News | Page 26

South Yorkshire firefighters have suspended their industrial action ballot after union chiefs and the fire service agreed to talks. Unions had objected to the planned closure of four fire stations, plus a new shift system.

The old Vickers site in Newcastle is due to shut down at the end of 2013 following a business review by BAE. Subject to consultation, some 620 jobs could be lost at the Newcastle depot where tanks were manufactured for World War I.

A Northallerton man has been told to pay back the money he falsely earned from the bogus college he was imprisoned for. Michael Smallman ran the distance learning college in Middlesbrough which collapsed in 2001.

A man who was arrested in connection with damage caused to Scarborough Castle has been released on bail. North Yorkshire Police said extensive damage was done to parts of the castle recently, including metal post caps being removed.

More than 200 jobs have been saved at the factory in Brough, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. BAE said a new defence deal averted job losses at its Brough plant and guaranteed work for 30 apprentices.

The deputy chief fire officer for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says plans for a new shift system would save about £10 million by 2015.

A fight is taking place in Runswick Bay to save the village’s public toilets. Local people say Scarborough Borough Council (SBC) is not taking on board the views of local residents.

Potential strikes by Sheffield bin workers have been called off after a pay settlement. Employees threatened a three-day walkout but have now voted to accept an improved offer.

The giant Sunderland car plant will benefit from an additional 225 jobs after new investment. Once the new influx of employees has arrived, the factory’s workforce will stand at a record 6,225, supporting annual production of more than 500,000 vehicles.

A County Durham man is at the centre of a political storm over possible blockades by fuel activists.

A Middlesbrough development has brought forth the prospect of up to 1,500 new jobs. There is an investment plan for the Western Gateway, in the Cannon Park area of the town.

Tyne and Wear boasts three of the top 20 spots in England for ‘business champions’ which could drive economic growth.