17/12/2013 Spotlight

Tonight the shocking figures which reveal the extent of excessive

drinking across the South West. Good evening. In Devon alone 40,000

people are totally dependent on alcohol. We'll hear from one

recovering alcoholic about the effects of drinking a bottle of

vodka a day. Rock bottom, I could not see any way of getting out, I

lost my job, my licence and my girl. Also tonight at the cyclist at the

centre of the doping investigation. Team Sky's Jonathan Tiernan`Locke

could face disciplinary action. As our economy starts to pick up, the

prediction that there be not be enough skilled workers. Figures

obtained by BBC South West show that there are more than 40 thousand

people in the region who are totally dependent on alcohol. There are also

more than two hundred thousand people in Devon who are 'high risk

drinkers' and are consuming more alcohol than is recommended. Kirk

England has been taking a look at the figures and hearing from one

recovering alcoholic. Now, it is tea, but it used to be vulgar, a

bottle a day. I cannot think of anything worse `` vodka. You are

completely alone, with no money with nowhere to turn. Nowhere. You

desperately need a drink, it is an awful feeling. The impact of

drinking to excess can be immense. Rock bottom, I could not see any way

of getting out, I lost my job, my licence and my girl. Local authority

figures obtained by the programme highlight how many people are

drinking more than the government recommends. In Devon, it is 140,

50,000 in Plymouth, 21,000 in Torbay and 76,000 in Cornwall and the Isles

of Scilly. Across those areas, nearly 40,000 people are totally

dependent on alcohol. Hospital treatment can be needed in the worst

cases, but many people can reduce the amount they drink with

professional help. Everybody can change, we believe that. Some people

want to be abstinent, others want to be able to get back to how they used

to be, to control their usage. It is possible, some people can do it on

their own. Others will need some more structured support and it may

be a long`term plan of reduction or perhaps medically inpatient detox.

Local authorities are responsible for public health. The County

Council is urging people to go dry in January and stop drinking to help

bring the problem under control. Joining me from our Barnstaple

studio is a counsellor with responsibility for health and

well`being in Devon. When I heard the figures, I was shocked. Nearly a

quarter of the population of Devon are drinking more than the

government recommends. What can be done to encourage people to rethink

their drinking habits? We are asking people to look at how much they

drink. We are suggesting that people have a dry January. We should all

give up drinking for 31 days. You say we all know the recommended

limits, but these figures suggest otherwise. In Devon, we are going

out and talking about the limits. What we are saying is give up

alcohol for a month and see how much better you feel. What about the help

and support for people who are totally dependent on alcohol? We

know there are 27,000 people in Devon who are addicted to alcohol

and what we are saying is please go and see your GP, there is help out

there, it is available and there is a supportive mechanism for actually

being able to give up alcohol. The worrying thing is not only the

effect on health, but also the cost to the NHS, the councils. This is a

huge burden on society. We are talking about many billions of

pounds nationally. Yes, it is a time bomb which is waiting to happen,

because as we all get older, world we have had decades of drinking too

much, that means there will be a larger burden on the NHS. Thank you.

Plymouth's professional cyclist Jonathan Tiernan`Locke is at the

centre of a doping investigation today. The 28`year`old, who's

contracted to Team Sky, could face disciplinary proceedings after the

results of a drugs test were questioned by cycling's governing

body. Dave Gibbons is with us to discuss the implications. How did

the allegation come about? It came about from the union which is the

sport's international governing body and they have asked British cycling

to instigate proceedings against Jonathan Tiernan`Locke. They insist

on regulatory anti`doping test, but they were not happy with a

particular reading taken before he signed for his current team. What is

Jonathan saying about it? He issued a statement denying the charges. He

signed a two`year deal with Team Sky in 2012, after winning the tour of

Britain. That included a leg of the King of the Mountains in Devon. You

can see him there in the orange jersey. He was very successful in

that year. Before he signed for a Team Sky, he won three major

titles. What happens now? There is? Against his career with Team Sky. He

is not going to ride for them at the moment. A decision will have to be

made. He will go all out to try and clear his name. Thank you. A

freelance presenter for BBC Radio Cornwall has appeared before

magistrates accused of sexual assault. Sixty`two`year`old Freddy

Zapp from Redruth is accused of one count of assault by beating a female

and one count of sexual assault against a female over the age of 16.

Mr Zapp who has hosted a programme on BBC Radio Cornwall since 1992 is

now due to appear before Truro Crown Court in January. The BBC says he's

currently not on air. Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner,

Martyn Underhill, is proposing to increase the amount people pay for

policing in Dorset next year by 1.95%. The money will be used to

recruit new officers and invest in new technology. The increase is

equivalent to a rise of seven pence a week per household. A 17th Century

cottage which a local council deemed too bright is being repainted. The

owners of Lantern Cottage in Kennford, near Exeter, had argued it

was the building's original colour. But Teignbridge council disagreed

and ordered them to tone it down to something slightly softer. Coming up

later in the programme... A new chapter for pubs in Cornwall taking

on a novel use and we discover the true beginnings of the Nine Lessons

and Carols. More than a hundred vacancies for apprentices are going

unfilled at companies across the region. There are concerns the lack

of trainee workers will get worse in the new year as the recovery picks

up. In particular, big construction projects such as the new towns of

Cranbrook and Sherford may struggle to find enough workers. Our business

correspondent Neil Gallacher reports. Construction could be one

of the biggest industries had to buy a skills shortage predicted by one

of the region's training providers. A company called Skills Group is

trying to fill vacancies for apprentices in a range of

industries. It is unusual at this stage of the year and the boss

thinks it reflects growth in the local economy. Before Christmas it

is usually quiet and now we have more opportunities than we can fill

and it will get busier and January. With building planned for a

Sherford, a shortage of training construction workers could become a

pressing issue. There is a big project next year, we will struggle

to cope with it if we do not have apprentices. Apprentices are paid by

the firm, but the state plays for all of the job training for

apprentices aged up to 18. The minimum wage is just ?2 68, but for

under 18 's, it is 372 and the main adult minimum wage is ?6 31.

Typically apprentices live at home and at least they are earning,

unlike many of their friends from school. What else might you have

done? Stayed in college, not earned any money, I would rather earn

money. How soon do you imagine you will be a qualified bricklayer?

Hopefully next summer. It is fairly quick. At least on this building

site there were signs of clear interest from at least one young

person keeping an eye on industry developments. Exeter is leading the

South West's way out of the economic downturn, according to a new survey.

The city's Chamber of Commerce found sales increasing at their fastest

rate in ten years, and many businesses looking to increase

investment and take on new staff. Our correspondent Simon Hall is in

Exeter. This is the Exeter Christmas market, it has brought thousands of

visitors into the city, not perhaps that Exeter really need them,

judging by the survey, the city seems to be doing very nicely. Saks

Hair is a success story. The salon has seen trade double in two years

since it opened. Business is going so well that next year they are

looking to take on another to staff. We believe the economy is buoyant

and there is a lot to look forward to `` two staff. I think the reports

will show you that it is expanding and doing better each quarter. A new

survey by the chamber of commerce has found that many other businesses

in the city are thriving. More than 60% of firms have seen an increased

`` an increase in sales in the last quarter. One third expect to recruit

new staff. More than 80% plan to give staff pay rises that after

years of wage freezes. I think Exeter is leading the way out of the

recession. We did quite well during the recession and now things are

moving. It is looking much better than it was a year ago, things are

looking good. As for the vital Christmas period, the picture is

more mixed. Exeter city centre report an increase in shoppers, but

some retailers are concerned about patchy trade. It is not yet clear

whether it will be a merry Christmas for the region's High Street. The

fair tonight is hosting an event for people and businesses who get

together on Twitter to meet up in real life. Tonight it is business

orientated, it is based around Devon Hour, a community for businesses in

Devon. The founder joins us now. How important is social media? It is

becoming really important. A lot of people are using social media

everyday. More and more businesses in Devon are signing up to it

everyday. It is really important. You have 7000 members. How are you

helping business? We have a pop`up gallery, a group of artists who came

together on Devon Hour and they set up a pop`up gallery. They have got

one in Exeter at the moment. Some fantastic artist. Good for artists

and good for the cafe. There are so many people involved. How important

do you think social media will be in the future? I think it will be

really important. People need to remember that the younger generation

are always on social media. If they are looking for products they will

look for it online. Thank you. If you're interested in Devon Hour, it

on Twitter. So we've seen a mixed picture of the economy, with signs

of recovery there in Exeter, but a battle to find enough apprentices to

fill vacancies. Meanwhile there are calls for more young people in the

South West to take up career opportunities in the Agricultural

and food industries. A three day farming course is being run for

teenagers who are not in education, employment or training so they can

get a taste of what the Agricultural industry has to offer. Johnny

Rutherford reports. Learning how to get stuck in and get your hands

dirty. These teenagers are experiencing farm life as part of a

course at this farm. These young people who are not in employment or

education sometimes can be going around feeling down and dismal

feeling they do not have much hope, and what I hope is that we will be

able to give them a taste of the things available in the role

professions and also inspire them. They may not have had the best art

and life, but that does not mean they are doomed to failure. He said

he started farming after leaving school without qualifications and

today was inspiring youngsters that it is about having a positive

attitude. The idea is to give them experience in the industry. These

are booming industries, very important to the economy. It is

giving them a chance to get involved in this sector. As part of the

experience, this jury at `` the students will gain a qualification.

I applied for an apprenticeship, what better chance to get first`hand

experience? I do not want to be behind a desk, I want to be out and

doing something. It is hoped this taster will point them towards a

career in farming. The pub and the library have been at the heart of

community life in the South West for generations, but both have had to

struggle for survival in recent years. Well in Cornwall the two are

joining forces Yes two pubs in the county are offering customers the

chance to borrow a book alongside their favourite tipple. Spotlight's

David George has been to one of them near Redruth. Starr is a cosy and

comfortable pub with a good of ales and authors. Pubs have been

diversifying as restaurants and post offices for years, but this is the

first time a full library service has been offered with the wines and

beers. This is a famous author. It is a brilliant idea. The nearest

main library is in Redruth, which is two or three miles away. The local

bus service has been cut back dramatically and it does not work as

well as it used to, so it is much better for your `` for local people

to come here. It is a new chapter and the landlord says the longer

opening hours make it ideal. It is picking up every day. People think

it is a good idea. We have signed up new members. We have lent out more

books. There is not a mad rush, but it is starting to get used. It

speaks volumes. This may not be everyone's joys of reading, but

locals here can choose what ever books they like and they will be

delivered here by the library service straight to the pub in a few

days. Cornwall has not yet closed any libraries but budget cuts mean

that the service is under review. The council says the scheme is

simply a way to make books more accessible to more people. It's a

tradition thousands of us sit down to enjoy every Christmas Eve `

Carols from King's College Cambridge. The service is based on

the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols ` which tells the story of

Jesus's birth. Most people assume it had its origins in the University

College, but in fact, it was created in Cornwall and as Nick Beake

reports it's being staged once again tonight at Truro Cathedral. The eyes

of millions are on the soloist who has the nerve wracking honour of

starting at off. The choir here have made this festive spectacle their

own, but it was Cornwall in 1880 that started this most British

Christmas tradition and today's choir at Truro Cathedral are

bringing the first service back to life. This is one of the orders of

service from 1880. It is a curious mix, some pieces are more like

musicals. I know from reading articles from the press that this

type of singing was not distinguished in churches in

Cornwall at the time. Let us see what happens. They may not have

recognised this vocal warm up back in 1880, but probably this one. They

practised 12 hours awake and learning these old pieces has been

rewarding and challenging. `` a week. We have to pronounce things

properly and there are odd gaps in the words. I have got a solo. For

others, this is not a time for pulling out all the stops, in fact

he is raining it in for a more accurate but Tory and sound. That

will be authentic. It is a bit like having a souped up car. `` Victorian

sound. From the house of beer to the house of God, but research suggests

that the service was a bit like a Christmas present to some very

disgruntled local people who had had their houses knocked down to make

way for the new cathedral. They will be hoping there is no rebellion in

the air tonight with up to 1000 people expected here to celebrate

this often forgotten Cornish invention.

It is time for the weather. Good evening. We have got some stormy

weather with us for tomorrow, more rain, possibly quite torrential,

strengthening winds, it will be quite mild tomorrow, but we do have

a warning out from 3pm tomorrow for the strength of the wind, gusting up

to 60 mph. Earlier on today, you can see that we were in between two lots

of cloud, but tonight it does not look too bad. By the time we get to

tomorrow, we have a weather front moving in bringing in moderate

outbreaks of rain, but this low pressure system will bring

torrential rain tomorrow evening. By Thursday lunchtime, that weather

front will clear and there will be showers, some cooler conditions as

well. Back to today, showery rain continuing for parts of Cornwall and

Devon. Some bright weather as well, this is how it looked earlier

today. Relatively calm conditions. To make the most of the calm

weather, it will turn stormy tomorrow. `` do make the most. If

you did see the sunshine, you are lucky. We will all have more cloud

tomorrow. For tonight, the last of the showers will clear away and we

will have some dry and clear weather. Moving into the early

hours, we will see cloud increasing from the West. The winds will

increase as well. Temperatures tonight initially will drop away

from the coast, but it should feel a bit milder by the time we get to

Thursday. We will have rain with us for much of the day and then these

winds will pick up during the afternoon. These are the average

wind speeds. You concede those fears colours, arrange is looking

torrential `` you can see those fears colours. `` strong colours.

For the Isles of Scilly, heavy rain, along with the strong to gale

force winds. The times of high water... For the surfers, you might

find cleaner waves on the north coast, but on the south coast they

will be messy. The coastal waters forecast...

Once the rain clears by the end of the day tomorrow, Thursday will have

breezy conditions, but the winds will not be as strong, there will be

showers and cooler air. All change again on Friday, try from much of

the day, but by Friday night it will be wet and windy again.

Now, before we go, it's time to hear another Christmas carol from our

choirs and singers from the four counties of the South West. This

evening it's the beautiful Coventry Carol sung by the University of

Exeter Chapel Choir recorded in the Mary Harris Chapel on the campus.

From all of us on Spotlight, goodnight.