23/10/2013 BBC London News

Tonight, changes to benefits will not save taxpayers money in the

battle. A study challenging the government scheme. Opponents say

families will suffer. They have got an invidious choice about whether

they split their household into two smaller households, they fall under

the cap. This research shows we have families

facing tough choices. The government says the research is too limited to

provide a true picture. Two men fall to their deaths after a

hoarding gives way near Euston. There is a big drop, 20 feet, down

into the basement of the construction site.

We understand that they were killed immediately.

Plus, Lord Coe looks set to end ties with the London Olympics.

And, a different pop star Tom jumped up like a nine`year`old. The now ``

the new star of a new show. Hello, welcome. It is one of the

government's key welfare reforms, a cap on household benefits, piloted

in for London boroughs, but now a new report which looks at Haringey

suggests it is not working. It says it is not encouraging many

people back into work or saving money, but ministers say the

research is flawed and too limited to provide a true picture.

And the government decided to piloted benefit cap, they chose for

councils in London, one of them in Haringey. It limits the amount

households can claim to ?26,000 a year. This woman knows all about the

plans, because her business is trying to get mothers back into the

workplace, and said the pilot started, she has noticed a change.

Two years ago, somebody was looking for work, we would stop them on a

training course and build their skills, but now, we are having to

compete and get them looking for any job, to avoid that situation. The

idea behind the plan is to limit the total amount of benefits people can

get. And to try to make them go to places like this, their local job

centre, where they will hopefully be held back into work. This research

says that 747 households in Haringey have been affected by the cap, but

says only 74 have gone back to work. Nearly 50% of them needed help to

pay their rent. The government had some object it is to increase the

number of people who were working and reduce the amount of money they

spent on benefits in total, and in Haringey, neither of those are being

achieved, and they are some way from being achieved. The government has

given Haringey close to ?2 million to help people affect it.

Across London, it has handed over ?56 million to councils.

The families cannot find work, they have got an invidious choice about

whether they move their family, whether they split their household

into two smaller households. The government has dismissed the

research, saying this does not reflect the wider picture.

It is flawed, it is one local authority, it does not give all the

facts. We gave extra money, as we knew there were some transitional

problems, and it does not take into account the people we contacted who

are now in work. The government wants people back in work, the

council worries there will not be enough around. Lots more to come,

including... 10,000 mobile phones stolen in the

capital every month, more than 00 arrested in one day, the police

crackdown on street crime. And the destination is under way

after two men fell to their deaths at a building site near Euston in

the early hours of Saturday morning. Gavin Brewer and Stuart Meads fell

through a hoarding and landed in a basement five metres below.

CHP units left in the area where two men died. Off`duty policeman Gavin

Brewer and Stuart Meads from Hackney. Their deaths have left

local people shocked and saddened. Police were called to this site

after reports of two men arguing. The police and ambulance service

arrived here at 2:30am. They found that two men had fallen into the

basement. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. My sister`in`law was

woken by some noise on the street, she saw the police peering down into

the basement of the construction site. Two men had fallen through the

barrier. People living here have told me that this fence was not here

when the incident happened, it was only put up afterwards. The only

fencing was the much lower boarding behind me. You can see where the men

fell, because the board is missing, and you cannot see down the drop,

because scaffolding has been put up. We tried to contact the

builders, but we have had no response. Parents and people living

here told me they did have concerns about the barriers around the site.

Looking at the way it has been elected, it makes perfect sense that

they could not have stop themselves from falling down a 20 foot pit.

they could not have stop themselves from falling down a 20 foot pit. The

police are working with the Health and Safety Executive to the state

what they describe as an unexplained incident, and how they fell to their

death. A police firearms officer has told

the inquest into the death of Mark Duggan that he saw the silhouette of

ace of loading pistol in his hand. The officer said he saw Mark Duggan

rich toward his waist before revealing the shape of a handgun

moments for the bushel. He did not include this claim in his initial

account of the incident. A woman who merely drowned in a swimming lesson

has won a ruling allowing her to tissue Essex county council for

compensation. Annie Woodland, who was a pupil at

Whitmore Junior School, suffered severe brain damage. The local

authority was judged to have owed her the duty of care. The man who

put on the London 2012 Olympics is planning to step down as an adviser

to the Prime Minister. He took the role to ensure the

legacy of the Olympics. He could leave the post by Christmas. Just

over a year, as uprising is it? It is a bit, when you consider that

Boris Johnson said yesterday that he needs the corporation to be in place

for ten years. On the other hand, I understand that Lord Coe has had

talks with ministers and he has said, I believe I have laid the

ground stones for some success, the elite sportsmen have all got their

funding sorted for the next Olympics, there has been

improvements in school sport, and Hugh Robertson boss the ailing pics

minister before that, he has moved on into the Foreign Office, so he is

losing a connection, and he is saying, I have done my bit, it is

time for me to focus on other bits of my life. The Winter Olympics are

coming up, he will be responsible for taking the British team there.

He wants to become the president of the world governing body of

athletics. A lot of lobbying and work to be done. The Prime Minister

might say, we do not want you to go yet, but from what I understand

they have virtually agreed he will go by Christmas. He was a key

figure, where does this leave the legacy? He will beat a whole, if you

invite him to Hackney to do an initiative, he put bums on seats, he

has an impact, and there are questions about the legacy, the

House of Lords investigation talking to members of the committee, they

are going to be critical of the legacy, saying not enough is done in

schools to promote sport. There are still questions about the legacy.

But you have to look at the man for But you have to look at the man, for

ten years, he has devoted himself to the Olympics project, he deserves a

bit of time off. The mayor has faced more questions

about the safety of London's cycle superhighways following the deaths

of two cyclists. He was challenged a day after the commoner who led the

inquest called for more to be done to prevent further casualties.

Two cyclists have died on superhighway number two. It runs

from old gate to both. Just yesterday, a commoner called the

strips confusing and said they loved cyclists into a false sense of

security. She told the men to act. Two other dangerous junctions, both

referred to in the report, and public assurance requires you to

give some sort of undertaking. This morning, the mayor again faced calls

to separate cyclists from traffic for the whole route. This is always

going to be extremely difficult for us on the streets of London. I

cannot guarantee to Londoners that we are going to be able to produce

segregation everywhere that it is desired. Superhighways encourage

cyclists to use direct commuter routes. Critics said they are

nothing more than blue paint. There are four so far, costing ?10 million

each, another eight are planned. Sometimes, the design puts them

through easy junctions. You are not a normal cyclist. You know you are

not, you have a weird view about how these junctions are good for energy

levels and adrenaline, you love them. Most cyclists do not, they are

frightened of them. I want everybody in London to feel happy and safe on

a bike, especially people who are not correctly cycling, who briefly

took it up, I want them to feel safe enough to do it. Cycling

superhighway number two will be extended. It will include the

longest segregated lane so far. Part of the men's investment in cycling

infrastructure. The plumber for more to be done to protect cyclists shows

no sign of abating. Still to come before seven PM...

I am at a pub in Watford that has changed its name to celebrate the

baby of the moment. And, I will speak to Adam Gemili about why he is

leaving the capital to pursue his dreams of athletics glory.

Thousands of mobile phones stolen on London streets every month. Officers

targeted potential suspects in dawn raids across the capital. Police

were on the streets to reassure the public. 230 people have been

arrested. Half of all robberies here in London are for this, most of us

have them now, and most of us use them most of the time.

That might be part of the problem, because the thieves like them as

well. 10,000 mobile phones stolen here in London every month. What are

those in charge of protecting us doing? Most of you will have worked

in operations before. Stephen Watson is leading a big operation, 5000

officers across all London boroughs are involved in dawn raids, weapons

sweeps and general crime prevention. It is the fourth time this year they

have made a high`profile attempt at catching the thieves. 10,000 mobile

phones stolen every month, some might describe it as an academic. It

is in the context of a global city, and one theft is one too many, but

it is not academic. Since February, mobile phone crime like this has

gone down by 10% in Westminster, Hackney and Lambeth. Scotland Yard

says the profile of a typical victim is that of a young professional aged

in their 20s. The robbery or theft happens near tube stations or bus

stops or while out in bars or nightclubs. Foremost, their life is

on their phone. Photographs,, e`mails. This London University

student knows all about it. He was robbed two weeks ago. Two guys on a

motorbike, drove into me from the back and whilst I was surprised and

did not know what was happening they snatched my phone out of my hand. Be

careful. Officers today in the West End were giving advice. Although it

proved difficult to say noticed some tourists keen on getting my mental

of a London policeman. `` no to some tourists. Ten minutes filming and

you quickly understand why thousands of people are so easily targeted

every month in the capital. Football, and Crystal Palace are on

the hunt for a new manager. They held a press conference to confirm

that Ian Holloway has left the club. This was not unexpected, was it? Not

at all, given the result earlier this week. The writing was on the

wall. The chairman met with Ian Holloway straight after that match.

Today, they called a joint press conference. It was confirmed that

Ian Holloway is leaving by mutual consent after just under a year in

charge. It was Ian Holloway who brought them back to the Premier

League for the first time in eight years but they found it really

difficult back in the top flight. They are five points adrift, second

from bottom, they have lost seven games. What did we learn that the

press conference? Steve Parris, the chairman, said it was Ian Holloway

who initiated these discussions. He who initiated these discussions. He

says the club need a manager with more Premier League experience. Ian

Holloway, usually one of the most colourful and charismatic managers

in English football, the last few weeks have taken their toll. He says

he feels tired and the club needs someone with more experience. The

favourite is Tony Pulis. Other names include Neal Warner, Roberto Di

Matteo, and Martin O'Neill. `` Neil Warnock. You have been meeting Usain

Bolt `` someone Usain Bolt said could be a future great sprinter.

Yes. He is one of Britainpos`mac top sprinters. Its principal training

base will not be the case for much longer but he was back there this

morning. Inspiring youngsters at this world Marathon challenge. Still

only 20 and already a track star. It is less than two years since you

started sprinting seriously. Sometimes I sit down and I think it

is amazing, the route that my path has taken. That is an

understatement. 19.98. How did you feel when you looked up and saw that

time? When I crossed the line I did not believe it. I was looking around

and I went over to the BBC guys and they were pointing and giving me a

thumbs up. The second quickest time ever by a British man. When training

begins, Gemili will have a new trading base and a new coach. Why

have you decided to leave your coach? The decision came down to

having more openness and working with other professionals in the

sport. One of those is the second fastest Brit ever over 100 metres.

Do you think you can spur each other on to greater efforts? I think so.

James is a great guy. We get on well off the track. It can only be

positive. He will have plenty more to smile about.

Hundreds of people added outside Saint James is Palace to get a

glimpse of Prince George, who was christened today. Some had been

camping for days, even bringing presents. We went to a pub in

Watford celebrating the christening. It changed its name to

mark the royal birth. This part has changed its name to the Prince

George. Tonight, it is hosting a party to celebrate the christening.

Earlier today, I went to the Palace to meet several other people

celebrating the christening. Many of them showed an awful lot of

dedication. The sun is out and we are looking forward to the royal

baby. Royal fans earlier today waiting outside for the christening

of Prince George. We come to all the royal events. This is his third one.

The royal wedding, the Jubilee, and no Prince George. What does he

think? He loves them because he is proud to be British, as you can see.

If that is not enough dedication, even though John on the live six

miles away he has been camping out since Sunday. You get the

excitement, the press and the tourists are here. The ceremony was

held in private, but some managed a very brief glimpse of the Royal

family. The Mac I think I saw the Queen wearing a blue hat. Was it

worth the journey? Yes. Some came bearing presents including a rubber

duck. He has been christened today. He could have a bath tomorrow. It

was announced that Prince George has seven godparents. The magnificent

seven, that is what they are. If you were a godparent what advice would

you give the future King? Keep happy and keep written happy. That is one

of the most important skills he will need, to mix with all sorts of

people and to be a leader. Prince George might only be three months

old but the third in line to the throne already has plenty of

supporters. One of those supporters is the man behind the name change of

this pub, the landlord, Terry. Tell me the idea behind changing the

name. We wanted to give the pub a new image and I asked the customers

what choice was. 80% of my customers wanted to change the name to this.

You got a surprise letter after changing name. Yes, from the Palace,

thanking us and putting the best wishes on. Were you surprised? Yes.

And joined by the regulars. They are expecting a baby of their own. Yes.

15th of February. Cannot wait. What you think of the christening? He is

gorgeous and it was a beautiful christening. So you have 16 weeks to

go. How are you feeling? Very excited. It is the first. Very

nervous but excited. Thank you and congratulations. The name of the pub

is not the only thing to have changed. I had a look at the menu

earlier and if you are feeling package you could eat a Prince

George burger. She is the pop singer who works in a museum, loves pasta

and riding bikes. She is cold Catherine Bennett and has been

dreamt up by a nine`year old girl as an antidote to Miley Cyrus and the

sexualisation of culture. Miley Cyrus, the pop princess who

has controversially transformed herself into a more sexualised chart

topper might have some competition. Meet Catherine Bennett, a museum

working, tuna pasta eating pop star, created and managed by this

nine`year`old. Pop stars who are role models to me and my age are all

the same, and most of them sing about fame, Love and money, and they

are definitely not different so we needed to make someone that was

different. Her character puts in an appearance in a new show by her and

her it takes us through the

sexualisation of pop culture. The theatre show was always going to be

an exploration of the world that I found when I reconnected. For me,

the show is about talking about the subject really openly. At nine, you

have a marketing technique called pester power. We can talk about

Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry, but it was the limited version of a woman

that was shown. We are letting them down. This show is aimed at adults,

and they regarded as part of a long`term project which includes the

fame experiment, this year to production, and documentary and an

education project. It is to stimulate debate and social

interaction between adults and young people. Through YouTube videos and

social media, they are promoting Catherine Bennett, hoping that her

songs about apathy, friendship and animals will become as popular with

kids as todaypos`mac pop stars. There will also be a performance on

the 26th of October at the Soho Theatre, where the Ark currently

performing the adult show. Time for the weather.

performing the adult show. Time for the Is it coming down? We have had

thunderstorms. Thunderstorms, heavy rain, it is calming down a little

bit. At this point yesterday evening it was going to get interesting.

bit. At this point yesterday evening it was going to get interesting. It

will come down over the next 24 hours, dry with clear skies. It will

be quite calm. It will kick`off `` it did kick`off yesterday, the

showers moved through and brought some thunderstorms and wind. There

were further torrential downpours as you can see from the radar. It comes

down `` it got more serene and it remained pretty breezy. It has

improved, the sun came out. There was barely a cloud in the sky this

afternoon. The wind has died down and it will be quite cloudy.

Compared to the previous night it will be quite cold. Temperatures at

seven degrees. Do not forget, it was 17 degrees overnight. It will start

calm, but it will not stick around because the breeze will pick up.

calm, but it will not stick around because the breeze will pick up We

will have some sunshine. Not looking bad. Towards the end of the day the

bad. Towards the end of the day, the breeze will be picking up. Some warm

weather which will start a soft As weather which will start a soft As

you can see, it will come through and leave us with sunshine to end

the working week. Although it will be breezy, it will be decent on

Saturday. That will be the better of the two days because showers will be

returning. The main headlines: The Grangemouth petrochemical Lant is to

shut with the loss of 800 jobs. The owners say a dispute forced to

close. The BBC has established the identities of 50 people with links

to Al`Shabab. That is it for me. Goodbye.