Wised up Boro boss Aitor Karanka primed to push for promotion

Boro head coach Aitor Karanka says: 'I'm looking forward to the summer and to next season'

Aitor Karanka will put his steep learning curve to good use in preparing Boro for a promotion push next season.

The Spaniard is in a far better positon to build a successful side than he was when thrust into English football in November.

“I’m looking forward to the summer and to next season,” he said with an enthusiasm that suggests he knows what he needs to do to turn Boro into a force.

“I have learned a lot of things about the football here, and my English is improving, which will help me,” he said.

He arrived with little other than his football principles, but now he knows about his players, the standard of the Championship and what to expect from August when the new campaign kicks off.

And, while signings will be a big part of his summer plans, he has pledged to improve the club’s disciplinary record after nine red cards this season - seven of them under him.

“Red cards are a problem, and most of them have been for mistakes,” he said.

“We must learn from it and improve. I have spoken to the players about it. They know my feelings. They know I am not happy with mistakes that have led to cards.”

Angry Hartburn residents hit out after plans revealed to turn suburban house into children's home

Stockton Council buy house in Hartburn for troubled youngsters with emotional needs, which will be managed by Scottish company Spark of Genius

By Abi Wing

Angry residents have hit out after plans were revealed to turn a suburban house into a residential children’s home.

Stockton Borough Council have bought 118 Darlington Road, in Hartburn, for troubled youngsters with emotional needs, which will be managed by Scottish company Spark of Genius.

Residents living nearby have formed an action group called Hartburn Residents to oppose the decision.

In a newsletter sent to people living in the area it was claimed the council has entered into a 50/50 limited liability partnership with the company. It said the authority intended to equally share the profits with the management company.

This week residents gathered at the Parkwood Hotel to discuss the council’s decision, with many showing concerns claiming it had been done “under the radar”.

Ed Jones, heading the meeting, lives next door and was shocked when he received an anonymous letter saying that the house was to be used as a children’s home.

He said: “I think it’s the way the council have gone about doing it, absolutely no communication. The lady we live next door to, she’s 86 and they didn’t have the decency to knock on her door to speak to her about it. I find the arrogance of them doing that is sickening and it’s tax payers’ money.”

There were protests in Thorpe Thewles for a children’s home last year and planning permission was granted. Another one in Wolviston fell through when the property was taken off the market.

Mr Jones, 33, said: “If the council had acted in a more transparent way maybe they wouldn’t have so many annoyed people.”

Rob Howe, a Hartburn resident said: “Most of these people here do not want this on this doorstep, it’s not about the kids. It’s about the deceit and the lies.”

But another said: “There has always been children, many of them with difficulties, living in Hartburn Lodge. It is reasonable; the council weren’t lying.”

Nobody was available from Stockton Council to comment but Hartburn ward councillor Terry Laing said: “Looking after children is part of our responsibility but I can understand why people are angry about it. It’s the cloud of secrecy and the council not being open and transparent.”

A meeting will be held next week, on Thursday, April 24, at 6.30pm at Holy Trinity Rosehill CE Primary School with councillors and representatives from Spark of Genius will be attending.

Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital following collision at Yearby Bank

Accident in Middlesbrough involved a motorbike and a Ford Transit van carrying a horsebox

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Ian Cooper

Scene of collision on Yearby Bank

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A motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital following a collision.

The accident happened at Yearby Bank, in Middlesbrough and involved a motorbike and a Ford Transit van carrying a horsebox.

It happened at 5.15pm yesterday.

The male motorcyclist suffered a fractured tibia and fibula.

The Great North Air Ambulance attended and treated the motorcyclist at the scene before transporting him to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital.

The road was closed in both directions from the A174 Parkway to Sandy Lane.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “The accident involved a motorbike and a Ford Transit van carrying a horsebox.

“The male motorcyclist was injured in the accident and he was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough shortly after the collision.

“His injured were not thought to be life-threatening. The road was briefly closed following the collision”

The pain of the prisoners – Palestinians mark ‘Prisoners’ Day’

Source: MEMO

Before the latest phase of the Oslo negotiations began in July 2013, President of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, was promised the release of 104 prisoners by Israel, all of whom have been incarcerated since before the ironically named ‘Peace-process’ began over 20 years ago. With a clear lack of grassroots Palestinian support for the negotiations, this promise alone was enough to get the PLO back to the negotiating table despite the fact that such a move had only the backing of sections of the Fateh movement, with other national and Islamic parties opposing it. Few Palestinians have any belief in this process following twenty years which have only deepened Zionist settler-colonialism in Palestine.

When Israel yet again reneged on its promises recently, few were surprised. The final group of prisoners was not released according to the agreed schedule and the PA has made moves to join some of the international treaties by way of a response. But even without this latest broken promise, the context must be examined in more depth. Since the start of the current phase of negotiations Israel has only released 78 of the agreed upon 104 pre-Oslo political prisoners – during the same period Israel has arrested more than 3,000 Palestinians according to the PLO. Even without looking at other statistics during the current negotiating period – 60 Palestinians killed, more than 950 injured, more than 3770 military raids, thousands of settlement developments and extension agreements – the release of 78 pre-Oslo prisoners compared to the arrest of more than 3,000 shows clearly the fallacy of a peace process and its negotiations which, according to current reports, may yet still be extended beyond this month’s deadline despite endless promises by the PA that there would be no extension.

Palestinian political prisoners have always been at the forefront of the Palestinian struggle and they possess grassroots support that can move the Palestinian street in ways that the factions can only dream about. Since 1967, an estimated 800,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned. There remains hardly one Palestinian family that is personally untouched by this tool of oppression within the Zionist settler colonial apparatus. With 5,224 Palestinians incarcerated (as of March 1st, 2014) within the Israeli prison system, tens of thousands of children are growing up without family members ensuring that the pain of the prisoner issue continues to be passed on through the new generations as it has been for many decades.

With all this in mind, April 17th is a

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Egypt destroys 5 new tunnels under Gaza border

The Egyptian army has announced the destruction of five new tunnels under the border with the Gaza Strip.

A security official told the German news agency that as part of the military campaign carried out by the army in the Sinai Peninsula, the Corps of Engineers and border guards detected five new tunnels in the Saladin, Al-Habashi and Al-Dehainah areas. The order to destroy all five of the tunnels was carried out on Thursday.

The official added that during the campaign, in which all units of the Second Army took part, villages south of Sheikh Zuwaid, Rafah and El-Arish were attacked, after the army had cut communications and cell phone networks in Sinai. Military operations are currently underway in those villages; no results have been announced. He affirmed that the army will continue its military campaign in the Sinai until it is “free of terrorism”.

12,000 RTI appeals pending in Gujarat: Activist

By IANS,

Ahmedabad : Over 12,000 right to information (RTI) appeals are pending in Gujarat which does not even have a chief information commissioner (CIC), transparency law activist Vinod Pandya said here Monday.

“The situation is grave and needs to be addressed and so those active in the field have decided to form a state-level association of RTI activists,” he added.

Pandya said that a meeting of RTI activists from all over the state took a decision to submit a memorandum to Governor Kamla Beniwal and Chief Minister Narendra Modi, seeking immediate action in the matter.

“In view of the frequent attack on RTI activists and the pending issues, it has become necessary to band together,” said Bharatsinh Jhala, another activist.

Historic South Bank band needs fresh blood in survival struggle

Dwindling numbers means South Bank Brass Band - going for over 150 years - is struggling to survive and its future could be in jeopardy

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Ian Cooper

South Bank Brass Band

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Brass bands evoke memories of our industrial heyday, of hard physical graft and strong community spirit.

And historic South Bank Brass Band has been keeping the proud tradition alive for more than 150 years.

But dwindling numbers means the band is struggling to survive and its future could be in jeopardy.

The band was originally formed in South Bank in Victorian times, made up of men toiling in the area’s iron and steel industry.

“There wasn’t a lot for the men to do when they weren’t at work,” said band member Frank Bowman, 74, a retired bank official, of Brookfield, Middlesbrough.

“It was a means of keeping them occupied, possibly out of trouble. Brass instruments were more suitable for men who did such a hard physical job with their hands. Their hands were just no good for the finer instruments like strings.”

There is little documented evidence of the band’s history but, in a letter to an official from 1879, it appears that the band submitted an application to use local council facilities.

But the request was turned down on the grounds that “the Board thinks that there is considerable disparity between its dignified meetings and the creaking cacophony occasioned by the no doubt spirited but possibly discordant execution by the puffing trumpeters, tooting trombones and rolling drummers”.

However, the letter goes on to say that the band was able to hire the room at two pounds a night for their dances “which were no doubt vigorous affairs with increasing sweat and tempo as the night wore on”.

Today steelmaking on Teesside has been revived and South Bank Brass Band is still with us.

Frank said: “Ours is the only one left that was formerly connected with the iron and steel industry.”

But its membership is declining and it could be forced to disband without new recruits. Frank said: “I think if we go out of existence another piece of Teesside’s history will be lost.”

22 people killed in fresh CAR clashes

Christian looters run away after raiding a Muslim area of the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui. (file photo)

Nearly two dozen people, mostly civilians, have lost their lives in recent clashes in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The clashes broke out between Christian militias and Muslims earlier this week in Grimari, about 300 kilometers (190 miles) northeast of the capital Bangui.

“There are 22 dead, four of whom were women killed by stray bullets,” Michel Sefionam, the head of Grimari’s medical center and a member of the local Red Cross, said on Wednesday.

“There were five Seleka and two ‘anti-Balaka’ killed. Most of the (other) people killed were civilians,” Sefionam said.

There are conflicting reports on the origin and outcome of the fighting.

The CAR has been facing deadly unrest since December last year, when Christian militias launched coordinated attacks against the mostly Muslim Seleka group that toppled the government in March 2013.

Christian militia men in the country have been raging violence against Muslims, many of whom have escaped the country.

French and African peacekeepers are on the ground in the country, but they have been unable to stop the violence and even in some occasions have been accused of killing Muslims.

On April 11, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed extreme concern over reports of Christian militiamen in the CAR attacking civilians fleeing the violence.

UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said the agency had registered four wounded refugees in Cameroon in the past days.

The anti-Balaka groups were reportedly blocking main roads and attacking civilians trying to flee the violence in the CAR, forcing them to take more dangerous alternative routes across the border.

On April 10, UN officials said that nearly 15,000 Muslim residents had been besieged in Bangui by Christian militias amid their persisting trail of killing and looting of more Muslims.

The government has acknowledged that it can do little to protect Muslims still in danger, with many questioning whether international troops could fight off a separatist attempt by armed groups.

DB/MAM/MHB

Easter events on Teesside: Eggs, art and lambing live

There are plenty of places to take the family this Easter weekend :: Here are just some of the local events on offer

Gisborough Priory

In Gisborough Priory Woodland Gardens between 1pm and 3.30pm on Easter Monday, April 21, visitors, young and old, can search for clues hidden throughout the gardens to discover the name of the Easter bunny.

There will also be Easter crafts to try and seasonal stories will be told in the woodland storytelling area by Katherine Appleton, one of the Gisborough Priory Project volunteers.

There is free entry to the gardens through the Gisborough Priory entrance on Church Street between 1pm and 3.30pm.

Alternatively, visitors may enter through the gate at the end of the Bow Street Centre car park.

Kiplin Hall

Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, in North Yorkshire, is open over the weekend and children can enjoy Easter hunts, mask-making, colouring activities and more.

There will be Easter hat and egg judging each day at 4pm.

A new, small garden museum opens to the public today and on Easter Sunday North Yorkshire Vintage Machinery Society are showing displays of items from their collections.

Duty Calls – Kiplin Hall in Times of War, which commemorates the role of the Hall, its owners, extended families and local communities in wars from the Civil War to the Second World War, continues this year.

For more information please visit www.kiplinhall.co.uk or telephone 01748 818178.

mima

There’s a range of Easter events to enjoy at Middlesbrough’s art gallery.

Get creative with the Easter holidays art trolley, from April 15-18, 11am-noon. There will be 1950s-themed activities inspired by the make do and mend post-war culture and recycled materials. This event is free.

The Easter holidays art trolley is inspired by the gallery’s exhibition Art And Optimism In 1950s Britain which runs until June 29.

There’ also a family art trolley event on Saturdays from 1-4pm.

Saltholme

Lambing Live - until April 22

This is the main Easter themed event at the wildlife reserve and discovery park just of Seaton Carew Road, near Port Clarence and is the chance to see the newest arrivals.

However, there are not only the lambs to see, as Saltholme is hosting plenty of woolly crafts and activities for children throughout the holiday.

Saltholme has a flock of around 200 sheep, which graze the wet grassland reserve.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The heritage railway’s 2014 season is now under way. Throughout the Easter bank holiday weekend - April 18-21 - young visitors will be challenged to complete a trail, spotting clues at Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont Stations, before returning back to the Learning Centre at Pickering (between 10am-3pm) to claim a delicious chocolate treat.

Details at www.nymr.co.uk or call 01751 472508.

Cleveland Ironstone Museum

Special Easter events are being held at the Skinningrove museum including traditional games from 11am-3pm today, April 18. The event is free, just drop in.

Paul Chowdhry at Stockton ARC: Controversial in a PC's World

Award-winning comic Paul Chowdhry is bringing a brand new show to Stockton’s ARC on Saturday 3 May

He’s wowed millions of comedy fans as a star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo and as a fearless host of Channel 4’s Stand Up for The Week.

And award-winning comic Paul Chowdhry is bringing a brand new show to Stockton’s ARC on Saturday 3 May.

Never afraid to shy away from controversy, it’s easy to see why some top comedy critics have compared Paul to the legendary Richard Pryor.

But, despite the acclaim, Paul is quick to describe the rush he gets from live stand-up above all else.

“It’s like no other experience,” said Paul. “I’ve done plays before in Edinburgh, and they’re great, but nothing beats stand-up. It’s simply the purest art form.

“The great thing about live comedy is that during those two hours you’re onstage, absolutely anything can happen.”

Paul, a well-deserved winner of the LAFTA Funniest Stand-Up Award last year, carries on that: “People know me as a stand-up. I’m not known as a panellist or a talking head on TV shows. I’m quite a pure stand-up.

“At a stand-up show, everyone has the sense that ‘this is the moment we’re living in.’ Every show is different – you never get the same people in the audience. You won’t ever get that feeling on TV. It gives you such a buzz.”

Paul has headlined the International Indian Kings of Comedy tour, and is widely regarded as the leading British Asian male comedian.

For all that, he has still whipped up a fair amount of controversy during his critically acclaimed career.

PC’s World is his biggest tour to date.

“The show explores those things we think but don’t dare say out loud,” says Paul. “We might be thinking ‘he’s an idiot,’ but we won’t say it. We don’t say what we mean. We live in a PC World where things on TV are censored.”

Paul adds: “We’re adults, but we’re so heavily censored in the media it’s almost offensive. So on stage I want to say what I mean – with no fear of censorship. I’m going to say the type of things I want to say but can’t usually because they’re not PC.”

A thought provoking comic, but Paul is quick to point out that first and foremost he hopes to entertain. “When you’re performing in a room full of people who have given up their evening to see you, you really have to deliver.

“You feel responsible for those people and want them to have the best night of their lives. You’re not going to offend them or be controversial for the sake of being controversial.”

He concludes that: “If we were more honest and dared say things, we’d actually be living in a more PC World. Censorship has an adverse effect on human beings. Honesty creates a much better society. That’s my theme in this show.

“I’m not saying it in black and white. I’m saying it through jokes. Of course I want people to think – but above all I want them to laugh their heads off.”

Paul Chowdhry: PC’s World. ARC, Stockton. Saturday 3 May. 8pm. £14.00. Box Office: 01642 525 199 or www.arconline.co.uk.

Stockton Calling returns for fifth year with biggest line up yet

Multi-venue, genre-encompassing festival Stockton Calling is heading for its fourth consecutive sell-out

Stockton Calling is boasting a line up of more than 60 acts, spanning across eight stages around Stockton Town Centre.

Young Rebel Set, Public Service Broadcasting, Space, Paul Thomas Saunders, Chris Helme, Collectors Club, We Are Knuckle Dragger and Baby Strange head the eight stages for what is the events biggest year so far.

After three consecutive sell-outs, the event has expanded year on year since its 2010 conception; starting with ARC, KU and The Georgian Theatre, it has since gone on to draw in The Sun Inn, The Vault, The Storytellers, The Green Room and now the HM Bark Endeavour down on Stockton’s Riverside.

Headlining the festivals biggest stage, at ARC, this year will be Stockton five-piece Young Rebel Set, who ended 2013 with a sell-out show at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

The “British Vampire Weekend” four-piece Little Comets will also perform at ARC, adding their tricky percussion and afro-beat-tinged guitars to proceedings, along with explosive Blackpool trio Darlia, Lake Poets and theatrically flamboyant Teesside bluesy rockers The Purnells.

Liverpool Britpop heroes Space, famous for hits including Female Of The Species and Me And You Versus The World, will headline the talent packed KU stage, with much lauded acts Superfood, Spring King, LSA and Sundara Karma highlighting the festivals ability to draw in buzz-worthy acts and line them up along talented Teesside acts like The Panoramic, Mondays Company and Rambler.

The Georgian Theatre bill is to be topped by the visually and audibly captivating Public Service Broadcasting, who had a breakthrough year in 2013 with their debut album being voted in numerous ‘Best of 2013’ lists, most notably 6Music’s.

London psych blues six-piece Lola Colt, epic indie Teessiders Abel Raise The Cain, alt-rock grunged up trio Bleech, freewheelin’ cosmic blues act The Dead Indians, rough and ready rock and rollers Davey BandMan, abrasive blues-rock outlet Gallery Circus and brand new Teesside band producing charmingly nostalgic 90s tunes Mouses complete the line up.

Leeds based singer-songwriter Paul Thomas Saunders, who has been compared to Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Bon Iver, heads the Kids Are Solid Gold programmed stage at The Storytellers.

The full line-up is on the right.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are £15 in advance. The last three years have sold out so advanced booking is highly recommended. If tickets remain they will be £18 on the day.

Book online at http://ift.tt/1jaOFJR, 01642 525199/01642 674115 or buy them in person at ARC or Green Dragon Studios.

Line-ups are correct at the time of going to press.

ARC

9.30pm: Young Rebel Set

8pm: Little Comets

6.45pm: Darlia

5.30pm: The Lake Poets

4.15pm: The Purnells

3.15pm: Palace

2.30pm: Lost State of Dance

KU

10.20pm: Space

7.15pm: Spring King

6.15pm: The Panoramic

5.15pm: LSA

4.15pm: Sundara Karma

3.15pm: Rambler

2.15pm: Mondays Company

The Georgian Theatre

9.50pm: Public Service Broadcasting

8.30pm: Lola Colt

7.30pm: Abel Raise The Cain

6.30pm: Bleech

5.30pm: The Dead Indians

4.30pm: Davey Bandman

3.30pm: Gallery Circus

2.30pm: Mouses

The Sun Inn – Grass Route

10pm – Baby Strange

9pm: The Lost Boys

8pm: Alistair Sheerin

7pm: IC1’s

6pm: Cellar Door

5pm: Be Quiet. Shout Loud!

4pm: Reva

3pm: Violet Deep

2pm: Serinette

The Vault – Nouvelle Musique

11pm: Chris Helme

9.30pm: Coco and the Butterfields

8.30pm: The Alice Charmers

7.30pm: Silver Trees

6.30pm: Sam Fender

5.30pm: Andy Jones

4.30pm: Dinnernanny

3.40pm: Tusk

2.50pm: Little Mirrors

2pm: The Big Heave

The Green Room – NARC

10.15pm: We Are Knuckle Dragger

9.15pm: Goy Boy McIlroy

8.15pm: International Departures

7.15pm: Zyna Hel

6.15pm: The Shooting Of...

5.15pm: Iceni

4.15pm: Bear Trade

3.15pm: Wood & Wire

2.15pm: Zach & Georgie

The Storytellers – TKASG

9.45pm: Paul Thomas Saunders

8.45pm: Randolph’s Leap

7.45pm: Fatherson

5.45pm: Hero Fisher

4.45pm: Littlemores

3.45pm: Grandfather Birds

2.45pm: The Broken Broadcast

1.45pm: General Sherman

1.15pm: Calico

The H.M Bark Endeavour: Pay For the Piano

8.45pm: Collectors Club

7.45pm: Weird Shapes

6.45pm: The Approved

5.45pm: Algiers

4.45pm: John & The Ragmen

3.45pm: Suntrapp

2.45pm: Dressed Like Wolves

1.45pm: Taylor Mayd

Warwick Davis in See How They Run at Darlington Civic Theatre

Much loved farce See How They Run is brought to life on stage once again - this time with a difference

A comedy of small proportions – See How They Run – comes to Darlington Civic Theatre next week.

The much loved farce is brought to life on stage once again – this time with a difference.

It still features hilarious comic situations involving mistaken identity, doors and vicars, but the comedy will be heightened by the fact that the cast are all under four feet tall.

See How They Run is the debut theatre tour of Warwick Davis and his Reduced Height Theatre Company.

Warwick is best known for his roles in Willow, Star Wars, the Harry Potter films and most recently on our TV screens in Life’s Too Short, Doctor Who and An Idiot Abroad 3.

And he took the time to tell Emma Pietras about his Reduced Height Theatre Company: “Shorter people do have their privacy invaded by people taking their picture just because they’re short,” said Warwick.

In part, it’s to educate people that Warwick has launched his latest venture, The Reduced Height Theatre Company.

“It’s a unique theatrical experience,” he says. “I think it can increase respect for short people. You’ll have a bloody good time and none of it’s at the expense of the short performer.

“This is purely about being taken seriously as actors - not just as people who work once a year doing Snow White,” he says.

“Sometimes you yearn for that straight role. I’ve been fortunate to do a few of those. More and more I’m being recognised for who I am as an actor rather than being short.”

This is Warwick’s first time acting and producing and he’s financing the production too. “I am nervous about it,” he admits. “I’m taking a leap of faith but there’s potential for it to be absolutely brilliant.”

Warwick has worked in Hollywood since he was 11 with credits like Return of the Jedi, Willow and Harry Potter.

His biggest current worry is forgetting his lines on stage. “I always have that dream actors have where I don’t know my lines and I’m wearing no trousers,” he admits. “What’s funny is in this play I’m on stage in no trousers as part of the plot. I’ve made sure I’m wearing very respectable underwear!”

Next on Warwick’s career wish list is his own chat show. “I’d love that,” he says. “When I was on Jonathan Ross, I got in his seat and thought, ‘This fits me really well.’”

Rock trio TRAAMS head for The Green Room in Stockton

TRAAMS return to Stockton on Friday, May 2 for an intimate performance in The Green Room

After their show-stopping performance at Drenge’s sell out-show at The Georgian Theatre in February, rock trio TRAAMS return to Stockton on Friday, May 2 for an intimate performance in The Green Room.

TRAAMS formed in the summer of 2011 in Chichester, West Sussex and since then they’ve picked up tour slots with the likes of Fidlar, Temples, Hooded Fang and Parquet Courts.

They recorded their first set of songs in November 2011 with Rory Attwell and continued to work with the producer throughout 2012. In February 2013 they recorded more songs with MJ from Hookworms at his Suburban Home Studio in Leeds to complete their debut EP, Ladders.

Support comes from North-east rockers Atlas Wynd.

Tickets are £6.50 in advance and £9 on the door. Tickets from http://ift.tt/1qx4V81 01642 606525 or in person from Green Dragon Studios.

Beverley: Walk with Bob Woodhouse

With a range of fine buildings that includes the Minster, St. Mary’s Church, the Friary and North Bar and settings such as the market areas and race course, Beverley ranks as one of this country’s most attractive market towns

Beverley Minster is described as one of Britain’s finest examples of medieval gothic architecture and features within its walls include a Saxon sanctuary chair, Percy tomb canopy and a collection of medieval carvings in stone and wood.

From the east end of the Minster we follow Minsteryard South ahead to turn left into Eastgate where Beverley Friary covers ground on our right hand side. Originally a Dominican Friary, it still contains many original features and now operates as a youth hostel.

Passing through the Friary’s Gardens via Friary Walk we head northwards to reach Station Lane where a left turn takes us into the Wednesday Market with its mixture of timber- framed, Georgian and modern buildings.

Continuing ahead into Butcher Row and then Walkergate there are reminders of earlier trades as we pass Morley’s Yard (left) to turn into Dyer Lane. At the junction with Cornhill we turn right to walk along Ladygate.

Turning left at the junction with Hengate we reach St Mary’s Church on the corner of North Bar Within. Most of the building dates from the 12th century and its many fine features include a ceiling in the chancel of 40 panels showing the Kings of England up to Henry V1.

From St. Mary’s Church we make our way towards North Bar. Rebuilt in brick in 1409 it is the town’s only surviving toll bar (of four) where merchants paid a fee to bring goods for sale.

Our route continues to the left along York Road and then left again into Pasture Terrace and round into Tiger Lane. At the junction with North Bar Within, we turn right and continue ahead into the Saturday Market and then Toll Gavel.

Towards the southern end of Toll Gavel we turn right into Cross Street and soon pass Beverley

Guildhall on our right in Register Square. At the crossroads the town’s Treasure House and Library is away on our right but we bear left into Well Lane and make our way ahead to Wednesday Market. Turning right (to the south west corner) we continue along Highgate to return to our starting point at Beverley Minster.

RTI activist externed for exposing corruption in Govt. Schools

RAJKOT: A resident of Sutrapada town of Gir-Somnath district, who used right to information (RTI) act to expose corruption in a government school, has moved the Gujarat high court (HC) after being handed down an “unusually stringent” punishment of externment.

Ramsinh Mori, who used RTI to expose corruption in a government school in the town, has been externed from five districts as well as the Union territory of Diu by the sub divisional magistrate of Veraval for two years. Mori has approached the HC seeking quashing of the SDM’s order. The HC on Tuesday issued notice to the authorities and posted further hearing of the case for April 21.

The externment order dated February 5 accuses Mori of using RTI as a tool for blackmailing in government offices, schools and fair price shops for personal financial gains. The order also states two complaints lodged against him under IPC 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), IPC 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) IPC 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions).

The order also states that people are so terrified of him that they refrain from lodging a complaint. “If such activities continue, they can have serious implications on law and order in Gir-Somnath district and surrounding areas of Junagadh,” the order states. Mori has been externed from Gir-Somnath, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Rajkot (urban and rural) and Diu. After the series of RTI applications filed by Mori last year, the Junagadh district education officer had found prima facie financial irregularities in auctioning scrap and initiated an inquiry against school principal Randhir Mori in March.

“Both complaints lodged against me are by none other than Randhir Mori. I am not a criminal who can terrorize people that too in such a large area of five districts,” Mori told TOI. RTI activist Pankti Jog said, “This is a serious issue for RTI activists in the state and it will discourage people to fight wrongdoings.”

John Powls: Character and intensity building at Aitor Karanka's Boro

John Powls looks ahead to Boro's clash with Millwall, a side who are in the bottom three but have had a decent run of April results

I like what Karanka said after the Burnley game about the character and intensity his team has shown in their recent run of five wins on the trot, mainly against sides above them and pressing for promotion.

It’s even better that he’s stressed recently that they have to be every bit as focused and ready to show their personality when they face a side at the wrong end of the table, from their visitors’ point of view, tomorrow.

Millwall’s decent run of April results – two away wins at Wigan and Forest and a home draw with Watford - might help the Boro Head Coach in making that point.

Without that run, which still has them in the bottom three, Ollie’s Men might already be gone but they still have Championship survival to fight for and The Reds will have to be right at it again at The Riverside in the first of their Easter fixtures.

It looks most likely that the ex-Boro Lion most likely to start on his return to The Riverside is Nicky Bailey with Scott McDonald having been on the bench on occasions recently and Justin Hoyte not even that.

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Millwall v Boro match action

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They will be without Ed Upson through injury but their other top scorers, Morison and Woolford are available, though the former has been a sub most often of late.

Chaplow is fit to start in midfield.

For Boro, it looks like George Friend is fit enough to start and Karanka won’t need to look for a stand in left back or left wing back in a 3-5-2.

Manu Ledesma gave it a very decent go in both roles against Burnley in last Saturday’s win at Turf Moor but, sometimes, that’s about the novel challenge leading to a player increasing their focus for one game.

It’s helpful not to have to stretch that or the changed set up to a second outing with a more conventional back four available.

With Ayala suspended for this game and Big Ben Gibson completing his two game ban, it’s just as well that the increasingly impressive Kenneth Omeruo is available again to partner Woody after his enforced absence.

You’d have to agree with the experienced Teesside centre back that Boro aren’t a dirty side, despite their ‘two yellow’ red card littered season.

But their Head Coach puts a value on individual and team discipline, technique and organisation as well as wanting to keep his squad relatively tight in numbers.

For all those reasons, he’ll want less down time due to bans for next term and the rest of this run in.

With Butterfield, Whitehead, Chalobah and Leadbitter all available, Karanka has got one of those ‘nice problems to have’ that all who select teams profess to like.

Rather like the permutations of available defenders, Boro have shown they can succeed with whichever two get the nod for the engine room roles.

Tomlin will be kept on his toes by Butterfield for the number ten role, though they prospered in harness last Saturday with the ex-Posh man’s surging run setting the ex-Norwich midfielder for Boro’s goal.

Danny Graham and Albert Adomah will surely start, as might Luke Williams for this Riverside encounter.

In terms of ‘next season prep’ developments, I have to say that I was very pleased to see that Richie Smallwood’s year contract extension option has been taken up by Boro, reflecting what he put in for his home town club earlier and his performances for Rotherham, flying high in League One.

Very good news, I think, and – as expected - Karanka has now been as good as his word for at least a couple of those he sent out on loan to get regular starts and that’s important too.

Dimi Konstantopoulos is also amongst those doing himself no harm in terms of a Riverside contract and his World cup ambitions with Greece, apparently. All to the good.

Kei Kamara has joined the ranks of those who’ve had to go under the surgeon’s knife recently and, though he may may it back before the season’s close, he won’t be available tomorrow.

Despite the unattractive opposition, it would be good to see a couple of thousand on the holiday home attendance and for the team to give them something to savour by giving it a right go again and completing a second double in successive games, beating Millwall convincingly for a second time this season.

C’mon Boro!!!

Northern League Cup draw surprise leaves Marske United scratching around

Marske set to name scratch side at Penrith in attempt to field decent strength line-up in Northern League Cup semi-final clash at Ashington

Depleted Marske are set to name a scratch side at Penrith tomorrow in an attempt to field a decent strength line-up in their Northern League Cup semi-final clash at Ashington on Easter Monday.

The Seasiders have played twice already this week, losing 2-1 at Shildon on Monday and taking a point in a goalless draw at Bishop Auckland on Wednesday.

And they are struggling badly for numbers for the Ashington game after several players made arrangements for the Easter Holiday weekend before the fixture was announced.

Marske chairman Peter Collinson said his club only learned of the League Cup last four date when Ashington tweeted about it after their win against Tow Law on Tuesday night.

“That was the first we’d heard about it, then the league confirmed it later that night,” Collinson said.

“It’s very disappointing and doesn’t take into account the time needed to organise coaches for supporters on a Bank Holiday Easter weekend.

“And, as far as we are concerned, the timing has hampered our efforts to get to a final in the League’s 125th anniversary season, and at a prestigious Premier League ground in Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

“There’s still a couple of weeks before the final on Tuesday, May 6, so why shouldn’t players make Easter Monday arrangements if they think don’t have a game?”

Marske are set to be without midfield trio Craig Gott, Bryan Stewart and Glen Butterworth, striker Jamie Clarke and defender Paul Collins.

The other League Cup semi-final pits Whitley Bay against Whitehaven.

Marske are the only Northern League club from Teesside with a game tomorrow.

Easter Monday’s other match involving Teesside clubs sees Billingham Synthonia visit neighbours Billingham Town for an 11am derby.

Synners can hammer the final nails into Town’s coffin as the relegated former Northern League runners-up have suffered five straight defeats and conceded 32 goals without scoring.

And a win would take their former Bedford Terrace management team’s points total past the 61 mark which they achieved last season.

Synners assistant Lee Tucker said: “I feel for Town, but we have just got to focus on ourselves. As a management team we are in our fourth year at Central Avenue and our best points haul was 61 last season, which we can still surpass.

“That’s a bit of an extra incentive to do well. It’s still below where we want to be, but it would be another step in the right direction.”

Synners could give chairman Stuart Coleby’s son Jonathan his second start.

The 18-year-old is on a work experience contract after being released by Boro and played 70 minutes against Bishop Auckland after doing well from the bench at Durham City.

Fourth-placed Guisborough, who beat Newcastle Benfield 2-1 in midweek, play again next Wednesday at Whitley Bay.

Second division Norton, Thornaby and Stokesley are back out next Saturday, when they close the curtain on their campaigns against Northallerton, West Allotment and Whitehaven.

Norton boss Andy Campbell said Ancients striker Nicky Martin deserves a pat on the back after surpassing the 150 Northern League goals mark with the Ancients.

“I’m well pleased for Nicky,” said the former Boro man. “I’m sure there is more to come.”

Stuart Lobb delighted to be back home for the new NYSD league season

Pace bowler Stuart Lobb is ready for an historic season after returning to home town club Seaton Carew

Well worth the wait - Stuart Lobb is ready for an historic season after returning to home town club Seaton Carew.

The pace bowler left seven years ago to play at the highest level he could, but pledged to return if ever Seaton reached the top flight of the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier Division.

And as soon as they finally reached their goal after several near misses he was as good as his word.

“I spoke to chairman Brian Weatherall straight away, and I am coming back as captain. It was always my ambition to do this and I am delighted,” said Staurt, who has enthusiastically thrown himself into the club before the new season, working hard on the facilities, helping with function nights, seeing to the kit and working with the players ready for the big start at home to Saltburn tomorrow.

“It’s an historic day with this being Seaton’s first top flight game, and I am so pleased that I am going to be part of it,” said Stuart.

“I’m from Hartlepool, but we moved to Seaton Carew 10 years ago. It was my first cricket club and feels like home.

“I left when I was 16 because I wanted to reach the best level I could. I’ve been seven years away. I have loved playing everywhere I have been, but it feels right to be back here.”

Stuart has made the most of his exile. He joined Blackhall, then played for Horden, experiencing life in a different league.

Then it was off to Australia to play for Brisbane side Sunshine Coast.

“That was the best level I have played at,” said Stuart, who later had a second stint Down Under, this time in Perth where he played for Applecross at what he considers a similar level to the NYSD Premier League.

On his return to Teesside he played for Billingham Synthonia, then Guisborough, from where he returned to Seaton.

So at 23 he already has vast experience which he can put to good use at a club that he feels can do well.

“Obviously our first priority is to stay up, and establish ourself at this level. The club has targeted this for a long time, and have come close a few times.

“Now that we are here we don’t want to go back down and become an up and down club. I think we can establish ourselves. Others have done it.

“Richmondshire came up and are now the team to beat. They have won the league the last couple of years and I think they are favourites again. Gary Pratt is the best batsman I have played against in the NYSD League.

“But a lot of clubs have signed new players, so you never know how it will work out.

“Richmond have a winning mentality, but so do we after winning promotion last season. We have players like Kev Rowntree and Marty Skirving who have played for the club a long time and worked hard to achieve Premier Division cricket. They’ll make the most of it.

“And there’s lads like me who started here. Paul Braithwaite, Davey Braithwaite and Jack Turnbull have been at the club since they were 11. And Danny Evans, like me, started here then moved on. He is back now as professional.

“So I think we can do well. Maybe teams will come here and think they will beat us, but I feel we are ready.”

Champions Richmond start at Sedgefield and are looking to get off to a flier to hold the main challengers at bay.

Darlington who have pushed Richmond hard over the last couple of years, just missing out on the title, start at Marske, who won the Division One title last season, to go up alongside second placed Seaton.

Wearside League: Big test for title holders as season heads for its climax

Stockton Town motor into their top of the Wearside League crunch at Ryhope with goals in their boots

Reigning champions Stockton Town motor into tomorrow’s top of the Wearside League crunch at Ryhope with goals in their boots and a 16-man squad.

The game is possibly the biggest of the season for the sides as they head into the final straight.

Both teams have played 32 games and a win would put leaders Stockton six points clear as they look to defend their title, while a draw would maintain their three-point cushion.

A Ryhope victory would put them top however as they have a vastly superior goal difference.

Stockton head into the crucial fixture on the back of a 4-1 Wednesday night win at bottom of the table Hartlepool, who finished the game with nine men.

Kallum Hannah scored a hat-trick which included a penalty in first half added time, before Tom Coulthard scored with a header.

The same side which won so well is available again, and Luke Whittaker is almost recovered from a hamstring injury but may not be risked.

Stockton have an added incentive to do well against their chief rivals as Ryhope won 5-1 at Bishopton Road West in January.

Redcar Athletic are without a fixture tomorrow as they were due to play League Cup final rivals Ashbrooke Belford House, and the Wearside League have agreed to a postponement.

The break gives both teams a bit of additional time to recharge their batteries before Monday’s final at Ashbrooke’s home ground (1.30pm kick-off).

Athletic welcome back central defenders Jamie Lee and James Smuk, who both missed last week’s narrow 1-0 defeat to reigning champions Stockton Town.

The duo’s returns will allow skilful midfielder Michael Woodhouse to revert to his normal playing position after two star cameos at centre-half.

Chris Bivens, James Swann, Lee Blackburn, and Liam Wood are all fit, but Kieran Stares is out.

Kevin Doolan can do a great job, says Redcar Bears chief

Jitendra Duffill has backed guest No 1 Kevin Doolan to make a good job of filling Redcar Bears star Richard Lawson's illustrious boots

Team boss Jitendra Duffill has backed guest No 1 Kevin Doolan to make a good job of filling Redcar Bears star Richard Lawson’s illustrious boots tonight.

Great Britain international Lawson has been in outstanding form since joining the Ecco Finishing Bears over the winter and has scored full maximums in both his home matches for the club so far this season.

But he is forced to miss this evening’s Premier League Cup finale against Sheffield at South Tees Motorsports Park (7.30pm start) because he’s required by Elite League parent club Lakeside Hammers.

Speedway’s regulations allow a guest replacement is such circumstances so the Bears management have snapped up Berwick ace Doolan.

The flying Aussie scored paid 10 in the Bandits’ early season win over Redcar at Shielfield Park and enjoyed a successful spell with the Bears in 2012 after being surprisingly released by Ipswich.

“It’s obviously disappointing that we can’t use Richard,” said Duffill, “because he’s been in exceptional form this season and he’s not been beaten at home this year.

“But you know what you’re going to get with Kevin - he always gives 100% and hopefully he’ll do a good job for us.”

The rest of the Bears team have been in fine form too, although new boy Rafal Konopka is still adjusting to British speedway.

The 21-year-old Pole was handed his chance after Richard Hall was banned for a month for kicking out at Josh Auty in the recent win at Scunthorpe.

He made his debut in last week’s 55-35 derby win over Newcastle and, though he only notched one point from his three rides, Duffill expects his scores to rise.

“He didn’t score a lot of points, but he showed a lot of potential,” said Duffill.

“What let him down most was his gating - he needs to make some starts.

“But let’s not forget this was his first meeting - he’s three or four meetings behind everyone else.

“Once he got out of the start he was on the pace so I’m sure we’ll start to see some improved performances from him.”

Tonight’s match is the second meeting of the two sides in 24 hours, following last night’s clash at Owlerton.

The Bears went into the back-to-back fixtures needing four points to qualify for the semi-finals.

BEARS: Luke Crang, Kevin Doolan Jan Graversen, Rafal Konopka, Hugh Skidmore, Aaron Summers, Carl Wilkinson.

TIGERS: Josh Bates, Andre Compton, Leigh Lanham, Simon Nielsen, Taylor Poole, Adam Roynon, Simon Stead.

Hartlepool seeking an end to losing run

Colin Cooper's side may need at least one more win to ensure they finish clear of the bottom two

Hartlepool can use two Easter weekend games to secure their League Two future.

The side may need at least one more win to ensure they finish clear of the bottom two after slipping down the table in a run of five successive defeats.

They are at promotion chasing Burton tomorrow, then at home to Morecambe, who need points for the same reason as Pools, on Easter Monday. After that only two games remain, against Devon duo Plymouth and Exeter.

The club has reduced ticket prices for Monday’s game to £5, and manager Colin Cooper told the club’s website: “The support we’ve had this season, both home and away, has been fantastic.

“If we can get a few more on Monday singing and shouting for us it can really help the team.”

Darlington step up bid to seal second spot against Farsley

Quakers can expect a tough game against Farsley, who are currently in the last of the play-off spots

With a play-off position assured, Darlington step up their bid to seal second spot in the Evo-Stik League Division One North tomorrow.

They can expect a tough game at home to Farsley, who are currently in the last of the play-off spots and are battling hard to hold off challengers.

So there is plenty at stake for both sides at Heritage Park, especially as both will want to lay down a marker as they could meet again in a play-off showdown.

Darlington are in second place, 10 points ahead of their visitors with three games to play.

Farsley, like Quakers, have fared better on their travels than at home, winning 11 away games.

Karzai slams deadly US airstrike in east Afghanistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned a recent US air strike in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Khost, which has killed three civilians.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Karzai called the airborne attack a “clear violation” of agreements that Washington had reached with his government.

He also ordered Khost provincial governor Abdul Jabbar Naeemi and other local security officials to launch an investigation into the deadly incident.

Mobarez Zadran, the spokesman for the Khost provincial governor, said three members of a family were killed and one injured on Tuesday, when an American helicopter fired a missile into their house.

He stated that the military aircraft was reportedly chasing Taliban militants in Nader Shah Kot district of the province but the missile it fired landed on a house, killing a woman and her two children.

Zadran went on to say that the children killed were a boy and girl, between 8 and 10 years old, while the injured victim was their father.

The US-led so-called International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has announced that it is looking into the incident.

Civilian casualties have long been a source of friction between the Afghan government and US-led forces, and have dramatically increased anti-US sentiments in the war-torn country.

Afghan government officials have repeatedly expressed outrage over the US drone attacks that mainly target civilians.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror.

The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.

MP/PR/HRB

War veterans outraged over 'despicable' Union flag theft just weeks after it was raised at Redcar club

Callous crooks snatch Union flag honouring war dead from Coatham Road Social Club, home of the Redcar branch of the Royal British Legion

War veterans have been angered by the “despicable” theft of a Union flag just weeks after it was raised at a Redcar club.

The flag had only been flying at Coatham Road Social Club, home of the Redcar branch of the Royal British Legion, for two weeks when thieves stole it.

Eric Howden, branch chairman, said it “beggars belief” that anybody could do such a thing, particularly given this year’s anniversaries.

He said: “I am disgusted. It really bugs me that people would stoop so low to steal a Union flag, especially this year.

“It is the 100th anniversary of the commencement of the First World War, the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

“We have got so much going on this year in the town we thought we would put a new flag up.”

He said the old flag was getting “rather discoloured and untidy”.

A member whose late husband had been a strong supporter of the Legion at Redcar offered to help buy a new one.

Kath Dowson, whose husband Alf was an ex-Green Howard, met most of the cost and the flag was proudly unveiled to mark such a memorable year.

“Then low and behold two weeks later somebody goes and steals it,” said Eric.

He said it happened between Sunday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 8, when somebody lowered the flag, cut the rope and stole it.

Eric said: “I know what I would like to do with the person who did it. I would hoist them up the flagpole and leave them there.”

He said they were concerned about buying a new flag, fearing that this too would be stolen.

“We are looking at purchasing a completely new pole where the rope runs inside but our finances are somewhat restricted.”

A police spokeswoman said: “To steal such an item is despicable since people must have known the significance of the flag being flown at the home of the British Legion Club in Redcar during the centenary of the First World War.

“We would urge anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Controversial Yarm cobbles work to begin next week as Stockton Council criticise 'ludicrous claims'

Stockton Council say inaccurate claims about scheme is 'scaremongering' - but more than 640 people sign online petition against plans

Stockton Council has criticised “ludicrous claims” about work on Yarm’s famous cobbles.

Work will begin next week on controversial plans to replace the surface in the town’s High Street.

But Stockton Council says there have been a series of inaccurate claims surrounding the plans to improve the paving around Yarm Town Hall and war memorial including suggestions that purple-coloured paving will be installed, or that all the cobbles along the whole high street would be replaced with asphalt.

Leader of Stockton Council Cllr Bob Cook said: “Sadly, many of these ludicrous claims are the result of scaremongering. What we are planning is a scheme to provide improved access to the war memorial and town hall, which houses a disabled toilet.

“The scheme is confined to this particular area of the high street, where the cobbles are in a poor state of repair and need regular replacement due to extensive damage caused by high levels of traffic. I cannot stress enough that this is a high quality scheme using high quality materials. We have been in contact with English Heritage and they are understanding of our position.”

But many locals are opposed to the scheme, with more than 640 people signing an online petition against the plans in less than a fortnight.

Terry Murphy, former Yarm councillor, started the petition and said: “To propose removal, and on the back of a consultation with a dysfunctional town council and the distribution of a few hundred leaflets is arrogant, even clandestine. To propose the changes in the most sensitive location - adjacent to the town hall - is quite ridiculous.”

The council say cobbles in the immediate vicinity of the town hall will be replaced with “high quality” Yorkshire stone, complemented by a small area of granite cobble setts which will surface the road around the loading bay next to the town hall.

The materials are hard wearing and used in many European cities where there is a high traffic flow. Any undamaged cobbles will be stored for use when repairs are needed to other areas of High Street. Two bus shelters will also be installed.

The work forms part of an overall £500,000 council investment in Yarm, and will last for 12 weeks. The street’s pelican crossings will also be upgraded to puffin crossings.

Level-headed Aitor Karanka not getting carried away with Boro's good run

Aitor Karanka will not let his Boro players get carried away with the fact that they have won four games in a row

Boro boss Aitor Karanka has promised to treat Millwall with the utmost respect tomorrow, and not let his players get carried away with the fact that they have won four games in a row.

The level-headed manager knows that it would take a highly unlikely sequence of results for his side to finish in the play-off places, but he has stressed that the stakes are high in every match, and he expects top professional standards from his players.

“You have to respect the league because every game we have left is against a team either trying to beat relegation, or get promoted,” he said.

“Millwall will be be a tough game and we have to play for a clean sheet and get goals. We have done that in games. But we always take one game at a time. I concentrate on the next game and the next training session.

“Of course we want to win our last four, but it will be very difficult to get ino the play-offs, though in football you never know.

“I understand that the fans are excited because they feel we have a chance of the play-offs. But I have to be realistic. I am happy and smiling because the team is playing well.

“When we are playing well and winning I do regret that the season is coming to an end, but since I came here in November I think it has been a success whatever happens in the remaining games.”

Karanka feels he has made good progress with the team and wants them to prove that by keeping their winning run going until the end of the campaign.

“When we played the away game at Millwall (in December) we were near the bottom three. We had played well against Derby, Birmingham and Brighton, but we hadn’t won.

“Winning that one changed our way, and we went in the right direction. So it was a big win for us, a big three points.”

Beating Millwall led to a run of just two defeats in 12 league games. And completing the double tomorrow would confirm Boro’s progress.

And they could be boosted by the return of George Friend. The full-back was back in training yesterday following muscle damage sustained in the win over Birmingham and is fit enough to be selected.

“He is an important player because he has played most of the games,” said the manager. “And we also have Ken Omeruo back after suspension.”

However central defender Daniel Ayala is suspended following his red card in last week’s uplifting win against promotion chasing Burnley, while fellow defender Ben Gibson is also sidelined through suspension, having picked up his second red card of the season, against Birmingham.

US nuclear weapons legacy in Africa still killing

A new study has shown that workers who mined uranium ore in one of Africa’s largest mines for the US and British governments to build nuclear bombs are dying of cancer and unexplained illnesses.

The study which has been obtained by the Guardian and is expected to be published this week shows that workers at the Rössing Uranium Mine in Namibia are now suffering from lung infections and unknown illnesses which are believed to be linked to their work.

“The older workers all said they know miners dying of cancers and other illnesses. Many of these are now retired and many have already died of cancers,” the report said.

The workers dug raw materials for US and British nuclear arms and power plants during the 1970s. According to the Guardian, the mine, which produces 7 percent of the world’s uranium, was at the time operated with a migrant labor system which was similar to slavery. Black workers had to live on the mine premises and were exposed to dust and radiation.

The US is the only country in the world that has used atomic bombs in war. US atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan in August 1945.

Washington is thought to have as many as 2,650 non-deployed warheads, plus about 3,000 waiting to be dismantled, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.

In October last year, US Secretary of State John Kerry emphasized that nuclear weapons form an important part of Washington’s defense doctrine.

“It ensures that a strong nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of US national security and that of our allies and our partners,” he said during a speech at the US Institute of Peace in Washington.

ISH/ISH