17/02/2012 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to Friday's North -- Look North. A big boost to South

Yorkshire's economy. Hundreds of hi-tech jobs in Rotherham.

Investing in the past - a makeover for the Halifax piece all.

And it is our champions against theirs in the Superleague World

Club Challenge. And Yorkshire rocks - we are

hanging out at Europe's first ever boulder dash.

And we saw some sunshine in York earlier before it clouded over this

afternoon. It will turn colder this weekend and I will have a full

Our main story tonight is the multi-million pound nuclear deal

agreed by the Prime Minister that will bring hundreds of skilled jobs

to South Yorkshire. David Cameron says he wants eight series of new

nuclear reactors constructed, manufactured and engineered by

British companies. Rolls Royce will bring in a factory in Rotherham to

Bill's key components. How much does it South Yorkshire need a jobs

boost? Unemployment rate in Rotherham are at 10.5 %, higher

than the national rate which is just over 7.5 %. But Rotherham's

manufacturing base is strong with more than 50 % of workers there

employed in that sector. Nationally the rate is closer to 10 %. It

means that Rotherham is well placed to receive this boost.

Smiles and in Paris. Today's agreement to build a new generation

of nuclear power stations is being welcomed in South Yorkshire. Under

the deal, at Rolls Royce will bring a factory on this land in Rotherham

creating hundreds of high-tech jobs to build a nuclear components.

have taken the engineering skills of this region and moved them into

a modern setting. Therefore, a great vote of confidence and it

goes to underline the vision of the decision that was taken here a

decade ago. The new plant will be built on the side of the former

coking works, scenes of one of Britain's bloody industrial battles

over the future of the coal industry in 1984. 28 years on, much

of this site is taken up by the Advanced Manufacturing park. 500

people work here developing high and engineering and technology.

Rolls Royce in any facility will be producing very complex, high-value

components for the new generation power stations. We are working with

the Rolls Royce al ready to help them buy new ways of manufacturing

these parts. This is the kind of thing that Rolls Royce will be

putting into their factory but they are working already with us.

choice of Rotherham comes more than a decade of work to establish a

base for a specialist nuclear engineering no hole. This part of

South Yorkshire has a long history of being at the heart of the

engineering industry. Today, it is renewables and tomorrow it will be

nuclear. Outline planning permission has already been granted.

If the scheme receives approval, construction work could get under

way by the end of the year. Talks have been taking place today

in an effort to save the South Yorkshire police helicopter. The

county's police authority meant to discuss a legal challenge which

would mean forces sharing helicopters.

It has held with over 700 arrest last year but the rotor blades will

soon stop turning. The base just of chef or's Parkway it will close and

cover will come from helicopters in Wakefield, North Derbyshire and

Humberside airport. All the other get their forces in the country are

signed up to the new scheme. South Yorkshire is the only force to say

No. Response times a what the police authority is worried about.

At the moment the crew can be above Sheffield city centre in 3.5

minutes. Under the new care service it will be 12 minutes. We would not

have the same level of service because the flying time of a

helicopter is about one hour and a half. 20 minutes each way we have

lost time that could be available for operational duties. Figures

given to us suggests that no way in South Yorkshire will get a better

response time under the plans. Councillors on the Police Authority

are angry about the potential loss of the South Yorkshire police

helicopter but the police her service are coming back with a new

proposal. Anything less than a dedicated South Yorkshire aircraft

and they will have a fight on their hands.

That same meeting of the police authority agreed to hold planned

cuts to police of the San numbers by raising council taxes instead.

The plans meant a reduction of 110 officers and 22 support officers

from April. Those cuts have now been deferred for three years. In

contrast, earlier today West Yorkshire Police Authority agreed

to freeze the portion of council tax they receive for the next

financial year which entitles them to more money from central

government. Later: in the driving seat - would

you put your 11-year-old behind the wheel of a car?

A student from York has been jailed for eight months for hacking into

the social media website Facebook last year. Glenn Mangham, who is 26,

and previously shown the search engine Yahoo how it could prove --

improve its security, he claimed he could do the same for Facebook.

Sheffield County Court has been hearing what evidence against Mr

Arthur Scargill and the National Union of Mineworkers. He is

claiming a of damages from the boulder dash in a row over his

expenses. The judgment is expected next week.

An inquest into the death of a soldier who died in a bomb blast in

Afghanistan has been told the area had earlier been checked for

explosive devices. Trooper Ashley David Smith who was 21 was three

weeks into his tour of duty. He was serving with the Royal Dragoon

Guards. The mother of Jordan Sullivan who

went missing in the River Ouse on Tuesday has banged the emergency

services. Police say they are continuing our their inquiries to

try to find the 19-year-old, but underwater searches have been

called off. Bus drivers in South Yorkshire have

agreed a pay deal. They have voted to accept the offer ruling out any

further industrial action. Drivers began a series of strikes in

November last year and were planning further industrial action.

Dating back more than 200 years, the Piece Hall in Halifax was once

at the centre of Yorkshire's textile industry. It is an

astonishing piece of architecture or but over recent years the site

has fallen into disrepair. So much so that many of the shop owners who

still trade there say they are finding it hard to make ends meet.

But this week the council has pushed ahead plans for a renovation

project. The sole survivor of the great

eighteenth-century cloth Halls, a grade one Georgian masterpiece.

Once seen as the most prestigious building of its type, the Halifax

piece hoard still commands our attention today. The site is now

home to a variety of different shops but look closer and you will

see the building has been neglected. Half of the units are empty. For

the traders who do called this place home, it can be quite a

struggle. Dawn opened her clothing shop here seven months ago. We are

doing our utmost to increase that fall throughout Yorkshire. We are

doing our bit but it is very soul- destroying to sit here all day long

and not see a soul. And Dawn is not alone. At this shop the shelves are

bursting with positive energy but it is still hard work. We are here

six days a week and we do evenings as well, turning the stock round,

keeping the shop clean and when we do get new people, they are

impressed. It is just getting people to come here in the first

place. Things are looking up. The council has recommended the

approval of funding for a multi- million-pound renovation scheme

which will transform the area as a visitor attraction. But it has been

a long time coming. It is a wonderful building but it is a

difficult building to plan for. Many of the unit's arsenal so it

has taken a long time to get the right plants. It takes a lot of

time to persuade people that we really have the right plans for

them to invest in. The traders already here promise a warm welcome

and with �11 million worth of funding now secured by the council,

it is hoped this side can look forward to a brighter future.

Let's hope so. When I was 11, I learnt to drive releasing the

handbrake on my dad's car I ended up crashing through the garage.

What has been going on is a rather good idea. It took me three times

to pass my test. But the government is proposing having lessons for

children as young as 11. Nick Ravenscroft has been to a driving

Dylan has set his sights high. But right now it is enough just seeing

over the steering wheel. How cool Just 11, he is out for a treat with

his brother. What was he like? Vibrating with excitement. Him and

his brother were so excited about having a driving lesson. 11-year-

old Lauren is having fun also barred for parents it is about

safety. In the last two decades, road safety has improved but young

drivers are still disproportionately at risk. The

statistics speak for themselves. Only 8% of drivers are aged 17-24

but they account for 30 % of people who are killed while travelling in

cars. At the moment you pass your test, you get the keys and you

learn from your mistakes. We believe these courses should be

encouraged after all you learn by But on day one that, it is about

thrills and everyone at this Berta -- birthday party was very excited

Fantastic idea. The Leeds Rhinos tackled the Aussies manly Sea

Eagles for the right to be crowned world club champions. And join me

later on the tallest climbing wall in Yorkshire, but will I make it to

I have to say, when you look at the football situation, it is as feisty

as they come. There was a rumour about Rangers. It got a lot of

reaction. It is very plausible that he might be interested in a another

football club, but Sheffield Wednesday issued a statement,

categorically saying there was no substance in those stories that

suggested he was going to make an investment in Glasgow Rangers. He

has no interest in rages. Impressed with the stiffness of that because

he has put fans at ease. Other clubs have a lot on their agenda.

Huddersfield town has gone very quiet. It is all in the hands of

this man. It was exciting to get a call. It must be that he has just

been for an interview. What is the latest? From the club's point of

view, nothing except to be inundated from caused by agents and

they will be sifting through applications. They will not make

any decisions about the type of Ken Bates, what is happening there?

Lots of betting this afternoon on an Neil Warnock. The odds are very

high. Tomorrow is the last game for Neil Redfearn in charge of Leeds.

That is unless he gets the job himself. I suspect that something

big will happen at Leeds United next week. It is a big week in

Leeds this week, isn't it? Yes, the big game between Leeds and

Doncaster but you don't often get to see that -- two of the best

rugby league club sides playing together in Yorkshire. More than

20,000 fans are expected at Headingley where Leeds Rhinos are

challenging Manly Sea Eagles for the chance to become a world club

champions. For me it is England against

Australia. They are the champions Down Under and We Are the Champions

We have lost the last two we have been involved in and it takes a

loch to get into a game like this, you have the Super League season. -

- it takes a lot. You don't want to get there and lose. The fans are

spending their hard earned money and for us it means a great deal.

It is an opportunity that you have to give 100 % for.

Both top-quality sides, Leeds are very physical, very tough. A lot of

skill and we have very similar experience in our team.

It is always a great game to be a part of. Headingley has a great

crowd and great atmosphere so we are really looking forward to it.

We have a chance to be crowned world champions so it is something

we are looking forward to. These opportunities don't come along very

often. Time will tell, but I wonder

whether the Aussies may have taken this a bit more gentle this time.

Last time they had a warm-up game against the Broncos and now they

have been here for a few days and straight into the Rhinos.

Other Aussie sides have put British sides to the sword. They have had

just as little preparation. I can't imagine any bunch of Aussies taking

any game less than seriously. I think it will be a proper contest.

On to boxing, and Rotherham's Magna Centre is the setting for this

weekend's big domestic fight featuring the new kid on the block,

Kid Galahad, the latest port -- product of the Ingle gym. He will

be fighting Jason Booth. This fighter, who weighs nine stone, is

already drawing comparisons with Prince Naseem Hamed, for good

reason. This is Kid Galahad, one of a

handful of top prospects training out of the Ingle gym in Sheffield.

Tomorrow night he will be fighting for the vacant -- vacant W C -- WBC

super-bantamweight title. He was first introduced to the gym by a

family friend and fret -- fellow Yemeni, Prince Hamed.

We were talking about boxing and one-litre -- one thing led to

another and he took me here. I have not looked back since.

Her the connections and similarities do not end there.

his day Prince Naseem fought in the same weight class and the St -- the

two have similar attributes and the International belt that Kid Galahad

is fighting for tomorrow is the same belt that Prince Naseem won in

1994. The belt means a lot to me. I am

going to dismantle Jason Booth. 33 his recent rise in the sport

coincides with a number of prospects coming out of the Ingle

gym. It could set -- signalled a return to Sheffield's glory days.

The glory days have not happened since Prince Naseem was around. Now

with Kid Galahad, Richard Towers and others coming through,

Sheffield Arena, Ponds Forge, it is creating a bus.

It will be a tough challenge but one that Kid Galahad will have to

overcome if he is to begin to emulate his childhood hero.

This weekend's Track Cycling World Cup event is worth keeping an eye

on. Coverage on the BBC continuing to Sunday. This is the Olympic

selection event. Ben Swift was on the track today and finished 14th.

Ed Clancy last night led the Great Britain team pursuit boy is against

the Aussies. -- boy as.

This is a great place to start from. I could not really hear what he

said that I am sure it was significant! You are going cycling

tomorrow? For I think I might go to the

supermarket in brick house. Another sport of sorts, for all of

the adrenalin junkies out there. Tomorrow is the UK's first 3 D

bouldering facility opening in brick house.

The Rokt Climbing Gym has attracted 7500 members in 10 months. A Olivia

Richwald is there for us. What is 3D bouldering?

It is climbing needs a free run in. You can see yourself. Look at some

of these muscles. This facility opens tomorrow and it is the first

of its kind in the UK and possibly in Europe. It is part of a big

expansion plan at this old flour mill in Brighouse and I have spent

the afternoon here and it is a rabbit warren of rooms and walls.

Here is a bit at a look around. This mill was derelict for a decade

but over the last 10 months something remarkable has been

taking place. Where they used to Mill flour, adventurers from around

the UK are getting their kicks, some of them 21 metres up. This is

the tallest climbing wall in Yorkshire. If this is a bit scary

for a beginner, there are plenty of smaller obstacles to get started on.

Low-level climbing without ropes is called bouldering and demand for

the business in Yorkshire is here. 100th 30 people are signing up

every week and so far that Jim has 7500 members. -- 130 people are

signing up. The owners are branching out into free-running, a

kind of urban gymnastics which is very fashionable.

Joining me now is Leigh Topping, the design director. Tell us what

free-running is. These guys have just filled me and! It is a mix of

gymnastics and flowing movement. These boys will do it out in the

urban environment. We are installing it for people to get

involved in a safe environment indoors. What would it look like

here? Good question. It is such a big project, we off in phase two of

four. -- we are in. It will come soon, wanted? Phase one will come

in the next few weeks and phase two will be a much bigger development,

hopefully tied up with some other free run us. Euan Noble is the

business man. It is an impressive facility. Was it hard to get

insurance? For sure. We investigated the whole market and

did extensive risk assessment and be. Somebody to take on the risk. -

- and we got somebody. There was massive demand. We have grown to

140 a week. Thank you very much. Earlier he was telling me that

since they have opened they have been inundated with requests for

school trips and classes have been coming from as far away as three

hours away. There are 22,000 hand holds here and the ball space is

2.5 kilometres. You look terrified. Thank you.

Tonight it is very cloudy. We have Keep your photos coming in. If you

have not liked the cloud today, it will brighten up through the

weekend. A bit of a wet start tomorrow but it will brighten up

and all of us will enjoy some sunshine. It is turning colder if

we look at the pressure charts. These cold front will push north

across us through the day tomorrow, bringing some rain but introducing

plenty of sunshine for Saturday afternoon and Sunday. All of the

cloud we have had has had some outbreaks of rain. It will be

mostly light and patchy as we head through this evening. Cloudy skies,

patchy rain and drizzle, but it will tend to die out as we go

through the knock -- the night. Towards dawn the rain will become

quite heavy. Elsewhere it is dry but the breeze will freshen up. A

strengthening south-westerly wind and a mild night, no lower than six

or seven degrees. Let's take a look at the sun times for the rest of

Tomorrow it will be a mild start to the day, a cloudy start, and also

quite a fresh, strong south- westerly wind. This band of rain

quite heavy across the hills will push its way south east woods,

brightening up into the afternoon, but a risk of a few showers across

parts of South Yorkshire and BP's District. -- the Peak District. A

decent amount of sunshine through Saturday afternoon. The wind will

turn to a north-westerly by the time you get to Saturday afternoon.

Temperatures at their highest around eight or nine degrees. Once

we see at Brighton, those temperatures will drop through the

afternoon. -- we see it Brighton. Temperatures dropping as low as -3