17/02/2017 Look North (East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire)

That's all from the BBC News at Six - so it's goodbye from me -

Good evening and welcome to BBC Look North.

More officers are promised to deal with the growing number of criminals

I have committed to putting extra people into this arena and that is

already under way. I'm afraid we have heard all of this before. The

police are on notice now. A ghostly performance in a Hull

cemetery will go ahead On their way - Lincoln City's

players hit the road ahead of their biggest cup game in more

than a hundred years. Plans to scrap several district

councils suffer a blow The country's oldest

professional clown looks to make And a mild and largely dry weekend

to come, I am back with all the details.

The new Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police says

the force "will be doing more" to tackle hare coursers and the

Bill Skelly promised to commit more officers to policing the problems.

People in some parts of the county say they've been threatened

and intimidated by criminal gangs who travel to the area

This report by our Rural Correspondent, Linsey Smith,

features pictures some may find upsetting.

The sheer numbers show the strength of feeling here today,

Angry at what they say is a woeful lack of policing in the countryside.

Their problems often come from hare coursers.

People who illegally hunt hares with dogs and cause havoc

Especially if residents challenge them about the damage they cause.

I have been threatened personally to be killed,

my family killed, my property destroyed, burned down.

The meeting today was a chance to air concerns

to Lincolnshire Police's new Chief Constable.

I have committed to putting extra people into this arena

There's no doubt that in the recent past the issue has changed

We are seeing a higher level of organisation and the harm

I feel that definitely Lincolnshire Police will

has currently in order to try and address these issues.

Such honesty was welcomed, particularly by those who have been

They can use a mobile phone app toward each other of gangs

approaching the property. He will certainly look

at the issue and see what can be done to

improve the standard of living for all of us

who suffer from these gangs

on a daily basis. We put our point across very

strongly, politely but strongly, I'm afraid we have

heard most of what we The police are noticing now,

it is good the Chief It is a change from last year, you

now have multiple groups of vehicles, ten, 15, 20, 20 watching

and ten or 20 here crossing and it is about money. It is huge amount of

money involved. The Chief Constable said

they won't irradicate hare coursing and the associated crimes

but he said he'll meet residents again here in three months' time

to talk through a detailed plan of how they'll

bring the levels down. And if you are in ruling can sure we

will be asking for your views on shortly.

How significant was the commitment from the new Chief Constable

The last time BBC Look North interviewed the former

Chief Constable just over a month ago, one of his main points

was that farmers needed to help themselves more.

Bill Skelly, the new Chief who I met today, has come

He also said, that the crime of hunting with dogs has

With social media it's becoming more organised,

that means more money is bet on hunts and therefore,

the participants will more violently defend their meetings.

Because of this 'change, he admits that Lincolnshire Police

need to change the way they police it.

But, with his big words come a big responsibility to deliver them.

And the hundreds of farmers who turned out

to that meeting today, will be watching, and waiting,

Do you welcome the words

Will this go far enough to tackle the problems of rural crime?

If you live in a rural area and have had experience of hare coursers

or any other crimes let us know your thoughts tonight.

Does the new Chief Constable instilled confidence?

An aerial performance in a Hull cemetery will go ahead in May

as part of the City of Culture events despite an unprecedented

level of opposition to the plans from viewers to this programme.

The production which involves performers dressed as ghosts

and acrobats in the trees above the graves provoked some

very strong comments from those who got in touch

The performance will "violate people's graves" it's

"dreadfully disrespectful" and it's "insensitive" .

Those are typical of the strong sentiments expressed last night -

In a moment we'll hear from the Friends of the General Cemetery

But first Caroline Bilton reports on the latest developments

Tickets sold out within hours of them going on sale but this event

while clearly supported by some has left others reeling.

They are performing what is tantamount to a circus act and to me

The news that Hull's general cemetary is to be transformed

into a performance space in May by a circus company lead to an huge

Dozens got in touch to tell us they supported the event

'absolutely outraged at this so-called circus being held

What about all the people that are going to be treading over

all the old graves.' Frances emailed to say its:

'Hardly fitting for a City of Culture when we do not even

This could so easily be held in any of the Hull Parks.'

And Trish emailed: 'I have relatives buried in that cemetery

and there is no way that ANYTHING like this can possibly

It is like dancing on someone's grave.'

Organisers say there's been an element

of mis-understanding, audiences will not be allowed

to walk over graves, they'll be guided through

the performance on the already marked out pathways.

And its hoped that it could benefit this

cemetery in the long run, there's certainly little respect

shown by dog walkers at the moment, the whole area is overgrown,

litter is strewn everywhere, before the performance takes place

What is this respectful is the fact that people don't look after this

place, we have had this sudden upsurge in animosity towards the

city of culture and the performance that is going to take place in May.

What I would like to see some of the people who have been making that

noise, low when we organise and we do, regular opportunities to clean

the place up and help us get rid tipping and keep it as an urban

woodland which is what it is these days. A woodlands into the state

regardless of opposition. Lots of comments and thank you for

them all. Earlier I spoke Councillor Marjorie

Brabazon from the Friends of General Cemetery and asked her

why she welcomed the performance. It is the city of culture, it is a

very beautiful performance, but I have seen of it, and the feedback we

have had from people who have seen it is... Why is it OK to have an

entertainment show where people are lying and rest? It is not an

entertainment show... Says. It is not. They are using this piece very

respectfully. It is a beautiful aerial dance. We have seen the

pictures are people are very unhappy. What do you say to these

people. Gloria said it is an appalling bad taste. Reset it is

this respectful to the dead. William it is disgusting. Some people are

not happy but some people are looking forward to it and you can

tell that by the point that all the tickets have been sold. There is no

way that I would, if I felt that it was going to be disrespectful to

people that are buried in there, it has not been a burial ground for

over 40 years. And what is disrespectful is when people

fighting items in the and let the dogs foul on the graves. That is

this respectful. You're right, a lot of people are happy because they

have written. Martin's so will those who are mourning the thinking

differently when the shows up and running and they can see how it is?

I think they will. I think people complaining probably won't want to

go, which is fine, not everything that we have for the city of culture

is going to be meeting everyone's tastes. This one certainly hasn't.

Is it a blunder by the party brigade? I don't think it is. It has

been done elsewhere, in London. They did not have a lot of complaints,

and there were a lot of positive comments if you go in the website

and work. A lot of positive comments. You will always get people

who you will not be able to please. We expect that. That is human

nature. Very good to see you. Have you got a ticket to the event? I

haven't, I was hoping to go and see it but apparently all the tickets

have been sold. Thank you. The subject of the performance in the

cemetery. Lincolnshire Police say the driver

of a car who was in a crash with an ambulance four weeks

ago has died. Five people were injured

in the incident at Waddington in January, when the ambulance

was responding to an emergency call. Police say the driver

who died wasn't taken to hospital at the time,

but was admitted to A post mortem examination

will to try determine whether the death is linked

to the collision. The train company Transpennine

express is to run a later train It's hoped the 10.30

service to Brough, Selby, Leeds and Manchester will allow

people to stay longer in the city at night,

especially during City It is 20 minutes to seven, thank you

for watching this Friday. Still ahead on the programme, hoping to

pull off another shock Lincoln city prepare to face Premier League

opponents in the FA Cup. And the father and son clown team hoping to

get a laugh on the east Coast. Snowdrops in Keelby

from Susie Sunshine. Thank you very much indeed for that

one. I know you weren't happy after last

night, but we will gloss over it. I have a suggestion because this has

gone on sale today. This is the Peter Reeve a James Bond dress at

just ?30. Will you be buying one? Will you wear the leggings?

Probably not! Fashion advice from the man who says I wear pyjamas and

he is wearing, let's look at that shirt.

I got punished, let's have a forecast!

The weekend doesn't look too bad, a lot of dry weather but I think there

will be quite a lot of cloud around and it will feel mild. The mostly

dry weekend with a lot of mild weather so most of the rain will be

overnight Saturday to Sunday. It is mild because a lot of areas coming

up from the south-west, actually from the US, it is being dragged on

the jet stream and will get even milder as we head into Monday.

Potentially in one or two spots on our part of the world because gets

to 17 degrees. Today there has been some sunshine around, some breaks in

the cloud but I think of there will be thicker cloud at times which

could produce a few pockets of light rain and drizzle on and off to the

night. The reigning clavicle, Colbert the average temperature is

getting down to around six or 7 degrees. -- the average temperature

getting down. The sun will rise of quarter past seven and set at 517

and the high water time and Cleethorpes will be at ten past ten.

-- quarter to ten. Even though we keep a lot of clouds

during the day it will brighten up and there could be the odd shower

but for most of the day we are looking at dry relatively bright

conditions and mild, too. The breeze will pick up to the acronym and then

the rain will approach from the north-western -- tomorrow evening. I

would not be surprised if one or two spots don't get around to 12 or 13

degrees over the weekend, on Sunday at the start of the day but I think

it will become drier and brighter as the day goes on and then on Monday

was places will have a lot of cloud and it will be quite breezy. In 12

spots it could be a few degrees higher.

You didn't answer if you will buy it but I'm sure many of your fans would

love to see you in the Peter Reeve a James Bond dress! Subject is closed,

the subject is closed. Nearly four children In Need. Have a nice

weekend. A public vote to do away

with several Lincolnshire Councils and replace them with a single one

has been postponed. The county council leader

Martin Hill had proposed a referendum asking the public

if they wanted local government But that's been derailed

by opposition from some Our political editor

Tim Iredale reports. Barely a day goes by without

councils complaining they don t have enough money

to provide local services. So Lincolnshire's county council

leader came up with a proposal he claimed would save 30 million

pounds a year. To scrap his own authority and seven

districts and replace them with a unitary authority covering

the whole of Lincolnshire. It's an idea that's divided

council tax payers. I believe we don't need county

councils and district councils, just one or two or three saw the public

can have one council to go to. You need one person to go and see

rather than different districts, you don't know where to go for each

subject. Good idea. Having one in Lincoln, they have now idea what

goes on in any other town. You need somebody on the ground. The merger

proposal was proposed by some of Lincolnshire 's District Council

leaders who sought legal advice. A legal opinion is unequivocal that

you cannot run a referendum integrated with our local council

election. I am afraid it is typical of the county to take us on a rather

arrogant and incompetent approach to things. They did not bother to

consult the district councils, they did not take proper legal advice.

The county council leader denies the accusation and says in a referendum

on his proposals has been scrapped. This is a U-turn. More like a

chicane, we are still going to do a consultation in September October

but not a U-turn, more of a chicane. There have been a few obstacles put

in the way and we will consult the public. Although there will not be a

formal referendum the people of Lincolnshire will be asked their

views on whether they want a unitary authority is part of a consultation

process. It is clear this matter is not off the political agenda here.

Lincoln City are just hours away from the biggest cup

The underdogs hope to pull-off a shock result when they face

Premier League side Burnley in the FA Cup Fifth round.

Our sports reporter Simon Clark is here.

Peter, the way this team have been performing anything seems possible!

There may be 81 places between top flight Burnley and non-League

Lincoln City but tomorrow lunchtime when the teams come out

onto the pitch that gap may not count for much.

The game is live on television and will be watched right around

the world but it was business as usual today at the ground.

A quiet breakfast for the players and Lincoln city, this cup run has

made them the tools of the town. Tomorrow they will be at the heart

of the nation 's consciousness when they meet Premier League Bradley for

a place in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup. It is a big occasion not

just for others played for the club's, we will go there and be in

good spirits and we have nothing to lose so we're looking forward to it.

How excited are you by the prospect? We can't wait, it will be a good

test for us. The cup run began with wins over Altrincham, first all them

were dispatched. Then came the first championship opponents, Ipswich.

Before the then leader 's Brighton were sent home in defeat. Manager

Danny Calley was checking everything was as it should be. His attention

to detail one of the reasons the Imps have come so far. We are trying

to keep Gates on to one side because we understand that tomorrow we need

all of sensors and wits about us if we are going to be able to meet the

challenge that Burnley will give us. 482 years George Ashton has avidly

followed the Imps with his wife and son. He's overjoyed with what the

team have been achieving. At the moment the way things are going it

has really elected me and the wife, my son has been coming since he was

a baby. We have all been excited. It is marvellous. The shutters are down

businesses have closed for the cure at Lincoln because it is destination

turf war and Burnley, the players leaving for Lancashire and the date

with FA Cup destiny. It is a long shot, 100 to one, but this team

could yet make FA Cup history. And you can follow every kick

of the ball in the match by tuning in to our colleagues at BBC Radio

Lincolnshire. They're live on air from 12

with all the build up to the game - the match kicks off at 1230

on all their frequencies. Away from the FA Cup

in League One Scunthorpe United are away at Sheffield United

and in League Two Grimsby Town are at home against Mansfield Town

hoping for a better performance Both of those games

are on BBC Radio Humberside with coverage starting at 2pm

And that's your football, Peter! From Simon to clowns, he is one of

the UK's oldest professional clones and this week Charlie McLaren has

been entertaining crowds in Lincolnshire with his family Circus.

There used to performing inside a big top but for the first time they

brought the show to the stage in the Embassy Theatre.

The show is just about to start. How long has Charlie been going?

Charlie McLaren has been performing for more than 50 years, and

alongside his son for about 45 years. During that time they told me

they have seen many changes including the attention spans of the

audience who expect the last to come a lot quicker. Here in Skegness

tonight there are plenty of people who have turned out to see this

evening 's performance. It is half term and the circus has come to

town. Featuring a variety of performers. But the real stars of

this show are Mr Burns and his father Charlie. I was fortunate

enough to be born into it, I was not born with a red nose but my father

was a clones of it was easy for me to follow in his footsteps. As a

child I imitated my father, I copied him and I played games. By the time

I was three years old I had already started to make regular appearances

in my father 's routine. The pair have been practising and performing

together for nearly 45 years. With Charlie the cloud thought to be the

oldest professional slapstick clone in the country. It is a job,

everyday, so I don't feel special. Not many people do that act, it is

too much work. There might not be as many clients now but over the years

lots of performers have tried this style of slapstick comedy, with more

modern clowns including crusty from The Simpsons and Mr Campbell. But

not all clones are so friendly. Body audiences here think about the

modern mime artists? My most favourite thing in the circus clowns

because they have a red nose and they are really funny. I know there

is a lot of stigma about clones but is this legal school ones are great.

What has been the impact of negative publicity around clowns? We did feel

the negative impact on people forgot it very quickly. The character Mr

Phipps gets created in front of the audience, people, children, anyone

who's afraid of clones gets to see me applying the character and the

character becomes alive slowly. But the applause follows quickly and

judging by the audiences reaction these clowns have now made many more

fans. And there is obviously still an appeal for this kind of

entertainment because this summer Mr Phipps wonder circus will return to

Skegness for ten weeks. They say that is the longest residential

summer season for any touring circus. Mr Fitton has circus and the

clones on in Skegness all over the weekend.

A weekend long festival, celebrating the work of Hull

musician Basil Kirchin, begins in the City today.

Basil was a jazz musician and pioneering composer who used

ground breaking techniques in his work.

The Bransholme Estate in Hull turns 50 in May this year and the BBC

is looking for people to feature in a new film celebrating

'Bransholme: 50 years, 50 Faces' will showcase a person

for every year that the estate has been open and the BBC team will be

at North Point shopping centre on the estate all week next week

The last time the estate was featured in a documentary

was more than 20 years ago And next Friday I'll be there too.

So come down and see me and tell me your stories of life

That's next Friday from 11 in the morning.

And you can have a selfie with me too!

Four month old baby Primrose is from Crowle in North Lincolnshire

and she is receiving attention from around the world

Even midwives were surprised when she was born with this mop.

There's so much of it, it could even be spotted

We went for a scan about 30 weeks and the lady when she was doing it

instantly set all my goodness that baby has so much hair. We were

really shocked and said how can you tell she said she could see all the

hair curling around on the back of the next we were prepared for having

some air but obviously when she arrived no one could quite believe

just how much she had. When we came out of the delivery room and onto

the War of the midwives came over and set is this the baby with all

the hair? A lot of them said they had never seen a baby with quite a

lot hair. Some days you will have a really good county and it is very

tame and other days it is sticking up and with the curly. A lot of

people said she will be ready for her first haircuts and that I don't

want to cut it at this stage. It seems weird to take the baby at that

age to the hairdressers. That baby Primrose getting national publicist.

-- national publicity. Don't forget if you have a story of thing we

should know about the drop us an e-mail.

Let's get a recap of the national and regional headlines

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair calls for voters to rise up

and reject Brexit saying they didn't know what they were voting for.

More police officers are promised to join the battle against rural

Tomorrow's weather, Overall a fairly cloudy day though it

will tend to brighten after a grey start.

Staying dry with the breeze picking up.

The subject of rural crime, Michael said I have got her courses

red-handed but could do nothing but I'll 999 and the police are

frightened off for aggressive guys. Charles said the police need to

catch them, remove and crush their vehicles and take the dogs into

care. Tim says due to the mass of rural area of which ensure a

different approach to policing is required. The lease officers do not

exist today to carry it all the public demand.

Have a really peaceful weekend and they will see you on Monday.

Goodbye.