07/02/2013 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today with Dominic Heale and Kylie Pentelow.

Tonight, an exclusive interview with the new manager of Nottingham

Forest and the chairman who's appointed him.

It is a dramatic return to the City ground for Billy Davies and a

chance to complete that unfinished business. I am absolutely delighted

to be back, delighted to work with the new Warners, and very much

looking forward to try my very best to achieve what we never done in

the last ten years. -- new owners. Defending Derby from serious

flooding. And �8 million project gets the go ahead.

Plus voting for big savings. The council cuts that could cost 1400

jobs. And the darling of the tea dance.

Strictly's Mr Nasty reveals his Good evening. First tonight, Billy

Davies is back as manager of Nottingham Forest. And on the day

of his remarkable, shock appointment, East Midlands Today

has an exclusive interview with him and the club chairman. Davies was,

of course, sacked as Forest manager 18 months ago. And he now becomes

the fourth manager at the City Ground since Forest was taken over

by a Kuwaiti consortium last summer. Natalie Jackson reports now from

central London. Tonight, I am at of Homo of

Nottingham Forest chairman, Fawaz Al Hasawi, in London. It is here

that over the past weeks he and former manager, Billy Davies, have

been planning his shock return to the city Ground.

We had lunch and, within minutes, officially announcing that Billy

Davies had been reappointed as boss. Then he and the chairman gave their

first interviews. I am delighted to be back, to be working with the new

owners, and very much looking forward to try my very best to

achieve what we never done in the last time here. Does Billy have to

get promotion this season? We hope so. We hope that will happen. It is

not far. We have only 16 games to go. I think we are only six or

seven points. If we continue winning, it will happen. When I

found out about this one, my decision was very easy.

Fortean-year-old Scotsman was harshly sacked 20 months ago by the

previous owners. -- 48-year-old Scotsman. That was despite leading

into semi-finals. So why go back? In my meetings with the chairman, I

can see clearly he is a winner. And I am sure he would agree that I am

also a winner. Together, we want to win. The Kuwaiti family have sacked

three managers since taking over at Nottingham Forest six months ago.

But Fawaz Al Hasawi says Billy Davies's return heralds a fresh

start. Maybe some of the fans feel we are interfering with the

managers. This is totally wrong. I know Billy Davies is a strong

manager and I will not interfere. He does not like that. There is his

reputation you are the kind of sky that can have an argument in a

telephone box. -- the kind of person. Can you get on? I am here,

that tells you everything. Fawaz Al Hasawi says he will be

there at Billy Davies's first game against Bolton a week on Saturday.

In the meantime, Billy will meet the media as the new Nottingham

Forest manager officially on Monday. And there will be more on this in

our sport with Colin later in the programme.

Moving on to other news of the day. Rolls-Royce has come under fire for

announcing hundreds of job losses, mainly at its sites in Derby and

Bristol. The union Unite says 320 posts are being axed, yet the

company is making record profits and the cuts are unnecessary.

Rolls-Royce says the number of people it employs in the UK will

not alter a great deal. But the workforce profile will change. More

people will be in engineering and production and fewer in support

jobs. Detectives are still questioning

two men arrested on suspicion of killing a murder suspect. The

search for the remains of James Brodie on farmland at East

Heckington in Lincolnshire is now in its fourth day. Two men, aged 32

and 41, were arrested yesterday. Brodie was wanted for the shooting

of the jeweller Marian Bates in Nottingham in 2003.

Still to come... In sport, all the reaction to the return of Billy

Davies to the City ground. Plus Mary Portas pops into

Loughborough, but can this pilot But before that, Derby is getting

one of the largest payouts in the Government's latest flood

protection programme. It will receive the lion's share, �80

million, to safeguard homes and businesses along the River Derwent.

But the Government also says the funding will generate much-needed

new jobs in the city. From Derby, here is political editor John Hess.

Derby is no stranger historically too serious flooding. Even back in

1842, the level of the flood water would have come up to my chest.

Michelle Killmartin needs no history lessons in flooding. Her

home in Darley Abbey, just north of the city centre, rarely escapes a

winter without it. It is really bad, the path down there, the houses get

flooded, all the gardens. It is really mad. It must be a worry?

is. Older people live around here. When the water floods, they cannot

get out and their belongings get ruined. But today's Government

announcement should help prevent future flooding. There will be the

potential for great regeneration. Huge numbers of jobs, in the

construction, will come through from the regeneration afterwards.

This is massive day for Derby, a There will be new flood defences

along a three-mile stretch of the It will go from Darley Abbey

through the city centre to Price Park in the south. The politician

in charge of Derby's environment policy says the �80 million price

tag will kick start housing development. 1400 new riverside

homes will be built. I think it will benefit immensely, meaning we

will attract private developers to build houses where they cannot be

at the moment, but also in terms of businesses coming in and creating

jobs for the city and region. imagine the force of the River

Derwent when it is flooding. The Government hope that this �80

million programme will be enough to protect homes and businesses in

this city. So just how much damage does

flooding cause? We have been taking a detailed look at the figures.

Last year, swollen rivers flooded more than 200 homes here in the

East Midlands. But in previous episodes, thousands of properties

were damaged by floodwaters. Social Affairs Correspondent, Jeremy Ball,

Imagine having to deal with this. Your home engulfed by floodwater.

Every time this happens, it turns another life upside down. Now the

Environment Agency has given us figures that show how many people

have been affected in recent years. The most serious damage was back in

2007. Homes along the River Trent bore the brunt of serious flooding.

In Nottinghamshire, it left almost 1500 flooded properties. In

Lincolnshire, another 660 homes ended up in river water. The

flooding damaged 430 properties in Derbyshire. And 30 homes in

Leicestershire were damaged by those floods. That prompted a

multi-million pound response. This is Nottingham's new flood defences

along the Trent. We saw what difference that made when serious

flooding hit this region again last year. This time, Leicestershire got

the worst of it. There were 110 flooded properties. But only 20

homes were flooded by river water downstream in Nottinghamshire. And

the Environment Agency says that shows how the flood defence schemes

Thank you very much. More than half of the residents

living in two tower-blocks in Nottingham say they cannot afford

to heat their flat. The Park Street flats in Lenton feature in a

Government report as the third worst in the UK for fuel poverty.

Meanwhile, the charity, Shelter, says the situation is getting worse

across the whole of the East Midlands. Rebecca Sheeran reports.

Towering above Nottingham, but when temperatures plummet, residents

become some of the most vulnerable in the UK. Jim has lived here for

seven years and says not being able to afford heating can make things

unbearable. I can only afford to put a firearm, I cannot afford

central-heating. It would cost too much. -- I can only afford to put

that fire on. How does that make you feel? Terrible, I have cancer.

Because of the rising cost of heating, and the design of these

flats, he is not alone. You need to get your blanket and try to keep

yourself warm. Terrible. It is really cold. Really awful,

particularly if you are elderly, disabled or unwell and cannot leave

your flat very much. You are literally sitting in a really

freezing cold. Over half of the people living in these tower-blocks

cannot afford to heat their homes. Elsewhere in the East Midlands, it

is not much better. Over half a million people are classed as

Many say this is causing them stress and depression. These flats

will be demolished this year and a residents repose -- rehoused.

average, the homes where work has been done is already saving tenants

between �95-�250 per year on heating bills. But there are

worries plans to reduce benefits this year will make paying for

A Nottingham man who dug up his garden to hide a shipping container

full of drugs has been jailed for three years. Police made the

unusual find at the home of 43- year-old Adrian James. They

discovered a tunnel leading to an underground container full of

cannabis plants and growing equipment. In total, drugs worth

�86,000 were seized. James, from Hungerhill Road, admitted

commercially producing cannabis. Plans to build 2000 new homes on a

former iron works site in Derbyshire have been revealed. The

owners of Stanton Ironworks want to turn the 470-acre site into a new

neighbourhood. It will be complete with shopping centre, retirement

village, business park and community facilities. An area

destroyed in a massive recycling centre fire last year would also be

redeveloped. The Melton Show, one of the best

known events in Leicestershire's entertainment calendar, is to end.

Held in the town centre on the Whitsun Bank Holiday, the show ran

for nearly 30 years. It attracted tens of thousands of people to the

town's parks. The organisers have now decided to call it a day. They

are going out on a high following last year's Jubilee Show.

A Tory council leader says they cannot continue making more and

more cuts despite bring in another swingeing budget in his own council

for next year. Andrew Lewer, who runs Derbyshire County Council,

acknowledges services will be trimmed. And 1400 jobs will go.

The council's Labour group agrees cuts are unavoidable. But they

should be targeted on the area's most able to afford them. Actually,

one disabled woman thinks any cuts are unfair. James Roberson reports.

It may look comfortable. But this flat in Belper is much smaller than

the bungalow Jane Lyon used to own in Ashbourne. Jane, who has lung

disease and chronic fatigue syndrome, had to move here when

Derbyshire County Council cut the benefits it paid her by 80%. Now

thousands more people are going to Over the next four years, �127

million in savings will have to be made. �26 million will be cut this

year alone. Almost �8 million will go from support for children

services. And a further �9 million People do not choose to be disabled

and to be in the. And to continue to hit us with these funding cuts,

I think it is very cruel, never mind anything else. But the council

leader who steered the cuts through says he agrees his own Government

party needs to stop hitting councils were tough financial

reductions. We have coped well with what we have done up until now. But

we will struggle to provide services if cuts continue at this

level. What county council elections looming, the Labour Party

thinks things could change she have radically in May, giving the

current ruling Conservative Party only has a majority of one. But it

look -- but the Labour group says they would not be able to reverse

the cuts, but would seek to read this that the Budget to help the

most needy. We would have a fundamental review of funding.

Under men about what the purpose of the council is which is to serve

the people of Derbyshire. -- and remember what the purpose of the

council is. She and will watch what happens with interest.

Next tonight, the NHS troubleshooter in the East Midlands

to says the NHS must always be looking to improve standards in the

wake of the Stafford Hospital scandal. Yesterday's damning report

revealed how hundreds of patients died because of sub-standard care

there. Eric Morton was the man sent in to sort out the crisis in

Stafford in 2009. Now he is working in Nottinghamshire dealing with the

troubled finances of King's Mill Hospital. Health Correspondent Rob

Sissons is there. -- here. What have the lessons? Lessons for all

parts of the NHS. This has sparked a national debate. Some comments on

radio and e-mails to us. One woman said she would give the NHS ten out

of ten. But one woman said her experience in hospital was terrible.

And one nurse said there was simply too much Agency and temporary staff

in the NHS. You were speaking to Mr Morton. He is the temporary boss at

King's Mill. What does he have to say? He says the NHS should look

out for a sub-standard care. That is him in King's Mill Hospital,

where he was trouble-shooting. Standards must be the same on at

the war, every shift, and it is not good that people have perception

that things are not good across the board. There will always be times

when we do not treat a patient went that is expected. We need to be

honest, sheer that and learn from mistakes, so the next patient get

treated excellently well. We are here to look after people and do no

harm. The patient wants that little bit of time and attention, to be

cared for. Some insuring quality is top the

agenda? It is. When we look at where the NHS is going, we should

look at where it has been. I have been doing this for ten years. This

was the Leicester Royal Infirmary in 2001, when I was looking at

weights of 12-14 hours. There is proof of the ageing process. And

cases of people waiting a year or two years for a hip operation. I

travelled with this woman who was using her life savings to go to

Germany for heart operation. But a lot of those waiting times have now

been sorted out. -- for her operation. I did my bit in the air

force, because that was patriotic. I loved my country, but my country

does not love me. All I have done, just this once, is something I

cannot fix myself. Challenging times. It sounds like the man is up

for it. Thank you very much indeed. The Queen of shops has been in

Loughborough today. Mary Portas has been speaking to business owners

about how to bring empty shops back into use. The market town is one of

27 across the country taking part in the Portas Pilot Scheme. Eleanor

Garnier went to find out more. She's known for her straight

talking, no nonsense approach. And it wasn't long before Mary Portas

was having her say. You would rather have a business the near

than it looking like that. Much rather. The Queen of Shops was in

Loughborough. It is one of 27 towns across the country which was given

�100,000. It is under the Portas Pilot Scheme. This is not about

�100,000, but to make a change. This as help people come together,

with ideas, and have a business opportunity to go out to other

retailers, businesses, social entrepreneur and asked to come into

this town. There are currently 47 empty shops here. This pilot is

aiming to change that. But what kind of help to people in

Loughborough want for their high street? Chiba war three mac car

parking to encourage people back to the market, back to the High Street.

-- cheaper or even free car parking. Reach out to the community. It's

clear who the crowds were interested in. But the Government

also wanted to have their word. They launched a new Future High

Streets Forum to help towns adapt to the era of online shopping.

These are tough times. But if you change, you can prosper. I have met

a number of businesses adapting to consumer habits to are doing well.

-- who are. The retail guru certainly brought a buzz to the

market today. But the test is whether behind the scenes talks

with businesses and politicians will create a long-lasting

excitement in our high streets. Sport now and interesting times at

the city Ground. Colin is there. What a week it has been. I do not

know who your support, and it does not matter what you think of the

man, but the return of Billy Davies is quite a news story. He lost his

job just over 18 months ago. But now, he is back under the new

owners. We have had exclusive access to Billy Davies and chairman

Fawaz Al Hasawi today. They were giving their only broadcast

interview to Natalie Jackson. If you missed the beginning of the

programme, it will be on the iPlayer later. We wanted to give

you a taste of what Billy had to say. Obviously, I am delighted. I

have said to the fans who were listening that we had unfinished

business. They have been very loyal. No matter who has been there and

doing the job. I think, from my own point of view, I am delighted.

have you made of the new owners since dealing with them? It is very

difficult at the moment, in this short period of time together, but

there is no doubt, if you look at the chairman and the investment he

has already made, a Ticketus 14 players, you have to say that there

is a huge return there. -- I think it is 14 players. We know this is a

developing team. It has new ownership. It is a project that

will take time. Billy can be a robust character, he

would not deny that. The new owner, Fawaz Al Hasawi, has shown a

ruthless streak and a willingness to we'll be axed. So other fans

convinced this is a match made in heaven? It is the best news we

could wish for. Over the moon. He is the man for the job. He is not

going to stand for no rubbish. brings belief in the fans. That is

what the club needs. It seems we lost a bit of stability. Hopefully,

King Billy can bring good times back. What forest means more now

than ever is some stability. -- forest. He has a good track record,

but his three years were spent with a public fall-out with the last

owners. She his his own man. He will say what he wants. -- he is

his own man. He will play the game, and if he gets what he gets, who

knows? Even back in the Premiership. That sort of split mirrors what we

have seen on social media. We have received some tweets. For every

person saying they were not a fan, everyone else says it is brilliant

and they hope the headlines are positive. Twitter also spawned a

harsh attack, unfinished business, because that is what Billy said he

had here. -- hashtag. We asked what he meant by that. They are a club

waiting to go into the Premier League. They deserve to be in the

Premier League. They certainly have the fans, all the reasons why they

should be in the Premier Division. We know that is a difficult task.

We know there are other people and teams out there wanting the same

thing. The reason for me being back here now again is pure than simply

to try to get this club to the Premier League.

Well, we shall see if that happens over time. It is certainly more

drama here at the city Ground. This programme on the iPlayer, full

interview on the website. And more to come from Billy Davies tomorrow.

If you are a fan of football, you will not want to miss tomorrow's

interviewed. In the meantime, the circus rolls on.

Indeed it does. Thank you. Whether you are a Strictly fan or

not, you will probably know the show's pantomime villain. Billed as

the Mr Nasty of the judging panel, Craig Revel Horwood is always quick

to fire barbed comments and criticism at the dancers. He has

been in Nottingham this afternoon, where Jo Healey discovered his

softer side. It needed shaking, lifted up

slightly. A little dynamic.

I am nervous about this one. He is a big bad judge. I am not good with

difficult people and I cannot dance. So how nervous are these people?

They are practising, because Craig Revel Horwood is about to come to

their tea dance. Quite excited to see him. He is quite a character.

We are Tara fight, that is why we are standing at the back. -- we are

terrified. But they do not need to worry. He is here as patron of the

osteoporosis Society. Many men and women get this, over the age of 50,

and it is really important to teach children in primary school that, if

they do not like sport, they should do some weight bearing exercise.

Like exercising. -- like dancing, but what does he think?

CHEERING. We have never had the score 10 before. A great fun. I

want to keep my bones strong. was really good. You are actually a

seriously nice person. Doing all of us for osteoporosis. Yes, when I

have my judge's hat on, it is only when I see bad dancing that I get

annoyed. You are dancing is fine. It is wonderful to support this

society. And today, his support for I thought of her dancing was lovely.

He looks very young. It is all his dancing keeps them

youthful. We could be doing some dancing to

keep warm, with cold temperatures this weekend and the opportunity to

see some snow back. But not quite tonight. Some frost developing

overnight. There is a weather front across the West having an impact on

overnight temperatures. Under clear skies, across Leicestershire and

Rutland, temperatures going down to about minus one. Then cloud

increases at the first sign of bad weather front during the early

hours of the morning, across parts of Derbyshire initially, and it

being wintry first think and as it sinks towards the south east corner.

Some rain, sleet and snow, giving an and grey and damp day. Under

called one with that wind. Maximum temperature of five Celsius. A cold

night Friday into Saturday. Thump rain, sleet and snow. It is on

Sunday that we have an early weather warning with regards to the

return of snow. We are hesitant as to the direction that low pressure

is likely to travel in. It will probably produce heavy snow across

the north, but that could sink southwards. By the time we get to

Monday, and set me rush-hour, we could see some nifty -- and

certainly Russia, we could see some significant snowfall. We shall keep