04/11/2013 Spotlight

rest of the week. Thank you. That

The moment a garage owner fought off armed attackers ` today two of them

were found guilty of robbery. Good evening. Trude Mian has been praised

for her bravery. Tonight she says pleased her attackers have been

brought to justice. I was really shocked, it was completely

unexpected what happened. Now I am just so relieved and I can't thank

the police enough. Millions of pounds have been paid to former

staff in compromise agreements. And keeping artists in the city `

Plymouth's new studios creating 100 jobs.

A grandmother who fought off masked robbers who were armed with a meat

cleaver and a knife has told Spotlight of her relief that they've

been brought to justice. 65`year`old Trude Mian was confronted by two men

in the garage she runs in Braunton last year. She chased them out of

the store. Today one of the raiders and the getaway driver were

convicted. The other man had already pleaded guilty. Hamish Marshall

reports. It was the most frightening moment

of Trude Mian's life. Two masked men burst into her shop, but she wasn't

willing to get them, no matter how much they intimidated her. I was

really shocked, it was completely unexpected what happened. I think I

am a fighter. I want to confront things when they happen, if that

makes sense. The raid netted just ?60. Absolutely terrifying ordeal to

be put through. She was alone and female, working in her own garage on

that evening of the 10th of November. Just closing up, minding

her own business, small service station, small village, to be

confronted by these masked raiders must have been a terrifying ordeal.

Masks and outer clothing were found in a nearby alley. There was an

audible gasp from friends and family of the defendants as the verdicts

were read out. Tonight, the 65`year`old grandmother welcomed the

verdict is. I am so relieved and I can't thank the police enough. They

kept on taking and digging. The three will be sentenced later this

month. Councils in the south west have

spent millions of pounds on confidential pay offs to former

members of staff. The payments are known as compromise agreements, and

they stop staff talking publicly about their jobs. Our correspondent

Simon Hall has been examining the figures and joins us now. Simon, how

widely are the agreements being used?

We have details from three of the largest councils in the south`west.

They were obtained using the Freedom of Information Act. In the past five

years, Devon county council signed 236 agreements.

The overall total, more than ?5 million.

Why are the agreements so controversial?

They come about when there is a dispute between an employee and

members of staff, so CVS that the member of staff leaves. They're used

in the NHS when the staff member is bringing something important to

attention, but because of the agreement, they can't talk about it

again and it may never come to light. The nature of the agreements

mean we cannot say what these agreements are about and that is

worrying MPs. The council taxpayer deserves a much more full

explanation why these clauses have been used to reassure us that public

money is being properly spent and people are not being shut up from

revealing things that are going on in the public services. The council

says there can be helpful in resolving issues. We will look at it

as administration and find out more detail of what is happening, but in

the past, I know they have been used successfully and it is to the mutual

benefit of both parties. The government say these agreements

should not be used to reward failure and they have asked councils to

improve transparency and accountability.

An East Devon village said by some residents to be under siege from

developers is holding an emergency meeting this evening. Campaigners

say Feniton near Honiton could grow by 40% if three developments get the

go ahead. In January a super public inquiry will examine proposals to

build 235 houses in fields surrounding the village. Our

reporter John Henderson is there for us tonight.

How often do we hear about the chronic housing shortage? In an

hour's time, the villagers of Feniton will be coming into the

school hall behind me, very anxious, very worried about a very large

scale development, three developments which could have huge

indications for the village and beyond. It looks like a typical

village. 700 homes, a few shops, a pub in the school. But some feel the

look and feel of Feniton could change dramatically. Three

developers want to build and fields around the village, an extra 335

homes, increasing Feniton by 40%. Feniton is prepared to shoulder the

burden in part along with other communities. We think 5% growth is

appropriate. 40%, that cannot be right. Feniton has a long history of

flooding. Many are worried extra houses will increase the risks. This

resident had to spend ?6,000 when her home was flooded several years

ago. It is awful seeing all your house ripped to pieces. We were out

for six months and all my things were in a skip and we just watched

them go down the road. It is devastating. In January, planning

enquiry will examine all the proposals. Tonight, parish council

is marshalling protesters at a meeting. We want to make sure we get

as many people as we can, not just put their of view, but to show the

strength of feeling there is in this village against this very unwelcome

development. One of the developers told us they hope the planning

inspector would look favourably on their skin. Another refused to

comment. And this is the reality, a separate development for 50 homes,

started on the edge of Feniton. Some say a wake`up. What happens here

could be happening anywhere, right across Devon, right across the

country. The decision of the planning committee is expected in

February. We have heard and bought recently about changes to the

planning system, which is why a lot of people in Feniton are playing

close attention to what happens here and beyond. Many feared changes to

the planning system will make it easier for large`scale

developments. Lots of people want the developments because of the

housing shortage, but a lot of people are concerned. Not just a lot

of people are concerned. Not just here, but elsewhere.

14 residents at a care home in Cornwall have been given just four

weeks to find alternative accommodation Cornwall Care is

closing Althestan House in Bodmin saying the 40`bedroom home is no

longer sustainable. Relatives of the residents say they feel extremely

let down. The promenade in Ilfracombe has been

closed because of a landslide. Severe weather over the weekend is

being blamed for the damage to a concrete wall near the Landmark

Theatre. Police say no`one was injured.

Ex`offenders are helping to improve the flood defences in some of

Cornwall's most at risk towns. Last Christmas many places were flooded

including here in Lostwithiel. The probation service is working with

the Cornwall Community Flood forum to remove tonnes of leaves from

drains on hills surrounding Lostwithiel, Par and St Blazey. Two

women from Dorset have set up a support group for people whose lives

have been affected by pancreatic cancer. Susan Rostron survived after

being initially told her condition was incurable. Her friend's

granddaughter died of the disease. Simon Alexander reports.

It is called the silent cancer. When Susan was diagnosed with the

illness, her love of pottery was the only thing that kept going. I saw a

different GP from usual and he thought I had a stomach ulcer and

sent me for an investigation. I was told I had inoperable, in durable

pancreatic cancer. I had had a tumour growing in me for up to 20

years, my surgeon reckons. I am incredibly lucky. It is a killer.

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the

UK. On thousand people a year die from the disease. Symptoms include

abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss or the onset of diabetes

not associated with weight gain. Treatments are surgery, chemotherapy

and radiotherapy. Audrey is also supporting the awareness campaign.

Disease killed her 27`year`old granddaughter. Because of her age,

they dismiss the fact it could be anything too serious, but within the

next few months, she had ten visits to the GP, complaining about

nausea. They discovered an inoperable tumour on her pancreas.

If personal experience is the driving force behind their awareness

campaign. Two and have years ago, I hadn't heard of pancreatic cancer.

And I want people to know about it. That is really what we're trying to

do. Susan and Audrey started their support group to help others. They

are doing as much as they can to make that known where they live.

Coming up later in the programme ` delayed again by the weather. We'll

hear from the local yachtsman still waiting for the start of the Transat

race. And find out how Great Crested Newts

are delaying rail improvements. More than 100 new jobs will be

created in Plymouth with the development of artists studios and

workshops. The scheme has secured more than ?2 million of European

funding and as John Danks reports, it's hoped it will help to keep some

of the most talented arts graduates in the city.

Moulding a career from the arts can be a challenge for graduates. Jane

completed her degree in contemporary Craft earlier this year. She moved

away from Plymouth for a while, before finding a job back here in

the College of art. She welcomes the boost to arts funding in the city.

That's what Plymouth needs, graduate opportunities where you have

excellent studio space. 32 new artists studios are to be built here

at the Royal William Yard. Artists will be able to create and sell

their work here. We tend to have an intubation space and business

support with various network providers from the region. There

will be workshop facilities, ceramics, jewellery, Prince, which

ordinarily artists wouldn't be able to afford that kind of equipment.

Work is due to start here soon, with the facility being ready by 2015.

Ocean Studios secured the money. If you get a hundred jobs for ?800,000,

that is greatly village of that will stand against any project. Good news

perhaps for some of these arts graduates of tomorrow, but the

demand for studio space is as high, with more than 200 artists already

on the waiting list for the new development.

Time for the sport now and Dave has news from a pretty good weekend for

our teams. We start with their bad news. Yeovil

Town's recent revival was halted at Leeds United in the Championship by

two goals to nil. They were holding their own at half`time, but two

second half finishes from Ross McCormack sent the Glovers back to

the bottom of the table. Gary Johnson's team now face FA Cup

holders Wigan Athletic at Huish Park next Sunday. It is a long way off

yet and at the end of the season, it is 30 games. As long as we keep

improving and I see an improvement in the labs, we're getting there and

we're competing. Onto the rest of the football and rugby. Exeter

Chiefs maintained their top four placing in the Premiership after a

narrow win at Sale Sharks. The round ball game saw precious wins for

Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United in League Two. Earlier, former

professional players Chris Hargreaves and Andy Birkett joined

me to take stock of the results. Another good result, they have

beaten others at home. He is awesome with his boot. Great technique for

any youngster playing sport. A couple of tackles, keen to get his

shirt back. It is a tough team to get into at the moment. Plymouth

Albion went down despite a brave fight against Bristol. Albion a bit

disappointing. Better than some other teams, but still

disappointing. Exeter city second successive defeat, this time at

Portsmouth. They were 3`0 down at Fratton Park. Classic case of

inconsistency. Frustrating for them. Defending crosses is really

important. They scored two on the day, good headers. One crumb of

comfort, a glimmer of hope was the mini fightback. A great striker's

finish here. That will give him some confidence and the team some

confidence, because they nearly did it. Why the sudden turnaround? Art

work, training ground, solid shape, knocking goals away, usual stuff

will stop a brilliant finish across the keeper. No better time to

score, 90 minutes on the clock. Paul McCallum, what a difference as he

made for Torquay? This first man coming up has made a big difference.

But Blair comes back in. 26 days ago, he had surgery, that is a big

mark of a man to do that. Come back in, please, scores the first balls

and calms the nerves. There is his first. A great header, carbon copy

of the first one. He scores a brilliant finish, he scores a great

goal here. Nice to see you, thanks for the entertainment.

Britain's top jump jockey AP McCoy needs two more victories to reach

the 4,000 winners milestone and he could do it at Exeter racecourse

tomorrow. McCoy has three rides at the Haldon track all on Jonjo

O'Neill horses. It will be fitting if he manages the feat as he rode

his first ever British winner at Exeter in 1994 on Chickabiddy.

Racing starts at ten to two with the feature race, the Haldon Gold Cup,

an hour later. Falmouth yachtsman Sam Goodchild

will have to wait three more days before being able to start the

Transat Jacques Vabre yacht race from France to Brazil. The start has

been delayed for a second time due to bad weather. Spotlight's Andy

Breare has the latest from Le Havre. After news of another delay, there

has been a despondent moods in their race village. The skipper says while

the postponement is frustrating, it is understandable. If we have an

option to go in light winds, which might be an option on Thursday,

definitely, let's take it. I want to race with everyone else. 45 knots

doesn't normally allow that to happen. Last night, the skipper is

here held an unofficial meeting, where the majority decided they

weren't happy starting the race today because of the very high

winds. They took that decision to the race director, who capitulated

and promptly postponed the release until Thursday. 80% of us didn't

want to leave. For us, it was the right decision. The last thing we

want is to go in that weather. The frustrating game continues for the

race fleet as they prepared to race to Brazil on Thursday.

Finally, Guernsey's Heather Watson had to withdraw from the singles of

the Barnstaple Tennis Open. She was feeling unwell, but did return for

the doubles in which she and Jo Konta were eliminated in the

semi`finals. Network Rail has been forced to

delay improvement work to its track in Devon after rare Great Crested

Newts were found near the site. The amphibians are protected by EU and

UK law. The train company has put up several

miles of special newt fencing so it can remove the creatures before it

starts work at Whiteball tunnel at Burlescombe. Spotlight's Janine

Jansen has the story. What is made of white plastic and

goes on and on and on? It is new to fencing. Network rail wants to

improve the track, but the trouble is, there is a pond nearby and in

our prayer and protected Great Crested Newts. So network We'll have

to remove them before they start work. Simon Williams has to check

more than 200 buckets and mats for 60 days. So far, he has found 45.

The day I met him, we weren't so lucky. A few frogs, but now Great

Crested Newts. When was the last time you counted them? Day before

yesterday. The local farmer is amazed. Never heard of them before.

I couldn't believe that. I much fencing have they put up? I would've

thought something like three miles of fencing, because it's all round

my spots here and they have gone inside the railway to the end of the

tunnel and then they have gone in this other field. They said the

fencing alone has cost ?25,000. The traps are made as enticing as

possible. A bit of foliage, bit of sponge, increase any mammals I'm in

there and they can climb out if it gets waterlogged. Simon says the

biggest number of Great Crested Newts years found here in one`day

was 19. It is amazing what you learn. I

never knew there was such a thing as Newt fencing. Time for the weather

forecast. More to come this week, don't expect

anything to settle down. We have had a lovely day today, but only for one

day. If you were kept awake last night by the gusts of wind, these

are the gusts of wind between midnight and three in the morning.

It is a little bit quieter this evening. The winds to pick up in the

second half of the night. The reason for the unsettled weather is the

position of the Jetstream coming out of Canada, stealing low`pressure

across the Atlantic and down across us. That doesn't change much for the

next three to four days. That cloud will bring us rain overnight. This

was a picture from earlier today. The cloud has increased from the

farm waste, bringing drizzle. Earlier today in Plymouth, it wasn't

that bad. We had blue sky and sunshine. It has felt warmer. With

the clear skies, later on this evening, it could turn quite chilly.

Eastern parts of the region could see temperatures well down. Today

has been marked by that blue sky and excellent visibility. Overnight, we

follow this cloud and rain as it goes through Cornwall, moves into

Devon. Not a great deal of work where there, but big enough cloud to

bring rain just about anywhere. Around 67 degrees, claiming up to

nine or ten by Dawn this morning. Once the main band moves through, we

should get some sunshine. Showers more frequent in the early evening.

For most of us, the second half of the day promises some sunshine.

Temperatures struggling a little, up to 13 degrees.

The north coast is quite dangerous at the moment, with those big waves.

Another belt of wet weather coming in, difficult to say where they

really strong gusts of wind are likely to be. Showers on Thursday,

staying unsettled, somewhat cooler into Friday.

That's all for now, but there will be a news update at 8pm and the late

news at 10:25pm. We will be back with you at 6am