropicana. Councillor Terry Porter said it may not be the "best bit of design" but added delaying a decision could jeopardise the funding. The committee approved the plans and Mr Bell said he was "absolutely delighted". "People can look forward to it opening next year," he said. Councillor Mike Solomon said the venue will not only "attract the best operator" but "take the venue into the future". "With the planning application now approved, it's full steam ahead to reinvent the Tropicana, a key destination at the heart of Weston's seafront," he said. Construction is due to begin this summer and be complete by summer 2026. The work is being funded by £8.7m from the government's Levelling Up Fund, which may be withdrawn if not used by March 2026, according to the the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Planned Tropicana revamp expected to get go-ahead Tropicana partially closes ahead of £8.7m revamp North Somerset Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Tropicana: Plans to transform former seafront lido approved
A former seafront lido in Weston-super-Mare is to be given a multi-million pound Tropicana was shut down 25 years ago and left to fall into disrepair until graffiti artist Banksy transformed the derelict site into his Dismaland bemusement park in then, the 1930s building has been hired out for events but now councillors have approved plans for it to be transformed into a "nationally significant" venue hosting crowds of up to 5,000 Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said it was a "really exciting" scheme which the council is "absolutely going to deliver - unlike all the failed schemes of the past". The new scheme will see the existing 1980s building demolished and replaced by a new purpose-built indoor venue, while the 1930s frontage on the promenade will be a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, Alan Rice from the Weston Civic Society warned adding a "large, monolithic building" to the centre of the seafront would "obstruct and significantly harm the iconic view".Councillor Tim Snaden described the proposed building as "architectural vandalism".But councillor John Crockford-Hawley said although the new building was an "awkwardly built bulky slab" the benefits to the town were outweighed by the harm to the Terry Porter said it may not be the "best bit of design" but added delaying a decision could jeopardise the funding. The committee approved the plans and Mr Bell said he was "absolutely delighted"."People can look forward to it opening next year," he Mike Solomon said the venue will not only "attract the best operator" but "take the venue into the future"."With the planning application now approved, it's full steam ahead to reinvent the Tropicana, a key destination at the heart of Weston's seafront," he is due to begin this summer and be complete by summer work is being funded by £8.7m from the government's Levelling Up Fund, which may be withdrawn if not used by March 2026, according to the the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- West Australian
Beldon reckless driving: Police search for driver allegedly doing burn outs on Gwendoline Drive school zone
Police have called for help from the public to find a driver who was allegedly hooning in a school zone in Perth's northern suburbs while students were in the area. The driver was allegedly doing burnouts in a grey Holden Commodore on Gwendoline Drive in Beldon about 8.20am. Belridge Secondary College lies on the road and primary schools are close by. Police found the car at a nearby home on Cumberland Drive about 10.40am, and impounded the vehicle. Road policing Commander Mike Bell said he is extremely disappointed to continue to see dangerous driving on WA roads. 'This incident is beyond disappointing, people recklessly endangering the lives of innocent road users, while also putting their own life at risk is something we just won't tolerate,' he said. 'Safety measures around school zones are in place for a very good reason, to protect children who are considered vulnerable road users around school grounds.' Police have been increasing enforcement as a part of National Road Safety Week, targeting 'The Fatal Five' which includes speeding, drink-driving, seatbelts, driver fatigue and distraction. 'WA Police will continue to work as hard as we can in the enforcement space, and we make no apologies for the action we take in trying to stop this type of idiotic behaviour on our roads,' Cdr Bell said. The top traffic cop is calling for change. 'In light of this week, WA Police urges everyone to commit to safer driving habits, so everyone can remain safe on our roads' Anyone with information on the incident, including the driver's identity, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via this link . Mobile phone, dash cam or CCTV footage can be sent directly to police here .
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Perth Now
‘Beyond disappointing': Driver caught hooning in school zone
Police have called for help from the public to find a driver who was allegedly hooning in a school zone in Perth's northern suburbs while students were in the area. The driver was allegedly doing burnouts in a grey Holden Commodore on Gwendoline Drive in Beldon about 8.20am. Belridge Secondary College lies on the road and primary schools are close by. Police found the car at a nearby home on Cumberland Drive about 10.40am, and impounded the vehicle. Road policing Commander Mike Bell said he is extremely disappointed to continue to see dangerous driving on WA roads. 'This incident is beyond disappointing, people recklessly endangering the lives of innocent road users, while also putting their own life at risk is something we just won't tolerate,' he said. 'Safety measures around school zones are in place for a very good reason, to protect children who are considered vulnerable road users around school grounds.' The driver was allegedly doing burnouts in a grey Holden Commodore on Gwendoline Drive in Beldon. Credit: WA Police Police have been increasing enforcement as a part of National Road Safety Week, targeting 'The Fatal Five' which includes speeding, drink-driving, seatbelts, driver fatigue and distraction. 'WA Police will continue to work as hard as we can in the enforcement space, and we make no apologies for the action we take in trying to stop this type of idiotic behaviour on our roads,' Cdr Bell said. The top traffic cop is calling for change. 'In light of this week, WA Police urges everyone to commit to safer driving habits, so everyone can remain safe on our roads' Anyone with information on the incident, including the driver's identity, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via this link. Mobile phone, dash cam or CCTV footage can be sent directly to police here.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New commercial dealership opens in Carlisle
A COMMERCIAL vehicle dealership has strengthened its presence in Carlisle with the official opening of its new site. TrustFord, the largest Ford dealer group in Europe, officially opened its new Transit Centre at Auction Drive, Carlisle, on Monday, March 31. The launch brings the total number of employees across the firm's two locations in the city to 43. This new site complements the company's existing car dealership at Kingstown Industrial Estate Mike Bell, general manager of TrustFord Carlisle, said: 'I'm really excited about the opening of our new Transit Centre here in Carlisle. "Whether you're looking for a new or used commercial vehicle, a service, advice about your fleet or just coming to have a look before making a purchase, our expert Carlisle team will take care of everything," he said. Display of commercial vehicles at new TrustFord transit centre (Image: Supplied) The three-acre facility boasts a 15,000 square foot showroom and an eight-bay, EV-equipped workshop space. The new build has also achieved an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) 'A' rating and features solar PV panels and LED lighting to improve energy efficiency. The centre also operates as a service centre for commercial vehicles. Sixteen staff members have been recruited for the new site. Speaking previously to the News & Star, Glen Kennington, regional director for the north, said the opening in the city brings the firm closer to their ambition of 'covering the whole country' where they have already established a presence in the likes of London, Yorkshire, Bristol, Aberdeen and Glasgow. TrustFord Carlisle continues to support the local community by sponsoring Carlisle United and Carlisle Rugby Club, and supporting Eden Valley and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice. It has also partnered with Cumbria's Chamber of Commerce. Anyone interested in finding out about vacancies at TrustFord, can visit The new unit will be open from Monday to Saturday during usual business hours.
