15/03/2012 Spotlight

Another injection of cash for Cornwall's economy. The European

efforts to encourage growth. Good evening. The European grant

funding is worth hundreds of millions of pounds. But why has

Cornwall qualified again? Also tonight: There is no cause for

concern.The NHS review into multiple cancer concerns in Helston,

but campaigners remain unconvinced. And water companies say there's no

threat to supplies amid concerns over potential areas of drought.

2010, 2011, at the dries pair of years I have recorded in 50 years.

Cornwall has discovered it's on course to get ANOTHER seven years

of top-level European grant funding, worth hundreds of millions of

pounds. It's a surprise because many thought Cornwall's economy had

been sufficiently transformed. The county's had this money for more

than ten years so far. Our business correspondent Neil Gallacher

So a welcome boost for Cornish coffers or a badge of shame a

question market is down to the very latest measurement of Cornwall's

economy. Europe says that Cornwall's wealth is still low

enough to need what -- life-support. The latest figures show that its

GDP is 73 % of the European average. That is two points below the Magic

75 % level. Still low, then, despite enjoying the top level of

European grants for 12 years. So far there has been a �900 million

of grants. It has paid for changes like a university campus, super-

fast broadband and an expanded Newquay airport. And possibly even

a change in the Cornish mine said. Young people going to school,

studying here and then staying and growing their own businesses here.

We have not seen that for quite a long time. That will take time

there to see a return on the economy. The investments that we

are making are for the long term. There has been economic growth, are

just not enough of it. This is one of the fruits of that growth.

�2.8 million that we got from Europe was critical in so --

securing the funding package. That enabled us to create this amazing

attraction. Is Cornwall's economy really that bad. The chairman of

Devon's Local Enterprise Partnership believes that areas of

Devon are at least as deserving as Cornwall. A There is a lot of

frustration in the business community seeing even more funding

going into an adjacent area. This investment is not coming into the

Devon economy. Neither Cornwall and all the poorer parts of Devon can

be certain yet what help they will get from Europe in the years to

come. It does now look very much as though Cornwall will keep its place

at the head of the queue. Joining the now is the Economist

Peterborough pious. They have had many years of European funding.

think they spend the money much more successfully the second time

round. They have invested much more in strategic projects. The faster

broadband was exactly the sort of things that were important. It

would be interesting to know what percentage of the total spent has

been on these kind of strategic projects. If Cornwall deserve the

money more than it Devon, how can we judge that? Cornwall qualifies

because the qualification criterion is GDP per head. Cornwall Byrd

Cornwall will always have a low GDP per head because it has a lot of

retired people. We could well qualify for a long period of time.

There are other parts in Devon in particular which are also much less

prosperous than other parts of the UK. Torbay's GDP per head is less

than Cornwall's. It is just the way that the territory is defined.

Briefly, they are saying that they were blown off course by the

recession. Many people were blown off course, is that a fair

argument? It is it fair argument. We do not know if this is good for

Cornwall's image long term. Maybe it should move on. Certainly it has

got to be thinking of things that it will do in the future should be

you money run out. And next Monday night in a special

Spotlight debate we'll be looking at the health of the region's

economy. That on Monday at 11.05 here on BBC One.

A new NHS review of cancer cases amongst young people in Helston has

concluded there is NO cancer cluster in the town. Worried

parents and teachers contacted the authorities after a number of

youngsters in the Helston area died of bone or brain cancer in a five-

year period. It's the second time in ten years that concerns have

been raised. On both occasions reviews have found the incidence of

cancer are within the "normal" expected range. David George

reports. Mark Richardson's daughter was just

three years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 18

months ago after treatment she was given the all-clear. He remains

worried about the cause. There has been a lot of cancers in our local

area. Whether that is different from the norm, that is difficult

for us to save. There has been a lot of concern in the community. We

want to put those concerns to bed and clear the air so that everyone

knows what is going on. Worries about a cancer cluster in Helston

and the surrounding area began 10 years ago. An number of young

people died from bone and brain cancers. In 2004, an independent

investigation was carried out by the South West Cancer Intelligence

Service, involving the clinicians, academics and affected families. It

found that there was no cause for concern. A review of patient data

from 2002 has restaged a similar conclusion. You would expect to see

within a range and the number of cases we have seen in Helston is

within that normal range. The numbers are small so it is

difficult. There will be differences year on year. When you

add them up into putting a few years together you will see there

is not this difference that perhaps people are seeing locally. But I am

really interested in talking to local people about the results.

my hand I can count 10 or 12 people in the last three years who are

suffering from cancer. That is not normal. People's lives matter. If

we can save one life, isn't that worth looking more deeply and

making sure that we have got the right results and we have got

people listened to. The hero at Helston football club a petition

calling for a more in-depth investigation already has 3,000

signatures. Meanwhile, campaigners say they will take off -- take up

the offer of a face-to-face meeting to discuss the latest NHS review.

Parts of the South West are heading towards drought conditions,

according to the Environment Agency. It's worried that river levels are

running so low fish may die unless we get significant rain in the next

few weeks. And farmers are concerned they may be prevented

from taking water from rivers to irrigate their fields. If that

happens they say there could be wholesale crop failures. From

The slow shallow waters of the river in Somerset. Across the West

Country river levels are low and they are getting lower. And

according to those who have spent a lifetime monitoring the weather

this is a problem that has been a two years in the making. 2010, 2011,

the driest pair of years that I have recorded in 50 years. While

our reservoirs are healthier than elsewhere in the country and water

companies for now are insisting there is no threat she domestic

supplies, the exceptionally dry conditions of worrying Lee --

worrying the Environment Agency. They say if the levels fall much

lower the consequences will be serious. That will impact the fish

in our rivers. There will be a reduced flow and less oxygen in the

water which means that fish could be in distress and possibly die.

Farmers and growers are equally concerned about their livelihood.

Matthew is getting ready to plant 150 tonne of potatoes. That Cropper

will need rain in the weeks ahead and if it does not come, he is

worried the Environment Agency may place restrictions on farmers

irrigating their land. A am very worried that they might turn round

and tell us not to irrigate our land. We will not be able to meet

our contracts with our customers. No one is pushing the panic button

yet, but if we do not get rain soon, it will not just be the growers and

the farmers that will be feeling the pain because low crop yields

will mean that the price of basic products like this in the shops

The cattle on this Devon farm have been clear of bovine TB for years.

But last week one of the cattle failed the test. The owner says

that because one animal reacted to the test he will not be able to buy

in any more cattle for the next 60 days. He says that is bad news for

the industry, particularly for farmers finishing their cattle for

slaughter. If we do not get hold of it, the government do not get hold

of it and Europe do not get hold of it, I can see the West Country

being shut down completely with bovine TB. The agency says they

appreciate the need for strong measures to prevent bovine TB.

Farmers say that this is the best time of year when the grass is at

its best. They want to be bringing more cattle on to the land but

these restrictions mean that they cannot. The National Farmers' Union

says that the European Commission has driven the government for more

buyers restrictions. It has been implemented in the UK. We have

argued for a long time for an eradication programme. We want to

rid the country of bovine TB. Because we have such a high

incidents, we have been earmarked by the Commission as far as these

extra movement restrictions are concerned. But animal welfare

groups say that tighter restrictions were announced by the

government when it said that there was to be limited cull of badgers.

Animal welfare organisations think a lot of the answer to -- answer to

bovine TB will come from restrictions in cattle movements.

There is evidence already that this has worked. Defra said that it

makes sense the new animals are brought on to the farm after the

risk of infection to them is minimised.

With 134 days to go before the London Olympics it has been

revealed that whoever triumphs of there will be a little bit of

Cornwall on every winner's podium. Cornish tin is being used in the

manufacture of the bronze medals that will hang around the winner's

next. They are the ultimate sporting

accolade. The Olympic medals that will be hung around competitors

next. They bill can -- contain a Cornish tin. The Teahan has been

stored near Truro and the provenance of the tin can be traced

right back to Minehead. It is an incredible thing that the -- 14

years after the mine closed, tin produced by all those people

involved in mining is actually going to be used for something as

global as the Olympics. By Phil particularly proud because I have

been involved with mining here and now I have ended up producing the

tin for the Olympic's 2012. The tin hat to be refined to and 99.9 %

purity. Nothing but the best for the Olympics. I was made aware that

it was for the Olympics. It was good to know that it was for

something so important to have. actual percentage of Cornish tin in

each bronze medal is quite small. It will be about 0.5 %. This will

be mixed with copper and zinc. But there will be a little piece of

Cornwall present on every single Olympic podium.

Coming up BBC Radio Devon's David Fitzgerald finds out about School

Report day, but what have the youngsters done with him? This is

The South Western Ambulance Service will have a Hazardous Area Response

Team available from today. The team comprises of 42 ambulance

paramedics who have undergone extensive, additional training and

are able to treat patients under hazardous conditions. They'll be

based in Exeter and be available for deployment seven days a week.

The significant difference between what we were doing previously and

what we do now is the equipment that we are using. This is more

robust equipment and we have more equipment. We have an oxygen system

that can treat many patients at one time. We are able to treat lots of

patients all in one go with the right kind of kit.

More than 1,000 schoolchildren in the South West have been taking

part in this year's BBC School Report today. Schools across the

region turned their classrooms into newsrooms. Some had visits from

Spotlight. Simon Clemison was at Clyst Vale Community College in

Exeter helping to give students the opportunity to report on the issues

that they care about. Meanwhile Ivybridge Community College took

over the airwaves of BBC Radio Devon from where David Fitzgerald

can join us. Yes, I was sent back to the classroom today for BBC

School Report. Here at Ivybridge Community College I chaired our own

version of Question Time broadcast live on BBC Radio Devon earlier

this lunchtime. School Reporters were filming us, Spotlight were

filming them. All in all it was quite a day for all concerned. Our

next report, I have adjusted to take into consideration, was

partially filmed and edited and Hello. We are standing here outside

our community college aware Radio Devon transmitted their lunchtime

show. They featured David Fitzgerald's after new show in the

style of BBC Question Time. On the panel was the head teacher of the

Community College. Miss Michaella, a teacher at the school and an

Olympic medallist. The chief executive of Active Devon. And of

the superintendent of the Devon & Cornwall Police. Good afternoon and

welcome live to a Ivybridge Community College. Dreams can

happen as these students soon found out. Anyone here planning a

military career? I am planning on joining the Navy and hopefully

either going on to A-levels and joining as an officer or a

submariner. And we have another gentleman over there. Does the

situation in the world concern you that your career will be head-on

against somebody else? I was thinking about joining the

Coldstream Guards which is infantry. By the time I had will have

finished my training, we should have been pulled out of Afghanistan.

I wish both of you good luck in your military careers. The pupils

of Ivybridge Community College are quizzing a plan will today.

Next a report from two Plymouth students who've spent the day at

the heart of the Olympics. Josie and Jessica from Sir John Hunt

Community Sports College have been finding out what it takes to become

a teenage Olympian at the Olympic Park in London.

We are really excited to be here at the Olympic Park in London. In the

summer, athletes from over the world will be here competing. A

month and will be three girls from Plymouth you're like bars and still

in school. These girls have all qualified for the Games. So how do

they cope with school work and training? It is not that difficult

because we have a lot of support from the teachers. You are

obviously really tired all of the time, but knowing that you are

going to the Olympics keeps you going. I am really excited about

the Olympics and it will be a life- changing experience. The Plymouth

girls will be fighting for their chance here at the London aquatic

centre. We asked the head of the Olympics, Lord Coe, about his

advice. Find the best coach that you can. Develop a really good

relationship with your coach. Are the best things in sport never

happen overnight. It took me 12 years from the point that I joined

an athletics club when I was about 12, to get to an Olympics Games.

takes a lot of hard work and commitment to stay focused on the

Olympic training and school work. We wish them luck on their journey

ahead. We have been reporting for BBC News School Report. It has been

an incredible days here for us. You can see the talent out there. I

think we need to shape up and practice!

Sport Relief is just over a week away and many of you have been

getting ready to go the extra mile for charity. The aim is to get a

million people around the country running together next Sunday.

Natalie has been to meet two well known faces who're doing their bit

down here. We have come back up to Plymouth

Hoe is because this is where the South West flagship mile will be

held on March 25th. I've been joined by football pundit Chris

Hardy. Are you looking forward to Sport Relief? I cannot wait.

will be a great day. You have actually run the London Marathon

before. They should be a double for you. It is quite difficult because

I can lose a lot of skin. This should be quite easy for you as

well. I think so, yes, compared to epic marathons. You will try a bit

of the course together today. I would give you the microphone and

please talk it together as you run! Then, you have obviously been

through a lot, what has been the hardest thing about training?

hardest thing is looking after what is left of my leg. It is all about

taking care of that and making sure I have got the right to dressings

on just so that I can get to the finish. So it is no good me

complaining about my blisters! Why have you chosen to do the Sport

Relief Mile in Plymouth? I live in Plymouth and I have been here since

I was 10 years old. This is my home and where else better to do it?

have not picked a great day today! If you believe you can do you will

get there. You have not got to come first, you have not got to spread

all the way, just take your time and get to the finish. As long as

you get to the finish line at that is all it is about. Definitely.

was that? It was all right. Difficult to keep up. We will see

you back here on Sunday 25th March. If you would like to sign up to run,

there is still time. Just go to the Sport Relief website.

It looked misty app said today. Did We did not have any sunshine

anywhere. A big change coming up as we move into the weekend. There

will be a lot more happening, the breeze picks up and it will become

unsettled. We will also see rain. For some, that will be very welcome.

Already on the satellite picture we can feel lot more cloud streaming

in off the Atlantic. The high pressure, which has been closed by

for about a week now, is now moving out of the way. This evening and

tonight the other whether fund will get closer. -- weather front. After

that, low pressure. We will see plenty of showers on Saturday and

the showers will continue into Sunday as well. This was earlier

today. In the previous days, we have had large clove -- holes in

the cloud. To see just how cloudy it was, we sent our reporter down

to film. You can see how light winds has been, there is hardly a

wave on the ocean. Let's continue to look at what is happening

tonight. The cloud clears her bit in the far west of Cornwall now.

Then the cloud will return and it will turn misty again. Temperatures

will be similar to what we have seen for the last couple of nights.

It will be down to five or six degrees. Tomorrow, a lot of cloud

to start the day. It may brighten up in the East Devon and Dorset and

Somerset. Some sunshine may break through the cloud. For most of us

it will be another great day. The cloud will thicken in the West to

end the day with patchy rain. That will be an overnight feature

tomorrow night and into the er the hours of Saturday. Temperatures

tomorrow will be up to 11 or 12 degrees, but there will be more of

a breeze. For the Isles of Scilly, there will be patchy rain later in

On to the forecast for the coastal waters, winds will be south-

westerly. The weather will be fair at first with patchy rain later.

Into Saturday, early rain clearing and then quite heavy showers. One

or two could be thundery. It will turn cold up on Sunday with

potentially some frost on Sunday The top stories tonight: Cornwall's