Two stories from the NE (of England)

From today's Journal (morning daily in Newcastle)

"Cyclist is killed
A cyclist was killed after hitting a car at the junction of Washington
Road (A1290) and Folingsby Lane in Washington, near Sunderland.
The A1290 was closed in both directions for several hours after the
accident."

From the BBC:

"""
Wheels in motion for clean roads
A council has put the wheels in motion to clean up the Tyneside environment.

Newcastle City Council is introducing 11 new members of staff on
Thursday to tackle environmental problems in areas across the City.

Three staff will use bicycles with specially designed trailers to help
them recycle waste from the streets.

Their duties include litter picking, which will be delivered to street
recycling points, and the removal of low-level graffiti and fly posting.

The scheme will operate in three pilot areas - Osbourne Avenue in
Jesmond, Gosforth High Street and Welbeck Road - and if it proves
successful, it will be extended to other areas designated 'District Hearts'.

These are areas usually around shopping centres, popular with local
people and busier than other streets in the city.

Environmental problems can be greater in these areas and they affect a
greater number of people.

Councillor Wendy Taylor said, "By introducing these new teams into our
district centres, we are putting our resources where they will be most
effective and, at the same time, improving the environment of what are
traditionally the most popular parts of our city."
"""