Dec
2009
Articles from 22nd Dec 2009
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Police follow up new leads in hunt for 1994 killers of Tracey Mertens
Dec 22 2009 | West Midlands News
Detectives are following up several leads following an appeal to find the killers of a Birmingham mother who was burnt alive on the steps of a church 15 years ago. Read
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Coroner rules hospital failures led to death of Solihull woman
Dec 22 2009 | West Midlands News
A series of failures caused the death of a 64-year-old grandmother who was undergoing a routine procedure at a Birmingham hospital, a coroner has ruled. Read
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Birmingham Post, December 23rd - 29th
Dec 22 2009 | West Midlands News
Some of the highlights in the Birmingham Post this week. Read
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Appeal after teenager assaulted on Birmingham train
Dec 22 2009 | West Midlands News
British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old girl was assaulted on board a train in Birmingham. Read
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More Aston Villa fans arrested than any other West Midlands club
Dec 22 2009 | West Midlands News
Aston Villa has came bottom in a league table of shame after police were forced to arrest more supporters of Villa than any other club in the region. Read
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Police seek information after six similar assaults in Lozells
Dec 22 2009 | West Midlands News
Detectives in Birmingham have appealed for information about a man thought to be responsible for six assaults. Read
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Breakthrough at Redditch firm Springpart
Dec 22 2009 | Manufacturing & Skills
A specialist manufacturer from Redditch is celebrating its 35th birthday by pioneering a new solution to producing springs for the pharmaceutical industry. Read
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DR Shoes taking steps to beat recession
Dec 22 2009 | Manufacturing & Skills
A Staffordshire designer of fashion shoes is beating the recession by finding new markets across the globe – with help from UK Trade & Investment. Read
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Villa boss O'Neill says Man City expectation levels have no equal in business world
Dec 22 2009 | Aston Villa FC
Martin O'Neill believes the expectation levels at Manchester City to achieve instant success because they have spent major amounts of money "wouldn't happen in any other business." Read
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Birmingham City hopeful defensive duo will be fit for Chelsea clash
Dec 22 2009 | Birmingham City FC
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish hopes defenders Roger Johnson and Liam Ridgewell will be fit for the Boxing Day clash with Chelsea despite neither managing to train so far this week. Read
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Concerns over children's fitness
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Children's fitness levels in the UK are falling at twice the global average rate, regardless of obesity, research has showed. Read
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SNP demands place in TV debates
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Scottish National Party has warned that it must be included in any televised debates between party leaders broadcast in Scotland during the general election campaign. Read
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China slams Miliband climate claims
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
China has lashed out at climate change minister Ed Miliband after he accused the country of "hijacking" the United Nations-sponsored summit in Copenhagen. Read
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Watchdog drops bank charges action
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Office of Fair Trading has scrapped plans for further action against banks over unauthorised overdraft charges but said it still has "significant concerns" about the personal current account market. Read
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Eurostar service resumes amid anger
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Passengers left stranded by the Eurostar snow saga said that rail bosses still have "a lot to answer for" as they finally prepared to board trains following three days of cancellations. Read
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Boy on 'Facebook row' murder charge
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
A teenage boy has been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old that was apparently triggered by postings on Facebook. Read
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Man murdered wife in clothes store
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
A rejected husband who took revenge on his wife by stabbing her at a high street store on Friday 13th is facing a life sentence. Read
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Woman faces paedophile charges
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
A woman has appeared in court accused of child abuse offences in connection with convicted paedophile Colin Blanchard. Read
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Councils blasted in gritting row
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Thousands of people have endured more travel misery as local councils were accused of failing to grit roads. Read
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Rolling Stone cautioned for attack
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has been cautioned for attacking his former Russian girlfriend Ekaterina Ivanova. Read
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Snow and ice cause nationwide Christmas travel nightmare
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Christmas travel nightmare was grinding on today with more snow and ice causing havoc on the roads and further disruption for rail and air services. Read
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Boy George eyes Big Brother house
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Former Culture Club singer Boy George is due to make a plea to a High Court judge to be allowed to enter the Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) house this January. Read
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Stamp prices to increase by 2p
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The price of first and second class stamps is to rise by 2p to 41p and 32p from April, the Royal Mail announced. Read
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Ex-royal harpist given rehab order
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Prince of Wales's former official harpist has walked free from court after being given a community order for handling stolen goods and attempted fraud. Read
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Output drops 6% during UK recession
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The UK has now lost 6% of its entire economic output in its longest ever recession, official figures have confirmed. Read
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Public sector workers expect rise
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Most public sector workers still expect a pay rise next year despite a predicted clampdown on spending and a cap on wage rises from 2011, according to a new report. Read
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'Too few' tough sentences on knives
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Only two people caught carrying a knife have been given the maximum sentence available to judges, official figures have revealed. Read
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Afghanistan strategy right: Brown
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Gordon Brown insists that he has "absolutely no doubt" that Britain is pursuing the right strategy in Afghanistan. Read
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Kercher killer gets sentence cut
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
One of the killers of British student Meredith Kercher had his sentence halved by an appeal court. Read
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Minister admits PM disaster remark
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Labour MP John Hutton has admitted that he was the Cabinet minister responsible for saying that Gordon Brown would be a "disaster" as Prime Minister. Read
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Eurostar disruption over Christmas
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Eurostar services thrown into chaos by snow will not return to normal until "after Christmas", the company's chief executive conceded. Read
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Gerry Adams' brother in abuse probe
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
A brother of Gerry Adams wanted on suspicion of sexually abusing his daughter has handed himself in to police. Read
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Officer pulls gun in snowball fight
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Washington's police chief has criticised a veteran detective for pulling a gun during a mass snowball fight. Read
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Recession drags on in sixth quarter
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The economy shrank by a worse-than-expected 0.2% between July and September as the UK's record recession dragged on, official figures show. Read
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'No guarantees' as Eurostar resumes
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Passengers left stranded by the Eurostar snow saga have reacted with anger as rail bosses resumed services - but told them they were still not guaranteed to get home for Christmas. Read
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Three soldiers' bodies brought home
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The bodies of three British soldiers killed in Afghanistan have been returned to the UK. Read
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Jade widower Jack Tweed denies rape
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The widower of reality TV star Jade Goody has denied two counts of raping a teenager. Read
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OFT vows to continue banking fight
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Office of Fair Trading has pledged to continue its fight with banks despite giving up its legal battle on unauthorised overdraft charges. Read
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Gritting row amid snow travel chaos
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Thousands of people have endured more travel misery as local councils were accused of failing to grit roads. Read
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OFT set to drop bank charges battle
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Office of Fair Trading is due to announce whether it plans to take any further legal action against the banks over unauthorised overdraft charges. Read
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Soldiers' bodies return to the UK
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
Three British soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan are to be returned to the UK. Read
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Recession 'ended in third quarter'
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The UK recession all but ended between July and September, official figures are expected to show. Read
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More travel chaos as snow freezes
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
The Christmas travel nightmare was grinding on with more snow and ice causing havoc on the roads and further disruption for rail and air services. Read
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Judge bailed lover who then killed
Dec 22 2009 | UK News
A judge who bailed a spurned lover who went on to murder his terrified ex-girlfriend just six weeks later has been named. Read
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Terry cautious about World Cup chances
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
John Terry insists England should not be regarded as one of the favourites for next summer's World Cup because there is no one outstanding contender. Read
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Mancini urges Robinho to step up
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
New manager Roberto Mancini wants Robinho to "write the history" of Manchester City. Read
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Levein set for Scotland role
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Craig Levein could be confirmed as the new Scotland boss on Tuesday in place of George Burley, Press Association Sport understands. Read
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Cook defends City's axing of Hughes
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook insists chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak was "transparent" with former manager Mark Hughes throughout his 18 months in charge. Read
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We're backing Ian Bell, says England cricket coach Andy Flower
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
England retain full confidence in their extra batsman Ian Bell, despite his double failure in the first Test. Read
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Jonathan Trott unfazed by South Africa hostility
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
South Africa may as well stop any attempts to put their former countryman Jonathan Trott off his game - because when he is batting he is oblivious to any opposition remarks. Read
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Flintoff on road to recovery
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff expects to resume batting in the new year as he continues his recovery from surgery. Read
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Levein agrees deal in principle
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Craig Levein has agreed a deal in principle to become Scotland manager and is set to be officially unveiled on Wednesday, Press Association Sport understands. Read
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Wenger: Van Persie could miss season
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Arsene Wenger has admitted he has almost written off the idea of Robin van Persie playing again this season as the striker could be out until May with an ankle injury. Read
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Torres bemoans lack of funds
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Fernando Torres has underlined the bleak future facing Liverpool by admitting the club cannot afford to buy top-class players in the January transfer window. Read
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City: Cook did not lie to fans
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Manchester City have been forced to insist they did not lie to fans over when they approached Roberto Mancini to become their new manager. Read
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Wigan confident of beating the freeze
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Wigan officials are confident of avoiding a second postponement in six days after spending a five-figure sum in a bid to beat the big freeze. Read
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Donovan granted work permit
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
United States international Landon Donovan has been granted a work permit and can now officially join Everton on loan next month. Read
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Turner handed four-match ban
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Sunderland centre-back Michael Turner will now serve a four-match ban for his red card against Manchester City after the Football Association dismissed his claim and added a game to the normal suspension. Read
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Hoy won't risk losing London gold
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Sir Chris Hoy has admitted that, while he still plans to defend all three of his Olympic titles in London, he might sacrifice one or two to guarantee a gold medal. Read
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Yates takes Cheltenham job
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Cheltenham have appointed Mark Yates as the club's new manager with immediate effect. Read
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Early blow for Mancini
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Nedum Onuoha has intensified Roberto Mancini's immediate concerns about Manchester City's injury list by being ruled out for up to four weeks. Read
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Levein decision imminent
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Dundee United boss Craig Levein expects his future to be sorted by Wednesday morning. Read
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Robins speak to Yates as search gathers pace
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Kidderminster boss Mark Yates has confirmed he has held talks with Cheltenham over the managerial vacancy at Whaddon Road. Read
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Gale to skipper Yorkshire
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Yorkshire have appointed Andrew Gale as their new captain for next season. Read
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Cahill rues Wigan postponement
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Bolton defender Gary Cahill turned his focus to the Boxing Day derby against Burnley after the cold snap forced the postponement of the Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan. Read
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O'Neill still taking cautious approach
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Martin O'Neill insists Aston Villa's decline during the final third of last season will remind everyone not to get carried away with their current success. Read
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Trescothick signs new deal
Dec 22 2009 | National Sport
Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick has signed a new three-year contract with Somerset. Read
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Flybe at Birmingham Airport to help stranded Eurostar passengers
Dec 22 2009 | Transport News
Airline Flybe has said it was increasing capacity to help stranded Eurostar passengers, laying on larger aircraft from Birmingham to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for the next four days. Read
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Enterprising day for women
Dec 22 2009 | Enterprise & SMEs
Female entrepreneurs have helped showcase a Women’s Business Development Agency at a Midland event. Read
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Polish investment paying off for Betterware
Dec 22 2009 | Enterprise & SMEs
An investment in Eastern Europe has paid off for a Birmingham shopping firm after sales in its Polish operation rose by 200 per cent. Read
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McCarthy relationship with Wolves chairman still strong - Moxey
Dec 22 2009 | Wolves FC
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey insists the relationship between manager Mick McCarthy and owner Steve Morgan has not been damaged over a reserve team being fielded in the 3-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United. Read
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Office Of Fair Trading to decide on unauthorised overdraft charges
Dec 22 2009 | Other UK business news
The Office of Fair Trading will announce today whether it plans to take any further legal action against the banks over unauthorised overdraft charges. Read
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Review: Sleeping Beauty, at Birmingham Hippodrome
Dec 22 2009 | Stage
As we sit with our 3D glasses, we’re taken on a magical and scary journey through Sleeping Beauty’s kingdom. Read
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Midland universities open their doors as part of £20m SME scheme
Dec 22 2009 | Latest Business News
Universities in the region are opening the doors of their labs to local high-tech small and medium-sized firms as part of a £20 million research programme into advanced materials. Read
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Hill & Smith raises £1m with sale of subsidiary
Dec 22 2009 | Latest Business News
Engineering group Hill & Smith has raised £1 million by selling a subsidiary firm. Read
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New figure show recession even worse than predicted
Dec 22 2009 | Latest Business News
The economy shrank by a worse-than-expected 0.2% between July and September as the UK’s record recession dragged on, official figures showed today. Read
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Banks to face no further action on overdraft charges
Dec 22 2009 | Latest Business News
The Office of Fair Trading has scrapped plans for further action against banks over unauthorised overdraft charges but said it still has “significant concerns” about the personal current account market. Read
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Birmingham Chamber claims recession is easing gloomy figures
Dec 22 2009 | Latest Business News
Business leaders in the West Midlands say news that the economy is still striking does not reflect the state of the region’s private sector. Read
