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Thames Set to Get New Designated Bathing Areas

According to the government, the proposed plans are expected to result in an increase in the total number of designated bathing sites in England, bringing the total to 464.

A proposed list of 13 new designated swimming sites in England includes the first official bathing spot on the River Thames in London, as well as the filming location for the TV drama Broadchurch.

Seven women in swimming costumes wading pout of the sea at sunrise
Female swimmers take part in an International Woman's day swim

Other locations under consideration are a meadow and river site that inspired The Wind In The Willows, and a picturesque spot in Yorkshire where the River Swale flows over limestone steps, creating a series of waterfalls.

If designated, these sites would be subject to regular water quality testing, a move that campaigners hope will lead to improved river and coastal cleanliness.

The government's plan would bring the total number of official bathing sites in England to 464.

The proposed bathing spot on the Thames in London marks a significant improvement in the river's water quality, which was once declared biologically dead due to pollution in the 1950s.

According to Water Minister Emma Hardy, rivers and beaches play a vital role in many communities, providing a space for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors.

In 2025, 87% of England's designated bathing sites received excellent or good ratings, while 93% met the minimum standards for water quality; however, 32 sites failed to meet these standards.

One of the proposed sites is Little Shore, Amble, in Northumberland.

Amble beach
Beach huts, sand and kindliness abound at Amble

Located in the town of Amble, at the mouth of the River Coquet, Amble Little Shore is a notable spot.

The town of Amble has a notable history, dating back to 1935 when the RMS Mauretania sailed past the town on its final voyage.

On July 6, 1935, the clerk to Amble Urban Council sent a message of greeting to the captain of the Mauretania.

The message read: "Amble to Mauretania. Greetings from Amble, last port in England, to still the finest ship on the seas."

The captain of the Mauretania responded with a message of thanks.

The reply stated: "Mauretania to Urban Council, Amble, to the last and kindliest port in England, greetings and thanks. Mauretania."

Over time, the story of this exchange has been retold, and the term "kindliest" has been replaced with "friendliest" to describe the port.

Another proposed site is Newton and Noss Creeks in Devon, a narrow tidal inlet located off the River Yealm.

Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon – a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo date back to Saxon England

The villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo have a long history, dating back to Saxon England, and are situated near the mouth of the River Yealm.

The area is also associated with the notorious pirate Henry "Long Ben" Avery, who was born nearby.

Canvey Island Foreshore in Essex is also under consideration, with its family-friendly sandy beach and marshlands that were made habitable by the Dutch in the 17th Century.

 Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex. A woman wearing a winter coat walks among seagulls.
Not a Dutchman with a sack

Local legend tells of a ghostly Dutchman who is said to roam the northern parts of the island.

However, it is unlikely that this legend would interfere with the proposed swimming spot.

Sandgate Granville Parade Beach in Kent is another site being considered, with its shingle beach popular among swimmers and kayakers.

Shingle on a summer day with a kayak on the beach,
Hattie Jacques could have carried on kayaking on the Sandgate shingle

The town of Sandgate has been home to several notable residents, including the actress Hattie Jacques and the author H.G. Wells.

H.G. Wells is often referred to as "the father of science fiction", and his work continues to be widely read and adapted.

Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is also a proposed site, with the River Avon flowing through a green space that was opened in the early 1960s.

A family looks at the river
The tranquil waters of Queen Elizabeth Gardens

The gardens were created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and offer a tranquil atmosphere, combining formal planting with a relaxed environment.

The park is suitable for visitors of all ages and interests, providing a peaceful space to enjoy the outdoors.

East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, in Dorset, is another proposed site, famous for being the filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch.

east beach west bay
The area became a popular visiting spot for Broadchurch fans

The show's writer, Chris Chibnall, has described the series as "a love letter to the scenery of the Jurassic Coast", with the landscape playing a key role in the story.

The beach and surrounding area provide a unique and picturesque setting for swimming and other outdoor activities.

The combination of the beach and the dramatic cliffs makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pangbourne Meadow in Berkshire is also under consideration, with its meadow and river having inspired The Wind In The Willows.

Pangbourne water meadow with three people looking at a swimmer in the water amidst greenery.
Mole, Ratty and Badger in their casual clothes

The story, written by Edwardian author Kenneth Grahame, is a classic tale of boating, caravanning, and picnicking, and is also a tribute to the English landscape.

Swimmers can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with its diverse wildlife and picturesque scenery, while appreciating the inspiration for Grahame's beloved story.

The River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, is another proposed site, with its tidal river flowing through the heart of the town.

Fowey at Lostwithiel in the spring, with daffodils and a bridge
A bathing-suited King Charles has not been seen. Yet

The area has a rich history, with King Charles III, then the Duke of Cornwall, having stayed in the area, and the town once being an important port for exporting tin to the Mediterranean.

Lostwithiel's history and natural beauty make it an attractive location for outdoor activities, including swimming.

The River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is also being considered, with its dramatic waterfalls cascading over limestone steps.

richmond falls going over limestone flats, with lots of splashes and spume
Baptisms at North Yorkshire's 'River Jordan' were popular

The river has a significant historical and cultural importance, with St Paulinus supposedly performing baptismal rites in the 7th Century, leading to the river being referred to as "England's River Jordan" by 19th-Century writers.

The river's picturesque scenery and historical significance make it a unique and attractive location for swimming and outdoor activities.

Located in Bungay, Suffolk, Falcon Meadow is a notable site in the region.

Bungay's river looking flat, with clear reflections of trees
Idyllic countryside surrounds the bathing spot in Falcon Meadow

The area is home to one of the country's oldest public footpaths, making it an ideal location for a leisurely walk or a refreshing swim.

In 2012, Falcon Meadow was sold at an auction, and when local fundraising efforts were unable to secure the funds to purchase it for the town, a local businessman intervened and bought the property.

When the businessman decided to sell the meadow in 2015, he agreed to sell it back to the town at the original purchase price.

The River Thames, which runs through Ham and Kingston in Greater London, is another significant location.

The river in summer, with yellowing grass and boats.
The river at Richmond was popular with swimmers in Victorian times

There are plans to establish London's first river bathing site on the Thames, which would be a unique development for the city.

The River Thames has been a source of inspiration for many writers, including William Wordsworth, who wrote about it in 1790 in his poem "Lines written near Richmond".

The poem contains the lines: "Glide gently, thus for ever glide,"

"O Thames! that other bards may see,"

"As lovely visions by thy side"

"As now, fair river! come to me," which reflect the river's beauty and tranquility.

While some swimmers may embody the poetic description of "lovely visions," others may not fit this idealized image.

New Brighton Beach, located in Merseyside, is a popular sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary.

new brighton beach in bright sunshine. Two people are paddling in the shallows,
Perfect for paddling, swimming and watching ships

The beach offers stunning views of the Liverpool city skyline and is a great spot to watch ships sail out into the Irish Sea.

The Mersey Estuary is a busy shipping lane, and the beach provides a unique vantage point to observe the maritime activity.

The River Dee, which runs through Chester in Cheshire, is a beloved spot for families, water sports, and wildlife.

River Dee in sunshine. A pavement runs next to the riverbank and a bench, bridge and life ring can be seen.
The River Dee multi-tasks as "a source of pride, a home to wildlife, and a place where people come together"

Campaigners have emphasized the importance of the River Dee, describing it as a central part of the city's identity and a source of community pride.

According to campaigners, securing bathing water status for the River Dee is not just about swimming, but also about protecting the river's ecosystem and preserving it for future generations.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie.
Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023.
Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain
Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.

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