20/12/2013 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today: Tonight, Mad Friday. The busiest

night 0 Tonight, Mad Friday. The busiest

night of the year for emergency crews.

Christmas celebrations have their peak and paramedics pick up the

pieces. Also, why thousands 0

pieces. Also, why thousands face an anxious

New Year due to evictions and repossessions. And the head of a

Nottinghamshire Academy quits following a critical Ofsted report.

Anyone for cake? Why Santa might be spending a little longer in

Nottingham this year. Good evening. Welcome to Friday's

programme. All of that to come, but first tonight the police raid on the

home of Labour peer and former Leicester MP Greville Janner as part

of an investigation into child sex abuse. He has not been arrested.

According to his lawyers he is assisting the police with their

inquiries. We understand the investigation into historic

allegations of sex abuse are connected to the high profile case

of Frank Beck. He was 0 connected to the high profile case

of Frank Beck. He was a Leicestershire social worker who

died in prison while serving a life sentence for sex offences. Our

reporter reported on Frank Beck's trial in the early 1990s and has

been following the police operation today. Our reporter is in our

newsroom now. Tell us more about what's happened today.

Leicestershire Police have confirmed that officers searched a property in

North London. A spokesman for the force said that its officers

executed a search warrant in Barnet, as part of an on`going criminal

inquiry. No arrests have been made at this stage. We understand that

neither has Lord Janner been interviewed under caution. Lord

Greville Janner of Braunstone was the Labour MP for two constituencies

in Leicester from 1970 to 1997, Leicester North West, and then

Leicester 0 Leicester North West, and then

Leicester West. He was then elevated to the House of Lords.

So what more do we know about why his home was raided today?

We 0 0 his home was raided today?

We understand the police are investigating issues relating to

Frank Beck, who ran children's homes in Leicestershire from 1973 until

1986. In November 1991, Beck was given five terms of life

imprisonment for physically and sexually abusing over 100 children

in his care. He died later in prison.

So what do Lord Janner's Lawyers have to say about today's

development? I spoke to his solicitors, Wilmer

Hale, this afternoon. They simply directed me to this statement they

have put out: Lord Janner has not been arrested but has been assisting

the police with their inquiries. We are not able to make any further

comment at this time. Next tonight it's the biggest date

on the Christmas party calendar. The last Friday before Christmas. And it

is infamous too for being the busiest night of the year for the

Ambulance Service. For some revellers this will be a night to

remember for all the wrong reasons as binge drinking leads to

accidents, alcohol fuelled violence and health problems. So, how are the

Ambulance Service and the police gearing up for the long night ahead?

Live now to our Health Correspondent in the centre of Derby.

A real festive atmosphere here in Derby tonight in the marketplace.

Thousands of people expected in the city centre bars. This Birds Eye

view really shows you the scene. Odds of people is getting here.

Hopefully sober. In the bar is in Derby, some people have been

drinking for a long time. This Friday last 0

drinking for a long time. This Friday last year, over 1500 people

called the East Midlands Ambulance Service. 20% up on our usual winter

Freddie Mac. That gives you some idea of the pressure they are under.

Regarding firepower tonight, they have 500 staff 300 vehicles on the

road across the East Midlands. We caught up with the paramedic at

Nottingham who was clocking on for her shift a short time ago. She had

some advice for people heading out tonight. Only dial 999 or 111 if you

need the service. Do you really need the ambulance? Can it wait until the

morning when you can go to an urgent care centre or out of hours GP? Does

it really need an ambulance? That is for accident and emergency. Whilst

we are tied up with you, people could be waiting for an ambulance

that really 0 0 could be waiting for an ambulance

that really need one. 0 could be waiting for an ambulance

that really need one. The police have a difficult act to carry out

because they are trying to keep a low`key presence. We want everyone

to enjoy the night. They say they are not party pooper is what I there

to make people safe. I caught up with an inspector earlier. Tonight

is a night for celebrating. We don't want people to feel that the police

or anyone else is against that. Who want people to have a safe and

enjoyable night out. We are there to make sure that happens. Joy Weldon

has put together a triage centre to give first aid to people. Have been

here before. What sort of things do you see? Alcohol`related incidents,

people who fall, her face or break their bones. 0

people who fall, her face or break their bones. You said that people

start off being glamorous but then they get into a mess. Good

intentions at the start of the night but not the end. People often hurt

their face. They don't have the reaction to realise they are

following and 0 reaction to realise they are

following and put their hands up to stop them. You hope to relieve the

pressure on ambulances? That is right. By providing extra care and

support in the city centre, we are hoping that will have no impact on

the surrounding communities. We are working jointly with the hospitals.

It promises to be a big night. It is getting busier.

A 23`year`old man from Derbyshire has been given a life sentence after

stabbing to death the woman who'd previously looked after him as his

baby 0 previously looked after him as his

baby sitter. Cornelius Brown from Somercotes stabbed 30`year`old Jade

Riley`Ward more than 80 times. Nottingham Crown Court heard they

had started a relationship last year, but Brown had become jealous

because he thought she was having an affair. He'll spend a minimum of 20

years in prison. They have been through various

troughs of depression and hope and wanting justice. Total disbelief as

has happened to their daughter. Still to come. Cake`making on an

epic scale. Probably the biggest and most

chocolaty Christmas cake you've ever seen.

Next tonight, more people than ever are at risk of becoming homeless

according to the housing charity, Shelter. They claim up to 15,000

households in the East Midlands face potential eviction or repossession.

The rate in Nottingham is second only to London.

This 61`year`old has lived in this home in Bilborough for half his

life. Recently he has been unable to reach mortgage payments. His

diabetes has left him almost completely blind. He is filing for

bankruptcy. He has not forgotten what it felt like to face

repossession. It left me really deflated. It was like having a black

cloud over me all the time. I couldn't sleep at night. Worried

about it. Based on the number of mortgage and landlord possession

claims in the last year, Shelter says 15,000 homes in the East

Midlands are risk of losing their homes. In Nottingham, that is one

and `` one in 60. In Leicester, one in 71. In Derby, one in 95. We take

500 calls every day from people who are worried about losing their home.

Almost 0 are worried about losing their home.

Almost one 0 are worried about losing their home.

Almost one family on every street is struggling to balance finances. It

is on a knife edge. Stewart has been helped by a charity specialising in

household debt. There has been a 30% increase of people coming for

advice. Last year, we had 210 referrals for mortgage repossession.

In future, he has vowed never to buy anything unless he can afford it.

A court has heard that four more people have come forward to make

allegations against a priest who's facing a string of historic sex

abuse charges. 85`year`old Francis Paul Cullen appeared at Derby Crown

Court today. Our reporter can tell us more now from our Derby studio.

What happened in court? Mr Cullen, who was extradited from

Tenerife in August, appeared in the dock 0

Tenerife in August, appeared in the dock at 0

Tenerife in August, appeared in the dock at Derby Crown Court. He was

wearing a t`shirt and he used a hearing device provided by the court

to follow proceedings. Now he didn't make any plea today and spoke only

to confirm his name. He's facing 27 charges of 0

to confirm his name. He's facing 27 charges of sexually abusing three

boys. Allegations from the late 1950s to the 1990s. Now today in

court the prosecution said that another four complainants have come

forward to make allegations against him. Mr Cullen was the parish priest

at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Mackworth in Derby between

1960 and 1978. He also served at a parish in Buxton 0 0

1960 and 1978. He also served at a parish in Buxton and at a parish in

Nottingham. The court also heard further details about the custody

time limits on the extradition warrant. That runs out at the end of

February, so 0 0 warrant. That runs out at the end of

February, so a 0 warrant. That runs out at the end of

February, so a trial 0 warrant. That runs out at the end of

February, so a trial date has been fixed for 24 February, although

he'll be back in court again before that. He's been remanded in custody.

The head teacher of a Nottingham academy criticised by 0

The head teacher of a Nottingham academy criticised by Ofsted

inspectors for inadequate teaching, has stepped down. Djanogly in Hyson

Green was one of six city secondary schools put into special measures.

It has emerged that Djanogly was also criticised for using

unqualified teachers without proper training or support. This report

from our Political Editor. Djanogly Academy was one of eight

schools in a region that had an unannounced inspection last month.

When I spoke to them, no mention he was leaving and his job had been

advertised since the inspection. We are on a journey. We knew that if

Ofsted came when they don't, they would find that journey was not

complete. The school is singled out for employing many untrained

teachers who didn't have the necessary qualifications. This

report will have prompted this departure. The key thing now is that

they don't dwell on it and wall for a long time. We want to see real

action. Qualified teachers, behavioural issues, scrutiny about

what is going on in these academies. In a statement, Djanogly says 20% of

its teachers are unqualified. These include special vocational teachers

qualified 0 0 include special vocational teachers

qualified in 0 0 include special vocational teachers

qualified in other 0 include special vocational teachers

qualified in other ways. Could rushing Mead School in Leicester

offer a solution? Its headteacher is now advising the Nottingham schools

on how to get out of special measures. Sometimes schools seemed

to lose their way a little bit. They can get worn down by some of the

challenges and start to think that the culture they live in is what is

the cause of the underachievement. It's 0 0

the cause of the underachievement. It's actually building up that self

belief again. That will be the New Year is resolution for the schools

in special measures when they reopen after the Christmas break.

Now, children on their way to school in Mansfield this morning got a bit

of early Christmas cheer. From their lollipop man. Richard Goucher has

been singing ` and dancing along to ` a few festive classics. It's the

last day of term for the children as they break up for the holiday.

Richard says he loves making the kids laugh but he's not a natural

entertainer. I am quite shy. I am a drummer but I

like 0 I am quite shy. I am a drummer but I

like to hide behind that. I love this job. Job satisfaction from

having a laugh with the kids and making them safe is fantastic.

It took three weeks, ten chefs and 180 kilograms of chocolate ` a

restaurant in Nottingham says it's made one of the country's biggest

christmas cakes. Today, the culinary colossus was being sliced up and

dished out to the public. And I was the lucky one who got sent out to

take a look. Putting the final touches to this

winter wonderland. Not only does it look good, everything here is

edible. Weighing in at 700 kilograms, this giant cake has been

a labour of love for a team of Nottinghamshire chefs. We have

planned this for three weeks. Four chefs work on it continuously for

seven days. We wanted to create something big so people can enjoy it

with us. If you fancy making this cake at 0 0

with us. If you fancy making this cake at home, you will need 1400

eggs, 30 kilograms of reasons, 50 kilograms of flour and 180 kilograms

of chocolate. So I would leave plenty of time for your shopping! Of

course, the proof of the pudding is in the taste. What was the verdict

from shoppers? Delicious. It is lovely. It is a nice fruitcake. I

have never seen such an enormous cake in my life. I don't think I

could make one that size! It would not fit in my kitchen! Delicious. It

seems to 0 0 not fit in my kitchen! Delicious. It

seems to have gone down well. Probably best not to think too much

about the calorie count. That is a big one.

Quite tasty to. 0 Still to come ` a news feature and

some carol singing ` cunningly combined.

The news concerns these earthquake damaged bells. While the appropriate

carol singing comes from Leicester cathedral.

Ding`dong merrily on high. In heaven the bells are ringing.

For most the festive season is about friends, family and good food but

for us of course it's mostly about football. With me to run the rule

over our top teams Ian Barroclough. More from him in a moment. But as

our championship sides are vying for promotion there is everything to

play for in a packed fixture list. Here's our look ahead.

Many Rams fans have seen their dreams country. Six in a row is

difficult at any time. To come for defeat 0 0 0

difficult at any time. To come for defeat and do it is very difficult.

We just have to keep going. It is the third of three huge gains in

eight days. Queen's Park Rangers are just 0

eight days. Queen's Park Rangers are just about the tip for the top of

the championship. We have to go and play our own game. We have plenty of

matchwinners. And we have not done as well as we can, it is because we

have slightly underperformed. I don't think there have been too many

occasions where we have been outplayed as such. Forests are just

outside the play`off spaces. Santa, please, this time around, let's try

and conclude that deal for a striker. We need to finish off the

good work we are doing. Everyone is hoping for maximum points to make

this a very Merry Christmas. Well, let's look at some of those

games ` especially the big one between Leicester and QPR. Our guest

is Ian Baraclough ` a Leicester lad and former QPR player. How good are

Queen's Park Rangers, and can Leicester match them? They can. QPR

have experienced players through the spine of the team. We have Charlie

Austin to score goals. Everyone is tipped to win the division, but

there is no reason why Leicester can stay up there. We've built this week

up for Leicester. Do weeks like this make seasons? I think so. They can

have a bearing on how the second half of the season goes. If they get

a win at Loftus, it will give them a boost over the Christmas period. No

reason why they can't build on that in the second half of the season.

What do you make of Forest and Derby? Steve McClaren has had a

great impact. You look at Nottingham Forest and you hear they are after a

striker. You would be hoping they can find one in the transfer window

in January. You spent a lot of time at Notts County ` have they turned a

corner 0 0 at Notts County ` have they turned a

corner under 0 at Notts County ` have they turned a

corner under Shaun Derry Coverage of all those game ` plus Mansfiel's

home game with Accrington ` on your BBC Local Radio station.

Two wins on the trot. It is fantastic for them. Not to be

missed. The rest of the news now. More

football first ` a huge signing for Notts County Ladies ` who will be

part of the women's Super`League next year.

They have brought in 0 next year.

They have brought in England striker Ellen White who has played 42 games

for his country, scoring 17 goals. She was playing for Arsenal. To

train every day, to improve personally. The coaches that I will

have there will be unbelievable. Hopefully the players we bring in

will be amazing as well. I can't wait for it. The head coach of

Derbyshire cricket club is leaving after 22 years. When he got the head

coach' job, he took the team to the division two title. Leicester Tigers

fly half has denied rumours he will sign for Toulouse in France next

season. Leicester's Jamie Kevin is in round two of the darts

championship. He says he knows he will have to be at his best to beat

a five times world champion. Our football clubs aren't the only

ones heading into a busy Christmas period. Nottingham Panthers have

seven games over the next couple of weeks. And that includes Christmas

classics home and away against Sheffield. So 0 0

classics home and away against Sheffield. So how did they warm up?

Well, the Canadians will always go for a bit of lumberjacking.

The Christmas tree had stood in the general manager's garden for 20

years. Now he enlisted the help of players to bring it down. Big though

it was, there were no tears when it left. My family said it was

horrible. We put it in the garden and it 0 0

horrible. We put it in the garden and it grew into this. They donated

it to a local school. Rudolph the red nose reindeer. I was concerned

at first. We did not get a photograph until Thursday. As long

as we can see it in the morning with the lights on, I will be fine. The

8`3 win over Belfast are suggesting the 0 0

8`3 win over Belfast are suggesting the Panthers are doing good in a

tricky league. We are starting to hurt the back of the net a little

more. Every game we play now will be tight. It is good for the fans.

Effort on the ice, with the tree and also the singing. Impressive stuff.

That tree was an absolute monster. Bells, especially church bells, have

been associated with Christmas for centuries. And many of us will wake

to the sound of bells ringing on Christmas morning. It's a tradition

observed by people all over the world, but one city in New Zealand

will have to wait a bit longer to enjoy its festive chimes. Our

reporter has been finding out why. #. Ding`dong merrily on high. The

Lowry are. 0 #. Ding`dong merrily on high. The

Lowry are. `` gloria. Hosanna in ex`Chelsea is. #. We sing about

bells ringing in one of our favourite carols, but it is a sound

that has not been heard in Christchurch New Zealand since 2011

when and earthquakes but the city cathedral. But the bells will ring

out 0 cathedral. But the bells will ring

out again. They are currently here at this bell foundry in Loughborough

where they are being repaired. Is it a big job? Yes. We have received the

13 bells. 12 are good. One is cracked so we will recast that. All

of the fittings are derelict and beyond we use. They were made here

in 1978. You wouldn't normally expect to see them for 60 years. It

was a surprise, but it was honoured were given the job to get them

going. Search and rescue teams from around 0 0

going. Search and rescue teams from around the world travelled to

Christchurch to help. I am delighted to be sure. We have been to the

cathedral. This is a fantastic link. There is a long tradition of fixing

bells 0 0 There is a long tradition of fixing

bells in Loughborough. We pass on our best wishes to the people of New

Zealand. Beautiful singing. Is camp analogy

your thing? To 0 0

your thing? To be 0

your thing? To be honest, I don't know what that

means. This weekend, not that bad. Largely dry. Some of the showers

will pack a punch. Largely dry but breezy. The wet weather we do have

is persistent. Tonight, that does make for attractive viewing.

However, the good news is that once it arrives with us, it is already

starting to break down into showers. Some of those will have the

potential to be quite heavy through the early hours of Saturday morning.

Not as bad as what it is in the West Midlands. The wind will start to

pick up from the South. Six or seven degrees overnight. As for tomorrow,

largely dry. Through the morning, there is some dry weather around. By

the afternoon, we start to see the showers. They will become heavy at

times. Quite a windy day. The wind is 0 0

times. Quite a windy day. The wind is coming from the South. On Sunday,

not a bad day at all. Noticeably colder. Over the Peak District, that

could be a wintry shower. As we going to Christmas week, here comes

the stormy weather. Take a look at that the radar. You will see how

tight the isobars are. Wet and windy on Monday afternoon. The advice from

The Met office is, if you can, travel earlier.

Camp and 0 travel earlier.

Camp and knowledge a 0 travel earlier.

Camp and knowledge a is a posh word for bell`ringing. I tried it a long

time ago. There was a