Birmingham Post

Little Blake Adams

Consultants Costing More Than Nhs Debt

Management consultants are costing taxpayers pounds 998 million a year - pounds 375 million more than the projected deficit for the whole of the NHS. There was anger last night, as it was revealed how spending by Government agencies had spiralled from pounds 221 million in 2004 to pounds 998 million in 2005 - a rise of pounds 777 million.

Supermarket Rivals in Land Tug-of-War

Plans for a pounds 30 million shopping centre in south Birmingham have been put at risk by a battle between rival supermarket chains. Bosses at the Midlands Cooperative Society say that, after more than three years, they are becoming increasingly frustrated at failing to secure permission from Birmingham City Council to develop a site between Pershore Road and Hunts Road.

Rising Dj Stab Victim

The family of Birmingham's latest stab victim last night said they were "devastated" by his murder just eight months after his sister died through illness. Police last night revealed his identity as 26-year-old father-of- one Marvin Jiro (left) who lived in Ladywood.

Nhs Terror Plans Blasted

Health bosses last night dismissed a report which claimed hospitals across Britain were vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Current NHS emergency plans are "vastly inadequate" and do not plan for a direct hit by terrorists, according to researchers at Loughborough University.

Suez Sacrifice Marked in Veterans' Ceremony

More than 800 ex-servicemen yesterday attended an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Britain's withdrawal from the Suez Canal Zone. Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East and newly-appointed Minister for Veterans, told those gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, that the sacrifice of those who served in Egypt was an example to following generations.

Council Is Unwilling to Admit Defeat

There will be no giving up in the fight to secure a super-casino at the National Exhibition Centre, a senior Soli-hull borough councillor said last night. Ian Courts, the cabinet member for regeneration, admitted he had been "staggered" by the refusal of the Casino Advisory Panel to shortlist the NEC as one of eight possible UK sites for an American- style regional casino.

Ransom for Royal Dog

A dog lover told yesterday how a criminal had demanded a pounds 600 ransom for the return of the pet she was given by Princess Anne. Dolly Maude, aged 33, from Snowshill, Gloucestershire, said she was devastated after Myrtle, her 15-week-old English bull terrier, was snatched from her Cotswold home.

How the Co-Op Is Fighting Its Corner

For over 150 years, a Co-op store has stood proudly on the corner of Hazelwell Street and Pershore Road, meeting the shopping needs of the people of Stirchley. Gladstone hadn't formed his first administration and the British Empire was approaching the zenith of its powers when the stone building first opened its doors.

Seized Cash Tops Pounds 1m

Money confiscated from criminals in the West Midlands over the last year has topped pounds 1 million for the first time. The cash has been generated by forcing offenders to hand over any assets gained from criminal activity.

Charity Worker Freed

A Birmingham-based charity worker who was being held without charge in a top-security prison in Israel has been released on the orders of a military judge. Ayaz Ali, aged 36, who works for the charity Islamic Relief Worldwide, was arrested by the Israeli authorities on May 9.

University Pay Talks End in Failure

Talks between university chiefs and academics' unions broke up tonight without agreement, despite a new pay offer designed to end the industrial action which has hit thousands of students across the UK. The university employers' group UCEA raised their previous "final" offer of a 12.6% pay rise over three years to an increase of 13.1% over the same period.

Stab Victim Mourning His Sister

The family of Birmingham's latest stabbing victim had been struggling to get over the death of his sister just eight months ago when they heard of his murder, his brother said last night. Zimbabwean-born Marvin Jiro, aged 26, died from knife wounds to the chest after being attacked in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday.

Course On Islam a Big Uk Hit

A free course on Islam run from Birmingham has gone nationwide in the face of increased demand from non-Muslims who want to learn about the religion. The Islamic Correspondence Course covers the basic teachings of the Muslim faith and is aimed at people of all religions.

Jo's Joy As Lyng Spirit Rises Again

A woman who fought to revive community spirit on the decaying West Bromwich estate where she grew up has spoken of her joy after residents returned to new homes built there. Jo Franks watched on as people who had moved away from the estate returned after 86 new houses were built as part of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

Yobs Trash Pounds 45m New Housing Site

Thugs have gone on a pounds 350,000 wrecking spree on a showcase Birmingham housing development. The city council is spending more than pounds 45 million on a major facelift on the Ley Hill estate, in Bartley Green.

Railway Vandalism 'Must Be Tackled'

Vandals put railway passengers and themselves in danger by damaging tracks 42 times in the West Midlands last year. The number of incidents was up a quarter compared with the year previously, according to the Home Office.

Historic Buildings to Get Vital Restoration Work

Two of Birmingham's most prominent heritage treasures are to finally undergo vital restoration after years of campaigning to save the sites. Work is due to be carried out on the mediaeval Old Grammar School and the adjacent 15th Century timber framed Saracen's Head in King's Norton after a pounds 2.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Heritage Trail Coming

A ten-mile heritage trail taking in some of the historic sights of Shropshire is being created. The route will trace the history of many of the forgotten industrial relics and ancient buildings between Telford Town Park and the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Reid has Damaged Deportations with Hands-On Approach

The chances of deporting foreign ex-prisoners arrested yesterday morning may have been damaged by Home Secretary John Reid's decision to view the dawn raids in person, legal experts warned last night. The politician donned a stab-proof vest to witness immigration officers forcing entry to four homes in London, beginning at 5am.