28/11/2013 South East Today

Louise, thank you. That's all from the BBC News at Six.

Welcome to South East Today, I'm Natalie Graham. And I'm Rob Smith.

Tonight's top stories: Managers are facing the sack, unless they can

improve services at Kent's biggest hospital, after another critical

report. We want the leadership to up the

pace. If that is not the case, we can step in.

Her identity stolen seven times by fraudsters. The woman who fears her

entire future could be affected. Also in tonight's programme: Banning

the C word. An angry reaction from parents at

the primary school where children have been told it's too early to

mention Christmas. We're live in Gravesend with the

story. A grand sale. Brighton's famous

hotel is on the market. Hold on a second! Are you telling me

you walked out on my sister! Samantha Womack makes her pantomime

debut. Good evening.

A powerful NHS watchdog has warned managers at the Medway Maritime

Hospital that they'll be forced out, unless they take urgent action to

improve services for patients. The Medway NHS Foundation Trust was put

in special measures in the summer. But the watchdog Monitor says the

problems there are even more serious than it first realised, and the

trust is failing to address poor performance in accident and

emergency, and maternity services. Charlie Rose has the details.

More troubling times for this hospital, with warnings today from

the health sector regulator that managers could be forced out unless

patient services are improved. There are opportunities where they could

do better. Within the maternity services, the trust needs more staff

to help women. In accident and emergency, to make sure those who

can be seen quickly are done so. Today's news caps off a difficult

year for the foundation trust. In May, managers launched an

investigation after a senior consultant claimed accident and

emergency services were dangerously unsafe. Two months later, the trust

was put into special measures by the government after an investigation

into higher than average death rates. Just last month, a damning

report found a shortage of midwives and a lack of equipment was putting

the safety of mothers and babies at risk. I'm not really surprised.

Everyone is struggling with financial costs. So, if they need

more managers, so be it. Judging by the accident and emergency

experience we have had, a couple of months ago, we could have been up

here all day. In the past couple of times, it has literally been a

couple of hours. You hear horror stories like that for other people,

but with ourselves, we have no problems. I am very grateful for my

treatment it must be said. If things do not turn out in the time still

put forward by the government which applies to every hospital in special

measures, then those responsible for running the hospital will have their

positions because they did. The trust said it acknowledged the need

for a new clinical strategy. Charlie joins us from Chatham. What

else have the Medway NHS Foundation Trust said tonight, Charlie?

It goes without saying that this is not the sort of news that trust

wanted to hear. We did ask for an interview but they were only able to

give a statement. They say things have improved and are improving,

with more front line staff and fewer workers going sick. What they have

been told to do is to make a good plan and stick to it or face changes

in management. There will be another inspection in spring.

A Kent woman says she's had her identity stolen seven times to set

up fraudulent payday loans and phone contracts, and even to open a bank

account with her name. Zoe Collins, from Canterbury, says it's had a

disastrous effect on her credit rating, and fears it will affect her

future. Kent Police are investigating, as Simon Jones

reports. Zoe Collins knew something was wrong

when Bill after Bill arrived, demanding hundreds of pounds. Very

worried, very stressful. It was starting to affect my work, I was

getting phone calls every day, letters through the post. I did not

know what to do. She believes someone who knows her used

information they had gleaned, applying online rather than in

person. It is relatively easy these days because the online world has

changed the dynamics of business. A great opportunity for people to do

things differently, and offenders have found new ways of working. An

advantage of shopping online and banking online is you don't have to

be seen. 7% of the UK population have been victims of identity fraud,

identity related crimes account the 65% of all fraud recorded. The

average loss to each victim is over ?1000. Zoe said, when she notified

one of the companies and the count had been fortunately set up in her

name, she asked for reassurance it had been closed down. Only to be

told, we can't tell you because you are not the one who set it up. I

felt like the criminal. They couldn't tell me. A loan was taken

up in her name with one company which said it took action to resolve

the situation. And account was opened with a phone company but they

say they cleared the balance when it became apparent it was fraudulent.

And BT are investigating another instance. The advice is to protect

your details as best you can. In a moment: For 27 years, he's been

an unsung hero. Tonight, athletics coach Nigel

Bongers gets the recognition he deserves.

Pupils at a Kent school have been told they may be punished if they

talk about Christmas in the classroom. The head teacher of

Whitehill Primary in Gravesend has branded it "the C word". She says

children shouldn't mention Christmas in November, because it's not on the

curriculum until next month. Our reporter Fiona Irving joins us

outside the school. This really has angered some of the parents there,

Fiona? Yes, by now, adults and children are

getting excited about Christmas. The adverts on TV, the Christmas lights

have been turned on. Some people even have their Christmas trees up.

But not here at Whitehill Primary School. They are talking about

stockings `` talking about Christmas may lead to punishment.

It may only be November but, for many, the run up to Christmas is

well and truly underway. However, not at this primary School in

Gravesend. Mentioning the C word is banned.

We do say we're not talking about the C word, if it does pop up we're

not talking about it. But we also say we're not talking about Emma

Dell or David Beckhams nude tattooed. It is in the public domain

but keep Christmas slowly in The Selection Soley in December. We

teach at the appropriate time. Children who talk about Christmas in

class could be punished by losing their golden time. A policy which

has made some parents angry. Kids are excited about Christmas so why

should she put a downer on it. They have earned their golden time. It's

not right. They will lose all that time they have worked hard for all

week just because they have said the word Christmas. My kids haven't stop

talking about Christmas since September. It is bound to happen,

they all get excited. My cheek is up already. We put ours up in

mid`November. Parents have started a petition against the policy, but the

pupils I spoke to did not seem too concerned. I think it is very

reasonable, because, if we could say Christmas, then by the time it gets

to Christmas, it will be very boring. I don't really mind, I don't

talk about Christmas until it comes. So I'm not really bothered about it

until it comes. But I am excited. I think it is very fair. If you talk

about it lots, when it comes to Christmas, you will be very bored.

But in the last two weeks, you will be excited. But that excitement has

to be reined in. For a few more days.

Come the 1st of December, the beginning of Advent, the school says

the embargo will be lifted, and talk of the Nativity play Christmas

dinner will get into full swing. We've been out in Kent and Sussex

this afternoon to find out what you think.

It could be a distraction from lessons. But good teachers should be

able to encourage that and bring it out creatively in lessons.

Disgraceful, they are only children once in their life. They seem to be

two grown`up these days with technology, so let them have one

little thing. When my children were young, I never put the Christmas

tree up until Christmas Eve. I would rather Christmas came when it should

be there. The grandchildren want to mention Christmas in June if they

can. I know it is a cliche, but until December. Anything before that

I don't think is allowed. I think Christmas should come earlier and

every day! We'd love to know what you think. Is

the head teacher right to try to stop children from talking about

Christmas in November? Join the debate on Facebook and

Twitter. Or send us an email to the usual address. We'll hear your views

later in the programme. The BBC understands that a former

Gillingham player is one of the six men arrested as part of an

investigation into match`fixing investigation. 33`year`old Delroy

Facey spent one season at Priestfield, in 2007. The suspects

are being held as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into a

suspected international betting syndicate.

A female driver has been taken to hospital in Brighton, following a

collision with a police car. The crash happened in Hove at 3pm this

afternoon. Brighton and Hove City

looking to cut almost ?24 million from its budget for 2014 to 2015.

The council is due to set out its spending plans tomorrow, but a

leaked document has revealed that services for elderly people, and

vulnerable adults are likely to be among the hardest hit.

We face huge pressures which are out of our control. The first is the

relentless reduction in government grants the coalition government are

imposing on all councils. The second one is the changing nature of our

population. That is creating growing demand for our services,

particularly adult social care, social services, child protection

issues. Our political editor Louise

Stewart's with me in the studio. So, the council leader's saying they

have to make these savings because of cuts in funding. What more do we

know about where these cuts will hit?

I have got the leaked document here actually. It estimates adult social

care services will have to save ?6 million every year for the next

three years. It says 90% of adult social care is already being avoided

more cheaply in the private sector. This document doesn't mince its

words. It says if the proposals are accepted, some services and staff I

know this is a leaked document, but has there been any reaction yet?

Will be reduced. No formal announcement until

tomorrow but the unions say the council needs to look at different

ways to generate income. If the council could generate more

income. Its in`house refuse service, we could be providing collecting

commercial waste which would bring income into the city council. That

money could be offset in that service or adult social care.

The council will discuss these proposals on Thursday. No decision

will be made until February. The council is stressing they want to

protect front line services. This is our top story tonight: A

powerful NHS watchdog has warned managers at the Medway Maritime

Hospital that they'll be forced out, unless they take urgent action to

improve services for patients. The Medway NHS Foundation Trust was

put in special measures in the summer. But Monitor says the

problems there are even more serious than first realised.

Also in tonight's programme: It survived the Brighton bomb.

Now, the Grand Hotel is up for sale. Coming up later, I will be talking

to you about my stint in panto. Now it's time to reveal the BBC

South East Today Sports Unsung Hero for 2013, celebrating the kind of

person who does the hard work behind the scenes at our grassroots sports

clubs, but rarely receives any plaudits. You sent us your

nominations. And this year's winner is Nigel Bongers who's spent almost

three decades as a coach at Holland Sports Athletics Club in Oxted.

Forget the glamour of the Olympics. This is what grassroots sport is all

about. Despite the gloom of a chilly November evening, dozens of aspiring

athletes flock to their local track thanks, largely, to the

inspirational contribution of 62`year`old Nigel Bongers.

He not only works a full`time job, but comes here week in, week out,

does marshalling at the weekend, takes the kids to extra training. He

has a special needs school which come here to train. All the kids

love him. Nigel has been coaching for 27 years

at the club, which now boasts 310 regular members, of all ages. And he

volunteers more than 18 hours a week, plus weekend competitions

during the summer. I just love it. I have worked very

long hours, but it is amazing, it revitalises me at the end of a very

long day. Nigel's perseverance and dedication

have kept the club going during difficult times.

This club would not exist without Nigel. He is everything that is

here, he has fought for this. The long jump, the high jump,

everything is from him. It is out of his pure kindness and love for the

sport. Nigel is great. He is really

enthusiastic. The first time I came here, I was the slowest person here.

Now I'm near the front. The enthusiasm of the youngsters he

coaches has rubbed off, and Nigel still regularly competes himself.

But he admits his real satisfaction comes from helping others to achieve

their best. Congratulations to Nigel who will

now represent the South East at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year

ceremony, which is being broadcast live on BBC One at 7.40pm on Sunday

the 15th of December. It's got over 70 rooms, with a sea

view in the centre of Brighton. But, to buy the large city centre

property which has just come on the market, you'll have to find ?50

million. The Grand Hotel, one of the most expensive places to stay in

Brighton, and a survivor of the 1984 IRA bomb, is up for sale. Piers

Hopkirk is outside it now. Piers, it really is a landmark building.

Unquestionably, a landmark that is newly lit up for Christmas, and

newly in the estate agent window. ?50 million is the price tag that

this hotel with its rich history. A name that is synonymous with one

night in particular back in 1984. The explosion came just before three

o'clock. Most of the residents were asleep. Some were still socialising

as the hotel was ripped apart. It is a name still tainted by tragedy.

Three decades ago, this Sussex landmark became the target for an

assassination attempt on a grand scale. Now, a new chapter beckons as

it goes on sale. The asking price, ?50 million. The hotel will be 150

years old in July 2014. it has been around 150 years, it

will be around a lot longer. But I do believe an investor will come

along, by the property, want to take it to the next stage. It has been

owned by the revered group. And Lloyds TSB. Lloyds has been looking

to divest itself of assets and sell this. This is a tiny sale. Anyone

buying it is buying a good property from people who need to get rid of

it. Brighton, new and sophisticated. Playground of the

South. The focal point, the Grand Hotel, built in 1864, built in 1864,

eight H with a rich history in real life, and in fiction. `` a hotel.

From a star turn as a bellboy in Quadra Feeney. `` Quadrophenia.

Richard Attenborough in a Graham Greene classic. Now, up for grabs, a

substantial slab of Brighton Rock. The company says it is selling the

Grand Hotel because it doesn't fit in its current portfolio of hotels

which have golf courses. This is one facility it lacks. ?50 million will

buy you no fewer than 201 bedrooms. Crawley Town have appointed their

chief scout Martin Hinshelwood, and senior player Gary Alexander, as

their interim management team while they look for a successor for Richie

Barker. He was sacked yesterday, after a run of seven League One

matches without a victory. Neil Bell has the details.

18 months ago, when Richie Barker took over, their rise from obscurity

to league one contender was in full swing. Times and finances have

changed. This goalless draw made it seven games without a win. And

proved to be his last game in charge. Was he under pressure to

sell players? No, no. I can categorically deny any suggestion he

has been told to sell players. Its immediate destiny lies in the hands

of striker Gary Alexander and chief scout Martin Hinstelwood. It's not a

nice thing to do. It means someone has lost their job. When the club

asked you to step in, you are employed by that club, I have

enjoyed my time here. Speculation on the next permanent manager has

begun. Steve Cotterill is the favourite. Martin Allen is in the

frame. Steve Coppell would be popular with some. The start of any

new managerial reign is an exciting time in itself. You tend to see an

upsurge in form with new appointments. We hope that will be

the case. The priority for whoever takes over could be a bit of

shooting practice for a site that has scored just once in a month.

At the moment, she's probably best known for role as Ronnie Mitchell in

EastEnders. But actress Samantha Womack is swapping Walford for the

more genteel surroundings of Canterbury for the next few weeks.

She's performing in panto, alongside the Kent actor Phil Gallagher who

anyone under the age of ten will know much better as children's TV

star Mr Maker. Claudia Sermbezis has been to see them in rehearsal at the

Marlowe Theatre. Rehearsing the grand finale today,

this is Samantha Womack's first panto. She has filled once the TV

but never spent this is doing a season. It is a throwback to the

traditional panto where'd the writing is really smart, very

funny. Something for everybody. It is cheeky, naughty, visually

beautiful. Half happy fairy is far from the gloom of Albert Square. She

is not able to forget it as the characters constantly referred to

Ronnie. I don't care, you stay away from him! The main thing is any time

I say something silly, the East End as music comes from above. I get

cross with it throughout the play. First, get the fishmonger to kill

the crabs for you. She is also known for her role in this drama. And she

sang in the Eurovision Song Contest when she was 17.

In the days when I did it, we thought coming 10th was terrible.

Now, it is brilliant. It proves, if you wait long enough, you do reign

supreme. Like all good pantos, this stars people children know and love.

We are in Brazil. Mr Maker is such a hit it showed in over 100 countries.

It is amazing. Everybody around the world loves to make things, likes to

get creative. It is a show little ones can watch, but also parents as

well. In the panto, he plays Jack's silly brother, Billy. I love

pantomime, it makes Christmas. The atmosphere, the audience the most

amazing time. Born and bred in the county, he is a big fan of

Gillingham Supporters Club. The panto opens tomorrow.

Back now to one of tonight's top stories: The pupils at a Gravesend

primary school, who've been warned they could face punishment if they

talk about Christmas in the classroom. The head teacher of

Whitehill Primary School has branded it "the C word", saying children

should not mention Christmas in November, because it's not on the

curriculum. That's angered many parents. We asked for your views.

Thanks for your comments. Kevin Mason says he fully agrees

with the school, it is 12 days of Christmas but consumerism has made

it the 12 weeks of Christmas. People blaming adverts, Suzanne says

that is why children talk about Christmas because it is everywhere.

But it is not their fault. Peter God says since when were kids

banned from talking about anything at school? Let them have their

childhood. Plenty of people saying the

headteacher is right. Pauline says Advent starts in December.

Alex Dawson says that punishing kids are talking about stuff is wrong on

all levels. The headteacher said they don't want to talk about David

Beckham. Why should she decide what people want to talk about.

Becky says their nativity play will be poorly organised!

You can keep going on with the debate on our Facebook page.

Time now for the weather. Today, cloudy, a quiet picture,

milder. Tomorrow, it will be windy and cold. For the weekend, a little

bit of sunshine and showers as well. Today, a blanket of cloud, for

the most part, it has been a dull picture. Temperatures reaching 10

degrees. Like winds. Milder than the beginning of the week. Tonight, lots

of cloud around, temperatures staying very mild, dropping to five

degrees. Some mist and fog forming as well. The winds will pick up

through the night. Temperatures, six degrees. Tomorrow, you can tell from

the isobars, in windy picture. A cold front, patchy rain, overcast.

Behind it, some sunshine, some showers, temperatures up to 10

degrees but because we have this north`westerly breeze at 15 mph, it

will feel significantly cooler. Tomorrow night, staying frost free,

temperatures down to four degrees. Lots of cloud around, showers as

well. At the weekend, finally some sunshine on Saturday. Cloud on

Sunday. Mostly dry. Saturday, an area of light `` high pressure will

build from the West. Temperatures around 10 degrees. High pressure

continues to build on Sunday, feeling milder. Nine degrees.

Before we go, congratulations to our special correspondent Colin

Campbell. He's been named Specialist Journalist Of The Year today, at the

EDF Energy Media Awards for London and the South of England, for his

investigative work, including a series of exclusive reports into

paedophile priests within the Church of England in Sussex.

That's all for now. Join us during the ten o'clock news. Until then,

have a good evening. Hello and welcome to the One Show

with Matt Baker. And Alex Jones You would think that tonight's guest

would try everything once. Well being the outdoor adventurer he is.

But not when it comes to his food. I don't like