LABOURED BREATHING
INHALER RATTLES
SHE INHALES SHARPLY
LABOURED BREATHING
How many more times, you...
SHE WHEEZES
..you stupid woman?
Hope you're hungry. Here you go.
What's all that about?
What's it look like? Too much food.
Don't give me that, you'll manage.
It'll set you up for the day, that will.
Mum, if I'd have wanted a heart attack on a plate,
I'd have asked for it.
Well, there's gratitude.
It's almost like you're trying to make up for something.
And what's that supposed to mean?
You and Dad last night -
Underpants-Gate.
Think you'll find that's between me and him.
Talk about busted.
Yes, well, there's no need to be crude.
I'm happy to sit down and talk about it, if that's what you want.
No, thanks.
I'd imagine it's quite hard for you to understand.
Mum, do you mind?
Especially given everything that's happened.
I'm trying to eat here!
Morning. Morning.
Oh, for crying out loud!
Oh!
It's ridiculous!
Oi!
What're you doing?!
I can't get out!
Are you listening to me?
I can't get out!
LABOURED BREATHING
Don't you think I've been trying?
Jack, you know what Dad's like - especially now.
I know it's too soon to sell the house,
but he's not thinking straight, is he?
I'm on it, OK?
Morning Dad.
Yeah, will do.
Bye.
Jack, by any chance?
He sends his love. Mm-hm.
Shall I make you some breakfast? How about a nice bacon sarnie?
No, thanks. But I will tell you what I would like.
What's that?
Some peace first thing in the morning.
SHE SIGHS
PHONE RINGS
Hi, Sue.
Hello?
BREATHLESS: I can't get out...of...
LORNA: Where are you?
I'm stuck.
I can't get out.
Are you at home?
Outside...
..on the street.
I-I can't breathe.
Which street are you on?
Near the shops.
Which street?
LABOURED BREATHING
Sue?
Sue!
Er...
When is it? Tonight, six o'clock, in the town hall.
And they're talking about the Beechwalk specifically?
No, but... Well, you can't just walk
into a council planning meeting and talk about what you want.
We can make our presence felt as a lobby group, sow the seeds.
But if it's not on the agenda...
Jimmi, I do know how these things work,
I've been on enough committees.
Actually, you can leave this one with me.
I happen to know one of the councillors personally.
Well, that is a positive.
I can just show my face at the meeting
and then have a word with her afterwards.
Yes, but I'm afraid it's not that simple.
Mm, it's all about the contacts...
No, it's about having a strategy.
You'll see.
SHE SIGHS
Is everything all right?
Can I help?
I'm a doctor.
Oh... LABOURED BREATHING
Oh, OK, you've got asthma.
All right, don't worry. I've got one here.
All right.
OK.
Just go easy with it, all right?
Has anyone called an ambulance?
No? Right, I'll do it.
SHE INHALES SHARPLY Mm! Mm!
Ring...ring Lorna.
Lorna? She's my carer. She'll...
..she'll come for me. All right.
SHE INHALES SHARPLY
Ugh!
HE GROANS
I'm fine, don't start.
You can't just sit here in the dark.
I can. I can do what I want, so leave me alone, Imogen. Ugh!
What's wrong?
HE GROANS
I'm all right.
Well, you're clearly not.
Will you sit down, please, Dad!
Right, we're going to A&E. No, we're not. The doctors', then.
You are white as a sheet and you can't stop shaking.
I probably just need some food, that's all.
Fine, well, I will make you a piece of toast
and then we'll go after that.
I'm really worried about you, Dad! Well, don't be.
Oh! Do it for me.
I am not going to The Mill. Please!
Hi, this is Imogen Hollins. Is that Scarlett?
And this woman is stuck on her own, in her wheelchair,
having an asthma attack.
Whereabouts is this? Gainsford Road. Oh.
Vans and cars parked all over the pavement - it's a deathtrap!
It is shocking round there.
Do you remember Mrs Chivers? Mm.
She broke her hip on that pavement.
Too frightened to leave the house ever since.
Look, we're off to the Council tonight - I could mention it.
I did try phoning them, I just didn't get very far.
I'll speak to Beverly. Beverly?
Munroe. She's a councillor.
No, I should talk to them myself.
I really don't mind.
No, it's not that, it's just that I was there and...
..she could have died, Zara.
Thanks, Scarlett. No problem.
Hiya. Oh, hi.
Rob, how are you doing?
Not bad.
Well, I'll tell Sid that you're here.
Are you coping OK?
We're doing our best, aren't we, Dad? Mm-hm.
Well, I know everyone says it but if there's anything that I can do...
Thanks, Luca.
Mate.
Jimmi.
We just thought, a check-up, you know.
No...
..YOU thought.
No, no, you can't put me on hold - I have been on hold all morning.
No, no, I've had enough.
This is Dr Emma Reid and I'm calling from the Mill Health Centre
about a very serious issue.
Now, please, will you just put me through
to someone who deals with...?
Kelvin Donaldson. I understand you have a complaint.
At last.
Yes, I'd like to talk about pavements on Gainsford Road.
And you are?
Dr Emma Reid.
Well, has there been an incident?
Yes, yes, as a matter of fact there has.
A woman in a wheelchair was stuck there this morning,
having an asthma attack, I mean, it was lucky I was passing.
And how does this relate to the council?
Well, because the pavement was full of parked cars and vans -
it always is.
Yeah. Well, you have to email Highways.
Wha...? Sorry?
The address is on the website.
No, no, no, no, no, no, I've seen the website, no.
Highways@Letherbridge.gov.
Well, this is urgent.
Thank you. Er...
Oh, it's disgusting, it really is. What?
The way we're all having to live. I mean, everything's gone to pot!
Tell me about it.
Nothing works any more? Like what?
Everything, anything - nothing's fit for purpose!
Even the pavements!
What's wrong with the pavements?
Have you seen the state of them round here?
I mean, I guess they are a bit rubbish.
"Rubbish"? That's an understatement. They're downright dangerous.
I mean, imagine being someone in a wheelchair
trying to get around on them. I can't imagine.
That's if you can even get on them
with all the parked cars and the vans.
It's so short-sighted!
What are they waiting for? Someone to get killed?
Who? The council, the government, all of them!
Zara's going down there this afternoon, with Nina.
Yes, yes, she said. What's all that about?
Saving the Beechwalk. Apparently, she's got a contact.
Yes, well, she's going to need one
because no-one at the council is interested in anybody.
Is it that bad? Yes! Yes, it is.
I'm going to do something about it.
I can't stand this.
Will you stop?
Mr Hollins?
Hi, I'm Nina Bulsara.
I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss.
Oh. Why?
I did meet Karen.
She was a lovely lady.
Sorry, but I have no idea who you are.
Dad. I am the new partner here.
Good.
Hey, Rob. Do you want to come through?
Oh, hang on, I'm coming too.
Er...you'll need his permission.
Dad. Yeah.
Hi, I'm Sue Burley. Dr Reid asked me to come in.
I'll tell her that you're here. Thank you.
I'm just feeling a bit rough, that's all.
OK. In what way?
Headaches.
You're bound to get headaches when you don't sleep.
And he keeps shaking all the time.
Right.
And his stomach hurts, like he's got an ulcer or something.
Thank you, Dr Hollins. He's in pain.
That does sound a bit worrying.
Are you eating OK? Hardly ever.
You need to keep up with regular meals, mate.
So she keeps telling me.
Not that he listens - to anyone about anything, ever.
Whose appointment is this, mine or yours?
Fine.
Right, well, whilst I've got you here,
won't hurt to check you over.
If you wouldn't mind popping onto the bed for me, Rob?
You feeling better?
Oh, my own stupid fault.
I was sure I had a spare spray somewhere.
She should've just phoned me. She's always telling me off!
She wants to be a nurse one day, like I was. Really?
Senior Sister, before the MS.
Well, look, it wasn't your fault that you got stuck, was it?
Oh, that road is horrendous.
You just can't get by with a wheelchair.
Well, I have tried speaking to the council.
Oh, good luck with that.
Yeah, they just kept fobbing me off,
telling me to get in touch with their website.
I've been nagging them for years. Nothing ever gets done.
Oh, it's infuriating, isn't it? I remember when I was in training -
we all had to sit in a wheelchair and be taken round town,
just so we could see how it felt. It was awful.
You know, they should film that.
So people can know what it's really like.
I was scared stiff.
Well...we could do that.
Film it ourselves? Yeah.
And send that to their rotten website.
I've got a camera for my bike.
There you go, then! Right. Gainsford Road, here we come.
Quarter past two? You're on!
THEY CHUCKLE
What is it, then?
Well, I don't think it's anything specific.
No, there's something wrong with him.
Not physically. There must be.
I thought you were going to keep quiet.
I just want to know what's wrong. He just told you - nothing.
Except grief, most probably.
Grief? Yeah.
That's not an illness.
No, but it can cause all sorts of symptoms,
like the headaches and the shaking.
And his stomach?
Same thing, especially at this early stage.
But you will need to come back, if it carries on.
Are we done? Thanks, Sid.
No problem. But you do need to look after yourself, mate.
Make sure you keep to a routine. Will do.
Oh!
Are you sure?
Yeah. But you did do the right thing bringing him in. OK? Just...
..keep looking after him.
Thank you.
Oh, it's still here, then? Mm-hm.
We'll have to go round it onto the road.
Right. OK, well, I'll push.
What for? Sorry?
Well, we know what it's like - you don't.
Well, yes, but I thought... And she's had the training.
Oh. Here's the camera.
Right. Um...
Don't worry, she'll strap you in.
OK.
Is that tight enough? Yes. Yes, I think so.
How's that? Yes, OK.
There you go, all set.
Oh!
You OK? Yes!
WHEELCHAIR BUMPS ON KERB
Ah! Good!
I take it you'll be joining us tonight -
be good to have a young person at the Council Planning Meeting.
How long's it going to take? Oh, about three hours.
What?! No way!
I thought you cared about the Beechwalk.
Yeah, but... Jimmi's coming, aren't you?
Er, evening surgery.
Three should be enough - don't want to overdo it.
I'm not all that bothered.
Well, you should be.
You could learn something. What about?
Making a difference in your community.
For three hours?
Fine, then.
I'll call it overtime.
Seriously?
If I must.
Enjoy.
Whoa!
Careful!
Oh, goodness!
OK, careful, careful!
Look out! Oh, oh!
Can't be right.
Well, I'm not going to get a second opinion,
if that's what you're after. I can see that you're not yourself.
Yeah.
It's called losing your wife, love, after 33 years.
Look, I done what you wanted, I went to the Mill
even though I knew every second was going to hurt like hell.
How do you think it felt, looking at that reception desk...
..with her not being there?
Everyone fussing around and saying the right thing
but, in actual fact, that makes things ten times worse?
I'm sorry. I know that you meant well, love, I do.
But, please...
..in future, keep your bright ideas to yourself.
Oh! Oh!
The state of those potholes.
Oh, it's getting worse.
It's going to burst my tyres one day. Right.
And those kerbs - they're just not safe. Mm.
Excuse me. I thought I was going to tip her over.
Excuse me. And why can't people take their bins in?
Can I get out now, please?
Sorry, we're supposed to do that.
What, ignore me?
It's all part of the experience.
People only see the person pushing the wheelchair,
not the person in it. Yeah, we're invisible.
Unless, of course, we're holding someone up
and then they just get shouted at.
You wouldn't believe the abuse.
Places with no access, no lifts.
Toilets that are always locked.
It's just awful. Mm.
So, how was your ride?
Honesty?
This is terrifying.
THEY CHUCKLE
Whilst the proposal does have its merits,
I, for one, should like to raise some serious reservations.
In particular...
DOOR OPENS
Sorry.
In particular, those that are shared, I know,
by a large number of local stakeholders
and the Residents' Association...
Excuse us. Thank you.
Do carry on.
..concerning the importance
of maintaining the overall character of...
WATER BOTTLE DROPS
Sorry.
..of the area, which is one of significant historical significance.
St Winifred's and its rectory are Grade II-listed for a reason.
Its preservation, intact and unspoiled,
must remain our number one priority.
This is shocking. Not to me, it isn't.
Well, it should be to them. Should be.
Well, I suppose at least it's better than sending another email. True.
But I wouldn't hold your breath.
They'll plead poverty as usual - they always do.
Well, at least we can put it on social media.
What's that?
What? On the van. See it?
The logo, LH.
What about it?
Letherbridge Homes.
They work for the Council.
Do they? Mm.
Right.
And so although, of course,
I recognise the environmental objectives of the proposal,
I am reminded that we are still the custodians of the past.
WHISPERING: You do not pay me enough to be here.
So, Madam Chair...
..solar panels may be a step forward.
But I strongly maintain, not on the rectory roof.
Counsellor Munroe?
Nothing to add, Lady Chair.
Unless there any of the public would like to make a comment.
Yes!
I would like to say something, if I may?
Yes, go ahead.
Nina Bulsara, local resident and business owner.
Sorry about this.
WHISPERING: What are you doing?
It's here somewhere.
Ah.
Our community is in peril...
..from irresponsible over-development
and the tragic loss of our precious green spaces.
And nowhere is this more obvious than at the Beechwalk,
off Selly Heath Road.
A small, secluded area which offers sanctuary to all manner of wildlife,
as well as a haven for rest and reflection...
Madam Chair, this is out of order.
..away from the hustle and bustle of our busy streets.
This is not on the agenda!
And yet even this small, precious enclave is now under threat.
Yes, they will say that housing is needed...
Will you stop?
Security, please.
..but at what price to our residents,
their mental wellbeing and the children, who go there to play?
Good grief.
SCARLETT: Brilliant.
Get away from me!
I am so sorry. Will you please just go?
Save the Beechwalk! Save the Beechwalk!
Hello, Edward.
Just thought I'd better give you the heads-up about something.
Save the Beechwalk!
Stay away from me. I'm sorry about this.
Thank you very much. So sorry.
Save the Beechwalk!
SCARLETT LAUGHS
I think I made our point.
Yeah, you definitely did.
I don't know what came over me. I just seized the moment.
You just couldn't help yourself, could you?
You just made it all about you when I specifically told you...
Well, now they know we mean business.
Business?! Zara. What?
Oh, Beverly, hi.
If I could just have a minute...
I don't think so, do you?
You see?
Happy now?
Yeah, thanks, Edward.
No, I don't think it will be a problem.
LAUGHING: Absolutely. I couldn't agree with you more.
OK, bye for now. Excuse me.
We're looking for Councillor Donaldson.
Hello, Kelvin.
Susan.
Ah. I'm Dr Reid, we spoke earlier.
Ah, yes, well, I'm in a planning meeting at the moment.
Er, did you see the video?
Um, what video was that?
The one we sent you, with your van.
Ah, now, let me stop you right there.
Letherbridge Homes are not actually part of the council -
they were outsourced some years ago.
Oh, and whose idea was that?
Well, that's really by-the-by.
You still have seat on the board, though, don't you?
In a purely advisory capacity, yeah.
Anyway, rest assured, I will pass on your complaint on to Highways.
You've got a week...
..before we make it go viral...
..and send it to every disability group in the country.
Now, what I think you two need to realise
is that in these quite unprecedented times...
I've been complaining for ten years!
The council's resources are extremely limited.
Yeah, you still a responsibility to the residents.
But you can't expect us to re-pave the entire town.
Well, you shouldn't have let it get into that state
in the first place, should you?
How long have you been running this council?
I'll tell you what. Why don't you start with Gainsford Road?
And get those vans, those cars and those bins off the pavement!
Can I tell him? Yeah.
Sue could've died this morning. Oh!
Isn't that overstating the case a little?
Not really, no.
She had a severe asthma attack
whilst being trapped behind one of your vans.
Without medical intervention, well, it could have proved fatal.
We'd like a response, please, within a week.
I'll see what I can do. No!
Just get it done.
Unless you want to be famous.
PHONE: You can't expect us to re-pave the entire town!
Thank you so much, Councillor.
Did you see his face?
I think that should do it, don't you? Yes!
THEY CHUCKLE
No, I can't make it for then.
OK. All right. Bye.
Well, that was all rather unnecessary.
Did liven things up.
I'm guessing you feel the same way as your colleague -
about the Beechwalk?
It's a nice place, but...people need houses.
Well, then, why are you here?
Been asking myself the same question.
How many are you building anyway?
Well, plans have been drawn up
but they're all still subject to approval.
I wouldn't mind living there myself.
I think these are a bit out of your price range.
Mine too, by the way.
Bound to go through then, is it?
Things are a bit more advanced than your friend seems to realise.
Yeah? I mean, I admire her passion but...
..there's really not much point in kicking up a fuss now.
Right. Not that she doesn't have the right to object, of course.
But she's wasting her time? Mm-hm.
What do you want for your tea?
C'mon, you heard what Sid said.
I like everything, I don't mind.
Lasagne?
I like everything.
Why are you doing that, Dad?
You said yourself, you're still grieving. So?
So it's too soon to start packing!
Oh, so now you're the parent, are you?
Of course not.
Then stop telling me what I can and cannot do with my own house.
I've heard you on the phone - you and Jack.
Yes, and we're only... But it's not up to you.
This is about me and your mum,
we're the ones who've been living here all these years.
I know, but... So the next time you speak to Jack...
..you can tell him that I am selling this house.
And that is it.
I'm sorry.
So am I.
No, I should've waited for the right time.
I just wanted to...do some good, you know?
Me too.
You'll never guess what she just said.
Who? Your big mate, Beverly.
I wouldn't go that far.
Well, she only tried to put us off.
How? She said we're wasting our time,
that things are more advanced than we think.
Well, no, they can't be, not at this stage.
Not legally anyway.
Well, then it's a stitch-up.
I bet they've already got the builders on stand-by.
That's outrageous! Yeah.
So they can stick their posh houses.
She must know something we don't.
Well, we'll just have to see about that, then, won't we?
Save the Beechwalk!
How old are you, Ollie? 18.
18 years old and your mum's taking you to the doctors.
Well, it's physio.
I wonder which one is Dr Haskey?
Well, that depends on who's looking for him...or her.
Is he going to die? Rob? No, why would you think that?
Luca, Scarlett...
..Tanisha.