Local Democracy Reporting Service
Alex Metcalfe

A fire-ravaged scrapyard in Middlesbrough will be cleared with government money so new apartments can be built.

A blaze at the Jap Euro North East Ltd scrapyard, near Middlesbrough College in September 2019, saw residents evacuated and smoke was seen as far away as Whitby.

The burnt out remains of cars can still be seen on the site off Vulcan Street and Commercial Street, but soon the area should be cleared.

Money from a £7.9m brownfield housing fund will be used to transform the scrapyard site so it is ready for development.

Plans for further homes, offices, a new school and urban farm area also being drawn up for land “over the border”.

MIddlesbrough council regeneration chief Richard Horniman said: “We’re going through the final throes of the legal work required to get full possession (of the site) and get the stock away.

“Once we’ve done that, we’ve got the money in place to go in and clear that site ready for a housing development.

“That work will be going on over the next 18 months.”

Premiership Rugby has moved two fixtures in mid-May to a Monday night in the hope of having fans attend.

Relive Saturday's English Football League action, as Watford and Hull City both seal promotion.

Listen to live BBC radio commentary from Saturday's action in the Gallagher Premiership.

Sophia Jekecha was given a fatal dose of snuff during treatment for stomach problems, a court hears.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce says the 'big six' Premier League clubs have "taken a slap" over their involvement in the proposed European Super League.

Daniel Holland
Local Democracy Reporter

Newcastle’s Town Moor could be part of a new community forest, if a bid is approved this summer.

Trees are due to be planted at various locations across the north-east of England rather than being one continuous stretch of woodland.

In total it's planned 500 hectares of new woodland would be created across sites in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham by 2025.

A number of places have been earmarked on the Town Moor and earlier this year 100 saplings were planted on Nuns Moor in a collaboration between the council, the Freemen of Newcastle, and military charity Walking with the Wounded.

It is one of 12 spots across the moor where trees could be planted.

Future planting sites are being discussed between Newcastle City Council and the Freemen who manage the Town Moor alongside the authority.

The plans could lead to the capture of more than 155,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere a year across the North East.

Follow live text updates as Newcastle salvage a late draw at Anfield in the Premier League.

The 'big six' Premier League clubs have "taken a slap" over their involvement in the European Super League, says Newcastle manager Steve Bruce.

Richard Glenn is banned for three years over the visit to the Costa Rica lapdancing venue.

Jackie Weaver put them in the international spotlight, but what do parish councils actually do?

Who is rapidly developing into a fine player and which star played like he hadn't seen the newspapers? It's all in Garth Crooks' team of the week.

David Bedingham hits his second century of the campaign as Durham gain the upper hand over Derbyshire.

Actor and broadcaster Bill Steel has dementia and is receiving end-of-life care at home.

Christopher Killick was convicted of a voyeurism offence last year following a campaign by his victim.

The solar-powered bins send an electronic signal when they are full.

Middlesbrough's out-of-contract strikers Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher will not feature for the club again.

Middlesbrough end a five-game winless run as they come from behind to beat Championship strugglers Rotherham.

They were part of a convoy that had taken the wrong turn down a valley in the Alps.

Durham Police is accused of concentrating on Ann Heron's husband and ignoring other evidence.