01/05/2012 North West Tonight

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Ranvir Singh and Roger

Johnson. Our top story. The doctor accused of lying over a baby's

death - Calum's family tell a hearing he didn't bother to examine

their son. A disciplinary panel is told Dr Nair should be struck off.

Also in the programme: we are top of the lead! Blue moon rising. City

celebrate as United are left red faced in the mega Manchester derby.

Causing ripples around Windermere - the multi-million pound convention

centre planned for the Lake District. Major problem? Not for

these majorettes. A local company says they can keep marching. And

Help! We need somebody - the budding Beatles hoping to hit the

A Preston family say they had no choice but to make a secret

recording of a meeting with their former GP, claiming he lied to an

inquest over their baby's death. Calum Smith died from a heart

condition at 18 days old. Dr Renjith Nair faces being struck off

for failing to assess him properly and then lying over his treatment.

He is expected to give evidence over the next fortnight. Our Health

Correspondent Nina Warhurst has the story. The parents who claim their

GP failed not only to properly assess their poorly boy but then

later misled an inquest after Calum died of myocarditis - an

inflammation of the heart muscle. Calum Smith lived for fewer than 3

weeks - he'd been in and out of Preston Royal Hospital - before his

Mum took him to his local clinic in Ashton on Ribble where she saw Dr

Renjith Nair. Today she told the panel of experts, "I was worried

because his symptoms had changed. He was cold and sweaty and hadn't

eaten for 15 hours." When asked how Dr Nair responded she said, "he

didn't even get off his chair. Calum wasn't even touched. I knew

he wasn't right. But I allowed Dr Nair to reassure me, because I

wanted to believe a doctor." What happened here at the Docklands

surgery will come under close expert scrutiny - not only because

Calum died soon after being sent home from here but because his

parents say the version of events given by Dr Nair at the inquest was

dishonest. So convinced were they that he had lied that they secretly

tape recorded a later meeting with Dr Nair which will be considered

later at the enquiry. The the panel will hear from a second family who

allege Dr Renjith Nair fell to make the correct assessments, referrals

and medical notes. The hearing will conclude in two weeks' time.

Thousands of people have joined a class law action against Merseyside

factory Sonae. The Health and Safety Executive is already

investigating the chipboard plant in Kirkby over the deaths of three

people and a serious fire there last June. Solicitors say they

believe people could have suffered a whole range of respiratory

problems because of fires and fumes from the factory. Sonae says the

claims have no substantial supporting evidence. Laura Yates

reports. After its height, 45 firefighters tried to put up the

blaze. It burnt the days. An example of a difficult history at

Sonae. People like Jane Dalton who live half a mile away, she tells me

there is always dust and she believes it could be why her 11-

year-old son had such bad asthma. When he is running about, he cannot

read very well. He has to run in for an inhaler. It is not very safe

to play out with that stuff. There have been 21 major incidents at

Sonae. The company has already been prosecuted four times and the

Health and Safety Executive is investigating three more incidents.

The deaths of Thomas Elmore and James Bibby he would drive into

machinery, a serious fire and a death of a contract there and they

face legal action from thousands of residents. We have had roads and

communities approaching this. This solicitor is representing local

people. Respiratory problems, soreness of the skin and the ayes,

watering of the eyes, nose bleeds, we are making investigations. We

are trying to link different things to different things. Sonae said it

is being dealt with by the insurance company and solicitors

and would defend themselves against the claims made without any

substantial supporting evidence. All forty riders who took part in

this year's Grand National have been criticised by the British

Racing Authority. The authority has written to them expressing its

disappointment at their conduct at the start of the big race. There

were two false starts at Aintree. The BRA also said it couldn't have

foreseen or prevented the deaths of two horses. Peel Energy has lodged

an appeal against a council decision to reject plans for a

renewable energy plant close to the Trafford Centre. If it gets the go-

ahead, the biomass incinerator in Davyhulme will create electricity

for up to 37,000 homes. Opponents say it could affect the health of

local people. Children who attend faith schools will no longer

receive free transport in parts of Cheshire. To save one and a half

million pounds, Cheshire East Council is stopping home to school

transport and halving the travel subsidy for over 16s. Pupils with

special needs who use a taxi will be re-assessed to find out whether

they could use a cheaper mode of transport. The Bolton player will

be at the Reebok Stadium to watch his team play Tottenham tomorrow.

He collapsed on a pitch against spares during an FA Cup tie and

doctors described his recovery as a miracle. A The jury has retired to

consider its verdicts in the trial of eleven men accused of sexually

abusing and trafficking schoolgirls. The men deny all the charges

against them. A little earlier I spoke to Our Chief Reporter Dave

Guest who was outside Liverpool Crown Court. It is a lengthy and

complicated. The case is in its 10th week, not surprising when it

there were 11 defendants facing more than �20 between them, ranging

between conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child, rape

and trafficking. The prosecution's case is these men aged between 22

and 59 groomed five girls aged between 13 and 15 and gave them

free drinks and food and cigarettes in return for sex. The men deny the

charges against them, lawyers say they were -- there were

inconsistencies from the girls and the stories are not true. The case

has attracted widespread attention. Yes, it has had high-profile

security, early today there was a large police presence and there has

been in during the trial because it has attracted attention from the

public and media but also far right groups who have latched onto the

fact the defendants in the case are Asian and the girls are white.

11:35am at the jury said it was time to retire to consider the

verdict. The verdicts are now in the hands of the jury. The still to

come. A Jordon-Lee on Windermere where there are plans for a

conference centre behind me. -- join me on Windermere. And getting

the locals in a spin, the majorettes hitting the wrong notes

with the neighbours. You got home for the big match. And I listened

to the first half on the radio. On our journeys home, the roads were

empty! You do get that with an England game but it was incredible.

We were travelling out of the north-west. Everywhere was quiet.

It is no surprise, it was billed as the biggest game in Premier League

history. Today, after his team's 1- 0 win took them top, Manchester

City's manager is refusing to accept that his side are favourites

for the title. Roberto Mancini says it changes nothing but some City

fans left feeling that the name on the trophy is about to. United will

hope there's another twist still to come after last night's huge derby.

Richard Askam was there for us. Ecstasy for Manchester's blues

after a night of tension. For fans players and the managers. Won by a

single goal that took the roof off the Etihad Stadium. It is the

captain's goal! We are going to win the Premiership. Believe it!

have seen history here. It was the sweetest thing. Manchester City no

it isn't there's quite yet. Their team is in pole position with a

real belief the long wait for the title could soon be over. Billed as

the biggest Manchester derby ever it was certainly out of the

ordinary. City striker Sergio Aguerro's father in-law made an

appearance. He just happens to be a certain Diego Maradonna. So too pop

star Liam Gallagher in the stand and then more surprisingly in the

post match press conference. Where despite watching his side driven on

the by the outstanding Yaya Toure, City's manager refused to accept

that they are now in the driving seat. We are happy, we are happy.

Big changes nothing. We were up against it. Supporters were hoping

they slip up in the last two matches. Never say never. I hope

Newcastle play well. I think city have won it now. A difficult game

against Newcastle. I do not think it will be a straightforward.

City keep their nerve united know it will probably mean they lose

their title. The it was all drama. One man got his money's worth.

travelled from Los Angeles first class. It was a fantastic night. Is

it cities to lose, it is not over yet? But I have to say after the

final whistle last night at the Etihad Stadium, they were

celebrating as if they had won. It is not over. Let's look at how it

has changed. This was the table before kick-off. City are top on

goal difference. A goal difference of eight. With two games to play,

equal points, City in charge but we have seen United come back so many

times from seemingly impossible situations. And it comes down to

the final two games. The fixtures are key and City have do -- have a

tricky one. Yes, it could come down to this Sunday, away at Newcastle.

Newcastle got a battering at Wigan. And Wigan were overshadowed on

Monday. Overall, Newcastle have had a great season chasing a Champions

League place. United host Swansea on the same day and the last game

of the season, City host keepy are fighting relegation. United are

away at Sunderland. Perhaps another twist. It is all on City's game by

the looks of it. Feel sorry for Swansea. If it gets approval, it'll

be the most striking building the Lake District has seen in years.

But a proposed four million pound glass and steel conference centre

on the shores of Windermere has divided opinion. Some say it's just

too modern for the tranquillity of the lake. Business leaders say it's

just what the area needs. Our Environment Correspondent Colin

Sykes reports. It is one of the best-known views in the Lake

District, winded me with Langdales in the background. This would be

the view from the proposed convention centre at the water

sports centre which would be locked -- knocked down. This area has no

building like that. We are hoping that these large one-off events, it

will put it on the map. The design is based on Morecambe's 1930s

Midland Hotel which the group owns. The centre will be behind me why

you can see the trees, the boats were a big feature and still are

but the speed limit has changed life on Windermere. Watersports are

still popular on Windermere but the speed ban has left businesses

looking for other openings. It is the building's design which is

polarising opinion. You should be able to see the lake. We need

something modern otherwise you don't keep up with the times.

scenery should be left as it is. Local environment groups say it

should not be built. This is the Lake District, visitors come up for

the magnificent lakes and beautiful fells and woodland. It is really

important we protect that asset. decision will be made tomorrow by

the planning board. And there'll be more on that on BBC Radio Cumbria's

breakfast show after eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Some of you have

been in touch about the sea Odyssey programme. It was broadcast last

night on BBC One, it was changed last week. Liverpool's a titanic

girl is available on the BBC On Thursday people across the

region can vote in the local elections. And the most high

profile vote will be for the new mayor of Liverpool - the man chosen

to run the city council. Well there's no doubt that the biggest

issue in the campaign has been jobs and the local economy. Our

political editor Arif Ansari has been finding out what the

candidates are offering. The new mayor of Liverpool is supposed to

raise the city's profile. The town hall has attracted some big

international visitors. The Giants came from Nantes in France. Nantes

is an old port city. But we have a future. It is not finished. The

history is not finished, it's a new beginning. Joe Anderson, the

current leader, says his record is one of economic regeneration.

here, we're talking about bringing cruise liners back again to help

business and create jobs. In a way, you have done what you could as

council leader, can you do more? can speak on behalf of the city

with a mandate and we can guarantee things will get done faster and

quicker. But could include the multi-million pound redevelopment

of the waterfront led by the property company Peel Holdings but

not everyone is so keen. Unlike Anderson, I do not believe World

Heritage status is a plaque on the wall. High-value tourists come

because they have been two other sites. We have a blueprint, some

think extremely sketchy and I did think we could be bending over

backwards every time Peel Holdings, a private company, ask us to do

something. Peel Holdings is trying to attracts Chinese investment.

would increase trade through the ports and South America, the

Commonwealth countries and China. We are twinned with Shanghai and

need more trade. Next time you buy something, look inside the jacket

and trousers and see where it is manufactured. If it is not in

Britain and you buy it, looking should be doing to the downfall of

the economy. We need to be more adventurous using links through

colleges and universities and some communities in the city. We need to

look outwards, not inwards. One of the candidates is doing both. Tony

has his own factory on Merseyside and another in China. I have been

creating jobs for 20 years, my business started on a market stall

and that created hundreds of jobs in Liverpool and Merseyside. All of

the candidates have debated the issues offering voters a range of

policies. The council's priorities must be focused on frontline

services, the elderly, children and the sick. Not on PCTs projects

pandering to minorities. We must clean up the air to make small

businesses want to locate and thrive. We have been heartened to

come across many young people in their mid-twenties he had started

businesses in this harsh climate. I pledge to help them. The inner city

has big problems. More than one in five of people are not working,

twice the average -- national average. The sun, it is a modern

tale of two cities. I would commence a campaign to oppose

further cuts and to draw money back into the city which has been cut

from Liverpool's budget by this government. Joe Anderson is

implementing it without any challenge. It is a reminder that

whoever becomes the city's first elected mayor would have a great

deal to do. We did invite the National Front candidate to take

part but he refused to be interviewed. And there's a full

list of all the candidates standing for Mayor of Liverpool on the

website, that's www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool. And voting

takes place on Thursday. They've been entertaining Wirral for around

20 years but Radio Merseyside listeners will have heard this

morning that a Rockferry majorette club was facing eviction from its

home for making too much noise. The Bethany Starlights troupe practices

in a church hall on Old Chester Road but some neighbours said they

were causing a disturbance. Well in the last couple of hours there's

been some developments and Kate Simms is with the troupe now. What

has happened? These are the Bethany Starlights majorettes. They are a

bit noisy, usually they are nausea. They usually have it a lot louder,

the music. It has caused problems for the people in the flats. They

complained to the council, the council agreed yes, the noise was

causing noise pollution. The future looked bleak. We were told by the

council to soundproof the windows. We could not afford to pay for that.

It is so expensive to do it. There was no arouse to go. There is no

way to go. We needed to sort the wind is up. So you faced eviction

until these guys stepped in. were impressed with the work they

do here. We were only too happy to come and help out. What have you

done? We have measured up for acoustic glass and we will put new

double-glazed units in. That will solve the problem. So, the dancing

can continue. No one is more delighted than The Gulls. You must

be delighted. I am really made up. We are really happy. We can keep

training. The girls have been saying this place is more than just

a hall. Tell me why this place is so important. It is called Bethany

Starlights after a girl the died four years ago. So, it would be

like leaving memories of her. it holds a lot of memories. To lose

the hall, we would be losing part of her. Now, they get to stay. That

is one hurdle overcome. They have to win back their championship at

pontoons this season. Let's look at the rehearsal. They are brave to do

it on camera and live. A happy ending. Hard to believe, but this

year's the fiftieth anniversary of the Beatles' first hit single. But

there's no sign of Beatlemania wearing off. Later this year, a new

tribute to the group opens in London. And today, the producers

were in Liverpool trying to find a new Fab Four. Stuart Flinders was

Alex wants to be Paul. Sean would like to be Lennon. The auditions

are about to begin. The show is called Let It Be. It opens in

London in September, 50 years after the Beatles' first hit single, Love

Me do. Downstairs they're warming up. You can't be shy, this is an

audition! Argue too old to play a Beatle? They are older than me.

They are now! For some it's a family affair. Sean's one of the

first in. Next up is Alex. Will he have what the producers are looking

for? # Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. # The producers

want guys who can hit every nuance and play in the right to eat and

have the feel and essence of John Lennon or Paul McCartney. How did

he go? It was all right. It seems to go well. You do three songs.

it was all right. It is hard to tell with auditions. Alex has been

asked to London for a second audition. Maybe it's one Beatle

It could be live changing. It is hard to follow in their footsteps.

Let's look at the weather. Are you sure you want to?! Today did not

sure you want to?! Today did not seem too bad but this week it will

turn colder. As you head through Friday, temperatures start to fall

away. Today, this weather front has moved north, a ragged affair.

Tomorrow, it moves south. The weather tomorrow will not be

different from today. There was patchy rain around. We anticipated

more, it was a slightly better day than we thought. The temperatures

for this time of year have not been wonderful under the cloud cover.

The temperatures have struggled between 11 and 13. This evening,

there is still showery stuff around. Most of us hang onto cloud cover.

The cloud cover keeps temperatures up, as does the wind. It has been

gusty all day. Temperatures in rural areas are four or five. In

towns and cities, six or seven. We start the day with a line of rain

working salver as the date is on. Most of us we Cup with cloud cover.

It will look better than a today, the wind is slightly lighter so it

will feel better. Do not expect anything radically difficult --