09/12/2013 East Midlands Today

light rain. It will be damp across the north and west. That's all from

the BBC news at This is East Midlands Today with

Anne davies and me, Dominic Heale: Tonight ` the pressure's on in A

Delight of the Derby. What does McLaren think of his chief

executive's first year in charge. Welcome to the programme. First

tonight, more evidence of the huge pressures being faced by our

accident and emergency units. Tonight we can reveal some patients

are facing lengthy delays as they're handed over from ambulance crews to

hospital staff. Figures we've obtained reveal instances of

patients waiting up to four hours to be booked in. Our Health

Correspondent Rob Sissons reports. The latest snapshot of the pressure

our A unit comes under handover time. It should take no more than 15

minutes to handover a patient from ambulance crews to hospital staff.

The 12 weeks of data obtained by BBC news shows in the east midlands the

average wasn't far off at over 18 minutes but that masks some very

lengthy delays. Here's the worst at each hospital from August to

November At Kings Mill a four hours wait is being disputed. At

Nottingham's Queens medical centre one patient wasited two hours 44

minutes for handover to be competed, and over at the Leicester Royal

Infirmary a patient handover took one hour 54 mintues. There, they

accept they've been under strain. At the moment, because of pressures in

the organisation, we are having more patience and we would have liked

waiting to be transferred. It is completely unacceptable. The role of

Burnley side have too few sides. You're taking action to try and

mitigate against that. It'll be a very challenging and Amanda in

winter, occasionally patience will wait too long. And balloons trolleys

have been fitted with electronic tags. That'll help Clark when the

patient arrives in hospital and when the trolley leaves. Here there be

patients faster. At peak times it proves hard. The reasons why patient

wait too long. The volume of ambulances arrived together,

sometimes seven or eight Amblin 's arrive in a few minutes, we can't

deal with that. The Air Ambulance Service tall as they are working

closely with the hospitals. There is a new BBC website, way can track how

your hospital bills this winter, by simply typing in your postcode.

There are special pages on Facebook and Twitter where you can have your

say. Simply go to the BBC website. Next, High Speed Rail may be years

away, but from today our region has faster links with London. For the

first time trains are able to travel at a 125 miles an hour cutting

journey times from our cities. Not all passengers are impressed though

as Mike O'Sullivan reports. The 901 from Derby to London got a

special welcome today from the Secretary of State for Transport. It

is the first of the faster trains from the city, now able to travel at

125 miles an hour, knocking off minutes off the average journey time

to the capital. How impressed are passengers? Four minutes is not a

lot. Every little bit of speed is good I suppose. An improvement of

four minutes is good. Grim. It will probably make quite a big difference

to a lot of people. It is a result of a ?70 million investment by

network rail. Improvements include realigning the rails and taking out

a level crossings, meaning trains can reach the top speed on around 60

miles of track. Here in Derby, they have cut four minutes off the

average journey time to London. The bus trip will be one hour 20

minutes. In Nottingham, they have knocked five minutes off that time.

The faster trip will be one hour 31 minutes. In Leicester, just a minute

has been shaved off. The fastest time is one hour and five minutes.

With even quicker time to come through over the next five years,

does it make high`speed rail redundant? One of the reasons is

capacity, one of the reasons is the way we are seeing numbers grow. We

are 0 way we are seeing numbers grow. We

are also seeing more and more railways, people want to see more

freight. Time to put your foot down on a liner which previously limited

the driver to 110 miles an hour. Later in the programme. Who'll come

here ` and how many? The big questions posed by Bulgaria and

Romania. Plus: In full bloom. 0

Romania. Plus: In full bloom. One of the last

garden centres in Derbyshire selling these Christmas plants.

A man who carried out a fire bomb attack on the constituency office of

an East Midlands MP has been jailed for 15 months. A court heard how

Paul Leverseidge threw a homemade firework at the offices of the

Grantham and Stamford MP Nick Boles. He lived in a flat opposite. He

admitted a charge of having an explosive. The defence said his life

had fallen apart after his father died and he turned to drugs.

Parliamentarians are continuing with their tributes to Nelson Mandela in

a special session at Westminster. David Cameron and three former Prime

Ministers will travel to the memorial service in South Africa

tomorrow. As people continue to sign books of

condolence more details have emerged about how he will be commemorated in

the East Midlands. Quentin Rayner reports.

In Parliament Square the floral tributes grow around Nelson

Mandela's statue. Across the way verbal tributes flowed including

this from a former Foreign Secretary who met him several times. We all

honour him as a hero. Unlike some others who also honoured in that

vein, the sickly during my student years, he became also a hero of

peace. That is why we remember him. On Saturday a Walk of Freedom will

make its way from Nelson Mandela Park to Leicester Cathedral where,

as elsewhere, books of condolence have been opened. It was part of the

suffering in South Africa. I've met Nelson Mandela several times. It was

my duty to comment do this. Is a way to 0

my duty to comment do this. Is a way to say goodbye and thank you. It is

a remembrance of the time I spent a year. It was a moving occasion. He

is the most fantastic man I've ever met. There have been many great men

in the centuries, but this is the only great man I've seen. I think

years a most inspirational man was obvious not a perfect man, but he

did not what many people can do. It is just to pay respect to someone he

was completely inspirational. A day of words for a man who rewrote

history. A pub landlord and his family have

lost everything they own after fire tore through the premises at the

weekend. Eddie and Amy Mulgrew lived at the Bridge Pub at Gamston in

Nottinghamshire but managed to escape the blaze along with

customers. 0 escape the blaze along with

customers. The brewery has promised to rehome the couple, and pledged to

rebuild the pub which was so badly damaged it'll have to be demolished.

Sarah Teale reports. This was the fire at its height on

Saturday afternoon. Flames engulfed the Bridge pub, a local landmark at

Gamston in Nottingham. Within minutes the blaze had spread

throughout the entire two storey pub gutting the whole building. Eight

fire engines were called in to keep it under control. The road had to be

closed because of the billowing smoke. We were on the scene for 18

hours. We had one high`rise appliance and support vehicles.

There was quite a lot of flames coming from the roof. There was

smoke as well. Fortunately around 30 staff and customers were all

evacuated safely. This was The landlord, his wife and their family

managed to escape. Also a family home. But the fire has destroyed

what was their home just before Christmas. Everybody got out,

everything is fine. In terms of Eddie and Amy, they will be looked

after. They would like to find everyone he was acquired about

them. The brewery is now keen to quash rumours that the pub land will

be sold off for development. We're not going to be able to salvage the

building itself, so it will be demolished and replaced.

Investigations continue on what caused the fire which is believed to

started in the kitchen. In a few weeks time Bulgarians and

Romanians will gain the same rights as other European citizens to work

in the UK. Diplomats from Bulgaria and Romania have repeatedly stressed

that they are not expecting a "wave" of migration. But others have warned

that tens of thousands could come here every year. We'll have more in

a minute from our social affairs correspondent Jeremy Ball, but first

Simon Ward has been talking to a group of Romanians who are working

and studying at Derby 0 group of Romanians who are working

and studying at Derby University. How many of his fellow countrymen

will come here next year? That's a more difficult calculation. Dr.

Ovidiu Bagdasar, from Romania teaches mathematics at the

University of Derby. Some Romanians and Bulgarians already have the

right to work here and there's quite a list of jobs that people can do,

but all jobs will be open in the New Year. We're discussing the issues

with other Romanians at the university. What do you say to

people who feel they might be a lot of good look on the jobs? I think

that nobody should panic will stop this is my 0

that nobody should panic will stop this is my first message. It takes a

lot of skill and a lot of confidence for that I'm sure only the people

with the right skill sets who can bring a contribution here will come.

The wages 0 bring a contribution here will come.

The wages are much higher here than in Romania. It is that attractive?

Cost of food is much higher in Romania. I don't think there will be

a real profit. Surely if there has been an English person and the

remaining person going for the same job, the remaining person got it

because they have more skills. It is not because it had been preferred.

Are you planning on to stay in the East Midlands? I would like to stay

near the couple more years to develop my skills even more, because

I think it is very different, the you learn here to the way you can

learn and enhance your skills and Romania. In ten years, I see myself

at home. Dr. Bagdasar is settled here with

his family for the moment at least. Next year the UK will be keeping a

close eye on the numbers of Romanians and Bulgarians who follow

him. Simon Ward. So why are these changes so

controversial? And what could it mean for the rest of us? Our Social

Affairs Correspondent, Jeremy Ball, has been looking at the arguments.

There are some real concerns here, aren't there? Yes. Critics are very

worried about pressure on services. Things like health, housing, and

schools. If you're looking for a job, this means you're likely to

face more competition. And there's real concern about new arrivals

claiming benefits as well. There are urban myths around that. You can't

simply come here to claim the dole. But new arrivals are likely to be in

low paid jobs, which eventually entitles them to things like housing

benefit. So it's still very contentious. Is there an upside for

us? Well supporters think that, overall, these changes benefit

Britain's economy. That's because migrant workers have to pay taxes.

While increasing numbers of British people are retired, and drawing

pensions. There are a lot of these migrants who will be working in

places like hospitals. They also have crucial role to play. There is

one argument is that about that, we could all be paying more for our

shopping. So do we know how many Romanians and Bulgarians are likely

to come to Britain? We don't. But we've heard some widely varying

predications. At the top end, Migrationwatch thinks we'll see

50,000 people a year, coming from Romania and Bulgaria. They've warned

that numbers were much higher than expected, last time the rules were

relaxed. But 0 expected, last time the rules were

relaxed. But the government says that's because Britain was the only

major country to let come and work. So ministers think the numbers will

be much, much lower. And we'll find out in the New Year.

A Nottinghamshire MP has written to the Prime Minister supporting

campaigners opposing plans to build on land in her constituency.

Planners from Broxtowe Council want five hundred homes to be built at

Toton. A government inspector has recommended the plan should go

ahead. But Anna Soubry ` the MP for the area ` insists the move is

against government policy. She's now calling for the public inquiry to be

reopened so those in Toton can have their say.

People in Nottinghamshire are being encouraged to get rid of their

knives as part of a 0 encouraged to get rid of their

knives as part of a police campaign. 17 sealed wheelie bins are being

placed outside police stations in the county this week for the knife

amnesty. It comes after figures show that the number of people carrying a

knife has increased in the past year.

Still to come ` a breath`taking natural display. Last night's sunset

was an absolute corker. We'll have some of your photos later `

including this shot of the 0 some of your photos later `

including this shot of the sun dipping 0

including this shot of the sun dipping over Leicester's Welford

Road First, the American chairman of Derby County says the last six years

have been much tougher than expected.

In an exclusive interview, Andy Appleby says Derby is now where they

planned to be four years ago. But he says Chief Executive Sam Rush and

Steve McClaren are now giving them a glimpse, promotion is possible this

season. On Saturday, Natalie was behind the scenes on a day to

remember 0 behind the scenes on a day to

remember at Derby. It is nearly a year since Sam Rush became chief

executive at Derby. I serve photograph a year ago. Here's made

bold decisions. He sacked Nigel. He changed the name of the stadium. I

can come here who had an average position of 15 for five years. I had

to make some changes. I did it because I believe in the best

interest of Derby County. On Saturday, pride Park felt like a new

era has begin. It sure does. We have been through a lot over these last

six years. It does feel like a brand`new start. We are a debtor

gratitude to Nigel Clough for help and a steady the ship. It is not an

overnight success. Although it seems like it. Steve is giving us a

glimpse that it is possible. The results going the way they are, it

feels like it is our year. Here's not getting carried away, but says

change can be difficult, and 0 not getting carried away, but says

change can be difficult, and Sam Rush 0

change can be difficult, and Sam Rush has 0

change can be difficult, and Sam Rush has been brave during his 12

months in charge. You plan to good results, and we are pleased so far

with results. In ten games, Derby have gone from the team is the

fourth and the Steve 0 have gone from the team is the

fourth and the Steve McClaren. And apart from a sleepy start against

Blackpool, the Rams rampant, especially in the second half. Chris

Martin has scored 13 so by the season. He got the second after the

penalty. Craig Bryson added a third. And there was no way back Blackpool.

Martin grabbed his hat`trick. And captain got a tapping at the end to

make it 5`to Derby. It is three wins in seven days. The Sam Rush, it has

been a week to remember to stop to be fed to Sam, he made a good call.

All I want to do is just to repay that they've and repay that belief.

The 0 that they've and repay that belief.

The players 0 that they've and repay that belief.

The players are doing that. The help and off the field as well. Mail that

long continue. `` may. And, as if the 0

long continue. `` may. And, as if the weekend could have possibly got

better for Derby, the FA Cup draw was great too. In fact, it was

brilliant for all our teams. Every single one getting Premiership

opposition. Couple of tasty rematches in there too. Plenty of

history to Forest versus West Ham and to Mansfield's possible trip to

Anfield. But Derby against Chelsea is the pick. Leicester City face a

challenging December after suffering two defeats in a week to knock them

off the top spot. Their next three league games are against clubs in

the top six. Meanwhile Nottingham Forest recorded their first win in a

month. Mark Shardlow reports. Forest were close to concealing a

calamitous goal at Sheff Wednesday, but keeper Karl Darlow made a

brilliant recovery. It was an important moment as the game only

had one goal, this from Simon Cox, his fourth in five games to put

Forest back in a play`off place. A week ago, Leicester City were

celebrating being top of the league, but it was the Brighton fans

cheering at the weekend. In a poor first`half performance, City found

themselves two down before the half`hour mark. Nigel Pearson rang

the changes and city pulled themselves back into the game with

this header from Andy King. But Leicester had given themselves too

much to do. As they committed men forward, Morgan conceded a penalty

and Leicester lost 3`1. So Leicester are third. But what a table for our

clubs, with Derby fourth and Forest fifth. This coming weekend Leicester

are at home to table topping Burnley. In League One there was a

first win for Notts County manager Shaun Derry. And he had two loan

signings to thank. Celtic's Callum McGregor scored the first at home to

Gillingham. But County conceded a sloppy equaliser just after half

time. Nottinghamshire bounced back with 0

time. Nottinghamshire bounced back with a 0

time. Nottinghamshire bounced back with a second from McGregor. They're

still bottom of the table, but Saturday was the most encouraging

result for some time and this lovely goal from Aston Villa loanee Jack

Grealish sent the fans home happy. Onto Rugby, because Leicester Tigers

produced a thrilling win against French side Montpellier. They came

out with a crucial Heineken Cup bonus point, beautifully setting up

next week's return match in France. It was all about the start for

Tigers, who produced a first quarter hour to remember. Right from the

fourth minute, when the returning Niki Goneva went over. It got even

better just a little while letter. Miles Benjamin 0 0

better just a little while letter. Miles Benjamin did not 0

better just a little while letter. Miles Benjamin did not have a

Leicester try to his name coming into the match, but he grabbed two

in the space of two minutes yesterday to put Leicester in

control. This, remember, against a big spending French team. But wins

aren't enough in the Heineken Cup. Bonus points 0

aren't enough in the Heineken Cup. Bonus points are the thing. And

Leicester got theirs, scoring four tries halfway through the second

half. A great job done. But Montpellier weren't finished. They

came roaring back for a four`try bonus point of their own. At the end

they were pushing for more. Leicester can maybe count themselves

lucky to have finally seen off the French, and crucially held them to

just the one point In snooker, Leicester's Mark Selby blew his

chance to become World Number one but made history, and got a handsome

pay day at the UK Championships. On Saturday, in the semi, he completed

a maximum 147 break, the 100th in the history of professional snooker,

to earn himself ?59,000. But in yesterday's final he squandered a

5`1 lead and missed a routine black, to be beaten by Neil Robertson. More

successful for Leicester were the Riders basketball team They

confirmed their return to the BBL Cup final with a demolition of

Plymouth over the weekend. Riders are the defending Cup champions and

will play either Sheffield or Newcastle on January 12th in

Birmingham. Now, it's a well`known Christmas

favourite, but a nursery says it's the last one in Derbyshire to grow

this particular plant commercially. We're talking, of course, about

poinsettias. But Meynell Langley Gardens 0

poinsettias. But Meynell Langley Gardens say the fuel costs involved

in growing them are now so high, that only a handful of places are

bothering to produce the plants here in the East Midlands. James Roberson

reports. In all their December glory, poinsettias at Meynell

Langley Gardens Centre, in Derbyshire. They made a spectacular

and mostly crimson splash. Robert Walker and his dad before him have

been rearing poinsettias for over 45 years, but now they are one of very

few growers left, and the only one in Derbyshire. It is the main reason

why they grow here. We can't make enough out of them. Because of the

fuel cost? Yes. Most of them are grown in Holland now. There are

perhaps only three growers left. The Walkers still produce 800 a year. We

are growing poinsettias this year. They have done a lot of breeding

work over 0 0 They have done a lot of breeding

work over the last 0 They have done a lot of breeding

work over the last two years. About half of those are red ones. There

are lots of pinks and whites. There is a full range. How do you get the

best out of your poinsettia? You keep them in warm conditions. Don't

put 0 0 keep them in warm conditions. Don't

put them 0 keep them in warm conditions. Don't

put them in 0 keep them in warm conditions. Don't

put them in draft. Don't put them behind a curtain at night. Don't

over water them. They are a Mexican plant, so they are used to hot and

dry conditions. How long do you think you can continue to do it? I

will let you know on January the 1st. If they were all gone, we will

continue. It is looking good at the moment. It depends on how cold

December is. It is freezing cold. Talking beatable colours, the

beautiful sunsets. `` beautiful. There was lots of lovely sunshine.

It has been relatively mild today. Top ten leaders of 11 Celsius. That

milder air is coming from the South West and not a lot of change in the

next few days. There will be some precious account 0

next few days. There will be some precious account of East and that is

blocking these weather friends out of the West. Very little and the way

of change the next few days. It will stay relatively mild. It will be

cooler on Wednesday, but mostly dry this week with some brightness

around. The best of the sunshine looks to be on Wednesday. We will

keep those breaks in the cloud the next couple of hours. The cloud will

increase in the night. They will keep that wind in, some are looking

at those are four or five degrees. We are starting frost free tomorrow.

A lot of cloud tomorrow morning, and I think we are looking at a

generally cloudy day. There are some holes in the 0

generally cloudy day. There are some holes in the cloud. Temperatures of

89 Celsius. Some subtle changes as we going into Wednesday. That eight

or nine. We might start off quite murky. They'll be shifting out of

the way as that dry air comes in. Lots of sunshine Wednesday

afternoon. Six or seven Celsius. Lots of sunshine Wednesday

afternoon. Six or seven What about last night's fantastic sunset? We

had a lot of photographs coming. You can see on our Facebook page. Good

night.