It's No Laughing Matter, Men Sought after Nudie Run into MacDonalds

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The five men who ran into a McDonalds on King Street may have been laughing at the time, but they certainly won't be now.

Newcastle Police are looking for anyone who has any information on the men who walked into a fast food restaurant naked on Friday November 10.

Police say they were captured on CCTV footage at 6:40pm, and two of the men had an object covering their modesty.

The other three men ran through hanging free.

While it may give you a giggle, police say its no laughing matter as there were families and small children in the restaurant at the time. 

Newcastle City Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Mahon said they're hoping that by releasing the CCTV footage they can track them down.

“Police are investigating this display of offensive behaviour and are seeking assistance from the public to identify the males.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Traffic to Keep on Flowing Ahead of the Inaugural Newcastle 500 this Weekend

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With just four days to go until the Newcastle 500, the roads which make up the street circuit are now one way in the race direction.

Team trucks and equipment will start rolling into the CBD from Wednesday to set up ahead of the first practice races on Friday.

Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski said it's important to know where you can and can't drive in the city - among the road changes is Shortland Esplanade which is now re-open in one direction heading east.

"The best way for people coming in the East End is they can come in via King Street if they're going to come into the external parts, anything east of Watt Street, Pacific Street, Scott Street things like that and then as they come back out they'll exit out through Scott Street and then head up either Bolton Street or Wolf Street to get back through the city there," said Kurt.

From Friday (24th November) to Sunday (26th November) the circuit will close off to traffic at 7am in the morning until 7pm at night.

"Anyone who has a car inside we recommend before 6:30, maybe even 6am make your way out to make sure you're outside of the gates because once we hit 7am those gates will be closed off at the exit at Scott Street so it's best that everyone get out,"

"In the afternoons we are saying that by 7pm we will have the gates open again at King Street so people can come back in, whether they live on the circuit or inside the circuit," said Kurt.

Outside of those times pedestrian access to homes, etc. shouldn't be a problem.

For a full list of traffic conditions which can be subject to change head to: http://www.supercars.com/newcastle/community/changed-traffic-conditions/

"This Government Needs to Get their Act Together": Newcastle MP on Transport Strategy

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is demanding the government get their act together with a transport strategy for the Newcastle 500.

The Supercars race is only four weeks away and the government is yet to release a plan for how 150,000 visitors, as well as residents, will be travelling around the city.

Tim Crakanthorp said Newcastle is already dealing with a terrible transport system, so the sooner a plan is put together the better.

"Keolis Downer has a terrible record of running the buses in the city since they've taken over we're got nothing but problems. The drivers haven't been being paid properly, we've got superannuation issues, we've got school children being left on the side of the road. it's an absolute disgrace."

Keolis Downer will be faced with a myriad of challenges.

Hunter Street is closed for light rail construction forcing traffic along King Street, Wharf Road will be closed from Argyle Street during the race and racegoers who use the train service will be jumping off at the new Wickham interchange and travelling the remaining distance on a bus, by foot or on a bike.

Tim Crakanthorp said if people come and they can't get around, they may not ever come back to visit again.

"If they come here and its gridlock, I don't think they'll be coming back so we really need this government to get their act together, get this plan, work with Keolis Downer who have a terrible record at this point, and make sure the people of Newcastle can be confident that their beautiful city will be on display and people can actually see the race,"

"Now this minister needs to get very organised for this race because at the moment it's looking pretty damn difficult and I would say that this government needs to come out very quickly with a very good plan with Keolis Downer," said Tim Crakanthorp.