16/07/2014 Spotlight

resulted in the arrest of up to 600 Calls for better housing for

disabled people. One woman tells Spotlight her living condithons are

Victorian. Good evening. Sud Freer has to eat and sleep in the same

room because there's no suitable housing for her to move in to.

I have to strip wash in my kitchen. There is no privacy, no dignity My

world exists is like my lounge is my bedroom and my kitchen is mx

bathroom. Also tonight, traffic chaos. The

only motorway route into thd region has been closed for most of the day,

following a serious accident on the M5.

And a baby boom for the beavers living on the River Otter. But the

family could still be moved on. There are nearly a million

registered disabled people hn the Southwest, accounting for ndarly 20%

of the population. One charhty says a lack of suitable homes me`n some

are struggling to maintain living conditions. A Devon woman who has to

wash in her kitchen sink, and who effectively lives in just one room,

says her situation is Victorian Sophie Pierce reports.

This is my world. It has bedn for the last two years. This is my

lounge. As you can see, it's also my bedroom. As you can see. Now, I will

show you where I have to go out to the toilet every day. The door has

been removed, because I could not get a wheelchair in there. Ht means,

if I need to go to the toildt, there is no privacy. I have to ask people

to leave. It is totally Victorian. Toilets are not supposed to be

public viewing. They are me`nt to be private, you know. Two years ago,

Sue Freer had an accident and ended up in a wheelchair. Since then, she

has not been able to use her upstairs bedroom and bathroom. Sue's

landlord is Westward Housing, which says it has tried all it can to help

Sue move. The biggest probldm is the fact that she has been on the

waiting list now for two ye`rs. She has got the highest banding, so

Torbay Council have recognised that she's got a need. They have given

her the highest banding banding for her to bid for properties. But of

course, there just aren't enough properties that will meet hdr needs

available. A national charity for disabled people says Sue's hs not an

isolated case. And is an issue which needs to go up the political agenda.

At the moment, there is a bhll in Parliament that sets out thd

building regulations. The w`y in which new properties need to be

built. You could make a tinx change to that, so that new houses have to

be built to these adaptable standards. And that more hotses need

to be built to fully wheelchair accessible standards.

They need to listen to us who say, look, we need purpose`built

property. We need our dignity. And we need to feel human. With no

prospect of a bungalow any time soon, Sue will simply have to

continue to cope with the unsuitable living conditions.

There have been long delays on the main route into the region today,

after a serious crash closed the M5 in Somerset. It happened between

Bridgwater and Taunton in the early hours, but the effects are still

being felt tonight. Andrew Plant reports.

Miles of tailbacks and diversions lasting three hours and mord.

Sneaking not just along the M5, but every available exit, causing chaos

and huge waiting for anyone heading south stop it is an absolutd

nightmare. The traffic was bad, trying to get out of the was chaos.

This was half a mile north of the turn`off at Taunton, a lorrx lying

as if asleep, from three o'clock this morning and police rescue crews

working to try to clear the lanes, but moving this fallen giant was not

simple. The road was closed for more than ten hours before policd managed

to open one of the lanes, the outs they carried weight, and yot can

probably see why it has been slow, that order and lorry was across all

three lanes and it has taken recovery teams all morning `nd part

of the afternoon to get it on its wheels and drag it a few metres

Thousands of drivers to divdrsions and for businesses it meant massive

delays. Normally 30 minutes into work, but it took 90 minutes. It is

not clear what caused the crash The driver of the audience lorrx is

still in hospital tonight in a serious condition and the effect is

still being felt, with the hnside lane and hard shoulder closdd while

the crash barriers are repahred overnight.

Almost 40 people have been `rrested across the South West as part of a

major police operation against online paedophiles. All are

suspected of downloading indecent images of children. Our homd affairs

correspondent Simon Hall reports. This is the result of a six`month

operation by the new Nation`l Crime Agency. And it has led to a

substantial number of arrests across the South West of people suspected

of downloading indecent images of children from the Internet. This is

the breakdown in the number of arrests.

There were the most in Devon, with 29. In Dorset, there were ehght

arrests. And in Avon and Solerset, there were two arrests.

Detectives see this operation as important, because they know that

people who download indecent images of children online often go on to

commit actual physical abusd. And the police want to intervend to

prevent that from happening. ?? YELLOW We want to send a very strong

and clear message to paedophiles who are using the Internet to access

indecent images of children. It is not a safe place for them to do

this. We will find them. Because every time somebody goes online and

does this type of activity, they leave a digital footprint. We will

find that and we will use that in evidence. And we will come knocking

on people's doors with a warrant and we will then seize their colputers

and eventually find the evidence which may lead to their prosecution.

One important point to menthon. Any children who these potential

offenders may have had access to have now been safeguarded bx the

police and social services. Now detectives have seized a substantial

amount of evidence as part of this operation. Mainly computers and hard

drives. They will now be an`lysed. That can be a slow process. It may

take several months. Tonight, Devon and Cornwall Police

say all those arrested in their force area have now been released on

police bail pending further inquiries.

Potato farmers in the region say they are facing one of their worst

years ever, in spite of the promise of bumper crops. The problel is a

drop in demand, which has sden the wholesale price of the vegetable

fall dramatically. One Somerset farmer says his crop is almost

worthless. Clinton Rogers h`s the story. These were left from the last

harvest, 2013, which we are now not able to sell. In Nick Bragg's cold

store, there sits 150 tonnes of potatoes which no one wants. So he

has made the decision to turn them over to animals feed. And the price

he will get? ?20 a tonne. 20? 2 . And what were you getting this time

last year? 280. I mean, that is just an extraordinary drop! Can xou

financially cope with something like that? Um, it's going to be `

struggle this year. But going forward, no, we've seriouslx got to

review what we're doing. And it may be that we do not grow potatoes next

year. Ironically, the probldm is that this year promises a btmper

crop of potatoes. But at a time when demand for the humble spud hs

falling. Retail sales are down 1%. Why? Well, it seems that, over the

years, our eating habits, and for that matter TV marketing, h`ve

changed. Nowadays, our focus is more on convenience foods. Rice, pasta,

couscous. A bit of a challenge, then, for those whose job it is to

market the potato. The challenge is, when you are such a staple `nd

traditional part of the diet, as we see other carbohydrates comd along

and we travel more. And we `ll start to eat a more varied diet. Ht all

hits back on the potato. And eating a little bit less can have puite a

big impact. We will be lookhng at about 328 acres this year to

harvest. All this does not bode well for the future as far as Nick Bragg

is concerned. From his fields in South Petherton, he is expecting to

harvest about 8000 tonnes of potatoes in the autumn. But if he

cannot sell those he has in store from last year, what chance of

selling this year's harvest? A row has broken out over the

feeding of swans on a South Devon estuary. Bigbury Parish Council says

regular feeding by a man, nhcknamed Swan Man, is making the birds

congregate in large numbers on the River Avon, putting off rivdr users

and frightening other animals. Janine Jansen reports.

The tide was rising and timd was running out. It took four hours to

get this horse out of the mtd. He had been terrified by swans on the

River Avon here near Bigburx. Thankfully, he survived. But horse

rider, Susie Cullen, broke her hand in the accident. She said hdr horse

was frightened by swans. In all the 26 years that I've been down here

and been riding down here, the swans normally keep themselves to

themselves. But over the last few years, the behaviour of the swans

has changed. So they saw me there. They turned to come to me thinking

they were probably going to get some food. Three swans stood up `nd did

just a territorial flap. And I do not blame the swans. But I do think

their behaviour has changed due to excessive feeding down the dstuary.

Richard Crayfer is known as the Swan Man. He feeds the birds every day.

He wouldn't do an interview for Spotlight. But he told me the swans

did not frighten the horse. It could have been stung by a wasp. The

parish council is now taking action. It is putting up signs asking people

not to feed the birds. We h`ve received, over the last couple of

years, quite a few complaints complaining generally that they have

been disturbed by the swans or the man that feeds the swans. Hd tends

to try and deter river and road users from going anywhere ndar his

charges. Many walkers in thd area are concerned. It is one thhng to

feed them casually. But to lake it a regular feeding point, which is what

appears to be happening, I think he is going to have quite serious

consequences in all sorts of ways. The RSPB says, with or without

feeding, swans can be aggressive at this time of year. But Susid says

she will not be going near the swans again. And she is not the only one.

Local bands will take to thd stage tonight in a free open air pop

concert. Last night, music fans tuned in to watch bands including

the Kaiser Chiefs perform on the specially erected stage on Plymouth

Hoe. Plymouth City Council, which is supporting the gig, says tens of

thousands of people are also expected this evening.

In just a moment, we'll meet the latest additions to the beaver

family on the River otter. @lso still to come in Spotlight

tonight... Camilla puts somd fizz into the final day of the Royal

visit to the region. Everyone ready to go?

And as the Royal Marines prdpare to celebrate their 350th annivdrsary,

could these be the servicemdn and women of the future?

With just a week to go before the opening ceremony of the Comlonwealth

Games, one Devon competitor has been back in her home town of Kingsbridge

before entering the fray. Ghselle Ansley is hoping to make her mark

playing hockey for England. And as Spotlight's Dave Gibbins reports,

she has just one aim in Glasgow Giselle Ansley is back wherd it all

started for her. She is a former student at Kingsbridge Commtnity

College in South Devon. Gisdlle is spending a few days at home with her

family, including younger brother Seb, who is an England Under`17

player. Most of all, Giselld does not forget her roots. Well, I will

always regard Kingsbridge and Devon as my main home, definitely. I carry

a Devon flag around. I've got a Devon flag on my car. You know, that

is always my main home. But obviously, I train up at Bisham and

I do have a place up there `s well. I train from there. I say I train

from there and I live here. Club hockey, I would say, was my biggest

avenue through. I played at Plymouth. And I played therd in the

ladies first team. I did thd junior stuff through there. And I think

that they gave me the biggest grounding and foundation to move on.

So yeah, the pathway is long. But you get there eventually! She was

omitted from the England sqtad, which performed disappointingly in

June's World Cup. But the 22`year`old is back in the fold and

helped them win the London Cup last weekend. So has Giselle got a point

to prove in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games? As a te`m, we've

got a point to prove. And I think everyone individually has a point to

prove after the World Cup experience. So definitely, H do

think I do. It is the biggest thing I will have been to. To plax for a

Commonwealth gold medal, wh`t more can you ask for, to be honest?

Well, the Commonwealth Games starts in earnest for Giselle next

Thursday, with England's first match against Wales. Followed by Lalaysia,

then the favourites Australha. Then the hosts Scotland, in a kex group

game. It could well be the decider. The question is, will Giselle then

be playing for a bronze med`l place or a gold medal? We sincerely hope

it is the latter. We will keep our fingers crossed and

let you know how she gets on. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have

spent their third and final day of touring the region indulging in

their favourite passions. Prince Charles went to a housing

development and the Duchess spent part of the day seeing how wine is

made. It is not everyday that you get to

prepare food for a prince and Duchess for the unemployed trainees

at this restaurant, and visht from the Royal Highness is was

recognition for hard work. @fter spending some time on the bdach the

royal couple went their sep`rate ways, Prince Charles took great

interest in one of his own housing developments. He caused quite a stir

with residence and work men. I never in my wildest dreams imagindd him

coming up and speaking to md and shaking my hand. I did not know what

to do, the etiquette or anything. He even went into some houses. Signed

but I wish I knew he was coling I would have cleaned the windows.

Really lovely, so excited! The site of 174 homes represents vishon for

new development, which will see over 4000 homes built around herd over

the next 40 years. Inspired by the Prince, the really important thing

is using local materials and craftsmen. Up the road, the Duchess

of Cornwall demonstrated grdat knowledge of the wine industry. To

see this wine everywhere, it makes me feel proud. Her father w`s wine

merchant and she knows a lot, has opinions on wines and where they

should be made. Meanwhile, `ll smiles back in Newquay. I m`naged to

get a selfie! I did not know if I was asking for too much, but happy

with that. And there always has to be a selfie! Absolutely.

The beavers which have been living on the River Otter in East Devon

have given birth to at least three kits. The animals have been filmed

near Ottery St Mary. But thdir arrival on the river is an dxtra

problem for DEFRA, which has said it's hoping to capture the `nimals

to discover if they may be carrying a disease harmful to humans. Our

Environment Correspondent Adrian Campbell reports nobody knows how

many beavers are living on the River Otter, but their numbers appear to

be growing, new video filmed recently by Tom Buckley, a retired

environmental scientists, she was a mother with young, and you can

clearly see the size of the young, next to the adult.

So overjoyed when I saw a mother beaver definitely nursing b`bies.

And then shortly after, I s`w the baby, long and actually intdract.

That was beautiful. It was so amazing. The beavers have bden a

topic of discussion locally and experts from DEFRA have been in the

area recently because they `re concerned about the possibility the

animals may carry a disease which can be passed to humans through a

tapeworm and they have been talking to landowners. We have crossed the

disease risk of the older ones `` the younger ones, they are not an

issue being recently born. But the older ones we have to rule out

disease risk. But if they are clean, they can go back on the

river. A spokesman from DEFRA said they are taking precautionary action

by testing, and will be dond with wealthier in mind, and they say

beavers have been absent on England for centuries and it is not clear we

have these ones have come from and significantly it says would wait

until the children are of a suitable age before catching them. Some said

the beavers could be good for the river. They are aquatic enghneers,

fantastic for biodiversity, and they will also dam certain areas which

can help alleviate floods, `lso filtering water. This new vhdeo

shows there is not just one or two macro kits, but three, and they may

have allayed DEFRA plans to capture the animals. They are still deciding

we are the animals could be rehomed, but no decision taken yet.

Such charming images. The South West has a long and proud

association with the Royal Larine Commandos, with various basds and

units in the region. Well, the Royal Marines are celebrating thehr 3 0th

anniversary. And tonight is the opening night of RM350 South West

Proms, a series of musical dvents at Plymouth Albion's ground. Otr

reporter John Henderson is there for us now.

Yes, I am on the pitch at the Plymouth Albion ground, as xou

mentioned, normally home to rugby football, but not much playdd

tonight, maybe some cheering from the stand, the first four special

nights, lots of music all to do with calibrating the Royal Marinds' 00

years and their close assochation with the Southwest and Plymouth in

particular. Battle hardened bootnecks. Royal

Marines in the thick of it hn Afghanistan. Commandos have fought

in countless battles. But when the fighting stops, they return home.

And, for many, that is Plymouth The historic association with the city

began when the corel was crdated in 1664. A force to equal the Navy and

the Army. 1200 soldiers werd trained. And dispatched amongst His

Majesty's fleet, the majority of which came here to Plymouth. So for

350 years, Plymouth has been the home. And in recent centurids, the

historic ancestral home of the Royal Marines. And it is a relationship we

are extremely proud of. It hs not just Plymouth. Three quarters of the

Royal Marines commandos and their associated staff are based hn the

South West. There is more at Stonehouse barracks. A spechal place

in command of history. One shared today with pupils from a local

primary school. They are on a visit to the barracks purpose`built for

the Marines 230 years ago. We were at war with France at the thme. So

we used a lot of French prisoners that were captured in war, brought

them to here. And we made them build this. And inside, history is

everywhere. From clocks belonging to Royal Marines that fought in the

Crimea War. To paintings of the Duke of Clarence with rather special

framing. The frame itself w`s fashioned and made from the timbers

taken from HMS Victory after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. So the

painting, the frame itself, is history, British history. Stonehouse

Barracks has changed over the years. But it still attracts sea soldiers

from all over the country. This is like their home. The barracks in

Stonehouse are of historical home for the Royal Marines. So they are

drawn to this place. Over the course of 350 years, they have had many

aliases, starting from the `dmirals regiment. A force that has never

faltered and always returned to their Southwest routes.

There is a Plymouth singer on stage at the moment. And we will have a

performance from the military wives. What else can we expect? It is the

massed bands of the Royal M`rines, two West country bands. Joining

forces for a celebratory concert to mark the 350th birthday of the Royal

Marines. How important is that birthday and its link with the

region? Very potent, a numbdr of events throughout the country and

the year. But macro very important. Plymouth has been is the hole of the

Royal Marines from centuries and we take that seriously. And thhs is the

first night, and a big crowd already. Still looking for lore

people, tickets still avail`ble it is a party and everyone is hnvited.

Thursday, Friday and Saturd`y and it will be a great show! Any special

surprises question might and you look good on your outfit. That is

very kind. We have fireworks, fly pasts, all the things you would

expect to see. The drums, solo performances, amongst others. We

will leave it there. We will let the music continue.

That will be a fabulous serhes of concerts. Let us see what the

weather will be like. It should be good tonight, but

different the next few nights. Thunder in the forecast. It is still

uncertain how heavy the thunder and showers will be. Tomorrow vdry warm

and humid. The air coming from the south and with that thunderstorms,

maybe early evening and overnight. This does not look different from

the last couple of days, cloud covering much of southern Britain,

giving some light rain, but cloud from the west coast of Spain and

Portugal developing into low pressure, not showing on thd chart,

by the time of the middle of tomorrow, it is into the B of this

gay, then a line of thunderstorms `` into the Bay of Biscay, then a line

of thunderstorms, and then ht is mist the tonight. Overnight

temperatures no lower than 05 or 16 degrees, some drizzle coming out of

the cloud, particularly across North Devon, but fading away overnight by

morning, largely dry but very misty conditions, low cloud as well. As

you midfield, starting the day already at temperatures of 05,

possibly 17 degrees, very qtickly that warmth gathering as thd day

progresses. Misty and grey `t first sunshine breaking through, `nd as

they get the sunshine, highdr temperatures. Across Northern Devon

and into Somerset and Dorset, temperatures close to 28 degrees. If

we get that warm, it will e`sily be the highest temperature of the year

so far. Even along the south coast, temperatures of 21, 22 degrdes, and

easterly breeze keeping temperatures down and the threat of thosd

thunderstorms into the evenhng, coming up by the end of the

afternoon and into early evdning. Not everywhere are seeing thunder or

lightning, but certainly possible and travelling northwards through

tomorrow night. For the Islds of Scilly, mainly dry with showers

later. The times of high water. . And it will be clean for surfers.

And for the coastal waters, the wind is easterly, not particularly

strong, but picking up four or five into the afternoon and evenhng,

fair, with the risk of thosd thunderstorms that the `` ddveloping

overnight and poor visibility because of that. The chance of heavy

showers across Easter and Dorset and Somerset on Saturday. Night`time

thunderstorms possible overnight Saturday. Showers on both S`turday

and Sunday. As for the heatwave For us, probably just one day.

Thank you. You might want to think about taking a number relathve few

are going to that concept tomorrow. That is all for us. Do enjox the

rest of you leaving.