Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each morning and lunchtime we'll bring you some of the latest news from the North East - from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates and the cost of living latest.
Today, we bring you news that calls have been made for the busy A167, which one councillor said 'cuts the east of Newcastle off from the city centre', to be scrapped as Newcastle City Council seeks to cut air pollution caused by traffic.
Our Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Holland wrote that city chiefs were asked this week to consider getting rid of the busy road, which is used by around 70,000 vehicles every day. Brian Moore, the leader of the North East Party, called for the Central Motorway to be turned into a greenery-filled space that could be used by pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
On the other side of the Tyne, Gateshead Council has long planned to eventually create a similar development by demolishing the Gateshead Flyover.
Telling the city council that the Central Motorway had inhibited growth since it was opened in the 1970s, Mr Moore asked: “With the Central Motorway converted into a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly road incorporating public art, prioritising public transport and cyclists, allowing the city centre to expand eastwards would make sense to a reasonable person."
Joelinton charged with drink-driving after Newcastle star pulled over by police
Next we have the news that Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been charged with drink driving after he was pulled over by police during the early hours of Thursday morning in the Ponteland Road area.
Our Newcastle United writer Ciaran Kelly wrote that a Northumbria Police spokesman has confirmed that officers arrested Joelinton at around 1.20am on Thursday morning and the Brazilian has since been charged whilst being above the 'prescribed limit for alcohol'. Joelinton is now due to appear in court between the two legs of Newcastle's crucial Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton later this month.
“Shortly before 1.20am today (Thursday), officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant," a statement read.
Joelinton Casio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol. He is due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on January 26.”
Newcastle are not commenting on the matter, but the club are aware of the incident.
Metro ticket prices to jump by up to 13.9%
And, in what will be a blow for Metro users in the region, it has been announced that the cost of Tyne and Wear Metro tickets will rise by up to 13.9% after a major fare hike was signed off by councillors.
Our Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Holland wrote that a raft of price increases for single journeys, day tickets and Metro season passes are set to come into force on April 1, under measures aimed at combating spiralling running costs on the ailing rail system. After the controversial proposals were unveiled last week, critics called the fare hikes “insulting” to passengers who have put up with months of significant disruption on the network.
For those buying equivalent paper tickets at stations, prices will jump by between 8.8% and 13.9% depending on which zones they cover. Monthly and yearly passes will also be up to 11% more expensive, though the price of a week-long Metro ticket is being kept lower and will jump only by a maximum 3.4%.
The maximum cost of a single journey will rise from £3.90 to £4.30, a day ticket from a £5.70 to £6.20, a weekly pass from £24 to £24.40, and a four-week ticket from £81.30 to £90.20.
Newcastle United 'ready to bid for Lazio star'
And, finally, we bring you some transfer window gossip, with Newcastle United linked with the highly-rated Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio. It wouldn't be January without the Serie A star being linked with a move to the Premier League, after all. Silly season? You decide...
Our Football Writer Matty Hewitt reported that Calciomercato claims Newcastle ‘would be ready to put €60m on the plate ’ for Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Lazio star has been one of the standout performers in Serie A over the past few seasons and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Although the Magpies are not expected to spend big in January, the Toon have reportedly put together a five-year contract worth ‘almost €10m/year’ as well as a €12m signing bonus for Milinkovic-Savic.
In Rome, reports deny any offer for the player reiterating he's not for sale in January’ unless an offer in the region of €80-100m is made. Lazio are keen on agreeing new terms with the 27-year-old, who will have one year remaining on his contract in the summer.
That's all from us for now, but check back at 5am tomorrow for your next North East Today update.
In the meantime, keep up-to-date with all the latest and sign up to our newsletters here.
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