Watch: Drones used to survey Milton Keynes sewage system
Gareth Lloyd
BBC Three Counties Radio
Floating drones are being used to survey the sewers under Milton Keynes.
The state-of-the-art technology from Anglian Water means they can access more than 2.5 miles (4km) of the main trunk sewers, which take used water from homes to the Cotton Valley water recycling centre.
The drone unit is floated down the pipes and uses laser, sonar and high definition CCTV to scan the pipes as it goes.
It builds 3D models of the sewers and reports the condition and silt build-up in the pipes.
Mazzarri wants more 'consistency' from Watford
Geoff Doyle
BBC Three Counties Radio sport
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri has called
for consistency from his team ahead of tomorrow's tea-time Premier League match
at home to West Ham.
The Hornets are currently 13th in the table, 10
points from the relegation zone.
"I like my team mainly part-time; in some
moments in the game I like them much more than at other times," said Mazzarri.
"I like to see if possible if my team plays with more continuity without having
these lapses of concentration in games," he added.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Overnight weather: Dry at first with patchy rain later
Julie Reinger
BBC Look East weather
A dry start to the night across the BBC East region with clear spells, but patchy rain
will eventually spread in from the north-west.
The winds will pick up to a
moderate-to-fresh south-westerly, and temperatures will drop to 3C (37F).
BBCCopyright: BBC
Saturday will be blustery with a fresh, occasionally
strong, south-westerly wind.
Early rain will clear eastwards and it should then
become drier and brighter, before more rain spreads in from the north-west.
Highs of 10C (50F).
Get the full forecast where you are from
BBC Weather
.
'Keep The King' campaign launched
Alex Pope
BBC Local Live
The Fairy King is a 12ft (2.4m) high sculpture that's currently by the visitors' centre at Rushmere Country Park, near Leighton Buzzard.
It's been carved from an ancient fallen oak by local wood carver Ian Freemantle, and has been in place since Christmas (hence the snow).
The Greensand TrustCopyright: The Greensand Trust
It's proved so popular with visitors,
Greensands Trust
, which runs the site, has been given the chance to buy it outright and needs to raise £2,000 by 20 March.
It's set up a crowdfunding page to "
Keep The King
" and has so far raised more than £600.
Helen Bailey: Bowls club member describes killer and his first wife
He told me Mr Stewart "did a good job" as the club's treasurer for several years, but said he "could be a bit stand-offish".
"You could say he was a little bit of an odd bird", he said, adding he was a "ferocious player" who "did not like to come second".
BBCCopyright: BBC
Asked what he thought when he heard about the death of Stewart's first wife - Diane - from an epileptic fit in 2010, he said: "Everyone was just pole-axed by it because she was a youngish, fit, healthy woman."
He added that she was "dynamic" and got involved with club's events and "she'd never even had a cold".
After her death, Stewart dropped out of running the bowls club.
After Stewart was found guilty of Helen Bailey's murder, he said: "You can never forgive that kind of thing and I hope I never, ever see him again.
"It's horrific what he's done."
Helen Bailey: Fake kidnapper 'Joe' wants his name cleared
Tony Fisher
BBC Three Counties Radio
Seventy seven year old Joe Cippullo unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a high-profile murder trial.
Ian Stewart, the killer of Hertfordshire author Helen Bailey, described his appearance when
making up two fake kidnappers
who allegedly murdered his bride-to-be.
Mr Cippullo ended up in court as part of the prosecution case, which explained it was all a lie.
Speaking exclusively to me, Mr Cippullo said he knew murderer Ian Stewart from when they played bowls together in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire.
South Beds News AgencyCopyright: South Beds News Agency
He told me he last saw Stewart six years ago.
Mr Cippullo, who didn't want to be photographed, said he "doesn't understand why he went to court", and that Helen Bailey's murderer was "stupid to say all those lies".
He said he was "disappointed" by what had happened to him, as he only knew Mr Stewart from saying "hello".
He explained he was happy to go to court as he "respects the law", but now wanted his named "cleared".
He told me some people now think he was involved in the case and he wants that to be struck from the record.
"Clear my name, that is all," he said.
Exclusive: The real 'Joe' in the Helen Bailey murder case speaks out
Tony Fisher
BBC Three Counties Radio
During his murder trial, Helen Bailey's killer Ian Stewart made up an elaborate lie and
said two men called Nick and Joe
kidnapped and killed his fiancée.
Today I spoke exclusively to Joe Cippullo - the man the prosecution team brought into court because he resembled Stewart's description of "Joe".
And now he wants his name cleared...
South Beds News AgencyCopyright: South Beds News Agency
Stay posted for more.
Norwich bookshop nominated as top independent
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Shops in Norwich, Bedford, Huntingdon and Suffolk have been nominated for the title of top independent bookshop in the country.
The
Book Hive
in London Street, Norwich, which opened about eight years ago, has been named with four others in the East category of the British Book Awards.
GoogleCopyright: Google
The bookshop's owner Henry Layte said: "It's always nice to be be on this list. The only reason I decided to set up an independent bookshop in Norwich was that there wasn't one in the city."
Mr Layte has also started publishing books with Propolis Books, which is due to publish the new collection by celebrated poet Simon Armitage.
Tom Tivnan, features and insight editor of The Bookseller, said: “We have really been astounded this year by the sheer breadth, depth and quality of the entries. Whittling them down to the shortlists has been an extremely difficult process. It’s still tough out there for indies, but these shops are showing how resourceful, creative and passionate booksellers can not only survive, but thrive in today’s market.”
Customers can say share their views on the bookshops with The Bookseller Magazine online
here.
HS2: 'Can't come soon enough', says Chambers of Commerce
"Overall everyone will benefit".
Those were the views of Jane Gratton, from the British Chambers of Commerce, after approval for the first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham got the go-ahead.
She said it's welcome news for the economy.
"The simple message is we need it, we've needed it for a long time and it can't come soon enough for providing the capacity we need and increasing connectivity," she said.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Many people are against it, however. Critics argue the track, which will run through Buckinghamshire and south Northamptonshire, is a waste of billions of pounds and will damage the environment.
School ceiling collapse broke girl's jaw
Mike Cartwright
BBC Look East
Today I've been at Southwood School in Milton Keynes, where two children were hurt when a large chunk of the sports hall roof dislodged and fell on top of them.
It happened at 15:30 yesterday, at the height of Storm Doris, and an investigation is taking place to identify if the wind was to blame.
BBCCopyright: BBC
We now know the most seriously injured girl looks likely to make a full recovery, but has been left with a broken jaw and head injuries.
The other child was treated at the scene and is back at school today.
Parents have been telling me it really shook them up, but they were allowed into the school this morning to show their children that the main building was safe.
The sports hall remains shut.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the girl remained in a "serious, but stable condition" in hospital.
Grand Prix at Silverstone the 'greatest weekend in sport' - Lewis Hamilton
BBC Sport
Stevenage F1 driver Lewis Hamilton says fan engagement is the key to the sport's survival, after testing the Brackley-built car he hopes will make him world champion for the fourth time in 2017.
Care still required on roads today in Doris' aftermath
Essex Fire and Rescue service say great care is still needed on the county's roads today, despite Doris having blown herself out.
The force was called to 120 incidents, which were mainly fallen trees throughout the storm yesterday, and in the hours afterwards.
Nigel Dilley, emergency planning divisional officer from the fire service, said: "We gave out advice yesterday about don't drive unnecessarily, slow down and allow for extra time, that sort of continues really - just having a heightened awareness for the next few days, because there are still trees in precarious positions."
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Get involved
BBCCopyright: BBC Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images BBCCopyright: BBC The Greensand TrustCopyright: The Greensand Trust BBCCopyright: BBC South Beds News AgencyCopyright: South Beds News Agency South Beds News AgencyCopyright: South Beds News Agency GoogleCopyright: Google Harris & HarrisCopyright: Harris & Harris ReutersCopyright: Reuters BBCCopyright: BBC BBCCopyright: BBC
Latest PostWasps 35-22 Gloucester
Jimmy Gopperth scores a hat-trick as Premiership leaders Wasps secure a bonus-point win over Gloucester.
Read moreWatford 1-1 West Ham United
By Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport
Substitute Andre Ayew scores a second half equaliser to earn West Ham a Premier League point against Watford.
Read moreGoodbye
Alex Pope
BBC Local Live
That's it from all of us here on Local Live for Beds, Herts and Bucks.
We'll be back with more news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 on Monday.
But before we go, for 33 years this 600-year-old brass rose was thought lost forever from St Mary's church in Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire.
But after years of searching, it was finally tracked down to a vault in a Bedford bank.
You can see more on this story by tuning into BBC Look East tonight from 18:30 , on BBC One.
See you next week!
Watch: Drones used to survey Milton Keynes sewage system
Gareth Lloyd
BBC Three Counties Radio
Floating drones are being used to survey the sewers under Milton Keynes.
The state-of-the-art technology from Anglian Water means they can access more than 2.5 miles (4km) of the main trunk sewers, which take used water from homes to the Cotton Valley water recycling centre.
The drone unit is floated down the pipes and uses laser, sonar and high definition CCTV to scan the pipes as it goes.
It builds 3D models of the sewers and reports the condition and silt build-up in the pipes.
Mazzarri wants more 'consistency' from Watford
Geoff Doyle
BBC Three Counties Radio sport
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri has called for consistency from his team ahead of tomorrow's tea-time Premier League match at home to West Ham.
The Hornets are currently 13th in the table, 10 points from the relegation zone.
"I like my team mainly part-time; in some moments in the game I like them much more than at other times," said Mazzarri.
"I like to see if possible if my team plays with more continuity without having these lapses of concentration in games," he added.
Overnight weather: Dry at first with patchy rain later
Julie Reinger
BBC Look East weather
A dry start to the night across the BBC East region with clear spells, but patchy rain will eventually spread in from the north-west.
The winds will pick up to a moderate-to-fresh south-westerly, and temperatures will drop to 3C (37F).
Saturday will be blustery with a fresh, occasionally strong, south-westerly wind.
Early rain will clear eastwards and it should then become drier and brighter, before more rain spreads in from the north-west.
Highs of 10C (50F).
Get the full forecast where you are from BBC Weather .
'Keep The King' campaign launched
Alex Pope
BBC Local Live
The Fairy King is a 12ft (2.4m) high sculpture that's currently by the visitors' centre at Rushmere Country Park, near Leighton Buzzard.
It's been carved from an ancient fallen oak by local wood carver Ian Freemantle, and has been in place since Christmas (hence the snow).
It's proved so popular with visitors, Greensands Trust , which runs the site, has been given the chance to buy it outright and needs to raise £2,000 by 20 March.
It's set up a crowdfunding page to " Keep The King " and has so far raised more than £600.
Helen Bailey: Bowls club member describes killer and his first wife
Tony Fisher
BBC Three Counties Radio
Bill Manley is a member of Bassingbourn Bowls Club and knew Helen Bailey's murderer Ian Stewart very well.
He told me Mr Stewart "did a good job" as the club's treasurer for several years, but said he "could be a bit stand-offish".
"You could say he was a little bit of an odd bird", he said, adding he was a "ferocious player" who "did not like to come second".
Asked what he thought when he heard about the death of Stewart's first wife - Diane - from an epileptic fit in 2010, he said: "Everyone was just pole-axed by it because she was a youngish, fit, healthy woman."
He added that she was "dynamic" and got involved with club's events and "she'd never even had a cold".
After her death, Stewart dropped out of running the bowls club.
After Stewart was found guilty of Helen Bailey's murder, he said: "You can never forgive that kind of thing and I hope I never, ever see him again.
"It's horrific what he's done."
Helen Bailey: Fake kidnapper 'Joe' wants his name cleared
Tony Fisher
BBC Three Counties Radio
Seventy seven year old Joe Cippullo unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a high-profile murder trial.
Ian Stewart, the killer of Hertfordshire author Helen Bailey, described his appearance when making up two fake kidnappers who allegedly murdered his bride-to-be.
Mr Cippullo ended up in court as part of the prosecution case, which explained it was all a lie.
Speaking exclusively to me, Mr Cippullo said he knew murderer Ian Stewart from when they played bowls together in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire.
He told me he last saw Stewart six years ago.
Mr Cippullo, who didn't want to be photographed, said he "doesn't understand why he went to court", and that Helen Bailey's murderer was "stupid to say all those lies".
He said he was "disappointed" by what had happened to him, as he only knew Mr Stewart from saying "hello".
He explained he was happy to go to court as he "respects the law", but now wanted his named "cleared".
He told me some people now think he was involved in the case and he wants that to be struck from the record.
"Clear my name, that is all," he said.
Exclusive: The real 'Joe' in the Helen Bailey murder case speaks out
Tony Fisher
BBC Three Counties Radio
During his murder trial, Helen Bailey's killer Ian Stewart made up an elaborate lie and said two men called Nick and Joe kidnapped and killed his fiancée.
Today I spoke exclusively to Joe Cippullo - the man the prosecution team brought into court because he resembled Stewart's description of "Joe".
And now he wants his name cleared...
Stay posted for more.
Norwich bookshop nominated as top independent
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Shops in Norwich, Bedford, Huntingdon and Suffolk have been nominated for the title of top independent bookshop in the country.
The Book Hive in London Street, Norwich, which opened about eight years ago, has been named with four others in the East category of the British Book Awards.
The bookshop's owner Henry Layte said: "It's always nice to be be on this list. The only reason I decided to set up an independent bookshop in Norwich was that there wasn't one in the city."
Mr Layte has also started publishing books with Propolis Books, which is due to publish the new collection by celebrated poet Simon Armitage.
Other shops in the East category to be nominated are: Niche Comics in Huntingdon, Lindum Books in Lincoln, Harris & Harris in Clare in Suffolk (pictured below) and Rogan’s Books in Bedford.
Tom Tivnan, features and insight editor of The Bookseller, said: “We have really been astounded this year by the sheer breadth, depth and quality of the entries. Whittling them down to the shortlists has been an extremely difficult process. It’s still tough out there for indies, but these shops are showing how resourceful, creative and passionate booksellers can not only survive, but thrive in today’s market.”
Customers can say share their views on the bookshops with The Bookseller Magazine online here.
HS2: 'Can't come soon enough', says Chambers of Commerce
"Overall everyone will benefit".
Those were the views of Jane Gratton, from the British Chambers of Commerce, after approval for the first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham got the go-ahead.
She said it's welcome news for the economy.
"The simple message is we need it, we've needed it for a long time and it can't come soon enough for providing the capacity we need and increasing connectivity," she said.
Many people are against it, however. Critics argue the track, which will run through Buckinghamshire and south Northamptonshire, is a waste of billions of pounds and will damage the environment.
School ceiling collapse broke girl's jaw
Mike Cartwright
BBC Look East
Today I've been at Southwood School in Milton Keynes, where two children were hurt when a large chunk of the sports hall roof dislodged and fell on top of them.
It happened at 15:30 yesterday, at the height of Storm Doris, and an investigation is taking place to identify if the wind was to blame.
We now know the most seriously injured girl looks likely to make a full recovery, but has been left with a broken jaw and head injuries.
The other child was treated at the scene and is back at school today.
Parents have been telling me it really shook them up, but they were allowed into the school this morning to show their children that the main building was safe.
The sports hall remains shut.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the girl remained in a "serious, but stable condition" in hospital.
Ceiling collapse pupil 'recovering well'
The girl was injured when a school sports hall ceiling collapsed during Storm Doris.
Read moreGrand Prix at Silverstone the 'greatest weekend in sport' - Lewis Hamilton
BBC Sport
Stevenage F1 driver Lewis Hamilton says fan engagement is the key to the sport's survival, after testing the Brackley-built car he hopes will make him world champion for the fourth time in 2017.
At the launch of Mercedes' 2017 F1 car at Silverstone he said others could learn from the British Grand Prix...
Care still required on roads today in Doris' aftermath
Essex Fire and Rescue service say great care is still needed on the county's roads today, despite Doris having blown herself out.
The force was called to 120 incidents, which were mainly fallen trees throughout the storm yesterday, and in the hours afterwards.
Nigel Dilley, emergency planning divisional officer from the fire service, said: "We gave out advice yesterday about don't drive unnecessarily, slow down and allow for extra time, that sort of continues really - just having a heightened awareness for the next few days, because there are still trees in precarious positions."