Updates on Thursday 5 July 2018
A community campaign could see residents buy a share in a plot of land , externalas they look to put a halt to any development on the site.
Image source, Shields GazetteTwo women are held on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs in connection with one of the deaths.
Read MoreA woman who made headlines when a video of her hearing for the first time went viral got married on Saturday.
Jo Milne, from Gateshead, married her partner Stephen at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield.
She said: "I'm still on an incredible journey... even just hearing the violinist playing as I was walking down the aisle, it was absolutely beautiful."
It's turning out to be another sunny day, with temperatures reaching 20C.
This was the beautiful sunrise in Seaham this morning taken by Dan Myers.
Image source, DAN MYERSHave you got any photos you'd like us to see? You can tweet them to @BBCNewsNE, external, email them, or contact us via our Facebook page, external.
Over the weekend a major bus route in Newcastle city centre was transformed into a family park.
The pedestrian-only area on Blackett Street was equipped with a playground, artificial grass, seating, fairground rides and large outdoor games.
The closure will happen every weekend up to and including 1 and 2 September.
Newcastle City Council is asking people to give their views on the closure - you can give feedback here., external
Image source, Garage PR
Image source, Garage PR
Hartlepool Mail
Newspaper
Unions have welcomed a merger between steel giants Tata and Thyssenkrupp, external, which is set to secure dozens of jobs in Hartlepool and lead to investment.
Image source, Hartlepool MailA burst water pipe has been causing problems in the Gosforth area of Newcastle this morning.
Diversions have been set up and Northumbrian Water engineers are on the scene.
The company has tweeted this video of the scene at Jubilee Road.
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A motorcyclist has died in a crash in Norton.
The man was riding a motorbike when it was involved in a collision with a Skoda Fabia at about 21:10 on Norton Road yesterday.
Police believe the motorcyclist was "in convoy with two other motorcycle riders", who they would like to speak to.
Image source, Google
The Northern Echo
Newspaper
A grieving mother’s plans for a memorial to her Royal Marine Commando son who took his own life at the age of just 26 after enduring the horrors of war in Afghanistan have been thwarted by the Church of England., external
BBC Entertainment and Arts
Tyneside singer Cheryl has announced her split from Liam Payne after more than two years together.
The former Girls Aloud star, 35, and One Direction member, 24, confirmed the decision in posts on social media.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe couple have a son, Bear, who was born in March last year.
They said they were "sad" to make the announcement and it had been a "tough decision to make", adding: "We still have so much love for each other as a family".
Cheryl tweeted "Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together."
Train services in and around Darlington are facing disruption after a points failure.
Northern said some lines were partially blocked.
A spokesman said Network Rail engineers were on site, but there was no estimate for normal services resuming.
Passengers are urged to contact National Rail Enquiries for up to date information.
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Colin Briggs
Look North
A shortage of the gas used for fizzy drinks is being tackled on Teesside.
Ensus at Wilton produces carbon dioxide as a by-product.
A shortage has led to stocks of soft drinks, chicken and even crumpets disappearing from shops.
Ensus closed for 21 days for essential maintenance, but at a time where demand for products requiring carbon dioxide is higher than normal due to the warm weather and the World Cup.
The Teesside plant is coming back online later.
A plant in Billingham is also to restart on Monday.
Over the weekend Asda said it was rationing the amount of some fizzy drinks that its online customers can buy as the national CO2 shortage continues.
Abbie Dewhurst
Weather Presenter, BBC Look North
Parts of the region, especially close to the North East coast will have a dullish start to the day.
But this should burn off quicly to leave another fine day.
It will stay warm with long spells of sunshine and a mild onshore breeze.
Later, some low cloud will return to hug coastlines.
Maximum temperatures should reach 19C to 22C (66F to 72F).
Rebecca O'Neill
BBC Newcastle
Fire crews from Tyne and Wear have been drafted in to help tackle a huge moorland blaze in Lancashire.
Scores of firefighters are battling to contain the fire on Winter Hill near Bolton.
It is feared the moorland blaze may burn for another week.
Image source, ReutersNorthumbrian Water is dealing with a burst water main in the Great North Road in the NE3 area of Newcastle.
Engineers are there as well as at Jubilee Road in Gosforth.
Morning. Welcome to BBC Local Live. We'll be with you throughout the day to bring you the latest news, weather, sport and travel updates.
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