Minster FM News Reports
Bullying in schools
Schools across North Yorkshire are showing they have zero tolerance when it comes to bullying.It's part of a national campaign to crack down on the behaviour.
So, Maddii Lown's been to a school in York to find out what they're up to in Anti- Bullying week.
Community Spirits At A Low
Whilst the financial crisis continues to take it's toll on the high street, it seems it's moved into our social circles too. Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in York shows that we're losing comminity spirit. People are spending more money on material items rather than getting involved with neighbourhood events.
Affordable Housing
A York councillor's calling on developers to building cheaper properties to help boost the city's affordable housing quota. Tracey Simpson-Laing thinks plans for at least 50 per cent of homes to be on the market at a reasonable price isn't getting the backing it should. She also says the council's Housing Portfolio Manager Councillor Sue Galloway has been strangely silent on the issue.
Barbican plans
On the day the city of York Council's Shadow Executive meet to discuss the future of the Barbican there's yet more controversy surrounding the venue.
A campaign group have this week launched a fresh petition calling on the authority to scrap it's current plans for the site. Minster FM's Dan Clark reports.
School Timetable
There's fury at a local secondary school's plans to give kids every other Wednesday afternoon off.
Tadcaster Grammar wants to train teachers in the new 2009 curriculum and proposes to send pupils home 1.20pm to make space in the timetable.
The plan's been met with shock by mums and dads with youngsters at the school.
They've now received a letter from the Headteacher explaining the thinking behind the move.
Operation Drystone
One of the biggest crackdowns on criminal activity has begun. North Yorkshire police are carrying out raids to catch suspected burglars and drugs dealers.
Six teams of officers are out across York for Operation Drystone. Minster FM's Maddii Lown joined them.
US Election
It's a new political era in America and the world. After a dramatic night Barack Obama made his victory speech, to a quarter of a million people in Chicago.
He's the first ever black President of the United States. Minster FM's Maddii Lown, has been following the momentous occasion.
US Election
The longest election campaign in American history is drawing to a close. Voters are preparing to choose their 44th President.
Democrat Barack Obama is still ahead of John McCain in the polls. The Republican's promising an underdog upset, but it's Obama who people are talking about.
Minster FM's Tracy Gee has been looking into the last 24 hours of the presidential race.
Recession
It's official Britain is sliding into recession. After 16 years of growth the economy is now shrinking. But there is some good news for motorists who need to fill up their tanks. Supermarkets have cut the cost of a litre to just under 95p.
Maddii Lown's spent the morning on the ASDA petrol forecourt at Monks Cross...
City Illuminations
York's economys set to get a boost over the coming fortnight. The city illuminations will be switched on later today (24th Oct) and are expected to pull in many visitors and locals alike.
Minster FM's Rachel Jasper has been down to have a look....
Violent Crime
The truth about serious violent crime is being revealed - and it's a lot worse than we've been told in the past.
It's surged by a massive 22 percent because 13 police forces, including North Yorkshire, have revealed a decade of miscounting.
Minster FM's Tracy Gee has been out investigating how our county's bobbies have been getting their figures wrong...
Sex Education lessons
Children as young as five are to be given complusory lessons in sex education. The Government's decided all primary school pupils in England need to know the basics of the human body and relationships.
It's hoped the classes will help drive down the teen pregnancy rate.
Persistent Absentees
The number of primary and secondary school children playing truant has stayed the same as last year. That's despite the Government introducing new schemes to try and reduce the number of pupils skiving class.
The new stats show nearly a quarter-of-a-million children have at least 24 days off during term time.
They're dubbed the 'Persistent Absentees'.
Safety Fears
Fears over the safety of pedestrians and cyclists could spell the end for driving on Micklegate in York. Transport officials want the road closed off to cars.
There have been 48 accidents in 5 and a half years on the road which is used to get into and out of the city. So our reporter Maddii Lown's been down
Shoplifters to face jail?
Harsher sentances for Shoplifters. Thats what Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh wants to see.
She's trying to introduce a bill in the House of Commons which could see thieves facing jail if they're caught green fingered. So, our reporter Maddii Lown's been talking to retailers in York.
Healthcare report
North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust is defending itself after a poor annual rating from the Healthcare Commission. Their 'use of resources' and 'quality of service' has been judged as weak.
The trust says an inherited financial deficit has held them back. But It's not all bad news for the region's healthcare, as York District Hospital was rated excellent and deemed one of the best in the country. They've improved after being categorised as good in last year's report.
Underage sales
Children in York are getting their hands on fireworks, knives and alcohol. That's according to Trading Standards who want retailers in the city to be more careful and ask for I.D.
So they're stepping up their spot checks as bonfire night approaches.
Reducing Congestion
Residents in Malton and Norton could soon be receiving a cash boost to help reduce congestion. North Yorkshire County Council have decide to put in a bid worth £125,000000 to the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Transport Board.
If approved £50,000000 would benefit the 2 towns, the other £75,000000 would go to Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Animal Welfare protest
Animal welfare campaigners are urging shoppers in York to boycott shampoos that are tested on rodents. They've highlighted several hair-care brands in an eye-catching protest on Parliament Street.
They claim that animals are being force-fed poisonous doses of ingredients included in our day-to-day products.
York Hospital
Minster FM can exclusively reveal the dangers of York's accident and emergency ward; not for the patient but for it's staff. We've done a Freedom of Information Act to find out how many doctors and nurses have been assaulted in the last 5 years.
The stats are shocking. Our reporter Tracy Gee has been looking into how risky it is to be on the city's medical team...
York High
Schools throughout York are joining forces to get the 890 pupils of York High back into education. The site has been closed since a fire ripped through the Science Block on Friday destroying several buildings.
Now year groups are to be separated with Year 7 pupils going to Westfield Primary, Year 8 going to Burnholm School and Years 10, 11 and 12 to Manor High.
Social networking
North Yorkshire's police officers could be exposing themselves to ridicule because of social networking sites. Officials are concerned that inappropiate images are being uploaded to the web by members of the force.
But where's the line between taking happy-snaps in your free time and having a duty of resonsibility as an officer? Minster FM's Tracy Gee has been finding out...
Fire Safety
A Minster FM exclusive investigation has unearthed evidence of some shocking failures in fire safety. We've used the Freedom of Information Act to find out which buildings in North Yorkshire have been issued enforcement or prohibition notices in the last 12 months.
An alarming 42 have been highlighted. Minster FM's Tracy Gee can name and shame those who've not met the mark.
Fire at York High School
It took almost 60 firefighters several hours to get the blaze which began around half five this morning under control.
It's thought it began in the science department or the south wing of the school. Now the city of York council has confirmed that the school will definately be closed ALL of next week.
But they're aiming to get all 896 pupils back into education from Monday 13th October. They're now planning to offer some form of non-compulsory out of school activities provision next week for parents that have to go to work.
Details will be on the council website or www.yor-ok.org.uk
Operation Orbit
It's a case of 'Police, Camera, Action' on North Yorkshire's roads. Officers from across the country have joined forces to crackdown on criminals using the region's roads.
Strike teams are in place, ready to stop vehicles or occupants who police are suspicious of or who they have intelligence on. It's code name is 'Operation Orbit' and the aim of it's to clampdown on criminals who use our roads for things like drugs trafficing and drink driving.
It'll also assess how well officers cope with major incidents such as child abduction, kidnapping or terrorist incidents.
Internet Safety
Cyber-bullying, violent online games and illegal websites are all to be targeted by a new Government-backed group.
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety is going to put more pressure on firms to clean up their acts. The body could also shut down any sites they think are potentially damaging to children.
Breast feeding
The English healthcare system is failing to encourage breast feeding according to a professor at York University. Mary Renfrew claims a national strategy to encourage new mums to consider the option is urgently needed.
40% of women in the UK who start to breast feed discontinue by the time their baby is six weeks old. Mary now wants health professionals, particularly doctors, to promote breast feeding more.
New Energy Owner
Eggborough Power Station has a new owner. EDF's buying British Energy which owns the Selby site.
The firm is majority owned by the French Government and is the world's biggest nuclear power provider. It means the company now owns the UK's eight nuclear plants, aswell as other power stations like the one in Eggborough.
But councillor's in North Yorkshire are outraged that British Energy has been sold-off in a deal worth 12.5 billion.
Obeseity Rates
York and North Yorkshire Primary Care Trust have revealed almost a third of people in York are obese. Officials also say 75% of kids in local secondary schools aren't eating enough fruit and veg in their diets.
One in ten under sixteens, who are registered with a GP in the city, are apparent overweight. Councillor's now wants the health authority to support the Government's call and inform parents if their child's is too heavy for their age group.
Hygiene standards
Five companies prosecuted, over 70 issued hygiene improvement notice and a further 30 given warning letters.
They're the shocking stats that Minster FM can exclusively reveal as we've looked into standards of cleanliness in York businesses.
And there's some familiar names on the list, including top supermarket chains and even one of our local NHS trusts.
Our reporter Tracy Gee has been dishing the dirt...
Bank takeover
The biggest takeover in British banking history has been confirmed. Lloyds TSB is rescuing ailing rival HBOS.
The deal will create a new banking giant, with around a third of the UK mortgage and savings markets. But what does it mean for staff at the sites? Well Minster FM's Tracy Gee has been finding out.
Free Man
The ex-boyfriend of Shannon Matthews' mother is a free man despite being convicted of downloading child porn. Craig Meehan was found guilty of possessing 49 indecent images on his computer.
A judge sentenced him to 20 weeks in jail, but he's already served 23 on remand. He's now been taken to an undisclosed location by police.
York Council
There are calls for big changes to the City of York Council's Exec Committee.
The Leader of the Labour Group, David Scott - wants Steve Galloway who's in charge of Transport, to resign.
New laws
There's concern from charities over a trial of new laws giving parents the right to information about paedophiles. They'll be given details on any convicted offender with direct access to their children.
The scheme's only taking place in four areas of England at the moment. Fears have been raised the change could drive paedophiles underground and lead to vigilante attacks.
UFO spotting
It seems that extra terrestrial life has been spotted flying through our skies. The Ministry of Defence have recorded three official sightings of UFO's above North Yorkshire in the last 3 months.
So on hearing that we thought it was only right to send our reporter Maddii Lown out to investigate.
XL Airways
More than 65 thousand holidaymakers are stranded abroad. It follows the collapse of Britain's third largest tour operator 'XL Leisure Group'. Many have had their holidays cancelled.
The firm's 1700 staff now face an uncertain future. An emergency helpline has been set up for distressed customers on (+44) 289 85 6547 Holidaymakers abroad are advised to dial (+44) 208 242 4783. Those in the UK should call (0800) 068 8991.
Vandalism
More needs to be done to stop vandals in York. Too much graffiti is causing problems as it's ruining the citys historic surroundings. Tags are drawn on walls and costs hundreds of thousands of pounds to remove. So, the council's brought in the Unpaid Work team from the Probation office to tackle it.
Vaccine Against Cervical Cancer
A vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, is being offered to school girls across North Yorkshire. Scottish pupils were the first to have it on Monday and now the programme's being rolled out nationally.
It could save up to 400 lives a year in the UK.
But some local people have mixed viewed whether it's a step in the right direction.
GCSE results
Teenagers are celebrating the best GCSE results ever.
The pass rate's leapt up by the biggest amount this century to 2 thirds.
But at the other end of the scale, fewer than a third of students at hundreds of schools are getting at least 5 Cs.
We've been out to Malton School in North Yorkshire to find out how local youngsters have done.
York Racecourse
The entire Ebor festival at York Racecourse has been cancelled because of a waterlogged track.
An inspection was carried out this lunchtime to assess tomorrow's prospects, but it seems the ground is to wet.
The festival was extended to 4 days, to make up for the loss of revenue when the site will close in September and October.
It's because of work on a new multi-million pound drainage system, costing around 2 and a half million, that could have saved this week's event if it had already been done.
Bookies are also estimating they'll lose nearly a hundred million pounds in profits as well.
Sunbeds
Singer Sandi Tom has been artificially aged 30 years to warn teenagers about the dangers of sunbeds. Cancer Research UK's published the image of how the star could look after over-exposure to UV rays. Here in Yorkshire we have higher skin cancer rates than the national average, with 409 cases within 2 years.
Road Pricing
After the idea was scrapped once before the Government may have another go at introducing Road Pricing. It's reported a scheme could be trialed in 2010 here in North Yorkshire. The 'Pay As You Drive' plan would mean motorists are charged depending on how far they travel on some of the busiest routes. It's being seen as a key election issue.
Sewage Floods
Residents in Holgate have been suffering with flooding again, this time SEWAGE.
Every time there's a heavy downpour the drains overflow with excrement leaving residents having to cope.It means children haven't been able to play outside incase they catch illnesses. Problems were reported on Leeman Road, Balfour Street, Salisbury Terrace, Carnot Street and Lincoln Street.
Yorkshire Water is now reassuring residents they are taking action.
Malton Maternity Unit Under Threat!
Bad news for mums-to-be in Malton as an independent report recommends the town's maternity unit should close.
The IRP watchdog claims none of the birthing facilities at Malton, Whitby or Bridlington are sustainable despite the dedication of local staff.
It wants to see a larger consultant-led service developed at Scarborough Hospital that pregnant woman can travel too.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson's due to make a decision on the units' future in the next few weeks.
Fuel Poverty
Nearly 1 in 3 households in North Yorkshire could be plunged into fuel poverty amid warnings domestic prices could rise by nearly 70%.The MD of Centrica, which owns British Gas, says people could be facing bills of up to a thousand pounds a year.
The rising cost of oil's being blamed.
North Yorkshire's Crime Stats Released
The latest crime stats are out - and it doesn't make for pleasant reading.
Nationally - it's emerged knives were used in 22,000 violent offences last year - but in York and North Yorkshire - only 66 were recorded - the 3rd lowest level in the whole of England.
Minster FM's Katie Mack's been looking through the Home Office report.
Council Workers Strike in Pay Row
Striking council workers say today's industrial action is only the beginning, unless their pay dispute is settled.
Around 300,000 staff including dinner ladies, cleaners and bin men have walked out for 2 days.
Services here in Yorkshire and in the and North West of England have been worst affected.
In North Yorkshire, council staff have taken to the picket lines in Northallerton to protest at the 2.5% pay offer.
They want closer to 6% to cover the cost of living.
Boy Racers in Malton
Elderly residents in Malton are complaining to police that boy racers are causing a noise nusiance and flytipping.
The Wentworth Street car park is now the focus of a new crackdown on antisocial behaviour in the town.
Officers are meeting with the alleged offenders at the site this afternoon.
The Healthcare Commission highlights "inadequate services"
Women who've just give birth are being forced to share showers and toilets with other new mums.
The Healthcare Commission's highlighting what it calls "inadequate services" after reviewing 150 NHS trusts in England.
Only 16 percent of delivery rooms checked had private wash facilities available.
And on postnatal wards, some only had 1 bathroom for every 13 beds.
Here in North Yorkshire the shortfall of care is also affecting patients, as officials considered closing Malton Maternity Unit.
Ricky Hatton To Host Charity Luncheon
Ricky Hatton is hosting a charity luncheon at the Knavesmire this afternoon in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.
He's supported by British Lyon Rugby Internationals Rob Burrow and Keith Senior who've also made the trip to York.
The Hitman's told Minster FM that it's as much as his job to raise money for charity as it is to perform in the ring.
Meanwhile, Ricky's next fight is likely to be across the atlantic in Las Vegas, because it's cheaper for the fans.
The Hitman will take on IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi in November.
And despite the Hitman hoping to top the bill at New York's Madison Square Garden, he says he's putting the fans first.
But many supporters have argued if the match was held in this country tickets would be less pricey.
Smoking Ban Saves Lives
The Government claims the smoking ban has saved the lives of 700 bar workers.
It's because staff exposure to secondhand smoke has fallen by nearly 80% since the ban was introduced a year ago today.
But how has it affected us here in North Yorkshire?
Minster FM's Madeleine Lown's been out and about in York to find out.
Urgent Action Against British Floods
Urgent action's being demanded to protect Britain against flooding.
The call comes in an independent review into the devastation seen last summer.
Author Sir Michael Pitt says there's an ever-increasing threat of the situation being repeated.
It's believed around 3 billion pounds worth of damage was caused.
Thousands of families are still living in temporary accomodation.
Meanwhile residents in Pickering are protesting at the lack of progress at improving flood defences in the town.
Last summers deluge caused around 5 million pounds worth of damage in the town.
To make their point they've been holding a rather unique demonstration today.
Soaring Abortion Rate for North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire and York has the second highest abortion rate for under the age of 18 in the whole region. 236 teenagers chose to have a termination last year, beating city's like Nottingham and Bristol. The news has been revealed as stats show the number of abortions among under 14's has risen nationally. The figure went up 21% last year.
North of England at a Higher Risk of Cancer
People living in the North of England are more likely to develop cancer. Thats according Yorkshire researchers who claim 68 men per 100,000 in the North die every year of lung desease. That figure is just 34 in the South. Health officials say it's cause more people up here smoke or live in deprived areas.
Congestion In York
Measures are being put in place to try and reduce congestion in York that may cause more accidents.
Councillor Dave Merrett is chair of the Traffic Scrutiny Committee that's due to meet this afternoon.
He revealed that despite recent measures to reduce the build up of cars in our city the situation has actually worsened.
He predicting we'll see a 27% rise in traffic by the year 2016.
Climate Campaigners
Climate campaigners have prevented a train taking coal to one of Europe's biggest power stations.
Protesters stopped it reaching the Drax plant in North Yorkshire by using a red flag.
They're demanding it's shut down, claiming it's the largest single greenhouse gas polluter in the UK.
The British Transport Police have told us that they're working to ensure that normal services resume as soon as possible.
They claim that "Obstructing the railway is dangerous and unlawful and they'll be proactively dealing with anyone involved"
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Eco-Town
Members of the Leeds City Region have unanimously voted against plans for an eco-town in the area. Mark Crane who's the leader of Selby District Council asked them to reject all the sites and they did. They're now hoping the government listens to their concerns as well as those of residents across the region. However, they do say they're open to other suggestions as to how they government can meet their housing target.
Piglet - Afraid of the Dirt
A North Yorkshire piglet appears to have an unusual phobia. Cinder's owners think she may be mysophobic, that means she's afraid of dirt! They've resorted to putting her in children's wellies every day as she didn't want to get her trotters dirty. Thirsk farmer Andrew Keeble says she's now as happy as any other pig in mud.
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