neighbour

The quaint fishing harbour is located in a very famous part of the UK, but is a lot less popular than its surrounding area.

If you’re looking for the perfect seaside spot to visit this autumn that isn’t flooded with tourists, then there’s one place that ticks every box. Residents of a UK coastal town that’s frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbours have celebrated its strong community spirit and passion for independent shops and eateries.

Seaton is a charming fishing harbour situated along East Devon’s Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site that draws approximately five million visitors annually. Although boasting year-round attractions including the tramway, museum, and beach, visitors often choose nearby Lyme Regis over Seaton.

One standout feature of the coastal community is its dedication to independent businesses, with local shop owners describing it as “the best place” to establish a company.

Amy Bonser helped launch Seaton Chamber Independent Market last year, which has since expanded to feature products from more than 60 traders, reports the Express.

She explained Seaton was the ideal location to create the market owing to its breathtaking local surroundings and established network of flourishing independent enterprises.

Amy told the Express: “Seaton was the best place to start a market. We have an amazing coastline on the Jurassic Coast, amazing gardens, which we use one for our market, and some amazing shops.

“As we mainly have independent businesses, this makes it an amazing place for local small traders to show off their independent business without the threat of the big companies.”

This view was shared by Carly Dean-Tribble, who runs Pebbles Coffee House and the Hideaway – two beloved cafés in the town. While admitting that running two independent cafes is “super hard work” due to people having less disposable income, she feels “very well supported by the local community and tourists alike”.

Carly confessed she hadn’t heard of Seaton before deciding to open her businesses there, but quickly realised it was the ideal location.

She said: “Seaton has a particular charm to it. I made my mind up that Seaton would be our home before we even viewed the business. It’s full of independent traders, which is a unicorn for sure. No big names here.

“Having independent businesses on our high street is a huge plus point. You simply don’t get that level of service and dedication from bigger corporations. People put their heart and soul into everything they do.”

Angela Mendham, another independent cafe owner who has run Passiflora for four years, echoed Carly’s sentiments. Despite facing challenges as more chain coffee shops emerge, she said Seaton locals have continued to show their support.

She expressed: “I do have a lot of locals who are very loyal, and I’m very grateful for their support. My locals have been as supportive as they can, but I’ve noticed that they are not spending as much so it’s hard, but I am very grateful.”

Looking ahead, Angela believes Seaton could benefit from increased funding that would only help its independent shops to flourish further.

She added: “I think Seaton needs more money from councils. Compared to Sidmouth, we really are the poor relative. But as the community goes, we are right on top.”

Alnmouth in Northumberland is a beautiful seaside village with a dog-friendly beach, independent shops, and wildlife – and it’s just a stone’s throw away from Alnwick

A stunning coastal village mere minutes from the renowned Northumberland town of Alnwick has been praised by tourists for its peaceful shoreline, delightful independent retailers, and abundant wildlife.

Alnmouth is nestled within one of the county’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its canine-friendly coastline ranks among most visitors’ preferred destinations.

Adventure seekers can enjoy rambles along St Oswald’s Way and Northumberland Coast Path, where a varied collection of wildlife can be observed.

The shoreline’s sand hills provide an excellent spot for birdwatching, and the location has even featured in Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.

Alnmouth has also been captured on television as the imaginary settlement of Mardle in the ITV detective series Vera, reports the Express.

History enthusiasts can explore the Ferryman’s Hut in Alnmouth, recognised as the tiniest museum in Northumberland.

The Old School Gallery, dubbed a “hidden gem” and situated in a renovated village schoolhouse from 1872, displays fine art, printmaking, and illustrations.

Tourists celebrated the serenity of the coastline, with one posting on TripAdvisor: “Really lovely beach! Was nice and quiet when we went so was so peaceful. Great place to chill on a day out. Good fun wading in the water!”.

Another said: “Picturesque and peaceful beach. Great place for a long stroll on the beach and a walk round the village. Always love visiting here!” A third described it as an “amazing expanse of beach”, adding: “You can enjoy a lovely bracing walk along the sands. There are some great birds among the rocks at one end.”

Someone else posted: “We recently had the pleasure of stopping in Alnmouth for a week. We walked our dog every day on Alnmouth beach, the beach is simply stunning. It is one of the most beautiful I have ever been to, the sand is very soft and the scenery is amazing. It really is a great beach for dog walking and is dog friendly all year round.”

Alnmouth is also renowned for its row of vibrant houses, called Lovaine Terrace, which prove irresistible to photographers.

The village’s railway station provides a picturesque glimpse of these homes as your train arrives in Alnmouth, whilst you can also travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed from the station or catch a train southbound to Newcastle for a day out.

The high street features coffee shops, eateries, pubs, and gift shops whilst the Alnmouth Golf Club sits close by in Foxton Bay.

It was founded in 1869 and ranks as England’s fourth oldest golf club.

The famous town of Alnwick lies nearby, where tourists can explore its castle, the Alnwick Garden, and the archway of Bondgate Tower.

Alnwick also hosts a farmers’ market which takes place in the town square on the last Friday of every month.

TYRANNICAL leaders in Iran have demanded citizens act as undercover informants to turn in anyone who dares oppose the regime, insiders say.

Panicked mullahs have also ordered “telecom cages” be installed around prisons as the regime wages war against its own people.

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Political prisoners – largely banished to death row on trumped-up charges – have been subject to extreme torture and a disturbing rate of executions in the face of growing tensions in the Middle East.

Insiders say their treatment is being weaponised to deter opposition.

The fight against repression has loomed large for decades in the rogue state – but the so-called 12-day war last month has made the barbaric Ayatollah more fearful than ever of being toppled.

Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO and Founder of United Against Nuclear Iran, said the Ayatollah is “on his heels” and is “engaging in a purification campaign”.

He told The Sun: “The Ayatollah is incredibly weak and I think what he’s doing is out of fear that his regime is going to collapse.

“He’s looking around, most of his generals have been killed. Those that are alive, he is probably suspicious that they are spies.

“There’s no clear succession, and I think the Ayatollah is on his heels.

“He’s doing everything he can to try to find some sort of path to a succession, and the continuation of this revolutionary regime.”

With Ali Khamenei’s grip weakened by the unprecedented Israeli and US blitz, the incapacitated supreme leader has discharged fresh hell on his own people in a corrupt bid to stifle uprising.

Sources inside Iran told The Sun how a direct alert has been issued to the public, urging them to report any activity linked to resistance groups of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK).

Regime loyalists have been implored to act as informants – compiling detailed reports with photos, times, locations, licence plates and facial features of suspected individuals.

Orders were publicised in an official government news outlet – marking a distinct shift in the paranoid regime’s usual strategy of covert suppression.

Insiders noted it points to the regime’s growing perceived threat posed by the PMOI’s grassroots operations.

The PMOI has long fought for a secular, democratic Iran, and is understood to be gaining traction amid frustration with economic hardship, political repression, and international isolation.

Iranians have lived under the iron-fist rule of fanatics ever since the revolution in 1979 saw the country transformed into an Islamic republic.

The close-knit cadres have attempted to thwart opposition by any means necessary for 46 years – but now lie incredibly vulnerable.

Anxious mullahs forced a complete shutdown of internet access in government offices during the conflict last month to take full control of information flow.

Iran regime massacres inmates

by Katie Davis, Chief Foreign Reporter (Digital)

IRAN’S ruthless regime massacred defenceless inmates at a prison before blaming their deaths on shrapnel from airstrikes, insiders revealed.

Cold-blooded regime dictators have also ordered the arrest of hundreds after accusing them of having links to arch-foe Israel.

As Israeli missiles rained down on a nearby military site on June 16, panicked inmates at Dizel-Abad Prison in Kermanshah begged to be moved to safety.

But they were instead met with a hail of bullets from the regime’s merciless enforcers in a “deliberate and cold-blooded act”, a witness said.

The source from within the prison said: “The prisoners insisted they be moved from areas where windows had shattered and where they feared further missile strikes.

“The regime’s answer was bullets.

“The special forces opened fire directly at unarmed, defenseless inmates who were merely trying to flee a danger zone.”

Insiders said the prisoners faced live ammunition after guards began beating inmates when they tried to breach internal doors in a bid to get to safety.

At least ten people were killed and a further 30 injured.

Regime authorities are now said to be attempting to cover up the deaths.

One source said: “Officials are planning to falsely attribute the deaths to shrapnel from the airstrike, not their own gunfire.”

READ MORE HERE

Universities were mandated to create “war monitoring rooms” on every campus – which continue to put the personal social media activity of professors and students under surveillance.

Meanwhile, the Supreme National Security Council is installing “telecom cages” at prisons around the state to sever any external communications inmates have.

Jamming devices have been deployed to disrupt messages and calls being made – preventing any contact with the outside world.

It comes as execution numbers have spiralled in recent weeks – with 424 recorded since March 21, according to figures from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

In just three days during the conflict between Israel and Iran, 17 prisoners – including one woman – were executed.

One source said: “This surge is a deliberate tactic to instill fear and crush resistance.”

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Wallace, who served as the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the regime has ramped up its “vicious clampdown” to prevent “people pouring out in opposition in the streets”.

The ex-diplomat added: “You see real Iranians suffering every day in those streets, and we cannot forget about them.

“The only path ultimately for the regime to fall is solely in the control of the Iranian people.

“Sadly, the Iranian people will suffer, and many will likely have to die for that to happen, and they’re being persecuted as we speak today.

“I’m sure there are people being imprisoned and likely will meet their death because of the crackdown of that state security apparatus.

“It’s really essential that we do not forget the people of Iran that are the victims of this regime.”

The NCRI has warned how four political prisoners are facing severe torture as regime enforcers try to extract forced confessions to try and link them to the deaths of two notorious regime judges.

Arghavan Fallahi, Bijan Kazemi, and father and son Mohammad and Amirhossein Akbari Monfared have been subjected to prolonged interrogation and could face the death penalty.

Despite this, defiant campaigners have continued their “No to Execution Tuesdays” movement – uniting activists and the families of inmates.

Zolal Habibi, of the NCRI’s Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Sun: “Even in the midst of war, the clerical regime in Iran has not paused its machinery of executions and repression for a single day.

“This chilling reality underscores a deeper truth: the primary war in Iran is not external, but internal — a war between the Iranian people and their organised resistance on one side, and the ruling religious dictatorship on the other.

“Yet amid this brutality, the resilience of the Iranian people shines through.

“Last Tuesday, political prisoners across 47 prisons -the most tightly controlled spaces in the country – continued their campaign against the death penalty for the 74th consecutive week.

“Their defiance is a source of pride for every Iranian who dreams of freedom.”

Goring-by-Sea is often overlooked by tourists in favour of its more famous neighbour however, the West Sussex town has everything you want from a seaside getaway without the packed beaches and fully booked bars and restaurants.

Brighton, with its vibrant culture, iconic pier, colourful beach huts, bustling promenade and extensive shopping areas, is understandably one of the UK’s favourite seaside spots. However, just 17 miles away lies a charming little coastal town that often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbour.

Goring-by-Sea, with its long stretches of stunning beaches adorned with quaint wooden beach huts, is a hidden gem in West Sussex. Despite being less known to tourists, Goring-by-Sea offers all the charm of a seaside retreat without the crowded beaches and fully booked pubs and eateries that are common in Brighton.

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The town boasts blue flag waters and pristine beaches, making it an ideal location for traditional family holidays. It’s also home to the Worthing Sailing Club, which caters to seafarers of all skill levels, including a fantastic junior section.

Goring-by-Sea’s annual summer festivals, such as the Chichester Show and the local Bowls Festival, are popular attractions, reports the Express.

Unlike other resorts on the south coast, Goring has shunned amusement arcades and candy-floss stalls. Instead, you’ll find charming fishing boats moored along a peaceful shoreline, with locals and visitors alike enjoying a variety of water sports, including kitesurfing.

Nestled between the sea and the South Down’s National Park, Goring-by-Sea is a picturesque and affluent area. The town even boasts some grand manor houses, including Courtlands, Goring Hall and Field Place.

The coastline is dotted with a few beachside cafes, offering an ideal place to relax and enjoy the untouched seaside location. The town centre boasts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Highdown Gardens are just a mile away from Goring, and the market town of Arundel, renowned for its iconic castle, is merely a ten-minute drive away.

Goring-by-Sea features a local railway station, perfect for commuters seeking a brief journey into Brighton (35 mins) or the City (London Bridge approximately 1:30 minutes).

Bognor Regis, famed for its nostalgic promenades and arcades, is also only half an hour away.

The larger resort of Worthing is a mere five minutes along the coast, boasting an art deco pier – which was voted the best in Britain in 2019 – and an observation wheel.

A WOMAN has been left fuming after claiming her ‘psycho’ neighbour chopped down her garden’s trees without permission.

In a video, she shared the before and after of her outdoor space, with her garden looking like a mess after the massacre. 

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On her account, she shared the entire story – and people are split in the comments. 

She claimed: “About two months ago, our neighbor asked us to remove our trees because flowers were falling into his yard. 

“Of course I felt terrible but we said no, because I loved those trees for many reasons. “However, we immediately had them professionally cut back (which we do every other year, per our landscaper’s recommendation). He lost it. 

“He sent a bunch of unhinged messages to my husband but we thought it had blown over after we had the trees cut back and the flowers stopped blooming.

“Fast forward to this past weekend, while we weren’t home (which he knew), they were mysteriously chopped down. Every last one. 

“They were cut aggressively and conveniently in a way that ensured nothing fell into his yard.”

She shared how she had asked neighbours if they had seen what happened – and word got back to the person they suspect did it. 

The woman claims he then started sending her husband “threatening messages” filled with “profanity and intimidation.”

The social media user said she wasn’t sharing the story for sympathy but because she felt “heartbroken”. 

She said she has filed a police report and is trying to get justice over the incident.

People were quick to tune in on the tree debacle, with one saying: “Huge trees are a pain in a garden but you cannot just go in neighbors garden and cut them down!”

Another also supported her saying: “What type of psycho goes to another person’s yard and cuts down their trees!!!! 

“It’s truly insane. I’m sorry this was done to you.”

However, some people took the neighbour’s side.

One wrote: “Why do people plant their trees so close to the border?”

Another added: “understand your feelings but anything hanging over his yard I presume he can legally cut back?”

What are your rights if a neighbour’s tree hangs into your garden?

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In order to prevent overhanging branches turning into furious rows between neighbours, Natalie Welsh, head of property at HCB Widdows Mason shared what your rights are in this tricky situation.

“It can be really frustrating when branches or plants from your neighbour’s garden start to spill over into your space”, she said.
“In England and Wales, you’re allowed to cut back any branches that cross onto your property, but only up to the boundary line.

“Just make sure you don’t step onto your neighbour’s land or damage the tree itself.”

When trimming a tree back, you are not allowed to lean into your neighbour’s garden, since that can be considered trespassing.

Natalie advised that before taking any drastic action, it’s best to have a friendly chat with your neighbour first.

Mersea Island, located in Essex, is a popular destination for holidays and family days out – but many visitors may miss out on the ‘hidden gems’ of the East side

Mersea Island, with its rich history, tranquil ambience and stunning views, is a favourite spot for holidays and family outings. Despite its small size, housing around 7,000 residents, visitors are often spoilt for choice on which part to explore.

The island is divided into East and West, with the latter traditionally attracting more tourists due to its well-developed infrastructure, including a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. However, those in search of ‘hidden gems’ and willing to venture off the beaten path will find East Mersea a delight.

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Located at the easternmost tip of the island, further from the mainland and the main road linking Mersea to the Essex coast, it feels more secluded.

This remoteness can make East Mersea seem less accessible than West Mersea, which is nearer to the causeway. But its limited amenities make it an attractive destination for those seeking a more secluded, nature-centric experience.

It’s home to Cudmore Grove Country Park, offering beach visits, wildlife spotting, and walking trails, reports Essex Live. East Mersea Flat Nature is a hit among adventurous walkers and explorers. Mind your step, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenes.

Additionally, East Mersea boasts the Essex Outdoors activity centre and the Mersea Island Vineyard, adding to its appeal.

Mersea Boating Lake, nestled on the East side, is a hit with families. Lauren H shared her delightful experience on TripAdvisor this month: “We had an amazing day out.

“The staff are sooo friendly and helpful. Great fun! Thank you. We will be back…hopefully when the sun is shining.”

Dining options on the East side aren’t lacklustre either, with The Dog and Pheasant East Mersea, Mersea Barns Shop and Café Restaurant, and Starkfood beckoning patrons with their culinary delights.

AN ELECTRICIAN heroically smashed his way into a burning home to help save two people from a fire which killed a mum and three of her children.

Victor Pedra heard a dad crying and screaming “my children, my wife, my whole family is in there” at around 1.15am on Saturday.

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He bravely ran towards the flames and broke a lower floor window to gain access to his neighbour’s house in Brent, west London.

The dad-of-two helped rescue a grandmother aged in her 70s, who has been released from hospital, and her teen granddaughter who remains in intensive care.

But a 43-year-old mum and her other three children aged 15, eight and four, all tragically died at the scene.

Victor, 33, said: “I heard the dad outside crying and screaming ‘my children, my wife, my whole family is in there’. He was in shock and couldn’t really speak.

“I had gone outside and saw people standing around watching these huge flames so I just knew I had to act. I cut my hand breaking the window.

“The grandmother and one of the daughters managed to get out safely. The only way they could escape was through the garden as the front door was blocked by the fire.

“The flames were so strong and there was smoke everywhere. I couldn’t get to the second floor where the mum and her youngest son was.

“I also had to wake up the people in the house next door before it caught fire as they were all sleeping and hadn’t realised.

“Firefighters managed to bring the mum and one of the sons out and attempted CPR for about an hour but it was no use.

“They also managed to bring the other son and eldest daughter out from the top floor but sadly it was too late for them. It was really tough to see.

“I couldn’t sleep that night as I just kept hearing the screams from inside the house.”

His partner Leticia Maria, 31, added: “I was speechless. One of the firefighters was my friend but I didn’t even recognise him from the shock.

“It all happened so quickly. The fire seemed to take hold instantly. It seemed like it started from the top down because it wasn’t as strong at the bottom.

“The little girl managed to escape and was covered in black stuff from the smoke. She looked about 12-years-old.

“No one knows what caused the fire but you could hear explosions like things were popping.

“All the children must have been sleeping at that time. It’s just such a tragedy.”

Brent councillor Tariq Dar MBE named Usman Ghani, known as Ozzy, as the man who lost his wife and three children in the tragic fire.

He wrote on Facebook: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of the wife and three beloved children—a daughter and two young sons—of Brother Usman Ghani in a tragic house fire in Wembley last night.

“Please remember the entire family in your heartfelt duas during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Met Police arrested a 41-year-old man who remains in custody on suspicion of murder.

Firefighters were supervising today while specialist workers secured the terraced home so detectives can investigate safely.

Six bouquets of flowers and a large blue teddy bear were left at the large police cordon surrounding the estate near Wembley Stadium.

A friend who knew the family well said: “It’s very sad. They were such loving and friendly people and will be dearly missed by everyone.

“Usman would always give me good advice. If something ran out like my milk or eggs, I would always go and borrow from them and it would never be a problem.

“He bought this house and worked very hard in a warehouse through an agency. He used to be a bus driver but had to stop due to health issues.

“The family are practising Muslims and were originally from Pakistan when Usman’s parents moved here over 25 years ago. His dad died a couple of years ago.

“I would always see the kids playing outside. It’s making me tear up thinking I will never see them again now the family is broken.

“They had just started half term and it makes me really sad thinking they won’t be going back to school.”

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A HOMEOWNER was left stunned after her neighbour took matters into their own hands with their DIY project.

She took to Reddit to explain what happened, and people were left divided on it all.

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The problem started when her neighbours decided to add a small building to the back of their garden.

Initially, the project made no difference to the homeowner and she thought nothing of it.

That is until she came home from work one day to discover they had replaced their shared fence for their benefit.

It turned out the small outbuilding had a small window on the wall next to the shared fence, but because of the normal fence panels no light could get into the window.

That’s when the neighbours decided to take matters into their own hands.

The homeowner explained: “I came home from work today and this is how the fence looks, the neighbour has had a building built at the bottom of the garden and a window on the building just the other side of that fence.

“I understand it’s to allow light to pass through the window bit it looks white and why should my privacy be invaded for their benefit?”

Alongside the post, the homeowner shared a picture of the new fence, which had large holes in the design to allow light through.

However, as well as letting light into her neighbour’s new space, the new fence allowed them to peek right into her garden.

After sharing the post on Reddit users were left divided over how the homeowner should go about the problem.

One said: “That is certainly one of the most moronic things I’ve ever seen.”

Meanwhile, a second suggested adding plants to the area to solve the problem.

They explained: “You can buy laurel trees that are already a couple of metres high to give a hedge a head start.

“This is what I did last year. I planted 10 two metre high laurels last spring and they are doing really well.”

And while someone else suggested adding another shed on their side of the fence, another person had an easier plan.

They said: “Instead of a shed, just put two garden chairs directly facing it, then sit there and look in through their window.

“Privacy works both ways and when they don’t have it, they will want it back.”

CHELSEA goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has kicked off a row with neighbours after chopping down huge 40ft trees at his Surrey mansion.

The Blues’ stopper was given the go-ahead to extend his luxury pad near the club’s Cobham training ground – complete with a cinema and games room.

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Planners at the local council told him he could chop down two trees to make way for the proposed development but neighbours say he has razed more to the ground – without permission.

They claim the 30-40ft trees are decades old, although not protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and help prevent overlooking on the leafy estate.

The former Fulham goalkeeper was initially granted planning permission for a front and rear extension including a ground floor family room, kitchen and breakfast room and cinema.

He also wants to demolish a porch and chimney stack and add dormer windows for a fourth bedroom and games room on the second floor.

Documents filed at Elmbridge Borough Council state that building work started last year but has not yet been completed.

Bettinelli, 32, has now submitted amended plans for tree planting and landscaping to allow for the removal of trees.

In a letter of objection, one resident wrote: “The initial proposal for ‘bush and hedge pruning’ turned into the felling of multiple 30ft trees, decades old.

“This has significantly affected local wildlife (there were documented owls nesting) and privacy/light shading of multiple properties around.

“The new proposal to replace four trees is well short of any remedial measure in my view and should be significantly enhanced.”

Another neighbour wrote: “More hedging has been removed to erect the fence.

“This was not done by the neighbouring property.

“And versus the previous plan, there is now less commitment to hedging than before.

“As a reminder, 30-40ft trees were cut down without permission.

“There should be no reduction in commitment shown on the plan versus the one before.”

Bettinelli joined Chelsea in 2021 to boost the Blues’ goalkeeping ranks following the departure of Willy Caballero, having been out of contract at Fulham.

He spent a decade at Craven Cottage, making 120 appearances for the Whites and also represented England‘s under-21 team earlier in his career.

The 6ft,4in stopper bought his Cobham pad for £1.5million in September, 2023, before applying for a Grand Designs-style makeover.

In another objection, the local residents’ association said it was “saddened and deeply concerned that the developer, architect and builder have breached the conditions imposed on the allowed application”.

They added: “Mature trees provide benefits to humans and wildlife alike, trees also provide wildlife corridors to and from the surrounding green spaces, woods, commons and heathland of Cobham.

“Trees also provide screening to neighbours’ properties and garden amenity spaces which they should be able to continue the enjoyment of using for everyday activity without the perception of overlooking.”

Council officials are expected to make a decision on the trees later this month.

Bettinelli’s planning agent was approached for comment.

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