17/07/2012 South East Today

We are live in Hastings tonight for the latest stage of the Olympic

torch relay. Thousands of people have lined the streets to celebrate

the first full day of the relay in the South East. They did not come

to Tunbridge Wells, but double Olympic gold medal winner Kelly

Holmes brought the torch to her home town anyway. It has been an

amazing day. To bring the flame and the spirits to my home town.

The threat to Border Control Services at Dover and Gatwick

because they have laid off 1000 staff to many. We are live in Dover

with the details. And he is a doctor of boogie-woogie.

Jools Holland is recognised by the University of Kent for a lifetime

of music. Welcome to South East Today live in

Hastings where the Rizzle Kicks are performing on the stage here. It is

day 60 of the Olympic torch relay, and 3,500 people have turned out to

watch it be carried into the stage. It will be taking up there and the

Olympic cauldron will be let hopefully in the next half an hour.

You would not believe it. The Sun has been shining on the

torchbearers today. Amongst them has been the comedian Eddie Izzard

and Eric Hardwick. The report now on the route that the torch has

The first case of the morning. An early handover as the torch headed

through Brighton. Among the Beria's was police officer Mark Hill.

is the star, this torch. It is representing my community. From

Brighton, it was on to Crawley. The barest make the most of the torch's

first full day in the South East. It headed towards East Grinstead.

The torch has been on the road since 7:30am today. It is now

nearly 11am. It is due in Tunbridge Wells in half an hour. There are

crowds lining the streets as far as the eye can see. I am really

excited and nervous! I am there is in case I drop it. Everyone is

watching. I don't want to be the one to set my hair on fire. No-one

set their hair on fire in the end, or fell over. Fantastic! What a

lovely day. It is really exciting and we can't wait. It is a once-in-

a-lifetime opportunity. Even those places not on the parade route got

into the spirit. At Tonbridge, they had their own torch held aloft by

the town's Olympic champion Kelly Holmes. Beragh 8,000 holes in this

torch for 8,000 torchbearers, every - at each one with a story of their

own. It was the turn of Lorraine Mercer next. It was overpowering. I

can't explain it. It was magic. are not sure this is in the

motorcycling Handbook, but who cared today? The only thing missing

was the rain. As torch went from town to town to town, the crowds a

lot larger. Nowhere more so than when it reached Eastbourne and

these two took their turn. The bus we are one with the relay, the rest

of the team for this leg are the most inspirational people. You did

not need to be famous to enjoy the limelight today. It was the moment

when every torchbearer got the star treatment. The people of Kent and

Sussex have watched this relate going around the rest of the

country for weeks. Day 60 was theirs. In every village and every

town, people turned out to be part of it. While those doing the relay

clearly loved every moment, so did the crowds. The whole procession

created quite a spectacle. It is hard to miss when the Olympic torch

is in town. We are hoping that the torch will

arrive here in about 15 minutes. They have been crowds lining the

streets here in Hastings waiting for it to come through. The crowd

here at the moment is very much enjoying Rizzle Kicks. We will let

In amongst the crowd is our reporter Ellie Price. Is the

excitement building for the arrival of the flame? 3,500 people are

expected down here. Some had to arrive at lunch time to queue to

make sure they got a good spot. 50,000 people will be watching this

whole event on big screens around the town. For you, this is a

celebration of Hastings as well as the torch, isn't it? It is

brilliant coming to Hastings. We have got this beautiful on the

Stade open space. It is brilliant for the town and puts us on the

back. It is fantastic for the town. I'm so proud to be a part of it. I

love it so much! And she will be dancing for the rest of the night.

Hastings has got its own Olympic link. Sierra Leone is linked with

Hastings and I am joined by some Olympic athletes. Have you had a

good reception? Everyone has been so friendly. It has been an awesome

experience and I'm glad to be here. And had you in -- enjoyed the

reception? It is great. I feel great. I feel good. You will be

moving on to the Olympic scene. I'm excited? Yes, it is really nice to

be in Hastings. The hospitality is wonderful. I won't keep you,

because these guys are expected on the stage very soon, where the

We are keeping an eye out for the torch. Where has it been on a 60?

It started off this morning in Brighton and headed towards Crawley.

From there it went to East Grinstead, T Tunbridge Wells, to

Crowborough, then on to Lewes. It went Eastbourne today and excel as

well. It heads is a Hastings this evening wear it will stop tonight

on the stage. Every torchbearer that has been involved as they roam

unique story for why they have been chosen. The former stuntman Eddie

Kidd he was severely injured in a motorbike accident was one of the

people who carried the torch in He is used to performing in front

of crowds. The day was no exception. His injuries prevented him from

Roland -- when the final leg, but there would have been few prouder

torchbearers and heading keyed. reminds me of my wedding day! I am

really proud. Fearless and charismatic. Back in the 80s, Eddie

Kidd's daredevil exploits made him a household name. The accident

which ended his career made his appearance today very special.

it is amazing what he has done for charity. Running the marathon as

well. It is fantastic. He is a great man. It is because of Eddie

Kidd rather than the Olympics, to be honest! The Olympic flame is all

about fortitude, perseverance and pride. Who better to carry it than

Eddie Kidd? I helped finish of holding the torch for him. He loves

it. It was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. He has people -- has had

people coming over from America, from Scotland and Wales, to cheer

him on. It has been emotional. I am trying not to cry. I have come from

America to support Eddie. I have known him for 25 years. This is a

wonderful event. I used on my air miles because it is worth it.

Completing the London Marathon was a remarkable feat, but today was

memorable as well. I was there when he was doing the marathon as well,

along the way and at the end. I had seen him do some fantastic things.

He has a surge in his strength that he is incredible. For a man used to

defying gravity, his journey with a torch is far from spectacular. He

has been looking forward to it for months and it made a great deal to

him and others. That does seem to be a running

theme. People are moved by the stories of the torchbearers. It is

about three minutes behind schedule. We will be back here to greet it

when it comes into this -- the Stade.

In other news Corp, the UK Border Agency has come under fire for

having cuts too many staff too quickly. A report from the

Government's spending watchdog said it has had to hire extra people in

order to meet demand. The performance in the South East is

dipping due to staff shortages. They are the frontline of the fight

to keep the South East sake. They are gearing up for an influx of

rivals for the Olympics, but staff on our borders admit that times are

tough. We have found an increasing pressure on our frontline members

come on customers -- customs staff to help with immigration. There are

not enough people to do did jobs properly. By this April, the number

of staff had dropped by 2000 people. That is 1000 more than planned in a

rush to cut costs. The Immigration Minister inspecting border controls

told me that budget reductions could be successfully managed.

can always look at your systems and work them differently. Can you cut

20% and still keep borders secure? Yes, absolutely, and not just as

secure as they were before, but more secure. The National Audit

Office says that an increase of technology and an intelligence led

approach has been implemented in a piecemeal manner without evaluating

its potential impact. One of the things they begin to cut costs was

letting people go. That number has run ahead of plan, leaving them

with problems and inefficiencies. It is a real concern. There have

been problems with G4S and we have had a lot of people coming into the

country through airports and through the port of Dover. We need

to make sure that immigration controls have and have people to

work on them to manage the influx of people. The coming days will

prove the real test. Simon is live now in Dover. That is

some strong criticism for the UK Border Agency. What has been the

response? We asked to speak to the Immigration Minister, but we were

told his diary was full. We also wanted to speak to somebody from

the Border Agency, but nobody was available. The Home Office has said

that it recognises its challenges, but that it is already saved a huge

amount of money for the taxpayer and that it is changing the way it

is working. The board aspect of the Border Agency, the people who check

cars and Czech immigrants, is being sped off to make the board up force.

Music is playing behind me in preparation for the torch arriving

here tomorrow evening in Dover. In the run-up to the Games, the Border

Agency says it will be working with the ferry companies and the port

and also with the police to make sure that things go off safely.

Insiders have told the they are taking on extra staff for the

Olympic period. The big concern is what happens immediately after the

Games. Thank you very much.

Soldiers from Kent have been drafted into provide extra security

for the Olympics. The Ministry of Defence says that soldiers from the

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders based in Canterbury have already

taken at their new duties, just one week after the union was told it

was effectively being disbanded because of defence cuts. An extra

3,500 defence personnel are needed for the Games after G4S failed to

recruit and train enough staff to The people being blamed for driving

dairy farmers out of business are to be questioned by MPs today. Last

week producers lobbied Parliament. The supermarket chain Asda and

Dairy Crest were among those being questioned today.

The ambulance service in Kent still isn't meeting all of its Government

response times according to information obtained by BBC South

East. Ambulances are supposed to reach the scene within eight

minutes in 75 percent of cases. In Sevenoaks, the figure is just 55

percent and across the county, five out of 13 areas fell below target.

Overall however the county showed an improvement on last year's

performance. The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley

is to investigate claims by Labour that NHS bosses in Sussex are

"rationing" cataract operations for elderly patients. The issue was

raised in the Commons by Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Burnham.

He's accusing Andrew Lansley of being the minister who is "cutting

the NHS - and not the deficit." I will respond in writing and put a

copy in the library in the house. But unlike her predecessors we will

not accept any blanket ban on treatment. Any treatment must be

clinically determined in the interest of patient.

Thousands of people have turned out to greet the Olympic flame as it

continues its journey to the Olympic Games through East Sussex.

Also tonight, Jools Holland is a doctor of boogie-woogie as the

University of Kent recognises his lifetime in music.

And if we have brought the sunshine to Hastings today. It is on the

breezy side. Join me for a full forecast later on.

Renowned pianist, broadcaster and writer Jools Holland has today

become Dr Jools. The University of Kent has recognised his long

contribution to music and the arts with an Honorary Doctorate of Music.

As Robin Gibson reports, Jools donned cap and gown and joined the

ranks of the graduates receiving their degrees in Rochester

Cathedral. He is an O B E eat and Deputy

Lieutenant of Kent. But you do not really associate Jools Holland with

pomp and circumstance like this. It is a great honour to have this

bestowed upon me. And my big concern, I could become so big-

headed that I would not get a hat to fit me. It is great to be year,

all these people work so hard to get their degrees and all I have

done is play a bit of will be will be! He is a musician, band leader,

presenter and writer and Kent castle owner, just like the man who

bestowed his degree today. And it turns out they have history.

said I know you, you live at Allington Castle. If I lived in

Newcastle when Henry VIII had come with his army, he knocked down the

walls of my castle and I want money in compensation! But we agreed it

was all over now! He told the graduates they had already shown

hard work and determination. He told them to love their work and to

be kind. In the last few minutes, we've been

able to chat with the comedian Eddie Izzard carrying the torch in

his home town of Bexhill. Eddie's used to a run, he recently ran 43

marathons in 51 days for charity. And he says it's a special thrill

to be an Olympic Torch bearer. It was a beautiful experience and

great to seek so many people coming out. I did not know there was going

to be so much excitement. You expect a little but everyone has

really joined in. So I think it is wonderful and great to run through

Bexhill, I know the place. It is a slightly shorter distance to what

you used to. How did it compare? did not really get into a sweat on

this one, it was more about waving and Swire -- and smiling. And we

have got a bus on a building might behind! This beautiful thing. That

is part of the Cultural Olympiad. It is the only town in the whole

world to have a bus on the building! No one has ever thought

of it. Time now to return to Hastings,

where Polly and a crowd of more than 3,000 people are waiting for

the arrival of the final Olympic torchbearer.

We have seen the ALF riders coming in, the bus that precedes the

torch-bearer has given up. And we understand it is somewhere along

the seafront. Some of those pictures coming in life, the crowds

have gathered here to see it of course. When it gets here that

torch-bearer will bring it up through the crowd, all the weight

up onto the stage. And the reason that the torch is here is because

the Olympic Games are imminent. That means the arrival of athletes

from all over the world. Athletes from all over the world have

travelled to training camps in Kent and Sussex, ahead of London 2012.

Just 10 days to go and athletes from around the world are making

the south-east their temporary home. One is the 100 metres swim or would

usually trains in Florida. But they have made Crawley their new

training base. It is raining but so far we have

adjusted pretty well. And there has been a welcoming spirit. It is

pretty solid support for a start. Benjamin from Paraguay is also

using the swimming pool in the Kent centre. He is impressed with the

facility. It is nice because we have a 50 metre pool, it is a shame

we do not have won in Paraguay. We came early to use that facilities

and get used to swimming in an Olympic pool.

10,000 miles away from home, the Australian sprinter is making the

most of what Tonbridge School has to offer. It is really exciting.

When we landed in London it really hit us. We saw some on the other

countries a ride as well. It is a long hard road to get here but it

is worth it. More than 20 centres are hosting international athletes

in South East. The last stop before they perform on the largest stage

on earth in front of the biggest audience.

We just have some Morris dancers along the route of the Olympic

torch! And the sun has been out all day but now the cloud is spreading

over Hastings. Thomas is here with the weather forecast.

It is great to beat in Hastings today. There has been a bit of

sunshine and there is no doubt that that the Olympic torch has helped

that the Olympic torch has helped burn away some of that a cloud!

Temperatures currently are in the high teens. And there will not be

much change in the next 12 hours or so. It will be quite humid

overnight. The temperatures probably around 14 or 15 degrees.

Now tomorrow, at the Olympic torch is going from Hastings all the way

to Ashford and then ending up in Dover. The weather is going to be

more or less the same, a bit of sunshine again and temperatures in

the high teens. The best weather will probably be in northern parts

of Kent. So on Thursday there will be some rain around across the UK.

There is the chance of catching some showers. Probably not too

heavy. And of course we have that next relay going all away from

Dover through Margate and into Maidstone. There is a possibility

of catching a shower in Maidstone. of catching a shower in Maidstone.

That is it, that is the weather. Well we're listening out for the

turrets of Fire theme tune which means that the torch will have a

right. -- Chariots of Fire. But in the meantime we have got some of

the torch bearers from today. Unless that and Kate. Vanessa, just

15 years old. You were in Tunbridge Wells? I will stop you there

because as a ABBA standard, but torch has arrived. -- as I

understand it. This is Keith, 57 years old. He was chosen for his

contribution to reviving English customs. Events that bring a lot of

visitors to the town. That is why he was nominated. He will now go up

onto the stage. That George eventually cannot withstand

temperatures of minus five and afforded degrees Celsius - chance

would be a fine thing! -- 40 degrees. It is amazing, I can

imagine how he's feeling seeing this crowd. He will have been

feeling nervous earlier, like I There it is, of the Olympic

cauldron. Let us have a quick chat now, how was it for you? You were

nominated because you had several operations recently on your legs.

But you were able to run today. was amazing, indescribable, really.

And to seek all these people cheering. It was a significant

moment for me. And Kate, tell us about your run today. That was in

Eastbourne. It was just amazing. When I got out of the coach all the

children were screaming. And they sang for me, it was wonderful.

are you going to do and with the torch now? Ivel put it on display,

in schools and different places. And you must have been very proud,

mum? I was very proud. The NHS paid for her to go to France and the

treatment has since the debt - has succeeded. To see her running

through the streets, it was just, I was crying! Let me tell you, if you

are in Hastings but he missed the torch today, tomorrow morning you

can catch a glimpse of it as it sets off from the Funicular Railway.

It then heads to Rye and Hamstreet and on to Ashford, before heading

to Hythe and Folkestone. Tomorrow's evening stop is in Dover. You've