Birmingham Post

Tory U-Turn On Market

A threat to axe Birmingham's popular German Christmas Market has been lifted after council leaders admitted the move was poorly judged and would have damaged the city's European credentials. The policy U-turn is understood to have been ordered personally by city council leader Mike Whitby who, on returning from holiday in the West Indies, was furious to learn that one of his Conservative colleagues had vowed to ditch the German stalls in favour of a Dickensian English market.

Carl Wayne Dies: Pop Star Loses Cancer Fight

One of the pioneers of Birmingham's rock sound, Carl Wayne, has died at the age of 61. Wayne, the lead singer of 1960s Birmingham pop band The Move, had hits with songs including Flowers in the Rain - the first record to be played on BBC Radio 1 - and I can Hear the Grass Grow.

Bullring Sets New Record for Visitor Figures

Birmingham's pounds 530 million Bullring shopping centre has welcomed more than 36.5 million visitors in its first year, according to footfall figures published today. Since it opened its doors last September, it has seen a 21.6 per cent increase on its most optimistic footfall prediction of 30 million.

Drama As Gunmen Open Fire During Rush Hour

Rush hour commuters were caught in a shooting drama in Birmingham city centre last night as gunmen fired at each other from two speeding cars. The vehicles, believed to be Audis, chased each other around the Nechells and Digbeth areas at about 5.30pm. One of the cars is believed to have crashed several times during the chase.

Council Duo Fired for Ticket Failure

Two parking attendants have been sacked by a Worcestershire council for failing to issue enough tickets. Phillip Mansell and Bruce Edwards were ordered to issue 19.5 parking tickets each day at ten car parks owned by Bromsgrove District Council.

'He Was Typical Leo, a Leader ... On Stage He Was Fantastic'

An entertainer, a leader and a man who loved to be centre stage - that was how his colleagues last night remembered Carl Wayne. During The Move's 60s heyday, Wayne engendered a reputation for being outspoken and controversial.

Obituary: The Boy From Brum Who Moved Into the Big Time

Carl Wayne was born on August 18, 1943, in Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham. One of the most distinctive and versatile voices in music, the boy from Castle Bromwich achieved major recording success as the lead singer with The Move alongside Roy Wood, Chris 'Ace' Kefford, Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan.

Twin Joy Hides Agony of Ivf Fight

The picture of happiness; four-month-old twins Alfie and Archie are cuddled by their proud parents. At first glance it is just another smiling family portrait taken in the first heady weeks of parenthood.

Road Rage Killing Suspect in Court

A disabled grandfather charged with murdering the 78-year-old brother of Hollywood actress Deborah Kerr was given bail yesterday. Eugene Warwood (55), appeared at Birmingham Crown Court accused of killing retired journalist Edmund Trimmer during an alleged 'road rage' dispute.

Mini Still a Cool Car

The original Mini Cooper is still one of the coolest cars around. The sporty version of the Sir Alec Issigonis-designed favourite made it into a list of cool vehicles compiled by BBC Top Gear magazine.

Football Ref 'Scarred' by Fans' Hatred

One of English football's most famous referees said yesterday he was 'permanently scarred' from the abuse and hatred he suffered from fans. Public school teacher David Elleray, who sent off Roy Keane four times, received death threats from Manchester United fans, had to have his mail screened and was placed under police protection.

Will It Be Alright for Dwight or Is Blues Move a Massive Own Goal? ; Former Holte End Hero Dwight Yorke has Done the Unthinkable and Joined Bitter Rivals Birmingham City in a Move That Is Bound to Anger and Infuriate Both Sets of Fans. Lifelong Villa Fan Richard Warburton and Blues Season Ticket Holder Simon Collins Give Their Verdicts

In the big scheme of things, one of your team's former favourite sons joining your biggest enemy is not the end of the world, writes Richard Warburton. Of course the situation in Iraq is more concerning and the famine in Sudan more worrying. And then there is the state of the NHS and the railways and violent crime is on the increase and all that political stuff. But, and it's quite a big but, among the really big issues facing most Villa fans in the pub, Dwight Yorke's move to the Blues is as...

Bitter History of Legends Who Go Across the Line

There can few football grounds in the world that have not resounded to the chant of 'Judas' by bitter supporters. For fans there are fewer things worse than watching your hero pull on the shirt of your enemy, but the beautiful game is full of players who have passed over the great derby divide.

'I'm No Hero' Insists Olympic Relay Golden Wonder Mark

Olympic gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis yesterday brushed off suggestions he had become a hero to thousands of young athletes after leading the British sprint relay team to victory. The Birchfield Harrier said he had yet to realise the full extent of what it means to be an Olympic champion, but added that he hoped his success would get more youngsters involved in the sport.

Father's New Plea to Help Trace Teenager

The father of a missing teenage mother has made a plea for information over her whereabouts on the first anniversary of her disappearance. David Putt has had no news about his 17-year-old daughter Natalie since she vanished on September 1 last year - 11 weeks after giving birth to her son Rhys. Natalie, of Thornleigh in Lower Gornal, Dudley, was not said be depressed and did not take any belongings with her.

City's Importance to the Arts Highlighted

A pounds 16 million international ballet school due to open in Edgbaston next month demonstrates the growing importance to Birmingham of arts and cultural industries, the leader of the city council said yesterday. The Elmhurst School, which is relocating from Surrey, will have places for 200 students from five different countries and will also offer courses for budding dance stars at Birmingham LEA schools.

Police Arrest Petrol Bomb Suspect

A man has been arrested in connection with a petrol bomb attack on a clothing store which left a six-year-old girl with serious burns, police said yesterday. The 24-year-old from Wolverhampton was arrested on Tuesday by detectives investigating an incident in which Shae Thomas, from Bristol, was engulfed in flames.

Mother Held Son's Hand As He Died

The heartbroken mother of a seven-year-old boy yesterday told how she held his hand as he lay dying in the road after a hitand-run accident. Dexter Watts died in the City Hospital, Birmingham, after suffering head and internal injuries in the accident in High Street, Cape Hill, Smethwick, on Monday.

Acting Inspector 'Fiddled Expenses'

A Solihull-based police inspector fiddled his expenses by claiming mileage for journeys he did not make in his own car, a court heard yesterday. Paul Graham, an acting inspector who was seconded to the Immigration Service at the time, was allegedly paid a total of about pounds 600 in expenses he was not entitled to claim.

West Mercia Police Facing a Pensions Crisis, Warns Midland Mp

A cash-strapped Midland police force is facing a pensions crisis, an MP has warned. West Mercia Police is also suffering from the effects of an unfair funding system which means it receives far less support than neighbouring authorities, said Peter Luff (Con Mid Worcestershire).