24/10/2013 BBC Oxford News

Monday. That is all from the BBC's

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

Murder charges. A woman appears in court six teen16 years after a fire

killed two children. Also: The baby cafe closure that's

on the cards, only a year after it opened.

And later on: Too many two`wheelers. Are the numbers spinning out of

control? Good evening. More than 16 years

since two children died in a house fire in Oxford, a woman has appeared

in court, charged with murder. 15`year`old Majid Khan and his

eight`year`old, Anum Khan, died as a result of the blaze which broke out

in August 1997 on Magdalen Road in the city. A year later, five people

were convicted of their murder. Today, Fiaz Munshi, from Oldham,

appeared before magistrates. Our reporter, Angela Walker, was in

court. Fiaz Munshi was dressed in black and

wearing a head scarf. She spoke to confirm her name and date of birth.

There were two charges of murder ` that of a 15`year`old and an eight

year old were read out. Because of the nature of the charges, the case

has been sent to Oxford Crown Court where she stands trial.

August 1997 and the home of the Khan family is engulfed in flames. Some

members of the family survived by jumping from an eight`year`old

window but this eight`year`old was trapped in a back bedroom. Her

brother died two days later in hospital. Petrol had been poured

through the letterbox and set alight. The community united in

grief. Police praised them are coming forward and giving evidence.

One`year later, five men were found guilty of murder and given life

sentences and later, a woman was found guilty of manslaughter. On

Tuesday, a woman was arrested. Last night, she was charged with

murdering the two children. Today, their parents were back in court.

The public gallery here was packed today. In a statement, they thanked

police involved in the arrest and hoped justice would be done.

The jury has retired to consider its verdict in the trial of a man

accused of beating his business partner to death in Buckinghamshire.

Patricia Goodband was last seen alive before Christmas. Her body was

found concealed in a brick shaft in the grounds of her home near

Aylesbury in January. Christopher Symons denies killing her.

A 50`year`old woman's been taken to hospital after an accident this

morning between a school coach and a car near Abingdon. The incident

happened at the Lodge Hill interchange of the A34. Fire crews

were called just before nine o'clock to the scene. Police say none of the

schoolchildren suffered injuries. The A4183 was closed for several

hours while recovery teams cleared the area.

Buckinghamshire's NHS trust has been ranked among the "most at risk" on a

new league table drawn up by the Care Quality Commission. The trust,

which runs Stoke Mandeville hospital, has already been placed

into special measures following a previous report into high mortality

rates. It will now be inspected as part of a second phase of checks by

the CQC. Officials in Buckinghamshire say a clear action

plan is in place to improve the overall quality of care.

A cafe set up to help new mums in Oxfordshire may be forced to close

just a year after it first opened if fresh funding can't be secured. The

Wallingford baby cafe started operating last November. It was set

up with help from a National Lottery grant. Management at Action for

Children have told staff at the baby cafe they won't be able to support

them once the money runs out next month. Victoria Cook reports.

Baby Amos is nearly a year old. He was born with Down's Syndrome. It

meant breast`feeding for his mum, Emma Smith, wasn't easy. She was

about to give up when she sought advice from the baby cafe. We spent

the next nine weeks going to the baby cafe regularly, and when he was

12 weeks old, he was breast`feeding really well. We had a great GP and

health visitor, but with all the goodwill in the world, they are not

breast`feeding experts. Since it opened, it's had the celebrity

backing of actress Joanna Page. Word of the cafe's success has spread and

numbers of mums have soared. But the initial Lottery funding has now run

out and it may close down if more isn't found. What we need is running

costs the training, staffing, booking the area we have here.

Doctors say cafes like this aren't a luxury. It's estimated the NHS

spends more than ?40 million a year treating babies who suffer illnesses

linked to a lack of human milk. To think that this place could close

seems so sad for the women and so short`sighted in terms of the help

of our children. If a mum came to me, I would give them the advice I

could, but I would definitely recommend they go to a baby cafe if

they couldn't get extra support. The team here are now hopeful that

someone will come forward with the ?5,000 needed every year to keep the

cafe going. Meanwhile, the last in a series of

meetings about planned council cuts will take place tonight. Officials

in Oxfordshire need another ?61 million worth of savings. Tonight's

meet is at Henry Box School in Witney.

A new ?100 million shopping development for Botley is to face

further review. Plans for the West Way shops in Botley include student

accommodation, a supermarket and a six`screen cinema. People living

nearby had been concerned about the size of the development. The scheme

will now be scrutinised in further detail.

The government's controversial badger cull is to resume in

Gloucestershire for another eight weeks. A licence for the extension

has been granted by Natural England. Farmers hoping to tackle the spread

of bovine TB have already conducted six weeks of shooting, but it failed

to kill the required number of badgers.

They thought it was all over but the marksmen and campaigners face

another two months on the ground in this controversial badger cull. In

the first six weeks, 708 badgers were shot in Gloucestershire. This

new license allows that a minimum of 540 and maximum of 940 badges that

can be culled. The environment secretary defended any extensions to

the pilot course. We have a further three more years. The earlier trials

did show that in some areas, you could start off slowly and still

have a significant role in reducing disease. One campaign group is now

planning legal action, claiming the new licence goes against Deborah's

own advice that the coal should only be for six weeks. We should be going

either for a judicial review or all for an injunction. In response,

natural England have told the Badger trust it was never agreed that any

extension to the licence could not be granted is six weeks wasn't

sufficient. The debate over this divisive policies seems far from

over. An increasing number of schools in

our region are forging ties with China. Last week, BBC South took a

closer look at how the ever`expanding country is affecting

our lives. This week, a group from Didcot Girls' School are visiting

the country as part of their studies, and we've been speaking to

them from Beijing. It's one of several schools in Oxfordshire

teaching Mandarin. Jessica Cooper has been finding out why the

language is becoming so popular. From six to 16`year`olds, Mandarin

is making a name for itself in Oxfordshire. An increasing number of

students at Didcot Girls' are choosing to study the language over

Spanish and French. I thought it's a really interesting

language and is the one that spoken most in the whole world. The main

reason I came to this call was because of Mandarin. It's laughing

like you've ever done before. New, interesting. This week, 14 students

are putting their Chinese to the ultimate test on a trip to Beijing.

Among the group is sixth former Lydia. It's a memory I will have

many years. The students never forget the friends they have made in

the experiences they have which are not always linguistic but cultural.

After six years learning Mandarin, she's hoping to study the language

at university. Because it is such a growing economy and big business, it

will be really useful to know when I am doing studies the economics. In

future, pupils at Banbury and Bicester College will be learning

Mandarin and visiting the country after recently linking up with a

Chinese college. As we move into the next 20, 30 years or so, these young

people will be doing business all over the world. They will be

importing from China. If we don't understand that culture, we won't

develop close business links to the mutual benefit of both countries.

Increasing numbers of schools are recognising that China will almost

certainly be part of their students' future, which is why they're

determined to forge strong relationships. To think some of us

struggled with French and English! will be held tonight. There are more

than 300 children in the care of the city council, with around 50 each

year requiring specialist support. Still to come: We will have the

weather details. Here is Chris. In the sport, we'll meet a young

swimmer making a big impression in the swimming Poole on the way to the

2016 Paralympics. We all know the road can be a

dangerous place. Most of all for the people in yellow jackets who work on

it while traffic roars past just a few feet away. Today a new device to

improve the safety of construction workers was unveiled in West Sussex.

Our transport correspondent Paul Clifton went to see it in action.

On the back of this hard hat is a small electronic receiver. When a

vehicle fitted with a transmitter approaches, it buzzes. It's a bit

like having eyes on the back of your head. At first we were spectacle ``

sceptical. But they do work and they let you know about a machine. I

would know a machine was there if it was coming up behind me. Drivers who

ignore warning signs and speed limits kill or injure road workers

every year. Highways agency is highlighting the dangers of driving

too fast through why works. In the last three years, eight road workers

have been killed but there have been many more near misses. It makes a

huge difference. We first trialled at 18 months ago and the feedback we

got was really positive. We worked for the last 18 months now without

having anybody injured. In the South West, including Wilts and Dorset,

Highways Agency says 35 vehicles have driven into lanes closed off

for roadworks this year. Roger was directing traffic passed and

overturned vehicle on the A303 when he was hit by a car doing 40 miles

an hour. In this video, he describes what happened. I cracked open my

head, I broke the windscreen of the car. I landed up on the road. The

first thing I knew, there was blood coming down from the back and top of

my head into my eyes. 180 people and 50 machines are fitted with this

kit. The safety record on this site is excellent.

If you've driven through Surrey you'll probably have noticed the

increase in people taking to two wheels ` many of them inspired by

last summer's Olympics. But there's been some discontent over road

closures and the number of cyclists on the roads. Katy Austin went to a

BBC sorry debate to hear what oversight had to say. `` what both

sides. Are they super cyclists or Lycra

louts? Many riders have followed the tyre tracks of Bradley Wiggins and

Mark Cavendish, enjoying both organised and spontaneous rides

through the Surrey Hills. But some local residents and businesses are

angry about clogged`up country routes and some road closures. In

Hampshire's New Forest, a ride similar to this one was spolit by

vandalism. Last night more than 100 people turned up at a BBC Surrey

debate to take the discussion up a gear. It's quite grim, cycling in

Surrey in general. The roads are so bad. They can't hit a left side of

the road, as much as they'd like to. If the roads were improved, you

wouldn't have the collection of cyclists in one area. A recurring

theme was the management of cycling. Should the council control race

routes? Are bikes spinning out of control? Or should we welcome the

economic and health benefits? There is no statutory right to object, nor

any process to follow to lodge objections. A large number of

people, and Pratt is and cycling as fast as they can in many cases, on

roads meant for other traffic. There is only one Complete Rd closure

event in Surrey to our knowledge. Surrey County Council has already

promised to improve road surfaces, and is consulting on a cycling

strategy for the county. I think we are only the council and we can't

stop people doing what they want to do. We can try and manage it better.

But the challenge now is to shape an Olympic cycling legacy that suits

everyone. Chris has all the sport in a moment.

He's one of the world's greatest sailors ` four Olympic gold medals,

a knighthood, and recently, an America's Cup winner. What further

honours are there for Sir Ben Ainslie? Well, Ainslie is well known

for his links to the South ` and in particular to Lymington. And tonight

that's being recognised formally at a presentation. Our reporter Joe

Campbell is live in Lymington tonight and can tell us more.

In the last few minutes, Ben Ainslie has received the freedom of

Lymington, the town which he told people had been his home for nearly

20 years. He came here not knowing a great deal about the place but felt

it had become his home in the time since then. That was when he was on

the cusp of what has been an incredible career. First those for

Olympic gold medals in the thin and laser classes and you can see him

just behind us at the moment. He's been inside, where he has been

receiving this freedom. The mayor made her feelings clear when she

spoke a short time ago. Through the different aspects of sailing, be it

on the boat yards, the Chandlers' stores, sailing is a top priority

for us. To have Sir Ben, the world number one champion, what more could

we ask for? We're pretty thrilled to have him here. We are with Sir Ben

now. It must be a record`breaking Olympic career but to come back to

Lymington tonight got Micro It is a huge honour to be here to receive

this award. For me, having lifted the 20 years, it means a huge

amount. Whenever I come home from racing, to see all my friends, all

the family, and the support of the local community has made a huge

difference over the years and in sailing terms, this is a fantastic

place to be and we have so many great sailors and such a great

sailing history. Interesting living in the high street with such a fan

base here. That's right. There have been a few interesting occasions

over the years. Letters under the door? Things like that. We've had

some amusing times. But it's a lot of fun and a great place to live.

Thanks for joining us and congratulations from BBC South

today. They are going to be partying into the night here. But for now,

back to you. Last week we featured the Great

Britain men's sledge hockey team, which included Tyler Christopher

from Andover. Well, unfortunately, they've failed to qualify for next

year's Winter Paralympics in Sochi, after a third successive

qualification defeat. Losses to Japan, Italy and Sweden mean they

can't now make the Games in Russia. They may still seem quite a way off,

but the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro are

the main focus of thousands of sportspeople right across the world.

And for a rising star of the swimming pool here in the South, a

trip to Brazil is coming round sooner than she might've imagined.

I've been along to hear her story. Those in the know have their gaze

firmly fixed on Alice Tighe, the 15`year`old from new Mills in

Hampshire, who flies out to South America next month to represent

Britain at an international school event. The chance to test the water

ahead of the Paralympics. It's really exciting. It's a great

experience, to get to know Brazil and get to know the people. It was

quite daunting acres I've never been that far abroad for a competition.

The furthest I've been as Berlin. Alice benefits from her school's

on`site facilities and sporting academy. Identified for a

Paralympics Time programme, she was a torch bearer last year. But when

Rio comes around, she hopes to be carrying British medal hopes

instead. My hopes REO 2016, and I'd like to get up on the podium. But

there are a lot of steps to get there first. `` are for Rio. Having

gone through 14 operations to correct a foot condition, Alice's

progress is even more remarkable. Competitive swimming requires plenty

of dedication and Alice is gone to great lengths to pursue her dreams.

She is on between nine and ten swim sessions a week depending on her

competitions. And an additional three hours of land training. It's

quite intense but she takes it in her stride and manages it well with

all her schoolwork. Just a nice, relaxed butterfly, OK? Just work on

the technique. I've had a lot of hurdles that I've had to overcome to

get where I am now so the swimming has helped me a lot. It's helped

with rehabilitation and just getting back to where I am and making sure I

stay positive because I know there is always that one thing I'm able to

do. Alice is now turning in performances that would have

qualified her for London 2012. With three more years of potential

progress before 2016, the possible it is clear to see.

A lotta people will say they are targeting Rio but Alice is

definitely one to watch. We have a moving story tomorrow about the

great South run. Let's move on to the weather. If you

thought it was hard earlier in the week, we have all eyes on the

weekend. Some lovely pictures.

Michael Hunt captured this bird in a puddle in Bracknell in Berkshire.

Raymond Slack took this picture of a pheasant in the sunshine in Albury

Park in Surrey. And a Heron on one leg on Meon Shore

in Hampshire captured by Rod Smith. It will be blustery over the next

few days. Tonight we will cease rain arrived during the second part of

the night but dry initially with clear spells in places before the

band of rain ` some heavy bursts in its ` moves north eastwards across

the region, engulfing much of the region by dawn. Temperatures not as

chilly as last night. We are looking at a damp start to the day tomorrow.

The rain quickly moves north and eastwards on the brisk

south`westerly wind and we'll see some sunshine. The risk of a shower

through the afternoon but pleasantly mild temperatures despite the wind.

Some late evening brightness on offer tomorrow evening. One or two

showers through the early hours of Saturday and still a lot of cloud.

You're more likely to see showers for western areas with temperatures

falling. For some on Saturday, a damp start and we are expecting an

improving Pritchard throughout the day. Here is the outlook for the

rest of the weekend. Frame Will Claye swiftly, followed by some

showers and sunshine. The middle part of Saturday looks pretty decent

before abandoned train arrives in the evening. Blustery showers for

Sunday but all eyes are on Sunday night into Monday. An intense area

of low pressure swings in from the Atlantic and with it, very strong

gale force winds, storm force wind gusts, and driving rain. We are

keeping an eye on the situation. The Met Office have issued an amber

warning which means be prepared for strong winds and potentially some

flooding from heavy rainfall. This is the track the storm is taking,

moving in to the south`west from the West. There could be heavy rainfall

and very strong winds. Gusts along the south coast of up to 80 mph.

Stay tuned to your local BBC Radio Leicester is on for the latest

information. Strong winds and heavy rain at times. Just a reminder, on

Sunday the clocks go back and our. The forecast is available on our

website. An extra hour in bed! How lovely. We

saw him earlier with Joe Campbell. Sir Ben Ainslie has been honoured

yet again. Four medals, great success in the America's Cup, Sir

Ben Ainslie, the list goes on and on. He has the freedom of Lymington.

We can now go back to Joe, who is surrounded by people who have all

come out to see Sir Ben Ainslie and get his autograph.

They certainly have. It really has been something of a party

atmosphere. He really is their favourite sun. There is this

business of living in the high street and having letters stuffed

under his door. Yasmin and Kate are here. Yasmin, you've got the

autograph. Yes, I have it here. I bought some stamps when he won the

gold for my family all over the world. It was nice to see him in

person. I thought I would get one autograph behind one of the stamps.

What was it like, Kate? You've been up to try and meet him. Yes, but we

were asked to provide the flowers for this evening so it was lovely to

see him up there and see the flowers on the stage with him will stop He

really is somebody who people here are very proud of. He is a humble,

sweet man. We've been up and down since the Olympics with flowers for

him and goodwill gestures. It's a wonderful award and apparently this

is the first one since 1974. The situation is that Sir Ben is now

going to go off and join some of the councillors from here and they will

no doubt have a lot of talking into the evening and maybe they will ask

about his other dream, having won the America's Cup as a tactician for

the United States, can he get a British team together?

Sir Ben is not going to get away. Yesterday he set a new world record

` paddling 100 metres in a pumpkin in exactly two minutes. But now he's

gone further with a powered pumpkin! Today, Dimitri Galitzine has done it

again. This time his pumpkin made it right across the Solent ` to the

Isle of Wight. This was filmed shortly after he arrived and he was

understandably proud of his achievement. I feel great. We've

just made it over to the Isle of Wight. It was faster than we

expected, under two hours. We're really pleased. Looking forward to

getting onto dry land. I bet he is. Sir Ben Ainslie would be quite

jealous of that record! He needs a sale in the pub in next

time! He might be thinking about right

now. That's all from us. We are back at 8pm and 10:25pm. Good night.

This is Malcolm, who owns Iceland. He's the one