02/07/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

That's all from the BBC News at Six, so it's goodbye from me and on

BBC Welcome to Look North.

Coming up tonight... Tidal power. The multi`million pound

bill to pay for the damage caused by December's devastating surge.

Waiting for a verdict. The jury in the trial of Anne Lakey, the head

teacher accused of having sex with a 13`year`old, is sent home.

Marching on the mountain. Supporters of the bid to keep Blencathra for

the community stage a show of strength.

And find out why some of these could prove to be a better investment than

a savings account. In sport, England come calling for

one of the region's most promising young cricketers.

There's a third summer signing for Newcastle United.

And why the Hartlepool manager has gone back to the future in a bid to

fashion a promotion`winning squad. The experts say it was a once in 60

year event and it left behind a trail of wreckage and misery. In

December last year, a devastating tidal surge battered the east and

west coasts, flooding homes, closing businesses and wrecking sea

defences. Now it's emerged the cost to the taxpayer so far is more than

?5 million. And that's in the North East alone. Those affected are still

feeling the impact. Our Correspondent Peter Harris is live

now with one couple forced to abandon their home. Peter.

You can see the attraction of living right on the river, and also see

where the water is tonight, but seven months ago, that tidal surge

meant the water rose up through the side of the house, through the

floorboards and wrecked it. We will look around to see how things are

now. Worst of all, that tidal surge was very expensive for our region.

We hadn't seen the likes of this since the 1950s. Giant waves

battered Cumbria. And in the east, the tidal surge of water swelled the

rivers flooding for miles inland. And the cost has run into millions.

Repairs which in some cases were urgent. The River Tees burst through

its banks, crashing through its defences here. And flooding this

important wildlife habitat behind us. But not just that. It was also

threatening those vital Teeside industries in the distance. We

needed to think quickly, not just for the wildlife. But especially for

the businesses behind it. A lot of business in Teeside. We are in the

business of protecting these from flood risk. I have never experienced

anything like it in my career working for the Environment Agency.

It is 60 years since we had something like this. 1953 was the

last big event. Government help was provided to pay for the damage.

In the North East alone, the Environment Agency has funded more

than ?4 million of work and councils almost one million more on top.

Project included 320, 000 in Sunderland on South Bents sea wall.

400,000 at Skinningrove in East Cleveland. A similar sum in South

Tyneside. And 107,000 at Saltburn. There Grant Seldon runs an amusement

arcade on the pier. Flooded by the rising tide, it's still shut seven

months on. Total carnage. Everything upside down. Saturated with water.

About one year before we are back on our feet. Somewhere around there.

The summer season has gone. But nothing you can do. These things

happen. People and staff we had to pay off, all unemployed at the

moment. The biggest concern for me and my family is to stop it

happening again. With average luck, we won't see another tidal surge

like last year in most of our lifetimes. The defences put in will

at least some protection if the waters rise again.

A lot of homes were affected, Port Clarence on Teeside badly hurt, and

North students, `` and it was doing as worst here in North Shields. A

lot to do, it is not good? It is not, a long and hard process, but

with the support of family, friends, neighbours, and the

insurance company have kept us informed of everything, even a base,

and a lot of time to research flood prevention measures. Which we will

take from now. So there have been + saw it taking so long. But difficult

to find positives? And you had a dream of water coming in and it did?

It was a shock to the system, and it took several days for it to sink in,

and the magnitude of losing everything, all your furniture, that

Andy acted fast and got most of our sentimental things out, but it has

taken its toll. And I remember that for long Christmas tree! Any idea

when you will get back? Hopefully September. Fingers crossed. And

hopefully before Christmas. And it is a long job clearing out after a

flood? Absolutely, it took days to clear the place, Christmas Eve when

the last few bits were put on the skip, but we have taken what we can

and move forward in the New Year, we could be measurable or accept and

get on. Take the best of it, which is what we are trying to do. Let's

do a deal and hopefully we can see you at Christmas with the Christmas

tree. On average, we should not see another one like this in our

lifetime. You have said it now, Peter! Thank

you. The jury in the trial of the County

Durham head teacher accused of a sexual relationship with a

13`year`old boy have been sent home for the night after failing to reach

a verdict so far. Anne Lakey, who's Chief Executive of the Durham

Federation of Schools, is accused of a number of offences of indecent

assault during the late 1980s. Anne Lakey, her husband David by her

side, leaves court tonight. Her future still unclear. Mrs Lakey, who

is 54, is accused of grooming and indecently assaulting the boy at 13

and 14 years old over several months in 1988. It is claimed she had sex

with the teenager, who was not one of her pupils, on a number of

occasions at her home in Stanley. Mrs Lakey says no abuse took place

and denies all the charges against her. The jury retired to consider

its verdict at lunchtime. After hearing the judge ordered them that

they must consider in turn six allegations of indecent assault.

Judge Christopher Prince told the jury that, because the alleged

sexual relationship had happened 26 years ago, much of the evidence that

might have helped them reach a verdict had long since disappeared.

They were he said in some senses in a factual vacuum. In this case,

either Mrs Lakey or her accuser were telling lies. It was their job to

decide which one. After 2.5 hours of deliberations,

the jury has still to reach its verdict. The case was adjourned for

the night and the jury sent home to resume considering its decision in

the morning. 800 jobs could be created if plans

to build a designer retail outlet close to the A66 get the go ahead.

Scotch Corner LLP hopes to develop a greenfield site which will house 90

stores at Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire. The company says it

believes the road links will bring visitors to the park, and that there

will be enough demand in the area. Cumbria Police have seized nearly ?1

million worth of illegal drugs in the last two months. The operation

was in relation to a large cannabis farm that was discovered near

Penrith nearly two years ago. As well as local hauls, the force has

also taken part in a nationwide crackdown on the supply of

amphetamines, heroin and a large quantity of harvested cannabis. Five

people have been arrested. Today was D`Day for one of Britain's

most famous mountains. Sealed bids from those wanting to buy Blencathra

had to be in by midday. The mountain was put up for sale by the Earl of

Lonsdale in May to help pay a hefty tax bill, with a price tag of ?1.75

million. But locals have been fighting to buy it themselves. And

today, around 150 people took part in a mass walk to celebrate handing

in their bid. Stephanie Cleasby was there.

Best of luck to the friends of Blencathra, off we go! CHEERING.

On the march for Blencathra. In just a couple of months, Friends of

Blencathra has won the support of thousands. Today ` thanks to some

substantial donations ` the group placed a bid to try and keep the

mountain in public ownership. To mark the milestone, members ` plus

special guest Sir Chris Bonington ` put their walking boots on and

headed towards the iconic peak. We organised it as a celebration, all

working hard for seven weeks and it was an opportunity to take a deep

breath, nothing we can do today, get together and say thank you to the

people who worked so hard, it has been a real team effort, and move on

and see where we go. They say this is not a protest, more walking

celebration, which they hope will be successful, and also about showing

the honour, Lord Lonsdale, that they mean business. `` the owner.

Blencathra is one of the most renowned landmarks in the Lake

District. So what do tourists think of the mountain going on the market?

Not a good thing to have part of our heritage going to private ownership.

If someone is willing to pay more, the worry is what they would do with

it when they get it. Two hours later, they reach the foot of their

beloved mountain. Blencathra to me and a lot of other people is very

special. I would much rather it stayed with local people, and if it

goes into the hands of a private buyer, that they cannot spoil it,

because they cannot do anything on it without permission from the

National Park, and in fact, we have the right to roam on it, but how

much better if it is actually commune Illy owned, by local people,

and people who love the beauty of the Lake District, ``, newly owned.

And will have that in perpetuity and look after it. Here in Threlkeld,

there's optimism the fundraising has worked. Everyone has been coming

into the pub, leaving money and checks, all wanting it to belong to

lots of people. The agents selling the mountain on behalf of Lord

Lonsdale say they've received "a number of offers" for Blencathra

which are currently being reviewed. Stephanie Cleasby, BBC Look North,

The Lake District. Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley

looks set to receive a share of a bonus scheme worth ?200 million from

his company Sports Direct, after shareholders approved a plan which

had been criticised by the Institute of Directors. They claimed the

scheme was too generous. But Sports Direct say over 60% of the

shareholders voted in favour of the proposal at a meeting this morning.

The Pet Shop Boys have announced a second date at the Sage Gateshead as

part of their 2014 Electric tour. The date was added due to what's

being described as "phenomenal public demand", and will see the duo

play two nights in a row on the second and 3rd of September. The

original date became one of the fastest`selling concerts in the

venue's ten year history. Tickets for the new show will go on sale on

Friday 4th of July. Got that? You will note interest rates have

been a low single figures for a long time. It has led to other people to

look at alternative investments Everything from fine wines to

furniture. And all can go up or down. So is it a good idea and what

are the risks? For tonight's Look North report, Colin Briggs has been

attempting to follow the money. Well,

mouthwatering stuff. Not just the contents, but a promise

of a ten or even 15% return. And that is on wine kept in a cellar far

from your home that you never touch or even see. But can they deliver

those returns? In exceptional circumstances, yes. The top wines.

Chateau Lafite. Chateau Latour, for example. The top five guys. They

were ?5,000 box. ?5,000 for 12 bottles of wine. Which was a lot of

money, I felt, considering that, a couple of years before, it had been

sort of certainly half, three quarters of that. I reckon, within a

year, you could have got between ?8000`?9,000. So there was a

tremendous return to be hand. But that was a decade ago. Far East

demand is cooling fast. So what is the advice? To me, the most

important thing is the enjoyment that you have when you open a bottle

with friends. And you remember that for a long, long time. Some art

galleries boast 7.5% returns. Bargain Hunt stalwart and Barnett

Castle dealer, David Harper. The investor that has lots of cash

earning no money whatsoever. And they are ringing and asking for

advice. What do you buy? What can we invest in? But the nice side of this

is that most of them are investing in objects that they can use. But of

course, it is not easy. Markets go down. The furniture market has

collapsed in the last ten years. So I am advising clients to furnish

their homes with fantastic Georgian and Victorian furniture. And watch

it increase in value as they sleep. Because it has never been cheaper

than it is today, ever. Wensleydale auctioneers, Tennants,

sell locally, but increasingly worldwide online. 9000 for a

Victorian corkscrew to Australia. 2.5 million for an Imperial Chinese

vase. But it is not all big money. If they go to a sale, and they see

something making... It is worth ?200`?300, or will make ?200`?300,

then they probably have that cash spare to invest. And yes, if they

were getting huge interest on the money, then all that money would go

into the banks. So this very low interest rate, without doubt, has

helped us a little over the last few years. But the consistent big`money

ticket is top end cars. MGs are steady. Triumphs, well, triumph. But

Aston Martins? How about a fivefold increase in ten years? But there is

a catch. The higher numbers buy the more rarer cars. And the rare cars

seem to become the most sought after as time goes by. And that forces the

price up. Because there is only small quantities made, possibly 100

or something like that. Convertibles, for instance. 150 DB4

GTs cars, very rare ones like that. They are all rare, of course. They

only made a handful of thousands of the whole of the eras right from the

'50s right to the '80s. Those are the collectable models. And so, a

cautionary tale. David Harper was offered an Aston Martin for 35,000

in 1996. Too much, he said! Its value today? ?600,000.

Colin Briggs, BBC Look North, Redrow, County Durham.

Hmm, I wonder how much you have to keep the wine for appreciation. It

would be doomed in our house! Coming up next, the community

project that proves there can be life after council cuts.

And it's the French connection. They're getting ready to party in

the only French village in the country, as the countdown to Le

Grand Depart continues. And some warm weather across much of

the region, but what does the rest of the week old? I will be back soon

with a full weather forecast. `` but what does the rest of the week hold?

Spending cuts in recent years have seen the closure of sports centres,

theatres and even libraries in our region. But one community project

says it's fighting fit, despite being earmarked for closure two

years ago. A year after a charity took over Bill Quay Community Farm

from Gateshead Council, its immediate future is now said to be

secure. Martin Forster reports. Bill Quay Farm is a tiny well of

rural quiet hidden away on the banks of the Tyne. It is free to visit and

provides training and education for a whole range of people. We came

about 25 years ago with the children. And now we are bringing

the grandchildren. We come from South Shields. So it is not far to

come. It is a beautiful spot. But that costs money. A lot of money.

And that is why two years ago Gateshead Council said it could no

longer afford the ?300,000 per year required to keep it going at its

peak. That was when a local community group, Bill Quay Farm

Association, asked the council not to close the site. But to give it

the least to the site. The group established itself as a charity. And

one year on, they are cautiously optimistic that the farm is saved.

We have applied for a lot of project funding. But like a lot of funding

from a whole host of sources, really. We have also established

some strong links with education providers in the region. One college

in Durham, with whom we now offer full`time education courses in

animal care. They are one of our partners. And a lot of schools as

well coming on board and bringing young people here. And finding out

about farming, agriculture, livestock. That is what the farm is

about. It is about educating people. This facility receives around 25,000

visitors per year. So the key to securing its future in the longer

term may not be about attracting people as attracting money.

The biggest thing ever to happen to North Yorkshire. That's how one of

the county's oldest family dynasties describes Le Tour de France, which

passes through their village this weekend. The Ingilby family has

occupied Ripley Castle since medieval times. And Sir Thomas and

Lady Emma Ingilby are the current incumbents. They and the village are

about to host the biggest party ever seen there. And to top it all,

Ripley is close to the final spectacular sprint to the end of

Stage one on Saturday. Phil Chapman has been with the Ingilbys for the

final countdown. The excitement about the Tour de

France coming to Ripley has been growing here in more ways than one.

In fact, for the Inglibys, who have occupied Ripley Castle just north of

Harrogate for 700 years, the opportunity to host the ultimate

French event just before the sprint finish could not be more fitting.

The eccentric Sir William Ingilby, who demolished the entire village

and rebuilt it inspired by his visits to France, would have been

proud. One of the reasons we can embrace it so much is because the

village of Ripley was actually built in the French style. So it is a copy

of a village from Alsace`Lorraine. So in fact, we are the only French

village I think in the country. We have a Hotel de Ville instead of a

town hall. They are putting on a concert and some music and some

films after the tour. We don't nowhere whether we are going to

expect 5000 people or 20,000 people here. And that is a huge difference

logistically. So we are just planning for what we hope is going

to happen and what we think is going to happen. It is probably the

biggest event that has ever come to Ripley. Or indeed this part of

Yorkshire. And it is a lovely irony. Because we have been here for 700

years. And for most of those centuries, we have spent the time

terrified that the French would invade. And mustering troops to

prevent a French invasion. Now they are coming, we are raising a troop

of employees to actually welcome them. And the French connections

don't stop at Ripley. We have got loads. We have got French

connections in Middleham, which are twinned with Agincourt in France. So

it is really a lot of Frances here in North Yorkshire. And Ripley

resident, Jane Buchler, has brought a very important piece of France to

North Yorkshire. Her granddaughter from Paris. SHE SPEAKS FRENCH.

This week, Lois has been joining other children from Ripley's primary

school. Making the village church even more floral, ready for le big

weekend. Our oldest son is in France, and has five children. Lois

is the fourth child and she has come to the school just to perfect her

English. I am excited for the Tour de France. Because we've got such a

lovely big council, Courtyard, that is what we are filling with assault

courses for children and activities. And of course a bouncy castle. The

Ingilby family motto is, my right, and after all these centuries, they

have certainly earned the right to host the biggest party ever seen

here this weekend. And our colours are pure coincidence

tonight! Absolutely! Some cricket news first. And our

region can boast four members of the England squad named today for the

first test match against India. Joining Yorkshire's Joe Root, Gary

Ballance and Liam Plunkett is the Durham all`rounder Ben Stokes who at

23 is in line for his fifth England test at Trent Bridge starting a week

today. Newcastle United have completed the

signing on a six year deal of the Holland international Seem De Jong

from Dutch giants Ajax. He's the Magpies' third summer recruit. De

Jong, whose brother Luuk had a loan spell at St James's Park in the

second half of last season, is a 25`year`old attacking midfielder.

He's been capped six times by his country, but isn't in the World Cup

squad. Hartlepool boss Colin Cooper has

used his Middlesbrough connections to strengthen his squad for next

season. Boro old boys Stuart Parnaby and Matthew Bates have both dropped

divisions to play for their former team`mate as they aim for promotion

back to League One. Back in preseason training with some

new but familiar faces. Following the departure of long serving

players like Andy Monkhouse and Antony Sweeney, Colin Cooper has

turned to two men he knows well to add experience to his young squad. I

know them inside out, so I know they are going to be a huge asset to this

football club. Their technical spec is high. That is something I want.

And they will definitely make us better, without a doubt. And

hopefully over the course of the next month, five weeks, I get the

chance to try and bring a bit more quality in and add to what we've

got. And it's testament to Cooper that both have been prepared to drop

divisions. Bates from League One. And Parnaby from the Championship. I

have known him for however long time. And played with him. And

watching him work as a coach at Middlesborough. It took me half an

hour to decide. The gaffer isn't running it like a League Two team.

He wants everything done properly. We are going to Spain next week,

which I did not expect to be happening at a League Two club. And

the facilities here, second to none, really. It is playing in League Two,

but it is not, you know. You know with calling you are not going to

get an easy ride? No, no, he is... He is old school and also quite

modern in the way he wants to play begin. You know, I am sure this club

can go on. Cooper is hoping to announce his new assistant in the

next few days. And for everyone, there is only one aim this season.

Promotion. Talking of Colin Cooper's old club

Middlesbrough, the Spanish head coach Aitor Karanka is urging fans

to be patient during the summer transfer window as Boro try to

recruit the "right players" to the Riverside. Players not involved in

the World Cup are already back in pre`season training. But they could

soon be joined by the young Nigerian international defender Kenneth

Omeruo. The 20`year`old enjoyed a successful loan spell on Teesside

from Chelsea last season and Karanka says he's keen to return.

And speaking of returning, look who is back, newly married!

Tonight's forecast is looking cloudy and rainy, and this image to cheer

us all up, thank you for that. Sunny breaks we are expecting tomorrow,

but not tonight, clouding over the region with outbreaks of drizzle

late rain, becoming widespread after dark in Cumbria, by dawn,

temperatures not falling too much, no more than two around 15 or 16

Celsius, so another mild night and start to tomorrow, with the weather

system clearing to the site. Some light rain from North Yorkshire and

Teeside. The rest of the region, particularly in North Northumberland

and the Solway coast, we are expecting it to be sunny. 21 Celsius

is about as warm as it has been today, and will be tomorrow, and

westwards, very pleasant for much of Cumbria, a touch cooler on the West

Coast. Light winds, at sea level, but brisk breezes over the Cumbrian

Fells. Further rain tomorrow night. Low pressure dominating. Through

Thursday evening, another weather front brings rain across the region,

staying with us for Friday, particularly heavy across Cumbria,

clearing for Saturday and the weekend looks largely dried before

heavy showers move in across the North of England and much of the UK

for Sunday. Some sunshine, but heavy showers. What will that mean for the

West? We expect Friday to be gloomy, wet weather particularly

heavy across Cumbria, brighter and dryer on Saturday, but showers on

Sunday possible. And also the risk of rain in the north`east. It will

brighten again on Saturday. Come and join us again. You remember

how to do it if all `` how to do it all after your time away. That is

all for now. Goodbye.