27/03/2012 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today with Anne Davies and me, Dominic Heale.

Our top story tonight: the PM pressures Nottingham to have an

elected mayor. The cities that do have a mayor are

promised more influence in Westminster. Ray Mears can

galvanise economic... Back on her feet, this woman is the first

person in England to have a heart valve.

Is the council playing fair with this market? Nothing has been

decided, they say, and then for us to find out that they have been

advertising this place for sale, it is disgusting.

How a very English designer tailors his close to suit Japan, like this

Good evening. Welcome to Tuesday's programme. The Prime Minister today

offered the leadership of Nottingham City Council the chance

to sit at the cabinet table in Number 10.

However, that tempting offer depends on Nottingham's voters

backing plans, in a referendum, for a directly-elected city mayor.

That's something Labour in Nottingham is against. David

Cameron says he wants to chair a cabinet of elected mayors to speak

up for our big English cities. One campaigner for a "yes" vote says

Nottingham is in danger of missing out. From Downing Street, here's

our Political Editor John Hess. Should Nottingham opt for an all

powerful City mayor decided by the people of Nottingham? That's the

question that'll be put in a referendum on May 3rd. Nottingham

City Council's ruling Labour leadership wants its citizens to

vote no and a resounding no. But today inside Number 10, the Prime

Minister gave his personal endorsement to a cross-party

campaign to secure a yes vote. Arriving in Downing Street, the

former Labour insider, now feeling the political till in his own city.

He wants Nottingham to have a directly elected city mayor, but

that is political heresy in labour at Nottingham. I think it is about

giving people the choice. People want to choose who their leaders

are. It is not right in this day and age. Whereby someone gets to

leave the council by 0.1 % of the population. A cross-party reception

inside Number Ten. This is to pariah to a referendum in early

make on having City Meyers in our big English cities, including

Nottingham. Meyer's can galvanise economic action to make our cities

dynamos. -- mayors. I was elected by the people. That is what makes a

difference because they are the ones to whom I am a Cant sock --

accountable. But Labour Nottingham is the sticking to its guns. They

are telling us they want to waste hundreds of thousands of pounds on

a mayor that nobody wants. creating voter interest is what

today's Downing Street reception was about.

And, John, the mayor of Leicester, finally knows what his pay packet

is going to be in future? It was an issue that was not raised

in public at this reception, but it has been a hugely controversial

issue. The new pay deal for the city mayor of Leicester has been

set at �65,000. There was a huge row when an independent panel

suggested a salary in excess of �100,000. The whole controversy

over salary was used in Nottingham as a reason not to have a city

mayor there. Sir Peter told me the new agreed salary was fair and in

line with the salary of a backbench Thank you very much.

There were denials from the dock from the former UDM president, Neil

Greatrex. He, along with fellow union leader Mick Stevens, is

accused of stealing almost �150,000 from a charity for sick and elderly

miners and using it to improve their own homes. This afternoon,

the defence started at Nottingham Crown court. Jo Healey was there.

In court, two of Nottinghamshire mining's most familiar faces facing

14 counts of theft, charged with Sealink -- stealing from a charity

set up to help sick miners and their families. Trustees of the

Nottinghamshire miners Home charity which ran at this home called the

Phoenix on the Lincolnshire coast. They control the money and they are

accused of stealing it, nearly �150,000 of it to improve their own

homes. Neil Greatrex told the court he did

use the funds to install a kitchen at his house at a cost of �11,750.

But he said he was owed remuneration as the director and

company secretary. When he was asked, did you at any time other

than the kitchen ask anybody to supply invoices for work done at

your house but picked up by the Phoenix, he replied, no, I did not.

He was also asked about cash payments for work done on his

properties. Neil Greatrex explained to the court how he paid for work

on his house in cash. Every peak months or so, he would meet the

bill they in a hotel off the M1 and hand over the cash payments. --

every three months or so. The trial continues tomorrow.

Still to come on the programme: Two of the day's big talking points.

The football. And the weather. Everyone is talking about this

glorious weather, but guess what? It is set to get even warmer

tomorrow. How high will be tempered to get? I will tell you shortly.

And it was not wrong about today, look at the lingering sunshine

behind me. It must mean we are at the end of the Football season,

adding spice to the end of a local derby.

Next tonight, the first person in England to have a new type of heart

valve fitted and it was doctors here in the East Midlands who did

it Experts at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital have been leading the way

with minimally invasive techniques for replacing aortic valves for

years. The latest development involves a valve that is easier to

position in the best place. Our Health Correspondent Rob Sissons

has been to meet the patient from Lincolnshire whose benefiting.

This woman is 89, but also a number one, the first patient to have a

new type of heart valve fitted in England. It was all smiles who --

as she met the doctor who fitted it. I am very well, I hope the check-up

will be excellent. The latest valve build on this

design, allowing surgeons to repay it -- the reposition it using

keyhole techniques, something that was impossible in the past. It was

limited and now we have this option to reposition it. Edna was feeling

breathless before the procedure. With ageing, the aortic valve was

not functioning well because of calcium deposits. Three weeks later

and she feels on the mend. A I have not had any pain at since I had it.

Just a little discomfort. Otherwise I am feeling that I am on the mend.

This portrait shows Edna's procedure. It is very clear to see

the metal framework around here. That is sad now, positioned across

the patient's old valve, which is narrowed and not working properly.

She has more of a spring in her step and hopes to return to one of

her passions. I hope to pick up the reins and do a little more. I used

to go dancing quite a bit. I don't know whether I will manage that

again! Egg that is following this woman, who five years ago, was the

first patient to have another procedure. Ed that is hoping for

A body has been found under a boat in the River Trent. Officers were

called out this afternoon after the body was spotted by a boat owner in

a stretch of the river at West Bridgford. The dead man is white

and thought to be in his 40s. The police are investigating the

circumstances of his death. Wildlife groups say they're worried

a local nature reserve in Derby could be ruined by a cycle track. A

map produced by the City Council suggests it wants the outdoor

circuit to go through The Sanctuary on Pride Park. It's home to several

endangered species. The council says the plan is "indicative" and

You start! Traders in Market Harborough have

reacted angrily about the district council's decision to advertise its

indoor market for lease before a final decision's made about its

future. The council says the Market Hall isn't making enough money and

it can no longer afford to keep it as it is.

So as part of our series on three streets in the East Midlands,

Victoria Hicks reports now on the controversy gripping the indoor

market in Market Harborough. Market day, people are shopping here while

they can. That is because harbour district council says the indoor

market is not making enough money. Traders have to move out and a big

brand needs to move in that so it has advertised the police have.

Despite the council saying it was willing to listen to what people

wanted to happen here, it is already gone ahead and advertised

this place on a 15 year lease. are supposed to be going to a

meeting on 13th April to this client -- decide whether the market

stays or not and they have already got the property up for sale. It is

an absolute kick in the gut. Instead of asking what we would

like first, they have gone and pulled the rug from under our feet.

To tell us that nothing has been decided and then for us to find out

that they have already been advertising this place for sale, it

is disgusting. But the council insists the decision to advertise

the lease does not undermine the consultation process. We are

looking at to might move in their at the time -- as the same time we

are doing the consultation. If the two do not come together, it will

not happen, but we cannot wait until we finish the consultation.

We have a year to make �1 million of savings. This has gone way

beyond the gauging of interest, it has put the whole market up for

least complete with the details of square footage, the potential

income requirements, development potential, even down to details

about a planning for planning permission to extend. Trade is plan

to me with the council next week to see if they can cut a deal and take

on the East of themselves. -- take on the police themselves.

Supporters of a care service for younger people with dementia have

mounted a last ditch campaign to try to save it. Nottinghamshire

county council wants to close the New Outlook centre in Sutton in

Ashfield and send those using it into general day care. But their

families say vulnerable patients will suffer. Carolyn Moses reports.

This man's maimed -- memory may be fading but he can still remember

his time at the New Outlook centre. He spent five years using the

dementia Service after day-care became difficult. They took him out

for lunch is, because he is into aeroplanes, they took him to Newark.

The staff know each person individually. They cater what they

do for them, what they are interested in. It is not like a day

centre where they sit in a chair. We have not been allowed to film

inside to show the work he does, but the county council says it is

planning to transfer the services here to general day centres across

the county. It is spending �7 million up grading 14 centres, but

campaigners say they will not offer the specialist services that are

here. People like Phil who has been using

it for months. He is worried about sharing his care. I could not cope

with that. It is not because I dislike other people, but it can

make you be overwhelmed. But the council says the fears are

unfounded and the new centres will mean dementia care is expanding.

They will be changing from the all- day services of tea and biscuits.

We are not bring people together and leaving them to mix. We are

still improving services. We will have its specialist services in

each centre which we do not at the moment. Overall the move to mixed

centres should save �4 million a year. Families want it may backfire,

with some patients simply unwilling to try them.

The health service says two Nottinghamshire hospitals haven't

had any cases of MRSA for the past two years. Newark Hospital and the

Kingsmill Hospital haven't had a single outbreak of the infection

since March 2010. Health bosses say the success is due to strict

cleaning and hygiene, and because patients are screened for MRSA when

they're admitted. Four fire fighters are to receive

the Queen's Gallantry Medal which is awarded for acts of exemplary

bravery. They were nominated after responding to a major gas explosion

at a house in June 2010 that left two people with life-changing

injuries and destroyed the property. When people's lives at risk -- at

risk, that is when you this cures, it is part of the job. He has

exploded behind the point I was shocked at first, almost thought it

was a prank. It has not sunk in yet. It is the third highest civilian

medal you can get and I am very proud of it.

They should be. Two East Midlands fashion companies

are enjoying huge success in Japan. Yesterday we told you about the

Derbyshire knitwear firm John Smedley which is making huge

inroads in the Far East. Well, it's not just John Smedley. The designer

Sir Paul Smith from Nottingham has more than 60 shops in Japan. Kylie

Pentelow reports from Tokyo on what it is about the East Midlands that

It feels a long way from the East Midlands, but people in this city

love wearing our brand. Hello! This is the Paul Smith shop. The

designer from Nottingham has made it feel like home.

It seems the Japanese cannot get enough of his English style. More

than 40 % of his worldwide business is in Japan.

He likes the accessory collection which is simple but queued.

TRANSLATION: She likes English a lot. She likes the way they dress

in a nice way which which -- which we do not have in Japan. In the

shop, you can feel that. For the first time, Paul Smith is

designing specific clothing just for the Japanese.

Like this three-dimensional womenswear. You do not need glasses

to see that it is worth adapting their brand to this market. Back in

Derbyshire, John Smedley is also tailoring its knitwear for Tokyo,

and sizing is a particular issue. The sleeves are up slightly shorter

and the chest with is more-or-less the same, but the sleeve and the

body length change. We probably do about six or seven different

colours per style. They seem to work very well for their market.

It is not just the finished product, but the history, the Heritage, that

is making the East Midlands so popular in the Far East.

A little closer to home now! Visitors to a stately home get a �6

million a welcome. Apparently Bess of Hardwick would approve, we have

been told. Another day, another local derby.

They've come thick and fast. This time its Nottingham Forest's trip

to Leicester City. Forest looking to get three points nearer to

safety, the Foxes, three points nearer the play-offs. The world of

football is a small one and former team-mates usually end up facing

each other at some point. There are some prime examples of that tonight,

notably Leicester defender Wes Morgan. He's set to line up against

his old side for the very first time. Kirsty Edwards has more.

It may be the strange before Forest fans to see where small then in a

Leicestershire at. But as far as his former manager is concerned,

there will be no hard feelings. is gone, he went with our best

wishes. Probably without selling him, we might have been in trouble.

Enough has been said about us being able to bring players in and

strengthen the team. We have a lot to thank him for.

He is not the only Leicester player to move about. Top lad, I have a

lot of time thin, good player. It would be nice if we could have him

here, but I don't think we could afford him. It will be good to see

him again. Respect is definitely mutual, although Nugent all be

looking to put one over his old boss. He is a good manager and it

will be tough, but it will be a good test. Hopefully we can get the

three points. Over the years, you could barely

separate them. They have played each other won a one times together.

The foxes were ahead by one win. -- 101 times. How will that statistic

look after tonight? We got a great result last time. Beat them last

season with Portsmouth 6-1. I suppose it had to even out

somewhere along the line. Hopefully if I can get back to the record I

had before their game, or we will be delighted. All friendships will

be forgotten come kick-off tonight with both sides desperate for all

Let's talk to the former Leicester captain now. Everyone kept

mentioning that FA Cup game, but that was a long time ago, in

January. A season will go quickly now. It was only five weeks ago but

it does seem like a long time ago. It was a massive game for be teams

tonight. Is it that they? Are Leicester serious about the play-

offs? I have not given up. Have you? Now permit -- mathematically

there are points available. Five points adrift now. People have been

saying to me that the season is over, but I do not see it that way.

Lest they have got to take each game as it comes. Every game is a

cup final. Briefly, how much pressure is wares more than under?

He will handle the situation. He is a good player, very reliable and

has a lot of respect. Not just from the Leicester fans. It is a big

game in and I am sure he will enjoy it. Thank you for joining us. The

game's all know that tonight. Nottingham Panthers play off

quarter final first leg is tonight against Braehead in Glasgow. It's

come round quick! Result in our late bulletin tonight.

And in cricket, England were bowled out for just 193 in Sri Lanka but

Nottinghamshire's bowlers are leading the fightback. Stuart Broad

took an early wicket before his Notts team-mate Graeme Swann took

the next four. The marvellous spell from Swanee has Sri Lanka all in a

spin at 84 for five. And with Jayawardene out, who knows who'll

win the game now? The game here at the King Power is

also completely up for grabs. Two teams who've started scoring goals

and entertaining. Lets see what the fans think. Paul Bradshaw's been

finding out. It has been an inconsistent season

so far, but tonight it is all about the local passion. What will these

Corby? 2-0 to it City. It has been a long month of games, but I think

we will keep going. A good win at the weekend so it 2-0. Good stuff.

Forest put seven past Leeds. would not put a bet on another

seven, but I think a revenge of 4-0 would be good. That is quite

important to get a bit of pride back after that. That was

embarrassing to say the least. I am going for a Forest win. To do zero

would be nice. -- a 2-0. We are hoping for an entertaining game

tonight. So, Leicester City versus

Nottingham Forest. Foxes still harbouring faint play-off hopes.

Forest nearly safe but not quite. BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Radio

Nottingham both with full commentary.

Don't worry about me sitting here, I am thus keeping it warm for the

people who are waiting to be entertained. A real prospect

tonight. Thank you very much indeed.

Exciting stuff! Visitors to one of our finest

stately homes will get a whole new experience when they arrive -

thanks to a � 6 million makeover. The stable-yard at Hardwick hall

will not only house new restaurants and shops, but will also act as a

gateway to the estate in Derbyshire. As James Roberson reports, the Duke

of Devonshire says his ancestor, Bess of Hardwick, would have been

proud. It is a way of arriving he ate

never before favoured by Dukes, but the Duke of Devonshire came this

way to the stately home in north Derbyshire to see the radical

changes that have been brought in the stable yard. They are the

culmination of a seven-year project to redevelop the visitors' entrance.

These buildings have been on the at-risk register for some time and

we wanted to do the basic repairs. But then it was to get them into a

good use. You are going to come up the drive as you have done for

years, but then go left and go around the back so people will see

ague they have never seen before. For more than two years, the stable

yard has been a building site, but now it is almost complete thanks to

the �6.5 million that has been found to renovate the buildings

into shops and restaurants. Visitors can hire the cottages and

enjoy a new vistas. This is an investment that not Ali looks after

this important historical building, but gives Hardwick a viable

financial future by ensuring that people who come they can have the

facilities that of fantastic quality, but have access to one of

the best houses in the country. There are at least six new things

that have been invented false stop opening the development, the Duke

said that his ancestor, Bess of Hardwick, would have been pleased

by the renovation. I think she would have been

thrilled because she loved value- for-money, so to see these

buildings, which were falling into dereliction, she would have been

thrilled with that. While the House will only be open from February to

October and during early December, the new stable yard will be open

all year round and bring you access to the estate as well.

Doesn't it look gorgeous in the sunshine?

It looks lovely. Alan was saying What a glorious day, as it has been

over the East Midlands, it will be continuing until the temperature

cools towards the end of the week. Overnight it will be quite chilly

under the clear skies. First photo of tonight now. The next one,

beautifully backed by the blue skies. A final photo, thank you for

sending it in. The reason for the settled conditions is the high

pressure which is sitting right across the UK now and will continue

to dominate for at least the next 24 hours before things start to

change. It means overnight, we are dry, settled, we have clear skies.

Underneath these guys, temperatures will suddenly fall very quickly so

a chilly night ahead. Temperatures down to two or three degrees. The

coldest temperatures will be in north Derbyshire way you could see

a frost and some patches of mist and fog. That will quickly left in

the morning and we are in for another stunning day tomorrow.

Clear, blue, sunny skies and a high temperature of 23 degrees. Tamara

is going to be the hottest day of the week. Looking further ahead, on

Thursday the high-pressure starts to slip away so you will notice

things being cooler on Thursday. The temperatures will continue to

come down torts the weekend. Still sunny.