21/08/2014 East Midlands Today

Despite delight and relief, it seems the East Midlands could do better.

Backing for E cigarettes from a leading doctor. The shock

resignation that has muddied the waters at a Labour run council. And

a site to savour. A Vulcan bomber and to Lancaster 's flying together.

`` two Lancasters. Joy for thousands of pupils in

the East Midlands on GCSE results. It's a happy day for those who

have got what they wanted. there are many out there today who

didn't. Yes, because the East Midlands is

the only region in the UK where there was no improvement

on a key measure of success. with a big drop in the number of A

grades, in particular. Sarah Teale has been marking

our performance and meeting students at a Nottingham college

as they opened their results. Joy, relief and jubilation. An

emotional roller`coaster for students in Nottingham anxiously

receiving their GCSE results. Oh well. I got an grade A Star in

English and history. I got a couple of grade A 's, one grade A and one

grade C. She gained a grade C in maths and she wants to become a

nurse. I am absolutely stunned. I am so happy. And another mother of two

went back to college aged 28 to fulfil her dream of becoming a

teacher. She passed all five GCSEs. I have tried to juggle work, the

kids and running a house. Just to get in full`time. It was really

hard. But I am very pleased. Nationally, results have improved

but this region has asked the trend. The East Midlands is the only one in

the UK that saw no improvement in results. In fact it is the only one

where results were worse than last year. The joint council for

qualifications is the body made up of all the exam boards. There is

some variation in statistics. But this is what they published...

Between the top grade and grade C, attainment was down by 0.2%. Last

year, 66% of candidates got between grade C and above but this year,

65.7. The grade with the biggest drop was grade A, down by more than

half a percent. We do not have failing schools but schools on a

journey of improvement. They are improving in things like attendance,

behaviour and exclusions. I think some of these schools in these

results have in fact made great strides and that is a positive

story. How hard are they? They are as hard as they have ever been. You

put more work and effort into making sure that actually there is more of

a robust process in place. People have to work hard to get good

results. That sentiment is echoed by these students, now ready to take

the first step towards their future. Some headteachers have criticised

changes in the system which has been blamed for a drop`in English

results. This is the headteacher of a community school in Derby. Good

evening. There has been a drop in raids at your school I think I am

right in saying. Who do you blame for that? `` drop in grading. I had

disappointed in the impact the changes have had here. As far as I

am concerned the blame is with Michael Gove and the way the changes

have been implemented. It was changed to make exams more rigorous.

Surely there is nothing wrong with that? Well, no. But these changes

were made at very short notice. What has happened with GCSE English is he

speaking and listening component was taken out. It was done in September

last year. Partway through, already starting on the academic year. That

was changed with very little notice for us. And the impact of that was

not explained. What has happened, most students do better on that

component than on the written exams. Amber written coursework. Taking it

out is disadvantage in students and making it harder to get the grades.

Excuse me for interrupting but have we not got anecdotal evidence that

the speaking and listening test, schools marks them themselves and

they were or could have been too generous? I do not know if that is

the case or not. It was not the case at this school. Nothing was done to

consider the impact of removing a part that a lot of students,

particularly average and below average students did really well

with. Nothing has been done to take account of that. We passed the exam

board six months ago if we would have any changes made. If we had

known, we could have reacted and led the students to expect the results

that they got this summer. That point is taken. Thank you. Coming

up, a once`in`a`lifetime site, in the skies above the East Midlands.

The Heritage aviation enthusiasts, it does not get much better than

this for them. And it does get better than this with the weather. I

will have a detailed forecast later including what to expect for the

bank holiday weekend. Next tonight,

a split within our region's NHS over Go to one place

and the health service might help Try somewhere else and

the answer will be a firm no. Health Correspondent Rob

Sissons has this report. She is thrilled to have quit smoking

tobacco and now uses an electronic cigarette. It has not got tobacco

and it delivers nicotine in a vapour. I was on 40 per day. I tried

to quit with sprays. And then I started on this. Until it is more

risk than a cigarette, until we can tell it has got to be better. They

are not on the NHS and they are not licensed. Leicestershire 's NHS stop

smoking service might give you a voucher for one. It is a bold move

and this specialist supports it. They do have advantages. If they are

finding smokers coming into the service that said, let's say a

nicotine patch and electronic cigarette, that is what I do in

practice. It can kill one into people and everything that helps

must be applauded. Less people are using the quit service in the East

Midlands. 51,000 in the past year, down from 72,000 two years before. A

fall of almost 30%. Cancer charities do not want the NHS to embrace E

cigarettes yet. Because they are quite new, we do not have the

evidence we need to know if they are safe. We do not know for sure what

the long`term risk might be. Hampshire is following the lead of

Leicestershire. But many quit smoking services, like Derbyshire,

are staying clear at least for now. Labour's grip of Nottinghamshire

County Council is in doubt tonight One of its rising stars has quit

in protest at budget cuts Ian Campbell first made national

headlines as His decision to quit means Labour

has lost its overall majority Our Political Editor

John Hess is with us. He first hinted on Twitter a couple

of days ago that he was not happy about some recent policy decisions

taken by the leadership of Nottinghamshire County Council. Cuts

to bus services, contracting out public health contracts away from

local NHS GPs. He is now aged 27 and he became the youngest Mayor four

years ago. At Retford in Nottinghamshire and he was elected

last year when Labour gained control against the Conservatives. But why

resign now? Residents are fed up of not being listened to. And it has

affected bus services and they centres. And there are other issues

which people have been affected by in Retford because of the decisions

at County Hall. The Labour leadership must stand up and listen.

I will always have Labour and socialist values but when you cannot

represent your residence properly on a council it is time to leave. What

has been the response of the Labour leadership? They are very

disappointed. But there was a flavour of irritation in the

comments of the Labour leader, Alan Rhodes. He says that being a Labour

councillor is a responsible position which requires dedication in

challenging financial Times. Can Labour continue running County Hall

effectively if they do not have an overall majority? Crucially, it has

got 11 seats over the Conservatives. But if all the opposition parties

ganged up together and voted in a block, they could make it very

difficult for Alan Rhodes and the leadership. Come the round of budget

committee meetings and the finalising of the budget for the

next financial year, it might be that all of the opposition

councillors including Ian Campbell as an independent could cause some

difficulty. A controversial waste treatment

site in Derby will go ahead. The plant at Sinfin will turn much

of Derby and Derbyshire's waste The company behind

the project says it will reduce CO2 emissions, but campaigners say it

will create pollution The plant will cost almost ?150

million to build Planners have approved

a ?10 million shopping centre An Aldi supermarket

and several small shops will be The developers say

the scheme will breathe new life into an area of the city

which they say needs investment. It has been called a

once`in`a`lifetime moment for thousands of people witnessing a fly

past by three iconic aircraft. The last flying Vulcan bomber was

flanked by the last two flying Lancaster aircraft. After going up

at RAF Waddington. It marked a symbolic moment for the devoted of a

memorial centre for bomber command. Two Lancaster aircraft and a

Vulcan, a unique combination on a day when aviation in view the assets

will remember the day for years to come. `` aviation fans. It became

clear that this once`in`a`lifetime event was attracting far more

spectators than had been expected. For many onlookers it was an early

start. They agreed it was worthwhile. I have come from

Rochdale to see this. I set off at five o'clock this morning. I am

tired but it is worth it. I was on nights last night and I was here at

six o'clock this morning. A couple of hours in bed and straight here.

Once`in`a`lifetime opportunity to see this. Will not happen again in

my lifetime. Police warned drivers to avoid the main road as designated

car parks build`up. The distinctive shapes appeared in the sky and the

road itself became an impromptu viewing area. It was all in aid of

this, at a site here where veterans and fundraisers and serving AMN

gathered to cut the first term of what is to become the international

bomber command centre. It represents the wingspan of a Lancaster bomber

and it will be surrounded by panels commemorating all the people that

died serving with bomber command in the Second World War. Nobody till

recently had recognised the suffering and the contribution which

was made by all of the people getting up in an aeroplane. The last

aircraft joined forces with the only flying Vulcan, over this ceremony

and it was a great moment for veterans including Johnny Johnson,

the last surviving British veteran of the famous dambusters raid. I

think it is excellent. It is one of the best dedications, I think.

55,500 crew, air crew that was lost in the war. Irrespective of the

losses that we were suffering, the boys still went over. And when I see

those aircraft coming over, I still cry. It was never likely to be

repeated. A day like no other, for the thousands that stops to watch,

it was a fitting tribute for the people that served and died with

bomber command. We have put some of the footage up

on Facebook. The address should be on your screen and the guide to

where the Lancaster aircraft will fly next. In case you get the chance

to see them in person this summer. Two weeks after a massive fire

in Leicester local businesses say they're losing thousands

of pounds in trade. The fire on Melton Road devastated

a factory It's open again now but locals say

people are still avoiding the area. Trade, they reckon,

is down by as much as 50%. It has been a difficult two weeks

for this man, having to close his family business because of damage to

the windows and the overhead. It has been affected really bad. There is

no business for us. The tension with that, paying rent and making money

is really bad at the moment. The fire was devastating and hundreds of

people were evacuated from nearby buildings and one building was

completely destroyed. This woman's beauty salon was across the road

from where the factory once stood. Normally she would be busy but since

the fire she has not had many bookings. It is dead now. The area

looks dead. Business is down by about 50%. What do you do? They are

not alone. Trade has gone down in this area. We are not getting as

much as we used to before. It has affected us by about 50%. It has

been 50% for nearly three weeks. How long can you carry on like this?

About four weeks. A fortnight later, people are trying to work out how

the fire started still. That is being made difficult because there

is so little left of the 4`storey factory. What we are looking at his

witness statements, video footage. That type of thing. Looking at the

occupiers of the building and finding out what might have caused

it. We think it was accidental at the moment. Back at the salon and he

is hoping business will pick up soon. The damage is estimated at

thousands of pounds. And she does not know if the insurance will cover

it. First tonight, Leicester City

Manager Nigel Pearson says he is still hopeful of adding to his squad

before the transfer window closes. Former Inter Milan midfielder

Esteban Cambiasso remains Pearson was speaking to

the media today ahead of Saturday's He ruled out a move for French

defender, Rod Fanni. But the club are still working

on a deal for Cambiasso. Sport is unfortunately at times it

is quite a difficult process. `` unfortunately at times. It is very

much a case of getting to the bottom of who represents what and trying to

achieve the goal, and that is adding players to the squad.

Nottingham Forest Manager Stuart Pearce says that without

a doubt he's confident midfielder Henri Lansbury will be

Lansbury's been strongly linked with a move to Burnley but Pearce

A new deal is being considered and he feels the signs are positive.

I spoke with the agent yesterday. They are quite happy with the terms

which have been offered. I think it is a case of signing the contract.

If it is not signed, he has got two years left anyway. I think it shows

willing from our point of view in terms of playing here. And once

again, if the owners back my recommendations, there is a contract

which I think is deserved. Cricket and what a night it was

for Notts Outlaws. They've secured a home quarter final

in the One`Day Cup after a nail Notts were set 303 for victory

by Warwickshire and they were looking good to reach

that target with another century But a bit of a batting collapse

set up a tense end to the match. In the end Notts needed one run

from the final ball. Luke Fletcher kept his nerve

and hit a four And Notts will play their quarter

final at Trent Bridge next Tuesday. Well,

it could be Leicestershire if they The Foxes to just 184 in their

innings. Derbyshire hope to progress as well. They batted first against

Gloucestershire, setting a target of 272.

Tomorrow night Nottingham plays host to a big night in the

It's the first season of the new competition

and Nottingham Panthers will be flying the flag for Great Britain.

44 teams in Champions League and they are 44th.

This new signing is a commanding residence at six foot

six and cannot wait to test him self against the best in Europe.

It is fun to play against the top teams.

We are excited for the weekend to get started.

They are starting with a Finnish team, Luko from Finland

Let's hope this man is as good in Europe as Cloughie was. I know

football will always be competing but ice hockey is definitely

underrated as a sport worldwide. I think it will be exciting for the

fans. It will be a big step up for the Panthers. Will the supporters

come in then numbers for the Champions League like they do

against Sheffield? We do not have a long`standing rivalry with Finland

and Sweden, the Arctic circle. But it will be nice to see them and

teach them a thing or two about UK ice hockey rather than then teaching

us about their brand. We will fly the flag for the UK. We are doing it

for the fans. They deserve the best and we want to put the best on for

them. Chris Adcock and Gaby are going for

world glory. Tom Williams has more. Hardly time to draw breath. The

golden couple are back home preparing for the world

championship. They trained five times per week, morning and

afternoon. Last fortnight, the Commonwealth games and their

dedication was rewarded with old in Glasgow. `` a gold medal. It was

like a dream come true. You dream about being on the top of the podium

and the friends and family were there and we were really lucky. It

felt amazing. Are you always wandering around wearing your

medals? We like to look at them every now and then and get them out

of the box. We are really proud and happy that we have something to show

for it. Your friends must hear you coming at make a right racket. Yes,

it sounds like a wind chime when they are moving about. It is good.

They are ranked fifth in the world. They were the outstanding couple at

the Commonwealth games, winning the title without dropping a game. With

the real Olympics just a couple of years away, every second counts and

there is little spare time. We were on `` very lucky to do what we love

together and it was great to achieve something and it makes it special.

Obviously at work we are with a partnership, working together. And I

think it transfers into the home life quite well. Commonwealth

celebrations have been put on hold, the holiday is booked and a first

winning anniversary is coming up and they should find some quality time

together away from the court, especially if they keep winning on

it. We wish them all the best for next week.

Finally, we return to our top story, and to some good news

Because for some youngsters, just sitting them was

Millgate School takes on pupils with severe social

Two years ago it was put into special measures.

But since then it's shown a real improvement and so have its pupils.

For years, these were failing students in a failing school.

The school is out of special measures

and today these 16`year`olds picked up their GCSE results.

It was the usual mix of delight and disappointment.

But just to be able to take these exams was a big step in itself.

I think I have done all right since where I was a few years ago.

I did not attend school for more than six months.

When I started, my behaviour was terrible.

Millgate takes on people that have been kicked out of other schools, or

Smaller classes and one`on`one support have helped these pupils

get their grades and many are now hoping to start apprenticeships.

We concentrated on destinations and we make sure the boys who come

to this school get an education suitable for them as individuals.

We have seen top grades through to the bottom grades

What we have seen is people that have shown real drive

and made progress and coming out with good results.

It helps you understand the world properly.

Before it was like a joke and you did not really understand

And you realise you have got to work.

Ofsted still ranks the school as requiring improvement.

But the head wants to make it outstanding.

That will involve helping many more pupils like these to get

Congratulations to them. Now the weather. Is it a staff forecast? !

We are expecting some improvement before things go downhill for the

bank holiday Monday. It should be nice in the next couple of days.

Thank you for this picture, David. Plenty of sunny spells and it should

be mostly dry apart from some isolated showers. Through the day

the cloud has been increasing with a scattering of showers. That is the

story this evening and overnight. Getting quite thick with these

showers continuing. But this will help hold the temperatures up. More

mild and temperatures at 11 Celsius minimum. Showers tending to fade

away tomorrow. Cloud is breaking up. We should get long sunny spells in

the day on Friday. A lot of tri` weather. For most of us it will stay

dry with just the occasional isolated shower. Away from this

breeze, quite pleasant at 18 Celsius and feeling a little warmer. Looking

ahead on Saturday, not too bad, a dry and fine start. More cloud in

the afternoon and a scattering of showers. High pressure is in charge

on Sunday. It looks like it will be largely drive. Should be plenty of

sunshine. But at the Atlantic end, this area of low pressure is going

towards us. Sunday night into Monday, wet and windy conditions.

One thing tonight, Saturday night looks like it will be particularly

cold, Mary `` dare I say it, maybe Frosty Imro areas. We will be back

with the late news. I hope you can join me then. Good night.