Dec
2009
Articles from 15th Dec 2009
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AWM doesn't know if £300,000 spent at MIPIM attracted investment
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
Advantage West Midlands has no idea if £300,000 it spent at this year’s MIPIM property event in the south of France attracted a single penny of inward investment for the region. Read
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Worcester man robbed in home by thief wearing clown mask
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
A man in a clown mask forced his way into a Worcestershire house and stole a man's Christmas savings, police said. Read
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Former Staffordshire police officer jailed for grooming girl on Facebook
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
A former Staffordshire police officer who corrupted and groomed a “vulnerable” young girl by sending thousands of sexually explicit messages on Facebook and MSN has been jailed for three-and-a-half years. Read
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More traffic chaos in Birmingham after Aston Expressway vandalism
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
Rush-hour motorists could continue to face lengthy delays across the city for several more days following the attack on signal equipment above one of Birmingham busiest commuter routes. Read
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Whitby's 'huge savings' on Birmingham library amounts to just £5m
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
Approval has been given for work to begin on Birmingham’s new £193 million civic library, amid a row over how much the project will actually cost. Read
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Police admit Birmingham man who died in custody should not have been put in van
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
A Birmingham man who died in police custody should not have been taken to a police station in a van, police conceded before an inquest jury. Read
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DNA could help solve 15-year-old Birmingham murder
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
Detectives hunting the killers of a Birmingham mother who was burned alive 15 years ago believe DNA could finally solve the mystery. Read
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Blue plaque honours Birmingham poet and scientist Constance Naden
Dec 15 2009 | West Midlands News
Official recognition has finally been given to a Birmingham woman born more than a century and a half ago. Read
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James Milner proving his versatility at Aston Villa, says O'Neill
Dec 15 2009 | Aston Villa FC
Martin O'Neill insists he is "not doing a disservice" to Aston Villa winger James Milner's World Cup hopes by moving him into a central midfield role. Read
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Just another game for Barry Ferguson as Birmingham City take on Blackburn
Dec 15 2009 | Birmingham City FC
Birmingham City midfielder Barry Ferguson is adamant he has nothing to prove in tonight's home clash with Blackburn Rovers and is viewing the Premier League encounter as "just another game." Read
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Lee Bowyer hoping Gold and Sullivan can revive West Ham
Dec 15 2009 | Birmingham City FC
Birmingham midfielder Lee Bowyer is optimistic David Gold and David Sullivan can revitalise West Ham in the same way as they transformed his current club. Read
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BA takes legal action over strike
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
British Airways has launched legal action in a bid to halt a planned 12-day strike by its cabin crew, which threatens travel chaos for a million passengers from next week. Read
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Teenagers guilty of killing fawn
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Two 17-year-olds who stomped a fawn to death "for a laugh" have been convicted of killing the deer, according to a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson. Read
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House prices increase amid shortage
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
House prices rose by 0.5% during October as the market continued to be boosted by a shortage of homes for sale, research has showed. Read
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Registrar loses discrimination case
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Christian registrar Lillian Ladele has lost her appeal against a ruling that she had not been discriminated against by being disciplined after she refused to conduct same-sex civil partnerships. Read
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Chinooks ordered as MoD cuts loom
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to buy 22 new Chinook helicopters to increase air support on the frontline in Afghanistan. Read
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Bully locked up for girl's death
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
A teenage girl who bullied vicar's daughter Rosiemeiri Boxall into jumping to her death from a window has been ordered to be detained for eight years. Read
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BA strike 'could cost £30m a day'
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
British Airways faces the loss of up to £30 million a day because of the Christmas union strike action, a leading aviation analyst has warned. Read
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Two soldiers die in suicide blast
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Two British soldiers have been killed by a suicide bomber while on patrol with Afghan troops. Read
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Corrie stars mourn Blanche actress
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
A "beautiful and dignified" funeral service has been held for the much-loved actress Maggie Jones, who played Coronation Street battle-axe Blanche Hunt. Read
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Climate talks 'hang in balance'
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
The outcome of crucial climate change talks "hangs in the balance", Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said as he set off to join negotiations in Copenhagen. Read
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Youth unemployment fall predicted
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Youth unemployment could start to fall by the middle of next year, the Government predicted, as it prepared to set out plans to deal with recession-fuelled joblessness. Read
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Public sector's taxpayer doubled
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Public bodies have more than doubled the amount of taxpayers' money saved by joining forces to buy in products and services, it has been announced. Read
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Price of housing 'is still rising'
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
House prices continued to rise during November despite an increase in the number of homes put up for sale, research has shown. Read
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Poor children losing obesity fight
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
The childhood obesity epidemic could be levelling off in affluent homes but is rising among youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, research has suggested. Read
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Cuts finance Afghan mission boost
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced swingeing cuts in military personnel and equipment to fund a £900 million boost for the Afghanistan campaign. Read
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Paedophile nursery worker jailed
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Nursery worker Vanessa George has been jailed indefinitely after she admitted feeding the lust of a Facebook accomplice with sick pictures of children in her care. Read
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Country braced for sub-zero weather
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
A white Christmas is possible, but unlikely, said forecasters as the country braced itself for below freezing temperatures and snow this week. Read
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No loans made by £2.3bn car scheme
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Not a single loan or loan guarantee has been made under the Government's automotive assistance programme (AAP), a report from MPs has said. Read
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'Broker' Brown heads to Copenhagen
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Gordon Brown is heading to the UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen with the aim of establishing himself as a major "broker" of the talks by pressing the case of the developing world. Read
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'Leaks' probe police defend actions
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
The police officer who led the Home Office leaks inquiry defended his team's actions and said a critical review was based on "inaccuracies". Read
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Tory 'lead down to single figures'
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
The Conservative lead over Labour has dipped into single figures after months in which David Cameron enjoyed a double-digit advantage, according to a new poll. Read
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12 days of misery for BA passengers
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
More than a million passengers face Christmas travel misery after British Airways cabin crew announced a 12-day strike in a bitter row over jobs, pay and working conditions. Read
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Israeli's warrant sparks law review
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
The UK Government is "urgently" considering reforms to the legal system after a British court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli politician Tzipi Livni. Read
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Ben Fogle chased burglars from home
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
TV presenter Ben Fogle chased four burglars away from his house as they were trying to break in. Read
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'Tough decisions' due on MoD budget
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth is to set out which areas will fall victim to "tough decisions" forced on the MoD budget by the recession. Read
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Higher petrol prices fuel inflation
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Higher petrol prices pushed inflation upward for the second month in a row in November, official figures have revealed. Read
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Kraft hits back at Cadbury claims
Dec 15 2009 | UK News
Cadbury suitor Kraft has hit back at the Dairy Milk maker's bid defence by claiming that a merger of the two firms would deliver more value "than Cadbury could achieve on its own". Read
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Green error aids Bolton
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
England goalkeeper Robert Green's howler gifted Bolton victory as the hosts climbed out of the relegation zone at the expense of fellow strugglers West Ham with a 3-1 win. Read
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Cameron at the double for Blues
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Cameron Jerome helped Birmingham rewrite their record books as his brace against Blackburn lifted Alex McLeish's side into the top six of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1 victory. Read
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Riesgo hoping for Spurs deal
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Asier Riesgo is hoping a deal can now be struck for him to join Tottenham after he seemingly impressed during his trial with the Barclays Premier League club. Read
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Drogba injury gives Chelsea blues
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Chelsea could be without 18-goal striker Didier Drogba against Portsmouth after the Ivory Coast international hurt his back in a training ground incident earlier on Tuesday. Read
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Gers ease back into top spot
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Rangers regained top spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after sweeping to a remarkably straightforward 3-0 win in their rearranged game at Dundee United. Read
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Trotters break sorry Hammers
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Bolton moved out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Reebok Stadium. Read
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Cameron at the double for record Blues
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Cameron Jerome helped Birmingham rewrite their record books as his brace against Blackburn lifted Alex McLeish's side into the top six of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1 victory. Read
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Villa go third
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
England World Cup hopefuls Emile Heskey and James Milner teamed up to maintain Aston Villa's Barclays Premier League charge with a 2-0 win at Sunderland. Read
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United ease past weakened Wolves
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Sir Alex Ferguson's 900th league game in charge of Manchester United ended in a 3-0 victory but the spotlight was trained on Wolves boss Mick McCarthy for his controversial team selection. Read
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Sven: I'm staying at County
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson has quelled speculation about his future by committing himself to the Coca-Cola League Two club. Read
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Brooking worried for Hammers
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking is hoping Gianfranco Zola can bring players to Upton Park next month to help avoid relegation, as the club considers a takeover offer that could lead to funds being available. Read
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FA quiz Hughes over comments
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been asked by the Football Association to explain his comments after Craig Bellamy's dismissal in the Barclays Premier league draw at Bolton on Saturday. Read
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Alex McLeish to open player contract talks at Birmingham City
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will attempt to sort out the future of several key players approaching the end of their current contracts over the next few weeks. Read
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Irish FA: No Worthington approach
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
The Irish Football Association revealed they have not been approached by any club as speculation continues to mount about manager Nigel Worthington's future. Read
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Benitez can 'guarantee' top-four berth
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez feels his methods will land the faltering Anfield club a coveted top-four spot in the Barclays Premier League. Read
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Branson launches Virgin Racing F1 team
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Sir Richard Branson's love of Formula One resulted in one of the world's richest men throwing the full weight of the Virgin brand behind one of the sport's new teams on Tuesday. Read
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Jaques returning to Worcestershire
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Worcestershire have re-signed Australian opening batsman Phil Jaques as their overseas player for the first half of the 2010 season. Read
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Donald rejects Smith 'banter'
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Allan Donald has rejected Graeme Smith's claim that England should have selected Steve Harmison and rely too heavily on Andrew Strauss' batting. Read
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Stunning Sehwag torments Sri Lanka
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
A ferocious century from Virender Sehwag helped India amass a daunting total in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Rajkot. Read
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Green targets three points
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Robert Green sees tonight's trip to Bolton as the ideal opportunity for West Ham to pick themselves off the floor. Read
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Giggs to miss Ferguson milestone
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Sir Alex Ferguson will take charge of his 900th league match with Manchester United tonight but is unlikely to be able to call upon his 'old reliable' Ryan Giggs in his latest hour of need. Read
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Doyle undaunted by United trip
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has vowed that tonight's trip to Manchester United is not mission impossible. Read
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Price tag weighs heavy on Berbatov
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has confessed that he feels under pressure to live up to his huge price tag. Read
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Crusaders confirm Wrexham switch
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Crusaders have confirmed their move from south Wales to the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. Read
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Strauss ponders England team balance
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Andrew Strauss took one look at a green and patchy Centurion pitch on Tuesday morning - and conceded England may have to make a late decision on the balance of their first-Test team against South Africa. Read
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India edge thrilling one-dayer
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
India secured a three-run victory in a thrilling finish to the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Rajkot. Read
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Backe quits County
Dec 15 2009 | National Sport
Notts County have confirmed that manager Hans Backe has resigned just seven weeks after signing a three-year contract at Meadow Lane. Read
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London Midland in talks to prevent mass rail cancellations
Dec 15 2009 | Transport News
Rail operator London Midland has promised passengers that the chaos of September 6 when drivers failed to turn-up for work will not happen again. Read
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West Midlands needs an Oyster travel card, says Lord Adonis
Dec 15 2009 | Transport News
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has urged bus and rail companies in the West Midlands to speed up the introduction of a new “smart card” allowing passengers to travel across the region using a single plastic ticket. Read
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One hundred years of the Electric Cinema
Dec 15 2009 | Film
Graham Young meets Tom Lawes ahead of the Electric Cinema’s centenary. Read
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Tim Garland jazzes up the CBSO
Dec 15 2009 | Music
Terry Grimley meets the composer of an unusual piece having its world premiere in Birmingham tonight. Read
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A happy return for the Wonder Stuff
Dec 15 2009 | Music
Jim Emery meets Wonder Stuff guitarist Miles Hunt on the eve of a very special anniversary date. Read
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West Bromwich Albion 2 QPR 2 - match report
Dec 15 2009 | West Bromwich Albion FC
West Bromwich Albion 2 QPR 2Striker Simon Cox saveda point for Albion with a 94th-minute equaliser which saved the Coca-Cola Championship high-flyers from a second successive home defeat. Read
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£2.3bn loans scheme for car makers fails to pay out
Dec 15 2009 | Jaguar Land Rover News
A £2.3 billion loans scheme to support struggling carmakers has failed to help a single employer, a Commons inquiry has warned. Read
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Enterprise Inns boss given 28 per cent pay rise
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
The chief executive of pub group Enterprise Inns was given a 28 per cent pay rise last year – including a £150,000 performance bonus – even though profits at the company dropped by a fifth. Read
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House prices continuing to rise in the West Midlands
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
House prices are continuing to rise in the West Midlands as an increase in the number of properties coming up for sale in the West Midlands is having little effect on the market Read
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Cosmen family stumps up £74m for National Express
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
Birmingham transport group has received more than 90 per cent backing for its rights issue after the Cosmen family backed the deal with £74 million. Read
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Inflation rises for a second month as petrol bills increase
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
Official figures show higher petrol prices pushed inflation upward for the second month in a row in November. Read
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Cadbury workers gather to protest against Kraft Foods bid
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
Cadbury workers from across the UK and Ireland have launched a united bid to stop the hostile £10.1 billion Kraft takeover in its tracks and keep the world-famous chocolate maker British. Read
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Leeds MP attacks 'litigious' Enterprise Inns
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
An MP has claimed Solihull pub group Enterprise Inns used “legal threat and intimidation” against a parliamentary committee looking into the pub sector. Read
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West Bromwich Albion’s accounts show £6.6m net debt
Dec 15 2009 | Latest Business News
West Bromwich Albion have announced a net debt of £6.6 million – after making an initial operating profit of £7.7 million. Read
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Kraft's pledge to be disciplined in Cadbury bid as protests heat up
Dec 15 2009 | Cadbury
Hostile bidder Kraft Foods has said it will maintain a disciplined approach in its pursuit of chocolatier Cadbury, as protests against the proposed takeover heat up in the Midlands. Read
