30/06/2011 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Hello and welcome to Look North. In the programme tonight: A

heartbreaking plea for help from the parents of this man as he lies

unconscious in an Australian hospital. He is my only child. It's

my baby. Teachers and civil servants on the

march, as they strike over changes to their pensions.$$NEWLINE A

�40,000 fine for a housing association, after a pensioner dies

from carbon monoxide poisoning. And a promise of thousands of jobs

if a new mine is sunk somewhere along this coastline.

In sport disappointment for the region's last hope at Wimbledon.

And as Sunderland continue to spend in the transfer market we hear from

The parents of 21-year-old Daniel Moore, originally from Teesside but

now lying critically ill in a hospital bed in Sydney, Australia,

have made an emotional appeal for help to find out what happened to

him. As we reported earlier this week, Daniel from Marske near

Saltburn moved to Australia two years ago to start a new life. He

was found lying in a road in Sydney, with a fractured skull and broken

ribs. He hasn't recovered consciousness. His parents, who've

flown out to be at Daniel's bedside, have now held a press conference to

make their appeal. Local police don't know if he was attacked or

the victim of a hit-and-run. Damian O'Neil reports.

It would be a terrible sight for any parents. Daniel Moore went to

Australia for an adventure, but now his mother and father have had to

fly to his bedside to be confronted by this cruel reality. The police

appear to be no nearer finding out what happened to him, but they do

want to speak to a taxi driver who was thought to have dropped him off

on the night he was found. Now his parents have added their voices to

the appeal for witnesses. It is every parent's worst nightmare. I

can't even begin to tell you about how awful it is. It's a living

nightmare. He is my only child. It's my baby. There are no words to

describe it. I'd happily change places with him. To see him lying

there now, and the boy that years, big, strong, happy, a joker, he has

millions of friends, his popular and sporty. He just has everything

to live for. Australia and Sydney in particular was the place that he

wanted to start his new life. This was going to be his new home. Touch

wood, fingers crossed, he will make a speedy recovery. Meanwhile Daniel

continues to fight for his life, in the country that he hoped was to be

a new start for him. Thousands of teachers and civil

servants here joined today's one- day strike over public sector

pensions. Four trade unions were involved, and members took part in

a number of rallies around the region. Schools were worst hit, but

some threats of disruption failed to materialise. Our Political

Editor, Richard Moss, joins us now from Longbenton. Thank you. In

these Government offices behind me it there is usually the largest

concentration of public sector workers in Europe. But not today

because many chose to join in the dispute and not go to work. There

were 40,000 estimated public sector workers across the North joining

the strike today. Teachers, court officials, driving instructors.

Many of them walked through Newcastle this lunchtime. The

Government says they should pay more for their pensions and work

longer and that is fair. Unions say it is nothing short of Pensions

robbery. Our Political Correspondent Mark

Denten reports from today's protest in Newcastle. On most Thursdays

these people would be processing your benefits, working in our

courts, teaching your children. Today of course they weren't. Today,

whatever they normally do, these people were protesters. I work for

JobCentre Plus in a JobCentre call- centre taking claims for benefits.

Making me pay �60 per month to get half as much as I would have is

totally unrealistic. I teach middle school science. I have never gone

on strike before. I have ever thought that striking for more

money is worth it and I have never disrupted education before. But

this is worth it. This is the Government playing with our lives

and the lives of our pupils, too. As they marched through the city

they got the odd curious glance. An occasional ripple of applause. A

curiosity for Thursday's shoppers. But some on this march say they're

fighting for something vital - their future. Some of us are

working for the regional development agency which has just

been closed. It finishes in March next year so we are defending our

jobs but also the fact that the Government are not taking the go-go

-- negotiations seriously on the pensions. I would lose �100,000

over time. The Government says this is premature, but negotiations are

carrying on. Some supporters of these strikers so this is about

more than money. Sue Mason retired as a teacher in Durham last year at

58. But in her later years in the job she was plagued by illness. She

says working longer would have killed her. I ended up with

bronchitis, repeated bronchitis, which left me with pleurisy for

months. Then I ended up with shingles. And eventually I had a

cancer scare. So if I had to stay till 66, I really don't think I

would be here. And as today's march wound up, ministers condemned the

strike. Other unions plan their own strike ballots. The first

significant clash between the coalition and unions might not be

the last. Of course action hasn't been

confined to Tyneside today. Around 200 people turned out in Carlisle

for a rally in the city centre. Mark McAlindon reports.

In Carlisle city centre today officials from the National Union

of Teachers were telling striking colleagues what they reckon changes

to the pension scheme will mean for them. �245,000. That is disgusting.

Teaching is a vocation, but with that much money, it is shocking.

Civil servants were there too. Staff from Government departments

sporting their own flags and banners. And from them all, there

was little doubting the anger. Despite what the Government says

about these pensions of being affordable, that is a

straightforward life. The calculations have been done and the

concessions already made. We are outraged at the thought of having

to pay for our hard-earned friends -- hard-earned pensions because of

a crisis caused by bankers which the Government has refused to

address seriously. On Teesside, there had been fears

that operations at Teesport would be affected by today's action. In

the event, that didn't happen. We can join our reporter Stuart

Whincup in the BBC Tees newsroom now. Stuart, it was schools again

that felt the impact where you are. That is right. 200 schools across

Teesside, primary and secondary, were closed or partially closed

today. The usual scenes of protests, because lines and demonstrations.

The biggest event was a protest march involving 300 people which

took place this morning through the centre of Middlesbrough.

Four separate unions, one common demand. They want the pension they

were promised. Vicky Rushin has been a lecturer at Teesside

University for the last 11 years. If I calculate how much I will lose

in terms of my pension over 25 years, not only when I retire much

later, based on these plans, but I will lose �325,000. Signs warned of

a day of disruption in tax offices, job centres, courts and colleges.

The public, they say, is on their side. I think there is support at

the moment, yes. I don't know whether it will carry on after the

summer break. On the streets there was support and solidarity. But not

by everyone. It is interesting to see there are a lot of professional

stirrers in here that have never done a day's work in their life.

They have to do something because they are losing money. It is not

fair with regards to what is happening with their pensions, but

it is a difficult time for everybody. So support has not been

universal, has it? The unions have made a big play of a poll which

suggests that in the North people back to the strikes, but 40% of

that opinion poll certainly didn't. Where does public opinion live.

At this shower manufacturer in Newton Aycliffe there was no strike

today and not much sympathy for the strikers. This firm's had a tough

few months. Jobs have gone, profits have been squeezed. So what do

managers here make of the strike? We don't have the luxury of being

able to walk out when things don't suit us in the private sector. We

have had to focus very hard on cost control, maximising business and

there have been no pay rises in the private sector, certainly within

our industry, for the last three years. So did today's protest march

by over a thousand public sector workers in Newcastle have people's

support? Well, it has impacted because I have two children that

would normally be at school. They think it is good. I don't work so

it is OK for me but it causes lots of problems for other people.

don't agree with them. I think they want to live like the other half

lives. People on a minimum wage and what not are getting half of what

these teachers and what not forgetting. They only work six

months of the year. I am totally against it. It is upsetting to have

the kids of and losing out on education. Coalition supporters say

these trade unionists have jumped the gun by striking while

negotiations over their pensions are still ongoing. The Government

is still in negotiation with the unions and they should to continue

to negotiate before going on strike. We have to accept that we are

living longer. In the 1950s she had 18 years of retirement but to date

you could get 30. If we are going to afford pensions in the future we

have to pay into them more and take them later. Unions involved in

today's protests say they do have public support. The Government says

Now as we've been saying, probably the greatest impact of today's

strikes has been felt by schools and parents. Many have been forced

to take time off work to look after children. We've heard of a few

cases where parents have had to take their offspring to work with

them. But at Brampton, in Cumbria, it seems the whole community banded

together to help. Here's Mark McAlindon again.

Kids at the community centre in Brampton near Carlisle were

delighted to be spending a day doing little that resembled formal

education. But for their parents, this was a godsend - a community

creche to help avoid the inconvenience of schools fully or

partially shut. I think they have done a really good job, to be fair.

With the teachers going on strike, I think everybody has muck in and

help everybody out. As it helped to in particular? Yes, it has been a

good day for me and my children because we would have been stuck in

the house. This was the idea of local woman Janice Grieves, who

says it shows a community coming together. One of the parents

happened to be the disco runner. We chatted with him and we thought it

would be easier people could bring in each other's children and I have

a community centre and have a fun day. Something like 140 children

were here today, an indication of the demand. None were condemning

striking teachers, though. Organisers say that wasn't the

point. We are not for it or against it. We are just a bunch of people

trying to help each other out. We are all in an awkward situation.

looked like fun but the parents might have to do it again because

this was not a one-off, was it? Know. There are no new strike dates

set but more disruption seems likely. Both sides will look at how

much disruption was caused. Schools were closed but then Newcastle

airport carried on as normal. They will be looking at where public

sympathy lies as well, and the answers to those questions may

contain the next steps of the dispute.

A North East housing association has been fined, after a pensioner

died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Gentoo Group was prosecuted by the

Health and Safety Executive, after 80 year-old George Rutherford was

found dead in his Penshaw home on Wearside, in 2007. At an inquest

held later, a verdict of accidental death was recorded. The company

pleaded guilty to a health and safety breach of failing to

properly maintain solid fuel heating systems in the homes they

rent. Stephanie Lloyd reports. It was in this house that pensioner

George Rutherford died in his sleep. In May 2007, a gas engineer for

Gentoo made a routine safety inspection of Mr Rutherford's fire.

But a month later, Mr Rutherford was dead. He'd died from carbon

monoxide poisoning. Inspectors revisited the house and found that

the throat plate on the fire was blocked by ash and debris. Gentoo

said it was their policy to remind tenants that solid fuel fires had

to be swept once a month. inspection should have included the

removal of the throat plate and actually cleaning it and making

sure everything was clear. This was not possible because the fire was

lit. The company should also, if the fire is lit, make arrangements

to revisit as soon as possible, by appointment, so they can carry out

any required maintenance. Although the judge accepted Gentoo isn't

responsible for Mr Rutherford's death, he added that there was at

the very least a not insignificant risk of death. Since his death, of

the company having stalled carbon monoxide detectors in all houses

with solid fire fuels. They have also introduced a twice yearly

Jimmy -- chimney sweep. The judge said that this short fall was

serious and significant, particularly with regard to the

risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They said this was not an isolated

breach but a continuing systemic failure. Taking into account the

company's good health and safety record, they were fined �40,000

plus �25,000 of court costs. A dry ski slope has been closed

after high levels of the Legionella bug were found. Silksworth ski

centre has been temporarily shut by Sunderland Council after higher-

than-normal levels of bacteria were discovered during routine tests.

This included Legionella, which can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a

potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Work has started on a scheme in

North Yorkshire that could create thousands of jobs. Sirius Minerals

has started to clear land near Whitby, in the hope of developing a

new potash mine. Potash is used as a fertiliser. The company claims

the mine could provide it for the next 50 years. Here's our Business

Correspondent, Ian Reeve. This could be the start of

something big. Something very big. It's a first step on the way to the

possible sinking of the country's first potash mine for 45 years.

What we are hoping is that we are allowed to do the work to define

the Azores and the project. Then we can start having a conversation

with the community about what we think this project will look like.

Where it will be and what impact it will have, positive and negative.

This site is near Whitby, although where the mine will be situated

isn't yet known. The company has options for mineral extraction on

more than 600 square kilometres between Whitby and Scarborough

extending out under the sea. But if it wins planning permission it will

employ 1000 people with thousands more in the supply chain. While the

location has not yet been decided, there have been others given

planning permission in the past. Incredibly, in the 1970s, there was

permission to put in zinc mine here and another one was planned two

miles away. Not everyone buys into the newest vision though. Sue

Martin has run her caravan park on the coast since the 80s. With the

prospect of 5000 possible jobs it probably is a good thing for the

country but I think it needs to be balanced out against the fact that

this is a National Park. It is a beautiful location. People come

here to get away from industry, to enjoy everything that the National

Park can give them. There are many hurdles to be surmounted before

potash is mined as it is further up the coast at Boulby. Planning

permissions to be won. Maybe even a public enquiry to be persuaded. But

in the end, in five or six years' Taxi drivers in Penrith have been

told that in future they'll be better informed about planned

roadworks. Earlier this week drivers held a protest, bringing

traffic to a standstill. Today drivers met representatives from

the district and county council, to express their concerns about the

road closures caused by supermarket developments. They said too many

road closures were allowed at the same time, damaging their business.

There's been a record number of entries for this year's Great

Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. Nearly 13,000 entries have been received

for next month's show in various competitive classes, from sheep

shearing to cheese making. The previous record was in 2009, but

this year that's been bettered by more than 500 entries.

After the success of the first Kielder marathon in Northumberland,

this year a shorter 10 kilometre race will also be taking place.

Organiser and one-time Olympic medallist Steve Cram was at Hexham

Mart today, announcing plans for October's Kielder Marathon weekend.

But it all began with a challenge, when he swapped his running shoes

for something a bit different, as Julie Smith reports.

Just for today, Steve Cram has worked a new look. He's about to

reveal why being able to run fast has its advantages. Meet Prince

Charming. He's definately looking And Steve's the man for the job.

His red rag bravery launching the new 10K run around Kielder's Bull

Crag Peninsula. And now the challenge is on. It's to fellow

runners to beat the bull and run the run. Really it is for somebody

for whom a marathon is too much. We build the event last year as the

most beautiful marathon and everybody agreed. We have had a lot

of people entering that ran last year and a lot of new people taking

part. We want to broaden things out. Last year 1000 runners took part.

Almost 2000 have already signed up to this year's marathon weekend

including a Run Bike Run relay and junior runs. The marathon is

probably unique, certainly in the UK. It is a 25 mile perimeter at

Kielder Water. It just made sense. And, as always, running the course

may mean taking some time out if things get tough. Sorry! I have not

seen you move so quickly in ages! Steve Cram is a Sunderland fan and

he will be happy. Yes, they are splashing the cash again.

Sunderland have signed another striker this afternoon. South

Korean Ji Dong-Won from Chunnam Dragons has signed a three year

contract for an undisclosed fee. And Craig Gardner has joined the

club from Birmingham on the same terms. His signing comes as the

Black Cats unveiled 18-year-old Connor Wickham who signed for �8

million yesterday. The highly rated England under-21 international

scored nine goals for Ipswich last year when he was named the Football

League Young Player of the Year. Steve Bruce says it's a real coup

to have beaten a number of other top sides to sign the teenager who

spoke to the club's website. Once the fee was agreed and I met up

with the manager, he basically told me everything about the club and

their ambitions and it was sold. I think now everything is done and

dusted so I can't wait to get started. I have always been

confident in myself and my ability and I know what I can do and what I

am capable of. Coming to a club like this, hopefully I can keep

doing what I want to do. Former Middlesbrough Manager Gareth

Southgate has returned to the town for the first time since his

sacking in October 2009. The Boro's only captain to win a major trophy

is planning to run the town's ten kilometre run in September. Now the

Football Association's head of elite development, he believes his

former club will do well under manager Tony Mowbray after

finishing strongly at the end of last season. It is a very

competitive division. There will be any number of teams that will

expect to be in the play-offs or better in that league, probably 16

or 18 teams. It is a case of who you can hang on to and who you can

bring in. I am sure that Tony will do very well.

Disappointment for Cumbrian teenager Daneika Borthwick this

afternoon at Junior Wimbledon. The 18 year old from Aspatria who was

given a last-minute wild-card entry to the tournament was the last

British player left in the girls' singles. After making it through to

the third round she fought bravely against the number three seed but

eventually lost 6-3, 6-2 to Russian Irina Khromacheva. It was another

amazing experience again. Another match on the grass courts,

especially caught taking. But it did not go the way I wanted, but

never mind. It has been a good experience and the atmosphere has

been amazing. I family came down to watch me play so that is really

good. Finally congratulations to gymnast

Joel Fitzpatrick. The 22-year-old from Stainton in County Durham has

won two gold medals on the parallel bars and in the floor routine at

the Special Olympics in Athens. the Special Olympics in Athens.

Now the weather. It started off summary but then things changed.

Yes, our cameraman was there to watch they hail as it rained down

outside the studio. We thought our cars would all be dented. There was

plenty of it. Among it, the thunder thumped and there were some spells

of sunshine but the rain and hail were quite memorable this afternoon.

There will be more of that to come in the near future. For the moment,

let's see what we've got for the next couple of days. I think it

will be a case for the sunshine struggling to come through the

clouds, as it did in this photograph. Tomorrow we have that

sunny start to the day, the best part of the day will be in the

morning and then the cloud will pile in. This afternoon, at the

showers show up with that lurid blue colouring. Luckily they are

not the way out this evening. They will be gone and we will be into a

drier night with clear skies, with some cold this in the air.

Temperatures well down to single figures for most of us. It will be

much cooler than it has been. As we woke up to Friday morning, we have

the best of the sunshine through the early parts of the day. Then

the cloud starts to pile up from the South West. Most of us will

stay dry on the western side but in the North East it is a case of more

showers. Tomorrow they will be lighter, fewer and further between,

and much less likely to have thunder and Hale in them. Top

temperatures tomorrow, quite cold and fresh. In more central areas we

get into the high teens, maybe 20 in parts of Yorkshire. Then the

weekend and Saturday and Sunday we have lovely high pressure in charge,

settling things down and keeping everything dry for the most part.

On Saturday the sunshine will struggle with that cloud and it may

be later on Sunday when we get proper brightness coming. We may

have to be patient. Tomorrow we have a scattering of showers for

the North East and a wee cup of the weekend shows that Saturday and

Sunday show an improvement in temperatures. -- a recap of the

weekend. As far as high temperatures go, it is not very

sunny. It will be cloudy. Now for a last look at tonight's

headlines. Thousands of public sector workers from our region have

joined in a national strike over pensions.

And the mother of a Teesside man critically ill and left for dead in