21/02/2014 Look North (East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire)

A reminder of our main story. Thousands of protest to remain in

Independence Square tonight, Hello, good evening. The headlines

from BBC Look North this Friday night: Councillors in Lincolnshire

vote to give themselves a 23% pay rise.

It is a scandal. They should not have done it, they should not have

had the power to do it. Calls to restrict the size of

caravan parks ` claims they put too much strain on services.

The bird that anglers want culled ` they say they're taking all the fish

from an East Yorkshire river. The FA Trophy ` can Grimsby Town

reach Wembley for the second year running?

The feel good factor ` sunny weather comes to East Yorkshire and

Lincolnshire. But, will it continue over the

course of the weekend? I will be back later in the programme with the

full forecast. Councillors in Lincolnshire have

voted to give themselves a pay rise at a meeting today in Lincoln. The

basic allowance for each councillor will rise by more than 20% to just

over ?10,000. The ruling Conservative group said the increase

had been suggested by an independent panel. Labour says it's unfair when

the authority has to save ?40 million in the next financial year.

Caroline Bilton reports. Libraries under threat, streetlights

dimmed. 1500 staff posts at the Council axed. These proposals will

have a devastating impact. All reason for protests in recent years,

because of belt tightening by the council. Today, that belt buckle

went up a notch. At a full council meeting, it was announced an

additional ?40 million needs to be saved this year alone. So, it came

as a surprise to some that, in the same meeting, councillors voted to

accept a rise in their allowances. The leader of the council currently

receives an allowance of just over ?20,000. That will rise to ?32,000.

That is an increase of 56%. The basic allowance received by most

councillors is around ?8,000, which will rise to just over ?10,000, an

increase of 23%. The council says these changes will bring their

allowances in line with other organisations. But, when thousands

needs to be saved from the council's budget, is it the right

time to accept a rise? We have decided to accept the

recommendations and it is a matter for the individual counsellor what

they do. I do understand why people in these difficult times, with

households on tight budgets, staffing reducing here, as leader it

is my own personal circumstances, and I think at this time I will not

be taking the recommended rise. Each council will now decide whether to

take the increase. There are people in Lincolnshire who are struggling

to survive, to find money for food and to heat their homes, they will

not understand what has happened. I take it you will not be accepting

your rise? Everyone has to make their own decisions. It is up to

individuals, it is not up to me. Will you be taking yours? I have no

ideas but the macro idea. It is extreme, given the current status of

the economy and lots of peoples wages have not increased. It is

extreme. I think those who are our leaders need to lead. Despite tough

times ahead, the council did vote to freeze council tax for a fourth year

running. But, it is unlikely this will be the topic of conversation

around dinner tables tonight in Lincolnshire.

Joining me now from Westminster is Dia Chakravarty from The Taxpayers'

Alliance. This is effectively a ?2,000 pay rise. How will the

taxpayers of Lincolnshire be feeling tonight.

It does sound ridiculous. When was the last time when many of the

residents of Lincolnshire managed to get that sort of pay rise West

remarked that my? . In the private sector, pay is not that great at the

moment. Public sector people will have had their pay frozen or even

lost their jobs. How do you think the residents will feel when

councillors give themselves an allowance rise of that stature. Some

councils are in charge of budgets that are millions of pounds.

Shouldn't they pay reflect that? It should reflect that, but it is a

question of scale. Do they really need a 56% pay rise? It seems

indecent in these times. We have also heard about streetlights being

dimmed, libraries being shut down. Can this really be the best way of

spending the money? If the council have so much my two spare, why are

they shutting down libraries and not fixing lights? The benefit of money

should go to the residents, not to the politicians. But wouldn't you

attract a higher calibre of candidate if the pay was higher?

That is a different sort of question, how you attract people.

That is an engagement question when political parties need to reach out

to the right people. But throwing out money to people already holding

an office in these times cannot seem right at all. What do you think they

should get? Some people would say they shouldn't get paid at all.

There is a good question there. It clearly works for our magistrates

who don't get paid at all. But with that sort of attitude there is or is

the worry that only rich people will come forward and it will become a

rich people's club. But the pay has to be decent. It has to reflect what

everyone else is feeling in Lincolnshire and around the country.

I don't think this decision does not reflect this. I congratulate the

leader in saying he will not accept this recommendation. Let us know

your thoughts on this. Do you think councillors are right

to give themselves a pay rise? Or do you think that they should turn it

down at a time of cuts and job losses?

Perhaps you have been campaigning to save your local library, or other

services, and you think the money could be better spent.

In a moment on Look North: The one`off concert to ensure free music

lessons for children in Hull. Concerns are being raised about the

expansion of the static caravan industry on the Lincolnshire coast.

The sector is worth millions to the local economy and supports thousands

of jobs. But some local residents believe the holiday parks are having

too big an impact in the communities where they are based. Here's our

Business Correspondent Paul Murphy. Caravans for as far as the eye can

see. They are the mainstay of Lincolnshire's coastal economy.

Plans for 140 more of them have now approved, and the council is

welcoming the continued investment. There are people who don't want

change. However, we need to continuously evolve in order that we

sustain what we have. It's estimated there are 25,000 caravans on the

Lincolnshire coastline. In the winter months, around 42,000 people

live on the coastal strip. But this can increase tenfold in the summer.

A tourism economy thought to be worth more than ?500 million. Quiet

today, but in the coming weeks the population here will start to surge

again as the holiday`makers return. They bring with them huge spending

power which spreads through shops, hotels and restaurants. But they

also place pressure on everything from doctors' surgeries to the

sewage system. Has this coastline reached saturation point? In the

village of Chapel St Leonards, some believe it has. For the residents,

they see it as disruption. It is disruption getting into Skegness on

the main road, it is disruption is at the doctors surgery. They don't

feel they get anything back from this. Caravans have transformed this

coastline, according to this holiday park developer. You are talking

about putting caps on the amount of caravans, it will stop growth and

things will stagnate. Tourism and its caravans here are the biggest

single job creator. Halting the growth of this sector looks like an

impossible ambition. It's been confirmed that council tax

in North East Lincolnshire will rise by almost 2% this year. It was voted

through at a meeting last night. The council says the rise is needed

because the government is giving it less money.

A 32`year`old man, arrested in connection with a robbery at this

post office in Bilton, east of Hull, has been released on bail.

Police say the postmistress was terrified by masked men who smashed

through her protective glass`screen on Monday.

Lincolnshire Police say they'll have more officers in Grantham for a

march by the English Defence League tomorrow. The anti`immigration group

is protesting against a proposed Islamic Cultural Centre.

We live in a free society and if somebody wants to peaceably protest,

we have two allow them to do that. But, having allowed them to do that,

it needs to be safe for people to go on with their daily business. Speak

to us, we will be there, and it is business as usual in Grantham on

Saturday. Anglers say they want to see more

culling of a wild bird that they say is eating most of the fish that live

in an East Yorkshire river. Cormorants are being blamed for

taking fish from the Driffield West Beck. The river attracts anglers

from around the world and there are fears that they may be put off from

visiting the area. Linsey Smith reports.

When it comes to catching fish, these are some of nature's most

accomplished predators. In China, cormorants are even trained by

fishermen. But closer to home, Driffield West Beck is looking

sparse and still. It's being worked by growing flocks for decades. In

the 60s, the other members of the club would think nothing of catching

50 Grayling on a winters afternoon. Now on this bit of water, the

preservation water, the 20 members of the club don't catch 50 Grayling

in a year. Mulberry Whin, tourists from as far afield as Australia and

Norway have visited to fish. They're the lucky ones. Stocking and

conservation work ensures a plentiful supply here. But, outside

of this exclusive spot, some anglers say a greater cull is the only way

to save their hobby. Handling is an incredibly popular hobby. In a

recent report, the government acknowledged there has to be a

balance, they have two conserve our wild bird populations, but they also

have two protect fisheries like this, which is why they give out

licences for legal control. Natural England, who give out the licenses

say in the last eight years they gave permission for 281 cormorants

to be shot in East Yorkshire. Good morning, how are you getting on?

Only 149 were. The main problem is, there are a lot of nature reserves

around here where the cormorants can roost. They could be a change

whereby if they had people with the right legislation who were allowed

to shoot comments on nature reserves, it would reduce the

numbers. The RSPB are against further culling.

On the drive down I noticed a few cormorants circling. But fishermen

warn swift action is needed. Or these birds will drive angling

tourists to other parts of the country.

Another controversial story you might have a view on. Do you think

the anglers are right, and the numbers of wild birds need to be

controlled to keep up fish stocks? Or should they be left alone,

irrespective of the impact on tourism for the area? Do get in

touch ` the contact details are on the screen now.

Still to come on tonight's programme: Grimsby Town look to

reach Wembley for the second year running.

And, the first ice creams of the year, as sunny weather comes to East

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. And the weather is looking good in

tonight's picture. It was taken by Hugh Marrows. Lovely clear sky over

the church at Alvingham near Louth. Beautiful scene with some snowdrops

in the foreground. Is it a coincidence that you are

wearing black and white tonight? Of course!

I am sure it will all become clear later in the programme. But I would

like to know, it is going to be a good day for fish and chips in our

hometown at the weekend? It is always a good day for fish and

chips, as you know. Tomorrow does look pleasant with sunshine once

again right across the region. Tomorrow is going to be the better

day of the weekend. It will be the driest day and also the brightest

day, with some spells of sunshine around. Windier and cloudier for

Sunday. But breezy is a theme for across the week, and it will get

more blustery as we head to Sunday, but even on Sunday, the isobars are

quite tightly packed so a fairly brisk breeze. Today, we have had

broken cloud and some sunshine. We might see a future hours later on,

perhaps the odd one continuing overnight, but generally a settled

night to overnight, but generally a settled

night come. It will remain fairly breezy, but that will protect us

from any frost. Temperatures perhaps getting back to four or five

degrees. The sun will rise at 7:06am. Saturday is the better day

of the weekend. There will be decent spells of sunshine. Broken cloud,

mainly dry conditions, decent spells of sunshine, and the breeze, albeit

fairly fresh, will still be lighter than Sunday. Not a bad day with

temperatures just above average for the time of year. Some spots will

reach double figures. Into Sunday, a lot more cloud spreading in from the

west ahead of a weather system which will linger in the West for most of

Sunday, but temperatures will be in double`figure. It will be a windy

day on Sunday and eventually that rain will reach us. Turning showery

on Monday. Do you think Peter will stick to the

office tradition of bringing back street from his travels?

You might be in luck. We will compact notes on Twitter.

Young musicians from Hull are putting on a one`off performance

tomorrow to raise money for children in the city to get free music

lessons. It comes as government funding for Hull's Music Service is

cut for the third year running. The service is now looking for more

independent funding to provide free tuition and instruments for

youngsters who otherwise couldn't afford them. Anne`Marie Tasker

reports. JAMES BOND THEME. You'll recognise

the song, but probably not those playing it. Tomorrow night, the

newly formed Blackbolt Orchestra will be playing themes from TV, film

and computer games to showcase young musicians' talent. We are trying to

get the rock music, along with strings and orchestra in the

background. It is not a new thing about it is new for Hull at the end

of the day. I don't think it could have ever have happened without the

talented musicians who are in Hull who are not getting heard.

Tomorrow's concert will be here at the Albemarle Music Centre ` the

base for music education in Hull. Since 2012, its government funding

has fallen year on year ` from more than ?500,000 to around half of that

in the next financial year. And that means less money for free music

lessons and instruments for the city's children. So, all the

musicians in the Blackbolt Orchestra have volunteered their time so that

all the money raised from the show can be used to help get more

children into music. When the funding gets cut from places like

this, they need to pay their tutors, who then give their buses

for free. Something like this point happen again if the next generation

are not given the opportunity, if they don't have the funding then

that is that. Over the years Hull has grown some

great musical talent. The Housemartins, David Bowie's band

Spiders from Mars and Everything But the Girl, to name a few. It's hoped

tomorrow's show will help the next generation of musicians learn the

skills to perform like this too. By this time tomorrow, Grimsby Town

fans will know whether they'll be watching their team at Wembley for

the second time in 12 months. The Mariners will need to overturn a 2`1

deficit from the semifinal first leg against Cambridge if they are to

reach a second successive FA Trophy final. But, Cup success comes at a

cost as the team faces an already congested fixture list, as Simon

Clark reports. They know the way, they were there

last year. But, to reach Wembley, Grimsby Town need to overturn a 2`1

deficit. Shooting practice was the order of the day. As the Mariners

bid for a special day at a special place. That is the message we are

trying to get across to the players. We are fortunate that some of us

have been once, a couple of us have been more. It is not something you

ever tire of. The chance of Wembley, it it is rare, so take the

opportunity when it is there. This time tomorrow, Grimsby Town could be

celebrating a place back at Wembley Stadium. Yet, it could be at a cost.

With this cup run, and the recent bad weather, they are playing

fixture catch up in the league. It might prove difficult. The current

table explains all. They are victims of their own success with runs in

the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Thanks to unexpected match cancellations they

played five fewer league games than Salisbury and Nuneaton. Painting two

games a week until the end of the season is going to be tough on some

fans who frequently travel to away fixtures. The more games they have

to go to, they may have to start making choices, about perhaps not

affording to go to one but going to another. But buses will be full and

there will be a good contingent of fans going to Southport next week.

One trip the club will have no trouble filling will be a March date

at Wimpey Stadium. `` Wembley Stadium.

BBC Radio Humberside will have commentary of that FA Trophy

semifinal on digital and online tomorrow. Kick`off at Blundell Park

is at 3pm. Hull City boss Steve Bruce is

chasing his 100th win as a top flight manager as the Tigers face

relegation`threatened Cardiff City tomorrow. Bruce is hoping his side

can return to winning ways after a home defeat to Southampton in their

last league outing. Sitting just three points above the relegation

zone, Bruce says a win in South Wales would be a huge result in the

fight for survival. They are all big games, but certainly, Cardiff will

be looking like ourselves, and saying that he stay in the league,

they need a result here. If we can go down there and get a result, then

it will be terrific for us. We would open up a big gap.

And, Hull City's trip to Cardiff will be on BBC Radio Humberside's FM

frequency. Kick`off is at 3pm and coverage starts on Saturday Sport

from 1:30pm. Scunthorpe United's game at home to

Portsmouth will be on AM. Kick`off is at 3pm.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire will have commentary of Lincoln City's home

match with Chester. Coverage starts at 2pm.

Rugby now, and Hull FC take on St Helens tonight at Langtree Park in

the inaugural Steve Prescott Cup. The Super League match is held in

tribute to the late full`back who raised thousands for charity. Hull

KR need to improve after a heavy loss against Leeds last weekend.

They travel to Huddersfield on Sunday.

This will work hard and tried to correct some of the things we did

wrong in the second`half, but at the end of the day, it is round one. It

a big game this weekend. We are confident in the big fellows we have

got. Hopefully it will be a great challenge and one we will rise to.

Hull FC's game is on all frequencies tonight. The build`up is on right

now. Hull boxer Luke Campbell says he's

ready to make it five straight wins as a professional as he returns to

the Hull arena tomorrow night. The following pictures contain flash

photography. The Olympic gold medallist only

turned professional last year. At today's weigh`in, ahead of Saturday

night's bout against Norfolk's Scott Moises, he said he's been training

hard for the fight. I work harder than the rest. That is

how you cope with it. You train hard and prepare right. But I have had

over 180 fights, so I have been doing it for 15 years. It is a

boxing match and one I have prepared for. I am ready. The sunshine came

out today, well for most of the day at least.

For much of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire it was a welcome break

from the wind and rain. Shops, attractions, and even ice cream

sellers, all made the most of the weather as people enjoyed the early

spring sunshine. Amanda White was amongst them.

Days like this are surely the stuff of summer holidays, not February

half term? And in Cleethorpes today people were making the most of it.

It has been brilliant, honestly. The sun shining on your birthday, for

once. At this cafe in Pearson Park, ice creams were the order of the

day. As long as they are out and about, they love it. But it is nice

to come out and not need your rain cover. The first ice cream of the

year, it is nice. It is nice to see the sun, get some fresh air. And

it's days like this that brings visitors to Saxby House and Gardens

near Market Rasen. A sunny day is fantastic because the crocuses all

open up and they show their faces, and they really shine in the

sunshine. The snowdrops do as well. It makes you feel more like getting

out and about. My friend phoned me and said how about going out to see

the snowdrops question but I said yes, that would be wonderful. And

then the weather changed! It is flipping cold now! There is

something about the sunshine in the morning. It makes us want to get out

and enjoy the fresh air. The only day that can beat it is if, when the

weather closes in, you have somewhere cosy to retreat to.

Let's get a recap of the national and regional headlines.

A peace deal in the Ukraine means a caretaker government within days,

and it's hoped an end to the unrest. Councillors in Lincolnshire vote to

give themselves a 23% pay rise. Tomorrow's weather: A dry day for

most, some cloud and sunny spells. Clouding over from the west later as

the breeze strengthens. Maximum temperature of nine Celsius.

Lots of response on our top story about councillors pay rises. Philip

says" in my opinion, it is completely unacceptable for

councillors to take any pay increase while the economy is in such poor

shape". Terry says, " once again we see public sector jobsworths

rewarding themselves for failure. What sort of crazy system is it that

allows these greedy people to vote for their own pay rises? " yet again

we are not in it together, absolutely they should reject the

rise". Harry says, " congratulations to the leader for rejecting his pay

rise. To those who don't accept, goodbye, I will vote for less greedy

people to represent us Thank you for your company tonight. ". Peter's

back on Monday. Bye bye.