03/01/2012 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today with Dominic Heale. And me, Kylie

Pentelow. Our top story tonight: A new war of words over Bombardier's

lost contract. Union anger about the Thames linked

deal. We do not know the basis on which it was accepted and to keep

this out of the public domain is outrageous.

Also, praying for help. For a plea to our government from our churches.

Sort out the metal thieves before they destroy our buildings and our

budgets. Plus a capital idea. What Boris

Johnson thinks Leicester can learn from London.

And after 15 years of trying, a couple welcome twins on New year's

Good evening, welcome to Tuesday's programme and our first full

programme of 2012. First tonight: show us the money. That's the call

from a union and MPs in the row over Bombardier's lost Thameslink

contract. They want Siemens of Germany to

publish the financial details of their winning bid for the �1.4

billion order. It could help explain why the rail carriages are

to be built near Dusseldorf instead of in Derby.

But tonight a senior manager at Siemens in the UK said putting the

figures in the public domain is not a good idea. Mike O'Sullivan is in

Derby and can tell us more. Workers at Bombardier got a boost between

Christmas and the New Year. A new rail contract worth �188 million.

It was the Big One That Got Away, Thames Link, that continues Tonight

Siemens in the UK rejecting calls to put the financial details of

their winning bid under the spotlight. Bombardier not around to

comment on whether they'd want It led to Bombardier of Derby

announcing a 1400 job losses. Campaigners for the Derby-based

company Save the financial details of how Siemens are one should be

out in the open. We do not know the basis on which the Siemens bid was

accepted for Thames Link. To keep this out of the public domain is

outrageous. The transport select committee of MPs has recommended

that the financial difference between the bids from Siemens and

Bombardier is revealed. But Siemens says shining a light on a

competitive tendering process would not be the right thing to do.

first reason is that ourselves, as well as all the other people that

competed in the process, like Bombardier, signed a process

agreement which has very strict requirements regarding

confidentiality. That is number one. The second one is that when you are

involved in are the very so fierce competitive tendering process, not

only in the UK but across the world, I don't think it would be in the

interests of ourselves or any other parties. In the tendering process

to make that information public. I think it would damage competition

and would not be the best value for the fare-paying passenger. Some

observers have suggested that Siemens financial clout, with a

credit rating higher than Bombardier, was the main reason why

Derby lost and tussled of one. Bombardier are not around to

comment but they've all -- always a pointed towards the wider impacts

to be taken into account. The government has said they will do

that now and that is important for Derby because there is another

important contract coming up, valued at �1 billion.

Next, a crime wave that's sending worshippers through the roof. Last

year was the worst on record for people stealing metal from churches

- and Nottinghamshire was one of the worst hit areas in the country.

We've been given the latest figures today. They show the thefts are

costing the county's churches well over �500,00 a year, money they

just can't afford. Metal theft is massive, massive

business, massive crime and a massive headache and heartache for

our churches. They took the lead off the roof, all the way along

this side. They took lead from the far corner and down that side.

We've had to cover everything with this covering. And we had a

tarpaulin on the roof. They fitted every security device going after

the lead was ripped off for years ago but that didn't stop thieves

coming back recently. Once it has happened, you always think it is

going to happen again and when it does the second time, it is

devastating. Anglican churches across Nottinghamshire are some of

the worst effects is in the country. Latest figures show that in 2010,

there were 49 insurance claims. Last year, as you can see, that

figure almost doubled and the amount of money they can claim is

limited. It is nothing like the amount they need to repair the

damage. So the true cost to Nottinghamshire's churches last

year was well over 500 million -- �500,000. This latest theft has

cost us around �35,000 and we are grateful for people's generosity

but we cannot keep on replacing our lead. They want action. The

government is looking to change the law to tackle the theft. In

Nottinghamshire, the police have been running operation the Talacre,

liaising with scrap-metal dealers. -- operation Metallica.

Still to come on the programme: force ten winds, fallen trees, and

flood warnings. But not here. We've escaped the

worst of it but will our luck hold? We are not out of the woods yet.

There seems to be a sting in the tail. The winds will strengthen

further the season. All the details The Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter

Soulsby has kicked off the New Year by pressing the government for new

powers to run the city. And London's Mayor Boris Johnson

has backed him, saying it'll give Leicester a bigger profile.

It's one of the many changes that could shape the local and national

political scene in 2012. This is big picture politics.

man was the first mayor of Leicester. The mayor of Leicester

was the sort of powers once enjoyed by his city's Victorian

predecessors. Our public transport is very inadequate. The fire and do

my job properly, I need the same powers as Boris has in London.

Johnson not only runs transport in the capital but also the police. --

Khmer London. It means you know there is some person who is

accountable to you and you can hold them to account. If they are not

succeeding, you can chuck them out. So should other mayors get tax-

raising powers? There is a strong case for that. The mayor of London

has additional powers and effect. But debate will start up if mayors

are created after next May. Next May, Nottingham, together with

other be English -- big English cities, will have a referendum vote

on whether it wants a directly Efenechtyd mayor. But could be the

cue for the government to give elected mayors are far more powers.

Another significant change in 2012 will affect controversial housing

and planning issues. The council leaders... There is a large amount

of concern about alterations proposed to the planning rules

particularly. Some see this as a danger to areas like the green belt

and giving carte blanche to am -- to developers to develop without

planning permission. A a financial squeeze on household budgets will

tighten in 2012. -- the financial squeeze. This political Palmer

should will be looking for... big issue is going to the economy,

and whether or not we are getting the growth and jobs reneged in the

private sector to make up the shortfall in the public sector and

are generally for the overall recovery of the country. We have

not had any growth. It has been flat lining. The next 12 months,

David Cameron has to get growth in the economy. I don't think he will.

The Prime Minister says we will get through it. 20121 indicator if he

is right. -- 2012 will indicate if he is

right. Well, our Political Editor joins us

in the studio. And John, the New Year's about to remind us of one of

Grantham's best known exports. Yes, the Iron Lady is back. From

this Friday, Meryl Streep's movie portrayal of Mrs Thatcher hits the

cinema screens. But here's a turn- up. Among the film's extras is the

veteran Derbyshire Labour MP Dennis Skinner - the beast of Bolsover

himself. The most interesting thing about the extras was there were

half a dozen Tory whips out there, probably guarding the place. They

were extras as well but they had to sit on the same side as me shouting

insults at Thatcher. That was the most amusing part, Tory whips

shouting out Thatcher! I asked the Right Honourable Gentleman, whose

fault is that? She has always been meticulous in her preparation for

her fans, that is why she has won Oscars and been nominated for

Oscars countless times and will almost certainly be nominated again.

A There's a first. A Dennis Skinner prediction for the Oscars! And

while you would struggle to find a statue to Mrs Thatcher in her home

town, The Iron Lady is coming to Grantham. I've been assured, the

movie will be screened at the town's Reel cinema from Friday.

Other news now: Police have named a three-year-old girl who died

following a road crash in Derbyshire. Lily Grace Roberts,

from Hilton, was seriously injured in the collision, which happened

yesterday afternoon on the A50 near Findern. Two vehicles were involved,

a silver Nissan, in which Lily Grace was travelling, and a blue

lorry. Derbyshire police are asking anyone who saw the incident to

contact them. Two men have pleaded not guilty to

charges involving the theft of six horses. 48-year-old James Snoddy

from Nottingham denies stealing the horses from a field in Calverton

last July. 43-year-old Christopher Booth from East Bridgford pleaded

not guilty to one charge of possessing stolen horses. After the

police found the animals, two had to be put down because they were in

poor condition. A trial will take place at Nottingham Crown Court

later this year. The countdown has begun to one of

the biggest sporting events this country has ever seen. This summer,

Leicestershire will be thrust into the global spotlight as both the

British and Japanese Olympic teams come to Loughborough University to

train. But what will the lasting impact be

for the town that's hosting all of these athletes?

In six months' time, hundreds of athletes will be making use of

these facilities at Loughborough University but it is not just about

sport. People in the town are excited about the business

opportunities the games will bring. There are not going to be a lot of

business benefits because all the retail people are going to get

involved, they will be supplying not just the Olympic teams that are

based here but their families and their supporters as well. There are

local businesses that will benefit from the general high. The facts

Loughborough will be more on the map that it already is. The �6

million refurbishment of the town's railway station has also helped

boost its image. Along with the construction of two new hotels, in

anticipation of Olympic business. If there are more people coming in,

they will spend more in the area. It is a great opportunity. I think

you cannot go wrong with it. There are many shops which have closed so

maybe it will improve things. think they are very important.

Everybody is struggling for money but the many people bring into the

town will be spent here. If the so- called legacy of the Danes will not

just be measured in bricks-and- mortar. There will definitely be a

physical legacy from the Games but obviously, the softer legacy will

be the fact that more people will be motivated by the games and

inspired to perhaps pursue a career in athletics was some sort of sport

themselves, or just become a bit healthier and fitter. It is hoped

the benefits to this town will continue to make a splash for years

to come. We all know that blood stocks can

run low at this time of year. Donors are in great demand. And the

same is true of dogs. The Leicestershire-based charity

Pet Blood Bank says its supplies have dwindled over the festive

break and it's appealing for dog donors to lend a helping paw.

Joe is an ideal blood donor, a young dog which weighs more than 25

kilos. He is friendly and fully vaccinated. Last year, we had an

accident with our other dog. In the end, she had to have her leg a

contented -- amputated. A large dog can donate nearly one pint of blood

a time. The supplies are then sold to vet so nationwide. Each donation

is split into different components so more than one dog can benefit

from each donation. Vets are making very good use of these products.

People's perception of what health care for their animals should be

has changed over the years. People nowadays expect equivalent levels

of health care for their Peps as with themselves. We have to

constantly strive to improve the level of health care we produce,

using blood and other ways to do that. What is in it for the

patients? There is no tea and biscuits, just a tasty bowl of dog

food. Still to come on the programme:

Glad Tidings, times two. The first day of the New Year heralds twins

There's been no rest for our intrepid adventurer Sarah Outen

over Christmas and the New Year. She's spent the festive season in

training for the next leg of her record-breaking attempt to loop the

globe from London to London. She's in Japan, preparing to set

off in the spring to row across the Pacific Ocean to Canada.

Arriving in Japan after cycling 11,000 miles and kayaking dangerous

waters. Since arriving in the country, Sarah has been

volunteering in areas worst hit by the earthquake and tsunami. It is

particularly poignant seeing some of the stuff that has been washed

up, to London's choice -- children's toys, clothes and so on.

Back home in Rutland, friends, family and supporters packed vital

supplies into her boat. This seven metre-long vessel will be home to

Sarah for several months when she attempts to row solo across the

Pacific Ocean. But will be the second leg of her record-breaking

attempt to cycle, kayak and roll around the world, from London to

London. Sara's experience in Japan will always stay with her. It has

humbled and silenced me. It has reminded me that the ocean is boss.

Messages of love and support have been scrawled on the boat to give

her encouragement, including one from her mother. Excited for her

but obviously it is a huge, huge expanse of water to row across. But

she will do it. She is so determined. Packed with supplies,

but was sent off in style. Next stop, Japan, for the woman who

wants to break records running here. Good luck to her.

What a happy new year. All four clubs enjoying excellent starts to

2012. Goals for Forest and a winning streak for Derby on the way,

along with a party at Meadow Lane. But first, Leicester City. Today

they had an attempt to sign Hull City's Cameron Stewart

contemptuously dismissed by Hull. But yesterday they came up with

their first win in six games, putting them back in the playoff

picture. Nigel Pearson admitted it was not

pretty but says his first away win since returning to the foxes was an

important one, given the club's lofty expectations. First player

opened the scoring against his former side with a touch of the,

Kohl and the classy. Watch the keeper smash the ball against his

own defender. It was a free kick that led to goal number two. Nigel

Pearson had well and truly shaken things up. Palace pulled one back,

leaving Leicester to ride out the home pressure. The game ended on a

sour note. Through the south London sunshine, an altercation between

Howard and the assistant referee led to the striker's dismissal.

Howard continued his argument, despite his fate. A big win for the

foxes, who stomped home just four points of the play-off places.

There were away wins for Derby and Forest too. Derby, who are having a

seesaw season, making it three wins on the trot and Forest ending a run

of seven games without a goal. At last!

You wait 10 hours for a goal, and then three come along all at once.

The first came after five minutes. Forest's last goal was by the same

player, also by then -- also against it which. -- Ipswich. The

tractor boys began to show signs of pulling out of their rut. Having

broken for rat, Forest were full of confidence. The second was a belter.

Ipswich were still in the game. Thomas hit the bar from a distance.

No one was able to put the ball in from the rebound. When Thomas went

over in the box, had such were given a penalty and Grant scored

from the spot. This player masterminded the victory with no

passes. Forest would like to play at which every week. Derby have had

a cracking Christmas with three wins in a row. Derby coach says it

may not have been the best performance but praised the side's

effort. When the chance came, it fell to Robinson after the break,

who took his time before sliding it underneath the keeper. The Rams had

a chance to add to their lead but did not get the run of the green.

After that, Derby put up stubborn resistance. The Hull bourse said

they set out to frustrate his side and they succeeded.

While the Championship clubs all celebrated, so did Notts County.

The world's oldest professional Football League clubs turns 150

years old this year. It's an amazing history and one the club

continues to honour. The reception area is brand new, so

is the trophy cabinet. This is not a club pickling itself in the past

but it is celebrating. This year, Notts County will be marking 150

years of football. They are even serving specially brewed beer.

means everything. We are proud. Long-term fans have not just turned

up for today's glory. It means a lot to everybody. Inside the ground,

out came the old players. Great goalscorers, promotion winners,

fans and so on. A lot of the players who have played for the

club still live in the area and would break a leg to get down here

to celebrate. It's a great day. of this who pluck is only good if

the team of 2012 can do it on the This bit went nuts after half-time.

Huddersfield's first goal sparked 40 minutes of enthralling end-to-

end football, including decent chances for Notts County. The

spills did not stop there. Both teams hit the bar before Notts

determination played dividends. Lee Hughes was strong in the box and

deadly with the finish. The fans loved it. Absolutely fantastic.

Come on, Notts County. With Haydon Hollis making his debut, a day

focused on the past was about the future as well. Our supporters love

to see one of their own coming through the system. There are more

lads coming through the system. now we do know what else is new

beer is good for. It's good for celebrating unexpected new ears..

Very well done to Notts County. In Ice Hockey Panthers are second

in the table and pushing leaders Belfast hard after ending the

festive period with a confident 5-0 win over Hull last night. The team

are away at Braehead this evening hoping for more of the same.

And today's windy weather was a positive at Southwell Racecourse.

It's got behind the horses in a five furlong charge and helped a

four year old called Ghostwing to a new course record.

Now we're only three days into the new year but for one couple, 2012

has already brought them everything they wanted. The Kanabars from

Leicester have spent the last 15 years trying to have a baby but now

they've had not one, but two! The babies were the first twins to

be born in the city this year. Meet the twins. They've yet to be

named. The pair were born on the early hours of New year's Day. For

the parents, it is the end of 15 years of trying. This time last

year, we had given up hope. We thought that sit, you know. A year

down the line, we have to beautiful children. A boy and a girl. I don't

have words to describe it. It's a blessing. It is the best feeling

you can ever get. It is the best thing that ever happened to us. We

are living our dream now and that is fantastic. The babies were born

by Caesarean section. For the father, waiting to join his wife in

a theatre was an anxious time. half an hour wait, whilst they got

everything where -- everything ready, that was the longest half-

an-hour of my life. Everything goes through your head, what is

happening? They took me in and within five minutes, the baby boy

was born. One minute later, the baby girl was born. He was crying.

I was crying. Everything ran to my body and I started crying.

Everything was perfect. After 15 years of wanting a child, they are

now looking forward to a very happy and very busy 2012.

How lovely. It sounds like the only ones not crying with the babies

themselves! The wind has been preparing horses

Briefly but things will turn more unsettled over the next few hours.

We will get strong winds and squally showers. This photograph

was taken earlier. Thanks for sending it in. It was this area of

low pressure sitting across Scotland that has moved out towards

the North Sea. It has taken with it all the heavy rain we had earlier

today. The win Seve's a little. Down to 35 mph gusts. This evening,

real see this occluded front pushing through, bringing with it

squally showers. We can expect guests of between 50 and 60 Matt

Powell. It is brief and should clear by midnight. We have started

to see that cloud begin to increase. Showers are beginning. They will

turn quite heavy for a time. They won maybe turn to snow and subtle

over the Peak District but everywhere else, they will fall as

rain. A drier end to the night. Some showers around across

Derbyshire. Rather cold out there with temperatures down to two or

three Celsius but it should stay frost-free. We will brook -- make-

up -- wake up with Frost but eventually, the rain will push its

way in from the north. It will sweep south-east through the day.

The winds will be around 35 miles per hour. Top temperatures for

Wednesday of seven Celsius. This rain will continued to push south-

east during the natal won so. Clearing by Thursday morning,

giving us not as windy a day on Thursday with lovely winter