Stories for 21 September 2006

The Northern Echo News

Police speak to woman driver over pensioner's death

A WOMAN motorist involved in an argument with an 83-year-old man who later died has been spoken to by police.   more...

Richard Hammond 'stable' after jet car crash

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond was critically injured tonight after crashing a jet powered car at 280mph at Elvington Airfield near York.   more...

Magpies deputy to sue BBC's Panorama

NEWCASTLE United assistant manager Kevin Bond is to sue the BBC for libel over allegations of corruption that have rocked football.Bond, who joined the Magpies from Portsmouth in the summer, issued a statement last night through his solicitor in which he denied allegations made in Panorama's expose of alleged corruption in the game.The Football Association yesterday promised an exhaustive and thorough investigation of allegations that managers had been offered and had accepted bungs as part of transfer deals and that agents took part in illegal approaches to players, including Middlesbrough starlet Nath-an Porritt.The BBC said comments made by Bond during a secretly-recorded meeting with agent Peter Harrison constitute an admission that he would consider discussing receiving payments from a proposed new agency.However, Bond's solicitor, Kevin Price, last night described the programme as "all smoke and mirrors" and said: "My client will be taking proceedings for libel against the BBC over the programme and the media hype generated to publicise it."The short extract from my client's conversation with the reporter was taken out of context and presented in a completely misleading manner."Mr Harrison, a former manager of Blyth Spartans who now runs MPH Soccer Management, could not be contacted at his home near Chester-le-Street yesterday. However, it is understood he was also taking legal advice about the content of the programme, which was transmitted on Tuesday night.The programme included allegations that Mr Harrison offered Middlesbrough's talented teenager Nathan Porritt, then aged 15 and considered one of the brightest prospects in English football, to Chelsea and Liverpool.Mr Harrison was secretly filmed discussing a possible £150,000 payment with Chelsea's Frank Arnesen and was also filmed telling an undercover reporter that Newcastle United had met the Porritt without Middlesbrough's knowledge.Boro chief executive Keith Lamb yesterday expressed "dismay" over the revelations and said: "We are hugely disappointed with the actions of Peter Harrison."It was quite clear from the footage shown on the programme that he approached other Premier League clubs to offer Nathan Porritt to them."Harrison was in breach of Premier League rules and regulations in doing so without either our permission or knowledge."Clearly, Peter has a lot to answer for to the game's authorities and this football club."Despite the fact that his agent was blatantly touting him around other clubs, Nathan later signed for our academy and we are delighted to have him on board."Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea could face disciplinary action after the FA announced it was investigating the allegation of an illegal approach and all three clubs declined to comment.Middlesbrough declined to elaborate on Mr Lamb's statement, although The Northern Echo understands the club will not be making any further complaint over the allegation.Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers' manager Sam Allardyce described allegations that he accepted bungs as "lies".Allardyce and his agent son, Craig, were named in the Panorama documentary.Allardyce said yesterday: "I am very angry at the lies told about me."The individuals who appeared in the programme making accusations against me have already confirmed in writing to my lawyers that they lied to the BBC."They lied in the hope of being able to make millions offered by the BBC undercover reporter to buy their sports agency businesses."Those individuals never thought their lies would be exposed in the way that they have been and have apologised to me."As a result of their greed, my good name has been tarnished by deceit and innuendo."  more...

How the Pedestrian Heart scheme lost its way

THE cost of pedestrianising the centre of one of the region's market towns has soared £1.5m over budget. Traders in Darlington were warned they face nearly a year of misery before the scheme is finished.Darlington Borough Council said the Pedestrian Heart project, which was originally budgeted at £6.9m, would cost at least £8.47m, after a series of "unforeseen and avoidable" errors.The cost of a town centre shopping precinct could rise further still to £9.2m, after council bosses assigned another £750,000 contingency funding to cover any further unplanned costs.The scheme has provoked controversy, with many shops blaming the chaos caused by roadworks for a fall in business. Only last week, one of the town's last independent electrical retailers closed, blaming the scheme for its demise.Ada Burns, chief executive of the council, said the project - originally due to be completed by Christmas - would not be completed until late summer next year.The project was delayed by up to six months when workmen hit an undetected gas main, causing "significant" disruption to the project, particularly on High Row. But in a report expected to be given to councillors this morning, the council said it had been forced to assign an extra £1.328m in its budget because:* It failed to realise how complex the scheme would be, and a series of avoidable design faults which "didn't really work in reality";* The decision to take a "rolling train" approach to construction, with up to 12 areas being worked on at one time, just made things harder for local businesses without speeding up the work;* The need to change plans after officials realised the work was having a detrimental effect on town centre business;* A decision to replace the original project manager - labelled "poor and unsatisfactory" - with a new company after construction began;* And the 90/10 partnership arrangement with contractor Birse which left the council bearing the vast majority of the financial risk.The report also says costs have risen as a result of switching work to weekends and Bank Holidays in order to reduce the financial impact on shops.* See how the work is progressing by logging on to www.thenorthern echo.co.uk  more...

Top Gear presenter in 280mph car crash

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond was in a critical condition last night after crashing a jet powered car at 280mph.The 36-year-old was injured trying to break a land speed record at Elvington Airfield, near York. Hammond, who often drives high-performance cars as part of presenting the show, was airlifted to hospital in Leeds after the incident at 5.34pm.He was treated at the scene by the crew of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who airlifted him to Leeds General Infirmary - a specialist neurological centre.A hospital spokesman said last night that Hammond, who grew up in North Yorkshire, was in a critical condition.A spokesman for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "He was unconscious initially and we flew him to the Leeds. He appeared to be regaining consciousness as the crew were coming in to land."A North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the accident happened at Elvington airfield, seven miles south-east of York.He said the presenter was filming an episode of Top Gear at the airfield.He added: "Relatives have been informed and are en route to the hospital.""We received a report via the fire service of a male person trapped in what was described as an overturned jet car which had been driven on the airfield. "The male occupant has received serious injuries and has been airlifted to hospital at Leeds."James May, who co-presents the popular motor show with Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson, said he was devastated to learn his "old mate" had been injured.His agent, Annie Sweetbaum, said: "James is absolutely devastated - he's heard the news but doesn't know how bad he is."He's really shocked, his words to me tonight were 'he's such a good mate, I'm so upset'. He said as soon as he's allowed, he wants to go and see Richard."Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson paid tribute to Mr Hammond last night.He said: " He is a hugely gifted TV presenter who brought an awful lot to Top Gear. He has absolutely no fear."However, it becomes more and more difficult to beat last week. The idea of him driving a jet car at more than 200 mph is fantastic, but when you do that there is no rule book."Richard Hammond was born on December 19, 1969, in Birmingham.His family moved to Ripon, in North Yorkshire, when he was young.A pupil at Ripon Grammar School, he attended Harrogate College of Art and Technology from 1987 to 1989 and went on to gain a degree in photography and television production.During his early career, he worked at Radio York and BBC Radio Cumbria, before moving into television. He joined BBC Top Gear in 2002. Mr Hammond's chemistry with fellow presenters Clarkson and May made the show one of the BBC's most popular factual programmes, watched by millions.He also presents Brainiac: Science Abuse on Sky, the BBC1 show Should I Worry About...? and Time Commanders on BBC2.He lives near Cheltenham with his wife, Amanda, and two young children.  more...

Schoolboy beaten over 25p and a few sweets

THUGS left a teenager with a broken nose and chipped teeth after robbing him of just sweets and twenty five pence in cash.   more...

Hit 'n run appeal

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City faces the future after fall of the chocolate empire

CHOCOLATE, trains and tourism have long been three of York's most important industries.The 1990s saw the closure of the city's carriageworks with the loss of 750 jobs.Last September, Terry's of York closed its doors for the last time, leaving 300 people out of work after parent company Kraft transferred production to the continent. Yesterday's announcement that York's remaining chocolate factory, Nestle Rowntree, is to shed 645 jobs came just six months after the company announced 243 redundancies.Fortunately, the city's tourism industry appears to be in good health. Figures announced earlier this summer estimated that tourists have spent a record-breaking £311.8m in York in the past 12 months. Bosses at Nestle Rowntree expect that half of the latest redundancies will be voluntary, or through early retirement. They believe that 300 jobs could be created through the redevelopment of the Victorian half of the Haxby Road factory.It was built in 1890. At the time, York was a centre of chocolate-making due to wealthy Quaker families like Rowntree and Terry, who tried to persuade workers to give up alcohol for cocoa. Rowntrees can trace its origins back to 1725, when a Quaker called Mary Tuke opened a shop in Walmgate.By 1785, the shop had started selling cocoa. In 1862, Henry Isaac Rowntree bought the cocoa side of the business. He was joined by his brother, Joseph, in 1869.Fruit pastilles were introduced in 1881 and fruit gums eight years later.When Henry died, in 1883, Joseph became the sole owner of the company.He was anxious to improve the quality of life of his employees and provided them with a library, free education, a doctor, a dentist and a pension fund, as well as building housing for low-income families and opening Rowntree Park.The company was taken over by Nestle in 1988 and flourished in the early 1990s.The first sign that there were problems came on November 8, last year, when managing director Chris White left the company by "mutual consent".In January, after new managing director Paul Grimwood had arrived, worried workers claimed major brands were selling so badly that production lines were being stopped.Speaking yesterday, Mr Grimwood said it was not the beginning of the end for Nestle Rowntree in York.He said: "We wouldn't be making a £20m investment if we were heading down a slippery slope."Switching production of famous brands such as Smarties to the continent draws comparisons with Terry's, which transferred its Chocolate Orange and All Gold brands abroad last year.Mr Grimwood said despite the heritage of brands such as Smarties, it had to be a business decision.He said: "I have only been here since the beginning of January and my job is to make sure we have a strong business which is fit for purpose, not just for this year or next, but way beyond into the future."What I have tried to do today is make sure everybody knows what the plan is and has as much notice as possible, rather than do it on an ongoing basis, which is not the Nestle way. "We would rather do it openly and honestly."The key to making sure we have got a good future here is making sure that we have a great manufacturing facility."  more...

Pedestrian Heart is £1.5m over budget

THE cost of controversial plans to pedestrianise Darlington town centre rose further last night as council bosses were forced to admit the scheme had gone at least £1.5m over budget. Traders were warned they face nearly a year of misery before the scheme is completed.Darlington Borough Council said the Pedestrian Heart project, originally budgeted at £6.9m, would now rise to a minimum of £8.47m, after a series of "unforeseen and avoidable" errors.The cost of a town centre shopping precinct could rise further still to £9.2m, after council bosses assigned another £750,000 contingency funding to cover further unplanned costs.The scheme has provoked controversy, with many shops blaming the chaos caused by roadworks for a downturn in business. Ada Burns, chief executive of the council, last night told The Northern Echo that the project - due to be completed by Christmas - would be several months late. It is expected to be finished next summer.The project was delayed by up to six months, and an extra £640,000 cost incurred, when workmen struck an undetected gas main causing "significant" disruption, particularly on High Row. But in a report due to be given to councillors this morning, the council admits it has assigned an extra £1.328m in its budget because:* It failed to realise how complex the scheme would be, and a series of avoidable design faults which "didn't really work in reality";* The decision to take a "rolling train" approach to construction, with up to 12 areas being worked on at one time, made things harder for local businesses without speeding up the work;* The need to change plans after officials realised the work was having a detrimental effect on town centre business;* A decision to replace the original project manager after construction began;* The 90/10 partnership arrangement with contractor Birse, which left the council bearing the vast majority of the financial risk.The report says costs have risen as a result of switching work to weekends and Bank Holidays in order to reduce the financial impact on shops.Ms Burns pledged that the council had learned lessons from the Pedestrian Heart scheme, which is part-funded by regional development agency One NorthEast. She has ordered a review of how the authority's capital projects are managed. Councillor John Williams, leader of the Labour-led Darlington Borough Council, admitted the project had "not been managed well". He called for a full investigation into the management of the Pedestrian Heart. But Coun Tony Richmond, leader of the Tory opposition, branded the management of the project an "absolute disgrace," and called for the resignation of the Labour cabinet. "This news adds to the catalogue of disasters coming out of the town hall," he said. "What we have got here is something that has caused immense disruption to a lot of businesses, and to cap it all, there could be an increase of 32 per cent in the cost. Where will it end?"Businesses across Darlington have campaigned against the project from the outset last year, claiming it has affected trade and reduced footfall in the town. Darlington Civic Trust collected a petition with 4,600 names against the development.Market trader Robin Blair said the delays to the project were potentially devastating for small businesses."Customers are heartily sick of this scheme, and they are working on so many sites at one time that it makes it very, very difficult to get round the town," he said. But John Buxton, the council's director of development and environment, maintained that the Pedestrian Heart would be beneficial for Darlington when it was completed, despite the setbacks. "It is making good process in large parts of the town, and we are confident that people will be happy with it when it is completed," he said.  more...

Sweet maker announces 645 job losses

NESTL is to cut 645 jobs at a factory in the region as part of a shake-up that will see half the site sold and production of some products transferred to other factories.The Swiss-owned company said its historic plant, in York, would be divided, with the original 19th Century Rowntree factory buildings sold for redevelopment.But Nestl UK pledged to invest £20m to improve the remaining production facilities and safeguard more than 1,800 jobs.Unions last night accused Nestl of neglecting its York plant and pledged to fight the redundancies.Chief executive Alastair Sykes said the changes, which will begin next year, are a response to increasing competition in the confectionery market.He said: "Our Nestl Rowntree business has market-leading brands and strong potential, and this restructure and investment programme will ensure that it is competitive and fit for the future."Nestl hopes that at least half of the 645 job losses will be achieved through voluntary redundancy or early retirement.Paul Grimwood, managing director of Nestl Rowntree, said: "These plans will streamline our operations, strengthen our competitive position, and establish our York factory as a state-of-the-art manufacturing site for the future."Unlike Terry's, which closed its York factory last year, Mr Grimwood vowed that Nestle was "here to stay"."This is an alternative to closure. Our hand is forced by how the market changes," he said.York will retain the KitKat, Aero, Milky Bar, Polo and Yorkie product lines.Nestl said its York site was uncompetitive because it was a "factory of two halves", with one side containing original buildings erected by Rowntree and the other containing facilities built after Nestl took over in 1989.  more...

Newcastle deputy to sue BBC over Panorama 'bung' claims

NEWCASTLE United assistant manager Kevin Bond is to sue the BBC for libel over allegations of corruption that have rocked football.Bond, who joined the Magpies from Portsmouth in the summer, issued a statement last night through his solicitor in which he denied allegations made in Panorama's expose of alleged corruption in the game.The Football Association yesterday promised an exhaustive and thorough investigation of allegations that managers had been offered and had accepted bungs as part of transfer deals and that agents took part in illegal approaches to players, including Middlesbrough starlet Nath-an Porritt.The BBC said comments made by Bond during a secretly-recorded meeting with agent Peter Harrison constitute an admission that he would consider discussing receiving payments from a proposed new agency.However, Bond's solicitor, Kevin Price, last night described the programme as "all smoke and mirrors" and said: "My client will be taking proceedings for libel against the BBC over the programme and the media hype generated to publicise it."The short extract from my client's conversation with the reporter was taken out of context and presented in a completely misleading manner."Mr Harrison, a former manager of Blyth Spartans, who now runs MPH Soccer Management, could not be contacted at his home near Chester-le-Street yesterday. However, it is understood he was also taking legal advice about the content of the programme, which was transmitted on Tuesday night.The programme included allegations that Mr Harrison offered Middlesbrough's talented teenager Nathan Porritt, then aged 15 and considered one of the brightest prospects in English football, to Chelsea and Liverpool."Despite the fact that his agent was blatantly touting him around other clubs, Nathan later signed for our academy and we are delighted to have him on board."Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea could face disciplinary action after the FA announced it was investigating the allegation of an illegal approach and all three clubs declined to comment.Middlesbrough declined to elaborate on Mr Lamb's statement, although The Northern Echo understands the club will not be making any further complaint over the allegation.Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers' manager Sam Allardyce described allegations that he accepted bungs as "lies".Allardyce said yesterday: "I am very angry at the lies told about me. "The individuals who appeared in the programme making accusations against me have already confirmed in writing to my lawyers that they lied to the BBC."  more...

Football star opens fitness suite

GOALKEEPING hero Jim Platt believes the health of youngsters in the region is in safe hands after opening a community fitness suite yesterday.Mr Platt, who played almost 500 games for Middlesbrough and featured in two World Cups with Northern Ireland, helped launch the Parkside Community Suite in Willington, County Durham.The gym is the fourth fitness centre to open in the Wear Valley area following the successful Wellness on Wheels (Wow!) mobile gym initiative.The £1m mobile gym has been visited by thousands of people since it began touring last year.The new suite is based at Parkside School, which was recently awarded specialist sports status.It was officially unveiled by Mr Platt and 83-year-old George Hodgson, of Wolsingham, who regularly works out at Wow! as well as taking part in parachute jumps and wing walks.Mr Platt, who managed Darlington Football Club to their first Wembley appearance in 1996, said: "It's a fantastic project."It is extremely important for everybody, from young people up to old people, to keep fit. I hope I'm as fit as Mr Hodgson when I am his age."The new suites are helping young people to exercise reasonably regularly and I think it is something that other areas should think strongly about taking up."Wow! project manager Natalie Drew thanked the school and Willington and Parkside Community Association.There are also Wow! fitness suites in Bishop Auckland College, St John's Chapel Town Hall, in Weardale, and Wolsingham Community Arts College's Sports Hall.Wow! is supported by Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, Sport England, The Northern Echo, Northumbrian Water, Technogym and the Leader Plus fund.  more...

Memorial service for the victims of terror

THE family of a North-East woman killed by a bomb blast in Turkey found comfort and strength at a national memorial service yesterday.Helyn Bennett, from Spennymoor, County Durham, was one of 13 British victims of foreign bomb attacks remembered at London's Southwark Cathedral.The 21-year-old trainee chef was killed when an explosion ripped through a minibus in Kusadasi on July 16, last year.Britons killed in the Sharm-el-Sheikh and Doha bombings were also commemorated.Miss Bennett's mother, Sharon Holden, said: "The service was lovely, very emotional but comforting."The service was about Helyn and the others who died in those attacks abroad, but also for the families still here."Only we know what we are going through, so it is important to meet up, just to show we are not alone."Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie, the Duke of York, Conservative leader David Cameron, Home Secretary John Reid and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell were among 500 people at the cathedral.As well as comfort, Mrs Holden said the service gave her renewed strength to fight for better support for victims of overseas attacks.She said: "We had to ask the Government for this service, and after 14 months we finally got it."It has also given us strength to keep fighting for more support for victims of future attacks abroad, which we know will happen."A Private Members' Bill calling for better support will hopefully go before the House of Lords in October or November and they need to know how important we feel it is."Generous residents of Spennymoor raised enough money, including £1,300 from the town's Asda supermarket, to send nine of Miss Bennett's relatives to London for the service.Mrs Holden said: "The nine from the family who were on holiday in Turkey when the bomb went off were able to go, it was something we needed to do together."People in Spennymoor, throughout the town and at Asda, raised enough money for us all to travel down together which was a massive help and we're so grateful for."  more...

Pupils reminded of Nazi camp horrors

SIXTH-form students yesterday got the chance to talk to two Holocaust survivors as part of an initiative aimed at combating bigotry and exclusion.The visit had been organised by Durham City and Durham North MPs Roberta Blackman-Woods and Kevan Jones, who are working in conjunction with the Holocaust Education Trust.Survivors Eva Clarke and Joanna Millan travelled to New College Durham, in Durham City, to talk to members of its sixth-form.Further workshops are also planned at Greenfield, Hermitage and Tanfield Schools during the week.Mrs Blackman-Woods said yesterday: "I applaud all the schools for facilitating the visit and thank both Eva Clarke and Joanna Millan for sharing their experiences with young people in Durham."The Holocaust Education Trust's work is vital and I am delighted to be working with them."Mr Jones said: "As Holocaust survivors grow older and frailer, it is vital that they share their testimonies with younger generations - not only to keep alive the memory of this defining episode in history - but also to encourage us to take a decisive look at the world today, and to challenge the racist and poisonous policies of the far-right which are dividing so many of our communities.''Following the visit yesterday Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Education Trust, said: "Anti-semitism, racism and xenophobia did not end at Auschwitz. They are still rife in today's society and we must combat them wherever possible."Every one of us has a responsibility to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and that is why we are so pleased to be working with Roberta Blackman-Woods and Kevan Jones to bring this message to the students of Durham schools."  more...

Killer PC fails to win jail move

A FORMER police constable who stabbed his wife to death in a frenzied attack has failed in a bid to be moved to a semi-open prison.Graham "Ivor" Jones, who stabbed his wife, Maria, 96 times with a kitchen knife at the couple's home in Ingleby Barwick, near Middlesbrough, is serving an eight-year jail sentence after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.He was being housed at Moorland Prison, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, but is understood to have applied to be moved to the lower category Kirklevington Grange, in Yarm, near Stockton - only to be turned down by prison authorities.Last night, Mrs Jones' father, Ron Phillips, hit out at Jones' bid, which comes less than 13 months into his sentence.Mr Phillips, from Hemlington, near Middlesbrough, who has criticised the length of the sentence given to Jones, said: "I find it macabre. We don't want him back round here."He seems to think he is cured having done little more than 12 months in prison."If he finishes up in an open prison, I have got to tell the world. If I don't shout and bawl over things like this, I feel I am letting Maria down."In contrast to the enclosed Moorland, which is surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, the regime at Kirklevington is much more relaxed with inmates allowed the keys to their rooms.In some cases, they are allowed to work outside of the prison in full-time jobs, as part of the preparation for their release.After an initial risk assessment, prisoners at Kirklevington can also visit family members in the community.Jones, 42, has been praised by staff at Moorland for his behaviour and, despite his status as a former police officer, has been allowed to mix freely with fellow prisoners.One prison officer said: "He has been as good as gold."The father-of-three will be automatically released on licence at the two thirds point of his sentence, albeit under supervision.He snapped and attacked his 36-year-old wife in December 2004 after claiming she had taunted him over an affair with a younger man.He then made an abortive attempt to take his own life by swallowing a cocktail of sleeping tablets and red wine.After denying murder, but pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, he was dismissed from his job of nearly 20 years with Cleveland Police.His case caused controversy after it emerged he will be able to draw his police pension on his release from prison.A spokeswoman for the Prison Service said: "We don't discuss individual cases."  more...

Pedestrian heartache?

SINCE the pedestrianisation of Darlington town centre was started in October last year, controversy has not been far away.Hailed as "great news" for the town by council bosses, they saw the modernisation as a way for Darlington to compete for tourism with other venues in the North-East. Under the Pedestrian Heart scheme, large parts of the centre of Darlington will become traffic-free zones, and a series of ambitious features, such as a water feature, an events area and a "Life Pulse" - a pulse-reading sculpture - are to be introduced into the town centre. Construction work was scheduled to begin in October last year, and would include all of the town's main shopping routes - Blackwellgate, Bondgate, High Row, Prebend Row, Northgate and Tubwell Row. It was scheduled to finish by Christmas this year. But now, as Christmas fast approaches, the end is still many months away. Over-budget and over-deadline, the scheme is being branded a disaster by many. Opposition from Darlington's Civic Trust, angry at the loss of historic features from High Row, and small businesses and market traders, who feared for their future, were compounded by the erection of unsightly metal hoardings throughout the town centre to disguise the construction work being carried out. Despite this opposition, the council has always insisted that the scheme will be a success, and have urged people in the town to be patient. But patience is wearing thin. Originally, a £6.9m project, it quickly needed an extra £300,000 of funding to help with construction and liaison work. But the project's schedule hit a major obstacle in January, when a 100-year-old gas main was struck after it was not detected during surveys of the area. A £640,000 bill and six-month delay ensued, as did further criticism from the town's traders about the effect it was having on their businesses. Despite attempts from the council to minimise the damage to the project, by instructing construction workers to work longer hours, offering parking discounts, and support to small businesses, their efforts were again overshadowed yesterday by the revelation that the scheme was to cost more yet again. A further £578,000 bill, which could rise to £1.32m if a contingency fund is needed, is on the cards after council bosses admitted their project had fallen victim to poor project management, flaws in the design and a failure to realise how complex the design would be. Several of the necessary changes could not have been foreseen - given the council's admission they had "very limited experience" of such projects. But some, by the council's own admission, could. They have vowed to learn from their mistakes, not only in this project, but also in future capital ventures. Council chief executive Ada Burns has pledged to review all such schemes from beginning to end. But the question on many people's lips today will be: What is next for the Pedestrian Heart?  more...

Richard Hammond in serious but stable condition

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond is today in a serious but stable condition after a 280mph crash involving a jet powered dragster.   more...

Campbell faces claims of rift with Kennedy

SIR Menzies Campbell was facing damaging claims of a rift with Charles Kennedy - his predecessor as leader - ahead of today's close of the Liberal Democrat conference.It was revealed that Mr Kennedy, who quit in January admitting to a drink problem, refused to publicly shake hands with his successor after his speech to delegates on Tuesday.Aides to Sir Menzies had already noted Mr Kennedy's failure to pay tribute to the new leader during a 35-minute speech - while pledging to fight his way back to frontline politics.That failure provoked suggestions that he may still wish to lead the party, despite his promise to be loyal and his calls for a "united" party.Sir Menzies and Mr Kennedy - who, at 46, is nearly 20 years the younger - have reportedly held just one private meeting in the eight months since he resigned.The refusal to shake hands was revealed by Lord Ashdown, said: "I understand Ming actually suggested to Charles that there should be a handshake etc, but Charles decided he didn't want to do that."Lord Ashdown, another former leader, said he did not know Mr Kennedy's reasons for refusing the suggestion.Mr Kennedy's aides quickly insisted no deliberate snub was intended, while Sir Menzies' spokesman said the pair had "agreed the choreography".Nevertheless, the disagreement threatened to overshadow the Lib Dem leader's attempt, in his keynote address today, to prove he has stamped his authority on his party.Sir Menzies has been dogged by critcism that he has got off to a faltering start, most noticeably struggling in the bearpit of prime minister's questions in the Commons.He was buoyed this week when delegates backed his tax package, including ditching a 50p top income tax rate, despite a revolt by up to nine of his MPs.But there was further criticism when Sir Menzies made some embarrassing gaffes during a question-and-answer session on the Brighton platform on Monday.In his speech today, Sir Menzies will say Labour has "squandered their opportunity", with higher taxes failing to bring the promised improvement in public services.He will say: "After three victories, Labour has failed. The gap between rich and poor is wider than at any point under Margaret Thatcher."Millions of pensioners remain consigned to poverty, two-thirds of them women. Hard-working families are crippled by debt. Carbon emissions are rising."And now hospital wards are closing, doctors and nurses are losing their jobs. This is the domestic legacy of the Blair-Brown government."Lord Ashdown, who is close to Sir Menzies, but not Mr Kennedy, insisted the latter would not return to the leadership and described his speech as a "goodbye to the party".  more...

Parents get first glimpse of £25m new-look school

PARENTS were yesterday given the first glimpse of the future for a crumbling school, which had previously been judged too successful to deserve investment for repairs.Designs for the long-awaited redevelopment of Durham Johnston, one of the highest-achieving schools in England, were revealed to parents and residents last night at an open evening.The £25m development will see the split-site school in Durham City replaced with a single campus on the existing upper school site at Crossgate Moor, near Neville's Cross, by the end of summer 2008.The state of the school, which last year had the fifth best A-level results in the country despite decrepit buildings dating back to the 1920s, has turned into a political issue in recent years.Angry parents said the school was being penalised for its success, because of strict Government guidelines which meant priority went to improving results in deprived areas.However, only weeks before last year's General Election, a funding deal was reached, which means the school will be the first in County Durham to benefit from the Building Schools For The Future Programme, which will see £400m spent during the next 12 years improving all the county's secondary schools.Headteacher Carolyn Roberts said: "We are very excited about the proposals - being together on one site will be a huge improvement in itself."We are going to have a purpose-built, imaginative, high- quality educational environment which will meet the needs of the widest possible range of people and become a landmark educational building for the city."The current school buildings, besides being more than two miles apart, are deteriorating, have outgrown their purpose and are simply no longer relevant to modern educational needs."This strong, dynamic school will achieve even more when we are all together."Councillor Claire Vasey, of Durham County Council, said: "The development of a new Durham Johnston School has reached a very important and exciting stage."It is essential that we provide a world-class school that not only eliminates the physical problems of the current arrangements, but will enhance its reputation for academic achievement, and, most importantly, meet the needs and aspirations of future generations of students."The designs of the new school, drawn up by architects RyderHKS, will go on show at venues around the city over coming weeks, including the Clayport Library from Monday until October 8, Bowburn Library from October 9 to 14 and Brandon Library from October 16 to 21.  more...

Phone pest faces judge's sentence

MAGISTRATES have refused to deal with one of the worst phone pests in the country - because of the seriousness of his offences.David Attwood, 32, has admitted making more than 1,300 nuisance calls to emergency services and members of the public over a two-month period.Teesside magistrates were ready to sentence Attwood yesterday but, after reading pre-sentence reports, they said the case was so serious that it needed to be dealt with by a judge, at the crown court.Unemployed Attwood, who was living in a Middlesbrough hostel before being arrested earlier this month, will be sentenced on a date to be fixed at Teesside Crown Court.At a previous hearing, he pleaded guilty to an offence of making nuisance calls.The court heard how he targeted women and used a mobile phone to dial 999 on more than 900 occasions. Vicky Wilson, prosecuting, told how a telephone operator contacted Cleveland Police to say a mobile phone had been used to dial 999 no fewer than 921 times. The same phone was used 452 times to contact Swinton Insurance and Saltburn Golf Club. There were also calls made to members of the public. Mrs Wilson told the court a female member of staff at the golf club answered a number of calls from Attwood. She told how she was trying to transfer Attwood's call when he made an indecent remark to her.Attwood was arrested on September 1 for public nuisance offences but denied using the mobile phone. He was subsequently arrested on September 5 and the phone was then found on him. Attwood, of Wellington Street, Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody.  more...

Crowds expected to flock at chance of a bird's eye view

ONE of the North-East's biggest collections of valuable birds of prey will go on display when a country park opens this weekend.Eagles, vultures and buzzards worth thousands of pounds will be among the rare breeds shown by Tracy Gibbons at Thorpe Farm in Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.They will be one of the main attractions on the 26-acre park set out by former pig farmer Paul Barkes, who decided to diversify after a sharp decline in the pork and bacon market.Mrs Gibbons began installing more than 30 birds yesterday in aviaries which will be open to the public from Saturday. Her husband Phill will give demonstrations of falconry at times.Mr Barkes, who started a farm shop, restaurant and play area some time ago, said he believes the country park will be a major tourist attraction for families from all over the North-East.He has set out paddocks with donkeys, goats, Highland cattle, red deer and llamas, as well as cleaning out an old lake and allocating space for picnics and games.He said: "The birds of prey will form a superb display, and visitors will enjoy looking at them from close quarters as well as seeing the falcons in action at times."Mrs Gibbons, who lives in Spennymoor, said: "It will be especially nice to have parties of children coming from local schools to learn about them."Her collection includes a golden eagle and a Rruppells griffin vulture, which has a 10ft wing span, along with every type of owl and a variety of hawks. During the winter, the birds will be on show from 10am to 4pm, Friday to Monday each week.  more...

Railway heritage trail still on track

VILLAGERS have generated a wealth of ideas for a proposed heritage trail along a former railway track in the region. The suggestions for the South West Durham Heritage Corridor were heard in a public consultation this week.The pathway will link West Auckland to Barnard Castle along the route of the old Bishop Auckland, Haggerleases and Barnard Castle Branch Railway line.The route would go via Evenwood, Ramshaw, Cockfield and Stainton Grove and would take in natural and historic landmarks.The county council estimates the project would cost £9.5m, most of which would be obtained through a grant.Should the grant bid be successful, work would start on the corridor in 2008, due to be finished in 2010.In the latest community event, held at Cockfield Primary School on Tuesday, officials from Durham County Council and its partners reported back to villagers and parish councillors their findings from the previous public consultation.Displays showed developments in the project, including improved accessibility issues and the regeneration of local historic sites.It is hoped individual heritage projects would take place at villages along the route of the pathway.In West Auckland, the historic village pant would be restored and at Stainton Grove, an exhibition about the former Army camp would be developed. Others include a website about the upper Gaunless Valley, a children's arts project and work to tie the corridor in with school curriculum.In a presentation, David Wilkinson, business manager of the environmental management department of Durham County Council, highlighted the main issues from the previous consultation.These included worries regarding how wildlife could suffer from the building of the pathway, and how to allow disabled access along the route.Mr Wilkinson said: "People who have turned up today have been really enthusiastic and praised the project."This type of consultation is necessary in order to successfully apply for the grant we need. These types of things are really useful so we can get an idea of what we want."We've had some interesting ideas. One idea that has been suggested is bringing the old iron railway bridge back to West Auckland."This would be a big, expensive, complicated project but its something we could look at."The public consultation stage of the project is due to finish in November, when the council will begin its application for a grant.  more...

New book looks at pictorial history of proud regiment

MORE than 1,000 photo-graphs of Green Howards soldiers stretching across 150 years of history have been brought together in a new book.The Green Howards - A History in Photographs is the first complete pictorial record of a British infantry regiment.Major Roger Chapman has compiled the photographs from the archives of the Regimental Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire. They show the regiment's officers and men at war and in peacetime.As well as the regular soldiers, the book covers volunteers and militia, territorials and cadets. The earliest photographs in the book were taken by Roger Fenton, who was posted to the Crimea in 1855.Among the subjects of some of the 350 plates he exposed were the officers of the 19th Regiment of Foot - The Green Howards - who fought at the Battle of the Alma, on September 20, 1854. From there, the plates detail the regiment's service in many parts of the world, including India, Afghanistan, Canada, Egypt, Burma, Northern Ireland and Bosnia. More than three-quarters of the pictures have never been published before.The book's final pictures show the end of 388 years of life as an independent regiment, with The Green Howards becoming the Second Battalion of the new Yorkshire Regiment.Maj Chapman said: "The history of The Green Howards - from its colonels-in-chief, through its 18 Victoria Cross winners and down to the ordinary private soldiers - is both fascinating and moving."The photographs tell better than words how much has changed for them, and how much remains constant. "After more than three centuries, The Green Howards are now part of a larger army grouping, but we remain proud of our history."The 1,000 copies of this new book will stand as a graphic reminder of our long service to the Crown."The book was launched yesterday at the Regimental Museum in Richmond, the anniversary of the Battle of the Alma.It is published by Great Northern Publishing at £30 and is available from the museum or The Green Howards website, www.green howards.org.uk  more...