22/07/2011 BBC Points West

Hello and welcome to Friday's Points West. In tonight's headlines,

the dangerous illegal drug that's causing growing alarm. Experts

reveal Bristol has become a hotspot for users of the former horse

Also tonight, audience at Highgrove, Prince Charles honours war heroes

with a special reception. A year, six months, nine months down the

line, for things like this to still be in people's thoughts is... It's

a really nice thing. The man behind Mulberry launches a

new kind of designer shopping village.

And do you get out of the way, panic or don't even notice? Why

coping with blue lights behind you Tonight, the curse of the party

drug ketamine, which experts say is causing growing problems in Bristol.

It's an illegal white powder which can cause dangerous hallucinations,

painful stomach cramps and even death. The city's leading drug

charity is now so worried, it's launching a new initiative to help

those gripped by ketamine. Scott Anybody could walk five minutes of

the road and get a gram. These are ketamine users, living in

a squat in Bristol. Ketamine is a short-acting but powerful

anaethestic. Its use is both illegal and high-risk. I went for a

scan at the hospital and they said I had not quite cysts put things

like them. Pay is in the stomach that had me screaming out in agony.

The if I knew that this would do this to me when I was that young, I

would not have done it. At the Bristol Drugs Project, they're

launching a new service next week, aimed at a growing number of people

at risk from ketamine use. We have had quite good, pure and regular

supplies of captain mean coming into Bristol for over a decade. We

are getting more people getting into real trouble -- supplies of

ketamine. The symptoms they get, they can come under control.

Ketamine is a Class C drug. Shielmor Twomey wants it

reclassified to Class B. Her son, Caleb Morris, died after using

ketamine. He dived from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. She knew he'd

been using the drug for five years. I looked it up on the internet and

found out it was a Class C drug. And when I saw that I thought, it

will not do him any harm because it is in with the sensitives. If it

had been put in Class B, I would have realised it was a dangerous

drug. Do you think if it was, your son might be still alive? That is

likely because I would have had a chat with him. I have had a heart

to heart chat with him about smoking cannabis and he stopped

using it. A new report by the Independent

Scientific Committee on Drugs says ketamine is more dangerous than its

Class C label suggests. But the committee doesn't want ketamine

reclassified, saying that won't The man who set up the Independent

Scientific Committee on Drugs is Professor David Nutt. Earlier, I

asked him why ketamine is so dangerous. Ketamine is currently

associated with 10 and 20 deaths per year but also it seems to be

causing permanent damage to the bladders of people who use it to

the point where they have to have them taken out. That means for the

rest of their life they have to have a back. It also affects

people's brains, and it slows down people's brain functions. Why do

you think so many people are using it in Bristol? Bristol has been a

bit of a hotbed always for experimentation. Lots of students

and any students to use it to come down after going to a club, they

used stimulants to go up and then ketamine to come down. The you --

the urologists began to see these cases come in with terrible bladder

damage and they talked to us and asked if it was to do with the

ketamine and then we work together and discovered it was. Why do you

think it is not an answer to reclassify it as a more dangerous

drug? We had a mother there he said she would take action if it was

more serious classification. We do not want the Government to say we

will reclassify it, job done. We want people to identify why people

are using it, get the message out. As soon as you get the symptoms,

especially bladder symptoms, he should stop using it. We should set

up programmes to stop people using it because it is addictive. And

make sure that doctors do not miss the problem because a lot of people

go to the doctors with what they think is cystitis but it is

ketamine-induced bladder problems. What can you say to parents about

possible worries about children using it? Go to our website, had to

inform children about the hums of drugs, get the children to read the

website so that they know what is going on if they are using it and

they can have minim harm to themselves. -- minimum harm.

A three-year-old girl who went missing from Bristol has been found

safe and well. Lucia Nae was last seen in the Easton area of Bristol

with her mother on Tuesday. The police say she was found in

Manchester today, but couldn't give any more details.

Around 50 injured soldiers have been given a royal reception in

Gloucestershire today. They were invited to Highgrove by the Prince

of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as a thank you for their

work, and the sacrifices they've made. Emma Campbell has more.

These soldiers have seen hostilities first-hand. Today

hospitality was the order of the day. How are you doing?

lunchtime reception at Highgrove was a chance for service personnel

who've been wounded in action over the last couple of years to meet

and share their experiences. When you are injured, you are the centre

of attention for your local community, Regiment or whatever.

But nine months down the line, a year, for things like this to still

be in people's thought is really nice. Everybody that goes out, they

do a good job and it is good to see that when we come home, we are

welcomed back, especially days like this and people appreciate the job

we do. These two had met once before.

Today they renewed their acquaintance, in less stressful

circumstances. When I got injured last year, he was the man on the

aircraft had picked me up. It was him and his team that kept me alive

on the aircraft and got me to Camp Bastion. It is good to say thanks

for doing what you did. Fantastic to see him walking about. The last

time and saw him, he was on a stretcher so it is fantastic to see

him walking about and happy and living life.

Many of the wounded were from Their Royal Highnesses' regiments.

Including the Parachute Regiment and the Gurkhas. Today the royal

connection became a bit more personal for all of them.

The man behind the luxury brand Mulberry is launching his latest

venture - a designer shopping village in Somerset. Roger Saul's

promising big names at cut prices in Shepton Mallett. But at a time

when the retail industry's struggling, how will it fare? James

Hassam is at the launch event for us now. It has been talked about as

a new concept in designer shopping and this place is all about luxury.

A far cry from your local department store, I am talking to

you from the beautifully landscaped and manicured gardens at the back

of the old Babycham factory in Shepton Mallet that will open its

doors tomorrow as the new design emporium at the heart of this

development. And just like the models inside, this place has had

quite a makeover. It's a long time since the old

Babycham factory looked like this. They used to say there was a world

of magic in every glass. Now the man who founded Mulberry is hoping

for a touch of magic with his latest project. The factory shop at

the top of the shop, the icon, spinning down through these streets,

sustainably build, with old wood, biomass heating, the whole thing is

done in it as sustainable a fashion as we can so we can be iconic.

What's less clear is how this will fit across the West. There are

already three outlet villages here, In fact, Clarks Village in Street

is less than ten miles away from Kilver Court. But retails experts

believe there's still room for another. I think that they all

offer something slightly different. The Designer outlet in Swindon for

example offers something that is something a bit more high street-

based whereas Kilver Court offers something that is probably a bit

more exclusive and a bit more designer focused.

Despite the news this week that retail sales have hardly grown

recently, the West's outlet villages say their business is

booming. Swindon recently reported an annual rise in sales of nearly

15%. And Gloucester Quays is planning to accommodate nearly 40

Roger Saul plans to invest more than �10 million in Kilver Court.

He'll be hoping there's enough of an appetite for luxury to make this

That's why retail experts believe places like this can be succesful

even in this difficult economy, because people feel that they're

getting value for money, they're getting a bargain - even if the

goods are still expensive. Let's put that theory to the Test and ask

some guests invited to enjoy a glass of tipple. Sorry to interrupt

your meeting. It is not cheap, why would you come here? The main

reason is purely because all the designer brands, it is a beautiful

setting as you can say. And it is something that the South West is

missing. I see it as a very, very upmarket village and I think it

will appeal to lots of people. about you, sir, what would bring

you here? To see the great revival of Shepton Mallet, really. This is

terrific stuff for the area, more employment, and that is just want

we want to see here. Absolutely marvellous. Thank you, enjoy your

evening. We talk about local employment and the organisers of

the event running this place say this will create ultimately 150

jobs and a real boost for the local economy. Roger Saul has put in �10

million of his own money but he said to me earlier that frankly, if

this is going to be the success it can be, they will need a lot more

You're watching Friday's Points West. Stay with us, coming up later

in the programme we have a full forecast with Ian Fergussen.

could this be the most relaxing place in the whole of the West?

Plans for the West's biggest indoor ski centre have been approved. The

�50 million Leisuredome is set to be built on the former RAF Locking

site in Weston-Super-Mare. It would house the UK's longest indoor, real

snow slope, and an indoor climbing and surfing centre. The application

will now go before a Government You know what it's like. You're

driving along, when all of a sudden A blue light appears behind you and

for many of us, the panic starts to set in. Should you go left, right,

should you speed up or should you stop completely? Most people are

not aware of anything because they are that listing to their fine or

music on not paying attention. look in my mirror and go into a bit

of a panic and think, what is happening, should I move over? And

I do if I need to. What should you not do? You should not panic, don't

panic at all! She is correct. For the emergency services any

hold-up could have dire consequences. They're so worried

about the problem, they've started a campaign, and made a series of

films to show drivers what to do. Zoe Gough has been out with Avon

Firefighter Steve Pearce on an emergency call-out. In charge of 30

tonnes of truck in the city's traffic. But it's other drivers

who're holding him up, and it's happening more and more.

The service's own research shows motorists don't mean to cause them

problems, but their mistakes can be deadly. Sadly, there have been

serious accidents involving emergency service vehicles

including our own area many years ago, a young girl tragically lost

her life, she panicked and turned directly in front of a responding

fire engine. Firefighters maybe highly trained

but they found the public's knowledge lacking. So they've

turned their advice into a film. It's a fire engine, pull over, mate.

What are you doing, get out of the way! They see a vehicle and they

have not been trained as to what is the best thing to do. That is what

the campaign is about, filling the gap that which exists in the

Highway Code and in driver training that new drivers get.

With every emergency so pressurised, all these guys want when they get

out there is for every other driver A few of the dos and don'ts for you.

The fire service say whatever you do, don't stop suddenly. They say

it's always better to find an appropriate place and then slow

down gradually. You also still have to obey all the usual road rules.

That means if you're waiting at a red light, you can't just cross the

white line to make way for an emergency vehicle. And once you've

let that vehicle through, make sure you check behind you. There's often

another one coming along behind. To sport now, and over the last few

weeks we've been meeting some of the athletes working towards next

year's London Olympics and Paralympics. Today, we're finding

out more about World Champion canoeist Ed McKeever, who's hoping

to win gold in the 200m kayak sprint. He trains just outside

London, but this week came back to his old canoe club in Bradford-on-

Avon. Alistair Durden went to ask In a kayak barely wide enough for

him to sit in, Ed McKeever is one of the fastest men on water.

idea is to put the paddle in, try and get the stroke rate up as

quickly as possible. His powerful style has made him the

current World Champion, and early favourite for Olympic gold. In the

200 metre events, it is always so close. About four Oder five guys to

win on the day. -- four or five guys. That your hands are in a

whirl X might it is a bit of a blur, it not time to do anything else

Ed was 14 when a friend suggested he try canoeing after school in

Bradford-on-Avon, and his talent was clear from the start. The hairs

on the back of your neck go up when you meet someone as good as Ed.

That is the difference between the went in 1,000 you are looking for.

It is that mentality to win. I can't wait, it will be a long way

to wait for next year. Ed's now 27. His training is

partially funded by UK Sport and he's had to move away from home to

live nearer his training base in Berkshire. But he's often back in

Bradford-on-Avon to see family, including his Number One fan,

nephew Matthew. And 2012 promises to be a big year for Ed as he and

his girlfriend are getting married straight after the Games. How do

you feel about having two massive events close to each other? It is

good, we have got one big thing to focus on that will get us through

the next year and spur us on. you expecting any help with the

wedding at all? No! I have been told it will be me by a myself

getting on with preparations, and he will sort out his suit and that

will be it! For now it's all about the day job.

His training takes place at next year's Olympic venue which is

Dorney Lake near Windsor. And he can qualify for London 2012 with a

good performance at next month's World Championships. Be I want to

defend my title first of all and then I will qualify easily if that

happens. I hope people with tickets are looking forward to watching me,

so no pressure! And if he can handle that, there's

every chance of coming home with gold.

A group of teenagers from Gloucestershire are desperately

hoping for success in London too but this time it's on the stage.

They're playing in a big competition for unsigned bands.

It's at the O2 Arena and they've already made it through from 10,000

entries to the final 50. Not bad when you consider Pandemick's lead

All great bands need somewhere to rehearse and may be Pandemick are

They are confident they are good enough to go all the way in a

competition. There are lots of other decent bands but I certainly

reckon that if we give it our all, we could make something of this.

have to be as big as AC DC, that will make me how people stop

Pandemick have got a big sound and fronted by a vocalist with an

He is only 15. I was classically trained in the Salvation Army so I

learned how to sing in choirs. Mike Boyce came from there grille.

20 years ago, E M F were number one in America with Unbelievable.

Behind the drum kit then it was Mark and we asked him to meet

Pandemick to give them some tips. Bearing in mind none of them were

born when Mark had his number one hit. You have got to really believe

it. You have got to believe that it is yours from the start. That is

how we did it from the beginning, we knew we would be number one at

some point. You have got to go for that.

These guys stand a very good Strand. To play that well at that age is

very rare. All credit to their families. Pandemick take to the

stage hoping to be the live unsigned act of 2011. It will be

the chance of a lifetime for them. But the exciting. I am not too

nervous yet by am sure I will be. Best of luck to them. Now some

encouraging news for fans of the street artist, Banksy. You may

remember that one of his earliest works was recently whitewashed in

Bristol. The picture of a gorilla in a mask had been a famous sight

on the side of a building in Fishponds for years. But the new

owners painted over it, not realising its significance. We can

tell you that after some careful restoration, it seems to have made

something of a comeback - although it is really a shadow of its former

self. And another gorilla is being

revived too. This model was put up to celebrate the 175th anniversary

of Bristol Zoo, but it was set alight and its leg broken. It had

been designed by the entertainer Timmy Mallett and took him eight

days to create. He's now said he'll paint another one tomorrow. He's

only got a day and a half to do it though, so we'll let you know how

he gets on. The sculptures are to be auctioned off later in the year

to raise money for charity. It's come from the Opera House in

Sydney to a crafts centre in Lydney. A colourful, inflatable piece of

art. It's so big, you can walk around inside, although most people

seem to end up simply lying down and enjoying the space. Here's

From the outside, it looks like some kind of medieval bouncy castle.

It is called a Luminarium. It is made up mostly of F. And of light.

-- mostly out of air. It creates something rather unusual. It is a

piece of sculpture, it is inflatable and rather interactive

but it is sculpture nonetheless. It is based on many shapes found in

nature and also in patterns found in Islamic architecture. In many

ways, this is a plastic temple to a calmer mood. And the get the same

response everywhere it has been around the world. Wandering through,

exploring the colours and finally place that is most relaxing. It

takes about 10 minutes of walking through and then they become

horizontal and tend to lie down and completely relax. This place is

really cool and amazing. It is clever how they made all these

lights. There find this quite fun. And relaxing. -- I find this quite

It has got lots of tunnels, really big. It really is a very strange

place and it is certainly relaxing as you can probably say. The

mixture of strange sounds, unusual shapes and vibrant colours is the

kind of place which makes you forget where you are.

But where we are, of course, is Lydney, a rule stop on the

Luminarium's tour and the first time it has been to the Forest of

It will be calmer than of late but it was anything but during the

course of yesterday and we have the final clouds, and some lively

showers across parts of Bath and into part of Bristol. We had a

radio Bristol Listener be photographed something she was

quite curious about, pondering whether this is a wall of cloud,

and behind it is essentially rain, what we call a whale's mouth, that

is what it almost looks like. This could be the start of another for

more cloud, but these clouds are associated with the start of

tornadoes. This photograph taken in Oklahoma shows a classic sign of

one, the whole cloud rotating. No just of those through the course of

this weekend, it is essentially going to be a dry one. Some showers

around on Saturday but turning warmer especially on Sunday and for

many, a good deal of sunshine. A bit of a mixed picture across the

British Isles. For us, essentially fine and dry. Different if you are

going towards the east when this almost wintry feature causing an

inclement and wintry spell in those districts. Similar for the German

Grand Prix by Sunday. Essentially a case of losing the showers we have

this evening. Some trekking across parts of South Gloucestershire and

it could be moderately heavy and a few further ones in some parts of

south Somerset but they are on the way out and as the night goes on,

we tend to see a dry spell for most. A small possibility of further

showers on the M4 macro corridor. Tomorrow it is a dry picture for us

all. Temperatures on the chilly side for us, some spots in the

countryside may even see lows of seven Celsius. As the day wears on,

we will find a bit more cloud bubbling up, sunny spells

continuing mind you and a scattering of light showers. That

is mainly to the east of the M5 motorway. Many district will stay

dry. Temperatures up to 21 Celsius on Saturday. Sunday, strong

sunshine and a good bit of it and the temperatures will continue to

climb up, I would not be surprised if we see a 23 degrees in parts of

Gloucestershire by the afternoon. A much different story compared to

last weekend. We continue into the start of next week on a similar

note, temperatures into the mid- twenties so it bodes well for the

Perhaps some is finally on their way back! We will be back later on,