14/01/2014 Midlands Today

Australia. More about the weather where you are on-line.

Hello and welcome to Midlands Today. The headlines tonight: Increasing

calls to scrap the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street set

in Birmingham We'll be finding out from a Channel 4 executive if he

regrets screening the programme. We believe this is damaging to those

involved. Also tonight: a Birmingham MP says a

terror suspect told his family he was going to Syria to fight with

Al`Qaeda`backed rebels. His mother phoned me up when he first left last

year, very distraught. She wanted to know what we could do to bring him

back. Signs of recovery in manufacturing `

a multi`million`pound investment at a major steel supplier.

I'm at the LG Arena in Birmingham were 6000 children are getting ready

to perform as part of the world's largest school choir.

And it seems our weather just can't make up its mind ` today was cold

and frosty, tomorrow is looking rather different. Find out why

later. Good evening. More than 450

complaints have been received by the television regulator OFCOM about the

controversial Channel 4 documentary Benefits Street which is filmed in

Birmingham. Five million people tuned in to watch last night's

second episode featuring the residents of James Turner Street in

Winson Green. But a coalition of leading charities wants the series

scrapped, claiming it paints a false picture. They believe it's causing

distress to millions of welfare claimants. Kevin Reide reports.

At nine o'clock last night, more TV viewers had their eyes on a tiny

corner of Birmingham than any other programme as episode two of Benefits

Street was screened. The gritty documentary focuses on the lives of

those in James Turner Street in the city's Winson Green area. Well, as I

speak, the second episode of Benefits Street is on air and, as

you can see, in the street itself it's very quiet. Earlier, we did

speak to some of the residents who'd appeared in the first episode but,

given their experiences, they said they didn't want to go on camera

again. Last night, the programme focused on tensions between locals

and Romanian migrants. They come over here, take thousands of pounds

and move on to another house. TRANSLATION:

The documentary's certainly polarising opinions with protests at

the offices of the film company which made it, and some charities

want it scrapped. The duty of a broadcaster like Channel 4 is to

help promote informed debate, to show a mirror to the nation and

instead what they seem to have done is picked on some extreme examples,

and potentially misrepresented them, and not shown what is the

reality for the vast majority of people. But others believe it's

lifting the lid on many serious issues in society. I think now that

we are 40% of the way and we can see it is becoming a brilliant programme

in terms of putting people 's consciousness. Not just on an

individual level but on a city level and a national level. Meanwhile,

back at James Turner Street, and sightseers had come to see what all

the fuss was about. We were thinking there would be things on the road,

kids running around, like, horrible. It's completely different. It looks

reasonable. It was my idea for him to come here to show him that all

the areas are interlinked and just because you're from a road that

doesn't look as attractive as the houses in Sutton Coldfield doesn't

mean you can't grow. But at least one character from the series is

smiling. Smoggy appeared last week as entrepreneurial so`called 50p man

` he's now been given three job offers. Somebody was offering me a

job to sell food, the Way foundations for buildings and

another weird kind of job. If nothing else happens, I'll see what

he's saying. Just over a fortnight ago, few knew of James Turner

Street. Now, life there is fast becoming the talk of not just the

town, but the nation. More than 30,000 people have now

signed a petition calling for Benefits Street to be scrapped.

We'll be hearing from Channel 4 in a moment, but first we're joined from

Leeds by Arshad Mahmood, who started the online petition in protest at

the show's content. Good evening, Mr Mahmood, what's upset you so much

about Benefits Street? The programme has found a tiny minority of people

living in James Turner Street and the backlash has caused everybody to

paint a picture that that is how the majority of benefit claimants left.

Helpful and informative to see how difficult life can be for some

people. It shows a tiny minority. But some newspapers are trying to

use it as evidence of how benefit claimants live. But it is wrong,

they don't. You think it betrays a false picture? Yes. Why do you feel

so strongly about it? I am from not far from Winson Green and we were

brought up on benefits. My brother is a successful solicitor and a

councillor. We are not living like that. Hardly likely they will scrap

it so is there any point in pursuing the campaign? There is because at

the moment the whole nation seems to have painted a picture of benefit

claimants that this is how they live. And the government are using

it to try to justify welfare cuts. Earlier I spoke to the head of

factual at Channel 4, Ralph Lee, in our London studio. Had he considered

scrapping the show? I don't think there are any serious grounds to

call for the programme to be pulled and people should be careful before

they call for censorship of documentaries. The leaders of the

campaign to remove the documentary have set themselves that what

inspired their campaign was not the programme but some of the reaction

on Twitter, Facebook and social media. I would encourage people to

judge the programme itself and not reaction. Why did you call it

Benefits Street? We didn't want to do abroad rector of the benefits

system but examine a part of Britain with dependency on benefits is at a

very high concentration. James Turner Street has a lot of people on

benefits and it sits in an area where unemployment has been a

long`term problem. The hopes for them to get out of benefits are

actually relatively hard. Don't you think you're making an exhibition

out of unfortunate people? I absolutely refute that. If you look

at the reviews of last night's programme, they say that this

programme does not mark the poor `` make fun of the poor. Do you think

it is a fair picture? It is a fair picture of James Turner Street in

the time we filmed there. Resilient in the face of hardships that it

faces. That was one of the key reasons we chose it. Not because of

the high dependency on benefits but because the community pulls

together. Residents support one another. They feel they have been

manipulated. A few devices have suggested that but not all.

Residents had the option whether to be in the documentary or not. This

is a fair documentary portrait of that street. Any regrets question

Coming up later in the programme: can this simple exercise help tackle

depression without drugs? An intriguing NHS trial in the Black

Country. An MP says a terror suspect told his

family in Birmingham that he was going to Syria to fight with

Al`Qaeda`backed rebels. Khalid Mahmood, who is MP for Perry Barr,

was asked to help by the man's family. Here's Ben Godfrey.

At a high security police station in the West Midlands, two men from

Birmingham are still being questioned over alleged terror

offences in Syria. We're told they're both 21 and from Handsworth.

They travelled to Syria in May last year and were arrested at Heathrow

Airport yesterday afternoon. Today, this Birmingham MP says one of the

men is called Ali, a university drop`out. And he told me he spoke to

his mother after he left the UK. Very distraught, wanted to know what

we could do to bring him back. Unfortunately, there is very little

to bring them back once they have gone across and he had left a note

saying he was going off to join an Al`Qaeda group. Now he is back and

at least I suppose she is relieved he is back. This afternoon,

Parliament was warned that the number of UK jihadists going to

Syria is around 360. There is a permissive environment in Syria

which allows groups and organisations to repopulate the

network in an international fashion. The BBC's been told Ali and the

second man attended this mosque in Small Heath but, today, a spokesman

said they weren't aware of the men. At Birmingham Central Mosque, imams

are warning young worshippers of the dangers of extremism. We are poor

all types `` we are against all types of such things. The two men

remain in custody this evening. The West Midlands Counter`terrorism Unit

can hold them until tomorrow afternoon. Then they must decide

whether to charge them, release them or apply for a five`day extension

for further questioning. A former West Midlands Police

officer has been jailed for leaking confidential information to a

convicted drug dealer. Daniel Watts was sacked from the force for gross

misconduct after admitting passing on intelligence to Stephen Hunt, who

was on trial for supplying drugs. Watts was jailed for 28 months after

pleading guilty to misconduct in public office.

A report has found some A patients at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton

Coldfield have been waiting on trolleys in corridors and been

ignored by staff, despite calling out for help. The Care Quality

Commission says the hospital's casualty department needs to improve

to ensure safety. However, the report also says staff are caring

and patients are generally getting effective care.

There's more evidence of a recovery in manufacturing, with the opening

today of a new Indian`owned multi`million`pound facility at one

of the region's biggest steel suppliers. The steel industry was

hit hard during the recession. But demand is starting to recover as our

business correspondent Peter Plisner's been finding out.

Shaping the future for the steel industry. It's a sector that's been

on its knees but finally there's signs of recovery and that's now

translating into investment and jobs. Around ?15 million has been

invested in the Wednesfield processing plant. Its rather

aptly`named managing director Paul Steele admits that until now life

hasn't been easy. The market remains well below historical levels but I

think after five years of difficult times we are finally seeing how key

customers and markets showing signs of recovery. But nevertheless demand

for steel remains 25% below where it was before the recession. It's

predicted that this year there'll be growth of between 3`5% and most

experts agreed that it'll be at least 2020 before things have fully

recovered. Here they provide steel to a variety of different

industries. This new equipment is making body panels for Jaguar Land

Rover, which is also owned by Tata. One sector picking up fast as

construction. Here, they make parts for JCBs. Kevin Faulkner has been

here 15 years. For him, the latest investment means more job security.

It makes you feel a bit more comfortable. A bit more optimistic

for the future. For the man in charge of the Black Country Local

Enterprise Partnership, the latest investment is further evidence that

manufacturing is doing well. It is excellent for all sectors and the

fact that we in the West Midlands are seen as the place to be for

those sectors is good news for the areas. Steel goes into most products

made in the Midlands and investment here could ultimately mean growth

and jobs elsewhere in the region. Our top story tonight: Increasing

calls to scrap the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street set

in Birmingham. Rebecca's standing by with the

latest weather forecast to come shortly.

Also in tonight's programme: Villa seek new firepower after going down

at home to League`leaders Arsenal. And in the FA Cup, it's Bournemouth

versus Burton tonight, but why are supporters of the South Coast club

paying for rival fans to get to the game?

Patients with depression or psychosis are benefiting from a

therapy called emotional freedom technique. It involves tapping with

fingers on acupuncture pressure points whilst giving a positive

message. Early results are encouraging. Here's our health

correspondent, Michele Paduano. The anxiety I am feeling.

Tony Stewart is a specialist in public health, but he became

interested in tapping and persuaded doctors in Sandwell to pilot the

technique. He found all but one of his 36 patients got better. What we

found was that, on average, at the start, people were showing as

clinical cases and at the end, on average, they were showing as normal

on a range of things. Patients like Mark Willetts, a classical guitarist

who has suffered with anxiety and depression for years. It was even

affecting his ability to perform. Anyone suffering with stress or

depression can be a difficult person to be around and maybe slightly

unpredictable to be around and as a result of lightening my mood,

headlines the mood in the entire house. I felt a tremendous benefit.

Doctors in Sandwell who sanctioned the research have developed the

scheme training another 20 therapists. I was very cynical. But

he proved me wrong. I don't understand how tapping your

acupuncture lines can make you feel calm and better but it seems to work

for patients, some of them very ill patients. As well as acupuncture, it

seems to work through positive thinking and perhaps mild hypnosis.

I think it felt more like hypnosis, really, than anything else. Quite a

strange feeling but it was relaxing. This process is quite easy to teach

people and it is also very effective. It seems to work on

patients who have as few as five sessions. With demand for mental

health services increasing and finances tight, it could strike a

chord with those who pay for care. Dan's here with tonight's sport. And

two of our Premier League clubs have been wheeling and dealing today.

Yes, Stoke City have signed the Sweden under`21 striker John

Guidetti on loan from Manchester City. They've also agreed a

permanent deal with Stephen Ireland, who'd been on loan from Aston Villa.

And this afternoon, the Wigan striker Grant Holt is all set to

join Villa until the end of the season. Ian Winter reports.

Grant Holt will be 33 in April. But's he's always scored goals for

fun. As Villa fans know only too well. And Paul Lambert, his former

manager at Norwich, believes he's just the man they need to boost a

Villa attack that's now scored just eight goals in 11 Premier League

games at Villa Park this season. Last night, Villa suffered an early

setback when Nathan Baker was stretchered off, suffering from

concussion. He took a blow to the side of his head and everyone knows

when you have concussion it is dangerous. That rocked as a little

bit. With Villa forced to reshuffle their defence, Arsenal took full

advantage. They scored twice inside in a minute to leave the home

supporters stunned. It was a double blow for Villa against a team on its

way back to the top of the Premier League. Mid`way through the second

half, Villa made a vital change. Andi Weimann came on and Christian

Benteke came good to capitalise on a fine cross by Matt Lowton to score

his first goal since September. I'm very happy tonight to score again

but a bit disappointed for the result. The second half definitely

was much better. It was a great header. That will give him a big

lift to score a goal. If we keep playing like the second half, it was

really pleasing. Despite Villa's late revival, they couldn't force a

draw and next they're off to Liverpool on Saturday, hoping that

Grant Holt will add some extra firepower to their attack.

What about in the FA Cup? Kidderminster Harriers and Burton

Albion will both be aiming for big upsets in the FA Cup this evening.

Non`League Kidderminster travel to Peterborough while Burton are away

to Bournemouth. It's a long trek but, thanks to the Bournemouth fans,

Burton supporters are travelling for free.

All aboard the Bournemouth express. And the best bit about these coaches

is that they're free. It's down to the generosity of Bournemouth fans

who felt for the Burton fans who'd travelled to Dean Court for the

original tie only for it to be postponed due to a waterlogged

pitch. It's unbelievable, really. It gives me a chance to finally come

here. It has renewed people's faith in football and fans. The spirit in

football is not totally dead. Absolutely fantastic. Generosity is

second to none. It almost seems impolite for Burton to go and win

tonight. Two divisions separate them but just 34 places in the Football

League. There has been a change of manager since their original time.

The new man's main task is to get them back on track but the FA Cup is

an added bonus. And that man is Andy Thorn. He's been in the job less

than a week following the departure of Steve Burr. Harriers drew 0`0

with League One Peterborough in the first leg. Kidderminster are two

divisions and 54 league places below Peterborough but are undaunted. ``

46 league places. We are trying to get something from the game, albeit

from a team to divisions above us. We are confident. Premier League

teams await in round four so there's incentive for Kidderminster and

Burton ` but their fans seem quite happy already.

We also have warming in city against Bristol Rovers. `` earning.

Thousands of children are being given the chance to sing in front of

huge audiences. The Young Voices tour features 120,000 schoolchildren

between the ages of seven and 13. At the LG Arena at the NEC near

Birmingham, no fewer than 24,000 children will take part in a series

of live concerts. And tonight there'll be 6000 singing in the

largest school choir in the world. It's all due to start in a few

minutes and Ben Sidwell's there. Everyone ready, Ben?

Ready and very excited. I have been to a lot of concerts but never wear

the number of performance almost all numbers those watching. That's what

makes Young Voices so unique. Forget the voice of an angel, at the LG

Arena it was more like 6000 of them. Schoolchildren from across the

Midlands and even further afield gathered together for what is likely

to be the biggest concert of their lives. I feel really excited and

quite nervous. I want to enjoy it. I'm really excited but nervous, too.

To make today possible, individual schools have been rehearsing for

months. This school are taking part in Young Voices for the very first

time. The thing that surprised me was that there were children who

were petrified to stand up and say one line in assembly and now the

fact that they will sing their hearts out, and just the confidence

they have built is fantastic. It is fun because it is a big experience

to go somewhere where most children might not go. We have got to learn

new songs and some were quite hard. Back back at the LG Arena there is a

famous face to lend a hand. It is the most incredible thing I have

seen. They were singing so sweetly. It is the nicest sound ever.

Performance fine tuned, tonight they will do it for real in front of

thousands and thousands of incredibly proud parents. Let's meet

the man who makes it all possible. The managing director of Young

Voices. There are 6000 children here tonight. They have been practising

for over four months. They are pretty excited about tonight. There

are people from everywhere around. It must be a logistical nightmare.

We have been doing it for years but it is challenging. We worked for 11

months of the year to make sure everything is slick. What do the

children actually get out of it? It is an amazing opportunity to sing in

an arena like this to all their mums and dads and to sing such diverse

music and with all the artists who will be on stage, it gives them a

sense of confidence and belief. 6000 tonight but another 6000 different

children tomorrow. Yes, and 24,000 in total. It is a pretty big deal.

If you think the children are excited, you should see the parents.

It will be a great night for the next four nights.

Time for the weather now, and another nippy one today, Rebecca? It

was certainly chilly, and rather slippery under foot. On that note, I

want to take you back to this time last year ` we had snowfall across

the West Midlands ` the first significant snowfall of the year.

It's not looking like that here at the moment although we did have a

dusting of snow in Hednesford last night. And temperatures dropped down

to below freezing overnight and we saw the first widespread frost of

the year. Sue Chadwick sent in this picture of the frost patterns on her

car. But it's all change tonight. No need to scrape those windscreens

tomorrow. As this band of rain moves through, behind it we're drawing in

milder air. So no frost to come tonight. Instead it's looking rather

wet. Many place already experiencing that rain, and there will be some

heavy bursts in there too. As we move through to tomorrow morning it

will start to break up a little and ease. But temperatures not falling

much lower than we've seen during the day today. But it'll be a misty

and murky start to tomorrow, some showers remaining. Plenty of drizzle

around, and generally a dull, damp day. Winds will be a little stronger

than today ` a breezy day ` but despite that, with the milder air

over us ` temperatures up into double figures ` possibly even

scraping a 12 in places. Then we have another band of showers moving

through tomorrow night ` again some could be rather heavy and lively.

But they'll move through quite quickly and once they clear away

things will turning a little clearer, and cooler again.

Temperatures still staying above freezing though. But as we head

through towards the latter part of the week low pressure is dominating,

with a pattern of sunshine and showers on the way for Thursday and

Friday. Some of those will be sharp. And it's generally staying unsettled

as we make our way towards the weekend., but despite all that it is

managing to stay on the mild side. Tonight's headlines from the BBC:

The Coronation Street star William Roache goes on trial for rape ` the

court hears how he took advantage of his fame.

There've been increasing calls to scrap the controversial Channel 4

series Benefits Street set in Birmingham.

That was the Midlands Today. I'll be back with an update at ten o'clock,

plus the night's football results. Have a good evening. Bye for now.