25/09/2013 Look North (East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire)

And that is all, it is goodbye Premy and

Good evening and welcome to BBC Look North. The headlines tonight: Calls

for a review of school transport, as parents are forced to pay hundreds

of pounds a year. Is struggling to cope and having to

pay to get their children to school. On strike over their pensions,

equipped to deal with emergencies. A 500—year—old law could leave

villagers with the bill to repair their local church.

And why these Strictly stars are getting office staff dancing in

Hull. Some brighter weather over the next

few days. More details shortly. The rules covering free school

transport have been described by one local MP as outdated and in need of

change. The Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart says parents are

being left out of pocket. In one village, some pupils are about to

lose their free transport and will have to pay £500 for a pass. More

than 120 children in Thorngumbald get free travel, but a third have

been told they'll now have to pay, because a new zebra crossing has

made the route officially shorter. Figures show that nationally almost

three quarters of councils have reviewed or cut provision of free

school transport. Anne— Marie Tasker has the story.

Breakfast time is hectic at the Medlicotts, with Mum Dawn getting

her children ready for school. But come January, they'll have to walk,

unless she pays £1,080 a year for them both to get the school bus. I

don't have £1000 stashed in my matters upstairs. It is a lot of

money. You have a bunch of teenagers, some will be messing

around, listening to music. Teenager shut down and do their own thing. It

is an accident waiting to happen. More than 100 children get free

transport to school from the village of Thorngumbald near Hedon. But a

third of them have been told that next term they'll have to pay. So

what's changed? In addition to the existing zebra crossing in the

village, a new one was built this summer, a few hundred yards closer

to school. It means that for many children, the safe walking route to

South Holderness Technology College became shorter, bringing them just

under the three—mile limit to get free transport. On part of the route

to school, the path is narrow, it's unlit and next to a 60 mph road.

Parents say it's simply not safe for their children to walk along.

Parents in the village have now started a petition.

They say many families live just yards from the three mile limit that

decides if they get a free bus pass. From fungal bolts through South open

the school, it is just under three miles. — — from the village to the

school, it is just under three miles.

Now their MP is calling for the Government to give rural areas more

cash to fund bus passes in cases like this. Then the council will be

in a position to provide suitable support. Even if the roads are

technically safe, parent might not be confident to send their children

there. Parents say they understand there

must be rules, but say this time, they want their children's safety to

come first. Earlier, I spoke to Paul Butler from

East Riding Council and asked him why they had built a new zebra

crossing just inside the three—mile walk—to—school limit.

The council has a duty to provide transport for children who live more

than three miles away. For children who live less than that, we only

provide transport if the route is hazardous. We have been able to give

a crossing in Thorngumbald which means children and what to school

safely. Was it moved to help the children are to avoid having to

provide free bus passes? It is an additional crossing the children

have been provided with. There are benefits to the community. A lot of

people need to cross the road. It means children and residents can

cross the road safely. It benefits you because you do not have to pay

the money out, and it saves you money. Where are they supposed to

find that money? Councils are spending over £10 million on

transport, and that is not going into the schools. We need to see

where we can make savings. We are charging parents for bus pass if

they wish to use the buses, and that is still subsidised. From what you

have said, the zebra crossing was moved to save you money? Wherever we

identify hazardous road for children to get to school, we want to see

what we can do to make it safer. That is our primary concern. The

children will have to work through an unlit road during winter weather

speed limit is 60 mph. If a child was injured or killed, with the

council feel very bad? We had our road safety officers look at the

situation in Thorngumbald. They have reassessed the route. Officers were

out there yesterday, double checking our assessments. We believe it is a

safe route. The parents feel this cannot have been deemed officially

say. That is what they are saying. Our road safety officers have

visited the route, made all the assessments in line with national

guidance. It does meet the criteria. Very

village in need. Let us know what you think of this

story. Are the East Riding being fair? Now that the children have a

journey of fewer than three miles, should they have to pay to use the

school bus? We'll have some of your thoughts

before we finish. Thank you for watching this Thursday night.

Lee Radford is told to bring attacking rugby to Hull FC, as he

becomes head coach. Senior fire officers say public

safety has not been threatened during today's strike by the Fire

Brigades' Union. There were only a handful of minor incidents during

the four—hour strike. The dispute is over pension changes that the union

says will see firefighters work longer, contribute more and receive

less. However, according to the Government the pensions — which can

be £19,000 a year — will still be among the best in the public sector.

Sarah Corker reports. 12 noon, and firefighters walk out

here. A scene repeated around England and Wales. The SBU says this

dispute is about firefighters having to work until they are 60 before

they can retire on a full pension. Ageing firefighters put a risk to

the public, and to safety. And you putting the public at risk today by

striking? Robust contingency arrangements are in place, and this

is a last resort. Andy Johnson is one of those now in his 50s. If I

fail a fitness test on capability grounds, they removed my pension

until I am 68, which is a long, long time. Retiring at 60, a firefighter

can get a pension of up to £19,000 a year, rising to £26,000 in the state

pension. Union leaders say those forced to retire early would lose

thousands of pounds. Today's strike saw cover needed at 38 stations in

Lincolnshire and 31 in Humberside. In the past, the Army has stepped

in. The laws have changed, and fire services must not find their own

cover. In Lincolnshire, it means making greater use of part—time

firefighters. Here in East Yorkshire, Humberside Fire and

Rescue have recruited members of the public to fill in. Some volunteers

with as little as five days basic training. Managers say those

arrangements worked well. We only had six calls, and none of those

involved in any threat to life. One crew has been supporting the other.

Ministers said the pension on offer is one of the most generous in the

public sector. It is a good offer. We hope the Fire Brigade Union will

see sense. This afternoon strike appears to have caused little

disruption. While this may have been acquired protest, the message the

government is clear. Sarah is outside the central fire

station in Hull. How likely are further strikes in Humberside and

Lincolnshire? Union leaders haven't ruled out

further strikes in the coming weeks. What they really want is to reopen

talks with the government. The government shows no signs of backing

down. 80% of Humberside firefighters went out on strike. If there is more

action, more volunteers will be brought in and trained to step in.

After a low number of callouts today, the contingency plans were

tested and proved to be successful. Thank you. Some more news now.

Accounts show the former chief executive of Hull City Council was

given a pay off of £240,000 as compensation "for loss of office".

Nicola Yates left the authority in July 2012 after two and half years

in charge. No reason was given for her departure. The council is trying

to limit future pay—offs to £22,000. Lincolnshire Police are still trying

to identify a woman who's body was found in a field. A dog walker

discovered the body in Market Deeping yesterday. Officers are

treating the death as unexplained and have sealed off the area where

the body was found. The Labour Party conference has

heard calls for tougher sentences for violent and sexual offences.

Labour says more needs to be done to tackle online predators. The Hull

North MP Diana Johnson, who's the Shadow Crime and Security Minister,

says many victims of historic abuse cases have been let down. I have

written to the attorney general on a number of places where I think the

sentence that was given was wholly inappropriate for the extent of what

happened. I think we need to look again at the sentencing, absolutely.

Around 100 new nurses have today started working in Lincolnshire's

hospitals with the director of nursing telling them theirs is a

"challenged" organisation. The jobs are part of a £3 million investment

in new staff. The Trust, which is in special measures, has previously

been criticised for its low staffing levels. Vicky Johnson reports.

The 100 newest recruits to Lincolnshire 's hospitals.

the nurses had been students here, and have been through the recent

years as students. They are very aware of the challenges we have, and

the performance we have been making. The health watchdog last week

reported that neither Lincoln County in Boston pilgrim met any of the

National care standards. The enthusiasm of today's intake was not

going to be dampened. It is wonderful to be here. It is

brilliant at the three years complete and start working. I have

not seen any bad care in Boston. They are of an excellent standard.

Emma Kelly has just completed her first year on the wards. She says

she has been well supported. When you start, you are given to people

you can have as mentors. Any questions, we can go to them and

they will support and helpers. James is as mentors, and every Nunez will

get a body to support them. — — every new nurse will get a body to

support them. It is challenging at times. If they know we're there as a

resource, it helps. The trust has taken on more than 250 nurses this

year, with at least another 40 due to arrive from Europe. We recognise

that members of staff learn at different rates, so we will be in a

position where we can recognise and give that extra support if and

when it is needed. We very much want to retain these nurses. That is the

key. The trust needs to keep hold of the new nurses if they are to get

full value from this years recruitment drive.

Last night, we told you about the Trust's drive to recruit nurses in

Europe. At least 40 nurses from Spain and Portugal start work in

Lincolnshire in the next few weeks. Thanks to everyone who got in touch.

Big response on that. Thank you for watching.

Still ahead tonight: Shock for villagers as an ancient law leaves

them responsible for church repairs. Find out what we were doing in Hull

later in the programme. Brilliant sunset at Hunstanton by

Lance Chilton. Thank you for that. Beautiful part of the world. I will

be this out. Jack says, my daughter weighed every night until Peter

fiddles with whatever it is under his desk, she's fascinated by.

I will tell you what it is. I can switch it off with it. It is what I

do when the weather comes on, I switch you are.

OK, we will cover headline. It a nice one. It looks like skies will

brighten from the north—east. There will be some sunshine around. This

high—pressure will come in from the North East. That is good news. The

weekend is looking quite nice for the end of September. Little is like

all parts will be dry this weekend with some sunshine. Something to

look forward to. Today, we have had a lot of cloud. It produced some

patchy rain across southern parts. We are looking to the north where

there is a weak, cold front. A clearance comes in by dawn. That is

great news. Lowest temperatures, down to eight or nine across East

Yorkshire. 12 or 13 around the wash. The sun will rise at around 6:53am.

There could be some low cloud around. Generally, a bright start

with sunny spells. That cloud will come and go through Thursday.

Generally, feeling quite pleasant. Friday and the weekend, skies will

be partly cloudy but some decent spells of sunshine and temperatures

close to the late September average. That's the forecast.

I will turn you back on. I urge you, I don't tend to Ely Donovan

off. Actually, I probably do. — — I don't turn Keeley Donovan off.

This is another story we'd like your thoughts on.

It should be a place of peace and contemplation, but here in

Hambleton, St Peter's Church has found itself embroiled in a row.

Under the reign of Henry VIII, those who for land around here became

responsible for repair of the church. It is an ancient law which

has been largely ignored more recently. Now, churches have until

the 13th of October to register to use the legislation before it is

abolished. Here, the church council has done just that. For families in

the village, it means future repair bills for parts of the church could

pass straight to them. We could be given a bill of one told amounts — —

untold amounts. I find it so unbelievable. Devastating. The

impact will be on our deeds for ever if we can get it removed. In a

statement, the dioceses of York says:

this should have been sorted out in the 19th century. For some reason,

people forgot about it and it fell into disuse. In Britain, it is still

an act of treason to place the Queen 's stamp upside down. Gambling in a

library is also banned. For those wanting to be a doormat, it is only

legal before eight o'clock in the morning. It may proved to be more

serious. Do people living on ancient church land have a duty to pay

towards the church's upkeep? The new head coach at Hull FC has

been told by the owner to bring more attacking rugby to the club. Lee

Radford has taken over from the Australian Peter Gentle in a move

which sees a hull—based coaching staff at the KC Stadium. Simon Clark

looks at Radford's career and what he brings to the role. You see up

with a firm handshake. Adam Pearson welcomes his new coach in front of a

sizeable media presence. It is one of the biggest job in the game, so

how did Lee Radford slammed it? — — land it. The most important thing is

he understands Hull. He cares about the city. Lee Radford is just 34. In

a playing career of 15 years, he won two grand finals and a world club

challenge, with Bradford rolls. He hung up his boots after cameo

appearance for Hull buster. He is no stranger to management. Ten years

ago, this was him in charge of the amateur side in Hull. They are

worlds apart, obviously, but how to react around people and all that is

helpful. What do the fans think of the appointment? I am just a little

bit cautious. He has only coached in East Hull. He has done well. It is a

good opportunity for him. I still think Peter Gentle made a second

chance. At the end of the day, you have to have the experience. That

comes from proven records. Adam Pearson has promised fans are more

attacking team. Pearson wants to end the feast and famine that was in

evidence in 2013. There could be exciting times ahead for the team if

he gets it right. We wish him all the best.

Hull City are into the fourth round of the Capital One League Cup for

the first time in 36 years. They beat Huddersfield Town 1—0 at the KC

Stadium with a goal from Proschwitz.

Former Olympic athlete Colin Jackson has told Look North

professional golfer Tony Jacklin from Scunthorpe should be prepared

to lose a lot of weight when he starts competing on Strictly Come

Dancing. The sprinter is currently doing a mini tour of the country

with Strictly star Erin Boag on behalf of the energy company NPower

to help raise money for charity. Today, they've been in Hull and Amy

Cole went along to meet them. What a way to spend a day at work. Erin

Boag and Colin Jackson web United again, and delighting staff in Hull

while helping to raise money for Macmillan Cancer charity. The pair

danced together in the programme, but didn't win the title. Erin Boag

has bowed out of the show after a 10—year run, so is more than

qualified to give advice. Do you think he has met his match? Wow. She

did that the bit of dancing last year. Kevin, I don't know. He might

be a little clumsy. I might grab the nation 's hearts.

What kind of surprises are in store for Tony Jacklin? The most important

thing for him is to relax and enjoy the idea, the concept of what it is

all about. When Colin was first asked to do Strictly, he initially

turned it down. He was tempted to take part. He is certainly a happy

man. Let's get a recap of the national

and regional headlines: The Labour leader Ed Miliband stands by his

proposal for a freeze on energy prices as there are warnings of

blackouts and power shortages. Calls for a review of school

transport, as parents are forced to pay hundreds of pounds a year.

big response on the subject of school transport.

Thank you for all those messages. Charlie says, why should the

taxpayer pay for free school transport for others? If the parents

do not like it, move closer to the school. Rhiannon says, I think it is

not fair for children to have to walk that far to school. Doctor

says, with the powers that be that their children what to school in

this day and age? Adam says, people seem to be forgetting children are

alive choice. Don't have children if you cannot do not want to provide

for them. You can expect every body else to pick up bill. Peters, my son

has either a five mile walk or a £400 bus pass. No public transport

available. Total abstruse decision. Thank you for watching. Johnny on

the radio if you can. Take care. Goodbye.