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Live Reporting

All times stated are UK

  1. Case for £67m arena in Redcar submitted

    Local Democracy Reporting Service

    A business case to build a £67m indoor arena in Redcar has been submitted to the council, it has confirmed.

    The plan is to build a 5,000-capacity building on the site of the former Redcar Bowl and it is hoped it could be ready to open in 2024.

    Those behind the plan - a consortium of property developers and business people - want assurances the council is prepared to lease the land and grant planning permission.

    Once they have that, detailed plans for the Coatham Arena will be drawn up

    A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland council said: "Our team of experienced officers will now take time to fully consider the plans before advising Coatham Arena Ltd further.

    "The authority has previously paused other plans for the area to give due consideration to the proposed plans for an indoor arena delivered by the private sector."

    Artists impression of the proposed Coatham Arena in Redcar

    Coatham Arena Ltd say the proposed venue would host an "all-year programme of elite entertainment, sporting, conference, exhibition and social events", and attract thousands of visitors.

    Supporters of the plan include Sting and Saltburn-born David Coverdale, of rock band Whitesnake, who once lived in Redcar.

  2. People asked if they would pay extra for police services

    Two police officers on patrol at a Sunderland match at the Stadium of Light

    People in the area covered by Northumbria Police are being asked if they would be happy to pay up to £10 more a year in council tax to help fund police services.

    All police forces have been given permission to raise the precept - the police part of the local council tax bill - by a maximum of £10 for an average (Band D) household, which equates to 83p a month in the county.

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness says people have three options:

    1. To pay nothing - which would be the equivalent of a cut to the police budget
    2. A £5 a year increase - which would allow the force to meet some rising costs
    3. A £10 a year increase - paying for more call handlers and investigators, and better technology.

    “I’m more than aware that household budgets are tight, really I am," Ms McGuinness said. "But I am also aware of the position our cash-strapped police forces find themselves in following year after year of cuts."

    Since 2010, Northumbria Police has lost more than 1,100 officers and £140m in budget cuts.

    Quote Message: Getting the funding right is so important when it comes to maintaining an efficient and effective police service. We have to carefully consider our options - and I want to make sure people have their say." from Kim McGuinness Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
    Kim McGuinnessNorthumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
  3. Driver seriously hurt in A1 three-vehicle crash

    A driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a three-vehicle collision on the A1 in County Durham, which led to a northbound stretch of the road being closed.

    Durham Police said the collision happened at junction 62 of the carriageway at about 07:20

    The A1 northbound has been closed between Durham and Chester-le-Street while investigations are carried out.

    Motorists have been warned of delays in the area.

    View more on twitter
  4. Great North Run to have South Shields finish again

    The founder of the Great North Run says he's "delighted" the course will return to its city-to-sea course, with the finishing line in South Shields.

    The ballot for places in the half-marathon opens on Monday and it will be three years in September since the race finished by the sea because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    It was cancelled in 2020 and last year it started and ended in Newcastle, which saw runners cross the Tyne Bridge twice and make their way through Newcastle city centre before finishing in the Great North Road.

    Great North Run 2021

    Founder Sir Brendan Foster said: "We're hoping for and expecting a very warm South Tyneside welcome this year.

    "Last year medics wouldn't allow us to have a finish and start in different places as we had to keep people separated, so we couldn't get them on the Metro and keep safely distanced - but this year we're hoping for a more back-to-normal year."

    Names entered into the ballot will be chosen for a place at random in February.

    Mo Farah crossing the finishing line in South Shields in2016
  5. Couple still living in hotel after Storm Arwen damage

    The house of Sheila and Bob Johnson, with half the roof missing

    A couple who had to spend Christmas in a hotel after the roof of their home was ripped off by Storm Arwen six weeks ago say they still don’t know when they will able to go back.

    Sheila Johnson, husband Bob and their dog Chico are not even allowed into the house in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, after builders found asbestos in the damaged ceiling.

    The couple fear it could be months before they can return home.

    “The tests came back the other day and it has definitely got asbestos in it," Ms Johnson told BBC Radio Tees.

    "With the roof coming through, it is dangerous for us because we could be breathing in the asbestos, so we can’t go in the house at all now.”

    Bob and Sheila Johnson

    Ms Johnson thanked all the people who helped them but said the couple's health was now being affected.

    “We have got no cooking facilities, you are only in one room, it is not nice at all," she added.

    "I mean, it is a lovely hotel, but it is not home at the end of the day.”