Daily Post

Travis Rock the Carling Academy

We Had to Fund Hospital Privately ; Exclusive Royal Chief Executive Defends Pfi Deal for New City Building

THE Royal Liverpool's chief executive last night defended the use of private money to build a new hospital for the city - and insisted it was the only option available. Campaigners attacked the use of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) cash to fund the pounds 477m rebuiId plans of Liverpool's main hospital at the trust's AGM yesterday afternoon.

Shares Plummet After Pounds 380bn Us Bail-Out Is Rejected

A KEY pounds 380bn rescue package for the United States' troubled economy was in tatters last night after it was rejected by the lower house of the US Congress. The Dow Jones industrial average plunged more than 700 points as the US House of Representatives voted against the bill, which President George Bush described as necessary to avoid 'financial panic' and a 'long and painful recession'.

Wembley Lawsuit Judge Hits Out

A BITTERLY-FOUGHT lawsuit between the Australian-owned builders of the new Wembley Stadium and the UK company which erected its huge steel arch ended in a legal victory for the builders - tempered by a massive costs and stinging criticism from the judge who heard the case. Multiplex Construction secured a pounds 6m High Court judgment against Darlington-based sub-contractors Cleveland Bridge.

In Brief: Escaped Paedophile Arrested

A CONVICTED paedophile facing 20 years in jail was tunder arrest last night after going on the run. John Tregalles, 61, who carried out a string of serious sex attacks against children, was arrested in Rochdale, Greater Manchester after police got a tip off from a member of the public.

In Brief: Car Parking Spaces Tax Plan

CHARGING firms to allow their staff to park at work would boost a city's economy, councils will be told today. Councillors in Nottingham want to tax the city's largest companies for every parking space they provide employees as a way of raising funds to improve public transport.

In Brief: Denied

In Brief: Murder Charge

A MAN appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of a 19-year-old who was stabbed outside a tower block. Craig Marshall, of Hanbury Road, Acton, west London, diedlast Friday morning after being attacked on Thursday night in Lexden Road, Acton.

Perfect Mersey Pad for a Cool Pounds 1.7m ; Penthouse Would Suit Homeless Millionaire

FOR sale: luxury penthouse, with sea and mountain views, cutting edge appliances, three bedrooms and underground parking. Walking distance to golf course and short drive to the city. Would suit homeless millionaire with credit crunch-resistant assets.

Fraudster Stole His Brother's Identity

A CONMAN who stole his brother's identity to swindle more than pounds 35,000 is behind bars. Over eight years, James Jones visited doctors, opened bank accounts and applied for benefits posing as his brother Ian, who was living in America.

Chocolate Recalled

BRITISH sweet maker Cadbury is recalling its Chinese-made chocolates as a precaution amid the tainted milk powder scandal. Officials said that Cadbury Asia Pacific informed the Hong Kong government's Centre for Food Safety that it was recalling 11 types of chocolate made in its factory in Beijing.

In Brief: Afghan Shot by British Soldier

A BRITISH soldier shot dead a civilian who failed to stop his motorbike as it approached a patrol in southern Afghanistan yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said. The man did not react to warning shots and verbal warning in Sangin district, Helmand province, the MoD said, leading to fears that he was a suicide bomber.

In Brief: Free Medicine in Ulster

In Brief: 'Too Violent'

EPISODES of crime drama Taggart were too violent to be shown during the day, broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has ruled. Repeats of the popular ITV1 series were shown at 3.30pm when thousands of children were watching.

In Brief: Money Crisis

TENS of thousands of Zimbabweans queued for money yesterday after the government raised the limit on daily bank withdrawals. New rules went into effect allowing withdrawals of up to 20,000 Zimbabwe dollars, the equivalent of about pounds 17. The old 1,000 Zimbabwean-dollar limit was barely enough to buy a newspaper.

Centre Offers Hope and Help to Victims of Genetic Diseases

A NEW centre to help victims of genetic diseases has opened at a Liverpool hospital. The Cheshire and Merseyside clinical genetics department, which provides a counselling and information service for patients, was officially opened in the presence of patients and staff.

Ukip Can Stop Bnp, Claims Leader

THE UK Independence Party last night claimed it was the only party that could stop the BNP from securing a North West seat in next year's European elections. Speaking at a reception in Liverpool, Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP, said the party would expose the "hypocrisy" of the three main European parties in their dealings with the European Union.

Patients Evacuated

Double Robber Jailed with Help From Brave Student

AN ARMED robber who raided a shop twice in a week was caught after being pursued by a 16-year-old boy in Crosby. Student Thomas Pagano was praised by a judge for helping to catch knifewielding Adam Morris, 24, as he fled after the second holdup.

Rattle Back in His Musical Cradle Again ; Mersey Maestro Sold Out

SIR Simon Rattle returned home to Liverpool last night for a string of special engagements including a return to conducting the RLPO, and finally getting round to taking up his Freedom of the City. Straight from landing at John Lennon Airport last night, he rushed right into a press conference at the Bluecoat with assembled media, casually dressed in a hippy-ish light grey shirt.