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Recap

Beer, mumbling Yorkshire folk, Donald Trump, a road getting a “deep clean” and a serious road accident at Kirkburton, the Examiner’s live blog has had a varied day today.

Scroll down and see what we’ve been reporting on. But that’s all for today. See you from 7.30am tomorrow. Don’t be late!

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M62 latest

The M62 has a couple of slow spots tonight. There’s congestion and a speed restriction of 40mph Westbound between J30 (Rothwell) and J26 (Chain Bar) from Ponfefract towards Huddersfield.

There’s also another 40mph restriction and traffic heavier than normal Eastbound between J29 (Lofthouse) and J30 for Rothwell.

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Roads update

We’re told Penistone Road, Kirkburton, remains closed after the serious accident earlier this afternoon and if you’re heading up towards Grange Moor from Colne Bridge on your way home from work, the roads remain closed for “deep cleaning.”

Slippery road warning signs on Bellstring Lane, Kirkheaton.
Slippery road warning signs on Bellstring Lane, Kirkheaton.

Bellstring Lane/Liley Lane is where there’s been a spate of crashes this winter. And Bog Green Lane, where a motorcyclist died in November, is also being cleaned.

Kirklees Council has just tweeted to say Bellstring Lane and its connecting roads will stay closed until 8pm.

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/young-driver-airlifted-hospital-after-10906698

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News

A man has been cleared of unlawfully wounding a prison custody officer after slashing his own throat when given a jail sentence at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

Gary Bell
Gary Bell

Gary James Bell accepted he cut the hand of Neil Barnard in the incident on July 31, 2014 but told Leeds Crown Court it was accidental while he was trying to kill himself.

Bell, 22 of Sycamore Court, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield was unanimously found not guilty by a jury on the charge of unlawful wounding. The prosecution claimed his actions were reckless.

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/throat-slash-prisoner-gary-bell-10905964

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Travel

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Crime

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed of his phone and cigarette lighter in the early hours of this morning in Cleckheaton.

The 24-year-old victim was walking along Fox Street shortly after 1am when he was approached by two young males.

After requesting a lighter, one of the males grabbed the victim and forcibly searched him, before repeatedly punching him to the face and head.

The male who asked for the lighter is described as 17 to 18-years-old, of large build, under 5ft 11ins tall, with short brown/ginger hair.

The other male is described as being of a similar age, slimmer and taller than the other male, with blond hair.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery, or saw two males matching the suspects’ descriptions in the area round the time of this offence, are asked to call Kirklees District CID via 101.

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Crash update

The A629 Penistone Road at Kirkburton remains closed in both directions between Thunder Bridge Lane and North Road and traffic is being diverted through the village.

The road is shut between the Foxglove Inn and the Stocksmoor turn-off and police are on the scene.

Police close Penistone Road at Kirkburton after a serious crash
Police close Penistone Road at Kirkburton after a serious crash

The driver of a Renault Clio, which was in collision with a Fiat Ducato flat-backed van, was airlifted to hospital earlier.

The 21-year-old man is said to have suffered head and internal injuries and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

Just spoken to the fire service so there will be a full story soon.

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Travel

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News

Do Yorkshire folk mumble? That’s what the BBC says. That’s why you need to turn your TV up when Happy Valley’s on.

I reckon that’s outrageous. Yorkshire folk quiet?

Yorkshireman Sir Patrick Stewart making a noise
Yorkshireman Sir Patrick Stewart making a noise

Sir Geoffrey Boycott quiet? Lord Dickie Bird never heard? Sir Patrick Stewart’s diction poor? You must be joking, Auntie Beeb.

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News

A driver has been airlifted to hospital after a smash which closed the A629 Penistone Road at Kirkburton.

Emergency services were called at just after 1pm. Police have said there was a collision between a Fiat Ducato van and a Renault Clio car.

The driver of the Clio suffered what are described as “serious” injuries and he was taken to hospital by the air ambulance.

The road remains closed in both directions and delays are building up.

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Breaking news

Reports coming in of a serious road accident on the A629 Penistone Road at Kirkburton between Thunder Bridge Lane and North Road. The road is reported closed in both directions. Traffic will be building up. More when we get it.

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That’s all from me. Martin Shaw will be with you soon.

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News

Cause for celebration on Northern Rail trains?

You’ll be able to watch Happy Valley on your phone for free and enjoy clean toilets and decent coffee, new bosses of the Northern Rail franchise have promised.
More here...

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Sport

David Wagner says time has flown since he took charge at Huddersfield Town.

The charismatic German coach, 44, has been so engrossed with changing the football mindset at PPG Canalside he’s had precious little time to relax.

He says the welcome he’s received from the people of Huddersfield and everyone inside the club has exceeded all expectations, but life has not been without its down side.

More here including video...

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News

An historic pub – with a reputation for being haunted – is to have a fresh new look and a move upmarket.

The Three Nuns in Leeds Road, Mirfield, has shut down for a five-week refurbishment.

The Mitchells & Butlers pub and restaurant is due to re-open in mid-March as a Miller & Carter Steakhouse with the creation of 25 new jobs.

More here...

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Good afternoon.

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Hand Over:

Well, that’s all from me for the moment. Handing over to my colleague, Dave

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Local News:

Organisers are delighted to have local food entrepreneurs, Valerie Kolat of Dapur Malysia and Laura Merriman of I Love Cheesecake, host a local supper evening in the Cr8te Barn at Stirley Community Farm, Berry Brow.

They want guests to join them in celebrating the best of local food and business in our area.

They will be serving authentic Malaysian starters and mains, followed by a selection of mini fruit desserts.

There will be craft beers available, along with local wine by Luddenden Valley Wines.

Tickets are £15/person, if you’d like to book tickets book by phone, Tel: 01904 659570 or by emailinfo@ywt.org.uk

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Local News:

£180,000 has been invested in The Postcard pub on Huddersfield Road, which reopened its doors to customers recently after a month-long refurbishment.

The renovation has been jointly funded by pub company Punch in partnership with publican, Kevin Sanders, who has run The Postcard for the last three years.

Kevin Sanders enjoys a well-earned pint after all his labours at the new-look Postcard pub in Holmfirth
Kevin Sanders enjoys a well-earned pint after all his labours at the new-look Postcard pub in Holmfirth

Prior to taking over at the Postcard, Kevin ran a successful business with his brother, Karl, renovating old pubs at locations throughout Yorkshire.

But Kevin said the Postcard is the only pub he ever considered running for himself.

He said: “I was always happy to hand the keys over at the end of a refurbishment but as soon as I saw the Postcard I knew it had great potential and that I wanted to run it myself.

“It’s a proper local pub, serving the community, and all it needed was a little bit of care and attention. I’m delighted with the results of the refurbishment.

“Customers had no idea what was going on during January and they’ve been overwhelmed by how great it looks now.”

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Local News:

On the run up to Christmas the two Pets at Home stores in Huddersfield worked in conjunction with volunteers from West Yorkshire Dog Rescue to raise valuable funds for the local charity

Throughout December Pets at Home staff encouraged customers to donate 50p to buy a meal for a dog and thankfully lots of people donated.

To help increase donations volunteers from the rescue staffed stalls on the weekends in December where they promoted the charity and helped collect money.

Dante Harker fundraising manager for the charity said: “We are so grateful for all the hard work that Pets at Home have put into support our small local charity.”

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Local News:

Local sport and fitness providers - from clubs and gyms to small walking groups - are invited to a free workshop to get support to create even more activities and help local people find out about them.



An informal ‘Calderdale sports club development evening’ is being held by Calderdale Council and West Yorkshire Sport to bring providers together to share resources, knowledge and facilities. The Council wants to learn more about the kind of support they need and how it can work with them to help people be more active more often.



Advice will cover funding, marketing, accounting, community amateur club status and club development support. People who don’t currently run a sport or fitness group but are keen to set up activities are also welcome to come along and see what support is available. Representatives from Calderdale Council, West Yorkshire Sport and North Bank Forum will be there to listen and give advice.



Providers are encouraged to come to the event on Wednesday 24 February from 6pm to 8.30pm at MBi Shay Stadium, Halifax. Sign up at www.wysport.co.uk/calderdale-clubs

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Local News:

There’s still time for flood affected residents and businesses to apply for financial support from Calderdale Council.


Since the December floods, over 1000 households and over 500 businesses have received money from the Council, but there are still more people affected than have claimed.


The Leader of Calderdale Council, Clr Tim Swift, said: “Since the December floods we’ve paid out almost £2 million in grants to affected homes and businesses. Were you affected by flooding? Have you sent in your application? If not, I’d encourage you to join nearly 2000 other households and submit your application before the April deadline.


“We want to make sure that everyone who is entitled applies for the funding, to help people recover from the devastating floods. If you’re not certain whether you’re eligible, please get in touch anyway to find out and make sure you’re not missing out.”


It’s easy to find out if you’re eligible and to apply, just visit www.calderdale.gov.uk and search for ‘Flood funding’ for an application form, or call 01422 288001.

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BYE BYE

Right, that’s all from me. Robert Sutcliffe will be up next

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M62

Barrier or bridge repairs are taking place westbound between J22 and J21

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NEWS QUIZ

1. Which beach has been named by travellers as the UK’s best for the second year in a row?

2. Former UN secretary-general Boutros Boutros-Ghali has died, but how old was he?

3. Who have been announced as the Sunday night headliners for this year’s Glastonbury festival?

4. Which member of McFly has announced the birth of his second child, a boy called Buddy Bob?

ANSWERS (no cheating!)

1. Woolacombe Beach in Devon, according to TripAdvisor.

2. 93.

3. Coldplay.

4. Tom Fletcher.

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NEWS

Here’s some world news.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to guests gathered during a campaign event at the International Air Response facility in Mesa, Arizona
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to guests gathered during a campaign event at the International Air Response facility in Mesa, Arizona

Donald Trump will not become US president because the voters realise it is a serious job, Barack Obama said.

Mr Obama contrasted the reality of being president with the rhetoric on the campaign trail, saying doing the job is not like hosting a reality show or a talk show.

Syrian Kurdish refugee children who fled Kobani with their families
Syrian Kurdish refugee children who fled Kobani with their families

Aid convoys are due to be sent to Syria’s besieged areas, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has said.

Among the areas due to receive aid is the town of Madaya, where people have been dying of starvation

Bagpipes
Bagpipes (Image: Jim/Winstead Flickr)

A piper who is travelling 50,000 miles to play 12 gigs at famous locations around the world in aid of charity has played a concert in Antarctica. Irene Robinson, a forensic nurse practitioner, is travelling across seven continents in 50 days with the aim of raising £50,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Dish shaped UFO in the sky
Dish shaped UFO in the sky

Thousands of earthlings descended on Capilla del Monte in Argentina for an annual international alien festival that has made the town a hotspot for UFO sightings. The festival in Cordoba province included a parade of neon lights with Star Wars characters, an alien costume contest and shops selling green stuffed aliens with bulging eyes next to hooded ETs from the 1982 film.

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NEWS

Let’s have a look at some of the headlines from across the UK. Read closely, some of these stories may pop up in a news quiz that I’m going to do in a few minutes.

silhouette of a person, sex crimes, abuse, stock
silhouette of a person, sex crimes, abuse, stock

A paedophile who led child a sex grooming ring in Rochdale is using human rights laws to try to block his deportation.

Shabir Ahmed, 63, has written to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) claiming his convictions for sick child sex offences were a conspiracy to ‘scapegoat’ Muslims, his immigration tribunal heard.

David Cameron visit to Dean Clough Halifax on the electoral campaign.
David Cameron visit to Dean Clough Halifax on the electoral campaign.

David Cameron is facing the fraught final stages of negotiations to secure a new deal for Britain’s relationship with the European Union as he prepares for a crunch summit in Brussels.

The Prime Minister has been warned he has an “extra mile” to go to persuade eastern European leaders to agree to proposed reforms and is also battling to keep his party together as Eurosceptic ministers get ready to speak out.

Woolacombe beach in Devon has been named by travellers as the UK’s best beach for a second year in a row.

The three-mile long stretch of sand retained the top spot in a list based on TripAdvisor reviews and ratings.

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This is our front page news story today

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M62

There is congestion at junction 29 Lofthouse eastbound

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WHAT'S ON

Something else to amuse your children this week

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