Tax-Free Childcare opens to parents in Yorkshire & the Humber

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• Six Men with London Links Feature on NCA Most Wanted List

  Six men with connections to London feature on the National Crime Agency's most wanted list, including suspects linked to major drug trafficking investigations, alleged holiday fraud and money laundering. The NCA is appealing for information to help locate those wanted in connection with the investigations.

• Milton Keynes Roundabout to Close for Six Months for Major Redesign

  Motorists in Milton Keynes face approximately six months of road closures and diversions as Monkston Roundabout undergoes a major transformation into a traffic-light-controlled 'hamburger' junction. Main construction is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2027, with the council aiming to improve traffic flow and accommodate future growth.

• Bradford's Alhambra Theatre Set for Major External Makeover

  Bradford's iconic Alhambra Theatre is set to undergo major external painting and repair works starting in mid-November. The £-unspecified improvement programme will take approximately 12 to 16 weeks, with scaffolding installed around the building. Bradford Council has confirmed that all performances will continue as planned, with no disruption to audiences.

• £450m Cocaine Network Hidden in Cheese Dismantled by West Yorkshire Police

  West Yorkshire Police have dismantled a major drugs network responsible for distributing 4.5 tonnes of cocaine worth more than £450 million. The operation involved drugs concealed in shipments of cheese, with distribution hubs in Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, Halifax and Blackburn. Prison sentences totalling more than 220 years have been handed down.

• Nearly 200 Businesses Back Proposed West London Orbital Railway

  Nearly 200 businesses and organisations, including Sky, IKEA and Octopus Energy, have urged the Chancellor to support the proposed West London Orbital railway. The 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon and Hounslow, potentially creating thousands of jobs, supporting new homes and improving transport links across West London.

• Former Police Officer from West Yorkshire Convicted of Rape and Misconduct

  A former Metropolitan Police officer from Meltham, West Yorkshire, has been convicted of serious sexual offences after abusing his position of trust to exploit a vulnerable woman he met through his duties. Mark Tyrrell, 57, was also convicted of attempting to destroy evidence and had previously admitted misconduct in public office.

• Huddersfield Man Found Guilty of Historic Sexual Offences Against Teenage Girls

  A 55-year-old man from Huddersfield has been convicted of eight offences, including five counts of rape, following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. Muhammed Khalid, who fled the UK while under investigation, was arrested at Manchester Airport in April. He is due to be sentenced on 24 November.

• Bradford Couple Say Harassment Complaints Are Being Ignored

  A couple living in Holme Wood, Bradford, say years of alleged harassment and anti-social behaviour have left them feeling unsafe in their own home. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed an active harassment investigation, while housing provider Incommunities says it is investigating the complaints.

• Accrington Drug Dealer Jailed After Crack Cocaine Found Hidden in Deodorant Can

  A 27-year-old drug dealer from Accrington has been jailed for five years and seven months after police discovered 90 wraps of crack cocaine concealed inside a false deodorant can. Sadakat Ali was already on licence from a previous prison sentence for supplying drugs when officers raided his home.

• Tour de France 2027 to Race Through Blackburn and Darwen

  Blackburn with Darwen will welcome the world-famous Tour de France on Saturday 3 July 2027, as riders travel through Blackburn, Tockholes and Belmont during the 223km second stage from Keswick to Liverpool. The historic event will give residents the opportunity to watch elite international cycling for free.

• Vandals Rip Out Bollards at Popular Halifax Beauty Spot

  Vandals have damaged Albert Promenade in Halifax, ripping out two bollards and reportedly damaging a lamppost. A local councillor has described the incident as shocking and requested a review of CCTV footage to help identify those responsible.

• Bradford Council Proposes £50m Savings to End Reliance on Government Financial Support

  Bradford Council has unveiled plans to save £50 million during 2027–28, potentially ending its reliance on exceptional government financial support two years earlier than expected. The proposals follow £150 million in savings over three years, with the council insisting frontline service availability will be protected.