29/10/2013 South Today

That's all from us. Now the news where you are.

Hello, welcome to South Today. Calls for a national review for the

protection of children after a report highlights the death of a

three`month`old baby whose father had already been in prison for child

cruelty. The father of the child actually was somebody who had a

history of serious violence against children. The agencies locally in

Southampton did not know that. The race is on to discover what mystery

bug is killing swans in Dorset. You can do it, the local story

behind the international success which changed the face of DIY.

And the musical telling the story of a Dorset ghost town evacuated 70

years ago. The board which oversees the safety

of young people in Southampton is calling for a new national register

of offenders who've been violent to children so they can be properly

monitored. It follows the death of a three`month old baby boy who

suffered multiple injuries including a skull fracture. It later emerged

his father had previously been jailed for child cruelty ` but

authorities in Hampshire didn't know. Alex Forsyth has more and

joins me now. How did this happen? This three

month old baby died after being found face down in his Moses basket

by his parents. A postmortem found he had a fractured skull. That

prompted an inquiry. His surviving twin sibling was examined, and found

to have leg and possible skull fractures. When authorities began

looking into this case they found the childrens' father had a history

of child cruelty. Some years earlier when living elsewhere in the country

he was jailed for 12 months after another child of his was found with

multiple injuries ` including a fractured skull. When he was

released from prison he moved to Hampshire. He was supervised for a

period specified by law. When that period ended and he went on to have

further children, the authorities here didn't know about his history

of abuse. What has happened to those involved?

The surviving child is now in care ` that's why all involved must remain

anonymous. The police did investigate and handed a file to the

Crown Prosecution Service, the CPS decided there wasn't enough evidence

to prosecute anyone. What do the authorities say?

A full review has been carried out. It does find failings ` notably how

information was shared between different agencies. It also says

authorities didn't ask enough questions about the parents'

backgrounds. But the chair of the board which oversees that review

said overall the agencies did what was expected, and the problem here

is the system. He wants a new national register drawn up of those

who've committed violent crimes against children, so they can be

tracked and monitored by authorities ` much like the existing sex

offenders register. I asked the chairman how that might have made a

difference in this case. At the least, the childcare agencies

would have been alerted to the potential problem. At the very

least, they would have had the opportunity to make cheques and to

offer help to the family. No system can 100% guarantee anything. The

system would ensure the opportunities resented would have

been taken. How likely is it this is going to be implemented?

The case has been flagged to the Home Office and the Ministry of

Justice ` we contacted both today to ask them about it but they've yet to

respond. However this idea isn't being backed by everyone. The child

protection charity the NSPCC say there are already systems in place

to access information on people convicted of violence against

children. Southampton's safeguarding children's board say the register

they're proposing would go much further and they're going to push

for it. In this case some might hear in this the familiar refrain of

'lessons must be learned' following the death of a child. Whatever form

they take many will just hope this time, they will be. Sixteen swans

have died at a nature reserve in Weymouth in Dorset.

Tests have confirmed the swans from Radipole Lake did not have bird flu,

but exactly what has caused their death remains a mystery. Adrian

Campbell reports. The Swans on Radipole Lake are a

favourite with the locals and visitors. Recently, they have fallen

prey to mysterious disease or pollution event. Dead birds have

been removed from the reserve here but it is being confirmed they have

not been affected by bird flu. At Radipole Lake swans have been dying

since September and it is now known half of the flock has died. The good

news is recently there have been no further fatalities.

Somewhat found floating in the lake, horrible for people who found

them. Some were found to be quite lethargic and looking poorly and

lying on the path in the water. At that point, the RSPCA got involved.

In West Hatch there are a couple of swans still recovering from whatever

affected them. Some Swans have died off before so it does happen from

time to time, and inflammation of the intestines can cause problems

for Swans. It hasn't been established in this instance. It

does occur from time to time and we see Swans with problems. The

Environment Agency have tested the water for pollutants but so far the

charity says there's no clue as to what has happened.

It is 16 Swans, if there was a pollutant you would expect it to

cause widespread problems for all species but this is just Swans. We

are interested find out what happened.

It is rare for so many Swans to be affected like this but the RSPB says

many younger Swans have escaped the worst effects of the incident.

Police are investigating after a man arrived at hospital in Basingstoke

with gunshot wounds to his legs and buttocks.

Staff at the North Hampshire Hospital contacted the police when

the 29`year`old arrived last night. However it's believed he was shot on

Friday night at Bennet Close in the town. Detectives say they're treated

it as a targetted attack on the man. A cyclist has appeared in court

accused of knocking down a 9`year`old girl while riding his

bike. 38`year`old Phillip Benwell from Bournemouth, seen here wearing

a suit, appeared at the towns magistrates this morning. He's been

charged with furious and wanton cycling causing grievous bodily

harm. The incident happened near Branksome Chine in July and the girl

had to spend time in intensive care. Mr Benwell will next appear at

Bournemouth Crown Court in November. Thousands of people in the south

have been without electricity for a second day following yesterday's

storm. Engineers resumed work at first light to restore power to

around ten thousand homes. Scottish and Southern Energy says it aims to

get everyone reconnected by tonight but that may not be possible in

areas where there has been extensive damage. Briony Leyland reports from

the village of Sherfield on Loddon near Basingstoke.

A second date without power, a second day of lost business as some

were forced to stay shut. The owners pride themselves on freshly cooked

food but with the power off, the only thing on the menu was warm beer

so reluctantly be closed. The business has been picking up, we

want people through the door. We cannot do anything at all.

Across the road, the estate agents were open but struggling with no

landline or internet and little idea of when power would return.

Is it today, tomorrow? We would consider a generator but there is no

feedback from the electricity board. Scottish and Southern energy say

staff will answer questions and the storm damage left 110,000 people

without power yesterday. Widest morning, the number dropped to

10,000. The focus of the engineering teams has been on rural areas around

Basingstoke and Reading. Overhead power lines were damaged.

Want to carry out repairs but there are narrow roads and trees have been

coming down on the roads. It is proving a challenge. We are doing

everything we can. For this teacher, the storm has

coincided with half term and the novelty of being power free was

wearing off fast. We went to a friends house the

dinner because they had gas. We cooked a meal together and that was

great fun. We played Charente and silly things about that. It was good

fun. We joked that it would be less fun if it wasn't on in the morning.

And it is not! It is less fun. A respite vehicle arrived to

administer tea and biscuits power was restored as darkness fell.

Sussex Police today launched a campaign against car crime after a

big increase in theft from vehicles in the Adur area.

There's been a 70% rise in the past year. The police are touring

supermarkets warning motorists to take care and are sending crime

prevention letters to owners who've left their cars unlocked. Sean

Killick joined officers on patrol in Lancing.

Surely these days everybody locks their car? Well, but rolling with

the police in car parks today we found plenty of motorists giving an

open invitation to the thieves. The back door is open, the items are

on show. This is the fifth one. There's been a 73rd increase in car

crime this year, much late at night. We do not know who is doing it.

Majority of the crimes are opportunistic, unlocking their cause

and trying door handles. Loose change, clothing and that NAB.

Anything that is quick and easy. There have been plenty of awareness

campaigns but still there are rich pickings.

There are signs in the gym where things have been stolen from vans

and lorries. Sussex Police have put extra patrols

at high risk areas and carrying out covert operations as well. The

police have made several car crime arrests in recent weeks and they are

urging people to take extra care and report anything suspicious. Research

from the Office of National Statistics has revealed

Southampton's Marine industry is worth more than 800 million pounds.

The sector employs more than twenty four thousand people and the city's

port has been ranked as the most productive in Europe. The council

says these figures show just how important Southampton is to the

national and local economy. Still to come in this evening's

South Today... Can Poole Town reach the FA Cup first round? Tony Husband

is there... Yes, that is the question, can Poole

Town live up to the billing? The first time in 30 years, join me for

the sport later. One of their ideas was to set up a toy shop. But when

Richard Block and David Quayle opened their first store in

Southampton in 1969, they decided to target the burgeoning do`it`yourself

market. Today the company they founded has 360 stores around the

world, with more than 20,000 staff serving three million customers a

week. Tonight David Allard takes a trip back in time to discover the

story behind B Welcome to the 1940s. A time when

DIY was the hobby of the few. Well, it was such a fuss. If you wanted

wood you'd go to the timber yard. If you wanted bricks you'd go to the

builders merchant. And if you wanted nuts and bolts, you'd come to the

ironmonger, where the man behind the counter would go into the back and

fetch your order. Four candles! By the early 1970s, things were

changing. People were more colourful, more experimental, more

willing to ?do it themselves?. And two men in Southampton had seen an

opportunity. In 1969 brothers in law Richard Block and David Quayle were

preparing to open their first DIY store. They were looking for staff

and Sylvie Hawkes saw the advert. I had an interview, very brief. I

was offered the job there and then. It was a cashier work. I am OK with

the keyboard so I thought I would be okayed doing the till.

Sylvie delegates her DIY to husband Steve.

Workmen were pleased to have a good look. It was a pleasant place to be.

I wish I had bought shares in the beginning.

The idea was to pile it high and sell it cheap. And the public loved

it ` especially when the store stayed open over the Easter weekend,

flouting Sunday trading laws. David had worked out that the profits

would outweigh the fines. DIY products at supermarket prices

and we were swamped. We were opening up the products

available so the customers could see what they could use and we had

queues right the way down to the back of the shop trying to get out.

Block and Quayle was soon shortened to B and more stores were opened.

For David Quayle's children it was an exciting time.

It seemed huge at that age. It seemed a huge expanse to run

around, there were Polyfilla sachets and one burst open and it went over

a customer who wasn't pleased. I sunk down behind the counter and let

my mum deal with the aftermath! The Bournemouth store was opening, I

took a friend along, the two bodies were opening the new shop. My dad

agreed to it. My friend and I were strapped in the front seat and the

two bodies have the back seat. Within a decade there were 26

stores. But for Block and Quayle it was time to move on. The company was

sold to Woolworth in the early 80s. David Quayle died a few years ago,

after enjoying another success with the Ritz video rental chain. While

Richard Block changed direction altogether, and became a massage

therapist. It was exciting, ringing the tales

and the money going in the Mignoni a good percentage would end up in my

pocket. Today the original Portswood store

has been demolished ` B has relocated over the road. Things have

certainly changed since 1969. This place is massive. But what would

Sylvie make of it all? We've brought her back for one final day at her

old job. What do I do with this?

Scan and that's it. Thank you, ?55. Fantastic. Back in

the day, no debit cards. It was cash or a cheque please Sir! Being in

this situation, yes, I feel quite moved. I really do. This is Sylvie,

checking out for B and Q. She is loving it. A great film. I was

enjoying his taste in shirts. He is back again tomorrow. Onto sport, and

all football players dream of an FA Cup run. And for those at Poole

Town, that dream could become a reality. They play a crucial match

tonight which, if they win, will see them through to the first proper

round of the competition for the first time in 30 years. Tony Husband

is there for us tonight. Quite an atmosphere there tonight Tony? A

super night. We do the sport from Fratton Park and Saint Mary is, this

is the heart and soul of football, one of the three turnstiles at Poole

Town. Tonight, a massive night for these people because they are

bidding for a place in the first round of the FA Cup for the first

time in 30 years. How are you feeling? We are going to win 2`0.

100%. Who will win? Carl Preston. 2`0. I don't care as long as we win.

It could be a long night. They have been here 13 years, Poole Town. This

is a nice quaint local non`league ground but it is the kind of place

dreams are made of. The money that clubs can make in the FA Cup run

like this sets the future in motion. One day, they want to move to a new

stage. We will talk to the manager shortly. Some rugby news. A big

signing for London Irish. Australian international James O'Connor signed

for London Irish today. He's agreed a deal for the rest of the season at

the club, who play at the Madejski stadium in reading. The 23`year`old

is a big talent in the rugby union world but he's also had some

disciplinary problems off the field. Jenna Hawkey was at Irish's

headquarters today. James O'Connor was released from his contract

earlier this month after a string of incidents earlier, now, he wants a

fresh start. It is an awesome opportunity to be involved with

London Irish. The style of play I have seen, their culture and they

are a family `based club. It is the next step in my life. Oh, already

has 44 international caps, they believe he can become the most

capped Wallaby. We would like to play a part in his rugby future. The

deal is he will put his head down and help us win some matches. Irish

are floundering at 10th in the table. They will be hoping out, can

turn things around when they host Northampton on Sunday.

We will keep an eye on him! The players are starting to make their

way out. A big night for the manager, for nearly a decade Tom

Killick, I asked how he was feeling. Looking forward to it. A bit

disappointed we didn't finish the job on Saturday, we felt we had

chances to do that but we have home advantage tonight. I hope the crowd

get behind us and we can finish it off.

Did you see evidence it can beat them? Yes, but they complain a bit

better than they did on Saturday. I know they were disappointed with how

they played. It is in the balance, we have home advantage. They are the

higher placed team in terms of the league.

What is it mean for the club? Bearing in mind where we have come

from, the hurdles we have overcome, on and off the field, it would be a

fairy tale for everyone concerned on and off the field.

The incentive is there, a league club in the first club `` ground.

Yes, we wanted to play a league club. If we can get through tonight,

what to play a league club, it sounds strange but it is nice to

play away as the players at this level do not get to play here very

often. It is a one`off for them and also the spectators, a great day out

for them. People might say you should prefer home advantage but in

some ways if it is a league club, you like to be away.

It could be Brentford in the first round. It is all about Poole Town.

Can they get the result? Kick`off is 7:45pm. It costs ?10 to get her. All

of the goals tomorrow. Let's hope they can do it. What a difference a

day makes. I was filming in Dorset. Blue skies. A few showers drifting

in into Berkshire but it should be a predominantly dry data row. What a

difference a day makes. Grahame Howard captured two paddle boarders

in the calm conditions in Weymouth Bay. Michael Hunt took this photo of

a grey heron coming into land pictured at Dinton Pastures Country

Park in Berkshire. And old man's beard in a hedge row

in the Meon Valley captured by Alberto Ferrone.

A quiet nights to come under clear skies, temperatures falling away

rapidly, maybe a grass frost in a few places. We haven't had frost for

quite some time. Chilly temperatures, a grass frost in

Berkshire, Oxford and King shot. Elsewhere, one to shout was creeping

in but chilly temperatures, these other towns and cities but in the

countryside, it could be one or two degrees. The risk of a touch of

frost. A crisp start tomorrow, lots of sunshine, if you stray showers on

an increasing south`westerly breeze. Temperatures around average,

more cloud for western areas with a weather front urging in. `` edging

in. We will see the weather front marching slowly eastwards on the

breeze. Clearing skies, clearing most part by Dawn to dry.

Temperatures stay mild tomorrow night. Lows of eight or 10 Celsius.

A mild start on Thursday, we are in between weather systems, one of two

showers but staying predominantly dry after a damp start. We are

keeping a close eye on this low`pressure swinging in on Friday.

It will not be as windy as it was yesterday. We are looking at an

unsettled week, showers at times, tomorrow should be predominantly dry

with an increasing wind. Thursday sees a damp start, and improving

picture. The wind is brisk. A wet and windy day on Friday, the wind

increasing into the weekend. Longer spells of rain through the weekend

and gale force winds on the coast. If you want to know about the frosty

conditions, go to the website. Chris Fawkes has an explainer. Tomorrow

sees the opening night of a new musical, it's called Tyneham and it

tells the story of the Purbeck village that was evacuated in the

World War II. But this musical wasn't written by Sondheim or Lloyd

Webber, it was composed by Weymouth teenager Jordan Clarke. Sam Fraser

went to meet him. Featuring a cast of over 30, this

musical has tender love songs... And full cast numbers featuring the

music of a student, Jordan Clarke. My inspiration is from myself.

Stephen Sondheim, more well`known writers, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the

writer of lameness. It tells the story of a village abandoned in the

Second World War so American troops could practice for D`day. Here we

have eve and his son. They are the main characters in my show. They are

the head of the pecking order so being that important to the people,

we concentrate on the love story. It still has restricted access.

One of the first lyrics was whispers in the walls, I have tried to do

that with folk styles and it is one of the choral numbers so you can

feel the whispers and the echoes in the show.

Can you feel the whispers in the walls? Can you hear the ancient

village call? To be studying at A`levels and being able to write all

these pieces is really brilliant and impressive. It is a unique style, it

is not like copying anyone else. I have chosen plays not written by

other writers. The show opens tomorrow and is on until Saturday.

Break a leg for tomorrow night. I hope it goes well. Just before we

go, here is a quick mention about a special Children in Need event

that's on at the Mayflower in Southampton. This Sunday, the pop

legend Jason Donovan, Nigel Harman from Eastenders and Downton Abbey

and myself will be a charity gala raising money for Children In Need.

I am quite excited. It is a charity gala raising money. The fun starts

at 6pm. Tickets are ?20 and are still available. Get yourself a

ticket. It will be a fabulous night. Be there if you can. Good night.