Birmingham Post

Tory and Lib-Dem Pact to Run City

Twenty years of Labour rule in Birmingham look certain to be brought to an end by a Conservative-Liberal Democrat power-sharing pact on the city council. Senior Labour figures have all but given up hope of remaining in charge of Britain's largest local authority following last week's elections, which left the party eight seats short of a majority in the council chamber.

Blair Told to Change Postal Voting System

The right to vote by postal ballot may have to be restricted if the Government cannot find ways of eliminating fraud, the leader of Birmingham City Council has warned. Sir Albert Bore, in a letter to the Prime Minister, called for an overhaul of the system following numerous allegations of malpractice during the local authority elections.

Mann to Escape Jail Term

A former Birmingham man described as a ringleader of rioting English football hooligans in Portugal arrived back in Britain last night. Birmingham City football supporter Garry Mann was expelled from Euro 2004's host country after being jailed for two years for taking part in a street battle with police on the Algarve.

House Prices 'Will Fall 20pc'

House prices are set to fall by 20 per cent during the next three years as the booming property market corrects itself. Capital Economics said it expects prices to rise by a further five to six per cent by the end of this year before beginning to fall at the beginning of 2005.

Debbie On Song: Blondie Roll Back the Years

Brb's History Goes On Sale

The Birmingham Royal Ballet is offering people the opportunity to purchase a piece of its history by auctioning costumes from more than 30 productions. The ballet company is teaming up with ITV show, Everything Must Go, to clean out its closets in a special one-hour show because it is in desperate need of space in its wardrobes. Among the 400 costumes on sale are those warn by Miyako Yoshida's in Auras, Marion Tait in Papillon and Margaret Barbieri in Solitaire, and items designed by Jasper C...

Brb Clears Its Closet in Costume Auction

Birmingham Royal Ballet will say goodbye to hundreds of precious pieces of costume when it clears out its closets next week. For many, it could be a childhood dream come true - the chance to dress up in a delicate pastel tutu and twirl like a ballerina as more than 400 dazzling designs in silk, satin and sequins come up for sale for the first time.

Procare Sue 'Malicious' Police Force

A private ambulance company which transports sick children to a specialist care centre has threatened legal action against West Midlands Police. Birmingham-based Procare said it would be suing West Midlands Police for harassment and malicious prosecution after what it described as an 18-month campaign against the company and its drivers.

Over-35s Abandon Their Inhibitions and Rock Along with Blondie ; Blondie Nia Academy

There's something unnerving about Deborah Harry. Given her age (and none of the fan sites on the web disclose it) it's a bit like rediscovering a long forgotten aunt and realising that she is, and always has been, a punk rocker. But Ms Harry pulls it off with style and panache; and last night's concert at the NIA Academy was a real treat.

Industry Experts Discuss Failings

Marketing experts and senior executives from the leisure industry have been called in to advise managers at Birmingham's Thinktank on how to halt falling visitor numbers. Bosses at the science museum, located within Eastside's pounds 114 million Millennium Point, held a 'brainstorming' session last month in a bid to find ways to increase attendance.

Charlie's Invite: Brummies Are Being Encouraged to Be Green- Fingered

City slickers in Birmingham are being encouraged to become more green-fingered as part a competition launched by gardening celebrity Charlie Dimmock yesterday. Residents are being urged to get involved with designing and developing a community garden which will be built at next year's Gardeners' World Live.

Supermarket Plan Splits Community

Battle lines are being drawn over controversial proposals to build a shopping centre on the site of a Birmingham sixth form college and sports centre. City council planners are being urged to give permission for a 22,000 square metre development off Haden Way, Balsall Heath, but the scheme has split the local community.

Motorists Praised As Show Crime Drops 50pc

Police have praised motorists who visited this year's Birmingham Motor Show after reported vehicle crime was reduced by almost 50 per cent from the previous event. Between the start of the show at the National Exhibition Centre on May 25 and its climax on June 7, reported vehicle crime was down by more than 200 offences compared with the 2002 Motor Show.

Duo Charged for Camera Damage

Two men have been charged with damaging 20 roadside speed cameras in Staffordshire. One 19-year-old and one 20-year-old man, from Rugeley, are accused of spray painting the units along stretches of the A51, causing nearly pounds 2,300 worth of damage.

Lecturer Quits Big Brother

A Birmingham university lecturer has ended his involvement with Big Brother after a police investigation was launched into a brawl between the housemates. Professor David Wilson, who teaches at the University of Central England, had hoped to use his criminology expertise to analyse the behaviour of the housemates in this year's show.

Future Is Now at Pharmacy

A futuristic 'pharmacy practice' has opened in Birmingham in a bid to take pressure off GPs by advising patients on public health issues. With two consulting rooms, patients will be able to walk in off the street for appointments with nurses from local GP practices and the resident pharmacist.

Community Says Tearful Farewell to Teenager

A community was in mourning yesterday as it said goodbye to a heroic teenager who drowned trying to rescue a friend from a lake. Dozens of school friends were among a packed congregation at St Martin's Church in Bilston to bid Jason Mansell a tearful farewell.

Ex-Post Man Dies, Aged 75

Keith Brace, former literary editor of The Birmingham Post, has died at the age of 75. Brace, whose career at the newspaper spanned more than three decades, died peacefully last weekend at his Warwickshire home near Stratfordupon-Avon. Bristol-born Brace, who served as a pilot officer in the RAF, joined The Post in 1959.

Police Seek Scooter Thugs

Two pint-sized thugs tipped a disabled man out of his mobility scooter before stealing the vehicle, police said yesterday. The yobs, thought to be aged about 11, pushed the victim off the scooter near a Somerfields supermarket in New Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire.

Early Music Festival