Birmingham Post

City Regions Businessman Quits Board

The top businessman selected to sit on the West Midlands city region board is quitting just months after taking up the post. Ben Reid is to stand down as the business community member of the Birmingham, Black Country and Coventry City Region executive board from March 1. Only appointed in the summer, his election caused controversy.

Planners Approve Brindley Offices

A 13-storey building in Brindleyplace that will help Birmingham overcome its "desperate shortage" of high-quality office space was given the go-ahead by planners yesterday. The city council's planning committee approved Eleven Brindleyplace, the final piece in the flagship development.

Michelin Restaurant Scheme Divides Opinion

One of Birmingham's most desirable suburbs is aiming to transform itself into the 'Ludlow' of the city with award-winning restaurants. Edgbaston is poised to reposition itself along the likes of the Shropshire town which currently has four restaurants in the Michelin Guide - more than anywhere outside London.

Firebomb Killer Must Serve Eight Years

A teenager who killed a six-year-old girl when he took part in a horrific firebombing of her Birmingham home in an "honour attack" has been sent to a young offenders institution for eight years. Daryll Tuzzio had previously been found guilty following a trial of the manslaughter of Alisha Begum and a charge of arson with intent to endanger life.

Radiation Overdose Questions

A teenage girl given a massive overdose of radiation died of brain cancer. Post-mortem examination results released to the family of Lisa Norris, 16, made no mention of the possible effects.

Fury Over Gay and Bi Blood Donor Ban

Birmingham students yesterday urged the National Blood Service to revise its ban on gay and bisexual men. Dozens of undergraduates from Birmingham, Aston and Central England universities protested outside the service's New Street donation centre over its lifelong ban on the would-be donors.

Tb Cases On the Rise Across the Country

Cases of tuberculosis (TB) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have risen by 11 per cent in just one year, according to figures out yesterday. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said there were 8,113 cases in 2005 - up 10.8 per cent on the 7,321 cases in 2004.

Solicitor's Work Before Life of Music

Edward Elgar began work for a local solicitor when he left school at 15, but after a year embarked on a musical career, giving piano and violin lessons. At 22 he took up the post of bandmaster at the Worcester and County Lunatic Asylum in Powick, three miles south-west of Worcester.

Battle to Keep Elgar On the Pounds 20 Note

Inspired by the Worcestershire countryside, Edward Elgar became England's most celebrated composer. His connection with the region is symbolised by statues in Worcester, Hereford and Malvern.

Benefits Agency Inquiry for Dealer

Two antiques dealers were cleared yesterday of conning wealthy pensioners. Lee Collins, 39, and Mark Duncan, 33, both of East Sussex, were found not guilty of 16 counts of conspiracy, theft and deception, but Collins could still face an investigation over tax and benefits fraud, London's Black-friars Crown Court was told.

Metal-Bashing Company Could Win Relocation Aim

The future prospects of one of Birmingham's oldest metal-bashing firms looked brighter last night after planners agreed to reconsider a relocation scheme. A E Harris has warned it is likely to go out of business if a plan to redevelop its Jewellery Quarter site and move to a more suitable location on an industrial site is not approved.

Council Workers Embarassed Over Salary Story

The official Birmingham City Council logo was yesterday stripped from scores of city lorries and vans after workers claimed they were being exposed to public contempt, ridicule and humiliation. Vehicles were despatched yesterday with their identification painted out or covered up.

1,500 Immigrants Came to Uk Daily in 2005

More than 1,500 immigrants arrived in Britain every day last year while 1,000 left, according to official data released yesterday. The Office for National Statistics said 565,000 people came for at least a year in 2005.

Workshop Examines Black Issues for Men

A workshop debating the ways young black men can overcome the barriers and issues they face as a result of their colour was held yesterday in Birmingham. The event, organised by the Government advisory group REACH, saw the city's local organisations and voluntary and community groups come together at the Martineau Centre in Balden Road, Harborne.

Mps Reject Stricter Abortion Proposal

Calls for new restrictions on abortions were supported by five West Midland MPs. They voted in the Commons for legislation to cut the time limit for abortions from 24 weeks to 21 and introduce of a ten-day cooling off period.

Asbos Attitude Signals Labour's Failure

Society is encouraging youth crime by destroying the innocence of childhood, Conservative leader David Cameron warned yesterday. He attacked violent music and "sexy" clothes aimed at primary school girls, as a report showed efforts to tackle youth crime were failing.

Mice Running Riot Amongst the Press at House of Commons

Large house-parties of mice are taking residence in the Press Gallery quarters of the Palace of Westminster. They can be witnessed skittering around reporters' rooms, and even in the bar. One was found mopping up crumbs on a political correspondent's desk.

'Green' Motorists Won't Take the Bus

Motorists are getting "greener" but are still reluctant to use public transport, according to a new poll out. The number of drivers prepared to switch to hybrid or electric cars is growing, as is the number now car-sharing to work, according to a survey from insurance company Admiral.

Protesters Attack Didcot

Anti-pollution activists yesterday tried to shut down one of Britain's largest power stations. A Greenpeace spokesman said 30 of its members invaded Didcot coal- fired power plant in Oxfordshire at 5.30am.

Midlanders Join Mass Climate Rally

Thousands of people, from vicars to caretakers, will visit London tomorrow to demonstrate concern about global warming. Under the banner of the Stop Climate Chaos they will descend on Trafalgar Square for a rally to urge Government to do more.