This is the January edition of Chronicle Live Editor Sophie Barley's monthly email to our newsletter subscribers. You can be the first to receive it, along with the latest breaking news from across the North East, by signing up here.
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear the tragic news a 15-year-old girl has died in Hexham, Northumberland. The teenager is believed to have been stabbed and police have launched a murder investigation. Absolutely horrendous news and my thoughts are with this young girl’s loved ones. A 16-year-old boy was also injured and is in a stable condition. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder.
A huge change is taking place in Newcastle city centre as the clean air zone comes into force. The pollution tolls, which have been years in the making, will mean daily charges of up to £50 for certain vehicles that fall foul of environmental standards. We have a full explainer story here on how it will work. We'd love to know if you think it's a good idea - have your say in our poll.
It’s such a shame to see businesses in the region closing, and this month I was sad to see Daniel Farm announce it was having to close. It is a hugely popular attraction and will be missed by many customers.
It has now been three years since the UK left the European Union. We are running a poll, asking your thoughts on whether it was the right decision. You can fill that out here.
I am a huge Great British Menu fan and I was thrilled to read that the chef behind Northumberland’s Pine restaurant, Cal Byerley, will be taking part in this year’s show - fantastic! Good luck Cal.
It has been great to see the beautiful North East of England showcased in Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes this week. He has been travelling across the North East, with some other famous faces, and his family and there has been some glorious scenes of our gorgeous part of the country.
My top picks
Designer bargains I really enjoyed reading this piece from Sophie Brownson about a charity shop in Gosforth packed with designer items. It has Mulberry bags and Barbour jackets! I definitely plan on paying it a visit.
The poshest place to live? A great read from our community reporter Owen Younger who visited the North East village named ‘one of the poshest places to live’. He found that residents didn’t agree!
Well done! Congratulations to Gateshead submariner Lieutenant Commander Tom Hutchinson who has completed the world’s toughest row as part of a team of four in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge!
Let's talk!
Feel free to email me directly with your news and views to sophie.barley@reachplc.com.
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