10/01/2014 Spotlight

A vital link for the village which has become an island but it's

costing ?1,000 a day. Good evening. The new boat is

helping villagers reach the outside world, in some cases for the first

time this year. We have had wonderful volunteers coming in and

out, bringing of things, which is great, but to know that you can get

out yourself is great. As a leading union says migrant

workers to pay their way, an interpreter here in the South West

says it's still too easy for them to claim benefits. They call this

country the field of wonders because it is so easy to get easy money.

And he's the feisty ferret who can't find a home ` Grumpy Gareth is

causing a rumpus at this animal rescue centre.

A village which has been totally cut off by flooding has now been

provided with a vital link to the outside world. A boat costing ?1,000

a day is helping to get vital supplies into Muchelney on the

Somerset levels. It's also helping people who need to leave what is now

effectively an island community. But as Sally Challoner now reports,

there are growing demands for a longer term solution to reduce the

risk of such severe flooding. Sunrise over the Somerset levels.

But while the views are stunning, life here at the moment is less so.

At least villagers from Muchelney have been able to get to the

mainland today. They have been marooned since before the New Year.

Wonderful. Finally! So it's a relief. Do you know what I mean?

Just to know that you can get in and out. We have had wonderful

volunteers coming in and out, bringing us things, which is great.

But to know that you yourself can get out is great. And they are here

all day at our beck and call! What more can you ask for? ! The boat has

been paid for by the County Council but the local MEP says that is a

sticking plaster on a problem that needs major surgery. I think we need

to be looking at how we deal with water management and whether taking

decisions centrally in the Environment Agency is the right

thing. Whether we shouldn't be looking at setting up again local

drainage boards with representatives of local landowners, local councils,

local water companies to make sure that local people who know the area

are taking the decisions about where the water goes. There is no arguing

with the need. This is the main road to Muchelney. Homes and businesses

are submerged too. The clean`up bill is likely to be huge. There is

European money available. ?? CYAN We have the opportunity to apply for

funding under the European Union Solidarity Fund. We did so five

years ago, after the flooding in Gloucestershire. We got some ?30

million to help us with the clean`up. I want to see the

Government putting in that application within the ten week

deadline period and making sure that the people who have suffered are

getting some help in the clean`up. While some here are getting used to

the attention their situation is creating, most just want life to get

back to normal. Well, the BBC's Jon Kay is in

Muchelney tonight for a special programme coming up on BBC One later

this evening. A short time ago he described the latest situation

there. Well, this village is still an island community tonight and the

church here has basically become a community centre, a place where

people can come and pray and have a time of reflection as they worry

about what happens next and what will happen to their flooded

properties. It is also a place where they can pick up their groceries

that are brought in by rescue boats from the supermarkets in other

towns. The post also here. This is the hub where people wait to be

returned to normality. The key men this afternoon on one of those

boats. Just as we did a couple of days ago. `` we came in. The water

levels have dropped a little bit, about three inches. The other day,

we were going right over the top of some submerged cars. Now, the roof

of the car is with Acorn on the top to make sure the boats realise they

are there have become visible. `` with Acorn not on the top. They are

in it for the duration. They think it could be a couple of weeks before

this please is fully opened up. In the meantime, supplies will keep

coming in by boat. People will have to keep trying to get on with life,

get out to their jobs and get back to you. It is going to be difficult

weekend and a difficult week ahead. Meanwhile, the recent storms have

raised concerns about the stability of the region's cliffs. Walkers are

being warned to take extra care on the coastal footpath. There have

already been a number of land slips and there are fears that the recent

heavy rain may cause further problems. Eleanor Parkinson reports.

Heavy rain followed by a very dry or very cold weather is bad news for

the coastal footpath. Last year in Cornwall, 30 stretches of the

footpath had to be closed because of landslides. This week, a section of

the footpath in Devon has been shot after cracks began appearing on the

ground. Council workers have been assessing the recent damage in

Cornwall and walkers have been asked to look out for any problems. We

would welcome members of the public reporting to any cracking around the

coast path. It is quite obvious. You will see very distinct, linear

cracks. You will also start to see some. If you do, walk away from them

straightaway and then report into the council and we will deal them.

In some parts of the coastline, there have been problems. There has

been a landslide here. From the top of the clip, you can see how the

grass, youth and rock has broken away, falling 100 feet into the sea.

`` grass, moss and rock. This couple are holiday. You have to be careful,

any time of the year, but especially this time of year, it is very

slippery. You have to take care. High winds, rain. I am more a fewer

than a walker! Walkers are also being asked to avoid slipways and

harbour walls on Sunday when the wet and windy weather is predicted to

return. Onto other news.

There's a distinct difference of opinion tonight on the contribution

that migrant workers make to the economy of the South West. On the

one hand, the TUC has released a guide saying that migrant workers

pay 34% more in tax than they take out in public services. But on the

other, an interpreter in Cornwall, who helps migrant workers fill in

benefits forms, says the system is simply too easy. John Henderson

reports. A homage to Cornish labour's past.

This week, politicians talked tough about migrant workers and their

benefits. UKIP leader Nigel Farage said they should only be paid out

after five years. In Redruth, that went down well. We haven't got any

money anyway. So please can we, sort of, sort out the things we need to

sort out here and not pay money on anybody else? Yeah, at the moment it

seems like you're coming across and you're instantly getting a free

ticket straight into the system. And this Russian interpreter says the

system is too easy, after helping clean benefits for many immigrants.

They call this country Field of Wonders because it is so easy to get

easy money and it is easier to get benefits and do nothing than to

work. The TUC says immigrants bring more benefits to the UK and the

south`west. The union says migrants pay 34% more in income tax than they

take out in terms of public services. Down here in the West

Country, immigration is a very small part of the economy. We're talking

about 6% or something like that, in terms of foreign population. And

many are coming here to do important jobs or the jobs that local people

simply do not want to do. ?? WHITE It might be small but it is still

visible. Polish shops in Plymouth. But immigration divides opinion. You

know, they're taking the jobs off us so I'm not happy. If they're here to

work there then I think everybody has their rights. ?? YELLOW Jobs in

this country should go to people in this country. If you've got more

diversity coming in... Well, it can't only be but it is mostly a

good thing. Whether immigration is good or bad, one thing is clear,

controlling it is not easy. Unions are warning that Torbay

Council might not be viable as an authority in five years' time, if it

continues with severe budget cuts. The union, the Torbay and District

Trades Council, says the ?27 million the local authority has to save over

the next two years could force it to merge with another council.

Our South Devon reporter John Ayres has more.

Just four years ago, Torbay was celebrating the opening of a stock

Centre which provides accommodation and support for homeless people. It

could now lose half its funding from Torbay Council, putting the centre

at risk. What it will clearly do, you will see increases in

anti`social behaviour, hospital admissions through AMD. Much of the

work that we do is not just about preventing homelessness, it is

associated behaviours that may go with it. Like most local

authorities, Torbay council is having to make large cut of the

result of a reduction in the grant from central government. When you

have to make such large cuts, how do you protect the most vulnerable?

Toby's budget which helps vulnerable groups is facing a cut of 73%. I do

not want to help any Torbay that turns its back on the needy. When

there are people sleeping in doorways, no help for elderly people

who want to carry on living in their own homes, no support for people

battling drug and alcohol addictions. I don't want to live in

a place like that. I want to live any just and decent Toby. The cuts

will also have a big impact on jobs. The unions fear the council

will no longer be valuable in four years' time. We will end up having

to look at other options, sharing services with different councils.

Probably, what may happen at a later date, a merger of a whole South

Devon youth authority. The mayor himself admits the

authorities might have to share some services in the future but is

confident they can help any of the groups that are now facing cuts. We

would not have done it at all we have been forced to do them by the

members of Parliament and budgetary situation in this country. We have

to find a way around it, find new ways of undertaking things, working

together in partnership with the Health Service and voluntary

organisations and we can probably help some of these organisations

working with us to overcome some of these problems.

A final decision on Toby's what it is expected in the next few weeks.

`` Toby's budget. Also coming up:

Gibbons will have a week ahead to the sporting action. Also:

Finally honoured for their bravery ` veterans of the Arctic Convoys

receive their medals at a special ceremony.

And running amok at the rescue centre, Grumpy Gareth the ferret

just can't get on with his neighbours.

`` the Cornish entertainer Freddie Zap has pleaded not guilty to sexual

assault at Crown Court. The offences are alleged to have taken place last

year. He has been released on bail and will face trial later this year.

The largest joint police operation of its kind in the country to ways

in Plymouth overnight, targeting illegal drug use. 40 officers, along

with sniffer dogs from the Navy, Devon and Cornwall Police and the

MoD took part in the patrols in the city centre. `` took place in

Plymouth. Spotlight's Anna Varle went out with them.

Two teams, three sniffer dogs and undercover CID. Their first stop was

the Union Rooms. The officers secured the site and then the dogs

were sent in. There were 150 patrons within the pub. It was surrounded by

officers, secured and the successful drug search was completed with no

arrests. No arrests? None. Is that surprising? Not surprising.

Hopefully that is indicative of the rest of the night. This was just the

first of eight bars and clubs to be searched. Many of the officers had

never worked together before. We have started working on lot more

closely with Devon and Cornwall Police and our volition chip has

flourished. It seemed only right and proper that we moved to the next

scale and escalate things to the next level and move our operations

in and work together. The goal of the operation was to test whether

combining operation of resources on such a larger scale would work in

detecting drug use in personnel and civilians. The naval police were

responsible for arresting those in the forces. Devon and Cornwall

officers were concentrating on everyone else. The military police

have a much tougher set of regulations around the use of drugs.

The tolerance drug policy. For them, it is a greater level of

punishment. The police say that Plymouth has no greater problem with

drug use than any other busy city in the country. But what they have been

doing for the last nine months is focusing on the higher offences, the

drug trafficking offences, not the straight possession offences that we

have seen tonight. That is what this operation is all about. It is going

to kick`start a new way of making sure premises Mickeys remain

drug`free. `` premises like these. There have been eight was that of

detection. One female has been arrested. On the partnership side,

all for half a foot together. It has gone smoothly and we look forward to

further working together in the future. `` we have worked very well

together. With ever`increasing cuts to the

forces, it is hoped that pooling resources will significantly reduce

drug misuse in the city. Time for the sport and Dave's here

with a new bowling sensation in English cricket. It's about time we

had one! You can say that again but don't.

Hello. Exeter Chiefs, virtually out of

rugby's European Heineken Cup, can still qualify for the Challenge Cup,

providing they win their final two pool ties ` Glasgow Warriors at

Sandy Park tomorrow and at Cardiff Blues in a week's time.

Dave Lewis retains his place as scrum`half after scoring for the

Chiefs in last week's narrow loss to Wasps. Henry Slade partners him at

fly`half, while full`back Luke Arscott captains Exeter. Head coach

Rob Baxter makes 11 changes in total.

Well, we're halfway through the football season and Yeovil Town need

to reenergise if they're to avoid an immediate return to League One.

It's a difficult start to the second half of the Championship campaign

for manager Gary Johnson against the second`placed team Burnley at Huish

Park. The big match in League Two is at Home Park, where two in`form

teams meet head on ` Plymouth Argyle and Southend. Jason Banton is back

at Argyle after re`joining them from Crystal Palace on a permanent basis.

The 21`year`old scored six goals whilst on loan at the Pilgrims last

season. Even though we were in a relegation battle last year, I kind

of played with the freedom of just being there to help. I really

enjoyed it last year and hope fully more of the same.

Exeter City have lost three out of their last four matches in League

Two, so will need to stabilise at Bristol Rovers tomorrow. They've

dropped into the lower half of the table and need another of their

impressive away performances to give them a fillip. It's Chris

Hargreaves' first match in charge of struggling Torquay United, after his

appointment this week. It's at AFC Wimbledon, with the new incumbent

admitting he's a little nervous about his managerial debut. I will

be nervous in a good way, a good way. I am going to walk out there

and be really proud that I have got a team and I am leading the team out

and then I want them to look at me on that side and work for me.

England's cricket team may be in tatters, but could a partnership in

the South West help produce the next fast bowling star? Aadil Rashid has

teamed up with former Somerset cricketer Steffan Jones in a bid to

make his dream of bowling at 90mph a reality. Andy Birkett went to find

out more. He may have hung up his boots but

Stephan has now turned his attention to the next generation. And he has

found the perfect people. He has the most biomechanical efficient action

I have seen any youngster. It is really explosive at the crease. He

has a long delivery stride, a greater delay on the right side of

his body. He uses stored energy in his right side, in his hips. He can

bowl genuinely quickly for his age. Yes just concerned `` he has just

turned 16 and has moved from Birmingham to take advantage of

Stephan's expertise. It is not just cricket, body wise, I have grown up

and still maturing so I am learning every day. His training is tailored

for power and speed but his bowling at 90 mph, is it a realistic ago?

Bear I think it is incredibly realistic. `` with the structure and

support I have, I think it is a great goal to achieve. His natural

ability, I believe you can do it. England are crying out for fast

bowlers at the moment. We do not have a Mitchell Johnson and I think

we do have one here at this school. What is it being likes to get the

other end? With your money where your mouth is! Put your pants on,

yet in there and face him. Sensibly, I declined. Would you? !

We have Mitchell Johnson lined up for UNIX. Take care!

Finally, the Zara Phillips`trained horse Youhavetoo features in the

maiden race at Sunday's point to point meeting at Black Forest Lodge

at Kenton near Exeter. The first race is at 12 noon. Try to get

along. Hopefully it will be a nice day.

Hope so. A special ceremony took place today

in Somerset to honour the efforts of some of the forgotten heroes of

World War Two. Ten Arctic Star medals were presented to those who

helped supply Russia in the Arctic Convoys, which lasted throughout the

war. The Government introduced the medals in 2012, more than six

decades after the conflict ended. Hamish Marshall was at the ceremony

in Yeovilton. It was 8/2 but a vital job. `` a

tough but vital. The Arctic convoys delivered aid to the Soviet Union

during the Second World War, running the gauntlet of submarine, flight

and surface ship attacks. The main thing was the cold. Not only was it

absolutely freezing on the deck with the wind, but the thought that if my

single engine aircraft, if the engine failed, I would be in the

waters of minus 10 Celsius. That is what frightened me most, I think. If

the engine stopped and I had to land in the water. This is a long serving

member of the helicopter test pilot. John received one of ten Arctic Star

medals today. The chance to remember and to share stories. It was

necessary because the Russians wanted all the ornaments, aircraft,

tanks, lorries, everything that a country needs to keep the services

and the army going. Today's fitting, in an area of a museum which

commemorates the battle of the Atlantic, was very appropriate. The

idea of bringing the Bollinger and having a naval officer give out the

medals was a privilege. How nice is to have the recognition question and

clamour it is very nice but I would like to know why they have get it

for so long! To many, the medals have come too late. Sadly, three of

those who should have been here today have died.

The incredible veterans of the Arctic convoys.

A feisty ferret is causing a kerfuffle at a Plymouth rescue

centre. Grumpy Gareth has such a bad attitude problem nobody wants to

adopt him. He was taken home by new owners but

they marched him back to the isolation wing of Woodside's high

security Ferret fun house because he can't get along with other ferrets.

Johnny Rutherford has been to meet him.

He has taken his life into his own hands!

Meet Gareth, a five`year`old white albino ferret has a bit of an

attitude rotten so he gets called Grant `` Grumpy Gareth. Somebody

called him Victor Meldrew the other day but he is happy. He is

misunderstood, not grumpy. He is set in his ways. He knows what he likes

and likes what he knows, I think. This area is the ferret fun house

but unfortunately for Grumpy Gareth, he is not allowed to play

with the others because he is not very sociable. Instead, he has his

own bachelor pad. You're not really grumpy, are you, Gareth? I think his

yellowing meets believe he is. Most people looking for ferrets are

looking for a companion for an existing ferret so obviously they

are sociable, living in families of more than eight. Him, he is just a

little loner, unfortunately. He did find a home but the people

wanted more of an indoor ferret and Gareth likes the outdoors and was a

bit mischievous. Our ferrets good pets yes.

Very sociable, Hannibal, a great laugh to watch and play. People take

them out on harnesses to walk. `` very sociable, funny.

Oh, dear little Gareth! Misunderstood, not grumpy. He

reminds me of someone, just in. Now, with a look at the weekend

weather prospects, reminds me of someone, just in.

Now, with here's Kawser. More in the way of cloud around this

evening and some patchy light rain making its way across us but it will

clear for tomorrow. Tomorrow, the start of the weekend, dry, bright

weather with sunshine, surprisingly. It will be a pleasant

day. Feeling quite cool was later winds. A crisp, winter day in four

before more in the way of cloud and rain to end the weekend on Sunday.

This week weather front is what is raining the cloud this evening but

it will clear through so for tomorrow, we are looking at much

more in the way of sunshine, with high pressure building for the day.

Later winds, as I mentioned, but look behind me, the next area of low

pressure and weather fronts which will come towards us for Sunday. A

brief respite from the stormy weather. For Sunday, wet, windy

weather. Look at how to get isobars are. It will be strengthening winds

throughout the course of the day but not as much rain as we have seen

lately. For this evening, that light, patchy rain will continue to

clear through and by the early hours, under the clear skies,

editors are likely to fall. In towns and cities, we are looking at around

Celsius but it will be cooler in rural spots. The dot of frost and

also from icy stretches. In fact, there was a Met Office be aware

warning for the risk of some ice on untreated roads and pavements. Take

care of your out and about tomorrow. Tomorrow itself, the cloud will thin

and break and we will see sunshine in the forecast. The winds will be

lighter but it is quite chilly. Temperatures in towns and cities

around nine or 10 Celsius at best. In the sunshine, with those later

winds, it will be a nice day as long as you're up top fairly warmly. For

the alpha silly, after any rain clears away, we're looking at a dry

day, a brighter day with sunshine, like twins but feeling quite cool.

`` the Isles of Scilly. The coastal waters forecast for

tomorrow, the winds are south`westerly, bearing northerly.

There will be some occasional rain to start the day but generally, we

are looking at mostly dry conditions and some occasional moderate

visibility but generally quite good. The outlook then, tomorrow is the

better day of the weekend. Some crisp sunshine, lighter winds,

before more in the way of cloud and rain to come later in the day on

Sunday. Rather unsettled conditions for the start of next week also. Not

a significant amount of rain but we are looking at around 50 millimetres

but falling on already saturated ground and from swollen rivers. ``

15 millilitres. If you are concerned, this is the flood plain

number. Had a great weekend. Well, at the end of a week in which

the forces of nature have dominated the news yet again, we'll leave

tonight with some of the pictures showing the effects of the storms.

There are also many more of your pictures of the severe weather on

the BBC Spotlight Facebook page. From all of us here, goodnight.