15/06/2011 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today with Anne Davies and me Quentin Rayner.

Tonight, keeping a look out on a grand scale. The housing estate

setting up the UK's biggest neighbourhood watch scheme. You get

people taking children's bikes off them.

Also, going down to the wire. A TV star fights a giant pig farm.

And it's not pretty in pink. It's time to take on the latest

Good evening and welcome to the programme.

First tonight, fighting crime from the heart. Osmaston in Derby is

about to start the biggest neighbourhood watch scheme in the

country. It's come about because people

living there say they feel abandoned and they want zero

tolerance of crime. Our reporter Jo Healey is at a community meeting

this evening. Yes, this is a new community hub,

opened at the weekend, staffed by volunteers and this is the nerve

centre of action in Osmaston. The what the people here really wanted

his changes. This is a vast area of land right in the middle of

Osmaston. That is actually part of the problem, isn't it? Rolls-Royce

have occupied the site for over a century. They formed the heart of

this community and now they have gone, it feels like the heart has

been ripped out and there is a sense of abandonment which seems to

promote anti-social behaviour. have problems with cars later at

night, beeping in their horns and racing up and down the streets.

is intimidating. Running about, kicking footballs, jumping up and

down on that cable box. You get people stood on the corner, taking

children's bikes of them, it is not nice. Nor are the number of

offences reported in just one month. Nearly half of them were for anti-

social behaviour. The fear of crime is generally greater than crime

itself, but the fear will prevent people from letting their children

use parks like this. But there is serious crime as well? There is a

gang culture which exists in the area. The police are taking steps

to address that problem, but we, as a community, have to address it as

well. That is why they are setting up their new Neighbourhood Watch

scheme, it is the biggest in the country. The people of Osmaston

want to make it a nice area for people to live in. It will empower

them to be able to make decisions that affect their community.

lots of support for staff cope you, and everybody here is passionate

about Osmaston. What sort of changes to want to see? We want

regeneration, Investment, we want to tackle the crime that seems to

be simmering under the surface. We want to roll-out at a neighbourhood

watch, one of the biggest in the country, and hopefully that will

start to tackle the crime level. We want people to report crime to us

rather than the police directly. We hope that will make serious inroads

in the estate. And you are all really passionate about this?

Absolutely. Without the voluntary effort of residence in the area it

would not be possible. Good luck with it all. We better let them get

on with it. You're watching East Midlands

Cadets get into training to play at The star of the critically

acclaimed TV series The Wire stepped into another role today. He

joined the protest against a planned intensive pig farm in

Derbyshire. Dominic West, who's grew up in the

county, is supporting a campaign against the Foston farm which

intends to house up to twenty five thousand pigs. James Roberson

More usually seen on film on the streets of Baltimore in the hit US

cop series, The Wire, Dominic West was back in his home county today.

He was backing a campaign to stop a controversial factory farm for

thousands of pigs. They want to build one here, I am from here so

this has a particular resonance for me and I would like to draw as much

publicity to the awful plans that they have got for this field.

plans would mean this field would be filled by sheds containing pigs,

there would an anaerobic digester to process the waste they would

produce. But locals oppose the plans, not least the family that

live right next to the field. devastating that someone can turn

up and build a massive factory next to your house. We feel that if this

is going to happen, despite the welfare issues for the pigs and all

the other things which become very emotive, we have no particular way

of finding out if we have any recourse if things go wrong.

Dominic west joined the campaign after seeing a film by filmmaker

and campaigner Tracy Worcester. She's planning a public screening

of her latest film in Burton next week. She says the farm wil have

more pigs than people currently imagine. 2,500 sounds that have

piglets, you have got a 50,000 pigs sold on this shed every year, that

is a lot of pigs. Midland Pig producers say they welcome the

debate on this kind of production. They point out Italy already has

individual farms for up to 150,000 pigs. These figures explain why 60%

of pork is imported and they say that animal welfare is their top

priority. There is also 300 women in the prison there who are

downwind of this pig farm. Derbyshire CountyConcil have

received planning permission for the farm, but so far no date's been

setfor the completeion of the In other news, dozens of people

have lost their jobs as another clothing firm has gone under.

Moreglam in Leicester has gone into administration after a slump in

orders, with the loss of more than 70 posts. The East Midlands

Textiles Association says that firms in Leicestershire have been

struggling since 2000. Meanwhile, the rate of unemployment in the

East Midlands has fallen again. Today's figures show there are

176,000 people unemployed in the region. That's down by one thousand

on last month's figures. The rate of unemployment now stands at seven

point six per cent - a fraction lower than the national average.

Thousands of children in the East Midlands took to the streets this

morning in an attempt to set a new world record for the largest

walking bus. It's all part of a road safety campaign urging drivers

to slow down in built up areas. The message is clear - these school

children are amongst 6.000 in the East Midlands taking part in a

national world record attempt for the largest walking bus. It's part

of a campaign to get drivers to slow down near schools. And pupils

at Milford Primary in Clifton know exactly why they're doing it.

are walking like a bus. Lot of people are joining in and we are

trying to keep safe. It is so children do not get hurt while the

cars are going fast. And we do not want anyone to get hurt. It is

important with the summer holidays coming up that the children are

aware of the dangers of being out on the road. Figures suggest every

year around 640 children are killed or hurt on East Midlands's Road. So

the charity who organised this world breaking record attempt hope

drivers will understand the serious message behind it. Alongside the

world record, the children are also given lessons on how to take care

on the roads. But many parents say it's drivers that need to learn

lessons too. It is important that drivers should slow down,

especially outside school has. is quite scary at times when you

see cars, near the pavement. It's thought around a hundred and

twenty-five thousand kids are taking part across the country.

They should find out soon if they've set the record. Teachers

hope it will stick in the minds of children and ultimately help save

lives. Next, this young musician used to rap in the street with his

friends. But now Jourdan Blair's been invited to perform at this

month's Glastonbury music festival. It's been an extraordinary personal

journey that began in one of Nottingham's toughest

neighbourhoods where four of his teenage friends and relatives were

murdered. Our Social Affairs Living the dream, for 24 year old

Jourdan Blair, AKA Jah Digga. Performing with Nottingham's DJ

Vimto, at last month's Radio 1's Next stop, Glastonbury. I am

nervous, but we are just going to do what we normally do. We all had

energy, I hope we can get the people providing.

Seven years ago, Jourdan's prospects looked much more bleak.

He'd been kicked out of school. And he was surrounded by the drug-

fuelled violence that made St Anns so notorious. This was a tribute to

Danielle Beccan. Jourdan's second teenage friend shot dead in the

street. Not far from where both his brother and his cousin were

murdered in separate stabbings. puts a dent in your heart. If you

look at that some of the things from people, people you do not even

know her, it has affected everybody. Jourdan's own bitter experience

even led to a meeting with the then Home Secretary, David Blunkett. And

now he's using that experience to put something back. At work he's

supporting children who've been excluded from school. And he's

giving up his own time to run local music sessions. It is hard, but we

have to move on. I am trying to make my mother proud. I express

that through the music, it is pain What about the future? I am trying

to get signed. I am trying to get into the charts. I am trying to

Is another county about to reject plans for the new high speed rail

link? Derbyshire County Council say it would have a significant impact

on the countryside. The High Speed 2 line between London and northern

England would include a new East Midlands station. The authority

hasn't decided whether it's in favour or against the plans, but

officials want action taken to protect the Peak District and

Derwent Valley Mills if the route runs through Derbyshire. Fuel pumps

in Leicestershire are being checked by Trading Standards, to ensure

drivers are not being short-changed. In the past year, around one

thousand pumps were tested for accuracy across the county. Seven

were found to be just outside the small limits that are allowed.

Innovations by final year technology students in Leicester

have gone on display. The students from De Montfort University carried

out the work as part of the their degree. It includes an educational

game that aims to raise awareness of sickle cell anaemia. They'll go

on public display next week. It is thought to be the tallest wind

turbine in the country and it is heading to this field. Severn Trent

will be using it to power a treatment plant. It was originally

turned down by the local council but the Government overturned that

decision. The tour by no will be built and is 132 metres high.

How does it compare to other iconic structures around the country?

The cooling towers are a mere 115 metres high, and two of London's

most famous landmarks St Paul's Cathedral, and Big Ben are even

smaller. These cadets have been given a big responsibility and

they've only been playing for eighteen months. They brought an

expert tuition from two retired This is not easy, marching with a

drum. For teenagers, it is amazing what they can do. On the first of

July, three of these cadets will play the last post and the reveille

beneath the arch of the Menin Gate which commemorates the fallen of

the first world war at Ypres. paying my respects to people who

sacrificed their lives for us. am doing my bit and paying my

respects. I play the bugle, the bugle is quite easy to learn, but

it is harder to master. And helping the cadets to keep the musical

tradition alive are 2 ex soldiers from the Robin Hood Rifles. Not one

of them could sound a note on the Bugle or beat a drum, I was quite

impressed with them tonight. cadets need to know where their

origins claims from, what their predecessors have done for them to

be able to live at their lives the way they do today. It is important

education wise as well. If you're going to play at Menin Gate, it has

Marvellous us. It is still rather sticky and muggy,

but is it good lunar eclipse spotting whether?

If we can just get some breaks in these grey clouds, maybe we will

Former Forest goalkeeper is with us. You think Steve McLaren is the

right man to take Forest back to the Premier League. I am still a

keen supporter and I am one who was delighted with the appointment. It

could not have been better. have had 21 managers in your career,

so you had been there with the best. How does Steve McClaren compare?

is a coach manager, he will be on the training ground, he will be

very dedicated, he will work tirelessly. He will take full

advantage of that fantastic academy that they have got there. The hours

on the training ground will definitely be put in. I have

learned a lot from him, he is a great manager. We have seen him at

managing with England, this is a chance for him to rebuild his

reputation, isn't it? It is. He took a time-out from managing

England, he did a fantastic job, it did not work out for him, but he is

not the only one. There have been a lot. He was not quite so successful,

but he would use that opportunity to recruit players over to

Nottingham Forest and take full advantage of his experiences there.

What about you so development, that is apparently a key part of his

management and coaching. I have a book coming out shortly were going

to depth about how he will recruit youngsters and give them the chance

which, going back years ago, Brian Clough was not afraid to throw one

in four stopped from the youngsters point of view, he will learn --

they will learn a lot from him. Billy Davies has just got them into

two play-offs, he has a good record at the City Ground, fans will be

expected. Fans will be, they always have been. They had been away from

the big time for too long. Billy did a good job, there is no doubt

about that. It is difficult to get to two play-offs. But for Forest

fans it is not acceptable. Can you do it this season? That is what

they will be looking for. It will take time. There are players would

need to come, players will be going, he will recruit players which you

think fit into his style of football. I would say to Forest

fans, give him time, give him at least 12 months. Maybe not next

year, but definitely the season after. Quickly, will you be part of

his backroom staff? My heart is that Forest, I loved it there as a

player. One day I would love to return. I have just signed a new

four year contract at Chesterfield so not at the minute. Great to see

you. Staying with Forest and midfielder Paul McKenna isn't in

Steve Mc Claren's plans. We understand he's leaving the City

Ground. Mc Kenna is set to join fellow Championship side Hull City.

The 33-year-old joined the Reds from Preston in 2009 and captained

the club to successive play-off campaigns. At Leicester, their

search for a new striker goes on and while the Yakubu move may be

off we are hearing they are closing in on Portsmouth striker David

Nugent. Cricket and Derbyshire are in Twenty 20 action against

Worcestershire tonight. Play gets underway at ten past seven.

Meanwhile Nottinghamshire have had a great start in the 20 overs form

of the game, but lost their first match of the season in Durham at

Chester-le-Street last night. Now, onto swimming and a star who can

now look forward to the Olympics after a year long battle with

severe asthma. It threatened the career of Jo Jackson from

Loughborough. But last night in Sheffield she threw aside all her

health issues to be crowned British Champion. Mark Shardlow was there

to see it. Acute asthma at left this woman's training behind

leaving her at an all-time low. This week was her last chance to

make the teams for the World Championships and she presented a

happy ending by becoming British champion in the 200 metres

freestyle. I have booked might spot at the world's, I cannot explain

how happy I am. I am so relieved. It was a swimmer which show she is

not just beating her rivals, but also her asthma. Some kind of

switch went off and I have no problems with it whatever at the

moment. I have come off the injections I was on and I think it

has helped. Every time I race, I have got no problems, so it has

gone out of my head and I can focus on racing. I would have loved to

have gone quicker, but my main aim was to make the team. It was a good

night for her team-mate as well. She became a 100 metres backstroke

champions. There wasn't a place back men were was not enjoying my

swimming it that much, and there was not swimming that well. Lazy

Simmons is on the up and joined the team in Shanghai next month.

That is all the sport tonight. On the day which we discussed all the

issues for Forest, a big day tomorrow.

Over recent years it is true to say we have tackled a number of alien

invasions try to settle in the East Midlands.

First, it was Japanese knotweed clogging up our canals, then

Pennywort throttling the River Soar. Now it's a pink creature called

Himalayan Balsam which can grow up to seven foot tall. Once again we

sent out our in-tryphid reporter Peter Snow to do battle. Down by

the river bank, an elegant plant has come into flower, creating a

vision in pink. But don't be taken in. Although originally a prized

find by nineteenth century plant collectors, you really don't want

any on water near you. It has many names and it is the sort of a

tractor plant you could imagine gracing a stately home. In the UK

it is classed as a non native, invasive species and it is not

welcome. It can grow up to two metres and shade out native

vegetation. What makes it invasive is that each plant can produce up

to 30,000 seats at the end of the season, and spread a long water

banks like here. The team's been making its way

along the river leen from Hucknall, rooting out the balsam wherever

they find it, and they're keen for the public to let them know if they

spot the plant. We are pretty clear it is all the way along a

Nottinghamshire. What we really want to know is where it is on the

smaller water courses. Other water courses across Nottinghamshire, so

if people could send us in a record that would be appreciated.

information they get via their website will help the

Nottinghamshire Biodiversity group put together a map. Biodiversity

groups aim is to destroy the Himalayan balsam completely, in

Nottingham and across the whole That is what these weeds do, they

look pretty to trick you. Are we going to see it? Hopefully,

if we can clear those clouds out of the way. The last one we saw was

21st December last year and we managed to get this footage as it

was going through the partial stage of the eclipse. That was on 21st

December. Hopefully we will get those clouds breaking as we go

through tonight. The moon is in the shadow of the Earth, they are all

fully lined up. The only raised from the son that get past the

Earth, go through the Earth's atmosphere and creates beautiful

colours on the surface of the Moon, very much like this one. Do have a

look if you get a chance. Pretty cloudy skies, this photo was sent

in by Steve Adams of the last lunar eclipse. It was in Nottinghamshire.

If you get a shot of it tonight, do send it into us.

We have had a few patchy outbreaks of rain. They will continue fairly

light, we are keeping that cloud as the go through the evening. There

are one or two brakes, the further west you go the more likely you

will see that lunar eclipse. The temperatures will stay on the

milder side. We're looking at 11 Celsius as a minimum temperature.

Thursday, the further south and east you go the more likely you

will see rain. We should see more in the way of sunny spells today --

compared to today. Temperature wise, about 18 Celsius. We end of the