31/01/2014 BBC Channel Islands News

Hello, welcome to Freddie's ABC so it's goodbye from me, and on

Hello, welcome to Freddie's ABC Channel Islands news. The headlines.

`` BBC. Weather warning, the Islands brace

themselves as more strong winds and high spring tides are likely to

cause flooding in some areas. This weekend we had the second`highest

tides of the year. Combine that with some strong winds and we have risk

of coastal flooding. Also, a shopping surprise ` but

should we really be shocked that groceries in the Islands cost up to

60% more than in the UK? And police launch a fresh appeal for

this Guernsey woman, one year on since she first went missing.

At this point in time there is nothing at all that really gives us

a strong line of investigation. It is a very strange case.

Residents and businesses are preparing themselves for another

weekend of wild weather, as more warnings are issued for the Channel

Islands. There are concerns that strong winds combining with high

spring tides could cause flooding in some areas. In Guernsey, it's the

West Coast that's most likely to feel the impact. In Jersey, it's

expected flooding and debris will come over sea walls this evening. It

comes after a month of extreme weather across the Islands, as

Christina Ghidoni reports. Guernsey has already been battered

this month. And now there are more flood warnings for the Channel

Islands. The emergency services in Guernsey met to plan for the bad

weather. They are asking people to avoid the West Coast, especially

around high tide tonight. In Jersey, it is the South Coast that risks

flooding. Anna Trigg's bridal shop at Beaumont in Jersey has already

been flooded twice in six years It cost her thousands. She believes

more could be done to prevent water damage. The drains are quite shallow

so when the see what comes, it rises there is no way `` nowhere for the

sea to go. We would like the roads to be closed for half an arm while

it is high tide. It will just stop the traffic that go through to fast,

creating this wave of water that goes into the shop. The Met Office

in Jersey have issued a red weather warning for tomorrow night and

Sunday morning, something that usually happens once every six years

or so, but it is the second one in recent times. It could result in

some limited flooding around coastal areas. I think most people probably

know where the most vulnerable properties are. This is an

opportunity to take some action if you can. It is now hoped that not

too much damage will because from the wet and windy weekend ahead

Groceries can cost up to 60% more in the Channel Islands than the UK

That's the results of a survey from the Competition and Regulatory

Authority, which has been comparing prices. When it comes to buying at

the cheapest prices, you could pay up to 60% less. Jen Smith explains.

When you shop for everyday items in the Channel Islands, even searching

for the lowest prices in store, it can still cost you cost up to ? 4

more than the UK, according to the competition authority. It asked

people to buy a basket of groceries for the cheapest possible price in

the Channel Islands and in the UK. At the budget end, the mainland can

be up to six to present cheaper The regulator says this is simply

because we don't have the variety of budget stores available on the

mainland. `` 60%. We have identified this quite big difference between

Jersey and Guernsey and the UK, predominantly driven by the fact

that a number of the cheaper supermarkets in the UK are not

present on the Islands. We think if there is going to be expansion, if

it happens at that discount end there are consumers who would

benefit greatly. But what about comparing the supermarkets available

here and in the UK? Well, it was a mixed pitcure. Waitrose and M came

out as being more expensive, up to 8.4%. But M franchises and the

Co`operative came out cheaper then their mainland counterparts. Iceland

wasn't included in the study, the competition authority says that s

because it offers a greater range of goods here. I think consumers

overall a very well served. From the values that right through to the

premium spectrum, with the retailers, but are working hard to

serve the local population. But the majority of shoppers we spoke to

said they want more choice. To come here and get more competition, it

will not be a bad thing. It is a market where it needs competition.

Tesco, Sainsbury's, anything like that. For the families who have a

lot of children, I am lucky because I have two grown`ups. It does not

worry me. We asked the supermarkets surveyed to ask why their food was

more expensive. All said it was due to the higher costs of wages,

distribution and property in the Islands, and insisted they were

competitively priced. But the regulator says that the Islands need

a broader range of supermarkets before consumers can pay less.

Guernsey's Education Department has announced plans which will change

the face of schooling. From September, the five schools in the

Bailiwick, including St Anne's in Alderney, will form a Federation of

Bailiwick Secondary Schools. The idea is to streamline resources and

give all students the chance to study a wider curriculum. Well,

earlier I spoke to Minister Robert Sillars and asked him what the

reasoning was behind this decision. What we will see is the teacher time

in front of pupils will be longer and the pupils will have a extra ten

or 15 minutes in class each day which will add up to more than ten

weeks extra tuition for the student from the 11 to 16 age group. That'll

be a success in its own right. There has been some criticism from the

teaching unions who claimed there was no consultation, what is your

message to that? I have not that feedback of the meeting was with the

unions yesterday, but we have worked very closely as a political board

with our officers, and headteachers. A lot of work has been going on it

has been for many years in reality. It has set the way forward and we

will be consulting, and the teachers will be involved, as well the

students and parents. More news now, and Doctor Karl

Clinton has been crippled sexually motivated conduct towards two women.

He was accused of behaving inappropriately when examining

them. The panel in Manchester said the case showed some funny against

his conduct in other matters and would meet again to decide if any of

them mounted to misconduct. People gathered in Albany today to

pay their respects to politician Paul Arditti. The church was packed

to capacity with family and friends for the funeral of the former

Alderney States member. He was the driving force behind calls for

Guernsey to invest more in the airport. Tributes were paid to the

safety to`year`old, who died suddenly last week. He was a man of

strong principles, a strong sense of duty, and a great sense of fun. He

could get fun out of any manner of things, from driving a train, to

studying law. He was a man who looked for the best in life.

Meanwhile, a former Jersey Lieutenant Governor was honoured at

a military memorial service in the UK today. Sir Michael Wilkes died

from cancer at the age of 73 at the end of October. He served as the

Queen's representative in Jersey between 1995 and 2000.

There's a fresh appeal this evening for information about a Guernsey

woman who's been missing for the past year. Police are still

investigating the disappearance of Gillian Sarahs, and are hoping to

shed light on her movements around the time she was last seen. Penny

Elderfield reports. Last seen a year ago. Gillian's

whereabouts are still unknown. And still looking for her, Guernsey

Police are still looking for anyone who may have information that could

help. The ball may have heard on the grapevine that may not miss a surly

have come to the attention of the police. So, please speak to us, it

may be that little piece of information that allows us to begin

a particular line of enquiry which may make progress. It was at her

home on Victoria Avenue that her family last saw her. They're still

too emotional to talk publicly, but did want to say this. We have been

overwhelmed by the community spirit and the support the whole island

have shown us. We want to thank everyone involved, including those

who at a moment's notice dropped everything and went out to help

search for her. We would also like to appeal for anyone who can think

of anything, however trivial, that may help open a new line of enquiry

for the police, to please come forward. Anyone with any information

that could help find Gillian is being asked to contact the police.

This is the BBC News in the Channel Islands. Still ahead in

Spotlight... Say hello to the wood sisters, and

their storytelling with a difference.

The amount of household waste being dumped in Guernsey has fallen over

the recent years, with the island boasting a recycling rate of almost

50%. But what about when those houses are renovated? You would

think items like timber could be we cycled. Well, our reporter Mike

Wilkins is in the process of doing his property up and has a lot of

waste to get rid of. But as Mike reports, most of it will have to go

to the the only landfill site, which is rapidly filling up.

I am doing a bit of house renovation. I have a lot of

materials that I need to dispose of. The options are to either get a skip

or dispose of it myself. I have called the States and have been told

that all this needs to go into the landfill. Let's find out why. Here I

am at the recycling centre in Guernsey. A bit of a blustery day.

Here, you can bring things like Listerine and cardboard. I have got

the recycling officer with me now. I was a bit disappointed that I could

not recycle that much from a house renovation. What can be done about

it? There is a lot you can recycle when you are renovating a house and

we see a huge to material coming into this site. Have PVC windows,

aluminium window frames. We have been for inert waste, things like

old ceramics, chipped tiles. Other are some things that we cannot

recycle and they do have to go to landfill. What plans are there to

maybe recycle materials that cannot be recycled at the moment? We are

doing a trial on mattresses, that a successful, things like old carpet

could join in with that material stream, for five recycling. We are

always looking for new outlets. `` fight for recycling. But we cannot

be cycle absolutely everything and we have to weigh up what is

feasible. Thank you very much. So, there are plenty of things that can

be recycled, but in my case, most of my stuff will have to go into the

landfill. We never knew Mike was such a proper

builder! Flights between Alderney and Guernsey have been cancelled

tonight. Now, let's have a look at the weather forecast.

We are concerned about the strength of the wind. And also the strength

of the wind coinciding with some witty high tides. The tides we have

on Sunday morning will be the second highest that we will see throughout

the entire year. Those tides are especially high. That is being

helped why the strength of the wind and the low pressure. Tomorrow we

have gale force winds, showers, and for all of us it is going to feel

pretty cold. This is the culprit, this low pressure. It seems like it

is a long way away, but look at the size of the space it is taking up.

All these strong winds lying around the southern flank of that low are

heading towards the North West corner of France and the Channel

Islands. That moves further South over the next 24 hours. So, some

very big waves will develop. By Sunday, a slight change in the wind

direction. Sunday is a much quieter spell of weather, still the risk of

showers and some coastal flooding. The reason we have a risk of coastal

flooding is the strength of wind, the low pressure, very high tides

and also, all the water we have seen running off into the seaside. So

expect to see a risk of coastal flooding throughout the weekend But

the really strong winds will be getting going towards the end of the

day tomorrow. I will give you those times of high water. Of course, a

similar time in the evening. Rain is moving out of the way overnight

tonight and we are left with a scattering of showers. As the rain

clears it brings in cold air, so to bridge is by the morning starting

the day at just three or four Celsius. So it will be a pretty

entered day. There will be some sunshine off and on stop at the end

of the afternoon, the showers perhaps more isolated. But still

there, nonetheless. Strong to gale force winds, possibly severe for a

time. That is the coastal waters forecast. 30 of showers around,

moderate visibility. In the morning, the state of the sea is likely to be

rough. Those waves will increase through the weekend, possibly to ten

feet. Quieter on Sunday, another area of low pressure, yet more wet

weather and strong winds as we move into Monday. So, take care.

I figure I will stay in bed by the look of that weather! That's all for

now. BBC Radio Kent sea and Jersey `` Guernsey will have of the litters

travel news. Have a good evening. `` latest travel news.

been no further confirmed never ever since March last year.

`` never events. You are watching Spotlight.

We will have the latest on the weather later. Also still ahead, the

pride of Southwest Rugby bash Exeter Chiefs' Jack Nowell picks up his

first England cap in this week's six Nations opener.

And find out what these colourful characters are doing at South Devon

school. Businesses in the region say they're

being held back by business rates that are set unrealistically high.

Business rates are a tax based on the value of the premises firms

occupy. The problem is, the last valuation was done near the top of

the last property boom. Our business correspondent Neil Gallacher reports

from one street that's now reeling from the result.

Richard Brewster's shop is full of batteries unlike bowls, mainly. His

highly specialised business in Plymouth's New George Street is

doing well, and as time goes by, he is thinking of moving to a larger

unit. There are suitable sites nearby, except for one thing. During

the recession, rents have come down but business rates have not. It is a

nationwide problem. We have now got to a situation where some of these

shots, the rent might be 30,000, but the payable rate could be 50 or

60,000. It is going to mean that these shops are probably not going

to be filled, purely and Sibley because of business rates. At the

Bartlett is one trader who did move to a bigger unit and no worries

about how she can pay the business rates. They are as much as her rent

bill, a situation that would have been an thinkable if you years ago.

It would be very nice, and it would be a dream come true, if they could

do something about this. A lot of us work seven days a week for business

rates. I open seven days a week. I just want one day free. If I am not

well, who will help me? The government has said delaying the

re`evaluation of business rates has a lease brought financial stability

to business. But some senior business figures in the south`west

think that would only apply to London. They are convinced a

revaluation here would only cut rates bills for companies. The

government, by any language, are using this as a stealth tax. They

need to get a new revaluation that accurately reflects market

conditions. This is penalising a lot of businesses, many of whom are

paying as much in rates of AI in rent. There are more than rates

bills keeping retailers await. Competition from online is a cut

huge challenge to which the High Street has no firm answer. But

campaigners say a rate re`evaluation is at least something within the

control of the government. Time for the sport now, and it's a

big weekend for young Cornishman Jack Nowell, isn't it, Dave?

It promises to be a memorable weekend for Exeter Chiefs wing Jack

Nowell. The 20`year`old is one of two new caps in the England rugby

team to face France in Paris on Saturday evening. It's been an

astounding rise for the young man, who's the son of a trawler skipper

from Newlyn. Newlyn harbour, the main and biggest

fishing port of Cornwall. But this peaceful corner of the county, which

boasts stunning views across mounts Bay, will be on the map for a

completely different reason this weekend. Jack Nowell, the son of a

Newlyn fisherman will be an international rugby player by the

end of Saturday. His breakthrough into Exeter Chiefs' first team has

brought in to the attention of England's head coach Stuart

Lancaster, who has given Jack his chance to perform in the six Nations

championship stage. I have been given this opportunity, and for me,

I really want to take it. It is a big step for me. And then,

obviously, the under 20s stuff was massive for me, and to be put in an

given this opportunity, I am very grateful for that. I am really

looking forward to it. The confidence his club give him, and

they have in the selections. How highly they regard him. The first

name on the team sheet, really, in the back line. His ability to beat

defenders, he beats more than any other player in the premiership.

Meanwhile, back in Newlyn, his family prepare for his debut in

France. The Miro tea`time. He started when he was five, but it

wasn't something I thought he would immediately take two. He spent the

first few months crying, holding onto my leg and saying he did not

want to play. Eventually, he watched enough people and thought he would

give it a go, and off he went, and he has never looked back. I think to

start with, he will get a few eyeballs, with them picking up the

youngster. He will get a few eyeballs, make a few breaks, and get

on with the game. He never gets nervous. I always get nervous for

him. Well, that is what he tells us. And as we were about to leave,

another member of the family burst in. Frankly, his younger brother,

had scored five goals in his school's football match. Another one

to Jack's club, Exeter Chiefs, have the chance to qualify for the

semi`finals of the Anglo`Welsh Cup this weekend.

That's if they gain a bonus point victory at Worcester and Sale Sharks

fail to do the same at Ospreys tonight. In the Championship, the

Cornish Pirates should be too good for bottom side Ealing Trailfinders

in Penzance on Sunday. At the Brickfields tomorrow, promotion

favourites London Welsh will give Plymouth Albion a hard time as

Albion look for their first league win since November.

The weekend's football sees Yeovil Town attempt to do the double over

Nottingham Forest. They beat them 3`1 at Huish Park last October and

hope for a repeat against fifth`placed Forest to move them off

the bottom of the Championship. Without a win since New Year's Day,

Plymouth Argyle try to rectify that against Mansfield Town at Home Park,

while Exeter City, with just two wins in the last 15 games, bid to

stop their slide down League Two with a good result at Burton Albion.

Winger Danny Stevens is back with Torquay United on a short`term

contract until the end of the season. He could feature at

Portsmouth. Finally, keep an eye on the weather

tonight and tomorrow as it could affect your game. Just check with

your BBC local radio station and BBC Sport online if it's on or off.

Thank you very much. Now, it is probably not the first time if you

told tales have been told in school, but the youngsters hearing the story

in Totnes today were actually being treated to the rehearsals for a

storytelling festival. The Would Sisters Winter Festival is one of

the biggest one`day events launching National storytelling, and Johnny

Rutherford has been along to hear a few stories.

Storytelling is one of the most ancient communicative arts. This is

a miming play, where 17th`century people in the community would

disguise themselves and act out stories to raise some cash. This is

a story where an extremely dubious looking midwife brings somebody back

to life from the dead, and as you saw, the children love it. Everybody

laughs. It is really a sneak preview of tomorrow's storytelling festival.

Local and international storytellers will join in a full day of tales,

including music, poetry, and dance, at the school. In the UK, there has

been a huge revival of the old tradition, in the idea that our

brains are wired to understand stories. That is what our ancestors

did for thousands of years before they could write. They told stories.

The spectators today certainly understood that good storytelling is

essential. Same ago I find it is really interesting, because you are

not in the time it happened, so you don't really know what happened. You

are just telling a version that you know. It could be ` no, it is

crucial in education of learning how to use your imagination and learning

in what ways to use it. This is the 14th year of national story we, and

17,000 people are expected to join in. That is quite a few tales.

Time for the weather now. It is looking pretty dreadful.

looking It is, yes, not only the strength of

wins, but high tides, as you just heard. First, a quick summary. It is

very windy, winds ease a little on Sunday, and it also turns a bit

colder with showers tomorrow morning. They could have a wintry

flavour. The main concern is the severe flood warnings that have been

issued throughout the afternoon. The Environment Agency's website has

them under flood warnings. Or you can telephone them. The number is on

the screen. The combination of the exceptionally high tides, strong

winds and very low pressure, and of course, all that water draining down

into the rivers and estuaries. A great big area of low pressure, well

in charge of most of the North Atlantic. This centre is going to

travel down towards us overnight and into tomorrow, so even stronger

winds tomorrow. There will be showers, perhaps not lengthy spells

of rain, but the showers are fairly potent. One or two of them could be

wintry. But it is the strength of wind that increases throughout the

day, and by Sunday it is a little bit quieter. Still a breezy day for

all. There is the rain we saw earlier. That is beginning to move

out of the way. Behind that, something more clear. Cold air will

flood in, so the showers will turning pleasingly wintry, and

perhaps overly high ground of the murderers, they will deposit snow

was leaked by the end of the night. It will be a cold one as well. ``

the moors. Plos one or plus two degrees. That is cold enough for the

risk of ice, so we have another warning about the risk of its early

tomorrow morning. Shannon Lee rain that will come and go throughout the

day will be to wrap a time in the world be some sunshine in between

the showers, but the focus must be on the strength of wind,

particularly across the North Cornwall coast and the North Devon

coast through the Bristol Channel, where there could be gusts of wind

of 60 to 70 mph. That is another Met Office morning for you but the

strength of wind tomorrow. Gale force if not severe gale force will

stop really big gusts. This is around 3pm to 6pm in the evening.

Those are our temperatures tomorrow. Six or seven degrees. It will feel

cold, so wrapped up warmly. For the Isles of Scilly, windy here as well

with blustery showers. The waves at the end of the day tomorrow. The

important high water times ` at Padstow, 6:15am. At Minehead 7:15am,

and the beach is likely to be pretty dangerous tomorrow. On the north

coast, between ten and 15 feet, and for surfers, it is not really worth

a try. Here are the coastal waters. Wessel south`westerly seven or gale

force eight, increasing nine, possibly gusts of wind to storm

force ten tomorrow afternoon. E showers with generally a mainly good

visibility. On Sunday, perhaps a chance to quieten down. The highest

tides are on Sunday morning. Monday, more wet weather arrives, and

another morning heavy rain, again becoming windy. Take care this

weekend. Thank you very much. Our top story is, of course, the

weather tonight. In the past few minutes, Cornwall Council has said

that residents living in properties known to be high risk of flooding in

Bude and Portugal should leave homes and seek temporary accommodation

around the times of high tide on Saturday. Council officers are

visiting or properties at risk in Bude, pure and elsewhere. You can

get the latest on your local BBC Radio three. That will have special

programmes the night until 10pm. From everyone here, goodbye.