20/12/2013 Look East - West

Here in the East... Flying footfall ` a decision's due on whether Luton

airport can expand to 18 million passengers a year. And the dramatic

moment when a robber gets more than he bargained for from a petrol

station attendant. We will be here later in the programme looking back

at the sporting year which saw our teams hit the heights. Walking was a

problem. We have a live interview with Strictly Come Dancing judge

Craig Revel Horwood. Good evening. First tonight, the plans for up to

six million passengers a year more to pass through Luton Airport. A

meeting has been taking place all day today to decide whether Luton

should be allowed to expand. At the moment it's capacity is 12 million

people, but airport bosses want to take that up to 18 million. An extra

45,000 flights a year. It could mean 5,000 more jobs but it's not popular

with people living around the airport. Louise Hubball has been in

the meeting and a few moments ago sent us this report. The men from

the airport, protesters and councillors went into the chamber

for discussions at 10am. There is still no news of the decision.

Protesters have been low`key today. There have been no placards, for

example. This is a big decision and I have been looking at some of the

issues. Luton Airport is the UK's fifth biggest airport and no plans

make it a go, extending capacity from 12 million to 18 million

passengers a year. This is the vision. Improvements to the terminal

building, focusing on allowing more passengers to pass through more

quickly. Outside it will be easier to get around with improved public

transport links and car parking. The planning committee has listened to

the arguments. On the one hand, how expansion will complement national

strategies for economic growth. Passenger growth could go up to 18

million. There will be 5000 more jobs and more economic activity so

it is important to the region, not only for the point of view of the

airport but for the economy as well. The protesters have spoken as well.

This is what they are concerned about. Noise levels for those living

and sleeping on the flight path. At the moment we endure it in peak

periods but in the future, it will be all day long, a wall of noise

across the countryside. The major impact will be the significant

increase in the number of planes and the noise they make. You can hear

one coming over at the moment and it is getting harder to hear what we

are saying. Air pollution on a day when the wind changes direction. We

could not have the windows and doors open because of the smell of air

aviation fuel. It is so, so busy. Luton Airport was born in 1938. They

are gathered here today to think about what the future holds. We are

still waiting for news on that future. The meeting convened here at

6pm and it is unclear when a decision will be reached. The main

argument seems to be Luton Airport's economic growth versus the

quality of life for people in the surrounding areas. As one councillor

put it, Luton Airport's fame must not be Hertfordshire's shame. We

will bring you the latest news when we have it at 10:30pm in our late

bulletin. It was the dramatic moment when a woman petrol station

attendant pulled a robber over the counter as he tried to steal money

from the till. The attack was captured on CCTV and today two men

were jailed for their part in the attack in Clifton in Bedfordshire.

The court was told that 15 minutes earlier they'd tried to hold up a

nearby food store. Fae Southwell reports. This was their first attack

of the day, captured on CCTV. He tries to steal from a till.

Outside, a man acts as lookout. Shop assistants, bewildered, attempts to

intervene as the man runs off, leaving his jacket behind. The

attack on this shop took place in May, the shop targeted on a bank

holiday. Luton Crown Court heard that because the attack was

unsuccessful, the two men tried their luck elsewhere. 15 minutes

later they struck for a second time at a garage half a mile away. The

shop owner sits waiting for customers but had no warning about

what was going to happen. They came in and tried to take the cash. I put

the money on the floor. While the struggle continues, this man grabs

bottles from the shelf. The man is pulled over the counter and falls on

top of the shop worker who is on the floor. Afterwards, she explains why

she threw the money on the ground. I thought he would not come over to my

side. Yes, it was a bit scary. He made off with around ?500 and was

charged with robbery. Another man was charged with burglary.

Sentencing the pair, the judge said... The shop worker suffered

back injuries and a bruised shoulder, and spent time off work.

Even though she is back in the shop, she is still nervous and refuses to

work nights. Today, one man was sentenced to three years and another

to two years. Police in Cambridge last night carried out stop checks

in a street where a pregnant woman had her face slashed. Hayley Baker,

who's 29, was attacked as she walked along Hertford Street. Last night,

exactly a week on, a team of officers stopped motorists and

pedestrians in the area in a bid to find the offender. Police say they

are following a up a number of lines of enquiry. One of the worst

accident blackspots in the Fens has re`opened after a campaign to

improve it. The North Bank at Whittlesey has seen seven accidents

and two deaths in as many months. The road runs alongside the River

Nene at Whittlesey near Peterborough. The new barrier was

installed at a cost of ?50,000. Families have taken to the streets

of Peterborough today to protest about the closure of some the city's

children centres. Peterborough City Council want to reduce the number of

Sure Start centres. They were set up to help families with young

children. The council says the changes could save them more than ?1

million a year. Parents march on the city to have their say on what the

centres mean to them. They are a lifeline to parents. It is in the

centre of the community and people need somewhere to go to meet other

mothers where they may not have any other contact. The centres can

detect early differences in children and ensure that families get the

support they need. Without them, these differences will not be picked

up until they are older. There are 15 centres in Peterborough. The

centres that people come here to protest about today operate across

the city, but originally, they were set up by the last Labour government

in deprived locations. The council want to target the most honourable

families. `` vulnerable. All families can be worn rubble in many

different ways. Lots of people I have spoken to have said that the

centres can help them if they have depression or if they are isolated

or if they have young babies. It is a big lifeline and it would be a

shame if they closed them down. People have until early next year to

have their say in what happens to them. Well, earlier I spoke to Wendy

Ogle`Wellbourn from Peterborough City Council and I asked why these

proposals had been brought forward. The last five years we have had cuts

in the money we receive from government. Previously, where we had

a specific pot of money for children's centres, we do not have

any more, and we have to make tough decisions. Could this be avoided,

though? We have to make tough decisions and we have to reduce

funding somewhere, and I think because there are other services

that parents can access, we believe that this is a proposal that needs

to be seriously thought about. I know you want to target families in

deprived areas, that any parent will tell you that it doesn't matter

where you live, you can be vulnerable wherever you live. It is

important to remember that we have a health visiting service and in

Peterborough, we are going to double the number of health visitors than

previously, and parents will have access to that. We will still make

sure clinics can happen in areas. That is important. House set in

stone are the closures? We are not talking about closures, we are

talking about using the centres differently. We have put forward a

proposal and where we go back to Cabinet, we will take on board what

parents have said as part of the consultation, and amend that to try

and minimise the impact. For the parents watching, what is your

message to them? I would say that I am really grateful that they have

taken the time to share their ideas about what we might be able to do

differently to minimise the impact, and to reassure them that we are

thinking about what they said and we will ensure that the health visiting

services are still available. We will make sure parents can support

themselves. There's been good news for the Peterborough pensioners who

had all their family's Christmas presents stolen. On Wednesday we

reported how a thief had entered the home of Evelyn and Mick Beaver and

stole presents worth hundreds of pounds. But after their story was

revealed on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, local business and

the community have rallied round to make sure the family will not go

short this Christmas. A consultation's been launched into a

planning application for the controversial pirate island in

Cambridgeshire. The island at Landbeach already exists and this is

a retrospective application. South Cambridgeshire Council says their

initial view is that the development has little impact on anyone nearby,

but they want to make that is the case. The island which is privately

owned, was created from material dredged from the lake when it was

cleaned up. Plenty more to come with Stewart and Susie. A preview of the

weekend's sport. I'll be back at ten with the late

College opens in September with two year groups. I2020, it will be fully

operational. `` by 2020. Still to come, the best sporting

bits of 2013. And the Strictly judge as you have never seen him before.

Earlier this year we met T Sandeman`Charles who had set up a

campaign to get 10,000 people to sign up to the organ donor register.

Two weeks ago, she reached her target.

T's campaign called Save5 goes on. It's a subject she's passionate

about because in 2010 T was diagnosed with two terminal lung

diseases. She desperately needs a lung transplant and is on the

waiting list at Papworth Hospital. Today, T was there for a regular

check`up. For T Sandeman`Charles, the simple things in life are hard

to do. Getting out of the car leaves her grasping for breath. She has her

husband to help but four years after being diagnosed with two progressive

lung diseases, a transplant is now her only hope. Like everybody, I

just want to live. I want to live my life. So much I want to do, so much

I feel I have to do. We first met T five years ago when she first

launched her campaign. With the help of friends and family, two weeks

ago, she reached her target of getting 10,000 people on the

register. We did it. And when I say we, I do want to say that if it

wasn't for my lovely husband, my fantastic family, the friends, the

10,000 people who signed up, it would never have happened. Today, T

was here to see Doctor Thomas to see if she is fit enough for a

transplant. we have a tricky balance because we want to have you doing

everything you can to be fit enough to get a transplant. Your breathing

is not just your lungs, it is your muscles, your diaphragm. In 2011, 20

six `` 26 people joined the list. Three people are still waiting. If T

gets it, it can happen quickly. it could be in the region of 12 to 14

hours wait from the call. When I am in bed, I can't do anything and I

sometimes say to myself, will recall ever come? Will it end like this?

And then I shed a tear stop then I picked myself up and I say, come on,

T, come on, you have got to believe it will come. T is looking forward

to Christmas and is positive about the future but when you are on a

transplant waiting list, there is no other way to be. If you are

interested in the organ donor register, you can call the donor

line. You can log on to T's website at save5.org.uk.

Let's move on to sport, now, and there's a packed programme of

fixtures over the Christmas break. Here's Tom.

Starting with Norwich, Chris Hughton insists it's one match at a time

despite a crucial Christmas period which presents a real opportunity.

City play all three teams currently in the Premier League relegation

zone starting with bottom club Sunderland tomorrow. Then it's

Fulham and Man U at home before Palace on New Year's Day. A

productive Christmas could mean a giant leap towards survival? We

played two games in two days over the Christmas period and it is

difficult to plan for a second game when you're not quite sure what will

happen in the first game. So, that is how it has to be. It is very much

focusing on the next game. Ipswich's new signing Sylvan

Ebanks`Blake isn't ruling out a promotion push in 2014. The striker

has agreed a contract until the end of the season. Ipswich are tenth in

the Championship heading into tomorrow's match with Watford. The

forward says Mick McCarthy played a huge part in his decision to come.

He is an honest man. I don't like to keep harking on about how honest he

is, he is a good manager and has had a lot of success. I think I have had

my most successful years under him so I think that shows you that he is

good for me and I have been good for him.

Now what's in store for the rest of our sides over Christmas? Here's a

few key matches. MK Dons' form has been iffy and tomorrow the first of

several games against sides eyeing the play`offs, home to Port Vale. On

Boxing Day, Colchester`Stevenage. It could be crucial in both sides'

fight against the drop. Peterborough host promotion rivals Brentford on

New Year's Day. They lost against them last month.

In League Two, Southend's biggest match of the festive period comes

tonight. Home to Rochdale who are the place below them. And

Northampton will hope to drag Portsmouth into the relegation mix

when they meet between Christmas and New Year.

Now, as we approach the end of the year, time to reflect on the

sporting highs and lows from the last 12 months. It started in the FA

Cup, features finals galore for Northampton and leading roles for

our gymnasts. In the 50s, Luton beat Norwich to reach the FA Cup final.

In 25th team, they but the first top flight. The Hatters reaching the

fifth round at the expense of the Canaries. Suited and booted, later

in the month, Greg Rutherford received an MBE from the Queen. I

was not `` more nervous going into the palace that I have ever been in

my career. This gymnast won the vault at the English championships.

She is now targeting next year's Commonwealth Games. 30,000 Southend

fans were disappointed as they lost. Former manager Paul Thurrock,

sacked despite meeting the final. Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler was

questioned over doping offences. In gymnast is, the plaudits went to Max

Whitlock and Daniel Keating is, gold medals at the European

Championships. She shouts! Max would later get silver. Northampton Saints

lost to Arch rivals Leicester Tigers in the premiership final. Norwich

had secured their premiership survival before they beat Manchester

city and the club's youth team were winners in the FA youth cup. Henry

Cecil had so many triumphs in his career but he lost a long, brave

fight against cancer in June. Northampton Saints also lost their

chairman to the same disease. Formula one came to

Northamptonshire. It was an explosive occasion. Johnny Peacock

did deliver, becoming world and Paralympic champion.

Northamptonshire's cricketers, a dream summer, 2020 winners,

champions and promotion to division one. `` Twenty20. Finally, at a

different pace, Neil Robertson completed Snooker's report Crown,

winning the UK Championships. So, 23rd Dean, done and dusted. `` 2013.

And we heard in there about Gerard Butler. News today the Newmarket

trainer has withdrawn his appeal against a five`year ban. He admitted

injecting racehorses with banned drugs. Butler described the incident

as one disastrous lapse. And don't forget racing over the

jumps at Huntingdon on Boxing Day. 8,000 expected. Always popular. More

sport on the website plus all the build`up to Saints' trip to Wasps

tomorrow in the rugby. This time tomorrow evening, an

estimated 14 million television viewers will be glued to their

screens for the final of Strictly Come Dancing. In a blizzard of

sequins and sambas, it's an all`female contest between Susanna,

Abby, Sophie and Natalie. Of course the judges will have their say. The

one who is hardest to please is Craig Revel Horwood. Tonight, he is

appearing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Southend, playing

the Wicked Witch And I'm delighted to say he joins us now. Marks out of

ten for your performance as the evil Queen? It has to be a ten. You look

fabulous, darling. Thank you. It's an all`female final, I thought I

would join the clan. You are the evil Queen, are you being typecast

or are you a softy? I am an arm salute softy. It is only with bad

dancing that I am really honest. I love the show, it is the nominal and

has been for the last ten years. It is just amazing and it just gets

better and better and this year has been extremely exciting. I don't

know how you were taking me seriously with this face on,

darling, but it is an amazing show and it deserves all the millions of

people you is that it gets. And I am sure everyone at home is absolutely

loving it and revving up for this final tomorrow night. I cannot wait

to get there but I have one more show and I am starring in Snow White

and the seven dwarfs alongside Lisa Riley who was on the show last year

and she is fantastic as well. On Saturday nights coming you go to

London and then you come back to do more panto? yes, I do. I do panto

every single day that I am not at Strictly. Lisa is going on tour with

that as well. She will be hosting it. We go to Wembley and all over

the country. Glasgow Exeter. And that is the next day after we finish

panto. It is very, very busy. Strictly takes six months of

everyone's time. Obviously, you are known for being into the detail of

the dancing and begin dancing is the most important thing, so who do you

think is going to win tomorrow? If you want my honest opinion, I think

Natalie probably should win but probably won't. I think because the

final is very much of you this choice, `` the viewers choice, I

think Susanna has a fair go at it because she has a lot of followers

and at Abbey I think is really good. She has worked her way out. It is

sensational to see someone who has never been able to dance before

really to fly and go into the final, that is what is really exciting for

me. I cannot wait to know the outcome. That was a good diplomatic

answer because you nearly mentioned everybody. I can't wait to find the

outcome as well. You do look gorgeous. Thank you for being on the

show. Love from panto land. Break a leg. Let's get the weather.

show. Love from panto land. Break a You are probably wondering about the

weather. Wet and windy over the next few days. Windy on its way, wet,

later. We have a slow`moving weather front, moving in our direction. It

is making quite slow progress across the country. Some patchy rain across

the West Country and Wales. It will get to us late at night. We have

increasing amounts of clouds across the West. Already, the winds

freshening with some gusts of around 30 miles an hour recorded in places.

After midnight, perhaps something a bit for persistent and heavy.

Certainly, it promises a wet end to the night. That weather front is

bringing in much wilder Atlantic air. Below is our five to seven

degrees. That is on the mild side. Looking at the average wind speeds,

it will continue to pick up over the next few hours, reaching its peak

around midnight and into the early hours. Expect a fresh to strong

south`westerly wind. It may well touch gale force wait that's between

40, perhaps 50 mph are possible. We start tomorrow is still quite wet

and windy because this weather front is not in any rush to go anywhere.

Certainly, a tight squeeze on the ice baths in this chart. The weather

front, particularly in the eastern half, it is not going anywhere fast

so expect a wet and windy morning. There will be some try interludes

during the day but certainly not the best of days. It is technically

milder because our temperatures will be in double figures but factor in

the moderates to south`westerly `` moderate wind and it will not yield

much milder. Another band of rain is lighted to come through both the

night so that promises a wet start to Sunday. Looking ahead as we

approach Christmas, this slow spinning in for Monday, late on

Monday, some rain and certainly for Christmas eve, it is looking wet and

windy. You can see the wind speeds there. Looking largely dry on

Sunday. Into Monday, we have some rain arriving on that below later

and West and windy day on windy `` on Christmas eve. Have a great

weekend. Goodbye.