21/01/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

rain from the east. That's all from the BBC News At

Hello. Welcome to Tuesday's Look North. In tonight's programme:

Growing anger over the decision to close a city centre fire station.

The authority's urged to think again about how to save more than ?8

million. Road to repair ` in the midst of

massive cuts, Middlesbrough's mayor announces he's spending millions on

potholes. Virtual credits ` Cumbria's

university becomes the first to accept Bitcoins as payment for

courses. And Le Tour lockdown. Details

revealed of traffic no`go zones when the world's biggest cycling event

comes to Yorkshire. In sport, we're live in Spennymoor

with the region's latest boxing champion as he tries to inspire the

next generation. And can Sunderland prove the bookies

wrong to win a chance of getting their hands on the League Cup? We

look ahead to tomorrow's big game. Think again and do not put lives at

risk. That was the message from residents, traders and politicians

today about the decision to close a Sunderland city centre fire station.

It is part of a package of cuts approved by the fire authority

yesterday but there is growing anger about plans which will see two other

stations shut and one in five firefighters lose their jobs.

Sunderland's current city centre fire station, open to protect the

public since 1993. But now Tyne Wear Fire Brigade believes it could

be shut without compromising safety. The firefighters who work here

disagree. This is the busiest station in the whole Wearside area.

We cannot believe that they are considering closing the fire

station. We need to stop this. So soon the new fire station will

become like this one, a museum piece, but the people who live in

the city centre are not worried. The residents are very concerned,

anxious, angry. Less than 20 years ago they close the fire station

behind me and opened the new one because of the demand needed in the

city centre. Now they are saying they can cope with this demand with

the three outlying fire stations. But does not make sense. Traders are

also concerned. Businesses had objected to the proposed closure, so

the decision to press ahead has left a sour taste. We are going to lose

fire station and the police station might close as well. What is next?

There are no essential services in the middle of our city. There is

anger and fear, but also questions about the public consultation that

led to the decision. The population is 1.1 million. Very few of them

were consulted. It is not because people are not interested, it is

because people did not know it was going on. Until 1974 Sunderland had

its own fire service, and 49 firefighters were based in his old

Fire station at one stage. So people in the city might be a bit wistful

about the days when they could make their own decisions about their Fire

Brigade. Today the brigade is facing the reality of having to save ?8.8

million in three years. It says difficult decisions are necessary

but has it made the right ones? Richard is here now. Quite a

reaction to these cuts. Is someone prepared to defend them? Of course.

Two other fire stations, Wallsend and Gosforth, will close. But the

crucial question is will this lead to fire engines getting slower

response times to incidents where lives are at stake? The council made

the decision yesterday where the cuts will fall. They say the answer

to that question is no. What we are able to do by making

sure that we can continue to support services from nearby stations is a

guarantee that fires which affect a property or life will still be

responded to as quickly in Sunderland as they will be in other

areas of Tyne Wear. So the location of the station is

secondary, really, to making sure we continue to have good response

times, and Tyne Wear will still be the fastest in the country for

responses to fires. I do not expect those reassurances will lessen the

pressure from places like Sunderland. But the Tyne Wear Fire

themselves are lobbying the Government. They want a better

settlement. We need to fight back and not be

paralysed by the cuts, that is the view of Middlesbrough's Mayor after

the council said it needs to cut ?15 million to its budget. 300 jobs will

be lost and 300 transferred to other organisations. But the council is

also looking to invest millions in the roads. After the mayor spent a

weekend driving 250 miles around the time to check what state they were

in, that is. We already knew what services were

going to be cut. It was announced at the end of last year. It has now

been recommended for approval. Things like athletics stadium, two

training and learning centres. Like many councils they will also be

cutting recycling, littered picking, grass cutting. But the mayor wants

to invest in the long`term future of Middlesbrough and he wants to spend

?50 million fixing the roads. Business here is booming. At this

Middlesbrough garage, they see a four cars a damaged by potholes. The

cost of the repairs are not cheap. It could be ?200 or ?300 for a wheel

bearing. If you damage and alloy wheel it could be another couple of

hundred pounds per tyre. It damages the suspension. Across the country,

the road network has suffered serious damage in recent years with

heavy rains, storms and flooding, but with cats is reducing their

budgets, there is less money to fix the potholes. `` councils reducing

their budgets. There has been a 30% increase in call`outs to cars

damaged by Port Road services. No Middlesbrough's Mayor is wanting to

spend ?15 million over three years in improving the roads. We have to

actually have a really decent work programme over a period of three

years to deal with the problem. At the present, we need to concentrate

on 300 roads. There are other roads as well you could add to that. ?50

million will go towards resurfacing 750 roads in the town. The idea is

that by spending the money now and improving the roads, the council

will save money in the future having to repair them.

After his 250 Mile Drive, the mayor said he needed urgent action was

needed for the town's roads. The money will be spread over three

years to tackle the problem. Police have not yet named a man who

died in a car crash on a busy Cumbrian broke this morning. His car

collided with a dairy tanker a few miles from Carlisle on the main A595

which links North and West Cumbria. The road was closed for several

hours with lengthy diversions. Police say they need to speak to any

possible witnesses. A Sunderland `based firm has admitted blame

following the death of a teenage apprentice.

Jason Burden, 19, was crushed by a heavy machine in 2011. Tyne Slipway

and Engineering pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety at

Newcastle Crown Court. He firm was fined ?75,000 and costs.

The University of Cumbria has become the first public University in the

world to accept a virtual currency to pay fees. Students will be

allowed to use Bitcoin to pay for two finance`based courses. The

digital money cuts banks out of the payment process, as Alison Freeman

reports. You cannot hold it in your hand and

it is not considered legal tender, but the virtual currency Bitcoin can

be used to pay for a wide range of things, and that now includes

education. As of next year, the University of Cumbria will accept

the online payments for two financial courses where the role of

new kind of money are being studied. They are the first public university

in the world to accept this payment. Bitcoin and similar currencies have

taken off in the last 12 months so we need to include them in our

analysis of what we call complementary currencies, which also

includes local currencies, time banks and local pounds. People are

getting involved because they are annoyed at the banking system, the

lack of reform, and so rather than complaining, this is almost like a

protest vote. Bitcoin is run from a central database which can be

accessed by all the current owners. You can either buy your Bitcoins or

owned by processing data for the database. And the system went

itself, meaning no one can profit from sitting on transactions.

Business students can see both the pitfalls the benefits. It is

probably the way forward in the future. This economic world is very

volatile. But I think it is a bit risky and everyone is a bit unsure.

I can understand that people are looking for an economy that is more

stable than what we have now. The currency is probably more popular

with those who understand it, and it is quite a complex thing to

understand so I think people will prefer to use many in the bank.

Bitcoin can challenge the financial world in the same way file sharing

challenged the music industry. But it seems people need to better

understand the system before that can happen.

I fully understand it all. Now, have you already made plans for the first

weekend of July? Will you be begging a spot to watch

the world's biggest cycling race when it arrives in Yorkshire? Well,

today details about road closures for the first two stages of the Tour

were released. The roads are expected to be closed for a minimum

of eight hours. So it might not be the weekend to move house, or

celebrate a wedding. Matt Slater has the story.

It might look peaceful now but over the years, this area has been rated

by rebels, burned by Scots and besieged by Brand heads, so you

might think residents tend not to get too excited by fresh

innovations, but what about the summer's Tour De France? People are

excited but I still do not believe people understand what is actually

going to come and hit them, because it is monumental and I do not think

people... The joke is, the bikes go through in 30 seconds. Yes, they do,

so why do the roads closed for eight hours? Because a lot goes on. You

would probably have to live in a cave to not know that the Tour De

France is coming to Yorkshire this summer. What you probably do not

know though is which roads will be closed during the race and for how

long. North Yorkshire County Council has revealed 19 roads will be closed

during the first stage, for at least eight hours, with Harrogate town

centre closed all day. For Sunday's second stage, five roads will be

closed, for much of the A59 off limits. The great Yorkshire show is

normally put together on the same weekend but the boss is confident

the show will go on. Yorkshire will be extremely busy especially on the

Saturday but we have told everyone what is happening and made clear

plans. People are making different plans and it should be fine. Even

the best laid plans need a bit of luck with the weather, though. So

fingers crossed Yorkshire gets some of last year's cycling weather and

not the year before's tractor weather.

More details about road closures will be on the BBC North Yorkshire

website. There's plenty more to come in

tonight's Look North. Good news for Black Cats fans in sport.

And there's nothing like a Dame. Dame Edna is in Newcastle for her

farewell tour. And what have we got in the weather?

We are in a bit of a weather battle zone.

Cold, dry weather to the East, and milder, wetter weather from the

West. Join me later. Councils and council tax payers on

both sides of the Pennines are going head`to`head over plans to cut

subsidies for bus services. In Cumbria, thousands of people have

objected to proposed cuts. The authority says it'll save ?2 million

and affect just 5% of routes. Cuts to bus subsidies in North Yorkshire

were unanimously agreed by North Yorkshire County Council today.

Services in towns including Pickering, Malton, Norton and Ripon

are among those losing their funding. Protestors say the move is

short`sighted and will hit the most vulnerable.

Much of your `` North Yorkshire is rule. People who do not have access

to the vehicles are dependent on public transport, much of which is

already a Dame Edna Everage is in Newcastle for her farewell tour.

Skeleton service. The show follows a triumphant season at the London

Palladium, with gladioli`strewn ovations and five`star reviews.

Ahead of tonight's performance at the Theatre Royal, her creator,

Barry Humphries, has been talking to our arts reporter, Sharuna Sagar,

about his love of the North and his enduring appeal.

What is happening? Dave Edna Everage!

CHEERING It has been around 20 years since he

last performed here. I do not believe it. I remember it

because I am a huge admirer of Grey Street, which is, I hope, most of

our viewers know, probably the most beautiful 18th`century Street in

Europe. I like the feeling of the North of England, and it is the home

of comedy. The great comedians come from the North. Whoever heard of a

Kent comedian? A well`known Dorset comic? But you have been a superstar

for 60 years. What is the enduring appeal? My enduring appeal is really

that I still alive. I am still energetic. I do not forget my lines

except, perhaps, tonight, with the jet lag. You never know. The show is

to others on stage, it is for long, high energy. How do you do it? I

hope you don't mind me saying that you are going to be 80 years old

soon, aren't you? Age is... But you have the energy of a man... Of 78.

What is your secret. I do not drink or smoke. I eat very nice sweeties.

I/O thought you were going to tell me you took some special

supplements, Australia and injections? No, I do not. It is not

Viagra. Who needs Viagra in Newcastle? Just walk up Grey Street

on a Friday night. I am moving on to the tour now. Why did you decide to

do a farewell tour? We cannot go on forever. I thought if I called it

the farewell tour, more people would buy tickets.

I am ready for my close`up! Goodbye to an old familiar face, but

some new faces to look forward to in the sport.

Yes, Sunderland have signed Argentinian goalkeeper Oscar Ustari

from Spanish side Almeria this afternoon. He'll go straight into

the squad for tomorrow night's big game along Gus Poyet's other new

signing this week ` defender Santiago Vergini. The Black Cats are

just one step away from Wembley. Man Utd stand between them and their

first cup final in 22 years. Despite taking a 2`1 advantage into the

second leg of the Capital One Cup semifinal, Poyet's side are still

the underdogs. Fabio Borini has scored some

important goals this season ` his strike on Saturday began

Sunderland's fightback against Southampton, and he was responsible

for the winner against Man Utd in the first leg of this semifinal. The

fans went away happy that night and Gus Poyet hopes the 9,000 who'll

make the journey to Manchester tomorrow will have even more to

celebrate. I have a feeling that many people just think the final

house to be Manchester United versus Manchester city. I would not let

that Transco past if I was a player. I would make sure I do everything

possible and more to get to the final and give the fans something to

cheer about, to be happy and proud about. Sunderland may not have won

at Old Trafford since 1968 but under new Manager David Moyes United have

lost five games at home this season including a 1`0 defeat to Newcastle

last month. And with a host of injuries and captain Nemanja Vidic

suspended after being sent off against Chelsea ` there's surely no

better time to take on the league champions. I do not like too many

big players being out in the big games. It was very important in the

first leg. We were very strong. They are top`class players. It was 1985

when the Black Cats were last in a League Cup final but their luck ran

out that day when an own goal saw them lose to Norwich and

subsequently relegated from the top flight ` fans will be hoping it wont

end in tears this time around. In the old days, tens of thousands

used to flock to Wembley to see their teams play in the FA Amateur

Cup, with sides in our region winning it 23 times. Well, yesterday

the cup came back one last time, to mark the 125th anniversary of the

Northern League. Veterans of the competition, which ended in 1974,

gathered at Crook Town's Millfield ground to see the old trophy and

recall some fond memories. It was one of the focal points of

life in those days. There was no television, or not in the North

East. The coal mines were still working and there used to be rushing

from the coal mines to get changed for the game. Football was the thing

in those days. He spent years taking drugs and

drinking in Ibiza, but now champion boxer Stuart Hall is using his story

to inspire the next generation. Hall lifted the IBF bantamweight title

last month to complete his own tale of redemption. Tonight he's back at

his old gym in County Durham with a message that dreams can come true.

Peter Harris is in the ring with Stuart now.

I do not fancy your chances! I might be a bit tasty under this jacket.

This is the latest macro Boxing Academy there maybe future world

champion in there. `` the Spennymoor Boxing Academy. Your life has

changed from a few years back when you were living it up in their

bitter. Yes, I have turned it around. I used to come down here and

help the kids out. It is fantastic. It means a lot to you to bring on

the next generation? Definitely. Help the kids in the gym, give them

a bit of advice. It cheers me up. The last time we saw you your eyes

were bit battered and bruised. I guess boxing is a good way to keep

kids out of trouble? Yes, it is disciplined, it keeps them off the

streets and gives them something to focus on. It is brilliant having a

facility like this. Robert was your trainer. You must be proud. Very

proud. He has done very well for the country, the area. Very proud. You

have got that belt there. What is the next fight? We are still in

talks about the next fight, still waiting for a date. But hopefully it

will be in the North East. A great occasion. Thank you for joining us.

Hopefully his next fight is coming up soon, and you never know we could

have another world champion from Spennymoor right here in this room.

Let's hope so. Those boxing pictures were courtesy of Box Nation.

Now, Sport Relief is just weeks away, and people are being urged to

sign up for the many events taking place across the North East and

Cumbria. You can choose to run, swim or cycle on the weekend of March

21st to 23rd, and it's all in aid of good causes. Well, one group of

radio enthusiasts in Middlesbrough has already benefited from your

efforts. Phil Chapman has been to the studios of Community Voice FM.

Today's charity launch might have sport in the title but for these

mutual broadcasters in Middlesborough, it is really all

about exercising a new sense of freedom and community. I would

personally like to thank Sport Relief and the people who donate

because they made this station almost entirely possible. It allows

people like myself, I would be tired with nothing to do, and I came along

to a meeting, I got roped into it, so to speak, that was 18 months ago

and since then I am the one who shoves the microphones in their

faces and says, speak. The station has given them a new lease of life

and some have even surprised themselves with their on`air talent.

John and Anne. Before I knew where I was, someone stuffed a microphone in

my face and said, you are on. I have been talking about since. It is

ideal because it lets the boys off and they let me in to talk all the

time. I have learned how to do the editing. We have learnt how to do

interviews. We have got our own shows apart from this one on

Tuesday. The donation that the public makes allows us the

opportunities to develop the initiatives like this, which give

many people an opportunity to try things they would not have the

opportunity to try. So it is not all about helping far`flung places. If

you are training hard for a Sport Relief event, remember all that hard

work could be helping to create a lasting legacy on your doorstep.

I like the team shirts there. Maybe we could have some.

A real mixture on the weather. It was a red sky this morning. This is

a shot from the Port of Workington. The rain spreads East tonight. There

will be snow on the high ground. A fresh wind. You can see all the rain

moving eastwards through the cause of the day, and the white blotches

showing the snow. That is over the high ground. By the end of the

night, drier in western parts of Cumbria. Most other places will keep

heavy rain on and off. It will feel cold in the brisk southeasterly

wind. Tomorrow morning, the rain and hill snow continues to move

eastwards through the course of the morning so by lunchtime most places

have brighter conditions. One or two showers coming in through the

afternoon. The wind will ease as it turns more south`westerly through

the course of the day. Temperatures are bit milder further West. Eight

Celsius is 46 Fahrenheit. That is the pressure pattern for tomorrow.

One weather front moves away, a slight gap before the next one comes

in for Thursday bringing more rain. Then a gap giving us a cold night on

Thursday night before this very active system comes in on Friday to

bring wet and windy weather. If you are out and about in the next few

days, one or two showers for Cumbria tomorrow. Showery rain on Thursday.

More widespread persistent rain on Friday. Always the risk of sleet and

snow over higher ground. Similarly unsettled and cool in the East as

well. We will be back at 10:25pm. We will.

Goodbye.