Jonny Manning

The Schools Adjudicator blocked North Tyneside Council’s plan to close Hazlewood Primary School and move pupils to Greenfields Primary School, citing shortcomings in the proposal and stating it did not constitute a true merger. Although the immediate closure has been halted, the adjudicator indicated Hazlewood’s long-term closure remains likely due to structural problems and falling enrolment. Repair options were deemed costly relative to the council’s available budget. Changes in legislation are expected to give the council new routes to form an actual merged school, and further proposals are anticipated, leaving the school’s reprieve temporary.

Reports of anti-social behaviour in north-east England and Cumbria have fallen significantly according to police statistics, but residents say the problem feels worse due to inconsistent reporting routes, slow police responses and differing interpretations of what constitutes anti-social behaviour. Police forces attribute the drop to better crime recording practices, increased patrols and targeted initiatives, while community organisations argue that many incidents go unreported or are handled by councils instead of police. Officials stress the importance of reporting incidents to identify patterns and allocate resources, but some residents remain frustrated by delays and confusion over responsibility.

Newcastle’s City Baths and Turkish Baths have been secured after Greenwich Leisure Limited took over operations following the collapse of Fusion Lifestyle, which left the city unlikely to recover more than £6m in loans. The council said the agreement protects the Grade II-listed facility, while user groups welcomed the prospect of improved and expanded services. Staff will transfer to the new operator without redundancies.

More than £3.7m from the Borderlands Partnership will fund new community facilities in Egremont and Dalton-in-Furness, including a £1.8m community hub on the former Red Lion site and a £900,000 redevelopment of the Florence Arts Centre. Dalton-in-Furness will gain a £570,000 pocket park with new landscaping and public space. The investment, delivered through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, aims to support long-term economic revitalisation across 22 towns.

A pit bull-type dog attacked a woman and seriously injured her pet near Hemlington Lake in Middlesbrough, leading police to euthanize the unaccompanied dog due to public safety risks. Two people in their 30s were arrested and later bailed. Cleveland Police appealed for information and are working with experts to confirm the dog’s breed, while emphasizing public safety concerns.