Go beyond the pale
Dec 12 2006 By The Journal
Councillors in the North-East are still too "male, pale and middle class" - and unlikely to be "gainfully employed", a leading North-East figure will warn today.
Former Newcastle city council leader and senior Labour party member Sir Jeremy Beecham will criticise the dominance of middle-aged men in town halls.
Speaking about community cohesion in London, the vice-chairman of the Local Government Association will urge councils to start understanding the different communities they speak for.
Court battle
A WIDOW whose husband died of asbestos-related cancer after working at Swan Hunter's Wallsend shipyard for almost 30 years has launched a High Court battle for compensation.
Joseph Nicholson died from lung cancer mesothelioma.
His widow Gladys, of Sedley Road, Wallsend, North Tyneside is claiming £100,000 damages.
Police support
NEIGHBOURHOOD policing in Hartlepool has received a boost following its successful launch earlier this year.
A dedicated support team - the first of its kind in the country - has been expanded with the appointment of two new staff members, Shelley Watson and Stuart Hagon.
Bonne chance
A SCHOOL bidding for specialist languages status has benefited from the expertise of academics at Northumbria university.
Harton Technology College in South Shields is among schools which have had a visit from Northumbria's "student ambassadors". They are taking a series of roadshows into schools, giving 20-minute taster sessions in Spanish, German and Polish.
Clinic opened
YOUNG people who have played a major role in the development of sexual health services in Northumberland have officially opened a new clinic.
Services provided at the Carlton Street Clinic in Blyth include screening and treatment of sexual infections, psychosexual therapy and contraceptive advice. Youngsters have been involved in recruitment and shaping services.
Snakes alive
CREEPY crawlies and snakes are making a guest appearance at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery at a Creature Corner.
The creatures have been moved there while Newcastle's Hancock Museum is being refurbished.
