13/01/2012 Look East - East

Hello and welcome to BBC Look East. In the programme tonight: How can

we employ more workers if you do not lend us money? Business leaders

in this region tackle the banks over the lack of credit. We cannot

invest in machinery or people because we are paying large banking

fees for these different forms of finance, where a traditional

overdraft would have suited us perfectly well.

Sold out in minutes - fans of Ed Sheeran snap up tickets for his

summer show. The woman who says her breast

implant operation has cast a shadow over her life.

And a wise move as conservationists and farmers join forces to save the

owl. Good evening. Senior figures from

the banking industry said today they are doing all they can to help

kick-start the economy of this region, but small business leaders

insist the bankers are not doing enough to ease the squeeze. Today a

business summit was hosted by a group of the region's MPs. Their

postbags have become a daily reminder of the frustration felt by

small businesses unable to obtain small loans and overdrafts to help

them expand. Today, the banks faced demands for more help.

This is Britannia, a health and safety training company based in

Norfolk. Today it was teaching council contractors how to save we

remove asbestos. The firm has an annual turnover of �600,000 but on

three occasions last year it asked to borrow �20,000 for new equipment,

and each time it was turned down. It is extremely disappointing when

you are in a recessionary period. We had an opportunity to do things

in a matter of weeks where, if we have to finance it ourselves, it

could take up to nine months. were many more stories like that at

today's meeting. A successful housebuilder claimed that no bank

was prepared to back him. The owner of an engineering company said he

had not been allowed to increase his overdraft. MPs had persuaded

bankers to come and hear this. Business people were telling these

senior bankers things they did not know. We depend on this size of

company and they are the outfits who are really suffering.

Santander said that lending was up 50% in East Anglia last year. HSBC

said theirs was up 9%. The banks also said that these were

unprecedented times and they had to be careful. In the end was it worth

it? If we do not tell them they will never know. If they think they

are doing a job -- a good job, if there are more and more people who

are unhappy they are not doing a good job. I think they will be more

practical about lending to people like myself.

Today, the bank has promised to meet twice a year with MPs to

discuss how lending was going. It will only be when companies like

this one in Thetford find it easier to borrow money that we know this

has been a success. After the meeting, I spoke to Peter

Ibbetson from the Royal Bank of Scotland and started by asking him

about interest rates for business loans, why they were often hide

when the base rate was low. I have been in banking for 37 years.

Finance for business is cheaper than I have ever seen. The average

price that we charge on business loans is 3.4%. Borrowing at the

moment is cheap. It has been difficult for businesses over the

last couple of years and we have benefited from the base rate going

down, but the important message is that finance is cheap from the

banks at the moment. One of the things that we hear from businesses

is that they do not necessarily get a face-to-face meeting with the

bank manager these, based on their credit scoring. Is that the only

way that it can go? It is a bit like taking the car to the service

station, the first thing they do is put the car on the diagnostic

machine and then you get someone to mend the problem. We do use the

credit scoring models to help make decisions but, emphatically, the

message we try to get over today was that every single decision is

made by a person. The more we do that and build a relationship with

the customers, the more we can build up the confidence between

business and banks. We are trying to move away completely from this

message that the computer makes the decision, if the computer says no,

that is it. That is not true. We use technology but the decisions

are made by people. The problems in the economy are not just in the UK,

they are global, but the UK is still one of the hardest places to

get finance in Europe. Why is that? We are lending money. What is

important is that businesses do understand that we need to get that

money back, so we need to make sure that they can repay the borrowing

they take from us. We have a responsibility in helping them work

through their cashflow forecasts, but we are there to lend. We do

need the business is walking with us, though, to make sure they can

repay. If we get things wrong more than one time out of 100, we are

losing money ourselves and that is not healthy for businesses, the

Bank for our shareholders. Thank you very much. -- the bank, or are

This will be discussed on our politics programme on Sunday, which

is back with a new show, some new faces, and, of course, Etholle

George. Andrew Neil will be with us on the

national show. In our region we have Sunday Politics East. We will

be joined by Conservative MPs and we will be looking at the

Government's controversial plans to reform disability allowances. We

will also be looking at whether the "big society" can sustain youth

services that have suffered from council cuts. We will have all the

top political guests from around the region. Join us then.

If you're a fan of Ed Sheeran, it has been a frustrating day.

Yesterday there was the good news that he was nominated for four

awards at the Brits, but Today tickets to see him at Thetford

Forest in July sold out in just 20 minutes.

Only a few years ago, at Ed Sheeran played tiny venues, now he is

selling out thousands of tickets in minutes. His tickets for Thetford

Forest completely sold out in 20 minutes this morning. There was

fury when some of them appeared online for three times the price

shortly afterwards. My daughter wants to go and has been

telephoning me from school all day. She will be pleased that I got them.

I am glad that I managed to get them. With four Brit nominations,

he is up for more awards than at Dell. His music teacher said he

always knew he was talented. I do not think I have ever encountered a

student with as much energy, commitment and determination. I

remember when he was in here nine ordure turn he went to America --

in here and nine or ten, he went to America to study with a bit

harassed. I think he is very special.

It is clear how popular his music is. You do not have to go far to

hear one of his songs. Ed will find out which awards he has won at the

end of February. It would be great if he got all

four, wouldn't it? Later in BBC Look East: What

happened to one woman when her breast implant operation went wrong.

There is a new collaboration between farmers and

conservationists to boost the owl population.

And I am here with the weekend forecast. It is finally time to

wrap up against the cold as winter returns. Full details coming up

The beds are being provided in Suffolk tonight amid fears that the

weekend's cold weather could hit the almost. Forecasters are

expecting temperatures to plunge well below zero throughout the

weekend. Alex Dunlop is at a shelter in Ipswich now.

I have just come in from outside and it is already getting pretty

cold. We expect temperatures to reach minus four tonight. This is

the genesis Houses Association. Over the weekend, with the help of

Ipswich Borough Council, they will have 12 emergency beds to cope with

those dealing with the rough weather. The normally only have two.

Andrew has just come in. You're hoping to get a bed tonight. What

is it like sleeping rough, it must be pretty grim? It is not good for

my health and stuff like that. had pneumonia the first time you

slept rough, didn't you? Yes, I have had pneumonia, a chest

infection, a blood clot on my lung. This is a real lifeline for you, I

guess? Yes. Good luck getting a better night. The hostel has 22

beds for those who need longer-term support. I met up with one of them,

Nick, who has been here for the last six months. This is my home

from home. I have a wardrobe and a chest of drawers, a television,

fridge, bed. It is all you need, isn't it? If I was not here I would

be in jail or homeless. What is it like living rough? It is a

nightmare, really bad. You have no money or food, you are always

struggling, constantly cold. Basically, you struggle and it is

really hard. How has this place turn your life for an? When I was

on the street I was drinking and doing drugs. Since I have been here

I have stopped drinking and doing drugs. I have stopped breaking the

law and sorted myself out. It has helped a lot. We do you see

yourself in a year? Having my own place, a decent job, a car and my

family around me. That is my main goal in life - to get a decent

house or flat and be happy with my family.

A pretty positive outlook there From Nick. This is one of the rooms

where they have the beds laid out for those coming in tonight. Let us

have a chat with the team leader here. I would imagine that

somewhere like this is an absolute lifeline. Absolutely. This was set

up as an emergency response to people sleeping on the street so

that they would have access to warm bedding. People think it is a bed

for the night, but for you it is much more than that, you can

evaluate long-term needs, cant you? Yes. We have spoken to many of the

people who come about potential support needs that they have.

of services are being cut back. Briefly, that must put a lot of

pressure on you at the sharp end? Yes, it does. I must admit, we have

been feeling it quite a lot in the last 12 months. We have managed

with a great team here. Without funding from the borough council we

would not be able to put on this emergency service. Thank you very

much. ITV is to close its production

business in Norwich, pitting 35 jobs at risk. ITV Studios at Anglia

House makes factual programmes such as well Britain with Ray Mears. It

means the only programme that will continue to be made in Norwich by

ITV will be Anglia News. A haul of weapons has been found by

police searching a river in Norfolk. They were discovered after reports

that a shotgun had been thrown into the middle level train at

Terrington St John. Officers are now trying to find out if they are

linked to any historical crimes. A fisherman from Essex says he is

facing financial ruin after breaking the rules on quotas. Paul

Gilson, who lives in Leigh-on-Sea, admitted a breach but said that a

fine of �400,000 is unfair. For one fishermen here, the future

is looking less than bright. Paul Gilson admits 30 breaches of

legislation, saying he could not keep on top of the extensive

paperwork required. Yes, I have done things wrong, but let's face

it, who has not? Nobody has been hurt. I did not muggy anyone in the

street, no granny has lost her pension book. Nobody has been hurt

with this. My problem is that I speak up for my industry.

Prosecuted by the Marine Management Organisation, he now faces almost

�400,000 in fines. He says that is unfair and will cost him his house.

His case has been picked up by the local MP. Will the Leader of the

house allow was to have a debate on issues surrounding quotas for small

fishing vessels? These confiscation orders are simply designed to put

anybody who has profited from an illegal capture back into the

position in which he or she would have been. They are not intended to

be a punishment. The majority of the industry is

compliant with the rules and regulations that govern it. For

those that are not, the governing body says that they will make sure

that they will not benefit financially. Paul says that small

businesses like his are in danger because of fishing quotas. He

believes he may well be part of a dying breed.

After a week to forget for Ipswich Town and Paul Jewell, the Tractor

Boys are back in action tomorrow. On Wednesday they suffered defeat

away at Birmingham, the winner coming in the final seconds.

Tomorrow they host Blackpool at Repeat a Middlesbrough by 3-0. In

the previous game, they got beaten, so it is ready up in the air. He

has replaced them up with a good team.

In the Premier League, Norwich City go to the Midlands. They will be

hoping for something good at West Brom who beat them by a single goal

at Carrow Road earlier in the season. We are more equipped now

and up to speed with how things work with team tactics and the

players as well, coming up against players that you have only ever

seen on the television. Hopefully, the second time around, you are

more wise to what is going on. All this is, we will tell on Saturday.

In League One, Colchester United are at home to Scunthorpe and will

look to bounce back after defeat to MK Dons. In League Two, Southend

could go top if they beat Northampton. Most of the national

newspapers this weekend will carry advertisements to reassure women

affected by the controversy over breast implants. In London tomorrow,

many of the people affected are taking part in a march to demand

help. The government insists that most women should have nothing to

fear but that hasn't stopped many from seeking medical advice and

some Look East viewers have been in touch to tell us about their

experience. In a moment we'll be hearing from a woman who spent

�4500 having her implants removed. Seven years ago, Francesco took a

life-changing decision to have a breast enlargement. I am quite a

big frame and I was only and a cup and it just didn't make me feel

like a woman. I just felt low about it. When the implants were banned

because at the risk of them splitting open, she decided to get

them checked. It is worrying. And not sleeping very well, I am very

angry, I keep shouting at people close to me because that is my way

of trying to relieve my stress. I am trying not to think of it in a

bad way because I am just scared that my depression will come back.

The cosmetic surgery clinic in London but in the end plants and

they say the problems are due to the failure of the government

department which regulates implants. They said they are offering to

remove and replace the entrance at a discounted price with priority

going to those with ruptured implants. Francesca's is now

playing -- paying a private consultant. There is no evidence of

raptures with you. Some clinics have been refusing to do anything

to help people who have had problems with the implants they

have placed. She is deciding whether to pay the �4000 it would

cost to replace her implants. For now she wants to highlight the fact

that it is mums like her, not just models, who are affected.

Earlier I spoke to Debbie, a mother of two from Norfolk who is joining

the march tomorrow. She had her PIP implants removed two years ago

after they ruptured. I asked her how she first knew something was

wrong. I discovered a lump in my armpit

and I panicked, thinking it was cancer. I went to see a GP and I

was referred for a scan and they discovered it was silicon. They are

in a bag because they are still looking. Are you OK now? I believe

so, although some of the contents are still inside me somewhere. So I

don't know long-term whether I will still have symptoms in the future.

Two years ago, did you think he has been unlucky or were you aware

there were widespread problems? Initially I found it was me who was

unlucky. My mother drew me to an article in the newspaper at that

time at which mentioned there were some implants but had problems. I

initially thought, it is not mine. Some people are not that

sympathetic because they say this is a cosmetic procedure, what you

say to them? In my instance, it was a personal choice, it was for

confidence and self-esteem. I had had a child, I breast-fed and I had

no bust whatsoever so for me personally, and for a lot of other

ladies as well, we just wanted a normal people. Some of the private

companies involved who are refusing to move them free of charge had

said it is up to the government because they had kite marks on them

and they were mad to be fine. Could you think is to blame? I think it

could be equal responsibility at the moment. I believe it was

mentioned in at 2000 but there were problems and there was a voluntary

recall on this product and it has taken 10 years to have a definite

recall. I have also been informed that this item costs �250,000 so

private clinics, they probably did know that it was an inferior

product. You're going on the march tomorrow, you are doing this for

others? Yes and four of me because I had paid to have them removed.

Hearing an owl hooting at night is one of the special sounds of the

outdoors and seeing them in action can also be amazing but the number

of owls in our region has been in decline. One reason - the places

they love to live in and feed are disappearing. But now farmers and

conservationists are joining forces to help. Our chief reporter is at a

nature reserve in Norfolk. I am on the Pensthorpe estate,

former home of Springwatch, and we urge and on the farm to meet this

little barn owl. She is not exactly a wild bird? No, she is hand-reared

that we have had here for seven years. We used her as part of our

educational talks. Numbers have been dropping but they are on the

rise again and people here are confident that if you farm in a

major friendly way, numbers of these fantastic birds can really be

on the up. A favourite snack for barn owls,

voles, scurrying around in crops. They keep numbers down and their

very presence indicates an area rich in wildlife. Here, a rare

glimpse of a barn owl being confronted by a kestrel. This farm,

one of 50 conservation farms in the country, taking part in the country.

Farmers provide a special habitat in return for a special premium on

their crops. New nest boxes are also encouraging the population to

grow. Nest boxes are critically important in areas where the

habitat is present and the birds can feed. If we know we have lots

of barn owls that means we are doing something right because all

the insects and flowers are all here and the bowls as well so the

more habitats we can put in a long our field edges, it really does

help these wonderful birds. I among quirky facts - barn owls do not

hoot, this creature. One year is higher than the other to hear

sounds above and below one flying. They can turn their faces upside

down and look behind their backs. This crop of oats may end up in

your breakfast cereal but in the meantime thanks to its surroundings,

is a happy hunting ground for a beautiful bird.

As far as involving farmers and consumers, what is the nub of this?

It is making sure the whole food chain is put together so that what

we end up with is a sustainable countryside and this aims to do

that through projects like this. so it can be successful? Yes, it is

financially successful for farmers and consumers pay pennies more in

the shops for their food but at the end of the day, they make sure in

the long term but we have a countryside that is brimming with

biodiversity. On the farm, she is top of the food chain? Yes, she is

a good biological indicator of what is going on underneath. If you have

barn owls, you have a whole host of one live. She has behaved

beautifully! The she can turn her face upside

down but wouldn't look at our Visa some pictures of the sun

setting last night across the region. It got pretty cold last

night, it will get even colder tonight with the widespread frost

expected. For most of us, we have had a sunny day. The exception is

the north part of Norfolk. One or two light showers so the chance of

an isolated sharp in the early part of this evening but for most places,

at drive but cold night. Temperatures are expected to get

down to well below zero. I should add that it is round the coastal

area that you may stay above freezing. The reason for this is

high pressure. Tomorrow it is right over the top of us and it will keep

the winds light and the skies in a clear but it is going to be a

frosty start to the weekend and in fact, the weekend as a whole will

bring some pretty cold weather. We should see some sunshine but there

is also the risk of frost and fog patches overnight. Once that clears,

we should seek a fair bit of sunshine particularly through the

central part of the region. Temperatures ranging between four

and six Celsius. The winners will be generally light and variable.

Once more, actually night with a chance of Frost once again. This is

how the outlook ships up for the next five days. A pretty and

changing situation, a wintry forecasts with temperatures back to

where they should really be at this time of year. If we look at the

overnight lows, we can see several nights where we do get below