26/11/2013 East Midlands Today

That is all from BBC News At Six, I will be back with more

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

Tonight ` a property developer backs calls for an inquiry into British

banking after RBS seizes his luxury apartment building. Kevin Riley 's

waterfront complex is now in administration. A symbol, he says of

the 0 administration. A symbol, he says of

the transformation of the Ann King industry. I used to believe I was a

pillar of the local community. Also, revealed. The death toll from last

winter, the coldest for decades. Plus a new survey reveals that one

in four hate crime victims has been physically attacked. And four lads

from Leicester. A homecoming gig for Kasabian. We will put on an

incredible night and it will remain with people for ever.

Good evening and welcome to the programme. First tonight, a

businessman has demanded that the government investigate how the RBS

bank seized a ?27 million 0 government investigate how the RBS

bank seized a ?27 million luxury apartment complex from him. The bank

took control of the building after putting developer Kevin Riley's

company into administration. The bank says it's now holding its own

inquiry into how it's treated its business 0 0

inquiry into how it's treated its business customers. 0

inquiry into how it's treated its business customers. Mike O'Sullivan

reports. It's the luxury apartment building that Kevin Reilly designed

himself, on the banks of the River Trent. Built at a cost of ?27

million. He told me that despite what he claimed was a viable

long`term business plan, the RBS bank but his company into

administration in a telephone conference call. People on the other

end of the conversation weren't terribly interested. And suddenly,

we 0 terribly interested. And suddenly,

we are 0 0 terribly interested. And suddenly,

we are going to put you into administration came up. I didn't

know what was going on, I was gobsmacked. He has now reported his

case to the businessmen and government specialist adviser who

unearthed the allegations that RBS must now answer. He has accused the

RBS of putting good and viable businesses into default so it could

make more profit. Mr Reilly is also writing to his MP to ask for his

support. Now they find that a lot of their assets have 0

support. Now they find that a lot of their assets have been picked over,

almost by banks acting like vultures, looking to distressed

companies themselves and pushed them to the wall in order to make a

profit. Those will be incredibly serious allegations. They have to be

investigated quickly. Mr Reilly is scathing about the wider banking

industry. The banking industry has transformed from what I used to

believe was a pillar of the local community into just a bunch of

relatives. In a statement, the RBS said:

Mr Reilly has been told he could buy back the building, the asking price

around ?20 million. Mike, where does he go from here? It is a case of

wait and see for him. He sent off his allegations 0 0

wait and see for him. He sent off his allegations to Lawrence

Tomlinson this morning, the government adviser and businessman

who has unearthed the wider allegations about The Royal Bank of

Scotland. He hopes those will feed into Mr Tomlinson's report. The

report has been taken up by Vince Cable, he sent it on to the city

regulators to look at. But what Mr Reilly wants 0

regulators to look at. But what Mr Reilly wants is his reputation

restored. He says he has been in business for decades, he has never

been treated like this before by up anchor. He thought he was the only

one being treated like this, he was astonished to find out they were

wider allegations in the comments on report. If he has to raise the

capital to buy back this building, he has appealed task. He has lost

his building, his reputation, he wants them both back.

Last winter saw the coldest March for 50 years, and today it was

revealed that thousands more vulnerable people died as a direct

result of the freezing conditions. Campaigners say it's a shameful

state of affairs. And, with fears that the death toll could rise even

more this winter, the row over rising energy bills has intensified.

Here's our Health Correspondent Rob Sissons.

Excess winter deaths ` the figures are worked out by comparing death

rates in the warmer months with those the start of December to the

end of March. Most of the winter deaths were people aged over 75. In

England and Wales there were over 31,000 additional 0

England and Wales there were over 31,000 additional deaths up 29 per

cent on the year before. Here in the East Midlands there were 2,700

that's an even rise 36 per cent. It was the coldest March since 1962,

then followed the winter they called the "big freeze". Last winter saw

motorists struggling on the roads and up 0

motorists struggling on the roads and up in 0

motorists struggling on the roads and up in the Peak District, big

snow drifts even into march. It is not the cold itself that kills but

the level of influenza in the background population, and the

prolonged exposure 0 background population, and the

prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. And in particular that

cold period was prolonged and lasted from February into March and even

April. Rising winter death rates have been

seized on by critics of big power firms who are putting up bills. Four

of the big six power firm save announced average price increases of

9.1 per cent on dual fuel bills that's people who buy both gas and

electricity. This luncheon club in Derby brings pensioners in from the

cold and more these days I using it. It's going to be worse. Stay warm in

one room and then we come here. Some people don't know how to get access.

It is run by a charity designed to tackle loneliness and deprivation.

They are worried about the latest winter death figures. It is of great

concern to us. We do have to look at how safe the older person is in

their own home. It's really important 0 0

their own home. It's really important to make sure you are

eating your house to adequate level. A temperature of 18 to 21 degrees,

no lower than 16. Age UK have described the increased winter

deaths as shameful and have asked the government to lower energy

bills. In Leicestershire the charity is gearing up to offer what

practical help it can to vulnerable frail elderly people this winter. We

can't pay the energy bills, but what we can do is carry out a benefit

cheque for older people to see whether there are benefits they are

entitled 0 whether there are benefits they are

entitled to that they aren't claiming. Here in Leicestershire

last year, we claimed over ?2.5 million. Britain fares worst in

Scandinavia when it comes to death rates in winter. Some are

questioning if we are really doing enough.

Still to come ` Nottingham ice duo Nick Buckland and Penny Coomes.

They're training for the British championships ` yet just a few weeks

ago, Nick had to have a heart operation.

The Fire Brigades' Union in Derbyshire is calling on fire chiefs

to scrap proposed changes to how the service works ` claiming they are

simply not safe. 0 service works ` claiming they are

simply not safe. The changes mean the number of life threatening

incidents which don't get a response within ten minutes will rise

significantly. And last night the changes came in for cross`party

criticism 0 changes came in for cross`party

criticism during a parliamentary debate. Simon Hare reports. The

aftermath of last week's fatal fire in Derbyshire. It claimed four

lives, despite fire crews being on the scene within eight minutes. But

under proposals to cut the number of fire stations and full`time

firefighters across the county, response times are expected to

suffer. The Fire Brigades union to dight called on the fire authority

to scrap its plans, saying they are not safe. 0

to scrap its plans, saying they are not safe. We currently have an

undertaking to attend these incidents within 75% of the time,

less than ten 0 incidents within 75% of the time,

less than ten minutes. The new proposals are expecting us to do it

only 66% of the time, so a third of the time we won't be attending the

most important incidents within ten minutes. Last night Derbyshire MPs

debated the cuts, many are claiming they will put their constituents at

risk. The location of fire stations are crucial, it is both a weight and

speed of response which is most crucial in saving lives. The fewer

fire 0 0 crucial in saving lives. The fewer

fire stations there are, the longer it will take them to attend the

incident and the worst condition of the fire. Two of the 3M marked

foreclosure were in fact built within the last four or five years.

I have been petitioning on the streets of Derby with the Fire

Brigades union and the people of Derby are alarmed about the impact

this will have. The government's Fire Minister said it was down to

each individual fire authority on how it is spent its money.

Derbyshire Fire Service says communities will have to accept it

will deliver less because it will have less to spend. A public

consultation on the plans to cut the number of fire stations will last

another four weeks. A man from Leicester who tried to

smuggle more than a million pounds worth of liquid amphetamine in a car

washer bottle has been jailed for three years. Marcin Leon Prokop, a

Polish national living in Leicester, was stopped by officers at Dover

Docks. They found a yellow liquid in the windscreen washer bottle of his

car contained amphetamine. He pleaded guilty to importing a

controlled drug and faces deportation after serving his

sentence. Nottingham`based Boots is recalling

tens of thousands of bottles of cough and cold medicines over fears

that plastic might have got into the liquid. The medicines include three

types of Boots own brand cough relief, paracetamol for children

over six, and a strawberry flavoured ibuprofen liquid for 0

over six, and a strawberry flavoured ibuprofen liquid for infants. The

company says a possible fault in the manufacturing process may have

resulted in small piece of plastic being found in the medicines. The

government 's community secretary said the ambition to help more than

100,000 families nationwide was at the halfway stage. He said the

troubled families programme has helped many children back into

school and adults into jobs. A judicial review into the location

of the final resting place of King Richard III, whose remains were

found in Leicester, has been adjourned. The review was

considering who ultimately has the right to re`inter the king's

remains. But now the argument isn't just between Leicester and York.

Authorities within Leicester are disagreeing as well. Helen Astle

reports from the Royal Courts of Justice in London. This has been a

frustrating day for all parties here. The case has been described as

unique, the most extraordinary case in modern times. The judges have

decided there isn't enough time for them to hear the judicial review but

it has emerged that a 0 them to hear the judicial review but

it has emerged that a dispute between the University of Leicester

and Leicester City Council over who has the right to reinterpret

remains, is it Leicester City Council as the governing body and

landlord of the car park, or the University of Leicester which was

granted the licence? Is it a question of finders keepers? It now

means the Plantagenet Alliance, as well as taking on the Ministry of

Justice and the University of Leicester are also going to be

taking on Leicester City Council as they have now been listed as a

defendant in the case. This is a very 0 0

defendant in the case. This is a very complex and complicated case.

One of the judges involved said she had had an avalanche of documents,

there are over 1300 pages of them. The case is due 0

there are over 1300 pages of them. The case is due to be heard in the

New Year as soon as possible, which means plans to have the remains

reinterred could be delayed. So over 500 years after the death of

Britain's third, the battle goes on. `` the death of Richard III.

The mother of a Leicestershire boy, who had pioneering treatment for a

brain tumour, has pleaded with a thief to return her laptop which

contains precious family photographs. They include pictures

of Alex Barnes as he went through cancer treatment, AND the case notes

of other children. Simon Ward reports. Now free from cancer,

nine`year`old Alex Barnes was just four when his family took him to

America for pioneering treatment. His mum 0

America for pioneering treatment. His mum stored 0

America for pioneering treatment. His mum stored photographs of their

journey and fight against illness on her laptop. The Toshiba like their

other computer was taken a week ago. At those pictures could be lost

forever after the laptop was stolen. The fact we still have him is a

miracle, I wanted to be able to show him these things when he grows up

and has his own family. Its years of our family history and his personal

life that I will not be able to show his children. Police have released

CCTV footage of the moment and the laptop was stolen and stop it shows

a man going into the building and going out later, holding the laptop.

She is part of a charity which helps other children getting proton

therapy. So it's not just sentimental images she's worried

about. It's devastating, I have not been able to sleep at night, just

worried about how I'm going to contact those families, follow`up

what we have started with them, to make sure they get the help they

need. The police are urging anyone with information to contact them and

be aware if they 0 with information to contact them and

be aware if they are approached by anybody try to solve a black Toshiba

laptop. Police in Lincolnshire say there's a

growing problem with so`called legal highs after reports of incidents in

every secondary 0 highs after reports of incidents in

every secondary school in the county, except one. The authorities

claim there's been a dangerous increase in youngsters taking the

substances, which are unregulated and can have lasting physical and

psychological effects. The police, Trading Standards and the NHS are

trying to raise awareness of the problems. Severn Trent Water has

announced a fall in profits despite raising its prices. It said it

earned more during the warm summer, after a 2% price hike in April.

However, half yearly profits fell by almost 6% to ?141 million. It blamed

the cost of taking over private trains and sewers.

And a new 0 trains and sewers.

And a new recruit 0 trains and sewers.

And a new recruit in the war on fake cigarettes took to the streets

today. This sniffer dog was on patrol in Loughborough today in a

new campaign aimed at tracking down the criminals. Leicestershire County

Council is encouraging people to report illegal 0

Council is encouraging people to report illegal sales. And Milo is

also part of its strategy. The biggest hate crime survey in

Britain is being carried out by academics in Leicester. The research

has already seen more than 1,000 victims talk about their personal

experiences of verbal abuse and prejudice ` particularly aimed at

minority groups. It's hoped the study will help engage more

so`called 'hard to reach' victims, as Sumeer Kalyani reports.

It was a gender change that was supposed to make lives happier. Now,

two years into her life living as a woman, she says the abuse she has

faced has been difficult. As of this, she has asked to remain

anonymous. I have had one very physical attack, left me with a

noticeable scar on my face. I was lucky I got away. Others earlier in

the evening didn't get away because they weren't sharp enough. That's

the extreme end of it. But name`calling, snide remarks, that's

quite common. The survey also hears from victims of the hate crimes,

such as homophobia and racism. As well as the homeless, disabled or

new migrant communities. These groups often seen as hard to reach

but researchers say that's only because the victims haven't been

approached personally. When it comes to engaging with diverse

communities, we often rely on community 0

communities, we often rely on community leaders or opinion

formers, people known to us. That can be an official in some ways but

it might mean we are ignoring the experiences of many people whose

experiences 0 experiences of many people whose

experiences slipped under the radar. Around two thirds of those surveyed

say they have been verbally abused, while more than half have been

subjected to threatening behaviour. It's thought full results of the

survey will help agencies realise that the victims aren't so much

heart `` hard to reach as easy to ignore.

Still to 0 ignore.

Still to come ` Kasabian are coming. Leicester's finest announce a

massive open air gig in their home City next year.

They're our most successful ice duo since Torville and Dean. And later

this week Nottingham's Nick Buckland and Penny Coomes hope to become

British champions for the third time in a row. It's a 0

British champions for the third time in a row. It's a competition they

didn't expect to be at. Just a few weeks ago Nick had to have a heart

operation. But amazingly they're back on the ice and looking forward

to the Olympics. Kirsty Edwards reports.

Nick and Penny will never take this for granted. Four years ago at the

Olympics, Nick got the first signs of a heart condition. He feared it

could end his career. The morning after the opening ceremony, my heart

started beating out of my chest, if you like, as an athlete you know

what you feel like to have a racing heart 0 0

what you feel like to have a racing heart rate, but this was different.

Doctors told Nick it was tachycardia, an abnormality of his

heart rhythm. For a while it was something he could control himself

recently, it got worse. It got more regular this year, so they fitted me

with a device right under my skin, constantly monitors 0

with a device right under my skin, constantly monitors any unusual

activity. It is bigger than I thought it was going to be. A few

weeks ago the device showed some dangerously high readings and Nick

was 0 dangerously high readings and Nick

was told 0 dangerously high readings and Nick

was told he would 0 dangerously high readings and Nick

was told he would need surgery. When someone mentions heart surgery,

rethink, that's the Olympics gone. He said, I am not allowed to skate,

do this, all these things are popping into your head. I was amazed

I was back on the ice within a week, but the uncertainty was terrible. So

far from ending their hopes of another Olympics, the pair will be

confident of a good performance in February, even better than the one

which saw them finishing fifth at the last European 0

which saw them finishing fifth at the last European Championships. Who

knows, I always find myself surprised with what we can do. So

I'm in for a nice surprise at the Olympics, basically. 0

Olympics, basically. Few quick bits of news, starting

with Leicester Tigers, who are unlikely to bring in new players `

despite the injury crisis at Welford Road. Tigers lost both Geoff Parling

and Matt Smith in the last ten days ` and could ask for permission to

add to their battered squad. But Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill

thinks he's better off with what he has. We have a strong enough squad,

we just have to have them fit and available. We have enough cover,

there's no point spending money and signing guys you probably don't

need. Could you get more quality, probably not. We have to back the

lads to come through, they are good players.

Now, there is football tonight and both Notts County and Mansfield

really need a win. For the Magpies, new manager Shaun

Derry has been in charge for four Games ` all of which have ended in

defeat. And at Mansfield, Paul Cox's men haven't won in the league since

September So tonight in 0 men haven't won in the league since

September So tonight in League One Notts County go to Bradford, while

in League Two Mansfield make the short trip to Burton Albion. Results

in tonight's late bulletin. In cricket, the fixtures for the new

season have 0 In cricket, the fixtures for the new

season have been announced ` and Leicestershire and Derbyshire will

start the Division Two season playing each other at Grace Road.

Nottinghamshire host promoted Lancashire to start. The big changes

are in one day cricket. We now have a competition called the NatWest t20

Blast ` mostly on Friday nights. It's been announced today that one

of Leicester's best and biggest bands, Kasabian, are set to play a

huge headline gig in the City's Victoria Park next year. A few years

ago they won the Best British Group at the BRIT Awards. But this is the

first time the band have put on a performance this big in their

hometown. Tickets could go quickly though ` Rebecca Sheeran reports.

They started off as dance rock outside is from Leicestershire, now

Kasabian are one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Next June they

return to their roots, headlining at Victoria Park. We all grew up here,

we rehearsed around the corner. From what we started, to where we can get

to, I just want kids to come and be inspired by that and join bands.

2014 will be the first time they have played in the UK since their

headline slot at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this summer. They will

be performing for over 30,000 fans and are promising eagerly awaited

material from the fifth album. Fate has a way of saying, now is the time

for this to happen. We're going to take over the city for a day, put on

an incredible night stop it will remain with people forever. For us

to do that as a special thing. Tickets go on sale on Friday. Nice

to see they were wearing their woolly hats!

They certainly needed it this morning. A lovely picture this

morning. I will move out of the way so you can get a full review of it.

Keep them coming in. We should be frost free for the next few nights,

things are warming up a touch. We have a weak 0

things are warming up a touch. We have a weak warm fronts, around the

edge of the high`pressure, bringing slightly milder air for tomorrow.

Some sunshine around again for the afternoon but it will feel less

cold, I am saying that because average temperatures are around nine

degrees. It's quite light and patchy, this rain, the crowd picks

up, it will spread southwards tonight. You can see by the

temperatures tonight, we already have the milder air heating in, and

they actually rise by the end of the night. Tomorrow morning, a milder,

frost free start to the day, bits of frost `` a 0

frost free start to the day, bits of frost `` a cloudy morning but that

will break up by the afternoon. The best of the sunshine will be across

eastern parts, perhaps Derbys holding onto some cloud, but

temperatures are on the up. Into Thursday, a similar picture. A dry

day, quite a lot of cloud around but again, some holes around. 0

day, quite a lot of cloud around but again, some holes around. How milder

spell is very brief, unfortunately, for the end of the week we're going

to see the colder air digging in again, it's turning colder.

Before we go, some very sad news about a broadcaster who'll be well

known to many of you. It's John Shaw, who we're sorry to say has

died at the age of 56 after a short and sudden illness. He appeared on

radio stations 0 and sudden illness. He appeared on

radio stations right across the East Midlands over a long and lively

career. Most recently he was BBC Radio Leicester's voice of cricket.

He will be hugely mist by us all. I am back by the `` with the late

news.