Birmingham Post

Work Begins to Repair City Bull

Controversial Hospital Proposals Resurrected

Proposals for a new Birmingham hospital unit which were defeated after a legal challenge by local residents have been resurrected. A 63-bed extension at Moseley Hall Hospital for Alzheimer's sufferers was originally approved by Birmingham City Council last December. But five months later the local authority reversed its decision after opponents won a judicial review.

Flying Brum Flag at Live8 ; Ub40's Brian Travers Tells Neil Connor How Much He Is Looking Forward to Being Involved with One of the Biggest Rock Events in History - Even Though the Brummie Reggae Band Were Almost Not Invited

The point was raised recently, by 'mockney' Blur frontman Damon Albarn I believe, that the line-up at the Live8 concert discriminated against certain sections of our society. He was right, yet again a major event was taking place in London and there was not a single Brummie in sight.

Lightning Strikes Keep Services Busy

Homes across the Midlands were struck by lightning as severe summer storms hit the region last night. More than 20 firefighters were called to a Black Country farm where a livestock barn, containing dozens of calves and lambs, was hit by a bolt of lightning.

Charlotte Out of Party in the Park

Charlotte Church has pulled out of open air Birmingham concert Party in the Park, citing 'family commitments'. Party in the Park, which takes place at Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston, was postponed for a day this year after organisers BRMB decided to make way for the world-wide Live 8 concerts.

Appeal to Mother of Baby Found in Bin

Police last night pleaded with the mother of a newborn baby found dead in a litter bin to come forward amid concerns that she could need urgent medical treatment. The baby was discovered by a woman as she searched bins on the corner of Church Hill Road and Stamford Road, Handsworth on Monday.

Boy Hurt in House Blaze

A 14-year-old boy received 70 per cent burns after a fire broke out at a house in Kingstanding, Birmingham, yesterday. Fire crews were called to the two storey terraced property in King's Road at 12.35pm to reports of a severe fire.

Labour Criticises Council 'Bus Bouncer' Scheme

A pounds 700,000 city council scheme to provide security guards on Birmingham buses has been branded a waste of money that would do little to cut crime. Labour believe it would be better to invest in CCTV security cameras and community police officers.

Millionaire's Christian School Plan Under Fire

A missionary millionaire's plan to build a second Christian city academy in the Midlands is being opposed by local Lib Dems and a Labour MP. Businessman Bob Edmiston hopes to sponsor the new school in Coventry which will be based on a 'Christian ethos'.

Businessman's Missionary Zeal for Education

Christian businessman Bob Edmiston made his fortune importing Subarus from Japan and has developed a substantial property division. His Midland-based IM Group is estimated to be worth between pounds 300pounds 400 million putting him among the 100 richest people in the UK.

Scrap Plan Trashed After Cuts to Funding

A popular recycling scheme has been thrown on the scrap heap because essential funds have been cut. The recycling charity Brumcan is being forced to slash its weekly door-to-door collection service offered to 22,000 inner-city homes.

Stourport Project Go-Ahead

A pounds 500,000 project to restore and regenerate a Worcestershire town has been given the green light. The cash, approved by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands yesterday, will be used to revitalise and boost tourism in Stourport-on-Severn.

Nursery Death Women Are Bailed

Three women appeared in court yesterday charged with the manslaughter of a seven-month-old boy who was taken ill at a nursery. Dawn Wilson, Nicola Hadlington and Rebecca Lamare were granted unconditional bail when they appeared at Redditch Magistrates' Court in Worcestershire accused of killing Cameron Lindsay.

Rc Child Abuse Claims Up

Child abuse allegations in the Roman Catholic Church rose significantly last year in England and Wales. There were 100 alleged incidents reported in 2004 - up from 62 in 2003. The 100 incidents involved 153 alleged victims.

Force's First Woman Acc

Staffordshire Police has appointed its first female Assistant Chief Constable. Suzette Davenport, aged 42, will replace Huw Jones who is leaving the post to join Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary.

West Midlands Police Carried Out Half of All 'Stop and Searches

Nearly half of all people in Britain quizzed by police under controversial stop and search rules were in the West Midlands. A total of 20,000 out of 40,000 people questioned as part of the unpopular legislation were stopped by West Midlands Police.

Queen Reviews Flotilla of Nations

The white-gloved arm cut a broad swathe through the air. To port and starboard were warships flying the flags of 57 nations.

Trafalgar Celebrations: Admiral's Descendants Follow Him Into Forces

Three brothers descended from Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, two of whom served in the armed forces, were present at the International Fleet Review held to celebrate their ancestor's victory at Trafalgar. Craig Nelson, a Royal Marine Commando, and his brother Brett, a corporal in the Army Royal Engineers, were on board the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean which was inspected by the Queen in the Solent.

Trafalgar Celebrations: All Sailors Inspired by Navy's Great Day

The International Fleet Review was an inspiration for sailors of all ranks and types from ratings to Dame Ellen MacArthur. Officers and members of the ship's company aboard HMS Ocean told of their excitement at being part of the massive fleet inspection by the Queen.

Trafalgar Celebrations: Birmingham to Celebrate Hero's Visit to City

Birmingham will be at the forefront of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. The city will be staging a series of events to mark the battle and commemorate the death of Britain's greatest naval hero, Admiral Lord Nelson.