20/01/2012 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to Friday's Look North: Tonight - is the army the answer?

Controversy mounts over a plan to use army medics to help staff

Pontefract Hospital's A&E at night. We'll hear from one worried local

MP. Also tonight: In from the cold: As homelessness

rises, more Yorkshire churches open their doors.

Olympic Dreams - can Jessica Ennis regain number one spot when it

matters most? These guys in West Yorkshire were great today. -- the

skies. Join me later for the weather.

But first tonight: Could drafting in army medics be the solution to a

recruitment crisis which has closed overnight A&E services at

Pontefract Hospital? It's been shutting its doors at night since

November because the Trust says there's a shortage of suitable

doctors. Now it says it's asked the Ministry of Defence if it can

provide support on a temporary basis. MPs have described the

possibility as deeply concerning and today, the Government said

there wasn't a shortage of doctors. Doctors and nurses battling to save

a life. These are army medics working in an Afghan war zone. Soon,

they could be trucked into staff the Pontefract accident and

emergency department to keep it open overnight. Since November, it

has been shut at night because the NHS Trust that runs it says it

cannot recruit enough doctors. Emergency cases have to travel to

Wake field instead. When a similar idea happened in Staffordshire,

there were protests against it. Using the army is not a sustainable

solution. How can the government allowed it to come to this but we

don't have enough middle grade doctors to do the job?

Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust says the closure of remains a temporary

measure and is not budded religion. They say using army medics is only

one option being explored. People in Pontefract had mixed feelings.

Absolutely disgusting. The army medics are there for the forces.

Tell them to take more on. They need to train more up, don't they,

if there is not enough. If I need emergency treatment, it wouldn't

worry me what sort of doctor it was as long at all -- as long as it was

a qualified doctor. Pontefract reflects something that is

happening in a number of emergency departments around the country.

Nationally, at a middle grade level, we are approximately at 20-25% down

on power middle grade doctors. Nobody from the trust was available

for interview today but in a statement, be the partner for

Health told us things were improving across the country. It

said that since May 2010, 3,000 doctors had been trained and

recruited in emergency medicine. Until a solution can be found,

Pontefract's emergency department is closed from 10pm and night.

There has been lots of reaction. We're joined now by the Labour MP

for Hemsworth, Jon Trickett. Apparently, you told the trust to

get a grip. What do you mean? is not acceptable. We were given

five days' notice, no proper explanation, we were told it was

temporary. It is not acceptable that these delays are taking place

and people are left with no emergency cover. And it is a brand

new hospital with a brand new A&E department. Not seen anyone after

10 o'clock at night. It is ludicrous. A brand new state-of-

the-art hospital and it closes at 10 o'clock. What happens if your

child falls ill or your elderly relative at 9:55pm, it is

unacceptable. We insist they get a move on and get the hospital open

again. What about the trust who say quite simply, they cannot get

enough doctors? You can't have a sub-standard service. That would be

dangerous. Of course you can't but the truth is that until we got

involved as local MPs, they hadn't even considered all the options

available to them and there were several. I wonder whether there was

a secret agenda to begin to close down really a brand new spanking

new facility in Pontefract amongst some of the managers. Is there a

shortage of doctors? The government are saying there is a shortage but

locally, the management are saying there isn't. The problem is

recruitment. I don't want any more excuses. What we want is can do. We

want to see these plays reopened, however it is done, as soon as

possible. This would help in the recruitment drive. -- this won't

help. We want the hospital trust to get behind Pontefract. They built

this facility, it is fantastic inside. They have to send the

signal that this has a long-term future so that bright young doctors

apply for the post and get the place back open. Thank you very

much. The sporting career of an

international karate champion from York lies in ruins tonight after he

was jailed for five years for sex offences against a 13-year-old girl.

30-year-old Liam O'Grady, who's a married father of two, had spent

months grooming the teenager before committing sexual offences against

her in his club in Osbaldwick. Our crime correspondent John Cundy

Liam O'Grady arrived in court in York today, shamed in his community

and shamed in his sport. He has studied and karate for England and

Great Britain all over the world. A double European champion and black

belt force Dan, one of the highest levels. He trained hundreds of

children in karate at his club here on the outskirts of York. But no

more. York crown Court heard his chosen victim was groomed from Bury

many months before he committed the sexual acts in various places

including his own home. What he did was not only abusive in terms of

the Act he was found guilty for but he was also abusive in the cynical

manipulation of this 12-year-old girl. Her courage stands in stark

contrast of his represents -- reprehensible pursued of self

interest. He abused her position of trust by taking advantage of an

innocent girl. He added to her distress by having to put her

through a long trial. Tonight, the Liam O'Grady went to jail today,

still denying the sex offences which have wrecked his life and his

career. Stay with us as we're off down the

local. I'm in the pub with good reason. This is one of 10 locals

across the city centre that have been transformed into temporary art

galleries for one night only. This one is celebrating Sheffield-based

war films. Joined me in 10 minutes' time.

Next, the growing problem of Yorkshire's so-called hidden

homeless. Tonight, churches in Halifax are opening their doors for

the first time to rough sleepers. A similar scheme already running in

Bradford says its struggling to keep up with the demand. In the

last two years, there's been a rise in the number of people accepted as

homeless by our local councils. The picture's worst in North Yorkshire

where that figure's up by 39%. But West Yorkshire's also seen an

increase of 20%. South Yorkshire has seen the smallest increase at

just 1%. But charities say that's the tip of the iceberg. Olivia

Richwald's at the Salvation Army Hall in Halifax. As you can see,

the tables are being set and the food is being cooked in the kitchen.

The doors open at 7 o'clock tonight. This is the first night of a new

pilot project here in Halifax to offer rough sleepers a warm bed, a

hot meal and a hot shower. There is space to sleep 10 people tonight.

The organisers believe there is a demand for that and more. They have

taken inspiration for this project from a similar scheme in Bradford.

That scheme has been running for three years. Earlier this week, I

spent the evening there. Martin and Andrew are best friends. Martin is

from Slovakia and Andrew is from Poland. In recent months, both have

fallen on hard times. Both are now homeless and sleeping rough on the

streets. Tonight, it is minus four degrees outside but thanks to a

project run by Bradford's judges, tonight, Martin and Andrew but have

a hot meal and a warm bed. house because no money. I'm living

outside may be for four months. It is not good. In Bradford, this

winter, there are officially 33 people sleeping rough. That is up

by a third by last year. The true picture could be worse. A lot of

people are sofa surfing. A few of our guests have experienced quite

recent homelessness because they have lost their jobs or their

tenancies. The project is run for three months over the winter and

more than 60 churches take part. A local mosque also helps by donating

food. Flight, the Bishop of Bradford is visiting the project.

He says it is absolutely vital. When you see some of the people on

the streets, you realise that very quickly, there world for a pot. For

some people just like you and me, something goes wrong and it is all

gone. This is one way of trying to provide a bit of practical hope as

well as help. It is staffed by volunteers. There are only space

for 12 and there are always full. This project is very, very good. A

big thank you. The big front you for the help, for these people. --

a big thank you. This is a much needed service will be. Since the

project started, seven of fake guests have died. That is the

reality of sleeping rough. You helped set the project up. Tommy

that the demand for the project. have been working with this project

which gives food parcels out. We have given out 13,000 parcels. A

majority of those people experience in homelessness, it is hidden. We

do know there is a demand. I need to ask you, this project is great

but long-term, nor -- more needs to be done? They have is a passion to

eradicate homelessness. We have been running this project for four

weeks. We are trying to find out for the situation is, how many pook

-- homeless people we have. We are working to eradicate homelessness

in Halifax long term. I know you are helping to rehouse people and

get them into bed sits. This project gets under way at 7pm

tonight and will be running three nights a week for the next four

wigs. -- four-week. More news from around the region

and police investigating the murder of Amjad Hussein are appealing to

Bradford's Asian community to help catch his killer. Amjad was found

after a fire at his home in Rylstone Gardens in Undercliffe a

week ago. He'd died from severe neck injuries. Police say he had

several business dealings in the city and they think that's where

As detectives, we can do as many clever things as we like, forensic

work and DNA in the background. But we really need the help of the

community to answer questions about his background. Doncaster council

have scrapped plans for 4% pay cut for workers earning more than

�15,000. Instead the unions have been told the revised offer will be

a 2.5% cut for those over 20,000 pound, and a 1% cut for those

earning between 15,020 �1,000. There will be no pay cut for those

earning less than �15,000. The Attorney-General has attempted --

agreed to re-examine the inquests into the death of Kevin Williams

who was killed in the Hillsborough disaster when he was fifteens. His

mother says he has evidence which suggests her son was still alive

for 15 minutes after the coroner said he was dead, and his death was

not accidental. The case may now be debated in the House of Commons.

Before 7 o'clock, above a top clash. Camp the Blades cut down Charlton

I think we might be asking that very question now. I will try to

answer it in a while. It is a very big year, we are into Olympic year.

There are 189 days to go until the start of what promises to be a

successful games for Yorkshire. We think we have got more than our

fair share of gold medal contenders. This Sunday, a special programme

called Yorkshire Olympic Dreams goes behind the scenes as some of

our top stars and Olympic hopefuls get ready for the a London games.

Here is Jess Ennis and her coach Toni Miniechello it setting out to

be number one in the world when it matters most. On day 10 of Olympic

training, Jess Ennis and her coach have an early start. Seeing him

stat there with his laptop open, doing some work, that never, ever,

ever, ever happens. I am always here before him. We will arrange to

meet at 930. 932 hat means she turned up at 8:55am. -- 9:30am to

her means she turns up half-an-hour early! Today's session is about

fine-tuning had heard or technique. There is a diminishing return on

how much better she can get. You are trying to find it very small

margins of consistency of performance, but he was talking

about hundreds of a second. Keep it bent. Nope. The thing is, as your

leader on comes in, it comes in at like this, it does not push.

but that definitely felt like my foot was wrong. It did. Five it was

wrong. My foot was up, but delayed is too lengthy. -- But the leg was

too lengthy. I need a few more degrees. A slight difference of

opinion. Their relationship has changed a lot since she came to him

as a shy 11 year-old schoolgirl. She has been a world champion so

brings her own opinion. If I am not understanding or agreeing, the same

way he thinks, it is good to discuss it. Another tough session

comes to an end. Throughout Yorkshire Olympic Dreams, we will

keep returning to the pair as they work towards the London Games. Can

she master the event she has always struggled with the most? And can

have Visio prevent strains from becoming injuries which camp --

which could threaten her Olympics? We also concentrate on Sarah

Stevenson and find out why the Chinese authorities confiscated the

Yorkshire flag from this Strath along -- triathlon champion. I am

biased, but it is well worth watching! Leeds United have brought

Fabien Delf on a loan back from Aston Villa for a month. His

arrival may soften the blow of losing their captain he is close to

completing his move to Norwich. There was a demonstration at Elland

Road last night protesting at the move. This afternoon, the Leeds

United supporters trust put out a statement urging Ken Bates to

actively look at selling the club. Look North would like to apologise

wholeheartedly for fans of Charlton Athletic, because Yorkshire and

Sheffield are out to get them! Charlton probably think they have

got it in for them, but that is not the case. In fact, they are well

known in football for being one of the friendliest London Clubs you

can visit. Last weekend at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton

showed more that a bit of steel themselves. The blade of settled

United will be trying to cut down the -- at Sheffield United will be

trying to cut down the place between first and second, three

different corners of Yorkshire are hanging on to the result. We have

looked at this period of fixtures, it is probably on paper one of the

most difficult sections of the fixtures we have had all season.

But nothing scares us at the moment. We both expect to be challenging at

the end of the season. They have had at fantastic start and have not

blipped a couple of times and only got a couple of losses. They are

very good. But there are still 20 games to go. The confidence and

psychological boost will be more significant than anything.

Sheffield United and Charlton is a fixture which already sounds as if

it will fit into the championship next season. Unless Sheffield

Wednesday at Huddersfield Town can do something about it. Whatever

happens in south-east London tomorrow. In the skeleton,

Sheffield, Shirley Redman has picked up a another podium position.

What will you be doing at 5pm on Sunday? I am hoping -- I am helping

a cookery school... What you want me to say is I will be watching

Yorkshire Olympic Dreams. But I will be recording that! I will be

Finally, we are after the pub. you getting them in? I certainly

will! We have already brought to the tale this week of the landlord

who has installed as self-service pumps. I thought that was sexist,

there should be one for gin-and- tonic as well! Tonight, we have got

10 of mac -- 10 at locals who have been turned into galleries. The Pub

Scrawl is an opportunity for local artists to show off their work and

perhaps even pick up a commission. Our reporter is live at a

Washington hotel. It is how around! It is a tough kid being in a pub.

This is not my usual choice of drinking partner, he is like --

like a conversation. This one finishes -- this pub has got the

work featured of Warp Films, one of the most powerful film companies in

the area. When it is a part not apart? When it is an art gallery,

or maybe even a greengrocer's. People may or may not know, the

Bath Hotel used to be a crisis in the mid- 18th century. I thought,

what a great idea, I will install a greengrocer into a pub. This man is

a Sheffield calligrapher and one of 10 artists putting their work on

show in city pubs tonight. We have got a delivery van there, and on

the lemons, bitter and twisted. Sheffield has always welcomed art.

All of the pubs have been completely on board with this. It

shows that art does not necessarily have to be in galleries. All sorts

of work will be on display across the 10 pubs, with organised tours

running between them. Behind the festival, Sheffield's very own --

very first illustrator of the stars. Most people would be in pubs rather

than art galleries, so that is where I started my work. People

would be merry, shall I say, and make a decision on art that they

would not in a gallery. Pub-goers in Sheffield tonight, be prepared

to be surprised, but be careful you do not come home with a hangover

and something that he thought looked good at the time. That is

what is going on at some of the other pubs. Back in the Washington

Hotel, Warp Films art doing some memorabilia. You might know it Four

Lions, and so you'll know about the stuffed Crowe. They have got a map

here, the locations they have featured across the city. That is

not all. Later on, they will be a chance to meet some of the actors

involved in their films, most notable of this is England, set in

the 1980s. It has a 1980s feel, soaked this bike is here for that.

This is a reiteration of one of the key set from that TV series, set in

the 1980s, a fantastically comfortable sofa, and sitting on it

are two very important guests. Shane Meadows, director of the film,

and Mark from Warp Films. What are you doing showing off your wares

here? We started it here. We started in this pub 20 years ago.

All of the gang from the record company, Warp Records, we used to

sit in his room after training and a man sponsored us. But then when

people approach us, he chose the pub but it was perfect for us. It

has been always connected to music it has got a great deal. It could

not have been a better location. What do you think, as a film

direction -- director, showing off your art in a pub? It is incredible.

I think the thing that I always loved about making films, the great

things I always thought about films is that you could buy, my art, for

a tenner at a shop. If you like a Picasso, you would have to struggle.

You are better than the castle Exmouth -- you are better than

Picasso! Art should be accessible for everyone, you can buy at �200

million film for a tenner. The ethos of this fit into something

that I have always loved, that art should be accessible to everyone.

What better place than a sofa and TV in your local boozer? There is a

celebratory ale that has been brewed for this festival. Or while

you check out the art, I might I think that is an absolutely, I

know we are not meant to be biased, but that is a brilliant idea. I you

going to the pub? Will you be I have got a nice picture for year.

I know you like Whitby. Another very atmospheric one. This one is a

nice, I don't know whether it is sunrise or sunset. Tomorrow, a damp

start. Brighter later, all in all not too bad a weekend. The main

feature, not for the first time this winter will be the strength of

the wind. There could be gales tonight and tomorrow. It is

miserable affair at the moment. Overcast, mist and fog over the

fields and hills. The wind could pick up, girls in exposed places,

in the Pennines and -- gales in exposed places, in the Pennines and

other areas. The sun will rise in the morning at 8:10am. Setting at

4:26pm. It is going to be a slow start tomorrow, a cloudy and damp

start of drizzle and patchy light rain. A slow improvement, very slow

improvement, edging down from the north-west during the day. The

afternoon should be brighter, sunshine and one or two showers. It

remains windy, with alert -- locally gale-force westerly wind.

Temperatures just above average but it might feel a little bit more

chilli. A similar story on Sunday with some rain at first. That clear

through the morning, and then Sunday afternoon is looking quite

promising and one or two showers. They could be win three over the