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‘Investing in destruction’: campaigners attack plans to fill Yorkshire tunnel with concrete | Yorkshire

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Campaigners hoping to convert a disused railway line into England’s longest cycle and pedestrian tunnel are challenging a government decision to fill much of the historic structure with concrete.

Earlier this month ministers decided to award several million pounds to permanently shutter the Queensbury tunnel built in the 1870s for a railway between Halifax and Keighley in West Yorkshire, despite spending £7.2m to shore up the structure less than four years ago.

The government has agreed to fund plans to infill the tunnel for safety reasons, by the roads agency, National Highways (NH), which is responsible for maintaining the historic railways estate.

The decision comes after the agency was widely criticised for “cultural vandalism” over the infilling of Victorian bridges on the railway estate. In 2023 it was forced to reverse burying in concrete a Victorian bridge in Great Musgrave, Cumbria, on the route of a scheme to join two heritage railway lines.

A deluge of water inside the disused Queensbury tunnel. Photograph: Graeme Bickerdike/Forgotten Relics

The mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, who backed calls to reopen the 1.4-mile tunnel which was closed to railway in 1956, has expressed disappointment at the government’s decision. In 2021, while standing at the entrance of the tunnel, she described plans for a subterranean cycle path linking Bradford and Keighley to Halifax as a “great facility for our community”.

Campaigners accused the government of “investing in destruction” and ignoring the views of 8,000 planning objections to the plan to infill the tunnel. They are due to meet Lilian Greenwood, the minister for the future of roads, next week to urge her to reverse the decision.

In a letter to campaigners, Greenwood said converting the tunnel for cycling would be too costly in “the challenging fiscal environment” and that “safety risks need to be addressed.”

NH’s contractors estimate it would cost £26.4m to convert the tunnel. But campaigners have dismissed this figure as “gold-plated” and claim the tunnel could be brought back into use as a greenway for only £13.7m – not much more than the £7.2m spent to shore it up from 2018 to 2021 including at least £3.9m now required to infill the structure.

They also point to a study by the charity Sustrans published earlier this year which found the proposed route would generate £3 in social, economic and tourism benefits for every £1 spent on it.

Norah McWilliam, the leader of the Queensbury Tunnel Society, said: “The government is making an investment in destruction to satisfy the needs of a roads body that only cares about its own narrow interests. Community aspirations to bring positive benefits from our fabulous historic asset mean nothing to these spreadsheet shufflers.”

She added: “These new millions and the seven lost in a black hole four years ago could have paid for the tunnel’s repair, safeguarding it for a role at the heart of an inspiring and sustainable active travel network – something Bradford and West Yorkshire could be proud of.”

Graeme Bickerdike, the engineering coordinator for the society, said: “The minister claims that her decision is based on a ‘full view of the facts’, but the evidence seems to have come exclusively from National Highways which has a proven track record for exaggerating risk, misrepresenting condition evidence and frittering away public funds.

“There is no justification for another costly tunnel intervention at this time as the 2018-21 works have reduced what was already a low risk profile.”

An impression of how a cycle path through the disused Queensbury rail tunnel between Bradford and Halifax could look. Photograph: Graeme Bickerdike/Four by Three

Brabin said she shared the disappointment of campaigners, but said she understood the government’s decision. She said: “To ensure everyone’s safety the government had to act quickly to secure the site, and the realities of public finances meant a difficult decision needed to be made.

“We remain committed to helping support alternative routes for walking, wheeling and cycling between Bradford and Calderdale.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Given the continued deterioration of the Queensbury tunnel, and in the absence of local funding to develop it as a transport link, National Highways has been instructed to carry out works to maintain public safety.

“This has been a difficult decision but ultimately, we have a responsibility to safety and delivering value for the taxpayer.”





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Clueless Fans, You Can Now Book a Cher Horowitz–Themed Suite in Beverly Hills

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It’s been 30 years since Cher Horowitz’s colorful life and even more colorful fashion sense debuted in the film Clueless. And though she claimed to have a “way normal life for a teenager” (as if!), her onscreen adventures and style proved otherwise. I can’t be the only one who wishes they had the opportunity to step into Cher’s shoes (both literally and figuratively), or try out her virtual closet and extensive wardrobe. Luckily, that dream can now become a reality. To commemorate the film’s fashion-forward legacy, the chic L’Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel has partnered with Paramount, Bloomingdale’s, and Clueless costume designer Mona May to unveil The Clueless Suite. The bright, pastel-splashed 750-square-foot space would certainly earn two snaps from Cher. Inside, you’ll find a large bed decked out in pastel pink and adorned with fluffy pillows, a spacious living area with a full-size couch and access to a private balcony, and playful odes to the film—including a yellow plaid accent wall inspired by Cher’s first-day-of-school look, a neon sign with Cher’s famous quote “Carpe diem! Okay?”, fuzzy pens, and Liechtenstein-style pop art. You’ll also have access to a white Jeep Wrangler, bringing you one step closer to “rolling with the homies” through Beverly Hills.

The L’Ermitage Beverly Hills pays homage to the film’s fashion-forward legacy throughout the suite.

Colleen O’Brien

The nostalgic stay wouldn’t be complete without a walk-in closet.

Colleen O’Brien

And for the pièce de résistance—and the thing most of us have wished was real since the film’s 1995 debut—the suite’s walk-in closet serves as a fashionable portal to Cher Horowitz’s iconic style. It’s draped with rotating fashion pieces from Bloomingdale’s, which were curated by Mona May with in-house stylists. You’ll be asked to fill out a pre-arrival style quiz to personalize recommended outfits, all of which are available to shop via QR code. Guests also get a free membership to Fitted, the official virtual Clueless closet app of the anniversary campaign, as well as a $100 Bloomingdale’s gift card, a VIP in-store styling appointment with Bloomingdale’s stylists, and a Dior Beauty glam session. Bookable from July 12 through September 1, the Clueless Suite starts at $1,995 per night with a two-night minimum. Reservations can be made on the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills website.

If you’re unable to book the Clueless suite, don’t lose all hope. L’Ermitage guests can also opt for “The Cher’mitage Experience,” a signature add-on available with any suite stay that includes Clueless-themed turn-down treats, a Polaroid camera, movie streaming, and a complimentary sunset toast at the hotel’s new rooftop lounge, Poza.


Guests can also book the “The Cher’mitage Experience” for a chance to eat Clueless-themed treat.

Colleen O’Brien

More Clueless-inspired hotels and rentals

Nostalgic Joshua Tree two-bedroom



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‘Treated Like Threat’: Indian Solo Traveller’s Note On Passport Discrimination | Viral News

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Treated with suspicion, more than planning his trips, he claimed he was forced to spend hours proving his identity to the airport authorities and assuring them of his return.

His Indian passport was looked at with suspicion. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

A 22-year-old vlogger and solo traveller grabbed the internet’s attention, as he detailed the ordeals faced while carrying an Indian passport. Jayant Sharma, who goes by ‘jaystravelblog’ on Instagram, revealed his travelling struggles and how he was subjected to greater scrutiny than other foreign travellers. “The ugly side of travel I had to come across as an Indian passport holder who loves travelling,” he captioned the post, which highlighted the disrespect faced by many Indian travellers.

Treated with suspicion, more than planning his trips, Sharma claimed he was forced to spend hours proving his identity to the airport authorities and assuring them of his return. He wrote in his viral post, “It’s in a fact that I’ve had to justify why I deserve a 7-day trip. That I’ve spent more time convincing embassies I’ll ‘come back’ than planning where I’ll go. That a border control officer, with a 3-second glance, can make me feel like a threat — before I’ve even said a word.”

“It’s not in the guidebooks. Not on the reels. Not in the sunsets, the flights, or the airport lounges. It’s in the stares. The silence,” wrote the vlogger, underlining how it is not all hunky-dory for solo Indian travellers as it may seem.

Like Sharma, many Indians are subjected to excess scrutiny on arrival in another country. The vlogger said the immigration refuses to be a checkpoint and becomes a scary place, where Indian passport holders are bombarded with questions and are observed more closely by the security personnel, made to feel as if they have committed a crime.

“No one says it, but I know: They don’t always see a traveller. They see a risk. A potential overstayer. A brown skin man with a passport is trying to pass through. And what hurts most is… we know this. We prepare for it. We dress a certain way. Speak softer. Carry more documents. Plan escape routes through countries that are “easier”. We smile too much — not out of joy, but out of fear of being misunderstood,” wrote Sharma.

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    It seems that for young solo travellers, the real headache is not choosing where to go but proving that they will come back. Sharma’s post touched many other Indian travellers, who related to his struggles and felt sorry that he was subjected to such treatment repeatedly. “This is such a needed post! Thank you for writing this. As a fellow travel enthusiast, this hits hard,” commented one user under the post.

    Another one added, “Definitely true. Deep topic, pros and cons, but one part is certainly true: no one deserves to be treated that way and questioned because of where they come from.”

    A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.

    News18’s viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
    News viral ‘Treated Like Threat’: Indian Solo Traveller’s Note On Passport Discrimination



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    Where the wild things are: how to immerse your kids in the great outdoors this summer | Family holidays

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    ‘Aliens!” The call came loud and shrill from the trees as I scanned the foliage for the unmistakable shape of my four-year-old son. For a moment, nothing stirred. The beams of light from the sun spotlit a nearby clump of bracken so intensely it reminded me of the torches Mulder and Scully used in The X Files.

    Then, a rustle came from up ahead. “Quick! I found them,” he yelled before disappearing into a clearing between the pines. I walked on, to find, in front of us, the curved edges and spherical lines of a UFO, coloured so dark it nearly blended into the shadows. It was, of course, a metal sculpture representing the alien vessel said to have landed here over 40 years ago. On top of it stood my son.

    Even before I managed to take a decent picture, he wanted to run on again. “We’ve got to find number four now,” he declared.

    We were in Suffolk’s Rendlesham Forest, a 15-mile drive from Ipswich, walking a free UFO trail, based on the sighting of unexplained flying objects by US military officers based here in 1980. Loving to follow a trail of any kind over several hours – but especially one where he can tick off numbers, so he knows there is an end (handily, this one culminates in a playground) – he walked, ran and skipped the three miles, while I enjoyed spending time outside with him.

    When it comes to the summer holidays, it can feel as if we are doing a countdown. Of the 13 weeks most children get off school each year, six are lumped together over the summer, making July and August feel like a stretch of endless time. Not only can it be a nightmare, due to the juggle of childcare and work, but keeping kids entertained and – crucially – active rather than sat in front of screens can be expensive. So many activities cost a fortune. But there is another way. And it is completely free. And that is the outdoors.

    The UFO-themed walk was on Forestry England land, which is one of the first places to turn during the holidays. From interactive app-based trails that allow you to take videos of your child pretending to be a dragon complete with AI wings, to crafting missions where you work together to find natural items on the woodland floor to make the face of the Gruffalo, they are an inexpensive way to immerse yourself in nature.

    On the UFO trail, a free leaflet at the start guided us around the trees where I could tell the story of the key sites. My son was so enamoured of the map and tale that the next morning at breakfast he asked me to read it again while he followed the map with his finger and remembered our adventure.

    Phoebe Smith and her son with Maggie Hambling’s scallop shell on Aldeburgh beach.

    But an outdoor adventure doesn’t have to be deep in the forest, where maps are required. The next day, we headed to Thorpeness, home to the much-photographed House in the Clouds, a former water tower that was disguised as a red and black clapboard house in 1923. Our mission was to find a way to get a good photograph of it. We followed a footpath up a hill, past quirkily painted weatherboarded houses which were popular after the first world war. While I was in awe of the house we had come to see, my little one found it way more exciting to discover the windmill opposite (bought by the creator of the House in the Clouds to help pump the water).

    Adjacent to Thorpeness is the town of Aldeburgh, where we spent hours on the shingle beach filling buckets with “magic stones”, chasing the waves, paddling in the North Sea and taking shelter under Maggi Hambling’s giant scallop shell sculpture when rain fell. The day was rounded off with a hearty helping of fish and chips from Aldeburgh Fish and Chips, owned by the same family since 1967. Weeks on, my son still talks about this day as one of the best in his life.

    Beaches are always a winner when trying to convince kids that nature is cool. On a previous trip, I took my boy to New Quay in Ceredigion, west Wales (one of a few places that lay claim to being the inspiration for the characters and town in Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood). We didn’t set foot indoors for an entire day. When the tide was out, we set up a beach “base camp” with some shade under a giant parasol, then proceeded to bury each other in the sand. Then we looked for jellyfish washed up on the shore (a great opportunity to teach him about them), went rock pooling in the shallows (we found crabs, limpets, anemones and periwinkles) and built an elaborate fortified river, hewn from the silt using our buckets and spades.

    As the temperature rose, we swam in the sea and, just before the end of the day, we were treated to a spectacle of the resident bottlenose dolphins putting on an impromptu performance at dusk. None of this cost a penny. Yet we’d shared some of the best quality time I’ve experienced – bonding over the natural world, revelling in getting sand between our toes, and shivering in the cool waters of the Irish Sea.

    An e-bike adventure on the Isle of Mull

    For something that feels like a bigger trip to my son, I try to involve a train. A couple of summers ago, we took the fast train to Scotland, then caught the ferry to the Isle of Mull as foot passengers. There, I hired an e-bike with a child seat and trailer, and we stopped off to wild camp near a loch. He helped me put up the tent, I cooked our dinner on a stove and we bonded over a shared love of marshmallows.

    We stayed up watching the sunset, despite it being way past his bedtime. “I love the sun so much,” he told me as we saw the sky turn purple. “I don’t want to go to sleep.” He did, thankfully, nod off under a sky full of stars, with not a mention of Bluey, Peppa Pig or any of the other characters he usually demands entertain him. On one of the last days, we woke before dawn. I packed a chocolate croissant in my bag and we climbed the nearest hill to watch the sun rise. He still talks about it and asks when we will do it again.

    One of my most memorable trips with him was paddleboarding on the river near our house. I packed a picnic and we paddled to an island, where we sat and watched the birds, while he asked what each one was called and demanded we collect some of their lost feathers to take home, in the hope we might one day be able to make a cape that allowed us to fly back here.

    Memories like this are priceless. I know, given his age, he probably won’t remember everything we do, but I hope going into the wild places will instil in him a knowledge that the natural world is a wondrous place and the backdrop to some of our happiest times together. For me, it helps to remember that when it comes to the holidays, instead of counting the days, I need instead to make the days count.

    Phoebe Smith is the author of Wayfarer and the 2025 recipient of the Royal Geographical Society’s Ness award for promotion of accessible adventure, particularly to women and those from underprivileged communities



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