Wearside’s Week in Review

This week on Wearside, a quarter of Metro trains experienced breakdowns, and a personality from Geordie Shore discussed a home invasion by burglars. These are among the notable local stories from the past week. The medical cannabis sector in the UK is reportedly thriving, six years after its legalization. The nation’s largest medical cannabis processing facility is situated on an industrial estate adjacent to the River Wear, where a noticeable aroma emanates from within its laboratory. The BBC tracked a specific production line from Portugal to Sunderland to observe its operations firsthand. Commuters on the Tyne and Wear Metro experienced delays when 25% of its trains became inoperable on a single morning. On Tuesday morning, seven of the 28 trains that typically comprise a weekday Metro service were taken out of operation, leading to significant network disruption. Nexus, the train operator, attributed these malfunctions primarily to power and brake issues. The company was queried regarding the deployment timeline for a new fleet of trains. Sunderland reality television personality Charlotte Crosby stated she has enhanced her home’s security, including the addition of patrol dogs, following a break-in by “scumbags.” The former Geordie Shore star, who is pregnant, reported that she, her fiance Jake Ankers, and her two-year-old daughter were present when masked burglars forcibly entered their residence on 21 November. Durham Police confirmed an investigation is underway, noting that the suspects had departed the premises prior to the arrival of officers. A professional fighter expressed her belief that she has brought recognition to Stanley, County Durham, by securing her inaugural Cage Warriors mixed martial arts (MMA) title. Kennedy Freeman triumphed over Mafalda Carmona to claim the bantamweight championship at the Newcastle event. She informed the BBC, “I’ve got such a serious face when I’m in the cage and then, every time the announcer announces where I’m from the crowds just go crazy.” A mother from Consett, County Durham, conveyed that her inability to fulfill her daughter’s requirements “destroys” her heart. Kayley Burns is confronted with an annual expense exceeding £1,000 for the upkeep of essential equipment for her daughter, Amelie, who suffers from a rare disorder. The NHS stated that for individuals with long-term complex needs, “each situation is individually assessed.” Further details of her account are available via the provided link. You can connect with BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram, or submit your story suggestions to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is also accessible.