09/10/2013 BBC Oxford News

Hello, and welcome to South Today from Oxford. In tonight's programme:

Don't give money to homeless people on the streets — why Oxford City

Council and the Big Issue want shoppers to make donations to a

medical centre instead. Also tonight, curbing future rises

in rail fares — the new rules the Government claims will help

hard—working commuters. And later on, caught on camera — the

drivers seen brushing their teeth and doing their make up in a police

crackdown. Good evening. Shoppers in Oxford are

being urged to donate money to charity rather than give it to

homeless people on the streets. The City Council has joined forces with

the Big Issue, saying that the best way to help is to give money to a

medical centre used by homeless people in the city. Tom Turrell

reports. For most of us, living rough is hard

to imagine. But for Darren, it's been a reality for the last seven

years, on and off. To survive, and it does get easier if eventually.

It's not as tough as it was, but it's never easy. Darren told me he

doesn't beg, but that's not the case for all rough sleepers. Now, the

City Council says the best way to help is to donate to this charity.

It's an organisation where the homeless receive medical treatment

from doctors and nurses. And their message — don't let your money go on

drink and drugs. What we want them to do instead is to give the money

to us, which will go to the medical needs of homeless people in a way

that will actually probably help them get their lives back together.

But whilst Darren appreciates the centre needs funding, he doesn't

think people should necessarily not give to the homeless directly. The

other side of town, and staff at the Big Issue office are hard at work.

They're keen to support the medical centre, but say it's not the only

option. When we work with offenders, we also work towards

moving them on from homelessness, so if you give to a vendor, you have a

good read, but also the vendor 's get the support through our

foundation to help them with any difficulties that keep them

homeless. There are hundreds of homeless in Oxford every night. Now

the City Council hopes its message to shoppers will go some way to

bring that number down. A 75—year—old woman from Milton

Keynes has been charged with the murder of her husband. Police were

called to a house in Bancroft Park in July this year where they found

the body of 83—year old John Sampford, who had been strangled.

Sheila Sampford has appeared before magistrates and has been remanded in

custody. Two building companies are to be

prosecuted over the death of a construction worker from

Oxfordshire. 41—year—old Mark Williams from Nuneham Courtenay was

crushed by a forklift truck on a building site in Newbury. He was

working on the Parkway Shopping development. The companies, Costain

Ltd and Attleys Roofing Ltd, are charged with four offences under

health and safety laws. The case will be heard next March.

Some rail fares in our region went up by as much as 8% this year, but

the Government has stepped in to keep rises down next January. Rail

companies across the region have been told there will be a cap on

what they're allowed to charge. Adina Campbell's been looking at

what that means for passengers here. That afternoon at Oxford station. It

may look busy, but it's set to get more frantic during rush hour. So

how do people feel about the price they pay? If you can't plan ahead

and you just need to buy that ticket, it's going to be very, very

expensive. It doesn't take long to get here, and the charge £6 60. I am

a student. The price that we pay, particularly people with season

tickets, I think that can be if incredibly frustrating. It's hard

not to find someone here who thinks they pay too much, but one way the

government is hoping to change that opinion is by curbing ticket

prices. It means prices will not go up by more than 6.1% in January,

rather than the planned increase of 9.1%. It is a great idea. It will

give security to passengers in the long term. If we keep it a

reasonable price, I think it will be good. The new limits will affect

season tickets and off—peak returns, and it's not some people

will be around £30 per month better. The company claim fear in cases are

necessary. First Great Western and children railways save the money is

needed to maintain services, and they always provide a range of

ticket options. Here in the south, we have a lot of people travelling

at the same time, but still, prices are very high, and we need to move

towards a fairer system. Even though prices are regulated by the

government, companies can still put up their prices by as much as 6%.

The reality is that prices will still increase by more than

inflation next year. Meanwhile, the GMB union is holding

a ballot on industrial action in Swindon. It follows protests over

changes to pay and working hours by cleaners, porters and catering staff

employed by Carillion at the Great Western Hospital.

Campaigners trying to stop the badger cull in Gloucestershire being

extended say badger populations are in danger of being wiped out. The

shooting period in the county could be extended by another two to three

weeks because marksmen have failed to shoot enough of the animals.

Earlier, BBC rural affairs correspondent, David Gregory—Kumar

explained what the target numbers are.

The whole point of the coal is for those running it to try and prove to

the government they can kill 70% of the government with any the cull

zone, and they can do this humanely, shooting them cleanly with guns at a

distance, and basically bring it in on budget. As part of all that,

estimating how many badgers you have is vitally important. The number of

badgers you think there are in the field will have a huge impact on the

day—to—day practicalities. There are varying estimates of numbers, does

anyone know how many there are? We have made for different attempts to

pin this done, and the estimates have the lead from anything from

1800 to 4000. The latest figures are much lower,

and it is vitally important they are right, because of the numbers are

too low, there is a good chance the cull would kill enough badgers, and

they could end up spreading bovine TB and making it worse. If the

numbers are too high, we might end up killing all the budget in West

Gloucestershire, and resulting in local extinction which would be

illegal. What has been the response to the request to extend it?

Obviously, the protesters are not at all happy about this.

There has also been responses from police.

It is not what Gloucestershire needs. The police have been involved

in this operation for the last five five weeks, , and I have seen

evidence that the cull operators are becoming somewhat desperate to reach

their targets. Many farmers still support the call,

and they will be worried that it is dragging on, and there never seems

to be a simple answer about the control of TB, which this is all

about. When with the decision be made? The government has announced

they will consider the application, and we should have an decision on

whether they will be allowed to do that by the end of this week.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Neolithic activity in

East Oxford. The land features and artefacts discovered could be dated

back to almost 6000 years ago. 600 volunteers are involved in finding

out more about the ancient history of the area. Victoria Cook went

along to find out more. This is how humans lived 6000 years

ago. This is the Neolithic age. People were nomadic, often leaving

behind tools and bones. Evidence of this sort of activity has now been

discovered in East Oxford. Here in Donnington Recreation Ground, a team

of archaeologists has spent the last week trying to discover that past.

You don't really know what's going to happen when you break into the

soil, but right from the beginning, we had these prehistoric tools

appearing in clusters. The dig has been led by the Archaeology of East

Oxford project. Experts, plus a team of more than 600 volunteers. The aim

is to get everyone involved. It's a real joy to be able to share my

knowledge with people, and see them going from not knowing much about

archaeology to get their confidence increasing. Obviously, you have to

be fit to do the digging, but there are plenty of other things you can

do. We're showing them what to do, but you're allowed to make mistakes

as well. The ground here was more straightforward to scan, which gives

archaeologists and idea of what is underneath. A lot of the areas in

East Oxford have been quarried or built on, which makes scanning

impossible. Tomorrow, the final aerial photography will be taken of

the site, and then the analysis of what's been found here will begin.

In football, Swindon's impressive home form continued at the County

Ground last night. Town went a goal down in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy

tie to Plymouth, but a first senior goal from Jack Barthram put them on

level terms in the first half. After the break, Swindon continued to

press forward and loanee Nicky Ajose punished the Pilgrims with what

proved to be the strike that secured their place in round three.

The MK Dons won't be joining Swindon in the Southern Area quarter finals,

despite taking the lead away at Stevenage. After Izzale McLoud was

fouled in the box, Shaun Williams converted the resulting penalty. But

Stevenage scored twice in reply at Broadhall, to condemn the Dons to a

fifth consecutive away defeat. Oxford United were also knocked out

of the competition by Portsmouth last night. You can see the goals

from the Kassam Stadium in just a few minutes.

That's all from me for the moment. I'll be back at 10.25pm. Now more of

today's stories with Sally Taylor. been released on police bail. The

man had been detained by police after the incident at the airstrip

at Englefield near Reading which caused an estimated six to seven

hundred thousand pounds' worth of damage. Still to come in this

evening's South Today: In the pink — the all—female sailing team gearing

up for a round—the—world challenge. A long running, bitter row with a

constituent has led to an MP attacking the way police have

treated him. In a strongly worded speech in the House of Commons, Tim

Loughton, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, accused Sussex Police

of breaching its own guidelines after it issued him with a

harassment warning. The force is robustly defending itself, saying

it's treated the MP correctly. James Ingham reports.

What started as a row between an MP and a constituent has become a much

wider debate about the right of MPs to carry out their work without

interference from outside Parliament. Tim Loughton told the

Commons that despite suffering ongoing vile abuse from a member of

the public it was his written reply that was treated by police as

harassment. He received what's known as a police information notice,

essentially a warning that his response to the man may be

investigated as criminal offence. It was sanctioned by the head of the

force who Mr Loughton said had failed in his duties.

The Chief Constable, who has been copied into all these events, has

been content to waste taxpayers' resources on this nonsense. His

force has been brought into disrepute and he has lost the plot

when it comes to distinguishing between the victim and perpetrator.

I know I own local officers, who I've eat highly, are embarrassed by

this action. Sussex Police has robustly defended

its actions. It said it attempted to mediate between the politician and

his constituent but to no avail. Mr Loughton said the police action

interfered with parliamentary privilege, which gives politicians

certain legal immunities. It's denied this. But as the war of words

between the MP, constituent and the police continues, Parliament's

Standards and Privileges Committee will investigate whether any wrong

was done. Ford Open Prison in West Sussex has

been criticised for being too soft on inmates. It comes after

management wrote to prisoners asking their views on why they might want

to escape and highlighting the risks of drugs. The local MP says the

prison needs to toughen up but independent inspectors say the

respectful way of treating prisoners has improved conditions at the jail.

Our Home Affairs Correspondent Alex Forsyth joins me now. What's sparked

all of this? A national newspaper has reported

that the management at Ford has written these letters to prisoners.

One, said to be from the Governor, asking for their perceptions on why

people abscond. Another, said to be from the Security Chief about drugs,

saying, we would like to take this opportunity to alert offenders as to

the obvious risks both to those using and those who may be in

vicinity whilst others are under the influence. The Ministry of Justice

hasn't disputed the fact these letters were sent and the local MP

says management should be taking a tougher approach.

That message in the letter needs to be crystal clear. If you use drugs

or alcohol, you lose your status as a free prisoners. That is what they

would expect from the governors. What has the prison service said?

The Ministry of Justice told us they take the illicit use of drugs in

prisons very seriously and offenders are made aware that anyone caught

with them will face punishment — that applies to Ford. Almost three

years ago there were riots at Ford Open Prison. Part of the reason for

those riots was said to bad relationships between prisoners and

staff. Much work has been done on this and last year an inspection

found things were vastly improved. It found the number of people

absconding is down, year on year. It praised authorities for listening to

prisoners' views and treating them with respect. It is said that it is

that very attitude which has impacted the prison.

The offenders are coming towards the end of their sentence so they have

to be given a certain degree of freedom and they are always treated

with a great deal of respect and fairness.

Ford was labelled a safe and decent place in its last inspection so

while some might want a harder line, others say the management's attitude

is working. Hampshire Police are warning of the

dangers of distraction driving after catching nearly 200 drivers breaking

the law in just five days. They've released footage of a lorry driver

brushing his teeth, people behind the wheel on the phone and even one

commuter applying her make—up, to show some of the dangerous behaviour

they're focusing their attentions on. Duncan Kennedy reports.

60 miles an hour, a busy motorway and this. Yes, he's brushing his

teeth. Then there's this. Driving on the outside lane, putting on her

make up. There's no end to what motorists get

up to from reading and writing all while driving. It was all captured

by Hampshire and Thames Valley Police to highlight the dangers of

distracted driving. Many were caught falling or texting and trying to

hide it. The police prosecuted hundreds of motorists in one week

and 126 of those were using mobile devices. This driver not only has a

mobile phone in one hand, but a cigarette in the other and here's

driving using his knees. People smile at these things because they

think, how can you be so silly? We should these to other motorists.

That is crazy. That's incredible. I just can't believe somebody would do

that while they are driving. This woman is putting on her make

up. Is yet all the time. It doesn't surprise me. But it is not just the

police doing the doing —— videoing. This man was later suspended by his

company. A new survey today found that 59% of drivers admit putting

others at risk. While it's texting, reading or brushing, it is driving

police to distraction. Cleaning your teeth while you're

driving? It's extraordinary. I can't believe it. We are going to start

the sport with a bit of ceiling. —— sailing.

This week marks a year to go until the start of one of sailing's iconic

events — the Volvo Ocean Race. And for the first time since 2001, the

round—the—world challenge will feature an all—female crew. Sam

Davies from Hampshire leads that 11—strong team, who will spend the

next year living and training in Lanzarote. Tony Husband went to see

their final preparations before they left British shores today.

We have to learn how to work together as a team and get every

last bit of speeds out of her. That is going to be the key to winning.

The race, formerly known as the Whitbread, first started in 1983.

This is the first all women crew for many years. It brings back memories

of Tracy Edwards and her crew in the 1980s. They were my heroes. They

made some of us think it is possible to do this.

The next few months are crucial. I have no idea what we're going to

see it there. I've seen some of the footage of massive seas and I am

hoping that my team will help me. The team are aboard their 65 foot

yacht. They will have fun but the challenge is to be ready for stage

one in Alicante next October. Beautiful skies as they sailed out.

Another Wembley dream is still in the offing for Portsmouth, as they

progressed in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. But Oxford United were left

to rue their stuttering home form once more. Oxford had the best of

the first hour at the Kassam Stadium, before substitute Patrick

Agyemang's excellent strike put Pompey in front. Loan signing John

Marquis then made the game safe with seven minutes remaining. James

Constable did pull a consolation back late on for Oxford but their

home form continues to be their Achilles heel.

Southampton Football Club have received council approval to extend

their training facilities. The club have already been renovating their

existing site at Marchwood but Saints will now add a further six

new pitches, as well as a dome and extra parking provision. The new

facility will predominantly be used by Saints' youth and academy

sections. AFC Bournemouth have announced the

death of their former long—serving defender Laurie Cunningham. Laurie

made 273 league appearances for the Cherries in the 1940s and '50s and

was an ever—present for four seasons in that time. He passed away at the

Royal Bournemouth Hospital, aged 91. And an athlete from West Sussex has

been handed a potential route to the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year.

Kelly Denyer from Worthing has been named as a brakewoman in the GB

Bobsleigh squad for the forthcoming World Cup series. The 23—year—old

will be looking to book one of the qualification places for the Winter

Olympics, which get underway in February. There was no place though

for Weymouth's Serita Shone, who has battled back from fracturing her

spine in 2011. Now, if you're a fan of Downton

Abbey, this one's for you. Dozens of items have been discovered on a

country estate in West Sussex. The items from Parham House near

Pulborough give a fascinating insight into life there in the 1920s

and '30s. They go on display to the public

this weekend but David Allard has been given an exclusive preview.

For nearly 400 years, Parham House has been a witness to history. From

a rumoured visit by Queen Elizabeth I. To the wartime evacuees who found

a home here. So you're never quite sure what you'll find at the back of

an old stable. This is from the estate Fire

Brigade. As an estate worker, like myself as a gardener, we would have

been required to be the first responders to any fire. You can't

help but get wrapped up in the stories.

These items date back to the 1920s and '30s, when the estate was owned

by Clive and Alicia Pearson. Their great grand—daughter now lives here.

My great grandparents never threw anything away. Indeed, we keep

finding things. It is great. One of the most exciting things is this

little bag which we found a couple of weeks ago. Letters would come

from London and this bag and the station officer would probably chuck

it out of the train to the Butler. We do have a number of toys

including this picture of my mum pushing a toy elephant.

It's pure Downton Abbey stuff but is there still that class divide

between upstairs and downstairs? Not such a hierarchy. We all McCain

now. Everybody does what needs to be done. —— we all muck in. I love it.

It is terribly moving. All the artefacts go on display to the

public this Sunday. Worth a look, certainly. Once the

weather. It is getting chilly. Martin Offer captured this deer rut

in Petworth Park in West Sussex. Synchronised swimming in Gosport.

This photo was taken by Maureen Coles.

And Judi Lion captured this scene at Woolbeding Common near Midhurst.

Today was noticeably colder than yesterday and tomorrow it will be

colder still. We may have a few showers before that but they will

disappear and the skies will clear. And others clearing skies,

temperatures will fall into low single figures. A lovely start to

the day for most of us tomorrow morning. Low skies overhead. During

the afternoon, time will start to increase for eastern areas. There

will be the chance of one or two showers. The breeze will be

noticeable. Quite strong from the North, taking the edge of

temperatures. It will rise to 13 Celsius in places. There is the odd

chance of a shower. During the early hours of Friday morning, there will

be scattered and patchy rain. A mild night tomorrow night. Tomorrow, we

will see a change. The wind will come from the North then rain is

expected to push in from the south—east. The wet start to the day

on Friday. A lovely start tomorrow. West is best tomorrow. Freddie will

C rain later in the day. And more rain at the weekend.

Tomorrow night, remember those rhinos that we had in Southampton?

They go up for auction and we will be taking a look at that. Thanks for

watching. Good night.