Stories for 29 September 2006

The Northern Echo News

Former soldier spared

A FORMER soldier who broke a man's jaw with a single punch has been spared jail by a judge who told him: "Your victim will think I have been ridiculously over-lenient with you."   more...

Bus regulation needs "massive" funding - claim

A North-East bus chief is calling for a "massive'' funding increase if the Government introduces London-style regulation of services in the rest of the country.   more...

Cannabis farmers jailed

  more...

Top Gear star could recover within six months

TELEVISION presenter Richard Hammond was discharged from Leeds General Infirmary today.   more...

Top Gear presenter leaves hospital

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond thanked Yorkshire Air Ambulance for helping save his life as he left hospital yesterday.Mr Hammond laughed and joked with the air ambulance crew as he left Leeds General Infirmary, eight days after he was seriously injured while filming for the BBC series.Last night, paramedic Paul Bradbury said the crew had been on a maintenance flight when they were asked to pick up a patient from the hospital for transfer to the airport."We walked into the hospital and saw Richard sitting in a chair," said Mr Bradbury. "He was happy to see us and thanked us very much for what we did for him last week."Mr Hammond suffered a "significant brain injury" when a jet-powered car he was driving crashed at about 300mph at Elvington Airfield, near York.Yesterday, he was taken to Leeds Bradford Airport where a plane was waiting to take him to Bristol.He is expected to start a course of rehabilitation in a private hospital in the city, which is close to his home.Yesterday, his consultant neurosurgeon, Stuart Ross, said he was very optimistic the presenter would make a full recovery in about six months.Following the accident, Mr Hammond's wife, Mindy, asked people to make donations to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, rather than send flowers, but yesterday, the service was dealt a blow when it was revealed that a pledge of £50,000 was a sick joke.Although yet to be confirmed, air ambulance staff said last night they were fairly certain that what they had thought was a generous gesture was really a hoax.But Chris Solomons, from the service, said: "Even without that, it is still a lot of money being raised. With Gift Aid it is just short of £200,000 now." l To make an online donation to the Richard Hammond Appeal visit www.piston heads.com or www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk Comment - Page 12  more...

It's bye bye baby as Ryanair launches new route to Spain

Bye bye baby - that was the message from Durham Tees Valley Airport yesterday, as it unveiled new services to help compensate for the loss of eight routes from low-cost airline bmibaby. From February 13, Ryan-air will operate a new route to Barcelona from the airport, which the company estimates will carry 45,000 passengers a year and will run three flights a week. To mark the announcement, the airline, which has a base at Barcelona Girona airport, flew in an aircraft emblazoned with the slogan Bye Bye Baby.Two weeks ago, Durham Tees Valley was left reeling after the announcement that bmibaby was axing its base in the region, and with it, flights from the airport to destinations including Alicante, Palma, Malaga and Jersey. Figures show that bmi-baby flights carry about a third of the 1.1 million passengers who fly from Dur-ham Tees Valley each year. All the airline's scheduled services will stop by November 6.But yesterday, the announcement of the new Spanish route was hailed as a step forward for the airport and for the North-East. Caroline Baldwin, Ryan-air's marketing manager, told a press conference there was huge potential for the region with the launch of the service. She said: "We have a massive brand presence in that part of Spain, and we would expect the route to Durham Tees Valley to carry a considerable amount of in-bound passengers, as well as allowing people in the region to visit popular destinations in Spain." Peel Holdings, which owns Durham Tees Valley, has plans for the airport to expand, and signifciant improvement work is being carried out. Hugh Lang, the airport's managing director, said: "There have been significant investments made, and Ryanair's commitment to this airport gives us confidence to make future investment."   more...

Young dad developed vCJD after eating beef

A mother last night said she would not wish her family's ordeal on anyone after the human form of mad cow disease killed her son months after he developed symptoms.Margaret Marshall believes burgers are the most likely reason her son, Stephen, 30, contracted variant Creutz-feldt-Jacob Disease (vCJD).The father-of-one, who died in March, was the fifth person from the North-East and North Yorkshire to lose his life to the illness.Yesterday, an inquest heard that weeks after Mr Marshall, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, first showed symptoms of the condition, he deteriorated to such a point that he had slurred speech, was unsteady on his feet and disorientated.Speaking after the hearing in Middlesbrough, his mother spoke of the family's devastation over his untimely death."You are angry to begin with, but you learn to accept it," she said. "It's a devastating illness, I would not wish it on anybody."Mrs Marshall said she was convinced her son contracted vCJD more than ten years before the illness took hold She said: "I think it was from when he was about 18 or 19, when he was travelling about a lot. He used to live on burgers."Mr Marshall, of Olav Road, Richmond, was diagnosed last December. He died on March 16 in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.The inquest heard that Mr Marshall, who had a two-year-old daughter, was admitted to the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, on October 18 last year, and later moved to the James Cook University Hospital.Consultant neurologist Dr Gavin Young told the inquest his condition deteriorated over several weeks. The case was referred to the CJD Surveillance Unit, in Edinburgh, where tests confirmed the presence of the disease. Consultant neuro-pathologist Dr David Scoones confirmed Mr Marshall died of bronchial pneumonia, due to CJD.He said: "On the balance of all probability, the vCJD would have been caused by the consumption of beef contaminated with BSE."In recording his verdict, Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield said: "It is quite clear that Stephen Marshall has been desperately unlucky."I am also satisfied that his death occurred through his unknowing consumption of infected beef a few years previously."It is not natural causes - he died through misadventure."Previously, four people in the region have died from vCJD, including Peter Hall, 20, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, whose mother, Frances, is secretary of the Human BSE Association.Last night, Mrs Hall said: "This is the first death from vCJD in the North-East for quite a while. "It just shows that this terrible disease still has a lot of years to run."The number of vCJD deaths has gradually fallen since reaching a peak of 28 cases in 2000. Last year, there were five confirmed deaths from the disease, making a total of 156 since records began in 1990  more...

Police found stun gun and drugs - court told

  more...

Petrol bomb man spared jail

A SPURNED lover who turned himself into a petrol bomb at a busy garage has been spared jail.   more...

Man fights for life

A MOTORIST is fighting for his life after colliding with a stationary articulated lorry.   more...

'Hard man' Reid hints at challenge to Brown

JOHN Reid yesterday became the first Cabinet rival to strongly hint he would challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership, as the party's conference closed in Manchester.The Home Secretary, who relishes his role as Labour's leading rightwing hard man, strayed from his script in his keynote speech to joke about his opponents on the left of the party.Mr Reid noted that Roy Hattersley, a former deputy leader, had threatened to shoot himself if the Home Secretary won the race to succeed Tony Blair.And he added: "I have to say that, until Roy said that, I hadn't been able to see any advantages in standing." The remark - even said in jest - raised eyebrows at the Manchester conference, where Cabinet ministers agreed in advance not to mention the leadership question.Only a day earlier, Education Secretary Alan Johnson - often touted as the other possible Blairite candidate - deliberately steered clear of the leadership issue entirely.And, significantly, Mr Reid was applauded enthusiastically in the hall by the prime minister, who did not attend many of the speeches made by other Cabinet members.During his speech, billed as a tough promise to tackle Muslim extremism head-on, Mr Reid repeatedly referred to "leadership" and pledged to play his "full part" in future Labour campaigns.He also strayed far beyond his law and order brief to cover other key policy areas, such as schools and hospitals, as well as foreign affairs.And he made a surprise attack of the left's bete noire, President George Bush, insisting Britain should criticise him "on climate change, on stem cell research, on civil partnerships, on tax cuts".One senior Labour aide said of the speech: "That was John's way of saying to Gordon 'If no one else will take you on, I will'."The Home Secretary opened his remarks by telling conference delegates: "It was a close run thing but I think it was a very good week indeed."Instead of descending into "dog eat dog" as it had 25 years ago, the party had come together in Manchester and "heartened our supporters", he said.Mr Reid - the focus of the "anyone but Gordon" forces in the party - promised measures on forced marriages, employers exploiting illegal immigrants and migration.He suggested making violent criminals liable for the medical costs of their victims and promised a "community payback scheme" to make them rectify the damage they did to society.Mr Reid also suggested reducing the NHS's need for doctors and nurses from the developing world - which went down well with the party faithful.Asked, as he prepared to leave Manchester, what he thought of Mr Reid's speech, Mr Blair replied there had been "many excellent speeches this week".  more...

Dumped dog was in pitiful condition

AN abandoned dog was found emaciated and covered in cuts and bruises after its unconcerned owner kicked it out, a court heard.Spike, an English Bull Terrier was found roaming the streets of Stockton, Teesside, by a police officer on the beat in April.The dog had been left to fend for itself for about six weeks.Teesside Magistrates' Court heard yesterday how married mother-of-one Rizwana Kousar, 27, no longer wanted the animal.Simon Catterall, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court the dog was found shivering and frightened.He said: "A police officer was on duty on April 2 and saw Spike. He was concerned at his condition. He had scabs on his nose, was dirty, cold and shivering. There was also a disease in his eye."The court was told the RSPCA was called and the dog was taken for an examination.Mr Catterall said: "Spike was upset and growling. He was found to have a skin infection and weighed at 22 kilos. The vet would have expected him to be at least 30 kilos."He was clearly emaciated and had been caused unnecessary suffering for at least six weeks, or perhaps even longer."Investigations led back to Kousar and, when she was interviewed, her unconcerned attitude shocked animal welfare officers.Mr Catterall told the court that during an interview, when she was asked what happened when Spike left, she said she opened the door and let him go.She said she didn't want to be bothered about him anymore and that she didn't want him. She said she wasn't sure what to do with him and that is why she threw him out.Spike was taken to Great Ayton animal centre and it was decided that, because of the time spent on the streets, he was too frightened and aggressive and had to be put down.Liz McGowan, on behalf of Kousar, said she had been in Britain for four years and that where she came from, animals may be treated in this way.Kousar, who pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and supervision. She was banned from keeping animals for life and must pay £100 court costs.  more...

Dog left in car after owner arrested

POLICE have come under fire for leaving a dog in a car for almost 36 hours after arresting its owner - a woman convicted of attacking her brother with rhubarb. Margaret Porter was detained on Tuesday in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, for breaking an anti-social behaviour order.After the arrest, staff from bookmaker Leyburn Racing realised that Porter's dog, Gizmo, was still inside her car.The vehicle was unlocked so staff and customers fed the dog and took it for walks. They also removed valuables for safe keeping.One customer, who asked not to be named, said: "The police came and took her out (of the car), but left the dog in the back."Nobody came back and the dog was still there on Wednesday morning."Staff from the bookies let it out and the first thing it did was cock its leg for two minutes and then gulp down two bowls of water."If police lock someone up, surely it's their responsibility to make sure animals are cared for?"A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said officers expected the RSPCA to collect the dog. The animal was removed by police officers late on Wednesday night.Sophie Corless, of the RSPCA, said: "There was a bit of a mix-up - I don't know who was to blame. The main thing is that the dog is now safe." Porter's solicitor, David Scourfield, said his client was very concerned about Gizmo after her arrest and he had tried to contact friends to collect the dog.Porter, from Sinderby, appeared before Northallerton magistrates on Wednesday. She was remanded in custody until October 5.Police say the dog will remain in kennels until its owner is released.  more...

Seven-year-old stung 30 times by swarm of wasps

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD was stung at least 30 times by a swarm of wasps in her school playground."It was like something out of a horror film," said Zoe Simpson's mother, Karen."It's every parent's worst nightmare, seeing their child being attacked and being powerless to stop it."She said Zoe was playing at her primary school in York when she was stung.Mrs Simpson, who was at the school, tried to fend off the swarm and school staff, hearing the screams, ran to the rescue.Zoe was eventually taken to hospital and given a sedative.The swarm had crawled in her hair, over her face and down her jumper.The swarm struck at Hob Moor Primary School, in York, on Wednesday.Headmaster Karl Jarvis said teachers and pupils were traumatised.Pest control officers have since destroyed the swarm.Zoe said: "I was stung 30 times, all over my body, and it hurt so much. I had been near the nest before, but the wasps had never bothered me. This time they came at me straight away. I tried to run away, but they were too fast."Mr Jarvis said: "This has been absolutely awful and we are all in shock. There was a report on September 8 about wasps in our area so we logged it with our facilities provider, who came straight out to the school."They carried out a good search, but found nothing and we had had no more reports."The only thing we can surmise is that the grass had just been cut and that may have disturbed the nest, which was buried in the ground."  more...

Young dad developed vCJD after eating beef

A mother last night said she would not wish her family's ordeal on anyone after the human form of mad cow disease killed her son months after he developed symptoms.Margaret Marshall believes burgers are the most likely reason her son, Stephen, 30, contracted variant Creutz-feldt-Jacob Disease (vCJD).The father-of-one, who died in March, was the fifth person from the North-East and North Yorkshire to lose his life to the illness.Yesterday, an inquest heard that weeks after Mr Marshall, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, first showed symptoms of the condition, he deteriorated to such a point that he had slurred speech, was unsteady on his feet and disorientated.Speaking after the hearing in Middlesbrough, his mother spoke of the family's devastation over his untimely death."You are angry to begin with, but you learn to accept it," she said. "It's a devastating illness, I would not wish it on anybody."Mrs Marshall said she was convinced her son contracted vCJD more than ten years before the illness took hold She said: "I think it was from when he was about 18 or 19, when he was travelling about a lot. He used to live on burgers."Mr Marshall, of Olav Road, Richmond, was diagnosed last December. He died on March 16 in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.The inquest heard that Mr Marshall, who had a two-year-old daughter, was admitted to the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, on October 18 last year, and later moved to the James Cook University Hospital.Consultant neurologist Dr Gavin Young told the inquest his condition deteriorated over several weeks. The case was referred to the CJD Surveillance Unit, in Edinburgh, where tests confirmed the presence of the disease. Consultant neuro-pathologist Dr David Scoones confirmed Mr Marshall died of bronchial pneumonia, due to CJD.He said: "On the balance of all probability, the vCJD would have been caused by the consumption of beef contaminated with BSE."In recording his verdict, Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield said: "It is quite clear that Stephen Marshall has been desperately unlucky."I am also satisfied that his death occurred through his unknowing consumption of infected beef a few years previously."It is not natural causes - he died through misadventure."Previously, four people in the region have died from vCJD, including Peter Hall, 20, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, whose mother, Frances, is secretary of the Human BSE Association.Last night, Mrs Hall said: "This is the first death from vCJD in the North-East for quite a while. "It just shows that this terrible disease still has a lot of years to run."The number of vCJD deaths has gradually fallen since reaching a peak of 28 cases in 2000. Last year, there were five confirmed deaths from the disease, making a total of 156 since records began in 1990.  more...

Pressure group sets its agenda

NEWLY-FORMED pressure group the North-East Taxpayers' Alliance launched itself on to the region's political stage yesterday with a call for the closure of the North-East assembly.The Alliance - formed by members of North-East Says No, which waged the successful campaign against an elected assembly in the 2004 referendum - launched its campaign for lower taxes, reform of the benefit system and removing politicians from the management of public services.The group, which claims motor magnate Sir Tom Cowie and former Yorkshire Health Authority chairman Sir Bryan Askew among its supporters, says it does not intend to field election candidates, but will campaign on a range of issues in the coming years.It celebrated its launch by re-inflating its symbolic white elephant, kept in storage in a garage for the past two years, and turning its fire on the continued existence of the assembly, based in Newcastle's Guildhall.Set up by the Government in 1999, the assembly is made up of 73 members from the region's councils, unions and voluntary sector. It has a budget of about £2m and is responsible, among other things, for drawing up the Regional Spatial Strategy and scrutinising development agency One NorthEast.Although the public voted overwhelmingly against replacing the assembly with an elected alternative in 2004, the alliance says the vote undermined its continued existence.Alliance chief executive Phillip Cummings said: "What part of No don't they understand? What is right, spending £2m on local schools or £2m on a white elephant that has no power."However, the argument was dismissed by assembly vice-chairman, businessman Paul Briggs, who said the body was proud of its track record in co-ordinating the region's planning, transport, environment and housing, despite having less than 30 staff.He added: "The North-East Assembly costs less than £2m each year, which works out at about the cost of a packet of crisps per person in the region."  more...

Pregnant vice girl was held captive,

A PROSTITUTE was snatched from the streets and beaten as she was held captive for five hours by a man who had made her pregnant.Lesley Watts claimed she was hit in the face with a television remote control and punched by attacker Antonio Williams during the ordeal.Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday that Williams bundled Miss Watts into a friend's car in Middlesbrough town centre in April and took her back to his flat.Harry Hadfield, prosecuting, said the attack happened a month after Miss Watts, 31, told Williams, 33, that she was carrying his child.Mr Hadfield said Williams grabbed Miss Watts in Borough Road at 2am on April 6 and took her to his flat above a shop in Acklam Road.Miss Watts finally fled from his clutches after jumping from an upstairs window and running to a newsagent's shop at about 7.30am.Williams, who has previous convictions for violence, drug possession, resisting arrest and driving offences, admitted false imprisonment and was jailed for 18 months.Mr Hadfield said Miss Watts tried to escape when Williams went to the toilet, but claimed she was dragged back up the stairs and repeatedly beaten while he demanded to know why she was not going to abort the pregnancy.But in the early morning - after the situation had calmed and the pair had sex - Miss Watts escaped through the bathroom window as Williams made a telephone call.Tom Mitchell, mitigating, said Miss Watts had exaggerated the extent to which she was attacked and said the medical evidence about her injuries did not support her account.He said: "I don't doubt that it is serious or passes the custody threshold, but this is more akin to an allegation of domestic violence than it is to kidnapping or false imprisonment."It was not a pleasant five hours, but it was only five hours."  more...

Museum rivals battle over weapon

A DISPUTE over a sword between two museum curators, one dressed in full Roman soldier regalia and the other going by the name of Maximus Gluteus, ended up in court.But Keith Mulhearn, 40, of Fossway, in York, was yesterday cleared of assault and affray.York Crown Court heard claims that he had brandished a Roman helmet and picked up a sword during a row with Graham Harris, 58, who was dressed in Roman soldier uniform, at the York Bath House Museum.It was also claimed that during the row between the two Roman history enthusiasts, who are both involved with separate re-enactment societies, Mr Mulhearn shouted "I'm going to kill you."The court heard that Mr Mulhearn, who had just been replaced as museum curator by Mr Harris, had lost his temper because he believed his successor had stolen some of his Roman replica weaponry from the museum.He was accused of attacking Mr Harris' daughter, Claire, 33, who stood between the two men during the course of the argument at the museum, on November 5, last year. But a jury cleared him on both charges.Mr Mulhearn, who used to dress up as a Roman character called Maximus Gluteus, told the court he did not shout or use violence.He said: "Claire Harris actually grabbed hold of me, not the other way around. She had her right hand on my shoulder and twisted my jacket."She said something about not hurting anyone."It was only when I saw Mr Harris that it clicked she was his daughter."Mr Harris was calm. He said, 'We have to talk about this', and I said there was nothing to talk about."I picked up the two helmets to inspect them, they weren't mine and I noticed the sword and that was mine. I took it and left."I didn't say I was going to kill anyone."Afterwards, Mr Mulhearn said: "I feel relieved and vindicated."The court heard that Mr Mulhearn had run the museum first as a business and then on behalf of a re-enactment group called the Lost Legion.The contract with the owners had come to an end and the owners of the museum had approached Mr Harris - who now runs a rival re-enactment group, the Sixth Legion - to run the museum.Mr Mulhearn told the court he believed that the property belonging to him had been left at the museum. He said a helmet belonging to the Lost Legion had also been left there.He denied assaulting anyone and said he had entered the museum to retrieve the property.  more...

Cathedral to host anniversary celebrations

A SERVICE is being held to mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.Guide dogs and their companions will be at Durham Cathedral on Saturday, October 7, for the 5.15pm service.The service is being held at the request of Gavin Atkins, 53, of Orchard Road, Darlington, who has tuned the pianos in the cathedral for about 34 years.Chapter Steward Anne Heywood said: "Gavin and his guide dogs have been a very welcome and familiar sight, as are the puppies, who come here with their walkers as part of their training."We hope that as many people as possible will come and enjoy this evensong."There will be hymns and a sermon to pay thanks to the work of the charity.Andrew Leon, district team manager for Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: "Over the past 75 years, the lives of thousands of partially-sighted people in the country have been transformed by the freedom and independence that a guide dog provides. We will be celebrating this anniversary with the support of Durham Cathedral and lots of members of the guide dog family."  more...

Drugs crackdown continues as police make more arrests

A BLITZ on crack-dealing in a North-East town is starting to have a knock-on effect for addicts, according to drug workers.With the second day of police raids taking another 22 suspected dealers off the streets of Middlesbrough yesterday, supplies of the highly-addictive drug could be running out.Operation Drayton has seen 300 police officers deployed across the town to carry out dawn raids on suspected dealers and crack houses. The three-day blitz, which concludes this morning, has so far resulted in 54 arrests and substantial quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and drugs paraphernalia has been seized.Rachael Robertson, manager of drug intervention agency Lifeline Middlesbrough, believes the effects of withdrawal for addicts will kick in early next week.She said: "This will have an effect on the supply. We are not expecting to see the problems instantaneously, but we will start to see the effects over the weekend."The come down for the addict can be incredibly severe and we are using the outreach workers to offer advice and health care to anyone who is suffering."Anyone experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or associated problems, can contact Lifeline on 01642-225479.Superintendent Steve Swales, Middlesbrough District Commander, pledged to keep the pressure on the targeted dealers.He said: "This is going to be a relentless campaign. The second wave has gone in and again our message is quite simple - we will not allow those who deal in drugs to ruin the lives of those in our community."Those who deal in drugs will have to get used to action of this kind. We intend to disrupt their lives. The early morning knock on their door will become a common occurrence."The latest raids began at 7am and police targeted homes in Longford Street, Warren Street, Archibald Street, Pannel Avenue, Letitia House, Costa Street, Broadwell Road, Essex Street and Norcliffe Street.Four people were remanded in custody on charges of conspiracy to supply class A drugs when they appeared before Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday.Two Jamaican nationals, Alric Nelson, 31, of Lancaster Road, Middlesbrough, and 33-year-old Ricardo Hanson, of the same address, were refused bail because of concerns that they would flee the country and commit further offences.Tina Nicklin, 36, of Clairville Road, and 43-year-old Jackie Carey, of Meath Street, were also remanded in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court next Friday.Police have urged the community to help in the fight against drugs by ringing Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800-555111.  more...

Figures show increase in death and injury accidents on the roads

THE number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in the region increased last year - despite a decrease nationally.Statistics revealed yesterday show that 1,891 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in this region last year.This figure includes more than 400 pedestrians, 107 cyclists, and 370 motorcyclists.Although the number of people killed or seriously injured dropped in North Yorkshire, and nationally, the figures showed a significant increase in the North-East, particularly in County Durham.However, Alan Kennedy, Durham County Council's road safety team manager, said: "Over the past five years, there has been a general downward trend in road accident casualties and we are well on our way to meeting the Government's 2010 targets."As part of that work, we are to run speed awareness courses in November and have already brought in the Sage (Safer Driving with Age) scheme for older drivers, while 1,000 drivers have completed the driver improvement scheme over the past four years."What we are finding however, is a rise in single vehicle accidents where drivers are travelling at inappropriate speeds for the conditions, and an increase in drink-related casualties."The county is one of just two in the country without fixed speed cameras.But the statistics, released by the Department for Transport, showed that driver inattention rather than excess speed was the major cause of accidents.Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for the conditions was a contributory factor in 26 per cent of fatal accidents.It is the first time that the department has published details of contributory factors to road accidents.The number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in North Yorkshire last year was 147 - one of the highest totals for a local authority in the country.David Lindsay, of North Yorkshire road safety said Operation Halter, launched to reduce the number of motorbike accidents, had been running for three years and had already seen improvements.He said: "Rider behaviour is still a big issue, for example, driving too fast and overtaking inappropriately."We will do more in the way of education, and we are also looking to improve some road layouts."The number of people killed in accidents involving drink-driving fell by three per cent to 560 last year, with total casualties in drink-drive accidents falling by nine per cent.There has been controversy over the figures because they are based on police reports and not on hospital reports, which are often higher.  more...

Top Gear presenter leaves hospital

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond thanked Yorkshire Air Ambulance for helping save his life as he left hospital yesterday.Mr Hammond laughed and joked with the air ambulance crew as he left Leeds General Infirmary, eight days after he was seriously injured while filming for the BBC series.Last night, paramedic Paul Bradbury said the crew had been on a maintenance flight when they were asked to pick up a patient from the hospital for transfer to the airport."We walked into the hospital and saw Richard sitting in a chair," said Mr Bradbury. "He was happy to see us and thanked us very much for what we did for him last week."Mr Hammond suffered a "significant brain injury" when a jet-powered car he was driving crashed at about 300mph at Elvington Airfield, near York.Yesterday, he was taken to Leeds Bradford Airport where a plane was waiting to take him to Bristol.He is expected to start a course of rehabilitation in a private hospital in the city, which is close to his home.Yesterday, his consultant neurosurgeon, Stuart Ross, said he was very optimistic the presenter would make a full recovery in about six months.Following the accident, Mr Hammond's wife, Mindy, asked people to make donations to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, rather than send flowers, but yesterday, the service was dealt a blow when it was revealed that a pledge of £50,000 was a sick joke.Although yet to be confirmed, air ambulance staff said last night they were fairly certain that what they had thought was a generous gesture was really a hoax.But Chris Solomons, from the service, said: "Even without that, it is still a lot of money being raised. With Gift Aid it is just short of £200,000 now." * To make an online donation to the Richard Hammond Appeal visit www.piston heads.com or www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk  more...

Family's anger as girl hurt at unfinished school

THE family of a seven-year-old girl have condemned a decision to open a new school with workers still on site after the youngster fell and injured her leg on a playground barrier.Ellie Naisbitt, from Close House, near Bishop Auckland, needed hospital treatment after the accident at the Prince Bishops Community Primary School, in Coundon Grange.Her aunt, Kelly Dodds, said the school, which replaces outdated primaries at Eldon Lane and Dene Valley, should not have opened before the building was finished and criticised the level of supervision in the playground.Families in the area have been concerned about safety at the school since children arrived at the start of term.Ms Dodds said: "Ellie is only seven and was playing when she fell. She ripped her leg open when it got caught under the barrier. It is a real mess and we are worried that she will be scarred for life. If they have opened the school in this state, then they should have extra supervision. "Parents aren't happy about the children being there while the work is going on. It could have been anybody's child."The barrier has now been modified to stop a child's leg slipping underneath.David Williams, director of children's and young people's services for the local education authority Durham County Council, said that safety at the school had been reviewed and new measures introduced.He said "The county council is conscious of the need to ensure the safety and well being of pupils and staff on its school premises and consequently undertook a joint risk assessment of the site with the contractor before the school opened."The provision of safety fencing was as a result of that risk assessment and the balance of judgement was that the school was safe to open."  more...

A big attraction or a giant threat to town's tradition?

Traders in Darlington fear for their future with the possibility of a multi-million pound superstore. Gavin Havery visited Hexham, England's favourite market town, to see how Tesco affected the local economy when it began trading a year ago.THE walk from the free Tesco car park to the bustling market place in Hexham, Northumberland, is steep, but full of character, with cobbled stones and dry stone walls.There is a farmers' market every Tuesday and Saturday, packed with colourful characters and enhanced by uplifting music.The atmosphere in the town centre around Hexham Abbey is upbeat and positive, where independent retailers and familiar high street brands sit side by side comfortably.It seems almost unaffected by the presence of one of the world's biggest and most aggressive retailers, just a few hundred yards away.But from over the wall the sprawling expanse that was once Tynedale Retail Park is seen by some as sucking the lifeblood from the local economy.Kirsty Cruikshank, of Cruikshanks Fine Foods, is the retail representative of Hexham Business Forum.She said: "Some retailers have closed, including a fishmongers and a small organic food shop."Fears from traders in Darlington are justified in the sense that a big supermarket is going to undercut them, but they do not provide the same customer service or give the same choice."I would suggest that small businesses should resist a huge superstore, because they didn't gain their market share by not forcing people out of business. They do not target one market either - they want all of everyone's pie. Everyone feels it."Tesco, in Hexham, offers everything from camping to camera equipment, household goods to hanging baskets along with food and even financial services.The supermarket company bought the site for £18m and opened its doors last October - despite the protests of local businesses.Tynedale District Council was powerless to stop it because it had bought the land and only wanted to make minor alterations.But Andy Dean, director of regeneration and communities for the council, said Hexham had adjusted well to the presence of the retail giant.He said: "Darlington has to ask whether the local economy is strong enough to cope with the presence of a big firm like Tesco, and we think Hexham is."If it goes ahead, the key thing is to make the town as an attractive a place as possible to make sure it first choice as a shopping destination."In Darlington, Tesco proposes to build a superstore, 130 apartments, 750 car parking spaces, a petrol station and a new town hall for Darlington Borough Council. If it is given the go ahead, the project is expected to be completed by 2010-2011. But three out of four people in the town oppose the plan.Marc Smith, manager of Tesco Hexham, said he believed the whole area had benefited. He said: "We are bringing customers back into town and we are a destination for people who live outside Hexham as well."Our products are tailored towards the needs of the local population and we have identified their shopping trends. "One of the biggest problems is parking. We offer free three-hour parking so people can come in do their shopping and have a look around the town as well so local traders benefit."Tim Tatman, secretary of Hexham Civic Society remains unconvinced.He said: "Tesco cannot be beneficial in terms of footfall to traditional high street shops because they have such a wide range on offer and are a one stop shop. They say there is a boost to local businesses but then, they would say that, wouldn't they?  more...

Police warn runners to be wary of opportunist thieves

POLICE are issuing crime prevention warnings to motorists taking part in this weekend's Great North Run.Advice has been sent by email to thousands of runners taking part, advising them to make sure their possessions are locked out of sight while they are away from their cars. Chief Inspector Dave Metcalfe, of Northumbria Police's South Tyneside area command, said: "The Great North Run sees a huge influx of runners and their supporters into South Tyneside and we would not want their big day marred by having their car broken into."This is why we've asked the race organisers to include crime prevention advice to runners in their bulletins."We're also asking people to please park considerately and use the designated parking areas. Not only is it safer, it's also cheaper. A parking offence could cost you £30."After the race, police are also reminding motorists leaving South Shields to be patient and follow the designated routes.Chief Insp Metcalfe said: "We hope everyone will have a truly enjoyable day, which will be remembered for all the right reasons."Northumbria Police want the event to be safe and crime-free. We ask for the public's support in achieving this."Motorists are also being reminded that several roads will be closed and diversions will be signposted.Roads are expected to reopen once all runners have passed through and the roads have been cleaned, which in the case of the Newcastle and Gateshead sections, should be at about 3.30pm.Organisers are hoping people will consider using public transport to get to the event.* Competitors and spectators are being urged to use public transport where possible.* Baggage buses for competitors will remain at the start area until 10.10am, a new arrangement for this year's event.* In Newcastle, the North-West Radial route, from Cowhill to the start, adjacent to North Terrace Interchange, will close at 10pm on Saturday. Part of the central motorway will also be affected by this closure.* On Sunday, the central motorway to the Tyne Bridge will close at 8.45am, and the route through Gateshead, via Park Lane roundabout, Felling bypass to White Mare Pool, will close at 9am.* The route through South Shields, via Leam Lane, John Reid Road to the Coast Road, will close at 9.45am.* Between 7am and 5pm on Sunday, Nexus will operate a seven-and-a-half minute Metro service between Newcastle International Airport and South Shields. It will also operate a ten-minute service on the North Tyne route. A ten minute service will run between Sunderland and Pelaw.* In South Shields, there will be a continuous bus service between Bents Park Road and either Newcastle, depending on road openings, or Heworth.  more...

Giving it up for a good cause - vote to decide who benefits

For the past few weeks, readers of The Northern Echo have been nominating charities to benefit from a cash giveaway organised by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).Now readers have the opportunity to vote for their favourite from the shortlist published today.The shortlist is accompanied by a brief description of the charity and what it does.Once the votes have been counted, the top five will win £1,000 each.Readers have until 10am next Friday, October 6, to vote.Representatives from the winning charities will be contacted by The Northern Echo and must be available to take part in the cheque presentations on Friday, October 13, at the paper's Darlington head office.CAF, a not-for-profit organisation committed to effective charity giving, is encouraging people to "Give It Up For" a charity of their choice.The organisation is behind National Giving Week, between October 16 and 22.During the week, people will be asked to think about what they can give up for charity.It could be giving up driving to work and donating the money saved or giving up that extra pint in the pub and putting the money into a charity collection instead.Equally, it could be a regular donation from salary or volunteering time by helping a charity.As well as helping individuals to make charity donations, CAF can help charities benefit from outsourcing the time-consuming and costly administration that can be involved in handling donations.CAF can manage all donations, online and off, by cheque, credit card or direct debit, ensuring that donors have the widest range of options. Wherever possible, it will ensure the tax is reclaimed through Gift Aid - even on donations that have already been banked. CAF can also offer advice and training on all aspects of tax-efficient giving, provide help with electronic fundraising, and undertake membership management, freeing charities to get on with their work.* For information on National Giving Week, go to www.giveitupfor.orgTo find out how your charity could be making the most of its donations, visit www.cafonline/ fundraising support.org, or call 01732-520121.SHORTLISTED CHARITIES AND WHAT THEY DOThe Salvation Army, Northgate, DarlingtonA Christian charity recognised worldwide for helping people from all backgrounds - including the homeless and people with alcohol problems or drug addictions.The Princess Royal Trust For Carers - Sedgefield, County DurhamProvides support and treats for full-time carers looking after loved ones, the elderly and the sick. Volunteers provide transport and their own time.Swaledale Mountain Rescue, Richmond, North YorkshireProvides search and rescue services, helps police and other 999 services. The rescuers are volunteers.Staindrop Christmas Lights, Staindrop, County DurhamVolunteers work all year to make the village of Staindrop beautiful for six weeks at Christmas. This year, they need to find £10,000 to pay for 1,200 bulbs.Friends of Senior Citizens, Neville Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe, County DurhamRun from a community centre, the friends organise activities for people aged five to 85. They hope to raise enough money to fit a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities, as well as other improvements.Dogs Trust, Sadberge, County DurhamDependent on donations, the Dogs Trust takes in strays and unwanted dogs, providing a safe, warm environment and helping them to be re-homed.St Cuthberts Last Journey, DurhamThe group is trying to raise £200,000 for a bronze sculpture in the centre of Durham in memory of St Cuthbert.Great North Air Ambulance, c/o Imperial Centre, DarlingtonProvides air cover when patients involved in serious accidents across the region need transport to hospital.YMCA, High Street, StocktonA Christian charity supporting young people and providing a range of services and activities.Darlington Mind, Borough Road, DarlingtonMental health charity Mind is looking for donations for a garden project at its Borough Road headquarters, one of several projects it is undertaking.Trimdon Grange Community Centre, Salters Lane, Trimdon GrangeThe centre wants to refurbish a millennium garden, destroyed by vandals, which was dedicated to miners who died at work. Independence 4 Disability, Frosterley, WeardaleA new charity only in its third year, which helps families with special needs children.Billy Fury Memorial Heart Disease Research Fund, Redcar, east ClevelandRaises money for hospital equipment in the region. The fund is raising money to buy a defibrillator for heart attack victims.Bunny Burrows, Richmond, North YorkshireThe charity is dedicated to relieving the suffering of animals, including unwanted rabbits and guinea pigs, helping to care for and rehome them.Darlington Bond Scheme, Grange Road Baptist Centre, DarlingtonA non-profit making charity reducing homelessness by helping people who cannot afford the usual deposit or bond to move into private rented accommodation.Invest in ME, c/o Claremont Gardens, Purbrook, nr PortsmouthA group campaigning for medical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis. St James Church Coundon Under The Roof Appeal, Coundon, County DurhamSt James Church is a listed building. Efforts are under way to repair the roof. Funding is also needed to restore and modernise the interior of the building.St Teresa's Hospice, Woodlands Road, DarlingtonHelps people suffering from life-limiting illness achieve the best possible quality of life. Provides residential, terminal and respite care and counselling and advice services.Alzheimer's Society, Durham and Chester-le-Street branchHelps and supports carers and people with dementia and provides a meeting place.Debra, c/o Wellington Business Park, BerkshireDebra provides practical support to people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), an incurable genetic skin disorder, and their families. EB causes painful skin blisters.Campain, Victoria Terrace, DurhamHelps people in chronic pain. Volunteers run a telephone help line and arrange home visits. They also put sufferers of chronic pain in touch with each other.Willington Luncheon Club, Willington, County DurhamVolunteers work with the elderly and disabled to create a sense of community and organise weekly lunches and a range of social activities.Doorways, Station Square, Saltburn, east ClevelandThe Doorways project works with young people aged 13 to 25. It runs a drop-in centre and involves young people in healthy activities, increasing their self-esteem and helping them reach their full potential.Cleveland North Arthritis Care, Billingham, ClevelandThe group is raising money towards the cost of transport for its members. It provides support and companionship for people suffering from arthritis.Home-Start Teesside, The Greenway, MiddlesbroughOffering support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children. It wants to prevent and reduce social exclusion and increase the well-being of children at the start of their lives.Kelloe Village Community Partnership, Kelloe, County DurhamThe partnership, in the former mining village of Kelloe, wants to build a play area for children, help make other environmental improvements and complete a miners memorial project.Wheatley Hill Community Association, Wheatley Hill, County DurhamThe community centre run by the association supports a range of services for the community. Funding will help provide transport for many elderly people going to the centre.  more...

Boxer rushed to hospital

  more...