22/11/2011 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Welcome to Tuesday's Look North. In tonight's headlines: will they miss

the winter? An investigation after it's revealed a new fleet of snow

gritters won't arrive until January at the earliest. More bad news for

troubled Cleveland Police. After a six-year low - crime is up. Some

say an internal inquiry's to blame. The mother of a 12-year-old boy

killed by a young driver calls for government action to make our roads

safer. Still very angry. We kept him safe all that time then someone

just wiped his life out. And Gloria's Garden. The broadcaster

lends her support to a Durham hospice. Motorsport fans are left

reeling as the region's main circuit turns down one of its

biggest events. And, fancy seeing you again! Jockey and horse re-

united six years after one of their After two years of early snowfalls

in the region, our local authorities have been telling us

how they're ready for the worst the weather can throw at us. But

Northumberland County Council will not be as well-prepared for the

start of winter as it had had hoped. An urgent investigation has been

launched after news that a fleet of new snow gritters won't arrive

until January at the earliest. Officials say it won't affect the

winter gritting schedule, but some politicians say the council's

winter preparations are in chaos. Here's our Correspondent, Mark

Denten. It is almost exactly a year since these scenes. November 24th,

2010, and winter came early. Northumberland County Council must

It has emerged that an order for five new gritters for the South

East of the county was only placed by the council in the summer. The

gritters won't get here until January. On the face of it, it

looks as though an hour has been made, a major hour, but the reality

is, the process may not have been as efficient as it might have been,

but we can sort that out. Council says its winter gritting

plans are on schedule, but opposition councillors are worried.

I am absolutely horrified. These are vehicles that it was agreed we

needed last January, in the worst of the winter weather, and almost

one year on, we're still not here. And Northumberland Council tax

payers we spoke to are looking for an explanation. Are you happy?

definite when not. Last winter was bad enough. It is crazy. It is just

the same as before - nothing changes. We have a very bad winter

last year. In November. It is a disgrace. As you can see it this

council depot, there is plenty of grit, but are there enough gritters

to get it out on a rose? We have a full complement of gritters that

have all been refurbished. We have had a job getting them up to

scratch after the severe effect that Winter had upon them.

County Council says it won't actually pay the �304,000 for the

new gritters until they arrive in the region.But that could be after

the winter has already done its worst. A psychiatrist has told the

inquest into the death of Ashleigh Ewing how the man who killed her

had stopped taking anti-psychotic drugs a little over a fortnight

before the tragedy. Ashleigh died at the hands of Ronald Dixon after

she'd been sent to visit him alone by the mental health charity she

worked for. Dixon was sent to a secure hospital after admitting

manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. Chris Stewart

reports from the inquest in Newcastle. Ashleigh Ewing was just

22 when she died. That was in 2006. But only now has anyone from the

NHS given their side of the story. It came here at Newcastle Coroner's

Court, where we were told how Ronald Dixon went to Buckingham

Palace with his dog, telling a police officer that he was there to

kill the Queen, and that led them being detained for 28 days under

the Mental Health at, but when he was transferred to Newcastle, a

clinical team decided there was no clinical justification for

detaining him further, and he was released. Dixon had previously

attacked his own parents with a hammer. The inquest heard drugs

were used to help keep him stable, and that he had delusions that he

was royalty. On May 2nd, 2006, a psychiatrist went to see him at his

flat in Newcastle. Ashleigh's family listened as Dr Patrick Keown

said Dixon was by now refusing to take anti-psychotic drugs - but the

doctor said his mental health was as good as he'd seen it. In the

days following, however, mental health workers couldn't contact

Dixon. Neither could representatives from Mental Health

Matters, a charity based in Sunderland which housed Dixon and

which employed Ashleigh. On May 19th, she was sent to visit him and

was killed - stabbed as many as 40 times. The coroner, David Mitford,

put it to Dr Keown that the lack of contact represented a breakdown in

Dixon's care plan. Dr Keown said that if anyone had said during this

time that they thought Dixon was mentally ill, he would have visited

him, he could not say that, said the coroner, because they couldn't

get to see him. Earlier this year - Cleveland Police was voted the

country's top police force. Public confidence was at a record high and

crime figures an all-time low. But now Cleveland Police is itself

embroiled in a high profile corruption investigation. And

recorded crime has - for the first time in six years - increased in

the area. That's led to some critics accusing the force of

taking its eye off the ball. Stuart Whincup reports. It's the headline

no police force or politician wants. Recorded crime on the increase.

Rises in vehicle crime, burglary, theft and robbery come as the force

itself is embroiled in a major criminal investigation into

corruption. It is definitely a concern. Other police concentrate

more than what is happening with the street comforter -- are the

police concentrating more on what is happening with the Chief

Constable, Ra than what is happening on the streets? -- rather

than. The increase is more significant than dramatic. 335 more

crimes have been committed than this time last year. But the force

says 84% people were satisfied with the service the received from

Cleveland Police. So do people in the Gresham area of Middlesbrough

believe the police are doing a good job? I think they do a very good

job. We get a lot of police cars up and down the road. It takes them

half-an-hour, an hour and a half to come. A I think the police but

brilliant job considering the numbers they have banned the area

they beat the cover. We see very little crime round here. He

increase in crime the force says has more to do with the recession

and financial pressures, than Cleveland's corruption

investigation. The priorities are in criminal damage. Metal theft is

increasing, which has to do with international pressures on the

price of metal, and we are targeting shop crime. If we can

achieve targets in these areas, the overall levels of crime will fall.

Patrols will be increased in areas that are deemed to be crime

hotspots. A mother from Sunderland whose 12 year old son was killed by

a speeding driver is calling for a change in the way driving licences

are issued to young people. Steven Atkinson died in October 2009. His

mother, Violet, has been speaking today at the launch of Road Safety

Week in the North East. Adele Robinson reports. Steven Atkinson

overcame more than most do in a lifetime. Born with health problems

and diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 3, he'd battled to stay

alive. But at the age of 12, Steven was knocked off his bike and killed

by a speeding driver. I am very angry because be kept in safe for

all that time and then someone just white is live out. Last year 21

year old Ross Telfer was convicted of death by careless driving and

sentenced to eight months in prison. Today for Road Safety Week Violet's

backing calls for a graduated driving license. A way of gaining a

license over a longer period of time, in stages. The longer you

have learned to Drive, the more aware you are of your car, you know

what you're doing. Violet's supporting Road safety charity

Brake. They're targeting the region's high number of deaths

involving young drivers. The problem is not getting better.

Every six weeks, Adam Pearce has killed on roads in the North East,

and every two days, a young person suffers a serious injury. Today's

car crash scene at Sunderland College hit home. Alex was knocked

down by a car last week. It shows the seriousness of what could have

happened, if I was a passenger in the car. And also if they had been

speeding was up yes, if they had been gone that fast. It is very

upsetting. My boyfriend had at the very same thing, to see the re-

enactment, it brings back bad memories, when I walk past, when it

was happening, so I felt really upset. The demand today is for

government action. A drive up and down the country for a new

licensing plan - it's said - could save lives. This week, the

Government announced help for first time buyers struggling to get on

the housing ladder. And the news has been welcomed by some in the

Cumbrian town of Keswick. A number of greenfield sites have been

proposed for building new homes in the area, which is in the heart of

the Lake District National Park. But many existing home-owners are

against it. Alison Freeman has more. When Daniel Reed goes home, it's

not to his own place. At 27, he still lives with his parents.

Studying for a PHD, with the hope of becoming a lecturer. He'll end

up with an above average salary of more than �30,000 - but it still

won't be enough to buy a house in Keswick. I have grown up you all my

life. I have friends and family here. I am into running and cycling

and I want to continue to enjoy that. I love the countryside. Just

to move away because I cannot afford to live here. A two bedroom

flat in Keswick costs more than �200,000 - that's at least ten

times the salary of a shop worker, so the national parks authority has

come up with a solution - it's suggesting four green field sites

which affordable housing could be built on - and that's controversial,

to say the very least. Some who live near the proposed sites agree

there's a need for affordable homes, but the move would set a dangerous

precedent. I have a three-year-old daughter. I was walking down here

with a, and they said people had suggested building houses on this

site, and she said, well, that is horrid. Sheep and cows belong in

feels Foster and they think she got it about right. People come here

because it is a beautiful place. If you start expanding the town out

was, that detracts from a national park. We will end up killing the

goose that lays the golden egg if we do not build houses poor. It is

that young people are keep the town alive, in terms of teachers, carers,

people working in shops, all that economic activity will disappear,

as well. Many argue unused brownfield sites in the town centre

should be turned into homes first. But the National Park Athority says

business sites where jobs can be If you have been falling and the

weather forecasts you will know that temperatures are falling

tonight. But that is in nothing compared to what one university

student will face. She is trekking to the South Pole, beginning

tomorrow. She will see more than 700 miles hoping to become the

youngest Briton to do so. -- skiing. The weather in Antarctica is never

forgiving. In the summer temperatures still dropped to minus

ten. But it could become much colder. The expedition team are

seasoned traveller's but a Brioni is confident in her own abilities.

I have been mountaineering since the age of 17 and have a good level

of experience. I can handle myself in a small group. I am quite

confident in my abilities. But if they are 20 years older than me

then that is 20 years more life experience. So it can be daunting

comparing what they have done but I still think I can hold my own.

It is all smiles now and before flying out from Chile, Briony sent

us this. If this is the moment you have all

been waiting for. The latest piece of kit. I have some sewing to do

later on tonight to so on my sponsor's logo was. Obviously they

support me. This is what I will be living in, pretty much, whenever I

Good luck to her. We will keep you updated on the progress. More to

come on tonight's programme. Young at art. The 86-year-old about to

become one of a Breton's oldest graduate. And most of us around for

frost tonight. Join me shortly for the forecast.

The broadcaster, Gloria Hunniford, has been visiting a Durham Hospice

today. She to have to the newly created garden at St Cuthbert's.

Her daughter, Caron Keating, died of cancer. It was an important

journey for Gloria Hunniford. She came to see for the first time a

pebble with her daughter's name on It is my way of coping. I lost a

child. Losing any body is very painful but losing a child teacher

to a place, a black and this, you thought you could never reach. --

losing a child takes you to a place, a blackness.

This pebble as one of 60 each representing the life of a loved

one in this garden. It marks a donation from the Caron Keating

Foundation. Another grant from the Department of Health has enabled

five acres of gardens. Alex's wife died here and he helps look after

them. I would rather visit St Cuthbert's

than a cemetery, for example. Anybody can visit. My family were

happy I was coming somewhere like this.

The grant also meant a new green house where they can grow and cook

their own food. They have transformed the place. My

father was here in September last year. We have seen a transformation

with the gardens outside. And there is more to come, with

Gloria Hunniford donating a new garden which will be planted next

year. He considered himself absolutely

useless at painting the yet to more or, grandad, Ken Dixon, will prove

his talent at the age of 86. -- yet tomorrow. It comes Eimear of 72

years after he left school. -- a media. -- mere. Ken is graduating

with a degree and a fine art. -- a degree in fine art.

I have been accepted by the students, although I resisted

dyeing my hair green or blue! They have made no differentiation

between me and themselves. I can say the same of the tutors also.

Kenna left school at the age of 14 and believed he had no talent for

art but he has proved his point 72 years later. He began painting in

1993. He used a pad at originally bought for his honeymoon in the

1950s. A formal education as soon followed. He had served in the

array effort during the war and that proved useful during a study

trip to pride. -- served in the RAF. He helped can down a younger

students who was nervous about flying. That was very poetic given

his involvement in the Second World War.

I remember a-pawn, the last line of it. In another hundred years I will

still be 21. Well I am only 86 and still feel 21.

The television presenter and fund raiser, Helen Skelton, has been

given an honorary fellowship by the University of Cumbria. She returned

for a special ceremony to celebrate her achievements. She has walked a

higher line at Battersea Power Station and was the first women to

can do it the length of the Amazon river.

-- canoe. This place holds a special part in

my heart. To graduate here once was a big deal, a second time is a

massive honour. That is impressive.

Time for the sport. The region's motor sport's -- the region's

motorsport fans are reeling from the news that North Yorkshire will

not host a round of their 2012 British Superbike championships.

The number of days Croft circuit can allow racing on the track is

limited by a court injunction and they felt in the current economic

climate hosting the superbikes was a commercial risk.

To not have it is a massive a blow for local supporters and not only

that, the teams, competitors, Marshalls, officials, probably

something like the tiny wheeled Derby not taking place. It is that

equivalent in the motor sport Let's hope it is just for this year

and superbikes will be back here in 2013.

One of the top events in the Horseracing calendar was switched

last here because of the snow on Tyneside. One Year On and the

Fighting Fifth Hurdle should, fingers crossed, have no problems.

All eyes will be on one of the superstars of British Horseracing.

The 16 time it champion jockey, A P McCoy, winning last year at the

Grand National. All being well he will ride one of the favourites,

Binocular, at the famous Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

He he is a great ambassador. A legend. The way that Nicky

Henderson's horses have been running lately, they will be flying.

Tony Dobbin, who trains horses in Northumberland, was reunited with

the now retired 11-year-old, Arcalis. The early Cold snap last

year meant the race went south. With cold wind blowing through the

economy it is just as well that a repeat is unlikely this year.

We have to find ways of bringing people low on income to the

racecourse. Saturday is a huge day and financially a large pay-day for

us. The more support we get the more we can improve racing's fall

of the future. The Royal regiments -- the Royal

Regiment Fusiliers will provide the marching band.

The funeral of Middlesbrough football scout Alan Keen to place

this afternoon. The Cortes past the Riverside Ground as a mark of

respect. He later became an MP and died of cancer at the age of 73.

Last night we were unable to bring you the goal of the weekend. It was

scored by Paul Robinson of Whitley Bay. What about this effort? 35

yards. And the one that their game 4 - 1. They are attempting to win

the FA vies for the 4th time in a As we have heard through the

programme temperatures will be called tonight. So we have put our

Yes, we have heard mentions of the winter weather. Bailey cloud in

this guy heading into this evening however. -- barely a cloud in the

sky. But temperatures will continue to drop overnight. Clear spells

with Frost for many of us. Temperatures will fall and there

will not be much wind around. Cold enough for widespread ground frost.

Later in the night the cloud will thicken the from the West. Back

thicker cloud will produce the odd spot of rain. It will slowly left

temperatures as well. It will be accompanied by a south-westerly

breeze. Windscreen Frost for many in the morning. Tomorrow, a fairly

cloudy picture. Lots of cloud in the West. Drizzly rain over the

Cumbrian fells and the Pennines. Eastern areas have the best chance

of seeing breaks in the cloud and brighter intervals. A cold day and

temperatures will eventually reached beyond today. But it will

be tempered by the fact there is lots of cloud around with outbreaks

of rain and a gusty south-westerly wind. Let's take a look at the

pressure sequence. As that front moves away it will eventually be

followed by a North Western called Front and a band of rain. That will

clear away on Friday. -- cold front. Friday, dry and brighter but cool

A final look at their headlines: Egypt's military rulers have agreed

to speed up presidential elections as thousands continue to protest on