21/02/2014 North West Tonight

Thousands of protest to remain in Independence Square tonight,

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Annabel Tiffin and

Graham Liver. Our top story: On the front line of the fracking protests

` the constant battle between police and campaigners in Salford. We'll be

joined by the police commander to discuss the dispute.

Also tonight: Facing eviction ` the couple who've lost their latest

legal challenge to benefits changes. It's put a lot of stress on us. I've

got medical problems. We're having to fight this. It's not on.

The would`be rugby world champions ` Wigan prepare for battle down under.

And the purple popster rocks up in Manchester ` fans have been queuing

all day. Legal moves to evict anti`fracking

protestors from their camp in Eccles have been put on hold. A court in

Manchester today adjourned the hearing until early March. For now,

the camp remains ` as do the protestors. They've accused the

police of adopting heavy handed tactics at Barton Moss. The police

deny that and say the cost of keeping order is rising by the day.

Today there were three more arrests. Here's our Chief Reporter, Dave

Guest. Policing Barton Moss hasn't come cheap. ?700,000 so far ` and

counting. There are deliveries to the site on four days each week And

when there are around 60 officers are deployed to ensure the wagons

can get through. Some protestors claim to be victims of police

brutality. The police say some protestors have been aggressive and

provocative. GMP have recorded 2 official complaints from protestors

` five of them apparently from one person. The force invited us to see

their officers in action today. Another day at the office for police

and protestors at Barton Moss. The police say they're here to

facilitate peaceful protest. The protestors have a different point of

view. They're aggressive. They force us up the lane and kick us in the

back of the legs. Knuckling you in the back. I'm a teacher so I'm down

more this week than usual. If you're expecting it to be brutal why have

you brought a baby? I'm not going to get involved. The internet is awash

with videos alleged to show police brutality at Barton Moss. The police

deny claims that they're routinely heavy handed with protestors. But

here, an officer is heard wrongly accusing a man of drink driving The

incident's now being investigated by GMP under supervision from the

Independent Police Complaints Commission. An 8am briefing from

officers responsible for maintaining order at Barton Moss today. Be

vigilant. How can you trespass on public land?! It's a public footbath

on public land! Eh?! `` footpath. If the protestors move, the police are

happy. If they don't, that's when an arrest would be made. Do you not

accept that the protestors have done anything to exasperate the

situation? No. They're exercising their human right. The police are

not behaving the way they normally do. They'd be pushing us. They're

saying you've changed your tactics because we're here? No. There are a

mixture of people here. We've got to recognise that. There are more

cameras here than on the red carpet at the Oscars. The protestors film

the police who film the protestors who film us. Eventually the two

trucks make it to the drilling site. Police and protestors disperse `

both sides will reconvene again when the next convoy arrives. Joining us

now is Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Ian

Wiggett. 22 complaints so far, a YouTube video of angry scenes on

site ` could GMP be handling this better? The majority of the

complaints are related to minor pushing and people being filmed in a

public place. There are some more serious complaints which we have

here and one in particular is being investigated. This is the case of

the man who was accused wrongly of drink`driving. That matter is under

investigation. We have lots of allegations made but in terms of

substantive complaints that have come forward, but evidence we can

investigate, it is a small number. We have been the now for 90 days. We

have 60 officers there at least It is a confined area. But are a lot of

people filming. The protesters are filming all the time. Some footage

is making its way online, particularly when it has been a

confrontation, but the mood does change from day to day. Your

officers are facing a volatile situation every day ` there are

bound to be some tempers flaring ` your officers only human... We

insist that the officers behave to higher standards. We review all of

the footage at the end of the day. `` the highest standards. Are any of

the officers still on site, the ones who are being investigated? We are

investigating certain matters. The officers who work regularly down

there. We are in a very difficult situation because you can see it as

a constrained site. We recognised that emotions run high. We apply a

fair degree of tolerance and we try our best to facilitate the process

but unfortunately there are some numbers down here who are intent of

people not carrying this out. What about a 15`year`old girl? That was

trespassed. Whether it is a child or an elderly woman, we have to deal

with the situation. `` trespass It is a situation we would prefer not

to be in. It has cost us a lot of money and is a drain on resources.

We are doing our best to try to get the balance correct. Thank you.

Two officers found guilty of negligence after a soldier from Bury

was shot and killed will be allowed to rejoin the army after winning

appeals. 21`year`old Fusilier James Wilkinson died when a malfunctioning

machine gun accidentally fired. Corporal Colin Bell and Staff

Sergeant Patrick Price had their army dismissal orders quashed and

their sentences cut. Four people have been arrested over

a robbery at a Salford care home while more than 50 residents and

staff were inside. It happened earlier this month at Pendleton

Court Nursing Home. The raiders fled with cash and jewellery. Police say

no`one was injured, but a number of people were distressed.

Manchester Airport is to have its own specialist anti`slavery team.

It's part of a Home Office plan to help spot potential human

trafficking victims and disrupt organised crime gangs. The team led

by Border Force, will start work later this year.

And the future of one of the Isle of Man's red phone boxes has been

secured ` after a local bank stepped in to fund it. The kiosk at

Cregneash was one of six on the island deemed unprofitable ` but it

will now be restored. 500 people have signed a petition for Manx

Telecom to keep the phone boxes A couple from Southport say they

face eviction after losing a court battle against housing benefit

changes. Charlotte Carmichael says she's unable to share a bedroom with

her husband because she's seriously ill. But under new rules his

bedroom's treated as a spare room and the couple face a cut in benefit

payments. An appeal against what critics call "the bedroom tax" was

turned down in the High Court today. Stuart Flinders reports. Anxious

moments for the Carmichaels. They were waiting to hear the result of

an appeal against housing benefit changes. It's caused so much stress.

My health is... I'm anxious all the time. The changes are supposed to

discourage couples from living in properties big enough to house

families on the waiting list. But the Carmichaels say they have no

choice. Charlotte has spina bifida and needs to use a special bed.

Campaigners went to court, claiming the changes penalise disabled

people, but a senior judge today found against them. The relevant

legal test for a successful challenge is whether the measures

are manifest without reasonable foundation. This stringent test is

not satisfied in these cases. The appeals are dismissed. We may be

evicted. There's no guarantee we'll be able to live here. It's put a lot

of stress on us. I've got medical problems. We're having to fight

this. It's not on. The Government says the old system was open to

abuse. Campaigners are seeing if they can now take their appeal to

Europe. She's been one of the region's most

distinctive and well known MPs. But Hazel Blears, the Labour MP for

Salford and Eccles, has decided to call it a day and step down at the

next general election. Elected in 1997, she reached cabinet before

imploding in the expenses scandal. Our political editor Arif Ansari has

been looking back on a memorable political career. Her first public

appearance was as a movie extra And there's always been a little bit of

showbiz about Hazel Blears. Now she's decided to leave the political

stage... The energy and passion she shows is fantastic. It is amazing to

see how she connects with local people. The grammar school girl from

Salford was first elected in the Blair landslide of 1997. She became

a minister, introducing the five`a`day healthy eating regime and

then Police Community Support Officers. Always loyal and usually

chirpy ` Tony Blair promoted her to cabinet as Party Chair. It didn t

stop her campaigning against her own government's plans to close

maternity services at Salford Royal. Gordon Brown promoted her again to

Communities Secretary. But they fell out spectacularly. She mocked his

"youtube if you want to" moment He called her expenses record "totally

unacceptable". I've sent a cheque to the same equivalent amount. What I

don't was in accordance with the rules. People are angry. Under

intense media pressure, she quit on the eve of European elections.

Labour campaigners were furious that she was "rocking the boat". She

resigned on the eve of the local elections, weeding a badge and it

was something she regretted later. `` wearing. But she campaigned hard

and won re`election with a 6,00 majority four years ago. She wasn't

wanted in Ed Miliband's new team. Instead she helped Salford recover

from the riots and ensured the BBC chose Salford Quays to base Media

City. But family life was becoming painful. It was the brutal diagnosis

we have about in relation to cancer sufferers but he did was happening

to the people I live with. Many will remember Hazel Blears for her

expenses. Others will recognise her total commitment to Salford and her

constituents. Now to the big fuss surrounding the

smallest of Lakeland properties Bridge House in Ambleside is

centuries old and The National Trust wants to put up a couple of

handrails to help visitors view it. But that has led to a flurry of

opposition from the local parish council. Peter Marshall reports

They believe it was built in the mid`1600. Built over 400 years ago,

once apparently home to a family of eight. The National Trust wants to

put in guardrails to stop people falling off. They aren't planning

massive changes. They just want to put guardrail Cor. Also a handrail.

The steps are quite steep but the idea hasn't gone down well with the

parish council. It wants the proposals blocked. It's an iconic

building, gifted in 1926. People photograph it. They don't like

change. It has been like that for years and years. Why would you

change? It's not about health and safety. It's about letting people

enjoy it. If they can't navigate the states then that is no use. `` the

steps. I think it's ridiculous. Unnecessary. You've got to be safe

if you're claiming up to the top so I don't think it would spoil it If

it was bright pink... The decision is likely to come down to the Lake

District National Park Authority. This debate could get lively.

Sport now, and some welcome news for Manchester United and for Wayne

Rooney's bank balance as well? Yes, he's agreed a new five`and`a`half

year contract worth up to ?300, 00 a week. That makes him the highest

paid player in the Premier League. It will raise eyebrows. Chelsea

tried to buy the England striker in the summer but David Moyes, and of

course this incredible deal, the most expensive in the club's

history, persuaded him to commit his future to United. The Reds play

Crystal Palace tomorrow. Curator has charged Manuel

Pellegrini with conflict. We lost against Barcelona and we were angry.

I apologise for what I said. Meanwhile, Everton have a tough

match at Chelsea but have no intention of giving up on that

crucial fourth Champions League place. Boss Roberto Martinez has

made a behind the scenes change He's appointed iconic Everton hero

Duncan Ferguson to first team coach. The former striker scored 72 goals

in 273 appearances and has spent the last two`and`a`half years as youth

coach. He's developing into an exciting coach. I think we need him

in the first team environment. He's an Evertonian. A great influence.

He'll be a big part of the staff in the first team from now till the end

of the season. Wigan Warriors fans have just a few

hours to wait to see if their team will be crowned the best club side

in the world. The Warriors are preparing to take on the Sydney

Roosters in an annual challenge that pits our title winners against the

Australian champions. And If Wigan do lift the trophy, they'll be the

first Super League side to do it down under. Wigan Warriors are on

the brink of history ` already double winners at home, they could

become the first Super League team to be crowned World Champions on

Australian soil. Victory would also make them the first team to lift the

title four times. The coach did that himself as a player in 1987. He

still views it as the pinnacle of his career. I want these players to

understand the importance. In 2 years, when they've finished, they

want to look back and know they ve created history. I understand the

challenge. They're a fantastic team but we'll make it a fantastic team.

Wigan were successful again in 991, and caused a big upset in beating

the Brisbane Broncos on their own patch in 1994. But the Warriors also

know what it's like to lose to the Ozzies, as they did three years ago.

It's a challenge. We understand Wigan won two titles last year.

Wigan won a warm up match comfortably against New Zealand

Warriors. They won't be lacking support either ` some fans have made

the ten`and`a`half`thousand mile journey to cheer them on.

And you can hear commentary of that match on BBC Five Live Extra with

build up starting at 9am tomorrow morning.

In the Winter Olympics in Sochi we have two competitors in this

weekend's events. Former Queen's Guardsman Lamin Deen from Manchester

is the pilot of the four man bobsleigh. The former Burnage High

School pupil David Ryding from Chorley who learned to ski on Pendle

dry ski slope and competed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver is

competing in the slalom. You can see how they get on on BBC Two over the

weekend. Good luck to them. Now, in just ten minutes the doors

are going to open on one of the gigs of the year in Manchester. Pop

royalty's come to the city in the diminutive form of Prince. He's at

the Academy. Unsurprisingly, there have been queues forming there since

last night. Gill Dummigan's there now. You're a fan? I am! It is a few

minutes until the doors open. Prince has been here four times in

Manchester. Last time at the Apollo. Will the drizzle put you off? No!

He's been filling stadiums for more than 30 years ` last time he was in

the UK in 2007 it was for a 21 night tour of the huge 02 arena in London.

So when the artist currently known as Prince did this at Wednesday s

Brit awards... The result was inevitable. Sold out in 60 seconds.

With a face value of ?70, they were soon appearing on resale websites

for many times that. Then a rumour went around that a couple hundred of

tickets were going to be available and look what happened. I have come

from Aberdeen. This morning. It took seven hours. I came from Surrey

Those tickets go on sale at 7pm but in the meantime, the fans here have

worked out a numbering system to get them. We have been here since 1 pm.

We didn't really use the sleeping bag. We just stayed up. It was a

good atmosphere. I got here before 10pm last night. I have been a

Prince fan for 20 years. He puts a show one for you. `` on. Since the

late 70s, Prince has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. His

last UK top ten single was many years ago. He has the funk. An inner

Hendrix. He will deliver. There are a few people there who think it will

be a fantastic night. They have travelled a long way. We are from

Aberdeen. We set off at 1am this morning. What about you? Venice We

came here yesterday. What is it about Prince? Here is the greatest

musician in the world. The greatest artist. We love him. Thank you. 2000

lucky people are here tonight. 000 more tomorrow. There are rumours of

more UK concerts. They are keen Tickets aren't cheap! Are you a fan?

I saw him many years ago! We are going to see some rain on

Sunday. With that in mind, parts of Cumbria and North Wales have issued

a yellow earlier let. The winds will be strong. This has been the story

of the day. Many places have managed to get away from the showers. There

was almost springlike sunshine in places. Over the last few hours the

showers have moved. I think we will see some more as we head through the

evening. If you are going out tonight you will probably see some

of them. The year is fairly cool. You're overnight temperatures are

not quite as cool as last eight We are looking at three or four

Celsius, perhaps a degree lower than that. Tomorrow, the morning is the

best part of the day. I think you will see good light of through that

period. The weather system starts to come towards us and we will see some

more showers eventually. They should be isolated and not too much of a

problem however. Towards the end of the day, the temperatures will be

seven or eight. Thank you. Just a word before we go about next

week, when we begin our coverage of the centenary of World War One here

on Northwest Tonight and on BBC local radio. All through the week

we'll be covering stories about the impact of the War here at home. I've

been filming over the last few weeks. There are some moving

stories. Those stories will be featured on your BBC local radio

breakfast shows on Monday morning at 8.15am. On my Radio Lancashire

breakfast show I'll have the story of the Butterworths minus four

brothers from Lancaster who all lost their lives in the war. `` the

Butterworths ` four brothers. We discuss a young couple. Remarkable.

That's it from us. Goodbye.