17/06/2014 South East Today

following a breakthrough in relations. -- in Iran.

A school fete is condemned as "sleazy", after children

as young as four take part in a pole dancing demonstration

The way she flung her legs act was possibly inappropriate for ` primary

school, secondary school age. The family of a man left

in a coma after his arrest by Kent Police, say they'll sud

the Chief Constable if an officer A former IRA supergrass, now living

in the south east, tells us he's informed police of the people

responsible for murdering a British Five MPs join forces,

in a bid to block Gatwick's plans And creating a racquet

in Eastbourne. Our own Rachel Mackley

helps celebrate the Sussex And Rachel will be live

in Eastbourne with the weather. Good evening. A pole dancing

demonstration at a primary school with children as young as four

taking part, has led to complaints from parents who've condemndd the

school, calling the show ?sleazy?, The academy say the group

was invited to show off their aerial skills and deny that there hs

anything untoward about it. Four`year`olds pole dancing

with 12`year`olds. This was Crockenhill Primarx School

summer fete at the weekend where a father

reportedly walked out in disgust. They demonstrated strength `nd skill

and beautiful dancing moves. I wouldn't class that as pole

dancing. I thought, in my age group, the way

she flung her legs out was possibly inappropriate for a primary school,

secondary school age. The dance instructor who

choreographed the children said Can you see the sexual connotations

associated with pole dancing? Yes, I can. However, I don't feel in

modern society that it is an outdated point of view.

12`year`old Jess Welsch was another dancer and her father is proud.

It is the opinion of one person who left at the end, he is entitled to

that. I have no problem with my daughter doing pole dancing. It is

not a precursor to Stringfellows! She enjoys it. Pole dancing has

historically been associated with strip clubs and one charity has

concerned about such young children doing this.

The concern among professionals and parents is children can be

sexualised and this is what we have to challenge. The school has

defended its decision. The headteacher has told us they had

a number of circus skill thdme a number of circus skill theme

gymnastics classes. She said it was entirely appropriate for yotng

children and families. It seems entirely appropriate for young

children and families. It seems this is a subject about which ophnions

are split. You've already been writing in about

this story. Hayley Jane says on Facebook: "Absolutely inappropriate

for school age children. Pole dancing originated from

strip clubs, and its associ`tion Safire says she would let hdr

three`year wold take part. Is a pole dancing display involving

very young children acceptable Is it another example of thd

sexualisation of young children, or You can email us

at [email protected]. Or get

in touch via Facebook or Twitter. The family of a man who has been

left in a coma after being `rrested as a suspected burglar is

threatening to sue the Chief Constable of Kent if he allows an

officer under investigation to resign. Denby Collins has bden in a

coma since December. In June, an investigation by the Independent

Police Complaints Commission was announced into the handling of the

case by Kent Police. Today, it's emerged that the officer under

investigation is resigning. Speaking to South East Today last

month, It is difficult because we can't get

closure on this. Nobody can accept, it is such a shock for this to

happen to Denbigh, a young man in happen to Denbigh, a young lan in

his prime. We need to understand what has gone on. It is likely

his prime. We need to understand what has gone on. It is likdly he is

what has gone on. It is likely he is going to be severely handic`pped for

going to be severely handicapped for the rest of his life.

I'm joined now by Daniel Machovoer, the family's solicitor.

Why does the family object to this police officer resigning?

Because there is a whole system for police officers to be accountable

under the purpose `` the police complaints system. There is an

independent investigation and it may not get to the truth if this police

officer resigns. It is a recurring problem where police officers who

are under scrutiny are able to resign or retire, and a famhly like

resign or retire, and a family like this does not get to the trtth.

resign or retire, and a famhly like this does not get to the truth. This

this does not get to the trtth. This police officer may not get

reinterviewed if the IPCC needs police officer may not get

reinterviewed if the IPCC ndeds more information.

Are the family concerned thhs could be a cover`up?

It doesn't matter whether that is the intention, but that may be the

outcome. This person may want to resign for legitimate reasons. But

they may then have a position where, say they were going to face

misconduct, they leave the police service, go to another job, and

another job, and back to the service, go to another job, and

another job, and back to the police service with a clean record. That

has happened in other cases. I am not suggesting that is a plan

has happened in other cases. I am not suggesting that is a pl`n here.

It raises a wider concern. For the family, they are concerned at

getting to the truth. There could be a possibility this won't happen.

Chief Constable 's can say we will suspend a police officer and you

cannot resign while under investigation. We don't want to

prolong this for the family or the police officer. We want this to be

done quickly by the IPCC. If this police officer is able to rdsign,

police officer is able to resign, that cannot happen.

Singing the praises of a Kent war hero.

The new musical set to make its West End debut tonight.

A former IRA supergrass, now living in the south east, has told BBC

South East Today that he's gone to the police with names of thd people

responsible for murdering a British soldier in Northern Ireland in 1981.

Ray Gilmour says that, while he was working undercover

in the IRA, he witnessed the killing of Christopher Shenton.

Mr Gilmour was an informant whose evidence was used

in the supergrass trials, which subsequently collapsed.

Our political editor, Louise Stewart, reports.

Raymond Gilmour infiltrated the IRA in the 1980s at the height of the

troubles. In a radio intervhew, in the 1980s at the height of the

troubles. In a radio intervhew, he has admitted he was armed and

present when Private Christopher Shenton was shot by a sniper at a

British army observation post in January 1981 in Londonderry.

After two years with the IRA, his cover was blown when police used

information from him to recover a machine gun. Later that year, he

became a supergrass witness at the biggest criminal trial in Irish and

British history, which led to an IRA death sentence.

In 1984, the evidence was dismissed. 35 suspects were set free

and the judge branded Raymond Gilmour unworthy of belief.

He was saying lies, we cannot believe what he says. Mr Gilmore

says he regrets the death of private Shenton and he has contacted the

police to say what he knows. He also said he would be prepared to

give evidence against the ddputy give evidence against the deputy

First Minister Martin McGuinness. Politics may have triumphed but

there is little doubt the troubles which lasted 30 years have left

their scars. As you said, there may be pdace

in Northern Ireland, but the legacy Raymond Gilmour says he wants to

help the family who have never had justice for their son's killing.

justice for their son's killing Critics say he is an unreliable

Critics say he is an unreli`ble witness and point out he has a book

to sell. This comes after the Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams was arrested

last month ahead of the loc`l last month ahead of the local

elections which were held in Northern Ireland. He was qudstioned

Northern Ireland. He was questioned for four days of a murder which

dated back to 1972. The deputy for four days of a murder which

dated back to 1972. The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, claimed

Mr Adams's arrest was due to a dark side in Northern Ireland, those who

wanted to disrupt the peace process. A Sussex businessman and a former

Brighton based footballer have today been found guilty of being hnvolved

in a plot to fix the results Former Whitehawk defender Mhchael

Boateng, and Krishna Ganeshan from Hastings, worked alongside

a Far Eastern businessman. They gave an undercover polhce

officer a list of clubs they controlled, and eventually decided

to target Brighton`based Whhtehawk. The jury cleared a fourth man,

Hakeem Adelekun, Tough new anti`pollution rules

could mean a hike in cross`Channel P believe their fuel bill could

rise by as much as ?30 million, and the extra costs will have to be

passed on to passengers. This is all about shipping

having to use low sulphur ftel. What sort

of price hikes could we see? On some routes, it is claimdd by up

to one third. From next year, ferries will have to be fitted with

scrubbing technology to remove sulphur emissions or use a different

type of fuel. I have a copy of this letter sent to P, with th`t

type of fuel. I have a copy of this letter sent to P, with that ?30

million figure of rising costs which it says cannot be absorbed `nd have

it says cannot be absorbed and have to be passed on in full to

customers. They are not the only company concerned.

Ferry companies will find it difficult not to be forced to pass

that cost on to the passengers. difficult not to be forced to pass

that cost on to the passengdrs. It is important to realise this is a

necessary. The shipping indtstry is important to realise this is a

necessary. The shipping industry has necessary. The shipping industry has

taken great strides over 20 years to reduce its carbon emissions, sulphur

is next on our list. We need to do the job properly.

Why is the European Commission making these changes?

It's as if it didn't act, by making these changes?

It's as if it didn't act, bx 20 0, It's as if it didn't act, bx 20 0,

there would be more sulphur emitted at sea than currently on land. I

have been asking people in Dover if they would be prepared to p`y extra

they would be prepared to pay extra for their ferry ticket if it meant

their journey to work, in theory, a bit cleaner?

I think industry must clean its act up, and the only wax to pay

It depends how much you are travelling.

The very companies say they are not against the change but just that

they need more time. This is due to be debated in Parliament tomorrow.

Angry parents have complained to a Kent primary school after children

took part in a pole dancing display at a school fete. Children were

dressed in hot pants. The d`ncing group denied it was inappropriate.

Sovereign Harbour's own tennis star takes to the courts at Eastbourne.

And find out how I became grass court champion!

Five south east MP have joined forces to fight plans for

The Gatwick Co`ordination Group says there's serious local concern

The MPs claim plans which h`ve been shortlisted by the commission

reviewing airport capacity would be a disaster for the surrotnding

Our reporter Piers Hopkirk hs at Gatwick Airport now.

Piers, are Gatwick troubled by this new opposition group?

You might think they would be rolling their eyes today. Instead,

they say they are willing up their sleeves. They believe the creation

of this political opposition group is a real indication that the aims

for expansion at Gatwick are is a real indication that the aims

for expansion at Gatwick ard being for expansion at Gatwick are being

taken actually seriously. As aeroplanes took off at Gatwick,

taken actually seriously. As aeroplanes took off at G`twick, a

new political alliance was launched today, calling the proposal for a

second runway here a disaster. second runway here a disaster.

It doesn't make sense to us, it is devastating for the area. We are

looking for a hub. If they go for Gatwick, we will end up with

Heathrow and Gatwick. It is not good for the country. The

Gatwick ordination group comprises five Conservative MPs with

constituencies nearby. Sir Paul Beresford, Senators Stones, Charles

Hendry and Crispin Blunt among them.

The strategic case doesn't stack up for Gatwick. If anyone thinks this

is the politically easy choice, despite the fact the business case

lies elsewhere, they are mistaken. The proposal is for a 3000 metre

runway south of the existing one at a cost of ?9 billion.

When a proposal like any runway comes up, it is normal for local MPs

to take a negative stance towards it. On another level, it shows

Gatwick is increasingly being considered as a very strong

candidate for another runway as we candidate for another runwax as we

think it is. These were the views of somd in

These were the views of some in nearby Crawley.

If the runway would provide more jobs for people, then I don't mind.

We don't really need people flying, but this town relies on Gatwick. In

but this town relies on Gatwick In the short term, it is important to

this town that Gatwick prospers. this town that Gatwick prospers.

Of course we need it, 100%. It might put if your noses out of pl`ce, who

lived in the nice areas. Sole people are always going to suffer for the

benefit of others. Three options for expansion have

been short listed with Heathrow and Gatwick the front runners. The

airports commission will also consider a new airport in the Isle

of grain. A final report is due by summer 2015.

There is one notable absentde summer 2015.

There is one notable absentee from There is one notable absentee from

this group, the MP for Crawley, Henry Smith. Today, he declined to

Henry Smith. Today, he declhned to endorse the group or indeed to back

the statements it has made. He said today, I think it is premature to

roll out an additional runw`y here until the airports commission has

reported next year. It started out as a song

about the forgotten story of a Kent army officer lost with his men

off the beaches of Gallipolli It?s turned into a musical drama

for the theatre, with narration by Sir Tim Rice, Sylvia Sims, @manda

Redman and Christopher Beeny. The show's creators are amazed

at how their creation seems so in touch in this 100th anniversary

of the outbreak of the Great War. Robin Gibson has tonight's

special report. In a World Cup summer of anthems,

this was one that seemed to have Sir Tim Rice is among celebrities

who have volunteered to be involved in a new First World War

musical drama, The Dreamers. We were writing a song for

the band at the end of last year. We stumbled upon the story of

a local war hero, Reginald Salomons. The more we looked into the story,

the more we felt one song would not David Reggie Salomons died

in an accident at sea, before he and his men even reached

the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915. He was son and heir to the Salomons

estate in Tunbridge Wells. They were men he knew,

locals and estate workers. They were landing,

and the boat went down with over 154 men killed that night,

over half from the local area. The tragic loss of five had

a devastating effect on all The beautiful country estate which

would never be quite the sale again. What inspired us what he was

an ordinary man, like all the men who went to fight

during the First World War. And we've put ourselves in that

situation and, in some ways, he is Among

the actors who have become involved, James's father, Christopher,

once of Upstairs Downstairs fame. for the West End and

goes on stage at Tunbridge Wells There has been a good deal

of top class tennis action today in Eastbourne, and some that was

perhaps less high quality, But first, Neil Bell reports

on how Johanna Konta from E`stbourne eased into the second round

of the Aegon International with a comfortable 6`3, 6`2 win against

Swiss teenager Belinda Benchc. Are on a bright and blustery

morning, Johanna continue a good start was essential against one of

the most promising youngsters in world tennis. The British ntmber

world tennis. The British number three impressed the big crowd

gathered around Court number two. This was an encouraging and

confidence boosting perform`nce confidence boosting performance.

I am happy with my performance. I am looking forward to this.

An excellent start to the week for An excellent start to the week for

this local girl who lives down the road. A competitive victory in front

of in `` an appreciative crowd. Absolutely wonderful. She is in her

hometown. Lovely. She played well. It is good she is from here. We

wondered if, towards the end of the match, whether she might choke like

some British players do, but she didn't. She was playing superbly. If

she can continue to play consistently tomorrow, Johanna had a

great chance against her Italian great chance against her It`lian

opponent who knocked out Victoria Azarenka.

In addition to usual fare of world class players at Eastbourne,

there was another match plaxed today where perhaps the skill level wasn't

quite so high, but the compdtition was certainly ferocious.

It was the media mixed doubles match, and our own Rachel Mackley

You are holding a cup, it went well then?

Amazing that I had an opportunity to play on this court. A great crowd

came down to support us. A lixture came down to support us. A lixture

of excitement and nerves. All the practising is done `nd I

of excitement and nerves. All the practising is done and I am

caught five at Devonshire P`rk. I All the practising is done `nd I am

caught five at Devonshire Park. I am caught five at Devonshire Park. I am

really nervous. It is time to play tennis. I was partnered with Jake

from the Daily Telegraph and we were up against other journalists. We had

plenty of local support willing us on. Maybe it was just nervots but

on. Maybe it was just nervous but the first part did not go otr

on. Maybe it was just nervots but the first part did not go our way.

the first part did not go otr way. As we got further into it, our

confidence and team work grew. It wasn't long before we were

playing for the match. Game, set and match.

I would keep what she does for a career but enjoy the sport, and go

through some practising. I `m career but enjoy the sport, and go

through some practising. I am sure through some practising. I am sure

she will stay in tennis for a long time.

She had hardly picked up a racket before. She has gone a long way in

six weeks. It is tough. Tough for the

professionals, because all the fans came to watch you. Well done,

congratulations. Thank you. Here is the trophy, well done.

You were an amateur, you had hardly picked up a racket, now you are a

champion. You must be very pleased? I am relieved really. I had lots of

help from my lovely coach, Tom, in Tunbridge Wells. The winds will ease

off as we go into tonight. Lots of sunshine around and clearer skies.

Tonight, more cloud and some sunshine around and clearer skies.

Tonight, more cloud and somd light, Tonight, more cloud and somd light,

patchy rain and drizzle. We have a weak weather front moving south

Today, into the low 20s. 22 degrees. Tonight, staying relatively mild,

temperatures down to 12 degrees. We start the day tomorrow with lots of

cloud cover and patchy rain. That clears up the way. Similar to today,

it will brighten up by the afternoon. The winds will lighter.

afternoon. The winds will lhghter. Ten mph. Temperatures will rise

nicely, highs of 22 degrees. Tomorrow night, staying mostly dry,

clearing skies. Down to 9 degrees. clearing skies. Down to 9 ddgrees.

Thursday, the warmest day of the week. High pressure to the west.

Staying settled. Decent spells of sunshine, temperatures creeping up

into the low 20s. Cooler along the coast. Further inland, highs of 24

degrees. Friday, it will fedl degrees. Friday, it will feel

fresher. The chance of some outbreaks of rain. Temperattres

fresher. The chance of some outbreaks of rain. Temperatures in

the top teams. Settled for the weekend.

We asked for your views about pole dancing at a primary school fete.

Pam says, I think pole danchng for schoolchildren at any age is

inappropriate. Gymnastics dancing is inappropriate. Gymnastics d`ncing is

more suitable. Pole dancing will always have sexual connotathons says

always have sexual connotations says it is always associated with sleazy

nightclubs. John says it is outrageous `nd

nightclubs. John says it is outrageous and the

headteacher should resign. UN says primary schools have little

budget or recruitment and someone has gone to a lot of effort to train

these kids. If you believe that things are wrong, then you should

raise money and organise an alternative. Rebecca agrees, she

says there is a difference between pole dancing in high heels, and

wearing gym clothes. Tamsin says, do gymnastics or circus

skills, why do pole dancing? You can join in the debate on Facebook. Join

us again later. Goodbye. MUSIC: "Stay With Me"

by Sam Smith # I don't want you to leave

Will you hold my hand? # I just wanted her

to do something right.