Birmingham Post

Walkers Brave the Frost at Moseley

Railway Station Plan for Pounds 60m Olympic Pool Site

Birmingham's newpounds 60 million Olympic swimming complex could have its own train station, delivering a long-awaited public transport boost to the International Convention Centre, National Indoor Arena and Brindley place. City council officials believe the site for the 50-metre pool, on land behind the NIA and next to the main line from New Street, is ideal for a new halt.

Adams Store Closures 'Likely'

Administrators for children swear chain Adams have warned that store closures were likely following the collapse of the business earlier this week. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will make a further announcement early next week, but in the current retail environment it said some shop closures were expected as a result of its appointment. Adams operates 271 own-brand stores and concessions throughout the UK trading under the name Adams Kids. It employs 3,200 people, with 350 staff based at its h...

Home Secretary's New Year Security Warning Smacks of 1984

If a Home Secretary had suggested, even 20 years ago, that all telephone calls should be monitored by police and the security services, regardless of any evidence to suggest wrongdoing, the idea would have been strangled at birth. The mere thought that Britain should succumb to surveillance on such a scale would have brought immediate comparisons to the worst excesses of the totalitarian state envisaged by George Orwell in 1984. As for the return of identity cards, which have never been used ...

Database Plan Crucial to Fight Crime - Smith

The Home Secretary last night defended plans for a super database of everyone's telephone calls, emails and internet use as a necessary weapon to tackle organised crime and terrorism. A consultation paper into the communications traffic database, which critics claim could cost up to pounds 12 billion, will be launched later this month.

Murder Hunt After Man's Burnt Body Found by M45 Embankment

A murder investigation is under way after the discovery of a burnt body in shrubland on a motorway embankment in Warwickshire. Police said the victim - a man aged between about 45 and 75 - had suffered substantial head injuries.

Factory Blaze: Pair Rescued

Two night workers were rescued from a burning meat factory in Birmingham after fire swept through the premises. The men were led away from Raphael Meat and Poultry in Wright Street, Small Heath, by firefighters from High gate and Hay Mills before paramedics treated them at the scene. They did not require hospital treatment.

Machete Death - Son Charged

A man appeared in court charged with murdering his own father who died after he was attacked with a machete. Zahid Mohammed (20), of Bordesley Green Road, Bordesley Green, was remanded in custody yesterday by Birmingham Magistrates' Court.

Top Hotel Set for Weddings

One of Birmingham's most luxurious hotels has been granted permission to use its premises for weddings. Couples can now tie the knot in civil weddings and partnerships at Malmaison Hotel at the city's Mailbox.

Tories Slam Use of Lottery Funds for 2012 Olympics Instead of Good Causes

A quarter of the National Lottery money set aside for good causes is being used to fund the 2012 Olympics and meet lottery distributors' administration costs, the Conservative Party said. Research carried out by the party showed Camelot gave pounds 1.2billion to the Good Causes fund in 2007/08, with pounds 309million of that being spent on the Olympics and lottery administration.

Dozen Hurt After 20-Car Pile-Up in Fog

Paramedics said it was a miracle no one was killed after three serious road crashes struck within minutes of each other on a Worcestershire road leaving dozens injured. While police blamed the crashes on heavy fog and plummeting temperatures, causing treacherous driving conditions, emergency workers were praised for their professionalism in handling the three crashes, which all occurred within a mile of each other on the A435 in Gorcott Hill, near Redditch yesterday.

Medieval Sword Fights Could Be Just the Thing for 'Difficult' Pupils

Tamworth youngsters are to learn the art of jousting, sword fighting and circus skills in their school time as part of an innovative project funded by a Heritage Lottery grant. Pupils at Kettlebrook Referral Unit in Tamworth will be taking a step back in time to get a snapshot of real life in medieval times.

Fewer Tourists Are Now Visiting Britain ; Leisure

Death Counter Starts Tolling ; Art

A giant LED counter which will show the number of people who die around the world this year has been unveiled in London. The work, called Death Counter, by Spanish artist Santiago Sierra, has been lent to insurer Hiscox.

Man Rescued From Burning Taxi Office ; Fire Service

Extra 75p a Week for Elderly in Care ; Social Services

Why the Wye Is Set for a Good Year

Anglers on the River Wye in Herefordshire could be in for a bumper fishing season next year as salmon stocks have almost returned to normal after an all-time low. More than 1,000 fish were caught on the river in the last year after pounds 5million in improvements over the last 12 years. The move came after more than20yearswhichsawas few as 300 fish caught in 2002, compared to the glory days when more than 3,500 salmon were caught on the Wye every season.

Credit Crunch Befalls Birmingham's Dogs and Cats

Animal shelters are reporting high levels of abandoned pets during Christmas as the credit crunch hits pet owners. Almost 300 dogs have been recovered from Birmingham's streets and dozens more animals reported abandoned.

New-Look Church Is Proving Attractive

A night church set up in a former bank in Staffordshire has proved the key to pulling in troubled souls. It started out as the Church Without Walls, set up in a town centre as part of an attempt to help the Lichfield Diocese to better engage with the community.

Archbishop - Focus On Others, Not Just Woes of the Economy

The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned against focusing solely on economic woes as he described children and the most vulnerable as the "real treasure" and wealth of society. Dr Rowan Williams acknowledged anxiety and insecurity prompted by fears about job losses, disappearing savings and house repossessions in the face of the economic downturn.