The fourth of an eight-part docusoap produced by Tyne Tees Television and narrated by former Northeast fireman and Big Brother contestant Jonny Regan that unveils the lives of a dozen characters living in the West End of Newcastle. In this episode the strangest chip shop in the world features in this slice of inner-city life, two strict Muslim brothers who sell poppers and herbal stimulants alongside their cod and chips, local resident Albert Gowland may be forced to leave his home of more...

The fourth of an eight-part docusoap produced by Tyne Tees Television and narrated by former Northeast fireman and Big Brother contestant Jonny Regan that unveils the lives of a dozen characters living in the West End of Newcastle. In this episode the strangest chip shop in the world features in this slice of inner-city life, two strict Muslim brothers who sell poppers and herbal stimulants alongside their cod and chips, local resident Albert Gowland may be forced to leave his home of more than 30 years while cancer suffer Meg Colpitts returns to the children’s home where she grew up as motorcycle-mate Steve Butler and John Ellison check out a new range of bikes. An opening montage around the West End of Newcastle and the city skyline featuring the Tyne Bridge in the distance. A road sign attached to a wall with the programme’s titles on it. Title: WestEnders A second montage providing details on the individuals who will feature in this episode. Title: WestEnders At his The Happy Chip takeaway on Waterloo Road owner Thariq Mohammed arrives to open up. As he prepares his fish and chip frier as well as pizza over he talks about some of the other items he has for sale includes condoms and legal herbal stimulants for the nightclub scene, examples of which are on display. Inside the local mosque on Elswick Road Thariq prays alongside his brother Sajit or Saj who also helps run the business. As the room of men continues to pray both Thariq and Saj talk about the importance of the Muslim faith and how they feel part of a religious family. Back at the shop Thariq raises the metal shutters in readiness to open for the day. Meg Colpitts from Elswick in Newcastle is driven to Darlington in County Durham to visit the Catholic children’s home she lived in until she was twelve-and-a-half. She gets emotional when talking about this experience explaining that while the children weren’t loved they were well looked after. Before visiting the site of the children’s home, she is taken to the Holy Family Catholic Order school she attended. As she wonders around with her camera, she talks about her experience there and why she buried pennies in the grounds. In the kitchen of his elegant Georgian flat on Greenfield Place tucked just behind Westgate Hill, pensioner Albert Gowland makes a corned-beef sandwich and a cup-a-soup for his disabled wife Margaret. As he prepares the food he talks about his wife having a leg amputated and how this affected both their lives. Before taking the meal through Albert pours and drinks a glass of ‘bubbly.’ He speaks affectionately with Margaret who is in another room but doesn’t feature. Back at The Happy Chip a hand-written ‘Drug Menu’ in the shop window. Inside Thariq holds and talks about some if the legal stimulants he sells including ‘Lust’ a legal form of herbal Viagra. Seeing it is running low he talks about how popular it is. Another handwritten sign ‘Try Our Legal Special Tablets 2 for £5’ with Thariq talking about these new herbal speed tablets. As he produces a pizza, he explains how selling such stimulants doesn’t conflict with his religious faith. As he and brother Saj arrive at the local mosque for prayer Thariq talks about coming from a religious family and the importance of his faith for his children. At home in their shared house Thariq and Saj’s children play together in the living room watched over by Thariq. He talks about because of the long hours he and Saj work they don’t get to see the children as much as he would like, however everyone has gotten use to the routine. Taking the programme into the commercial break a preview of part two. Title: End of Part One Westenders Meg arrives at the site of the former children’s home in Darlington where she grew up under the care of nuns. Before getting out of the car she becomes tearful remembering her childhood. A photograph showing the demolition of the home changes to Meg walking along the road beside the housing development that is now on the site. She remembers hiding in the toilets on her final day not wanting to leave. She also talks about how her cancer diagnosis hasn’t shaken her faith in God and has nobody to blame for her current situation other than herself having smoked for 46 years. However, she believes she is a survivor and will keep going. Inside his flat Albert Gowland comes into his living room and begins to water the many potted plants. As he does so he talks about some of their provinces having sentimental value to him and his wife. As he walks back to the kitchen narrator Jonny Regan explains that Albert has come to accept he and his wife Margaret will have to move out as it has become a prison for her. He talks about having a big clear out as he doesn’t know what to do with all their possessions. Motorcycle fanatic Steve Butler drives a car to a local factory where his friend John Ellison works as a security guard. Steve own’s the security company called ‘Titan’ and has worked in personal protection with photos of Steve with clients Robson Green, Alan Shearer and Billy Connelly. Sitting in the breakroom at the factory he is working at John speaks with Steve about the new Harley-Davison bike he has just bought. Steve is less thrilled with the idea of buying one for himself and explains why. The following day Steve and John arrive at a motorbike shop on Westgate Hill with John drooling over his new Harley. Inside the shop as the two wonder around looking at the many bikes on display, Steve talks about the biking community in the Northeast and why it is so important. Inside the nearby Salt and Pepper Café Steve and John are asked what the pleasure is being on a bike, Steve explains the freedom. The two men talk jokingly about finding single John a woman. Before heading home, Meg is driven through Darlington West Cemetery past the Commonwealth War Grave plot where Meg was brought every Sunday as a child. Over a phantom car ride through the cemetery Meg talks about her own mortality and that she doesn’t fear death as she has too much to do still. However, she would like her ashes scattered here as she won’t be lonely being buried alongside the nuns and others who died in the home. Title: WestEnders Over a montage of clips details are provided on next week’s programme followed by views of the West End at sunset over the closing credits. Credit: Narrator Jonny Regan Camera Georgina Kiedrowski Sound Kerry Plummer Music McGregor Cook Online Editor Edmund Quigley Dubbing Mixer John Cook Production Manager Christine Stewart-Tilling Producer Sal Brecken Producer and Offline Editor Michael Steel Executive Producer Jane Bolesworth Series Producer Derek Proud Title: © Tyne Tees Television 2003 End title: A Tyne Tees Television Production. Granada