Mairead Smyth

Chester Zoo chief executive James Christon has called the proposed Peak Cluster carbon-capture pipeline route through the zoo’s surrounding conservation land unacceptable, warning it could damage irreplaceable wetlands, habitats and ecosystems. Peak Cluster plans to transport carbon dioxide from cement and lime factories in Derbyshire through the North West to storage beneath the Irish Sea. The project says it remains in contact with the zoo, has reviewed more than 5,500 consultation responses and is carrying out further engineering and environmental assessments, including ecology surveys on the zoo’s land, before evaluating potential route options.

A coroner concluded that Nobby Stiles’ death was caused by Alzheimer’s disease contributed to by chronic traumatic encephalopathy resulting from heading footballs throughout his career. Expert testimony linked repeated head impacts to his brain damage, while his family criticised football authorities for inadequate support for former players with neurodegenerative conditions. The ruling highlights growing concerns about head injuries in the sport as governing bodies introduce measures such as phasing out heading in youth football and expanding support services for affected players.

Residents in Northwich decorated their street with World Cup flags but were asked by Cheshire West and Chester Council to remove those attached to lamp-posts due to safety concerns. The council cited past incidents involving fallen flags and said unauthorised attachments posed risks to drivers. Locals criticised the intervention as unnecessarily harsh, saying the decorations fostered community spirit and were well received by passers-by.

A father and daughter who both required life‑saving heart operations were treated by the same surgeon, Dr Ram Dhannapuneni, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. Colin, born with Shone Syndrome, underwent repeat surgery two years after Dr Dhannapuneni operated on his newborn daughter Edith, who had hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The article highlights Alder Hey’s 75‑year legacy in paediatric cardiac surgery, its national role, and strong surgical outcomes. The story also follows young patient Raffy, who recently underwent successful surgery performed by the same surgeon, reflecting ongoing advances and capacity in Liverpool’s cardiac care services.

A Liverpool teenager whose father died by suicide leads a 34‑mile awareness walk to support young people affected by similar bereavements. Supported by about fifty peers and former footballer Chris Kirkland, he highlights the importance of reducing stigma and providing safe spaces through the charity Alfie’s Squad, founded by his family to offer peer support and community for children and young people dealing with suicide loss.

A man whose wife was sent to a home for unmarried mothers says the Prime Minister’s apology for forced adoptions failed to acknowledge women whose babies died in such institutions. Judith Hindley, who became pregnant after rape and gave birth in 1964 at St Monica’s in Kendal, lost her disabled son after he was reportedly denied care because he was considered unadoptable. Her husband Steve expressed disappointment despite finding the apology sincere, arguing that women traumatised by the deaths of their babies were overlooked. Sir Keir Starmer called the forced adoption practices a national shame in a formal apology following years of campaigning. Research suggests other babies at St Monica’s were also left to die, and the Diocese of Carlisle has apologised for past malpractice.