Controversial 84-home development next to Haydock Park in Ashton labelled "dangerous and inconvenient" approved despite objections

Leeds United winger Raphinha wants to join Barcelona, according to reports.The Brazil international has attracted attention from all over Europe for his performances in the Premier League, which played a large part in keeping Leeds afloat last season. A number of England's top clubs flocked to express their interest.Liverpool have long been linked with a move, Arsenal and Tottenham emerged as contenders once the transfer window opened, while Chelsea reportedly had a £55million bid accepted last week.

Boris Johnson has stepped down as Conservative Party leader after a string of mass resignations made his already precarious position unsustainable.Addressing the public today, the Prime Minister looked sullen and tired as he expressed sadness at giving up "the best job in the world".Wearing a navy blue suit and patterned tie, he revealed plans to serve as PM until a new successor is brought in the autumn.READ MORE: Who will replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister? Next PM odds and most likely successorIt's a stark contrast to BoJo's first speech as PM back on July 24, 2019.Less than three years ago, Johnson wore a similar smart suit, crisp white shirt and blue tie as he promised to "restore trust in democracy" and "prepare for a post-Brexit future".His signature blonde locks weren't as wild as they looked today, nor did he have dark circles under his eyes.BoJo had plenty of obstacles to deal with during his two years and 348 days in charge of the nation – from the pandemic to Partygate.But it was Johnson's decision to promote ally Chris Pincher to deputy chief whip that proved the final nail in the coffin.The PM approved the appointment despite widespread allegations of inappropriate behaviour.Johnson claimed he was unaware of the complaints but was accused of dishonesty – as it was shown he was told about allegations numerous times.

mum claims her 11-year-old son has been beaten "black and blue" by bullies at school "because he's English". Kelly Wood from Gowerton, Wales says her son Liam has been picked on for over four years with other kids punching him and calling him names.

Manchester United have reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale this summer, despite fresh reports suggesting a number of clubs are considering a move for him. The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this week that United's inactivity in the transfer market and a salary reduction are among the issues that have convinced Ronaldo to try and seek a move away from the club.

Expectant parents are being invited to take part in a spectacular new public art event from the organisers of the Manchester International Festival. Anyone expecting a baby in January 2023 is invited to take part in the event, which will "celebrate new life" with a series of lights beamed into the clouds to mark every new life born in the city.

A passenger was dragged along by a tram for more than 40 feet when their bag became trapped in a door. The shocking incident happened at Shudehill Metrolink stop in Manchester city centre at about 11.15am on May 27.

British Airways (BA) have announced it will axe a further 10,300 short-haul flights until the end of October, causing travel chaos for thousands of holiday-makers.

Police have made an arrest after a drugs bust in Paisley.

The Courier has teamed up with Blair Drummond Safari Park to offer readers the chance to win a family pass for two adults and two children each week - and learn a bit more about their residents at the same time.

Love after the pods! Shaina Hurley married Christos Lardakis after her whirlwind journey on Love Is Blind.

Armani, 30 years after he grabbed the red shagpile at the Oscars and gave it a good shake out. He makes them look classy. His Armani Privé show in Paris on Tuesday evening may not have been a bonanza of affordable, cost of living crisis relevant clothes. But then again, it was part of couture week, where the entry price for a daytime frock is north of £30,000 and if we’ve learned anything from recent economic big dippers it’s that the super rich don’t suffer from travel sickness.Armani’s Privé collection is probably not the place to come for cutting edge statements either.

Gay City News. “I am concerned about my position within the diocese and school. The tones of the speakers were strident at times and I cannot tell if I would be accepted. I am homosexual and plan on marrying my boyfriend eventually, and after being told all day that I have to live church doctrine I feel wounded and unwanted,” Butler wrote.

Shawn Mendes has announced a new social impact initiative attached to his “Wonder” world tour.In partnership with Disney+, the tour will feature a “Social Impact Village” sponsored by online music show Reverb. The village will be include booths for Mendes’ foundation, allowing fans to vote on which issue areas the foundation should award grants to and sign petitions on issues like climate justice and mental health equity.

In view of her 115,00 followers, she tweeted: "Mr Johnson hanging on like a toy boy to his wealthy benefactress, whilst swearing blind he was the best thing that ever happened to her….

LOVE Island fans have been left feeling uncomfortable after spotting what looked like a stain on Jacques O'Neill's boxers as he headed to bed. Fans flooded social media in shock as they noticed what appeared to be an awkwardly placed mark on his grey pants.

LOUISE Thompson has revealed boyfriend Ryan Libbey has suffered a "mental health crash" as he battles post traumatic stress disorder. The personal trainer watched Louise nearly die twice in labour last year.

KATIE Price has quit social media while on holiday in Thailand. The TV star announced the news this afternoon in a message that stunned fans.

FORMER Love Island star Faye Winter has slammed the hit dating show for not sending the iconic postcard in this year, and slammed the “cheating” villa boys. In previous years a cheery-looking card detailing some of the most shocking moments from the other house, Casa Amor, would land on the doormat.

A HOLLYWOOD A-list actor has been spotted looking unrecognisable with his new long blonde locks as he directs his first film. The American star - who rose to fame in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement - showed off his shoulder-length tresses on set.

Even Jesse Palmer didn’t know how season 19 of The Bachelorette would work when ABC named Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia joint leads.

A controversial housing development next to Pennington Flash in Leigh will provide 'desperately needed' properties in the area following approval from Wigan Council despite more than 100 objections. The West Leigh Waterfront plan will see 470 homes built in the Wigan borough in the near future following approval from the council’s Planning Committee.