17/11/2011 BBC Points West

Welcome to Points West. The headlines tonight. Protestors say

we are here to stay. Wooden shacks are built at the Occupy camp in the

centre of Bristol as campaigners prepare to stay through the winter.

Fighting to save the buildings. New flood defences are put in behind

the collapsing river wall in Bridgwater. Also tonight, a

celebration of service and sacrifice. Thousands line the

streets of Chepstow as Gloucestershire's One Rifles are

granted freedom of the town. And getting Bristol engineers back on

the road, how specialise car making skills are being preserved for the

future. Good evening. Protestors living in a tented camp in the

centre of Bristol have begun to build shacks and say Tay have no

immediate plans to leave. Occupy Bristol have been camping out

outside College Green for 34 days. They say they're campaigning

against economic and political greed and are constructing the huts

so they can stay for the winner. Good evening Lizzie. Yes they have

been here nearly six weeks now, the weather is getting colder and so is

life inside those tents. That is why they are planning to do

something about it. But first let us remind ourselves of the reasons

they are here. They say they are protesting against the current

system. It is unsustainable and unjust. They are angry at the

banking crisis, they want and end to global tax injustice, they want

global equality and redemocracy, and they say they are not going

anywhere until they get it. Making their mark. Occupy Bristol is the

biggest tented protest outside of London. Over 60 tents are here but

the protestors say they are not adequate for the winter, so they

have v begun to build solid structures. We will build the frame,

and until it is close, closely weaved together, and we will bend

everything into the centre to build the Dome. Then it will be covered

and made waterproof, and then have doors in it. And a floor, and it

will have a wood burner in there. And it is somewhere that we can

bring the public during the winter, days, warm, comfortable, so we can

continue our meetings. This shack here was much large e but today,

the protestors have been downsizing. They say they appreciate the

original structure was too large but they will keep building. We are

not about scaring people. We are not about sor ot -- sort of like

being in people's faces and inconveniencing people. And causing,

you know consternation with the public. There has been makesed

reaction from those who live and work nearby. I can't really see how

it is helping any cause, it seems to be an eyesore, and I think it is

taking away from people enjoying the College Green as it should be,

which is a calm spiritual place. A lot of people enjoy it every day.

Initially OK. But it is dragging on too long now. You know, they have

made a point and it is not a protest any more, it is an

occupation. Making it into a permanent structure where they have

wardrobes and having toilets put in, I think it is going too far. No, I

don't mind it at all. I think it is, like if they want do that and if

they want to standing united together, why not? In the Occupy

camp in London protestors have been warned that from seedings will be

issued in the high court if they don't leave by this evening and New

York hundreds of Occupy Wall Street protestors attempted to march on

the New York Stock Exchange. Here in Bristol they have given the city

a physical sign they have no plans to leave. Well, tomorrow morning

radio Bristol will be here live from 6.30 with Steve Le Fevre. The

council have called a meeting with the protestors at 9.30. The press

stiers they have a long list of question, the council say this is

an unlawful encampment. They have only one question they want

answered. When is all of this going to end? Temporary flood defences

have been put into place today, along a stretch of the river

Parrett in Bridgwater, where a huge section of wall has partially

collapsed. The Environment Agency says it should protect the most

vulnerable house tons river bank but engineers admit they are still

not sure when the wall can be properly rebuilt. For the first

time today we were allowed close enough to see the full extent of

the damage to the river wall, in the ten ter of Bridgwater. Flooding

did this. Two weeks' ago. -- centre. That wall has moved seven metres in

that direction. No-one is quite sure how, or why, it is still

standinging. What they know is it has finally stopped moving, and for

now, the authorities are happy to leave it as it is. And for as long

as they do that, homes and shops on this part of the river bank are

out-of-bounds. 1 people are still being kept in temporary

accommodation. -- 18. This furniture retailers has had to set

up a temporary shop ten miles away. He has no idea when he will be

going back to Bridgwater. I haven't had a phone call. There are three

other businesses next to me. They have been allowed back in and they

are re-opening tomorrow but no explanation why the shop literal --

literally two steps away we can't open and the restaurant can't open.

Why are they waiting for the wall to collapse? It is a risky site. We

have a collapsed wall section to get equipment in there is a risky

activity. You are talking about big bits of equipment. Putting them

near a collapse and we are not confident that is a sensible thing

to do at this stage. So in effect they are waiting for nature to do

the work. Whenever that might be. In the meantime, today the

Environment Agency have been testing temporary flood defences,

which they hope will protect the most vulnerable properties from the

expected high tides later this month. Our concern if we don't do

this, if we get a big spring tide there is a danger we could get

water coming up on to the road and that would flow out and down the

street here. November 25th is the next high tide. It will be a

critical day for everyone here. Detectives investigating the murder

of the Gloucestershire woman Kate Prout have confirmed they have

received significant new information ant her death. Her

husband Adrian is serving a life sentence after being convicted of

her murder, despite her body never been discovered. Tonight,

detectives have refused to comment on a claim that officers are about

to question him further. Remind us about the kaith case? A lot of

people will remember this case. It was massive, lasted many months in

2007. Adrian Prout was a wealthy land own e his wife was last seen

on Bonfire Night in 2007. Adrian reported her missing about five

days later, that sparked a massive police search, lasted week, months

looking for some clues but they found nothing, no sign of he but no

forensic evidence either. What was odd about it was she left the house

without any clothes, money, didn't take her car, and then in 2010, he

was eventually convicted without her body of her murder, based on

circumstantial evidence. It really hinged on the fact she kept a diary

detailing their marital break down, so he was given a minimum of 18

years back in 2010. Police have searched several times for the body

but never found it. What have they been saying? They say they are

treating it with urgency, they have had a significant new development.

He was given three extra years because he refused to say where he

buried her or what he had done with her body. We haven't had any new

information from the police, they say they have had a significant new

development. We are likely to hear more some time tomorrow. In other

news Victoria -- victorious library protestors have called on the

council to guarantee the survival of libraries. A high court judge

yesterday threw out plans to stop funding 21 libraries. Campaigners

raised thousands to help fund the legal challenge. We are ecstatic.

We are so pleased with the result yesterday, for not only our local

library, this is for the whole of Somerset. We are pleased. Even when

the Legal Services Commission said we had to raise all this money, we

knew we would do that from within the people of Somerset. They want

the County Council to abandon any plans that could lead to closures.

The campaigners have offered to hold talks to see if there are

other ways to save money. You are watching your regional news

programme, BBC Points West, and stay with us tonight, as there is

much more still to bring you. Ian will be here with the latest

weather forecast shortly, plus a growing industry. The fraudsters

offering fake loans to those in debt.

# I'm a believer # Getting ready for their big night,

the choir championing the west for Children In Need. First though, the

police and community leaders are tonight insisting there isn't a

gang culture in Bristol. Five young men were jailed yesterday, for a

total of 26 year, for firearm offences. Today, a Government

minister visited the city, to see for himself the challenges faced by

police. Keeping shoppers and traders safe in the run-up to

Christmas. Today, the police minister ad attended the opening of

a cop shop in Cabot Circus. But away from the glitz and bright

lights of the city's shopping centres Bristol's darker side is on

people's minds. Yesterday, five men were jailed for firearms offences,

aged between 1 and 26, they received sentences totalling 26

years. Before their arrest, they made several music videos. This was

made in April last year and posted on YouTube. The red neckerchieves

their trademark, they call themselves the St Paul's blood gang.

The rap talks of guns and killing. It boasts of ep their group being

better than the one in Easton. They made another video that was taken

off social networking sites. It was on this road two years ago they met

to perform their video involving real guns. The court was told when

hay wir were single Campbell prodouse add .22 handgun, that gun

was later found in a police raid. These three guns were found in that

raid on a house on Sussex Place hidden behind bath panels. But the

police deny there is a gang problem in Bristol. What we have seen and

what has been evidenced on the streets of St Paul's and Easton is

these young people going round and causing fear, to the residents.

Young people, especially the preteens and early 20s do things

together, they have done so over generations and culture, today,

some of that might be labelled gang behaviour, but it is what young

people do. Youth unemployment is now at record levels, and young

black men are even more affected than the right. -- rest. There are

no easy answers here. Officers investigating the crash on the M5

near Taunton in which seven people died are again appealing for any

video footage of the firework display which took place nearby. 34

vehicles were involved and 51 people were injured in the accident

nearly two weeks' ago. Police are partly looking at whether smoke

from display at the rugby club may have contributed to the crash. It

is a sad fact that one of the businesss that booms in a downturn

is fraud. Criminals are increasingly targeting those who

are already vulnerable, often by offering fake loans to people

already heavily in debt, who can't get credit from bank, the advice

from Trading Standards if you want a loan never send money up front

and check the company out carefully beforehand. In the first of a two

part investigation here is our correspondent. I was attacked

basically, financially, I was attacked. Ian wanted �2,000 to get

back to work. So he applied on line here, for a loan. They wanted �100

up front he paid. They asked for more. Ian refused and was told he

would never get a penny. They have hurt me really really bad. Really

bad. They are not normal people. They are just, they are just

thieves. That is my personal opinion. Sorry if I am saying

something wrong. This is how I look at it. They robbed me of what I had.

This trader doesn't have a licence to lend money. We have tried to

contact them, but the phone number they give out is debt. The e-mail

bounced back and they didn't respond to our letter. Ian Storey -

- Ian's story isn't uncommon. These are payments made to fraudsters

posing as a loan company. She wanted to consolidate her debt bus

ended up paying �2 200 for a loan she would never receive. You feel

as though you have made a mistake. Because you are doing it so better

yourself, now I am worse off than when I first started ft it makes

you feel like a fool. There are people who get away wit and are not

punished. I am not sleeping and my house has deteriorated. People say

lit get better but when? I feel foolish and it is hard to get up.

She is now getting help, but had to take out genuine loans to cover

what she had lost. If they ask you for money up front my advice is to

walk away. I am getting a significant number of these types

of complaints coming across my desk, complaints where people have been

bs trapped essentially. They have sent money through the UK cash

transfer scheme with the bank or western union. Once they have sent

that money, there is no way of tracing it and no way of getting it

back. Tomorrow, a look at how those who are supposed to be helping

those in debt can sometimes make things worse. They are making money

out of people's misery. Now to the story of some skilled engineers,

who are back on the road. When the luxury car maker Bristol Cars went

into administration the factory closed 22 members of staff lost

their job, many years of experience seemed set to evaporate. But thanks

to the efforts and financial support of one local businessman

and enthusiast, a group of them have formed a new company. It is a

lifeline for the old life blood of Bristol Cars. The man who fell in

love with them as boy, who worked hard and bought one for his 50th

birthday gathering round him the team that helped build his dream.

We got chatting and I thought it would be a real shame to lose all

those fantastic skills they have built up, there is over 200 years

experience within this factory, of working on Bristol Cars. I thought

it would be lovely to try and keep it going, if it was possible.

Bristol has always had admirers since the glory days when the team

finished Fi first, second and third in their class at Le Mans, under

the supportive gaze of Sir George White. The job of building a

Bristol was seen as a privilege and despite everything that has

happened, it still is. colleagues I have got here, some of

them I have known for 35 years. To be able to employ them again and to

be working next to them again is a dream come true. When I thought my

life had finished really. It had been my life. 35 years, so I am due

to retire next year, I hope. So I hope I will have finishished my

days here. Are you going to retire? Ask my wife! Sid was there at the

start. The Bristol's been his life's work. He is 92. And part of

the new team. It is a lifetime to me. I was in the war, and when I

came out, working on the very first one, and to become a director of

the company like I was for many year, it's, it is nice to see it

going again, it really is. The next task, finding apprentices to learn

what it takes to be a coach maker. Restoring not just cars, not just a

work force, but a ewe meek set of skills that might have been lost

forever. It is a place of passion isn't it. Great to see that.

Thousands of people lined the streets to cheer and clap today, as

soldiers from the Gloucestershire based regiment one riesms were

given the freedom of the town of Chepstow. The unit has rushed from

Afghanistan. After the parade, family and friend watched as they

were presented with operational medals at the barracks. It has been

a busy day for Andrew and here is his report. Success in Afghanistan

is hard to measure in the short- term. But popularity, that can be

seen and heard here. 500 members of One Rifles marching through the

centre of Chepstow, outnumbered ten to one by the people waving them

past. We think they deserve it. We do. These fellas have gone through

one terrible experience, and it is the only thing we can do is support

them. Earlier they had been been given the freedom of the town, a

reWard said the mayor from the dedication and they had shown in

Afghanistan. It is different to what we have back here, when you

are out, you see a lot of thing, children for example, how poor they

are and back here we have everything on a plate for us.

week, One Rifles returned to their barracks after a gruelling six

months in Helmand province. Where several of their number were killed

on tour. Remembered here, when they finally blew out the candle that

had burned throughout their absence. Extinguished only when the last

member was finally home. In a couple of minutes time the troop

also get their operational service medals for their time in

Afghanistan. While they were over there they were work on Operation

Herrick and undertook more than 6,000 tours. In the six months they

were there they lost five of their company. Others have suffered life-

changing injuries. Rifleman Andrew Searle was brought from hospital,

to collect his medal today. After losing both legs to an improvised

explosive device, for mum Maureen, this show of support is so

important. Very proud of my son, very proud of his whole regiment to

be fair, they have done a sterling job out there, I am so proud of

them. Makes you feel there is lots of support out there for the lads.

It is really really overwhelming. Today then, a chance for family and

friends to say thank you to the soldiers, and remember the families

of those lost and injured. Proud and happy all my family are here. I

feel proud of what I have done. Brilliant. Really proud of him.

Very emotional day. Been nice. Rifles have played a key role in

Operation Herrick. From defusing explosives to building roads and

hospital, changing the infrastructure of war-torn

Afghanistan. Lovely parade. These medals recognition for their

bravery abroad, the freedom of Chepstow, a heartfelt welcome home.

Fabulous. Now, hundreds of people have turned out in Bath to see the

Christmas lights get switched on with the help of big names.

Legendary comedian John Cleese flicked the switch, alongside

Imogen and Steve Le Fevre. It all happened a few moments ago, there

it is. And that is what it looked like. What a great sight for the

city. Lovely ch Now, then, tomorrow is of course do I node to tell you

Children In Need, and we are hosting a very special

fundraisinging event on the grand pier, there is going to be losts of

o lots of entertainment with Pudsey and Will. One of the things we will

attempt is a mass singalong involving children all over the UK.

Gareth Malone will lead it from London. We met them when they came

into the studios for the first live TV performance and representing the

west on the big night will pupils from Broadoak School in Weston.

Practising for the live link up tomorrow at the pier. We are not

going to sing because it is a secret. So while the real song is

under wraps the students are singing a number by the Monday keys.

# Then I saw her face # Now I'm a believer #

But at the big show tomorrow we will hear them join voices with

3,000 others to complete a huge choir. And we will all join

together and sing this special piece nobody knows about until

tomorrow, when all round the country, all the choirs will join

force, to sing with Gareth, and this special piece. Pulling this

off will be quite a challenge. Trying to work out how all the

choirs are going to be singing together, when they are across the

country and trying to explain that to the students has been a

challenge as well. But hopefully it will be all right on the night, so

they say in show business. # I'm in love #

Gareth Malone will lead from Television Centre, linking with

those in Wales, Scotland, and all across England. For our singers,

representing the west from the pier, the nerves are started. Really

nerve-wracking because it is on camera, you don't see who is

watching but it is nerve-wracking. I thought it was going to be fun

and like, yeah. Fun and exciting, a new experience. Tomorrow night the

choirs will join by the power of TV. And Pudsey, to raise lots ofor

Children In Need. Ge for. That shouldn't be nervous. I am sure

they will be great. Ail am looking forward to Children In Need what is

forward to Children In Need what is the weather going to be like

tomorrow? Not too bad, you will be glad to hear. Pudsey won't need the

umbrella tomorrow, where ever he happens to be. Go on disappear bare,

we will see plenty of you tomorrow. Let us put the weather graphics up

and the story tomorrow is a good deal of dry weather about. There

will be more cloud round compared to today, moderately breezy but

mild for this time of year. That will certainly be the case. The

southerly flow well established bringing the maritime air milder.

Visibility has been a lot better and overnight we will see patchy

rain perhaps in western districts courtesy of the frontal structure,

otherwise it remains dry. The rainfall radar has shown how the

focus of the rain has been out over part of Ireland, up through the

Irish Sea and occasionally infringing closer to parts of

England and Wales but not that much. I think this feature here might

just start to bring patchy outbreaks of rain into the like

like of Exmoor, up the Bristol Channel but as you come further

eastwards, it is a dry story and there will be clear spells round.

Some hill fog developing, and the rain at most light, patchy, nothing

more than and as I said it will be moderately breezy. Temperatures

tonight, down to nine to 11, so as I said it will be a mild night.

That is how things will start tomorrow. Good deal of dry weather.

More cloud than today, but some sunnier breaks developing.

Particularly to the north of high ground, it should be well favoured

and perhaps patchy drizzle again, Exmoor, maybe up the Bristol

Channel, but by the evening, reverse taking place, the fronts

have retreated back out west, so we are back to dry conditions and with

winds having backed to a slight south-easterly there should be

shelter for Weston-super-Mare. Similar story elsewhere, so mild,

breezy, cloudy but dry would be an adequate summary through the course

of Friday. Temperatures up to 14, maybe 15 in a couple of spots.

Beyond that into the weekend, it is a similar pattern with the nuances

of how the cloud behaves so we expect dry weather. Again there

temperatures into the mid teens. No threat of over night frost. Sunday

is a similar picture. It is by the end of money we see the threat of

rain arriving from the south-west, overnight into Tuesday, but up

until that stage, dry, beyond that next week it is a 50-50 split. Some

dry, some wet. You have it all dry, some wet. You have it all

covered there. Thank you. Those temperatures not ideal for my frock

tomorrow night. However there will be a lot of running round to do. It