31/01/2014 North West Tonight

That's all from the BBC News at Six, so it's goodbye from me, and on BBC

Good evening. The top story. The jury in the Bill Roache trial told

the case against him is full of inconsistencies.

The defence barrister called `` called some of the evidence week.

Could this happen again? Coastal communities make

preparations as high tides combined with heavy rain. The school Governor

pined for taking his children to school during term time, you says he

had no choice. Fined. The start of the Chinese New

Year, and Manchester prepares for a weekend celebration.

The jury in the Bill Roache trial has been told the case against him

is weak and full of inconsistencies. The barrister also criticised the

way police had investigated the allegations.

She said in the post Jimmy Sabo era, any allegation made against a

celebrity had to end up in court. Jimmy Savile `` Jimmy Savile. It

seems the defence has been as forthright as the prosecution last

night. Yes, the prosecuted yesterday began

her closing remarks with the words, someone here is lying. That being

was taken up today by the defence. The QC representing William Roache

started her address with this famous lines, what a tangled web we weave

when first we practice to deceive. The implication being that the women

accusing William Roache whether deceivers. She said that when you

tell a lie, you have to keep a clear head and good memory which he says

the story is told in court were littered with inconsistencies.

`` but she says. She worked her way through the stories by the Bible

women, suggested each had inconsistencies `5 women. The woman

who claimed Mr Roache raped her at this bungalow had given `` had given

`` had given different accounts of her age and why she was in the

property. The QC said this was. . The sisters who claimed they were

assaulted after looking for autographs outside Granada. She said

they had got their heads together to concoct a story. Macro `... .

Turning to the woman who says she was indecently assaulted in the

toilets at the Granada building The QC said the police investigation

had been lacking, one complainant was interviewed in front of her

husband and was `` and he was also called as a husband. But despite the

contradictions, the case had made it to court. She said,

contradictions, the case had made it It was now for the jury to

scrutinise the evidence before them. So the prosecution, defence, they

have said everything, it is all coming to an end.

That is right, on Monday morning, the judge will address the jury and

do his summing up of the case and direct them on any points of war.

And late on Monday or Tuesday, the jury will be sent away to consider

their verdict. How long is a piece of string #.

We have no idea how that will take. He denies four counts of indecent

assault and macro of rape dating back to the 1960s. `` and two of

rape. Somerfield nuclear`power station says above levels of

radiation which forced some workers to stay away today were caused by

Nat Chile occurring background radon.

Thousands of staff were told not to come to work after an hour level

detected levels of activity overnight `` naturally occurring.

The company says there is no risk to the workforce or public.

A maths teacher from the Isle of Man has been found guilty of rape and

ten counts of indecent assault. He committed the crime `` crimes

between 2010 and 2013 and five girls aged up to 17. He will be sentenced

next week. Ed Miliband has been on the campaign

trail to support his party's campaign in the forthcoming

by`election. It follows the death of an MP earlier this month. Ed

Miliband says he is improving response times at the Accident and

Emergency unit. Mike will be fighting for the people

of Wythenshawe and sale East on issues that matter. Like the issue

of BEA in the Department in Wythenshawe. `` the Accident and

Emergency. People are worried they cannot get seen quickly and Mike has

that at the top of his campaign There are seven candidates standing

in the by`election. Manchester is getting it and so is

cruel and Wigan, but plans for a HS2 do not include Liverpool. `` two.

Today, a campaign was launched to change that.

Businesses say it could cost the Merseyside economy billions. We will

be putting that point to a spokesman.

It is the ?46 billion project which the government says will energise

the economy. It is not going to come to Liverpool. Instead, trains will

travel at high speed as far as which field or Crewe and slow down for the

rest of the journey here. Businesses do not want the economy of live In

the sidings. `` the economy of Liverpool. We

could lose ?2 billion over 20 years. The boss of a finishing the company

says HS2 would help him. A lot of buyers from the chain

stores which the company provides for based in London or the Midlands

and they could come here more quickly so it will be better because

they would be more efficient. It takes two hours four minutes from

London to live `` to Liverpool, under HS2, that would reduce to one

hour 43 minutes. But Manchester will see a 43% improvement in its London

journey time. It will come down from two hours to one hour and eight

minutes. Ending city `` bringing HS2 to Liverpool would bring the travel

time down, the extension would cost up to ?1.9 billion but campaigners

say it would boost the Merseyside economy by ?8 billion over 20 years.

If the proposals go ahead, it it will be worse for Liverpool than the

current situation. HS2 will push other cities up and it will hold

Liverpool under the water. If it were extended, the question

is, who would pay? Central government or what local businesses

the expected to contribute in some way? `` what local businesses.

`` would. We have a representative from HS2 here. ?1.9 billion for that

extra 20 miles to take it to Liverpool, a lot of money, but it is

not in the grand scheme of things, why not extend it?

It is important to stress we are connect in HS2 to Liverpool, we have

that connection at Lichfield or Crewe and you will see high`speed

trains coming into Liverpool lime Street from London. We have tried to

design a scheme that fits in with the entire rail network and provides

the best services across the Northwest.

It is not a High Speed Rail link going to Manchester, they will slow

down from Crewe onwards. He put in Liverpool think they will miss out

on the way that Manchester and other cities will not.

`` in the way. It is correct trains will travel at high speed as far as

Crewe. We are very pleased places like Liverpool are entering the

debate about High Speed Rail. They are looking at the benefits to

Manchester and two leads and other places `` to Leeds. They do not want

to miss out. The government will be looking at the proposals, I am sure.

So is there a likelihood the wide could be extended to Liverpool? ``

the line. We will look at proposals that come

through to us and I am sure the government will, and come to a

conclusion. A separate question in the papers

today about the report into whether the actual HS2 scheme is value for

money. That report seems to have been blocked from released by the

Transport Secretary so it is not being made public, why? That is a

decision for the Minister. In HS2, the scheme is value for money, it is

an important piece of infrastructure for the transport system, and we are

ploughing on very quickly in delivering this project and are

determined to deliver it on time and on budget.

Thank you. The links between the Northwest and

London will be considered on the Sunday Politics this week.

Getting more women elected to Westminster but stopping everyone

else heading to London is a topic this week, I will be joined by a

Conservative Minister and a Labour MP to debate women 's short lists

and the growing financial gap between here and London.

Coastal communities in Lancashire and Cumbria and the Isle of Man are

battling down the hatches after a warning of possible flooding this

weekend. High spring tides coincide with strong winds and heavy rain.

Earlier this month, we were on Barrow, affected by bad flooding.

Since then, and emergency sea defence has been repaired but they

are not home and dry yet. Even at high tide, the sea was

relatively calm today. It was a different story a month ago when

high tides and strong winds demolished a temporary sea defence.

Last time you are here, this wall, water was flooding at the height of

the storm and now look at it today. If you look over the wall, you can

see the reason. Barrow Borough Council has prepared

`` has repaired the sea defence a series of holders. Residents feeling

happier? Much happier. When we get the weekend over, we will.

Celebrating. `` we will begin celebrating. The

wall had been washed away. The impact of the storms had done

terrible damage. We were able to release money for a temporary

structure hopefully to protect the residential community.

A proper sea system will be put in place next month after years of

campaigning, but winds of up to 60 mph coinciding with a high tide of

over ten metres forecast for the Northwest coast from midday

tomorrow. One area preparing for the severe weather is the Isle of Man

and there has already been local flooding in Castletown. Residents

here hope this temporary defence will hold up one last time.

Worrying times for many. A full forecast later.

Probably more wind and rain to come. Still to come. Saluting a Super

League legend as St Helens prepare for James Roby 's testimonial, we

see him as we have never seen him before. And enter the Dragon,

celebrations for Chinese New Year is the year of the horse arrives. `` as

the year. Parents will know how holiday prices

increase during the school holidays and schools have clamped down on

families who take children out in term time to save money. One man has

made headlines today, a school Governor in Macclesfield who was

fined ?60 for taking his child out to visit a sick relative in Spain.

He ended up with a bigger fine when he went to court. Some people will

empathise because we know prices go up at others will say you are a

school Governor and you should have known better. `` but others.

At the time I bought the holiday, I was not a school Governor. I was

when I went. I am an agricultural contractor and we can only take

holidays at certain times. The summer holidays, it is a very busy

time and we cannot go away as a family. I have five children and I

wanted two week with my family in Spain `` two weeks. And with a sick

relative, but you know the rules. Other people will say that they have

jobs and it is not easy to get time off. Why should you be different? Is

the school Governor think relevant? You should have known better. I

should have known better now. I have have not been treated different to

anyone else. It is time the government looked into this and

regional `` and regionalised holidays to spread it out. You have

six weeks where half the population wants to go abroad and you have

horrendous prices. The academy would say it is a non`authorised absence

and as a Governor and parent, you should support their policy. I agree

with you. My other children were authorised to go on holiday. I

thought there would be no problem for my eldest daughter to go on

holiday. Did you ask for permission? We did. It had been refused? It had,

I was not aware of that. You have been in the papers and social media,

on kind things have been said and people will have their opinions ``

on kind. Do you wish you hadn't done it? I do, but I am building memories

for my children while they are young. And would not do it again?

Definitely not! We wish you well. Thank you.

Visitors to a cemetery in the Peak District have been upset by the

decision to film a drama about zombies by the BBC. Scenes are being

shot at a Glossop cemetery. The local council gave permission for

the filming but teletext of those buried say it is disrespectful.

`` but relatives of some of those buried there. In the flesh is 1

drama about zombies were `` reintegrating into the community.

`` a team. This was the first series, but the BBC is filming a new

series and has chosen Glossop cemetery as a location.

I came down and I was appalled that my mum 's grave and everybody else

around here, all these people are grieving and it is so wrong. It was

floodlit like a circus. When I found out what was being filmed, a zombie

film, it hurts. Our mums are not zombies and we do not want this

place to represent that. We have laid our mums to rest. The

production team say they sorry for offence caused.

It is vital to convey we have been working on empty ground and we would

not have used existing headstones, we brought our own into the area. We

want to use authentic locations but we have put everything in place to

prevent upset. The cemetery is owned by the Borough

Council who gave BBC permission to film now. Today, they said they

agreed to allow filming macro `` filming...

But some here hope the film crew will not be returning.

Onto sport. Transfer deadline day today. We were expecting a busy day

at the top of the Premier League. No big deal is yet?

Not yet. David Moyes says Manchester United will not be doing last`minute

business. City appear to have pulled out, the asking price for Fernando

and this man, the defender, in excess of ?40 million for both, was

thought to be too high. Liverpool have not got their major target over

the line. The managing director is in the Ukraine trying to tie up a

deal but little sign of an agreement yet. Manager and in Rogers has said

it is complicated so fans might be left sweating.

Everton have added a Czech Republic goalkeeper from Sparta Prague. And

there has been significant activity for championship teams. Backbone has

signed Craig Conway. Finally, Wanderers have let striker

Craig Davies leave on loan. He has joined Preston North End. You can

keep up`to`date with any last`minute moves on the BBC website.

One of the most significant deals was late in games chased by David

Moyes 's Manchester United, he signed a new contract at Goodison

Park and said he was impressed by the determination of Roberto

Martinez to keep him. He was adamant he wanted me to stay here which was

flattering. To have your old manager wants to take you with him and your

Corrin to manage to want to keep you. `` current manager. That was an

interesting perspective. You can see a full interview

tomorrow. Rugby union, sale sharks could leave

their stage after 18 months in Salford. The chairman says the

stadium has fallen short of expect patients and he has raised concerns

`` expectations. Attendance has dropped from 8,000 to 6,000 since

making the move from Stockport. James Roby has said it will be

emotional when he walks out on the pitch for his testimonial this

evening. Saints will play Wigan Warriors in a match to honour one of

the best loved players of St Helens. James has only played for his

home`town club where he has won most major honours.

I am a fan at heart and when I retire, I will be back on the

terraces. In the posh seats! Yes! I still

class myself as a fan. I am local and I still live in the town and

bump into fans. What would you point to be your

greatest success? I always remember the 2006 final, the first and only

grand final I have one. The try I scored at Wembley in 2007.

I do not often celebrate and I celebrated, that definitely sticks

out. You had a cameo appearance in a

film! Yes, ! `` yes, for my high school.

I a reasonable man. One of the teachers grabbed me and

said, we are doing a film, walk past in the back ground in a shot. I

said, no problem. I turned up and they had a full camera crew and

props people! It was all staged in the school canteen and there were

300 people behind the camera watching!

I only had one line. You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend! No, you

didn't tell me you had bought him a top! It was a while ago! I remember

going in and I was like, really embarrassed.

I got it done and I managed to keep a straight face and do it!

Will you do any more? I do not think so. I have never seen it, it was at

the local pictures but I think all the lads would have gone down to

watch it so I said nothing, but they will probably get a copy now!

He will kill me! Thank you for that footage.

You are wicked! That is so mean and unkind to dig

out something from somebody 's past! It is very cruel.

Look at this, Richard. What is that? !

What on Earth was that? ! He has not changed a hit!

Look into that camera. `8 it. I would like to say that was the

height of fashion. `` a bit. You can blame that on your

colleagues. Former colleagues!

We thought we should get it `` we thought we should get you back for

James. That hair!

Today is the first day of the year 4712 in the Chinese calendar. We

have just gone into the year of the horse.

It is a big celebration in China and the North West, particularly

Liverpool and Manchester. Our reporter is inside and square in

central Manchester. It looks lovely. `` Saint and is square. `` St Ann's.

The smells are incredible. These stalls have been here since

yesterday. The suites have been selling well, so have some of the

Dragons and lanterns. It is the year of the horse and there is a clue,

because this wiki `` because this is incredibly lucky. Bonnie will tell

me more. A lot of children will have got these. Yes, I am still waiting

for mine. Parents give these to their children and married couples

give them to singletons and children. Last year was the year of

the snake and thousands turned out, 25,000, 75,000 here. What can we

expect over the next couple of days? We have got a pop`up market which is

fantastic here. It has been really popular. It commentates in in

Chinatown. We will have the celebrations and those pictures on

Sunday, and what I am going to do next is eat some of the food!

Happy New Year to our Chinese viewers.

The weather now. More rain is on the way.

`` plenty going on this weekend particular tomorrow. You are out

doors, Sunday is better. Windy tomorrow, may be severe gales, and

likely to see coastal flooding. Tonight, ice and forming. A rain

this afternoon, that is using. `` a little rain. Showers later which

will ease away. Queer scale skies overnight that clear skies

overnight. Frost will be forming. `` clear skies overnight. We will see

icy stretches tonight and tomorrow. And I suspect temperatures will drop

below freezing. Another where the warning for wind tomorrow. ``

weather warning. We are expecting winds of up to six, 70 mph at

lunchtime `60. It will Corrin is I'd with high tide. `` it will coincide

with high tide. There could be coastal flooding. We start mostly

dry, cold. More relevant well for us know `` more rain will fall as snow.

And strong winds, gales around the Irish Sea coast of up to 60 mph A

lot of rain, a miserable day. Localised flooding will be an issue.

Drier on Sunday. For now, we have 13 flood warnings and 12 Ford alerts.

`` flood alerts. A miserable weekend.

It will play havoc with your hair! Thank you for watching. Have a nice

weekend. Next up in the Den, it is Chris and

Alex. Hello, dragons, thank you for having us. I am out. We are not

asking for money, we want you to come on The One Show. I think you

are very brave, but I am