10/04/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Commons has been cleared of rape and other sex charges. Goodbye.

Never giving up. The mother of Claudia Lawrence tells Look North

her instincts say her daughter's still alive. I just have thhs gut

feeling that I might be a grandmother. I just have.

Has the Beacon lost its shine? A year after it opened, Redcar's

newest attraction just isn't attracting businesses.

And the railway line that rdfused to die. The story behind the c`mpaign

to save the picturesque route between Carlisle and Settle.

In sport, a Northumberland `mateur tees off at the US Masters hn

Augusta. And the end of an era for a

Newcastle fanzine. The beginning of a new one in the United boardroom.

But is the manager already `t odds with the new MD?

Companies in the North East have won the lion's share of the latdst

pay`out from the government's Regional Growth Fund. ?57 mhllion

has been promised to 11 companies or projects, the largest amount in any

of the country's regions. The fund was set up to create jobs and

encourage private investment. Our Business Correspondent reports.

One of the latest recipients of government cash. ?5 million here

will help to kick a ?30 million project for a new mirror all. 1 5

jobs will be created. The effects will be felt all around this potash

mine. I think this will be ` way to ensure our medium and long`term

future. This is not just about our employees, it is about our

suppliers, stationery, food for the canteen, everybody. Here, they were

promised ?3.5 million. The deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats was

basking in the largess of the regional growth fund. The l`rgest

number of bids have been given to the north`east computer anywhere

else in the UK. Ten organis`tions. ?57 million. This company h`s won

cash in three rounds of bids. They say this is invaluable. Without the

investment, this company wotld not have grown anywhere near as fast as

it has. It has given us new opportunities. For companies that

have missed out, the new ground will open for applications in thd summer.

?57 million being given out is obviously good news, but thdre is

some criticism of the Regional Growth Fund, isn't there?

That's right. Labour has concerns about bureaucracy and delay in

getting cash to companies. That latter problem, particularlx

emphasised by the Labour MP for Hartlepool, is often discussed. It

doesn't get the money into the north`east as quick as it should.

Some firms have had to wait up to two years. One company had to wait

so long that they said they didn't want the money. It is all vdry good

to see this amounts to. It `s well, what of money is coming to the

north`east, but the key trick is to make sure the process is streamlined

and not bureaucratic. The money gets into the regions to create jobs as

quickly as possible. Rather less partisan criticism has come from the

National Audit Office. In Fdbruary, it found that over the 2.6 William

pounds which has been alloc`ted since 2012, only ?492 million had

found its way to companies or businesses. It also found that

44,000 jobs had helped to bd created by this fund, but the cost of

creating each of those individual jobs was ?37,400. Saw some trenchant

criticism they are. `` so. The mother of the missing York chef,

Claudia Lawrence, has told Look North she still believes her

daughter is alive. Five years after Claudia disappeared, the recent

Crimewatch appeal has resulted in several new lines of enquirx. And

speaking to us exclusively, Joan Lawrence says she even belidves

Claudia might have a child or children of her own.

We have had an explanation `s to why there could be a cigarette hn this

van. It is nearly a month shnce this appeal on Crimewatch. Joan Lawrence

is still an just the awaiting news about Claudia Lawrence. Thex are

following everything up unddr going through this with a fine tooth comb.

I don't know if they have hdard about the DNA on the cigarette end.

People have been brilliant coming for word. After five years, that is

quite something. Joan has kdpt notes on her deepest thoughts which might

be turned into a book to help others. I did start to take notes to

do a book, but because you don't know what is happening and we got a

new team, everything went to one side. If you were to write ` book,

tell us some of the emotions and thoughts that would go into it. How

do you explain being a mothdr in IT in this situation? How do you

explain getting up in the morning and getting through the day? Just

sitting there, it is very h`rd. But I will get there. It will bd purely

from here. I can't describe it sometimes. I really want to help

other mothers in my situation. In the first fortnight when yot get

news like this, it is good to speak to people. After five years, do you

have an instinct as to what has happened to her? Yes and no. I have

an instinct that she is out there somewhere. Were missing somdthing so

simple. That is why we are lissing an. Something that is probably so

obvious that we bypassed it. I am not complaining about the police

because it could happen to `nyone in this situation. I just have this gut

feeling that I might be a grandmother. I just have.

Work is underway to turn a 106`year`old Cumbrian reservoir back

into a smaller, natural, tarn. Hayeswater ` high in the Lakeland

Fells, near Patterdale ` hasn't been needed for drinking water shnce

2005. Now its owner ` United Utilities ` is to lower the water

level and remove its dam, to make it easier for wildlife to flourish

there. There has been a fall in thd rate of

teenage pregnancies in Northumberland. Girls under 18 now

account for three in every hundred pregnancies in the county, `ccording

to the Office of National Statistics. This is now below the

national average, and down from about four in a hundred in 0998

Public health bosses say it's thanks to better sex education in schools.

It wasn't universally popul`r, but the idea of a vertical pier on

Redcar seafront certainly c`ptured the imagination. Now it's the first

anniversary of the ?1.6 million Redcar Beacon. In that time, the

council says the 80 foot tower has welcomed almost 200,000 vishtors.

But there has been criticisl that half of the shop units inside are

empty. The helter`skelter like attraction

has been part of the skylind in Redcar four one year. It is a love,

hate thing. It is horrible. It needs to be knocked down. We have enjoyed

an. It is the first time we have been out. I don't know, it hs just

different. It is not what you would expect. I think it is a welcome

addition to the seafront. Vhsitor numbers look impressive, but they

include those who only came through the door to use the public toilets.

So where are people spending their cash or just spending a penny? The

attraction is free to enter. Inside, there is a cafe and views of

the course. But business has been tough at the top. Half of the retail

units are empty. This woman decided to move her jewellery busindss out

of the building because of the lack of passing trade. She is about to

open a new shop on Station Road in the town instead. I felt th`t the

doors were locked on a regular basis through the week mainly so people

weren't able to come in. Thdre were days through the week when nobody

came in. It was only really at the weekends. And people would say that

they had just accidentally found me. Has the big plan fallen short? She

has moved out to the high Street and we would prefer people to bd in the

high Street to be honest. Btt there are cheaper rates in the Be`con So

people can come here initially and then move on to bigger and better

premises. On the fourth floor, this woman says her business had been

allowed to grow. I used to work from home. It was difficult to gdt the

exposure that I would have liked for my work. For me, it has been

positive. Love it or hate it, I hear on and everyone is still talking

about the Redcar Beacon. A ?90 million out`of`town shopping

centre opened in York this lorning. Shoppers queued to be among the

first into John Lewis, which is one of three big stores at the heart of

the Vangarde Centre at Monk's Cross. There's been controversy ovdr the

location, with city centre shops fearing a loss of footfall. But the

centre's brought hundreds of jobs ` and a new face to North Yorkshire.

Good morning to you all! A last`minute pep talks for these new

partners in John Lewis. The brand is celebrating its 150th birthday this

year. Yorkshire had had onlx one store for decades. That explains the

excitement and the queues hdre. Why has it taken so long? We have been

trying for a long time to expand in Yorkshire. We started digging in

Leeds on Monday. We are verx pleased with this store as well. Thd

investment has been welcomed. The ?90 million site is also hole to two

other large brands and will eventually be joined by a sports

stadium. But many people sthll believe that shiny new shops with

free parking outside the city centre can't help but pool trade from the

town centre. It is simply about parking. We want to compete on a

level training cash level playing field. And the High Street Cope Did

York need more shops? Valid concerns, but no`one begrudges the

jobs. It was like winning the lottery when I got the phond call.

It was amazing. I was not expecting the call. When it happened, I

screamed down the telephone. They knew I was excited about getting a

job. I am really happy. If today is a barometer of the health of retail,

it is set to fine. Coming up soon, another fans' mag

bites the dust, as digital takes over from print. And strict new

rules at a leading agriculttral show, to weed out competitors who've

been going a step too far to improve the appearance of their dairy

cattle. The weather summary for tomorrow has

not been artificially enhanced in any shape or form! Join me later for

the full forecast. 25 years ago this week, the

breathtaking railway between Carlisle and Settle was savdd from

closure. The line had been run down by British Rail for years, prompting

an incredible campaign by an alliance of locals, rail enthusiasts

and academics. It was a long and bitter battle, involving hate mail

for some ` years of tireless toil for others ` and a maverick BR

manager, who decided that instead of shutting the line, he would do all

he could to keep it open. It is one of the most spect`cular

sections of real way in the country. 72 miles of tracks snaking

its way north through the Pdnnines to Carlisle. But in 1983, after

years of neglect, British r`il announced it would cut its losses

and close. From day one, I was determined to do my very best to

ensure it was kept open if `t all possible. He was given six lonths to

close the line. But he had ` reputation for being stubborn.

Rather than closing it, she would do the opposite. Firstly, I trhed to

introduce special ticket fares for excursions. I realised that we were

increasing revenue and passdngers. From within, the closure programme

was undermined. What kept it at bay for so long was the quality of the

campaign, against all the odds. I thought it would be an extrdmely

tough battle, but I didn't necessarily expect the outcome to be

successful. Fortunately the real campaigners had such a firm belief

in it that the were not going to let go until they got the victory they

sought and deserved. The Carlisle to Settle wind is often fought of as

one of the most spectacular in the country. But that is not down the

reason why it captured the public imagination. The landscape hs so

compelling. This line represented one of the great triumphs of

Victorian engineering through this rural community. The protracted

fight was not without its d`rker moments. Passions were such that

some struggled to contain them. People felt very strongly. Some

people felt excessively and over the top. I did get some threatening

letters. Despite the pressure, the committee had to listen to both

sides before making a judgelent When the report was done, the report

found in favour of keeping the railway open. And that is what the

minister acted on in the end. And saw a great victory was one.

Humbling of corporate power by many small but determined voices. Then

Transport Minister Michael Portillo confirmed in Parliament the line

would stay open. The success was due to many factors. It was bec`use of

the enormous number of people who supported keeping an open and

support for the initiatives that were put on in our marketing sense.

And it was due to the fighthng nature of the Transport Comlittee.

Without Ron Cotton, I am not certain that it would have been successful.

Tomorrow, many of those who were in the campaign will travel along the

line to celebrate their achievements.

And in tomorrow night's programme we board a special anniversary train on

the famous line. Now, this sounds "udderly" `mazing.

Organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show say stringent checks whll be in

place to catch exhibitors who cheat. It follows concerns last ye`r that

some competitors in the livdstock classes had tampered with their

cows' udders to improve thehr appearance.

Showing livestock is big business these days. At our country shows,

there have been recent allegations of cheating and dirty tricks. At

the Great Yorkshire Show last year, a small minority of competitors were

accused of tampering with their cows' udders. Those in question have

agreed to never compete agahn. In a statement, the show director said:

I think there is only a minority of people that were doing this.

Hopefully this will make other people not do it. Verse daily farmer

near your house said there have been cases of gas and glued being used to

get higher marks. His familx has been showing cattle for 50 xears.

They say it is a painful process which needs to be stamped ott. We

want it to be a level playing field. A good cow is a good code. On

another day, she might not win. That is how it should be. Rather than

somebody making that call something it is not. `` cattle. Organhsers say

stringent checks will be in place to stamp out instances of anyone who

might be tempted to cheat. One of the region's best known

football fanzines has been published in print for the last time. The Mag

will soon be missing from the Newcastle United match day

experience, as well as from newsagents shelves. It will still

have its own website, but the fanzine's co`founder admits it is

the end of an era. And whild it might be the start of a new era in

the United boardroom, is manager Alan Pardew already at odds with the

new managing director? Issue 289 of The Mag. They didn t

even call the debut edition Number one because they weren't sure

whether there would be enough demand for a second. Distribution problems

and changing technology. So the final print edition has been

printed. It is difficult with the deadline. There was one isste every

month and sometimes a big story would break the day after you had

published the magazine. Deadline for the final issue came too soon for

Newcastle's last match ` Saturday's 4`0 home defeat to Manchestdr United

Or this week's big talking point: the promotion of Lee Charnldy to new

managing director. In a statement Charnley said the club would

continue to recruit just ond or two players a year. So does that put him

at him at odds with the man`ger There is no conflict in terls of

view of where we are going. The owner has set out the criteria for

this club. We know what that is We have to bring in players we think

will take us for word. People thought there would be a lot of

changes at the start? We have to reflect on what happens to the

squad. If two or three leavd, we need to replace them. It is

important the squad is balanced and there is a certain level of quality

that represents this football club. We need to add some quality to this

group. We need a player of real quality. But one thing is for sure.

He'll be without Remy again for Saturday's trip to Stoke, even

though Newcastle's top scordr is now back in training.

It's been almost two years since Darlington football club pl`yed its

last game at the Arena. But today the Quakers have moved one step

closer to returning to the town ?85,000 in funds has been r`ised by

fans and local businesses. Some of that will be used to pay off club

debts, but most will be used to try and make the move back home in a

ground share with Darlington Rugby Club.

It is absolutely huge what dveryone has done for us. The fan base has

been fantastic. They have dtg deep. So of local businesses. We still

have an element of fundraishng to go. Infrastructure work needs to be

done. Without this ?85,000 being in the bank, there would have been more

financial challenges ahead for the club. This gives us a fantastic

opportunity to build on somdthing more solid.

Northumberland golfer Garrick Porteous teed off at the US Masters

in Augusta this afternoon. The 24`year`old Bamburgh Castle player

who plays out of the Northulberland Golf Club in Gosforth, won the 013

Amateur Championship to qualify for Augusta and will move into the

professional ranks after thd tournament.

At the moment, he is four over par after seven holes. Not doing too

badly at all. And in speedway, Redcar Bears host

local rivals Newcastle Diamonds tonight ` without the services of

Richard Hall. He's been banned for 30 days after kicking Scunthorpe's

Josh Auty, who was lying on the track after the pair came to grief.

Hall ` who's from Northallerton in north Yorkshire ` lashed out after

blaming Auty for the crash. He's since apologised.

I was in my garden this aftdrnoon. It was roasting, briefly!

We have had some decent weather today. That will continue. There was

some sunshine at Durham Cathedral. The trees are coming to lifd.

Tomorrow, I think there will be good spells of sunshine. A chillx start

to the day. Most places will stay bone dry and there will be some good

sunny spells. High`pressure is in charge at the moment. These weather

fronts come around the high`pressure, increasing cloud

amounts to produce some spots of rain. There are some isobars on the

chart, so that will keep thhngs fairly breezy. There will bd a lot

of dry weather to be had. This evening, one weather front loves to

the South. Dry and clear for many of us overnight. Some missed and fog

patches. It will be chilly. Rural temperatures cold enough for some

frost. A chilly start tomorrow. But mostly fine and write a. I couldn't

say that there won't be the odd passing shower. A decent enough

afternoon. Fairly light westerly breezes. High`pressure keeps fairly

brisk westerly wind over Culbria. That will feed in a fair amount of

cloud. There will be some brighter spells. The north`east should see

the cloud more broken. It whll never feel that warm. 12 or 13 degrees if

you are lucky. Having said that there should be some dry we`ther to

get out and about. Keeper April weather pictures coming in. Keep an

eye on the website. Now for a last look at tonight's

headlines: Cleared of rape, sexual ass`ult and

indecent assault ` the formdr deputy speaker of the House of Comlons MP

Nigel Evans, says he's been through hell.

And a jobs boost is promised on Teesside and across the North East,

as the government pledges ?47 million from the Regional Growth

Fund to help lift the region's economy.

We are back at 10:25pm. Enjoy your evening. Goodbye.