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A TYCOON has revealed how £2.5billion plans for a huge theme park dubbed the “British Disneyland” have destroyed his life.

Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi says he has invested millions into the huge London Resort theme park, first announced back in 2012, but has faced a number of problems.

The massive attraction, which hopes to open on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent, would be three times larger than any other UK theme park and equivalent to 136 Wembley stadiums.

But he has faced fierce opposition from locals, with many slamming the huge development.

Now Dr Al-Humaidi has revealed how the plans have “ruined” his reputation and claims he faces jail if he returns to his homeland of Kuwait.

He told Kent Online: “I am a very private person – I do not seek the limelight. But some disgruntled creditors of the London Resort are saying falsehoods about me and the truth needs to be told.”

He revealed how the long-running saga surrounding the £2.5bn project has left him bankrupt, shattered his reputation, and made him afraid to return to his homeland.

He said: “it has ruined my reputation and left me bankrupt.”

Despite pouring millions of his own money into the scheme, he expresses little hope for any financial return as the project remains mired in limbo.

The former chairman of Ebbsfleet United Football Club told of the pressures he faced from friends and investors in Kuwait, some of whom have accused him of orchestrating a “fictitious” venture to siphon off funds.

He said: “I lost a lot of money personally—a lot of money. And I couldn’t keep up with that, hence my bankruptcy.”

After declaring bankruptcy last November, he is now awaiting the lifting of restrictions that have held him captive in a foreign land, unable to return to Kuwait for fear of arrest.

Dr Abdulla invested a staggering £40million into the project, a sum he initially believed would ensure a swift and profitable venture.

He recounts being told that only a few million would be needed to get the project off the ground, only to find that the reality was far more complicated and costly than anticipated.

With each hurdle, public support waned, turning from eager anticipation to growing scepticism.

As he faced mounting pressure, Dr Abdulla extended his search for funding, turning to family and friends in Kuwait.

However, cultural differences and the rigid nature of Kuwait’s financial system complicated matters.

Some investors began demanding repayment through the courts, leading to arrest warrants being issued against him—a chilling threat that has prevented his return home.

Despite the bleak situation, he remains resolute that the vision for the London Resort is still viable.

The fallout has been severe, with ongoing legal actions causing him to fear imprisonment should he return home, despite many of the allegations being dismissed.

Reflecting on the decade-long struggle, Dr Abdulla, now 38 and a father of two, expresses his frustration at the UK’s planning system, which he describes as “broken.”

His journey began in 2012, when the promise of a Disneyland-style attraction ignited excitement across the country.

The project, set to create thousands of jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy, has instead devolved into a protracted series of legal battles and bureaucratic setbacks.

As the years rolled by, the dream of the London Resort remained just that—a dream.

No construction has taken place, and creditors have been left out of pocket as the company behind the venture spirals into financial disarray.

The once-promising site is now a bleak reminder of the unfulfilled aspirations that accompanied its announcement.

The costs of preparing planning documents have been staggering, leaving Dr Abdulla grappling with his own financial ruin.

The site, now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, poses additional challenges.

The unexpected designation has created a new layer of obstacles, forcing the London Resort team to revaluate their plans.

With a High Court hearing set for April 2025, the project hangs in the balance.

Dr Abdulla acknowledges the urgent need for change in the planning process, stating that the current system deters institutional investment and stifles progress.

He believes that constructive dialogue between conservationists and developers could pave the way for a more harmonious future.

As uncertainty looms over the Swanscombe Peninsula, local businesses are left grappling with the implications of a project that has failed to materialise.

With it being the biggest investment in Europe since Disneyland Paris in 1992, there were initially plans for six lands.

This included partners such as Paramount, BBC and ITV, with Mission Impossible and Doctor Who themed rides.

Along with 3,500 hotel rooms, at least 12 major rides were expected, with as many as 50 rides as a new ferry terminal.

It was set to open by 2019, however delays resulted in this being pushed back, as well as the majority of partners pulling out of the development.

In March 2023, the London Resort called in administrators, and at the time time said the project was ongoing, with new proposals to be submitted.

But last year, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, MP told The Sun he considered the scheme to be “dead in the water”.

He said: “In my eyes, the SSSI registration has ended the possibility of a theme park. I now see this site’s future as a nature reserve.

A Planning Inspectorate spokesperson told Sun Travel: “

Planning Inspectorate spokesperson: “The London Resort application was withdrawn in March 2022.

POOL fans were left in awe after watching FOUR golden breaks in the Thursday’s Reyes Cup action between Europe and Asia.

The event, taking place in the Philippines, began on Tuesday and runs until Friday.

X / SkySports

Four golden breaks took place on Thursday – when the nine-ball goes in off the break to automatically win the frame[/caption]

X / SkySports

Team Europe claimed three golden breaks[/caption]

X / SkySports

Team Asia also helped themselves to a golden break[/caption]

Team Europe began Thursday’s action trailing 7-2 as they attempted to claw their way back into the Reyes Cup.

And fans in the arena in Manila were treated to a sensational few hours which featured a remarkable FOUR golden breaks.

A golden break is when a player pots the nine-ball from the opening break, automatically winning the frame.

It is considered perfection in the game of nine-ball pool, like a 147 in snooker or a nine-dart finish in darts.

But they were not hard to come by on Thursday as four sensational breaks claimed frame victories – three for Europe and one for Asia.

Reacting to the feat, one fan said: “What a thrilling event!”

Another added: “That was brilliant.”

A third replied: “Amazing play.”

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While a fourth joked: “Fluke mate.”

And a fifth said: “You cannot write this!”

SAVERS looking for a top rate are being encouraged to act quickly following September’s inflation reading of 1.7%.

Inflation, which measures how quickly the prices of things increase over time, fell below the Bank of England‘s target for the first time in three years.

It’s important to note that when inflation drops it doesn’t mean that prices have stopped rising, it just means they are doing so at a slower pace.

However, slowing inflation can often be an indication to savers that competitive rates are on their way out.

This is because bosses at the BoE take the rate of inflation into account when deciding whether to raise or hold its base rate.

The BoE raises or lowers its base rate, which dictates what interest rates are charged to banks, in order to control inflation.

Raising, it is supposed to make the cost of borrowing more expensive and control spending, therefore driving down inflation.

The BoE started raising its base rate in December 2021 as the UK economy emerged from the coronavirus pandemic.

But the BoE cut rates from 5.25% to 5% in August, marking the first cut since 2020 in a boon for borrowers.

Experts believe that September’s low rate of inflation could prompt leaders to cut rates again.

This could single the end of attractive deals on fixed savings accounts, an offer which has been slowly dwindling since the initial rate cut back in August.

Alice personal finance analyst at Bestinvest said that “locking in a top rate now” before the best deals disappear could be a “sensible strategy”.

There are a number of different savings accounts, but the fixed type often offers the most bang for your buck if you are looking to save money over a long period of time.

That is because if you fixed before a base rate cut your rate would stay the same.

Other examples include notice accounts which offer slightly lower rates in exchange for more flexibility when accessing your cash.

These accounts don’t lock your cash away for as long as a typical fixed bond account.

There are also regular savings accounts and easy-access accounts, which give you quick access to your money at a lower return.

What’s on offer

There are only a few fixed deals on the market offering interest of 5%.

Two of the 5% deals are one-year fixes from the Union Bank of India.

The first offers 5% interest on a minimum investment of £1,000 while the other offers the same on a minimum investment of £5,000. 

The third is from Conister Bank which also offers 5% interest on a minimum investment of £5,000 over one year. 

On two-year fixes, the best rate is from Market Harborough Banking Society. 

This group is offering 4.61% interest until November 26 on a minimum investment of £10,000. 

Meanwhile, the best third-year fix deal comes from Principality Building Society which is offering 5% interest on a minimum investment of £500.

You can check out the most competitive deals on the market below.

Should you fix? 

With a fixed-rate savings account, you lock away your savings for a set amount of time at a set interest rate. 

It’s also known as a fixed-term bond. You may be able to choose how long your savings are locked away for, or it may be an amount of time set by your lender. 

As markets predict rates to be cut, Rachel Springall, finance expert at MoneyFactsDaily, said savers may wish to “act quickly”.

She explained: “Those looking for guaranteed return may wish to act quickly to grab a top rate as there are expectations for interest rates to come down over the next couple of months.”

“Savers need to prepare themselves for interest rate cuts, so if fixed-rate bond or fixed Cash ISA rates plummet, savers may wish to choose a longer-term deal to secure a competitive rate for the next few years.”

How you can find the best savings rates

If you are trying to find the best savings rate there are websites you can use that can show you the best rates available.

Doing some research on websites such as MoneyFacts and price comparison sites including Compare the Market and Go Compare will quickly show you what’s out there.

These websites let you tailor your searches to an account type that suits you.

There are three types of savings accounts fixed, easy access, and regular savers.

A fixed-rate savings account offers some of the highest interest rates but comes at the cost of being unable to withdraw your cash within the agreed term.

This means that your money is locked in, so even if interest rates increase you are unable to move your money and switch to a better account.

Some providers give the option to withdraw but it comes with a hefty fee.

An easy-access account does what it says on the tin and usually allows unlimited cash withdrawals.

These accounts do tend to come with lower returns but are a good option if you want the freedom to move your money without being charged a penalty fee.

Lastly is a regular saver account, these accounts generate decent returns but only on the basis that you pay a set amount in each month.

How do I switch my bank account?

Switching bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switching Service (CASS).

Many high street banks and building societies are signed up and there is a full list on the CASS’ website.

All the hard work is done for you, so you do not have to worry about remembering to switch all of your direct debits.

You simply need to apply for the new account you want to open and the new bank will tell your existing one that you are moving.

Before switching there are a few things that you should do, such as choosing a switch date and transferring old bank statements to the new account.

When you are switching be sure to read all of the terms and conditions of the new account to make sure it meets your needs.

Also factor in what other perks might come with opening up the account, such as the savings rates we previously mentioned.

A ‘WONDERFUL’ horse has seen his odds slashed for Champions Day at Ascot – after Ryan Moore was booked to ride for some legendary owners.

James’s Delight has been backed from 33s into as short as 12-1 for the 6f Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

PA:Press Association

Paul and Clare Rooney, right, top horse owners with reportedly ‘colossal wealth’, will hope Ryan Moore can steer their sprinter to glory[/caption]

Moore steered the three-year-old gelding to a comfortable victory at York in June before Clifford Lee bagged a Listed contest on soft at Deauville the following month.

James’s Delight was then given a 50-day break and beaten just a short neck at Grade 3 level over very soft ground when returning again at the French track.

He might need to up his game again for the Ascot Group 1 but anything is possible with Moore in the saddle.

And punters think James’s Delight’s proven effectiveness over soft ground shows he is a good punt.

His powerful connections – who are said to have ‘colossal wealth‘ – suggest he’s worthy of a look as well.

Paul and Clare Rooney finished runner up in the 2016 Grand National and had a Cheltenham Festival win before quitting the jumps in 2020.

They focused solely on the Flat after that and enjoyed Royal Ascot success with the likes of My Dream Boat.

The couple are back into National Hunt now – while also keeping their Flat interests going.

And they could just have a lively outsider in James’s Delight.

After his win at York, trainer Clive Cox said: “That was wonderful, I’m so pleased. It was a very confident ride from Ryan, as always.

“The way that he changed gear there today fills me full of excitement.

“James’s Delight does appreciate the ground, although he won on good ground on Guineas day at Newmarket he prefers this end of the scale.”

While after his Group 3 second in August, Cox added: “James’s Delight enjoys the soft ground and we have an entry in the Champions Day Sprint.

“We’re forecast some hotter temperatures so we’ll play our cards accordingly.”

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A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

ACTRESS Sydney Sweeney has revealed how her pursuit of an acting career served as a “catalyst” for her family’s downfall, culminating in her parent’s declaring bankruptcy and divorcing.

The 27-year-old has bravely opened up about how her parent’s “lost everything” while supporting her childhood dreams, which included 38-hour round trips for auditions and relocating to pricey Los Angeles. 

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Sydney Sweeney, 27, has opened up about her parents’ divorce[/caption]

twitter/sydneysweeney

Her family relocated to Los Angeles from the Washington-Idaho border when she was 13-years-old[/caption]

Alamy

“I knew I had to succeed in some capacity so that it wasn’t for nothing,” the Euphoria star says[/caption]

Despite her innate drive to become an actress, Sydney’s mum and dad didn’t grant her much screen time to watch films and TV shows. 

“I’ve seen the staples of your childhood, but my parents were really against us being on electronics,” she says.

She became obsessed with the idea of becoming an actress at 12-years-old after seeing an audition notice for a local independent film. 

Fast forward 15 years, she’s a leading lady in HBO show Euphoria, and has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Anyone But You.

It wasn’t smooth sailing, though. 

Sydney’s parents would drive her and her younger brother on a 38-hour round trip from their home near the Washington-Idaho border to California for auditions. 

Most of them would flump, and she’d be lucky to gain a spot as a featured extra. 

People in her hometown would tell her to “stop dragging your family to a hell-ridden city” and accused her of “breaking her family apart and wasting all their money”.

This went on for two years until the Sweeney family decided to relocate to the City of Angels when Sydney was just 13-years-old.

However, the cost of living in Los Angeles put immense strain on her parents, both financially and emotionally. 

By 2016, they had divorced and declared bankruptcy.

“There was a moment where I stopped wanting to go home, which made me really sad because I felt like a failure,” Sydney tells Glamour. 

“I knew that I could never actually fail because, I mean, on a very broad scale, my family did lose everything. 

“Whether or not that was because of coming here, it definitely was a catalyst for it. “

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Sydney is set to play female boxing icon Christy Martin in a film about her life[/caption]

instagram/sydney_sweeney

The actress shared this image form behind the scenes[/caption]

She adds: “I knew I had to succeed in some capacity so that it wasn’t for nothing.”

Sydney opened up about her experiences as a teenager after being named one of Glamour’s Women of The Year. 

She wrote on Instagram about the award: “This recognition means the world to me, and I owe it to the incredible people who have supported me along the way. 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me during this journey. 

“Here’s to breaking boundaries and creating a brighter future for all women. 

“We kinda rock!”

NON-LEAGUE club Kettering Town are looking to relive the glory days of the Premier League.

That’s after signing former Champions League star Gary Hooper to complete an ex-top flight front three.

Press Association Images

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Kettering Town player in the seventh tier of English football.

The Northampton-based club are hoping to improve on last season’s 15^th-place finish in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

And they first bolstered their ranks with the surprise signing of former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger, 33, last month.

Later in September, ex-Bolton and Burnley forward Marvin Sordell, 33, came out of retirement to join Kettering.

But now, the minnows have added a third top striker to their squad.

On Thursday, Kettering delighted fans by announcing the arrival of Hooper.

The 36-year-old left National League side Barnet at the end of last season.

But it’s his prowess as a former Premier League and Champions League striker that is sure to excite supporters.

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Hooper clocked up two top-flight appearances for Norwich after firing them out of the Championship in 2015.

Before his Canaries stint, the hitman bagged 63 goals in 95 games for Celtic – winning two titles in the process.

Kettering Town FC

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Hooper also featured in 19 European games for the Scots, including two Champions League campaigns, scoring a further seven times.

And fans responded with glee to Kettering’s latest arrival.

One said: “What is going on with this club lately?!”

Another declared: “What a signing.”

One noted: “Dreamland!”

Another added: “Sign all the strikers.”

Kettering Town FC

PA:Empics Sport

Arlene Connolly O’Neill, 47, was seen posing with the couple’s three sons in a smiling photo on her Facebook page.

Here is why, despite an underwhelming 1-1-1 record, I would be feeling pretty good if I were Patrick Roy or Lou Lamoriello.

Oops!

The late singer shared his son with his ex Cheryl Cole.