28/03/2017 Look North (Yorkshire)

South Yorkshire's former chief constable is in court as a judicial

review begins into his suspension over comments about Hillsborough.

We'll have the latest from the High Court in London.

and costing Yorkshire's councils millions.

A new report reveals the staggering cost of fixing Yorkshire's potholes.

But there are promises of better things to come.

We had some of the worst roads in the country.

and certainly won't be the case by December.

I would say we probably will have the best roads in the country.

A multi-million pound deal is unveiled

which could ensure international cricket continues at Headingley.

And can you believe that Lord of the Dance is now 20 years old?

Well, the show opens tonight at the Leeds Grand Theatre.

One of the stars is Denby Dale teenager Jessica Judge.

Blue skies will be at a premium over the next couple of days.

A lot of cloud. The risk of some patchy rain but it will be mild.

First tonight, the High Court in London has been hearing

there was insufficient evidence to suspend the former

South Yorkshire Police Chief David Crompton for controversial remarks

he made in the wake of the Hillsborough inquests.

A judicial review into the decision by the county's police and crime

commissioner to ask him to resign from his ?160,000 a year post

Our reporter David Rhodes has been in court.

Can you remind us of the background to this case? This all stems from

what happened in the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough

inquests last year where the inquest found all 96 Liverpool football fans

in 1989 were killed unlawfully. The then Chief Constable at South

Yorkshire Police, David Crompton, issued two press statements. The

second one was controversial because some people interpreted to mean

South Yorkshire Police were still trying to blame the Liverpool fans

for the disaster. David Crompton denies that was the intention of his

second statement. But, Dr Alan Billings. Police and Crime

Commissioner of South Yorkshire felt that second statement continued to

undermine public confidence in the police force. He asked David

Crompton to retire or resign immediately. Effectively, he was

sacked. David Crompton's come to the High Court to ask this court to rule

that Dr Billings's decision was unlawful. What's been said in court

today? We've heard mainly from David Crompton's lawyers. They described

the Chief Constable as highly respected. They said there was a

poverty of evidence to back Alan Billings's decision. They say the

enforceds dismissal of David Crompton was reputation alley wholly

destructive to the former Chief Constable. What will happen next, do

we think? Tomorrow, we'll hear from Dr Alan Billings. He will make his

case. We expect he will continue to build this narrative that David

Crompton could not continue in his position because Dr Billings felt he

was undermining public confidence in the police. Let's be clear on this

point, though, this is not about David Crompton coming back Assistant

Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police. This is about the rule of

law. David Crompton wants this High Court to rule the decision to

effectively sack him was unlawful. Itlb interesting to see what

happens. Thank you. Next tonight - Yorkshire's roads

are in terminal decline, with more than ?1 billion needed

to put them back into a reasonable condition,

according to a new report. The Asphalt Industry Alliance

has found that more than 177,000 potholes were filled in,

in our region last year. In that time, our councils have paid

out more than ?750,000 in compensation claims for vehicle

damage caused by potholes. And the report says the list

of roads needing repairs has soared so much that it would take

?1.6 billion, and 12 years, The issue is said to have been

caused by increased traffic, wetter If you've ever driven round

Sheffield, you'll have done it slowly, making sure your nice new

wheels don't fall into the clutches of the city's long time scourge,

potholes. It's stuff like this people

in Sheffield have been driving on for ages,

a patchwork of decaying tarmac. But, we're being told,

at least here in Sheffield, this will soon be a distant

but bumpy memory. Sheffield did a deal with a private

company five years ago. A contract of over a billion

that promised to sort out The company, Amy, have until the end

of this year to make Then, they'll maintain them

for the next 25 years. We have had a few hiccups which

you'd expect on a project this size. Out of the 600 miles we've done

so far, about two miles of that Mainly because of soft clay

underneath the road. We're going back in and totally

redoing those to a deeper depth We had some of the worst

roads in the country. Certainly won't be

the case by December. I would say we probably

will have the best roads in the country by the end

of the year. That's the stuff Simon Williams

from York can only dream of. He runs a courier

company in the city. Repairs to his vans are costing him

thousands of pounds. We've had six windscreens

replaced in the past year. Again, all caused by vehicles

either hitting potholes There we are, we've

potholes on this road here. They're small potholes but they're

expanding all the time. The Department for Transport's

stumping up some more money today. It says it will give Yorkshire more

than ?100 million so we can But, back in Sheffield,

you only have to say the word I don't think there's

a decent road in Sheffield. Sometimes you can't avoid them

so you go straight into them. I dread to think what effect that

will have on my car. REPORTER: They are promising to sort

if out by the end of the year. Sheffield will have the best

roads in the country. I'll believe it when

I actually see it. Even in Sheffield where things

are already being smoothed out, for most people, it doesn't matter

how big the pot of money is, they still think

there will be holes. There's plenty still

on the way before 7.00pm. where the children can't get enough

of their times tables tests. Police are appealing for information

after a woman's body was found Police were called to Waterloo Lake

in Roundhay Park this morning. The body was spotted by a jogger

and later recovered from the water A postmortem is due to be

carried out tomorrow. The former head of music

at an independent school in North Yorkshire has been

sentenced to 28 months in prison after pleading guilty

to having sex with a pupil. Dara De Cogan was charged with ten

counts of sexual activity with a female boarder

at Ampleforth College. The judge said he'd taken

advantage of her innocence. A pregnant woman from Leeds

who was arrested in Rwanda Violet Uwamahoro was detained

after travelling to a family funeral and accused of sharing

state secrets. Yesterday, a judge ruled there was

no evidence to support the charges. The prosecution have five days

to appeal the decision. It's not known when Mrs Uwamahoro

will be allowed to return to the UK. First of all you think,

why was she arrested anyway. she's still alive and

now we can talk to her. I feel very happy

she has been released. I would like her to come back home

as soon as possible. Another North Yorkshire

primary school is to close. will shut at the end of the school

year. and numbers are expected to fall

further by Easter. Last month, it was announced that

Horton in Ribblesdale Primary - which has a similar number

of children - will also close. York Minster has confirmed that

their bells will ring out The bells were last

rung in December. The original team of 30 volunteers

were sacked last October Since then, the bells have only been

rung a handful of times Next tonight, we often hear, sadly,

about Yorkshire's schools being ranked among the worst

in the country. Well, one way the government

is trying to raise standards is by bringing in a times tables

test for all children in their final year

of primary school. Teachers' unions have

criticised the move, the pupils and the headteacher

think it's a great idea. Dave Edwards has been

finding out why. These children at Parklands Primary

School are doing multiplication. But not only that, they're then

taking the answer away from 100. They put a strong focus

on times tables here The grand final takes place

in assembly, although it looks more like a pop concert and the times

tables champions are the stars. The school says it's an approach

that's getting great results, has gone through the roof

in the last 24 months. They love the competitive

side of it. It's been an absolute spectacular

rise seeing these children come on As if to prove it, I asked some

of the children a simple question. and times tables is the best subject

I've ever done. The Government has confirmed all

children will take a national times But the National Association of

Head Teachers says it's unnecessary, uncosted and won't

tell teachers or parents This is a school that's had more

than its fair share of challenges. The new test might give these

children a chance to shine. It gives us an extra

something to sing about. We're classed as the most deprived

primary school in Leeds. But we're the best in the country

at the times tables. For once, a new test is coming in

that will put us right up there with How was your maths at school?

Terrible. That's why I'm a journalist. 6 X 10 minus 2, divided

by 2... 299 Plus 2? 39! Awful pressure. You

performed well! Thank you. The future of international cricket

and rugby league at Headingley could be secured thanks to a ?35 million

deal with a private investor. The money is needed to redevelop

stands on both sides of the ground to enable it to continue to host

big matches. Tanya is at Headingley

for us this evening. They're not just popping the

champagne corks yet. There is still a lot of work to do and they've seen

deals fail on this. This one really does have to work. That stand behind

me, the shared stand between the cricket and the rugby, needs to be

redeveloped by 2019 for the World Cup to be here. They need work to

start in accept. They need this deal to work out. Here at Leeds, Lionel

Dennison lost the toss. He lost the match. Headingley is steeped in

international history both in cricket and rugby league. The

physical link between the two grounds is part of what makes it

special. But it hasn't always made life easy. For years, both sides

have known the shared stand needed replacing, coming up with a deal to

do it has taken them to the brink. Today, the council announced what it

hopes will be the way forward. We've spoken to private investors in

London who are prepared to put up ?35 million subject to the three of

us coming together and working out a lease arrangement. We're very

confident we can now move this forward. This is what the new stand

will look like. Without it, Yorkshire will lose its status as a

Test match venue in the future and with the World Cup here in 2019,

they have to start work on it by September. In Yorkshire, we've over

770 cricket clubs. We've 12% of all recreational cricket in this

country. It's part of DNA of Yorkshire. I know that the ECB want

to bring cricket here as often as they can but we have to provide the

right facilities. Over on the rugby side, they also need a new South

stand. It's aConnie, atmospheric, the place people want to be. But

it's 86 years old. It is not much different to what it was then in

1930. It has been condemned. It needs to be replaced. Without this

deal, what happens to this? Well, we would have a problem. We'd have to

do something with it. So, what we do want to do is replace it with a

magnificent new facility that retains the terrace and uniqueness.

If this deal doesn't go ahead? Then we've got a huge problem. This deal

is not yet done for all three sides there are hurdles to clear. But they

are all working together with the common aim to retain international

sport at Headingley. You saw him briefly there, the Chief Executive

of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Mark, is there a sigh of relief

tonight or too much to do? There's a lot to do but there is a sigh of

relief. The thought of international cricket not being played at

Headingley post 1019 didn't bear thinking about. We're very pleased

but we're cautiously optimistic. Just put into perspective for those

who haven't followed, how close are we getting to this not happening, of

you losing international cricket? We're right at the deadline. Often

things do go to the deadline. There's so much to do before we get

on site. We have to be on site by beginning of September. In order to

hit those dates, it means we have to do all of legalities. The devil is

always in the detail. But now councillor Blake and her team from

Leeds City Council have made this happen, we're all a little more

positive. What about the debt for Yorkshire? You're ?24 million in

debt. This will add more to it. Can the club sustain it? Where will the

money come from? It doesn't add anything to our debt. The way this

will be finances by a third party is effectively they will build the

stand and we will rent it off them. But, it's more money you have to

find. You still have a debt to service? The opportunity that this

brings us changes our income streams dramatically. 2019 itself will have

the World Cup, the Ashes. When you have a capacity of 27,850 it changes

the whole spectre of life at Headingley. The new facility will

give us a 450-seater hospitaly facility inside the stand. That will

give us 365 days of the year income which we haven't had to date. If it

doesn't happen, they can't get this over the line for Yorkshire? What

does this mean? Because of the new T20 format coming in in the year

2020, we are now financially self-sufficient. But we won't be

able to pay down our debt to the outside funders as quickly as if we

get this built. You need it to happen, really. The city needs it to

happen? From a cricketing point of view, we need it to happen. We

supply more players to the England set-up than anybody else. To think

of them not being able to play at their home ground when they're

representing England doesn't bear thinking about. It is a beautiful

sunset here, my cameraman keeps pointing that out. The exec pif

board of Leeds City Council will meet next month to ratify things.

Fingers crossed, international cricket and rugby league will be

staying put. Lots of maths in that feature! Lots of sums.

And a gorgeous sunset over Headingley tonight.

On to football now, and Sheffield United are hoping to take another

when they take on Millwall at Bramall Lane.

The Blades are top of the table with seven games to go.

Manager Chris Wilder says the fans' support will be crucial as they look

to return to the Championship after six seasons in League One.

I've said all along, we have to use the energy and enthusiasm of the

They can be the difference, giving us the energy to drive forward.

be part of the curriculum for children in schools?

Well, one North Yorkshire company believes it should and says it's

seeing big benefits after starting an afterschool club in Ripon.

Mindfulness for children has become popular down south

but it's claimed that in the North we've been slower to take it up.

When I feel upset or angry, it calms me down.

Breathe in for three and breathe out for five.

The breathing out part is a bit tricky for me.

These children in Ripon have joined a mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment.

Being aware of your feelings, behaviour and thoughts.

So, we're going to do some mindfulness jars for our mummies.

She says mindfulness has taken off in schools down south but here in

Yorkshire, we appear to have been slower to take it up.

She believes there are huge benefits for young children.

I think there are more pressures on children these days.

We try to incorporate meditation into school.

It allows the children to be able to feel comfortable with who they are.

Take time and space away from sensory overload.

We've had some local teachers who are trying to incorporate it

into their schools but it is not in the curriculum as such.

Now we're trying to imagine we have a really big balloon in front of us.

We get told a story about releasing all of struggles and things we have

I decided to release any stress or worry about tests we're doing.

I know if I try my best, that's all I can really do.

If I make fun of others, I should say sorry.

There's been much debate about making mindfulness part

The question is whether it will help these children

exams and the often tricky teenage years.

I feel very relaxed. I just want to go to sleep.

Ian, wake up. At the after show meeting, we can

can have a mindfulness session. This is guaranteed

to make you feel old. The Lord of the Dance, the world

wide phenomenon created by Michael Flatley, is celebrating 20 years

of entertaining audiences. Now, fresh from hugely successful

runs in the West End and Broadway, the production

opens in Leeds tonight. And one of the stars of the show

is a teenage acrobat. Yes, that's right,

an acrobat from Huddersfield. 20 years of success. The slick and

synchronised spectacle of Lord of the Dance thrilled audiences around

the world. Tonight, the show opens at the Grand Theatre in Leeds. One

of the stars of the production is 19-year-old Jessica Judge from Denby

Dale. Unlike the rest of the cast, she's an award-winning cack battic

gymnast. I can't believe I'm doing this. In the first year I joined the

show, I ended up going to South Africa, New Zealand. Singapore,

Australia. For that whole year, I couldn't understand what I was

doing. It was just mind blowing. Yes, sir Ka started gymnastics at

three years old. This video shows some of the jaw-dropping things she

can do. It was those skills that won her a lead part in the show two

years ago while travelling the world is exciting, this teenager's always

happy to be back in Yorkshire. As soon as I got home I was like, we're

in my home town, I'm going home. I see my family, spend the week at

home. They'll be watching the show this week. It should be a good week.

But while Jessica tumbles and turns, the rest of the cast are Irish

dancing. Michael Flatley's contemporary twist on this tradition

has filled stadiums and broken box office records. When he retired last

year, that famous lead role of the Lord was passed on to Matt, James

and Fergal. We've been lucky enough to have the role handed down to us.

Massive. We're really proud. A great feeling every night to perform to

crowds all over the UK and the world. Michael Flatley may no longer

be on stage but this young cast is keeping his dance show going strong.

For high-flying Jessica, performing in Leeds will be very special

performing in front of her family and friends.

Very nice. You've showbiz in your blood. Can you do all of that? Snail

if I had a glass of wine, I think I can. Paul? Us must be joking.

Terrible on the dance floor. The last time you were dancing around

your handbag, Paul. You've taps on those shoes? I

haven't. Some pictures. The first is a stunning one taken across

Sheffield at dusk. Thanks for sending that in Neil. The second one

is Stanage Edge looking beautiful. E-mail the pictures or tweet them to

me. This is the rooftop camera. It is that time of year, the clocks

have gone forward. We've some daylight. It has brightened up

nicely. We had a line of showers coming through an hour or two ago.

Back in the studio, the headline for tomorrow, a lot of cloud. Western

and northern areas getting further patchy rain. To the east on

Thursday, it could become quite warm. Temperatures potentially as

high as 17 or 18 degrees. Down to the south-west, that line of showers

came through West and South Yorkshire a couple of hours ago.

Behind it, we've a number of showers. Then more cloud and patchy

rain to come together. Which ever way you look at it, it will

deteriorate after a fine spell with showers and perhaps longer spells of

rain spreading up from the south-west. It will be a mild night.

Eventually temperatures drifting back to 7 or 8 Celsius. A moderate

south-west wind. The sun rises at about 6.45 am. Cloudy and damp

everywhere first thing. It looks like eastern areas will brighten for

a time. Eastern parts of South Yorkshire favoured tomorrow. Further

west, patchy rain and drizzle. It will at times spread eastwards.

Doncaster, Worksop seeing the best of the weather tomorrow. It will

feel fairly mild wherever you are with temperatures above average for

the end of March. The average is 9 or 10. 15 Celsius in Thirsk and York

with brightness. Pretty dreary at times across the Pennine hills as

that rain and drizzle continues. Into Thursday, cloudy and damp in

the west but it does brighten up through the afternoon. Certainly

Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bridlington may get up to 17 or 18 Celsius

Thursday afternoon. Friday looks unsettled. A bright start with rain

later. The weekend, cool and showery on Saturday. Sunday will be pick of

the two days at the moment with some sunshine. That is the forecast. Just

a little tap shuffle? No way. Far too professional for that. We'll try

to get it for the late shift. We'll tap off into the light. Join

us for the late news. For now, good night.