31/01/2014 Look East - West

That's all from the BBC News at Six, so it's goodbye from me, and on

Hello, and welcome to Look East In the programme tonight:

Accusations of bullying and resignations.

What's going on in one of our local Labour parties?

I think local democracy has effectively stopped working.

As police say they'll take no further action against him, a

gangmaster claims his business and his health have been ruined.

Preparing for the French. The five Saints set to do battle in Paris.

And. The school for sweeps. The family business passing on the

skills for cleaning chimneys. Good evening.

The Labour MP for Luton South says that democracy no longer exists in

part of his own constituency party. Our Sunday Politics programme has

uncovered complaints that a number of people in the Labour group are

signing up dozens of new members, in a bid to influence who stands in

local elections. There are claims of bullying, and one councillor has

resigned. Here's Andrew Sinclair. Ed Miliband in Luton, just a couple

of months ago. This is the town that has kept the Labour flame alive in

the eastern region. An example of good party organisation to inspire

others. But, behind the smiles, all has not been well. The issue has

been flagged up many a time. And, quite recently, as things have

started to move into the election gear, it has become more apparent.

It's called membership stacking where one or two people allegedly go

out of their way to recruit dozens of new members, in order to

influence candidate selections. I find it a regular that a whole

household will become Labour activists overnight.

This Labour councillor is one of several people who claims the

practice is widespread in Luton I have seen total strangers turn up

to the AGM and never seen again It begs the question, who are they

when they come from, do they even though they belong to the Labour

Party? Internal documents leaked to the BBC

show that, in most parts of Luton South, Labour Party membership has

increased by just over 100% since 2010. But here, in the Biscot ward,

it's gone up by 314%. Most of the new members apparently recruited by

the same two people. In a private email to the local MP Gavin Shuker,

the party chairman complains that, in Biscot, the democratic process is

nonexistent. Last week, a Luton councillor, Robin Harris, suddenly

resigned. He said some of his colleagues were using underhand

tactics, and packing the membership. I think in parts of my local party,

local democracy effectively has stopped working. There are wards in

my own constituency where the membership has been packed with four

times the number of members than when I started as an MP. Labour will

not comment on internal party matters but says it is satisfied all

selections have been properly carried out.

There is no formal investigation under way, that would look bad"

election. But I understand officials in the regional party 's are closely

watching Luton South. Those who are allegedly behind all

this deny any involvement, and say those who are complaining are bad

losers. Luton South isn't another Falkirk scandal, it's an internal

party row. But it's embarrassing for Labour, and a lot of members want to

see it sorted out soon. Our political editor Deborah

McGurran is here. Deborah, some developments in this story in the

past hour? We were expecting you to be talking

to MP Gavin Shuker who we were just hearing from in the report. But he

has pulled out at short notice, saying that he understands that the

Labour Party will be making moves, and he doesn't feel he can comment

at the moment. This It's no secret that he's been keen for an internal

investigation team to be called in, to have a look at what's been

happening inside this party, at these allegations of stacking. My

guess is, that's what's on the cards.

How long has this been going on We've been told this has been going

on for some time. There is a history of internal strife in the party but

it's been kept under wraps. The figures we saw in the report, of new

members joining, have caused fresh concerns which are coming to the

surface. We've seen that resignation in the party. What we do know,

though, is that the party won't want this to drag on.

There's more on that, and the rest of the week's political news, on the

Sunday Politics at 11am, this Sunday on BBC One.

A court has heard today that a 75`year`old woman killed her

husband, as part of a suicide pact. Sheila Sampford, from Milton Keynes,

admitted the murder of her 83`year`old husband, who was

suffering from cancer. Jessica Cooper reports from Luton Crown

Court. Sheila Sampford appeared in court

via video link from prison. When asked how she pleaded to the charge

of murdering her husband, she said, guilty.

It was on the 5th of July last year that police were called to a house

in Spoonley Wood, Bancroft Park and found John Sampford who'd been

strangled to death. Neighbours have described them as a lovely, genuine

couple who'd been married for 5 years. Saying John was Sheila's

rock, and he'd been receiving treatment for leukaemia. The court

heard today that Sheila Sampford told police the death was part of a

suicide pact. The prosecution said the issue to consider was if she

believed the killing was an act of mercy. The defence told the court:

"The only matter is whether he asked her to do what she then did to him."

Sheila Sampford is due back in court next month, when the judge will

decide if he should impose an automatic life sentence. The

sentence she's given will depend on whether the judge believes she

carried out a mercy killing. A gangmaster says his life, his

health and his business have been ruined, in the aftermath of police

raids last year. Last night, he was told no further police action will

be taken against him. But the Gangmasters Licensing Authority says

it's revoked his licence because of breaches in standards. And that ban

remains in force, pending an appeal. Dawn raids last October across the

fence as police investigated allegations of migrant workers were

being exploited. This man was also arrested in that operation. He ran

in recruitment agency. As a legally licensed gang master, his business

provided temporary migrant workers. Police have dropped their criminal

investigation into him but he has closed his business because his

licence has been taken away. Definitely, I am going to appeal to

get the licence. The police decision will help me. I hope they will look

at the case and realise that to suspend the licence was wrong. There

was no one in danger. My understanding is the authority will

only revoke a licence if someone has breached conditions. Are you saying

you haven't reached any conditions? Always for me was the safety of the

workers. They were paid properly, never less than the minimum. All of

the transport and accommodation we supplied was only to help them come

to work. Gang masters are strictly regulated. Even if they fail to meet

one critical standards, their permit can be taken away. The police

investigation has been dropped here but the licensing authority has

confirmed the licence remained provoked, insisting there were

breaches of standards. A jury has heard that two men

accused of helping a serial killer from Peterborough were under her

spell. Joanna Dennehy has already admitted killing three men and the

attempted murder of two others. Today, defence lawyers for her

alleged accomplices, Gary Stretch and Leslie Layton, said she

instilled fear and subservience Both men deny preventing the lawful

burial of her victims. Joanna Dennehy described herself a

monster. Likened, today, to a Shakespearean villain. But who would

dare pen such a ghastly tale of criminality, the court was asked.

Gary Stretch was in it with her the jury was told. Luxuriating and

glorifying in it. Buying cigarettes with Dennehy, laughing and joking,

before looking for victims. This is what the court was told. Waiting

outside in a car, Gary Stretch. Gary Stretch and Dennehy were soul mates

in a hideous crime spree, the prosecution said. The jury was told

that Joanna Dennehy instilled fear and subservience. His defence lawyer

said he was Dennehy's nodding dog, who bent to her will. He was a big

man, but fear has no respect for size. Dennehy's pleaded guilty

murdering these men, dumping the bodies in ditches in Peterborough

last year. One was found in a black sequin dress. Another, doused in

bleach. Kevin Lee was her lover and landlord, who was murdered, the

court heard, after he saw a body in a wheelie bin. Accused of helping to

dump bodies here, and trying to cover their tracks is Leslie Layton.

His defence lawyer told the jury, the only person who glorifies in

death and trades on it is Joanna Dennehy. The court heard she bent

her alleged accomplices to her will. They denied all of the charges.

A protest was held outside a library in Luton this morning. Luton Borough

Council say they can't afford to run Wigmore and Sundon Park libraries,

and so closed them for good this evening. Campaigners say it

discriminates against the disabled, elderly and the infirm. They can't

travel to libraries elsewhere in the town. The mobile library service

will also be disbanded. the figures because the figures show

beyond any doubt there are cheaper alternatives out there.

Coming up, six Nations rugby fever grips Northampton. And cleans for

Mike leggings. `` a clean sweep for Mike. The Suffolk port of Lowestoft

received a major economic boost today. Which will strengthen its

reputation as a headquarters for the renewable energy industry. The

owners of substantial new wind farm announced they would be locating

their operations base there. The Galloper wind farm in the North Sea

is still in the development stage. But if it is built, it will join the

other vast wind farms off the Anglia coast generating power for the

national grid. As our business correspondent Richard Bond reports,

today's announcement could guarantee jobs in Lowestoft for 25 years.

The port of Lowestoft has had its share of knocks over the years. As

fishing has declined hopes of renewal have been pinned on offshore

wind. And today, inside the building put up to house green energy

companies, a boost for the town. The firm planning the region's sixth

offshore wind farm said it would base its operations in the port.

Lowestoft is the ideal location. For the construction period will be

creating of jobs as well as up to 60 jobs for the 25`year is of

operations. The ?1.3bn wind farm is called

Galloper. It would be 18 miles off Suffolk, next to an existing wind

farm, Greater Gabbard. When the wind farm revolution began ten years ago

there were hopes factories making the turbines, and other major

components, would be set up here. Instead, the region has specialised

in operations and maintenance ` managing the wind farms day to day,

keeping them in good nick. The operations base for the Scroby Sands

wind farm is in Yarmouth. Gunfleet Sands is operated from

Brightlingsea. Greater Gabbard from Lowestoft. Sheringham Shoal from

Wells. The proposed Dudgeon wind farm will be run from Yarmouth and

Galloper from Lowt. The Sheringham Shoal operations base near Wells

opened last year. It houses technicians and engineers. The

output of the field is monitored from a control room.

It is a significant boost, there are full`time jobs, the people are

highly skilled, well paid, this is a long`term opportunity on the premise

the lifetime expectancy is 25 years. Operations and maintenance are

great, but shouldn't this region be getting more out of offshore wind

than that? The government strategy states that

they tried to get 50% of content from the UK and over the lifetime it

will be the case. It's not certain Galloper will be built. One of its

investors is reviewing the project. But a final decision is expected

later this year, potentially putting Lowestoft at the heart of a rising

industry. The UK's biggest exhibition of Roman

artefacts is going on display this weekend, at Norwich castle. The

display consists of 160 pieces on loan from the British Museum.

Highlights include sculpture from the villas of the Emperors Tiberius

and Hadrian. There are coins from the famous Hoxne treasure items of

jewellery and children's clothing from Roman Egypt. Let's cross to

Norwich Castle. Yes, theres a big launch party going on here right

now.,Its quite a coup for the Museum.One of just six around the

country to play host to a pretty extraordinary collection. It's been

described as a Roman blockbuster and we've had a sneak preview.

It's been three years in the planning. And its taken almost a

month of painstaking work to put together. The result an exhibition

of the highest quality. Featuring 160 precious pieces from the British

Museum. The focus not just the Romans in Britain but their

influence across a sprawling empire one of the most powerful in

history.. Dr John Davies, chief curator at Norfolk Museums service,

is a specialist in Roman archaeology and coinag and tickled pink that all

this is on show outside London. `` coinage. We see small objects,

many brought in by metal detector users which show us about the

everyday workings of Norfolk but we have the bits we don't see in this

part of the Roman world, highly well preserved beautiful objects from

some of the really great buildings. Some of it was used in cunning ways

for propaganda purposes, iconic objects, the barbarian

representation captive from the East representing a defeated province in

the second century. We have a bust of the Emperor Also here marble

burial chests from Turkey. A bearded portrait and the detail is

absolutely stunning. We do not see that in Roman Britain. This is one

of my favourite items. It is a child's sock. You would think it was

mid `` made this week but it is 1700 years old. Look at the gap between

the toes to allow a sandal to be worn. That is a leather sandal found

in the same area. This strange concoction is a Willie hairnet. They

were found in Roman Egypt. `` Willie. And from Egypt again painted

on wooden panels so called mummy portraits. Faces looking at us from

the first and second century AD proud to call themselves Roman

citizens. I can tell you admission costs ?7 for adults, children aged

four to 16.4 pounds 90. It opens to the public at 10am tomorrow and runs

to April 27th. Amazing. The quality. The Romans did not play

rugby but they would have enjoyed this contest between England and

France. Yes, the six Nations opener tomorrow. The England squad

dominated by players from Northampton. Let's go to Northampton

now. Well, to this tavern in Northampton, a stones throw from

Franklins Gardens. So much to look forward to. It is transfer deadline

day. For Norwich fans, the future of one player was on the cards. Another

Premier League club has come in with another fee. Stay tuned to the radio

to find out what happens. Of course it is destabilising, he

would have been playing tomorrow. But has destabilised the whole ship,

no. I will find somebody else. We all know how much parents do for

young sports stars, Luther's mother took it one step further writing an

e`mail to his coach angry that her son was dropped from the Leeds

Academy. Fast forward and Luther has made the step up. He will be playing

for England against France tomorrow and the coach who she was critical

of then is now the England head coach, Stuart Lancaster. It has been

a roller`coaster few years. TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WITH SOUND

It is pubs like this when the action will be taking place. I have managed

to bump into two legends. I won three. None. How difficult is it to

beat the French? In Paris it is very difficult. If the French get a good

start at the weekend it can be difficult to beat them. They have

struggled recently but they have class players. You can't

underestimate them. It is quite an atmosphere in Paris. How will Luther

handle the occasion? It is difficult to say. Your first cap is special.

It is a moment to be savoured. The atmosphere is unbelievable. I

remember walking out and hearing the raw. He has to play as he has been

playing all season. He is one of the most improved players so he has to

do more of what he has been doing. Saints have been doing so well in

the premiership. How easy is it to take the domestic club form into the

international game? It is all about confidence. The guys are flying

high. I think they will be fine. The conference will carry this evening.

These are the moments you dream of. Yes, this is what it is all about.

Lancaster has been bowled with a selection. These guys are ready for

it. When you get the opportunity you have to take it. You are playing

with talent around you. You don't have to worry about other people.

The game is at 5pm on BBC One and tomorrow many games could be off in

the football league. Stay tuned. Apologies because not hear what

Luther was saying in the clip. We had stout `` sound issues. This time

last year, the East was shivering in one of the coldest winters for

years. It hasn't been so bad this year, but that hasn't dampened

enthusiasm for real fires. Sales of wood burning stoves, for example,

have soared to 175,000 a year. All that wood burning has increased

demand for chimney sweeps. The job of sweeping chimneys hasn't changed

since Victorian times ` until now. His name is Andy. He is a very handy

sweep to know. Andy has been a sweep for 25 years

and he loves the freedom of the job. You get around the country,

different places all the time, you see some really nice looking houses

and see how the other half live. It is never knowing what you will do.

Andy is a traditional sweep using rods and brushes. It has been that

way for a while, or there we do not send children up any more. This

child was three when he worked for his dad. Now, there is something

new. Rob a former sweep has invented a new power sweeping system.

It goes into the flu more easily. You just put the drill into it and

centrifugal force holds it. His company is a family affair. His

wife and daughter work in the firm with his sons and his son`in`law and

his 90 old mother`in`law opened a new training facility today which

has lots of fireplaces. This is the way forward. There is no

going back when people use this, it is revolutionary, it is chalk and

cheese. The technology is changing but it is

still a grubby job. And he doesn't mind, chimney sweeps are said to be

lucky and he feels lucky to have done the job for so long.

I have a three`year old, that is a job for her! The weather really

changed today. Yes, wet weather and you will have heard the Met office

have announced early statistics suggest it has been the wettest

January on record. You might be wondering about this region, look at

the map. You can see the white shading, that shows where we

recorded average rainfall or for some parts just below but as we go

further south and west, darker colours where we recorded 150% of

the average rainfall. Getting on the twice and we still have tonight

rainfall. Quite a lot of rain we have had and strong gusty wind

coming in on this weather front and over the last few hours since the

sun went down, some heavy downpours so expect a wet evening and through

the first part of the night, further heavy downpours and strong gusty

wind. The wind will ease later on when the rain clears eastwards. And

it introduces some quite cool air, where the rain clears eastwards. And

it introduces some quite cool air, whether rain clears and where we get

clear spells, we may have temperatures of freezing. Icy

patches around but that's in a sheltered spots. There will be a

breeze. The weekend is much improved, quite windy, some showers

around but also sunny spells and Sunday, a better day because the

wind will be lighter. We start tomorrow dry and bright, quite

windy, a fresh southerly breeze, blowing showers through and on the

southerly breeze many arrests will look dry, Chile with highs of seven

Celsius. `` chilly. Better on Sunday but the Monday this weather front on

its way, turning skies cloudier through Monday and bringing rain. It

will be an unsettled start to next week and the wind picking up again.

A bit of everything. That is all from us. Have a good weekend.

Goodbye.