27/07/2011 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

North. Tonight, Cleveland's top two police

officers are arrested and suspended. Sean Price and Derek Bonnard were

detained early this morning. We're live with the latest and ask who's

running the force tonight. Also tonight, aftershock.

Sellafield shuts one of its plants in the wake of the Japanese

earthquake. Hundreds of workers are effected. We have people there, 600

families, who will be concerned, and we need to reassure them we

will work on their behalf and that their talent will be redeployed.

Honoured for their gallantry. The families of two servicemen killed

in Afghanistan help unveil new homes for soldiers in their memory.

And just who is the man who can't walk past a car without scratching

it? So far he's caused more than �50,000 worth of damage.

In sport, Joey Barton quotes George Washington, as the Twitter war of

words rages on. And what price loyalty? Thousands

flock to honour Hartlepool's player First, the dramatic news that's

rocked one of our police forces. Tonight, Cleveland's chief

constable and his deputy are under arrest by officers investigating

corruption allegations. Sean Price and Derek Bonnard are being

questioned at a police station in North Yorkshire. Both have been

suspended from duty. As you can imagine it's caused turmoil at

Cleveland Police. Let's cross live to the forces headquarters on

Teesside and join our chief reporter, Chris Stewart.

You say turmoil, but the arrest of these two are top officers is not

the whole story. We also have a woman being arrested as part of the

same operation. We will wait to see what happens next.

It's been a torrid few months for this force and it gets no easier.

Today, its two top officers under arrest. Sean Price and Derek

Bonnard, both taken to a police station in North Yorkshire where

they've spent much of the day being questioned. And the offences being

investigated are serious. Misconduct in a public office,

fraud by abuse of position and corrupt practice. For three months

now, a number of people connected to the force here have been under

investigation for what has been referred to as "the manner in which

they've conducted business". That investigation was ordered by Her

Majesty's Inspectorate of Contabulary, which has asked the

Chief Constable of Warwickshire police to take overall command.

Today, though, Warwickshire Police had nothing to add to these latest

developments. Cleveland Police, too, didn't want to comment. What we do

know, though, is that police premises have been searched today.

Search teams are also understood to have visited residential addresses.

Sean Price became Chief Constable in 2003, having previsouly served

in the Merseyside and Nottinghamshire forces. He's one of

the country's top-paid policemen understood to earn more than

�200,000 a year. He's already the subject of another, but completely,

separate inquiry. That's being carried out by the Independent

Police Complaints Commission, following an allegation that he

used his position to try to secure somebody a job with his force. He

denies that ever happened. Tonight, ordinary officers here have been

left wondering where all this will end. The Police Federation said

this latest news had come as a massive shock.

Indeed a massive shock, Chris. Do they know who's in charge tonight?

A very good question. Nothing is official but we understand that an

Assistant Chief Constable is doing the job. This investigation has

also involve the Cleveland Police Authority. In May, a councillor,

who was the chairman of the Roddick, stepped down from his position,

having been told he could be part of it, although he said he had done

nothing wrong. Five months ago, Japan was rocked

by a massive earthquake and tsunami. Today, the ripple effect hit

Cumbria's west coast, with news that 600 jobs are to go at the

Sellafield Reprocessing Plant. The so-called MOX plant makes fuel from

spent nuclear rods. But it's only customers were Japanese nuclear

power plants, many of them suffering the effects of the recent

earthquake. Let's cross live to our business correspondent, Ian Reeve,

who's at Sellafield tonight. This is the end of the MOX plant

and it will shut as soon as possible. We probably should have

seen this coming when the earthquake hit in March in Japan,

given that his only plant was in that country. It may have been a

world away, but the Japanese earthquake has damaged jobs in West

Cumbria. The plant in Tokyo is to close. In need to build a protected

sea wall. Japan was its only customer. The terrible events in

Japan have meant our first customer for fuel is no longer able to take

it. There have been further delays as well, and as a result, it is no

longer practical to continue with the plant as it is, so we had

decommission bit and it operations have come to an end. Although 600

people will lose their jobs, it is very likely they will be redeployed

across the vast Sellafield site. Unions are hope for schools will

transfer. We have got people, 600 families, who will be concerned,

and we need to reassure them we will work on their behalf and tried

to get them redeployed and we are confident we can redeploy them.

Whilst this is a blow, but plant has cost a considerable sum, it is

not the end of the area's nuclear aspirations. There is a �300

billion market in Eastern Europe that we can access. With luck, the

MOX plant closure is just a blip. Admittedly, though, 600 people and

their families might find that of little consolation tonight.

Jamie Reed, the Labour MP for Copeland, is here now. Are you as

hope as the unions that these 600 people can be redeployed? I am

certainly optimistic. I have spoken to the site manager and the

prospects for considerable redeployment there. We are working

very, very hard to make sure that can happen. Don't forget,

Sellafield was already in the middle of a significant job

recruiting process, so there will be consequences with that, too.

we think of these people as specialist people dealing with

plutonium. But they are also engineers and draughtsman?

people at this plant a fantastically well skilled and

flexible. They can be deployed across a variety of projects across

the site and we will be working flat out starting today to make

sure they can be. Fingers crossed, not a hammer blow for the West

Cumbrian economy? No, I feel our best days are ahead of us. Thank

you for your time. Let's hope those 600 affected workers can find

alternative work on this must Sellafield site.

He's built his reputation on straight talking and acerbic

personality. A true dragon. Duncan Bannatyne, from the BBC's Dragons'

Den, has sounded off on a social networking site. He's offering a

reward for information leading to the arrest of someone threatening

his daughter. He first used his Twitter account to offer a reward

for information leading to an arrest. But he had to delete tweets

suggesting he'd pay double if the man was injured. Keith Akehurst

reports. He's the tough guy who doesn't hold

back. Not in his professional life. Not in his private life. So when

Duncan Bannatyne's daughter was threatened he responded.

Aggressively. A man called Yuri Vasilyev sent messages to the

Darlington multi-millionaire's Twitter site saying, "We will bring

hurt and pain into your life", and, "We are the men from Belarus. We do

not give up. Give us �35,000 or your 26-year-old daughter will be

hurt". Duncan Bannatyne called on his 370,000 followers. "I offer

�25,000 reward for the capture of the coward. Double if his arms are

broken first", a tweet he was forced to replace with, "OK,

�30,000 reward for info leading to his arrest". His reaction didn't

surprise his local newspaper, where he's a regular contributor. He came

in here to edit the paper for a date in March, and he was typically

brisk and abrupt. He reduced some of our hard hats to tears almost!

That is what has got him into a bit of difficulty here. Mr Bannatyne's

fortune of a reported �400 million has been amassed from businesses

run from here. Duncan Bannatyne declined an interview and Durham

Police have confirmed their conduct inquiries. We spoke to an officer

involved in this kind of investigation before, who says

police inquiries would have been easier if it had not been in the

public domain. A Teesside man accused with his

wife of selling chemicals over the internet to make drugs will be

extradited to America within the next month. Brian and Kerry Anne

Howes were accused of supplying chemicals to make crystal meth to

at least 70 illegal drug laboratories in the USA. The couple,

who recently lost their four-year appeal, against extradition have

always claimed they ran a legitimate business.

It used to be one of the nicer parts of the work routine. The

annual pay rise. But not, it seems, any longer. With private businesses

and the public sector both tightening their belts, three

quarters of workers in the North aren't getting a pay rise. It's the

highest figure in the country. Our political correspondent, Mark

Denten, reports. It's one of the warmest days of the

year so far, with soaring temperatures. Now, it is a shirt

sleeves to weather today, but do not be fooled. We are in the middle

of a big freeze. What's frozen is our pay. A survey by the Chartered

Institute of Personnel Development suggests three quarters of workers

in the North East have had a pay freeze. That compares to just 56%

in London and the South East. Have you had a pay rise? No. Not for the

last three years, I think. I have only just started my job so not yet.

10p! Binman Mick Dobson hasn't even had that much. His pay's been

frozen two years, and like many public sector workers, he's angry.

The likes of holidays, you can forget about that, but even your

day-to-day living, with fuel, petrol and food prices going up, it

is becoming harder to feed ourselves. But at this engineering

firm in South Shields, they've had a pay freeze for even longer -

three years. They said they could not afford it on the basis that we

could not pass on the rises to customers. Managers say there was

no alternative. And workers like Carl say "better no rise than no

job". Things are now moving on. They have told us we can be winning

new orders left right and centre. Summer's here, but for many bosses

in the North, it seems the time is not yet right to give the rest of

us a rise. Still making huge losses, but

things are on the mend. That was the message from the Northern Rock

today, as it announced it might make a profit next year. Half-year

results show it lost �78 million to the end of June, but that's much

less than the �140 million losses at this stage last year. And the

bank thinks it might be back in the black in 2012. Voluntary groups in

the region, however, fear they'll be plunged into crisis when the

bank is sold off. The Rock's charity arm has given millions to

good causes. Now there are fears the cash will dry up under new

owners, as Peter Harris explains for tonight's Look North report.

To them, this means everything, but soon they might be forced it to

stop? -- forced to stop. Why? Because the charity from Northern

Rock might have nothing left to give them. The funding has been

crucial. They would be absolutely devastated if they lost their

funding. It is a very big part of their lives and something that

affects their lives, but also they do a lot of work with younger

disabled people, so it is really important there is that role of

people. It is good because you can throw whatever you have got in your

own life away and become somebody else. Basically, we are like a

family. I had this ambition since I was five to do something with drama.

And now it has come to fruition. When you were singing, how do you

feel? Like a superstar. This is whether banking crisis hits the

most vulnerable. Part of Northern Rock's profits were given to his

charity arm, even when the Bank was nationalised, and the Government

agreed to keep funding good causes like this. But the bank is due to

be privatised again, and what if the new owner decides it does not

want to pay for this kind of thing? That means they are gone. Some MPs

have urged the Government de force the next owner to keep the charity

on going. In 13 years, the foundation has made 3,700 grants to

nearly 2000 groups. The total given away is put at �87 million. -- �187

million. At South Shields, they help from and homelessness.

would be a massive blow and I would urge the Government that whatever

the future of the Northern Rock bank, there are safeguards or sum

contributions made to the Northern Rock Foundation, to safeguard the

work going on around the region, which is excellent. Jenny and James

live at the project's house. would be homeless if this was not

available. It is a nice place to get on your own feet and give us a

sense of general independence. have been able to improve myself

confidence. To find my own way to get my own place. The collapse of

the Northern Rock was never going to be painless. If the foundation

does appears, though, it is the most vulnerable who might suffer

the most. Still plenty more ahead in

tonight's Look North, including the latest on Joey Barton's situation

with Newcastle United. Plus, a rest from the Nuclear

fallout. Youngsters from Chernobyl enjoy a month on Teesside.

And two big changes in the weather by the weekend. See what it means

what your plans later on. They were killed serving their

country and today their sacrifice was remembered. Two new

accommodation wings at Catterick Garrison were officially named

after two young soldiers killed in Afghanistan. The Brownson and

Brelsford Blocks, as they're to be known, will stand as an inspiration

to future trainees at Catterick. Peter Lugg reports.

A simple naming ceremony to remember two young soldiers who

lost their lives in Afghanistan and whose names will now be an

inspiration to generations of recruits to come. Corporal Lee

Brownson, from Bishop Auckland, and Sergeant Craig Brelsford, from

Nottingham. Both cut down on the battlefield, both awarded medals

for bravery. To be killed in action is a great... An act of great

honour on behalf of their friends, regiment and country. These two

young men not only were killed in action, they were killed during

axed -- extraordinary acts of valour, and that is why it is

important they are represented here. The accommodation wings, which now

bear the soldiers' names, are part of the ongoing transformation of

facilities at Catterick. This dormitory is typical of the type of

accommodation you get here, and which the two soldiers would have

had if they were starting now. A typical bed with pin ups and

posters of loved ones, and there will be 392 places for soldiers in

these new buildings. Lee Brownson's family believe the buildings are a

fitting tribute to their son's outstanding military career. This

is like Butlins. And they deserve it. This is what they need.

general said your son had helped make the world a safer place. Do

you feel that? Definitely. Tens of thousands of pounds worth

of damage has been done to cars belonging to people living near

Whitehaven. A serial car scratcher has made repeated attacks on

vehicles in several roads over a number of years. Today a man was

arrested in connection with the damage, as Alison Freeman reports.

Do you know this man? In the past two years, he's caused �56,000 of

damage, just by scratching more than 100 cars in Hensingham. These

scratches have been caused over the last 18 months or so. All by the

same person. It is not mindless vandalism like a drunk coming out

of town. It is just the frustration of, again, you know... The damage

has not been repaired because there is no point until it stops.

suspect appears to follow a route up Hensingham Road and into

Hensingham main street. The chip shop owner and his staff have all

had their cars vandalised. You just look at the car and you feel sick

that it has been scratched again. Once, where we have the car

scratched, we to kit into get repaired and I bought it out at 4pm

and at 7pm, it was scratched again, the same day. You will know the

emotional impact it has and then the financial impact, the excess,

the policy. I think it is a wicked, selfish act. The police reckon the

vandal has been at work for two years, but some victims reckon

their cars have been attacked as far back as eight years ago. Now

they just want a solution - something that will stop them

spending thousands of pounds on car repairs every year. Today, a man

was arrested and is being questioned by police.

On to the sport, and one high- profile departure.

Yesterday he was quoting George Orwell. Today Joey Barton chose the

words of George Washington, as the midfielder hinted he might stay at

Newcastle despite not being wanted by the club. In any case, with

Liverpool targeting full-back Jose Enrique, Barton may not be the

first out of the door anyway. Here's Katie Gornall.

Whatever you think about Newcastle's "persona non grata",

he's certainly not afraid to speak his mind. Despite being put on the

transfer list and made to train alone after criticising the club's

hierarchy, Joey Barton today hinted that he might run down his contract

at United. The 28-year-old said on Twitter, "Just because you're told

to jump, it does not necessarily mean you have to. I may choose to

stand perfectly still. It's my right. Just a thought". Questions

about Barton were off limits at last night's friendly at Gateshead.

Meanwhile, the odds have shortened on left-back Jose Enrique leaving

Tyneside before Barton, with Liverpool believed to be the

The spirit of performance. Just don't mention that word. It is a

difficult situation, but what pleased me about tonight was the

way the players mixed. For most important thing to me is this game

tonight and the way the boys are doing.

Now, away from the war of words on Twitter, a very different kind of

football story. Loyalty in the modern game does seem to be going

out of fashion, so it was great to see nearly 6,000 fans converge on

Hartlepool's Victoria Park last night to honour the man voted the

club's Player of the 20th Century. Please welcome Ritchie Humphreys!

Ritchie Humphreys, Hartlepool's record appearance holder, reminded

older fans of the days when players would often remain at the same club

for ten years or more. A great reception from the home crowd and

sizeable away following the man who'd made the shortish trip down

the A19 from Sunderland for this testimonial game. On a night all

about veterans, it was perhaps fitting that the 36-year-old summer

signing Nolberto Solano should open the scoring, although that was as

good as it got for Pools on the night. In fact, the home side were

3-1 down when Humphreys was substituted. The standing ovation,

a fitting tribute to years of loyalty from this man of steel.

He's from Sheffield. At the end of the match, daughter Eliza was once

again called upon to share the moment, leaving even grown men a

little misty eyed. Being in front of the town and for me to be

applauded in front of our supporters, I will never forget

that. I want to soak up tonight and enjoy the game and a run-out, but

overall, the elation at the end, my family in the stands and my

daughter in my arms, I couldn't ask for anything else. It is a

remarkable achievement and it is great that he has done a turn for

us. I am sure he has enjoyed his night. Only Wes Brown and Seb

Larsson of the summer signings were on show. Most of the rest will turn

out at Darlington tonight. Goals for Asamoah Gyan, with a hint of

offside, in-form youngster Jack Colback and new boy Larsson won't

have done the confidence any harm ahead of the league opener at

Liverpool. But the night belonged to one man, if not quite a national

treasure yet, certainly the pride of Pools.

In cricket, the home side are 416 runs behind. Durham held a 90-run

lead over Nottingham. That is the sport.

It's a holiday that few will ever forget. 24 children from Belarus

who all suffered from the fallout of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986

have been in the region today. They were in Middlesbrough as part of a

month-long visit around the country. Belarus received 70% of the

radioactive fallout from the explosion, and every year thousands

of children there are born with or develop cancer. Bringing them over

and giving them days out like this can extend their life span, because

all of them are suffering from the effects of the Chernobyl disaster.

It looks like it has been a nice day but not much of a summer so

We have got the facts and figures for July, and no surprises. Much

cooler than average and much wetter and done as well. If you needed

your memory jogging, how about this from Alan Smith. Huge downpours at

this regatta. The surfers are fighting their way through the mist

here as well. And when we did get some blue-sky, what did we find?

Huge waves crashing over the barriers. So quite a volatile July.

We look forward to August and it looks like we will have a turn for

the worse. Tomorrow looking particularly prone to rain, but for

Friday, another change in the air. Much cooler and pressure to end the

week with a little bit of sunshine and well worth the wait if you

don't like the heat and humidity. Some nasty, thundery showers in

North Yorkshire, which will be dying out in the next couple of

hours or so. The majority of the night will be clear with dry spells,

but into dawn, that is when the cloud moves in with the showers.

Temperatures into the mid- teens. In the North East, a brief, bright

start, but the cloud Press in East with and through the North East

through much of the afternoon. Things should dry and brighten up

by the end of the afternoon. Most should have a nice evening.

Temperatures are subdued compared to today. For the rest of the week,

on Friday, it will freshen up nicely. Feeling much cleaner with a

lot more sunshine and a very bright end to the week, with temperatures

steadily at around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius. By the weekend, a bit