02/02/2012 Look East - East

Hello, and welcome to Look East. Coming up in the next 30 minutes, a

warning to the elderly as the region braces itself for the big

freeze. Anybody who says, I will not get

hyperthermia, I know when it gets cold, but it is one of those things

that creeps up on people. One of the world's most important

nature reserves says of wildlife is being threatened by the drought.

A lot of the birds do need soft, muddy conditions. And if we do not

have this, birds will not breed. Another day of despair for train

passengers as this warehouse fire in suffered burns through cables.

And because of the Costas. Making our pensioners think twice about

that retirement in the sun. -- the Hello. The bitterly cold weather

has prompted eight warning tonight from care organisations worried

that the very old and very young could be at risk from sub-zero

temperatures. Some areas of the Look East region

could see overnight temperatures plunged to-six Celsius. It we could

be stuck with these temperatures for a few days. That is when

concern rises. In a moment, what we can all do to help.

Brian had a stroke of 12 years ago. Each struggles to get about, and

often feels cold. But now Brian and his wife are taking part in a trial

run by Suffolk County Council to install temperature monitors in the

homes of vulnerable people. Older people have to be so careful

with what they spend, so therefore they are very choosy about where

they have the heating on, and if they get cold, it gives them a bit

of security. If if the temperature drops below

10 degrees Celsius, and alert is sent to a call centre, which then

checks to make sure the resident is Everyone says they would not get

hypothermia and they know when it gets cold. It is one of those

things that creeps up on people, so what they are static, their body

temperature can drop to quite a low level. That is what this service

does, it very discreetly sits in the background and we can help

people. If forecasters are predicting

temperatures tonight could go as low as-six in some places, with

more cold weather to come in the days ahead. On this estate in

Suffolk they are picking purple sprouting broccoli for the

country's top restaurants. But the conditions are making that

difficult. We cannot harvest, so we have to

wait for the crop to thaw out until we can start. That gives us

problems in terms of continuity of supply to our customers. We have

not got the crops ready for them for early collection in the morning.

Some of these animals in a zone in Norwich do need central heating,

but others, like the Siberian tigers and the snow leopards which

come from the Himalayas, think the cold snap is not actually that cold.

They have all got a very thick coats. The snow leopard in

particular has a long tail which it uses to keep itself warm when it is

asleep. Back in Ipswich, Brian is warm

enough, and with his temperature monitor, he has some extra peace of

mind. The we can talk about to Linda Gill from Age UK.

We heard that it can creep up on you, this hyperthermia. How worried

are you about the cold snap ahead? We are very worried indeed. This

weather can kill people. We know people are very concerned about

their domestic fuel bills, they worry about paying them, so they

are very economic or with their heating, but we would stress that

they need to keep warm. And they need to give at least one room warm,

and as has just been said, older people can lose their internal

thermometer, their thermostat, if you like, so would be a sitting in

a courtroom and it gets colder and colder, they may not be aware of it.

So are getting Abram thermometer is a very good idea. -- a room

thermometer. There has been a mood to collect

money from people who do not need the fuel allowance and

redistributed. That is something you are doing in Norfolk. How does

that work? Committee foundations across the

country are appealing to people who do not need their winter fuel

payment financially, and they have been really generous in donating to

that. Been offered a loan we have collected around �40,000, and we

have distributed just over �25,000 at the moment, and growing. And

that is going to those in fuel poverty, fuel debt, those who are

struggling to pay their bills. Usually it is in the form of a

contribution towards their domestic fuel, or oil in Norfolk, because

that could be a huge problem. You are distributing packs. Can you

describe what they can be doing to keep warm?

These are things that we suggest people get hold of if they do not

have already. There is a thermostat, a hot drink. Hot-water bottle, and

all these bottles that are you can heat in the microwave, they are

really good. A woolly hat, because you lose a lot of heat out of your

hat. A blanket and woolly socks. People often have these things but

do not think about them. We are distributing tons of these,

emergency packs, and you can get them through a day centre or you

can contact us. For thank you for joining us.

One of the most important nature reserves in the world is warning

that wildlife in some areas is facing its biggest crisis for 30

years. Staff at the weapons centre at well me and offered say the

level of moisture in the soil today is actually lower than in 1976,

when there was a severe drought. -- wetland Centre. The it may be

bitterly cold out here, but for me, it is certainly worth it.

What you can see out their are 100 hooper swans, and somewhere out in

the dark ness are 6000 more. It may be wet out there, but do not be

fooled, because the experts say that in the next 30 years, it could

be the worst summer for wildlife in the next 30 years. Here at Welney,

they could be at the sharp end of Year 3 from a school learning about

the importance of this wet land for thousands of birds.

We saw a swan. I did not know that they live for so long. They live

for 25 years. But all is not well in well-made.

On the other side of this river, half of the wetland is anything but.

-- well me. It means that a lot of birds could lose a vital habitat

where they breed and feet. It is very unfortunate because a

lot of these birds do need soft, muddy conditions and water on the

surface of the ground. If we do not have this, they will not breed, or

if they do breed, they will not do very well because their chicks also

need to feed on the muddy and watery conditions.

If I managing water flow they can keep part of the reserve wet. But

with rising demand for water from all users, there is just not enough

to go around. Aid charity says milder winters mean fewer birds

will head to our shores. Half the birds that originate from

as far north a Siberia and Russia are not actually migrating as far

south as they used to, they are stopping short of the UK in Eastern

Europe. While we can only pray for winter

rain, conservationists say they can better manage the limited water

resources we have. The Marshall is braving the

elements with me now. This is the wetland Centre that is suffering

the most. How bad is it? We have only had a quarter of the

rainfall we expected. We are having to do a lot of pumping to keep the

area's top up. A lot of problems. Any solutions?

Not at the moment. In the long term we are looking to pipe the water

from the river to the area. For so these birds are stepping out

where to breed over the next two or three weeks.

That is right. They will all be prospecting in the next month or so

for breeding areas, so it is invaluable that we have water and

wetlands that are supposed to be wet.

But there is increasing demand from farmers businesses and domestic

users for water. Are you being squeezed out?

Conservation is a sensitive ecosystem. It is not just the right

conditions, certain species can decline or diminish. We are on a

really sensitive site here. I will be back later in the

programme to figure out how we got into this situation.

Later on Look East, the very latest on this weekend's cold snap. The

yes, we are expecting another very cold night.

Add we also have some snow on the It has been a day of serious

disruption on the Anglia railway line into Liverpool Street. Rush-

hour travellers were hit when a fire broke out beside the track at

a recycling centre at Claydon. It damaged overnight cables. The line

was shut between Ipswich and Stowmarket, and reopened later this

afternoon. The fire broke out at the recycling

centre just after 5am this morning and proved very disruptive. The

flames retire but not any for the business but for the rail network

as well. This recycling centre is just

metres from the main line. Given the materials involved, it was

always going to be ferocious. But what made first -- it worst was the

strong wind which pushed things right over the railway track. It

melted some of the overhead cables along a stretch of track around 800

ft long. A few came down, others were left sagging, creating another

potential hazard for the 20 or so far enough -- firefighters battling

to keep things under control. It was very disruptive for all

concerned. Not just for our business, but also for the rail

users. Fortunately, the damage was minimised as soon as possible.

Services between Ipswich and Stowmarket were stopped. Commuters

had used replacement buses. It is not the first time.

You cannot blame anyone. There is no point worrying about it.

People have to get on with it. It should not be like that, but that

is how it is. Engineers worked throughout the day

to get services restored. It is hoped that they will return to

normal as soon as possible. There is no clue as to how the fire

started. A drug dealer has been jailed for

at least 20 years for murdering a friend and dumping his body in

Essex. Douglas Binnay was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court. A

fisherman found part of the body of Anthony Whitehead in a lake near

the M7. -- M11. Workers at Basildon Council have

had their information published on the internet. The council has

described it as a serious breach of security.

The there has been controversy today over the sale of a TV studio

in Norwich. The Epic TV studios were saved from closure after a

bail-out from taxpayers running into millions. It has now been sold

to a private investor for a much It is one of the most advanced TV

facilities in the country. The studios in the centre of Norwich

were established by Anglia TV. When they pulled out, it was saved by

the taxpayer to encourage the media industry. With council budgets

under pressure, the studios have been sold to a man with his own

studio production company. With the Internet we can broadcast to the

world. Not just the 50 million in Britain. We can do music and comedy,

whatever. The Epic TV studios have received �4.7 million worth of

public money. It has been sold for a reported �150,000. I am stunned

by the for small price -- by the small price because a great deal of

public money has been put into it. The public money has not been lost.

Look at the business creation that has achieved. That is over 70

people in employment, it started about 23 businesses. Actually, it

achieved what it set out to do, protect make here -- protect the

media in Norwich. The council says all the investment would have been

lost if the studio was shot. The Epic TV studios, which hosts the

number of media businesses, will be protected for at least five years.

The police in Sussex their clampdown on stone-throwing from

road bridges seems to be working. Signs were put up after a spate of

attacks on cars and lorries. Several were damaged by rocks.

Since the signs appeared, no more incident had been repeated. A woman

was seriously injured in December by concrete bollard in Essex.

In food all last night, Paul Lambert admits Norwich were second

best after they lost 3-0 last night. -- in the football. It ends a six-

match unbeaten run for Norwich City, who dropped to 11th in the Premier

League. It was the first time Paul Lambert had played against Martin

O'Neill, his former boss. The pre-match handshake was brief.

It was master verses apprentice. As players, they both won the European

Cup. Martin O'Neill and Paul Lambert sharing a duck out for the

first time as managers. Norwich car doubt the first chance. Paul

Lambert looked unusually subdued. Fraizer Campbell broke the deadlock,

after initial a highest class. -- a finish of the highest class.

Stephane Sessegnon scored the second, and an own goal from Daniel

Ayala was the third. Norwich nearly scored a consolation, but Paul

Lambert's side had no answers. have to manage their work ethic.

The conditions were difficult, the pitch was difficult, but we tried

to play. We scored some great goals. Whether we win lose or draw, you

have to forget it. Game is over bread day. -- over for another day.

120 up to the old master, 320 on The top story tonight is the big

freeze and concerns for the welfare of the very old and the very young.

Lots of people one sunshine all the rage around -- all year round and

moved to places like Spain. For them, there is a bigger worry, the

economic chill. People from our region who decided to sell up and

move abroad were lured not just by the weather but also cheaper living

costs. For the euro crisis has left Mrs two hours south of Alicante.

More foreigners live here than locals. Many of them are British.

The weather is good and there is plenty to do. But they feel life is

becoming more difficult. Seven years down the line, the pension is

not good enough. Over a drink, a Group of expats from Suffolk tell

me how life has changed. They are former teachers, forklift truck

driver, physiotherapist. They hoped moving to Spain would make their

pensions go further. Property is not moving. Technically, we are

trapped. When we first moved here, you got things cheaper. We do not

have as much money. At her home down the road, this woman has

installed extra security following a break-in. The economic situation

has led to a big increase in burglaries. She and her husband

what to move back to Suffolk for health reasons but they cannot sell

for a decent price. There are people were desperate to get back

to the UK, almost prepared to half the price of their house, those

houses will go. This is all we have. The roads in Spain are full of

unprepared potholes, and prices are rising. -- and repaired. Back in

Britain there are real fears things could become too difficult for

expats. Senior officials in the Foreign Office are telling me

contingency plans are being drawn These are worst-case scenario plans,

but ministers are considering chartering planes and boats to

bring people home. Nobody wants to return home, but they all accept

that it could happen. The Spanish dream is still alive, but there is

There will be more on that story in the Sunday Politics, at 11am.

Six months ago, this region received �4 million from the

National Lottery to get young people who do not play sport

playing sport. The idea was to use the Olympic Games as a force for

change. It seems to have worked, especially in Suffolk, which has

seen more young people take up sport in the last six months than

anyone else in the whole country. - - anywhere else.

It was a simple plan, offer freak eight-week courses in sporty young

people who do not play sport, get them hooked, and they will carry on

playing. 800 have signed up in Suffolk alone, including these

young people, trying to go. -- judo. The hope is they will be bitten by

the bug and carry on for years to come. I like the sport. I saw it on

the internet and I came along. is really fun, and very safe.

courses were for young people who do not do sport, and not just the

traditional stuff, lots of water sports. This man gave up rugby as a

teenager but now he is playing again. Use that thinking about

Korea's, you give up because lack of moderation, training. -- careers.

This age range are making a lot of decisions for themselves. They what

to do what they want to do when they want to do it. Local tennis

courts a lot during Wimbledon but they soon empty again. They will

try to use the Olympic Games as a sporting legacy that actually lasts.

Some minutes ago we heard about the effect of the lack of rainfall at

one of our most important nature reserves. How did we end up with

much of the region in drought conditions?

We live in the driest part of the country. The trouble is we have had

a very dry spring last year, a very dry autumn, and in combination that

means very little water beneath the feet. There is top of a possible

hosepipe ban in the summer, certainly the last one we had was

about 20 years ago. One issue is that we are growing, we need more

and more water. The great drought of 1976, warm

memories of hot days. Melting Tarmac and parched reservoirs. The

last hosepipe ban in the east was 20 years ago. History could be

about to repeat itself. Those crucial months between September

and November need steady rain to Some fields can be heavily watered,

others will not get any. We need the water in the winter. 40 % of

water comes from reservoirs. Just 10 % is extracted from rivers. On

average we used 145 litres per person per day. With a 20 %

increase in the population, demand is growing. With people come

buildings, meaning more water running away. We can find ways of

Engineering new urban areas with sustainable drainage systems, so we

can build in wet land features, housing estates, paving, so we can

allow the water to continue to recharge it. The key is to save

water. When you think last year this region got less rain than

Jerusalem, it concentrates the mind. Lots of the water right here is

pretty much frozen. Some ducks are doing some improvised ice-skating.

I have been inside for most of the afternoon, but on the other side of

afternoon, but on the other side of this river, our reporter. I thought

it was important that I came out to sample the weather and it is very

cold. This is the 4th night in a row that has got below freezing.

And we broke off some ice earlier from the pond behind us, about one

inch thick. We are in for a very cold night once again. There has

been some snow flurries about the region. They will be confined to

coastal areas. It might edge into North Cambridgeshire. Temperatures

could get down. Generally, the nights will be light. It will be a

cold and frosty start. It may be very cloudy in the morning,

producing some isolated snow showers. Temperatures will struggle

to get above freezing. There is still the chance of further snow

showers. There could be a dusting of snow further inland. In the

weekend, and Atlantic weather system will swing in, bringing

milder air. We have the potential for snow on Saturday. It looks as

though that will be after dark. If we look at the outlook, this is

Hamid shapes up. Some potentially bright spells on Saturday, but it

will be very cold. Later on in the evening that normal cross the

region, and in some cases it could be at much -- as much as one of two

inches. That will cause disruption. Into the beginning of next week, it

still stays pretty cold. Still below freezing. I'll be back