12/08/2013 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

North. Tonight, 350 jobs to go from a North Yorkshire town with the

closure of a government department. A man admits killing his wife but

says it was not murder. The �5 million boost to our cycling routes,

but it comes as the death rate among the region's cyclists double. The

crack in this Lakeland landmark that could bring 1,500 tonnes of rock

the fourth test at Chester-le-Street where the Aussies have been keeping

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

the crowd entertained in more ways than one. These officers are dotted

around the region. Around 1,300 people are employed in the middle

and essentially, they do Administration work. They do the

paperwork on livestock and organise inspections. I understand from the

agency that people who are prepared to move next February will be

offered jobs at other agency offices. The nearest bar in York and

Newcastle and there are others in Carlisle.

How does that save the government money? There will be some people who

do not wish to move. It also turns out that police the building in

Northallerton expires in February. What has been the reaction there

today? I understand it does not come as too much of a shock because

rumours had been circulating for some time. The union says that in

the real world, a lot of people who cannot move, or indeed cannot move

because of circumstances personal to them, this will come as a big blow

to them. The agency says it will work to reduce the impact on as many

people as possible. A Tyneside man has pleaded guilty to

killing his wife. Mark Arthur appeared at Newcastle Crown Court

today but the court did not accept his admission of manslaughter. He

will now stand trial for murder. Heather author who was 50 years old

was found dead at her home for a month ago. She had been stabbed and

her husband was arrested. Today, 49-year-old Marc Ratner appeared in

court. He was asked to plead to the charge that on April the 29th,

49-year-old Mark Arthur appeared in court. He was asked to plead to the

charge that on April 29, he married -- murdered heather. He replied, not

guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The court was then

told that the prosecution view is that the more serious charges for a

jury to decide. The trial is expected to last five days and it is

scheduled for next month. Mark will remain in custody until then.

The government calls it a cycling revolution. �5 million will be given

to Newcastle to help build new routes and safer junctions. But

cycling death rates on the region's routes have doubled in just one

year. Campaign groups say cyclists still take their lives in their own

hands and today's announcement simply doesn't go far enough.

Newcastle's routes, lots of cars. A few cyclists but these people want

to turn it into a cycling city. Today Newcastle Council found out it

is getting over �5 million from the government to help do that. One of

the problems we have at the moment is that the cycle routes that we

have often disappear onto pavements or into the middle of the road at

short notice. We want to create a proper network across the city,

electing people with where they live and work. Newcastle have been trying

for years to get significant investment from the government into

trying to increase the levels of cycling in the city, so is

wonderful. There will be more money needed in years to come, but this

money announced today will be a significant opportunity for the city

in terms of bringing about a change. But is a cycling revolution really

round the corner? A recent Inside Out documentary revealed the reality

of life as a cyclist on the region's roads - cut up, abused and it gets

worse than that. The latest cycling fatality rate figures for the

north-east show 37 cyclists were killed in 2010. In 2011, that had

more than doubled to 78. Some cycling campaigners say this latest

funding announcement simply doesn't go far enough. I think cycling in

this country has had a flat tyre for quite a long time. Today feels a bit

like, it is nice to begin an something, but it feels like a

puncture repair kit with nowhere to go with it. By all means, we can

probably fix the flat tire, but there is no playground out there for

cyclists stop the roads are very hostile. Of course we need massive

changes to our roads and the way we interact on our roads. But we also

need to take space from the roads to dedicate it to cycling.

government says today's announcement will help cities like Newcastle

catch up with London's cycling provision. Labour called it cynical

spin. A cycling city or more two wheeled frustration? The jury is

out. Mark is with me. Some criticisms as

well as support today? The real question is, will these commands of

money give us that holy grail of politicians for generations have

been finding an integrated transport system. Remember that in Newcastle,

you cannot even bring a bicycle onto the Metro. Nexus who run it, say

that this for safety reasons because a bicycle would block the emergency

exits so they will not even be a trial on the Metro for another three

years. In the meantime, they are investigating the process of putting

cycle paths that this for safety reasons because a bicycle would

block the emergency exits so they will not even be a trial on the

Metro for another three years. In the meantime, they are investigating

the process of putting cycle pods at their stations which at least means

you can store your bicycle. Some disappointment from those who did

not get grants with Mike for National Parks got money to

encourage cycling. The North York Moors National Park applied and they

got nothing. But they are delighted at the investment elsewhere in the

country but they are very disappointed in their bid because

they think the North York Moors is probably the best national park for

cycling and the money would have --" it is for millions of people.

If you have a view on that story, log onto the Look North Facebook

page and let us know what you think. From today, people with a rare kind

of skin cancer could be treated with a daily pill which has been

developed here in the North. The drug, named Erivedge, has completed

clinical trials at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle

and has proved to be successful in treating visible lesions which are

inappropriate for surgery or radiotherapy. The drug will be

mainly used to treat cancers which occur on the head or neck.

A 16-year-old girl is being treated for serious injuries after the car

she was travelling in hit a barrier on the M6 in Cumbria. The crash

happened between junctions 43 and 44 near Carlisle. A 46-year-old woman

from Doncaster who was driving the car suffered minor injuries. The

girl is being treated at Newcastle's Royal Victoria infirmary.

As the controversy surrounding fracking continues to gather pace,

Greenpeace have revealed a list of potential sites where fracking could

take place. They're keen to stress that these are just potential sites

which have been earmarked for oil and gas exploration anyway, but

which would also now come under consideration for fracking. It shows

the most potentially lucrative fracking area runs to the south of

the North York Moors between Thirsk and Scarborough.

A �6 million crane has appeared on the South Tyneside skyline. At a

height of 70 metres, it stands taller than the Tyne Bridge. It has

taken eight weeks but the 750 tonne gantry crane to be assembled at the

Port of Tyne. Managers say it will allow them to expland their

operations and attract new business. Basically, it allows us to be much

more productive. Productive in terms of how quickly we can move

containers on and off the vessel and it gives us an uplift of

productivity of 25%. It gives us more resilience and it also allows

us to expand into the container market.

A landmark in the Lake District could be about to change for good. A

large crack has developed in Castle Rock at St John's in the Vale near

Keswick. It could big chunk of stone, weighing an estimated 1,500

tonnes, fall of. The section makes up part of the turret shaped

northern crag on the rock which is popular with climbers.

Sir Walter Scott captures the majesty of Castlerock in his

column. The landmark near the reservoir makes it popular with

climbers but change is afoot. A crack has appeared in the northern

crying which could send a piece of rock the size of a small house

crashing down. This climber has been climbing here for 45 years. He has

been monitoring the situation. first noticed it in the springtime

of 2011. We noticed that the crack had really moved. The tree that we

used to tie our ropes on to have disappeared. We can see that it is

still moving but is it going to move to a catastrophic level? There is

about 1,500 tonnes of rock that might come dine. It is not have

emerged during an earthquake in 2010. The valley runs the length of

the line and since then, it has grown. In places, it is four inches

wide. If nothing is changing, it is not normal. It is normal to have

these things happening. If it falls, it is thought the rock would shatter

on impact and houses below would be protected by woodland. It is like a

castle, it has two bastions. If we lose one of them, it is going to

completely alter its appearance. obviously have your office here, are

you worried that it will have an effect on any of the buildings here?

Not at all. We know all about the crack of course but we are not too

bothered. Ask me when it does end up in the back garden and I might have

a different answer! And other large rock fall in the 19th century caused

quite a stir here. This is probably one of the best accounts will stop a

bolder the size of St Paul's Cathedral fell into the lake and

caused a 20 foot tidal wave. Victorian climber George Abraham

said in his book that despite the huge size of the piece of rock that

fail, it failed to change the vast face of the mountain. But the

ensuing 20 foot tidal wave and crash that was rumoured to have been heard

as far away as Gosper, led locals to believe it was Judgement Day.

Bobby Moore, none me think. It is something that both climbers and

walkers should be aware of because obviously, you would often walk

underneath it. Unfortunately for the lovers of this iconic spot, it looks

like mother nature is about to destroy what ambitious and Rod 's

power never could. More than �1 million has been

awarded to small sports club across the region as part of sport

England's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy fund. It is intended to

encourage more people to have a go at sport and maybe even train the

stars of the future. We've been to an equestrian centre in North

Tyneside which will now undergo a make over, thanks to the cash.

One of the first of its kind and built in the 1960s, Murton

Equestrian Centre near Whitley Bay has been due a face-lift for some

time. Now �35,000 is on its way. surface now is obviously a health

hazard because of the dust in the environment so we are going to have

a new service put down, which will be better impact for the horses,

better for the riders about the dust. We will get a new lighting and

refurbish all aboard for safety. is one of 30 point projects across

the region to benefit from the Olympic Legacy Fund. There's 28

horses here and numerous keen riders who are over the moon their indoor

riding experience is about to get even better. Last year, with all the

snow, our outdoor arena was out of use all winter, so all the lessons

had to come inside. When the snow was on the road here, it tends to be

very dark and our lights are not as good as they could be. It is

brilliant news. Technology has moved on so we can have new lighting and

services. Fabulous news. It is hoped that this money will encourage more

people to come here and use the facilities, especially beginners, so

I am going to give one of the horses arrived. I am a total beginner so I

will see how I I get on. I have been riding on him for a few minutes and

he is taking good care of me, along with the girls here. It feels a

little bumpy and I feel really, really high up but it just shows

that somebody who is a beginner can get comfortable. You will probably

not see me in an equestrian event any time soon!

Time for sport and what a test match it is turning out to be a

Chester-le-Street. Both teams have been in the driving seat. Who is in

charge now? Mark can bring us up to date.

What a test match! Swinging one way, then the other. You have to say it

is Australia who are in the driving seat at the moment. Australia have

collapsed to 180 17. That is after England were bowled out today for

330. Ian Bell's century yesterday saw the momentum swing back to

England but he lasted just over half an hour this morning before he was

bowled by Ryan Harris for 113. Then with the very next delivery, Harris

steamed in and surprised wicketkeeper Matt Prior. Stuart

Broad kept out the hat-trick ball and smashed a few runs but Harrison

then dug one in and had Broad caught in the gully. England 275 for eight

at that stage. Yorkshire man Tim Bresnan took the fight back to the

Aussies, throwing the bat to push England beyond 300 and they were

helped by this comical dropped catch by the normally reliable Steve

Smith. The home fans certainly enjoyed that one. Harris eventually

finished with seven wickets. England all out for 330. The rain came down

and delayed things for a while but the Aussie openers Chris Rogers and

David Warner made a superb start and put on 109 before Rogers was caught

at the slip off the bowling of Graeme Swann. In this dramatic last

30 minutes, beginner of hope for England. The dismissal of David

Warner. The captain, Clark, has gone. The game has been completed

turned on its head. If England do not take the last three wickets,

there is plenty of room tomorrow. . Ticket prices dropped to �25 for

adults, just a fiver for children because it is unlikely to be a full

day's play. Before I go, congratulations to Cleator Cricket

club from West Cumbria who yesterday afternoon secured their place in the

National Village Cup Final at Lord's next month. They beat Rolleston from

Staffordshire by five wickets. In football, some transfer business

to tell you about. Sunderland have signed Czech defender, Ondrej

Celustka, who is 25, on a season-long loan from the Turkish

club, Trabzonspor. Newcastle United warmed up this weekend's Premier

league kick-off at the home friendly against Sporting Braga. The game

finished in a 1-1 draw. The United goal coming from the skipper. He had

earlier joined representatives from Braga at St James's Park in laying a

wreath at the statue of Sir Bobby Robson who was honoured by the FA's

National Football Day, a series of events held over the country to

celebrate grassroots football. Now, a repeat of last week in the

Football League. Three defeats and just the one victory to report. This

time, the winners were Middlesbrough and how they needed that after

losing their opening games in the League and the Cup.

Boss Tony Mowbray cut and angry and frustrated figure after Tuesday's

embarrassing League Cup defeat by Accrington. But he saw new signing

Albert Adomah quick to get into the action on his debut, although this

one wouldn't have counted. Boro had more width, more pace and got more

men in the box at Charlton. But it took some poor defending and a

looping header from Lucas Jutkewiecz to settle the three points and cheer

up Mr Mowbray. I thought we deserved it, we controlled the game. We have

got to push next week and get another three points. If we can get

it, we have experienced players and we will do OK. We have some speed

and some talented players. Despite midweek cup heroics, worrying times

for Carlisle. A squad lacking strength in depth struggled in front

of 13,000 at League Cup runners-up Bradford City who strolled to a 4-0

win. That's nine goals conceded in two League matches for Greg Abbott's

men. No wonder he's already predicting his toughest year in

management. Life in League Two hasn't been easy for Hartlepool,

although the home fans did see plenty of endeavour from their side

after visitors Southend had taken an early lead. New boss Colin Cooper is

quietly confident he can turn things around. This was a decent effort but

better finishing is needed, especially after the visitors played

the second half with ten men. Our only winners last weekend were York

City but manager Nigel Worthington, while pleased with his side's

performance at Dagenham and Redbridge, couldn't engineer a

repeat. Instead, goals in either half from Rhys Murphy and Brian

Woodall gave the home side a hard-fought 2-0 win.

There were defeats for both Berwick and Gateshead in their respective

opening League matches. The Northumberland athlete Laura

Weightman has suffered a disappointing exit from 1,500 metres

heats in the World Championships. The 22-year-old Morpeth Harrier made

the Olympic 1,500 metres final last summer but this year she spent time

on crutches after a fall at the British Championships in July and

she came in 11th in Moscow, more than ten seconds down on her

personal best. I knew it was going to be tough. I

felt OK for the first 600 metres but after that, I had nothing in my

legs. I just could not match the change of pace with the girls. Those

few weeks when I was on crutches, I missed some vital training. I am

just disappointed that I could not perform any better. It would have

been easy to say, do not go, but she has been here and she has worked

incredibly hard. We went to Barcelona with the team last week

and we could all see that she was struggling with her fitness but

everybody did the best they could. There was a terrific night of

speedway at Berwick on Saturday. The final of the world under 21

championship brought some of the most spectacular racing Sheffield

Park has seen for many years. The eventual winner was the young Polish

rider, Piotr Pawlicki, here in the blue helmet. Fellow Pole Casper

Gomolski was runner-up and well done to Workington's Kyle Howarth, who

Before we go to the weather, time to find out which picture snapped by

you at home will be our image for July in next year's Look North

calendar. Our judge for the month is Peter Zulu, former singer in

north-east band Toy Dolls, who never leaves the house without a camera in

his pocket. Now he spends his time running his pub in Sunderland so

Heather Clancy went along to meet him and show him your pictures.

From singing about an elephant, to running his own pub, Peter Zulu has

not had a quiet life. The band lasted for about a year and it was

just the usual thing about physical differences. I left and formed my

own band. Then a disintegrated and the leader of the band asked me to

go back again. I did and we did the lady elephant which became a huge

hit. -- Nellie the elephant. Nowadays, he is busy filling the

walls of his pub. I always have a camera in my pocket. I take

pictures. The whole place is full of my pictures. I don't want it to be a

boring pub, I want people to come in and point at them. He is a big fan

of taking pictures but how will he read the ones sent in by reviewers?

This is the first runner up, which is a great summer picture. A lovely

shot. I would love to have taken that. A guy fishing and some lovely

clouds. Wonderful. This is my winner. It is just brilliant. Loads

of character and I love the hair! It is perfect. That is the best one.

Easily. The picture will now become the July image in the calendar in

There has been an emphasis on the weather over the last few days. We

will bring you the forecast for the final day of the cricket later. All

eyes will be higher in the skies tonight because it could be the peak

of one of the best in your shores of the year. The hours before dawn

between midnight and 3:00 in the morning will offer the best chances

for viewing. After dark, the showers die away with beautifully clear

skies over North Yorkshire arguing those meteors. It will be a little

bit cloudier in the West. In order to showers here and temperatures

down to 10 degrees. Hopefully, the sunshine returns tomorrow too much

of the region. A little bit cloudier in the West with one to showers here

but nowhere near as widespread or heavy has a have been today. We have

been so lucky to get so much play at Chester-le-Street. Tomorrow

afternoon, fine and dry for most cases. Temperatures as high as 19

degrees. Sunny for much of the West. By the end of the afternoon,

temperatures at 18 degrees. It is quite cloudy bill with low pressure

dominating across Cumbria and the North. Generally try with

temperatures up as high inland as the low 20s. Not too much sunshine.

Just the odd shower around before more widespread rain arrives on

Thursday and into Friday. The weather for tomorrow, bright skies

through the morning for England as they attempt perhaps to finish of

Australia, let us also! It stays dry and potentially, a full day 's play