03/01/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Hello and welcome to Friday's Look North.

Tonight: The wild west. High winds, heavy rain and boiling seas lash the

Cumbrian coast. It is amazing. I've never seen that appear under so much

water. I've lived here for 30 years. Jailed for two years ` the woman at

the centre of a big i`Pad fraud. The secret papers that reveal Margaret

Thatcher's role in two of the most important industrial events in the

North's history. And could the all American way of

teaching our children make them more employable and better prepared for

life? In sport, it's FA Cup weekend ` with

Carlisle fans planning a Sunday afternoon invasion of Sunderland.

And we salute Durham cricketer Ben Stokes: Born in New Zealand, but

raised in Cumbria ` and the one bright spot of England's dreadful

Ashes tour. Cumbria's been lashed by the latest

winter storm to hit Britain. The west of the county was worst

affected, by winds gusting up to sixty miles an hour, a spring tide

of around nine metres and torrential rain which caused driving

difficulties on at least 15 routes. Flood warnings were issued for the

entire coastline from Gretna in the Scottish borders to Millom ` as well

as Keswick in the Lake District. But, so far, there have been no

reports of serious flooding. Well, our reporters and camera teams have

been in West Cumbria since early light, and have been following

events during the day. Let's cross live to Mark Mcalindon who's in

Whitehaven for us. Mark, what's the situation there this evening?

I guess you could say this is the calm after the storm. You might be

able to see some light cast on the harder, but beyond that, is the

outer harbour. When the tide was at its highest, today, the pier was

almost totally submerged. No part of the Cumbrian coast has escaped. The

tide has now receded, and another big one is expected tonight. We have

only just begun to understand the scale of the problems. There is

disruption on the rail line tonight, where flooding has

prevented strains from running. Some of the roads are also affected, only

passable with care. All day, Cumbria has been battered

by storms. With six flood warnings in place, people braced themselves

as high winds and heavy rain hit the county. It tied at lunchtime today,

where huge waves crashed onto the shore, with sightseers gathering to

take pictures of the spectacle. `` high tide. Home`made flood defences

captain the waves at bay. It hasn't been this bad for a long time. I

wasn't taking any chances. People are advised to stay away from

coastal areas, but here, they couldn't resist a closer look. We

thought we'd have a look at the waves and see how bad they were.

They are truly awesome. This weather is unbelievable. I've lived here all

my life and I've never seen it this bad. Is exciting but scary! Several

roads are flooded, and debris made roads hazardous. The high tide has

now passed, but the ground is soaking. At one point, the waves

were said to be 40 feet high. The Environment Agency says, the impact

was less than expected. But with high tide due again at around

midnight, people are being urged to remain cautious and vigilance.

People do need to remain vigilant. The best thing is to keep an eye on

those flood warnings, and just check. Don't consider yourself safe

until you get confirmation that the flood warnings have been taken off

will stop. This has been a day of high drama, but thankfully, there

were no great disasters. People here, are surprised by the frequency

of the storms. We have seen storms like this about three times in the

past month. That's the thing people are the most surprised about ` the

frequency and severity of this weather. Well, Hannah Bayman joins

me now. Hannah, an awful day in West Cumbria today. But it's not over yet

is it? We are bracing ourselves for a weekend of wild and wintry

weather. Across the north`east and Cumbria, over the few days. Today,

it was those high tides. The new Moon made the water is particularly

high, and the coasts where buffeted. 60 mph was the average.

There is more tricky weather to come over the next few days. No one can

relax. This is the next weather system calling in from the

Atlantic. It will bring considerable snowfall. The situation is changing

all the time. We are forecasting a few centimetres for the hills of the

North Pennines. Anywhere over a feet could see a few centimetres of snow

tomorrow. On Sunday, more wet and windy weather, with the risk of

further gales. Another low pressure system is driving in, and continuing

the atrocious weather we are having. Full weather forecast later. A woman

who defrauded customers in an i`Pad scam worth almost ?50,000 has been

jailed for two years. 37`year`old Kirsty Cox, from Newton

Aycliffe in County Durham, told people she could supply cut price

i`Pads in the run up to Christmas. The police say 300 people lost money

in the scam, including Cox's own friends and family members. Stuart

Whincup reports. This is Kirsty Cox ` seen here on

the left. It was said in court, today, she used her niceness to

deceive people. She claimed to have a business contact who could supply

cheap i`Pads.Her colleagues, friends, even her own family members

all believed her.They started telling their friends and soon

thousands of orders were coming in. Karen is Kirsty's former

sister`in`law. She and her husband thought the business was legitimate

and their friends and family placed orders. To think that someone you

regarded as family has done this to you, you lie awake at night, and you

question yourself. You ask the questions that, I suppose, everyone

else has been asking. I still can't get over what happened. I think a

lot of people have concluded that Christie did it out of spite and

greed. I would still like to believe that that wasn't the case. Cox was

arrested in December 2012 after angry customers gathered outside her

home, demanding to know what had happened to their orders. She was

kept in custody for her own safety. There was, of course, no special

supplier. She was actually buying the i`Pads full price from the high

street. She had 4000 orders. Every time she sold one, she was losing

money. Despite all this, Kirsty Cox kept taking orders. Her own lawyers

said she got herself into a ludicrous position, that was frankly

bizarre. She made no personal profit, but the police believe her

customers lost more than ?1 million. Detectives believed Kirsty Cox

simply enjoyed being seen as a great businesswoman who could strike good

deals. Sentencing her to two years in prison, the judge said she had

caused misery to many, including young children who were expecting

Christmas presents that never arrived.

Police investigating the death of a former boxer, at a house party on

New Year's Eve, have released a teenager they'd been questioning.

31`year`old Mark Denton was killed with an ice axe in Hartlepool.

Cleveland Police say a 17`year`old arrested on suspicion of murder has

been freed without charge. Detectives have been given more time

to question two 23`year`olds, who remain in custody.

Officials have moved to allay fears over the long`term future of

Tyneside's only indoor ice arena ` after the site was put on a list of

places which might be developed for housing. More than five thousand

people have signed a petition in support of Whitley Bay Ice Rink.

Protesters met the Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside Council this

afternoon to express their concerns. He told the delegation that the

council has no intention of demolishing the 58`year`old rink.

For thirty years they've been kept secret. But, today, archive

documents published for the first time reveal Margaret Thatcher's role

in two of the most important industrial events in the region's

history. The papers, from 1984, reveal that the former Prime

Minister stepped in to save the Nissan deal that brought thousands

of jobs to Wearside ` but also secretly discussed a hit list of pit

closures during the miners' strike. Here's our Political Correspondent

Mark Denten. Two events from the region's history

` the images familiar, but, today, new facts revealed about both. In

the miners' strike, the National Union Of Mineworkers claimed there

was a hit list of over seventy pits to shut ` the Government said just

20 would close. But today's archive papers reveal a secret meeting,

including Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, discussed a closure list

of 75 pits from Coalboard chairman Ian Macgregor, including almost half

of those in the North East. The documents say there should be no

closure list, but a pit by pit procedure. It goes on, it was agreed

that no record of this meeting should be circulated. We got a

letter obviously written by Thatcher. I think people should

consider the facts, to see who was telling lies and who was telling the

truth. The government was always going to have an assessment of all

the minds in the country, and which will once would close. The strike

called by author... But today's papers also reveal Margaret Thatcher

personally intervened to stop a threat to Nissan arriving on

Wearside. Changes to Corporation Tax brought in by her Chancellor Nigel

Lawson would have cost the firm ?18 million .The papers show then Trade

and Industry Secretary Norman Tebbit wrote that Nissan might see this as

a breach of faith. Margaret Thatcher wrote in the margin, the position

looks extremely serious. In the end, Nissan was given a deal modelled on

Regional Development Grants .The jobs came ` of course, and stayed.

But, again, views on Thatcher's role are split. I think she had given a

personal assurance to Nissan. Once she done that, she was loath to go

back on it. I think she faced down Nigel Lawson. Tax gifts were given.

We should still have many pits in Durham. It was supporting Japanese

Events from the past that have both shaped the region. Industry and not

British. Both put into a new light today. Mark Denten BBC Look North.

You're watching Look North. Still to come ` Jeff's here with

Friday's sport. Also, 9=in tune with charity. An unusual way of give

something back to your local community. For decades, schools have

had a formula ` classrooms, subjects, exams. But a new school in

Newcastle wants to break the mould. And for inspiration, staff are

looking west, way out west, to California. Its backers believe US

methods can make our children more employable and better prepared for

life. For our first Look North report of 2014, our Political Editor

Richard Moss has been finding out why.

Welcome to school, California`style. This is High Tech High in San Diego.

They've banished many individual subject lessons. Instead students

work on projects, often set by real businesses. It's hands on, and has

expanded rapidly. Since opening in 1998, it's inspired 11 similar

schools in San Diego. And now the North East could get its own

version. This teacher up the move to bring West Coast USA to the West of

Newcastle. Inspired by her visit to High Tech High. The work is so

real, so the students get so absorbed in it that they forget

about the time of day. They are so excited about the learning. That's

took my breath away. And Studio West ` as Newcastle's school will be

called ` will be different. It'll have just 300 students aged 13 to

19. Students will work nine to five for 48 weeks`a`year. Sixth formers

will get paid work placements for two days a week. And local

businesses will set students tasks. They will have live projects. They

will be asked to produce them within a week. As will be so invaluable to

giving them that step two the future. And some companies have

already signed up. OGN makes platforms for the oil and gas

industry in Wallsend. It'll offer work placements and influence what's

taught in the classroom. The firm likes the idea...and the recruits it

might produce. The classically educated individuals to join our

company, are very capable individuals. But there is always

that initial gestation period, which can take up to two years, to take

them from the academic skill set into an applied vocational school

said. This programme will get these people into the workplace to make a

contribution straightaway. We're looking for problem`solving skills.

These skills will be very marketable. Around 100 students are

already signed up for Studio West. Including these. But why do they

like the idea? Wants to be a restaurant manager or have my own

business. If I could go to Studio West, and studied business, I think

that would be a great opportunity `` and studied business. But teaching

unions think the last thing our education system needs ` at a time

of stretched resources ` is an experiment. Why are the government

is looking to experiment with education, and we have a tried and

tested system which is renowned throughout the world. Lots of other

countries look to our assistant to see how they can make their own

improvements. When Studio West opens here this September, it'll replace a

school being closed for its disappointing results. Could San

Diego`style schooling make a difference? Or is it just California

dreaming? It'll be a few years before we'll have the answer.

Now, we've heard of lots of unusual ways of raising funds for good

causes, but never piano tuning before. One piano tuner from

Northallerton in North Yorkshire has looked after pianos belonging to Sir

Elton John, The Sage in Newcastle, and even Roy Chubby Brown. And

Michelle Rudd is now offering her services for the first week of 2014

to raise money for the Friarage Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal. After

30 years in the tuning business, Michelle said she wanted to give

something back to the community. Phil Chapman has been to meet her.

While most people make New Year promises to eat and drink less,

Michelle Rudd has offered her skills for a good local cause. I saw the ad

in the paper. About the Friarage scanner appeal, and it seemed like a

good thing to support. I thought I would offer a week in January, where

all the proceeds for my piano tuning would go to the scanner appeal.

That's what the offer is. It's next week ` Monday to Saturday. Friarage

Hospital is less than a quarter of the way to its targets to get an MRI

scanner. At present, its patients have to get to Middlesbrough. It's a

highly worthwhile cause. An MRI scanner for this area will be great

for our local residents. We like to encourage all piano owners in the

area to get in touch. Michelle has tuned cutlass pianos in your career.

`` cutlass pianos in her career. I've tuned for a few celebrities.

Roy Chubby Brown, Elton John, he was on tour performing in Darlington

about five years ago. Sir Elton John is back in the east in the summer if

you need Michelle's services again. For now, she is relying on local

trade. Imagine the pressure of tuning out

and John's piano! `` Elton John's piano.

We'll start with cricket, and ` in the Heat of Sydney ` Durham

all`rounder Ben Stokes was, once again, England's only real ray of

sunshine. The fifth and final game of a horribly one`sided Ashes series

began with Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance and Durham spinner Scott

Borthwick among three players given their Test match debut. But Stokes

stole the show, taking SIX Australian wickets for 99 runs `

three of those captured in the same over, as the home side recovered

from a bad start to make 326. Following on from his hundred in

Perth, Stokes ` who was raised in Cumbria, of course ` is odds`on to

be England's Man of the Tour. And while he took some stick from the

Aussie batsmen, Borthwick ` who's from Sunderland ` DID take his first

Test wicket, with the help of a catch from Yorkshire's Joe Root.

Onto football, and there's a big weekend of FA Cup action coming up.

While many Premier League managers may see it as a little more than a

hindrance these days, there's still a touch of magic and romance

attached to the competition. No more so than for Carlisle United manager

Graham Kavanagh. On Sunday he takes his League One side to face his

former club, Sunderland whose victory in the 1973 final was one of

the most momentous moments in their history.

Sunday will see the biggest exodus of Carlisle fans from Cumbria since

the Blues successful Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final at Wembley in

2011. Five and a half thousand fans are already warning of long delays

on major routes. Whether the get any closer to another trip to Wembley at

the weekend remains to be seen. And while it's an important day for the

fans it's possibly even bigger for Graham Kavanagh. The Carlisle boss

played a part in Sunderland's Championship winning season in 2007

under Roy Keane ` and a to the Stadium of Light will be the game of

the season. It excites everybody. We got a number of players who are

Geordies, and they are very much looking forward to the occasion.

Sunderland memorably won the cup in 1973 but Carlisle may take heart

from the fact that they beat the holders a year later at Roker Park

when the Black Cats were managed by former Blues boss Bob Stokoe. And

while some Premier League managers may prefer not to have to deal with

the competition the current manager who won the Cup as a Chelsea player

wouldn't be without it. It's the best cup competition in the world, I

love it. Before I came to England, I saw the red carpets, and the

managers with the flowers in the air. I sat at home thinking how

lucky I would be to be the one day. And I was that lucky. On all three

occasions the teams have met in the FA Cup its gone to a replay while

Carlisle might fancy taking Sunderland back to Brunton Park it

would be the worst possible outcome for the Black Cats who have Premier

League survival to contend with as well as a League Cup semi final

against Man Utd on Tuesday. So that's on Sunday afternoon at 2PM.

Before then, Newcastle will hope to make it through to the fourth round

draw by repeating their recent victory over Cardiff City. The

Magpies were 2`1 winners in South Wales, back in October. But

tomorrow's visitors to St James's Park are now under new management,

with former Manchester United favourite Ole Gunar Solksjaer having

taken over this week from Malky Mackay. We are all going to get a

new lease of life. Of course ` that's what goes right across the

board. And everybody will get a little lift from that, and we'll be

on our guard for it, but there's nothing we can do about it, we can

only put our best performance out. We're still the favourites to win.

We are at home, and I expect us... I release hope we can win. With

regular goalkeeper Jason Steele injured and on`loan Shay Given

ineligible, Middlesbrough will give a debut ` at the Riverside tomorrow

` to the former Hartlepool United keeper, Dimi Konstantopoulos. And

the big Greek will need to be on top form to keep out Steve Bruce's Hull

City side, who smashed SIX past Fulham in the Premier League last

weekend. For me, it's important to win tomorrow because it's the FA

Cup. I think the crowd here want Boro in the next run`on. We are

working in the same way that we prepare for the championship games.

On to rugby union, and Newcastle Falcons' new Samoan signing, Sinoti

Sinoti, will make his debut against Sale Sharks at Kingston Park

tonight. The Falcons are tenth in the Premiership after claiming a

losing bonus point against Wasps last week. So at the half way stage

of the campaign is boss Dean Richards happy with his sides

progress, in their first season back in the top flight?

I think happy would be the wrong expression. We've missed points on

the way ` I think the boys would be the first to admit that. And when

you miss points, there is an element of frustration. This is As the

teacher would say, you could do better. And we probably should be

doing better. Thanks Hannah. Before we go tonight, a reminder of

tonight's main news: The entire West Coast of Britain, from Cornwall to

Scotland, has been battered by another storm.

The highest gust recorded is, today, was on the highest peak of the

Pennines. Not far behind across the north`east and North Yorkshire. A

dairy windy day, and more wild, wintry weather to come up at the

weekends. Snow and slush for a time tomorrow. Tonight, showery and

breezy. Still a weather warning in place to midnight, for strong gusty

winds. As we had through to the early hours, sky is clear and winds

should fall lighter. First thing tomorrow, another weather warning.

11 o'clock sees a weather warning come into play for snow. Through

tomorrow morning, dry, sunny at first. But it's swiftly, through the

morning, turning wet through the south, and that rain will fall as

snow across the fells of Cumbria, the hills of the North Pennines and

across the Cheviots. Tomorrow afternoon, it's dry and come for

much of North Yorkshire, snowy across the North Pennines. Possibly

a few centimetres of snow to the hills, and anywhere above around 150

metres. Slushy deposits likely at lower levels. Top temperature

tomorrow, around five or six degrees Celsius. Slightly colder. But

lighter winds despite that snowfall. Saturday, low pressure is still

dominating the forecast. It's dry for a time early on Sunday, but once

again it doesn't last. It gives way to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

A continuation of this fairy unsettled winter weather. Let's look

at the detail for the next couple of days. Wet on Sunday and unsettled on

Monday. There is the forecast. A reminder of tonight's menus. Here

in the north, Cumbria has borne the brunt. The county has been lashed by

strong winds, high tides and torrential rain. That's all for now.

Goodbye.