03/02/2012 South Today

An unwelcome. In tonight's programme. The South's Liberal

Democrats take stock as their big hitter Chris Huhne leaves the

cabinet. I am surprised that the decision of the Crown Prosecution

Service. More uncertainty for the South's

cruise industry as Liverpool steams ahead.

The best of times, the worst of times. Why we still love still

Dickens 200 years on. And the Met Office have a warning

for weather conditions I will have more details later in the programme.

The Liberal Democrats in the South have been dealt a major blow today

with the news that the Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has left the Cabinet in

the face of criminal charges. Mr Huhne narrowly missed out on

leading the Liberal Democrat party and, after helping negotiate the

coalition agreement, has been the most influential of the region's

Lib Dems. With me now is our political editor Peter Henley. This

comes from a speeding case. He now faces more serious charges.

His simple flash from a speed camera and three points on a

licence has come back to haunt Chris Huhne with a vengeance,

because of an allegation made by his former wife in a newspaper

interview at the time of their marriage break-up. She claimed he

tried to avoid a driving ban by getting her to say she was driving

on this road in Essex, leading from Stansted airport. He denies this.

He is charged with the serious offence of perverting the course of

justice. In order, he says, to mount a robust defence, he is

resigning from Cabinet. How has the local party reacted?

There is shot in Hampshire. Chris Huhne said he welcomed the

investigation to clear his name -- they shot in Hampshire. This is the

reaction from the chairman of the constituency.

I am surprised at the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service. He

would not do that, I am sure he is innocent. I am happy to stand by

him. What about support for the Liberal Democrats in Eastleigh?

will ask questions, but anybody who knows his reputation will know he

is an excellent constituency MP. Even when he has been secretary of

state he has always held surgeries on Friday night. Some people will

ask questions. He no longer has a place in the

Cabinet. He does not stop being MP in Eastleigh?

No. He said he chose to go. Should he have gone?

It is premature to step down. He should be waiting until he is

proven guilty or not. It is probably the right thing under the

circumstances. The what do people think of him? I do not think he has

a very high profile since he had his Cabinet position. If he resigns

because he is under investigation, does it mean we would all have to

if we were accused of something? you are charged, you must resign.

How does this leave the Liberal Democrat support in the South?

Chris Huhne was a favourite of the grass roots. He stood up against

Conservatives in the Coalition. There will also be anger. When they

finally have a chance to be the party of government, they have

these personal problems. Will there be more on this on your

Sunday programme? You yes, we will discuss this,

whether he can come back. The bookmakers say they think it would

be 3-1 to come back before the next election, but 10-one to be the next

leader of the Liberal Democrats. Some breaking news. There is an

emregency evacuation of homes under way in Portsmouth after a gas leak

in a residential street. It happened when a gas main was

damaged. It is affecting people trying to get home.

This has taken place in the last hour. There was a gas leak in an

area of Portsmouth, the Tangier Road area. 17 of properties are

affected. People who live there have been asked to stay with family

and friends. Failing that, in nearby rest centre has been set up.

Also, commuters have been affected. The leak we have been told

originated from a building site close to the railway station. The

latest information is that gas levels are running low. It poses a

low risk. But, night repairs are likely to take place. We will have

more developments in the late bulletin.

Seven men have been sentenced for their part in a raid on a stalk in

Berkshire during the London riots. They were parked on a group who

broke into the shop last year. We are joined by Our reporter.

Seven of the people who appeared in the dock, four received custodial

sentences. By far the longest was handed down to this 19-year-old. He

was given five years. That was four separate drugs offences and violent

disorder and burglary of the macro store last year. Also, a 40-year-

old got 14 months. And two others, he got eight months each. This

footage, it includes some of the defendants as they broke into the

store. They were part of a group of 40 who stole almost �14,000 of

goods. It is a live investigation. We appeal to the public for

information in relation to the outstanding offenders. There were

up to 40 people involved. We would appeal for any further information.

Either to Thames Valley police or to Crimestoppers. The judge in this

case was keen to link the disturbance in Reading to the wider

UK riots. He said what happened in Reading in comparison to elsewhere

was to a lower degree of intensity. But he added that sentences must

punish and deter others from engaging in this sort of behaviour.

Two defendants were sentenced for handling stolen goods. They

received suspended sentences and were ordered to complete community

service. A 17-year-old was placed under the care of the youth

offending team. The police say this case is not close. They have to

track down 33 other people who were in the store. They are determined

to bring them to justice. A man accused of harassing his

former fiancee and setting fire to her mother's home admitted sending

e-mails and letters to her. Al Amine Dhalla, who lived in Brighton

with Alison Hewitt, said he was trying to win her back. He told the

court he sent a letter to her employer alleging misconduct and

regretted that decision. Sussex Police were right to shoot

dead a convicted armed robber in broad daylight in Brighton

according to an inquest jury. They returned a verdict of lawful

killing after Michael Fitzpatrick was shot dead in the street. He had

been pointing a replica -- replica gun at officers.

Almost a year ago, a convicted armed robber about to raise an

unloaded weapon down at police before being shot dead himself. --

replica weapon. Was there no alternative? What the inquest has

gone through this week in detail has shown that the tactics they use,

the approach they used, the plan they had, was the right one in the

circumstances, tragic though the outcome is. Michael Fitzpatrick was

a dangerous man who had been convicted of armed robbery and

hostage taking and admitted conspiracy to murder of desire and

Goldsmith, who vanished -- Diana Goldsmith. The police suspected him

of several armed robberies, three at this post office and others in

Sussex. On the day he died, the police officer said the coroner,

had seconds to respond. The Independent Police Complaints

Commission investigated and concluded that police had done

everything pretty much right. She went on to tell the jury that she

would not accept a verdict of unlawful killing. The verdict they

returned was lawful killing. Police had been on standby, medic who

trained, to try to save his life. He died within minutes. The jury

asked if they could send condolences to his family.

It was the coldest night of the winter. It could be colder tonight.

There is a risk of snow this weekend. I will have the details

shortly. There is a new twist in the bitter

battle between the cruise ports of Southampton and Liverpool. Under

fair competition rules, state- funded Liverpool has not been

allowed to compete against privately-funded Southampton for

the lucrative business of turnaround calls. But Liverpool

could have its first customer in three months. Southampton is

protesting. This story has more twists and

turns than a John Le Carre novel. Liverpool built its Chris Huhne

terminal with the state subsidy and wants to compete with Southampton,

which was built with private investment. That is not allowed. It

is unfair competition. Last year, Liverpool offered to repay some of

the taxpayers funding over the next 15 years. In return, it wanted the

rules changed. The Government held an inquiry and said no, �5 million

was not fair competition. Today, Liverpool said it will repay the UK

government subsidy and put in a planning application. We want to

get on with bringing cruises to the city. It is a boost to the economy.

And to the tourism industry and the visit to economy. Southampton says

it is still not fair. Because half the state money to build

Liverpool's terminal came from the European Union. Liverpool has no

intention of paying that back. And the UK taxpayer subsidy that is

being repaid will come from Liverpool City Council, in other

words, one set of taxpayers would pay back another set of taxpayers.

We have seen dramatic growth in the cruise industry. Everybody realises

the growth will not continue at that pace. We imagine we would lose

business. It is difficult to quantify what it is. We ask for A-

level -- level playing field. Although they are saying they will

pay back the allocation, it does not mean this is done and dusted.

What happens next? Each cruise ship brings �2 million in business each

time it calls. Jobs are at stake at both ports. It is clear Southampton

Now we all like a freebie, and if you live in Southampton, you're

going be given a free ticket to the new SeaCity museum. It opens in

April, marking 100 years since the Titanic set sail on her ill-fated

maiden voyage. But not everyone thinks this big give-away is a good

idea. There is still some work to go

before Southampton's �15 million museum opens its doors. When it

does, the people Southampton will be able to go around for free.

a good idea to have free tickets but I wouldn't ever pay. I've lived

in Southampton all my life, why should I pay? Would you go if you

had to pay? No. It doesn't interest me Be fit -- but if it's free, I

will go. The council wants to connect residents with their

maritime past. At its heart is the Titanic and a tribute to the 538

local lives lost on board. He family ticket will cost up to �25

and the council thinks it will miss out on �80,000 by giving tickets

away. Although the project still need to find �5 million, those in

charge believe it is the right thing to do. We want to say you can

come and sit for the first time ever in Southampton. It will be

state of the art and the best in the country. For Southampton people

who are mostly affected, you can come for free. The council still

needs to make cuts and something that is the wrong decision.

museum has a wonderful thing in terms of the heritage of the city

but at a time when we are really struggling and people are suffering,

jobs are going and people's incomes are dropping significantly, think

my priority would be with the vulnerable and Tel Aviv. The museum

is the emerging from its Chrysalis of scaffolding while Southampton

did in life continues around it. It will open on April 10th, 100 years

to the day since Titanic left Southampton docks.

A I am looking forward to going to a new museum.

It yeah, definitely. It will be cold this weekend as we know, and

if you postponements. It is also the first weekend of the Six

Nations rugby so rare great event getting under way on a BBC this

weekend. London Irish prop Alex Corbiseiro will be in the England

starting line up tomorrow for their defence of the Calcutta cup.

Meanwhile his club team mates face a crucial game in the Anglo-Welsh

Cup. Irish host Gloucester at the Madejski stadium in Reading having

lost two of their three group games in the competition. Last week they

were beaten by Scarletts. So tomorrow Irish and their stars need

a result to settle the ship. Gloucester are a good team and they

will try to qualify for the semis and so lorry. It is important to

bounce back not only for this weekend but going back into the

Premiership and the next couple of weeks. It will be a massive game.

We will approach the game as a must-win game. We need to get a win

and start building momentum with a view to getting back into the

Premiership. Irish kick off at three o'clock.

And a reminder that there's exclusive live coverage of the Six

Nations on BBC television, including Alex Corbisero and

England facing Scotland tomorrow, that one kicks off at 5 o'clock.

Two goals from Reading's Alex Danson helped Great Britain beat

South Korea 4-1 to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals.

Danson's brace, including this stunning strike, put Britain on top.

In all, six players from Reading were involved in the game including

captain Kate Walsh and Helen Richardson who scored GB's fourth

goal. Britain will face Germany on Saturday for a place in the final.

We worked so hard to get into this position and a semi-final is a game

you want to play. We are going to recover really well, do our

homework and come out fighting. Who will prepare in the same way as we

do for every game. We'll do our analysis on Germany and we will

cover as best as a cancer when we come out, we are set to run.

-- and when we come out. So to tomorrow's football, some of

which has been affected by the cold snap and stay tuned to bbc local

radio tomorrow for any late news. Already Bournemouth and Aldershot's

games have been postponed. Southampton face the Championships

in form side Birmingham City, they've won their last four in the

league scoring 15 goals in the process. Saints remain second after

Tuesday night's draw with Cardiff. Billy Sharp could make his debut

for the club after his signing from Doncaster.

Reading dropped to 8th without playing in midweek, so tomorrow

they travel to Doncaster looking for a seventh win in nine games.

Loan signing Matthew Connolly is available. Portsmouth will hope to

beat the weather and bring in some much needed finance to the Fratton

park coffers. Fans have organised an initiative called Pack the Park

in an attempt to show support for the club, which is in financial

danger again. On the field the team hope to carry on from where they

left off last week. No major departures. Michael Appleton is

still without the suspended David Norris against Hull.

Brighton are unbeaten in their last four championship games. They host

Leicester tomorrow at the Amex. Loan signings Joe Mattock and Jarra

Reyes are in contention. Crawley dropped to fourth last week due to

their FA cup exploits but they have a game in hand on their promotion

rivals as they go to Bradford City. Crawley have drawn their last three

games including this one against Oxford.

Plenty going on this weekend but keep your eye out for postponements.

Paul Smith at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, every chance that will be

dicey but they really hope to get a good crowd tomorrow morning. --

Portsmouth at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Now, snow is almost certainly on the way for many of us over the

weekend. Last night, temperatures plunged

down towards minus ten in several areas. We're several degrees colder

than the usual February temperatures, which always

increases concern for the elderly and those sleeping rough.

We'll have a specially extended weather forecast for you very

shortly. But before that, Roger Finn is live for us at a homeless

shelter. A it is not a night to be homeless.

Across southern England at hostels for the homeless like this, they

are putting in emergency extra beds. That is the story in Basingstoke,

Reading, Winchester and Chichester. We are in the garden of a hostel is

a fountain that is won by the Society of St James. Let's take you

into the lounge at the moment. There are something like 30 people

sleeping here and they have put in for extra beds. At me introduce you

to Terry. I know you are resident here. -- let me introduce you.

pretty horrendous sleeping out in this. It is bad enough sleeping

rough anyway. In the warmer weather, it's horrible. You can never really

sweep -- sleep because you are worried about your safety. You fall

asleep for maybe an hour and an hour later, you wake up because you

are so cold and you end up walking the streets mainly. It is just too

cold to sleep. Thanks very much for that. Let me introduce you to Paul

Baker, a service manager here. What is your basic advice for anyone who

does become homeless? Basic advice is to firstly, go to your local

authority homelessness unit and they will put you in the right

direction. Also, you have street homeless prevention teams, get down

there first thing Monday to see if they can help you. There are extra

beds at the moment. Are you worried that if too many people not on your

door, you will not be up to cope? We are for now, we cannot take in

Iddiols. We can give sleeping bags to people on the streets. Thanks

for that. It is not just homeless people who are vulnerable. The

other major group that of Honourable are elderly people.

Earlier today, I spent the day at a support centre in Dorset.

A regular gathering, organised by age UK. Each year, some 26,000

deaths are linked to cold weather. What is the advice they are getting

here? This close to the cold weather it's difficult to prepare.

Keep lots of food in, things like soup. Don't wait until you get cold

to turn the heating on. Make sure you keep the house warm enough to

move around. The same with clothing. Where enough clothes. Don't wait to

get cold before you put more layers on. Try and keep moving. Don't sit

in one place for too long. Even do some exercises in your chair.

People get very lonely and isolated and the bad weather when they can't

get out and about. Pop around to see your neighbour, make sure they

got everything they need in the house. A fair moral concerns of

soaring cost of fuel may tempt people to wait too long to switch

on the heating. -- Verroken real concerns. Don't skimp on your

heating. Don't go out and her -- unless you need to. Don't sit down

to long, even at home. Get up every hour, walk around. Keep yourself a

bit active, even if you are indoors. And one of the fort, the cold is

not always to be feared. -- and one of the fort. I love this sort of

weather anywhere. The air is fresh, crisp and clean. Lovely!

If fresh and lovely, that is one point of view, but how cold is it

Freezing temperatures overnight tonight. It could be colder than

last night. -11 last night. Let's take a look at the satellite

picture. We had a pretty lovely conditions today, despite the

sunshine it was bitterly cold though. Temperatures reaching

around one or two Celsius. Let's take a closer look at what we can

expect to night. A widespread frost will develop and a clearing skies

tonight and temperatures will take a plunge into minus figures. These

are the values in our towns and cities but in the countryside,

perhaps beating last night's -11. At 7:00am tomorrow, there will be a

widespread frost. Slippery conditions on pavements. Minus

figures to start the day and those temperatures very like today will

struggle to rise. You can expect a high during the afternoon in the

sunshine of one or two Celsius. You can see a little more cloud edging

its way in from the north and west, bringing the risk of snow by later

on in the afternoon. A high tomorrow of one or two Celsius. The

winds will be fairly light. That rain or snow will move in over the

cold air in a country tomorrow night. We could see some

significant recriminations. South- western areas seeing more in the

way of sleet and rain as a snow tracks its way south and east woods.

A low tomorrow night of minus one or minus two Celsius. There is

currently a Met Office amber warning in force for the snow. 1-5

centimetres are possible, even at lower levels. And not just snow,

there is an ice risk on Sunday morning, once snow has fallen. If

you are concerned about the travel destruction, to stay tuned to a

local BBC radio station for the latest information. Here is your at

luck and summary for the weekend. The snow will arrive later on

tomorrow afternoon. Some of us will see it fall as rain, particularly

in the Dorset and western parts. Stay tuned to the forecast. Sarah

will be here tomorrow just after Next week on South Today we'll be

celebrating the life and work of one of the most popular writers

this country has ever produced - Charles Dickens.

Of course he brought us Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and A

Christmas Carol among many others. And even if you've not read his

books you've probably seen a film or TV adaptation.

David Allard is presenting the series and joins me now. People may

not be aware the Dickens story actually begins in Portsmouth.

7th February 1812 was the date when Charles John Huffham Dickens was

born, son of John and Elisabeth Dickens. The family house is now

the Dickens Birthplace Museum. His father worked for the Navy Pay

Office, at a time when Britain was still at war with France, just a

few years after the Battle of Trafalgar. And Portsmouth was a

hugely busy, growing town. We'll be finding out the many ways they're

celebrating the bicentenary. Also seeing how youngsters today respond

to his characters and stories and finding out how Dickens was a real

voice for social reform. He made people laugh and he made people

cried, he made people aware of how did -- indignant he was. People of

England knew he was on their side. And you've got a guest presenter.

Yes, Ian Dickens is the great great grandson of Charles Dickens. He

lives in Portsmouth and he's going to be our guide on Monday's film

that takes us back to the city in 1812. But he's got a surprising

admission. I didn't read my first dickens and lows in the 30s. I

thought I would come to it when I'm ready to come to it, but because of

any parental pressure or expectation, and are picked one up

and left it to bits. What is extraordinary is his books were the

Coronation Street of his day. They were told in serial form. At the

end of each episode, you would find out what would happen. Events kick

off this weekend. There is an event at the City Museum, including an

original manuscript. On Monday, there is a ball at the theatre. The

big day is Tuesday. We will be there as well Radio Solent.

I once heard that lots of authors and journalists are born in