02/12/2011 North West Tonight

Good evening. Rebecca Leighton, the nurse accused

them clear of the saline murders has been sacked.

And the murder on Merseyside. dad is not talking to me. What has

The nurse suspended after being accused of contaminating saline has

today been sacked. She was clear of the murder charges

but remained suspended. Our correspondent is that the hospital

now. It was always going to be difficult

for Rebecca Leyton to return to work given all what has happened.

We know she wanted to. She had worked there for some time. She was

charged in July. She spent six weeks in prison before all charges

were dropped. There still remain the allegation that she had stolen

trucks. -- tribes. The hospital wanted to carry out

its own investigation. They have concluded that they will sack her.

The police have released an update on what has been happening at

Stepping Hill hospital. That is right. The state there were

19 patience contaminated with poisoned saline. Of those three of

them died. Six months on police say they cannot prove a link between

their deaths and the contaminated saline although they say tests are

still ongoing. Now they say they are in the second phase of their

investigation. The say they remain determined to find out who is

behind the poisoning of the patients here at Stepping Hill

hospital. That aura of a Merseyside newsagent

where a shop worker was killed says he cannot understand why anyone

would want to harm the man. The man was stabbed in the neck on Tuesday.

He was working in the UK to support a wife and children back home. His

employer says he finds it impossible to break the news to his

son. Three days after the murder

forensic investigators are still at the scene. On Tuesday night a

stocky man and a dark tracksuit came in and attacked their victim.

Police have yet to release the name of the victim. He was working in

the UK to support his family back in Sri Lanka. On Sunday he sent

home �1,000. His eldest son spoke to me. He

wanted to know why his father was not talking to him. My dad promised

to send the Tories, he said. I told him that he is sick. -- send toys.

Earlier Dr Welhengama told me how hard the victor had worked. He was

charming and innocent. He was courteous and polite. Police say

they're keeping an open mind about whether this was a racially

motivated killing, but nothing was taken in the incident and they

understand that the CCTV images show the assailant in the nuclear

costing his victim and pitching against the counter and stabbing

him once before leaving. Police have released an image of a

Ford Transit van seen near the shop. The driver of a dark Vauxhall Astra

has now come forward and provided detectives with information.

Deeply distressing to see that. Elsewhere in the news today - A

bridegroom has admitted setting fire to his wedding venue. The

blaze at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire caused millions of pounds

worth of damage in June. Today at Chester Crown Court Max Kay from

Liverpool pleaded guilty to arson and recklessly endangering life.

He'll be sentenced in February. Retailers in Preston saw an

estimated �500,000 increase in sales thanks to Wednesday's strikes.

rally and thousands more took the day off in protest. Nearly 20,000

extra people visited The St George's Centre. And shoppers were

up by a third in the rest of the city centre.

Anti-social behaviour can make people's lives a misery. Dealing

with it was a top priority for the Blair government. Anti-social

behaviour orders - or ASBOs - were thought to be the solution. But

critics said they were too harsh and failed to tackle the long term

problems. But in an exclusive interview for

the North West Politics Show the former Home Secretary and MP for

Blackburn, Jack Straw, has criticised the fall in the number

of ASBOs being imposed. Here's our political editor Arif Ansari.

Crocks of - a part of Liverpool with an ongoing battle against

crime and anti-social behaviour. This man looked there after

returning from working abroad. He was subjected to intimidation.

There was no quality of life. You do not know what the next attack is

coming from. I became suicidal. is not just this man has a problems.

This house is up for sale because the people who owned it could not

take anti-social behaviour any more and mood doubt. Liverpool city

council insists it is getting on top of the problem.

When new legislation comes and people are enthusiastic about it.

Others are sceptical. Former Labour Home Secretary Jack Straw and MP

for Blackburn, it says the current Home Secretary is wrong to review

the current system. If the powers are taken away residence will break

up the wall with the police and the local authority. The so-called

party of law and order has taken away the powers. Jack Straw's

concern fewer ASBOs have been handed out. Two years ago there

were just 291 handed out. In a But perhaps it works in this case.

Four years ago this woman was named and shamed and given at ASBO.

People were glaring at me. I knew why they were glaring at me. They

had seen my picture. It was published everywhere. All over the

newspapers. I could not deny it. For some people may say that bad

ASBO is a badge of honour. It was not like that for you? It was not.

If I had to go back and change all that I would. There are people

deeply hostile to ASBOs, but Jack Straw warns of they are abolished

there will be many victims left feeling let down and angry.

We are joined in the studio by Bill Pitt who pioneered the introduction

of ASBOs. Art ASBOs feeling? What is feeling is the absence of a

commitment by it organisations to use them quickly, properly, and to

see them for what they are. Some people say they're too bureaucratic.

The issue is not about being bureaucratic. The issue is about

that people are not looking at the harm that is being experienced by

some very vulnerable people and the community. Anti-social behaviour

orders, used properly, at a significant tool. They are one

example of what you can do. One of the criticisms is that they are her

seen by some anti-social individuals as a badge of honour.

am interested in that as a way of describing them. If you are a

perpetrator of harm in a community and you are restrained, we have

just got with one of our clients in the Lake District at ASBO against a

juvenile who was terrorising other people in the street, he is not now

allows speedy any of those things. He is not allowed to associate with

some of the individuals. It is effectively a force. The police to

100 % on board. That is not a badge of honour. The fact that he cannot

do what he was able to be before is not a badge of honour. In Abu

sentence, the Labour Party, Jack Straw, criticised the Coalition as

letting the slip, but this happen before. It did happen before. Jack

Straw is being at bit disingenuous. There was at taking their eye off

the ball. That was a sad thing. The consequence for people has been

that many people have had to live in fear up when in the use of these

orders would have made sure that they were safe. We have to leave it

there. Thank you. Fascinating stuff. We

will be looking in greater detail at that issue and showing more of

the interview with Jack Straw on The Politics Show on Sunday at

midday. There has been a lot of reaction

There's been lots of reaction to our series this week about the

shale gas industry. With plans well advanced for a huge shale gas

drilling programme on the Fylde coast, we sent Peter Marshall over

to the United States to see what the impact's been there.

For the people of Bradford County, Pennsylavania, the drilling - or

fracking - as its called has meant a major boost to their economy but

also raised serious environmental concerns. So what do the those

living on the Fylde make of the American experience. Nina Warhurst

went to find out. Bradford County Pennsylvania. And

Bradford Lancashire. One is transformed by fracking. In the

other it is a matter of time. Watching the Bradford county

experience they would welcome economic boost but worry about what

may come yet. Short term it looks good but long term it is scary. We

do not know the effect long term. Have we been told the truth long

term? Do we know the truth on term? It is not now. It is later on that

we are concerned about. The company wanting to develop in Lancashire

says there is no credible evidence of negative impact from fracking

that the economic impact at indisputable.

2000 jobs immediately. What is your prediction in the long term?

could see 10,000 or 15,000 jobs within 15 years. For some that

seems far away and Tess Gill is are I had never seen, for example, the

pipeline across the countryside and it seemed that they were - in the

place to get this in place. representative from the competition

for fracking in Lancashire told us that regulations are much tighter

here and that the environment will Whatever the differences in how

fracking might happen here, there is no doubt that it would change

the face of the Fylde for ever. Hundreds of years ago, the people

of West Lancashire reclaimed the marshes inland from Southport to

create fertile farmland. To prevent it becoming flooded again, the

Environment Agency pumps millions of gallons of water into the sea

every year. As you might expect, it is an expensive business, and for

the first time, the agency is considering making the farmers

themselves share the cost, as Stuart Flinders report, they say

they can't and won't pay. Jim Goulding's family has farmed this

demand for generations. His great- grandfather helped dig the stitches

that train the excess water to an environment danger agency pumping

station a few miles away. From here, the water is sent out into the

report St. This costs the agency �700,000 a year and it is

considering making farmers share the cost. We recognise this is an

important area, it is one of the best agricultural lands in the

region. Elsewhere in the country, businesses to make a contribution

to land drainage which benefits their businesses. So they are

getting something out of this and therefore they should pay something

towards it? It is part of the discussions going forward.

agency has decided to turn off the pumps in south Cumbria. Local

people may have to pay extra council tax to pay for an

alternative system. Denning of the Proms is not an option here. They

did not pump the land, and there would have local people unable to

be employed. We have come next door to give you some idea of what this

area must have looked like before they started to reclaim the land

for farming in the 17th century. All this water is great for wild

fowl, but not good if you are trying to grow vegetables. The

Environment Agency says no decision will be made until 2013.

Sport, and Tony is here. Let's start with Blackburn Rovers. A

torrid time on the pitch and now the council has waded in. Yes,

seven points from 13 games, Blackburn Rovers. Now the leader of

the council has written a letter to the club's Indian owners asking for

a meeting. The Venkeys have been criticised by groups who claim it

is not clear who is actually in charge of the club's day-to-day

business. They also criticised a lack of to medication between the

Venkeys and the local community. The council leader says the council

-- club's problems could affect the committee. They have not responded

to her letter, and she is not happy. I just want some answers. I have

had no response, and we need to shame them into responding. Let us

know what is happening, let us know the plans. Give the fans some hope.

Or make alternative arrangements because we cannot go on like this.

Do you mean leave the club? Absolutely. So, the Venkeys don't

talk to the family -- council or the fans. And like a dog with a

bone and they have not answered my calls. They have not responded to

the council either, and they say all they want to do is mediate

between the owners of the club and the people of Blackburn. Feelings

are still running high in the town. Tomorrow, Rovers fans are due to

stage another protest at Ewood Park during and after the crucial match

against Swansea. At the Reebok Stadium, the Bolton

manager Owen Coyles is under increasing pressure after seeing

his side fall into the drop zone. Things could get even worse for him

tomorrow because Wanderers are away to high-flying Spurs.

It is five! I was here a few weeks ago just after Bolton thrashed

Stoke City 5-0, and supporters were talking about that as being a real

turning point. It has not worked out that way, so let's find out

what they think about the current situation. We have just got used to

losing. We just need a bit of a spur on. They need to do more. They

need to get more money. If you have got championship players you will

end up in the championship. don't think the players are good

enough? Know. I think he is a good manager. We had first got to hang

on in there. The statistics did make for easier reading. In 13

Premier League matches, they have lost 10 and won just three. They

have scored 19 goals, and conceded 31. The most in the top division.

We need to turn that around. There is no better feeling in football

when you win them and earned them. Tomorrow, they are playing a Spurs

side to have won nine out of their last 10 league matches.

Do you feel under pressure? Only the pressure I put myself under.

They improved no end this -- last year, and we want to continue that

improvements. That is my focus. Like supporters, he knows his side

needs to rediscover that winning formula sooner rather than later.

Preston North End are searching for a new chairman now that Maurice

Lindsay has stood down due to ill health. The 70-year-old was

appointed last year after the club was taken over. He was involved in

the decision to sack then manager Darren Fergusson. PNE are now 14th

in the one. -- League One. It is a mint weekend for two boxers

called Murray. They are both fighting for world titles, one in

America, and the other in Germany. They are not related, but brother,

do they have the same aim! Two boxers, two world title shots,

one surname. It is live shaven -- life changing. This is what I have

always dreamed of. Tonight, Martin will be fighting Felix just five

days before another big date, his wedding. We are flying to the

Caribbean and getting married over there. I am worried about a black

tie for the wedding pictures. I have got tablets to help the

bruising. I am looking forward to it. Tomorrow, lightweight John is

looking forward to fighting Brandon at the Madison Square Garden in New

York. It is what I have always dreamed of. I have been dreaming of

this day since I was a little boy and it is finally here, and now the

hard work and dedication has paid off. After losing for the first

time in his last fight, he has decided less fast food is the fast-

track to a world title. When I should have been going for runs, I

was going too fast food outlets. I needed a good kick up the backside

and this has given me a good chance to look at myself and correct my

life. Both men are underdogs, but these to share something other than

their surname - the bottle to be world champions.

Finally, good luck to Fleetwood Town. They are hoping for a giant

killing in the FA Cup tonight. They are taking on Yeovil who were two

divisions above them. Town are in good form and have just gone top of

the Blue Square Premier League. Good luck to them.

Now, we are in Salford Quays, as if you had not guessed! All through

this week we have been looking at the history of the area that is now

our new home. Tonight, Abbie Jones completes our

story. Let's join her outside on the piazza. We have had a history

lesson and we have also looked at how we have got to this shiny

modern development you can see sparkling around me tonight. But

what to local people, the people of Salford, think this regeneration

means to them? What do they think People visit the keys from around

the world. 25,000 jobs have been created here, but do people down

the road in Salford use it? Do they feel connected? It was like us and

them, even though there was the same road, they were the posh

people with money. That's what we all thought. At Salford Lads and

Girls Club, there are mixed views. There's a lot of people I know of

who never got a job there. There is some shopping there, which is great.

It is pretty good. This year, for the second year

running, the Lowry was named Greater Manchester's most popular

tourist attraction. It has been adamant it wants local people to

use it, too, so it has given away thousands of free and discounted

tickets to Salford residents. Schools across Salford and the

north-west now visit and study the keys. The council is adamant money

generated here will be spent across the city. So, did Lisa changed her

mind? We have done a survey on the estate were asking whether the job

opportunities lie. Quite a lot of people said Morrisons because it is

easy. They think they will get a job there because a lot of them

have not got qualifications. A few set media city because there would

be more opportunities. There is no reason why people from the local

committee it should not be here working on the local side and

driving it forward over the next few years. A century after the dogs

first opened, the keys is thriving again. Only 10% has been built so

far. The hope is it will grow to wars and with Salford and its

residents. -- towards.

Everyone behind the keys things it is important to remember its

heritage to combine the old within you. The dockers who crafted to all

those decades ago would find it amazing to know that the Larry

behind we will be hosting the Royal Variety Performance on Monday. That

is a treat to look forward to. We will not mention it again now!

Let's have a look at the weekend I just want to look one more time

at the view from our window. It is absolutely stunning. Through the

night tonight, your picture is at showery and cool. Temperatures

today reached nine degrees Celsius as an absolute maximum. Over the

next couple of days they do gradually start to fall, and it

really does feel like winter. We had the best of the are the first

thing in the morning, and there are more to come as you go through the

next couple of hours. Most of the region looks dry, but there is more

rain waiting in the Irish Sea. That bridges across the region in the

next couple of hours. Behind it, this is where the showers really

start to dig in. They will turn up just about anywhere. The rain is

associated with a weather front, but that is the last one we see

through the weekend, so you would think it would be plain sailing.

But the north-westerly wind will be picking up showers all the time.

Last night we were down to zero and there was a frost for some parts.

Tonight, because of the cloud cover the temperatures will stay up. On

Saturday, not a huge amount of sunshine on that match. It will pop

up every now and then, but the dominant feature will be patchy

cloud and those showers which will turn up absolutely anywhere. Quite

a strong wind, gusting to 45 miles per hour from time to time. I think

the wind and showers will take the edge of the temperatures. Sunday,

no great shakes either. Monday, down to four degrees Celsius.

We like to have our finger on the pulse, but you are going one-star

better than us if you have heard of this lady from Toxteth. She got to

sing at the White House when they switch on the Christmas lights last

She has just been nominated for two grannies. Hopefully we will catch

up with their when she comes back for Christmas. How has she gone