Dec
2009
Articles from 10th Dec 2009
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Birmingham may count General Election votes on the Friday
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
Birmingham could break with tradition by counting next year’s General Election results on the Friday morning, the day after votes are cast. Read
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Birmingham man named volunteer of the year
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
A 70-year-old Birmingham man has been named volunteer of the year by brain injury association Headway. Read
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Black Country grandmother wins Spanish version of Britain's Got Talent
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
A 75-year-old grandmother from the Black Country has won a top Spanish television talent show with a dazzling acrobatic salsa. Read
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Bloxwich pensioner presented with community spirit award
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
A pensioner from Bloxwich, Walsall who cooks and cares for several of her neighbours has been honoured for her community spirit. Read
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Solihull Council backs green-belt Marie Curie hospice
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
Solihull Council has approved plans for a cancer hospice “for the 21st century” to be built on green belt land. Read
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Camilla visits primary school children at Birmingham library
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
The Duchess of Cornwall met children at Birmingham Library during a visit to the West Midlands. Read
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Bed blocking in hospitals still a major concern in Birmingham
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
Audit Commissioners have given a mixed assessment on the performance of public services in Birmingham. Read
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Man dies on railway at Cannock
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
A man has died after suffering severe injuries on a railway track in Cannock. Read
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Victim happy that Ashley Blake's appeal is rejected
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
The teenager attacked by Ashley Blake has welcomed the news that his appeal over his sentence has been thrown out. Read
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Bus driver arrested after death of cyclist in Birmingham
Dec 10 2009 | West Midlands News
A bus driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving after a fatal accident in central Birmingham. Read
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Kop experiences inspire Villa defender to aim for Europe
Dec 10 2009 | Aston Villa FC
Villa star Stephen Warnock explains to Lisa Smith how he first got the buzz for European football. Read
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Back Off The Post: Surreal feel to Ricoh clash
Dec 10 2009 | RFU News
Last Friday’s Coventry-Bedford match, at the Ricoh Arena, had a slightly surreal feel to it. Read
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Ifs, buts and maybes
Dec 10 2009 | RFU News
“This is a massive learning curve for everybody this year but I think we are getting more right than we are not.” – Terry Burwell, RFU Tournament and Competitions Director, December 4, 2009 Read
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Burwell vow over funding after Coventry goes under
Dec 10 2009 | RFU News
Terry Burwell has revealed the RFU are considering monitoring clubs’ finances in a bid to end the problems that have blighted the inaugural Championship season. Read
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Clubs face black hole
Dec 10 2009 | RFU News
Radio 5Live presenter Colin Murray is not a man who would claim to be the world’s leading expert on rugby union. Read
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'I'm no tramp' - Woods-link woman
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
A US socialite at the centre of the Tiger Woods affair allegations has spoken out to deny she was a "home-wrecker" or "tramp". Read
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MPs' expense claims placed online
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
MPs are braced for further embarrassment over their expenses with the publication of their claims during the last financial year. Read
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Pakistan holds US terror probe men
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Five young Americans captured in Pakistan were being questioned for possible links to terror groups after their families found a disturbing farewell video saying Muslims must be defended. Read
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Caution expected as bank rate set
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Bank of England rate-setters are expected to end the year in cautious mood at their monetary policy meeting. Read
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Sentencing for foiled terror plot
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Three men are due to be sentenced after being convicted of charges connected to the foiled terrorist plot to blow up airliners. Read
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Economists pore over Darling plans
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
The small print of the Pre-Budget Report will come under scrutiny as economists try to work out the full implications of Alistair Darling's strategy to bring down the country's £178 billion annual deficit. Read
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Obama defends war at Nobel ceremony
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
President Barack Obama defended the concept of a just war as he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Read
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McCanns set to attend libel trial
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Madeleine McCann's parents are due to fly to Portugal for the start of a libel trial against former Portuguese policeman Goncalo Amaral. Read
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Tax debt recovery 'undermined'
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
A cash-saving decision to put off buying a new computer system for HM Revenue and Customs is undermining the taxman's ability to recover debts from late payers, an influential committee of MPs has said. Read
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Injury risk warning from TV topple
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Booming sales of flat-screen televisions could cause a rise in accidents at home this Christmas, safety campaigners have warned. Read
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Doctors urge end to child detention
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Senior doctors have called for an immediate end to the "profoundly harmful" detention of children in immigration removal centres. Read
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Madeleine book launch 'regrettable'
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
The decision of a Portuguese policeman to launch his second book on the day a libel trial is to start concerning his first book on Madeleine McCann has been described as "regrettable" by her parents' spokesman. Read
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Obama: I'm not best Nobel choice
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Nobel Peach Prize winner Barack Obama has admitted others may be more deserving of the honour. Read
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Life term for airline bomb plotter
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
A Muslim man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years after being convicted of conspiracy to murder by plotting with Abdulla Ahmed Ali, the convicted ringleader of the foiled plan to blow up passenger jets. Read
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Obama justifies war at ceremony
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
President Barack Obama evoked the cause of a just war, accepting his Nobel Peace Prize just nine days after sending 30,000 more US troops to war in Afghanistan but promising to use the prestigious prize to "reach for the world that ought to be." Read
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Bid to stop McKinnon extradition
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Lawyers acting for computer hacker Gary McKinnon have lodged papers for a fresh High Court challenge to stop him being sent for trial in the US. Read
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Brown and Sarkozy united after rift
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French president Nicolas Sarkozy will present a united public front after weeks of Anglo-French feuding over top jobs in Europe. Read
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'10 years remain to cut carbon'
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Carbon emissions must start to fall within 10 years to limit the global temperature rise to the crucial 2C mark, experts at the Met Office warned. Read
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Royal Mail modernisation pays off
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
The Royal Mail has increased its operating profit to £184 million in the first half of the current financial year despite a drop in revenues and fewer letters being posted. Read
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Problems with 'intercept evidence'
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
A review has identified major problems with the potential use of intercept material as evidence in courts in England and Wales. Read
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Bank interest rate stays unchanged
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Rate-setters have held back from further help to the economy after monetary policy was left unchanged. Read
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Boy admits pouring bleach on woman
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
A teenager has admitted pouring bleach over a woman who had asked him to be quiet in a cinema. Read
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Pandemic 'less lethal' than feared
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
The swine flu pandemic is "considerably less lethal" than feared, with a death rate lower than 0.1%, research by England's chief medical officer shows. Read
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More expenses embarrassment for MPs
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
MPs were enduring yet more expenses embarrassment after it emerged Gordon Brown had repaid another £500 and a minister submitted a £20,000 bill for repairing a bell tower. Read
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Scientists defend climate research
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
More than 1,700 scientists have signed a statement to defend global warming research. Read
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Darling defends spending cuts delay
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Alistair Darling has defended his decision to delay billions of pounds in public spending cuts until after the general election. Read
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US bank 'won't pay cash bonuses'
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Investment banking giant Goldman Sachs has announced that senior executives will not receive cash bonuses for this year. Read
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Think-tank warning over Darling PBR
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Chancellor Alistair Darling will have to find an extra £76 billion, or £2,400 per family, to restore the public finances over two Parliaments of pain, experts warned. Read
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McCartney: Mills marriage a mistake
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Sir Paul McCartney has admitted that his acrimonious marriage to Heather Mills was one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Read
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De Menezes memorial at Tube station
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
A memorial to Jean Charles de Menezes will be erected permanently at the London Underground station where he was shot dead by police. Read
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PM repays summer house paint cash
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Gordon Brown has paid back £500 he claimed in expenses for the painting of a second home summer house after deciding it could be "questionable". Read
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Benefits rises 'not electioneering'
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
The Prime Minister has denied electioneering over the Pre-Budget Report, saying that benefits and pensions would continue to rise. Read
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Swine flu 'less lethal' than feared
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
The swine flu pandemic is "considerably less lethal" than feared, with a death rate lower than 0.1%, research by England's chief medical officer shows. Read
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Britain to get its own space agency
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Britain is to get its own dedicated space agency, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson has announced. Read
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Darling warned over spending cuts
Dec 10 2009 | UK News
Chancellor Alistair Darling was warned he must find £36 billion in new spending cuts if the Government is to meet its commitment to halve the budget deficit over the next four years. Read
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Sky's the limit for new boy Wiggins
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Bradley Wiggins was unveiled as a Team Sky rider on Thursday and is targeting Tour de France glory. Read
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Johnson struck by knee injury
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson could miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in training. Read
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Pulis 'draws a line' under Beattie row
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is adamant a line has been drawn under his row with striker James Beattie and, if fit, the striker will be in his squad for Saturday's match at home to Wigan. Read
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Vela pens new Gunners deal
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Striker Carlos Vela has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the club have announced on their website. Read
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Mascherano non-committal over Reds future
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Midfielder Javier Mascherano has shied away from committing his future to Liverpool in the wake of the club's Champions League exit. Read
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Duo commit to Sale
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Sale Sharks backs Lee Thomas and Nick Macleod have both signed new two-year contracts with the Guinness Premiership club. Read
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Miller turns focus to SPL
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Kenny Miller has told Rangers to put their disappointing Champions League campaign behind them and focus on winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in a bid to have another crack at Europe next year. Read
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Toffees confirm Donovan talks
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Everton chief executive Robert Elstone has confirmed the club are in talks to bring Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan to Goodison Park on a short-term loan. Read
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Wenger: Experience will boost youngsters
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Arsene Wenger has no doubts his young Gunners will have grown from their "big jump" into the Champions League, despite going down 1-0 to Olympiacos after a battling display during last night's final Group H clash in Athens. Read
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Reds confront harsh reality
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Captain Steven Gerrard admitted Liverpool had simply not been good enough as their disastrous Champions League campaign ended with another defeat. Read
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Essien faces four-week lay-off
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Michael Essien will be out for up to four weeks with a hamstring tear. Read
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Onions and Davies impress for England
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
England picked up two wickets before tea as the South African Invitational XI responded to 329 for eight declared. Read
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Wiggins agrees Team Sky move
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Bradley Wiggins has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a move to Team Sky. Read
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England duo close in on half-centuries
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Ian Bell and Matt Prior shared an unbroken stand of 83 after two England wickets had fallen in the first hour of a squelchy second and final morning at Buffalo Park. Read
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Pompey deny administration reports
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Portsmouth have issued a strongly-worded statement denying rumours they are planning to go into administration. Read
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Mariner takes over as Plymouth boss
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Former England striker Paul Mariner has taken charge of football activities at Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Plymouth after they announced a reshuffle of their management team. Read
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Sale swallow bitter pill
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Sale Sharks have decided to take no action after Wasps escaped punishment following a controversial postponement of last month's Guinness Premiership clash between the clubs. Read
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Novak set for Blues talks
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will hold talks with Slovakia striker Jan Novak in the next 48 hours to see if there is any possibility of the player moving to St Andrew's from MFK Kosice next month. Read
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Swann on song for England
Dec 10 2009 | National Sport
Graeme Swann answered most emphatically on Thursday as England sought to prove their Test match well-being in an inevitable draw at Buffalo Park. Read
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Inspection blow for Birmingham's children's services
Dec 10 2009 | Politics News
Children’s services run by Birmingham City Council are continuing to perform badly, education watchdog Ofsted said yesterday. Read
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Watchdog questions Birmingham City Council's ability to deliver cost cuts
Dec 10 2009 | Politics News
A local government watchdog has challenged an upbeat report on Birmingham City Council’s ambitious business transformation project. Read
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F1 is on skid row, not pole
Dec 10 2009 | Other Sport
Monday’s announcement that Silverstone has agreed a 17-year deal to host the British Grand Prix from 2010, thus ensuring the venue is not replaced by Donington Park, will come as welcome pre-Christmas news for the sizeable army of F1 fans. Read
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Paul Raymer: Gilbert bound for Argentina
Dec 10 2009 | Other Sport
Susie Gilbert set off for Argentina with the women’s GB hockey team this week for a five-match series – two days after her indoor debut for England against Scotland at the National Indoor Arena. Read
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Jazz Diary: Drumming up a storm
Dec 10 2009 | Music
Soweto Kinch keeps on doing good work at The Drum when he is not down in London, and on Sunday he brings the year’s Live Box sessions to a close with his own band and new material from his new EP, called A War In A Rack. Read
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Review: Robeson Re-explored by Sir Willard White, at Birmingham Town Hall
Dec 10 2009 | Music
Sir Willard White’s tribute to Paul Robeson, the singer and the man. Read
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Jon Walker: Waiting game over Birmingham's high speed rail station
Dec 10 2009 | More Columnists
The location of Birmingham’s high speed rail station will be decided within three weeks, but we won’t be told the result for many months. Read
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Richard McComb: Why hair of the mouse is a festive waste of time
Dec 10 2009 | More Columnists
Hangover cures are notoriously useful at this time of year, but don't wake up and smell the coffee because it won’t do you any good. Read
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Sarah Evans: Evolving language of youth is a valid form of literacy
Dec 10 2009 | More Columnists
Such is communication in the world of instant messaging favoured by the young and those who like to get along side the young. Read
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Dean Kiely aiming to keep push in safe hands
Dec 10 2009 | West Bromwich Albion FC
West Brom keeper Dean Kiely tells Chris Lepkowski that he is happy to respond to an SOS Read
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Brian Dick: Eyes on the prize
Dec 10 2009 | Sports Comment
You have got to love this time of year. The city centre awash with as much sausage and German beer as you can stomach, the ambrosia that is home-made Christmas pudding just days away and an excuse to drink port. Tell me, who doesn’t love a few weeks of self indulgence? Read
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Liam Byrne says Pre-Budget Report shows 'clear plan' for reducing benefit
Dec 10 2009 | Budget
Treasury Secretary and Birmingham MP Liam Byrne has insisted the Government’s Pre-Budget Report set out “a clear plan” for reducing the deficit. Read
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Carillion lands two bumper deals worth £600m
Dec 10 2009 | Latest Business News
Construction giant Carillion has been boosted by a £450 million to redevelop a hospital in Bristol – just 24 hours after winning a contract to build a giant council building in Abu Dhabi. Read
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Ocean Power Technologies moves into profit
Dec 10 2009 | Latest Business News
Ocean Power Technologies, the US renewable energy specialists with UK headquarters in Warwick, has broken into a small profit. Read
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Malvern firm Tricorn Group reports 42% sales fall
Dec 10 2009 | Latest Business News
Tube manipulation specialist Tricorn Group has reported a 42 per cent fall in half-year sales revenue amid difficult market conditions. Read
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Birmingham businesses unhappy as interest rates and quantitative easing are held
Dec 10 2009 | Latest Business News
Today’s decision to keep interest rates at 0.5 per cent and to opt against a further extension of the quantitative easing programme will do nothing to help business growth, say business leaders in Birmingham. Read
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Manufacturing a recovery, will be tough says West Midlands CBI
Dec 10 2009 | Latest Business News
John Russell, new chairman of the West Midlands CBI, warns that emerging from recession will not be easy for the region. Read
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Birmingham Chamber seeks assurances from Kraft over Cadbury plans
Dec 10 2009 | Cadbury
Business leaders in Birmingham are urging Kraft Foods to spell out their plans should their bid for Cadbury be successful. Read
