23/02/2012 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today. Our top story tonight - the metal

thieves who target the dead. Modern-day grave robbers plunder

the railings around headstones. really is a sad and disgusting day

when people come here and desecrate graves.

Horror in a park as the swans are butchered for their meat.

Plus cuts and redundancies confirmed it - the unions say

council chiefs are being heartless. And same paintings, different

setting - and New Look a gallery to showcase one of our best known

Good evening. The metal thieves of plumbing new depths of. A cemetery

has been stripped of the railings protecting a grave. It is the

latest and one of the lowest examples of the crime but we also

have pictures of a house wrecked by thieves ripping out cables and

wires. The problem is so bad that one security firm has developed a

new alarm system especially for wiring and led roofs.

Nothing is sacred for the thieves who steal metal. Here at this

cemetery they have taken a set of railings around this 19-year-old

grave, a memorial for someone who died. -- 90-year-old. They smashed

out around this grave and removed all metalwork. It has been here

since 1922 and it is a sand and disgusting day when people come and

desecrate graves. Simon's property rental company has been targeted by

thieves are two. A lot has been cut out. The they ransacked this house

only days after the tenants moved out. They have stolen cables, a

metal fireplace, even the hot water tank and they have taken everything

but the kitchen sink. They have ruined of the house. It is no

longer occupy able. It will need up to �1,000 to bring it up to

standard. They will have got away with no more than �100 worth of

metal. This firm has come up with a set -- system to protect metal from

thieves. It sends electric currents down cables or plates that is

linked to a alarm. Her soon as the alarm goes off, it comes up on the

screen and we can also have a visual representation to where

there is. We will phone a contract security company he will respond

directly to the alarm. They will be there in 20 minutes. For the

thieves who do not get caught, metal is becoming a new counterfeit

currency and it is a crime that is causing damage.

Councillors have defended the cuts to Nottinghamshire County Council's

budget which are being rubber- stamped this evening. More than

�170 million has to be saved over four years with around 2,500 jobs

are likely to go. Unions say the cuts will have a major impact on

services and for the local economy. When there are cuts, there were

protests and today was no exception. UNISON members demonstrated outside

Nottinghamshire County Council as the cabinet insider agreed to

millions of pounds of cuts to the budget. Boos rang out as they had

that councillors had agreed to the controversial decision to close a

show with Industries, a furniture- making factory employing disabled

staff. Many of its 40 workers were at the protest. We are workers

willing to work with the disability. The council is taking that away

from us. What future do we hold that? It is a heartless decision.

We are doubtful as to any of us can beat we employed. Four they are

throwing away scores of disabled workers. Councils arrived for the

meeting this morning facing the same problem which is facing dozens

of other councils around the country. Where out of the Budget to

find huge savings? Nottinghamshire it needs to cut �171 million over

four years. In the next two years alone, savings of 63 million have

to be made, �12 million more than first thought and in total, 2005

French a jobs are likely to go. Across the organisation we are able

to make a lot of efficiency savings and reinvest that in the front line

services such as adult social care and health and children and young

people and the front line of children. Unison says these cuts

will affect services and it also says it for have a massive negative

impact on the local economy. It says an independent report predicts

the knock-on effect of the council redundancies could lead to 3,500

people also losing their jobs in the private sector.

Still to come: in Sport, Colin is live at Pride Park ahead of

tonight's local Derby. It might be Derby County against

Leicester City this evening but more important than that is the if

any of these two sides are loses they can count themselves out of

the play-off race. And the temperatures have been

hotting up today. But spring has not sprung just yet as they are on

the way down again for the weekend. They are used to being fed by

people but now ates thought that someone has been killing them for

food. Several swans have been found butchered in a Derby park to the

horror of people who use it. The police are now investigating.

They are known for their grace and beauty, but it is thought someone

has been killing these swans for them the. Six have been discovered

dead in Derby. Some had seemingly been butchered for their breast

meat. The Rangers had found six swans over the last three weeks and

they believe from the way they were found it was human intervention

rather than animal that has been attacking these birds. The police

have stepped up patrols in the area and they want anyone who sees

anything suspicious to report it. The birds are able to come down and

get fed, so they come down a lot and we have had a lot of reports

from people horrified by what has been happening. I come here with

the little ones that to feed the ducks. It is a nice park. But it is

not a nice thing that is. It is call. There is no need to kill

swans. I like all animals. It is terrible. Those I have spoken to

are appalled at the butchering of these beautiful birds. They are

protected by law and should not be touched. Anyone caught killing a

swan and could face a �5,000 fine or six months in jail. It is hoped

that could deter whoever is responsible from killing any more.

A former Nottingham community protection officer has been cleared

of rape and sexual assault. Richard Mundle from Bestwood was found not

guilty at Derby Crown Court of three counts of rape and a sexual

assault. The prosecution offered no evidence on a second sex attack but

Mundle was convicted of the misuse of a computer and was given a

conditional discharge for 12 months. The family of a woman and her

grandson he died in a lake say they death had left a hole in their

lives that they can never be filled. Dawn Mullany and Laurence Mills

were discovered in the water at Holywell a week ago. In a statement

their relatives said the pair could not have been closer and they

shared a love of fun and laughter. Award of �25,000 is being offered

for information about the theft of a cash machine from a High Street

bank. The to use a tractor to crash into the Nat West in

Nottinghamshire. A police spokesman said the incident caused a lot of

disruption and damage to a building. Detectives are checking where they

there is a link with similar robberies in Leicestershire.

Just two weeks to go and tell the Queen starts her Diamond Jubilee

tour and she is starting it in the East Midlands. Leicester is the

first stop for the royal party on that tour of England, Wales and

Scotland. Shops are already cashing in as royal fever gripped the city.

The flags are up, the bunting is out and there is no shortage of

more royal memorabilia. Tills are ringing ahead of the royal visit in

two weeks' time. It is a good thing for Leicester and it is a busy

shopping centre and it will bring focus to Leicester. We are honoured

to be the first on her Jubilee tour. The brute of the royal party

consisting of the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Duchess of Cambridge

has yet to be unveiled but people are excited and think it will mean

big business for the city. It will be good because everybody wants to

see her. It brings prestige to the city. It highlights the city.

Leicester is not really on the map. People go past it, so it is very

exciting they are coming. This tour has sold out of two Billy tea-

towels as demand has soared. It has caused a lot of excitement and we

have been caught by surprise with the demand for the gifts that we

have got. We have sold out of several things already and are on a

third order. Details of the Royal fruit are expected to be revealed

next break. It is hoped thousands A police detective sergeant has

denied raping a woman while he was off duty. Trevor Gray, seen here at

an earlier court hearing, today pleaded not guilty to charges of

rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. Detective Sergeant Gray,

who's 47, and of Stannier Way, at Watnall, near Nottingham - has been

suspended from duty and will go on trial in May. We will roll

investigators have seized more than a �300,000 from a bit of a car in

Nottinghamshire. The money is believed to have been proceeds of a

plot to smuggle tobacco. Three men had been arrested, and had been

bailed until next month. A Nottingham charity is to receive

an award from the Queen. Balls to Poverty sends footballs and rugby

balls to some of the poorest parts of South Africa. So far they've

sent more than 26,000 balls, helping tens of thousands of

children. Now the charity's work is to be rewarded with a Queen's

Anniversary Prize. Next, he may be one of the East

Midlands' most famous artists - but the gallery where his pictures hang

has long been in serious need of a new lick of paint. Well - more than

a lick of paint really, because it's cost a �150,000 to spruce up

the Joseph Wright gallery in Derby. But it was all worth it because now

it's ready for the public re- opening as James Roberson reports.

Admiring Joseph Wright's paintings in a 21st century setting. �150,000

has gone into the revamp of the museum. The grey walls are a

startling contrast to what went before. The last decoration was

over 20 years ago when the painting's return from a tour of

London, Paris and New York. Two decades, the style was tired. There

is backing for this collection from places like the Tate Gallery and

the Yale University. A told us we have a great collection. We said to

them, right, we are going to need your help and backing to try and do

something with this. They said they were behind that. The bicentenary

Exhibition attracted 30,000 visitors from the world all over.

They now hope a new environment, and the drawings will again have

bring visitors to Derby. You go round and see his paintings all

round at the world. We have the biggest collection, and it's going

to bring the people back into Derby. They looked so lovely being

displayed here. Here to open the gallery, the designer, Wayne

Hemingway, he said at the museum has the right staff. It is full of

wonderful things. It takes you into another space. It takes the

pressure off, it makes you think, a gets your brain ticking over. That

helps everybody. We've got something here that is world class,

and we need to live up to that. It is a really important landmark in

that journey. It is a landmark. We have a lot more to do, but it is

wonderful to show them off. exhibition reopens to the public on

Saturday. The paintings are wonderful, so was the paint.

Still to come on the programme - after a strangely warm day what

does tomorrow's weather forecast hold?

I been given this, and best, to help something that will help -- to

make something that will help wildlife.

Time now for the sport - and its a big East Midlands football night.

The sports team are at Pride Park. Yes we are, and we're here because

Derby's visitors tonight are Leicester City. An all East

Midlands affair. Very different attitudes to building their squads,

but both mid table and both on the same number of points. Tonight,

though only one can take the bragging rights. There was no

dispute about who did that when the teams met at the King Power -

Leicester turning in one of those performances that made you think

they were going places, and winning 4-0.

We have both had our ups and downs of this season, but we want to try

and get three points and move up the league. We haven't done too

well in the last couple of seasons against them. We suffered a 4-0, it

was a bit harsh us. Sometimes forms -- form goes out the window in

derby games. Hopefully we will give the fans and the manager something

to shout about. That's how they're feeling about

the build up. Roger Davies is a man who has a foot in both camps. Most

people think you are Derby County for Renfrew? -- Derby County

through and through? I had good times here. But I want both clubs

to do well. What you think of the Derby side? It is a young side.

They lack experience. We beat West Ham at Christmas, and whole, it was

a great Christmas. You never know what this side is going to do.

this game has added significance. Eight points is a long way from the

play-offs. I'm not sure about this league. Everybody is beating

everybody. Whoever wins tonight, that will be a help. You look at

how much money Leicester have spent, and what Derby have done, it never

gives you any guarantee if you spend money.

Thanks Roger. Now, we presenters and pundits can bang on all we like

- but its the supporters who really matter. Ange is just outside.

Yes a packed house here tonight because this is after all - about

East Midlands bragging rights. Hot on the heels of their FA cup

victory the Foxes full of confidence but here at home Derby

County will be giving it everything to make sure it's their fans who go

home happy. I think we did get an upset. 2-0.

They are a bogey team for you. sure. We tend to use against them.

I have some little ones down here. What is your prediction? 2-1 to

Derby. That sounds good. Some less the fans here. We have been

inconsistent over the last few weeks. If we perform like Saturday,

we will win. Let's get another quick prediction. 31 -- 3-1 to

Leicester. A big game here deceiving. Also a very big game

Anyone who left Meadow Lane early would have been very disappointed.

Notts County grabbed a late late goal against Stevanage to get new

manager Keith Curle off to the perfect start.

perfect start. So nearly a dream start. This early

effort only kept out by the woodwork. There were some Met

Office for the defence. This mistake could have nearly led to a

goal put the visitors. What they first got this would have been on

loan defender Kieron Freeman. In the 91st minute this shot from Jeff

the 91st minute this shot from Jeff Hughes crept in to give Keith Curle

his first victory. Fantastic. If it had been a draw, it was an

opportunity to put ideas in place for the players. You need to aim

high, you need aspirations. If we can sneak into the play-offs, so be

it. They will continue that push buggy -- push for the play-offs

against Chesterfield. Leicester Tigers Manu Tuilagi is

back in the England team for the game with Wales this weekend.

There's a first international start for his club mate Geoff Parling.

Tom Croft and Dan Cole are also in the line up with Ben Youngs and

Toby Flood on the bench. Alan Young is here tonight for BBC

Leicester. I pick it is vital Leicester win this game. We have to

win this and the Coventry match. We have a big cup tie, and a couple of

away matches. It is vitally important. Do you think this is a

Leicester team that is getting it together? Yes. It is very

frustrating for everyone, we know how well we can play. Thank you

very much. If you want to hear Alan with Ian

Stringer BBC Radio Leicester is your place to go. For the Derby

point of view, BBC Radio Derby are point of view, BBC Radio Derby are

And don't forget, I'll have the first report on the game in our

late bulletin. Ange has an indepth look back this time tomorrow

evening. We're hoping for a cracker. After the unusually spring-like day

we've enjoyed, its hard to believe that only a couple of weeks ago the

East Midlands was covered in snow. But that was indeed the case when

Sally and the "goes Wild" team visited Rutland Water to learn a

centuries-old farming tradition In order to protect our local

wildlife, it is vitally important to provide them with a flourishing

Habitat. One tradition which goes back centuries is laying hedges. I

have come to meet a man of he will show me exactly how it is done.

Martin Aspinall recently retired as a warden to a nature reserve, but

he still lays some of the hedgerows. That is a billhook. Different

counties use a different one. What you do, basically, is cut. You

start about hair, then go down at that sort of angle. Right the way

down. A he learned the craft when he was just nine years old. How

long has this been here? When would it have been laid? It would have

been there about 50 years ago. long have people been hedge laying?

It was first written down in 56 BC. The finished height we are looking

for is about this high. We do need to get this down a little bit

before we put the binders on top there. About there. You get a bit

of string, and tie a knot of there. Once the stakes are in a, it's time

to weave the bindings are to complete the traditional raping

effect. -- traditional rope effect. Back in come forward. -- that can

come forward. So, is it just the birds that can benefit from this?

No, insects like to be there as well. It is a good place for Robin

have to nip in and nest. It is a good habitat, or round. Absolutely.

If it wasn't for people like Martin of teaching people how to maintain

the these natural habitats then our wonderful wildlife would have to

find somewhere else to go. Next time you are driving past a

hedgerow, stop and think how much work has gone into it. Believe me,

I know. I'm a bit worried with her having

that machete. that machete.

It is really a skill. I think it looks great.

We have had a picture cent in today. -- a picture cent in today. Her her

this is known as an iridescent cloud. It is in the process of

forming. Thank you Yvonne. Keep your pictures coming in. We have

had a lovely day today. The maximum temperature was 80 my degrees at

Market Bosworth. -- 18 a degrees. The night-time temperature would

drop to around 9-10 degrees. Quite a breezy night. The wind or pickup.

The cloud will be with us first thing tomorrow morning. That will

start to work its way down from the north. It will keep us quite cloudy.

It is a big enough at times to produce a small amount of rain. The

further north you travel as the day goes on, the skies begin to

brighten again. Quite a breezy start, but the breeze will die down.

We have some high pressure building up for the weekend. That will sit

across the south of the country. We wake up to a bright start on

Saturday, they could be the order mist or fog patch. -- there could

be. We will hold on to those clearer skies. We will see some

cloud development. Temperatures cloud development. Temperatures