31/12/2016 London News

Hello and welcome to BBC London News.

From tonight, armed officers from British Transport Police

are to travel regularly on the London underground.

Officers say the scheme's been months in the planning and isn't

connected to terror attacks in Berlin and Nice.

Clearly an heavily armed. From tonight, British Transport Police

will carry guns on the tube. It was done as a one-off last year and the

team behind that say they are sending a strong message to those

travelling on the Underground. You are safe, you are surrounded by

people who can respond to any threat, and I hope it deters any

would-be person that might threaten to do anything wrong. It is not

about terrorism, it is about criminality. These are not regular

patrols. They will be using the tube to get across town. They say this is

not a response to any threat. We are more used to seeing armed officers,

but does seeing them make us feel safer or more anxious? This is a

matter for the beholder. Some will see it as a reassuring and others

will see it as threatening. We are not used to seeing this and it might

be that the more guns we have, the worse off we are. Earlier, a report

warned that an attack on London is likely. Most of what is done is done

to keep us safe. This latest move is a sign that London is prepared to be

more public in its protection. Well the police aren't the only

emergency service out in force on the capital's streets

for New Years Eve. The London Ambulance Service say

an ongoing rise in emergency calls means it's likely

to be their busiest night ever. Just under half of the calls they'll

attend will be alcohol related. We are experiencing unprecedented

levels of demand. It has gone up 10% per annum at the moment. On top of

that, New Year's Eve is historically one of the busiest nights of the

year. We are anticipating increased activity as a matter of course.

A new scheme to help women who feel uncomfortable or threatened by men

in clubs and bars has been introduced at venues in Wimbledon.

Specially trained bar staff will be on hand to help them.

Caroline Davies has been finding out more.

Party season in London but not all attention is wanted. Virus in the

Wimbledon have put up these notices. If you are in trouble but don't feel

you can ask for help, ask Angela. Sexual assault rates are notoriously

under reported and that is the idea behind this campaign. It is to tell

women they have someone to talk to. The idea started in Lincolnshire but

has come to Wimbledon. It is about giving confidence to people to ask

for help and to call the police and we will take them seriously. This is

the first council to rule them out but it is hoped it will be picked up

across London. It has had a good reception from customers. I think

it's a really good idea. People don't know what to do. It is good to

know that someone else understands where they're coming from. Around 35

pubs have volunteered so far. You cannot sort it out if you don't know

there's a problem so we need to know that someone needs help. Are you

concerned you might put your staff into a vulnerable situation? It's a

conversation I had with my staff, they are very well trained and if

there is a conversation they don't feel comfortable with, they've got

their phones and they've been told they can get the appropriate help if

need be. The message is not to stay quiet. If they need help, ask. The

weather. If you're heading out you might need a coat and umbrella.

There will be drizzle. It will not be great at the start of the New

Year. Top temperature of just 9 degrees. The crowds are already

gathering for the London fireworks later. Wherever you are, whatever

you're doing, have a safe and wonderful New Year. You can keep up

with all the best. Happy New Year. wonderful New Year. You can keep up

with all the best. Happy New Year. Good evening. As we head through the

final few hours of 2016 the weather is on the change. We've got called

her swooping in and there is a weather front bringing a soggy New

Year's Eve. It is raining across southern Scotland and Northern

Ireland and that will push south as we head towards parts of northern

England. Showers moving in from the North Southwark could be icy

stretches across there. Adding further