12/03/2014 East Midlands Today

looking pretty good. Dry in most parts with sunshine around.

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

Tonight ` shots are fired in Derby's inner`city. It's terrible. You are

just not safe anywhere, are you? And the tests that will save the lives

of more women with breast cancer. Plus teeing off a political row as a

council considers selling off its municipal golf courses.

And stepping out for spring. How aid Derbyshire home is hoping to attract

visitors with their artwork. Welcome to Wednesday's programme.

First tonight, police say it's lucky that no`one was injured when a gun

was fired several times in a city street. Bullets are known to have

hit at least two properties. Officers believe the incident was a

revenge attack. They say over the last few days, tensions have grown

between two groups from within the same community in Derby. To tell us

more, Simon Hare is there now. Good evening. As you can see, this area

of Derby is still sealed off tonight while police enquiries continue.

Officers are describing this incident is the latest in a series

of tit`for`tat attacks between two groups of youths from within one

community in this very multicultural part of Derby. It started out as

criminal damage, but has resulted in a gun being fired several times.

Armed police on the streets of Derby. They have come to search a

flat on Brunswick Street in Normanton. It is a high`level

response, as early this morning, a series of shots were fired here.

Some had clearly hit nearby buildings. Officers also carried out

a fingertip search of the area in the hunt for clues. Fortunately,

amazingly, no`one was hurt. We just heard two loud bangs. I checked the

house, checked the kids, and went back to see. Then obviously I found

out that someone was shooting around here, and it is just terrible.

You're not safe anywhere, are you? Police believe this could be a

reprisal or revenge attack following a number of incidents which have

seen a series of cars damaged in the area. Five people have been arrested

in relation to that. Earlier this week, about Friday, there was a

massive riot. Two gangs with cricket bats smashing cars. It was just

terrible. Criminal damage is one offence, but quite obviously this

has escalated, and a firearm has been used. It has actually hit two

buildings. Extremely dangerous what has happened in the early hours of

the morning, and we were probably just lucky that no`one has been

injured in this incident. At the moment, we have forensic officers

recovering bullets so we can find out exactly where the bullets have

come from, what type of weapon was used, and that is part of the

investigation as we go forward. Officers have appealed for anyone

with information to get in touch, and they have increased patrols in

the area. Tonight, they are due to meet community leaders. We

understand that meeting is with leaders of the Pakistani community

in Derby, and officers will be hoping that those community leaders

have some degree of influence with these groups of young Pakistani

man. They will be hoping they can prevent this from escalating even

further. Back to you. Thank you very much.

It's been revealed that covert lie detector tests were used on people

claiming a discount on their council tax bill. A private company, working

on behalf of 11 councils, used voice analysis software during telephone

calls. It was part of a campaign that

resulted in nearly ?3 million being clawed back. Tonight, one council

leader was unapologetic about using lie detectors, saying it was all

perfectly legal. Mike O'Sullivan has this report.

On the phone and under investigation. Lie detector software

was used on telephone calls with people claiming a 25% reduction in

their council tax bills because they lived alone. The calls were analysed

by a private company working on behalf of 11 councils in Derby and

Derbyshire. Today, one council leader defended the tactic. The

people being monitored didn't know about the lie detector tests. It is

perfectly legitimate, and they were told that enquiries were being made

about they claim for benefits, so they were aware that the questions

being put or serious ones, and needed to have truthful answers. The

lie detector technique was one part of a campaign funded by ?280,000

from the government in 2011. It helped to claw back around ?3

million in fraudulent claims. They were mixed views in Derby. I think

that is right. I really do. There is a lot of people defrauding the

system. Is an infringement of your privacy. If you are not aware of it,

you should be allowed to decide if you want to be in a lie detector

test or not. It has been criticised by the campaign group that reviewed

what went on. There is no evidence this technology works. It is another

part of the contract that has delivered back. This technology has

been tried numerous times, and there is no evidence that works properly.

The private company that did the job were told individuals were told the

calls were recorded for the detection of fraud, and scores were

made based on criteria. The government says councils are no

longer being funded to carry out similar investigations into fraud.

Still to come ` it's 30 years on from the start of the miners'

strike. The dispute changed the industrial

landscape ` but mementoes of the era remain.

Plus find out how bugs see the rabbit is helping children develop

their reading skills. `` Bugsy. The lives of more women with breast

cancer could be saved thanks to a new test that's been developed in

Nottingham. Scientists say they'll be able to

pinpoint more accurately the type of breast cancer it is, and so how best

to treat it. Jo Healey reports. Annie is one of 800 women who are

treated here in Nottingham each year for breast cancer, 50,000 across the

country. She had a mastectomy and six sessions of chemo. I think until

actually they get in and have a good look, they are not quite sure what

kind of cancer you've got, or indeed if it's going to be invasive, or if

it's something that can be left alone. In my case, yes, it was

necessary. Everything had to be done because it was an aggressive type of

cancer I had. But not all are, and this new test will be much more

specific. It will give detailed information about the breast cancer

to inform the patient and doctor, and with that, they will be able to

understand what treatment they should or maybe should not have, so

you are not overtreating or perhaps undertreating particular patients.

This is not about screening, it is for women who have had their

mammograms and been diagnosed with breast cancer. What this test does

is more accurately find out what kind of breast cancer it is, and how

best to treat it. I think it will give women more confidence ` that

whatever they are diagnosed with and whatever is suggested for the

treatment, they will know it is not a maybe. The current test was also

developed in Nottingham 30 years ago. It is used all over the world,

as should the new test be when it becomes available in two years.

Meanwhile, Annie has been given the all`clear. She now volunteers at the

Breast Institute ` her way of saying thank you.

A terrorism trial has been shown weapons and a Swastika flag that

were found in a teenager's home in Loughborough. 18`year`old Michael

Piggin is accused of preparing to attack several possible targets,

including his old school and a Loughborough mosque. Today, the jury

at the Old Bailey was shown weapons found by police, including

partially`constructed improvised bombs, a machete, crossbow, airguns,

and knives. The teenager's admitted possessing explosives, but denies

preparing weapons and plans for an act of terrorism. The jury saw this

picture of his bedroom. They have also being shown photos of bottles

with rags which he was accused of preparing to use as petrol bombs.

Homes in one part of Nottingham were evacuated this morning after what

the Fire Service says was an underground explosion. It happened

on Faraday Road in Lenton at around seven o clock ` blowing a hole in

the road. Emergency crews described it as the "failure of electrical

cables". Around 2000 properties were left without power as a result.

Golfers in Leicester are to march on the town hall in an attempt to save

the city's two municipal golf courses.

Leicester's City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, says his council can no

longer afford the maintenance costs. Here's our political editor, John

Hess. Good morning, Jamie. Alan Taylor has

his day set ` a quick chat and a round of golf. He has been playing

at this municipal golf course in Leicester at Cumbersome Heights for

30 years now. The club's future is threatened by council budget cuts.

I'm absolutely devastated, because I've been a member here for over 30

years, and at my age now, it's the only exercise I get, along with a

lot more elderly people. The thing is at the moment, we have to show

what's happening. This is no pep talk in swing technique. These

members of the Weston Park Club are also in the council's next round of

budget cuts funding line. They say the council's decision is way off

target. They are talking about a march in town one day next week. We

have petitions going. We've got a Facebook page up, and there is a

Twitter page for people to put their comments and things on there, and

show us a bit of support. The politician in charge of Leicester's

leisure services admits he is no golfer. His aim is to find ?2

million worth of cuts. We are looking widely where we can actually

make those savings. I think golf courses are increasingly highly

subsidised compared to other sport subsidies. There should be a

six`week consultation, but for golfers, this is one political ball

they are more than happy to hit into the long grass. CHUCKLES.

The 18`hole courses could be sold to new owners or developers, unless the

golfers have the final say. Inspectors say a prison in

Derbyshire is failing in its duty to help prepare inmates for life on the

outside. Sudbury Prison is an open facility, so prisoners can leave to

do work experience or volunteer in the community. But it's been

criticised for the way it manages the release of inmates, with a

report finding a real risk that some men might re`offend, and that

"public protection arrangements were not robust enough".

And the Deputy Prime Minister has described being beaten in a

Nottingham byelection by a pensioner dressed as Elvis as a "novel

experience". David Bishop, who uses the name Lord Biro, stood as a

candidate for the Bus Pass Elvis Party in last week's Clifton council

election. He received 67 votes. Nick Clegg's Liberal Democrats got 56. Mr

Clegg spoke about the defeat in the Commons after being teased by the

Nottingham South MP Lillian Greenwood.

Mr Speaker, putting Bus Pass Elvis aside for a minute, which I admit

was... LAUGHTER. Which I admit was a novel experience for us, as it was

no doubt for the people of Clifton, I'm just wondering ` did the Labour

candidate admit to how much it cost every household in Clifton?

?300,000? 30 years ago today, the National

Union of Mineworkers declared a strike which became one of the

longest and most damaging industrial disputes ever seen in Britain.

Today, to mark the anniversary, BBC Radio Nottingham invited people to

bring their mining memorabilia to a former Nottinghamshire colliery.

Navtej Johal reports. It impoverished communities, pit

miner against miner, and led to the downfall of an industry which

employed hundreds of thousands across the country. 30 years to the

day, the strike began. It was an occasion for reflection. BBC Radio

Nottingham invited people to bring their mining memorabilia to Bestwood

Country Park, the former site of one of the first mines in the world to

produce one million tonnes of coal in a year. Former Nottingham miner

Michael Wilson's item has plenty of value for him. He's the one being

dragged away by police in what became one of the most memorable

images from the strike. I just couldn't believe what they did to

me, and the way they did it. Blatantly, they just came in and

whacked me one, and put me on the floor. These lamps belong to a miner

who still works at the last remaining pit in our region, and

started out as a trainee during the strike. This is a Geordie lamp,

maker George Stephenson. It's from about 1820. How much is that lamp

supposed to be worth? In between ?2000 and ?2500. Really? Yes. Turns

out he was right. It is absolutely bang`on. They are in demand from all

over the world. The coal mines have been a huge part of British history,

and as soon as we start to lose something, people become very

emotional about it, and those people that have been involved in it want

to get that back as a memory. The Bestwood colliery may have closed

more than 50 years ago, but for today at least, people were able to

share their mining memories here. Amazing.

Still to come ` spring springs at Chatsworth House.

Amongst the daffs and tulips ` splashes of colour from a slightly

less natural palate. A school in Nottingham has come up

with a novel idea to help its pupils improve their reading skills.

Netherfield Primary School has recruited a number of unusual

volunteers to assist the children...and they're proving a

real hit. Angelina Socci reports. Hermione really enjoys her reading

session, especially when there is an extra pair of ears listening. Bugsy,

the school's rabbit, sits in on these lessons, and teachers say his

presence has a big impact. Since we've had the rabbit in here, the

children can't wait to come in and read. "When is it my turn? When is

it my turn, Miss Walsh?" A lot of them don't have animals at home, and

they find it very therapeutic sitting stroking an animal. They

might be children that are vulnerable, or slow readers, and it

just gives them confidence. And as well as improving confidence, the

school believes the animals teach children important life skills. It

encourages conversation and communication and empathy levels,

and also really key issues, like life and death and bereavement. But

it is not just rabbits that the school keeps. In the grounds, there

is a farm that has goats and chickens. We make sure that they are

all healthy, and that they have been cleaned, and my role as the farm

minister is to gather people to come and help. It has inspired me to be a

vet, and to become someone to help all the animals, because recently,

our chicken died, and I was a big part of them, and that was really

upsetting for everyone in the school. It is not only the children

who are benefiting. Parents want to be involved in what we're doing in

school, but they don't always want to be involved in a way that is

traditional, ie reading with children or being in the classroom.

Parents want that more practical aspect as well. The school plans to

take on more animals in the future, and says there is no doubt that they

help to motivate the pupils and improve academic achievement.

I never had a rabbit. Would you like me to get you a rabbit? Yes. Thumper

on way. Here is Natalie with the sport.

I'm not sure what to say to that. Only one place to start tonight `

Leicester City. There's really no stopping them at the moment. A 3`nil

win at Barnsley, and they're another step closer to the Premier League.

No`one wants that more than young defender Liam Moore. A lifelong

Leicester fan, who's been a star for the Foxes all season. Kirsty Edwards

has just caught up with him at the King Power stadium.

I am in the club, and Liam is here to meet the fans. Another great win

last night. Top of the table. Three goals. We could talk about those

now. A great goal from Jamie, and he has been invested has to conform. He

has really come into his own. `` he has really been in form. Defenders

are scared of playing against him. And the second goal, another

instrumental player for this season. We have had good partnerships on the

field. Martin stepped in, and a partnership between him and Wes

looked really strong. Strong right through the spine, so we are looking

strong at the moment. Another golfer Jamie Vardy. It leaves you a clear

is of Barnsley. You are looking very good for promotion. How does that

feel? Is very nice. We just need to keep on our own game. We just need

to keep winning our own results, and promotion is there for us. You grew

up here. What would it mean for the fans here to get promoted? It's

massive. If we do at this season, you know how much the fans will be

positive. It is a big talking point in the dressing room every day. I

know nobody is getting too carried away yet, a few games to go, but the

champagne certainly on ice, and they will be hoping to pop those corks

very soon. On to the rest of last night's

action. Useful points for Derby and Forest, but it was a bad night for

fans of Notts and the Stags. This was the third game in a row

Derby County have failed to score. In truth, they did everything but

get a goal. You couldn't fault the endeavour, as the Rams dominated

against a Bolton side who've been in fine form. We took risks. We want to

win the game, so we put four of five strikers on, we want a goal from it.

That can leave you short at the back, but the concentration was

good. Leigh did his job. As I said, we did everything but win the game

and score. Nottingham Forest were boosted by the news midfielder Andy

Reid was fit enough for the bench at Middlesbrough. Playing in white and

blue, the Reds found themselves behind shortly after the break.

Borough hadn't conceded at home in their last seven games, but ten

minutes from time, Reid found fellow substitute Darius Henderson, who

bundled it into the net. Was there a touch of the Maradonas about it?

Handball or not, Forest stay fifth in the Championship. The League One

table does not make for good reading for Bolton's side Knox County. Poor

defending saw them suffer their 23rd defeat of the season, the worst

record in all four leagues. The second half penalty gave Knox hope

at 2`nil down, Aaron Sheehan the scorer, but it was their only goal,

and a hat`trick sealed a miserable night at Meadow Lane. Defeat too for

Mansfield Town, who were five points above the relegation zone in League

Two. A controversial penalty the Stags' undoing against York.

Rugby, and Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi is poised to make his

first England appearance for a year against Italy on Saturday after

recovering from a long`term injury. He replaces Alex Goode on the bench.

In ice`hockey, the Nottingham Panthers take on Elite League

Champions Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland tonight.

Now, as many of us venture out into the great outdoors to enjoy this

spring weather, a stately home in Derbyshire is preparing to reveal

its playful side. Chatsworth House will re`open this

weekend with some new artistic additions to its grounds ` as Geeta

Pendse has been finding out. Almost ready to reopen, but this

spring, visitors will get the chance to see Chatsworth in a new light.

From a hot pink stiletto to gardening essentials, everyday

objects have inspired a series of sculptures dotted around the

grounds, created by the artist Michael Craig Martin. I have tried

to place the sculptures in situations that seem feasible for

them. So the three umbrellas, which are along the side of the pond here,

look as though the wind has kind of blown them, or they could go into

the pond at any moment. Over the years, the Devonshire

family have invited an array of artists to showcase their often

larger`than`life sculptures, but this year, they have also

commissioned a series of family portraits. But they are not what you

and I would expect. What looks like a random pattern on the wall is in

fact the DNA sequence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made out of

ceramics. `` Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It's just very

interesting to see how contemporary artists try to represent humans, the

lucky people who live here, and not different for the sake of being

different, but in a way that is of this time. Whilst the rich

collection of traditional portraits still take pride of place, it seems

yet again Chatsworth is open to reveal its more contemporary and

playful side, both inside and out. How lovely is that? Wonderful. It

looks a bit great, though. It took awhile for the Sun to burn through.

We had a lot of mist and low cloud around first thing this morning, but

eventually that sunshine did poke its way through. It has been a

belter of an afternoon. Piercing blue skies above Saint Mary's church

this afternoon. Keep those photographs coming in. We are in a

bit of a misty pattern at the moment. A lot of moisture in the

atmosphere. We start of call and misty in the mornings, but then the

sunshine breaks through again. A decent afternoon tomorrow. We're

staying dry and clear for the evenings, but for the poets `` for

the first part of the night, turning quite call, but then later, the

cloud comes back in and that fog will be reforming again. Tomorrow,

we're expecting it to be dense. We have a weather warning in force. You

didn't expect that, did you? A yellow weather warning. It could be

tricky on the roads for the rush`hour first thing tomorrow. We

will wake up to the gloom thing tomorrow. Low cloud, mist and fog,

but that will lift and break, and it will be more quickly breaking

through for tomorrow. The tomorrow, a beautiful afternoon. Lots of

lovely sunshine. Lighter winds and higher temperatures. Feeling

pleasantly warm. Up to 14 degrees. A repeat performance into Friday. We

start off with mist and fog, and then the sunshine comes through

again. For the weekend, a bit more cloud. All in all, not bad.

Sounds very good. Keep sending those weather photos. We have all sorts on

our Facebook page. We will see if the late news.