18/04/2017 South Today - Oxford

Hello and welcome to South Today. eight. And that is

In tonight's programme: The snap general election.

Could Theresa May's decision change the political map

I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and stability

for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek new support for

the decisions I must take. I am staggered. I am disappointed. I

would have thought that everybody would have got behind her.

Also, the charity that needs to raise ?15,000

to pay for the extra animals it's taken in.

And later on: The disappearing act of the coach

company that's taken bookings but left customers disappointed.

Almost a year since the EU referendum, voters will be

going back to the polling stations in June - for a general election.

The Prime Minister has announced plans to call

It's a chance for people to vote again on the issue of Brexit

which split the South, as it split the country.

Our Political Editor Peter Henley has spent the day in Theresa May's

home village of Sonning on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border.

Conservative MPs on the site have always said the danger was going for

a snap election is that it could be seen as political opportunism,

taking an advantage of a Labour Party that is not doing so well. I

wonder if to reason me consulted the former MP for Witney, David Cameron.

He treated today that it was a brave decision, but the right decision.

This is what people then this constituency thoughts today. I am

disappointed. I thought everybody would have got behind her and

supported her. She didn't want to leave the EU, but she did the decent

thing and went with what the majority of the people in this

country voted for. I am staggered by that. I wouldn't have believed it.

Why? I don't think there's any need for an election. The need to start

addressing the young people, the people that need to be up and

coming, rather than the people that have already established themselves.

They do not need their position secured. What is the purpose for it?

She has got a mandate to do what she is doing. What Theresa May has

gained as the element of surprise. The Labour Party still have to

select candidates. Will it be Andrew Smith in Oxford East? An Oxford West

and Abingdon Liberal Democrats might have a strong campaign last time,

they will be fighting on the issue of Brexit. Something that the Prime

Minister a few in her constituency sees is the key to wanting an early

election. The news that the PM has gone to the country, despite fixed

term parliaments, we will be voting on June the 8th, if Parliament

approves, and there was excitement in the Prime Minister's

constituency. It is a good thing. After the Brexit thing, people did

not have a chance to have their say. It is southern. I heard it on the

news. I am staggered. I can't see the reason why. I know there is a

lot going on and there is the question about Brexit. But I was

quite astounded. The local Conservatives see this will give a

stronger position to negotiate from in Europe. I do not know what to

expect. It has got to be serious because prime ministers do not make

announcements from the steps of number ten and most bit as serious,

and it was. Maidenhead is a safe Conservative seat. Other

Berwickshire MPs said it was worth going to the country to strengthen

her position in Parliament. It is important to have strong backing in

Parliaments to reach that deals cannot be turned down at the last

minute, to make sure the primers are's and is not force at any stage.

She has to be any strong position to be sure we get the best for Britain.

What you get? Is the fate sealed? Or will they still get supporters? If

they don't, which party will be switched to? So many questions to be

answered in the next seven weeks. What we probably will see is more

clarity as the parties publish their manifestos over what they think is

the way forward on the big issue of Europe.

Our political reporter Bethan Phillips is with me now

and has been following developments throughout the day.

Bethan, we heard some reaction from Witney there -

what have politicans been saying to you so far?

People are surprised despite all the rumours.

I spoke to the Conservative MP for Banbury, Victoria Prentis,

earlier and she seemed very taken aback, but she's put out

a statement saying she does believe it's the right thing to do

One Ukip politician told me he would have done the same

And some are clearly already thinking about their campaigns -

my Twitter feed is full of tweets urging people to register to vote,

sign up to different political parties and get campaigning.

I think Witney could well be interesting.

Conservative Robert Courts - who took over from David Cameron,

of course - has only been an MP for six months.

And he did lose quite a lot of ground to the Lib Dems

It's an area that voted to stay in the EU -

and the Lib Dems will be running on a very pro-Remain ticket -

so we'll have to see how that affects the result there.

Oxford West and Abingdon was one of the country's most marginal seats

a swing seat between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.

Conservative MP Nicola Blackwood really did consolidate her majority

there last time around - but post-referendum,

we'll have to see if she can hold on to that support.

And Oxford East is our only Labour seat, of course.

But I think voters will be giving their verdict on party

leaders as well as local MPs - so interesting whether or not

Oxford Labour voters will want to support Jeremy Corbyn.

A teenager from Oxfordshire who was over the drink-drive limit

when he caused the death of a motorcyclist has been

18-year-old Daniel Beaumont was driving

on the A4074 at Ipsden near Wallingford when he

caused a crash between a motorbike and a lorry.

Michael Dix, who was riding the motorbike, died at the scene.

Work on the next phase of Oxford's Access to Headington

transport improvement scheme is due to start this week.

between Old Road and the mini roundabout at the junction

of Hollow Way and Horspath Driftway and will take about 26

The charity the Blue Cross in Burford says it's taken

in so many more animals than expected, that it needs

to raise ?15,000 to pay for their care.

Staff say they can't find the money, they may struggle to take in more

unwanted animals over the coming months.

Among the rescue animals so far this year - 20 horses,

Easter may be over but these bunnies aren't going anywhere just yet.

Their mum gave birth to them just a week after being taken

And although they might be cute - they're not cheap to look after.

It costs us money to house these babies,

mares in the past few months - 15 of them pregnant.

Now they're asking the public for help.

It sounds like a lot. But a cult-like this week course ?1600 to

look after. -- but it a colt. She was rescued from behind the wall

of a hotel near Cirencester At this time of year

we need a lot more money because there are more

animals in our care. If we do not get to the money, we

will not be able to help as many animals.

Last year the Blue Cross helped 1,700 animals in Burford it's

expects it'll have to help more this year.

A Sikh group in Swindon is marking its first anniversary

The Sikh Seva Society has been providing hot meals once a week

in the town centre - making around 30 meals each time.

The service was set up after a man who was sleeping rough was found

dead in a car park in Swindon last February.

Today it's Sunny and Navdeep's turn to cook.

They're part of a group who donate their time and food

to make meals for those that need it.

Some weeks we have traditional food like samosas.

Latest figures show there are nearly five times more

The Sikh Seva Society decided it was time to help.

We were made aware last February of a gentleman that

passed away due to the cold weather

That is what motivated us a bit more to get

We have taken the principles of Sikhism on board as

well and got together and come up

When I was underneath the Wyvern they used to come down there.

sudden they came round here so I have been coming every Wednesday.

It is making a huge difference to you?

Some people just need someone to talk to.

And we try and provide that here as well.

It's about building friendships and relationships with everyone here.

The Sikh Seva Society says their group will

It started life as one of the first village schools in the country,

before later being turned into a museum.

Now, staff at Tom Brown's School museum in Uffington want to use

the building's 400th birthday to engage the community

Since the year 1617, this small, unassuming building,

And now 400 years on, you can step inside and see

At just 600 feet it's thought this is one of the smallest

museums in the country, but it didn't start life that way.

400 years ago the building was founded by Thomas

He built the school for just 12 worthy boys.

It was very unusual in the 17th century

Although the school is no longer used,

history continues to be taught here, with more than 7,000

Many of the artefacts at the exhibition give a

glimpse into what school life was like in Uffington through the ages.

At that time, if you were naughty, you might have got a few

And it was this kind of education that caught

the imagination of one of Uffington's most famous

The museum is named after his most famous novel, Tom Brown's School

Days, and 136 editions now have pride of place

alongside some other gems from years gone by.

What we have been able to include in our display is things

like a school photograph from 1910, and if you look closely there's two

ladies there, looking out the window.

They wanted to be in the photograph but were not

From books to bones, the exhibition covers

all aspects of village life, including the age old upkeep

They were able to establish that there had been continuous

habitation down at the bottom of the hill here around the village for

The continuous habitation must have tended the

That must have been done on a regular basis, at least

Otherwise the horse would have disappeared.

and with admission free, staff want you to join them,

Now, more of today's stories with Sally Taylor.

what a properly un-run a club should do, we have allowed the fans to make

the decision, the fans will make that decision and the decision will

be huge and whoever takes on the role, I wish them the best.

Good to talk to you, we'll be watching carefully. Thank you very

much. He weather is lovely

at the moment will it stay? Glorious day today, but will be

swimming into summer for the rest of the week?

A Hampshire swimming club claims it's been left high and dry

by a coach company that appears to have gone into liquidation.

Victory Travel in Portchester has disappeared after taking

bookings and then failing to provide transport.

These young athletes from Havant Waterlooville Swimming Club

are destined for a three-day intensive swimming session that

Just days ago, the coach operator, Victory Travel,

suddenly disappeared, leaving them ?500 out of pocket,

and no way of getting to Crystal Palace.

Then we found out at the last minute, no reply.

Obviously, this left us a bit in the lurch.

It's unprofessional, and when you've got kids' wishes

and dreams and goals here, I think they should have stepped up

to the plate and been a bit more on this.

Not having on-course training will effect us badly,

because it's part of our important schedule, because that is

the pool we race in, and it will impact us massively.

After lots of ringing around and another coach bill,

Pete's Airlink Minibus has stepped in as a last-minute replacement

Just one of many clients who claim they've been left stranded.

We've come along to the registered address here in Portchester,

The firm that shares the building says the company has closed down,

and that we're not the first people to come looking for the director

We've made a number of attempts to contact Paul Donald,

but tonight our calls and e-mails remain unanswered.

And the company's website hasn't been operational

Hampshire Trading Standards is urging anyone affected to contact

the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.

On to sport now, Tony Husband's here. A lot of celebrations across

this place today. Portsmouth in Brighton both promoted. Both are

difficult times recently? Definitely, a moment to compare and

contrast. I wore blue for the occasion, because those are the

colours the fans of celebrating tonight. Football is so much about

cycles. Back in 2003, Portsmouth got promoted to the Premier League.

Right-on were playing in athletics stadium and that time. Look at them

the other way round now, it falls apart. Right-on had been a Premier

League club in all but name for a long time. They have had a habit

embedded in the community of getting things right. Portsmouth, it is now

a way back. They have both got dedicated fans,

great support. The critical decision for

Portsmouth, to the go for the overseas investments? We talk

Brighton first, they had been the most consistent club in any league

in Europe over the last few weeks. Their 2-1 victory over

Wigan yesterday was their Glenn Murray got the opener

in front of just under Local boy Solly March then found

an angle to make it 2-0. Wigan got one back, but it proved

only a consolation and it didn't affect the Albion fans

starting their party, which went on long into the night

and included the news that Huddersfield had only drawn,

meaning promotion was confirmed. We go lives to the Amex now, and a

man who described every kick of Albion's promotion. What kind of

challenge of facing the Premier League?

And think it's difficult to say in the immediate aftermath of the

ecstasy of promotion. Certainly, the hard work starts now. The Albion

have fielded on average the oldest side in the championship match this

season, and that's what will need refreshing. The chairman and owner

has invested heavily here at the Amex and at the training ground. But

this is a new challenge for this football club, and survival is

certainly tough. Saying that, Bloom, by profession, is a gambling man,

and it would take a brave person to bet against him.

They give very much. A great season commentary from BBC Sussex, and

three games to go. They can win the title sooner.

So along the coast to the celebrations for Portsmouth.

They needed to better Luton's result at Mansfield and with the Hatters

losing, this 3-1 win at Notts County guaranteed a spot in League One.

After Gareth Evans' penalty had been cancelled out by Jorge Grant,

Jamal Lowe, who was playing in the nonleague at the turn

of the year, came of the bench to score twice to seal

5000 Pompey fans were there to see what they hope will be just

Live now to BBC Radio Solent's Andy Moon, the voice of Pompey

What challenge awaits in League 1? No question League 1 will be a step

up Pompeii, but not one that will be beyond them, given what they have

achieved this season. Looking at the squad, most played in the third tier

already, if not higher. While players out of contract, many of

them will be retained going forward. The challenge for Pompey this season

has been breaking down opponents who played very defensively against

them. That will change when they make the step up, and a different

style may suit them. The last time Paul Cooke was promoted from League

2 with Chesterfield, in his first season they made the play-offs. That

may be asking a lot of Pompeii, but I expect them to be a top hat team

next season. Fratton Park was the scene are quite

a party last night, regular much indeed.

The promotion drama is far from over.

Reading picked up six points from Easter weekend,

including this 2-1 win over relegated Rotherham yesterday,

The play-offs seem a certainty for Jaap Stam's side, but it's not

inconceivable they could catch Newcastle.

Lewis Grabban scored as they came from 1-0 down to seal

That was John Swift to make it 2-1. And don't forget, Aldershot up to

fifth in the National League as well, there could be successful at

them. I can't ever remember the football being quite this good on

South Today. Three Premier League teams make season, amazing!

Ulick happy. I'm please.

Legs get the weather. It is lovely, it's about chilly

across the coast. It will feel warmer.

Steve Miller photographed the sunrise in the Meon Valley today.

Martin Perry took this picture of the blue skies at Colwell Bay

And Terry Martin captured the sunny spells at Fobney Lock near Reading.

Some glorious sunshine today. Some sunny spells this week, but the

weather for the week ahead will be dry. Through April, it has been a

fairly dry already. Just tomm in many places. Many the rain because

of the dry weather. Bright and sunny spells are possible overnight and

through the course of the week. Overnight, we're looking at dry

nights. Tonight, we could expect loads of minus four Celsius.

Generally, five Celsius the lower in urban areas. A frosty start in many

areas, but the surgeon what an hazy with high and medium level cloud

arriving through the afternoon. Temperatures up to around 12

Celsius. In chartered spots, a high of 14 Celsius. The winds will be

fairly light. Site, the cloud will increase. It won't be as chilly as

tonight. The odd bit of frost down to the southeast. Temperatures

falling to around six Celsius. Thursday a cloudy day. Through the

day we may see light showers. Most places will stay dry, with sunny

spells at times. Temperatures very similar to tomorrow, highs of 13

Celsius. It wants up slightly through the course of Friday, high

pressure not far away. Through the course of Friday, we see a cold

front moving southwards. That will produce showers and increasing

cloud. The air behind the cold front coming straight from the North.

Friday feeling cooler, especially in the evening, and the weekend as

well. The weekend will be similar to this weekend, in north in 3rd

northwesterly breeze, sunny spells and possibly cross.

Be with us tomorrow if you can, because we have an exclusive report

on how overcrowding in prisons is causing staff to fear for their

safety. I was knocked out about a year ago

by a prisoner in a spice attack. Head-butted me from nowhere, knocked

me out. I have been spat at, verbally abused. You have that every

single day, there is a dead AI goes through my job I don't get verbally

abused. And very candid interview with a

prison officer. We'll about tomorrow night. It's editor of this evening,

the late news this evening slightly later at 10:50pm, that is part of an

extended ten o'clock news. Bye-bye.