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Abandoned WWII torpedo testing site to be turned into massive holiday resort with hotels, glamping and playparks

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Illustration of the proposed holiday resort at the former Ministry of Defence testing station, featuring modern black buildings with large windows, a wooden pier, and translucent figures representing people, Image 2 shows Abandoned and dilapidated former torpedo factory

A HOLIDAY park with glamping pods and lodges could be built on an old torpedo site in Scotland.

The former testing area for missiles has been derelict for 40 years, but could soon be completely transformed and become a go-to staycation spot.

An abandoned torpedo site could be completely transformed Credit: Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
A holiday park with glamping pods and lodges could be built on the site Credit: Framed Estates

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On the shores of Loch Long in Argyll & Bute is an old Ministry of Defence site that was used been 1912 and 1986.

It was predominantly used during World War Two, and as many as 12,000 torpedoes were fired down Loch Long.

Since its closure 40 years ago, the site in Arrochar has been abandoned and left derelict.

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A planning application to redevelop the area was first submitted in 2023.

Three years on, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has approved a mixed-use tourism development by Ardnagal Estates.

Former proposals for the site included 14 holiday homes, 34 holiday lodges, and a 34-bedroom budget hotel.

Also included in the initial plans was a cafe, shop, a 40-bed bunkhouse, six motorhome pitches and 20 glamping pods as well as parking, composting toilets and shower block.

Another proposed feature was to revitalise the pier so that the public and community could access the loch.

Leisure on the site would include a play park that will add “family-friendly amenity for residents and visitors”.

Proposed plans are for a holiday park to be built on the former site Credit: Framed Estates

Previous plans were to build a 130-bedroom hotel although it isn’t clear if this is part of the current plans.

Claire Chapman, the park authority’s planning and access committee chairwoman, said: “The approval of this long-standing derelict site’s redevelopment is a significant step forward in addressing what has been a blight on both the local community and the environment.

“The site has been identified in both the existing local development plan, which guides new development in the National Park, and in the community’s local place plan.”



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Fears for ‘isolated’ Jodie Marsh as pals says her reclusive new life ‘has turned into a nightmare’

JODIE Marsh was once one of the most photographed women in Britain, with her belt-braced boobs becoming one of the defining images of early Noughties celebrity culture.

Back when today’s reality stars were still in nappies, and the world had ‘It Girls’ instead of influencers, Jodie was everywhere – splashed across lads’ mags, starring in her own TV shows and commanding huge pay cheques at the height of her fame.

Jodie starred in a series of her own reality shows in the early Noughties Credit: PA:Press Association
Jodie arrives at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court following assault charges Credit: Louis Wood – Commissioned by The Sun

She even penned books, launched fitness DVDs and became one of the country’s most talked-about glamour models.

Jodie first shot into the spotlight, tipped as the edgy alternative to glamour queen Jordan – now known as Katie Price – with the pair locked in a fierce rivalry as they battled to become Britain’s biggest pin-up.

More recently, it appeared Jodie had finally found peace after quitting showbiz to run an animal sanctuary in Essex.

The model devoted herself to rescuing animals and regularly shared videos introducing followers to meerkats, foxes, lemurs and marmosets living at the farm.

But pals say a string of devastating events slowly pushed her into isolation.

Now the former Celebrity Big Brother star is facing assault charges following an alleged incident at her Essex animal sanctuary – as pals tell The Sun of their fears for the once larger-than-life star.

One friend told The Sun: “After her mum died, something in her just switched off.

“She became far more isolated, and it was worrying.

“The irony is she spent years desperate to be photographed and talked about, but now the last thing she wants is to be the centre of attention.”

Jodie was left heartbroken in September 2020 when her beloved mum Kristina died following a battle with cancer.

The 47-year-old previously spoke of her anguish after claiming her mum was sent home from the hospital during the Covid pandemic despite battling an aggressive cancer.

Friends believe the loss deeply affected the star, who became increasingly withdrawn from public life in the years afterwards.

A pal said: “She only wanted to be around her animals – they are the only thing that brings her any joy.

“She felt safe around them, so she stayed in her own little bubble. “

Three years later, Jodie put her £1.5million Essex farm on the market following bitter tensions linked to the sanctuary and the animals she kept there.

While many local families regularly visited the sanctuary with their children, Jodie also became embroiled in rows with neighbours.

The TV personality previously went to court after attempting to adopt eight lemurs at the sanctuary.

She claimed Uttlesford Council’s refusal to grant a dangerous wild animal licence was unreasonable amid allegations she had previously taken a meerkat to the pub.

Jodie grew infamous for her barely-there boob-belt looks Credit: PA:Press Association
Pals close to Jodie says she only wants to be around her animals Credit: Instagram
Jodie Marsh pictured with her mum, Kristina, who died after battling cancer Credit: Instagram
Jodie pictured with her beloved meerkat Mabel Credit: John McLellan

Our source shared: “She fell out terribly with her neighbours and absolutely dreaded seeing them – she became convinced they all hated her too, and it caused a lot of anxiety for her.

“Ultimately, she just wanted to live in peace. Having tensions in a place that is meant to be your sanctuary is just the worst.”

Then, in August 2024, tragedy struck when a fire tore through part of the farm and killed two of Jodie’s beloved marmosets.

An emotional Jodie later admitted she planned to “go far, far away” after the devastating blaze.

She said, “I don’t care about my house being destroyed; all I care about is losing two marmosets.”

A close pal explains: “The fire destroyed more than just the house, emotionally, that was the moment she completely unravelled.

“Behind all the glamour and bravado is somebody incredibly vulnerable and sensitive.”

Friends claim Jodie became increasingly isolated following the blaze and breakup of her most recent relationship.

They added: “Some of her friendships have fallen by the wayside because contact dwindled. Her older friends have been worried about her and did try and reach out, but not all of them heard back. She has a very small cirlce around her now. There was definitely some self-sabotage going on on Jodie’s behalf, although it’s not all on her.

“When Jodie is in a tough place, she does have a tendency to pull away, but her mates that have lost contact with her are still hopeful she will come back.”

Her last publicly confirmed partner was builder Mark, but the pair reportedly split in March 2024 after he struggled with the quiet lifestyle at the farm.

Jodie with previous boyfriend Mark Credit: jodiemarshtv/Instagram
Jodie in her glamour model heyday back in 2006 Credit: PA:Press Association

A pal said: “She does struggle with loneliness, but she also struggles to trust people, so it’s a bit of a catch-22.

“A lot of people in her life have badly scarred her, so it’s understandable she has her walls up a lot of the time.”

Last month, Jodie appeared in court accused of assaulting a man at the sanctuary. Essex Police confirmed a woman had been charged following an alleged incident at the site.

The former reality star was also accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause or provoke violence against the man and a woman.

Appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, she pleaded not guilty and was told a trial would take place in May 2027.

With a potential prison sentence looming, Jodie previously claimed neighbours had trespassed onto her land and filmed her animals before posting edited clips online to make them appear “skeletal”.

Speaking about one alleged confrontation, she said: “I’m scared to sleep in my own house. I’m scared to go out.”

Now, friends fear the once vivacious glamour model has completely retreated from the world she once dominated.

One pal told us: “It’s really sad what’s happened to Jodie, and we all really feel for her.

“She’s deleted her Instagram and now fully blocked the outside world from her life. It’s just her and her animals now.

“She lived this mad showbiz life for so long, it’s like she became addicted to the chaos and forgot what being normal was like.

“People think the fame disappeared overnight, but the truth is it was a slow-motion car crash.

“It’s been very sad to watch, but the one thing about Jodie is she is made of tough stuff and, like she has in the past, she’ll likely pick herself back up again.”

When approached by The Sun for comment, Jodie claimed the biggest ‘nightmare’ for her over the last few years, beyond the fire, is that she has been ‘harassed and stalked’ by her neighbours.

She accuses them of trying to bully her out of her home.

“I find it hard to trust people but the circle I have around me now are amazing and worth their weight in gold,” she says. “I trust them with my life. Everyone who comes to my home never wants to leave because it’s magical here.

“The animals are all so special and my life revolves around them. It’s a shame people like my neighbours are trying to ruin it for me. But good always wins over evil and karma is real. I will come out on top. I always do. Watch me.

“I’m living my best life and my dream life and these people are obsessing over me. That can’t be a fun way to live (being obsessed with another human you don’t even know). I just want to be left in peace to run my sanctuary with my true friends and family.”

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‘Our dream family holiday turned to disaster after arriving at fenced-off resort’

A family’s long-awaited Easter getaway turned into a nightmare after travelling hundreds of miles only to find their booked resort shut and fenced off

After months of planning a relaxing family break abroad, one couple thought they had everything organised down to the last detail. But what awaited them at the end of a nine-hour journey across Europe was something they never could have prepared for.

The couple, who asked not to be identified due to the man’s occupation, had booked a stay at the Waterside Elegance Sky Pad at the Your Nature Resort in Belgium through Booking.com last October. Having previously visited the resort, they were eagerly anticipating their return with their two young sons in April, only to arrive and discover the site appeared to be closed.

Instead of checking into their accommodation and settling in for a long-awaited family holiday, the couple claim they were met by locked entrance gates, construction fencing and an eerily empty car park. Signs displayed outside the resort also appeared to indicate the site was no longer operating.

The Waterside Elegance Sky Pad is a luxury duplex cabin located within the 280-hectare Your Nature Eco Forest Resort in Antoing, Belgium. The £105 million resort has reportedly been fenced off and forced into bankruptcy, leaving holidaymakers stranded after it allegedly exceeded €15 million in losses, according to Forbes.

In a lengthy Reddit post, the man explained how the family’s entire trip had been carefully planned around the needs of their children, including their eldest son who is autistic and non-verbal. But after arriving at the resort entrance and, by chance, speaking with a site manager, the couple claim they were informed the resort had gone into administration months earlier in October.

This is despite Booking.com allegedly repeatedly reassuring the family their holiday would go ahead as planned, with emails recognising the reservation remained valid. The Reddit post also claims the company accepted tourism tax payments and issued a check-in voucher just weeks before the family travelled to Belgium.

“If you think your holiday is secure because you have a confirmed booking voucher, think again,” he warned.

Speaking to The Mirror, the man detailed how the family were left scrambling after the revelation, with hundreds of pounds spent on Le Shuttle crossings, fuel, food and overnight accommodation in France. He also claimed Booking.com later suggested alternative accommodation options, though the family considered them unsuitable.

Booking.com is understood to have refunded the original accommodation costs, though disputes between the two parties are said to remain ongoing.

The family are seeking compensation for more than £400 in additional travel expenses incurred during the ordeal. They claim the online travel agency is refusing to accept liability, despite allegedly issuing a separate payment of 150 EUR which they say they have refused to accept.

In the Reddit post, the man referenced provisions within the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, arguing the family relied on written assurances when booking non-refundable travel arrangements. However, no court has ruled on the claims and Booking.com disputes wrongdoing.

A Booking.com spokesperson told The Mirror: “We’re sorry to hear about this customer’s experience. When a property chooses to list on Booking.com they must agree to our terms and conditions, which includes keeping their room availability up to date.

“If an accommodation partner wants to end their agreement or remove their listing, we have simple processes and clear guidance to help them do this. We can confirm this property is currently closed on our platform, and that we’re also in touch with the customer to offer support.”

Consumer experts regularly advise travellers to retain booking confirmations, receipts and written correspondence when arranging holidays online. According to Citizens Advice, customers may have rights if services are not provided as described, although compensation outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances and booking terms.

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P&O Cruises reminds passengers of important rule or risk being ‘turned away’

It comes as a passenger claims they were ‘turned away’ on board

P&O Cruises is reminding passengers about a particular item of clothing that is ‘not allowed’ on board under specific circumstances. The cruise line issued the guidance in a recent social media post after a passenger claimed they were ‘turned away’.

On X, a user called Duncan wrote: “@Pandocruises describe ‘formal’. Turned away from one restaurant the other day wearing formal shorts, smart tailored shirt. Dye it showing sine ‘leg’. However, seen plenty of women wearing skirts much shorter than my shorts been welcomed in!”

P&O Cruises responded: “Hi Duncan, smart shorts are not permitted in certain restaurants on board. A suit with jacket and tie is required on formal nights in the main restaurant and other venues.”

On P&O Cruises’ website, there is extensive information regarding the cruise line’s dress code policy, reports the Liverpool Echo. It states: “While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your holiday, we do ask that you adhere to a smart casual dress code in our public areas and restaurants.”

In a key notice to passengers, P&O Cruises confirms that tailored shorts cannot be worn on Black Tie or Celebration Nights, with the exception of the buffet. It adds: “On evening casual nights tailored shorts can be wore in the buffet, The Beach House, and The Glass House, as well as 6th Street Diner, The Olive Grove and The Keel and Cow on Arvia and Iona.” Further guidance states: “Denim, including dark denim, isn’t allowed on Black Tie and Celebration Nights, except in venues with an Evening Casual dress code.”

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For daytime wear, P&O Cruises states: “Feel free to wear your favourite holiday attire, such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, or your typical winter clothing on one of our colder holidays. However, please remember to wear shoes when you’re not by the pool. We also ask that there is no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”

Regarding evening attire, the cruise operator noted: “Our dress code varies depending on the night. You can find details of each evening’s dress code in your daily Horizon found in your cabin, or on My P&O Cruises under the ‘Your Itinerary’ section before you sail.”

P&O Cruises operates two principal dress codes: ‘Evening Casual’ and ‘Black Tie’. Evening Casual calls for ‘smart casual attire’, encompassing trousers, smart dark denim, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts.

The Black Tie dress code is reserved for more formal occasions, where passengers are encouraged to “dress to impress”. The cruise line elaborates: “Gentlemen, a dinner jacket or tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit and tie is also acceptable. Ladies, feel free to wear your favourite evening gown or cocktail dress.”

Passengers are also encouraged to adhere to the dress code for celebration nights, which P&O Cruises describes as special evenings on board where guests can enjoy a more formal dining experience and entertainment. “These events involve a higher level of dress code (black tie) and a more elaborate menu. It’s a chance to dress up, savour delicious food, and enjoy the ambience of a special occasion”, it says.

During celebration nights, most venues will operate a dress code, though some will permit a more relaxed attire for those who prefer it. Passengers can discover which venues are exempt from dress codes in their daily Horizon.

When visiting destinations on excursions, P&O Cruises advises comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the climate and culture of the places being visited. “Some cultures have specific dress codes, particularly for places of worship. Please respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites,” it adds.

For religious passengers, the cruise line confirms that customers are welcome to wear national or religious dress on board. “If you wear a headdress, depending on the amount of your face it covers, you may be asked to unveil for a security photo at check-in and when passing through security check points ashore and on board during your holiday”, it says.

However, certain items of national dress, such as ceremonial blades and swords, including Skean Dhus and Kirpans, are not allowed on board. Passengers can consult the list of prohibited items for further details.

P&O Cruises states that fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits featuring any inappropriate or offensive language or imagery are banned on board. “We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed”, the cruise line states. For further details regarding dress codes, click here.

For passengers who already know which ship they will be sailing on, the dress code for each dining venue on board can be found on the ship page by clicking ‘Dining’. View P&O Cruises ships here.

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