Birmingham news and blogs Wednesday 22 May 2013
Birmingham News »
Food hygiene ‘a postcode lottery’
BBC News 22 MayFood outlets in a part of Birmingham have the best hygiene standards of more than 2,000 postcodes in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, an investigation finds.
Heritage tour of Handsworth launched
BBC News 21 MayA heritage trail starts in the Handsworth and Lozells areas of Birmingham to promote their history and rehabilitate their image.
Man Tasered in Tesco disturbance
BBC News 21 MayA man is Tasered by police officers in Birmingham after reports he was threatening supermarket staff with a penknife.
Labour launches bid to seize control of Walsall Council
Birmingham Mail 21 MayCouncillors fight the ruling Conservative-Lib Dem coalition at authority annual meeting…
Top five stories for May 21 on the Birmingham Mail
Birmingham Mail 21 MayHere are today’s most read stories on the Birmingham Mail website…
Plea to drivers over tunnel closures
BBC News 21 MayDrivers going to and from the north of Birmingham city centre are urged to plan alternative ways to travel when two major tunnels close for six weeks.
Bikers roar in to give Brum foodbank a boost
Birmingham Mail 21 MayBirmingham Harley Owner Group fundraisers on mission to help hungry neighbours…
M6 closed after collision between J3A and J4
Birmingham Mail 21 MayMotorway congestion on southbound carriageway backs up to Aston Expressway…
Witness appeal after man dies in Handsworth collision
Birmingham Mail 21 MayPedestrian, believed to be 63, died in hospital after the incident near the junction of Trinity Road and Birchfield Road.
Making sure people aren’t left out in the cold
24dash 21 MayFriendship Care and Housing (Friendship) are committed to providing a regular supply of donations to the local foodbanks in Birmingham, Sparkhill and Walsall.
Jail for mugger who broke man’s jaw
BBC News 21 MayA man who broke a pensioner’s jaw in a Birmingham mugging is jailed for nine years.
Junk snacks and no time to visit the loo give Birmingham workers a bad day at the office
Birmingham Mail 21 MaySurvey reveals busy city workers have no time to eat or drink properly or to leave the office.
War Veteran Attacker Jailed
Free Radio 96.4 21 MayA man who attacked a war veteran in Digbeth, breaking his jaw, has been jailed for nine years.
Birmingham college teachers strike over changes to term dates
Birmingham Mail 21 MayUnion leaders say earlier start is result of competition to attract students…
Disruption for drivers as Birmingham tunnel work starts
Express & Star 21 MayPreparatory work has started on a major refurbishment project which will see Birmingham’s city centre tunnels close for six weeks.
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Comment »
The city as art
Birmingham Central 22 MayLast Wednesday, 15 May 2013, saw Birmingham’s Civic Society, http://www.
– Bedroom Tax, Birmingham
Timm Sonnenschein 21 MayMaggie, in her council flat in Moseley, Birmingham.
Fusiliers and lawyers
The Mushroom 21 MayNormal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.
Duncan Smith slammed over Birmingham benefits ghetto ‘smear’
The Chamberlain Files 21 MayBrandwood, on the southern edge of Birmingham, had a rare five minutes…
At a time of ‘austerity’ for so many, are there more beneficial uses for taxpayers’ money than mega airports and HS2?
Localise West Midlands 21 MayIn the FT today, James Skinner, chairman emeritus of the New Economics Foundation , asks fundamentally important questions about a stance often adopted by politicians with an interest in supporting multinational business.
Paul Fulford: Fresh inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings
Birmingham Mail 21 MayA different view of life in Birmingham with Paul Fulford.
Council staff urged to do their bit in wheelie bin battle
The Chamberlain Files 20 MayA brief period of silence may have given the impression that opposing sides…
Library and Asda
communitiesagainstthecuts 20 MayJust for the record, on Saturday we held a good leaflet and petitioning session outside the old Central Library, informing people about Birmingham Labour’s plans to privatise the running of this £188 million public asset.
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City-centre news »
Bikers roar in to give Brum foodbank a boost
Birmingham Mail 21 MayBirmingham Harley Owner Group fundraisers on mission to help hungry neighbours…
BAF2013 Launch Party
Digbeth is Good 21 MayWhen: Friday 24th May, 20:00 Where: The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Temple Row West All Digbeth residents are invited to the Birmingham Architecture Festival 2013 (BAF2013) launch party! Although the party is not taking place in Digbeth, many of the …
The Old Crown Coffee Club
Digbeth is Good 21 MayWe all know and love The Old Crown on Digbeth High Street.
Paul Fulford: Fresh inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings
Birmingham Mail 21 MayA different view of life in Birmingham with Paul Fulford.
New Home for Birmingham’s Dogs
Digbeth is Good 20 MayBirmingham Dogs’ Home has applied for permission to move from it’s Digbeth home to a new purpose-built centre near Catherine-de-Barnes in Solihull.
Ultima Censura
Digbeth is Good 20 MayWhen: Thursday 23rd – Saturday 25th May; performances at 18:00, 19:30pm, 21:00 Where: Unit 8, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, B5 5RT Tickets: £10 full, £8 concessions ( available online ) Originally performed in 2009 in the …
Night at the Moulin Rouge
Digbeth is Good 18 MayWhen: Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st May 2013, 19:30 Where: Auditorium, South and City College, Floodgate Street, Digbeth Tickets: £2.50 on the door As part of their final major project, second year performing arts students at South and City College …
Reggae City
Digbeth is Good 18 MayWhen: Saturday 18th May, 8pm-6am Where: The Rainbow Complex, Digbeth With outdoor stages and big sound systems, you can be sure that Reggae City will have Digbeth moving tonight! Taking over the entire Rainbow Complex off Adderley Street, Reggae …
‘Gang leader’ Gavin James loses test case challenge to city centre banning order
Birmingham Mail 18 MayThe
26-year-old denied being a gang member and argued the city centre ban, which covered also covered, Newtown and Handsworth, infringed his civil rights.
Women’s lap dancing club launches in Birmingham
Birmingham Mail 17 MayA lap dancing club run by women for women is being launched in the city next weekend.
Birmingham’s Caribbean Food Festival cancelled due to weather
Birmingham Mail 17 MayStallholders pull out after wet weekend is forecast.
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Aston Villa »
Vlaar Pleased With First Good Touch Of The Game
Vital Villa 21 MayVlaar Pleased With First Good Touch Of The Game Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 15:34:00 Ron Vlaar has admitted that his wonder goal against Wigan was the first good touch of the game for him, as he knows he had a mare.
Villa’s Pre Season Schedule
Vital Villa 21 MayVilla's Pre Season Schedule Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 15:29:00 Get your diaries out, our full pre season campaign has now been finalised with the announcement of the Malaga friendly.
Villa Season Ticket Help Sessions
Vital Villa 21 MayVilla Season Ticket Help Sessions Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 15:21:00 The club are again running two season ticket help sessions for fans for the coming campaign.
They Think It’s All Over – Not Yet – Soccer Sevens
Vital Villa 21 MayThey Think It's All Over – Not Yet – Soccer Sevens Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 15:13:00 No the season isn't quite over yet folks, but don't panic, you don't run the risk of relegation in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens…
Vital Villa Man Of The Match v Wigan
Vital Villa 21 MayVital Villa Man Of The Match v Wigan Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 12:38:00 The final one of the season, the man of the match v Wigan away.
The Aston Villa Summer Transfer Thread Pt 1
Vital Villa 21 MayThe Aston Villa Summer Transfer Thread Pt 1 Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 12:28:00 You know the score, a sticky at the top of the site, we talk transfers…
Brentford Midfielder Linked
Vital Villa 21 MayBrentford Midfielder Linked Vitalfootball:Aston Villa:21/05/2013 12:25:00 Former Villan and now Brentford midfielder has been linked to return to Villa Park.
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Birmingham City FC »
Novak Reunited With Clark
Tilton Strugglers 21 MayLee Clark swooped to reunite himself with his former Huddersfield striker Lee Novak today.
Novak agrees Birmingham deal
Sky Sports 21 MayHuddersfield Town striker Lee Novak has agreed to join Birmingham City on a three-year contract.
Lee Novak: Birmingham sign Huddersfield Town striker
BBC Sport 21 MayBirmingham City sign striker Lee Novak from Huddersfield Town on a three-year contract.
Three More Academy Starlets Sign Up
Often Partisan 21 MayBlues confirmed the formal signing of three more Academy graduates to professional contracts yesterday, taking the total to six this summer.
Chris Burke: “I have contributed this season but I have not met my own expectations.”
Birmingham Mail 21 MayBirmingham City: Chris Burke says he plans to have a bigger impact for Blues next season…
Oh no! It’s the fabulous Barca boys….
Birmingham Mail 21 MayBirmingham over-50s players get a shock as they face mighty Barcelona veterans…
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Sport »
Tooth Gets His Man
Sutton Coldfield Town FC 21 MayMarket Drayton player Rhys Swetnam has this afternoon agreed a deal to sign for The Royals for 2013/14…
Manor crush Copsewood 2nds
Aston Manor CC 21 May18.05.2013 Aston Manor 4ths vs Copsewood 2nds Aston Manor 4ths 299 AO 50 overs Copsewood 2nds 114 AO 32 overs Aston Manor won by 185 runs.
Full Pre-Season Schedule
Sutton Coldfield Town FC 21 MayThe Royals announce the Pre-Season schedule for 2013/14…
Manor beat Quatt by 76 runs
Aston Manor CC 21 May1st XI Birmingham League Division Three Aston Manor 207-8 (50 overs) Quatt 131 all out (38.4 overs) ASTON MANOR WON BY 76 RUNS Manor secured their second win of the season with a comprehensive victory at Church Road against newly promoted Shropshire…
Support The Under 21s Tonight
Sutton Coldfield Town FC 21 MayMatt Price prepares for the last Under 21s fixture, as they challenge Rugby Town for League superiority…
Another Friendly Added
Sutton Coldfield Town FC 20 MayRoyals travel down the M42 on Saturday 10th August in final Preseason fixture.
Under 21s – U21′s League Play Off Final
Sutton Coldfield Town FC 20 MayTomorrow is the final game for the Sutton Coldfield Town U21′s team.
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Birmingham on flickr
UK news
- Nick Clegg warns David Cameron not to let Coalition get blown off course by Tory infighting
- Nick Clegg warns Cameron not to let Coalition get blown off course by Tory infighting
- Ed Miliband warns Google: I’d make you pay more tax
- Paul McCartney lends support to free school in Liverpool
- 600 interpreters will be allowed to move to UK as reward for assisting British forces in Afghanistan
- Donald Macintyre's Sketch: If the Tory beast needs red meat, call for Chris Grayling
- Disarray as DPP contradicts new guidance on naming of suspects
- Bipolar woman wins High Court battle for right to have abortion
- Bipolar pregnant woman tells court: I’ll kill myself if I’m denied an abortion
- Reforms to teachers’ pay ‘will mean bigger class sizes’
International news
- Tornado rescue efforts wind down in Oklahoma
- Nigeria to free Boko Haram members
- Egyptian army says Sinai hostages freed
- Syria parties 'preparing for peace talks'
- US immigration bill moves one step forward
- Sweden riots continue after police shooting
- Apple CEO rejects 'tax evasion' charges
- North Korea sends special envoy to China
- Two key candidates barred from Iran election
- Microsoft unveils new Xbox gaming console
- RE~Stirred Forum • BENEFITS GHETTOS in Birmingham, What's the answer?
- RE~Stirred Forum • Helping Bob Jones West Mids PCC get a better deal
- RE~Stirred Forum • Farage Kept in Pub After Protests
- RE~Stirred Forum • For budding Michael Goves
- RE~Stirred Forum • UK's Richest Concealing Billions Offshore
- RE~Stirred Forum • Queen' Speech 2013 Bill-by-Bill
- RE~Stirred Forum • It's time to face up to the problem of sexual abuse in the w
- RE~Stirred Forum • Public Art
- RE~Stirred Forum • Which UK govmt dept annual budget has jumped by 31.9%?
- RE~Stirred Forum • Local Elections 2013
- RE~Stirred Forum • VAT a mess for Ed…
- RE~Stirred Forum • Not very libertarian and rather racist – it doesn't matter
- RE~Stirred Forum • Red Lion Pub Gem Threatened in Handsworth?
- RE~Stirred Forum • Grand Central Station
- RE~Stirred Forum • Nextbike Comes to Birmingham
Business »
Darlaston factory site overhaul hit by economy blues
Express & Star 21 MayMulti-million pound plans to redevelop an iconic former factory site in the Black Country have stalled due to the flat economy, bosses behind the scheme said today.
Survey says HS2 will not deliver for small business
Birmingham Post 21 MaySmall businesses in Birmingham do not back the HS2 rail link and do not believe it will be a boost to business, according to a new survey.
Special concept speedster for Aston Martin centenary
Birmingham Post 21 MayWarwickshire car-maker Aston Martin has unveiled a one-off high-speed concept car as part of its centenary celebrations.
Aston Martin shows off unique centenary special speedster
TheBusinessDesk 20 MaySPORTS car manufacturer Aston Martin has unveiled a new concept car to commemorate its sporting heritage.
Administrator markets £300m portfolio from collapsed Opal Property Group
TheBusinessDesk 20 MayEIGHT student blocks worth around £300m have been put on the market by administrators handling the collapsed Opal Property Group.
Birmingham Airport proposes five-point plan to boost capacity
TheBusinessDesk 20 MayBIRMINGHAM Airport has proposed a five-point plan to help the aviation sector make best use of its spare capacity and encourage growth across the country.
Government should press companies on reshoring – Bhattacharyya
TheBusinessDesk 20 MayTHE Government should press British companies and organisations with overseas operations to repatriate outsourced jobs from abroad, Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, founder of WMG at Warwick University, has…
NewRiver confirms plans for Birmingham shopping centre redevelopment
TheBusinessDesk 20 MayRETAIL REIT NewRiver has confirmed it is to press ahead with the major redevelopment of a Birmingham shopping centre.
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Business columns »
And the airport of the year is ……
The Birmingham Press 21 MayBirmingham Airport: Awarded ‘Airport of the Year’ at the Global AirRail Awards 2013.
Winners announced at the inaugural British Indian Awards 2013
The Birmingham Press 21 MayKeith Vaz MP, Anish Kapoor and East End Foods among the winners…
Green Shoots fund launched
The Birmingham Press 21 MayA £1.4m University of Wolverhampton scheme funded by the Government to help economic growth and job creation is now inviting grant bids from regional businesses.
Manufacturing business confidence on the rise
The Birmingham Press 21 MayBarometer reveals 12-month high in West Midlands manufacturing SME confidence…
Foremen forearmed
The Birmingham Press 21 MayBirmingham-based building services provider J S Wright has taken a lead within the industry by launching its own Foremen’s Academy…
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Events »
mac birmingham wants your art! Register now.
mac birmingham: Midlands Arts Centre 21 MayArtists from across the West Midlands will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their art within mac birmingham’s prestigious first floor art gallery this summer.
Resurfacing at mac birmingham – Outdoor eating area closed temporarily
mac birmingham: Midlands Arts Centre 21 Maymac birmingham 's Terrace closed Tuesday 21 May – Thursday 23 May inclusive, due to resurfacing work.
DJ Enfusion , 23 May 2013
Live Brum: What's on tomorrow 21 May23 May 2013 – Club at The Bulls Head As we celebrate 15 years of Cadence Recordings with our very own tribute night to the deepest drum 'n' bass label based in Torquay.
Roller Trio Speak to THSH
Hare and Hounds 21 May2012 Mercury Prize nominated Roller Trio play the Hare and Hounds on Wednesday 29th May as part of the Town Hall Symphony Hall Jazzline Series.
Gina Yashere Live!
The Birmingham Press 21 MayThis October, award-winning British female comic, Gina Yashere, will heading to The Public in West Bromwich, part of a rare nationwide tour.
The mind reader who can’t read minds
The Birmingham Press 21 MayArtrix welcomes Chris Cox the mind reader who can’t read minds…
Only Men Aloud
Birmingham Town Hall 20 MayAcclaimed Welsh group Only Men Aloud return to Symphony Hall.
KT Tunstall
Birmingham Town Hall 20 MayScottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall visits Symphony Hall for the first time.
More Events
- Derren Brown, 13 May 2013 – 25 May 2013
- Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 17 May 2013 – 25 May 2013
- Hairspray, 21 May 2013 – 1 Jun 2013
- Metropolis: Lunchtime talk, 22 May 2013
- Lunchtime Lecture, 22 May 2013
- Tea Dance, 22 May 2013
- CBSO: Trifonov plays Tchaikovsky, 22 May 2013 – 23 May 2013
- Midweek Meltdown, 22 May 2013
- Benjamin Francis Leftwich, 22 May 2013
- Chris Wood, 22 May 2013
- The Specials, 22 May 2013
- Bloodstock Festival: Round 1, Heat 8, 22 May 2013
- Canvas, 22 May 2013
- Louise Petit Band, 22 May 2013
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), 22 May 2013
Music blogs »
Single of the Week: Kanye West – “Black Skinhead” (Live on SNL)
Josh Carswell: on-Tenori-on 21 MayYou know, I was worried.
Video: The Bluebeat Arkestra – Zero
Brum Notes Magazine 21 MayThe Bluebeat Arkestra have unveiled the video to their brand new single Zero.
April 2013 Music Network Meeting Minutes
Birmingham Music Network 20 MayBirmingham Music Network Meeting – 25th April 2013 Attendance: Ayesha Campbell – singer vocal coach Andrea Campbell- students of sound Manoj Solanki – produces dance music Hugh McGuinness – music promoter, band manager Robert Sharl – BCU, …
New Video
Robert Lane Blog 20 MayThis is the video for my new single, You Want It Both Ways which is available for download from the 1st of June.
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999 »
Witness appeal after pedestrian dies in Handsworth collision
WM Police Birmingham West & Central 21 Mayp POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a collision in Birmingham last night…
Proud to support Pride!
WM Fire Service 21 MayWest Midlands firefighters will again be lending their support to Birmingham Pride this weekend.
Police and youngsters create brand new look for Brandwood residents
WM Police Birmingham South 21 MayAN INNOVATIVE new partnership between police in south Birmingham, Solihull College and youth charity The Prince’s Trust has seen a group of…
Nine years for robber who attacked ex-soldier
WM Police Birmingham West & Central 21 Mayp A WAR veteran who was forced to miss last yearrsquo;s Remembrance Day parade after having his jaw broken in a mugging…
Billesley officers support those with learning disabilities
WM Police Birmingham South 21 MayA pot of cash seized from criminals by West Midlands Police is to be donated to help improve the lives of people with learning disabilities in…
Suspect named in Birmingham robbery inquiry
WM Police Birmingham West & Central 20 Mayp A BIRMINGHAM man has been identified as a suspect in a city robbery, in which a man was threatened with a knife and forced to hand…
Street Triage
Mental Health Cop 18 MayOne thing arising from the Home Secretary’s speech this week to the Police Federation conference was the idea of “street triage”.
On tackling guns and violent crime
DCC Dave Thompson 17 MayI want to start this blog with a reference to two high profile cases running at the moment, both of which have put the force in the spotlight.
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LocalGov »
Broken Road Nameplate, 21st May
FixMyStreet: Birmingham 21 MayRoad Nameplate is broken and needs replacing Nearest road to the pin placed on the map (automatically generated by Bing Maps): 117 Gillhurst Road, Harborne Report on FixMyStreet…
Youth Offending Teams
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayFollow up sent to Birmingham City Council by Charles Bell on 21 May 2013.
Youth Offending Teams
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayClarification sent to Birmingham City Council by Charles Bell on 21 May 2013.
Duty to co-cooperate with Lichfield District Council
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayResponse by Birmingham City Council to Andre Hefer on 21 May 2013.
Council offices
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayRequest sent to Birmingham City Council by dan thompson on 21 May 2013.
Youth Offending Teams
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayResponse by Birmingham City Council to Charles Bell on 21 May 2013.
Duty to co-cooperate with Lichfield District Council
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayClarification sent to Birmingham City Council by Andre Hefer on 21 May 2013.
Youth Offending Teams
FOI request: Birmingham CC 21 MayResponse by Birmingham City Council to Charles Bell on 21 May 2013.
Large pothole, 21st May
FixMyStreet: Birmingham 21 MayThere is a large double pothole here that I have to signal to go round on my bike; coming at the bottom of a hill, it can be quite a surprise to anyone not expecting it.
Media Watch – May 21
Birmingham City Council News PR 21 MayTop Birmingham City Council stories Probe as council urges staff to support bins (Birmingham Mail) Council lawyers are investigating claims of a ‘Big Brother’-style abuse of private employee information – after scores were asked to promote…
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Social media »
Two pieces of information
Paul Bradshaw's Online Journalism Blog 21 MayTweet Two pieces of information that came to my attention today: Firstly, from a piece of research on aspiring journalists in France : “Students from the least privileged social sectors are more socially committed and more aware of their civic …
I heart Triage: Email First Aid
theplan: John Hickman 21 MayI’ve just got back to work after paternity leave and I blasted my inbox to zero this morning thanks partly to a nifty app for iPhone called Triage .
Flickr free-for-all keeps Yahoo firmly in the headlines
The Journalism Notepad: Ross Hawkes 21 MayIt’s been a pretty good few days for the Yahoo publicity machine.
Law and Media Round Up – 20 May 2013
Inform's Blog 20 MayMary-Ellen Field, Elle Macpherson’s former adviser, has discontinued her phone-hacking claim against News International, as Media Guardian reports here and The Independent here .
#LGCOMMS: the digital debate: is traditional comms dead?
The Dan Slee Blog 19 MayIt’s the LGComms Academy in Cardiff this week.
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For years too many of Birmingham’s young have not been offered a purposeful future
Our Birmingham 22 MaySo many city school leavers will spend years out of work – a breeding ground for medicated despair and anti-social or even criminal activity.