08/02/2017 South East Today

even at lower levels of light dusting to come as well. Winter not

That would be the easy solution, but prices up. But it is a competitive

market out there. But as budgets shrink,

is it money well spent? Ahead of MPs' Brexit vote tonight,

we ask leavers and remainers across the South East

if they're standing firm. We'll have reporters

in Gravesend and Brighton. The Sussex artist harnessing

the appeal of the horse to help raise money for the Hospice

in the Weald. And Vanessa Bell, forgotten painter

of the Bloomsbury set. We visit the first major

retrospective of the Hotels and B across

the South East say they'll be forced to dramatically increase prices

and risk losing customers because of The new tax on family-run businesses

will see some bills rise by more Business leaders in seaside resorts

say this would hit thousands One couple running an Eastbourne

guesthouse have been telling our reporter Jon Hunt

that their bill is set to leap Hello, welcome. Come and have a look

around. Karen bought this guesthouse in 2009. But after the valuations

agency more than doubled the rateable value of the property,

business rates all shot up. She says it cannot be justified. The price of

the property has not gone up 120% in the time we've been here. And

certainly, the rates we are charging for our rooms has not gone up more

than ?10 on the whole of that period, because the market is so

competitive. Tourism is estimated to be valued at ?3.6 billion in Kent.

And so six, ?3.5 billion. In Eastbourne, tourism alone it

contributes ?380 million to the economy. Local businesses fear the

new rates are a real threat to the sector's future. What impact will

this have on you in April? It will increase our rates by 15% and that

in turn will mean we have two increase our room rates will be

difficult in the competitive market we are in. Our rates are actually

dropping. Is a revenue gaining exercise in the hope that businesses

would not be strong enough to say anything about it. I think they will

get a big shock, could this be the next poll tax? The Government says

across the UK, three quarters businesses will see either no change

or a fall in their bills. Small business leaders say the system is

broken. This is a completely outdated tax and clear from these

kind of anomalies we are seeing, where some businesses in places in

Kent are being completely clobbered while others are not seeing their

bills go up that much at all and in some areas, people are seeing their

bills come down, based on what is really an arbitrary measure on this

rateable value of their property rather than how profitable the

businesses. The Government says they are delivered the biggest ever cut

in rates at Maple, third will pay none at all. Guesthouses in

Eastbourne wonder why liberals are going up by so much. -- wondering

why there bills are going up so much.

Over the last five years, Kent Police paid more

force in England other than the Metropolitan Police.

Tonight, police chiefs have defended spending more than a million

pounds in that time, saying it's cost-effective

Over the same period, the neighbouring Sussex force paid

An audacious attempt by criminals, some

from Kent, to steal gems worth millions.

Foiled by police, thanks to a tip-off from an informant.

Detectives who have used informants, or grasses or snitches as they are

commonly known, believe they are a vital tool.

You certainly see examples of the use of informants

where you get armed police swooping on robberies, bank

robberies, security van robberies, jewellery robberies.

They are very valuable in terms of gathering

You may get a situation where you have got potential tensions between

rival gangs, so police can deploy resources to prevent violence.

Although police budgets have been cut by 18% in real terms,

expenditure on informants has, it seems, remained pretty constant.

The figures we've obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show

police forces across the UK paid more than ?22 million to informants

The biggest spender was the Met Police, who spent

Third on the list after the Police Service of

Northern Ireland is Kent Police, who handed over

more than ?1 million to

Some believe police are too reliance on informants.

Dave Fraser lives in Kent, a former criminal, son of south London

gangster, Frankie Fraser, says he was acquitted following tarnished

I always thought it was a waste of money anyway.

You put all that money in front of people, they may tell the

truth, especially if a lump some of money is involved.

And bearing in mind if they get a conviction, they get

I'd hate to think where the money goes.

Many informants are themselves criminals.

effective and legitimate tactic, helping to prevent and detect crime

Colin is here and Colin, Kent are the third biggest spenders

in the UK on informants, according to these figures,

In the world policing, Kent are considered one of the pioneers of

intelligence led policing. Senior police officers will tell you the

use of informants is a great way to get intelligence. Kent is

traditionally home to a lot of organised criminal gangs operating

in and around London. The figures show there are other forces paying

around a million, so it's not that unusual. Two neighbouring forces are

paying much less. Sussex paid half a million over the last five years,

Surrey paid three and 60,000 of the last five years. Kent Police said in

the statement said the use of informants is be managed closely and

scrutinised. Thank you. Coming up: missing in Scotland.

Hopes fade for the Sussex kayaker Lueders didn't notice the other

weekend. -- who disappeared at the weekend.

After three days of debate, MPs are tonight set to give

the Government the green light to start Brexit.

But triggering Article 50 is only the beginning of the process

to separate the UK from the EU, so what happens next?

Overall across the south east, 55% voted Leave and 45% voted to Remain.

Our two strongest votes locally were in Brighton and Gravesham.

68.6% of people in Brighton and Hove voted to remain.

We'll be going live to Westminster and Brighton, but first, let's

hear from our reporter Simon Jones in Gravesend.

Some are varying views there? Yes, they are renovating the market is

that this building at a cost of ?1.8 million. But that money has come

from a Central Government fund. They'd applied to Europe for catch,

but none has yet been forthcoming. So you can understand why some of

the traders they are not great fans of Europe and people I've spoken to

say that vote took place months ago, and now it's time to get on with it.

Businesses have been waiting to see what will happen. There is a slight

anxiety, I think it is fair to say, about where we're going.

Sorry about the loss of sound are there. People at the markets have

very different views. I find people who said they voted to Remain still

feel that they want to do so. And those of to the Leave, say they feel

the same author. So hardened opinions. But what people agree on

is they are uncertain about what the future is going to hold here and

that's why there's so much uncertainty speaking to be bloody

market today. They want things to happen quickly, but in reality, they

do not know what that will mean. Thank you Simon.

Over in Brighton, it was a different story with overwhelming support to

Remain in the European Union. Our reporter has been

finding out if that strength of support still exists. The

architecture of the corn exchange on the ballot is next door has a

European feel. The Prince Regent was a fan of the Parisian styles. The

result of those counted about I reflected that affection for Europe.

On this wintry day, more than six months later, what do people think?

In June I was shocked. I astounded and now it just feels... Desperate.

The Government are playing games. They have said something nobody knew

what they would get involved with. So now they've done it but stalled

under what they are doing. Ager seems a horrible mess. I voted to

Remain. Surrounding the corn exchange, quirky shops that draw

visitors to this city, often European visitors. A local business

leaders say since the summer, many business owners have been looking

again at their plans. Pose that Brexit decision of our decision to

leave the EU rather, businesses have been sitting back and waiting to see

what happened. There is a slight anxiety, I think it's fair to say,

by where we are going. One person was a bit more reassuring. They

tourist from Belgium. I don't think it will be as bad as everyone

things. I think the economy is going very well over here. That is the

view from Belgium? Years. Many here are hoping he is right.

Fresh talks on the long-running dispute over the role of conductors

on Southern Railway will be held next week.

that the meeting will take place at the conciliation service ACAS.

The move follows an agreement reached between the company

and the drivers' union Aslef, which has gone out to

CCTV cameras have captured the moment burglars smashed

their way into a shop near Tunbridge Wells early yesterday

morning causing damage costing thousands of pounds.

They struck at the AJ Magic shop in Southborough

at around four in the morning, smashing a door before

Hope is fading for a Sussex man who went missing whilst kayaking off

the Scottish coast three days ago, according to police.

35-year-old Dominic Jackson who comes from Uckfield,

failed to return from a sea kayaking trip on Sunday night.

His family believe he'll be found alive.

Our News Correspondent Bryony MacKenzie reports.

Dangerous waters and adverse weather conditions.

Police said the search for Dominic Jackson has become more

The 35-year-old set out from the harbour in Scotland

on Saturday morning, but did not return.

On Monday, search and rescue teams, along with 30 volunteers, began

scouring the coast and water looking for him.

We've also got lifeboats from other ports who are searching

the coastline as well as aircraft from the coastguard.

A kayak believed to belong to Mr Jackson has

since been recovered off the Caithness coast along

Tonight, police have released images of this yellow

jacket and buoyancy aid they believe he was wearing.

Despite there being no other sign of him, his family say

they are still hopeful he will be found alive.

There are so many inlets, coves and different places

where Dominic could have come ashore and been

stuck by sheer cliffs or

come ashore with his kayak and climbed rocks,

There's no reason for us to think he has gone offshore, so we're

hoping that as the boat has capsized, he has

managed to swim to shore and is

Mr Jackson moved from Uckfield to Aberdeenshire 13 years ago.

Although a novice to the sport, he was

But as bad weather persists, this could now

turned from a rescue operation to one of recovery.

It is coming up to a quarter to seven. To my's top story: South East

holiday-makers are being warned they face big price increases at hotels

and bed and breakfasts this summer because of a rise in business rates.

Also tonight, it is all downhill from here. Para skiing glory for

Millie Knight and great experience for Matt Shaw. We will be chatting

with them. And it has been much colder today with thick cloud in the

skies. This weather pattern is set to last. Details shortly. And if you

have a story using we should cover on South is today, the are on screen

now. 20 life-size model horses

decorated by local artists will soon be appearing around

Kent and Sussex. They'll be auctioned off

in the Autumn to raise money The idea follows closely

on the heels of the 44 snowdogs which became a popular

feature around Brighton last autumn. The concept began in

Switzerland in 1999, the country's Cow Parade

was so successful, it spread to many Two years ago, London

and Bristol hosted a parade Our reporter Ellie Crisell has

been to visit the artist who designed the horses,

Louise Giblin, Standing majestically alone outside

a hospice in the Weald in Inspired by Invicta,

the white horse symbol of Kent, this elegant equine is also

a blank canvas. He'll soon be joined by 24

of the life-size tours is ready to be decorated by local

artist and put on display. It is all to raise awareness

and money for the charity. Local people know

about the hospice, but I think often they don't

understand the full impact of our service

is and what we offer to patients

and families and carers. So we want even more people

to understand how we are One artist who has

already completed the Having for -- having

body cast numerous Olympians and paralympians

in bronze, she knew exactly where to Invicta means undefeated,

because I work a lot with sportspeople and am known for

working with sportspeople, I thought it would make sense for me to then

go and search other people who were the undefeated of Kent,

so the power Olympians, I love the fact that this

is going to publicise the hospice. People will be wondering what these

horses are and why they are there, but also, visually,

they look fantastic. Around half a dozen local artist

and companies have agreed to design a horse, but the hospice for

open to any budding creators to come forward with ideas and local

schoolchildren will also get the Death is a very tricky

thing to talk about two children, so having something

that is fun and interesting and engaging to start

the conversation can be The stylish stallions

will go on display in the summer various locations around

Kent and East Sussex. The entire herd will be brought

together for a final The hospice hopes these

fancy fillies may raise They've just triumphed in front

of more than 100 of the world's best skiers from 30 countries -

Millie Knight from Canterbury and Matt Short from Paddock Wood

have just returned from the Para Alpine World

Championships in Italy. Millie took home four medals -

one gold and three silvers - And Matt was competing in a major

competition for the very first time. In a moment, we'll be speaking

to them both, but first Well, Matt and Millie are here.

Welcome. Millie, Britain has never had a world champion skier. That is

an achievement. How do you feel? That's so cool legs four months ago,

I was really ill and I would not have thought that I'd be able to go

back to the season. But it was amazing. Now, I'm world champion, I

could not believe it. You came here after the games when you're 15, so

you're a bit more experience and a bit quicker and you won by a huge

1.2 seconds? I came here three years ago having confessed that the games

now I'm here, world champion. Why matter you have three silvers as

well. We have your medals here. That's quite a dazzling array there,

Millie. You must be very pleased. Yes. Like I said, I couldn't have

hoped for better results. Gold and silver... It's amazing. Amazing. So,

Matt, you are hoping to get medals like that? Years. -- you stood up I

had a rare form of cancer and it was in my heel bone and they decide

amputation was burst. You have gone into skiing and this was your first

experience on the world stage. How was it? It was quite something. I

was amazed to get there. I'm a little bit behind Millie in terms of

where I am. But it was great exposure and to meet the people his

performances possible and all of the support staff and it was fantastic.

How was the atmosphere? Quite good. They have lots of people there. We

are not used to huge crowds, but it was really something. Your solicitor

by day, Matt, and Millie, you have your A-levels coming up. How do you

juggle those things? I'm passionate about skiing and I love school. My

school have made it possible for me to do both. And so, because I love

both those things, I find time for both. You do make life difficult for

yourself though, you're doing a photography a level and only have 8%

vision. Makes it more exciting. My top speed was 113 kilometres an

hour. Good look your exams and gurgler with a future career in

skiing and the day job. Thank you to both of you.

Tennis now, and Eastbourne's star has helped on the opening day of the

Fed cup by winning a singles match in a three nil win over Portugal in

Estonia. The world number ten and raced through a straight set. She

recently reached the Australian quarterfinals and will be back in

action tomorrow against Latvia. Vanessa Bell was the Bloomsbury

Group founder who set up home in 1916 in a farmhouse

in Charleston, East Sussex. She lived surrounded by artists,

thinkers and writers, most famously her sister,

Virginia Woolf. But Vanessa's own work,

vibrant paintings of landscapes, objects and the people she knew,

has sometimes been overlooked. Something a new exhibition

at Dulwich Picture Paintings from a life overshadowed

by others. Vanessa Bell may have been at the heart of the Bloomsbury

Group, but it was the writers, artists and thinkers around her who

took most of the credit. Many of them, including her sister, Virginia

Woolf, may be featured here, but it is Vanessa at last who has the

limelight. All these famous people were very noisy and they talked

about their own ideas a great deal and Vanessa was really a very

reluctant person to blow her own trumpet. She was down to earth,

plain-spoken, she would have been shocked to think anyone would have

been exhibiting paintings like this a century later. This exhibition

aims to show her work was as important as that of those who

gathered both her London home and the he then she created at

Charleston in East Sussex. There is no doubt Vanessa Bell was

overshadowed by her more famous sister and other members of the

Bloomsbury Said. But all the time, she was busy painting and it has

just taken until now to get so much of her work in one place. And that

scene altogether, her influences shine through. One of the arguments

about is she was very influenced or even derivative of the work of

Matisse and Picasso and so on. But I think what you see when you gather

together is that while she is clearly taking in these figures, she

is also stepping up to them with her own which is very down-to-earth and

there's a lot of pleasure in it and the kind of ferocious energy in it.

At art school, her tutor, John Singer Sargent, told her to use more

colour. The overwhelming impression of the work collectively is that she

did exactly that. No one wants to mention the snow,

but... Well I think I may disappoint. There may be the odd

snow flurry, but nothing significant. Yesterday, we finished

on a glorious note with lovely sunsets across the region.

Temperatures yesterday did well as well. 9 degrees. Today, all change.

A top temperature for some of us of three degrees. We've have a thick

cloud, it has been a grey day. This scene, very typical for many others

throughout the afternoon. The reason is because we have high pressure and

it is going to stay with us and stay cold and cloudy for the next couple

of days. That high is becoming quite established across Scandinavia and

the winds coming in from the Eid are dragging in a chilly and keeping our

wet weather out at they in the Lancet. Overnight tonight, we keep

that cloud. We're looking at patchy rain showers and the odd bit of

sleet and snow, but merely across higher ground. Temperatures close to

freezing. A cold, grey start tomorrow morning. All the clouds

still with us. Rain showers here and there. Nothing settling on the

ground, as temperatures will be similar to today's at 3-4 . That is

Thursday. Do the evening, the pattern and that cloud, still hit

and miss rain showers and it will be a frosty start to Friday morning.

Friday, the wind starts to pick up a little more, so it will feel even

colder on Friday. We are limiting the amount of brightness and most

places will be dry. These are daytime temperatures of around 1-2 .

Milder around the coast. It may creep to three degrees across parts

of East Sussex. Into the weekend, we will not see a huge amount of

change. Temperatures will struggle and the winds pick up and become

stronger and by we reach Sunday, it will be colder -- less cold and

things may brighten a little. I will be back at 10pm. I will see

you tomorrow. Good evening. when farmers leave

their daily routines behind... Right, here we come, Dorset!

..for a show day. When author

Sir Terry Pratchett died, They called on Death to

give Terry back.