Daniel Holland
Local Democracy Reporter

Developers want to transform an office tower block next to the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle into 250 flats.

But before any work can start, the potentially dangerous cladding will have to be removed from Cale Cross House.

The aluminium cladding on the 18-storey building, does not comply with post-Grenfell fire safety rules for residential accommodation.

Such aluminium composite material cladding was identified as the primary cause of the rapid spread of the Grenfell Tower fire in London, which killed 72 people in 2017.

Beech Holdings Investments wants to acquire the 1970s building and turn it into 250 studio or one-bed flats.

Cale Cross House has been the subject of multiple development plans in recent years.

County Durham farmers Daisy May Wade and her fiance George Collins got a surprise at the weekend, when one of their heifers delivered triplets.

The farm near Willington is home to 240 cows but this was the first time it's seen triplets.

George said it was a complete surprise: "We came in on Saturday and this cow looked a bit sick and sorry for herself.

"We got the first one out, got the second one out, spot on, which was the white calf and I put my hand in to make sure everything was alright and I felt another foot, I said to Daisy 'we've got another one here!'

"I couldn't believe it, the odds are 100,000-to-one to get triplets."

The Middlesbrough patrols will distribute naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an overdose.

A woman suffered injuries to her back and face when she was driven into by a car in Hartlepool.

The 39-year-old was a passenger in a blue VW Polo which was followed by a white Vauxhall Corsa along Wynyard and Catcote Roads, then into Rossmere Road, at midnight on Sunday.

Police say the woman got out of the car after it was rammed by the Corsa at the junction of Ardrossan Way (pictured below).

The car she got out of then drove away and the Corsa is believed to have been driven at her causing her to fall, leaving her with fractures to her lower spine and injuries to her face.

Police say a man got out of the car and hit her with a blunt instrument before driving away.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees.

A 41-year-old man and a 27-year-old man who were both arrested yesterday have been released without charge.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing GBH with intent and released while investigations continue.

Image source, Google

Plans to create a new marina with floating pontoons in South Shields have been approved.

The development at the former Brigham and Cowan Dock 4 Entrance, off Long Row, will see an area created for small boats to be moored, a wave break and access ladder.

The plans had been opposed by neighbours who are worried about noise, pollution and parking.

During a public consultation 139 representations were submitted in support and 90 objections against.

Councillor Angela Hamilton raised concerns about increased traffic and limited parking, adding: “I’m not against a pontoon or a marina, if it’s done right it can bring a massive advantage to our borough.

“But this application isn’t right, it doesn’t meet the local planning framework and takes away residents’ amenities that they’re entitled to."

A statement from the applicant said the former dock was ‘one of the last practical locations’ in South Tyneside suitable for a such a facility.

The application was approved with a condition that the pontoon be restricted for “the mooring of recreational leisure boats and for no other purpose”.

There's also a dispute over access to a public walkway on the riverside.

Part of the riverside walkway and England Coast Path, adjacent to the former dock, has already been gated-off and an online petition to reopen it has collected more than 1,000 signatures.

The local authority said it's a separate issue to the pontoon and it is in talks with Natural England regarding the pathway.

The new hospital on the riverside would replace the 75-year-old facility on Queen Alexandra Road.

Relive Tuesday's EFL action as Watford thump Rotherham in the Championship and Derby fight back to draw with Brentford.

Vandals have attacked another of Northumberland Wildlife Trust's buildings.

A window shutter was badly damaged and a large glass panel smashed at the head office in the grounds of St Nicholas Park reserve in Gosforth.

At the beginning of the month, four bird hides at the Low Hauxley wildlife discovery centre were vandalised, with windows smashed, benches torn out and sections of walls kicked in.

The trust said the cost of repairs was likely to run into thousands of pounds.

Image source, Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Police found the weapons while investigating who had ordered a parcel of cannabis from the USA.

Sunderland fans have been celebrating their club's cup win at Wembley.

The Black Cats are now the EFL Trophy holders thanks to yesterday's 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

While fans couldn't be at Wembley in person, across the region they held Zoom parties (pictured below) trying to recreate the excitement of match day togetherness.

The result for Sunderland ended a near 50 year wait for a win at Wembley following their famous FA cup victory in 1973.

Paul Callaghan (pictured below) said he was delighted to be rid of the Wembley jinx: "I know the new manager said it's a new team but it feels like a weight off my shoulders.

"My brother Zoomed in from Spain, I had people from Scotland, from London, from all over the place and we even had a Tranmere supporter on and he was very magnanimous in his wishes for us to have a good time."

Sarah Bayfield (pictured below) wished she could've been at Wembley: "I can just imagine the atmosphere in London had we been allowed to be there."

Cleveland Police said those that tried to help the 10-year-old girl were "heroes".

Image source, Owen Humpreys / PA Media

Stunning pictures of the Northern Lights and the Milky Way over Holy Island.

They were captured by Owen Humpreys last night.

Image source, Owen Humpreys/ PA Media

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March 2021

Newcastle City Council says changes are needed to "adapt" to climate concerns and online shopping.

Sunderland win at Wembley for the first time in almost 50 years as they beat Tranmere Rovers to claim their first EFL Trophy.

Four men are praised by police after helping two children who had fallen into the sea at Redcar.

Listen to BBC radio commentary from Tuesday's action in the National League.

Ten-man Hartlepool lose ground at the top of the National League after a goalless draw with Eastleigh.

Stoke City suffer a fourth loss in five games as a resurgent Middlesbrough ease to victory at the Riverside.

Fit-again England flanker Sam Underhill scores one of Bath's six tries as they ease to victory at injury-hit Newcastle.