04/07/2014 East Midlands Today

Hello, I'm Dominic Heale. Harris is beginning a

A teenager who wrote about plans for a school massacre is detained

Police found a horde of petrol bombs and weapons isn't `` at Michael

Piggin's home in Loughborough. Also tonight, number crunching. Dx`pats

question the safety of 20 mhl per hour zones. Plus a controversial

call for our free cities to raise their own taxes. Can raise the money

needed locally and be accountable for how it is spent in local

communities. And we speak to Stuart Pearce after his first full week in

charge. First tonight, a teenage bolb maker,

who wrote plans to repeat the Columbine High School m`ssacre,

has been sent to 18`year`old Michael Piggin,

from Loughborough, admitted four Piggin hasn't been convicted,

though, But today the judge said he was

dangerous and the public nedded Our social affairs correspondent,

Jeremy Ball, is in London. What happened at the Old Bahley

today? Piggin came back to court wdaring

a black Beatles T`shirt. He sat and listened

as two medical experts expl`ined why And also why he needs to be detained

until he doesn't pose Judge Brian Barker said it was

a particularly worrying casd. Worrying because of Piggin's

"preoccupation" with the Columbine And worrying because

of his extreme racist, A far right extremist with ` message

of hate. Michael Piggin with two of his friends, filming threats to kill

Muslims. Was this just teen`ge bravado, area action to billing or

was he would be terraced appealing to attack his own hometown? It is a

question that two trials cotld not answer. The jury did not nedd to

decide if Piggin committed crimes because he admitted explosives

offences. At his home in Loughborough, the police fotnd

components for improvised explosive device is, bombs he was building

using gas capsules and pipes. Along with this recording on his

Dictaphone. I will make a phpe bomb. It will tell me the amount of stuff

I need to carry out the operation. The operation were once that set

alarm bells ringing. In this notebook he had written a ddtailed

plan called Operation The Ndw Columbine. He had listed several

targets, including the mosqte and the University along with the local

council and local cinema. Hht list became top of the town. I w`s scared

and shock. He is sure young. Amazing, Loughborough, nice and

quiet. It beggars belief. Btt most chilling of all, this sketch

explaining how to attack his old school armed to the teeth. The trial

held there had been complaints about his extremist views and thrdats from

some teachers and classmates. Everyone has a responsibility to

report suspicious behaviour to police. If they had reported it to

us, they would have got our full support and we have would h`ve

worked to make sure any thrdat was managed and mitigated. Mich`el

Piggin's trial made national headlines and raised disturbing

questions, questions about where his obsessions with weapons and killing

could have ended and weather warning signs were missed.

And we heard today that even after Michael Piggin's arrest and

detention, there've been serious concerns about his behaviour.

Concerns that he's been encouraging fellow residents at his sectre unit

And concerns that he's still been threatening people.

A former Nottinghamshire police officer who sent sexually

inappropriate texts and Facdbook messages to

a crime witness has been given a six`month suspended sentence.

42`year`old Simon Abell was based at Sutton`in`Ashfield

He pleaded guilty in May to a charge of misconduct in ptblic

office and stepped down frol his role as an intelligence offhcer

He was ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid community servhce.

The cause of an underground explosion

in a residential street near Nottingham is being investigated.

Fire crews were called to the junction of Davies Road

and Abbey Road in West Bridgford a short while ago.

Callers reported seeing fird coming from a manhole cover in the street.

So far there have been no rdports of anyone being injured.

The AA has waded into an argument over cuts to street

The County Council's defenddd its decision to turn off lights

in some areas as it tries to save millions of pounds.

But the AA warns the number of road accidents isn't redtcing

on unlit streets as fast as in those with lights.

It claims at least six people have been killed recently bdcause

Campaigners call for a new crackdown on dog owners who allow

Next tonight, how safe are 20mph zones?

Today a road safety charity claimed accidents are going up

The Institute of Advanced Motorists says they increased by a qu`rter

last year but went down on those roads with higher speed limhts.

Their findings have been crhticised by some of our local councils,

They insist the zones are making roads safer.

For this woman, 20 mph zones could be a life`saver. There are plenty in

Sherwood now, but before thdy were brought in, she was involved in an

accident. I was getting into a car and the car just wanted to go past

with his daughter to school. He has driven past and hit me. I think they

should put 20 mph everywherd. But today, stumbling lock. A cl`im by

the Institute of Advanced Motorists that last year there were more

accidents in 20 mil per hour zones but fewer when the speed lilit was

30 or 40. In Nottingham, thd council disagrees. Before the schemd, we had

two serious accidents and sdven slight accidents per year. We are

now seeing six slight acciddnts In Leicester, accidents are down, too.

More and more 20 zones are cropping up. Here residents and the local

school petition for one. He did get your riders, up and down and up and

down and people were too fast. The traffic does not make as much noise.

With the bedrooms at the front of the house, it is somewhat qtieter.

There is also warning that signs aren't enough and the speed limit

must be enforced. You do get some response from drivers with signs but

not as much as if you have the physical features. All other 20

zones have physical features in Leicester. Such a speed bumps? Yes.

With council is convinced accidents are going down, we will likdly see

more 20 zones going up. Well as we've just seen,

many of our councils seem to disagree with the findings from the

Institute of Advanced Motorhsts A little earlier,

I put that to Peter Rodger Individual councils may not and may

well have different statisthcs. They are based on DFT figures. Sorry but

that is what the figures ard. Campaigners say you haven't taken

into account the increase in the number of 20mph zones. We h`ven t,

good point, that is because no`one knows what that increase is in

national figures because it is not available. Presumably, are xou going

to recalibrate? We cannot work through data that does not dxist.

One of the points we make as you cannot evaluate this nation`lly

because the data simply does not exist. That raises the concdrn that

it is not as effective a me`sure as we thought it would be. We should

look at that people who livd in ten mag one zones and they said feel a

lot safer. Which is a great thing, but if we spend money, we nded to

spend it on things that work. `` 20mph zones. We need to find out

what is wrong so that we can deal with whatever the local problem is

rather than stabbing in the dark to a degree. If you have an accident

and the car is travelling at 20 you will come off a lot better than if

it is doing 30. One would think that, but the fact that serhous

injuries and deaths have gone up by a quarter brings out into qtestion,

whether that is effectively dealt with by this measure. We have to

leave it there. Thank you. The debate continues.

The main cities of the East Midlands ` Nottingham, Leicester and Derby `

will lose out to other Englhsh cities unless they're given new

economic powers, so says ond of our leading politicians.

Leicester's City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby also thinks

our three cities should be `ble to raise their own taxes.

Here's our political editor John Hess.

Lester's current political bus Peter Soulsby is envious of the power his

previous civic leaders used to enjoy. The pumping station hs a

permanent reminder of that. If they had the `` we had the full range of

powers. Giving people the ability to make decisions about what m`tters to

them. Labour this week brought out its plans. It will give powdrs that

will reach into the suburbs. We need to have a wide range of fin`ncial

measures where we can raise the money needed at a local levdl and be

accountable of how it is spdnt for the local communities. Bill is a

touch of flower power outside the offices of the Council, but this

Leicester suburban body does not welcome the prospect of being

trampled by its big`city nehghbour. Its leader, and liberal Democrat, is

a city region sceptic. What would happen is that if someone w`s in

charge without a democratic mandate, they would oppose it will bd fought

it appropriate. It would be a city as Big Brother? That is a d`nger.

This conservative ones that greater city power can result in unpopular

taxes. There might be a parking tax which is added and hindering

businesses. So is local tax`tion in the price of big`city power? That

particular flower might takd some time to bed down. You can sde more

of the study on Sunday Politics at 11am on Sunday, appropriately

enough. `` this story. Tributes have been paid to one

of Nottingham's best`known buskers, Frank Robinson was fondly known

as Xylophone Man after playhng He died on the 4th of July 2004

aged 72. A memorial plaque is dedicated

to him in the street. Today a specially formed trhbute

band played at the site. Bad weather has hampered

a Derbyshire man's attempt to tackle one of the toughest dndurance

tests in Britain. Will Blanche, from Sandiacrd, began

his Three Peaks Challenge today Using a hand bike, he's tryhng to

climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon and, However, conditions forced him to

turn back from Ben Nevis earlier. He'll try to reach

the other summits this weekdnd. Campaigners from Leicestershire are

urging the Police and Criminal Justice Minister to take stronger

action against dog owners who allow Damian Green met concerned owners

in Loughborough. They told him the Government

should be enforcing the law. Owners and their dogs meet the

Minister to hand over the pdtition and ask what Canada have me`nt doing

more to give more protection to dogs and take action against

irresponsible owners? `` wh`t can the Government. This woman started

the campaign after her dog was attacked by other dogs last year. If

the dog has attacked another dog, they will have to one up. If the dog

has injured another dog, thdy should be prepared to pay vets bills etc

and acknowledge that the dog is out of control. The new powers tnder the

anti`social behaviour Bill @nna Lo `` the anti`social behaviour Bill

Anna Lo action to be taken. A `` it will have some effect in terms of

being able to track down irresponsible dog owners. Injuries

caused to bits by dogs is a big problem for animal welfare

organisations. We get dogs brought to us that have attacked and killed

another animal. Dogs, cats, rabbits, things like that. People want to

pass on the problem instead of dealing with it and training the dog

to wear a muzzle when it is out the correct walking equipment, so you

can buy fantastic collars at sea, caution, or dog is nervous.

Campaigners are advised to put on the Government's website in the hope

of triggering a debate Parlhament on the issue. It is time for a look at

the slot now. `` the sport now. First,

Nottingham Forest Manager Stuart Pearce says the club have rdjected a

bid by QPR for Forest's England U`20 Pearce was speaking to

the media after his first wdek Well, Stuart Pearce actuallx got

involved in training today. He looked right at home after his first

week here is the new manager at the club. He said he would like for new

players if possible before the start of the new season. There is no doubt

in our mind. There are thred or four areas of the football team they need

improving. They are positions we are looking at at the moment. What about

Jamaal Lascelles? Has there been a bit from QPR and what is a situation

there? QPR put money down for him but it is not near our evaltation. I

have come here to build a tdam. The only way any player will le`ve this

club is if I felt I could use that money to invest and make it

stronger. The chairman has got the financial clout to refuse any offer.

He will take my guidance on that. So that is a hands`off the plaxer to

other clubs. Years not for sale It is a bonus that people are `sking

valuations about footballers, you know. It has been a busy but Mr

Logic first week for the Nottingham Forest legend. Joining in training,

he looked like he had never been away. `` botanist Baldrick ``.

Nostalgic. I think he's verx privileged and pledged to come back

and manage the club. I know him better than anyone in footb`ll.

Having worked with him for the last nine years. It was one job that

would entice him. Stuart Pe`rce says the court needs a Chief Executive as

soon as possible but for now he is just pleased to get started. It is

nice to be here. I enjoyed responsibility but I do not think I

could never not have managed Nottingham Forest at some point in

my career because it means ` lot to me, this club.

Meanwhile, Leicester City C`ptain Wes Morgan has signed a new

He was in the final year of his old contract but will now be at

He played a key part in their promotion and will lead

the Foxes into their first premier league campaign in a decade.

Down the road at Derby County, the club have also made cle`r their

ambitions by securing the sdrvices of five key players this wedk.

Midfielder Craig Bryson the latest to commit

When Premier League clubs c`me calling, many thought he was on his

way. But Derby's midfield m`estro had other ideas. Have showed a lot

of commitment to Derby County and what they have done firmly hn the

three seasons. I have been delighted for them to offer me a five`year

contract. I cannot wait to sign it. 16 goals from midfield made him a

fan 's favourite. His hat`trick against archrivals Nottingh`m Forest

secured legendary status. Hd scores goals and is a good defender and is

a great asset to the team. People say he is worth 2 million btt for me

he is worth more. 16 goals from midfield, that is why Premidrship

sides wanted. We have him now, that is a mean thing. Player of the Year

for two seasons, the feeling is mutual. I have loved being ` Derby

in my three years until now. It is a massive club. Everything has been

excellent. Just delighted to get it over the line. He admits thd Premier

League is where he wants to be but he wants to be winning Derbx colours

when he gets there. `` wearhng. In Cricket's T20, the rain hs

spoiling Notts? night in Durham But Leicestershire Foxes have been

been busy making mincemeat The bowlers tearing

the visitors apart for just 82. All they need to get in his five

overs. It does not look good. In Rugby, Leicester Tigers will

finish their Aviva Premiership season by welcoming local rhvals

Northampton to Welford Road. The fixtures, released todax,

see Tigers start with a homd match with Newcastle and go to Northampton

just before Christmas. Finally, commiserations to

Leicestershire's up and comhng Her Wimbledon adventure is over

after she and partner Ivana Jorovic lost an epic girls doubles

quarterfinal in three long sets But it has been great to watch are

showing such promise. `` watch horror.

Most seven`year`old girls are probably into pop bands,

She's come all the way from the United States to meet hdr heroes

They're the team who make videos about the

wonders of chemistry ` videos which have become an internet sensation.

When you have seen it, it goes. . Periodic videos brings a fl`sh, bang

wallop to an audience on thd internet. They have been vidwed 60

million times. Adele Rouse from North Carolina has been hooked since

age of four. Today she met some of the team who make the videos. Hello,

welcome to the School of chdmistry in Nottingham. Lovely to medt you.

It is like a periodic table and you can click on the elements. Then that

is this video... Coming herd and making his chemists is like going to

Disney World and meeting all the princesses for the rest of four

clean make `` the rest of hdr classmates. Adele got the chance to

watch one of favourite experiments. We need one morning deviant.

Somewhat. `` one more ingredient. Because you have got that they are,

it gives us the big flame. H have watched these videos many thmes on

the internet. I watched thel over and over again. What is it like to

be here will be making? `` hn the lab where they make them? Cool. It

is beyond our wildest street. We never thought people would watch

these videos and think they have been moved so much that thex would

want to see and treat and interact with the people who made thd videos.

When she is grown into a lab coat, after wants to be a scientist or a

mathematician. `` Adele wants. What a start you are.

Time for the weather. Things are changing.

Yes, it is raining now. The band of rain has coming in across the East

Midlands. It has been a warl day. What we will start to see now is the

rain band working eastwards as it is starting to gradually get hdavier

into the early hours. It has a bit of a wave which means it will appear

for a time in the early part of Saturday morning. Despite the fact

it is so wet outside, temperatures are not overly cold. 16 Celsius is a

minimum. The rain band as wdll, still at question `` beard `re still

some questions asked to when it will leave us. We could see some bright

intervals in the afternoon. There is also the chance of a shower in the

late afternoon on Saturday. Sandra is trying to work way into the Peak

District and parts of Derbyshire as well. `` the shower. Whether it has

been quite ill blustery evening the wind starts to ease off and comes

from the West. We will see, although that is a dry start, low controlling

the weather. This looks likd it has a bad rash but the showers will

develop as the day goes on on Sunday. One or two heavy showers

likely into the afternoon. @lso on Monday as well, low`pressurd to the

north of Scotland, so those were friends will be driven round and

round. We will see more in the early part of next week and could have the

weather influenced by hurricane are far, who is currently heading for

the States. It will be an interesting week next week.

Hurricane Arthur is coming! We will see you next week. Goodbye.