Pub plan is hit by design snag

Plans for a £1.6m Wetherspoons pub, in Front Street, Consett has hit a snag. The chain has applied to Derwentside District Council for permission to use a grey concrete roof tile called Marley Modern. But principal planning officer Darren Cuming has recommended permission be refused, arguing the tile is not of high enough quality. He said: "The large roof area and prominent position of the site would dictate that a better quality product should be utilised. This site is one of the landmark locations within the town centre." Councillors will discuss the proposal next Thursday.

BURGLAR JAILED: A 22-year-old man was caught attempting a third house break-in at occupied homes in Chester-le-Street, on November 28. David William McCamley, of Ninth Avenue, Chester-le-Street, who admitted two charges of burglary, was yesterday jailed at Durham Crown Court for 21 months with 56 unserved days from a previous sentence added by Judge Richard Lowden.

REMEMBER THEM: The fire brigade in Washington will receive a commemorative tree to remember those who died during an act of terrorism. Staff from Asda, in Washington, will provide a cherry tree to be planted in the brigade's training centre garden at Barmsdon Mere. The tree will be planted tomorrow to remember those who died on September 11 and the lives lost during the First and Second World Wars.

CLASSIC MUSICAL: A production of the hit musical, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, starring Dave Willetts and Shona Lindsay, is being staged at Sunderland Empire Theatre, from April 23 to 27. For tickets and information, contact the box office on 0191-514 2517.

NEW HOMES: An application by Broseley Homes to build 26 homes on land near Leadgate County Infants School at Leadgate, near Consett, has been received by Derwentside District Council. Councillors will discuss the proposal at Consett Civic Centre next Thursday.

sculpture unveiled: Northern Arts will today unveil a glass sculpture of the Virgin Mary. The work of Polish-born artist Goshka Bialek, who is based in Durham, will take centre stage in the city's cathedral next month. It will form the centrepiece of a display on Neville's Screen, behind the cathedral's High Altar, from April 8 to April 20.

WESSEX'S VISIT: Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, make one of their first visits in their new Royal role on Tyneside today. The couple enlisted to support the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, will visit Firfield Community School in Newcastle, North Shields YMCA and Simonside Youth Centre, in South Shields.

EASTER SERVICE: Two services will be held at Pelton Methodist Church at Easter. On Good Friday, a service will be held at 3pm and on Easter Sunday, at 10.30am.