MORGAN Freeman will become the voice of the London Underground this week.
The Hollywood legend’s famous tones will ring out at Baker Street tube today and tomorrow.
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A Hollywood legend will become the voice of the London Underground this weekCredit: AlamyMorgan Freeman will lend his legendary tones to the London Underground as part of his big-money advertising deal with Warburtons breadCredit: GettyFreeman’s famous tones will ring out at Baker Street tube on Wednesday and ThursdayCredit: Alamy
Instead of the announcer’s usual warning to “mind the gap”, Freeman will urge them to “mind the bap”.
The bakery firm’s CEO, Jonathan Warburton said: “We wanted to share a bit of that fun with Londoners on their daily commute and hopefully raise a few smiles.
“As you can probably tell, we also love a good bread pun, so Baker Street was a match made in heaven, and hearing a voice as legendary as Morgan Freeman’s booming to travellers on the platform is certainly a recipe for a memorable day.”
BORED of regular hotels? Why not head off on a staycation… to spend the night in a train carriage instead.
Nestled in the West Sussex countryside, you will find a restored vintage train carriage that is stopped in its own ‘station’.
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Lowe Comotion is set in the West Sussex countrysideCredit: HostUnusual
Named the Lowe Comotion, the carriage is in Batchmere, Chichester and sleeps up to four people, with one main bedroom.
Inside, guests will be greeted by vintage decor and quirky train signage that not only makes you feel as if you are stepping onto a long, luxury train journey but also back in time to the golden age of train travel.
There’s a log burner and comfy sofa that transforms into bunk beds as well, to make it truly feel like a first-class experience.
When it comes to having a bite to eat, there is a dining table and chairs by the window, so you can enjoy your food whilst looking out at the view.
The kitchen has everything you’d need including a kettle, grill, toaster and microwave.
In the middle of the carriage is where you will find the bathroom, complete with a vintage bathtub.
Outside there is a spacious patio with seating too and a barbeque for the summer.
The carriage has to be booked for a minimum stay of two nights and is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend won’t be left out.
It also includes towels and linen, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
One recent guest said: “A lovely railway carriage with loads of great touches and details.
“Definitely first class. We had a grand time staying here and loved the birdsong as well as the rain on the roof when the weather let us down a bit!
“Woodburner ensured a cosy night was had and would definitely recommend to friends. Lovely private area with space for kids and dog!”
Another guest added: “Wow – what a unique and wonderful place – superbly converted 1870’s railway carriage with so many thoughtful and stylish design details we hardly wanted to go out – but also couldn’t resist the huge private lawn that comes with it – a huge hit with our over excited sheep dog! We were overexcited to sleep in it.
“Never been happier to sit on a train carriage that’s not moving!”
There’s even a kitchen inside with a kettle, grill, toaster and microwaveCredit: HostUnusualGuests can also make use of an outdoor patio and barbequeCredit: HostUnusual
A third guest said: “This place is absolutely stunning! It’s so quirky and one-of-a-kind.
“Our stay here was incredibly peaceful and tranquil, exactly what we needed to unwind and recharge.”
Lowe Comotion costs from £150 per night to stay.
As for the area surrounding the carriage, you can head off on lovely countryside walks or bike rides.
Just nine minutes down the road is West Wittering Beach, which is known for its natural beauty.
The beach has a number of facilities including the Beach Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat such as a Beach Breakfast with poached eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, beans, potato rosti and toasted brown bloomer for £11.95.
And the beaches at Selsey, East Wittering, and Bracklesham Bay are all close by as well.
West Wittering Beach is also less than 10 minutes away in the carCredit: Google
If you want to see some of the local nature, then you can head to RSPB Medmerry.
The reserve boasts 6.25miles of trails and features a lot of birdlife including avocets.
If you’ve got kids, jump in the car for 12 minutes to Selsey, where you will find West Sands Fun Fair.
It costs just £15 for unlimited rides on the attractions, which include Waltzers, Dodgems, pedal boats and toddler’s rides.
Network Rail has revealed “vital maintenance, renewals, and repairs” for the bustling hub, impacting all routes and services to and from the station.
Liverpool Street’s mainline station, which sees approximately 98 million commuters annually, is set to shut for five weekend days, during which its concourse will also be closed.
These closures will impact Elizabeth line and London Overground, as well as National Rail services, including Greater Anglia and c2c.
While the station itself will undergo roof drainage repairs, work will also be carried out relating to track drainage and maintenance, as well as vegetation management and litter clearance along railway lines.
Commuters can expect disruptions on the following dates:
Sunday, March 15
The entire station will be closed on this date, with London Overground services running from London Fields instead.
Elizabeth line services will continue to run, though commuters are advised there will be no access to the main concourse on this date.
Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22
Again, the entire station will be closed for both these dates, with Elizabeth line services continuing to run on Saturday, March 21, with no access to the main concourse.
On Sunday, March 22, there will be no Elizabeth line trains running.
There will also be no Overground Weaver line trains on either of these dates.
Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29
Liverpool Street Station will again be closed for both these dates, while Elizabeth line services continue to run throughout the weekend.
Again, there will be no access to the main concourse on these dates.
There will also be no Overground Weaver line trains running throughout the weekend.
To avoid travel disruptions, rail passengers are advised that rail replacement buses will operate between Stratford and Romford, and between Newbury Park and Shenfield tomorrow.
And before 9.50am, buses will replace trains between Seven Sisters and Enfield Town/Cheshunt and Hackney Downs and Chingford.
Check the Network Rail website for further details on replacement services throughout March.
PLANS to build a new railway station and more than 1,000 homes on the site of an apocalyptic bunker have been unveiled.
The proposals include building a range of affordable housing, shops, a secondary school, health centre and train station on the site of a former RAF base.
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The housing development at in Huntingdonshire will sit on top of a nuclear bunkerCredit: Alconbury WealdThe bunker is made of steel and reinforced concreteCredit: YouTube/Alconbury Weald
Part of a large housing development at Alconbury Weald inHuntingdonshire, the new community will sit on top of a sprawling nuclear bunker, built in 1988.
One purpose of the site was to secretly analyse data collected by spy planes during the Cold War.
Blast-proof guillotine doors divide a number of corridors inside, and further underground is a power plant and communications hub with an entire wall filled with buttons and dials.
Already 6,000 new build homes now surround the former military base and bunker after a major development which saw the first residents set up home in 2020.
The developer, Urban&Civic, now plan to expand the Cambridgeshire by building more houses and new railway station, which has been backed by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Mike Jenner, Development Manager from Urban&Civic, said: “Phase 4 has an important role to play in the delivery of Alconbury Weald, connecting green spaces and key infrastructure.
“The design of Phase 4 ensures walking, cycling and public transport links connect to the wider site seamlessly, and supports the aspirations of our local transport partners to progress a rail station, which will benefit many.”
In homage to the area’s history dedicated green space has been named Runway Park, which the proposed plans include adding “pockets of play space near a water body” to.
The proposed plans include adding play space near a water bodyCredit: Urban&CivicOne purpose of the site was to secretly analyse data during the Cold WarCredit: YouTube/Alconbury Weald
FANCY a pint? This new heritage pub is set to become a popular spot for a post or pre-train journey tipple.
The boozer has just opened as part of an enormous multi-million pound refurb at Carlisle Station.
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The new pub called The Scott & Brassey has opened on Platform 4 inside Carlisle StationCredit: Avanti West CoastThe booth seating is behind the ‘First Class Carriage’ signageCredit: Avanti West Coast
Called The Scott & Brassey, the new pub officially opened on 25 February inside Carlisle Station at Platform 4.
It was formerly used as a First Class waiting room and at one stage even welcomedQueen Victoria.
The Grade-II listed space has been used as various different outlets over the years and was a cafe for decades – but has just opened as a pretty pub operated by Lancaster Brewery.
It has undergone a £400,000 renovation delivered by Network Rail, backed by Avanti West Coast and the Railway Heritage Trust.
Its name ‘The Scott & Brassey’ comes from novelist Sir Walter Scott and Victorian railway pioneer Thomas Brassey.
Inside, the pub has period features like a large fireplace, and vaulted beam ceilings.
The walls are a mix of deep blue and bright yellow, in the corner are cosy booths with low lampshades.
Upstairs on the mezzanine level is additional seating at smaller tables.
The bar area is sleek and modern with a wooden top and dark grey tiled front along with lots of greenery on shelves and of course, drinks offerings.
It will have seven cask ales on hand pull, five from Lancaster Brewery and two from local cask brewers, and one cask cider – there will also be eight keg lines.
The pub said it aims to spotlight ‘regional and national producers with one of the largest selections in Cumbria‘.
On Facebook reviews, one visitor to the new pub wrote: “Had a great afternoon with my mum and sister today! lovely staff and a fabulous asset to Carlisle.”
Another said: “What a fab job you’ve done. Stunning renovation and fantastic atmosphere.”
The pub is open every day from 11am until 10pm Sunday-Thursday and 11pm Friday-Saturday.
It’s dog-friendly too.
The heritage railway pub is operated by Lancaster BreweryCredit: Avanti West CoastThe Grade-II listed building was previously a waiting room and cafeCredit: John Huggon / Network Rail
The new pub is inside Carlisle Station which is around 179 years old, and is in the middle of a huge overhaul.
Carlisle Station cost just £53,000 to build at the time, which in today’s money is around £4.6million.
After Nexstar Media Group announced layoffs at KTLA-TV this week, some viewers have expressed shock and dismay over losing several longtime local broadcast journalists at the station.
The cuts included KTLA weatherman Mark Kriski, weathercaster Kacey Montoya, midday anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker and reporter Ellina Abovian. The layoffs come as Nexstar attempts to cut costs and pursues a merger with rival media company Tegna.
Abovian, who was a general assignment reporter at the station, reflected on the layoffs on social media, saying in a video posted to Threads on Thursday that she was “blindsided,” and that the cuts were “part of corporate restructuring.”
“Corporate layoffs are a part of life and this is just the game of life. They’re impacting people across multiple industries right now, so I’m not the only one, and my situation certainly isn’t unique,” said Abovian, who worked at the station for more than a decade. “But it’s hard to process, considering how it happened.”
Some viewers and fellow journalists have also expressed their disappointment.
CNN anchor Elex Michaelson responded on X, writing, “Mark Kriski is an L.A. broadcasting icon. As a kid, the OG KTLA Morning News crew (Carlos, Barbara, Mark, Sam, Eric, Gayle, etc) inspired me to want to be a journalist. I have great respect for Glen, Lu, Kacey, and Elina as well … all great people … and talented broadcasters.”
Each of the laid-off journalists had been with the station for a number of years. Kriski had been with KTLA since 1991, and Walker sat at the station’s anchor desk since 2010. Parker joined KTLA in 2005.
KTLA morning news anchor Frank Buckley addressed the situation before continuing with the broadcast Thursday.
“As you probably know, we are extremely limited in what we can say,” Buckley said. “But if you are a regular viewer of this program and of this TV station, you also know that we are a family here. We consider you to be part of that family. And when family members experience tough times, we all feel it. So this is a difficult time for us. And we will go through it together.”
SAG-AFTRA, which represents the laid-off journalists, issued a release on Wednesday condemning the cuts. The guild disclosed that it is “actively bargaining with Nexstar stations in multiple markets.” It accused Nexstar of pushing “to gut severance pay and insert onerous provisions into the union contract that limit workers’ ability to freely negotiate the terms of their own employment.”
“By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news,” said SAG-AFTRA’s President Sean Astin in the release. “These actions highlight the risks of media consolidation and underscore the urgent need for regulators and the company to prioritize the public interest and the professionals who serve it.”
Nexstar operates 201 stations in 116 local markets in the U.S., reaching 70% of American households. It is the largest TV station ownership group in the U.S. Tegna owns television stations in 51 U.S. markets. Following the pending $6.2-billion merger, the standing company will have 265 stations, representing 80% of U.S. TV households.
President Trump has expressed his support for the deal in a social media post earlier this month.
He wrote, “Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar – Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level. Those that are opposed don’t fully understand how good the concept of this Deal is for them, but they will in the future.”
THE £100million plans to revamp Plymouth’s train station have been scrapped.
It was set to be a new ‘gateway’ for the city, completely transforming the current site – but these plans are now under review and unlikely to go ahead.
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Plans for a new £100million train station in Plymouth have been shelvedCredit: Plymouth City CouncilOriginal designs showed outdoor restaurants and seating areas by the stationCredit: Architecture and building consultancy AHR
Back in 2018, designs were first drawn up to transform the Devonshire station with a huge outdoor plaza and a revamp of Plymouth‘s train terminal.
The project called Brunel Plaza, would have seen 100 new homes built, a new hotel and a multi-storey car park.
There would have been a large pedestrian area too and outdoor dining spaces with seating areas.
The former railway offices behind the station were earmarked to become part of the university campus.
In the original plans this was even considered to have a top floor viewing room, and even a sky cafe, which was going to act as a “beacon” at night for the city.
It was being developed by AHR, which had been appointed by US-based engineering giant Tetra Tech to develop the Brunel Plaza design on behalf of Plymouth City Council.
Their initial document said the idea was to develop the public area outside Plymouth Station to create a mainly pedestrian area that will create a welcoming spot to those arriving in Plymouth.
At the time, it said the upgrade was needed because “the railway station and its surrounding environment currently acts as a poor gateway and arrival point into Plymouth”.
In 2024 the council said the plan faced years of delay, there were also questions about funding and certain planning consent had expired.
Part of the transformation did go ahead however, the former railway offices are now part of the University of Plymouth.
Called Intercity, the building was renovated and opened in 2023 as a place for trainee healthcare professionals.
Plymouth City Council has now said it will review the scheme and bring out a new business plan later this year.
It also said that it is looking at a package of ways to improve public transport for Plymouth.
The council has said it’s still looking at ways to improve public transport for PlymouthCredit: Architecture and building consultancy AHR
In 2023, Time Outrevealed the 14 destinations that should be on your list this year that aren’t the usual tourist spots.
Plymouth came in seventh place thanks to its art scene and rich history.
While the plans to renovate the train station for Plymouth have been paused, local media further added that a train station is being considered in Plympton.
The Plymouth suburb did once have a train station, but it closed to passengers in 1959 and to goods traffic until 1954.
Shortly afterwards it was demolished.
Some expressed they would like to see a station return – one local wrote on a Facebook post: “The station at Plympton is a must and it’s great that they are finally looking at bringing it back.”
A proposal to open a station at Plympton was first raised in 2018, but no official plans have been made or drawn up.
