11/11/2013 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today with Anne Davies and me, Dominic Heale.

Tonight: A misadventure verdict on a burglar who died trapped inside a

chimney. It's thought Kevin Gough was burgling a solicitors office

when he became lodged behind a bricked up fireplace.

Also tonight, as our war dead are remembered, the East Midlands

prepares for next year's centenary of the start of the Great War.

And we are in the East Midlands and market town voted the best in the

country for raising a family. Where am I? Find out shortly.

And a new plan to rejuvenate shopping in Nottingham. A deal to be

signed within days. Good evening and welcome to the

programme. First tonight: Unusual and tragic ` that was the

description today of the death of a man in Derby, who was found in a

bricked`up chimney at an office building.

The body of 43`year`old 0 0 building.

The body of 43`year`old Kevin Gough was discovered behind an old

fireplace at a solicitors in the city. It's thought he could have

been there for weeks. James Roberson reports.

On May one this year, this solicitors firm in Derby called in

builders and pest control officers. Staff hadn't noticed an infestation

of flies and a bad smell. When the builders broke through a bricked up

fireplace, they found what appeared to be the decomposed body of a man.

An inquest heard that the man was 43`year`old Kevin Gough from St

Helens. He had arrived in Derby and within one day he was being hunted

by police in connection with this `` a burglary. He left his DNA at the

scene when he cut himself falling through a glass window. On the 15th

of March he was last seen alive at a homeless centre. Then he vanished

until he was discovered six weeks later at the solicitors. He got in

by removing a chimney pot and wriggling down inside the building.

He had become wedged heads downwards with the narrow chimney restricting

his breathing. His T`shirt also cut across his throat and his other

clothing block airflow up or down the chimney. As mother told the

coroner that her son had formed her. A detective told the inquest that

police would not find anyone else involved, and the coroner said he

must have chosen to get into the chimney himself, not knowing the

fireplace at the bottom was bricked up with no airflow and that such

closed chimneys contained supplicating gases such as carbon

monoxide. The coroner told the family that he hoped it was some

small comfort to know that Kevin Gough would almost certainly have

lost consciousness within some minutes and would not have been

trapped for hours before dying. The death was recorded as by

misadventure. And there's more on that story on

our online news pages. At 11am today, the East Midlands

fell silent to mark Armistice Day 1918, when the guns ceased firing in

the First World War. Yesterday, on Remembrance Sunday,

the dead of all armed conflicts were remembered in towns, villages and

cities. Thoughts are now turning to next

year when another significant milestone is marked ` 100 years

since the outbreak of war in 1914. 95 years on and Armistice Day is

marked in time`honoured tradition. On a grey, damp day, medals and

poppies are a vivid reminder of the courage and sacrifice stop then

silence. BUGLE PLAYS. This was Nottingham's

old Market Square. I'm so proud. Similar scenes at the heart a's war

memorial in the marketplace. And at Leicester Cathedral. Yesterday, in

brighter weather, Remembrance Day services were held across the

region. In Loughborough poppy petals were scattered as veterans looked

on, seemingly lost in thought. Every anniversary is important but next

year's will be special dash the centenary. The war was a catalyst

for huge social change across Britain. Across the East Midlands, a

massive programme is being planned. Nottinghamshire's is advanced. There

was not a family or village untouched by this and people have

forgotten that. We want to remind people and will do that with events

at a local level in every single village. We will bring the war

memorials to life. We hope that a lot of what we have will be of

interest to a wider audience than just Nottinghamshire. It will be a

fitting tribute to this out `` thousands of East Midlands who died.

The Government is defending its decision to intervene in the running

of a Muslim free school in Derby. The Al Madinah school has been

described as dysfunctional and inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.

It's been put into "special measures" by Ministers, with a

warning it will be shut if standards don't improve. The Education

Secretary, Michael Gove, told the Commons today that it was right for

him to step in. Derby was one of the 20% weakest

local authorities in the country and the Right Honourable lady said

nothing about that. She turns a blind eye to failure on the part of

Labour local authorities and when this government takes steps in order

to improve state education, she has nothing to say.

More than 230 people have been arrested as part of a crackdown on

criminals by Leicestershire Police. Dubbed Operation Tiger, the force

has been carrying out more patrols, forcing entry to suspects homes and

tackling anti`social behaviour. Over the past two weeks, drugs and stolen

property have also been seized. The police have called it a success. The

operation will continue into next year.

Concern is growing for a man who has gone missing from his home in

Derbyshire. Scott Walker hasn't been seen since he left his house at

Langley Mill for his journey to work on Thursday. He never arrived there.

Police are appealing to him to get in touch and for any information on

his whereabouts. Still to come tonight, we're inside

the winning dressing room after the weekend's all`East Midlands

footballing affair. And I'm in the East Midlands today

dressing room, sheltering from the cold and rain. All the details

later. A deal to rejuvenate shopping in

Nottingham could be struck as soon as next week if councillors agree to

put ?50 million of public money in the pot. That would trigger a

redevelopment plan for the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre including

more shops, cafes and a multiplex cinema. Our reporter Jo Healey's in

Nottingham City centre now, picking over those plans.

It was built in the 1970s and, let's face it, it is a bit tired and

jaded. The City Council has wanted to do something about this place for

years and it is almost exactly two years since Westfield pulled out of

the deal. Now the council is more optimistic. What does it have in

store? First of all, how much do shoppers reckon that Broadmarsh

Shopping Centre needs a boost? It is outdated. 0 0

Shopping Centre needs a boost? It is outdated. It is really sad and it

needs decoration. Better shops. It is just a bunch of shops on one side

and emptiness on the other. With new people coming in, it creates a

better impression of the city. We've been waiting for years for something

to be done. What sorts of changes are in the plan? It promises to be a

bit of a cracker. Much more in the way of leisure. Multiplex cinema,

cafes, restaurants, and a big investment in transport and car

parking. ?21 million. Including a new tram stop. The City Council is

set to contribute ?50 million in partnership with the Centre owners.

It is tired and needs investment and it is not a great shopping

experience for people. With the kind of investment that the City Council

are looking to make, we will see a dramatic improvement. I think people

will recognise a sharp uplift in the quality of the city centre. That

will be helped by another part of the deal which will eventually

revamp Nottingham's Victoria shopping centre nearby. So, lots

going on here. Next week, the executive board of the City Council

will meet and be asked to agree the ?50 million contribution. If so,

work could start in 0 ?50 million contribution. If so,

work could start in 2015 0 ?50 million contribution. If so,

work could start in 2015 and finish by 2017. Four years' time.

Radio Nottingham's breakfast show with Andy Whittaker will be

exploring the story further ` that's just after 7am.

Police officers looking for a GP from Beeston who's gone missing say

they've had another possible sighting of her. Elizabeth Kinston,

37, is thought to have been seen outside a supermarket in The Meadows

on the day she went missing ten days ago. The police are appealing for

good Samaritans who may have helped her to come forward.

The reburial of King Richard III's bones in Leicester's Cathedral looks

likely to be delayed. The Cathedral Fabric Commission says it needs

longer to consider the impact of the new tomb on the rest of the

building. Officials want more information on key aspects of the

scheme and say this will take at least six months.

A Derbyshire building company has paid ?2.7 million in compensation to

the driver of a crane which collapsed in Liverpool city centre.

Bowmer and Kirkland, along with an engineering firm, paid the

compensation to Iain Gillham after the accident left him paralysed. The

crane collapsed on apartment buildings in July 2009. Iain

remembers nothing about the accident. Bowmer and Kirkland won't

comment. Bodily functions which you no longer

control and cannot deal with. You require carers to help. That means

you have to have carers. That is probably the worst. Worse than not

being able to walk. Having to deal with what I have two deal with no,

`` now. There's no point in looking for revenge.

Now if you're wondering where's the best place to raise your family, new

research suggests the answer could be close at hand. One

Nottinghamshire town has come top of the class when it comes to things

like schools and property prices. So where is it? It's Bingham in

Nottinghamshire and Sarah Teale has spent the day there 0

Nottinghamshire and Sarah Teale has spent the day there to find out what

makes it so special. Marketplace Bingham, 11 o'clock.

Locals here are proud that the place they call home is the best in the

country for raising a family. The report found it had three excellent

schools, a low crime rate, lots of social clubs and activities, good

shops and affordable housing. It's a great place to live. It is

brilliant. There is a lot to do and great facilities and shops. It is a

nice atmosphere. More families can come here because Bingham is

expanding. Several hundred new homes have been built on the outskirts and

plans for another major housing development have been agreed. That

will see around 1000 new homes built here along with a primary school and

other facilities. The average cost of a two bedroom house is pretty

reasonable as well. Around ?140,000. That is cheaper than the national

average. Bingham grabs you. It's a market town but feels like a

village. If you have your children in schools here, they are

outstanding skills. So, you will move from three bedroom 24`bedroom

and eventually bungalows. But not everything is perfect. A lack of

parking is an issue. And Bingham has had to defend itself from critics.

Last year, a family moved away when they were the victims of an

anti`Islam attack. We were victims of racist abuse. The only people

that supported those were our neighbours and the local reverent.

No one else, not the council. I believe it was an isolated incident

and a great shame. It is a great place to bring up a family. That is

something they are proud to shout about.

Now, the sport. First, Leicester City and Nottingham

Forest go into the international break in great shape as they push

for promotion, but it was Forest who came out on top, against the form

book, in the all`East Midlands match at the King Power Stadium on

Saturday. We promised you a cracker and the team's delivered. Natalie

Jackson was there. Leicester City and Nottingham Forest

are on the promotion march, both banging the drum in the top of the

table. That's 30,000 down here today. One of the lucky few to get a

ticket. I think it will be quite boisterous today. Just keeping my

fingers crossed. It's not just about rivalry but remembrance. A special

fixture for an East Midlands derby. BUGLE PLAYS.

Nottingham Forest haven't won for eight years at Leicester City but it

could have been a different story. Leicester City had a number of

chances but it was Nottingham Forest who take there. There was a reward

for hard work with this second goal. It was unlike him but striker David

Nugent missed a penalty saw in the end it finished 2`0. Nottingham

Forest close the gap by six points and become in the first six. I don't

like losing local derbies but we'll have to move on. Never try and put

these players done. The togetherness amongst the staff and the rest of

the people is absolutely top`class and that's what you showed outside.

You showed the spirit of this football club. Well done.

At Derby County, they've found their new Director of Football Operations

` the man who'll work alongside coach Steve McClaren. He's Chris

Evans ` the former Sheffield Wednesday 0

Evans ` the former Sheffield Wednesday assistant manager. He's

spent the last year as a widely`travelled scout and will look

after Derby's scouting network, as well as dealing with agents.

Evans will have a good impression of what Derby already have ` he was

there to watch them demolish his former club at the weekend.

Against Sheffield Wednesday Derby put in a performance that leads you

bouncing out of the stadium. We gave the five forward players the freedom

to go and express themselves. A host of early chances meant there

visitors were on the back foot. A proper confidence boost. How far

can the Rams go? What a great team. What football. We have to be

consistent. If it carries on like this, the drinks should definitely

be on Steve McClaren. In the FA Cup, Mansfield's reward

for first`round victory is an attractive second`round trip to

either Oldham or Wolves. They were the only one of our clubs to get

past Saturday's test. Jessica Creighton starts our round`up at St.

Albans City. Mansfield may have thought they were

at risk of a giant`killing at St Albans but their resistance broke

just at half`time. Two quick goals set them on their way. Once they

started rolling over their opponents, there was no stopping

them. The FA Cup provided Nottingham's

first game. Last year, Alfreton beat Wrexham at

this stage in the competition. This time, the Welsh side got ahead and

never let it slip. This penalty was the only thing that offered anything

to Alfreton. In ice hockey, an injury`hit

Nottingham Panthers had a really disappointing road trip to Scotland.

Beaten 4`2 in Fife on Saturday, and then on penalty shots in Edinburgh

last night. On the bright side for them, Sunday's visit from Sheffield

is already almost sold out. Get your tickets fast.

And just to round up the rest quickly, in case you missed it,

Leicester Tigers were victorious in the LV Cup on Friday. Then over the

weekend Nottingham Rugby lost at Moseley but basketball's Leicester

Riders continued winning and still top the table.

And finally from me, Derby's new on`loan defender Andre Wisdom might

know his way round a back four but hasn't quite mastered the route to

Pride Park and this is the result. That's a very expensive car in a

very deep, wet hole after Wisdom's SatNav took him up a terrible track

on the way to Saturday's game. I imagine he's taken some fair old

stick for this. And I dread to think of the bill. At least he is playing

well. We've been waiting for a very

special guest to join us on the programme this evening. In fact he's

so important that Anne has gone to the reception area here at the BBC

to meet him. Anne, what's happening? Not a lot at the moment. No prizes

for guessing who the guest is ` yes, a big, yellow bear called Pudsey.

And here he is, just in time. Well, the final countdown begins

here. Children In Need 2013 is on Friday. More than ever, we want you

to get involved on behalf of children and young people in the

East Midlands who, for whatever reason, need a helping hand. We'll

be at Nottingham Tennis Centre on Friday night ` that promises to be a

fabulous and worthwhile evening. And through the rest of the week we'll

be seeing what kind of work the money you raise pays for. First

let's just take a look at the numbers involved. Last year, you

raised more than ?1 million here in the East Midlands ` nearly ?1.1

million, in fact. A fantastic total, up on the year before. It's an

achievement that allows Children In Need this year to be helping 136

projects across the East Midlands, which currently have grants to a

value of ?6 million. And people are already collecting money ahead of

the big night on Friday. We are trying to raise ?1 million which

would be a massive achievement. Today, we are riding a rickshaw

around Nottingham city centre. Charnwood 20:20 got nearly ?87,000

for a scheme that helps teenage girls at risk in Loughborough And

this project ` The Nottingham Photographers' Hub ` was given

nearly ?90,000 to help young people, some of them homeless. That's just a

couple of examples of the work that's funded by Children in Need.

The biggest slice ` a third of the money ` goes to projects dealing

with child poverty. A fifth helps children with disabilities. And

smaller percentages to address abuse, behavioural problems,

distress and other serious issues facing children and young people.

And over the next three nights, we'll be looking in more detail at

some of those projects. And I promise you that so many of

those groups you will be seeing this week are truly inspirational. On

Friday night from 6pm we'll be down at Nottingham tennis centre so come

and join us. It's a great evening with fun things going on. It is such

a great night and it proves there are some fantastic people out there

doing great things for children and young people in the East Midlands

who really need our help. We'll see you then. Now, the weather.

I hope he is waterproof because it has been wet and horrible today. We

have had some beautiful pictures sent in. This is the River Trent.

The weather front will clear away through tonight and pressure is

building in behind that and that will settle things down nicely

tomorrow. A dry and sunny day just like Sunday and some sunshine into

the afternoon. It will be cooler than today. We have some rain first.

It has been light and drizzly this afternoon but it will get heavier

for the first part of the night. Some mist and fog as well. It will

clear away to the south in the early hours of the morning. Tomorrow

morning, the rain will continue to clear to the south and behind that

we have some cloud across southern parts of Leicestershire. It will

finally clear away and we will have sunshine in the afternoon. A little

bit hazy at times with higher cloud. High`pressure tries to hold on for

Wednesday but it gets sunk to the south. So it is a dry day but we

will see the cloud increasing. We'll see you later.