Birmingham Post

Social Services Better - but More Can Be Done

Social services are improving in the West Midlands, official inspectors revealed today. But Sandwell received the lowest rating possible after inspectors warned it was failing to look after vulnerable children properly.

Why This Bird Is Hope-Less in the Wild

When Chris Jones (above) released Hope the buzzard back into the wild he thought he had seen the last of her. But after several weeks killing her own prey, the hand-reared bird returned to what she knew. So when the buzzard tried to land on the passing public, she wasn't trying to scare them - she just wanted food.

Don't Cook Your Marriage with the Christmas Goose

While five spice and lemon-infused goose may sound like a splendid alternative to turkey for this year's Christmas dinner, be warned - it may end in divorce. More relationships break down at Christmas than at any other time and, according to a top Birmingham lawyer, celebrity chefs have a lot to answer for.

1,200 Health Jobs at Risk

West Midlands NHS trusts with debts totalling more than pounds 16 million are considering 1,200 job cuts to combat their financial health crisis. In a letter to the chief executives of the 23 trusts, the Birmingham and Black Country Strategic Health Authority has suggested a freeze on the replacement of, among others, nursing and administrative staff. Frontline medical posts, including GPs, consultants and doctors, would not be affected.

Crash Man Dies

A man who was seriously injured in a two-vehicle road collision on Monday has died in hospital. Peter James Genocky, aged 18, of Wordsworth Road, Daventry, died at Walsgrave hospital Coventry on Tuesday night.

Police Manhunt

Detectives are searching for two men who stole a cash box from a security guard at Shirley Retail Park in Solihull on Tuesday. The robbery happened at 5.30pm outside Toys R Us. A 38-year-old old security guard returning to the van was approached by two hooded men with faces covered.

Cat the Cream

When it comes to a winning smile Sutton Coldfield TV star Cat Deeley is tops with the nation's paparazzi. The presenter has been voted number one in a celebrity poll of stars who should walk the red carpet more often.

Midland Hospital Cuts Needed to Combat Shortfall - Blair

Health cuts which could threaten a Midland hospital are necessary to reduce NHS budget deficits, Tony Blair insisted. The Prime Minister was challenged in the House of Commons over proposals to slash pounds 20 million from health services in Worcestershire.

Star Brings Hope for Social Services Future

Birmingham social services staff celebrated with an early Christmas party last night after the announcement that the council- run department is no longer ranked among the worst in the country. Cabinet member Sue Anderson ordered social workers and other officials to let their hair down after being told that the city's caring services had been awarded a one-star ranking by the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Force Could Get Four-Month Reprieve

West Mercia Police could get a four-month stay of execution if it refuses to merge with neighbouring forces, But Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, indicated his preference was for a regional force, and insisted police chiefs could not block reforms. He said: "We want to reflect regional boundaries if that is possible. That is the consultation now taking place."

Ex-Soldier Jailed

A former soldier and Midland British National Party election candidate has been jailed for 15 months after sending obscene images involving children to others. Roderick Rowley (51), previously from Coventry, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years after admitting at Birmingham Crown Court 14 charges of making indecent photos, four of distributing them and one charge of possessing an image for distribution.

New Metro 'Still On Course

New Midland Metro lines are still on course despite the Government binning a pounds 500 million tram line in Liverpool this week, according to West Midland transport officials. The Merseytram decision - which has prompted bitter recriminations and a possible legal challenge by Liverpool's transport leaders - came the day after it was revealed the cost of two extensions to the West Midlands tram network had spiralled by 74 per cent.

What Do Women Want, Asks Jowell

More female judges, lessons in schools about how to manage a household budget, and affordable childcare before 8am - these were just some of the items on a wishlist to the government from women across the West Midlands yesterday. More than 125 women of all ages and backgrounds joined Women's Minister Tessa Jowell and deputy Minister for Women Meg Munn at Birmingham's Hippodrome to share their views on the issues they face in their day-to-day lives and to tell Ministers what they want from Gov...

M5 Death Fall

A woman fell to her death yesterday after she was hit by a car on a motorway bridge. The victim, believed to be in her 60s, was hit by the Volkswagen Golf at 12.15pm between junctions two and three of the M5 southbound carriageway.

Pantomime Horse Grand National

Police Defend Cost of Call-Centres 'Guru

West Mercia Police has defended its recruitment of a US motivational guru to teach call-handlers to use "positive language" when dealing with the public. The force said its decision to pay pounds 200,000 to Mary Gober International would help its 230 switchboard and 999 service operators to improve the service received by the public.

Number of Men Who Buy Sex On the Rise

The proportion of men who have paid for sex in Britain has doubled in a decade, sparking increased fears about sexual ill health. A study in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections said men who had paid for sex with women were also more likely to have more sexual partners and to have had sex abroad.

Medical Experts Are Not Surprised at Increasing Infection Rates ; Second Opinion

For those of us working in the field of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) it comes as no surprise that last year's HIV figures for Birmingham have increased yet again. We now have over 3,600 people living with HIV within the West Midlands. On average, 20 people are infected with HIV every day in our country.

Hail Cab, Get Condom

An MP has backed plans to give away free condoms in taxis. Revellers getting a lift home from clubs and pubs are to be offered free contraceptives in Birmingham taxis.

Healthy Baby Joy for Rape Victim

A mother who was infected with HIV during a gang rape while pregnant has spoken of her joy after her baby son was discovered not to be carrying the disease. Helen Smith, of Wednesbury, was snatched off the street by four men in a car who then raped her.