06/11/2013 Spotlight

from the west That is all

care of the elderly ` an uncertain future for more than 20 residential

homes across Devon. Good evening. A review of the homes which care for

400 people has been launched. One charity says it is deeply worrying.

It is bound to be an unsettling time, but I hope they come out with

answers quickly about how they will manage the consultation.

Also tonight, the latest scam affecting thousands of motorists.

How the price of metal is encouraging thieves to dismantle

your car. And from Laurel and Hardy to rack

and ruin ` the millions needed to restore this old theatre to its

former glory. The future of all Devon's

council`run residential care homes for older people has been put under

review, Spotlight has learned. The move is part of the council's

efforts to find millions of pounds of austerity savings. There are 23

homes in Devon, caring for almost 400 frail and vulnerable people. The

charity Age UK has expressed alarm. Our correspondent Simon Hall

reports. Our

this review of residential care homes for older people is part of

Devon county council was micro`search for cost savings

because of the austerity cuts. `` Devon county council's search for

cost savings. Demand for residential care has been

falling, according to the council, as more older people are given

support to stay in their own homes. That has led to a review of all 20

three `` 23 council homes in Devon. Around 360 people live in them. The

council says no womble have removed out, but the review has `` the

council says no one will have to move out but the review has raised

concerns. There will be an `` concern among residents and their

families, because the uncertainty has come back onto the agenda.

We went through this a few years ago and it came to not then. Devon

county council say increasing amounts of funding are being

invested in care for those with dementia and specialist homes for

sufferers have been set up. The council from `` say residents of

care homes and families will be kept fully informed. No one from the

council was available for interview. A statement said that

anyone needing residential care would continue to be supported by

the council. We want to develop extra housing, the statement said,

in order to meet the growing complexity and increasing demands of

care needs in the future. The first badgers have been

vaccinated in West Cornwall as part of a programme aimed at curbing TB

in cattle. The six year scheme involves a pilot taking place on

five farms. The aim is to expand vaccinations across the Penwith

peninsula. Our environment correspondent, Adrian Campbell,

joins me now in the studio. This is in its very early stages at

the moment. Yes, very early. They have vaccinated for badgers so

far. `` four badgers. They are starting in the far west and they

are hoping to strike over the whole peninsula. They have to capture the

badgers, vaccinate them and release them back into the wild. Obviously

this will take time. Professor Rosie Woodruff is in charge of all this.

The hope is, should we get funding, that this will become more like 50

square kilometres, much eager area next year, and over the next few

years expanding to the full 200 square kilometres of Penrith and

maintaining that for five years. A seven`year programme in total. I

know that the local MP Andrew George is taking a close interest, why is

he so team`2`macro he believes that local farmers would not be keen on a

badger cull. He is keen on the idea of

vaccination because he believes it is the right way to go. The

government's policy runs the high risk of making the situation worse,

we know at least with vaccination that it runs a good likelihood of

making the situation better and cannot make the situation worse.

There are others, though, who say that vaccination is just a

distraction and they would rather see the cull we have seen in

Somerset and Gloucestershire. Yes, we contacted the National farmers

union today. They pointed to what has happened in Wales. They say at

best it is only 65% effective, this type of vaccination. They think it

is more cost`effective to have a cull and they would prefer that. It

is fair to say that people involved in the vaccination project would

take issue with that. The high price of metal has led to a

boom in the theft of catalytic converters from cars and vans.

Nearly 1,000 have been stolen in Devon and Cornwall over the past

three years. Spotlight's Andrea Ormsby has been to meet a victim of

the crime in Devon. This garage is the oldest in

Britain. In 1815, it made carriages and has been repairing motor cars

ever since. Last month it was the scene of a very modern crime.

We take any catalytic converters off of scrap cars as they have some

value. They contain precious metals, rhodium and platinum among them.

Over two years, they collected nearly 100 catalytic converters.

We came in one weekend and the store had been broken into, the locks

broken and the catalytic converters and a few other items along with

them were all gone. This is a catalytic converter from

quite an old car. This would be around the year 2000. It's value is

probably around ?25, maybe 30. But on a more expensive car they are

worth around ?80 or more in scrap value.

A BBC investigation has found thefts of catalytic converters have more

than doubled in the past three years, with almost 25,000 reported

to police across the country. In Devon and Cornwall, nearly 1000 have

been stolen in that period. Unfortunately, we live in a society

where if you can get something for nothing there is an element of

people out there quite willing to do that. Although some catalytic

converters might get ?80 in scrap, for the victim it could be more than

1000 to replace. David Cameron has asked President

Putin for prompt, fair and proportionate action in the case of

the 30 Greenpeace activists being held for hoolganism. Three of the

group being detained are from Devon. Journalist Kieron Bryan, along with

activists Iain Rogers and Alexandra Harris, were with Greenpeace

protesting over oil drilling in the Artic. President Putin was said to

understand the concerns, and the two leaders have agreed to stay in touch

on the issue. Plans to offer a discount on fuel to

motorists living in some rural areas are to be delayed. Lynton in Devon

is one of ten locations earmarked for the discount, and the only one

in the South West. However other areas have now complained they were

overlooked and the government says it is reconsidering the scheme.

A deal has been done over the pay and conditions of workers who would

help build Hinkley C. The agreement's been drawn up between

EDF Energy and two unions. It covers electrical and mechanical workers on

the planned new nuclear power station. Unions say it guarantees at

least 500 apprenticeships during the construction.

Walk down Union Street in Plymouth and you can't miss the Palace

Theatre. In its heyday, it was home to stars such as Charlie Chaplin,

Laurel and Hardy, and Morecambe and Wise. Since its closure as a

nightclub in 2006 the building has seemingly been left to rot. But,

behind the facade, restoration work has been taking place all year. It

has finally been made watertight, and our reporter, Louise Walter, was

given access to the building. The brass plates in the pavement

outside, and dusty images of the greats who appeared here. The only

clues still in place to the Palace Theatre's illustrious past.

I actually once appeared in the stage in the chorus of a pantomime.

Even the BBC's own Angela Rippon trod the boards.

I have to admit I am unashamedly sentimental about this place. This

is the main body of the theatre... You can still glimpse that grandeur

here today ` but more clearly the sheer volume of work that needs

doing. This area was flooded out, totally

wet. It has caused a lot of damage. Dave Welsh is the man behind the

Palace Project ` a not`for`profit company trying to return this

theatre to its former glory. As you can see over there, the

plaster has been totally ruined on that edge. However, it has not been

on that site, so we have experts who have offered to come in and mould

from that to rebuild this site. What is your vision for this space

command the vision is to turn it into a community theatre.

`` what is your vision for this space? We want to turn it into a

splendid old palace. This takes you up to the blue room,

there at the moment our intention is to put it right and turn it into a

rest grant. At the moment all the floors have to

come up and the ceiling has to be prepared. `` repaired.

But this is a listed building ` a factor which has to be at the heart

of the refurbishment. Everything we wanted to do it will

be twice as much money to do it, twice as long to do it and we have

to have English Heritage involved all the way. They have been helpful,

they have come along, they have no funds to give us at the moment but

they have given us some of direct 30s, and I can't see it being a

problem. `` they have given some of their expertise.

But what is a problem is cash. The Palace Project thinks it could

cost up to ?10 million to complete the work, including buying the

freehold. It is hoping to win grant money, but also that social media

will prove a useful source. They have already found volunteers that

way. We have a lot of people coming in

with the Facebook page we have set up asking how to get involved. We

are working with a local company called Crown Funding, setting up a

website for us so that we can have a way for the locals to put some money

into the project and benefit the project itself.

But there is an issue. Dave was found guilty of fraud in

2009 and was sentenced to five years and three months in jail.

First of all, we have done all this without going asking people for

money, so we're not trying to deprive people with cash. The other

thing is, we don't want people coming in with buckets of money

saying we have raised this come everything will go through a bank

account and be audited. There will be an accounts manager and

everything will be done so it can be seen upfront.

The vision is that this will become a people's Palace, restored and run

for the benefit of the community. There is a public meeting tonight

for anyone interested in getting involved.

An amazing building. Coming up, the online campaign to save a famous

landmark. Plus, opening up a treasure trove ` we'll delve into

this historic archive. And joining as `` and these

colourful characters as Paignton Zoo.

Women working in the South West are being enouraged to join in a survey

looking at issues faced by businesses in the region. It is

hoped the report will help to identify issues faced specifically

by women. The results will then be used to help find solutions to the

problems. We are putting together a survey for

women in business in the South West and looking at what they actually

need. There is so much in the press at the moment about glass ceilings

and diversity in boardrooms, but does that just apply to the

south`east or is it something that is nationwide?

We are putting together a survey to find out what women in the South

West actually need, want and think. The future is looking more secure

for Cornwall's only preserved steam railway. The Bodmin and Wenford line

has reached an important milestone by securing a 35`year long lease

from Cornwall Council. It is the first time there's been a longer

lease in the railway's 27`year history.

The future of a former boathouse once used by coastguards as a base

to track smugglers is heading all the way to the High Court. A group

of people in Budleigh Salterton are so angry over plans to redevelop the

building now used as a cafe, they're funding their own legal challenge.

Hamish Marshall reports. On a damp autumn day, the Longboat

doesn't look worthy of such a fuss. The owner wants to extend his

season. The cafe would be revamped downstairs and a restaurant would be

added on the first floor. These plans were approved by East Devon

District Council last year but that decision is being challenged in the

High Court. Protesters say the council didn't follow correct

procedure. They want to save the Longboat in its current form.

It is a garage. It is a boathouse. It is a very utilitarian building,

but if you look at the plans you actually find it was built with

loving care with a lot more attention to detail than a simple

garden shed really demands. Somebody must have thought this was a very

important building when they built it.

That was in the 1870's ` it stored the coastguard boat which stopped

smuggling and also rescued mariners. But while the nearby coastguard

cottages were listed, the boathouse wasn't. The well`known

archaeologist, Mark Horton, is against the plans, while Natural

England has listed concerns over the new buildings' sustainability.

But not everyone in Budleigh is against it. Sharon Raybock and her

husband run a bed and breakfast and cookery school. She says the town

needs to move on. Budleigh Salterton lacks a lot of

restaurants and some have closed in the past so it would be good for the

town to have a new facility. Not only for people in the town, but to

bring new people to the town, which is critical. I have been speaking to

the owner. He did not want to do an interview

on camera but told me the planning process has taken seven years and he

is anxious for Freddie's result to come. What ever the High Court

decides, he says he will abide by it. `` he is anxious for Friday's

result. The council considers the verdict to

be legally correct and procedurally sound.

Exeter Cathedral's new Library and Archives has been showing off its

treasures. The brand new purpose`built facility at the

Bishop's Palace houses books and documents dating back more than

1,000 years. The collection includes the foundation charter from the time

of Edward the Confessor, and the Exeter Book, as Spotlight's Heidi

Davey has been finding out. Steeped in a wealth of history. The

shelves of Exeter Cathedral's new look library and archives.with each

book telling its own unique story. The really interesting thing for me

is that it not only covers the life of the cathedral but the life of the

city. These are documents giving to `` given to us by kings from time to

time, it is about the life of the nation from time to time, as well.

One of the most famous pieces of work is the Exeter book ` the 131

page work is one of the earlies examples of English languagae

poetry. `` English`language poetry. Some of

them are very varied in type and the most popular of them are probably

the old English riddles. A few of those, only a small

minority, are fairly racy. Preponderantly of the book is

Christian intone, but there is a wide variety of material in it.

And you can take a look at some of those, along with the rest of

collection at the new facility at Bishop's Palace. Heidi Davey, BBC

Spotlight. Devon is celebrating the success of

four of its cricketers who've just come back from international duty.

The quartet were picked for the England under`19 tour to South

Africa. Andy Birkett has caught up with two of them. Three Lions on the

shirt ` every athlete's dream. But for four girls from Devon that dream

has become a reality. What's even more remarkable is that three of the

girls play for just one club, Plympton.

It was nice going out of there with people that we knew already. It is

down to the cultures. Warren has a link with England and has been

pushing us through coaching throughout the winter to make us the

best we can be. I did not know how to react. I did not think it was

real until I got on the plane. Is this actually happening?

But it was. And all four played their part.

I was nervous, wanting to do something good for the team, then I

got my wicket and first over and I was so happy, not just to contribute

to the team but to have a really big impact.

Exeter University's Aylish Cranstone had a great time with the bat, while

Plympton's third player, Amara Carr, behind the stumps, continued the

form that saw her picked for the England Academy. But it wasn't all

cricket, and the girls got to see another side to South Africa.

It was really cute, they run up to you, give you a hug, they would not

let you go, but then it was quite sad because they were asking for

money, it was emotional. But back on the field, there was

success, with a 3`0 series win over South Africa's emerging women.

Were you one of those who went hunting for gorillas over the

summer? The colourful life`size models were placed in locations

across Exeter and Torbay to mark Paignton Zoo's 90th birthday.

Well tonight the creatures have been rounded up at Paignton's Palace

Theatre to be auctioned off for conservation charities. James

Churchfield is there. Welcome to the stage here at the

Palace Theatre in Paignton. This fellow has attracted the most

interest so far. Each of the gorillas part of the fundraising

effort have a reserve of around ?1500. This one was created and

designed by an adult education teacher at South Devon...

This one was made by the celebrity crafter Kirstie Allsopp.

27 are here tonight and two smaller ones, as well. One of the others

will stay at Paignton Zoo. Back in July, that was around the time

people decided they wanted to have a look at these wonderful creatures

dotted around the landscape of Exeter and Torbay. 50,000 leaflets

were published and in almost two weeks they managed to complete the

amount that was sent out. They had to reprint it again, such was the

popularity of people wanting to go gorilla spotting. Plenty of people

have arrived for the auction tonight, amongst them Malcolm, who

already has his eye on something he wants to bid for. Why have you

decided to come here and which has caught your attention? We have seen

the gorillas are rent Exeter, but I like skins, or Mr bumble, that are

the ones I am looking for. It is an early Christmas present for my wife.

A bit of a surprise to you, isn't it two shock, perhaps ` I was looking

for a handbag! Where will it all back home? It will

go back to Exeter if we get one. Let's meet the man whose idea ``

lets meet the person whose idea it was to bring this idea to fruition.

We have been overwhelmed by the response, we knew it would be

popular but we did not know how mini people would follow the trail and

engage with it. We had a competition to spot

gorillas. Lots of different people from all

ages have followed the trail, but probably one of the best stories

from the event was a little boy aged seven, autistic, saw one of them for

the first time and it has changed his life. What is lurking behind the

black grape? That would be Darth Vader.

There you go, hopefully the force is with us tonight so that his menacing

steer looks out onto the bidders who will hopefully dig deep into the

pockets to raise money for conservation charities ensuring the

future for the gorilla. Which would you prefer, a handbag or

a gorilla? Handbag, I think.

It has dominated the skyline of Newquay since Victorian times but

there are concerns a famous landmark in the resort may not make it

through another winter. The plight of the Huer's Hut was

highlighted after a pictures of it in a state of disrepair was posted

online. As Leigh Rundle reports, there's now a growing campaign to

save it perched high above the bay, the Huer's Hut is to Newquay what

black full tower is to Blackpool. But it has fallen to sad repair.

This is one of Newquay boss Michael biggest icons.

To have it like this come it is photographed by so many people.

It is disgusting. A picture of the crumbling hut

appeared on Facebook and in than less a week locals were out

campaigning for a restoration programme.

We pay our council tax. We do not think she will get through the

winter with the state she is in now. The hut is a relic from the mid`19th

century when Newquay was little more than a village. Here, huers watched

for the arrival of boats, directing them to the shore. They have said it

is not derelict enough to warrant support gets so I am working with

officers to try and secure the money, then we will look at

long`term arrangements for it. This former lookout is now being

watched over of this `` by descendants of the same community at

once helped to feed. Onto the weather, before we look

ahead, a look back, David? Yes, we will look at October's

statistics in the South West of England. We will start with rainfall

which has been particularly heavy. To give only the last couple of

weeks of October. The average is 102 millimetres, but in October we have

seen 186 millimetres. With all the cloud and rain, sunshine is down,

the average is just shy of 110 hours, but we actually recorded 99

hours. Temperatures were above average. We did not see any frost at

all during October. On the left is the average temperatures, and it was

quite warm, 14 Celsius the daytime average, 10 Celsius the night`time

temperature. With all that rain you would expect what levels to come up,

but we are still suffering from a relatively dry summer. West `` this

time last year reservoirs were only 97% full, the last time I looked

reservoirs were only 74% full. Let's look at the forecast. We have a much

better day tomorrow, much brighter, winds are lighter, but it will feel

older. We will have some sunshine but we will have two wrap`up

one`way, quite a drop in temperatures. This is producing the

wet weather we have had at the moment. 50 mph along the coast wall

in Devon `` along the coast in Cornwall and Devon. This low is

moving, taking the strength of wind with it but also taking the rain

come as well, by the morning most of us having a dry start with some

sunshine, the exception is in the Channel Islands where the rain will

continue until lunchtime. Into Friday, each of sunshine and

blustery showers, winds still westerly and feeling generally cold.

This is the structure of cloud we have seen in the last few hours,

more persistent rain this evening some heavy, but clearing out of the

way and by dawn tomorrow morning the last bits of the rain clearing from

the note `` Dorset coast. Enough clearing to drop the temperatures

just into single figures, eight or nine Celsius. A much better day

tomorrow, some sunshine, winds are much lighter, some showers to spoil

the day but they are fairly isolated for much of the day. For most of us

it will be a dry day, Calder air, temperatures struggling up to 12

Celsius axed `` as the maximum. `` more cold air. Times of high water

at Penzance... Big waves for the sufferers and a

little bit clean, still under chubby side, the north Coast will be up to

six feet and choppy, C temperatures coming down, between 14 and 15

Celsius. Winds are mainly from the West tomorrow, force for, five,

showers and generally good visibility. More showers to come on

Friday and Saturday, and for remembrance Sunday it looks like it

will be cloudy, slightly warmer, but patchy drizzle throughout the day

and becoming windy again. Good evening.

I will be back with the headlines just before 8pm, hope you can join

me for that. From all of us on the Spotlight

team, have a lovely evening. Good night.