04/07/2014 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Hello, you're watching Friday's Look North. Tonight, Yorkshire's ready

for the world's biggest free for the world's biggest fred

sporting event ` and millions of visitors.

After months of planning ` the tour starts tomorrow. We're live in

Leyburn, one of the towns the tour goes through ` where the excitement

is building. And we're with the emergencx

And we're with the emergency services ` already called into

Rock tickets with this, it hs a moment of history in the making.

services ` already called into action on part of the tour route.

Also in tonight's Look North. The jury's discharged after failing to

reach a verdict on a head tdacher accused of having sex with a teenage

accused of having sex with ` teenage boy.

And sold ` a price is agreed for Blencathra ` but the locals bidding

to buy the Lake District mountain to buy the Lake District motntain

in readiness for the grand depart, In sport

in readiness for the grand depart, which begins tomorrow morning.

Communities across North Yorkshire have been preparing for this weekend

for months. Around two millhon for months. Around two million

visitors are expected to cole and visitors are expected to come and

line the streets to see the race ` which is the world's biggest free

sporting event. Millions of pounds will be pumped into the reghonal

will be pumped into the regional economy ` and of course the views we

often take for granted will be beamed across the world. Well, one

of the towns Le Tour goes through is Leyburn, which is where Phil Chapman

is tonight. Brazil might well have the World Cup

and may be slightly nicer wdather and we have been having in Leyburn,

but with the global audience and we have been having in Leyburn,

but with the global audiencd of 2 but with the global audience of 2

billion people around the world watching Yorkshire, it will be quite

a weekend for the county. Jtst watching Yorkshire, it will be quite

a weekend for the county. Just about every community along the route is

embracing it with yellow bunting, yellow bikes.

North Yorkshire is tonight prepared and ready. Along the route 2 million

spectators expected to watch, there guaranteed warm Yorkshire btlk.

spectators expected to watch, there guaranteed warm Yorkshire bulk. Even

guaranteed warm Yorkshire btlk. Even the police have entered into the

spirit. Here in Leyburn, the market spirit. Here in Leyburn, thd market

town has embraced every aspdct of what the race can offer. Every

what the race can offer. Evdry business has transformed its shop

window, with this one winning the prize for the best displayed. Will

Leyburn have seen anything like this before? I don't think so and I do

think it ever will again. Across the county, camping and caravanning

sites have appeared in many fields alongside the route. In Leyburn,

sites have appeared in many fields alongside the route. In Leyburn one

alongside the route. In Leyburn, one of the official spectator alias

17,000 people are expected in many 17,000 people are expected in many

have already arrived. We are really excited. We have brought her

children because, it is a moment of his steady in the making. People are

his steady in the making. Pdople are still ringing me now to ask if they

can come, but I have to say I am fully booked. There is a re`l buzz.

fully booked. There is a real buzz. For shops, pubs and hotels, it

promises to be one of the btsiest weekends on record. But when the

cameras have gone, what kind of legacy will North Yorkshire be left

with? I believe the legacy will last forever. More and more people will

see the beautiful area we lhve forever. More and more people will

see the beautiful area we lhve in around the world and they will come

around the world and they whll come and visit. Views of the cyclists

passing this weekend could last just ten or 15 seconds, but the legacy

for Yorkshire should last significantly longer. Over the next

two days, cyclists will be tackling these very difficult routes, but

amateurs have also been trying to do it and there have been some

accidents meaning ambulance crews have been tested. Steep gradients

and sharp bends. On a good day, this stretch of road is exciting cycling

territory, but in today's driving rain and gusting winds, it hs also

fraught with real danger. Some riders have already comes seriously

riders have already comes sdriously unstuck. Two collided yesterday and

one had to be airlifted to hospital, but the most spectacular allost

but the most spectacular almost fatal accident came nearby `t the

notorious S bend. The bikes come down off that top originallx quickly

down off that top originally quickly and then they had this S bend. He

hit this S bend with this writer is now. You can see he nearly lost

control. This fence, flipped over the top of it, ruled and stopped on

a ledge over a precipice whhch drops 80 feet straight down. Even some of

the professional riders have already the professional riders havd already

voiced their concerns about the safety of this course. I thhnk

voiced their concerns about the safety of this course. I think the

safety of this course. I thhnk the route is in some parts very

dangerous. On the descent, just when you ride through longer roads.

Emergency and rescue cover was already stretched, but the Xorkshire

ambulance strike for most of the weekend has prompted the air

ambulance crews to step up their own cover. We have hired extra

ambulances to cover the population ambulances to cover the population

swell. We have taken a decision to base an aircraft where the race is

actually travelling. The mystery from rescue workers is clear, have

fun, but take extra care. It is worse today know the road is wet.

The wind does not help. There are lots of signs warning peopld

The wind does not help. There are lots of signs warning people about

coroners. Things are really starting to hot up in Leyburn now, with the

band in full swing. Many people gathering in the Market Square.

gathering in the Market Squ`re. Everyone is coming together to try

and make this a weekend to remember. Join us in Leyburn short

list believably speaking to some of the organisers trying to tackle the

changeable weather today. is tonight.

Today's other news now, and a jury's failed to reach verdicts in the

trial of an acclaimed County Durham trial of an acclaimed Countx Durham

head teacher who was accused of having sex with a 13`year`old boy in

the late 1980s. Anne Lakey from Stanley could now face re`trial.

Stanley could now face re`trial Andrew Hartley reports.

The jury here at Durham Crown Court had been deliberating the decision

had been deliberating the ddcision for just under ten hours. At around

midday, they came back into court and a note was passed to the judge

and a note was passed to thd judge to stay that they had still been

unable to reach a verdict. The judge ruled there was no realistic

prospect of them doing so and the jury was discharged. The prosecution

told the court it was very likely there would be a retrial and Mrs

Lakey was ordered to return in seven days. She has been suspended from

her job since the allegations were first made in 18 months ago and

Durham County Council confirmed tonight that suspension will

continue to the outcome of `ny continue to the outcome of any

future trial. Andrew Hartley reports.

The number of people arrested as The number of people arrestdd as

part of an investigation into alleged sex crimes against women and

girls in Tyne and Wear, has now reached 106. Northumbria Police

launched Operation Sanctuary reached 106. Northumbria Police

launched Operation Sanctuarx in January. They say they're working

with dozens of potential victims. So far 15 people have been charged.

A Cumbrian teacher's admittdd far 15 people have been charged

A Cumbrian teacher's admitted taking A Cumbrian teacher's admittdd taking

part in sexual activity with a child. 27`year`old Hayley Louise

Southwell from west Cumbria pleaded guilty at Carlisle Crown Court this

guilty at Carlisle Crown Cotrt this morning, to the charge involving a

girl under 16, while she was in a position of trust. She'll be

sentenced on 8th August. A campaign by local people to buy

the Lake District mountain ` Blencathra ` has failed. It was put

up for sale in May by the E`rl of up for sale in May by the E`rl of

Lonsdale to help pay a tax bill. But Lonsdale to help pay a tax bill. But

a higher bid than the one m`de Lonsdale to help pay a tax bill But

a higher bid than the one made by a higher bid than the one made by

the Friends of Blencathra h`s a higher bid than the one m`de by

the Friends of Blencathra has been the Friends of Blencathra has been

submitted. Mark McAlindon is in our Carlisle newsroom tonight. Lark

Carlisle newsroom tonight. Mark, tell us more.

Bitter disappointment, Carol, among thousands of people who had

campaigned so hard to be in a position to buy Blencathra. The

deadline for sealed bids was Wednesday and late this afternoon we

received a statement from the agents for Lord Lonsdale saying a sale had

been agreed ` but not with the Friends of Blencathra. Instdad it

will be sold to a private buyer who has bid ` we're told ` more than the

community group. John Robson, from H Land and Property, says, "We

have taken into account the fact that there is a significant

shortfall between their bid and the successful offer....and we dxpect

the matter to be completed reasonably quickly." Mark ` do we

know who the buyer might be, and have the Friends had anything to

say? No, we don't, unless it leaks out we will have to wait for the

sale to be recorded on the land registry or for the buyer to tell

us. For the Friends who've attracted so much support, there's obviously

massive frustration ` they issued this statement. We are totally

shocked and confused by recent media announcements that Blencathra has

been sold to an as yet unnamed bidder. We have been in negotiations

throughout the day, and we had agreed to match another bid that had

been agreed ` but not with the Friends of Blencathra. Instdad it

will be sold to a private buyer who has bid ` we're told ` more than the

community group. John Robson, from H Land and Property, says, "We

have taken into account the fact that there is a significant

shortfall between their bid and the successful offer....and we dxpect

the matter to be completed reasonably quickly." Mark ` do we

know who the buyer might be, and have the Friends had anything to

say? No, we don't, unless it leaks out we will have to wait for the

sale to be recorded on the land registry or for the buyer to tell

us. For the Friends who've attracted so much support, there's obviously

massive frustration ` they issued this statement. We are totally

shocked and confused by recent media announcements that Blencathra has

been sold to an as yet unnamed bidder. We have been in negotiations

throughout the day, and we had agreed to match another bid that had

been received. In other words, Carol, they thought they cotld go

distance but tonight unless the sale falls through, it may be thd end of

MPs and church leaders havd been visiting South Tyneside today to see

visiting South Tyneside tod`y to see some of the town's food banks.

Members of the All`Party Parliamentary Inquiry into hunger

and food poverty are looking into the extent and causes of hunger in

Britain. One place they went to was the Key Project in South Shields,

the Key Project in South Shhelds, where there's been a big rise in

people relying on support. Julie Smith reports.

Hearing the evidence in South Shields. This is the Key Project `

they've been giving out food parcels for 22 years. And in the last year

they say the number of recipients has doubled. Today's visit's the

last of a series of regional meetings, with MPs involved saying

there's a consistent pattern now emerging. The final report will be

published at the end of this year. Julie Smith, BBC Look North, South

Shields. Well, as we've been hearing, it s

Well, as we've been hearing, it's almost here. The grand depart comes

to North Yorkshire tomorrow. Whole towns and villages are a se` of

towns and villages are a sea of colour tonight in readiness. Let's

return to Leyburn ` and join Phil Chapman.

The Commonwealth Games are just I was quite lucky recently when I

went out for a tour of some of the route on my bike. The 190 kilometres

stage one starts in Leeds, but things get seriously busy bx the

time they get up to Wensleydale, time they get up to Wensleydale

famous for its cheese and the many bikers of a different kind who pass

through. He can forget about horsepower. From here on in, it is

all about leg power. Here, just a few miles north is the notorious

pass, described as beautiful and brutal, it is the highest p`rt of

brutal, it is the highest part of stage one at 526 metres above sea

level. This is one of the most famous spots on the route and

ingredient of, gracious me, I can hardly bear thinking of it. After

all that hard work, riders will be rewarded by what has been described

as a stunning natural amphitheatre. The downhill sprint will not give

them much time for sightseehng. them much time for sightseeing.

Everyone is getting really dxcited about it. I have been writing this

book 21 years. The riders whll be book 21 years. The riders whll be

working too hard to thinking about a refreshing pint here where

traditional rivalries are bding put traditional rivalries are being put

on hold for the weekend as they host a party together. By late afternoon,

after 190 punishing kilometres, people last in the Harrogate

after 190 punishing kilometres, people last in the Harrogatd Forest

people last in the Harrogate Forest listed finish. Mark Cavendish will

sprint in front of his Harrogate born grandmother. That is jtst the

start of it, just part of stage one. Stage two starts in York on Sunday

before heading west, back through Harrogate amended so as to

Sheffield. Then just three `nd a Sheffield. Then just three `nd a

half thousand kilometres to go. Back in Yorkshire, along the route, we're

looking at spectator areas. Leyburn is one of them. This is one of the

lucky man who has been organising the areas. It must have been quite

tense weather`wise mid`afternoon. It was. It was blowing a gale, the rain

was lashing down, but in trte was lashing down, but in true

Yorkshire fashion, we have prevailed. The sun has nearly come

out, the wind has dropped, dveryone out, the wind has dropped, dveryone

is having a good time. People are going to remember this for xears to

going to remember this for years to come, generations to come, ht has

just been fantastic. Not just Leyburn, but Wensleydale, Yorkshire,

Swaledale, the whole area. What does the legacy mean to you? Legacy means

getting these kids on their bikes, getting them out and about, getting

them fit and just making Yorkshire a great cycling area. We all must

great cycling area. We all lust forget it is all about cycling as

forget it is all about cyclhng as well, it is a great excuse for a

party. Gerald is from the Leyburn party. Gerald is from the Ldyburn

cycling group. You have brought some cycling group. You have brotght some

of your friends, Gerald. It is absolutely fantastic. We have had

thousands of visiting cyclists and just look at the square now, all

these kids on their bikes. Ht is these kids on their bikes. It is

tremendous. The deal is really got behind it, everywhere there is

yellow bunting and yellow bikes. yellow bunting and yellow bhkes

Just like you, I'm going to have to dash. It is going to be amazing for

Yorkshire this weekend. If xou want Yorkshire this weekend. If xou want

to keep your eye on the weather like we have been doing today and get

your eye on the traffic, look no further than your local BBC website

and radio station. The Commonwealth Games are just

under three weeks away now and our region will be sending plenty of

competitors to Glasgow, manx of them with a real chance of winning

medals. That's exactly what cyclist David Daniell did in India four

years ago, but as Mark Drurx years ago, but as Mark Drury

explains, he won't have the chance to go for gold this summer.

Four years ago, David was part of England's's team at the Comlonwealth

games in India. Since then, a knee injury and subsequent loss of form

led to him being dropped from the British cycling team. David is now

passing on his knowledge yot to a passing on his knowledge you to a

new generation of athletes. For the rest of the year, he coaches

Scottish cyclists. Hoping for Will it be to watch his former tdam`mates

it be to watch his former team`mates competing for medals? I could be

track`side while the cycling is going on, knowing two years ago I

going on, knowing two years ago, I was racing, so it will be p`inful,

but that is what is going to give me the motivation to make sure I am

there. Despite the disappointment of being dropped, David hasn't given up

on the sport and could switches allegiance to Scotland in the

future. I think that is my best option. For myself, it has `lways

option. For myself, it has always been a passion to represent England,

because I am English, but being because I am English, but being

selfish, it is getting to the Commonwealth games and being able to

compete and get sold again and may compete and get sold again `nd may

be called. to go for gold this summer.

In football, Middlesbrough have signed goalkeeper Tomas Mejhas from

signed goalkeeper Tomas Mejias from Real Madrid, while ex`Boro keeper

new assistant at Hartlepool. And new assistant at Hartlepool. And

Carlisle midfielder James Bdrrett has joined Yeovil Town.

A number of the region's spdedway A number of the region's speedway

riders have been named in Tdam A number of the region's spdedway

riders have been named in Team GB's riders have been named in Team GB's

squad for the Speedway World Cup later this month. Newcastle

Diamond's Danny King and Lewis Kerr have made the 10 man squad `s have

have made the 10 man squad as have Cumbrian`born riders Richard Lawson

who represents Redcar Bears and Edinburgh Monarch's Craig Cook. But

only four will be selected for the final team to race in King's Lynn.

Newcastle Falcons will have a tough start to the new Premiership season

in September. First up for Dean Richards' men will be an aw`y trip

Richards' men will be an away trip to the boss's former team Ldicester

to the boss's former team Leicester Tigers. Meanwhile, in rugby league's

Championship One. Gateshead Thunder are hoping for a repeat of last

week's superb victory over London Skolars when they take on third

placed Hunslet Hawks tonight. Leaders York City Knights are away

to the Skolars on Sunday. There s Leaders York City Knights are away

to the Skolars on Sunday. There's a Cumbrian derby on Sunday whdn

Cumbrian derby on Sunday when Whitehaven travel to Barrow and

Workington are at home to B`tley. In many parts, the rain is easing.

We head towards the hours of darkness and rain could rettrn

towards dawn. Anywhere across North Yorkshire mother north`east and

Cumbria, there could be rain. Overnight temperatures could be

about 12 degrees, so he reasonably mild night. First thing tomorrow, it

is quite gloomy start for the Tour de France. We are expecting some

spells of rain early on, but these should clear. A much brighter

spells of rain early on, but these should clear. A much brightdr day to

come, much more in the way of sunshine, the temperatures rising as

high as 17 or 18 Celsius. Giving high as 17 or 18 Celsius. Giving

pleasant in the sunshine, particularly if you're about

watching cyclists as they spent their way into Harrowgate.

Tomorrow, looking brighter. The outlook for the north`east and

Cumbria for the rest of the weekend and into Monday. Some heavy showers

on Sunday afternoon. They could be slow`moving and they could be done

today. A look now at forecast in detail for stage one. On Saturday,

we expect the morning to be drizzly and great, if you showers still

around. Brighter weather to come. Stage two on Sunday as they set off

from jaw, we expect a dry start, but through the afternoon, the weather

could take a turn for the worse. could take a turn for the worse.

Heavy showers which could ghve us Heavy showers which could give us

torrential downpours at timds. The torrential downpours at times. The

weather mixed here for the Tour de France, but the spirits certainly

very high in deed. Bachelor forecast. `` that is your forecast.

That's all for now, good night.