30/10/2013 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

That is all from the BBC's news at six, so it is goodbye from me,

Hello and welcome to Wednesday's Look North.

Tonight... A police chief backs legalised

shooting galleries for heroin addicts, but would they help get

drugs off the streets? Do not shut our care homes!

Campaigners stage a demonstration against plans to close five homes in

County Durham. A rare Roman helmet discovered in a

Cumbrian field goes on display in the county for the first time.

And how this man has carved a career out of carving pumpkins.

In sport, we will look ahead to what could be a tough night for Newcastle

United. And look back on what was a great

night to be a Scot in West Cumbria! And the North's young and talented

sports stars are back ` we have the first in a new series of Sportskids.

Realistic and forward thinking or a surrender in the war against hard

drugs? Durham's Police Crime Commissioner

is calling for so`called "consumption rooms", where addicts

can inject heroin legally, to be set up here in the North.

Ron Hogg says the facilities, often called "shooting galleries", would

help get drugs off the streets and reduce organised crime.

And Mr Hogg is pointing to an experiment in Scandinavia where

they're claiming success. The familiar and very public face of

our response to the drugs menace. To some, a blunt instrument that,

ultimately, does not work. And this is part of the response in

Denmark. At this consumption room in Copenhagen, addicts bring their own

drugs and are given sterile equipment to use, unmolested by the

law. To my best friends died this year because there was not any sort

of room like this. Other people who might have overdosed outside have

never done so in this room. Hard drugs are illegal on the

streets here, but the Danish police say the consumption rtooms work by

keeping crime off the street and they hav recommended them to

Britain. You do not see people lying in the streets taking drugs. It is

very good. The idea has caught the eye of

Durham's Police Commissioner. An officer for 30 years, Ron Hogg has

already backed his own Chief Constable's call for a debate on

decriminalising hard drugs. Now, he says it is time to give the

so`called "shooting galleries" a try, with heroin provided by the

NHS. Drugs are more as favourite pervasive than they ever were. I am

responding to what the communities want to tackle drug abuse in a

different way. We want parents knowingly children are safe. We do

not want to see drug dealers peddling drugs on the streets.

In fact, the idea of supervised hard drug use has been trialled in

London, Brighton and Darlington. The money for them ran out in 2011. Some

say they should not be revived now. It sends a message out which is

wrong. We have got treatment programmes already setup. The police

have to be given more power, because if you can start among the street,

you stop the supply and we do not have to have this debate.

Every UK politician knows how toxic the drugs debate can be. Mr Hogg

hopes to provoke some fresh thinking, all the same. This is a

provocative idea. Why does he think this is the best time to reset? He

is not naive enough to think he will have criticism. The neighbouring

police Commissioner said heroin use is in decline and this is not the

time to have this debate. But supporters say this is not drug

dens. This is all being done under supervision. In Copenhagen, BC the

number of people through the facility are now in rehabilitation

programmes to wean them off drugs. But Mr Haag is provoking a debate

and maybe he is hoping that other people will come forward an idea

voices to the debate, but he is believed to express their views on

the way he has, which I think will be confirmed when he picks up the

morning papers tomorrow. Well, plenty of reaction to that

story on our Facebook page already. If you have a view, log on and let

us know what you think. A former police officer on trial for

three sexual offences has admitted raping a different woman.

37`year`old Wayne Scott, who used to live in Stockton, admitted raping

another woman in a separate incident seven times over a number of years.

Stuart Whincup sent this report from Newcastle Crown Court. Wayne Scott

is on trial accused of rape, attempted rape and assault. The

attacks took place between 2003 and 2007. She said she did not report

the incident to the police because since he was a police officer, she

did not think anyone would believe her. But he has admitted seven rates

over a woman over a long period of time. He denies all three judges in

this instance and the trial will continue tomorrow. `` all three

charges. Two men have been arrested on

suspicion of child neglect after a two`year`old boy fell from a

first`floor window. It happened at Wigton in Cumbria. The child was

taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with minor

injuries. Two men, aged 29 and 35, are helping police with their

enquiies. Late night city centre bars in

Newcastle must pay a special levy from Friday. The city Council's

introducing the charge, the first of its kind in the UK, on premises

selling alcohol between midnight and 6.00am. They wll pay up to ?4,400 a

year, with money raised spent on tackling crime and disorder, as well

as street cleaning. Two hospitals criticised for their

standards of care say the latest inspections show they are making

progress. The Care Quality Commission did unannounced checks at

the Cumberland Infirmary and the West Cumberland Hospital last month.

The North Cumbria NHS Trust says improvements are happening, but

admit more is needed to comply with national standards.

Campaigners trying to stop the closure of five care homes in County

Durham have held a protest outside the county council offices today.

The homes employ 175 staff and house around 50 older people. If The

council's currently consulting on their future, but relatives fear the

uncertainty is already affecting the health of residents.

A clear message. Staff and relatives from the five care homes know what

they want. Pauline Robinson's 93`year`old mum lives in Newtown

House in Stanhope. You She says the uncertainty over its future is

already causing stress. Are is too good and we just got settled and is

as all blown up. She is feeling very nervous at the way she could go. If

she gets sent, she can go anywhere in County Durham. I could end up

having to make the bus journeys to visit her.

The protestors were hoping to win over councillors as they arrived for

a meeting. One, though, is already convinced

that Newtown House must be saved, partly for very personal reasons. My

mother went in the eight weeks ago and she is getting the best clear

envy. People would have to move away from the areas they have lived in

all their lives and I think it would kill some of them.

The council says it will listen, but the cost of the homes means they

have to be reviewed. If the council says it the lambs, it could save ?1

million a year. But the protestors say cost should

not be the deciding factor. You can tell that feelings are running very

high. The other wanting to get across to the council that there

should not just be about a financial issue. A lot of it is about job

security as well. The consultation on the homes runs

until January. The owner of Durham Tees Valley

Airport has been outlining the impact of the end of flights

operated by holiday giant Thomson. Yesterday, it announced the

scrapping of the summer 2014 programme, a move instigated by the

Airport. The small number of weekly Thomson

flights did not make it economically viable for Durham Tees Valley.

Our business correspondent Ian Reeve is outside the Airport now. Is the

Thomson move a big blow for the Airport? In recent years, the

Airport has had a number of blows, such as losing the links to London

and failing in its efforts to get government money to provide a large

update. Here from the Airport in a minute, but I have been talking to

travel industry professionals and he has put the Thomson decision into

context. I was surprised about the sensationalism yesterday when I hear

that they had cancelled the entire 2014 programme. The entire logo

consisted of only two flights to Spain, so I think that is negligible

to the future of the Airport. But the Airport also had more news

regarding holiday flights today? Yes, the said they were scrapping

their flights in the summer to Bulgaria for 2014. It was only

during the summer months once a week, but that will be scrapped and

may lead to some redundancies. It is clear we need to make some changes

to the business. A small number of people will be affected, but it is

to Emily about how many that will be until we finalise that process.

What is the future shape of the Airport likely to be? The Airport

says it will retain its daily flights to Amsterdam and Aberdeen

and the summer flights to Jersey, but we will see some of this massive

massive terminal in mothballs. Elsewhere on the site, they are

going to try and attract aviation led businesses. We have an fire

training school here and there will be time to get the sort of

complimentary businesses attracted to year. They are also going to

publish a master plan next month, which will give is a better idea of

the future seat shape and size of the Airport.

A rare Roman helmet discovered in a Cumbrian field is going on display

in the county for the first time. The ?2.2 million Crosby Garret

Helmet was found on farmland three years ago, but the Tullie House

Museum in Carlisle failed to raise enough money to buy it at auction.

After months of negotiations, the venue will be showing it from

Friday. Past meets present. The youngsters were given a sneak

preview of one of the most significant Roman finds the country

has ever seen. Discovered in a field three years ago, it is going on

display in Cumbria for the very first time. It looks like an elf. It

would be scary as someone popped up wearing that mask. And you scared of

it? A little bit. It looks very pretty and looks very harsh. The

infusion is to found it sold it at auction, when it went to a private

bidder. However, the museum could not match the 2.2 million sale

price. After months of negotiation, it will be shown in Carlisle for the

next three months. It was thought it was shown one at sporting events,

rather than in battle. It would have been worn by the most elite horsemen

of the cavalry. You can imagine in the sunlight, the sun reflecting off

this golden phase. The beauty about the way it is displayed as you can

see every detail from every angle. When you get face`to`face with it,

you really get to see its haunting stayer. When I first saw the

reconstruction, it is a symbol of power, of Imperial mate and that is

what these games were for. It was not too sure of just skill, but also

the power and might of the Roman army, which was effectively the

police force of the Empire. It's Halloween tomorrow of course and

thousands of pumpkins are being card ready for the big night. For one man

from your, the run`up to is hectic. Dave Turner has made a career out of

carving pumpkins and this year he is applying his spooky creations for

the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show.

They are in the shops and disappearing fast. But while most of

us will card just one or two pumpkins, one man from your has big

ambitions. I hate Halloween. Well, I don't really hate it. This designer

has carved over 200 scary pumpkins this year. It is a scary project. I

have worked with some very big names. They'll have a lot of good

ideas and it is my job to make sure that they come to life. This piece

of music is striking fear to. Strictly Come Dancing has ordered

pumpkins for their Halloween special on the 2nd of November. It is

fantastic. I think Bruce Forsyth will love it! Dave now has little

time to complete the orders. The job for Strictly Come Dancing involves

carving the hosts and judges. By the 2nd of November his Halloween

pumpkins will have been seen by around 9 million people. What will

Craig Revel Horwood think the West? What does he do the rest of the

year? Pumpkins have gone a bit posh. Let's

talk about sport now. More than seven a half thousand

rugby league fans packed into Workington's Derwent Park last night

an amazing World Cup game between Scotland and Tonga. It was the

biggest crowd scene at the growing from 20 years and they were treated

to an absolute thriller. Packed with players from the top

Australian League, and with a mean looking war dance, the Tongans were

odds`on favourite to win Group C stop and in the early stages with a

hefty weight advantage the loot as if they'd simply sweep the Scots

aside stop but the Bravehearts lived up to their nickname and forced the

South Pacific Islanders into a string of mistakes. They scored

three tries before half`time, one of them from Workington's and get

Carter. Drilling by 20 points to four, the Tongans stepped up several

years after the break and looked unstoppable. For times they crossed

the Scottish line, to surge ahead 24`20. But with one of their few

attacks of the second half, Matty Russell squeeze through with seven

minutes to go and skipper Danny Brough fifth successful kick of the

night put them back in front, 26`24. Still, the drama was not over. The

Tongans Bobby had pulled the game out of the fire. But the video ref

said no. Fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. VPN from Scotland's

Dozier. First ever game, mother and daughter. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Good to see a crowd. It was only Scotland's second World Cup win.

Next up, they take on the Italians back at their wet Park on Sunday.

In football, Newcastle United are bidding to reach the quarterfinals

of the week up for the first time since 2006. Like tonight 's visitors

Manchester City, the Magpies are still smarting from conceding a late

winner against fierce rivals. Alan Pardew knows it'll be a huge task

this evening. I want to win the trophy for the fans and it would be

a great way to put away the disappointments. Man City has been a

problem team for us. We are looking for a big improvement. I have three

or four players that might have a chance of playing against Chelsea so

it is an opportunity for players really close to our first team to

make a stand for Chelsea. Central defenders Fab Michu: Jeannie and

Steven Taylor are still injured. Full radio commentary on BBC

Newcastle. York City moved away from the league two relegation zone with

a 4`1 victory over Scunthorpe. An early deflected goal from Josh

Carson gave the Minstermen the perfect start. And Wes Fletcher made

it 2`0 with just 12 minutes on the clock. Nigel Worthington was

disappointed to concede early in the second half, he was pleased with the

performance and an important three points.

Tonight is the start of a new series of Sportskids he and Look North. You

may remember we asked you to tell us about young people who are talented

or simply just great triers at their chosen sport.

Our first Sportskid is an eight`year`old martial arts expert

from North Shields. He is an Italy right now. He is representing

England at the World Championships. I am eight years old and a martial

arts expert. Time and clear. Lively by name and likely by nature.

Joe has only been doing martial arts for a couple of years but has

already achieved a purple belt. I like eight Roundhouse kick. He had a

lot more confidence now because he was quite shy before. He won't let

anyone believe him. His love of karate and kick boxing

began when his dinner lady encouraged him to start training

will stop she is an instructor. Joel became hooked. He is a regular at

the school. He is just so dedicated and loves it and tries his best.

Joel already has an impressive medal haul.

He has won the European Championships two years in a row.

This is a gold European medal. Now he is flying the flag for England at

the World Championships in Italy. The fact that he is going to Italy

is amazing. I would like to see him heading towards his black belt when

he is a bit older! Here's our delight. He listens. He is going to

Italy! Do you like to sleep in your martial arts uniform? Yes. What do

you not to do when you grow up? The kick boxing! Now it is my turn.

Good luck to Joel in Italy! We have some beautiful sunny weather

but first this is the photo we received.

We are expecting the rain to clear but more showers on the way

tomorrow. It is possibly not beach weather. Clear skies for a time and

not quite as chilly as last night. Would tonight of six or seven

Celsius. First thing tomorrow, rain. Increasingly showery in the

north`west with a brisk south`westerly winds blowing the

showers across the region. 11 Celsius, about the same as today. It

could well be dry for people going out for Halloween. The temperatures

in Cumbria not quite as cool. Over the next couple of days to come, it

is feeling decidedly cool. Breezy. 12 spots of rain likely overnight

Friday into Saturday and could be quite gloomy. In the north`east,

more sunshine to come through Thursday. On Friday quite settled.

What it will be chilly, with temperatures on Saturday struggling

to make it into double figures. It will feel a little bit wintry. Happy

trick`or`treating. That is all from us tonight. Goodbye.

Everyday normal things that everybody does is where I use my energy.

I haven't got an extravagant lifestyle,

I've not got a hot tub outside or something like that.

In essence, it is a choice between heating or eating.

We will still eat and we will still have heating