14/12/2011 Spotlight

Taken to court by their own officers - Devon and Cornwall

police could find themselves on the wrong side of the law. It's time to

stand up against these cuts. We are an emergency service. We need

police officers out on the street. Good evening. With almost 100

officers claixing age discrimination by being forced to

re-- claiming age discrimination by being forced to retire. We visit

three young people who are out of work and see the progress they are

making of the. Sentenced to five months in jail, the Torquay mother

found guilty of causing the death of a ten week-old kitten. -- ten-

week-old kitten. The number of people claiming benefit rose in all

parts of the region last month. In every county here it's now at least

10% worse than a year ago. With the details, here is our business

reporter. These are the places that saw rises last month. Cornwall,

Devon, Dorset and Torbay. These are the percentages of people in each

area who are claiming. Not especially high rates given the

rest of the country, but Devon and especially Cornwall, do seem to be

rising more steeply than the UK, so beginning to catch up. Only two

areas here didn't see a rise last month. Somerset, which was flat and

Plymouth, which saw a slight fall, but that may have been down to

nothing more than routine seasonal employment for Christmas. This is

not a gait picture. Concealed within it, there's a particular

concern about youth unemployment. Back in September I went to meet a

group of teenagers being helped by Courier South West. What progress

have they made. Mitch, for example, aged 17, with GCSEs in PE and ICT.

Three months later, I went to find Mitch and he and some friends came

out of a training day. A charity was helping with them with what are

called life skills. Mitch is still out of work. What sort of thing

have you been trying to do for yourself? Basically maths and

English. That's about it. It's going great. I've got some good

friends. We are having a laugh. Good family, they are supporting me

every step of the way. Basically, helping me get through. Going

really well. Dan, 18, with five GCSEs, also turned out to be

jobless today. Three months on, I found him being helped by a

different charity, which brings unemployed youngsters together for

support. Everyone is here for the same thing and we can help each

other and many of us apply for one job. Obviously we can't all get it,

but if one of us gets it, that's a good enough achievement for us all.

The best news was to come from Jodie, who is 19. She is now begun

a modern apprenticeship as a training football coach. How

different does life feel compared to before? A lot better. I'm out

doing something that I really enjoy, rather than being stuck in doing

nothing. She hopes to make a go of it, but things are not getting any

easier. What will you see before you go to the job interview. There

are now more claimants locally for them to compete with. 10% more than

this time last year. Problem two, more of the claimants locally are

now aged 18 to 24. Over one third in fact. Whereas a decade tag was

just a quarter. For today's young people the career ladder now seems

to be more out of reach. There was some more discouraging news today,

although it won't show up in the figures for some time yet. Thomas

Cook is closing 200 branches. We don't know which branches here in

this area. But there was better news from Morrisons. They are to

create 300 new jobs at their Bridgwater distribution centre and

opening 25 new branches across the country.

Joining me now from our Exeter studio is Nigel Jung from the

south-west Regional Development Agency. As one door closes another

door opens, but for many it remains shut. What do you see in the

future? It's a real problem. When you get a downturn you get some

companies that are able to expand and Morrisons shows you that.

Thomas Cook shows you more of the underlying problem, which is that

people don't have the money to spend that they had previously.

That goes right across the south- west, because we are an economy

that is dependent on what people spend in shops. You work for the

Regional Development Agency and that is closing next March, so you

are joining thousands of others looking for a job. How does that

feel? I'm actually leaving at the end of this month. It doesn't feel

great, I must admit. There's a lot of people in this region who are

looking at 2012 and saying things might be not so good. Businesses

react by not hiring as much. It's a difficult time for many people,

including myself. The RDA has been a beacon for investment, many

people would say. You've done lots of good. What is the future there?

There is a gap in the market. We had a line of proyects that were

going to come up -- projects that were going to come up over the

years. That was stopped at the election and now that pipeline is

not there. It will take a while to create it again. There is a gap in

the market. Hopefully the private sector will be able to fill that,

but as far as 2012 goes, it doesn't look very good in the first half.

Thank you very much. More on the economy from our

political editor. First, the Secretary of State for the

Environment has been outlining plans for two pilot areas to trial

a badger cull within a year. We don't know where the culls will

take place, but some farmers in the south-west think one may be here.

The culls to try to stem -- the cull's to try to stem the rise of

bovine TB. In the Commons the Environment Secretary set out the

Government's plans for two trial areas, which she hopes will be in

place within a year. In order to reduce TB in cattle in the worst-

affected areas, we propose to allow a controlled reduction, carried out

by groups of farmers and landowners, as part of a science-led and

carefully managed policy of badger control. The Environment Secretary

told the House the cull will be conducted by farmers under licence

fpls -- licence. A national list will be drawn up and two pilot

areas will be selected next year. There will be ten new culls a year,

if those pilots are successful. Many south-west farmers, although

not all, will be heartened by the announcement. The fact of the

matter is, it will be down to farmers to organise any cull and to

pay for it. That won't be easy. David is the chairman of the

national farmer's union in Devon. His dairy herd has suffered with TB

before and he's hoping the south- west could have one of the first

pilot areas. We have two or three areas which are showing signs of

being well advanced in this and hopefully we can get it together

and get our areas put in. Whether we'll be one of the first, I don't

know. Animal welfare campaigners expect there will be a legal

challenge to any cull. Shooting animals at night, with the thick

skulls it will be a disaster for wildlife and carnage for the

countryside and it will make no difference to badger culling. Under

optimum conditions we have been told there will be a 16% reduction.

This is the opposite conditions. Any cull will be short, just six

weeks long. The Government says it is hoping a badger cull can help

reduce infection rates and also investigating vaccination

programmes and will make more money available for research. Our

political editor has been watching developments at Westminster. We

have heard more about the badger cull trials. Where do we go from

here? The farming industry now needs to suggest some possible

areas for these two pilot culls. Those areas then need to be

selected. All we know is they will be somewhere in the south-west or

Midlands. The minister did tell me this afternoon he doesn't expect to

see any actual culling until next autumn. The Government's also

resigned to a legal challenge from the badger groups. I think it will

continue to proceed cautiously. It knows this is a sensitive issue and

knows that having reached the decision that it thinks this will

work, it now needs to prove that. The other big story today has been

forth rise in unemployment. What is the view from Westminster?

course, the announcement on the badger cull issue with interest a

lot of people. This thing like many other major economic indicator will

be of concern to any other person. I am joined by Ben Bradshaw, Labour

MP for Exeter and Neil Parish, the Conservative money for Tiverton.

Don't the figures indicate that the Government's economic strategy

isn't working? I don't believe they do. It is very unfortunate we have

it rising, but unless we actually keep interest rates down, keep our

debts down and the money markets are convinced we are going the

right way, then we'll pay more for our borrowing and out of every �4

we are spending one of those we are borrowing and we inherited that

from the last Government. We have got more apprenticeships schemes

and a youth contract to help with unemployment, so we want to do much

more, but we have got to deal in the present economic climate.

your inheritance? We are borrowing �158 billion more than the

Government themselves said they would borrow a year ago, because

their economic policy isn't working. The economy was growing strongly

when Labour left office. It is flat-lining and many people think

we are back in recession. Even in Exeter, we have had a huge increase

in the number of Neats, young people not in education, employment

or training and that is a very worrying predictor of the future.

The whole emphasis of the Government's policy is creating

private sector jobs to replace public sector jobs. That has done

very badly. If you are the eurozone in crisis and starting to shrink

and the American economy flat- lining it's difficult to drive the

British economy up. We are doing our very best, but what you can't

do is carry on with 52% of the economy in the public sector,

unless in the private sector - and it will be quite painful.

eurozone crisis, couldn't you have seen that? No, the economy stopped

growing as soon as the Chancellor made his first company budget. The

eurozone only blew up this summer. The economy has been flat-lining

for more than a year, after David Cameron promised that unemployment

would fall every Parliament -- every year of this Parliament.

Gentlemen, thank you. That's all from Westminster for tonight.

you. Devon and Cornwall police are being

taken to court by dozens of former officers for age discrimination.

Almost 100 are bringing employment tribunals for being made to retire.

It's a test case which could throw into confusion the way the police

and many other forces in Britain are trying to deal with

unprecedented budget cuts. Descending on the police is a legal

action, which if successful, could cause it and other British forces

great disruption. Nigel Rabbits leads the organisation co-

ordinating the action. 90 officers suing the force for being made to

retire. They have young families and there is an expect that they

could carry on in the career they loved, serving the public until

they choose to leave. What has happened is that they've been

forced out the door. How do they feel? They are very disappointed.

They feel let down by both the Police Authority and the

constabulary, because it is a vocational job and people enjoy

what they do and they enjoy serving the public. Devon and Cornwall are

using an obscure police regulation to force officers to retire after

30 jeers' service, to help them deal with budget cuts of �50

million. The 90 officers are bringing employment tribunals,

claiming the force haven't properly consulted on the move and age

discrimination. I think the rule that applies to any officer with

more than 30 years' service is simply bound to be indirect age

discrimination. It's then up to the employer to see if he can justify

that, by showing it's a proportionate means of achieving a

legitimate aim. If successful, the legal action could see officers

reinstated or large sums paid in compensation. That would throw into

confusion much of the strategy of Devon and Cornwall and many other

UK forces for dealing with their budget cuts. No-one from Devon and

Cornwall would be interviewed, because they said of the on-going

legal action, but the Police Authority are considering the

matter on Friday. Minutes of the meeting say on the basis of legal

advice the claims are being challenged. Is may then take

several months before the matter is resolved. Later in the programme -

the Military Wives Choir get to perform in a very unusual location.

Plus, a fire in a derelict hotel being used by squatters. And

admiring the BBC South West Unsung Sporting Hero Award. Who has been

presented with the trophy? Find out later. A mother of three from

Torquay, who microwaved a kitten to death in a revenge attack on its

owner has been jailed for five months. The RSPCA said the sentence

imposed on Gina Robins sent out a clear message that animal cruelty

would not be tolerated. Gina Robins in custody. The 31-year-old had

denied killing a kitten, belonging to a former friend, seen here

entering court first. She reported Robins' partner to the police for

antisocial behaviour. In revenge Robins put a kitten inside the oven

and turned it on. During the trial she claimed that another cat

accidently turned on the microwave. Today, the magistrates jailed her

for 168 days, describing the story as far-fetched. It is sad the lady

has had to go to prison, but this sends out a clear message that

animal cruelty will not be tolerated. Ultimately, the

punishment fits the crime. Animal rescue campaigners, who protested

outside court, also welcomed the sentence. It is the tip of the

iceberg. There is more to this than meets the eye. Cruelty is on the

increase and it's worrying. Magistrates said Robins showed

little remorse either for the kitten or her former friend. She is

on benefits and because of ha magistrates decided not to fine her.

However, they did disqualify her from keeping animals for ten years.

Plans for an energy for waste insen rator for Devonport have been --

incinerator for Devonport have been allowed. Councillors have decided

to stick with it, despite delays in the planning process, but they said

they need to look at ways of increasing recycling.

It's hoped that thousands of new jobs will be created over the next

20 years, with the building of a new relief road in Cornwall. The

Government's confirmed it will contribute �16 million to the cost

of the road between Cambourne, Poole and Redruth. The rest of the

money will be found locally by the council. Two separate

investigations are under way after a fire damaged a hotel in Newquay.

Neighbours say the pen Pendennis Hotel was being used by squatters.

-- the Pendennis Hotel was being used by squatters. The Fire and

Rescue Service were called to the Pendennis Hotel at 5.30am. The fire

in the extension at the rear of the property was burning on both floors.

It was believed there were people inside. More than 50 firefighters,

using five appliances and six specialist vehicles, worked to put

the fire out. One of the issues that we face are derelict

properties and the potential for people to be squatting inside.

arrival, the commander defaulted to the potential for someone being in

there and his early message to us, the make-up messages also suggested

there might be people reported. hotel has been closed for a number

of years. A sign on the door claims squatters' rights. Neighbours say

this is a number of hotels in the area being used by squatters.

just think they are normal people in there, holidaymakers or whatever,

but no, there were squatters. They had the light on. I would imagine

they had the gas on. There are clear signs of occupation through

all of the windows. The police have pointed out to the BBC that dealing

with squatters in these old hotels is a civil matter and not something

that they can deal with. Although, Newquay police are extremely

concerned for the safety of the people that are living in former

hotels. Sport now and Yeovil Town became the second south-west league

club to be knocked out of the FA Cup by a non-league side. The

Gloverers a famous team themselves fell victim to a conference club in

the second-round replay. The Somerset Greens lost 2-0 to

Fleetwood Town. They conceded goals in each half. It's time now for us

to reveal the winner of the BBC South West Unsung Sporting Hero

Award. Thanks to all of you who sent in nominations and well done

to all the final four. There can and Dave went along to one of his

sessions to surprise him. Hello. Is it all right if we have a very

quick word? Yes. Dave, as you know, you have been nominated for the BBC

South West Unsung Sporting Hero Award. However, we are here this

evening to say how delighted we are to tell you that you are our winner.

You are the BBC South West Unsung Sporting Hero Award for 2011.

Congratulations. Thank you. Dave, you put in many hours of tireless

work here at the South Hams Taekwondo. You train four evenings

a week. Including a Sunday. I don't know how you find the time, but at

lunch times you actually study videos of your students to help

improve them. I can't think of a worthier winner than you, Dave

Desforges. Thank you. I am delighted to present you with your

trophy. There it is. All signed. Congratulations. Really well done.

As Dave said, a very, very worthy winner. Thank you. It's our

pleasure. You really deserve it. Is there anything you would like to

say? Just thank you for - I don't know. I don't know what to say. I'm

shocked. These guys are what it's all about. It's not about me. It's

all about them. That's why we do it. I think it's great, because he's

really good at supporting us. He's really good. How does he help you?

He tells us what we are doing right and wrong and he always says

something good. He deserves it. When I get stuck he always helps me

and tells me what to do. He helps me when I don't do a kick right.

think it's good, because he's supported us, so it's good for him

to get something back. APPLAUSE

Many congratulations to Dave and to all those who have been nominated.

Now, the crew of a Royal Navy submarine were given a special

welcome home performance in Plymouth Sound. HMS Turbulent

hosted the Military Wives Choir and for one of the performers it was a

chance to sing for her husband, who serves on board. After ten months

away, HMS Turbulent was back in home waters. For one of her crew, a

surprise visitor was about to embark. Along with a few other

military wives. Tim Forth had no idea his wife was on board.

APPLAUSE I wasn't expecting that. They

didn't tell him we were coming. Kept that one quiet for a long time.

Shocking. # My hopes and dreams, my heart and

yours forever shining far... # It's an amazing welcome to come back

after so long and have the Military Wives Choir come down and sing on

board. It's been fantastic. The most important bit is seeing

Victoria and her husband, Tim, seeing each other and for many of

us we are looking forward to seeing our families too.

# Wherever you are, our hearts will beat as one... # The military wives

are tipped for the Christmas number one. Preorders for the song have

smashed all previous records for one retailer. Tim is the last of

the military quiefz' husbands to return home and this was --

military wives' husbands to return home and this was quite a return.

don't think I've ever been so proud Very special day for all concerned

there. What a lovely thing to say. Wasn't that nice. Touching. Now,

the Military Wives Choir will be reporting here starting on Friday.

reporting here starting on Friday. But now the weather with David.

Good evening. More wind and rain overnight. There is no let-up.

Gale-force winds overnight and showers. Linking together to give

rain for a while overnight. The gusts could be up to 60mph, which

could cause some travel disruption first thing tomorrow morning. The

winds ease for a little tomorrow and then they come back again in

the afternoon and in the early evening. Lots going on in the

Atlantic. No shortage of cloud. This curl here is a little area of

low pressure that will trickle across the south-west of England

overnight. It moves through the Bristol Channel. The winds stay

with us. They ease through the day tomorrow but not by much, before

the next area races in. This is the one we have been watching all week.

It's developing all the while and it looks like the wind will be

strongest across the Channel Isles and windy conditions across

northern parts of France. Behind that, north-west winds drawing in

colder air. The showers that we have seen today have given some

snow here and there. Some over Exmoor and dart Moore -- Dartmoor.

The wind will peak at around 60mph at times. For all of us, the

showers continue right through until dawn. The more eastern areas

likely to see some frost too. That causes problems. There will be

showers on frozen ground and that means a high risk of ice. Many of

us starting the day cold. Tomorrow, we have a lot of showers to start.

It may be for a time that it becomes dry, even with a bit of

hazy sun, before this next wall of blue comes in. That is the next

batch of wet weather. The green colour, down here to the south-west

of the Isles of Scilly, that is heavy rain. Temperature tomorrow --

temperatures tomorrow getting up a little. The winds will become gale-

force as we move to the end of the Some big waves. They don't let up

at all. Stormy conditions on the west coast and very messy

conditions on the south. Ten-feet- Here comes the area of low. Note

the time and also where the strength of wind will be. North-