Bolton's ambitious regeneration projects are set to be showcased on a national stage as Seddon, a local business deeply involved in the borough's transformation, prepares to represent Bolton at the UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds. Utilizing the newly launched 'Brand Bolton', Seddon aims to highlight the borough's potential as a prime location for living, working, and investing. Peter Jackson, Seddon Housing Partnerships managing director, expressed pride in showcasing Bolton's achievements and future plans, emphasizing the company's commitment to the town's growth and community development.

The regeneration of Bolton is gaining momentum, with significant projects like the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences and The Wellsprings Innovation Hub already making their mark. The upcoming demolition of Crompton Place marks a pivotal moment in the town's redevelopment, promising to deliver a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces that will redefine Bolton's town center. These efforts underscore Bolton Council's dedication to creating a vibrant, well-connected urban environment that attracts new residents and businesses alike.

At UKREiiF, Bolton Council will seek development partners for two major new projects, aiming to build on the success of recent initiatives. The event presents an opportunity to showcase Bolton's evolution from a traditional market town to a dynamic urban center, with Seddon playing a key role in bringing the 'Born to Perform' message to life. The collaboration between public and private sectors is a testament to Bolton's community spirit and its strategic approach to regeneration.

As Bolton continues to transform, the focus remains on creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all its residents. The borough's participation in UKREiiF is not just about attracting investment but also about celebrating the collective achievements of its people and businesses. With projects like Crompton Place and Moor Lane set to redefine the town's landscape, Bolton is poised to become a model for urban regeneration in the UK.

London's Metropolitan Police has reversed its longstanding position on grooming gangs in the capital, acknowledging for the first time that it has multiple active investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation. The shift came after an investigation by MyLondon and The Daily Express challenged official statements from both police leadership and Mayor Sadiq Khan, who had consistently maintained there were "no reports" or "no indication" of Rochdale or Rotherham-style rape gangs operating in London.

The investigation uncovered evidence from four separate His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services reports spanning 2016 to 2025 that documented at least six potential victims of grooming gang abuse. These case studies, which the Mayor of London personally responded to according to public statements, described children as young as 13 being exploited by groups of predatory men. The reports detailed how girls were plied with drugs and alcohol, raped in hotels by multiple perpetrators, and subjected to life-threatening situations.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley revealed to Assembly Members at City Hall that the force now acknowledges a "steady flow" of live multi-offender child sexual exploitation investigations and a "very significant" number of historic cases requiring reinvestigation. The commissioner estimated these reviews would cost "millions of pounds a year, for several years" to properly investigate, contradicting previous assertions that the force had "not seen" such cases in London.

Political figures including Reform UK MP Lee Anderson and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp have criticized the mayor's handling of the situation, with Anderson stating there is "real, credible evidence that grooming gangs exist in London" and Philp alleging that Khan is "facilitating a cover-up." A spokesman for the mayor maintained that Khan has "always been clear that the safety of Londoners is his top priority" and remains "committed to doing all he can to protect children in London."