03/02/2012 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to Friday's Look North. Tonight the town prepares for a

fight. There is anger in Northallerton about fears for the

future of maternity and Children's Services in the town. When asked to

surrender a captain said I haven't begun to fight and neither have we.

Stepping up security. Leeds University employs its own police

officer after a spate of attacks on students. And join me, live at

Headingley where Leeds Rhinos are preparing to defend their Super

League crown against Hull Kingston Rovers. I am in one of shelf's

three grit domes. As the city prepares for the big freeze and

over in the Hope valley where they have some snow are they ready for a

bit more? And join me for the all- important weekend forecast, the Met

Office have an amber warning in As you can see a busy programme

ahead. A North Yorkshire town is gearing up for a fight to over

possibly changes at fire radge hospital. Hundreds of people

attended a meeting. The plans under discussion could see expectant mums

having to travel to York, Harrogate or Darlington. Children's Services

are also under review. A packed public meeting last night,

illustrates how much local people value the Friarage Hospital. Its

childrens and maternity services are under review. But the mood was

unpromise, they don't want to see childrens' services scaled back to

a Daewoo nit as recommended. I think people have their opinions

across. It became clear how strong the feelings are, that people don't

want to lose any services in the area. If it dizr disappearers,

children aren't going to be born in north shire, they will be born in

Durham. A ship's captain joined the American War of Independence, when

asked to surrender said I haven't begun to fight. Neither have we.

The problem at the hospital is its size. New clinical standards

require ten paediatric consultants for a Children's Service rather

than the Friarage's five. It has trouble getting those five. It took

two-years to fill the latest vacancy We also need paediatricians

who have general list skills, and increasingly, the way doctors are

trained mean they are looking for specialist job, which come pounds

the problem we have. Reducing the childrens' service would have

implications for maternity care. Over half of future births would

have to happen at other hospitals. Expectant mothers would have to

travel to York, Harrogate rg Darlington or Middlesbrough. On the

country roads round there, it could add up to an hour to journeys to

hospitals ch these mothers are worried. All have used the Friarage

bg and are anxious to see its services preed. If we had to go to

James Cook, it would have been a motorway birth. It would have. But,

I just made it to A&E. Half an hour makes a lot of difference if your

child is in breathing difficulties. You know, I would hate to think we

could lose out on a service as valuable at that. The consultation

is in its earliest stages tands trust has prom ined o -- promised

to listen what was said but no changes will be made without a

tough fight. Earlier I spoke to Dr Victoria Pleydell from the

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group. Which

is overseeing the proposals. I asked how sur priceded she was by

the strength of feeling. I wasn't surprised at the number of people

who came yesterday. I have been a GP in this area for 24 years. I

understand how the local population value the Friarage, it is a

fantastic hospital, and I think people are fond of it, and I think

they are worried about any changes that might come along. Given you

know the area, you live up there, you know how difficult the roads

are up there, if you look at this weekend's weather forecast you

wouldn't want to be an expectant mum to travel miles to give birth?

I think travelling for hospital who live in a rural areas is always a

challenge, and certainly, in bad weather that makes it more

difficult. I think it is important to remember that actually you have

to look at whole geography, and if you look at swhr which is up in the

dale, it is the same journey time from there to Darlington, as it is

from there to Northallerton, and I have been reassured that the

paediatric and obstetric services at Darlington are going to continue.

So there will be real options for people, which won't necessarily

mean further travel. So when do you hope to have some firm proposals?

am very keen we do talk to young family whobs are the most affected

by the changes. We will consider all the options, we want to talk to

Darlington, the ambulance service we want to talk to the voluntary

sector, what we want to try and do is collect a real picture of what

we need to do going forward. Then we will pull together, formal

recommendation, which will then, we will talk to the public about again

and if necessary we will go through a public consultation, stwards

September or October. Realistically, do you think the services will

still be going in what, a year's time? A year's time I don't think

anything will be different. Going forward it may be we do have to

change some things. But what we need to make sure, is that the

service at the Friarage compared with everywhere else in the country

as good or better, which is what I want for the population that I

serve. Thank you very much for your time. The first severe wether of

the winter has arrived in Yorkshire. Temperatures dipped to minus 8 last

night and it is likely to be almost as cold tonight. There are hev y

show falls predicted tomorrow. We will have a full forecast from Paul

later but Tom is live at a Sheffield gritting depot where

extra staff have been brought in. It looks like they will have a lot

to do over the next couple of days. Indeed. This will be a familiar

sight. It is Sheffield's Mount Rushmore. We are inside one of

Sheffield's three grit dome, and in ability an hour the full fleet of

25 lorries will back in to here and head out to Sheffield's priority

routes. They plan to do it tomorrow when the snow is forecast. More on

that in a bit. But first I have been out to the Hope Valley where

they have a touch of the white stuff. How are they preparing for

more of it? High in the hills above the Hope kl valley a fresh load of

straw has arrived. For the Marsden family the next 24-hours will

prepare for snow. Each co-eats round 50 kilos of silage a day. We

need to make sure we have access to the bilt buildings, to make sure

that we can feed the cows, and particularly, with the forecast for

Saturday night, being the way it is, Saturday we will put out two lots

of feed just in case the snow that bad we can't get into the buildings.

In castle on to the white stuff is already here, albeit on the hills.

To keep tourists visiting, that is where it needs to stay. A few

flakes will bring out the ram bers -- ramblers but more will put a

stop to passing trade. The attraction has said it will stay

open. One of us will be open every day. Even if there are no visitors

Even if there is no-one. Yes, it could be the case I am sending

guides home or shop staff early. Watching the skies edale Mountain

Rescue Teams. I would expect the snow forecast it will be more

likely to be walker, rambler, slips and falls, I don't think it will be

voluntary services too much. So far, so beautiful, but in the next 24-

hours winter could turn ugly. So the gritting starts in about an

hour's time. They will do the same tomorrow, the forecast I spoke to

the head of gritting service earlier, he said the forecast they

are working to is somewhere between two and eight centimetres of snow,

arriving round about six clock tomorrow evening, I am sure Paul

will tell uls later on if that is correct or not. But any way, they

will commit to doing tall priority routes in Sheffield and their

policy is different many in the city because they want to get

further in to stop cars being abandoned and blocking roads on the

entry to estate -- estates. Of course, the snow warden, the 100

wardens, they have got their bags of grit and they are on stand by

too. Of course, more interesting is what happens after the snow. How

long will it lipinger? The temperatures remain low will it

turn to rain on Sunday night as it supposed do if so we could be in

for a few tricky days of driving conditions. We could indeed. Stay

with us. Branching out. The trees sprouting shoes, as a new craze

hits Worksop. A 21-year-old described as a damaged and

dangerous man has been jailed for a minimum of 24 year, for the murder

of an elderly widow in a residential care home. Scott Scorby

battered and attempted to rape 96- year-old Elizabetta Pecka in

January last year. The court heard the attacker played its part in the

victim's death two months later. Our crime correspondent is outside

Bradford Crown Court. Tell us about the night Elizabetta Pecka was

attacked. Well, it was January 21st last year, serial burglar and thief

Scott Scorby broke into the Rosewood Court nursing home in

Bradford. He broke into the bedroom, through a window, of Elizabetta

Pecka. Then, aged 94. A widow who lived there on her own. She was

this bed. He jumped on her, he hit her at least is a times and

attempted to rape her in the bedroom and bathroom. He left her

in a bloodied state with severe facial injuries and the police had

no doubt at all those injuries played their part in her death two

months later in hospital. You have alluded to it but Scott Scorby had

a long history of crimes, didn't he? Well, he did, both before this

terrible offence and even in the days immediately after, and at the

time of the attack last January, he was on license from a bail hostel

after serving part of a four-and-a- half year sentence for the

attempted rape of a student in Leeds. Clearly, his history goes

back some way as the police explained to me. His previous

convictions go back to when he was a very young boy of 13, he has

repeatedly offended and he has gone o to commit some of the gravest

offences possible. How have the police reacted to this life

sentence? Well, clearly Harry, they have a lot of sympathy for

Elizabetta Pecka, she has no -- had no family. She was born in the

early years of the last century in eastern Europe. Her life had taken

her through Europe, defying the Nazi regime only to end up in this

sad way. After a sentence like this there is a talk of was it too harsh.

Even after 24 years for a 21-year- old I did hear talk of a possible

appeal on the grounds the sentence might be regarded as too lenient.

York City Council has confirmed plans to increase council tax --

council tax and reject the Government money for freezing rates.

There is a rise of 2.9%. That would mean an extra 54 pence a week. The

council says this will mean an increase in spending on elderly

care and children. A week after the resignation of the chief executive

will there is more upheaval at mid Yorkshire hospitals. The chairman

has stepped down, the accountant joined the board of the troubled

trust in 2009, he will be replaced I by David Stone. Plans have

backbench unveiled showing the route of a new ling road from the

M18 to rair are rair. The road will run from June shunning three to

parrot's corner. People are being invited to view the plan, over the

Leeds University has recruited a full-time police officer based on

campus following a spate of attacks on students at the end of last year.

It comes as the city prepares to welcome 5,000 extra people from

China in the run up to the Olympics. With crime so much higher here than

in China, there are concerns that they won't be prepared. Ian White

has this exclusive story. There is a new kid on the block at Leeds

University. A West Yorkshire police officer based on and funded by the

campus. The appointment comes after a series of attacks on students in

Leeds before Christmas. One person has been charged. Investigations

continue. Policing Leeds University is like policing a small town.

Actually a small city. 40,000 people here. It is quite varied.

Obviously you have got the industry that comes into the university as

well. Everything is the same. What about your breathing? Moments after

the interview, Kevin had to deal with an emergency on campus. A

student needed help because his friend had taken ill. It is just a

case of making sure the ambulance has been called. Then looking after

them and reassuring them until the ambulance arrives. With many

Chinese athletes and support staff based in themselves around the

university for the Olympics, educating foreign students on how

to stay safe is one of Kevin's priorities. Here, we do not know

when it they will come and to attack us. We have to order a taxi

before we go somewhere. In our construe we do not call a cab

before we go out. -- in our country. His OK. We are putting on a country

brief. When the Chinese athletes come here, they get briefed. We

make that briefing part of their welcome. It is unusual for

university to find a policeman's salary. But it means he is on

campus all the time. Incredible. Before seven o'clock,

the all-important weather forecast, with snow on the way. Plus a look-

ahead to the weekend's football after a week of change for our

Championship teams. It's a busy weekend of sport ahead

with the start of the Super League season. And a new presenter for the

Super League Show. Leeds are at home to Hull KR, while in tonight's

other game, Wakefield travel to new boys Widnes. Shamir Masri is at

Headingley for us now. Is the game on? Yes, it is perishing the cold.

The game is on. The coaches were out a few moments ago to look

around the pitch. They were concerned about one corner of the

pitch. It is much tougher than the rest. I got the thumbs up to the

delight of the fans. Before we talk about that, let's have a look at

what the coaches think their expectations are for the season

ahead. Bradford Bulls ended last season

with a whimper. They have strengthened the squad. I think we

are better prepared. I think we are better. We have a chance to win

more games. After six years with Terry Matterson at the helm, Ian

Millward takes charge of Castleford. What we need to do a little bit is

take a little bit of the pressure off Rangi Chase and have a system

where we are not totally reliant. I would hate to think we got an

injury that would be the end of the season. The Huddersfield Giants

have progressed under Nathan Brown. This will be his final year at the

clock. One day the club would like to go from the top four to getting

a trophy. If it is this year, great. As long as we keep improving. From

getting from where we are to get in when we need to get too, is not far

away. Leeds Rhinos are the reigning champions. They were brilliant and

the final third of last season. They him to start this one better.

You have to earn up the momentum we have. Sometimes that is gained

through adversity. There is no guarantee we will not set off like

that. But we can play well each week. It is all change at Wakefield.

18 new signings and new coaching staff. We understand it might take

time. We are looking forward to it. That is the challenge that has been

put in front of us. We have got some experienced players.

A lot of the coach is pretty unsure as to how they will start the

season. All very hopeful. Joining me now is a Eorl Crabtree from

Huddersfield Giants. We are here at Leeds. They had a brilliant end to

the season last season? Yes, I was very fortunate to come to a lot of

the games last season. They started poorly. They proved you can come

from anywhere. The Turin the play- offs to stand a chance. -- if you

were in the play-offs. I'm not sure how they will start this league

season. They have strengthened well. A few moments ago we were not sure

if they would start at all tonight. The coaches were checking the pits.

You want to share that would go ahead? It is a little bit too cold

for me tonight! The pity is rock hard. That can be dangerous. It is

only going to get more cold and harder. Looking at Huddersfield, a

few changes in the squad. Also to Castleford, but particularly to

Wakefield. There could be 13 players making their debut tonight.

How difficult is that? It is not only the players. It is the

coaching staff. New systems have been put in place. It is difficult

to adapt straight away. They are not bringing people through the

ranks tried to get experience. The experience is already there.

Hopefully there will be able to work together and do something.

about Bradford? They had a disappointing season last year.

They will hope for a better performance this time? Yes, they

will try to start on the right foot. It is good to see Phil Joseph has

gone there and been given an opportunity. Eorl Crabtree will be

commentating for Radio Leeds. The Super League Show is back on Monday

night. Eorl Crabtree is a big softie. I can say that because I am

10 miles away! Onto football now, and it's been a week of change for

our teams in the Championship. Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley have

sold their top scorers, and Leeds United are still without a

permanent manager after the sacking of Simon Grayson. Ian Bucknell

reports. Tomorrow, football will once again be at the top of the

agenda for Leeds United. They are at Bristol City with Neil Redfearn

in temporary charge following their 4-1 defeat against Birmingham City

and the sacking of manager Simon Grayson. Huddersfield boss Lee

Clark remains favourite to succeed Grayson, despite clearly distancing

himself from the job. We understand Leeds will not be making a decision

until next week. Doncaster Rovers are preparing for life after the

sale of striker Billy Sharp. Rovers extended the contract of El-Hadji

Diouf yesterday. He and other strikers have been challenged to

fill Billy's boot. We have been making lots of chances. It will

give some of the others the chance to step up to the plate. They have

to grab it. If they don't, I will have to get somebody. Barnsley have

also sold their top-scorer, Ricardo Vaz Te A. They shrug it off on

Tuesday night with a 3-2 win over The cold weather has meant the

postponement of Sheffield United's match away at Colchester and

Rotherham's home game against Torquay due to a frozen pitch.

Shelly Rudman has won bronze in the skeleton bob at the World Cup event

in Canada. She hit the wall hard but recovered to take third place.

She lies second in the overall World Cup standings. Now you know

the phrase, money doesn't grow on trees. Well, what about shoes? Well,

a tree on the A57 near Worksop has become quite an attraction -

because of the footwear adorning it. But how did it get there? Emma

Blackburn has been to investigate. It looks like any other tree. Look

a bit closer and those large leaves are actually a leather soles. There

are dozens of them. Sizes, styles and some of the worse for wear. Why,

next to a busy main road, have these shoes appeared? It seems

nobody knows. I am just absolutely amazed. I have never noticed it

before. In the future I shall stop and see if I see anybody walking

around with their feet and asked them! It is quite freaky. It is as

if it is a memorial to people. I don't like it. I have seen queues

over wires and things of that nature. Never on trees. It must

mean something to somebody. Others have cropped up around the country.

In Buckinghamshire, a project was commissioned to find out about the

dangling foot where, but the mystery was never solved. Some of

these issues have been here a long time. Others are new. If you spot

somebody with cold feet, you might If you're going to Worksop, look

after your shoes. Tie a pair of It looks like it will be the first

widespread snow event of the winter. We have got an amber warning in

place. It will reach the Pennines a early afternoon. The coast later.

It is usually the Pennines that get it worse. Eastern parts of west and

North Yorkshire could bear the brunt of it tomorrow evening. A

bright start, snow later. Virtually all parts of the region will get

some snow through the course of Saturday. All courtesy of this

weather front. This was responsible for temperatures down to-nine

Celsius in some parts overnight. There is hardly a cloud on the

latest satellite picture. Clear skies overnight. Cloud filtering

down from the north-west. It will not prevent a locally severe frost.

General values well below freezing. The sun will rise in the morning at

7:48am. Actually it is a nice start to the day. Frosty, bright, some

sunshine. All parts of Yorkshire will be tried. Cloud thickens early

afternoon. By the end of the afternoon, the snow is over towards

the cost. It really set in towards the end of the afternoon and into

the evening. Let's look at the top temperatures. The wind will freshen

from the south. There will be at drifting of that snow in places.

Snow will continue through the evening and move away on a Saturday

night. It may turn to drizzle and light rain. They will be ice first

thing on Monday morning. We are still in the cold air early next