Dec
2009
Articles from 4th Dec 2009
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Children's services on a knife-edge in Birmingham
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
A government special measures order slapped on Birmingham’s children’s social services department is set to be lifted in the new year. But huge problems remain, writes Public Affairs correspondent Paul Dale. Read
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So who's really in charge of the West Midlands?
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
Who really runs the West Midlands? It’s a bit difficult to be certain, says Public Affairs Correspondent Paul Dale. Read
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Eco towns are the future, but at what price?
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
As another eco town is proposed for the region, the Government is determined to drive forward the largest increase in house building in decades, even if that means swallowing up some green belt, writes Public Affairs Correspondent Paul Dale. Read
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Birmingham JP quits over 'outdated' court system
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
Former Birmingham poet laureate Roshan Doug has quit the bench because he says it is unrepresentative, he tells Rebekah Oruye. Read
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Morrisons store to bring 240 jobs to Birmingham and Black Country
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
A new superstore is set to create around 240 jobs on the border of Birmingham and Sandwell. Read
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Birmingham Airport announces new flights to Iraq
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
Birmingham International Airport is welcoming flights on its latest new route – to Iraq. Read
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Byrne's pledge to bring Civil Service jobs to Birmingham
Dec 04 2009 | West Midlands News
The Birmingham MP masterminding plans to move civil service jobs out of London has promised to get it right this time, after criticism of an earlier attempt six years ago. Read
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A long way for James Thomas's dad to come for nothing
Dec 04 2009 | RFU News
Spare a thought for poor James Thomas whose loving father came all the way from Cardiff to see his boy’s debut for Coventry last Friday. Read
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Brian Dick: Stifling the creatives
Dec 04 2009 | RFU News
So, Richie McCaw’s reign as IRB Player of the Year is in its first week – let’s hope the award has the same disastrous affect on his form that it had on Shane Williams and Bryan Habana’s. Read
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Call to raise claimants' wage limit
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Benefit claimants are being turned into criminals, working cash-in-hand, because of the low amount of money they can keep when they get a job, campaign groups have said. Read
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Dam Busters actor Richard Todd dies
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Distinguished actor Richard Todd, best known for his role in the classic war film The Dam Busters, has died at the age of 90. Read
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Climate change 'greatest challenge'
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The Prime Minister has described the climate change challenge as "one of the great human endeavours of our time". Read
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Freed sailors are back in Britain
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Four British sailors freed after a week in Iranian custody have landed on British soil. Read
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Scrappage fillip for new car sales
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
New car sales soared last month as consumers took advantage of the Government's car scrappage scheme. Read
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Action over failing primary schools
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Ministers are to tell local authorities to come up with action plans to boost the performance of under-achieving primary schools. Read
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Kercher murder trial jury retires
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The jury trying Meredith Kercher murder suspects Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito has retired to consider its verdict. Read
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RBS 'to bow to pressure on bonuses'
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Royal Bank of Scotland has indicated it will bow to pressure to slash executive bonuses after a bruising row with the Treasury. Read
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Freed sailors say sorry to families
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The British sailors freed after a week in Iranian custody apologised to their families as they were reunited for the first time since their ordeal. Read
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1,700 jobs lost as plant mothballed
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
A giant steel plant is set to be mothballed in the New Year, with the loss of 1,700 jobs. Read
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Ronnie Wood in street assault probe
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has been questioned by police over claims he assaulted his young Russian lover. Read
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'Real' danger of toy guns - police
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Police have said children who play with toy guns run the risk of being confronted by armed marksmen. Read
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High streets get festive facelift
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Fifty high streets across England have been given Government grants totalling £2.6 million to spruce themselves up in time for Christmas. Read
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Climate deal achievable, says Brown
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to insist that a deal to avert catastrophic climate change is "achievable" at next week's UN-sponsored conference in Copenhagen. Read
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Man dies after robbery shooting
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
A businessman has died after being shot in a robbery for his laptop. Read
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Yacht crew 'grateful' to be in UK
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The British sailors freed after a week in Iranian custody have spoken of their relief to be back home and said they are keen to start racing again. Read
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Beckham speaks of grief for grandad
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
David Beckham has expressed his grief for his grandfather but said Joseph West, who died aged 83 early on Wednesday, would have wanted him to stay in South Africa to help England's 2018 World Cup bid. Read
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Foreign student visas review urged
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The Government's chief immigration adviser has called for a review of "lower tier" colleges because of fears that too many foreign students are being given visas at the end of their degree courses. Read
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Heads propose alternative to Sats
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Headteachers have set out their own proposals for a new assessment system to replace national curriculum tests. Read
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Gino is crowned King of the Jungle
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Chef Gino D'Acampo has been crowned King of the Jungle in the final of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! Read
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Mums tick off Miliband over nappies
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband has risked blotting his copybook on the environment by admitting he uses disposable nappies for his six-month-old son Daniel. Read
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Kercher family arrives for verdict
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The family of British student Meredith Kercher is due to arrive in the Italian town where she was brutally killed, to hear the verdict in the murder trial. Read
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£850bn bill to rescue British banks
Dec 04 2009 | UK News
The total public sector support for Britain's banks runs to £850 billion - with the final cost of the financial rescue unlikely to be known for years, a report by the public spending watchdog has revealed. Read
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Crockett signs for Bristol
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Bristol have signed banned Bath player Alex Crockett for the final months of their Championship season. Read
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Phelan: Money not an issue
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan insists finance was not the problem in Adem Ljajic's proposed transfer from Partizan Belgrade. Read
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Strauss happy with developing England
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Andrew Strauss admitted to a sense of 'work in progress' in rainy Durban, after his England team became only the second to beat the Proteas in a one-day series in South Africa. Read
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Cole injury blow for Hammers
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
West Ham striker Carlton Cole could be out of action until the end of January. Read
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Redknapp worried by Pompey situation
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has described the situation at Fratton Park as "scary" and "worrying" after players were not paid as scheduled for the second time this season. Read
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Wenger: No regrets over Hughes row
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Arsene Wenger has admitted he is a "bad loser" but does not regret his refusal to shake Mark Hughes' hand. Read
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Durban weather hands England series win
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
England have won their one-day international series against South Africa 2-1 without setting foot on the ground in the final match - thanks to the Durban weather. Read
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Murphy fears threat of Bent
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Fulham skipper Danny Murphy is wary of the threat Darren Bent poses this weekend at Craven Cottage after watching him cut his teeth at Charlton. Read
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Scholes questions contribution
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Paul Scholes has admitted he is dismayed by his performances this season - raising fresh question marks over the Manchester United midfielder's future. Read
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Pakistan skittle NZ to take control
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Pakistan took control of the second Test in Wellington on day two, bowling out New Zealand before establishing a 229-run lead. Read
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Bravo century lifts Windies in Adelaide
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
A superb century from Dwayne Bravo and the ongoing interest in the video referral system were the highlights of a competitive opening day of the second Test between Australia and the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval. Read
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Bad weather is good news for England
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
England appeared set to win their one-day international series against South Africa without setting foot on the ground in the final match - thanks to the Durban weather. Read
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Coyle ignores Pompey finance woes
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Burnley manager Owen Coyle insists Portsmouth's financial problems are a side issue ahead of Saturday's match at Fratton Park. Read
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Khan and Pacquiao 'very similar' - Roach
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Trainer Freddie Roach claims Amir Khan's sparring sessions with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao are so explosive he could earn a fortune selling tickets to fight fans. Read
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Rally switch for Raikkonen
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Kimi Raikkonen is to switch from Formula One to the World Rally Championship for next season. Read
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Martinez keen to keep Scharner
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has urged Paul Scharner to see out his career with the club and nip in the bud potential speculation over his future in January. Read
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League still comes first - Hodgson
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson insists the Premier League is still his priority and will rotate his squad for the Europa League clash against Basle after victory against CSKA Sofia set up a showdown in Switzerland. Read
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Van Persie surgery a success - Wenger
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Robin van Persie's surgery on his right ankle was successful, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed. Read
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Capello relishing 'hardest test'
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Fabio Capello admits the World Cup will be his hardest test as a manager but is already tasting the excitement of the tournament. Read
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Robshaw inspires Quins win
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Chris Robshaw's first-half brace of tries proved crucial as Harlequins withstood a stirring second-half fightback from bottom club Leeds Carnegie to claim a 30-27 win and continue their upward mobility in the Guinness Premiership. Read
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Capello demands respect for opponents
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
England boss Fabio Capello urged caution after his team's favourable World Cup draw which saw them joined in Group C by the United States, Algeria and Slovenia. Read
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Favourites handed tough challenge
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
The World Cup 'Group of Death' reared its ugly head on Friday - and left Brazil facing a tough task to progress to the knockout stage in South Africa next year. Read
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Renault set to choose F1 team buyers
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Renault are likely to make a decision on their Formula One future next week with two rival groups now in the running to take over. Read
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Nadal sets Spain on cup trail
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Rafael Nadal rediscovered his top form at the right time to brush aside Tomas Berdych and give Spain the early advantage in their Davis Cup final defence against the Czech Republic in Barcelona. Read
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England face USA opener
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
England have been drawn in Group C alongside USA, Algeria and Slovenia for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, starting against the USA on June 12 in Rustenburg. Read
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Pompey pay players
Dec 04 2009 | National Sport
Portsmouth have confirmed their players have now been paid their wages for November. Read
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JLR sees sales jump in best performance of the year
Dec 04 2009 | Automotive Business
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Retiring MP Patrick Cormack laments loss of traditions
Dec 04 2009 | Politics News
The expenses row and House of Commons reforms has prompted Staffordshire MP Patrick Cormack to step down, he tells Political Editor Jonathan Walker. Read
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Bournville College vision enters reality
Dec 04 2009 | Education News
Work has begun on a landmark college building in Birmingham which is also playing a key part in the regeneration of the south of the city, Education Correspondent Tony Collins reports. Read
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Peter Sharkey: Need for Eye on the game
Dec 04 2009 | Other Sport
How the referee failed to award France a penalty and send off West German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher when the keeper assaulted French substitute Patrick Battiston during the 1982 World Cup semi-final is one of life’s great mysteries. Battiston was clean through on goal when Schumacher administered the equivalent of a forearm smash, knocking Battiston unconscious and breaking his jaw. Read
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Debbie's star rises for Nativity!
Dec 04 2009 | Film
Graham Young meets the director of this year’s Christmas film hit, Nativity! Read
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Ingrid Jensen joining rush-hour jazz gig in Coventry
Dec 04 2009 | Music
It was Thanksgiving in the United States last week and, as is traditional, the Maria Schneider Orchestra was in residence at the Jazz Standard, a classy basement club in mid-town Manhattan. Read
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Robin Campbell's 30 years with UB40
Dec 04 2009 | Music
In their 30 years together, the last two must go down as one of the busiest and most traumatic periods in UB40’s history. Read
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Review: CBSO/Great Romantics at Symphony Hall
Dec 04 2009 | Music
When it comes to painting pictures in music Andris Nelsons is in his element. Liadov’s tone poem The Enchanted Lake, the magical, ravishingly played opener to Saturday’s concert, was so delicately defined you could almost see diaphanous forms emerging from the orchestral mists. Read
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Review: Ex Cathedra/Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at Birmingham Town Hall
Dec 04 2009 | Music
There’s something strangely satisfying about the idea of Ex Cathedra using London’s Royal Festival Hall as a warm-up for the main event back home in Birmingham Town Hall, and that’s how I like to think of the choir’s recent travels with Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius. Read
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Review: CBSO performs Haydn's Creation, at Symphony Hall
Dec 04 2009 | Music
Andris Nelsons often refers to the “family” atmosphere at the CBSO, and this performance of Haydn’s Creation certainly glowed with it. Read
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Arabian Nights at the RSC - and uncertain times for British theatre
Dec 04 2009 | Stage
Dominic Cooke tells Terry Grimley about Arabian Nights and the threat to Britain’s theatrical renaissance. Read
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Aaron Robison follows in Nureyev's dance steps...
Dec 04 2009 | Stage
Aaron Robison was just a youngster when he first watched ballet dancing, but it sparked a love that has stayed with him ever since, he tells Diane Parkes. Read
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Andy Walker: Money for nothing?
Dec 04 2009 | Sports Comment
If the football industry was one big festive pantomime, then several characters would be subjected to a chorus of boos and hisses. Read
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Paul Raymer: Two nations clash at NIA
Dec 04 2009 | Sports Comment
International hockey launches the two-month national indoor season next week with England men and women playing Scotland at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham. Read
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Kraft posts hostile bid offer out to Cadbury shareholders
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
Hostile bidder Kraft Foods has made a posted its official offer document to Cadbury shareholders – triggering a two-month £9.8 billion takeover fight. Read
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Birmingham marketing man Dave Hodgson quits city for Dubai
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
A well known Birmingham face is quitting the city to take a new role in Dubai. Read
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Asian markets crucial to UK trade, Lichfield auto firm chief tells ICC seminar
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
A Lichfield automotive company is spearheading a new drive to increase British trade links with Asia. Read
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1,700 jobs lost as Corus plant is mothballed
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
A giant steel plant is set to be mothballed in the New Year, with the loss of 1,700 jobs. Read
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Small businesses in the West Midlands are UK's most pessimistic
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
New research shows small business owners in the West Midlands are the country’s most pessimistic about their region’s prospects during the recession. Read
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Dentist deal shows Lloyds TSB's teeth
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
Private equity providers are proving there is life in the Midland management buy-out market with one of the biggest deals of the year so far. Read
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RBS board set to bow to pressure over bonuses
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
Royal Bank of Scotland has indicated it will bow to pressure to slash executive bonuses after a bruising row with the Treasury, according to reports. Read
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Jaguar Land Rover reports car sales boost
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
Midland luxury car make Jaguar Land Rover has followed up their first profits for more than a year with a big jump in car sales. Read
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Codemasters steers into rights wrangle
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
Warwickshire video games giant Codemasters is locked in a legal battle with the organisers of the world-famous Le Mans race after it used Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche images in one of its popular games. Read
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Landmark joint venture for Modec is welcomed
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
A landmark joint venture between Coventry-based electric van maker Modec and US firm Navistar has been welcomed. Read
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Kavita Patel breaks new ground on financial scene
Dec 04 2009 | Latest Business News
T here’s a firmly-entrenched stereotype of corporate finance, perhaps unfairly. The pinstripes, the champagne, the braces – and the old boys’ network. Read
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Kraft expected to post Cadbury bid today
Dec 04 2009 | Cadbury
Kraft Foods will post its offer document to Cadbury Plc shareholders today, triggering a two-month £9.8 billion takeover fight. Read
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Cadbury takeover battle is on as Kraft makes official offer to shareholders
Dec 04 2009 | Cadbury
Hostile bidder Kraft Foods has made a posted its official offer document to Cadbury shareholders – triggering a two-month £9.8 billion takeover fight. Read
