16/03/2012 Spotlight

The care of vulnerable children which could be handed over to

private sector companies. Critics have raised concerns that it is a

slow break-up of the NHS. Also tonight: the moment mass was

interrupted. The protest over a Catholic Church letter condemning

same-sex marriages. They were saying that marriage cannot exist

for same-sex couples and I thought that is a stepped too far.

And transforming a Cornish town from this to this. The ambitious

plan to regenerate Hayle. There is a growing row over plans

that could see core NHS services for children in Devon run by

private companies. Firms such as Virgin Care and Serco are in the

running. If they are successful they will look after services for

some of the most vulnerable children. They include palliative

nursing for Phil children, held visiting and respite care for those

with disabilities. Critics are warning this is a sign for things

to come with the NHS being slowly broken up.

Samuel is severely autistic. He has been having respite care since he

was 10. The funding has been provided by Devon County Council

but Sam's mum could is worried this could mean changes. I am worried we

will not get the funding we get now because it is hard enough at the

moment. I would be worried at the funding will be cut even more and

there would be less opportunities for children to have respite in the

south-west. Three groups have been shortlisted to takeover the

services - two private companies, Virgin Care and Serco are working

with Cornwall partnership NHS Trust and the third is Devon NHS

Partnership Trust, working with charities Barnardo's, young Devon

and in to serve. NHS Devon says the aim is to deliver the best care.

This work is about getting the right range of services in place

for children, families and young people in Devon. We have taken time

and trouble to see what has worked well with services and what needs

to be improved for the future and we are confident that we can make

some improvements going for forwards. They say one of the

reasons for tendering out services is to make it easier for parents to

get the right help for their children. However, not everyone is

convinced. Unions have condemned the Moon's. The health minister

told me today this is not the case and the NHS will not be privatised.

It has taken up a long time to build that care for Sam. It has

taken quite a long time. winning bid will be allowed --

announced in July but for Always the uncertainty continues.

A choirmaster has apologised for disrupting a Catholic church

service as the priest was about to read a letter condemning same-sex

marriages. David Haines stood up and started filming the priest and

posted the film on the Internet. This was the moment during last

Sunday's Mass at Our Lady and St Patrick's when the priest was due

to read out a letter from two archbishops are criticising

government plans to legalise same- sex marriages. The video was taken

by her local musician, David Haines, who said he felt compelled to act

against the Catholic Church's opposition to gay marriage. They

have not got the right to define for the whole world what marriage

is all is not. I think it is about time that people started being just

a little bit less respect for to the church and just saying, this is

not right, you do not have the right to say that. The letter from

the Archbishop of Westminster and Archbishop of Southwark rejects the

government's view that allowing same-sex couples to marry is a

matter of equality. Calling on Catholics to preserve the true

meaning of marriage. Another thing that is said is that this is just

about the couple. The couple who want to get married. It is not just

about the couple, the same-sex couple who want to get married.

This affects the whole of society. A today nobody from Our Lady and St

Patrick's has been available for comment. But David Haines says

while he regrets interrupting a religious service, he hopes his

actions will encourage debate about same-sex marriages. Christianity is

about love and that isn't what it all boils down to. Maybe people get

things out of perspective and they get ideologies and orthodox is all

muddled up but they need to remember it is about love. Since

hitting the internet, the video has attracted thousands of comments

from both sides of the debate. A government consultation on the

issue is currently under way. Wildlife charities in the south-

west are stepping up their campaign to protect the environment as the

government tries to speed up the planning process and cut costs.

Today seven local groups called on their members to lobby MPs ahead of

next week's budget asking for reassurances that rare habitat will

not be sacrificed in the race to build homes and create jobs.

Under see beds in Cornwall. Rare and endangered animals such as the

dormouse and Democrat calls off the coast. To some these are all rare

and precious commodities, worthy of the highest protection. But the

Chancellor has already highlighted what he says is a ridiculous

situation where dredging cannot take place to expand the port

because of protected birds. We need to go further to remove the delays

and high costs of the current system, renewed time limits on

applications and responsibilities for consultations and to make sure

the gold plating of rules on things like Habitat are not placing

Widdecombe has cost on British business. South-west wildlife

organisations are worried many protections for wildlife could be

under threat from government. main point is not the names of the

laws, but this is the most important pieces of law protecting

our most important wildlife heritage and if it is not protected

we will not get it back. This is East Devon, a specialised habitat,

and open area of heathland where red then the rain forest. It is the

kind of area which the RSPB is keen to protect. Tony from the RSPB is

one of those leading the campaign against what is perceived to be a

government attack on the countryside for the benefit of

business. The crucial thing with us is trying to strongly encouraged

the government simply to accept that the environment is not a

barrier to economic success and to proceed on that basis. South-west

wildlife organisations have never campaigned together like this

before and they are lobbying hard ahead of the budget. Deaf friend

told us a review of the habitat and birds directors announced by the

Chancellor will report later this month and DEFRA says it supports

conservation measures. Organisation say it is crucial the Chancellor

reaffirms his support also. More on this from our political

editor. Strong words from the Chancellor but what does it mean in

practice? The Chancellor in that speech acknowledge that a lot of

these wildlife habitats are protected by European legislation.

The government cannot change those laws, it does not have the power to

do so but he does mention this gold plating, that is the idea that the

British government take a piece of European legislation and are making

stricter when they apply it. that happening? The Chancellor

obviously thinks it is, it is an accusation that has levelled at all

kinds of European lesson -- legislation. The RSPB says there is

no evidence this is happening and in some cases they are not being

fully applied. The government wants to make changes to these rules that

some think are threatening the environment. That hinges on how you

interpret how the government says it wants to do. It is trying to

introduced sustainable development which would make it easier to build

houses and remove obstacles to housebuilding but at the same time,

ministers insist this is not a threat to the countryside. It is

facing formidable bodies of opposition which disagree. Most

people consider will the countryside bootable. -- beautiful

force stop the body which promotes tourism in Devon is being axed

because of the lack of money. changes to visit Devon, as the most

recent figures show the number of people taking a holiday in Devon,

Cornwall and Dorset fell by 8%. The figures also show that total

spending dropped by 7%, only day- trips show sign of growth. The

tourism season is only weeks away and there is concern these changes

could cause problems for the industry.

Bikes for hire, this business is quiet now. What keeps it turning

over, a high-spending summer tourists. We have a very small

window where we need to make as much money as we can in a small

period to be able to stay open all year and keep the staff's wages

coming in, so it is important for us. But the body that promotes and

markets do then is being shut down. Visit Devon is being wound up with

individual firms expected to play more of the will attracting

holidaymakers. The stakes are high. Tourism generates �2 billion a year

for the county, a 10th of the Devon economy. You say it is a strange

time to be making changes, I say it is the right time to be making

changes. It is reflecting what the business sector say what they want

and with an important year coming up, the Olympics, all the tourism

from that. Margaret is at the sharp end of tourism. She has won a small

B and B. She does not know much about the is and Devon and whether

or not it has helped her. It has been very quiet this winter. But we

do our best. Hope beat a bit of sunshine, people come to Exmouth by

DC. Others are worried. The market is struggling at the moment, a lot

of small businesses need help in marketing their product and I think

it is all of those things come together at a bad time. The new

body is called the Devon Tourism Partnership. It will give firms a

greater say in marketing. The question is, can it afford it as

Devon cannot afford to fail. Just a reminder we are taking a

look at the wider south-west Plenty still ahead, including:

The sports that may be missing out from the Olympic legacy.

And after opening an orphanage in Africa, a teacher brings a massive

Multi-million pound plans to regenerate Hayle have cleared a

crucial planning hurdle, much to the delight of community leaders.

The South Quay development is the first part of a �200 million

project which could bring much- needed investment and hundreds of

jobs to west Cornwall. The regeneration of Hayle harbour

has not just been a story, it has been a saga. This was the sole key

in the late 1980s. By 2002 but was not much better off - today it

still looks like a waste land, but plans to build a supermarket, shops,

restaurants, or as and 30 homes here have finally been given the

nod by the Government. We have this big gap in a hot

bewitched are always referred to as bomb damage. -- in the harbour. So

we will be delighted to see that developed.

Or the the years, regeneration proposals have run into

difficulties over the harbour, the fishing fleet, and protecting the

important industrial archaeology. Different developers have come and

gone - now finally, it seems these plans are winning support across

the board. The important thing is that the

town council worked on this to get it right, but sometimes when there

are bigger decisions some people find it difficult, and you can

always find a reason for not doing things. I think we have to weigh up

the pros and cons and get behind the right decision. The now is the

time to get with the developer, and ensure that everything will be done

to help the existing businesses, but also to create the jobs which

we desperately need. The developers, ING Real Estate,

would not do an interview today, but described the ruling as a very

significant. A secret cannabis factory has been

found in underground bunkers concealed by caravans near Taunton.

Avon and Somerset Police say 150 cannabis plants were discovered in

West Bagborough with an estimated street value of more than �150,000.

The caravans had trap doors with ladders leading down to growing

rooms built within four shipping containers. Three men aged 48, 50

and 39 have been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis,

abstracting electricity and money laundering.

�175,000 is to be spent improving empty homes in North Devon to help

ease the pressure on the housing waiting list.

The government funding has been secured by North Devon Homes to

modernise ten houses. North Devon Council says it hopes more

landlords will come forward. Time for the sport now and it's a

nervous time for our rugby teams tonight, Dave?

It's a key night for the Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion in

rugby's Championship play-offs. They both have to win this evening

to keep on track in their groups after poor starts.

Following their home draw with Leeds, the Pirates go to Bedford

who've beaten them twice in the league this season. For Albion

coach Nat Saumi, it's crucial he guides his team to victory over

Esher at the Brickfields after an opening loss at Moseley.

This is my 9th season here, and there were two occasions where for

the last few years we went up to the podium Cup at Twickenham, and

we had that game against Bristol, but for me personally this is the

biggest game for the club. With the Olympics on the horizon,

there are questions over how much it will improve current sports

facilities - the so-called Legacy. Millions of pounds have been spent

on the sailing events at Portland Harbour. But, at the same time,

Dorset County Council is cutting back its spending on other sports.

I want to see local provision that allows youngsters the opportunity

to experience sport, not necessarily at the highest level,

but to form the habits and patterns in sport.

That was lord Kohl in 2006. In 2012, investment in sport locally falls

into two camps, perhaps and have- nots.

Here in Port and you can smell the investment for the Olympics. �16

million spent on the National Sailing Academy. The osprey key,

�26 million brand new marina. Behind me, a brand new �3 million

observation platform on the seafront, not forgetting more than

�90 million spent on the new relief road bringing people into Weymouth

and Portland. Lots of money for sailing then, but

what about other sports locally? Is the reduction in funding the real

Legacy in south Dorset? The sports budget has always been very small,

and it is more to encourage and facilitate groups to have worked

together and draw down external funding.

So no cash for community facilities. What is this building? This was

given to us by the builders who built the relief road. They seem to

have lost what the Olympics is about. They have got it at the site

on Portland, but this seemed to have lost it elsewhere. They have

concentrated on the sailing and not much on anything else.

However well Team GB does this summer, Lord Coe's hopes that

youngsters will get a taste for sport are looking a bit underfunded.

Torquay United are out to maintain their second place in League Two

with a tenth away win - this time at Burton Albion.

Skipper Lee Mansell looks to add to his dozen goals scored as United go

from strength to strength. Plymouth Argyle try to upset third-placed

Shrewsbury Town at Home Park. Player-manager Carl Fletcher scored

in the one-all draw when they met in August.

Exeter City, in serious relegation trouble, have replaced defender

Danny Coles, who's fractured his back, by signing Pat Baldwin on

loan from Southend as City face Preston at home. Yeovil Town's

unbeaten streak can be stretched to five games when they face Walsall

at Huish Park. Plymouth Raiders seek revenge over

Newcastle Eagles on Sunday, when they face the champions in the

first leg of basketball's BBL Trophy final at the Pavilions.

Newcastle beat them in the Cup Final in January, but the Raiders

are in good form and actually won on Tyneside a fortnight ago.

Raiders prepare for the final against Cheshire Jets at home in

the Championship tonight at 7.15. A reminder, tonight's rugby can be

found on BBC Radio Cornwall medium wave for the Pirates and BBC Radio

Devon's Plymouth FM frequency for A family from Ilfracombe in North

Devon has finally returned home after five years helping Aids

orphans in Swaziland. The Skinners said they'd go for just a year -

that was in 2006! Now they're back with an adopted daughter and a huge

fundraising mission. Jon Skinner hand his adopted

daughter Phila, back home and on a mission. Since coming back, he has

created a unique partnership between the orphanage he set up in

Swaziland with the children here at Ilfracombe junior school. He is 11,

his favourite sports are music... Each year group has adopted one

child who they will hopefully grow up with that will be live -- leave

school. I think it is good because words are not really good enough,

Rehab School - Mac our school likes to give more.

In 2007, Jon Skinner set up a school for 20 orphans in Swaziland.

Now it has grown to 350 children in four or from care. But Jon's work

back home now is to raise money, three-quarters of in million pounds

a year. It is a big sum, but what do you do when you have to eat

something? You do it one bit at a time. It makes a difference to the

lives of those who need it. It has been a privilege to help Jon with

his job. He has worked so hard. We have very proud of everything he

has achieved. The children have already started

raising money and forging friendships that could last a

lifetime. A little bit of history has been

made in Totnes this week - two very rare 17th-century rings have been

reunited at the town's museum. What makes them so special is that they

have been described as one of the first and finest examples of enamel

on gold. They haven't been together Together once more - these rings of

delicate enamel on gold were specially made for the

granddaughters of the three-times mayor of Elizabethan Totnes. In

1640, they cost a massive sum of �4. That was around four months' wages

for a craftsman. We have known for years there were two, but we were

not able to find it. One of our friends found them and came in with

the news one day, we were over the moon. It has put the hands across

the years with people in the past. Wandering's been in the Totnes

museum since the 1960s -- one ring. Richard Wyatt tracked down the

second one at the Victoria and Albert museum. It has been on

display since 1968. They did not know there was another

ring, we did not know where the other one was, and then suddenly

there is a huge museum in London and the tiny Totnes museum coming-

together! It gives a rare insight into the

lives of so Elizabethans in England. They have been described as the

costumes of the world meeting in the Totnes Exchange, so they are

figures of local merchants walking around conducting their business in

the exchange. The rings will be on display

throughout the summer it took celebrate the 50th anniversary of

A bit wet tonight, but sunshine for the rest of the weekend. Good

evening. Some rain to come tonight. That does clear away, and then

across the weekend it is a little unsettled with showers, but we

should all see some spring sunshine tomorrow. You can see the cloud out

to the West slowly making its way towards us, and that is a weather

front bringing tonight's rain. It should clear most places by

tomorrow. It will turn a little bit breezy, but some dry weather as

well. Sunday we will see some showers, but it will be settling

down by the end of the weekend. More unsettled weather next week.

Today it has generally been rather cloudy, a little break in that

cloud out to the West. We are soon going to see that rain spreading

across Cornwall. Heavy bursts initially and then as it makes its

way eastwards it things off. Dry for much of Cornwall and Devon

tomorrow. Temperature around seven Celsius as a minimum temperature,

perhaps eight or nine Celsius. First thing tomorrow, just that

rain to clear away from Somerset and Dorset, and then we will see a

few showers behind that. There could be a few sharp downpours, but

also a good deal of dry and sunny weather Micra to be found

throughout the day. The shares easing off as we head towards

tomorrow evening. -- the showers. Perhaps a little bit cooler if you

are out in the breeze, but still fairly pleasant in the sunshine.

For the Isles of Scilly, some scattered showers. Quite breezy,

but again some bright and sunny spells to come throughout the day.

These are the high water Times There will be some fairly strong

winds for a time out to sea. Occasionally up-to- four-6.

For the surfers, choppier for the south coast at first, but cleaning

up later on. For the north coast, some clean air waves at first,

though choppy later on as those winds be, north-westerly.

So it will be showery tomorrow, and still one or two showers a round,

but more dry weather for the second half of the weekend. Dry for Sunday

night, that means a cold start into Monday. We could see a touch of