09/10/2013 Look North (Yorkshire)

Good evening and welcome to Wednesday's Look North. On the

programme tonight: The four people from Yorkshire convicted for their

parts in a case of modern day slavery.

We will hear from a charity helping the young woman to recover.

Also tonight: The cost to Sheffield of hosting the Tour de France will

reach nearly £1 million, so is it worth it? And yes from Sheffield

Council which became the last in our region to approve its share of the

funding. It is geared to enter with a sprint finish at Sheffield Arena

in nine months' time. And the plants are in, so a historic

South Yorkshire treasure is nearly ready for the public once again.

A windy day to come tomorrow in coastal areas. More to come in 20

minutes. Six people, including four from

Bradford, have been convicted in connection with the trafficking of a

young woman who was kidnapped and held as a slave. The victim was

taken from Slovakia to Burnley where she was beaten, raped and sold for

marriage. Police have described it as a case of modern day slavery. In

a moment, we will hear from the charity helping the woman to

recover. First here's our crime correspondent.

The houses in Bradford where the victim of a horrifying ordeal was

held prisoner for two weeks in the summer of last year. Began last

August in this Slovakian town. A 20—year—old woman on a night out

with friends was kidnapped and plied with alcohol by a 44—year—old who

had been living in Bradford. He was forced —— she was forced to travel

on a court, thinking she was being taken to the Czech Republic to work.

Instead, she was taken to London, then Bradford, then a house above a

shop in Burnley. There, she was sold to a 34—year—old shop worker. He

held her prisoner, allegedly repeatedly raping and assaulting

her. It is alleged that she was forced into a sham marriage. He

wanted a wife to prevent being deported back to Pakistan.

Prosecutors said the case sounded like something from a 19th—century

Charles Dickens novel. The woman had been passed around the continent in

this country like a commodity, scared and unable to speak English.

She could have done nothing to protect herself. This is modern—day

slavery in the 21st—century. We must do all we can to support victims and

prosecute offenders. The men who held the victim in Bradford have

been convicted of trafficking are for exploitation. Two other men also

kept the woman in Washington Street. They helped provide a link for sham

marriages with people from Eastern Europe. Police were able to release

the victim after someone in the community raised the alarm. She

later described her terrifying experience. I was so scared for my

life. Many times I wanted to run away. Because of what the bad people

told me, I didn't know where to run, where to go or I could trust. Was

convicted today will be sentenced tomorrow. A final end to the

appalling case of a young woman from Slovakia.

The Medaille Trust helps victims of trafficking and has been involved in

this case. I asked Mike Emberson from the Trust how the woman is

coping. Well, obviously everyone reacts differently, but it would be

fairly typical for this to be a major trauma in this young woman's

life. Her life would have been destroyed, really. Part of our job

was to get her help to rebuild her life. It is not the first time we

have heard of trafficking in Bradford and elsewhere. How

widespread could this be? It is a criminal activity which is

underground. It is difficult to get exact figures, but anything up to

4000 young women could be involved in something like this. Why didn't

she tried to escape or contact the police? It was a very courageous

thing she has done to cooperate with the police. Very many people in this

situation are absolutely terrified of the people who have trafficked

them. Be perhaps fear their own lives or those of their family. It

is very difficult to do. How common is it for a case like this to come

to trial? This is a tremendous success by the Crown Prosecution

Service and the police. Through the courage of this lady. Most cases

unfortunately do not come to court. Thank you for speaking with us.

Sheffield Council says hosting the Tour de France will cost taxpayers

almost £1 million. Stage two of like marketing, road resurfacing,

even the fee for race organisers. Councils across the region face a

bill of 11 million. Some people are critical of the price—tag but

Sheffield council is confident it will be value for money. Our

reporter is in Sheffield this evening.

It will be six July next year when Yorkshire's stage of the Tour de

France ends here at the Sheffield Arena. The tour will come out of

West Yorkshire, and then on into Sheffield. They are expecting a

sprint finish, but it is a marathon to prepare. Sheffield council is

having to put in £900,000. It says the investment is definitely

worthwhile. It is not the first time Sheffield

has hosted a major cycling event. This was the tour of Britain eight

years ago. The Tour de France is something else. The council say it

is worth the investment. It is the biggest annual sporting event in the

world. Third biggest after the Olympics and the World Cup. We

expect 250,000 people to line the route in Sheffield. This is huge.

The overall cost is £21 million. The government is putting in 10 million.

The rest will be made up by the councils on the route. They can hang

their bike up here. In Sheffield, they are getting prepared. This

hotel is installing bike racks. 65% of the rooms across the city are put

out already. When it last came to the UK in Kent, the estimated

economic value was anything up to £40 million. Even if you cut that in

half, the financial benefit to the region will be huge. The council

reckons those benefits could total £50 million. Not everyone is so

sure. There is far more in Sheffield that needs urgent attention. When

you look at the tourist attractions and put it will local economy, I

think it will more than pay for itself. It is disgusting. Our

council always wastes money. No surprise. It is the legacy for

Sheffield in terms of the investment in cycling. It is an investment in

our future. With nine months left to go, there is likely to be plenty

more debate. We cannot overlook one white elephant in the room. The Don

Valley Stadium just round the corner from you was built for the world

student games and closed last week. The council say roads in this region

and across the city has to be resurfaced. In a fortnight, we

should get more detail about exactly which streets will be used for the

event. It has sparked a lot of debate on

our Facebook page. Rachel Linley asks: Why isn't the Tour de France

organisation paying for this? I would much prefer it this money was

put into keeping our local libraries and community spaces open. Peter

Robertshaw thinks: It is great! Let's show off our city, and provide

an amazing chance for hundreds of thousands of people to watch and be

inspired. And Graham Bacon commented: Wouldn't the money be

better spent providing services from the council which have been reduced?

Later on Look North: We'll be talking to a new World Champion.

Joe Morley from Leeds picked up the title for extreme kayaking. He'll be

joining us with his kayak in a few minutes.

Residents from across Yorkshire have joined forces to fight plans to

build thousands of new homes, with fears green—belt land is at risk in

future. The regional supergroup was launched as many of our councils

consider how to meet controversial house—building targets. This follows

claims by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England that

large areas of protected land are under threat. Our reporter is here

with the details. There's no disputing there's a real

need for new housing in Yorkshire. Government estimates suggest to keep

up with current demand, 133,000 new homes need to be built in Yorkshire

before 2021. That's more than 16,000 every year. More than 258,000 people

are on local authority waiting lists. So is the green belt at risk

as a result? Campaigners estimate 46,000 homes could be built on

protected spaces in future and they are getting ready to fight it.

There are many campaign groups in this region fighting to protect

green belt from development. They have formed a supergroup. We need

these green spaces to stop the spread of towns and cities engulfing

these green and pleasant land is. Once they build on them, they don't

come back. This is green belt land a few miles outside of Leeds city

centre. Open countryside which would be protected. However, local

councils can release areas have green belt to build on if they

decide there is a demand for housing and no suitable Brownfield sites.

Leeds City Council dispute that estimate. They argue there are not

enough Brownfield sites and some green belt will need to be used. Our

view is we should minimise how much green belt land. Can you not avoid

it completely? I don't think we can because cities need to grow. If

you're not careful, all we will have will be suburban sprawl without

green spaces in the inner—city. We need to respect communities and

their identities. This week, government inspector is examining

plans for developing leads over the next 15 years. With the council

claiming 70,000 new homes are needed, the road for green belt is

likely to intensify. A family from Killamarsh in

Derbyshire has joined a protest at Westminster to call for changes to

the way relatives of those who die abroad are treated. The parents of

17—year—old 17—year—old Matthew Cryer joined

other families at the died on the Greek island of Zante in

2008. An inquest in Britain found he'd been unlawfully killed but

no—one has been convicted. Evidence from this country could be

used abroad and that makes sense. At the moment, it cannot and there is

no basis in law. I would like to see more cooperation between countries.

The MP for Barnsley Central has been given a new role in the Labour

Party. Dan Jarvis has been appointed Shadow minister for Youth Justice

and Victims. He had previously served as the Shadow Culture

Minister. Major investment has been secured

for a regeneration project in the Rossington area of Doncaster. A

North American company will provide private funding for an inland port

to help speed up the delivery of freight, and ease pressure on

coastal ports. Doncaster Council says it will create around 5,000

jobs and be complete by 2015. It has taken ten years and more than

£3 million but next month the Grade Two listed Wentworth Castle

Conservatory at Barnsley will open to the public once more. A

spectacular example of Victorian architecture, the glasshouse was in

a terrible state until a campaign was launched to save it. And today

there was a special moment as planting began. Our reporter went

along. At Wentworth Castle Conservatory,

they have waited ten years for this moment. Putting in the first planned

in the newly restored conservatory. For head gardener, Michael, it is a

special moment. These plants are all from the period of the house. They

represent different parts of the world. We are very proud. James

Buckley was head gardener when the conservatory was built in 1885.

These photographs help to show how gloriously plants were in its

heyday. But in latter years, it became a crumbling structure. Its

plight featured on the BBC's restoration programme in 2003. Over

500 people donated money to make it possible to restore the

conservatory. Without that sort of help, it would not have been

possible. Without individual support and commitment, we would not have

felt encouraged to keep going for the ten years it has taken. It has

been the help from dozens of volunteers like these three people

which has made the transformation possible. It will be good for the

area. It is fantastic. It is something to be proud of. When

besotted with scaffolding before, to see it now, it is fantastic. It is

not much of an exaggeration to say that this restoration project has

been a decade of blood, sweat and tears. But next month this Barnsley

treasure will open once again, meaning that something that was so

nearly lost can be enjoyed by generations to come.

I loved that jumper! And there'll be much more on the

restoration of Wentworth Castle with Tony Foster at Breakfast on Radio

Sheffield tomorrow. Before 7pm: Bradford's mirror pool

as you've never seen it. Come back and join us because

Bradford is vying for an the curry capital and this whole place will be

lit up. Football now, and a manager's future

rarely depends on the outcome of a second round tie in the Johnstone's

Paint Trophy. But last night could prove to be an exception. Sheffield

United, who are struggling near the foot of League One, lost at home to

a side from the bottom division leaving boss David Weir clinging on

to his job. He didn't look happy before the game

last night. What followed would not improve his mood. It might have been

different, had this curling for the blades gone in. When you are

out of form, it feels like you are also out of luck. Hartlepool,

struggling themselves in the league below Sheffield United, scored the

only goal of the game shortly before half—time. James Poole, unmarked in

the penalty area, had time to place his volley. Since David Weir took

charge in the summer, his team have won only two of 13 matches. 4000

fans made their feelings known last night. His feelings were also on

display as he was interviewed by BBC Radio Sheffield's reporter. I was

disappointed. The players were equally disappointed. Do you feel it

is embarrassing to have this run of results? Yes. I have had no feedback

from the hierarchy tonight. Do you resign? No.

He has said he will not walk away, but whether he will stay could be a

decision is taken out of his hands. There were two other games involving

our teams in last night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Rotherham

United beat York City with the help of a Chris Smith own goal.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Rotherham United beat York City with the Alex

Revell's powerful header completed a 3—0 victory.

Chesterfield also progressed to the third round by beating local rivals

Mansfield thanks to the only goal of the game by Gary McSheffrey.

We are about to meet a new World Champion from Yorkshire and his mum.

The sport is extreme kayaking. Joe Morley from Leeds won the event in

Austria at the weekend. And if you're wondering exactly what kind

of work it involves, here's a bit of a taster for you.

I am on my knees as a mark of respect. This is a fantastic event

to win. How do you do it? You just have to slide off and paddle as fast

as you can! You are six foot three, is it tight inside? It is, but you

need it to be like that so you can control the

possible. Your parents have sacrificed a lot? Yes, the whole way

through my career. They have driven me around the country and sorted me

out with a car in later life. To think that your lad has out—paddled

150 other competitors, you must be so proud? Very proud. I know you

watched it lies in your living room on the internets. Was it like? Nerve

wracking. We daren't look. When he got to the bottom, we were jumping

up and down and screaming. It was fantastic. It is a scary thing to

watch, I imagine? It is, but we have every confidence in him. Didn't you

downsize for him? We did, but it is no different to what other people do

to get their child is to university. When you know you're child has a

talent, you do you can get behind them. This belt is proof of our

fantastic achievement. We look forward to seeing you again next

year when you get your world champion title again.

Bradford third year running. To mark the

launch of the bid, City Park's mirror pool is being turned into a

huge pot of ingredients. The event coincides with another arts event

celebrating the work of writer Sylvia Plath, using state of the art

video projection. It promises to look amazing. Our reporter is in

Bradford to tell us more. Nothing goes according to plan on

live television. It is supposed to be lit up behind me but it is not

ready yet. There have been technical problems. One of the other big

events that is happening is the bid to become curry capital of the UK.

We want to make it a hat—trick. It would be a fantastic achievement to

win for a third year running. We have done something special this

year. There will be a new flavour of crisps to celebrate. Why is this

title so important? No one has ever won it three years running. We have

worked really hard. We really want is. It is also about the economy? It

is. Also encouragement for other restaurants to work hard and

showcase exactly what we can do. We all know that Bradford is the place

to come for a good curry. Bradford are the rightful owners! You are one

of the artists involved in light display this evening. It is based on

a quote by Sylvia Plath. We wanted to create an artwork that referenced

how Bradford city uses this pool. Are you confident it will happen

this evening? It is all starting. As it gets darker, it gets brighter and

brighter. This is the preview. Tomorrow night, please come and walk

through this. Exist in the projections.

Don't you get frustrated when you can't see what they are talking

about? ! I hear that you were upstaged by

some arrows last night? This tells its story. Red sky in the

morning, shepherds warning. There are coastal gills only way for

Scarborough. The first northerly of the season with high pressure to the

west, so a lot of dry weather tomorrow. You can see the shower

clouds gathering over north—east Scotland. They will

way southwards. Mostly dry and clear at first this evening. Showers

driven on by what will be a deal force northerly across —— along the

coast. Temp goes down to five or six degrees. The sun will rise in the

morning. There will be showers from the word go and eastern areas.

Further west, a lovely start. Eventually, shoppers will come some

way inland. Fairly frequent showers to the West. A cold feeling. Are you

ready for this? Let's check out the window arrows. Some very strong

gales. There will be a significant wind—chill. There is the warning for

the coasts. Could be some flooding, but not a big deal. Risk of some

drizzle at the weekend. We are back at 10:25pm. Enjoy your

evening. Goodbye.