02/04/2014 North West Tonight

brightness between the clouds. The outlook is mixed. Thank you.

If Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Annabel Thffin and

Roger Johnson. Our top storx. Why were police statements into the

Hillsborough disaster changdd? A coroner says the inquest jury needs

to decide. We're live in Warrington tonight. Also in tonight's

programme. The Prime Ministdr's in the region to tell us about new tax

rates. We'll be talking to him live in a few minutes. What they'll all

be racing for in the Grand National at Aintree. A North West Tonight

exclusive, as we reveal the new trophy later in the programle. And

bringing a glow to the Wintdr Gardens. Chinese artists crdate the

world's biggest indoor illulinations in Blackpool. The Coroner at the new

Hillsborough inquests has told the jury they'll have to considdr

whether statements were changed to blame the fans and deflect criticism

from the police. Lord Justice Goldring's comments came as he

finished his opening remarks. He told the jury they must fully,

fairly and fearlessly inquire into the deaths of the 96 Liverpool fans

who died in 1989. Our Mersexside Reporter, Andy Gill, joins ts from

the Coroner's Court in Warrhngton. What did the caller say abott the

police statements? He said ` number of South Yorkshire police statements

had been amended, sometimes to take criticism of police leadership,

sometimes to Degas could thhs is fans, and he said the jury should

ask why the amendment was m`de, was it made for innocent and

understandable reasons, or was it part of a policy of blaming fans in

order to deflect criticism from the police? He said, do the amendments

throw any light on that crucial question, how those who died came to

do so? Did the coroner say that the jury should think about it? He gave

them six key areas to think about, the layout of Hillsborough hn 1 89,

control the crowd in pens three and four, management of fans outside the

Leppings Lane end, and management of fans inside, and the emergency

response, and the conduct of fans, excluding those who died. Hd said

this would ask whether dangdr could have been averted and, if so, by

whom. We spoke to Brenda Fox from Whitchurch in immoral, whosd son

Steve, 21, died at Hillsborough It is something we have lived with for

so long, so it was not It was just what actually h`ppened.

We are here to get the truth. And hopefully we will get the truth

Another aspect the coroner looked at was the 3:15pm cut`off use that the

original inquest in Sheffield. The coroner decided he should look at

evidence about what happened after that time because he thought

everybody would be dead or dying by that time, but the coroner here

today said, from the start, it was a controversial decision which many of

the bereaved families strongly disputed. He said, we shall not

follow that course. The inqtest resumes tomorrow, with personal

portraits, by relatives, of those who died.

Liverpool's mayor and a leave of Sefton council did not take part in

about two elect the chair and vice`chair because they are Truman

is late. The squabbling has been gone on ever since and therd was a

worry that it is damaging the region. The Liverpool City Region

Combined Authority ` its cabinet, the leaders of Liverpool, Sdfton,

Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton councils. It's only two days

old ` already a row over thd election of its leader.

council leaders met in this building in central

morning at ten o'clock. Shortly afterwards, Meir Anderson and the

leader of Sefton Kelsall left that meeting to stop when they rdturned,

they found that Phil Davies of the Wirral had been elected leader of

the Wirral `` Liverpool combined authority. In a leaked e`mahl, Mayor

Anderson says the four leaddrs presently consider him "too big a

personality" and "Liverpool too strong". He went on to say they ve

engaged in "Toytown level politics". But have they covered themsdlves in

glory? It is clearly going to be seen as HR dish spat. That hs how it

looks to everybody. And the news will have reached the desk of Eric

Pickles, the Secretary of State The combined authority has powers

potentially billions of pounds worth of investment. Business is

concerned. As a business, you would be saying, you need to fix this and

properly, and that is what they need to do. Greater Manchester's

equivalent has scored huge successes with the Metrolink tram system and

the development of Manchestdr Airport. All ten leaders, wherever

they come from, whichever p`rty want to do better in terms of

getting new jobs, opportunities and industries coming into Manchester

and we decided to work together to do that. Mayor Anderson's e`mail

says he's seeking legal advhce. But that might be in vain. Therd was

clearly a majority in the room, quarterback people voted for someone

else to be chair, so the decision made, under the legislation, is

valid. A soldier from Salford ` charged with terrorism and

explosives offences ` has appeared in court for the first time. Ryan

McGee was serving with the fifth Battalion the Rifles when hd was

arrested in December. It followed the discovery of a suspiciots device

at an address in Patricroft. The 19`year`old was bailed on the

condition he stays at an Arly base. He'll appear at the Old Bailey next

month. Tributes have been p`id to a 12`year`old boy found hanged at his

home in Eccles. Police say they were called to a house on Boardm`n Street

yesterday afternoon. Kyle D`rker's death is not being treated `s

suspicious. A spokesperson from his school says their thoughts `re with

Kyle's family. Good news for passengers on one of the regions

most crowded rail services. Northern Rail has announced it's takhng

delivery of 14 new electric trains on the Liverpool`Manchester route

from December. They'll provhde an additional 3,000 seats at pdak times

on the newly electrified rotte. That will release diesel units for use on

the routes from Manchester to Bolton and East Lancashire. The local and

European elections are next month and ` in the weeks before polling.

We'll be talking to all the main party leaders as they attempt to win

over voters here in the North West. Tonight we begin with the Prime

Minister David Cameron. He's been in the region this afternoon t`lking

about changes to the lower rate of income tax. And he's here now. Good

evening. Talking about a cut in the number of people paying the lower

rate of income tax. We're used to cuts in this part of the world. How

many people are we talking `bout? From Sunday, you will not p`y any

tax on the first ?10,000 th`t you are on. That takes the millhon

people out of income tax since this government came to office and give

them a tax cut of ?700 to everyone apart from the very highest earners

in the country. It is a verx positive move to leave more people

with more of their own monex to spend as they choose, and if you

think of someone on minimum wage, they are income tax bill will come

down by two thirds, under this government. It is 37 more in this

region, taking the number to 34 ,000 people who will not pay income tax,

which many people would applaud but the other way of looking at that is,

that is upwards of 300,000 people, who do not earn upwards of ?10, 00 a

year. We want to see more pdople working. Unemployment is falling. We

have got thousands more people in work since I became prime mhnister.

Unemployment is down. The claimant count, the numbers claiming

unemployment benefit, has f`llen sharply in the north`west. The

north`west has the same unelployment rate as London. We are making

progress but there is more to do. There was a lot more work to be

done. You compare the north`west in London. That might be the only thing

that we are equal the London on There is a view that whilst London

is recovering and booming and house prices are going through thd roof,

in the regions, particularlx this one, we are getting left behind How

do you address that? We havd to help us this except succeed and to take

on more people `` we have to help businesses succeed. We are helping

small businesses by saying that they get ?2000 off the national hnsurance

bill. That is coming in this week. And we are seeing, I believd, a more

balanced recovery than in the past. The deployment rate is the same in

the north`west as in London, which tells the story that we havd growth

in every region of the country. We are making investments into

transport infrastructure to make sure that the north`west is not left

hind. The Institute of Publhc policy research, it says that, in the

North, ?104 per head is spent on transport infrastructure. In London,

it is ?1600 bed. That is a lassive disparity. `` ?1600 per head. We are

electrifying the trans`Pennhne route, we are investing in the

northern hard, the decision about the trains serving Bourton was made

because of action we are taking We have big road investments, the

Heysham Link Road, improvemdnts to the M1 and the A1, all of which will

make a about money that is being invested

in London. We are talking about crossrail in London, which hs the

biggest infrastructure projdct in Europe, so that'll stew the figures.

` skew. And we have HS2, whhch is going to get to the north`wdst

quicker. It will just make London more of a draw for the rest of the

country and will suck more hnto itself. It means that Birmingham,

Manchester and London will be connected our way that makes journey

times faster and increases capacity as well as driving the industrial

renaissance that I want to see, I want to see more manufacturhng,

investment and exporting. The budget was all about that, making sure that

businesses in the north`west get the capital allowance to invest in the

future. You talked about fr`cking last time. Greater Manchestdr police

say has cost them ?1.5 millhon the police the Barton Moss procdss.

Their budget, like all police budget has been cut since the ther`py

budget gaming. Will you help, will you contribute? `` budget c`me in.

Greater Manchester police h`ve seen a budget cut but have delivdred a

massive cut in crime, 20%, since this government came to powdr. I

would argue that we should be would argue that we

saying, the point is, let's praise them for

while having the budget redtced We should not measure public sdrvices

by how much we spend on thel, but on how good they are. We should

certainly look at it, because I think this is vital for this

country. We have been talking about a balanced recovery. In America you

see companies going back thdre and manufacturing there and invdsting

and growing, because they h`ve got unconventional gas, and lowdr gas

prices. I want us to be, in Britain, the reshore nation, where vhsitors

come back to invest here. M`rk Menzies, the MP for Fylde, can you

tell us about his future after the personal revelations about them at

the weekend? He has been a very hard`working MP. He said sole of the

allegations are not true, and he wants to set out in his own time the

answer to these allegations, and I think that we should give hhm a

chance to do that. Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage are debating Etrope on

another channel. Why are yot not taking part? I take part in debates

every week in the House of Commons and I am having a debate right here

and now. Will you commit to leaders debate before the general election?

You prime minister. You can make it happen. I want to see them happen. I

think it should happen. I thought, last time, having the debatds in the

election campaign took the rest of the life out of the campaign. With a

fixed term parliament, becale get started a bit earlier. So it could

happen soon? I would like to happen before the election starts.

Still to come on North West Tonight. Lighting up the Winter Garddns `

Chinese artists bring the world s biggest indoor lluminations to

Blackpool. And, what happendd next? The tidal phenomenon which `llowed

this Manx romantic to pop the question.

Sophie Lancaster's senseless death shocked and sickened the Lancashire

community where she lived. She was beaten to death simply becatse of

the way she chose to dress. Seven years on her mother is camp`igning

to stop it happening to othdrs. And today Sylvia Lancaster was `t he

daughter's former school to spread the word there ` just as a new book

linked to the murder was also launched. Our Chief Reporter, Dave

Guest, has more. Sophie Lancaster was beaten to death for darhng to be

different. A group of teenagers attacked her and her boyfridnd in a

Lancashire park because thex were dressed as goths. They had Rob on

the floor, jumping and stamping on his head. Sylvia Lancaster

daughter's death many times through her work with the Sophie Lancaster

Foundation, which campaigns against hate crime. Trainer marks on both

sides of her face. But this audience was special, because this is

Haslingden High where Sophid was a pupil. One of the great ple`sures

has been talking to a teachdr who taught Sophie. People did not

realise that she had a very quirky, wicked sense of humour. Tod`y also

saw the launch of a new novdl based on Sophie's murder. It was ` story

that had to be told. In the book, the victim is called Rosie. But this

is Sophie's story. I cuddled her, and she was gone, gone for dver

This bench is dedicated to the memory of Sophie Lancaster, but to

her family, keeping the namd alive is about more than simply inscribing

on some luck, it is about inspiring change, it is about ensuring that

others never have to suffer the way that she did. `` on some

Richard's here with the sport now. Manchester United fans will be

feeling a bit better after last night's draw against Bayern Munich

in the Champions League. Yes, United battled very hard for a 1`1 draw at

Old for the second leg of the qtarter

final in Germany next week. They did it on a little more than a puarter

of the possession, so it was a real backs`against`the`wall performance.

But they were well organised and looked as though they may wdll shut

the European Champions out `fter the Reds took the lead through Nemanja

Vidic. Great header from thd skipper. But Bastian Schweinsteiger,

who was later sent off, scored a crucial away goal for the Gdrmans.

This was the reaction of sole United fans after the game. I would take a

1`1 draw at the moment. It could have been worse. Tonight was the

first night that David Moyes proved themselves as a manager. An all

right performance with commhtment and energy. Vidic scored!

And they did go on as the underdogs, which is unusual for Manchester

United. How important a restlt was this for David Moyes? I think it was

significant. Tactically, many observers thought he got it spot`on

against a team who, man for man are better

In the Championship, fifth`placed Wigan came close to ending

Leicester's19`match undefeated run but conceded a late equalisdr for a

2`2 draw. The Latics' opener came when Jordi Gomez crossed to Ivan

Ramis for this header but the visitors equalised just minttes

later. In the second half, Gomez's corner allowed Rob Kiernan to make

it 2`1. But Wigan's hopes of a crucial win ended when Dean Hammond

equalised in 87th minute. Aintree Festival ` culminathng in

the Grand National, starts tomorrow. And I'm delighted to welcomd John

Baker from the Aintree Racecourse and Peter Eaton, from the drinks

company Halewood International, who own the National's new sponsors the

Liverpool`based Crabbie's. H cannot help but noticing that you have got

something under there. A br`nd`new trophy. Look at that. I shotld say

that those diamonds are real. It is part of the increasing glamour of

the Grand National over recdnt years. For the first time prize

money exceeds ten in pounds. `` exceeds ?1 million. Yes, with the

sponsorship, we put together an exciting festival. I cannot for the

next few days. As a local company, it is great that you up connected to

such a prestigious event. Yds. We are very fortunate, we have a great

opportunity to connect one of our main brands, to this event,

delighted to be part of it. What is it about the Grand National? Was it

because it was a local race that attracted you? We have got great

family history with the Grand National. Our late founder, John

Halewood, was passionate and supported the National Hunt all his

life. History Moss to sponsor the Grand National. `` his dreal was to

sponsor. Is it an anxious thme for you? This is a great time for us.

All of the preparations has gone very well. We are very pleased. We

cannot wait for people to come and enjoy the facilities. We ard very

pleased with how the track looks. The fences look great. We are so

excited. If I am thereon ladies day, do I have to wear a big warl coat? I

shall be wearing my fascinator, Annabel!

I do not know how we can be`t that for bling. The world's biggdst

indoor illuminations have arrived in the home of illuminations,

Blackpool. Illuminasia, which features 35,000 lights all the way

from China will be on displ`y. The ?3 million show is the first big

indoor attraction to open in the resort for more than 20 years. We

gave Elaine Dunkley 50p to put in the Winter Gardens meter, and asked

her to take a look. It is c`mera, action and lights. For Blackpool

Tower switch on, like no other. With 35,000 lights, the wonders of the

world have been recreated. Tower Bridge is majestic on the shde of

the room. We have the leaning Tower of these here. `` Pisa. 27 tonnes of

steel sounds like a lot, but when you see the effect of 35,000 LEDs it

is an incredible thing. The team have travelled to the shares one

province of trying `` of Chhna. `` the shares one province of China. ``

Sezchuan Province. This is our very first time building the Blackpool

Tower. For me, we constantlx walk by it, so we see the similarithes.

Blackpool is very special. Xou are very famous for the eliminations.

This is almost the perfect city for us to visit with an attracthon like

this. For the visitors, this will be a trip to

It is lovely, isn't it? Anyone on of Blackpool's brightest

It is lovely, isn't it? Anyone on the Isle of Man who doesn't have sea

legs got the prefect chance to visit one of the island's landmarks last

night, which is usually onlx accessible by boat. Thousands of

people took the rare chance to walk out to the Tower of Refuge hn

Douglas Bay. The tide means there are only a few days a year where

it's shallow enough to walk across to it. The inside is closed to the

public but one man arranged access, to ask his girlfriend a verx special

question. Kelly Foran was there to see the moment. A sea of people

This stretch of beach usually under water, but the tide is low dnough

just twice a year to get right up to the iconic Tower of Refuge. Families

and some four`legged friends took advantage. I am 50 this year. It is

the first time I have ever done it. But it is off the list now, so we

will not do it again. I found it to be really fun looking round although

I fell into a puddle. It was a great experience. A good opportunhty to

have a look. It was built in 18 2 by the founder of the RNLI, Sir William

Hillary. A statue of him ovdrlooks the tower in Douglas Bay. Hd decided

something needed to be done, as vessels kept getting dangerously

shipwrecked on the rocks. Inside the tower is close to the public but an

exception was made to allow this to happen. If you didn't catch it, that

was a yes, by the way. It sdemed like an appropriate time. It was a

big surprise, a big surprisd. People should not to attempt the w`lk alone

as The tides can catch you out if you're not careful, on Mond`y night

two people had to be rescued by lifeboat after becoming str`nded by

the Tower. The tide turns qtickly. Because it is a shallow beach, the

tide does coming quickly, so before you know where you are, you are

stuck. This is the only org`nised walk to the tower, if you mhssed

out, you'll have to wait another year. That looks like great fun You

would not want to slip, would you? Will I need that winter coat on

Friday for Aintree? You could be crazy not to wear one, but xou might

be the only one who is wearhng one. Not much of the day`to`day. We had a

weather front that moved across the region, out into the Irish Sea, and

then back in again. It has plagued many other places as well through

the afternoon. It has not bden a brilliant day. Those showers are

around even now and will continue at the next few hours. As the night

progresses they will start to move north and die away. It will take

until midnight before many places are completely dry. It is a mild

night. Heading to the early hours of the morning, we have a break

developing in the cloud covdr, which might give us some missed, but even

really, temperatures will bd around five Celsius. And around evdn 1

Celsius in towns and cities. The best of the weather tomorrow will be

first thing in the morning, and even then, it is worth noting moderate

`high air pollution. The conditions and weather might change, so the

showers could see that drop, but it is worth noting that it is

moderate`high in places. First thing in the morning, some cloud breaks

developing, but after lunch, that cloud rolling back on in ag`in, with

more showers moving in across the region. It might not be widdspread,

and a good dodge those showdrs, but it is still relatively mild. High

temperatures of 15 Celsius. Now how about this for a dramatic rdscue

operation? It took ten officers from Greater Manchester fire and rescue

service, but was well worth it ` after they pulled a one eyed horse

from the River Irwell. I'm not sure if the fact that the horse only had

one I was relevant. `` 21`year`old Ruby, lost her footing

and fell into the river in Radcliffe. Luckily after a two hour

ordeal, the mare was safely back on dry land. That is not an easy job,

getting a horse out of a river. And she is 21. That's all for now. Good

night.