03/01/2012 Spotlight

Storming into the New Year - gales and heavy rain wreak havoc for

travellers, rip down trees and cause structural damage.

Good evening. A man died today in the storms after a wave hit a

tanker in the channel. We'll be reporting from around the region

and finding out if there's more to come.

Also on Spotlight tonight - the police on the wrong side of the law.

More than 100 people serving in Devon and Cornwall Police are

exposed as having a criminal record. And trying to keep the wolf from

the door - Plymouth Albion start the year under threat of

A man has died after a wave hit a tanker in the English Channel.

Falmouth Coastguards co-ordinated the rescue in which three injured

crewmen from the Annie PG were airlifted off the vessel. One of

them later died at Derriford Hospital. The storm they were

caught up in is being described by the emergency services as the worst

of the winter so far. It's caused widespread disruption and damage

across the region. The highest wind speeds were felt

at Portland Bill. 84 mph gusts battered the Dorset coast. Western

Power Distribution estimated that at one time today more than 1,000

homes in the south west were without electricity after power

lines were brought down. Like many local authorities, Devon County

Council had a tough job keeping rural routes clear. They had 16

teams out clearing debris and removing fallen trees from roads.

Emma Ruminski reports on how the storm has affected the region.

Pushed around by the swell, this tanker was hit by a large wave

which struck two of the crew. A third was injured was trying to

help them. This footage was filmed 20 miles south of Plymouth. One of

the men died later ate in hospital. The chemical tanker is expected in

Falmouth later this evening. The gales swept across the region and

made conditions difficult for commuters. Some of the highest wind

speeds were reported in Plymouth, where there were gusts of up to 200

mph. About 7 o'clock this morning, the cladding came away because of

the bad weather. That caused us to close the road. We are waiting for

the engineers to make it safe. Countless trees were brought down.

It narrowly missed and thereby home here. Luckily, the resident of this

House live next door to a tree surgeon. I got a phone call at 5

o'clock this morning to say a tree had been blown over. I came up and

I am dealing with it now. I will make it also unsound. Torquay's

high-flying balloon also fell victim to the storms. Despite being

strapped down, it was ripped apart by the wind early this morning. But

it was not only the south coast that got battered by the Wenger. --

by the wind. On the north Cornwall coast it is absolutely atrocious.

It is difficult to stand upright again as the sheer force of this

wind. North Devon was not spared either. Driving conditions were

challenging. It is easy to see why the emergency planners say it it is

the worst winter weather we have had so far. In the early hours, we

cannot see what is going on, so we are reliant on people calling in. A

lot of the time, people will get out of their vehicles and shift

debris. The community has assisted us throughout the morning. Fallen

trees also brought down power lines in Cornwall. At one stage 1,000

homes in the South West were without electricity. Engineers are

working it to connect people. Let us find out more about the

weather. How bad things get a day? Well, it is the worst spell of

weather we have seen so far this winter because of the impact it has

had. We have had up to 50 mm of rain falling in a short space of

time and also unbelievably strong wings macro. We did have some son

in Plymouth this afternoon and in other parts of the region. It

seemed to calm down. What about tonight? All the water is yet to

run away. The Environment Agency has several flood warnings out. If

you need more information, you can Also, there is a risk of further

rain towards the end of the day tomorrow. Thank you. We will have

more on the weather later. Social care is no longer fit for

purpose, according to the Minister for Care Services. Paul Burstow was

speaking on a visit to Cornwall where he heard concerns from the

elderly and their carers. He promised to overhaul the system,

but a group campaigning for higher standards in care homes says it

wants action from the government, not more broken promises.

It is nice here. Really lovely. Beautiful. It was a few years ago

it that Mike noticed his memory was failing. He went with his wife to

have a brain scan and that doctors diagnosed the Vascular dementia.

bit of panic, I think. Mike was panicking more than me. We thought

it was away lives finished and we couldn't cope, but we can. They

have now joined a memory cafe where other families who are going

through it similar problems made up. Today, the care Minister came here

to find out more about the cafe and listened to concerns. Paul Burstow

praised the service here, but his visit comes on the day the

government was criticised for failing to meet the needs of an

increasingly ageing population. One local campaigner agreed that

standards of care in many homes in Cornwall were poor. In the final

years of their life they are not receiving what they deserve and

they can become withdrawn, very lonely, angry, some give up and

want to die because it is easier than living in those conditions.

The minister said a White Paper would be published in the spring.

We cannot stay where we are. We have a system that was fit for

purpose perhaps the 1940s, but not for the 21st century. It does not

give people dignity or control over their own lives and that is why we

need to reform social care and in the White Paper will set out the

details of how we will do that. what the cost of care soaring, any

reform will need to involve families and the community, taking

responsibility for all our future lives.

Almost 130 police officers, special constables, and community support

officers in the south west have criminal convictions, according to

figures revealed under the Freedom of Information Act.

Avon and Somerset Police said they had the lowest figure, with just

two serving officers having convictions. Dorset Police reported

16. Devon and Cornwall Police said they had 111.

Our Home Affairs Correspondent Simon Hall joins us now from Devon

and Cornwall Police Headquarters in Exeter. Why is Devon and Cornwall's

figure so much higher? This is due to the way different forces respond

to Freedom of Information Act requests. Some give more

information than others. What sort of the fences are we talking about

that officers have committed? the case of Devon and Cornwall

Police, that vast majority of offences were committed before

staff joined the police force. They tend to be for less serious things,

petty crime. But there are some serious offences in there as well,

for example, burglary. In the case of officers committing offences was

they are serving, they tend to be minor matters, such as driving

offences. We take the professionalism of our stop very

seriously indeed. We always review any incidents where officers have

got into trouble. We have a presumption which says they will

lose their jobs or be dismissed if they get convicted of a criminal

conviction. And what are the guidelines on police officers been

employed it they have got criminal records? The Home Office guidance

is straightforward. Potential recruits should be rejected if they

have committed serious offences, unless there are exceptional

circumstances. Thank you. A health charity is warning

pensioners in the south west to get their seasonal flu jab to reduce

the risk of catching the potentially fatal illness. The

British Lung Foundation says a recent survey shows that those most

at risk are more likely to take measures to protect their property

from burglary than they are to protect their own health.

Representatives from the British Lung Foundation were in a shopping

centre in Torquay advising people to get their jabs. It is easy to do.

Go to your GP and they would do it for you. There is a large elderly

population here and many of them have not been vaccinated against

flu. I it really don't want any more chemicals put in my body. I

take enough tablets as it is. the time they were doing them at my

surgery where I go, I had flu at the time, so I could not go at that

time. It seems many people think of blue as something slightly worse

than a cold, but for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the

risks are much greater. But government recommends anyone over

age of 65 has the vaccination. do quite well, but we can do better.

It is an opportunity to avoid infections that could lead to a

deterioration in people's conditions. There are a lot of

people that should have a vaccination and they haven't. A lot

of them don't understand though and that is why we are here. The people

surveyed in Devon were more likely to insure the contents of their

homes then get vaccinated against flu.

The former administrators of Plymouth Argyle have apologised to

supporters who received debt demands on Christmas Eve. Fans were

angered when demands for money from the accountancy firm P&A

Partnership arrived on their doorsteps. Many claim the letters

offered little explanation of why the money was owed. Today, Argyle's

new owner James Brent said the club will be contacting the

administrators on behalf of fans. Meanwhile, Brendan Guilfoyle, the

former joint administrator, told Spotlight that, With hindsight we

can see that the letter was poorly worded and insensitively timed. He

says he has written a personal apology to everyone who received

the original letter. The international helicopter

company Pegasus has announced plans for a new UK headquarters at Tamar

Science Park in Plymouth. The science park is part of a local

group working to encourage businesses to come to the south

west. Coming up - how did your local side get on in the local

derbies and find out why this man is giving up his pensions and

selling his home to start a new life.

An area of North Devon recognised by the United Nations as one of the

most important wildlife habitats on earth has been shortlisted for a

government improvement scheme. If the North Devon Biosphere's bid is

successful it could bring up to �4 million worth of investment to the

area. Broughton Burroughs is probably the most well known corner

of the biosphere. It covers a large area of the coast. Bias their

reserves are places with world- class environments. Rare species

would benefit from the investments here and the money would be a boost

for an area that has remained out of sight and out of mind for money.

It is recognised as one of the top 500 places in the world and we

should be making more of that. We need to get people involved. Byers

there is a scientific name, but it is about North Devon and the

wildlife. That is a really good selling point. It is hoped that the

future of this waterway will be secured. We had invertebrates hair

that can live up to 200 years, but if they are not in good conditions

in the water then they do not breed. The ones we have with in the

biosphere have not bred for a long time. The North Devon Byers there

is also investigating other ways of generating income. -- North Devon

Biosphere. One idea is to generate money to help protect the one of

the top areas in the world. It's time for the sport now and we

start the New Year with some not so good news.

Plymouth Albion are the latest of our clubs to have financial

troubles. The board of the Championship rugby side will meet

shareholders tomorrow to try and find around �200,000 to stave off

the threat of administration. Albion have had a turbulent time of

late. Last week head coach Peter Drury it was forced to leave after

the sponsor paying his wages pulled out at the club. It happened after

the sponsor found out that Albion have more financial problems than

was first realised. The crowds have dropped a here and also at the

economic downturn has contributed to the club's problems. It looks as

the 2012 will be a tough year for Albion. They have no head coach and

they are second from bottom in the championship table. Despite that,

they won their first game in seven as they beat Doncaster 18-six on

Friday. -- 18-6. Looking elsewhere in the

Championship and the Cornish Pirates are now well adrift of top

spot after losing 32-13 at top- placed Bedford on New Year's Day.

The Exeter Chiefs may have lost to runaway leaders Harlequins on New

Year's Eve in the Premiership, but their close 11-9 loss will give

them heart for their key clash at bottom side Newcastle on Saturday.

To football, and there were two local derbys on offer yesterday.

Torquay completed a league double over Plymouth at Home Park. At St

James Park, Exeter City and Yeovil Town drew for the second time this

season. Earlier, our football pundit Chris Hargreaves, who played

for both Plymouth and Torquay, popped in to look back at the

action from what is traditionally an incredibly busy time for sport.

Out of the four clubs, I think Torquay will be the most pleased

over the football period. If we can move to yesterday's game.

Exeter and Yeovil and met again and drew again. Quite frustrating. Both

managers said they were pleased with the result, but Yeovil had

slightly the better half in the first half. The second half was all

Exeter, even though they fell behind with this goal. We have

talked about it before, the way that Exeter play, they keep going,

they do not panic and they will always come up with the goals. It

is frustrating there because three points would have been better for

both. They do look as if they are struggling. Not a panic for either,

but it could be better. Let's move to League Two. I did want limit to

win so they survived, but Torquay were the better side. I think the

shape was totally wrong for Plymouth in the second half. A

great goal here and it was total dominance. You have to hand it to

Plymouth for plugging away, but problems. The manager his

inexperience, there is no chief- executive. The Vance-Owen plays,

but there is no direction or structure on or off the pitch. It

is about time. What do they have to do? They have to do something very

quickly. A couple of new players, front and back. They need more on

and off the pitch. Briefly, everybody always looks at the

Christmas standings. It is not looking brilliant for any of our

sight apart from Torquay, is it? isn't. There are 22 players let --

there are 22 games left, so we will say.

That's all the sport for now. We'll keep you up to date with anything

that happens this week, including the meeting at Plymouth Albion

tomorrow evening. Any resolutions? Diet! You don't need it. That's my

resolution, to be nice to my colleagues.

Now the start of a new year often prompts many of us to re-assess our

lives and make drastic changes. Sometimes those plans come to

nothing, but one man in Cornwall is going ahead with his life changing

decision. At the age of 66 the former serviceman is selling his

home and giving up his pensions as he prepares to join the ranks of a

very special group of people. Spotlight's Matt Pengelly has been

finding out more. Peter Claydon served in the armed

forces for 23 years. His career took him all over the world - to

Bosnia, Belize and the Falkland Islands. He finished with a stint

in Cornwall's recruiting office. He is now 66 years old and is about to

leave and join a new regiment - the Chelsea pensioners. They are all or

soldiers. I was talking to them the other day and they said, you know,

where ever you go, people respect you. They go all over the world

doing events. There will be off to the football matches, theatres and

Remembrance Day. There are so many things going on there. It is

wonderful. That is what I want to do. Not that I do not like when I

am now, but there is more to do there. The Royal Hospital Chelsea

was founded in 1682 for the sucker and relieved of veterans broken by

age and war. Joining today's men in scarlet was a big decision for

Peter. He is selling his home and giving up his army pensions. He is

looking forward to it though. give me immense proud. -- it will

give me immense pride. I will still think about Cornwall. Memories

always come to the fore and I am sure Cornwall will come amongst

them. Good luck to Peter there, joining the ranks of the Chelsea

pensioners. Let's have a look at the weather now.

It will still be windy tonight, but the good news is the rain has moved

away. But that, many people will breathe a sigh of relief that we

will not see as much work weather over the next 24 hours. Tonight,

apart from one or to showers, P wind is still with us. The rain has

moved out of the way. -- the wind. On Portland, we had not just the

rain, but severe gusts of wind, up to 84 mph. The main problem will be

the water that needs to run off the moors and the hills. There are

several flood warnings and if you need to find out more information,

you can call fat line. -- Flight -- floodline. There are fewer showers

left behind and still quite windy, but nowhere near as bad as it was

earlier. The cloud will produce outbreaks of light rain or drizzle

tomorrow. We have another weather system travelling down from the

north-west which will bring us rain overnight into the early hours of

Thursday morning. It should be gone by lunchtime BO. There are some

showers still left behind, some gathering over southern Ireland

that could come away overnight. For many, these guys will be clear or

later Ron, which means it will turn quite cold. Temperatures down to

four or five degrees, but enough breeze to keep their air moving to

prevent any frost. -- the air. Quite mild around the coastline and

the further west you are. Tomorrow, a quiet start to the day. The

breeze will increase and by the time we get to the afternoon, the

winds will be heading towards gale- force. Temperatures getting up to

nine Oct ten degrees which is the best it can expect tomorrow. --

nine or ten degrees. Herr other times of high water. -- here are

the times of high water and challenging Sir -- surf tomorrow.

Here is the forecast for the rest of the week. For Thursday, a strong

at North West breeze, but gaps in the cloud will print some bright

spells. Saturday, a bright start, but we the risk of rain or later. -

- with that the risk of rain later. Reminder of the top stories - two

men have been convicted of the murder of the London teenager