10/01/2012 South Today

Hello, I'm Sally Taylor, welcome to south Today. In the programme:

Three people are injured after a helicopter crashes near a city

centre. There was one plan on the floor, he

looked unconscious, the other two were helping each other out.

Profits warning - Southampton Airport's biggest operator feels

the pinch as it faces challenging times.

Radyi for action - the first deployment of the navy's newest

class of Destroyer -- ready for action. Olympic triple gold

medallist Ben Ainslie reflects on that moment on the water Down Under.

25 years of racing at the highest level, I've never seen anything

like it. Very disappointing for all Three people have been injured, one

seriously, after a helicopter crashed in Salisbury. The

helicopter hit a tree and came down in churchfields industrial estate

just after 7.30am. People working nearby described seeing the

helicopter flying low before hearing a bang. Rachael's been at

the crash scene today and joins us from there now.

When paramedics and fire crews arrived on the scene this morning,

all three men had managed to get out of the helicopter. Two of them

were about where I'm standing now. Tonight, I can still smell the

aviation fuel. It's seeped into the ground around me. Above, the

branches have been sliced through by the row tar blades of the

helicopter. One police officer said today he thought it was amazing it

hadn't just burst into thraims on impact and everyone managed to get

out -- flames on impact and everyone managed to get out. The

emergency call came just after 9.30. People working nearby watched the

helicopter in trouble over these trees. He looked as if he was going

to land in the field at the back and then all of a sudden, the tail

end of the helicopter came up and he went down and sort of

counteracted it, then it disappeared and you heard the

engines cut out. It flipped over and tried to nose dive into the

ground. I don't know how the pilot managed to pull the nose back up

again. We saw the nose come back up, not horizontal, and then obviously

it thuded into the ground. pilot and his passengers, all men

in their 40s, had taken off from Bath this morning. As it came down,

onlookers from the Churchfield industrial estate clambered through

the woodland to help. There was a man on the floor, he

was unconscious, the other two were helping each other out of the

aircraft. All three were injured, one had a nasty gash on the hid.

There were people the other side of the river shouting fire, so we got

a fire extinguisher from the workshop and I did my best to put

the smoke out from the engine -- gash on the head. Two men were

airlifted to Southampton General Hospital. The third man was taken

to Salisbury district hospital in an ambulance. Police say the pilot

has a head injury and all three men have injuries to their back and

legs but police say it was remarkable no-one was killed.

been extensively damaged and we are amazed anyone's escaped, but we are

delighted that we have three people out of the aircraft and that

they're not seriously injured. Investigators have spent the day

here examining the crash scene and spooking to witnesses. But Sally,

what we still don't know this evening is where the helicopter was

heading, who was on board and what caused it to crash in the woodlands.

Three men have been charged with kofpb spiring to steal more than �2

million from the University of Sussex. Two men from Leicester aged

35 and 36, and a 33-year-old from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire are

accused of conspiring to steal in October 2010. It's alleged money

paid by the university for building work on new student accommodation

was unlawfully diverted to an unrelated account. The men appear -

- appeared in Magistrates Court today.

The biggest airline at Southampton Airport warned it's making

significantly less money today than it expected. Flybe's share price

dropped by a fifth and the airline said it was cutting flights. I'm

joined by our Transport Correspondent, Paul Clifton here in

the studio. Sounds serious? It is. This is a second profits warning

from Flybe. Why does that matter? Flybe is the overwhelmingly

dominant operator at Southampton Airport, operating three out of

four flights there. It serves 36 of the airports -- airport's 48 routes,

including the most particular services. Flybe says it's cut the

flights in the UK by 6prst this winter because of falling demand --

6%. Southampton Airport says it hasn't seen the level of drop-off

in demand that other airports have. What impact is it having? Fliebe

expanded rapidly for a decade, now it's selling off surplus planes

instead -- Flybe. The share price dropped today by 20% and it stands

a at a sixth of the value it reached a year ago. Analysts say it

won't turn a profit this year, Flybe itself describes business as

challenging, but it says it has a strong future in the long-term.--

Southampton Airport depends heavily on Flybe. So what does it say about

the health of the airports? People are feeling the pinch, flying less.

Partly that's due to the rising cost of fuel, pushing up fares.

It's also, according to the airlines down partly to increasing

taxation. Business travel's down a little, leisure travel is down more,

Bournemouth Airport's seen passenger numbers fall, though

Gatwick is doing very well. It's still growing. Transport is a key

indicator of the state of the economy. When it picks up, people

will go back to flying and travelling more. But in the short-

term, airports and airlines are facing a bumpy ride. One analyst

told me, don't expect a bounce back any time soon.

Thank you very much. A former Metropolitan police

officer living in Berkshire has been arrested on suspicion of

misconduct in public office and Data Protection Act offences. The

man is being questioned at a Thames Valley police station by

investigators from the Independent Police Complaints Commission. A

spokesperson said the arrest related to the alleged passing of

unauthorised information to a journalist.

Thousands of commuters were caught in traffic chaos during this

morn's's rush hour after a lorry spilled diesel along a 16 mile

route between Surrey and Hampshire. It began to leak from Farnborough

to Knaphill. It led to some accidents which caused some roads

to be closed. An investigation is under way.

Manipulative and devious, words used in court to describe the man

accused of murdering Hampshire pensioner Georgina Edmonds. The

prosecution claimed Matthew Hamlen tried to set up a false alibi for

the day the 77-year-old was beaten to death in January 2008. 33-year-

old from bishop Stoke denies murder. Georgina Edmonds was found dead.

Today a court was told a man accused of her murder tried to

concoct a false alibi. Police recorded Matthew Hamlen talking to

his mother while he was in police custody following his arrest in

Today, the court heard that Matthew Hamlen hadn't known Gary or Sarah

at the time of the murder. Michael BeausQC prosecuting said "What you

were doing was setting your mother up so see if she would go round and

see if Gary would do you a favour." "what you did was extremely

manipulative and devious". Hamlen said he'd never set his mother up.

He told the court "this was a private conversation with my mum."

he said at no point did he give police a false alibi. The

prosecution Saima thue Hamlen repeatedly stabbed Mrs Edmonds

before beating her to death with a rolling pin. -- -- say Matthew

Hamlen. The prosecutor said Mr Hamlen was not in a great place in

2008. Mr Hamlen said that wasn't the case and went on to say "I did

not kill Mrs Edmonds, I would not and could not do something like

that, you can twist the facts and figures however you like, but that

doesn't change the fact this wasn't me". The case continues.

Fireworks which shot into a crowd of spectators causing some minor

injuries at a Christmas festival were set up incorrectly due to

ambiguous instructions on the box according to the organisers. An

investigation was launched following the accident at the

Blandford Yuletide Festival in December in which six rockets went

off in the wrong direction. Dorset Trading Standards says it will

contact the manufacturers. The festival organisers will seek

additional advice for next year's event.

Stay with us because still to come: The cooperative workers toasting

their hopes for a business success. An investigation has started after

a fire damaged 11 cars on Portland. Firefighters were called overnight

following the blaze which broke out next to Inmosthay Quarry. Two

shipping containers, an empty horse box and mobile building were all

damaged in the fire. People who enjoy diving in the

waters off the Dorset coast have started a campaign to save the

search and rescue helicopter which is based at Portland. The

Department for Transport plans to concern trait south coast cover at

Lee on the Solent in Hampshire. Divers say lives are at risk and

they will take their message to the Prime Minister tomorrow.

The waters around Weymouth and Dorset are a Mecca for divers with

200 wrecks within 20 miles. Even in January, expert divers like Nigel

Holder have no hesitation in setting out, secure in the

knowledge that the coastguard helicopters are close at hand if he

gets into difficulty, as they have done in the past. A diver suffering

from decompression sickness, the injuries are dependent on time. The

longer you leave it, the worse the injuries, so the quick response is

very important. On one occasion, we had a lady who I was diving at the

time with her, she said that she couldn't move her legs and she was

losing her sight. The helicopter was there within five minutes.

year, 45 divers were taken to the decompression chamber at Poole. The

current plan is for ten helicopters stationed equally around the coast.

But divers argue they should be placed where they are needed most.

With a quarter of Britain's total helicopter resources coordinated by

Brixham, Portland or Lee-on-Solent, the Dorset MP Richard Drax believes

a quarter of the resources should be available. We had a diver swept

around Portland who, some would say, might have been drowned or lost for

longer had it not been for the fact the helicopter was there within

minutes. Tomorrow he'll make his case directly to the Prime Minister.

The Department of Transport says the plan to shut Portland and RAF

Bulmer in the north-east will not compromise safety. Recently, they

spent �5 million on the new coastguard centre which will have a

high profile during the Olympics. It's not just the divers worried

about rescue cover, with plans for a new ferry service from Weymouth

to France and huge offshore windfarms in the pipeline as the

cuts take effect, the demand for the helicopter services is rising.

Part of the M4 near Reading will be closed tonight to undergo essential

maintenance. Work will be carried out where the motorway crosses the

river Lodden between junctions 10 and 11. Diversions will be in place

between 10 and 5.30 tomorrow morning.

A new chapter in the history of the Royal Navy will begin tomorrow when

HMS Daring sets sail for the Middle East. It's the first time one of

the navy's new �1 billion Type-45 Destroyers has been sent on an

operational deployment. It comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf.

There have been hundreds of last- minute jobs for the crew of HMS

Daring as the countdown continues to the start of her voyage to the

Middle East. It's the first time one of the navy's new Type-45

Destroyers is going on an operational deployment. It comes

after months or training and testing, much of it revolving

around the ship's sophisticated radar and missile system.

I think everyone's really excited. It's been such a big build-up and

workup to get to this point. Everyone's keen to get going to do

what they've been trained for. key part is that this is Daring, it

feels special to be part of it because of that fact, she's the

first of the class, the first of the deployment. The Ministry of

Defence is describing it as a routine deployment, but it comes

against a background of increased tensions in the Middle East with

Iran threatening to close the straits of Hormuz, a vital artery

for oil shipments. Events can unfold rapidly, as we saw with

Libya last year, so I wouldn't put any money or what may or may not

happen. We are deploying on a routine operation but are ready for

anything. The navy is getting six Type-45s, each costing �1 billion.

The ships were built in huge sections, the front end constructed

in Portsmouth. All the parts were assembled on the Clyde in Scotland.

HMS Daring first arrived in Portsmouth on a cold misty morning

in January 2009. Tomorrow she leave force the warmth

and sunshine of the Middle East. She'll be aware -- away for seven

months. HMS Daring leaving Portsmouth

tomorrow. A project to try to stop rare wildlife being destroyed on

Portland in Dorset has just been launched. Portland in Peril aims to

halt an alien plant invasion. It's being funded with hundreds of

thousands of pounds from the landfill tax.

Experts from Dorset Wildlife Trust are on Safari, making their way

through disused quarries on Portland. But it's not big gain

they're after, it's something much more down-to-earth. Jess and John

are wanting to seek out and destroy a common garden plant which has

gone wild and which is smuggling natural habitats which are

important for rare species, such as the Common blue, Adonis blue and

Chalkhill blue butterflies. You can see this has gone back in. We need

to cut that again. It's growing like a car pet... Money for the

project was awarded by a company that distributes money from the

landfill tax. Sam from Dorset Wildlife Trust says

these garden escapees have become far too successful. We have the

limestone grass with the plant here slowly establishing. As it becomes

more carpet-like, in the end, we end up with a growth pattern that's

much more like a doormat where it's completely blocked out everything

underneath it. The disused quarries on Portland are truly a very

special place. The ultimate aim is to attract many more green tourists

here, creating long-term and sustainable local employment. But

for now, there's an awful lot of plants to cut and prune.

Those of you who enjoy a drink may have had a tipple over the holidays

and decided to give up booze for January. Of course, you could go

another way. How about owning a brewery? The Cooperative has been

set up to run a micro-brewery in stening and it's looking for

members. The men sipping at the round table hope to create some

legendary ale. If you have a taste for beer and suspect you have a

brewer's touch, they want to hear from you. They formed a Cooperative

to run a brewery and they are looking for members. Somebody who's

got a bit of time, prepared to invest a few hundred pounds and is

enthusiastic about local beers. They can spend the odd afternoon

here and there when they've got the time and contribute to making

something that's good to drink. This is where the magic happens,

the Adur wp valley Cooperative has taken over a micro-brewery -- Adur

Valley Cooperative. The Co-op is ready to go into full production

soon and there's an open day this weekend at the brewery to show

potential members what's involved. All but one is a man with a beard.

Women need not apply or should apply? If they like their drink,

they are more than welcome to apply. They don't need a beard? No.

Cooperative says despite challenging financial conditions,

the cask ale market is growing and the brewery aims to expand its

customer base beyond Sussex. What one word would you associate

with the beer you are creating? Flavour. Relaxation Happiness.

Pleasure. Company. Joy. ALL: Cheers...

Tough times to open a Cooperative but to keep it going, but good luck

to them. Tony is here with the sport. Been Ainsley in a moment?

Yes, a big announcement about his racing team which I'll tell you

about in a moment. It's the 2 chance we have had to speak to him

since the remarkable incident at the World Championships in Perth.

He got on the press boat didn't he? He was so angered by the actions of

the press boat in getting too close to him that there he was getting in

the water, had a go at the boat then jumped back, got disqualified

and wasn't a great moment for him. Many said it was out of character?

It was, but gave you an insight into what a fearsome competitor and

how serious he takes it. Interesting. Yes, it was

interesting to see the reaction, he's got to find out if he'll face

any sanction, but he had another big announcement today. Aiming to

become Britain's most successful Olympian on sailing isn't enough

for him, he's planning to put Britain back on the map in the

America's Cup. He announced a new team which will take to the water

this year. He spoke at length about that incident with the press boat

at the World Championships in December too.

Ben Ainslie has helped Britain rule the wave force a decade. His

Olympic exploits have ensured legendary status. In an Olympic

year, he's looking beyond the Games and fixing his sights on the

greatest sailing event of them all. The Americas Cup has a great

heritage in sailing and history and the moves they've made from mono

holes to multi-holes, much more exciting boats, the course and the

race is shorter and it makes the boats more physical to sail.

Ainslie racing will enter the Americas Cup World Series, an

exhibition series designed to attract interest in the main

Americas cup. He will also link up with the

Oracle team for their defence of the cup next year. Long-term,

Ainsley could spearhead a British attempt to win the cup back.

To compete in the America's Cup World Series, that is relatively

expensive -- inexpensive. We hope to test water and hope to build the

team up to be a viable, successful challenger. Upper most are the

Olympics in Portland and Weymouth and his outburst in Perth last

month suggested the pressure is on. It was very, very unfortunate and

obviously I regret what happened but absolutely in 25 years of

racing at the highest level I've never seen anything like it and

very disappointing for everyone concerned. A tribunal sits next

month to decide what, if any sanction Ainsley could face, but it

will be an unwelcome distraction in a big year. Certainly a big year

for Ben Ainslie in. An hour exSussex will play their first

match of the Caribbean 2020 tournament in Antigua. Tonight,

they play the Netherlands. Last year, Hampshire reached the

final and Sussex are looking forward to the challenge.

Bit of an unknown really. We've not played for three months outdoors.

People have been training hard in the winter. It will be a good test

to see where we are. A few good results and hopefully we can get

through to finals day. We have a lot of young players, a

lot of people to show what they can do. 2020 is a big part of the

English diet now and to give some game time to players who wouldn't

naturally get it, that will be really positive for the future of

the club. We'll show you some moments from their opening match

tomorrow. If you want to listen to the game though, there's commentary

on the official website. January is the transfer window in which many

of our football clubs are busy recruiting players and Bournemouth

are hot on the trail of Tubbs. Tubbs had two bids dismissed.

Crawley are top of League Two. Poole Pirates have signed the

biggest sponsorship deal in history. They go into this season as

defending league champions after reclaiming the crown last year. The

three-year deal with local firm Coastal Aluminium will enable the

club to move forward with continuity, according to promoter

Matt Ford. Tomorrow night, Brian Thompson will be talking to us,

back from his round the world voyage.

Extraordinary feat that is, fabulous.

On to the weather now. Last night, you were saying that you walked a

possible five feet from your house to your car? Yes. And thought, my

goodness, it's mild. I don't think I put a coat on. It's a degree

milder than yesterday. I'll pay more attention to you tonight.

want a scarf by the weekend. your thermals yes, if you are out

doing football. He won't make the doing football. He won't make the

walk! It's getting cold! Certainly is, yes. Lovely pictures

though. Carole Fornachon captured the moon before the sun rose in

Dorset and Chris Waite took this picture of a lovely calm sea for

the moment, but limited brightness in Lepe in Hampshire.

Last one from Grahame Howard who captured two blue tits in Weymouth.

Very mild temperatures at the moment. It turns colder Friday

onwards. This is what is happening with the temperatures. Above

seasonal afternoon at the moment, but dipping below on Friday. --

above seasonal average at the moment. Below freezing by Friday

and Saturday. Enjoy the mild temperatures today and tomorrow.

Mild and cloudy tonight. A lot of cloud cover with some breaks. We

could have the odd isolated frost pocket where the skies stay clear

for the longest period. A mild start tomorrow. A better day than

today. More sunshine. The cloud should break up by the afternoon.

One or two mist and fog patches first thing, but temperatures very

like today will rise above 10 so 10-12 still above the seasonal

average, 5-6 above the norm and more cloud tomorrow night. A repeat

performance of tonight. We hold on to the cloud cover, one or two

clear spells. A spot of drizzle for western areas and temperatures down

to around 7-9. It is all change on Thursday. The day will start on a

mild note and high pressure still remains in charge. Once this cold

front sinks south and eastwards, the air behind it will be a lot

clearer. There will be cooler air coming in from the north, so a

cooler feel to things, Thursday night onwards. Frosty on Friday.

Maybe some mist and fog patches first thing, but it's an improving

picture. Lovely sunny conditions and lovely on Saturday, although

there may be more cloud on Saturday than Friday and this is what is out

in the wings. There is a little uncertainty to this weather front

which will head towards us on Sunday. Maybe some wintry showers

on the cards. One or two sunny spells will develop tomorrow after

a cloudy start. The rain heads south on Thursday, behind it the

cooler air and frosty starts on Friday and Saturday. Getting nippy!

Winter's coming! Well, for the weekend anyway. Tomorrow, very

excited because Warhorse is out at the moment. Sunday night Leicester

Square, they got the horse on the red camp et. We'll do our take on

it tomorrow, not a three-hour version but two interesting stories,

one tomorrow night, both horses are called Warrior, had a huge role in