24/04/2014 BBC Oxford News

thundery showers developing. As we move towards the weekend, the winds

will become more of a feature. Heavy showers, but at the same time, there

will also be sunny spells. this is a serious

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

Police appeal to muslim womdn to stop their sons, brothers and

boyfriends going to Syria to fight ` counterterrorism police takd their

campaign to Banbury. Also tonight: The Prime Minhster and

potholes ` David Cameron dons a hard hat and promises more money to

repair damaged roads. What's in your takeaway? Lalb kebabs

are found to contain other leat in an investigation by Trading

Standards. And later on: How a transatlantic

rower was reunited with the boat he thought he'd lost.

Good evening. Counterterrorhsm police have been in Banbury as part

of their campaign to stop British Muslims going to Syria to fhght

Police say they're increasingly concerned about the number of young

men heading there to join the conflict. Last month, a man from

Oxford was arrested by police on suspicion of terror offences linked

to Syria. Victoria Cook has this report.

More than 400 British Muslils are estimated to have gone to fhght in

Syria according to police. Those going are often young men inspired,

say police, by jihadist ideology on the internet. Today, police met

leaders of a Muslim women's group in Banbury. The aim ` to get them

involved in stopping their lale relatives travelling abroad. It is a

good idea because mums know what their children are doing or

thinking, if they have a good relationship with their child. It's

this type of imagery, easilx available on social media, that s

blamed for encouraging Brithsh Muslims to join the Syrian rebel

fight agaist the country's leader, President Assad. The South Dast

Counter Terrorism Police ard today launching a new campaign, urging

people not to go. We all felt we wanted to do something. Howdver it

is a dangerous country. It hs difficult to get into once xou

arrive but also we have been finding that people get drawn into

activities that they did not want to do when they originally set. More

than 40 people from the UK were arrestted in connection with Syria

this year. `` arrested. The numbers are small but police fear those

who've been drawn into extrdmist ideologies abroad could posd a

threat to the UK on their rdturn. Some don't agree with their tactics

` religious leaders in Oxfordshire say it should fall to the community

to tackle the problem, not the police. I think it is better to have

the police and intelligence services in the background rather th`n at the

forefront. The other thing H would question is the idea that Mtslim

women could somehow stop thdse men going abroad because most of these

people who are going abroad to fight are doing it in secret. The fear is

that these measures may havd little effect on those those inspired by

the idea of fighting jihad, those who see being the prospect of being

killed in Syria as a noble lartyr's death.

Oxfordshire County Council says it will bid for almost ?5.5 million

from a new government fund to fix potholes. With the local eldctions

looming, David Cameron has been closer to home in Oxfordshire today,

pledging more support ` and money ` to repair damaged roads. Our

political reporter, Helen C`tt, was there.

Not many politicians would be pleased to find themselves staring

into a whole just weeks before an election. But David Cameron was on

hand to help fill this one. Applications open today for a new

fund to repair potholes. We are setting up this new fund, or ?1 8

million, enough to mend 3 mhllion potholes and counties like such will

able to apply for that fund in addition to what they are already

spending. Oxygen county council said they will apply for up to ?4.4

million. At an average cost of 63 a whole, it is no small Bill. There is

no guarantee of the money. To get the right of completing up to

scratch would take up to 150 million. Some question how luch

credit the coalition can take for the repairs. It was the last Labour

government that approved thd investment in Reading Station and

we're seeing the benefits flooding through and we hope that future

investment in the row by industry will deliver the continuing benefits

to Reading. The big question will be if smoother rides on our ro`ds and

rails will make one easier journey to economic success.

Meanwhile, Nick Clegg also launched the Liberal Democrat's European

election campaign today. Thd Deputy Prime Minster urged his party to

combat the "EU Myth Makers" and went on to criticise Labour and the

Conservatives for going "missing in action" instead of challenghng UKIP.

Isolationists who for so many years have claimed that every problem in

the world could be solved bx leaving the European Union need to be

challenged. I hope that people will vote for us.

And, over the next few weeks, we'll hear from the other main parties as

they launch their European dlection campaigns. Dave Lee Travis has

appeared before magistrates in central London, accused of `n

indecent assault against a woman in 1995. The 68`year`old presenter who

lives in Buckinghamshire, pleaded not guilty and will appear hn court

again next month. The Government's given permhssion

for a solar farm to be built in Bletchingdon near Bicester. The plan

was turned down by Cherwell District Council last year, but that

decision's now been overturned by the planning inspector. The Campaign

To Protect Rural England saxs the solar farm would be the first in

Oxfordshire's green belt and is appealing to the Secretary of State

to block the project. There are fears in Swindon that

plans to build what's known as "affordable homes" could make rent

in the town unaffordable. Swindon Borough Council want to build an

extra 150 homes and rent thdm out below the market rate, but

campaigners say they'll still be too pricey. Tom Turrell reports.

They were designed to be colfortable and yet affordable and, aftdr World

War II, they sprung up all over the country. These days, many of these

properties are privately owned. Not so long ago, they would havd all

been owned by Swindon Borough Council and rented out to the people

of Swindon at a reduced ratd. Now Swindon Borough Council's ddcided to

bid for ?3.5 million worth of government funding so it can build

and renovate 150 affordable homes by 2018. While 20% cheaper than the

private market, they are not as heavily discounted as traditional

council houses. For campaigners these affordable homes are `nything

but affordable. We think thhs is a terrible mistake because it will

mean that council housing is no longer genuinely affordable, as they

transfer more and more of them to affordable rent. The council,

though, insist that, with around 8,000 people in the town wahting for

social housing, these properties are needed. Certainly in the sotth`west,

there is an endless supply of rented accommodation. Whether that be at

market rent or less. We havd to do all we can to make sure we hncrease

the supply. It's said an Englishman's home is his castle But

it seems that vastle may not be as heavily discounted as some would

like. `` that Castle. Trading Standards in Buckinghamshire

have found chicken and beef in some lamb kebabs. Officers took samples

from take`away shops across the county, including in Aylesbtry.

Kebabs can contain a mixturd of meat, as long as it's made clear to

customers. Adina Campbell rdports. For some, it's a tasty lunchtime

treat or the best way to end a night out. But do we really know what s on

that kebab skewer? The simple answer is no if you live in

Buckinghamshire. That's according to latest test results from Tr`ding

Standards. Officers took salples of meat from take`aways in Ayldsbury,

High Wycombe, Amersham and Chesham. They found a majority contahned the

wrong kind of meat. You shotld be getting what you pay for and if

cheaper products are being substituted, it is to the

consumer's detriment. The ntmbers are small but of the 14 lamb doner

kebabs tested, 11 contained chicken and one included beef. And of the 13

burgers sampled, two had lalb in and one came back as unknown. This road

is full of kebabs shops and many are open from 12 in the afternoon until

the early hours of the mornhng. How do people here feel about the meat

in their food? I think they are generally quite good. I buy them

from kebabs shops because they make them freshly, they cook fresh and

you know what you're getting. There are things that the customer should

know. But no one ever tells us anything. Even though some kebabs do

have a mixture of meats, Tr`ding Standards say shops must have clear

labelling when advertising their meals.

That's all from me for the loment. I'll have the headlines at 8pm and a

full bulletin at 10:25pm. Now more of today's stories with Sally

Taylor. successful. Still to come in this

evening's South Today. On the hunt for a snake in the grass in Finn's

Country. We're often told to get on our bikes

to keep fit and save the environment. But cyclists are banned

from many busy areas. In Bournemouth, that's about to change.

Restrictions on cycling are being lifted on the pier approach and part

of the town centre. It's part of an attempt to reverse the town's

reputation as one of the most dangerous places to cycle in

Britain. Nikki Mitchell's there for us tonight. Nikki, this sounds like

a difficult balancing act. Ht is difficult. That is why lifthng the

ban on cycling through a busy area like this one as controvershal. In

July and August, this area hs simply chock`a`block with people. That is

why this is a trial only, for 1 months. If there are any accidents

in that time then the ban whll be reinstated and cyclists will once

again have to get off and w`lk. Cyclist Jason Faulkner almost died

when a vehicle hit him in Poole two years ago, but his near fat`l crash

is not but cycling, and he hs delighted that the ban is bding

lifted. I believe in shared space. When people are responsible with

each other, regardless of whether or the bike, driving, rollerbl`des or

on horseback, then we inter`ct with people and I am totally all for it.

There are fears that a busy tourist spots, the cyclists themselves would

be a danger to people on foot. I don't think it should be allowed

with children about, especi`lly at holiday time. Sometimes thex, from

behind you and you are more aware of them. It makes sense to look out and

see what impact it has. As long as they are considerate, with children

around. The council says th`t cyclists have not proved to be a

threat to people walking along the seafront, or elsewhere. We have had

absolutely no incidents or `ccidents between pedestrians and cyclists.

That has prompted us to introduce this trial. We want Bournemouth to

be a cycle`friendly place. With Bournemouth ranked one of the most

dangerous places in England for cyclists, council is under pressure

to be more welcome to them, and to make it safer for them, too, hence

these plans for new Danish `style cycle lanes and other road

improvements. The council is adamant that making things safer for

cyclists is crucial to encotrage us to get on our bikes instead of

sitting in cars and clogging up the roads. If we are too scared to get

on our bikes, then congestion and towns are reliant on to was like

this one, will simply get worse Practically, I'm not sure that many

people will notice a differdnce with the ban being lifted, because many

cyclists simply ignore it, `nyway. That man on his bike. Do yot cycle?

I should do more. I do more jogging and running, and golf.

The Portsmouth board met today and Andy Awford is expected to be

confirmed as the full`time successor to Richie Barker in the comhng days.

Awford has led Pompey to five consecutive wins since Barkdr was

sacked. Those victories havd transformed Portsmouth's le`gue

position. They're now 13th hn the table and well clear of the drop

zone. It's made the former Portsmouth defender the overwhelming

candidate for the job. Last night we met young Harry Callow, who dreams

of golfing stardom one day. But the path to the top can be diffhcult

even with a special talent. Georgia Hall is one of the best amateur

players in the world, but a lack of backing means she's shelved plans to

turn professional` for now `t least. I was on the tee with her this

morning. As Bournemouth opposed poster in these birthday, hdr

golfing career was at Brussdls. Tundra flesh land battle thd game

was Mike Leigh, running amateur She has chosen the latter option because

of the challenge of funding a professional career. It is hard

because I have trained for ten years to try and turn pro. I have done all

the practice that I can but it is just the money side. Unless you have

rich parents or you know soleone, you have to try and find another way

to raise it. Georgia Hall, from Bournemouth, is a past Brithsh

amateur champion at the youth Olympic Festival double gold

medallist, but she could not lay in a major tournament in America last

month because it was too expensive to travel. I got an invite, which is

the hardest thing, and had to turn it down. It is annoying. All I need

is to get there, to play, to try and prove myself. With professional

plans on hold, she was back training at Parkstone in Dorset todax. In

September she will try to e`rn a place on the ladies European tour.

There are other targets before that. I have got the Heather Scott coming

up, and also the British opdn at the start of August. You did well in it

last year, didn't you? Yes, I played my best golf. Posted in Romd, she

goes to the open next month and a good performance there would help

shine a light on her talents. But there were lacking any shots of

you in that. I was not doing too badly. Just limbering up. I have not

played much golf, this is a 180 yards par three, 4`iron. Look at

that. I said to the cameram`n, did you get it? Didn't somebody just

chuck the ball in at the end? That is the rumour. He was forced to

abandon his boat mid`ocean `nd thought he'd never see it again But

after being rescued from a trans`Atlantic rowing race, Nick

Reas and his partner have bden reunited with their boat. Against

incredible odds, it was spotted more than 1,000 miles from where it was

left, and returned by a frehght ship's crew. It's the final twist of

a challenge which was in aid of a breast cancer charity James Ingham

reports. Back together, Nick Reas and the boat he left at sea. Two

weeks into a trans`Atlantic race, he and his partner were forced to

abandon their crossing. The mid Atlantic in mid December. A rowing

challenge through huge seas. These were conditions that proved just too

much for two men. The waves were getting bigger and bigger and ended

up being 30 foot high, and the bow of the boat got plugged in the

bottom of a wave. It capsizdd, head over heels. That was pretty scary,

being thrown out of the boat, under the boat, under the wave, thinking,

how am I going to get out of this situation? With the help of a nearby

ship. The apprporiately namdd Sunshine Bliss answered an dmergency

call, carrying out a mid`ocdan rescue. It was scary getting onto

the vessel. They dropped a step ladder over the side. The rope went

under tension and put back off so I was back in the sea for a sdcond

time that a but this time not attached to anything, next to this

huge, bulk carrier, and that was one of the most scary moments. The

rowing boat was left behind but incredibly, months later, it was

spotted by a cargo ship, whose crew hauled it on board and delivered it

to France. I think we can gdt it shipshape again and that gives us

more possibilities. We can still reflect on the money that wd have

raised. The total is up to ?173 000, which we are very proud of. That

fundraising drive has pushed the two men, despite their ordeal, they are

contemplating trying again hn the future. Two children have bden given

a rare chance to experience life behind the scenes with the Forestry

Commission at the Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire. They spent a day with

rangers tracking wildlife and were given an insight into the challenges

of juggling the needs of nature and people. For this week's Finn's

Country, Roger Finn spent the day eavesdropping. One of the great

truths about the English cotntryside is that none of this is truly

natural. Pretty much every square inch has been carefully man`ged

Today, two children here in Alice Holt Forest are going to get a

privileged, unique insight hnto how that works. Amy and James won a

competition to spend a day with the Forestry Commission. I have always

been quite fond of the outdoors I love the woodland and trees and

animals. I like the fresh ahr, and how it is peaceful and when you are

outside you get into your in the world, and nobody can tell xou what

to do. A glimpse of a littld egret to start the day. Amy's

prize`winning entry pitted the woodland throughout the season.

James is ten years old and lade his own video. I think trees ard

amazing, they clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide. Some trees

even speak you. Can you see? This tree says hi. At Alice Holt Forest

they have to strike a balance between recreation and a tilber

business. It is a bad idea to go in the woods when the wind is blowing

hard, because you can see what happens. These were planted to be

timber trees but they have been blown over so now the Forestry

Commission has got a big job to clear it all up, and hopefully, we

can still use it to make all of the things that we need like shdds and

fences, furniture and paper. Onwards. This time, without warning

to be cautious and brave `` with a warning. Wildlife ranger Gldnn is

taking us place that he knows to be a haven for adders, but thex are not

under here, these are slow worms, members of the lizard familx. They

always looks slimy and wet, but they are not. You should not pick them

up. Nothing, no, nothing. Sorry about that. Nothing I can do. It is

wildlife. I did try. This is a great treat for James and Amy. Wh`t do you

think they will get out of ht? I hope they will come to the forest

and enjoy it a lot more. Thdy know what to look out for, what to touch

and not touch. We had five people bitten in the first week whdn we put

the signs up, then we took the signs down. If you get bitten it hs three

times worse than a bee sting, but do go to a hospital. A few milds from

Alice Holt Forest, an attempt to awe the children with a touch of

Hollywood, with this location that gets rented out to film companies

for blockbusters like Gladi`tor These blazers are for everybody

Suddenly, a commotion, and Glen Abbey is. I am not having you say

that you have not seen an ad. It is a large female adder and a photo

opportunity to end a special day. This has made me want to do

something to do with the Forestry Commission more. Some of thd snakes

were quite scary. And that's not all. Roger has been looking at some

of the tools and inventions of days gone by and inviting you to guess

what they are. So here he is with the another challenge ` and the

answer to last week's. This is last week's object. It is in fact a

bunion easer. Used stretch ht into your shoe and press it down, and no

more bunion discomfort. This wooden handled metal plate, it is ` bit

rough, but what is it for? Have a guess on the South Today Facebook

page. Alexis has some news heading into the weekend.

Fairly unsettled weather rahn at times. Let's have a look at your

weather pictures. Chris Monk spotted these lenticular clouds in Poole.

They are very unusual, and have been formed by the air rising ovdr the

top of the shower clouds underneath. Helen Kyle took this photo of a halo

around the sun in Fareham. This is caused by the sunlight refldcting

off the ice crystals in cirrus clouds. And Alan Smith took this

photo of a male Tufted Duck in the sunshine at Blashford Lakes near

Ringwood. Through the coursd of the night we can expect a lot of cloud.

Before it arrives there will be some sunshine. Low cloud and mystical

form in the early part of the morning. Most places will bd drying

with the odd shower. `` mist will form.

As you can see, towards the south`east and to the south over

northern France, we have showers, starting to arrive early tolorrow

morning from 7am onwards, moving northwards. They could be hdavy and

thundery. There will be somd sunshine to be had during the

afternoon. Temperatures will reach highs of 16 Celsius. With these

light winds, showers will bd slow`moving in places, hencd the

risk of thunder and hail. The showers will ease tomorrow night

then return in the early hotrs of Friday morning into Saturdax. Once

again, the risk of some thunder On Saturday, the next batch of rain

arrives from the south`west, with an area of low pressure pushing its way

in. That will linger over the South through Saturday and Sunday. This

band of rain will move north and east tomorrow night. That whll

affect us posting on Saturd`y morning. This area of low pressure

and could to the south`west, bringing showers through on Saturday

and also on Sunday morning, but the showers will gradually eased through

the latter part of the weekdnd. We expect the wet start of the weekend,

slightly better on Sunday, `nd as we look ahead to the rest of the week,

the showers could be heavy `nd thundery in a few places. S`turday,

amateur is scattered showers and sunshine, with a brief dry period in

the middle of the day, and on Sunday, once again, the risk of

showers at times. There'll be a news summary at 8pm and we'll be back

with a bulletin at 10:25pm. Tomorrow, we will be getting into

Top Gear mode, finding out why some of the world's most expensive cars

are being loaded onto a ban`na boat in Portsmouth. That's all from the

team here for now. Good night. All across the country,

millions of families are waking up to a Britain in which they

find it harder to get on. Whilst the Government keeps

telling people everything is fixed, no longer stops the pound

in their pocket getting smaller or the bills getting

harder to afford. gas and electricity bills have

increased by more than ?300