11/10/2013 North West Tonight

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Roger Johnson and

Annabel Tiffin. Our top story: Lancashire school beards row — one

Muslim boy is allowed back unshaven. changing the rules, just making

Muslim boy is allowed back unshaven. The region's looming housing crisis.

Developers say planning laws need The Dead Man's Penny found in a

Developers say planning laws need and the quest to reunite it with the

soldier. The guy died in quite horrendous circumstances and it

probably means more note to make sure that the relatives get hold of

Macclesfield, as former Premier And he seeks it here, he seeks it

there. But what has a Cumbrian pensioner spent years looking for?

announced that one of the Muslim pupils who was excluded for refusing

to shave his beard is to be allowed back into school. It's after the

parents of the two schoolboys and the headmaster of Mount Carmel Roman

Catholic School in Accrington held a meeting to try and resolve the row.

It theirs are banned as part of school rules on appearances. Stuart

Pollitt is there for us now. Bearing that in mind, the school has said

the boy can return to school with his beard. How does that work? In

short, it works because of the European Convention on Human Rights

which says that schools must make reasonable adjustments to school

uniform on religious grounds. In a statement, the head of the school

said that in mind with European human rights legislation, governors

One of these boys has done just that. He will be allowed back next

week with his beard. The fate of the second 14—year—old involved is

unclear. Both boys have been taught in isolation since the start of

unclear. Both boys have been taught in September. They were excluded

earlier this week, which prompted today's discussions between the

earlier this week, which prompted teachers and others. Has there been

This stirred up quite a lot of controversy. It certainly has. We

have been hearing from the local MP who has told us that he understands

the school's stands but would have preferred it if the boys had adhered

to the existing rules. He has said that he is worried that this will

prompt exceptions and others from other schools and that is something

of concern to him. The Bishop of Salford was also consulted by the

school. He said that the school Salford was also consulted by the

support boys who are committed to their faith, whatever that is. The

Through Faith And Learning. It seems that one of those boys have proved

that his Muslim faith is strong enough that he should be allowed to

come back and be allowed to keep his Other news from around the North

—— a unit fought dementias patients Commission has not revealed the

operators for immediate action to Government after a man died after

eating a tin of high—caffeine energy mints made by a firm in Birkenhead.

John Jackson from the West Midlands died from a caffeine overdose,

although his liver condition also played a part. Each sweet he ate

contained the equivalent of one energy drink. But the company who

make them, Hero Energy Ltd, say their packaging clearly states no

more than five mints should be consumed over a 24 hour period.

A man's body has been found. It consumed over a 24 hour period.

recovered after being spotted by a member of the public this afternoon.

Detectives say they are working member of the public this afternoon.

A Merseyside man had to be rescued crashed to his property last night.

The impact left a huge hole in the side of the building. A 21—year—old

man was arrested on the scene on Property developers across the North

shortage of housing if planning This week, the Government launched

the second phase of its Help to This week, the Government launched

scheme, which gives people the chance to own a house with a smaller

developers say there's a problem with supply and demand. Elaine

Dunkley reports. She is here in with supply and demand. Elaine

Latest figures show that in the North West we need to build almost

180,000 new homes over the next North West we need to build almost

years to meet housing needs. That figure's based on local council

planning information looking at figure's based on local council

gap between the number of homes population. In Greater Manchester,

experts say that gap is particularly big. It's estimated that there could

houses. In Merseyside, that figure Lancashire and there's a shortage of

more than 5,000 homes. In Cumbria and Cheshire around 3,000 more homes

will be needed. Developers say planning regulations need to be

development in Liverpool. We have now got 75 sales, 65 this year. The

sales office has been inundated now got 75 sales, 65 this year. The

buyers wanting to take up the help to buy scheme but for developers,

getting planning permission to build is still a major concern. There

getting planning permission to build permission. The reality is that

probably only just over half of bureaucratic red tape which can

probably only just over half of nightmare. —— the rest. Phone—mac

here is the kitchen. Developer Francis Liu is taking inspiration

property in the North West. These micro flats in Oldham measure just

20 meters squared. The idea is more is less and stack 'em high. I came

from Hong Kong and we are used to living in tiny spaces. Not because

we like it, because we can afford government also recognises that

there is no need to put up big They stop those. They stop putting

up —— they started putting up tiny apartments. The Government has

extended the help to buy scheme offering a guarantee of 15% of loan

to the lender. There are concerns over housing booms and bubbles

bursting but for Claire Archer, over housing booms and bubbles

scheme meant she was able to get on the property ladder and buy a flat

in Stockport. It was difficult for me. I did not have a large amount of

savings, a large deposit to be able Obviously, I have now got my own

two—bedroom property which is ideal. It was a lot better than what I

two—bedroom property which is ideal. looking at within my price range

building to borrowing there are looking at within my price range

factors involved in getting the housing market moving in the right

confidence but it's measured with caution for those wanting to get a

step up on the property ladder. possibility of a housing shortage in

Politics. Developers may complain about planning regulations but

others say the shortage is down about planning regulations but

permission but will not build. The show starts at 11 o'clock on Sunday

The founder of a Manchester charity has handed back his British Empire

Medal in protest at the Government's treatment of asylum seekers. Dave

Smith helps people who've been refused asylum and a Commons report

today reveals 30% of those decisions are overturned on appeal. Here's our

This is Dave Smith with his British Empire Medal. It was awarded to

This is Dave Smith with his British in last year's Queen's Birthday

Honours. But he doesn't have it Because asylum seekers are being

treated worse than ever. So in fairness to them, since they are

presenting them, I do not think fairness to them, since they are

is right to keep hold of the medal. Dave is a founder of the Boaz Trust,

which supports those whose asylum requests have been refused but who

can face destitution as they await reapply. Caspar is one such person.

He's from Zimbabwe, where he says he faces political persecution. His

asylum application was refused in 2009 as was his appeal but there's

been no effort made as yet to deport accommodation provided by the Boaz

But you have been refused asylum, why did you not call home? Returning

home is not an option. If it had not been for the charity, what would

have happened? I am not allowed been for the charity, what would

work and therefore, I could not been for the charity, what would

afforded a place to live on my own. And I could not afford to get any

The Home Office says the UK has And I could not afford to get any

proud history of providing asylum to those who need it. However today, a

quality of decision—making and the backlog of asylum cases. The truth

is that most people will not go backlog of asylum cases. The truth

to the country they came from, even if they are here without anything.

He firmly believes they will be extremely badly treated. —— they

Caspar, meantime, is hoping his fresh application to stay here will

be granted. Dave Guest, BBC North The Manx government has become the

first British Crown dependency sign a tax sharing agreement with the UK.

Under the agreement, the Isle of Man and UK will automatically share

information on tax residents, and And plans to restore Liverpool's

Cunard Building to its former glory council's cabinet has approved

proposals to buy it and return it to cruise liner terminal. It will also

Scallops have reached a record cruise liner terminal. It will also

million. That's despite tougher fishing regulations restricting

catch size and season length. The Manx Government says the fish can

now fetch a higher price in the European market because they're

now fetch a higher price in the A Wigan firm has found nine long

lost episodes of Doctor Who in a warehouse in Nigeria. The programmes

The BBC wiped many of the original International Enterprises Archives,

based in Lancashire. They've now For the past couple of weeks, has

correspondent has been travelling around the region with something in

It is all part of something for around the region with something in

speak but he had better explain yourself. I will. You know that

speak but he had better explain Factor has Mrs Osborne, we have

speak but he had better explain Osborne. This is what we have been

getting up to over the last couple If economic recovery is coming to

neighbourhood, the sector they work in. We like to call this series

neighbourhood, the sector they work road to recovery. It is a way of

statistics and numbers to see if what the Chancellor is saying is

filtering through into people's George isn't there just to make

filtering through into people's Through the George pound and some

pointy pens, we are asking people to vote and stick it on people. Yes or

Our people have been chatting to his people that I wonder if his people

here about his cardboard alter ego, it could work against us. We are

working on its tail and hope for the impressed when he hears about where

the ladies from Eccles market start the pound and pointy pen. I will say

Still to come on North West Tonight: The community comes together for

Macclesfield as former Premier And a rear Ferran found in Cumbria

after one man's three—year search. Now to an historical mystery that

you might be able to solve. It involves this bronze memorial plaque

from the First World War, commonly known as a Dead Man's Penny. They

Not only have got a picture of it but also have the real thing here.

It is remarkable to hold something is 100 years old. This one was found

in the loft of a house in Worsley. And the man who discovered it wants

to return it to the family of the man it commemorates — Peter Chapman.

You can possibly see it just there. Peter Marshall has been uncovering

They made over a million of these to honour the fallen of the First World

War and as a mark of gratitude to sacrifice. They were inscribed

War and as a mark of gratitude to died for freedom and honour" and

then, simply, the name of the fallen soldier. This is the middle that we

found and had an position for the last 40 years. —— in our possession.

This Dead Man's Penny was discovered by Roy Jones in the loft of a house

in Chatsworth Road, in Worsley, by Roy Jones in the loft of a house

in the '70s. It has been any box one for not —— long forgotten until

in the '70s. It has been any box one possible to find out more about

Peter Chapman. Initial research Lancashire Fusiliers. How important

would be to give it back? Amazingly position, we would have wanted this

ourselves as a keepsake. We've taken Roy to the Lancashire Archives in

Preston to meet archivist Neil There was no rancour given because

everyone was seen to be equal. coalminer. The 1891 census, when he

was two, showed the family living in Military records show he served

was two, showed the family living in Number One platoon, A Company of the

16th battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. In the small hours, the battalion

was subjected to shelling resulting in 15 officers and others becoming

casualties. Clearly the guy died in horrendous circumstances and it

probably means more to me to make sure that the relatives of this

probably means more to me to make get hold of the medals. At the

museum, we discover that Peter was one of the Salford pals. He is

somewhere in the sea of faces. We know when he died and he was a

corporal. The key question still remains, after any surviving members

of the family and will this plaque If you do know anything, we would

I'm not going to pretend to do the other ones. You know how to get

I'm not going to pretend to do the of us. Let us know if you know

anything about this Dead Man's It is astonishing and everybody

anything about this Dead Man's died in the First World War, their

Richard is here now with the sport. No Premier League or Championship

football this weekend but that means a welcome turn in the spotlight

football this weekend but that means all the north west's other clubs.

That is because of the England Football League, it's the ideal

weekend to get out and take in a live game. I'll fill you in with

what's going on around the region in a moment but first to tomorrow's big

game. It's in League Two and sees second—placed Fleetwood host leaders

Chesterfield. Town have won six second—placed Fleetwood host leaders

competitions and a very special atmospehere is assured at Highbury

tomorrow. Chesterfield bringer numbers on and whenever we get big

numbers coming, our fans always respond in kind and get behind the

team. That should add to a crackly —— to a cracking atmosphere and

team. That should add to a crackly concentrate on what goes on on the

While Fleetwood versus Chesterfield fixtures there's action for you

While Fleetwood versus Chesterfield get out to all around the region.

Staying in League Two, there's an all—north West affair at Gigg Lane

Staying in League Two, there's an all—north West affair at Gigg Lane

Staying in League Two, there's an all—north West Rochdale are at home

bottom—of—the—league Accrington travel to Wimbledon. In League One,

Deepdale, Tranmere visit Bradford but please note that game is on

Sunday. If you can't get to a game, you'll find fantastic coverage on

your BBC local radio station. On Sunday, there is a chance to see

Manchester United legends run out at Macclesfield's Stadium. They will

play in an all—star game to raise money. Over the summer, the Silkmen

existence so how are they feeling This is professional football as far

away from the bright lights of the Premier League as you can get. The

battle at Macclesfield Town is not to keep multi—million pound players

happy but to keep their heads above water. The future is still, you

know, extremely precarious in the short—term because we are still

making this enormous adjustment short—term because we are still

losing early stages. We are making good progress down that direction

and with the council support it good progress down that direction

become a full possibility. —— from losing our league status. Tickets

for Sunday's game are selling well. Often with the list gates, getting

bums on seats with harder. We need people through the turnstiles for

coming, then we will succeed. The club has had to change or go under.

Turnover, which in the Football League was about £1.8m has been

halved. But does the average person in the Town care about its future?

Of course it is important because it is the only club in the area. I

because I don't support football. I feel that the club deserves to keep

going. And the club like most others at this level makes money in every

way it can. For £10,000 you can sponsor the main stand for a season.

pitchside board. £750 a match. And this is where the Town's long to

potential site for a brand—new stadium and facilities which the

club believes could be that up to a Potentially exciting but this game

on Sunday, the chance to see people Yes, there are others. Various

players have been mentioned. Owen Coyle. Franks Inquiry, I think it

is, not clever. There are lots of legends. —— Frank Sinclair, not

Trevor. That game kicks off at on Sunday. Macc are at Forest Green

in the Football Conference tomorrow but Chester and Southport are at

Sale Sharks' solid start to the impressive victory in their opening

Sale Sharks' solid They beat French visitors Biarritz 33—10 at the AJ

Bell Stadium. The pick of the tries Ostrikov who showed handling not

usually associated with a prop. Ostrikov who showed handling not

is a compliment. Debutant Joe Ford Finally from me for this evening,

time is running out for you to pay tribute to the person at your sports

club who always goes the extra mile for others. In collaboration with

the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, we're looking for the North

Nominating is easy, just fill in the very straight forward form that

Nominating is easy, just fill in the can find online. Don't delay, the

closing date is next Wednesday, October the 16th. That's an order.

You see nominating is easy, it is physically but thinking of someone,

isn't it? There are so many people that do so much for sub yes. As

somebody who stands at the side that do so much for sub yes. As

pitch every weekend, there are so many dads and mums who give up their

time. Yes, it is difficult to think of your own. There are lots of

people but I would go for my first PE teacher, who will fall off his

chair if you force them. I know PE teacher, who will fall off his

is very difficult to believe with my imposing stature but I was not the

first boy who he would seek should listening. He made me tackle of

first boy who he would seek should week. Quite right. I was inspired. I

had a moderately successful time playing rugby. The interesting thing

is that the people we are talking teachers. You have to be a volunteer

to qualify for nomination. Indeed. Bryan York spent three years of

to qualify for nomination. Indeed. life looking for this. The Holly

Fern which hadn't been seen in the part of Cumbria where he lives for

half a century. But amateur botanist Bryan was determined to track it

down. Beccy Meehan reports. Since I retired, I am out every day doing

lifelong obsession with nature and it has taken him on a three—year

hunt for a rear fern, last seen it has taken him on a three—year

gentleman sword. It has always intrigued me because people have

said it is probably extinct. He intrigued me because people have

about exploring an area of limestone pavement managed by a Wildlife

Trust. What I did was start one pavement managed by a Wildlife

in one area and then extend the radius the day after. Bigger and

bigger and bigger. We are nearly there are no but the location has to

peeking! This is where, when I found it, I was coming back from looking

at something else. Just at the corner of my eye, I saw this and I

couldn't believe it. So this is corner of my eye, I saw this and I

Holly Fern. It is exceptionally corner of my eye, I saw this and I

and has been certified as being corner of my eye, I saw this and I

lowest altitude of the species in the UK and possibly Europe. I am

really pleased. After 56 years, the UK and possibly Europe. I am

56 years looking for it. I am so One of the behind—the—scenes secrets

we can renew is that Dean has been graphics work because we have had a

problem but fingers crossed. Running around in these issues! I am so

I have not got particularly good news. Hello. We have plenty of

cloud, occasional bright spells threatening to ruin our forecast but

generally, the clouds came back threatening to ruin our forecast but

blocked out the sun so plenty of clothes. That will be the story

blocked out the sun so plenty of the weekend. We are going to hang on

to the extensive cloud cover on Saturday and on Sunday. We hang

to the extensive cloud cover on the breeze also and it looks as

to the extensive cloud cover on it might just be a little bit of

rain in this forecast, courtesy it might just be a little bit of

this area of low pressure. It will Saturday night. I have to say,

although it looks like we may see some rain on Sunday, we are not

although it looks like we may see how much rumour going to see for

tonight. Still plenty of cloud easterly breeze around. Occasional

spots of rain but generally we have double figures temperatures. We

start of tomorrow damp and frilly dry. You can see the clouds will

thicken up and bring you occasional bit of rain. Still an easterly

breeze around tomorrow. I think bit of rain. Still an easterly

may see occasional bright spells here. The temperatures will be very

similar to what you have seen today. 14 Celsius with an easterly breeze.

As we head into Sunday, more of 14 Celsius with an easterly breeze.

same to stop as I have said, that low pressure may dry that rain in

our direction. We are not sure how much rumour going to see. —— may

Thank goodness it worked! Just the finished, have a quick look at these

pictures. An artist has used £1 million of shredded anchor notes to

create our sculpture. —— banknotes. He is hoping it will go on to the

Tate Gallery. The disused money He is hoping it will go on to the

donated by the Bank of England. That is good, isn't it? So all we

need to do is think of some art That is good, isn't it? So all we

things of —— uses current money That is good, isn't it? So all we

were millionaires. I wonder how That is good, isn't it? So all we

that will last. The Dead Man's hopefully... We will follow up on