03/03/2014 North West Tonight

and Thursday. That's it.

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Annabel Tiffin and

Roger Johnson. Our top storx: The train drain. Anger as rolling stock

from our most overcrowded route is sent south to increase capacity

there. We'll be live at one of the region's biggest stations.

Also tonight: Stronger together A suggestion Liverpool and Manchester

should merge to help close the north`south divide.

I meet the Bolton boy done good He's built a multi`million pound

business empire on the back of a ?1 bet.

And role reversal. The prim`ry school pupils using their

technological know`how to tdach the older generation.

Rail passenger groups are condemning as "crazy and scandalous" a decision

to transfer trains from a crowded line out of Manchester ` to routes

in the Home Counties. Travelwatch North West says that nine of the 70

Transpennine Express trains ` which run between Manchester, Leeds and

Hull ` are to be switched to Chiltern Rail. Our Transport

Correspondent Judy Hobson is at Manchester's Piccadilly Station It

hasn't gone done well? This is one of the busiest routes in thd

country. So why has this decision been made? Well, TransPennine

Express don't own the stock. It s up to the Department for Transport to

decide where the stock goes. There are a lot of very unhappy pdople.

The First TransPennine Exprdss routes in and out of Manchester are

so overcrowded that at peak rush hour times nearly a quarter of

passengers are forced to st`nd ` according to government figtres In

fact, the early morning Manchester to Middlesbrough service is the

third most crowded in the country. News that the company will now lose

nine of its 70 trains has ottraged rail passenger groups. It is

unexpected. In a year, nearly a million seats off the network.

TransPennine Express recently acknowledged a problem with

overcrowding. It said a ?60 million cash boost from the governmdnt would

improve services. An increase in the number of train journeys is due to

start from later this year ` now it seems they'll lose them agahn next

year. This is one of the most overcrowded routes. We should not be

transferring stock down to the south`east. This is not accdptable.

If the cuts go ahead, it's dstimated there would be 30,000 fewer seats on

TransPennine routes per week! They usually have only a couple of

carriages. There aren't enotgh seats now. Many people are standing the

whole journey. So why this sudden U`turn by a government who `ppears

to be favouring passengers hn the south? The Department for Transport

says passengers shouldn't bd concerned. It says it will find

rolling stock from elsewherd ` and passenger journeys won't be

affected. Rail Passengers groups are yet to be convinced. Nick Donovan is

from the company. Why has this decision been made? Over thd next

year there will be about ?60,00 of investment. We have had to

renegotiate the contract. It is quite a constrained fleet. Somebody

else has been able to offer a longer term deal. The government s`ys that

we should not worry about it... We are currently talking to thd

Department for Transport. The challenge is that it is a vdry busy

market. Longer term that is a lot of money going into the North of

England for new trains and so on. But there is a short`term pdriod,

where a short, diesel fleet is very critical. This seems a very

confusing situation? We are opening up the discussion with the

Department for Transport. From March of next year, as part of thd

government's read varnishing programme, we are speaking to them

and hoping to get a good outcome. `` refurnishing. Thank you. All the

trains I have seen here tonhght have been very busy indeed.

The Court of Appeal is set to hear the case of a former Manchester gang

member who was convicted of murder. Dwaine George was jailed for 12

years after a teenager was shot dead in Miles Platting. The case has been

investigated for tonight's Hnside Out North West programme by former

Lancashire Police detective Michael Gradwell. Michael, what's the

background to this case? Thd murder in 2001 of 18`year`old Danidl Dale

shocked Manchester ` a city already dubbed "Gunchester". Daniel was an

innocent victim of gang warfare that had already claimed 30 lives in just

five years. Disputes over drugs money, territory and reputations

spiralled into killings. Thd man convicted by a jury of Danidl Dale's

murder was Dwaine George. Hd served 12 years in prison and was released

late last year. He's always denied involvement in the killing, and now

hopes to clear his name. Let's hear what Dwaine George told us `bout

joining the notorious Cheetham Hill gang as a teenager. You went places.

People respected you becausd they feared you. You could just leet a

group of guys... Something could happen, like a confrontation... You

could end up fighting. As a gang, we were known for robberies, drugs and

partying. We got in fights from time to time. That was our life, really.

Were people scared of you? Some people, yeah. Some of the evidence

in this case relates to what's called gunshot residue ` wh`t is

that? When detectives investigate a shooting they look for thesd

microscopic particles which are ejected during firing. Thesd

particles can land on the shooter and their clothing. The mord

particles, the stronger the link between weapon and suspect. In a

coat at Dwaine George's house, forensic teams found gunshot residue

` but only two minute particles And, in a car belonging to Dwaine's

mother, they discovered a spent cartridge case which he admhtted was

his. The shell case wasn't connected to the murder ` but could it have

contaminated the coat? Let's hear what ballistics expert Philhp Boyce

has to say about that. One spent cartridge case will contain tens if

not hundreds of thousands of gunshot residue particles. These particles

are so small, even from a spent cartridge, they can become `irborne

and contaminate everything `round them. I would advise the police that

those levels are so low that you really can't come to any conclusion.

In effect, they're insignifhcant. Have the courts changed thehr view

on forensic evidence like this since the original murder? In those 1

years since Daniel Dale's ddath courts have become much mord

cautious about the value of gunshot residue. So one of the new puestions

the Court of Appeal will be asking is, with just two particles to go

on, was it reliable evidencd? Michael Gradwell, thank you. You can

see more of Michael's report on Inside Out North West tonight on BBC

One at 7:30pm. Plans to set up a free school in

Oldham staffed entirely by former military personnel have been killed

off by the Department for Education. The Phoenix Free School was due to

open in September but after representations by Oldham Council `

who cited the over capacity of secondary school places in the town

` the Department for Educathon has withdrawn its support for the

project. Motorists who use the Mersex Tunnels

are being subjected to highway robbery, according to UKIP. The

party held a protest near to the Kingsway Tunnel entrance in Wallasey

this morning. It was one of six being staged across the country

Greater Manchester's Police Commissioner Tony Lloyd has set up

an independent panel to revhew the way police deal with protests and

demonstrations. The announcdment was brought forward following rdcent

claims by anti`fracking demonstrators that they had been

subject to rough treatment from GMP officers. The Chief Constable Sir

Peter Fahy has welcomed the development.

There've been large plumes of smoke across Salford and Manchestdr from a

fire at a paper recycling shte. Fire crews are still dealing with the

blaze. It started late last night on Duncan Street in Salford. Some local

train services have been disrupted. You could see it miles away.

It's not something most people would welcome on their doorstep ` a toxic

tip. So plans to expand one in West Lancashire are meeting with strong

opposition from people living nearby. The tip's owner says it s

perfectly safe ` but needs to be bigger. The locals in Skelmdrsdale

have mobilised to fight his proposals. Our Chief Reportdr, Dave

Guest, has been speaking to both sides. Whitemoss Tip on the

outskirts of Skelmersdale t`kes the waste that others might not want.

The types of waste we take `re hazardous, like contaminated soils.

Everything that comes to us is treated before it comes to the site.

It's the waste that's hazardous ` not the site. This 17 acre site has

been operating for the past 20 years or so. It can take up to 150,00

tonnes of waste each year. Lost is said to come from the north west.

But it'll be full within thd next couple of years, which is why the

company want to extend it. Hn fact, they plan to take the site `cross

this swathe of land which borders the M58. Many locals are far from

happy. We've had our fair share of landfill in this community. 13

landfill sites. Extension after extension. We think enough hs

enough. There is a substanthal body of scientific evidence, published in

reputable journals, linking landfill sites with serious illnesses. Do

people round here have anything to worry about? The sites are very

tightly regulated. The government has carried out lots of

investigations... Public he`lth bodies will not support the

allegations made. Opponents remain unconvinced and say they've now

gathered names of around 3,000 people who are concerned about the

expansion proposals. The proposals will be considered during a public

examination later in the ye`r. The final decision will be taken by the

Environment Secretary next xear Now, can you imagine this. Driving

up the M6 from London and bding greeted by a road sign welcoming you

to ManPool. Maybe LiverChester! A new super`city linking, you guessed

it, Manchester to Liverpool. It s one idea from a new commisshon which

will advise the government on how it could help cities outside of London

better perform. Jayne McCubbin is outside now ` and I suspect there

are plenty of people howling at their TV screens right now, because

behind this are years of fidrce rivalry! I'll tell you what ` they

weren't liking this on Facebook this afternoon. We're here because this

is where the Scouse`Manc rivalry first began. The Manchester Ship

Canal. But what we're talking about is an idea ` to better conndct the

cities and reap the rewards that follow. Massive response to this on

Facebook today. Manpool ` sounds like a male dating site ` s`ys one

person. No ` it's not a mald dating agency... It is a serious economic

idea that will go to governlent later this year. Two cities with a

long history of rivalry. Not just on the football pitch ` but

economically too. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway ` the first

inter`city railway in the world But rivalry reared its head when

Mancunian merchants grew tired of paying dues to bring goods hn and

out of Manchester. So, this was built ` the world's biggest ship

canal ` a big bold statement which told Liverpool 'we don't nedd you'.

But is it time to man`up to the possibility of a ManPool? It's not

about trying to get them to be the same place. It's about workhng

together. The reality is, the North is massively overshadowed bx the

might of London. And the gap is growing. Look at what happens in

rush hour across the countrx. The population in London booms. All that

economic activity. Creating all of that wealth. Manchester bardly a

blip in the distance. Now ` look at these stats. In 2011 the government

invested ?1.2 billion in research and development in London and the

south east. In the North West, just ?82 million. In terms of tr`nsport

infrastructure, the governmdnt's spending ?5,000 per person hn London

and the south east. Compare that to ?800 per person here. We ard wasting

potential. If we invested shmilar amounts... We could see our

economies in the north flourish As far as Manchester is concerned, they

often look towards Leeds. Who knew the Spice Girls were unwitthngly

onto a new economic strategx? When two become one... Could it happen?

The Liverpudlians could takd off if they were the second part of the

name. `` kick off. Who knew you were a Spice Girls fan!

Still to come on North West Tonight. Wembley winners again. Manchester

City lift the League Cup for the first time since 1976.

And primary school are coming IT on its head. `` turning.

What can you do with a pound? These days, you might say, not very much.

But what if you placed a bet with it and ended up with a billion pound

company? Well, that's what happened to John Roberts. His friend wagered

a pound John wouldn't get hhs business idea off the ground. AO.com

has just floated on the Stock Exchange and John's share h`s made

him a very wealthy man. Mark Edwardson went to meet the Bolton

boy made good. You might know AO.com from its TV adverts. It grew into a

huge company selling washing machines and fridges online, from

bizarrely humble beginnings in a Bolton pub... And a bet. Wotld all

that have happened without the bet? I couldn't say! John Roberts left

school without qualifications. The Bolton boy's become known as the

Kitchen King. His firm's floated on the stock Exchange, valued `t ? .6

billion. It's reported he's taken home ?86 million so far. We talk

about culture... This our pdople having fun. Today, celebrathons at

the firm's headquarters in Horwich. We had a viable business. To do

?80,000 in our first month... We knew we could build it. It's a real

buzz. AO.Com now employs 1,000 people. Appropriately, the company

has laid out the red carpet. There is always fun stuff happening. You

are made to feel part of a lassive family. Did your friend pay up on

the bed? `` bet? Of course. Well done to him!

Richard is here with the sport now and the quadruple... Or certainly

the treble... Could be on for Manchester City. It didn't look good

at half`time. They were loshng one note to Sunderland. `` 1`0.

Manchester City are also in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup. They are

in the champions league as well Far from basking in the success of his

first trophy in England, Manuel Pellegrini is hoping this is just

the start. Manuel Pellegrinh! Who says that the Capital One Ctp

doesn't matter? Toure! What a goal! Fantastic! Oh yes! That was

incredible. Toure... To Nav`s.. All over! The commitment from everybody

is fantastic. It means so mtch to the fans. This is the best. Manuel

Pellegrini! To win the first trophy is important for me and important

for the club. City 3`1 Sunddrland! So the treble or even the qtadruple

is still on for Manchester City One down, three more to go! Thex have

just got to keep believing. Manuel Pellegrini! Manchester City fans

were great fun yesterday. Luiz Suarez was instrumental in all

three of Liverpool's goals `t Southampton to take them into second

place in the Premier League ` four points behind Chelsea. The Truguayan

capitalised on a poor back pass to score this ` his 24th leagud goal of

the season. Suarez then provided the pass for substitute Raheem Sterling

to make it 2`0. He then won a penalty which Steven Gerrard

converted for their four win in a row.

Bolton Wanderers moved nine points clear of the Championship rdlegation

zone with a 4`0 win over Bl`ckburn. Neil Danns crossed to midfidlder

Mohamed Kamara who headed W`nderers ahead. Joe Mason doubled thd lead

before the break. In the second half, Jay Spearing's long r`nge shot

was adjudged to have crossed the line. Andre Moritz's got thd fourth.

Sean O'Loughlin scored two of Wigan's nine tries as the Stper

League champions beat Wakefheld 46`24 to earn their first points of

the season. The England loose forward was one of nine plaxers

retained from the team that lost the World Club Challenge to Sydney

Roosters. Ben Flower, Joe Btrgess and Liam Farrell all went over the

line with Matty Smith adding five conversions.

A new series of Late Kick Off returns tonight with an exclusive

interview with Karl Oyston. The Blackpool Chairman explains why he

sacked Paul Ince after asking him and his management team for a list

of potential signings ` but it never arrived. I thought if they can't be

bothered, I shouldn't worry myself too much about defending thdir

position against the supporters and everyone else. You can see that

interview on Late Kick Off `t 11.20pm on BBC One. The new Manuel

Pellegrini chant... It is stuck in my head! The fans love it.

Have you reached the stage where your children or grandchildren know

more about computers than you do? One primary school is making good

use of pupils... It may look like a conventional lesson but thex are

teaching has been told on its head. You can look at the photos xou have

taken. The youngsters here `re the ones leading the computer ldssons.

How do I go back? Press that one. You have to explain what yot are

doing well you're doing it. You need to make sure the person can

understand. The students ard all over 60. She is very patient. She

does it all for me. It is all part of a plan to bring different

sections of the community together. The children understand the

technology straightaway. It is fantastic bear able to shard that

with other members of the community. `` they are able to share. Ht is

exciting. You can teach somdone how to do something. This doesn't have a

keyboard. I am not used it. These classes take place once a wdek.

One`to`one training for those who need it. They are quick learners. Do

they concentrate? Yes. Now time for the weather. It has

been a brilliant start to M`rch That is still plenty of sunshine to

come. As we head towards thd end of the week we may see some rahn but

temperatures will be back in double figures. There will be plenty of

clear skies around tonight. Frost may begin to form. Also somd showers

drifting in. Temperatures whll drop very close to freezing. I stspect

possibly lower than that. There will be some misty patch is tomorrow

morning. Tomorrow is not looking bad at all. `` misty patches. The breeze

is coming in but it will be less prominent as the day goes on. Choose

the afternoon will see highs of seven or eight Celsius. Not quite as

warm as it has been today. Tomorrow night is going to be even colder.

Plenty of clear skies. Tempdratures will drop below freezing in one of

two spurts. We're still going to keep the dry conditions on

Wednesday. Possibly highs of ten or 11 Celsius. Spring is on thd way!

Don't trust it! `` curse it Goodbye.