20/11/2013 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to Wednesday's Look North. Tonight, a family tragedy. Two women

and two young boys die in a house fire near Chesterfield. A seven year

old girl suffers minor injuries. It was very smoke logged and

#ColourWhite screws were carried out, but all four Terrace to the

file. `` rescues were carried out. Residents of Swaledale feel that

they could be left isolated this winter when the Lifeline Road

closes. Also tonight. And lining up ` the photos of trains and railways

which are the subject of a new exhibition. And a lovely picture

looking towards Richmond Castle. But we have some showers, possibly

wintry in places, to come tonight. Join me later for the details.

Tonight ` two women and two young boys have died in a house fire in

North Derbyshire. A seven`year`old girl is being treated in hospital.

Fire fighters were called to the house on Williamthorpe Road in the

village of North Wingfield near Chesterfield at five o'clock this

morning. So far the cause of the blaze isn't known. Our reporter

Shamir Masri is at the scene. It is a sad day that this community

following the news of the death of four people in a terraced house just

behind me, bit further down the road. We have been told that a

neighbour called the fire brigade at around five o'clock this morning and

fire crews were quick to respond, but unfortunately, by the time they

arrived, it was already too late for the majority of the people in the

property. Fire officers arrived early this morning on Williamthorpe

Road in North Wingfield to investigate the blaze in a terraced

house that left two adults and two children dead and a third child in

hospital. A joint press conference was held high Derbyshire police

force and the fire service this afternoon. I can confirm that two

women and two young children were taken to hospital and pronounced

dead at hospital. I can confirm that a seven`year`old girl survived the

fire and has minor injuries. Consistent with smoke inhalation. We

are working alongside the police and looking at the cause of the fire,

and it is too early to say at this moment of time what the cause of the

fire was. Investigations have been ongoing throughout the day,

concentrating on the first floor the property, but what caused the fire

still to be confirmed, as is the identity of the four victims and one

survivor. The incident has led to the closure of the main route

between junction 29 of the M1 motorway and the town of play Cross,

just south of Chesterfield. `` Clay Cross. We thought it was snow or

robots, but we looked out, the police and we thought, what has

happened, and I look that way and saw a fire engine. Maybe it had been

a road accident. But the local radio on and it said that there had been a

house fire. It is perhaps yards away from my house. Shocking. You feel

for people. The sad news has left this small community in shock, as

they try to come to terms with what has happened. We are yet to find out

the exact cause of the blaze at this property, but we have received a

statement from the local primary school in North Wingfield, who have

said that their thoughts are with the families of those involved but,

obviously, we don't know if any of the children who were involved in

this incident were attending or have ever attended that school. We expect

more details about what has happened here to emerge tomorrow. Next

tonight ` There are fears that people living in one of the most

remote parts of Yorkshire could be cut off this winter due to a ?1

million road works programme, ahead of the Tour de France. The main road

out of Swaledale in North Yorkshire will be closed for 12 weeks from

February so that it can be rebuilt ` but that means residents, delivery

drivers and the emergency services will all have to use a diversionary

route over the hills. The main diversion is steep, winding and

climbs as high as 1400 feet. So there are concerns that if it's

snowy or icy, you won't be able to get in or out of Swaledale. Here's

Spencer Stokes. The temporary traffic lights have arrived and work

to patch up a rapidly deteriorating road surface I had a rapidly

deteriorating road surface and head of the tool difference is under way.

But this is just `` the Tour de France. The road linking Richmond

with Swaledale will be closed for 12 weeks. The only way in or out of the

valley will be on narrow moorland roads that are often shocked by

heavy snowfall. So, whether and roadworks could combine to leave

Swaledale isolated. 1500 people in peril of being cut off from the

Lifeline Road, having to use high moorland roads, going over the

fells, to get to the services that they need. People's lives will be

put in peril. Doctors and police have expressed concerns to North

Yorkshire County Council about carrying out roadworks in the depths

of winter. Forcing residents up onto exposed roots. This is the summit of

what will become the main road out of Swaledale. At 1400 feet, it is a

typical drive at the best of times, but when the snow and ice comes, it

is treacherous and frequently impassable. In the last two years,

the Yorkshire Dales have experienced long winters with snow falling in

March and April. The ambulance service has some 4`wheel drive

people to cope with the demanding conditions, but for those relying on

their own car, the drive over the tops could be challenging. Extra

grip will be brought in to make sure that minor roads are safe and can

stay open. We have plans to cover those diversion routes. The winter

maintenance will translate to those diversion do so they will get the

same level of maintenance and click. We will have grid is out on a

regular basis, and we aim to keep the road open just as we would any

other route within the area. I would like to see them guarantee a winter

greater part of on the Exeter Road across the moor, permanently, during

the threat of hostile weather, during all the time that the road is

closed. Nothing less than that will do. The Tour de France will turn a

welcome spotlight on this valley and the dividend for the community will

be smooth, resurfaced roads, but summer 2014 seems a long way off,

and getting their could prove to be a difficult journey for 1500

residents. Later on Look North. Could he be

about to come back to Elland Road? Former Leeds defender Lucas Radebe

confirms he's part of a consortium looking to buy a stake in the club.

The Children and Families Minister has been questioned by MPs over his

decision to criticise the Serious Case Review into the death of Hamzah

Khan. Last week Edward Timpson said he had "deep concerns" about the

report, which found the death of the four year old from Bradford could

not have been predicted. Our Health Correspondent Jamie Coulson reports.

Hamzah Khan, the four`year`old child starved to death by his own mother,

and his mummified remains lay undiscovered for two years. Last

week, controversy surrounded a Serious Case Review that found his

death could not have been prevented, with one government

minister saying that he had the concerns, while another senior

source at the Department of education said the report was

rubbish. If you believe that the recent review was rubbish. Those are

not the words that I would choose. Today the education select committee

commits `` questioned the children's Minister Edward Timpson, about

concerns and criticisms of his department. I have serious concerns

about the Serious Case Review, not about was in it, the factual

elements of that case, but getting down to the deep analysis as to why

there were certain assessments, which did not take place. The body

of Hamzah Khan was found in squalid conditions wearing a maggot infested

baby grow for an infant aged 6`9 months old. Last week the Minister

identified what he thought would pen missed opportunities to rescue the

family and he was today questioned over the timing of his comments. Why

did they not raise these concerns at the point of the Serious Case

Review? We did raise some of the concerns. And it was right that they

were put in the public domain. This was not about fingerprinting, this

was about a serious attempt to get deep analysis of why this happened.

The chairman of the Serious Case Review has responded to concerns

from ministers in a private letter. Until that is made public, questions

will remain about the death of Hamzah Khan.

The Bradford based financial services group, Provident Financial

is to cut 340 jobs in its home credit business. 78 posts will go

from the head office in Bradford, and a further 11 across Yorkshire.

The company, which sponsors the Bradford Bulls, says it's

experienced a drop in demand as household incomes continue to be

squeezed. The funeral's been held in Sri Lanka for the pizza delivery

driver murdered on his last shift in Sheffield. 25`year`old Thavisha

Peiris was found stabbed to death in his car last month. More than a

hundred family and friends gathered for the service today in his home

country. A man and a teenager have been charged with his murder. He was

a very intelligent person. He is the kind of person, if he wants to do

something, he would do it. He would talk to his parents every day. The

BBC has learned that the Reverend Paul Flowers was chair of governors

at Lidget Green Primary School in Bradford after he resigned from the

city's council following the discovery of adult images on a

council laptop. Mr Flowers, who's the former chairman of the

Co`operative Bank, has been suspended by the Labour Party and

the Methodist Church following newspaper allegations that he bought

illegal drugs. Ambulance staff in Yorkshire have been lobbying MPs in

Westminster over changes to the service.They say budget cuts and

plans to introduce Emergency Care Assistants to take on some paramedic

work are threatening patient safety. A candlelit vigil has been held in

Bradford in memory of those who have lost their lives or suffered hate

crimes because of their gender. 35 years ago Julia Grant from Bradford

allowed BBC cameras to film her story. Then she was still George ` a

transexual whose story began in the pubs and clubs of Bradford. Today

she returned to the city as Bradford Council pledged to work with

businesses to develop a zero tolerance to trans`phobia and to

foster good policies and practices. Ian White reports. It is 35 years

since Julia Grant had a sex change operation. Today she joined other

members of West Yorkshire's transgender community at a vigil in

Bradford to remember those who had been victimised because of their

gender. Morale candles for every single person who has died. She

returned to Yorkshire to see Bradford becoming the first city in

the UK to pledge a zero tolerance approach to abuse and hate crime of

transgender people. I am very surprised that it is Bradford that

is doing this. If you look at the gay community around the UK, the gay

community is 20 years ahead of what the trans`community is, and I think

what is happening in Bradford today puts the trans`community in line

with the gay community. 30 years ago, Julia was George, a hospital

catering manager, who was asked either BBC they could follow their

story. The film save me having to explain to every person I met who I

was, what I was, and why I did it. For many transsexuals in Bradford

today, Julia has been an inspiration. Seeing the documentary,

she has paved the way for girls and guys who are going through the

transitional process, like myself. I am still going through that process

now. The vigil was being held on the international transgender Day of

remembrance. There is a very high suicide rate in the transgender

community. That will only go down when ordinary Joe public realises

that it is not accept able to have the amount of trans`phobia and hate

crime that happens. With Bradford on board, Julia now plans to get other

cities across the UK to follow his lead, and to take a zero tolerance

approach to transgender hate crime. Next, what's the longest you have

ever waited for that perfect photograph, where colour, light and

subject all come together in a moment? For me, it is about five

minutes. For me, it is about ten seconds! Well, apart from wildlife

photographers, those who take pictures of trains are among the

most patient. And tomorrow an exhibition of the best in the

country opens in York. Olivia Richwald reports. The station hall

in York captures the nostalgia and atmosphere of railways past. The

engines here are captured several hundred times a day. But it is all

just a bit too easy to take a picture in you. If you want a real

challenge you wait for hours and the cold and for the light to be just

right for that one, magical moment, and the photograph which could win

you a competition. And here it is. The Scots Guardsmen, steaming across

a newly painted Forth rail Bridge. The other finalists are also

impressive. Trains on the move in the mist, coming, going, flash and

they are gone. You know the types of trains, where to stand, when the

light is going to be right, and they must take lots of pictures to do

these. You need dedication to find the right spot and conditions, if

you have got time, and you are lucky. It is all there. The

competition is being run by Network Rail, for the past three years. It

was set up by landscape photographer, Charlie Waite. Judges

look for movement, colour, composition and atmosphere. The

typical real`life photographer is not a photographer who lives and

breathes railways. And as a train spotter, but somebody who loves

photography but also loves a sense of movement. They want to produce an

image that conveys some of their emotional response, because that is

what it seems to be about. First prize is a flight in a Network Rail

helicopter, and the chance to capture more trains from the skies.

A fast moving subject, but an exhibition that this Dane put. It is

that the National Railway Museum until next May. Before seven

o'clock. She could be lonely this Christmas! The young rower from

North Yorkshire practising for a festive season in the middle of the

Atlantic Ocean. And not just a pastime for pensioners ` Morris

dancers just get younger in Sheffield!

First, some sports news. It's been confirmed today that former Leeds

United skipper Lucas Radebe IS part of a consortium hoping to buy the

club. There are four other people involved in the bid which has so far

been turned down by the club's current owners. Adam Pope's at

Elland Road now. What more can you tell us? Lucas Radebe, a huge

character around these parts, the has a smile that would eliminate the

filthy night like tonight, and with regards to lead United fans, he will

have massive support. If he does buy a stake in the club, which, it was

being suggested on Saturday, his name has been attached to a bid for

?7 million, for what we understand to be 80% of the club, which was

described by the current owners as visible, who have invested ?40

million at Elland Road since taking over last as Ember. Is this moving

the story forward? It is, because now we have identified the

consortium will include the chief executive of welcome to Yorkshire,

Gary Verity, the man responsible for bringing the Tour de France next

year. And the other name is the former commercial the rector at

Elland Road, Adam Pearson, current owner of Hull FC rugby league club,

but he has distanced himself from the bid saying that he wants to

concentrate on Hull FC. Look North has been told by Legion I that no

significant developments with the consortium have taken place since

Saturday, other than Lucas Radebe adding his name to it. Is it raining

down there? Let's hope he gets some shelter. On the field last night,

I'm afraid York City went out of the FA Cup in their replay at home to

Bristol Rovers. Just like the first leg, it was a high`scoring match.

Bristol took the game by the scruff of the neck to go 3`0 up, in a York

display described as "pathetic" by their manager, Nigel Worthington.

City hit back with a late double from Wes Fletcher, but it wasn't

enough to force extra time, and it's Bristol who go through. If you

follow Rugby League, you'll have enjoyed England's 34`6 win over

France in the World Cup quarterfinals at the weekend. You

may also have seen this. The delight of one female fan at Wigan, after

England's former Bradford Bull Sam Burgess gave her his dirty, and one

would imagine, rather sweaty shorts. She runs off with her newly acquired

souvenir. She obviously can't believe her luck. The video was the

most`watched on the BBC Sports website over the weekend. But

Burgess says that he has no plans to repeat the gesture at Wembley on

Saturday. I didn't realise the cameras were rolling. She asked me

over to the corner of the field. But that was not the case. I am glad

that she seemed to enjoy it. And I hope they did not smell too bad for

her extra measure mark she seemed to be happy which is the main thing. ``

smell too bad for her! I would be putting those on a nice

wash to get them nice and clean. Now to another sporting challenge. This

one's on water ` and takes place right across the festive season. It

involves a young woman from North Yorkshire who's decided to spend

Christmas, wait for it, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean,

thousands of miles from her family, with just one friend and a rowing

boat for company. Paul Ogden can tell us more. Nothing that I have

ever done in the past comes anywhere near to the extremes of this

Atlantic challenge. I have run thin matters and on some river rowing on

flat water. A recent university graduate with the world at her feet.

But it is the rest of that will be doing most of the work for all of

December and January and maybe even longer, when she attempts to become

one half of the fastest female duo ever to row across the Atlantic. We

cannot accept any help from anyone, we take also buys on board, we have

to fill trade sea water, and we will row for 24 hours a day nonstop but

all time. Lauren is doing it to raise funds for the cervical cancer

charity construction suffered a tragic loss of a close friend and

fellow rower Eleanor Ellis during their studies together. From the

sounds of it, Lauren is going to have a Christmas 2013 that she will

never forget, spent somewhere on the 3000 mile stretch of water lying

between the starting point in the Canary Islands next week, and the

finish in the West Indies. I know that it sounds like a daft question,

but can you have a dip in the sea? We can, it is possible, but it is

down to the sea conditions. The Atlantic is known for 40 foot

swells. I don't think I am going to go jumping into that in 40 foot

seas, but if the weather is calm and clear and we cannot see any sharks

or Wales about, then I will definitely be having a wash. More

people have been into space than have completed the Atlantic

challenge that Warren has put herself up for, and you can exceed

exactly why. `` you can see exactly why.

15 degrees is the Atlantic temperature. It is called in the

summer. `` it is cold. Now to knock a myth! Morris dancers are not, it

seems, the province of bearded blokes. Far from it, if the "Five

Rivers" Morris Team from Sheffield are anything to go by. This team is

made up of 20 and 30`year`olds. Mark Ansell is about the right age so we

sent him along to the pub where they hold their weekly training sessions.

The handkerchiefs have been iron, the accordion is ready, and there is

a crowd in a beer garden. It is time tomorrow starts. `` it is time to

Morris stands. The folk dance dates back to the 15th century but

nowadays it has a reputation of being unfashionable. We do a bit of

bouncing and we hang around the pub, it is energetic and it is a good

laugh. The people who do we Morris dancing are fairly standard people

from all sections of society with fairly standard jobs. It is not sort

of geeks work was it a duck in their house, who just come out to dance

once a week. There are more than a dozen teams in Sheffield and this

group have the youngest members, with an average age of just 33.

There are many people from different backgrounds. Just to show what a

good time you can have. You're welcome to come down and join us,

have a beer, on a Thursday night at the new barracks. They say it is not

cool, but I don't care, I am in my late 20s, and I am willing to give

it a go. So come on, boys, let's do it.

I can tell you, it is not as easy as it looks.

Such a promising career, as well! Moving on to the weather prospects.

Poor old Adam. Before I give you the forecast, some lovely pictures. I

thought this was absolutely magnificent.

Keep that which is coming in. `` keep the pictures coming in. You can

do it the modern way and tweak me the pictures. Tomorrow, it is a

sunny intervals and scattered showers as this low pressure area

moves in. We will have a lot of dry weather through the weekend. And

next week. At this time of year that means a bit of frost and fog by

night, but a lot of fine, settled weather by date. As we saw live at

Elland Road, some very lively showers pushing down from the north,

some torrential downpours in places, with those showers heavy enough to

become wintry over the hills, where temporary accumulations of snow are

possible. All of this will shelve southwards, and will lose their

intensity later tonight. Watch out for icy patches over the hills.

Temperatures in the range between 1`3 Celsius.

Tomorrow will start cloudy in the West, with bright skies already,

although it will be windy at first, the wind will ease, so we will have

scattered showers through the day becoming more isolated, and seeing

increasing amounts of sunshine. Let us have a look at those top

afternoon temperatures. The average for this time of year is nine, and

we are looking at around seven or eight. Things settle down on Friday.

The weekend, very pleasant for getting out and about. Frost and fog

at night, and sunshine by day. I think you need to be going out

more. That's it, we will see you later.

I'm Nigel Slater, a cook. And I'm Adam Henson, a farmer.

all back in touch with where our food really comes from.

You asked me to grow some durum wheat to produce your pasta.