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[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-27T16:47:07 | null | 2016-08-27T16:05:35 | Villa forced into a change after 17 minutes | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-defender-aly-cissokho-11808883.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11781136.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97626032.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa defender Aly Cissokho limps out of Bristol City match | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aly Cissokho has limped out of Aston Villa's Championship clash at Bristol City.
Cissokho went down after 17 minutes and was replaced by Jordan Amavi.
The former Liverpool defender appears to have suffered a hamstring strain.
Amavi's arrival from the substitutes' bench prompted a loud cheer from the away end at Ashton Gate.
The French full-back remains a popular figure with the claret and blue faithful.
His brief cameo in last week's draw at Derby County was his first Premier League action since the goalless home draw against Manchester City last November.
Villa have eased him back into action following the cruciate ligament injury he suffered on France under-21 duty nine months ago.
He made his comeback appearance in the EFL Cup defeat at Luton, producing a mixed performance.
Villa supporters pay tribute to fellow fan Will Falck, who passed away last week | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-defender-aly-cissokho-11808883 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8220955433f4257ee4bd948e8d6032695b3d7bbb36b4a1c23d69c2ce232fc27b.json |
[
"Isolde Walters"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:19 | null | 2016-08-30T21:00:05 | Our rundown of the best unique plates picked by stars from around the region | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Frevealed-personalised-plates-chosen-midland-11820820.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11817522.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/number.jpg | en | null | Revealed: The personalised plates chosen by Midland celebrities | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The famous Villa number plate sold by former manager John Gregory for £39,000
The personalised number plate business is worth big money as sales of bespoke registration plates soared to £102 million in the last year .
A record 334,000 registrations were sold, almost 20 per cent more than the year before, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Unique number plates may soon be considered as wise an investment as fine art or vintage wines. The most expensive number plate in the world - simply ‘1’ - was purchased by Abu Dhabi businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar in 2008 for an eye-watering £7.25 million.
Former Aston Villa boss John Gregory sold his famous ‘V1LLA’ registration plate for £39,000 in 2010.
While many view personalised plates as ostentatious and tacky, Midlands celebrities have embraced the trend to bring some individuality to their cars. Here’s our rundown of the best:
1) Robbie Williams
Singer Robbie Williams apparently used a number plate to apologise to fans
The popstar, who hails from Staffordshire, uses personalised plates to get things off his chest.
His Ferrari donned a number plate spelling out ‘SORRY’. Apparently the plate was a message to his fans to say sorry for spending so much money on the car.
He was pictured earlier this year arriving at a video shoot in a Bentley with the number plate: ‘E IS BAD’. No word yet on the meaning behind that plate.
2) Karren Brady
Sports stars are particularly partial to a personalised plate and Karren Brady’s footballer husband Paul Peschisolido is no different.
He bought a personalised number plate ‘P33 SCH’ for the couple’s £30,000 Mercedes. The plate did not deter thieves who stole the car from the former Birmingham City striker’s home while it was being defrosted.
3) Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell arriving in Birmingham for the Britain's Got Talent auditions
The X Factor mogul, whose mum was born in Birmingham, has been known to flaunt his rumoured £200 million wealth so it is hardly surprising that his cars carry personalised plates.
His black Bugatti has number plates which spell out the main source of his fortune: ‘X FACTOR’.
4) Tessa Sanderson
Gold medallist Tessa Sanderson
An unexpected addition to the list, Wolverhampton-born Sanderson is the javelin thrower with six Olympic medals to her name.
She ordered a number plate with her nickname and ‘5 TES’ now features on her Mercedes.
5) Chris Tarrant
A number plate owned by Chris Tarrant reflected his passion for angling
The gameshow host, who studied at the University of Birmingham, chose a personalised plate to reflect his love of angling.
He picked ‘CHU 8B’, a take on his favorite freshwater fish, the chub.
At the time, Tarrant doubted his friends and family would share the joke: “I’m sure they will go, ‘Oh for Christ’s sake, you’ve finally flipped haven’t you’. Ingrid (Chris’s wife) wouldn’t know one end of a chub from another. She’ll have no idea what it is!”
These are the rudest place names in Birmingham | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/revealed-personalised-plates-chosen-midland-11820820 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/abf05fda294bb8b62d2d434c2a019577cf7b6835c770c5ae59c4d9b354ee83ef.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-28T10:46:23 | null | 2016-08-28T10:10:47 | The latest claret and blues transfer news and rumours | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-transfer-rumour-mill-11810706.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11230881.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Aston-Villa-v-Southampton-Before-the-game.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa transfer rumour mill: Premier League winger approach; Italy calls for out-of-favour defender | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Albert Adomah
The Guardian reports that Middlesbrough winger Albert Adomah is weighing up an offer from Aston Villa after rejecting a new contract.
The Boro wide-man has one year left remaining on his contract at the Riverside, but he is understood to be frustrated by his lack of game-time - he's behind the likes of Cristhian Stuani and Stewart Downing in the pecking order.
The Guardian add he's likely to decide on his future over the weekend.
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Joleon Lescott
Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Pescara are negotiating with Villa for defender Joleon Lescott.
The centre-back is free to leave the club having not featured at all for the first-team this season.
It's likely Pescara could only take Lescott, 34, on a free - the contract therefore could be terminated by mutual consent.
He has a year left of the two-year deal he signed last summer. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-rumour-mill-11810706 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a015762d1505b121d7e90b4332ae6728ef8efb67f604a4d1a18e733d47fa724e.json |
[
"Birmingham Mail"
] | 2016-08-31T14:49:41 | null | 2016-08-31T14:28:46 | Watch our video of possible suspects wanted by West Midlands Police in August, if you have information please contact them on 101. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fwatch-you-recognise-suspects-most-11824268.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11824259.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Most-Wanted-Teaser-Augustjpg.jpg | en | null | Watch: Do you recognise the suspects most wanted by West Midlands Police? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Above: Watch our video of the suspects who are most wanted by West Midlands Police
In the video above we take a look through possible suspects wanted by WMP. The team have posted the latest mugshots of the people they are trying to trace on their Flickr page.
Can you help Police track them down?
The latest possible suspects include Anthony Lee Reilly for burglary, Colin Hamilton and Anthony Thompson on separate recalls to prison, Dylan Kaluvi is wanted for wounding, James Leonard for burglary and Paul Hall who is wanted on suspicion of bilking.
Detectives are still hoping to trace Jahsiah Reid for failing to attend court for possession of an offensive weapon, Hashmat Saafi who is believed to have committed a serious sexual assault on a woman at his home in Coventry, Kristin Krumminacher and Mitchell Hayward who are both wanted for separate crimes of burglary, Israr Rafiq is wanted for threats to kill and police would still like to trace Isaiah Wright-Young who they have named as a key suspect in connection with the murder of Kenichi Phillips.
For further details and more photos of WMP's most wanted suspects, click here .
Anyone with information on the people seen here are now urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 and quote the ID number, where given.
Alternatively, anyone with information who would rather not speak to police can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/watch-you-recognise-suspects-most-11824268 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/0fe0cb8916f96a4536a0fb3ae802bf6247b728ad4cf67dc7719ad6aa15c2fbcb.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:46 | null | 2016-08-26T10:26:01 | Gary Rowett has said this about James Vaughan after the striker completed his move to Bury | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fbirmingham-city-read-gary-rowetts-11803025.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11728608.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96711208.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City: Read Gary Rowett's parting words for James Vaughan | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Gary Rowett admitted James Vaughan's inability to find the back of the net cost him his Birmingham City career.
Vaughan moved to League One Bury earlier this week after his Blues contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
He went to Gigg Lane with Rowett's best wishes but the Blues boss felt he had no option but to move on after the former Everton youngster produced just a single pre-season goal during his time at the club.
"He just simply didn't score goals," Rowett said. "I wish Vaughany all the best moving forward, he worked really hard for me as a player. He showed excellent commitment.
Below: Blues vs Wolves - fans in the crowd views
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"At that point of last season the likes of Vaughany was one that was available within our parameters that we thought was worth a gamble in terms of his allegiance to the club and need to get himself going again.
"The no goals really was the big thing we felt we have got to try and move on and get some goals into the team somehow.
"I sat down with him, he said he wanted to play. I told him I didn't feel I could give him that opportunity this season so we had to do what was best for all parties."
Rowett has Clayton Donaldson, Che Adams, Jack Storer and Nicolai Brock-Madsen as striking options although he is hoping to be able to add to that before the transfer window shuts. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city-read-gary-rowetts-11803025 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/41901d055ba955b784b2a71a46b7ba2cd30e2042030e70a4010165f2fa3fb4f5.json |
[
"Zoe Chamberlain"
] | 2016-08-27T10:46:14 | null | 2016-08-27T09:30:00 | Bad weather doesn't mean you have to stay at home - or go to a museum. Here are some great ways for the whole family to get active indoors | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2F6-rainy-day-activities-families-7455886.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article10774120.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS80909991.jpg | en | null | 6 rainy day activities for families in Birmingham | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | It’s raining. The kids are climbing the walls. And it’s only 8am.
What’s a mum (or dad) to do?
Well, there are plenty of fun things to do in and around the city when the weather’s bad – and they don’t just involve museums and art galleries.
In fact you can be just as active in Birmingham when it’s raining as when the sun is shining.
So, why not all let off a bit of steam at a trampoline centre, climbing wall or scooter park?
And, you could always round off your day by heading to one of our favourite family-friendly restaurants or pubs.
Have fun, whatever the weather.
Bounce the blues away at a trampoline park
Ever watched with envy as your kids have fun on bouncy castles and trampolines at parties?
Now there’s a way for families to all bounce together!
Giant trampoline parks are springing up (see what we did there?) all over the Midlands as part of a new craze sweeping the nation.
And Europe’s biggest trampoline park Jump Nation is launching in Walsall on February 13, 2016.
The huge centre, based in Olron House in Bentley Mill Way, will boast a whopping 218 trampolines, connected together to form one huge jump arena.
In the meantime, try some of these ...
What fun!
Boing Zone in Stourbridge
Try stunt scootering
Creation Skate Park in Balsall Heath is said to be the Midlands biggest extreme sports venue where you can do BMX, scooter, inline and skateboarding seven days a week.
And Unit3sixty Indoor Skatepark in Stourbridge boasts the biggest indoor bowl in the UK featuring the Death Star capsule which allows you to perform a full loop da loop ... if you dare!
Skaters performing tricks on the ramps at the Kerrang Radio Skate Jam at Creation Skate Park, Moseley.
Goggles ready! Let’s hit the pool
There’s a wave machine, a 50-metre flume, interactive water features, baby pool and beach area at Cocks Moor Leisure Centre, Kings Heath.
And Stechford Cascades, in Station Road, features a series of pools with a slide, water falls and jets. It also has bubble seats and a spa.
Check out our guide to the best swimming pools in Birmingham.
Cocks Moor Leisure Centre, Kings Heath
Run away to the circus
Ever fancied joining the circus? Now you can with CircusMASH, which has a dedicated circus centre in Kings Heath.
Here, you can learn how to master the trapeze and aerial acrobatics as well as a spot of juggling too.
CircusMASH
More: The Birmingham Summer Bucket List - 90 great things to do in and around the city
Soft play sanctuaries
When it just won’t stop raining and you have little ones who really need a run around, a soft play centre can be the answer.
But which ones are the best in Birmingham and beyond?
We asked BrummyMummyof2 blogger Emma Conway, from Bearwood, for her favourite soft play centres in the region. Here’s what she came up with.
Scallywags soft play centre at The Fort in Birmingham
Climb to great heights
Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced climber, Redpoint Climbing Centre, Cecil Street provides a 3D climbing experience featuring lots of different shapes, angles and even stalactites! You can also try out a mountain skills course, where you will learn navigation and expedition skills.
Or try bouldering (stripped-down rock climbing just using climbing shoes, balance and technique) at Birmingham Bouldering Centre on Water Street.
The World Bouldering Championships at the Outdoor Show, held in the NEC.
Go to the flicks
Journey to faraway lands, go on big adventures and shed a tear at a love story in the cinema together. Odeon Birmingham has a kids’ club where tickets cost just £2.50 for little people and grown-ups alike, and it’s just £1.75 for Movies for Juniors tickets at Cineworld on Broad Street – and you can even watch 3D films here for just £3.25. Bargain.
Snow Queen Elsa in the Disney film Frozen
Bring out your inner Elsa at the skating rink!
Get your skating boots on and head Silver Blades in Solihull. Open seven days a week, it has an onsite skate shop, cafeteria, parents lounge and bar.
Or try Planet Ice in Coventry which offers penguin skating aids and toys for little ones to enjoy on the ice!
Groupon Get your skates on at Silver Blades Solihull
Take a muddy puddle walk
Peppa Pig never feels blue under a raincloud.
Stick your wellies on, wrap up warm and go and jump in some muddy puddles in one of these 10 lovely winter walks, where you get to explore intriguing places like Cuckoo’s Nook, Sot’s Hole and Joy’s Wood.
Steps heading in the direction of Joy's Wood in Moseley Bog at dawn, ahead of the International Dawn Chorus Day.
Embrace the cold by skiing and snowboarding
So, it’s cold and miserable outside? Enjoy the chill at The Snowdome in Tamworth.
Try out snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, ice-skating and even adrenalin tubing. Certainly not for the faint hearted, the latter involves hurtling down the slope in specially designed inflatable tubes. Go on, we dare you!
russ shea Tobogganing at Tamworth Snowdome.
Be an explorer in your own city
Dig out your umbrella and make the most of the city whilst it’s quiet because everyone else is indoors!
Have fun discovering Birmingham with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt. Find answers to clues and match pictures whilst reading stories about the city – you’re guaranteed to spot things you’ve never noticed before. The two walks can be enjoyed separately or joined together to form one longer walk – depending on available time and energy! Walks are suitable for all ages (detours to avoid steps are marked on the route map), and typically take 1-2 hours each to complete. You can download them from www.curiousabout.co.uk
• For more family-friendly things to do, like our Brummie Mummies facebook page | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/6-rainy-day-activities-families-7455886 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7900370b05858bf1928e89e90d8ef80b228040ec7c67798bdba7ab2ada7a9bab.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-30T16:46:57 | null | 2016-08-30T15:20:04 | His last appearance for the Albion came in March last season | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwest-brom-transfers-brighton--11819264.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article10816915.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Sebastien-Pocognoli-of-West-Bromwich-Albion.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfers: Brighton & Hove Albion set to take forgotten full-back on loan | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | West Bromwich Albion defender Sebastien Pocognoli is expected to join Brighton & Hove Albion on loan.
The Argus are reporting that the 29-year-old Belgian left-back is set to move to the Seagulls for the rest of the season.
Pocognoli has one year left on the deal he signed when he joined from German side Hannover 96 in July 2014, with another year in Albion ’s favour.
His last appearance was as a second half substitute in the 1-0 win over Manchester United in March, in what was his only Premier League match of the season and he has made a total of 21 appearances for the club.
Sebastien Pocognoli of West Bromwich Albion
Pocognoli reportedly turned down an offer from Serie A side Sampdoria in January but the defender now looks like joining Cristian Gamboa in departing the club.
Brighton have lost Liam Rosenior through injury and it's thought that Pocognoli will fight with Gaetan Bong for the left-back berth at the Amex. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-transfers-brighton--11819264 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7f2440b140061de41166be863710bce7a9b903b467c773e269a3cb89f7b37bbb.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-28T14:46:55 | null | 2016-08-28T15:25:00 | Events, attractions and food and drink deals on August 29 2016 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fthings-bank-holiday-monday-near-11793090.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11794289.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/PicMonkey-Collage5.jpg | en | null | Things to do on Bank Holiday Monday near Birmingham | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | It’s the last Bank Holiday of the year before Christmas, so let’s make the most of it!
If you are out of ideas for what to do, here are some things you might not have thought of. Why not try rollerskating, driving a train or visiting a donkey sanctuary?
Or laying siege to a medieval castle, colouring in, playing computer games all day or simply enjoying a great food and drink deal.
Whatever you fancy doing, we’ve got it covered, so enjoy!
Insomnia58 Games Festival
NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
10.30am - 6pm
Groupon Insomnia58 is coming to the NEC
Among the great reasons to go if you’re a games fanatic is that you’ll get the chance to play football game FIFA 17 a month before it is released. And if you are a fan of BBC’s Robot Wars, the festival has its own robot arena. Tickets cost from £17.50.
Bournville Food and Drink Festival
Rowheath Pavilion, Bournville B30 1HH
11am - 5pm
Expect to see some of the best local street food vendors at this occasional pop-up festival.
In the past, they have included the likes of Pietanic, Bournville Waffle Company, The Flying Cow and Manilla Munchies. Plus vintage clothing.
Crayola Bus
Toys R Us, Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury
11am - 4pm
The Crayola Bus
Crayola is taking to the road to celebrate 100 Years of Colour. Step on board the free bus and you can draw and play games and go away with Crayola goodies. Let’s hope there won’t be the same queues and chaos as there was at the My Little Pony bus last weekend at the Bullring.
Siege of Kenilworth Castle
Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NG
11am - 5pm
Robert Smith
Exactly 750 years ago, Kenilworth Castle was the setting for England’s greatest ever siege. There’s a weekend of thrilling live action re-enactments to mark the date, including flaming siege machines, archery, jousting and minstrels. Kids can help build a castle circa 1266 and then destroy it, and you can meet a medieval surgeon. Tickets cost between £1.30 and £12.20.
Watch what to expect from the event
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Avoncroft Museum
Stoke Heath Bromsgrove, B60 4JR
10.30am - 5pm
The museum is holding a good old-fashioned family fun day, including learning circus skills with Monty the Jester, trying your hand at archery and riding the Avoncroft ponies, as well as finding out how the windmill works to grind corn.
Free roller skating
Moseley School, College Road, B13 9LR
7pm
If you’re looking for a new challenge, then Central City Rollergirls may be able to help. The roller derby team offer classes for all levels, starting from complete beginners. The first session is completely free and you don’t even have to pay to hire the kit. Sessions cost £5 afterwards and email first to request a kit. More details here.
The sessions are every Monday, but what better time to get your skates on than on a bank holiday?
Family Fun Day
Tyburn House, Kingsbury Road, B35 6AA
10am - 7pm
Organised by the Spitfire Motorcycle Club in aid of Fisher House, you can expect a fun day out for all ages. Hook a duck, sponge stocks, face painting, bouncy castle, cakes stall, Army target shooting, mini fair and a barbecue – what more could you want?
Purnell’s Bistro
11 Newhall Street, B3 3NY
Purnell's Bistro in Newhall Street, Birmingham
On Mondays, this fine restaurant founded by Glynn Purnell serves food that’s up to half price. So you could be eating a Purnell’s Burger (8oz prime cut Herefordshire beef with smoked bacon relish and Montgomery rarebit) for £7.70 instead of £11, a reduction of 30 per cent.
Or why not try Gas Street Social in the Mailbox, which offers two burgers for the price of one every Monday? So you’ll effectively be getting a £12.50 burger for £6.25.
Be At One
Piccadilly Arcade, Birmingham B2 4BJ
4.30pm - 1am
A cocktail at Be At One bar in Birmingham
This new bar offers a two for the price of one happy hour, usually until 8pm on Mondays but all night on the Bank Holiday. So that means you can while away the time until 1am sipping a cocktail or four. The really extensive list includes the Porn Star Martini, Irish Disco Biscuit, Rum Runner and Swedish Death Nettle. Cheers!
Buffalo & Rye
11 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS
12 - 11pm
This restaurant offers a taste of Americana in the centre of Birmingham – think dirty burgers, gourmet dogs and all-day brunch. Look out for the special Bank Holiday deals with £4.50 Happy Hour cocktails (4-7pm and 10-11pm) and £10 for a house or halloumi burger and a drink.
Burgers and sides at Buffalo and Rye
Trampolining
Bounce, Walsall Road, Perry Barr, B42 1BT
9am - 9pm
Graham Young Make it a great hair day
Birmingham’s first, and the West Midlands’ cheapest, trampoline park is open all day on Monday. Bounce charges £7.50 per hour in the centre full of interconnected trampolines, angled walls, roll-over platforms, slam dunk basketball nets, a VIP party area and a café.
Other bouncy options include Boing Zone at Trident Retail Park in Birmingham, Airspace in Wolverhampton, Jump Nation in Walsall, Boing Zone in Stourbridge and Flip Out in Oldbury.
Drive a train
Train simulator at The Wonderful World of Trains and Planes
Wonderful World of Trains and Planes
St Paul’s Square, B3 1BG
10am - 5pm
Not a real one, unfortunately, but it’s still thrilling to feel like you’re behind the wheel of a locomotive.
The new Train Simulators at the Jewellery Quarter venue give enthusiasts the chance to drive an array of trains from around the world. Inside the cabs are realistic features such as working horns, whistles and dials. Tickets cost from £4.50 to £8.
Stroke a donkey
Amber Austwick and her sister Hope with Shocks the donkey, at Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary.
Donkey Sanctuary
Town Gate, Sutton Park, B74 2YT
10am - 3pm
These lovely creatures have lived in Sutton Park since 1994, mainly to help children with special needs. Therapy sessions involve them visiting local homes and hospices, but anyone can visit the donkeys – there’s around 20 of them – and no appointment is necessary. There’s even a donkey-themed gift shop. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/things-bank-holiday-monday-near-11793090 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/ae74ebafa6d717cf3f35c45671155480d81d1ca5cdd13dce65b75ce8f1f60387.json |
[
"Andy Richardson"
] | 2016-08-31T10:46:55 | null | 2016-08-31T10:58:16 | Bosses apologise after viewers stunned by 'racist' comment | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-news%2Fcoronation-street-race-row-fury-11822418.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11822481.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/RootsJPG.jpg | en | null | Coronation Street race row: Fury over Eva Prince 'slave' remark | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Above: The moment the passion boils over for Aidan and Maria in Coronation Street
Coronation Street bosses have apologised after viewers were enraged by the use of a “racist” term in Audrey Roberts’ hair salon.
Fans of the long-running soap were stunned to hear the character of Eva Price tell Audrey: “I have more roots than Kunta Kinte.
“No idea who that is, by the way, just something my mum used to say.”
The scene was screened on ITV on Bank Holiday Monday.
Audrey is played by Walsall-born actress Sue Nicholls while Eva is played by Catherine Tyldesley.
Kunta Kinte was a character who featured in the novel Roots, by US author Alex Haley.
The scene featured actresses Sue Nicholls and Catherine Tyldesley.
He said it was based on an ancestor who was enslaved in Gambia and taken to America, the Mirror reported .
Brummie author Fiona Joseph tweeted: “I love #Corrie for its humour but did Eva really just say she had “more roots than Kunta Kinte”?”
Jo Freeman took to Twitter to say: “You wouldn’t make a joke about Ann Frank, that would be in bad taste, but Kunta Kinte is okay? Who’s bad idea was that?! #Corrie”
Shannelle tweeted: “One of my fave shows but just heard the #kuntakinte #roots reference by Eva.Not funny.Not impressed #coronationstreet”
A Twitter user called Vanessa tweeted: “You have millions of viewers who watch your show religiously and I do not think this was even close to being acceptable and was very insensitive.”
Dan Weatherman posted on Facebook: “I would like to voice my absolute disgust at references made to Kunta Kinte on the 29/08/2016.
“I find the comment made extremely offensive given the connections to slavery and completely out of place for national TV or any place.”
A spokeswoman for ITV said: “We apologise if this dialogue has caused offence.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/coronation-street-race-row-fury-11822418 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e006f854bdc7fc2bcfef1edf990533607b1b3c6f5e7e87126fc0b3ee9666c4d6.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-29T14:48:06 | null | 2016-08-29T13:33:07 | The midfielder has been given more freedom to get forward | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fbirmingham-citys-david-davis-talks-11814756.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11808904.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98074499.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City's David Davis talks about his new role | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham City midfielder David Davis is loving his licence to thrill.
Davis doubled his tally for the season with the opening goal in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Norwich City at St Andrew’s.
It came after Gary Rowett shifted him to an inside right role against the Canaries.
The clinical header followed his goal in the draw against Wigan earlier this month.
“It was a bit Alan Shearer-esque,” joked Davis about his latest goal.
David Davis celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 against Norwich
“I’m not really a good header of the ball, but it was nice to be in the right area.
“I just saw it come to me and thought just try and get my head on it, luckily it went in.”
Davis is revelling in his new role after being given more freedom to get forward.
“I’m just enjoying playing,” he said. “I think the gaffer changed it up a bit, he told me to try and take advantage of Robbie Brady and help Jonathan Spector as he bombs on.
“It’s a bit more free rather than being controlled in the middle.
“It just gave me the licence to to get in the back stick and obviously with Jacques Maghoma being an out and out winger, he’s going to get a lot of crosses in.
“But to be honest as long as I’m playing and getting in the right areas I don’t mind.
“Oh and being top goalscorer isn’t a bad thing.”
The comprehensive victory over Norwich has lifted Blues up to 10th on eight points, a point off third place, and eased some of the frustrations following the derby defeat to his former club Wolves. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-citys-david-davis-talks-11814756 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/6347cb4278bf3b31cafb3ca4394f2b83795d672bb04a41cd4b59073fde507564.json |
[
"Steve Jones"
] | 2016-08-31T14:49:10 | null | 2016-08-31T14:17:00 | It is thought Aston Villa have splurged about £60 million this summer, making Villa comfortably one of the top spenders in the Championship – but where was the money best spent? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fpoll-villa-signing-represents-best-11824153.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11777953.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97605267.jpg | en | null | Poll: Which Villa signing represents the best transfer window addition? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The Tony Xia revolution is well underway with nine new arrivals at Villa Park during the transfer window.
But which is the best bit of business?
It is thought the Villa have splurged about £60 million this summer, making Aston Villa comfortably one of the top spenders in the Championship – if of the country.
They range in price, with Mile Jedinak, Tommy Elphick and Ritchie De Laet in the sub-£5 million bracket while Jonathan Kodjia and Ross McCormack will all reportedly cost £12 million-plus.
The signings have instilled a renewed sense of optimism around Villa Park as Roberto De Matteo prepares his new recruits to aid the club’s promotion push.
But we would like to know which piece of business (so far) has impressed you the most?
Vote in our poll below. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/poll-villa-signing-represents-best-11824153 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d048709e03f06db28d259116f38bf6f63a160f3f64e72d03d3d09a42a7436d1c.json |
[
"Nick Pullen"
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:53 | null | 2016-08-30T08:48:23 | Berkswell overwhelmed previous title holders Shrewsbury by nine wickets to become the new Birmingham League champions. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fberkswell-become-new-birmingham-league-11816687.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11596952.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Berkswell-CC.jpg | en | null | Berkswell become the new Birmingham League champions | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Berkswell have become the new Birmingham League champions for the first time in their history as they overwhelmed previous title holders Shrewsbury by nine wickets.
Shrewsbury were surprisingly shot out for just 81 runs on their London Road pitch before Berkswell cantered home to a winning 86 for one in reply.
Nick James proved highly effective with his off-spin to take four for 15 from his 10 over spell.
Only Ollie Westbury with 22 and Rob Foster with 20 not out could muster much resistance as former England star Darren Maddy (with two for five) and Mo Ahmed (two for 15), polished off the remaining batsmen.
The title was never in doubt as Maddy with an unbeaten 38 and Chris Whittock on 19 not out guided Berkswell home.
With three games still remaining, Kidderminster are leading the chase for second place after they crushed Walsall by six wickets. Former Worcestershire pair Matt Pardoe and Neil Pinner again proved the men in form as the Chester Road club now pull clear of third placed Shrewsbury.
Only skipper David Powles with 41 provided much opposition as Walsall were removed for 138 all out.
Pardoe picked up three for 24 while Pinner prised out two for 20. Mike Hill also made an impact with two for 31.
Kidderminster cruised home in reply inside 30 overs. Pardoe led the charge with 62 while Pinner on 36 not out and Andy Kimberlin on 22 not out saw their side home in style.
Walsall’s defeat will leave them looking over their shoulder again as next-to-bottom Walmley threw themselves a relegation lifeline after walloping West Bromwich Dartmouth by 124 runs.
Tom Burton led from the front as he blasted 59 while Michael Waugh made an unbeaten 47.
They helped take Walmley to 197 before dismissing Dartmouth for just 73 in reply.
Bottom side Leamington have already been relegated this season but local rivals Kenilworth Wardens made light of their position when beating them by nine wickets.
Knowle and Dorridge remain in the running for runners-up with a seven-wicket defeat of Wolverhampton.
England Under-19 prospect Zen Malik made 62 as Wolves reached 228 for seven.
K&D made it home with 10 balls to spare thanks to an unbeaten fourth wickets partnership between Dom Harding (80) and Jack Grundy (53).
Ombersley, meanwhile, easily overcame Worcestershire rivals Barnt Green by eight wickets. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/cricket/berkswell-become-new-birmingham-league-11816687 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/df04fd7496b4ca75f9c49c970385d2b02fce033e999b9d4bf470dd78c6fbf4c9.json |
[
"Gregg Evans",
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-26T14:47:42 | null | 2016-08-26T13:57:22 | Dr Tony Xia has revealed how Villa's left-back is on the way out of the club | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Faston-villa-dr-tony-xia-11804727.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11624865.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Joe-Bennett-of-Aston-Villa.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa: Dr Tony Xia confirms that Joe Bennett will be joining Cardiff on a permanent transfer | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Joe Bennett is on the verge of joining Cardiff City, owner Tony Xia has confirmed.
The Welsh outfit have been in talks with Aston Villa this week about signing the left-back and now a deal appears to have been struck.
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After pulling the plug on Bennett’s move to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month after insisting that Villa would not sell to a direct Championship rival, Xia today tweeted: “We have agreed to let Joe move to Cardiff for free but not subside any wages . Wish him a bright career there as many SW fans expected!”
We have agreed to let Joe move to Cardiff for free but not subside any wages . Wish him a bright career there as many SW fans expected! — Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) 26 August 2016
The terms of his switch to Cardiff have not yet been confirmed however it’s thought he will leave on a free transfer.
An official announcement is expected now and Bennett will finally be able to re-ignite his career.
The 26-year-old has been looking for a move since boss Roberto Di Matteo told him he would be the third-choice left-back at Villa behind Aly Cissokho and Jordan Amavi. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-dr-tony-xia-11804727 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/b06630af27f2c671b42ebe0e152c0ddf0041251ad7d2dd2617eebffcef34febb.json |
[
"Luke Beardsworth",
"Katrina Chilver"
] | 2016-08-30T10:49:15 | null | 2016-08-30T09:55:30 | Warning: This spider is basically terrifying | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fdeadly-spider-found-bananas-supermarket-11816924.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article8549724.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS48832185.jpg | en | null | 'Deadly' spider found in bananas at supermarket | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A mum had the shock of her life when a huge spider fell out of a bunch of bananas bought from a Lidl supermarket.
The spider was dead but it was accompanied by lots of smaller spiders emerging from an egg sack.
It has now been sent off for testing due to concerns it could be a Brazilian wandering spider - known for being aggressive and venomous.
The woman immediately called the Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary and Geoff Grewcock, manager of the charity, was shocked when he arrived to see the size of the spider.
He said: "I don't like spiders but I go along because something needs to be done.
“I get called out a lot for spiders, especially black widows in packets of grapes, and in a lot of cases some of them are very small so I was shocked when she pulled out this one.
“She was a bit puzzled, she opened the bananas in the bag and the spider fell out onto the floor.
“It’s all scrunched up and it’s just a bit bigger than a 50p but if it was alive and opened up I think it would be double the size.”
Mr Grewcock suspected that the spider had travelled from Columbia to the store in Nuneaton with the bananas. He has sent off photos of the spider and the egg sack for verification.
Watch: Finding spiders in bananas is not so unusual
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Mr Grewcock added: “There were some young things in there too and they were put in the freezer to kill them, if it’s a wandering spider then they would be poisonous.
“If you have a dangerous spider in your house you want it out of there straight away.
“If you find anything like that put it straight in the freezer, you cannot have these things running around in your house, you cannot mess about, you’ve got to put that danger out of your house.”
The woman is now having her house fumigated.
A spokeswoman for Lidl said: “We have thorough procedures in place to ensure that the fresh fruit and vegetables available in our stores are of the highest possible quality for our customers.
“We are therefore very sorry to hear that these standards were not met on this occasion. The matter will be fully investigated by our quality assurance team.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/deadly-spider-found-bananas-supermarket-11816924 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a19bbf92ef25bdf1a27be8d9d0b130005fe489467aa4129842f89b047fb342af.json |
[
"Jon Ellis"
] | 2016-08-27T14:46:17 | null | 2016-08-27T13:43:58 | Villa blogger Jon Ellis is looking forward to Bristol City today and transfer deadline day | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fhappiest-aston-villa-fanbase-been-11808038.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11748011.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97020993.jpg | en | null | This is the happiest the Aston Villa fanbase has been since the trips to Wembley | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The positives continue to surround Villa Park and the overwhelming support of the fans through the relegation to the Championship, but if anything, everyone who has a real passion for the club is more excited than ever and things only seem to be on the rise.
Despite only one win, we haven’t deserved a loss in the league to date, our attacking displays have been encouraging and there’s more goals to come, as well as players according to Dr Tony Xia who has given us all fresh belief with his ambitions to bring in quality signings to make us a prestigious club again.
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With both the international break and transfer deadline day fast approaching, it would leave our club in a very stable position should we take all three points when we visit Bristol City at Ashton Gate today.
There’s no reason whatsoever why a win isn’t on the cards.
Despite only a couple of minor injuries, the introduction of midfielder Mile Jedinak and former Premier League and Championship winner last season Ritchie De Laet will bring even more spark to this entertaining, revamped squad.
Along with all the other recent introductions brought in by Roberto Di Matteo, we should be set for a positive result.
Roberto Di Matteo manager of Aston Villa during the match at Derby County
A victory at Ashton Gate will relieve the slight pressure that is there due to only one win in four games, but despite no one being worried, a win is what we must attain to potentially see us enter the play-off positions.
That'd be an ideal situation to return from the international break with two home fixtures awaiting.
With our fan base delighted with all the appropriate additions to the squad, it’s still encouraging to see that we will be signing another couple of players before the window ends to add even more strength and depth to our squad, which is already showing great potential.
Dr Tony Xia
The next week ahead could set up in a very progressive league position as well as see our squad bolstered and set for the demanding rest of the season that is ahead.
It’s what the fans deserve; since the appointments of Dr Tony Xia and Di Matteo this is possibly the most content our fans have been since our visits to Wembley in the FA Cup year.
All I pray for is that the changes that have been made to the club are the right ones and that our huge football club will live up to our proud history and replicate that in the era ahead. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/happiest-aston-villa-fanbase-been-11808038 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/b68912f666c41da349c2a00628d564ed33af707169946ee9bdf24f1a5ed6742b.json |
[
"Birmingham Mail"
] | 2016-08-30T08:47:53 | null | 2016-08-30T09:20:37 | Wolves and Fulham are battling it out to sign Derby striker Chris Martin | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwolves-battling-out-championship-rivals-11816844.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11816828.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Burton-Albion-v-Derby-County-Sky-Bet-Championship.jpg | en | null | Wolves battling it out with Championship rivals to sign striker | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Wolves and Championship rivals Fulham are locked in a tug-of-war after both put in bids for Derby striker Chris Martin.
Wanderers had a £5million offer for Martin rejected by the Rams earlier in the window and have maintained their interest.
Cottagers’ boss Slavisa Jokanovic, meanwhile, has identified Martin as a personal target and is set to lose out on another striker in Asamoah Gyan, who is having a medical at Reading.
It is understood Derby are yet to give an official response to the two bids and are considering the offers.
Martin joined Derby in January 2013 on loan before joining the club permanently that summer on a free transfer. He has since scored 53 goals in 117 appearances.
One deal that has gone through at Molineux, however, is the signing of Bury goalkeeper Jack Ruddy.
Ruddy, 18, has penned a two-year-contract with the option of a third year and will initially join the club’s Under-23 squad.
He is a Scotland U19 international and joined Bury from Spanish side Real Murcia in 2014, going on to make one senior appearance for the Shakers.
“I’m over the moon to be here and to have joined such a big club with really big ambitions,” said Ruddy.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Bury and want to thank everyone there for what they have done for me but the interest from Wolves was always going to be very exciting.
“This is a club which has brought through goalkeepers like Matt Murray, Wayne Hennessey and Carl Ikeme , and that is a big thing to see that pathway for a young keeper coming through.’’ | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-battling-out-championship-rivals-11816844 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e53cbd5a35b5438117c81225273f8030c0e3967c3f502978dba54bdb125d1bbd.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-29T12:47:15 | null | 2016-08-29T12:39:23 | The Baggies expect to unveil Nacer Chadli later today | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-transfer-news-latest-11814416.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811433.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95913455.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfer news: The latest on £13m club-record Nacer Chadli move | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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West Bromwich Albion hope to confirm the £13 million club-record capture of Nacer Chadli from Tottenham later today.
The 27-year-old is undergoing a medical at the training ground having already agreed personal terms.
It's expected Chadli will join on a three-year deal.
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His fee will eclipse the £12 million sum Albion splashed out to sign Salomon Rondon from Zenit St Petersburg last summer.
Chadli will become Albion's third signing of the summer after Matt Phillips joined from QPR for £5 million in July and Brendan Galloway penned a season-long loan deal last week.
The Belgium international, who has scored 25 goals in 119 games for Spurs, could be followed through the door by Spanish midfielder Ignacio Camacho.
Ignacio Camacho of Spain
Albion have triggered the €18 million release clause in his contract, the only stumbling block appears to be the structure of the payments.
West Brom are thought to want to pay €3 million at a later date, but Malaga owner Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani wants the full amount up front.
It's thought the deal has been approved by Camacho who reported for training as usual this morning. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-transfer-news-latest-11814416 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3ae11c36ef135e0318e411a17d4c46afa7936fa1e6d9ebd97c9e1b6a599dca09.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick",
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-27T16:47:17 | null | 2016-08-27T15:26:10 | Danish defender bids farewell | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fconfirmed-jores-okore-leaves-aston-11808695.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11038798.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS82640262.jpg | en | null | Confirmed: Jores Okore leaves Aston Villa | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Jores Okore has left Aston Villa to return to his native Denmark.
The 24-year-old has joined FC Copenhagen on a permanent deal.
It is understood Villa have let the centre-half leave for a cut-price fee after falling behind new boys Tommy Elphick and James Chester in the central defensive pecking order.
The Danish ace has made just one appearance under Roberto Di Matteo. It came in the 3-1 defeat at Luton Town in the EFL Cup where he scored an own-goal.
It marked a frustrating period for the ex-Nordsjaelland man who has suffered a number of injury problems since arriving in a £4million deal back in 2013. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/confirmed-jores-okore-leaves-aston-11808695 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/98c431d0c089ab833e2ddf733558d29c0e316746c2c31e8f3ef70c4fd9e82f9b.json |
[
"Jasbir Authi"
] | 2016-08-29T08:46:53 | null | 2016-08-29T09:13:33 | Readers express anger at policewoman who parked in disabled bay while she went to get lunch | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fanger-policewoman-who-parked-disabled-11813489.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11806899.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98020479.jpg | en | null | Anger at policewoman who parked in disabled bay while she went to get lunch | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Reports of a Birmingham police officer who parked her patrol car in a disabled bay at a KFC to grab a snack has sparked an angry reaction.
The Mail revealed a uniformed officer had received a warning after being caught tucking in at the branch in Heybarnes Retail Park, Coventry Road, Small Heath, last Friday, August 19.
It became a divisive issue on social media, with most criticising the officer for parking in one of only two designated disabled spaces.
However, she was not without support, with some saying it was a victimless event and police officers have busy jobs.
The police officer snapped inside KFC
Nicky Cunningham posted on the Mail’s Facebook page: “Nothing better to do? Not a big deal? Yes, yes it is a big deal. When every minute of your life is consumed with pain, your legs don’t work, you struggle to access shops, bars, public transport and you struggle to stay safely in a wheelchair on the uneven, sloping footpaths and bumpy, pothole laden car parks etc.”
However, Luke Stanford said: “Police have busy jobs and have to find time to get food before rushing back out to the next call. She parked in the disabled bay, so what. No one was affected, no one said “oh I’m disabled and couldn’t park cuz (sic) that police car there.”
Her actions earned her a ticking off as Chief Insp Phil Radbourne, of Birmingham East Police, confirmed the officer had been spoken to about her actions.
He said: “West Midlands Police demands the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all its staff.
“Police officers should always park safely and lawfully and should not occupy spaces designated for people with disabilities.
“The only exception would be when an officer is responding to an emergency and even then it should only be when there are no other options available.
“The officer involved has been identified and given appropriate advice − she realised the mistake she made and has apologised for her actions.”
Many readers took to our Facebook page to complain of double standards and how they would have been slapped with a fine if they had done the same.
Kelly-Anne Kai Griffiths, said: “Errr if it was normal Joe public who dun (sic )this police would of taken great pleasure in reprimanding them. 1 rule for them as uaual.”
Nazmeen Nisa said: “Tomorrow im going to break the law then apologise would i get away scott free?? Sorry but her parking there & getting away is just out of hand if that was us we would get a ticket or right mouth ful.”
Laura Page posted: “Don’t act like you are above the law. Enforce it.”
Nicola Trickett said: “No excuse should of known better.”
It wasn’t all bad for the policewoman. Rod Adams wrote: “It’s KFC not the health centre-man oh man can we get a grip.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/anger-policewoman-who-parked-disabled-11813489 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/4ff9663f6257a437a0a21412b46cec7f5a45120408f601376263858a65e2955c.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:05 | null | 2016-08-30T13:24:12 | Blues frontman got off the mark with a winning double against Norwich | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fbirmingham-city-striker-clayton-donaldson-11818383.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809437.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98083529.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City striker Clayton Donaldson on why his confidence was well-placed | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham City striker Clayton Donaldson never doubted that the goals would come.
Donaldson failed to score in his first five appearances of the season, but bagged a brace in Saturday's 3-0 Championship victory over Norwich City at St Andrew's.
It makes him Blues' joint two-goal top scorer with midfielder David Davis who also notched against the Canaries.
Donaldson missed a penalty at Wigan but was always confident of finding the net soon.
"It is always good to get up and running as a striker," said Donaldson.
Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson scores his second goal of the game to make it 3-0
"People start questioning situations but I've got every belief in my ability.
"I wasn't worried too much, but it's good to get off the mark and hopefully I can keep the goals coming.
"We created quite a few chances, which showed how well we played. There have been a few games where we haven't created as many as we would have liked.
"To do that at home against Norwich is pleasing."
Donaldson has been Blues' top scorer for the past two seasons with 11 goals last term and 16 the campaign before. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-striker-clayton-donaldson-11818383 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/ff22d452f0408f3655a4a5c6c5c7729091d1c132d0e2afa585de204d4f92e6b4.json |
[
"Zoe Chamberlain"
] | 2016-08-27T10:46:34 | null | 2016-08-27T09:55:00 | Free food festivals, family fun days and museum entry to enjoy over the long weekend in and around Birmingham | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2Ffree-things-over-august-bank-11757086.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11629616.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95184117.jpg | en | null | FREE things to do over August Bank Holiday Weekend in Birmingham | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmingham has been named as the most expensive city for families outside of London, according to TripAdvisor.
TripIndex UK Cities, an annual cost comparison study by the travel website TripAdvisor, compared the cost of a three-night break over the August bank holiday weekend in 20 of the UK’s most popular cities.
Sheffield offered the best value for money, whereas the report said travellers could expect to pay the most for attractions in Birmingham and that there were less free days out in the city than anywhere else.
However, we disagree.
We’ve found there are lots of free things to do over the Bank Holiday weekend, especially for families.
Take a look at what’s on offer ...
Free Family Fun Day at Handsworth Park
This ParkLives Family Fun session feature a mixture of badminton, cricket, archery and other games on Monday August 29 from 12 to 5pm.
There are other similar events happening at Aston Park, Ward End Park, Nechells Wellbeing Centre and Billesley Common over the Bank Holiday weekend.
It’s completely free but best to sign up via the ParkLives website before heading there.
Mark Waugh Giant Connect Four at ParkLives
Street Food Market at the mac
A host of Birmingham’s street food favourites will be taking over the mac with gorgeous aromas and freshly-made treats on Sunday, August 29 from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Pick up yummy delights for all the family from Curds and Whey cheeses, Hungry Penguin pancakes, The May Bakery cupcakes, Beans and Leaves coffee, Barrel and Bones sauerkrauts, Kimchis and pickles.
Vegan Grindhouse and Michael’s Caribbean Storehouse will be there too.
Food market at mac
B-Fest at The Bell Inn, Harborne
There will be live music and a BBQ at The Bell Inn, Harborne on Sunday, August 28 from 1 to 11pm.
Entry is free and there will be cake sales and raffles to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Costa Del Solihull
There's a free beach to enjoy at Touchwood Shopping Centre all over the Bank Holiday weekend - and it has a feel of Copacabana thanks to the Rio Olympics!
There are Brazilian carnival costumes, samba music, dance and drumming workshops for all to enjoy plus golden sand, deck chairs and buckets and spades.
Family Fun Weekend at Becketts Farm
Three days of fairground rides, bouncy castles, music, giant games, and plenty of fun for the whole family at the farm on Alcester Road, Wythall from August 27 to 29 from 11am to 5pm.
It’s free to get in and there are some special offers on ride tickets.
And there will be a Becketts BBQ too.
Free Storytime Trail at Soho House
Make your own story by collecting items through the story time trail at Soho House, Handsworth.
Suitable for ages 3 - 12, this free event is part of The Big Read and runs from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
Lichfield Food Festival
This tasty festival offers free entry to enjoy cookery demos, food and drink stalls, live music and more.
It takes place on Saturday August 27 and Sunday August 28 throughout Lichfield city centre.
Hue and Cry will play a live acoustic set outside Lichfield Cathedral to 1,500 festival-goers on the Saturday night, and there's a dedicated family zone too.
Free activity and sticker books from the Canal and River Trust
A free What Shall We Do Today guide, complete with sticker sheets, is available from the Canal and River Trust for kids to enjoy over the summer holidays.
It’s full of fun activities to inspire families, like going for a bug hunt or making a bird kite and also features indoor activities so the guide can be used whatever the weather.
You can use it on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, which begins at Gas Street Basin and leads out into the green and peaceful Midlands countryside.
Free activities and sticker book from the Canal and River Trust
Where kids can eat free
Did you know there are loads of pubs, cafés and supermarkets across the city and beyond that are offering free meals for kids?
You just have to know where and when to go to get the best deals.
Check out our guide – it features lovely places like Cafe Rouge, Viva Brazil and Las Iguanas - just double check prices and times over Bank Holiday weekend.
The World Bar at Resorts World
Kids go free at free at Birmingham museums – fortnight offer
Kids go free at free at Birmingham Museums’ Heritage Sites and Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum from August 20 to September 4 when using a special offer voucher.
Get your kids go free vouchers here.
The voucher entitles free entry for up to two children (under 16 years) per adult paying the full adult rate.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - summer events
Poets’ Place at Cafe Mezannine, Library of Birmingham
Organised by the Library of Birmingham and Apples & Snakes, Poets’ Place is an informal gathering of poets that meets twice a month.
Get feedback on your poetry, make new friends or just sit back and write for a couple of hours without interruption.
This free event takes place on Saturday, August 27 from 3-5pm.
Free Zumba fun in Cofton Park
Get the whole family dancing their way towards the end of the summer holidays.
This hour long session from 9.30 to 10.30am on Saturday, August 27 will teach you a bit of everything, from salsa and merengue to mambo, flamenco and cha-cha-cha!
All ages and abilities are welcome to the event at Cofton Park, Longbridge and, what’s more, it’s completely free!
Put your name down at the ParkLives website.
Free comic workshop at Millennium Point
Create your own comic book, enjoy live comic book street art, play superhero themed video games from Joypads, relax and read comic books at the pop-up comic book shop, and indulge in some street food on September 3 at Millennium Point.
There are 11 BookBenches to explore in atrium until September 13.
For more information visit www.millenniumpoint.org.uk
The Big Read’s BookBench Trail
Had a selfie on a BookBench yet? If not, then head into Birmingham this week to see how many you can find on the trail.
Created by the organisers of The Big Hoot’s Little Hoot, the free BookBench Trail runs throughout the entire summer holiday, right up until September 13, and features more than 170 BookBenches shaped like open books that have been decorated by school children and young people.
Watch this time-lapse video of how a stunning BookBench was created:
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Parkrun at Cannon Hill Park
Got a budding Mo Farah on your hands? Then, why not try running as a family?
Parkrun takes place at Cannon Hill Park every Saturday at 9am and is a 5k timed run for the whole family to enjoy.
All Parkrun events are free. You simply have to sign up at the Parkrun website and take along your barcode on the day.
To keep updated on family things to do, like our Brummie Mummies facebook page | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/free-things-over-august-bank-11757086 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/984fb635b36a488fd442a0abfdee2e344f5cf7da5567fa8ec7d73acbaa5e8173.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-29T12:47:25 | null | 2016-08-29T13:09:24 | City Prevent manager Waqar Ahmed defends policy and dismisses claims that community groups standing up to hate-preachers and ISIS extremism are Government stooges. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fcontroversial-prevent-anti-extremism-strategy-11814408.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article9925238.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Theresa7.jpg | en | null | Controversial Prevent anti-extremism strategy 'has stopped Brummies being radicalised' | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The controversial anti-extremism Prevent strategy is working and has protected scores of vulnerable Brummies from radicalisation, according to the council official responsible for the programme.
Waqar Ahmed, who has overseen the Prevent programme in Birmingham for a decade, has spoken out in its defence and highlighted the work of community and faith groups to tackle extremism - even though they get branded as Government stooges by critics.
He was reacting to a string of high profile criticism of the scheme that it brands innocent people as terror risks and fuels Islamophobia.
A recent Home Affairs Select Committee report called for it to be renamed ‘engage’
Mr Ahmed said: “It is naïve to think those who do not support the current brand will immediately rush to join the fight against terrorism and extremism the minute you change the name.”
Prime Minister Theresa May last year praised the work of Birmingham groups tackling extremism during a visit to the city.
Mr Ahmed highlighted the activity of the Faith Associates group who worked with 30 mosques in Birmingham to hand out 50,000 booklets to worshippers challenging ISIS views.
“KIKIT, a local substance misuse charity, works with 20 mosques across the city providing support around a range of vulnerabilities including radicalisation, and we have local activists who regularly come out and challenge extremist speakers online and on the streets who do so because they care. This sort of community engagement is replicated around the country.
“Is it any surprise in the current climate that three out of the four examples above were targeted as being government stooges or part of a government propaganda machine despite their ideas being their own and the projects being developed in their communities by them?”
Prevent was set up to stop the radicalisation of young Brummies like Mohammed Nahin Ahmed, left, and Yusuf Zubair Sarwar, both jailed for terrorism offences linked to al-Qaida.
He said that critics wilfully ignore the evidence from these groups to create suspicion of Prevent and added that a re-branding will do little to change that.
In a blog for the Huffington Post website he warned that tackling radicalisation will always be difficult.
“Engagement was difficult when the strategy was introduced, it is difficult today and it will still be difficult tomorrow.
“ Preventing radicalisation or extremism is not an easy task; it requires difficult conversations, strong leadership from all sides of government, communities, partners and wider civil society. When community groups do take a stand they are immediately targeted and accused of selling their communities out and their credibility questioned.”
Among critics of the scheme is campaign group UK Rights Watch which alleges that under Prevent children as young as four being identified as radicalisation risks. It claimed that schools are afraid to discuss terrorism in the class as a result - leaving youngsters to pick up unfiltered information online.
On the other side school inspector Ofsted has warned that many colleges were not doing enough to limit students access to extremist websites or monitor guest speakers. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/controversial-prevent-anti-extremism-strategy-11814408 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f95cf209bebd913738e65b69ad2cd23ad87d443ccb454bb814de86af119e1af6.json |
[
"Jasbir Authi"
] | 2016-08-30T14:47:57 | null | 2016-08-30T14:58:49 | A string of breaches found by inspectors when they visited Eat 4 Less | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fbusy-city-centre-sandwich-bar-11818983.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11818463.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98262588.jpg | en | null | Busy city centre sandwich bar reopens following mice infestation | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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A popular city centre sandwich takeaway was forced to close due to a mice infestation .
Eat 4 Less, in Corporation Street, was ordered to shut after environmental health inspectors found a string of worrying food safety and hygiene breaches including rodents, a lack of effective cleaning and food at risk of contamination.
Officers also discovered a lack of effective temperature control, at the premises on Friday.
It was then closed until it was reported to have reopened on Tuesday (30 August).
Notice taped on Eat 4 less, in Corporation Street
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was displayed on the glass entrance door while another sign which stated ‘Sorry Closed Due To Refurbishment’, was taped on the adjacent door.
No one from Eat 4 Less could be contacted by the Mail for a comment.
Mark Croxford, head of environmental health at Birmingham City Council, said: “People quite rightly expect the food businesses they visit to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness and the council will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those who fail to do so.
“A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice is served where there is deemed to be an immediate risk to public health. The business in question will only be permitted to reopen once the council is satisfied that this risk no longer exists.”
Eat 4 less, in Corporation Street, closed due to mice infestation
This morning, a group of people were spotted inside the takeaway but nobody would answer the door.
Customers flock to the shop for their cheap breakfasts, paninis, baguettes and meal deals.
The last review, left on Google two months ago, read: “I have been eating here quite regularly on weekdays, food is good, fresh, cheap and tastes amazing. Always on point and you can grab a good lunch/ breakfast at a very cheap price. There are similar shops around but this one is outstanding really.”
Earlier this month, the company which runs the KFC branch in nearby Bull Street was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £1,036 costs after inspectors found a mice infestation and the kitchen and serving area covered in dirt, grime and grease. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/busy-city-centre-sandwich-bar-11818983 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c6a8eb51f8f01c08b533799b5e37587dff81931177a550156c40f4f23e8e4e37.json |
[
"James Cartledge"
] | 2016-08-28T14:46:35 | null | 2016-08-28T14:43:40 | Store is held up by two men who escape with cash | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fraiders-strike-quinton-co-op-11811755.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11811824.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Co-op-quintonJPG.jpg | en | null | Raiders strike at Quinton Co-op | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Police are hunting raiders who fled with cash from a Birmingham branch of the Co-op.
Two men escaped with money from the till after holding up the store in Court Oak Road, Quinton , at around 3.30pm on Saturday, August 27.
The pair were believed to have been in their late 20s.
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The amount of money involved was not disclosed but no-one was hurt.
Police were speaking to witnesses , examining CCTV footage and carrying out inquiries in the area.
Witnesses or anyone with information should call the investigation team on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/raiders-strike-quinton-co-op-11811755 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/aeaf8dd7f542fa4853999dff694f91362618fe7b5baec3e82ddc63489fec1eb9.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:45 | null | 2016-08-30T12:18:06 | Villa have apparently agreed to pay Bristol City £17 million for Jonathan Kodjia | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fsources-france-suggesting-aston-villa-11817970.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article10814947.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS81512565.jpg | en | null | Sources in France are suggesting Aston Villa have agreed a £17 million deal for Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Sources in France are suggesting that Aston Villa are set to complete the signing of Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia for a Championship record £17 million.
The striker has featured on Villa's list of attacking targets for a while, but following the failure to secure Hull City's Abel Hernandez they seem to have turned their attentions to Kodjia.
The Ivory Coast international scored 20 goals in his debut season with the Robins after joining for around £2.5 million.
Amid interest from several Championship and Premier League clubs, the striker was left out of Bristol's squad for their game with Villa at the weekend, which they subsequently won 3-1.
Aston Villa injury worry could leave Roberto Di Matteo's squad short
At 26-years-old Kodjia represents everything Villa are looking for right now. They want a player who has proven Championship goal scoring credentials, but someone that can also make the step up to the top flight.
Unlike Hernandez, personal terms should not be an issue with regards to this move.
Mat Kendrick on Libor Kozak's hat-trick | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sources-france-suggesting-aston-villa-11817970 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d13b454a6a38b0c1766e4f2422671a0bbe2f7063960960192459f2f183b4943c.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-28T14:47:06 | null | 2016-08-28T14:33:57 | Brian Dick's player ratings as Blues take promotion-chasing Norwich to the cleaners | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fbirmingham-city-3-norwich-0-11811749.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809441.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98083540.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City 3 Norwich 0: Player ratings as Blues breeze to three points | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game to make it 3-0
Kuszczak 7
Made a vital save from Canos in the first half and Hoolahan in the second but flapped at one cross before Murphy volley.
Spector 7
Pretty reliable for the whole game, one crucial interception in first half. Kept Murphy quiet for the most part.
Morrison 7
Assertive and good in his decision-making. No-one made more clearances. A captain’s knock.
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Shotton 8
Utterly dominant in the air in his own box. Played the role of defensive leader, settling in brilliantly.
Grounds 7
Very little ammunition for his critics today. A superb block on Murphy volley but easily beaten by Hoolahan. Solid throughout.
Davis 8
Took up a great position for his goal, completely negated threat of Brady going forward. Sacrificed himself for the team.
David Davis celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0
Kieftenbeld 7
His closing down and energy lifts Birmingham’s tempo. Looked rejuvenated after a spell out. Welcome back.
Tesche 7
His first start since returning to Blues and a composed one too which should have been rewarded with a goal.
Adams 7
Another really promising performance, albeit without a goal. Linked up well but should have squared for Maghoma.
Birmingham's Che Adams and Norwich's Timm Klose
Maghoma 7
A delicious cross for Davis’ header, a welcome moment of quality in final third. As ever desperate to win the ball back.
*Donaldson 8
Showed confidence taking the penalty, on the spot to convert his second and a lovely pass for Tesche. The Don is back.
SUBS
COTTERILL (for Maghoma, 89)
BROWN (for Adams, 89)
Not used: Legzdins, Robinson, Solomon-Otabor, Stewart, Fabbrini
NORWICH (4-1-4-1): McGovern; Whittaker, Bennett, Klose, Brady; Tettey; Jamie Murphy, Howson, Hoolahan, Canos (Josh Murphy 64); Naismith (Lafferty 64). Subs: Jones, Martin, Bassong, Mulumbu, Maddison.
GOALS
Davis (22), Donaldson (68, 83) - Blues
Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson scores his second goal of the game to make it 3-0
THE REF
D Bond (Lancs) Played an excellent advantage for the first goal but got some big calls wrong.
Tesche shot bounced over the line and Grounds should have been given a penalty.
THE MANAGER
Gary Rowett. Took some serious stick last week but no-one can quibble with his tactics and selection on Saturday.
Picking his three midfield ratters worked wonders. Kept his powder dry with his subs too. Good job.
Birmingham City's manager Gary Rowett
INJURY WATCH
Jack Storer (foot)
CROWD WATCH
Once again pretty quiet, apart from a small pocket in the Tilton.
But came to life once Blues started lording it.
Attendance: 16,295
WHO’S UP NEXT?
Fulham (A), Saturday, September 10, 3pm kick-off. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-3-norwich-0-11811749 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7221afc022743df080a80d429ed2d3e9408139f4f518d7617dfc52d887959ef1.json |
[
"David Dubas-Fisher-Bm"
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:34 | null | 2016-08-31T08:00:00 | We've compiled a list of Villa's deadline day signings - some became stars while others flopped - rate them here | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwho-were-aston-villas-best-11820213.json | http://i2.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article11820449.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/aston-villa.jpg | en | null | Who were Aston Villa's best and worst deadline day signings? Have your say | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | This widget requires javascript to work. Aston Villa FC Swipe right or left below to tell us which players you think were a hit or a miss Thanks for taking our poll These are the current standings Results will be published shortly 0 of 0 Miss
Hit
Aston Villa are no strangers to deadline day signings having made 21 to date - but not all of them have been successful.
Some deadline day signings, like Christian Benteke, became stars for the club while others, like Eric Djemba-Djemba, didn’t.
But who has been Villa’s best deadline day signing, and which has been the worst?
But who has been the best and who has been the worst... time for you to decide!
Use our gadget above to say who you think was a hit and who was a miss.
The signings were:
Matija Sarkic (Anderlecht)
Joleon Lescott (West Brom)
Tiago Ilori (Liverpool)
Libor Kozak (Lazio)
Simon Dawkins (Tottenham)
Yacouba Sylla (Clermont)
Christian Benteke (Genk)
Jordan Bowery (Chesterfield)
Ashley Westwood (Crewe)
Alan Hutton (Tottenham)
Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham)
Enda Stevens (Shamrock Rovers)
Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
James Collins (West Ham)
Richard Dunne (Man City)
Curtis Davies (West Brom)
Moustapha Salifou (FC Wil)
Shaun Maloney (Celtic)
James Milner (Newcastle)
Eirik Bakke (Leeds)
Eric Djemba-Djemba (Manchester United) | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-were-aston-villas-best-11820213 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/2d0297a5b3f7840bc80fb5f3bb730e74e0085e8453e6ccb75ae227daadcfc34c.json |
[
"Alison Stacey"
] | 2016-08-27T12:46:56 | null | 2016-08-27T11:57:22 | Several streets sealed off as disposal experts worked | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Flatest-terror-arrests-sparked-city-11807971.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807278.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/img_1381.jpg | en | null | Latest on terror arrests which sparked city centre bomb scare | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
Police are still questioning five men arrested in an operation which saw bomb disposal teams seal off part of Birmingham city centre .
Part of Bath Row and a number of surrounding streets were cordoned off as the emergency crews swooped on an address in Florence Street at around 3pm on Friday.
Police said the Army Bomb Disposal Team had been called in as a ‘precaution’, and ambulance and fire crews also attended the scene.
The five men were arrested on Friday on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Officers arrested two men aged 18 and 24 from their home addresses in Birmingham while another, aged 28, was held elsewhere in the city.
A further two men, aged 32 and 37, were arrested in Stoke.
SNAPPERSK Police and bomb disposal crews on Bath Row
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said in a statement: “All five men are being held in the West Midlands.
“Police are searching a number of properties in the Stoke and Birmingham areas as part of the investigation; these searches are on-going.
“The arrests were intelligence-led and part of an on-going investigation.”
Fire crews on scene at police incident near Bath Row
Witnesses said they were stunned by the bomb disposal precautions.
One resident in nearby Bishopgate Street, who wanted to be known by his first name Martin, said: “I have never seen a police operation like this in my life.
“There are about seven police vans and i would estimate over 35 police officers.
SNAPPERSK Police and bomb disposal crews on Bath Row
“The bomb disposal unit is there and I have seen a white bomb disposal robot. There is also an ambulance and two fire engines.
“An officer told me it was a counter-terrorism operation and it is scary to think something like this is happening on the street next to mine. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/latest-terror-arrests-sparked-city-11807971 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/cede4b2f409293ee74f0ebeeac1c4260d27acc2a62632cfb7d0374514f38114f.json |
[
"John Calne"
] | 2016-08-26T14:48:00 | null | 2016-08-26T14:40:04 | Kia adds an estate version to its Optima range – with slick looks and winning practicality but an engine that still can’t match the best | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fmotoring%2Fcar-reviews%2Ffirst-drive-kia-optima-sportswagon-11805085.json | http://i1.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article11805068.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/kia-sportwagon-208.jpg | en | null | First drive: Kia Optima Sportswagon | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Until now, the Optima has only been available as a saloon. And no way has it been selling as well in Europe as it would be if there were an estate version on offer too.
The answer? Build an estate version. That’s what Kia has now done, and the company reckons it’s going to account for about 65% of Optima sales goign forward.
It’s called the Sportswagon, and it looks funky enough to warrant the title, but its style doesn’t come at the expense of practicality. There’s plenty of space in all the seats, as well as the load bay – 552 litres at worst, and a highly praiseworthy 1686 in full tip-run mode.
So it gets the family-hack basics right, and it feels as if it’s built to survive. The materials it’s trimmed out in are tough, even if they look about as exciting as… well, the materials in the Optima saloon.
Similarly, though, Kia remains as generous as ever with kit. Whichever model you buy, it’ll have nav as standard, and once you get to the top of the range the list will include cooled seats and an electric tailgate, as well as a raft of cutting-edge safety gear.
Something else you get with every model, however, is the familiar 1.7 CRDi engine. This is less noisy than it used to be, but it’s still short on refinement in general. You need to keep it on boost to maintain progress, too, which is easier said than done as output falls away alarmingly if you let it drop below the 1750rpm at which the full 251lb ft of torque arrives.
That problem goes away if you buy an Optima with the DCT auto box, which knows exactly when to kick down. This is unavailable on the entry-level 2 model, however; it’s optional on the mid-range 3, and standard on the top-spec GT-Line S.
On that subject, the Sportswagon range starts at £22,295 and climbs to £30,595.
So your money buys you a big, usable estate whose engine isn’t very nice. Aside from that it seems as pleasing to drive as you’ve a right to expect, with adequate performance and well controlled body movement to go with lasting grip and accurate if hardly electrifying steering.
That seems to add up to a wagon with the right stuff and a bit more on top. It seems to make most sense if you stick with the lower-priced models, however. The price of the top-spec version means it has some extremely talented opponents to knock down, but at the bottom of the range there’s not an awful lot else that can give you so much practicality for your money.
Kia Optima Sportswagon
On sale Autumn 2016; Price £22,295-£30,595; Engine 4 cyls, 1685cc, diesel; Power 139bhp at 4000rpm; Torque 251lb ft at 1750-2500rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1620kg; 0-60mph 9.8sec; Top speed 124mph; Economy 64.2mpg (combined); CO2 rating/tax band 113g/km, 19% | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/motoring/car-reviews/first-drive-kia-optima-sportswagon-11805085 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3a55f4d6ba08c08291acaf1fe9be69f9f3054c43069f41ce7465b723b0eff689.json |
[
"Graeme Brown"
] | 2016-08-31T14:47:08 | null | 2016-08-31T13:36:30 | A spokesperson for the lottery warned against this type of scam claiming a jackpot of hundreds of thousands of pounds | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fwarning-peoples-postcode-lottery-scam-11823786.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11823782.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/postcode.jpg | en | null | Warning about 'People’s Postcode Lottery' scam using bogus letters | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Keep on the lookout for a lottery scam after bogus letters were sent out promising a giant payout.
The People’s Postcode Lottery has warned people to be vigilant after a trick saw one woman convinced she was the lucky winner of £425,000.
A spokesperson for the lottery warned against this type of scam and said it would never ask for payment to claim a prize.
The letter said winners were “randomly selected by a computer ballot system from the Electoral Register”.
Grandmother Brenda Macleod revealed she received a letter saying she had won the figure and was asked to dial a number.
A person with a Spanish accent then told her five per cent of her winnings would be reclaimed as “commission".
The letter came with printed lottery ball numbers, watermark stamps, as well as a head office address and reference numbers.
It added: “Finally all winning must be claimed not later than 30th September 2016. After this date, the entire funds will be returned to the UK BOARD OF NATIONAL LOTTERY as unclaimed.
“Your claims company will be paid five per cent of the award price as the commission AFTER you have received your money.”
Ms Macleod told the Liverpool Echo : “Maybe if it had said I’d won £1,000 I wouldn’t have been so wary, it’s just because it’s such a large amount.
“People are at risk of being ripped off and played out of money.
“They are very clever people and there are vulnerable people who may not think to look it up online and just do it.”
A spokesperson for the official People’s Postcode Lottery warned against this type of scam and said they would never ask for payment to claim a prize.
They said: “People’s Postcode Lottery is aware that sometimes illegitimate individuals and organisations will attempt to use our lottery’s brand to gain access to information or details supplied by unsuspecting members of the public.
“People’s Postcode Lottery takes such matters very seriously. If you receive one of these letters, phone calls, SMS messages or emails, then we strongly advise the public to treat these communications as scams and they should be ignored.
“Legitimate lotteries, such as People’s Postcode Lottery, will not under any circumstances request a payment in order to receive your ‘winnings’. If you are at all suspicious, then contact our customer service team on 0808 1098 765.”
You can report a scam to the national fraud reporting centre at www.actionfraud.police.uk . | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/warning-peoples-postcode-lottery-scam-11823786 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c8088c92efaaca4676548779216e27124004138da1f67a9cde2498f7365bd160.json |
[
"Dan Kay"
] | 2016-08-30T10:48:45 | null | 2016-08-30T11:00:31 | Movie superstar was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease three years ago but kept condition private to not disappoint fans | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-news%2Ftruly-great-talent-gene-wilder-11817344.json | http://i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11817295.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/gene.jpg | en | null | 'Truly great talent' Gene Wilder dies at 83 after series of unforgettable roles | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Gene Wilder, the frizzy-haired actor who brought his deft comedic touch to such unforgettable roles as the neurotic accountant in The Producers and the mad scientist of Young Frankenstein, has died. He was 83.
Wilder's nephew said on Monday that the actor and writer died late on Sunday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Jordan Walker-Pearlman said in a statement that Wilder was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans.
"He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world," Mr Walker-Pearlman said.
Wilder started his acting career on the stage, but millions knew him from his work in the movies, especially his collaborations with Mel Brooks on The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. The last film - with Wilder playing a California-born descendant of the mad scientist, insisting that his name is pronounced Frahn-ken-Shteen - was co-written by Brooks and Wilder.
"Gene Wilder, one of the truly great talents of our time, is gone," Brooks wrote in a statement on Monday. "He blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with his friendship. He will be so missed."
File photo dated 06/06/1996 of Willy Wonka star and "comic genius" Gene Wilder, who has died aged 83. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 30, 2016. The Hollywood actor, known for roles in comedy classics such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, has been hailed as one of the "great talents" of his generation. See PA story DEATH Wilder. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire
With his unkempt hair and big, buggy eyes, Wilder was a master at playing panicked characters caught up in schemes that only a madman such as Brooks could devise, whether reviving a monster in Young Frankenstein or bilking Broadway in The Producers. Brooks would call him: "God's perfect prey, the victim in all of us."
But he also knew how to keep it cool as the boozing gunslinger in Blazing Saddles or the charming candy man in the children's favourite Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. His craziest role: the therapist having an affair with a sheep in Woody Allen's Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex.
"The greatest comedic mind of my childhood is now gone," actor Josh Gad wrote on Twitter. "£RIP £GeneWilder & thank you 4 your pure imagination. This one hits hard."
Jim Carrey tweeted: "Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket."
Wilder was close friends with Richard Pryor and their contrasting personas - Wilder uptight, Pryor loose - were ideal for comedy. They co-starred in four films: Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Another You. And they created several memorable scenes, particularly when Pryor provided Wilder with directions on how to "act black" as they tried to avoid police in Silver Streak.
But Wilder would insist in a 2013 interview that he was no comedian. He told interviewer Robert Osborne it was the biggest misconception about him.
"What a comic, what a funny guy, all that stuff! And I'm not. I'm really not. Except in a comedy in films," Wilder said. "But I make my wife laugh once or twice in the house, but nothing special. But when people see me in a movie and it's funny then they stop and say things to me about 'how funny you were.' But I don't think I'm that funny. I think I can be in the movies."
In 1968, Wilder received an Oscar nomination for his work in Brooks' The Producers. He played the introverted Leo Bloom, an accountant who discovers the liberating joys of greed and corruption as he and Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) conceive a Broadway flop titled Springtime For Hitler and plan to flee with the money raised for the show's production. Matthew Broderick played Wilder's role in the 2001 Broadway stage revival of the show.
Though they collaborated on film, Wilder and Brooks met through the theatre. Wilder was in a play with Brooks' then-future wife, Anne Bancroft, who introduced the pair backstage in 1963.
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Wilder, a Milwaukee native, was born Jerome Silberman on June 11 1933. His father was a Russian emigre, his mother was of Polish descent. When he was six, Wilder's mother suffered a heart attack that left her a semi-invalid. He soon began improvising comedy skits to entertain her, the first indication of his future career.
He started taking acting classes at age 12 and continued performing and taking lesson through college. In 1961, Wilder became a member of Lee Strasberg's prestigious Actor's Studio in Manhattan.
That same year, he made both his off-Broadway and Broadway debuts. He won the Clarence Derwent Award, given to promising newcomers, for the Broadway work in Graham Greene's comedy The Complaisant Lover.
He used his new name, Gene Wilder, for the off-Broadway and Broadway roles. He lifted the first name from the character Eugene Gant in Thomas Wolfe's Look Back, Homeward Angel, while the last name was clipped from playwright Thornton Wilder. A key break came when he co-starred with Bancroft in Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage, and met Brooks, her future husband.
"I was having trouble with one little section of the play, and he gave me tips on how to act. He said, 'That's a song and dance. He's proselytising about communism. Just skip over it, sing and dance over it, and get on to the good stuff.' And he was right," Wilder later explained.
Before starring in The Producers, he had a small role as the hostage of gangsters in the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde. He peaked in the mid-1970s with the twin Brooks hits Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
He went on to write several screenplays and direct several films. In 1982, while making the generally forgettable Hanky-Panky, he fell in love with co-star Gilda Radner. They were married in 1984, and co-starred in two Wilder-penned films: The Lady In Red and Haunted Honeymoon.
After Radner died of ovarian cancer in 1989, Wilder spent much of his time after promoting cancer research and opened a support facility for cancer patients. In 1991, he testified before Congress about the need for increased testing for cancer.
That same year, he appeared in his final film role: Another You with Pryor.
Wilder worked mostly in television in recent years, including appearances on Will & Grace - including one that earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor - and a starring role in the short-lived sitcom Something Wilder. In 2015, he was among the voices in the animated The Yo Gabba Gabba! Movie 2.
As for why he stopped appearing on the big screen, Wilder said in 2013 he was turned off by the noise and foul language in modern movies.
"I didn't want to do the kind of junk I was seeing," he said in an interview. "I didn't want to do 3D for instance. I didn't want to do ones where there's just bombing and loud and swearing, so much swearing... can't they just stop and talk instead of swearing?"
Wilder is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he married in 1991, and his daughter from a previous marriage, Katherine, from whom he was estranged. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/truly-great-talent-gene-wilder-11817344 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f757248526019f2007850a97c023e344a62332ff870c83ef3376ebab9f251ee0.json |
[
"Sanjeeta Bains"
] | 2016-08-30T18:47:08 | null | 2016-08-30T19:00:00 | Bistrot Pierre will be opening in Mere Green. Here's what to expect | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Fnew-french-restaurant-open-sutton-11820775.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article10768319.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Blackboard-1.jpg | en | null | New French restaurant to open in Sutton Coldfield | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Sutton Coldfield will be saying bojour to a new restaurant
Popular French cafe chain Bistrot Pierre will be opening a new restaurant in February 2017, at the eagerly-anticipated Mulberry Walk retail and leisure development in Mere Green.
Offering family-friendly dining and high-quality food seven-days-a-week, Bistrot Pierre has proved to be successful at 15 sites across the UK which include Bath, Leamington Spa and Nottingham.
The news comes hot on the heels of Michelin starred chef Richard Turner revealing he will be opening a restaurant in Sutton Coldfield next year.
Bistrot Pierre in Mere Greeen will have a outdoor seating area similar to the Gas Street restaurant
Most recently the chain opened a canalside restaurant on Gas Street in Brindleyplace - its first eatery in Birmingham.
On the menu Sutton Coldfield residents can expect French dishes such as tartes flambees traditionnelle - a very light French style pizza from the Alsace region topped with caramelised onions and smoked bacon.
One of their bestselling dishes is boef braise - slow braised beef with shallots, red wine mushrooms and bacon on the prix fix menu.
A breakfast menu which includes a full English breakfast as well as a children’s menu along with a children’s activity pack is also available.
First look inside amazing new canalside bistro Le Bistrot Pierre
Bistrot Pierre Operations Director Marylise Perrard at the city centre restaurant
Speaking about the new move, Rob Beacham, co-owner for Bistrot Pierre said: “Mulberry Walk is at the centre of a major regeneration programme in Mere Green. ”
“The centre has already attracted some of the nation’s most well-known retail and food and drink brands, so we’re thrilled to be part of such an exciting development that will boost the town’s economy and create a wealth of new jobs for the area.
“We’ve secured one of the larger units in the corner of the building which will have plenty of natural daylight and outside seating.
“The positive feedback we’ve received from people in and around Birmingham after opening our 15th bistrot in the city in July, so it’s fitting to extend our reach further to the suburbs - and Mere Green is the ideal location. " | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/new-french-restaurant-open-sutton-11820775 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f9126a626312e2ea627f3972d7224da64dd7f58f7270ec7c081be78eb53ce023.json |
[
"David Bentley"
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:39 | null | 2016-08-30T15:53:25 | People in Birmingham say they're unsure if they need a TV licence because of confusing jargon | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fyou-need-tv-licence-new-11819497.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11819622.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/29086578735_4ba5e4f93a_o.jpg | en | null | Will you need to get a TV licence when new law comes in? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Big changes in the TV licence regulations are coming - but are you clear about whether they will affect you?
A survey carried out in Birmingham earlier this month found that TV viewers in the city are baffled by all the technical terms used these days to describe different ways of watching programmes.
The study by TV Licensing revealed that Brummies are battling to understand all the jargon such as ‘streaming’ and ‘on demand’ - and so they’re not sure whether or not they need a licence.
When the new law comes in on Thursday, September 1, viewers will need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or download BBC programmes on demand – including catch up TV – on BBC iPlayer, no matter how they access it.
New TV licence rules explained
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The vast majority of households have a licence so they are are already covered. But what about you? Will you now need to fork out for the TV licence fee?
Piranha Photography Ltd
‘Catch up’ is one of the most well understood terms with 77 per cent of those surveyed in Birmingham knowing what it means.
For ‘on demand’, more than eight in ten (83 per cent) identified the correct definition but many failed to realise this phrase includes three different things: catch up TV; watching exclusive programmes only available online; and watching a programme ‘on demand’ BEFORE it is shown on TV.
More than two in five (43 per cent) of respondents did not know what ‘video streaming’ meant.
However, across the UK as a whole, the majority of younger viewers (16 to 24 year olds) knew exactly what it was - watching TV, videos, programmes or films over the internet, usually without storing the video on your device for viewing at a later date.
When asked what ‘live TV’ meant, 20 per cent of respondents wrongly thought this meant a real-time TV broadcast from an event, incident or sports match happening at the same time as it was being shown.
TV Licensing
Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: "Some phrases are very familiar to TV viewers but others are less well-known, including important terms such as ‘on demand’. We want to let those affected know in advance about the law change on September 1.
"After that date, you will need to be covered by a TV licence to download or watch BBC programmes on demand - including catch up TV – on BBC iPlayer. This applies to all devices.
"The change will not affect the huge majority of households which are already licensed. Fewer than two per cent of households only watch catch up - and only those watching BBC iPlayer as part of their catch up and on demand viewing will need to buy a licence from September."
You will not need a TV licence to download or watch programmes on demand from other providers, such as YouTube, Netflix, ITV Hub, All 4 or Demand 5. All unlicensed households are currently being mailed about the law change.
As before, you still need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or record any live TV on any channel no matter what device you use.
Piranha Photography Ltd/TV Licensing
TV jargon and what it really means
Catch up TV
DEFINITION: This is where you can watch or download TV programmes, usually for a limited period of time after they have been shown on live TV. An internet connection is needed to watch or download programmes. This can be on any online device and on connected set-top boxes. You can find catch up TV on, for example, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if watching or downloading BBC programmes on demand on iPlayer (from September 1). Otherwise, no.
On demand
DEFINITION: On demand includes: Catch up TV (streaming or downloading programmes after they’ve been shown on live TV), programmes available online before being shown on live TV and exclusive programmes only available online. People can choose their own TV programmes or films to watch, typically from a wide selection, via an internet connection. Services offering on demand programmes include BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if watching or downloading BBC programmes on demand on iPlayer (from September 1). Otherwise, no.
Live TV
DEFINITION: Live TV means any programme you watch or record at the same time (or virtually at the same time) as it’s being shown on TV or on an online TV service such as BBC iPlayer. It does NOT mean real-time television such as live news or sports coverage from the scene of an event, game or incident.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, no matter what device you use or channel you watch.
Online TV service
DEFINITION: An online TV service is where TV programmes or films are being shown, usually at scheduled times, over the internet as opposed to via an aerial, cable or a satellite TV service. Examples include BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if watching an online TV Service or (from September 1) downloading BBC programmes on demand on BBC iPlayer
Recorded TV
DEFINITION: This is when you record something on live TV so that you can watch it later. Examples include Sky+, TiVo, YouView and other dedicated PVR/DVR set-top box recorders.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, as you are recording live TV
Streaming
DEFINITION: Streaming means watching TV, videos, programmes or films over the internet. The video you watch is typically not stored on your device for viewing later, but some services will allow you to access it over a period of time, e.g. within 24 hours. Examples include YouTube, Now TV and Netflix
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if streaming live TV or (from September 1) BBC programmes on demand on iPlayer.
Live video streaming
DEFINITION: Live video streaming means watching TV, videos, programmes or films over the internet in real time as it happens (e.g. a live sports event, or any other video which is live and not pre-recorded). The video is not stored on your device for viewing at a later date. Examples include watching BBC Parliament online, using the “watch live” function on a BBC website or watching live on an app such as Sky Go.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if live video streaming live TV
Downloaded videos
DEFINITION: Downloading videos is when you transfer, save and then store a TV programme, film or other video onto a PC/laptop, set-top box, smartphone or tablet. This allows you to watch it whenever you like at a later. Examples include Sky Movies, BBC iPlayer, BT Vision and Love Film
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if downloading BBC programmes on demand on iPlayer (from September 1)
Simulcasts
DEFINITION: A simulcast is when a live event is available to watch in more than one way. For example, a live music event may be shown on TV, radio and online at the same time, giving you a choice of how to enjoy it. Another example could be a radio show with a live video feed to watch the DJs or presenters, as well as listen to the audio.
DO I NEED A LICENCE: Yes, if watching or recording simulcasts as they are being shown on live TV | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/you-need-tv-licence-new-11819497 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/86c871848e855e4c44e29d4e19e1b999a48820c39c89336868cf11ad0c10e864.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-29T14:47:05 | null | 2016-08-29T13:52:40 | The latest claret and blue transfer news and gossip | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-transfer-news-rumours-11814847.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11230881.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Aston-Villa-v-Southampton-Before-the-game.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa transfer news and rumours: Latest on Adomah; battle for Forest striker; defender departs | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Albert Adomah
Aitor Karanka provided this update on Villa target Albert Adomah after Middlesbrough's draw with West Brom yesterday.
He said: “I don’t know because before we travelled here I preferred to focus on the game and now we have two days off.
“The club is working very well so for that reason on Wednesday I will come back and I will see.”
Further questioned on whether Adomah was left out because of injury, Karanka added: “No, it was my decision (not to select him).”
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Joleon Lescott
Joleon Lescott has left Aston Villa.
The 34-year-old still had a year left on his two-year contract at Villa Park, but was told by Roberto Di Matteo that he had no future at B6 following the club's relegation.
He has signed a two-year year deal with Greek side AEK Athens, having passed a medical and agreed personal terms today.
It's unclear at this moment in time whether his claret and blue contract was terminated or whether the Greek side paid a fee, though it's likely to be the former.
Aston Villa's Joleon Lescott after relegation was confirmed at Manchester United
Britt Assombalonga
There are rumours that Aston Villa have had a bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for striker Britt Assombalonga.
The forward has made his comeback from injury this season after a 14-month lay-off with a knee problem.
Bristol City are another side thought to be interested in trying to tempt Forest to sell. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-rumours-11814847 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7489f4d1a8d9b4d4e00dcd52e5702af7880e26dfec529f62356f09a2af189342.json |
[
"James Cartledge"
] | 2016-08-27T16:46:27 | null | 2016-08-27T16:37:49 | He was thought to have been planning trip to war zone | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fconvicted-terrorist-ishaaq-hussain-jailed-11808961.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11806188.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Ishaaq-Hussain.jpg | en | null | Convicted terrorist Ishaaq Hussain jailed amid Syria travel fears | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Above: Bomb disposal teams in Birmingham city centre after five men were held on suspicion of terror offences on Friday
A convicted Birmingham terrorist suspected of trying to go to Syria has been jailed for 20 months for misleading police about his travel plans.
In July 2012, Ishaaq Hussain, 24, was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment after admitting an offence of preparing to commit a terrorist act by attending a training camp in Pakistan.
At an Old Bailey hearing on Friday, Hussain pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of foreign travel plans on three occasions between January and March this year, contrary to requirements following his earlier conviction.
Hussain, of Washwood Heath , had claimed to be planning a family holiday in Italy with his wife and young child, but did not say the trip, which was twice postponed, also included Greece and Turkey.
And when he was stopped by police on his third attempt to leave the country, he was travelling alone, the court heard.
Karen Jones, prosecuting, said it was a “serious and deliberate breach” by Hussain.
Ishaaq Hussain
Sentencing, Mr Justice Saunders said Syria was the suspected destination as Hussain would not have been able to catch his return flight from Italy had he visited Greece and Turkey.
He said: “Those facts clearly give rise to the suspicion that the defendant was intending to travel to Turkey to gain access to Syria.
“That is, however, only a suspicion.
“Had the prosecution been able to prove those facts to the criminal standard of proof, a more serious charge would have been laid against the defendant.
“I do not sentence this defendant on the basis that he was intending to go to Syria to fight.”
The judge added that Hussain had misled police on three separate occasions, meaning it was a “persistent and determined offence”.
He added: “The authorities are entitled to keep track of people convicted of terrorist offences as there is a risk that they will commit further offences or, in the case of this defendant, that he will put his terrorist training into effect.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/convicted-terrorist-ishaaq-hussain-jailed-11808961 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8e07551c0e1eadf0458a2607927d45401b1240e94d204faa3b6f3023b765c8a3.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-29T18:47:27 | null | 2016-08-29T18:12:21 | Johan Abdoul had a mixed afternoon at Villa Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-scouting-report-young-11816096.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11815798.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98214190.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa scouting report: Is this young man ready to be Roberto Di Matteo's defensive deputy? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Johan Abdoul of Villa scores the first goal to make it 1-0
In a matter of days, Aston Villa’s back-line has shifted from being unnecessarily swollen to looking a little thin.
A quick-fire sale that saw Joleon Lescott, Joe Bennett and Jores Okore follow each other out of the door has probably freed up a fair amount of wages, but after the exits too of Ciaran Clark and, albeit temporarily, Kevin Toner, the pool of options beyond the newly recruited partnership of Tommy Elphick and James Chester is a shallow one.
Nathan Baker is a handy alternative, as to will Micah Richards be, provided he stays beyond Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
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The Premier League 2 this season may well provide the young crop of defenders coming through with an opportunity to press their claim.
It was an afternoon of mixed emotions to say the least, then, for Johan Abdoul at Villa Park on Monday.
He scored what eventually turned out to be the winner in a match with a score-line that was given significant gloss by first-team striker Libor Kozak’s hat-trick.
Yet with a little over 20 minutes to go, he was shown his second yellow and handed his marching orders by the referee. Was Anthony Serrano card happy? Yes. A soft second yellow? Indeed.
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But he was also merely implementing the new stricter policies by the football governing bodies that have caused quite a commotion at the beginning of the season.
Abdoul’s general all round game was good.
His only previous U23 experience this campaign came when replacing Lescott in the opening week’s defeat to Wolves at Bodymoor Heath.
Yet he looked comfortable throughout his 68 minutes, especially when you consider he was charged with marshalling Premier League experienced duo Sammy Ameobi and Haris Vuckic.
Johan Abdoul of Villa scores the first goal to make it 1-0 and celebrates
He took his goal like a predatory striker too, seizing advantage of a set-piece scramble and sidefooting confidently past Nathan Harker.
All this, and to think the Frenchman, and his centre-half partner Mitchell Clark, are both only 17.
He was clearly distraught when shown red, but Abdoul showed plenty of potential.
Would he be ready for Championship football at this stage? Perhaps not yet, but the future is certainly bright. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-scouting-report-young-11816096 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7058a3e935580ee6be65ee75a8e354cda45b5aaed74997412aa7381dcd004233.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-31T14:48:10 | null | 2016-08-31T13:55:37 | The 17-year-old has been on a trial with the Baggies' development side | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-jury-still-out-11824019.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11005398.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS81455675.jpg | en | null | West Brom jury still out on Arsenal winger Tyrell Robinson | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
West Bromwich Albion have not yet decided whether to hand a deal to trialist Tyrell Robinson.
The sprightly 17-year-old is on loan from Arsenal.
He scored for West Brom's Under 23s in their 2-1 Premier League 2 win over Fulham last week and also featured in the 3-1 defeat at Wolves on Friday.
Robinson was not named in the squad for last night's Checkatrade Trophy defeat at League One side Millwall.
West Bromwich Albion under 21 coach Jimmy Shan
But 23s boss Jimmy Shan said his omission had no baring on Robinson's chances of a contract at the Hawthorns.
"The games have come thick and fast - we played Monday, Friday and this evening (Tuesday)," Shan said.
"Normally if a trialist plays we try and get them in for two games.
"Then it's a review process.
"As it stands, we're still to sit down and finalise that review process.
"A number of people will take part in that.
"Nick Hammond, the technical director, and first team involvement with myself, (professional development phase coach) Darren Moore and the academy manager (Mark Harrison).
"We're still yet to sit down and finalise, but that will be in the coming days most definitely."
Robinson is understood to be keen on a permanent move after growing frustrated at Arsenal's tendency to play him at full-back rather than on the wing.
He held talks with West Ham earlier this summer, but nothing materialised. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-jury-still-out-11824019 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/252f42a46dcfcd2656ff5f6f7d8d0541c53e696d93088be3ab4d44932f6948f4.json |
[
"Dan Kay"
] | 2016-08-31T12:50:00 | null | 2016-08-31T11:37:00 | Theresa May rules out second EU referendum as she insists 'Brexit means Brexit' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-news%2Ftheresa-rules-out-second-eu-11823003.json | http://i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11822969.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/cabineyt.jpg | en | null | Theresa May rules out second EU referendum as she insists 'Brexit means Brexit' | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Prime Minister Theresa May has set her face firmly against a second referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, telling Cabinet colleagues that "Brexit means Brexit" and there will be no attempt to stay in the EU "by the back door".
Mrs May was speaking at her country retreat Chequers as Cabinet met for the first time after the summer break.
As work continues on preparations for withdrawal negotiations, each Cabinet member has been told to use the meeting to set out what opportunities leaving the EU presents for their department.
Speaking at the start of the all-day meeting, Mrs May said: "We'll be looking at the next steps that we need to take, and we'll also be looking at the opportunities that are now open to us as we forge a new role for the UK in the world.
"We must continue to be very clear that 'Brexit means Brexit', that we're going to make a success of it. That means there's no second referendum; no attempts to sort of stay in the EU by the back door; that we're actually going to deliver on this."
Mrs May said "quite a lot of work" had already been done over the summer on preparing the way for exit negotiations under Article 50 of the EU treaties.
She told colleagues it was "a very significant moment for the country, as we look ahead to the next steps that we need to take".
The PM said: "We have the opportunity to forge a new positive role for the UK in the world, to make sure that we are that Government and country that works for everyone - that everyone can share in the country's prosperity.
"So there are challenges ahead but it's an important and significant moment for us and I think we have real opportunities to develop the United Kingdom and ensure that it does work for everyone in the UK."
Despite pressure from Leave supporters for a swift departure from the EU, Mrs May has already made clear she will wait at least until the end of this year before triggering the two-year process by invoking Article 50.
Downing Street indicated on Tuesday that she is unlikely to seek parliamentary approval before taking the step, saying only that MPs would be given "a say" on the process and declining to commit the Government to giving them a vote.
Former chancellor and Brexit campaigner Lord Lawson said Article 50 should be tabled as soon as possible and Britain should not "waste time trying to negotiate elaborately" a special trade deal with the EU.
"A long period of uncertainty is bad for the economy, bad for British business, and therefore the sooner this is sorted out the better," Lord Lawson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Conservative former business minister Anna Soubry - part of the Open Britain group being launched this week by supporters of the failed Remain campaign - said Britain should push for a deal that preserves access to the single market and free movement for EU citizens.
She told Today she would be "concerned about any plans to curb immigration" from Europe, which had "benefited our country, especially business".
Cabinet ministers meeting at Chequers are believed to be split over whether the UK should seek continued membership of the EU single market, which is likely to involve signing up to free movement as well as making financial contributions to Brussels budgets.
Mrs May stressed that the meeting would also focus on non-EU priorities like social reform and the economy.
"We're also going to talk this morning about social reform," she said. "We want to be a Government and a country that works for everyone, and we'll be talking about some of the steps that we need to take in order to build that society that works for everyone.
"And I want it to be a society where it's the talent that you have and how hard you're prepared to work that determines how you get on, rather than your background.
"We'll be having an update on the state of the economy. We'll be looking at how we can work to increase productivity - that's one of the key issues that we want to address. But also how we can get tough on irresponsible behaviour in big business - again making sure that actually everyone is able to share in the country's prosperity."
Labour shadow minister without portfolio Jonathan Ashworth said: "After six years of Tory Government, working people are feeling the pinch, public services are under pressure and the Tories have no plan to deal with the vote to leave Europe.
"Britain needs change but Theresa May and the Tories cannot deliver it. Their austerity agenda has failed working people, they have put the needs of the few over those of the many, and they have plunged Britain in to economic uncertainty post-Brexit due to their failure to plan for the outcome.
"As Theresa May heads for her Brexit brainstorm, she should focus on one item above all others: putting working people first for a change." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/theresa-rules-out-second-eu-11823003 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/70072e33af4011ad78ad4168f3a8c388949b268948627fda00e3502c9c8f705b.json |
[
"Birmingham Mail"
] | 2016-08-30T08:49:14 | null | 2016-08-30T08:43:07 | Birmingham Bears captain Ian Bell has signed for Australian Big Bash team Perth Scorchers to play in the 2016/17 competition. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fbirmingham-bears-skipper-bash-perth-11816671.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11422412.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Ian-Bell.jpg | en | null | Birmingham Bears skipper to have Bash with Perth | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Bears captain Ian Bell has signed for Australian Big Bash team Perth Scorchers to play in the 2016/17 competition, which gets underway in December.
The Scorchers are the most successful team in the history of the Big Bash – winning in 2013/14 and 2014/15 and runners-up in the two preceding years – with Bell joining them for all group games and the potential knock-out stages.
Bell said: “The Scorchers have been a force in every season of the Big Bash and I’m really excited about joining up with the team in December and making in The Furnace my home ground.
“I’ve spent a good amount of time in Perth on tours with England, but also playing grade cricket for the University of Western Australia during the early part of my career. It’s a fantastic city and I’m looking forward to returning with my family and hopefully playing a key role for the Scorchers in BBL6.”
Bell, aged 34, was the top scorer for Birmingham Bears in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast with 489 runs in 13 innings at an average of 40.75. He registered five half centuries in the group stages, with a best of 80 against Notts Outlaws at Edgbaston in July.
In 2015 he became only the third Englishman to have won five Ashes series and has won 118 Test, 161 One-Day International and eight International T20 caps to date.
Justin Langer, Head Coach of Perth Scorchers, said: “It’s exciting to be able to add a player of Ian’s top-level experience and quality to our squad.
“With 22 Test centuries and a One-Day International average close to 40, he’ll bolster our batting options.
“He’s played at the international level for more than decade so brings experience and leadership having captained his county side Warwickshire and the Birmingham Bears.
“We’re delighted to have him on board.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/cricket/birmingham-bears-skipper-bash-perth-11816671 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/75f3d105ed0dd2d181bfa8162cdcc5edee07eac2bbdde6f0e470014ebda25920.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-31T14:48:30 | null | 2016-08-31T14:34:40 | The Baggies have moved for the in-demand midifelder on transfer deadline day | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-transfer-news-albion-11824282.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11498406.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS92991252.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfer news: Albion back in for Moussa Sissoko amid Spurs and Chelsea interest | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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West Bromwich Albion have upped the ante with a fresh bid for Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Albion have submitted an improved offer plus out-of-favour winger Callum McManaman as they attempt to land the French international.
Tony Pulis moved for the Magpies man earlier in the summer but their initial bid was rebuffed by the Championship club.
Tottenham Hotspur had looked favourites to land the 27-year-old after he was given permission to leave the French national squad training camp to thrash out his future.
But Spurs appear unwilling to match Newcastle's valuation of around £30million and according to Sky Sports their interest has now cooled in the player.
France's Moussa Sissoko fights for the ball against Switzerland's Admir Mehmedi during the Euro 2016 Group A match
Chelsea have also been registered with a late interest in the midfielder as they look to hijack any deal.
Sissoko is thought to want Champions League football but with time running out on transfer deadline day, Albion have made their approach with Pulis hoping to persuade him to make the switch to the Hawthorns. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-transfer-news-albion-11824282 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f6daea3f63acc81882880b2bf03f98f2127d4d3f01f665a07aca9f622ec2b033.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:23 | null | 2016-08-26T10:09:49 | Gary Rowett has had some interesting things to say regarding the club's transfer dealings | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fbirmingham-city-gary-rowett-reveals-11802950.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11728611.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96712479.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City: Gary Rowett reveals the number of players he wants to sign before the end of the Transfer Window | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett admits he might have to 'sacrifice a player' in order to bolster his squad.
The Blues boss revealed he still wants at least one, possibly two, new players before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
Over the last couple of weeks he has tried to make room in his budget by allowing James Vaughan to join Bury permanently and releasing several others for loan deals.
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But Rowett concedes more needs to be done to be able to bring the right level of quality he needs to take Blues forward.
"Some have gone out but we are in a position at the minute that if we want to get some in we are probably going to have to get some more out," he said.
"As we know some of our players are in a position where if we let them go we are not suddenly going to be able to go and bring in a Premier League striker.
"For example - we might have to let two or three players out to get one player in, such is the type of player I think we need.
"We have still got to work hard, I still think there might be one or two possible surprises. We might even have to sacrifice a player to get one or two in that we want.
"That's something I will have to try and look at because unfortunately I can't go and spend £10m on a ready-made instant success for something we see as a problem."
There has been talk all summer that Blues are looking for a left-back to challenge Jonathan Grounds.
Leeds United's Hadi Sacko chases after Birmingham City's Jonathan Grounds
And with Vaughan, Andy Shinnie, Alex Jones and Koby Arthur all away from the club at present, it would be no surprise if the Birmingham manager wasn't still looking at another attacking option.
"Listen, I would love to get four or five in but we are not going to be in that position. So, one or two in but it might mean one or two going out.
"I am always mindful of the squad, I think we have got some really good young players who still haven't had that much opportunity on the pitch yet.
"I still believe Reece Brown can be an excellent player for us and is probably why we let Andy Shinnie go. I still believe Viv Solomon-Otabor will be an excellent player for us this season." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city-gary-rowett-reveals-11802950 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a63ea5fba82b3717fc91a64cc2bbc64421a65ec192656df1ddd2de1cdac95fdc.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-28T16:47:27 | null | 2016-08-28T16:22:48 | The event is at Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fwatch-martian-under-stars-open-11812127.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11812194.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS72871313.jpg | en | null | Watch The Martian under the stars at open air cinema night | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | What better place to watch astronaut Matt Damon fighting for survival than under the stars?
Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove in association with the Artrix is holding an open air cinema night to show The Martian.
You can picnic on the lawn on Friday, September 2 before watching the 2015 film which was nominated for seven Oscars.
Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings by Keshvala.
And there’s a chance to gaze at the real stars as Bromsgrove Astronomical Society are bringing along their telescopes.
In the film, Matt Damon plays an astronaut stranded on Mars, who must draw on all his wit and ingenuity to survive and find a way to signal to Earth that he’s alive.
Watch Matt Damon and James Cordern in comedy skit
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Doors open at 7.45pm and the film starts at 8.30pm.
Bring along blankets and chairs and pack your favourite nibbles, though a bar will be open for drinks.
Tickets cost £7 and are available here or on the gate on the night.
There are still a few open air cinema events on in the Midlands, such as The Blues Brothers at Sundown Cinema at the mac, Warwick Castle showing Star Wars and Notting Hill and several films in September in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/watch-martian-under-stars-open-11812127 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f5c2dcd5a6072b7e76730b4d076475845b0df351562747343407b7339fa400ca.json |
[
"Steve Jones"
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:15 | null | 2016-08-30T12:34:27 | 'Stan' moved from Celtic to Villa on 30 August 2006 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fstiliyan-petrov-tribute-man-who-11818037.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11643250.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Stiliyan-Petrov.jpg | en | null | Stiliyan Petrov: A tribute to the man who joined Aston Villa ten years ago today | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Today marks 10 years to the day that claret and blue legend Stiliyan Petrov signed for Villa.
The former Bulgarian international, who went on to make over 200 appearances in all competitions, was Martin O’Neill’s first signing after taking charge at Villa Park.
Petrov signed from Scottish champions Celtic in a £6.5million deal and went on to become one of Villa’s most influential players during his time with the club.
As a tribute to such a well-loved Villan, we take a look at some of his best moments to mark his 10 year anniversary.
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1) Incredible long-range strike against Derby
Stan didn’t get on the score-sheet too often, finding the net just 12 times in all competitions.
Nonetheless, this effort in the 6-0 thrashing of Derby County in April 2008 will go down as one of the best goals for Villa in recent years.
Stiliyan Petrov scores a corker on April 12, 2008, against Derby
2) Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year
After an inconsistent start to life at the club, the Bulgarian grew into his surroundings and became one of the club’s most consistent performers, which was recognised at the end of the 2008/09 season at the end of season awards.
Paul Gilham/Getty Images Derby County v Aston Villa in 2008: Stiliyan Petrov celebrates with his team-mates after scoring the third goal for Villa in the 6-0 win
3) Taking the captain’s armband
Petrov’s progress culminated in him becoming club captain for the 2009/10 season, taking over the armband from the departing Martin Laursen.
He held the armband continuously until April 2012, upon his diagnosis with Leukaemia.
Stiliyan Petrov celebrates his goal
4) Leading Villa out at Wembley - twice
Following his appointment as captain, Petrov helped the club to arguably their most successful season in recent years during the 2009/10 campaign.
This included a sixth place finish and two appearances at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final and League Cup, respectively.
2010 FA Cup Semi Final Aston Villa v Chelsea: Stiliyan Petrov takes on Deco
5) Incredible return following Leukaemia battle
Following an exhaustive three-year battle with the deadly condition, Stan completed an admirable return to professional football when he joined Villa for their 2016 pre-season campaign.
The midfielder was given a hero’s welcome by fans when he turned out for Villa in their pre-season friendly against Worcester City. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stiliyan-petrov-tribute-man-who-11818037 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8455ec46a99f9759bfc0546f5d2d3a6ab4bbbf894547b65e2eb66ad15e73df6b.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-29T08:46:43 | null | 2016-08-29T09:22:11 | The latest Albion transfer rumours | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-transfer-rumour-mill-11813459.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811944.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98138725.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfer rumour mill: Fringe pair set for moves away; young England winger wanted | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | With the news yesterday that Ignacio Camacho and Nacer Chadli are set to sign for Albion, breaking their club transfer record twice in 24 hours, there's little chance the Baggies will be finished before the deadline at 11pm on Wednesday.
Here's a round-up of the rest of the Hawthorns gossip...
Ins
Ademola Lookman
The Mirror say Albion are keen on Charlton winger Ademola Lookman.
Lookman, 18, an England U19 international, could prove difficult for the League 1 Addicks to hold onto in the coming days, such is his talent.
He's in demand - Spurs are another side who have been linked with him.
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Outs
Callum McManaman
HITC reckon Albion could get their money back on Callum McManaman, with Newcastle set to sign him.
The winger is expected to leave the club this week, finding himself out of favour alongside Cristian Gamboa and Sebastien Pocognoli.
McManaman was Tony Pulis' first signing back in January 2015, but Rafa Benitez is willing to ensure the Welshman gets his money back after spending £4.7m to sign him from Wigan.
Callum McManaman gets away from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson.
Cristian Gamboa
The Daily Mail write that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will turn to Cristian Gamboa if he can't get Liverpool right-back (and former Albion loanee) Andre Wisdom.
Wisdom and Gamboa contested the position at The Hawthorns in 2014 under Alan Irvine, before the arrival of Tony Pulis and the installment of Craig Dawson.
Costa Rican Gamboa has one year left on his contract at The Hawthorns and will leave on a free next summer. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-transfer-rumour-mill-11813459 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c5f2f98c0dbe55f2f915e761aca521a665562a3bf393d7b61e720ffc27629f79.json |
[
"Matt Cannon"
] | 2016-08-27T18:46:48 | null | 2016-08-27T18:07:17 | Will lightning storms hit Birmingham and the Midlands? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fweather%2Ffollow-lightning-storm-over-england-11809481.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11809474.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Lightning-map.png | en | null | Follow the lightning storm over England with this LIVE map | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
Lightning storms have hit England today.
Bolts have been lighting up the sky over the east coast before reaching the East Midlands shortly after this afternoon.
Other parts of the country have been hit by heavy rain this Bank Holiday Saturday.
Will the electric weather edge ever closer to the Midlands?
You can be the first to know by using the lightning maps website.
It claims to show in real-time where lightning is striking over the UK and Europe.
Follow the link below to visit the site.
Although impressive from a distance many will be hoping lightning does not strike in these parts.
It struck people seven times in the Midlands last year.
And that is more than anywhere else in the UK.
Nationally 22 people were taking to hospital after being hit by lightning - and Brummies made up a third of them. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/weather/follow-lightning-storm-over-england-11809481 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7afb66b8d72c0825b4fde63f381ee534295af0954ea335c310f8f8b8c0ae9d64.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-30T06:46:42 | null | 2016-08-30T07:22:39 | The strikers continue to be linked but which one will the club sign by transfer deadline tomorrow? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-transfer-rumours-bayern-11816548.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article8195112.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Nottingham-Forests-Britt-Assombalonga-in-action-against-Ipswich-Town.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa transfer rumours: Bayern Munich and Manchester United target scouted; Championship striker linked; Abel Hernandez still in the offing | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aston Villa are interested in the much sought after Diego Rolan, according the Read Bundesliga.
The Uruguayan has been watched by a host of Europe's top clubs including Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Everton, while Championship outfits, Norwich City and Brighton are also thought to be keen.
Rolan has scored 22 goals for club side Bordeux during the last two seasons and has also appeared for his country 17 times during that time.
WATCH: Mat Kendrick gives his verdict on Libor Kozak
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Football League World are reporting that Villa have joined the race for Nottingham Forest's Britt Assombalonga.
The striker, who missed the whole of last season through injury, is one of a number of Forest players frustrated by the sale of Oliver Burke to Red Bull Leipzig.
He is proven at Championship level and could prove a slightly cheaper option than Hull City's Abel Hernandez.
While several outlets are suggesting that Villa wouldn't be willing to match Hull's asking price for Hernandez, the Hull Daily Mail are suggesting that a £20m bid could turn the Tigers' head.
Whether Dr Tony Xia will be willing to shell out that sort of cash on the forward remains to be seen. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-transfer-rumours-bayern-11816548 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d4e329edf992799e4d0b3b646492c939fec47de6686761c3c734288f178389b4.json |
[
"Graeme Brown"
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:27 | null | 2016-08-26T16:56:56 | Hundreds of its cookie dough flavour ice cream are feared to have been contaminated with dangerous shards of metal – and consumers are being warned to be vigilant | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fben--jerrys-warning-over-11806387.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11806402.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/cookie-dough-1.jpg | en | null | Ben & Jerry's warning over fears hundreds of tubs of ice cream contain shards of metal | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Some tubs of Ben & Jerry's cookie dough ice cream may contain sharp metal
Ben & Jerry’s fans are being urged to check their freezers after a major safety warning.
Hundreds of its cookie dough flavour ice cream are feared to have been contaminated with dangerous shards of metal – and consumers are being warned to be vigilant.
Ice cream-lovers who have bought 500ml tubs are warned there could be metal filings inside and should check the base for the batch number.
The tubs that are potentially dangerous carry these batch codes: L6210L011, L6211Lo11, L62112L011 and L62113L011.
It is suspected that the metal shards ended up in some ice cream tubs at the firm’s factory.
The company said: “Everyone with a 500ml tub of Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough in their freezers at home should check the batch number on the bottom of the tub to make sure it’s not affected.
“If it matches the batch numbers listed, they should not eat the product and instead discard it in their household bin.
“Customers who believe they might have the affected tub of Cookie Dough 500 ml ice cream should call the folks at our customer careline on 0800 146252 for a replacement tub.”
The company said it takes pride in the quality of its ice cream and that only a limited amount of products are affected.
But said: “Everyone is very sorry that a limited number of Cookie Dough ice cream failed to meet expectations on this occasion.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/ben--jerrys-warning-over-11806387 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a5ff9013fe8dd52abfef318d86ac2607e3bb2f528d155e6d3857bb59b55db8cf.json |
[
"Matt Cannon"
] | 2016-08-27T14:46:37 | null | 2016-08-27T14:33:12 | What Lord Clifden, The Victoria and others had to say about their food hygiene | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Fpubs-bars-birmingham-told-improve-11777008.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807941.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Soup-of-the-day.jpg | en | null | The pubs and bars of Birmingham told to improve their food hygiene standards | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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These are the pubs, bars and nightclubs told to improve their hygiene standrards.
The list includes many well-known haunts including the Lord Clifden and The Victoria in John Bright Street.
The Food Standards Agency website publishes the results of inspections by Birmingham City Council officers.
Forty two venues - including one which has closed - featured on the rundown at 12pm on August 25, 2016.
Environmental health officer checks look at:
how hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
the condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities
how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future
A zero rating suggests the business is in need of "urgent improvement" a one-rating suggests "major improvement necessary" while a two-rating suggests "improvement necessary".
A rating of three is classified as "generally satisfactory".
The list below is accurate on August 25, 2016. Scroll down to check the very latest venue ratings.
Pubs and bars told to improve food hygiene
Establishment, address, rating and date of inspection
Actress & Bishop
36 Ludgate Hill Birmingham B3 1EH 1 30 January 2015
Actress & Bishop, in Ludgate Hill in the Jewellery Quarter.
The Actress and Bishop stressed it does not currently serve food and underwent an extensive refurbishment earlier this year.
Arca Bar
The Arcadian 70 Hurst Street Birmingham B5 4TD 1 07 March 2015
Big Bang Pool House
115 Soho Hill Birmingham B19 1AY 1 04 August 2015
Big Bulls Head
Big Bulls Head 75 Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DY 1 22 October 2014
Brewdog Birmingham
81-87 John Bright Street Birmingham B1 1BL 0 25 February 2016
BrewDog, Scotland's largest independent brewery, opened a bar in Birmingham in 2013
British Oak
British Oak 1364 Pershore Road Bournville Birmingham B30 2XS 2 11 January 2016
The British Oak Pub in Stirchley.
Club Maragh
197 High Street Erdington Birmingham B23 6SY 0 28 January 2016
Covered Wagon Flat Above The Covered Wagon 298 Yardley Wood Road Springfield Birmingham B13 9JW 2 26 February 2015
Cross Guns
The Cross Guns 301 Soho Road Birmingham B21 9SA 1 06 October 2015
Devonshire Arms
The Devonshire Arms Lodge Road Soho (Hockley) Birmingham B18 5DH 1 19 May 2014
Devonshire Arms.
Dingle Social Club
New Street Longbridge Birmingham B45 0BP 1 09 June 2015
The Dingle Social Club.
Ex Servicemens Memorial Institute
8 Selly Hill Road Birmingham B29 7DL 1 02 October 2015
Garretts Green Sports Bar
Units 1 & 2 1 Valepits Road Birmingham B33 0TD 0 29 October 2015
Club manager Amy Eastwood said: "The reason we were given the zero score was because we cook fresh every day. Being a properly run club we do things the way we would want them to be done.
"We don't reheat anything or store food - so the paperwork was not there. They have come back since and said if they were to score us today they'd score us full marks."
Harborne Cricket Club
Old Church Avenue Birmingham B17 0BE 1 11 June 2015
Home Guard Club
21A Doveridge Road Birmingham B28 0LS 2 10 February 2016
Club bosses said that since the inspection it has regularly conducted hygiene inspections through an "independent auditor".
The club says it is awaiting its next visit from environmental health officers.
Horseshoe Inn
Horseshoe Inn 611 Alcester Road South Billesley Birmingham B14 5EL 1 28 January 2016
Ivy Bush The Ivy Bush
181 Hagley Road Ladywood Birmingham B16 8UQ 1 07 October 2014
Jewellers Arms
23 Hockley Street Ladywood Birmingham B18 6BW 2 12 January 2016
Kingfisher
The Kingfisher Birdbrook Road Birmingham B44 9TS 2 08 July 2015
Lord Clifden
The Lord Clifden 34 Great Hampton Street Birmingham B18 6AA 1 29 March 2016
The Lord Clifden in Hockley.
Manager Liam Duncan said: "We were extremely unhappy with the rating. The inspection came at our busiest weekend of the year on a Bank Holiday. We were doing a deep clean at the time of the visit.
"Unfortunately they couldn't give us a new score for at least three months. I'm extremely happy with the standards of the pub.
"If it were to be re-inspected today we are confident it would be given a full five rating."
Mooch Bar
260 Broad Street Birmingham B1 2HF 2 21 July 2015
Nautical Club Living Accommodation
Nautical Club 3-4 Bishopsgate Street Birmingham B15 1ET 1 06 November 2014
Prawnie Jerk Centre
178 Lodge Road Soho (Hockley) Birmingham B18 5EW 0 01 February 2016
Quinton Members Club
415 West Boulevard Quinton Birmingham B32 2PP 1 13 October 2015
Scanlons Club
254 Spring Road Springfield Birmingham B11 3DW 0 07 January 2016
Scanlons club near Spring Road station.
St Pauls Club
34 St Pauls Square Birmingham B3 1QZ 1 20 November 2015
Stirlings Bar
And Diner Red Baboon 21 Ludgate Hill Birmingham B3 1DW 0 08 January 2016
The Barrell Bar & Grill
322 Summer Lane Aston Birmingham B19 3RG 1
The Coldstream
Arden Road Longbridge Birmingham B45 0JA 1 09 June 2015
The Cuban Embassy
The Bulls Head 23 St Marys Row Birmingham B13 8HW 1 17 March 2016
The Flapper And Firkin
Kingston Row Birmingham B1 2NU 1 17 March 2015
The Flapper and Firkin.
The manger of the venue said the the pub was being decorated at the time and that they would expect to score full marks in any inspection today.
The Horseshoe
The Horseshoe 1214 Stratford Road Hall Green Birmingham B28 9BH 1 05 January 2016
Pictured GV of the Horseshoe Pub on the Stratford Road, Hall Green.
The Jekyll And Hyde
The Jekyll And Hyde 28 Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6BJ 1 12 March 2015
The Jekyll and Hyde bar in Steelhouse Lane.
Director of the Bitters 'N' Twisted group Matt Scriven said: "Both The Jekyll & Hyde and The Victoria were reviewed in March 2015 and a number of areas of improvement were identified by the environmental health officer at each visit.
"These were immediately acted upon, much of which related to the accuracy of the paperwork being maintained by the relevant head chefs at the time. It is probably no coincidence that those particular head chefs have not been employed by the businesses for some time now.
"The Jekyll & Hyde received a revisit a month ago and the verbal feedback was very positive and we therefore await details of the updated score for that particular venue.
"We assume The Victoria will be revisited in the foreseeable future and again expect a significant improvement in the score this time around."
The Old Moseley Arms
The Old Moseley Arms 53 Tindal Street Birmingham B12 9QU 1 21 October 2015
The Old Moseley Arms Ppub in Balsall Heath.
The Prince Of Wales
The Prince Of Wales 84-85 Cambridge Street Birmingham B1 2NP 2 25 November 2015
Prince of Wales in Ladywood.
The Victoria
The Victoria 48 John Bright Street Birmingham B1 1BN 2 18 March 2015
The Victoria Pub in John Bright Street.
Director of the Bitters 'N' Twisted group Matt Scriven said: "Both The Jekyll & Hyde and The Victoria were reviewed in March 2015 and a number of areas of improvement were identified by the environmental health officer at each visit.
"These were immediately acted upon, much of which related to the accuracy of the paperwork being maintained by the relevant head chefs at the time. It is probably no coincidence that those particular head chefs have not been employed by the businesses for some time now.
"The Jekyll & Hyde received a revisit a month ago and the verbal feedback was very positive and we therefore await details of the updated score for that particular venue.
"We assume The Victoria will be revisited in the foreseeable future and again expect a significant improvement in the score this time around."
The Woodman
Woodman Inn New Canal Street Birmingham B5 5LG 2 23 September 2015
The Woodpecker
Public House The Oak Walk Birmingham B31 4HA 0 27 October 2015
Village Inn
The Village Inn 179 Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JR 0 16 September 2015
New manager Simon Bishop insists major changes have been made to The Village since the last inspection one year ago.
"We're aware that we currently have a zero rating but everything is in place for us to redeem that upon our next inspection," he said.
"There is a new team in place and our goal is to make The Village the destination it should be."
Walkabout /Surfers Paradise
Walkabout Inn 266-271 Broad Street Birmingham B1 2DS 1 27 October 2015
Inside of the Walkabout bar in Broad Street, Birmingham.
Revealed: The Birmingham restaurants and takeaways rated ZERO for food hygiene
Washwood Heath Conservative Club
550 Washwood Heath Road Birmingham B8 2HF 1 14 March 2015
Club steward Andy Hewitt insisted the secretary had been on holiday the day of the inspection and they were therefore unable to access their hygiene records.
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Have you eaten at these establishments?
Leave your reviews in the comment section below. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/pubs-bars-birmingham-told-improve-11777008 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/67d5a3f5c20ce8a4bf9c90f7ae5e5e9902ca16716d3ee7e831e77012c49ae3ec.json |
[
"Justine Halifax"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:15 | null | 2016-08-30T13:00:00 | The world famous footballer is visiting the Staffordshire town, so here's a guide to what he can see and do when he gets there | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2F12-amazing-things-pele-can-11793417.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11026089.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Football-legend-Pele.jpg | en | null | 12 amazing things Pele can do in Cannock | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | With excitement mounting that footballing legend Pele will be coming to the Midlands next month speculation is rife as to where fans might be able to spot their hero during his visit.
While the Brazilian icon is confirmed to appear at the Premier Suite, in the mining town of Cannock, Staffordshire, for a Sporting Legends Luncheon on September 18, it’s not yet clear how long he will be staying in the area.
But in a bid to help the world’s greatest ever footballer feel a little less homesick we’ve come up with some places the 75-year-old might like to take in as a tourist.
Although Cannock, the birthplace of fellow footballer Stan Collymore, is a far cry from sun-soaked Brazil with its favelas and cities like Rio we think that we have come up with great alternative places to see and visit.
Google Street view Former miners cottages in Stafford Road, Huntingdon, near Cannock
One of Rio's favelas
Football fix
Pele pictured at Birmingham in 1972 when his team Santos played Aston Villa
If he’s missing the beautiful game Pele could always pay a visit to the 136-year-old Hednesford Town Football club, or catch a match at their Keys Park ground? Maybe they could sign him up?
Hednesford Town in action
An alternative to Christ the Redeemer:
Named as one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007, Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ that towers 125 metres high in Rio and was completed in 1931.
Ok, so we might not have anything quite as magnificent, but you can find numerous statues and art installations that pay tribute to the miners who lost their lives in this former mining area.
They include one on Globe Island in Rugeley, and the giant, five tonne steel statue, at the junction of High Street and Chester Road North, in Walsall, called Jigger.
A statue in tribute to miners on Globe Island in Rugeley, near Cannock
A leisurely jaunt on the water:
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, there’s a host of opportunities to take to the water in Rio, but what about in Cannock?
While there’s a plethora of energetic watersports from wakeboarding, water skiing, water zorbing to paddleboarding on offer at Chasewater Country Park, Pele could take a more relaxing sail around its lake, or at nearby Gailey Reservoir.
A sailing boat on Gailey Reservoir, near Cannock
A view from above?
Tourists can grab a heli flight for a view from above over Rio, but for an aerial trip over Cannock Chase you can take a balloon flight with Wickers World from the stately home Shugborough Hall at Milford, on the edge of the Chase.
A Wickers World hot air balloon taking off from Shugborough Hall
An alternative to a walk on the beach?
While Cannock can’t compare to the beautiful beaches of Brazil, like the fabulous Ipanema beach, Pele could sit lakeside on the shore of Chasewater’s 90 acre nature reserve and reservoir at Chasewater Country Park, near Brownhills.
Castle Ring, on Cannock Chase, is also a popular spot for walkers and is also the site of a former Iron Age Fort dating back to AD50.
The scenic landscape at Castle Ring
A former pagan burial site there are numerous claims of paranormal activity here, including sightings of the Black Eyed Child and for those who dare ghost walks are available!
The Black Eyed Girl is said to have been spotted in Cannock Chase woods
National park:
Rio de Janeiro might have Tijuca National Park and Sugarloaf Mountain, but Cannock Chase is a picturesque spot for walks and a host of outdoor activities, like Go Ape, for any younger visitors.
Deer on the Pye Green area of Cannock Chase, an area of outstanding natural beauty
You can Go Ape on Cannock Chase
Music nightlife:
Rio is renowned for its musical soul, and was the birthplace of samba and bossa nova, so it’s no surprise that there’s an eclectic mix of nightclubs and bars to choose from.
But where can Pele dance in Cannock? Well, there is Silks nightclub. Formerly known as Snoopy’s, where the Bay City Rollers performed in 1975, it's believed to be the oldest club in the area - it dates back 44 years.
Silks nightclub in Cannock
Grand houses:
There are many grand houses and gardens to visit in Rio, but on the edge of Cannock you can find the stately home of Shugborough Hall.
It’s at this former home of the legendary photographer Lord Lichfield where you can discover the secret to his famous Christmas pudding to take home and recreate.
Shugborough Hall and estate
Lichfield Cathedral
Shopping:
Pele could head to the ever popular and ever expanding Newlife Charity Superstore in Cannock to pick up a bargain.
Google maps image Newlife Superstore in Cannock
A local tipple:
A great place to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional English pub is the Ye Olde Windmill pub at Gentleshaw, on the edge of Cannock Chase, which dates back 400 years and is housed in a former mill.
. Google Street view Ye Olde Windmill pub, Gentleshaw, near Cannock Chase
There’s also Beowulf Brewery at Chasewater to sample a locally-brewed offering.
Inside Beowulf Brewing Company
Like your trains?
If he’s a train enthusiast Pele could always hop aboard the former mining colliery railway train at Chasewater Country Park to experience a sample of this area’s mining heritage. It comes with the Queen’s approval - it was given an Award for Voluntary Service 2016.
Chasewater Railway
Where to eat:
A popular place for a meal out in Cannock is the Indian Restaurant the Padma Lounge. Dating back to 1971 it could be the oldest in the town.
The Padma Lounge, Cannock
Or he could try the home of the world’s hottest crocodile curry - Dilshad - which serves up a dish twice as powerful as tear gas, also in Cannock. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/12-amazing-things-pele-can-11793417 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7c957303dce163b7f43a47fe8b147301a25ef7f529acbcea0ae2bedf9ee2dcc5.json |
[
"Ben Hurst"
] | 2016-08-29T14:47:25 | null | 2016-08-29T15:23:05 | Birmingham's most deadly road island has on average on crash every 20 days | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fwatch-take-birminghams-most-dangerous-11815119.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11793456.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97858603.jpg | en | null | Watch: We take on Birmingham's most dangerous roundabouts | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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They're the five islands Birmingham motorists should avoid like the plague.
The Mail recently revealed shocking statistics showing just how dangerous some of the region's busiest traffic islands are.
Birmingham’s Bordesley Circus roundabout is one of the UK’s worst with a shocking accident on average every 20 days.
We decided to take a look at the top five islands which have had the most crashes in teh last five years - find out how we got on in the video above!
Bordesley Circus, which links the A45 Coventry Road to the middle ring road, is the second most dangerous roundabout in the country with 105 accidents between 2010 and 2015 according to the latest Department for Transport figures.
In second place in the city is Islington Row Middleway, over Broad Street, which saw 49 smashes.
Third in Brum is Salford Circus, with 37 incidents, equal with Belgrave interchange and Dartmouth Circus had 36.
Below: the 10 most dangerous roundabouts in the West Midlands
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Regarding Bordesley Circus, when the Birmingham Mail contacted the council, a spokesman said the accident rate should improve after works to install traffic lights and to create what is known as a ‘hamburger’ roundabout by running a road through the middle were completed earlier this year.
The works were part of a £14 million package of improvements to the city's middle ring road .
The city's second most dangerous island, Edgbaston Five Ways, has also been upgraded.
Only the roundabout at the Elephant and Castle tube station in Southwark, London is more dangerous with 163 accidents in six years.
Analysis of the Government data also uncovered an increase in accidents on roundabouts in the West Midlands in the last year - with Coventry seeing a 48 per cent increase, Birmingham a 12 per cent rise and Sandwell eight per cent.
The other four metropolitan boroughs, Dudley, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton saw decreases between 2014 and 2015. Nationally accidents fell by 5.8 per cent but the number of fatal accidents on UK roundabouts increased from 30 to 54.
Labour councillor Stewart Stacey, in charge of roads and transport, commented on Bordesley Circus and Five Ways.
He said: " These are two of the busiest round abouts in Birmingham and we had already identified that there were issues at both and successfully secured funding for major improvements to reduce accidents and congestion.
"Works at Bordesley Circus, to create a ‘Hamburger junction’, were completed in March this year, while new traffic signals were installed at Five Ways Island last year.
“All safety improvements are monitored to evaluate their effectiveness, but it is too early to say whether these improvements will have the full effect anticipated. In the meantime, I urge all motorists to drive with due care and consideration, to keep Brummies and other road users safe.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/watch-take-birminghams-most-dangerous-11815119 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7da1b6d0f4562c49aaac4020425c7bb3c0445909972ecf7fad33e48b144d0ebb.json |
[
"Sanjeeta Bains"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:40 | null | 2016-08-26T12:22:58 | TV star, model and businesswoman Katie Price will be DJing and meeting fans in the Black Country | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Freality-star-katie-price-coming-11803937.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11788406.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95845094.jpg | en | null | Reality star Katie Price is coming to Walsall | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | If you're a Katie Price fan and found the cost of tickets to "An Evening with Katie Price" on September 25 in Birmingham, a bit steep at £75, don't worry, you can see her in the Black Country for just £4!
A week after Katie's pricey gig at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC, the glamour model turned entrepreneur will arrive in Walsall to perform a DJ set at Poptastic.
Poptastic in Bridge Street, Walsall
The star is due to be play a DJ set before holding a meet and greet with fans at the Walsall club on Saturday October 1
Gleeful Popstatic club promoters have described Katie as “probably the biggest act and the most famous act to ever come to Walsall”
Famous people who have come from Walsall include acclaimed DJ Goldie and model Erin O'Conner but mum of five Katie may well be the most famous to visit the town in a while!
Katie Price at The Nightingale Club
This news should cheer the residents of Wallsall after a recent survey by property website Rightmove ranked the Black Country town as one of the most depressing areas in the UK.
As part of An Evening With Katie Price at The Metropole ticket holders get a two course dinner and drink and to listen to Katie talk for an hour but many fans have criticized the star for charing so much.
So the £4.00 ticket fee to watch her DJ sounds much more fan friendly.
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It will be Katie's first appearance in Walsall but Katie has DJed in the Midlands before - way back in 2002 at the Stoody Bakers bar on Broad Street when she was known as Jordan.
Katie was most recently in Brum last December during a meet and greet at Nightingales club on Kent Street.
Tickets for Katie Price at Poptastic cost £4 plus booking fee. Just book here at the Ticketsellers website . | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/reality-star-katie-price-coming-11803937 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/76fd2d8e3307e78aa24728d00e61d44db0d33b570e81eedfe7eb92c5556c1d5d.json |
[
"Timothyna Duncan"
] | 2016-08-26T14:46:37 | null | 2016-08-26T14:49:27 | Police called after supporters stage demo at Colmore Row offices | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fkingsley-burrell-protesters-stage-sit-11804880.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11804920.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98006176.jpg | en | null | Kingsley Burrell protesters stage sit-in at CPS offices in Birmingham | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Protesters have staged a sit-in at the Birmingham offices of the Crown Prosecution Service after an inquest found “gross failures” contributed to the death of a Dad detained under the Mental Health Act.
Relatives of Kingsley Burrell were joined by dozens of people for a rally in the city to demand action some 14 months after an inquest jury’s damning verdict on his death, days after he was detained by West Midlands Police.
They staged the peaceful sit-in inside the Colmore Row offices of the CPS, making chants for justice.
West Midlands Police officers prevented the protesters moving any further into the building, which is in the heart of the city's high-rise business district.
The demonstrators said they will only leave the building if West Midlands CPS sends a senior official to speak with them, but vowed to keep the place "clean and tidy" to "prevent false accusations of criminal damage" being levelled at them.
The protest came as the actions of officers from neighbouring West Mercia Police are under scrutiny following the death of ex Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after he was shot with a police Taser in Telford, on August 15.
Kingsley Burrell died in hospital three days after being held in police custody
An inquest in May 2015 found that 29-year-old Mr Burrell’s death had been contributed to by gross failures, with the coroner saying “no tragedy like this should ever happen again”.
After a complaint from his family about the evidence of three West Midlands Police officers during the inquest, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) carried out an investigation.
In October last year, the watchdog referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service “for them to consider if any criminal offences may have been committed”.
In a statement ahead of today’s rally, the CPS said it had met Mr Burrell’s relatives two days ago and but was still considering a decision.
Kingsley Burrell's family demanding justice outside Birmingham Coroner's Court
A CPS spokesman said: “We are in contact with family members and last met them on August 24 to keep them updated on the case.
“Other parties in the case have also been kept informed.
“The CPS has been considering this matter since it was referred to us by the IPCC in October 2015 and are mindful of the impact this continues to have on the family.
“We are still considering the evidence passed to us and will make a decision in due course.”
Mr Burrell’s family has said they are angry at the time the CPS has taken to make a decision, and have made repeated calls for “justice”.
Among the protesters was Kingsley's sister. She addressed the crowd of about 50 and said: "From the family 's point of view, Kingsley was vulnerable....and now he is not here today so we as the family are the spokesperson and victims as well as the witnesses.
"If Kingsley had been allowed to see me or my mum , he wouldn't have acted as a 'disturbance.'
"He knew what was happening and they denied him the right to see us."
In July, hundreds of people took part in a five-mile rally in the city the day after what would have been Mr Burrell’s birthday, joining up with fellow protesters from UK Black Lives Matter.
Following the 2015 inquest, relatives of Mr Burrell had secured a meeting with then home secretary Theresa May to discuss their concerns.
But the meeting has been held up by what the family claim are delays over a decision over whether or not to charge the three officers.
Protest march over Kingsley Burrell custody death
Mr Burrell, a student from Winson Green in Birmingham, died at the city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 31 2011 four days after being detained by police.
He had dialled 999, claiming his life was under threat, but was then sectioned and taken to a mental health unit, before being transferred to hospital days later.
An inquest jury ruled there were gross failures to get Mr Burrell proper medical attention, and that the use of force to restrain him and place a cover over his head contributed to his death.
Senior coroner for Birmingham Louise Hunt said she would write to the Department of Health, the College of Policing, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and the Home Office to ensure lessons have been learned nationally as a result.
An initial CPS investigation back in 2014, concluded there was not enough evidence to bring criminal prosecutions against anyone involved.
WATCH: Aston Villa fans pay tribute to Dalian Atkinson after his death
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Meanwhile, two police officers are facing a criminal investigation after the death 48-year-old former Villa striker Mr Atkinson after he was Tasered in the early hours of the morning in the street where he grew up.
Despite the efforts of paramedics and hospital doctors, he died 90 minutes after he was shot with the stun gun.
Two officers have been suspended and issued with notices telling them they will be investigated for gross misconduct. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/kingsley-burrell-protesters-stage-sit-11804880 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/edcfe2f1c41982d0bd4eb9ee7ec1f1ed5806809facb52f6ffc08d060d91e8474.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-28T12:46:35 | null | 2016-08-28T11:50:00 | The pictures are to go on show for the first time in free exhibition | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Fshocking-photos-show-poverty-1960s-11800488.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article10879612.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Birmingham-Slums-1.jpg | en | null | Shocking photos show the poverty of 1960s Birmingham slums | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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These shocking photographs show the appalling conditions in Birmingham’s slums in the late 1960s and are going on public display for the first time.
They will be on show at a free exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of the housing charity Shelter, held at the Custard Factory in Digbeth from September 7-9.
Taken for Shelter by photographer Nick Hedges, the powerful images show families living in cold, damp and often dangerous conditions in inner city Birmingham.
Kitchen of a Saltley slum house in 1969
As a student in the city, Nick took the pictures in areas like Winson Green, Balsall Heath, Saltley, Aston and Ladywood.
And now he would love to meet anyone who recognises themselves in the photographs to find out what happened to them.
Bromsgrove-born Nick studied photography at Birmingham College of Art. As a final project in 1968, he worked with Birmingham Housing Trust to photograph the city’s slums, which is how he was commissioned by Shelter.
Now 73, he says: “I never imagined that decades later my photographs would still have such impact.
Mother and baby in a slum in Sparkbrook in 1971.
“The poverty and terrible conditions I witnessed shocked me to the core. I was living in a grotty student flat in Handsworth but it seemed like a palace compared to these dire places.
“The problem was that Birmingham had drawn up some pretty revolutionary plans for regeneration in the 1930s but they were postponed by the Second World War and the period of austerity after it.
“It wasn’t until the late 70s that Birmingham was able to get a grip on the housing situation.
“But the tragic thing is that back then we thought ‘Well the council and the government will sort this out’, and 50 years later they haven’t and the situation is still really bad. We may not have slums any more but Shelter is needed now more than ever.
A young girl with her baby sister in Balsall Heath in 1970
“It’s heartbreaking to know that the conditions some people have to live in today aren’t a million miles away from the photos I took all those years ago.
“A home should be a place of safety and security, but too many families are having to live without.
“It would be wonderful to meet the children I photographed in Birmingham all those years ago and for them to be able to tell their stories. I often wonder what happened to them, if they went on to lead happy and healthy lives.”
Nick says that two families stuck in his mind particularly – Greta and Steve from Ladywood who had no bathroom and were younger than him but looked after their two children with love.
Mrs Milne putting her children to bed in Balsall Heath, in 1968
And Mrs Milne, who lived in Vincent Crescent in Balsall Heath which has since disappeared in a slum clearance.
He says: “She was in really desperate straits, looking after four children with no support at all.
“I remember her putting the children to bed, sharing a bed with hardly any bedding, just cushions and coats. It was dreadful, I was really shocked by that.”
Shelter’s Birmingham manager Vicky Hines says: “I’d encourage everyone to come and see these shocking and powerful pictures for themselves.
An elderly couple left behind after the slum clearance in Ladywood, in 1969.
“They are an incredibly important part of this city’s history – they show how far we’ve come in the past 50 years, but remind us how much more we must do for the tens of thousands of families still desperate for a safe and secure place to call home.”
Shelter Birmingham can be reached on 0344 515 1800. You can also drop into Shelter Birmingham’s advice centre at 4th Floor Gateway House, 50-53 High St, Birmingham B4 7SY. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/shocking-photos-show-poverty-1960s-11800488 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/87cfaeb5e399307227d5b0196e1e168d1267b27de54a57a4a06519d53daede83.json |
[
"Jasbir Authi"
] | 2016-08-27T16:46:17 | null | 2016-08-27T16:56:45 | Apology after customers spotted panda car in designated space | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Ffowl-play-hungry-cop-rapped-11806028.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11806899.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98020479.jpg | en | null | Fowl play! Hungry cop rapped for parking in KFC disabled bay | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A police officer received a finger-lickin’ tickin’ off - after she parked her patrol car in a disabled bay at a KFC to grab a snack.
The vehicle was pictured parked outside the branch in Heybarnes Retail Park, Coventry Road, Small Heath, last Friday, August 19.
The uniformed officer was also pictured standing in line for food inside.
Snaps of the police car parked in one of two designated disabled spaces and the queuing officer were shared widely on social media.
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It was understood the restaurant drive-through facility was closed at the time.
Police officer at KFC
Responding to the pictures, Chief Insp Phil Radbourne, of Birmingham East Police, confirmed the officer had been spoken to about her actions.
He said: “West Midlands Police demands the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all its staff.
“Police officers should always park safely and lawfully and should not occupy spaces designated for people with disabilities.
“The only exception would be when an officer is responding to an emergency and even then it should only be when there are no other options available.
“The officer involved has been identified and given appropriate advice − she realised the mistake she made and has apologised for her actions.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/fowl-play-hungry-cop-rapped-11806028 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3ee9b496a7565ed09e41dcb5dc12145d4ed0babc75a2d73ed503a8601f98faf6.json |
[
"Steve Jones"
] | 2016-08-30T16:47:37 | null | 2016-08-30T16:27:01 | Aston Villa revealed their eighth signing of a productive summer today | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fnolito-cost-less-twitter-reacts-11820084.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11819256.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98276225.jpg | en | null | Twitter reacts as Aston Villa reveal Jonathan Kodjia arrival | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | In a somewhat rare move in modern football, the fee for the Aston Villa’s new singing Jonathan Kodjia has been disclosed.
Kodjia’s former club Bristol City have announced that Villa will pay a guaranteed sum of £11million, which has the potential to rise to £15m. The deal also includes a sell-on clause for a percentage of any future profit, according to a statement from the club.
The deal represents a significant profit for The Robins, who paid approximately £2million for the recently capped Ivory Coast international last summer.
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Kodjia’s sale is more than four times higher than the club’s previous record sale of £3.5m, which was set when Ade Akinbiyi joined Wolves in September 1999.
Furthermore, should the deal rise to £15million, the French born striker will become the most expensive Championship player.
Speaking to Aston Villa’s official site, Kodjia spoke of his delight with the move.
“I’m happy to play for Aston Villa.
“Aston Villa is a very good club. It’s a good moment for me.
“[The move is] important for me, for my progression.”
The Birmingham Mail has gauged the online reaction following the move. And it’s fair to say that the deal has been met with some scepticism.
New signing Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa
“Aston Villa pay £15m for Bristol City’s Jonathan Kodjia. Man City paid less than that for Spain international Nolito.” - @DeanJonesBR
“He will be missed but it’s good business from #BristolCity as Aston Villa sign Jonathan Kodjia for a Championship record of £15m #AVFC” - @Rebecca_L_Coles
“May have mentioned that the Jonathan Kodjia signing for #AVFC was a good one. That was before I saw the fee” - @AdamWalker14
“Let’s just take a moment to realise that Jonathan Kodjia cost £4million more than Dimitri Payet” - @BrandonDCFC
“Jonathan Kodjia for £15m a man thats never played top flight football either france or england, official footballs gone mad” - @SufcLee
“£15million for Jonathan Kodjia, Bristol City have Aston Villa’s pants down.” - @joshpate93 | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/nolito-cost-less-twitter-reacts-11820084 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e20bc43b1c24e5baff01a1bb54b1116083cf218fea4e217c3c840f6dd26a3373.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:13 | null | 2016-08-26T10:00:00 | Roberto Di Matteo offers his thoughts on the claret and blues faithful | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fread-what-roberto-di-matteo-11801847.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11758550.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97282157.jpg | en | null | Read what Roberto Di Matteo has had to say about Aston Villa's 'tremendous' fans | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aston Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo can scarcely believe the incredible backing that he and his players have received from the supporters.
Villa have sold out at every away game so far this season and will there will be a full away end when they travel to Bristol City tomorrow.
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And Di Matteo is thrilled will the support they have been subject to. He said: They've been tremendous.
"In the two home games, it has been absolutely buzzing. It's a new season, new start, new era.
"Everyone can see that the players are trying very hard. That's all you can ask of them, when they fight, run and try their hardest.
"Football is football. You want to win but sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition.
"We've had so many away fans supporting us and I hope that we can give them a lot to cheer about this season." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/read-what-roberto-di-matteo-11801847 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/9e5af99378069a8587816f4de9749ce7bf946066988020fbec1642c94d59a712.json |
[
"Nick Mccarthy"
] | 2016-08-29T16:48:18 | null | 2016-08-29T15:48:44 | Obscure investigation among more than a dozen alleged crimes linked to the gaming craze | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fpolice-investigate-sexual-favours-pokemon-11815361.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11711603.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Pokemon3.jpg | en | null | Police investigate 'sexual favours for Pokemon Go' allegations | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Police in the West Midlands investigated 14 alleged crimes linked to the gaming craze Pokemon Go last month – including one involving the offer of sexual favours.
Across the country, gamers have been involved in robberies, driving offences and even a mass brawl since the augmented reality game hit Britain’s streets.
Between July 1 and July 26, officers in the region received 14 reports and made three arrests – for robbery, theft and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
There was also one incident involving the offer of sexual favours, six concerning traffic and traffic obstructions, two involving damage to property, one involving a missing person and one where the police were called to reports of someone playing the game.
Some 290 incidents were recorded by forces across England and Wales since the smash hit game launched in the UK on July 13, according to data released to the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act.
In some cases Pokemon players have been victims of crime, while others have been accused of committing offences or being involved in antisocial behaviour.
West Mercia Police recorded 32 incidents, the second highest total, including one “road accident while playing Pokemon.”
In Surrey, police were called out to reports of 30 people fighting after a Pokemon hunt turned into a brawl.
And both Greater Manchester Police and the London’s Met said Pokemon “lures” - which attract the creatures to the player - had been set up as robbers used the game to distract victims before snatching their mobile phones.
Pokemon Go uses a smartphone’s GPS to create an augmented reality game in which players collect creatures known as Pokemon as they walk around the real world.
Gamers can visit locations known as Pokestops, which are usually local landmarks, where they can pick up free items to play the game.
Nintendo’s stock skyrocketed following the success of the game, adding billions of pounds to the value of the company.
A spokesman for Niantic, which developed the game, said the company takes the issue of “player safety” seriously.
He said: “We encourage all people to be aware of their surroundings and to play alongside friends or family, especially when you’re exploring unfamiliar places.
“Please remember to be safe and alert at all times, don’t drive and play, abide by local laws and respect the locations you visit.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/police-investigate-sexual-favours-pokemon-11815361 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8bd950918f44d9f3115f7d360fb21ccbbe904f7a355ba199041fdcda3c0cea33.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:58 | null | 2016-08-26T16:35:00 | Boss Roberto Di Matteo has been working his troops hard this week ahead of the trip to Ashton Gate | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fnew-aston-villa-signing-de-11806087.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11806201.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98008620.jpg | en | null | New Aston Villa signing De Laet and more players put through paces in training for Bristol City trip | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
Aston Villa were put through their paces for the final time ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bristol City this morning.
The team trained at Bodymoor Heath before travelling down the M5 in preparation for tomorrow’s clash.
Villa will be without Rudy Gestede and Aaron Tshibola but new arrivals Mile Jedinak and Ritchie De Laet are in contention to feature.
“Looking at the last few games, they have been a very tough opponent,” Roberto Di Matteo said ahead of the game.
“I think we have to look at Bristol City as a competitor for the promotion places.
“It’s going to be a big test again to see how far we have come.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-aston-villa-signing-de-11806087 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/cc71508a1ca2e11f834b3bb4fd08b89fac8d8b0d96a8383a03efac1f5fdbb27c.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-29T16:47:26 | null | 2016-08-29T16:31:47 | Runway closed for half an hour after flight from Amsterdam to Manchester forced to land with burst tyre. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fbirmingham-airport-runway-closed-after-11815610.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11815589.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/bhr_bpo_290816flybe.jpg | en | null | Birmingham Airport runway closed after emergency landing | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Flybe plane surrounded by emergency services after blown tyre at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport runway was closed after a plane was forced to make an emergency landing.
A Flybe DHC8 flight, number 1274, on its way from Amsterdam to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing at Birmingham after bursting a tyre en route.
The runway was closed for about half an hour on Bank Holiday Monday while the stricken aircraft landed and was towed away by emergency vehicles.
Fire crews were also standing by. The runway reopened at 4.10pm following safety checks.
LIVE: Birmingham inbds holding due emergency diversion of FlyBe DHC8 #BE1274 G-JECR AMS-MAN. Fire Svcs in attendance pic.twitter.com/DcCqi3e7Yz — Airport Webcams (@AirportWebcams) August 29, 2016
Other inbound flights circled above the Solihull airport while the runway was cleared leading to some delays an airport spokeswoman said.
Related video: Video captures moment tyre explodes: For full story click on link below | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-airport-runway-closed-after-11815610 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/65fe697cb7eaabfc8850c4be7e9c9907a67e3f12832a25ba33f02b58cee34b8e.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-31T14:47:59 | null | 2016-08-31T14:14:08 | The rapper found comparisons with Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia amusing | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Ftinie-tempah-transfer-deadline-day-11824200.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11780510.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97690684.jpg | en | null | Tinie Tempah has a Transfer Deadline Day giggle at his Aston Villa lookalike | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Tinie Tempah found comparisons between himself and Aston Villa new boy Jonathan Kodjia amusing on Twitter.
The rap star was likened to Villa's new striker by fans of the club and posted the following response...
Kodjia's move to Villa was Written In The Stars after the forward was left out of Bristol City's 3-1 victory over the claret and blues at the weekend.
The Ivorian put pen to paper on a transfer that could rise to £15 million yesterday after Villa's deal for Abel Hernandez fell through over personal terms.
Kodjia became the club's eighth summer signing, a figure that has now reached nine following the deal for Albert Adomah was completed earlier today.
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And Villa's business isn't finished yet with another central defender firmly on the agenda.
Micah Richards is expected to join West Ham on loan which would leave the club with just Tommy Elphick, James Chester and Nathan Baker to battle it out for those two central berths. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tinie-tempah-transfer-deadline-day-11824200 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/5277b1aeb375f389300d91e60f0e3cf3eaf635249fa19cee2ca0745d1a4e1aa6.json |
[
"Graeme Brown"
] | 2016-08-30T14:46:56 | null | 2016-08-30T14:07:20 | Transfer deadline day is like Christmas for medicals. Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City will have plenty planned – and it can make or break a deal | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwhat-happens-football-medical-11818726.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11818706.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/medical.jpg | en | null | What happens in a football medical? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | So after months of negotiating with that Moroccan striker who scored 87 goals in 40 games last year, you’ve finally done a deal.
Simple as that.
Well, not quite.
The next step is the dreaded medical – and it can make or break the deal, as Midland stars like John Carew and John Hartson could tell you.
But what happens in a football medical?
Well, for a start every one is different. If you’re a 18-year-old with no history of injuries, it might go quickly, but if Villa are about to sign Andy Carroll, you might want to book in a weekend.
Aly Cissokho had a problem with a medical for an unusual reason
Depending on the club, a medical could take as long as two days and feature a number of tests conducted by a fitness team, physiotherapist and possibly a club doctor.
The information they then collect is passed onto the top echelons of the club to rubber-stamp – or kill the deal.
1) Look into their medical history
Have they had much soft tissue damage? Do they rarely complete 90 minutes? Any long-term injuries.
If the answer to any of these is “yes”, the medical just got longer.
2) How strong is their heart?
Back in the day, it would have been enough to check they had two feet, but these days there’s a lot of focus on the heart.
This would start off with a heart health history questionnaire and blood tests and fitness checks can follow.
The club doctor may include a urine test to detect proteins that indicate health issues such as diabetes.
3) The muscles
Medics will test the strength of the back and lower abdomen. This can determine if a player will have any problems with the quads or hamstrings, which are common ailments for footballers.
Players will be forced to do a number of squats, hop tests and lunges as they show the assessors that these regions are strong enough for a 50-game plus season.
4) Deep scanning
In the event of a history of problems, the medical team will ultrasound parts of the body – like the Achilles tendon, as a case in point – but any muscles or joints which cause concern.
5) Body fat
You might think this isn’t an issue but body fat can vary greatly from player-to-player and if you are investing millions of pounds in something, you want to know it is fit.
The way they do it is through a body fat monitor that sends an electrical signal through the body to measure lean tissue and fat.
Generally, a player will have about 10 per cent body fat.
I suspect the average journalist is closer to 25 per cent.
John Carew fell victim to the dreaded medical... Twice
6) Sprints
An old-fashioned bleep test might be broken out at this stage, as well as a 20m sprint test.
Different medics will take a view about what is acceptable, but you don’t want to see much more than three seconds.
Ergometric sprint tests let a team know about a players speed over a certain distance.
Which players have failed medicals?
In short, there have been lots. George Boyd and Demba Ba are two who are often pointed to, but some Midland footballers have seen deals cancelled.
John Carew
The giant former Villa legend actually failed two at other clubs – at Fulham in 2002 and Inter Milan in 2013.
Carew was on trial with Inter in 2013, but was later denied of a contract over fitness issues.
The club later said: “His present physical condition however would require him to undergo a rather lengthy period of specific individual fitness work which is not compatible with the needs of the club.”
John Hartson
He was briefly good enough for West Brom, but Hartson failed three medicals – with Glasgow Rangers, Tottenham and Charlton, all due to his poor match fitness level.
John Hartson: He wasn't always this happy
Aly Cissokho
The Villa left back might have been an AC Milan player but for a pesky medical.
While at Port, he came close to the Italian giants in 2009 – when a problem with his teeth indicated that he could be having further muscular problems.
He actually passed the test on the second attempt, but it killed the deal. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/what-happens-football-medical-11818726 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f6caecb56aa9360e803548e073ab22ea79eb2b61cdf3e19a3ec60e4fe67b0174.json |
[
"Alison Stacey"
] | 2016-08-27T14:46:27 | null | 2016-08-27T13:59:04 | Sharaz Shafi said he would hurt victim's family unless she dropped the case | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fwaiter-jailed-knifepoint-robbery-after-11808211.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11808330.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Sheraz-ShafiJPG.jpg | en | null | after diner's customers recognised his face | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Sheraz Shafi was jailed for six years.
A waiter has been jailed for robbing a terrified woman at knifepoint – before threatening to hurt her family unless she dropped the case.
Sheraz Shafi jumped in the back of the victim’s Range Rover and threatened her with a kitchen knife at Stechford Retail Park on April 27.
He shouted: “You’re going to get hurt – do what I say.”
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The woman fled the car screaming for help, while Shafi snatched her handbag containing an iPhone, £400 in cash and valuable Asian gold jewellery.
He was identified as a waiter working at Washwood Heath US-style diner Rock 66 after police issued CCTV footage.
In a bizarre twist, Shafi then returned some of victim’s belongings by posting her purse and bank cards by through security gates at her home.
Sheraz Shafi worked at the Rock 66 diner.
He also scrawled a message in Urdu demanding she dropped the case against him and threatening her and her family.
Shafi, of Washwood Heath Road, handed himself into police on May 11.
Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court , he initially admitted stealing the handbag but denied robbery.
He eventually entered a guilty plea to counts of robbery and witness intimidation at court and was jailed for six years on August 17.
Investigating officer Pc John Demers, of West Midlands Police , said: “The woman was understandably traumatised by what happened.
“She was shopping in the afternoon when suddenly a stranger armed with a knife jumped in her car.
“We had a very positive response from the public after issuing Shafi’s image with ten people either naming him or saying he worked at the diner.
“I’d like to thank them for getting in touch and helping us take a dangerous man off the streets.
“I firmly believe Shafi would have struck again had he not been apprehended.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/waiter-jailed-knifepoint-robbery-after-11808211 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/42ebbd00b16b193d0e5a87f7a00e1be89e306bb854b99835c045c65ee1fbe3de.json |
[
"Sanjeeta Bains"
] | 2016-08-29T14:47:35 | null | 2016-08-29T14:21:33 | We test out the latest fine dining pop up to hit Birmingham | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Freview-two-cats-new-pop-11813139.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11814224.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/restaurants-in-Birmingham.jpg | en | null | Review Two Cats' new pop up at 1000 Trades was a whistlestop tour of fine dining | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | When Two Cats chef Niki Astley revealed he was taking a week long residency in a Jewellery Quarter pub for a pop up venture, Brum’s foodies were more than a little intrigued.
His 'New Baltic Cuisine' restaurant Two Cats started life as a roaming pop up before finding a permanent home in Warstone Lane where it swiftly gained national recognition from the illustrious likes of food critic Marina O’Loughlin.
On her visit to the restaurant last year, Marina described Niki as “moving Brum from balti to Baltic, brilliantly.”
Now the acclaimed chef who previously ran the kitchen cooking soul food at JQ’s The Church pub, is introducing a new type of cuisine to the city in the form of ‘Nikkei cuisine’ a kind of mash up of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine – “food that’s never been seen in Birmingham before”.
Details of Salt and Earth’s next pop up are sure to crop up soon, but before then, here’s what you can expect.
The Setting
Sanjeeta Bains 100 Trades interior
Two Cats picked a charming place to showcase their new experiment in fine dining. By day 1000 Trades is a very acceptable boozer but by night it takes on a very laidback bistro feel.
While our small rickety table was groaning with elegant foodie fare, the group sitting at the table next to us, were huddled over their beers and sharing a bag of crisps.
With its mismatched furniture, exposed brickwork and laidback feel, 1000 Trades is the perfect restaurant setting to offset any pretensions in the kitchen.
The Service
Sanjeeta Bains Salt and Earth pop up kitchen at 1000 Trades
We ordered and paid for our carafe of boxed wine at the bar and once we had ticked our food choices on the paper menu, given to us we went to the front of the kitchen to pay.
On the paper menu it states that the food, “will come out in the order in which it is ready” but all the dishes were served a little too swiftly as everything pretty much came together at the same time.
This meant it felt more like a tapas sharing plate experience than we expected and so we could have done with some side plates.
The food
Sanjeeta Bains Plantain at Salt and Earth
The menu was broken down into a choice of three vegetable dishes, meat dishes and fish dishes with two - three dishes recommended per person.
My eyes light up whenever I see burrata on a menu, so that was a pretty easy choice (£6). For meat I ordered for the beef noisette (cooked medium rare) purple potato, prawn butter, coriander oil and charred onion (£9). For fish I had the soft shell crab, chilli butter mooli, guacomole and apple ( £9).
Burrata at Salt and Earth Burrata at Salt and Earth
My friend ordered the plantain, feta, black olive, agave syrup (£6) and the grits, catfish, peppercorn and bacon crumb (£8)
For dessert we ordered the coconut and black sesame mochi, strawberry, shisho and kiwi to share.
The burrata (rich buttery liquid mozzarella and cream encased in a hard mozzarella shell) tasted fresher and lighter than I’ve ever experienced. The onion flavours infused the cheese beautifully and the basil in the oil undertones also came though. The subtle sweetness of the tomatoes complemented the dish. Simple yet lavish.
Sanjeeta Bains soft shell crab at Salt and Earth
Plaintain served in the Caribbean is usually sliced but here came out looking like a banana. I expected it to have the same mush like texture but instead it was quite hard. I’m not a plaintain fan but the salty feta and black olive complemented it nicely.
The soft shell crab looked the most disappointing of dishes but was actually the best.
I know mooli as Punjabi for radish so I was confused as to what Nikkei Cuisine actually covers.
But who cares when this dish was so fantastic.
The crab batter complemented the sweetness of apple and avocado. And the crab meat was succulent and juicy.
Sanjeeta Bains Salt and Earth menu
The raw mooli was a great palate cleanser as we went back and forth into the different dishes.
The catfish was also a highlight thanks to the delicious crumb - I immediately got the maple like sweetness of the bacon and then the strong hit of the peppercorn, which enhanced the flavour of the fish.
Sanjeeta Bains Catfish-and-grits at Salt and Earth
Grits don’t really have a taste (they’re made with grains of corn) but they were a good accompaniment to ensure the fish wasn’t too dry.
The beef noisette was expertly cooked to perfection - so ridiculously pinky and melt in the mouth, you’d expect bloody juices oozing out.
Sanjeeta Bains Dishes at Salt and Earth
But I just didn’t see the point of everything else on the plate and didn't think it lived up to the ‘exciting fusion’ tag.
Compared to the flavour combinations in the other dishes, it seemed boring. The prawn butter tasted of nothing. I asked the waitress what exactly it was made of and she went to the kitchen to find out. She returned to inform us it was “ béchamel with prawn heads.”
Sa njeeta Bains dessert pancakes at Salt and Earth
This information was a bit too ‘Masterchef’ for me.
The dessert however was a masterclass in Masterchefdom – the most interesting dessert to look at and eat – the contrasting textures of the rubber like pancake with the kiwi and strawberry fruit and the overriding strong fresh zesty sweet flavours of the fruit.
Drinks
Boxed wines in new bar 1000 Trades
We ordered a carafe of Gamay Noir boxed wine – a light bodied easy drinking wine similar to Pinot Noir that was in no danger of overpowering any of our dishes.
Verdict
Total cost of our meal including five dishes, one dessert was £41. The carafe of red wine paid at 1000 Trades bar: £13.00
Considering you can expect to pay around the £40 mark for a tasting menu at Two Cats for one person and alot more than that at other fine dining restaurants in the city, this is excellent value for money.
Some dishes stood out more than others but they were all memorable - and very filling.
Salt and Earth at 1000 Trades was a whistlestop tour of fine dining.
Sanjeeta Bains 1000 Trades dining area
Both mine and my friend’s main gripe was that because the food came out all together the whole meal was finished in an hour.
The menu had more obviously Southern American influences to me than South American but the Japanese flavours were clear.
The Salt and Earth team acknowledge on their twitter they are a ‘pop up in progress’
By that definition it’s an exciting time to join them on the start of what looks to be a new Brum foodie adventure.
Food: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Service: 3/5
Overall: 4/5 | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/review-two-cats-new-pop-11813139 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/326307298583c607f28433130ed8c3198c3ed23ad2a2817145c6339f64da20eb.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-29T12:47:35 | null | 2016-08-29T13:03:13 | Malaga supremo reveals the state of play | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-target-ignacio-camacho-11814553.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article8741722.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/The-Hawthorns-before-West-Bromwich-Albion-versus-Southampton.png | en | null | West Brom target Ignacio Camacho confirms his desire to move | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Ignacio Camacho has told Malaga owner Abdullah Al Thani he wants to leave, as West Bromwich Albion close in on a deal for the Spaniard.
Albion have triggered the £15.35 million release clause in Camacho's contract, the clubs are now believed to be working on finer details about how the fee will be paid.
Al Thani attempted to clarify Malaga's position on the proposed transfer, which would set a new club record for Albion, through a series of posts on Twitter.
"The Truth," he said.
"#Camacho. He asked me to leave and I respected his decision.
Paul Suart on Albion 0 Middlesbrough 0
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"So far, this issue has not been decided and the decision in the hands of the player and we do not have the time.
"There is no time of signing with another player.
"The delay is not in the interest of our team We also ask for respect."
Albion have tracked Camacho, a former teammate of Salomon Rondon, for over a year.
The Baggies were understood to have sent scouts to watch the defensive midfielder in action once he recovered from surgery on on his pelvis last autumn. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-target-ignacio-camacho-11814553 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/fa93f5305be113da7a3a6864307739d9a746a716595cecfa72b1ba719ed3d327.json |
[
"Dan Kay"
] | 2016-08-30T10:50:07 | null | 2016-08-30T11:19:33 | Three-year investigation found tech giant paid substantially less tax than other businesses | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-news%2Fapple-ordered-pay-ireland-13-11817499.json | http://i3.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11817493.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/apple.jpg | en | null | Apple ordered to pay Ireland 13 billion euros after EU ruling on tax deal | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Logo in the Apple store in Regents Street, London, as the company is facing a multibillion-euro tax bill after a European Union investigation into state aid it received in Ireland
The European Commission has ordered Ireland to recoup 13 billion euro (£11.1 billion) from tech giant Apple over a sweetheart tax deal.
A three-year investigation by Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager found the arrangements dating back to the early 1990s were illegal under state aid rules.
She said it allowed Apple to pay substantially less tax than other businesses - 1% on its European profits in 2003 and 0.0005% in 2014.
The Republic's tax inspectors have been told to recover the unpaid billions.
"Member states cannot give tax benefits to selected companies - this is illegal under EU state aid rules," the commissioner said.
"The Commission's investigation concluded that Ireland granted illegal tax benefits to Apple, which enabled it to pay substantially less tax than other businesses over many years."
Ms Vestager found two tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple which she said substantially and artificially lowered the tax paid by the multinational maker of iPhones and iPads.
She said the arrangements to establish the taxable profits for two Irish incorporated companies of the Apple group - Apple Sales International and Apple Operations Europe - did not correspond to economic reality.
The commissioner said almost all sales profits recorded by the two companies were internally attributed to a "head office" which only existed on paper and could not have generated such profits.
Her inquiry found the profits were not subject to tax anywhere.
Ireland's Finance Minister Michael Noonan said he profoundly disagreed with the verdict.
His office said the Republic does not do "deals" with taxpayers.
"Our tax system is founded on the strict application of the law ... without exception," Mr Noonan said.
The minister said he would seek Government support to challenge the commissioner's findings in the European courts.
"This is necessary to defend the integrity of our tax system, to provide tax certainty to business, and to challenge the encroachment of EU state aid rules into the sovereign member state competence of taxation," he said.
"It is important that we send a strong message that Ireland remains an attractive and stable location of choice for long-term substantive investment." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/apple-ordered-pay-ireland-13-11817499 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/5d8fb647149c7fed55742409377fd448b7b5080de3d343bb5132878a6620d383.json |
[
"Graham Young"
] | 2016-08-27T12:46:26 | null | 2016-08-27T12:35:38 | Bars and kitchens operating from shipping containers add sparkle to Birmingham's evolving dining scene | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Fwatch-how-soft-launch-opening-11808049.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11808070.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98055633.jpg | en | null | Watch how soft launch opening of Hawker Yard showcases Duncan's vision for future of dining out in Birmingham | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham's first permanent street food centre has opened with a soft launch which saw derelict land at the heart of the city centre transformed in just ten days.
Brum Yum Yum founder and Hawker Yard pioneer Duncan Stanley said: "This is the vision and all of the hard work has paid off.
"This is just the beginning of what it will look like, but we hope it gives a taster of things to come.
Graham Young The Hawker Yard on Pershore Street
"The great thing is that virtually all of the people who came to our first night were people I hadn't seen before.
"They weren't Brum Yum Yum regulars and many street food fans would have been out celebrating the fourth anniversary night of the Digbeth Dining Club."
The site on Pershore Street, Birmingham B5, was once a garage but it has been derelict for a decade.
Graham Young Staff from The Vegan Grindhouse which sells 100 per cent plant-based American street food
Duncan added: "Anyone can come along for free to join us on our second soft launch day and to buy some tasty streetfood from noon till 11pm on Saturday, August 27.
"We hope to open properly in about two weeks."
Where is the Hawker Yard?
Graham Young The Hawker Yard sign on Pershore Street
In Pershore Street at the back of the Arcadian, close to the Bullring Fish Market. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/watch-how-soft-launch-opening-11808049 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3dce87f33e948c1220d5d9b041466478b7fbd6a6fa6c990381e763792aef6cb2.json |
[
"Graeme Brown"
] | 2016-08-31T12:48:28 | null | 2016-08-31T12:05:11 | We take a look back at the Premier League’s 10 biggest transfer deadline day deals | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2F10-biggest-transfer-deadline-day-11822992.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article9842635.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Carroll.jpg | en | null | The 10 biggest transfer deadline day deals of all time | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Transfer deadline day has thrown up some really big transfers over the years – and with the mega-bucks in the Premier League it shows no sign of stopping.
In this video we take a look back at the Premier League’s 10 biggest transfer deadline day deals.
And who knows? West Brom might be on there next year! The £32 million fee reported for Watford striker Odion Ighalo - albeit which looks unlikely to happen - would comfortably make it into the list.
In the meantime, who can forget the deadline day of January 2011?
Liverpool and Chelsea splashed out a combined £107.8 million on just three players.
In 2008 Manchesters City and United battled over Dimitar Berbatov before City eventually snapped up Brazilian star Robinho. The two clubs ended up spending a combined £64 million between them on those two players alone. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/10-biggest-transfer-deadline-day-11822992 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c89a3b398b6b3ceb5a73fdf6a9d93a866745eb862c1b114210162d39cb7cae67.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-27T22:46:19 | null | 2016-08-27T21:39:11 | Scouting report on Villa's new right-back | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fhow-ritchie-de-laet-played-11810350.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11810351.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98089645.jpg | en | null | How Ritchie De Laet played on his Aston Villa debut | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Ritchie De Laet was thrown straight into the starting line-up for the match with Bristol City after completing his move from Leicester City in the week.
The defender came in for the injured Rudy Gestede which allowed Leandro Bacuna to take up a more advanced position.
It wasn’t the debut he would have dreamed of. And despite enjoying a very good first-half, he struggled in the second and was sacrificed for Libor Kozak with Villa looking for a goal late on.
De Laet, known for his attacking qualities, was called into action very early into his bow when Bristol City's Tammy Abraham broke the offside trap.
But De Laet used his lightning quick speed to halt the Chelsea loanee in his tracks and prevented Villa from gifting the hosts an immediate route back into the match after Jack Grealish's early opener.
The Belgian was one of several Villa players to show composure and quality on the ball in the first-half, but it all went to pot after the half-time whistle.
Villa supporters pay tribute to fellow fan Will Falck, who died last week
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His only contribution during the second was to pick up a needless yellow card, along with six of his team mates.
The first goal came down his side which will worry his manager.
But it is worth noting that he has only been training with the group for a few days and will be far more comfortable when they play Nottingham Forest in a couple of weeks.
This game just emphasised the fact that he attacks better than he defends. By starting Bacuna, who has played at right-back, ahead of him, you would have thought that the necessary protection would have been provided.
But that just simply wasn't the case and the hosts ran riot in the second period.
The partnership with Bacuna is something they can work upon, but it is obvious that only a winger who will carry out his defensive responsibilities can play in front of him. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-ritchie-de-laet-played-11810350 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/1ae3771e9749f9bc1fa523be14db800b1aaf31d55b1c0abec253c27b60b261b7.json |
[
"Steve Jones"
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:44 | null | 2016-08-31T09:11:59 | A closer look at the business done at Molineux this summer | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwolverhampton-wanderers-transfer-business-done-11820417.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11758947.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97286727.jpg | en | null | Wolverhampton Wanderers' transfer business: The done deals (so far!) | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Up till now...
The club completed two signings over the bank holiday weekend to bring their summer transfer total to ten new signings, with more arrivals expected.
Dutch striker Paul Gladon has arrived from Eredivisie outfit Heracles Almelo to add firepower upfront, his first move outside of his native country.
The 24-year-old, who has signed an initial 3-year deal with the option of a further year, scored four goals in 24 appearances for Heracles in the Dutch top-flight last season.
On his move, Gladon told Wolves’ official website: “It was an easy decision to make to come here.
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“The people are very nice, it’s a good club for me to be at and I’m very happy with it.”
Meanwhile, 18-year-old goalkeeper Jack Ruddy has joined the club’s under-23 ranks from League One side Bury.
The highly-rated stopper, who spent time in the youth setups of both Rangers and Real Murcia, has signed a two-year deal, with the option of a further year.
“He is a very good young goalkeeper already with the potential to get a lot better and has a great attitude,” goalkeeping coach Pat Mountain told the club’s official website.
Action Images / Ian Smith
Rumours: The latest
Despite a flurry of movement so far this window, Wolves’ transfer activity shows no sign of slowing down just yet.
Next to be linked is Portugese winger Ivan Cavaleiro, who has made two full international appearances.
The 22-year-old could be worth keeping an eye on. His performances on loan at Deportivo La Coruña during the 2014/15 convinced Champions League outfit AS Monaco to part with around £13 million for his services.
It is also being reported that Wolves have lodged a second bid for 27-year-old Derby striker Chris Martin.
However, according to reports, the club face competition from Championship rivals Fulham for the Scotsman’s signature, who will likely cost more than the reported £6.5million the Rams turned down earlier in the summer.
Chris Martin of Derby County
Martin would certainly add some firepower to Wolves’ front-line; although yet to get off the mark this season, the striker has scored 61 goals in all competitions for Derby across the last 3 seasons.
Also linked is young Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed. The 21-year-old has made 14 first team appearances for The Saints after coming through the youth set-up.
In terms of departures, out of favour winger Nathan Byrne could be on the way out before the 11pm transfer deadline.
The 24-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular first team place since signing from League One Swindon Town almost a year ago.
Jon Toral and Nathan Byrne
Latest addition
The Fosun revolution continued today as Wolves made Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss their 11th summer signing.
In a deal reportedly worth £3million, the Moroccan international arrived from French Ligue 1 side Angers, having spent all of his professional career so far in France.
Saiss helped his former employers to a 9th place finish in the French top-flight last term, winning the club’s Player of the Year award in the process.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Saiss spoke of his delight at signing and ambitions to reach the Premier League with Wolves.
Sam Bagnall/AMA Walter Zenga, manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“I am very happy to be here. Wolves is a good club for me.
“I hope to play in many matches and help take the club to the Premier League as soon as possible.”
The 26-year-old previously turned down the opportunity to play in England’s top-flight with local rivals Aston Villa.
Back in January, Saiss was courted by then Villa boss Remi Garde in his search for new recruits to aid the club’s relegation fight.
Nonetheless, speaking to Ouest-France, the Moroccan international revealed how he turned down the opportunity.
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde at his press conference ahead of the Manchester City match
“I would have been able to join Aston Villa in the break but that was not very sportsmanlike,” he said.
“I wanted to finish this first season in Ligue 1 in Angers. Things are clear between (Angers sporting director) Olivier (Pickeau) and I, we say things and there will be no low blows.”
“I will not leave if the project set allows me to grow and develop myself.”
The stance of the midfielder, who is also capable of playing in defence, was arguably justified following The Villans’ torrid season. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wolverhampton-wanderers-transfer-business-done-11820417 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a91d993dc7ffe19f0a9f27302962d744106d1bf4b836d855401b6a4e629e12a7.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-30T10:46:44 | null | 2016-08-30T09:47:16 | Mum and daughter in Chelmsley Wood left terrified after fleeing from the thugs | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fthieves-threatened-disabled-woman-taser-11816846.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11816956.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/oxford-grove-chelmsley-wood.jpg | en | null | Thieves threatened disabled woman with 'Taser' before trying to snatch adapted vehicle | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Callous thugs terrorised a disabled woman when they threatened to shoot her with a Taser-type weapon as they tried to steal her specially-adapted disability vehicle.
The men struck just before 11pm on Wednesday (24 August) in Oxford Grove, Chelmsley Wood, warning they would fire the stun gun at the 45-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer.
She fled to a nearby flat but when the attackers failed to start the VW Caddy − which still had its tailgate and wheelchair ramp down − they hammered on the door and demanded assistance.
It is understood the men − described as white and in their late teens or early 20s − left in a dark coloured car that had been parked at the end of Oxford Grove cul-de-sac.
DC Rhett Collier, of West Midlands Police, said the incident had left both the woman and her 25-year-old daughter − who needs around the clock care − severely distressed.
He said: “It’s hard to imagine a more callous act. The woman had just dropped her daughter back off at home, and helped her to bed, when she returned to the VW Caddy. One man pointed the stun gun at her and made threats, while another banged on the flat door.
“The victim tells me that her daughter, who heard the banging and commotion, has been left very scared by the incident and now needs additional night-time care as a result. She has struggled to sleep since.
“I need to know who was responsible for this. If anyone suspects who may be involved − or has heard about the incident − I’d urge them to contact me as soon as possible.
“People who are prepared to stoop to such levels do not deserve protection and I’d ask anyone with information to look at their conscience and contact me so we can catch the heartless people involved.”
Detectives believe that two men were directly involved in the attack but that two other men were waiting in the vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call DC Collier in the Investigation Team at Solihull police station on the 101 number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/thieves-threatened-disabled-woman-taser-11816846 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/abe08d7b1f33031bf1211569e7009fdb23eed5eefd6f721bc72baa8dc3bee0ab.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-31T10:47:05 | null | 2016-08-31T09:52:41 | Sporting's stance on two players will have implications for Albion's recruitment drive | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-transfers-sporting-lisbon-11822031.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11817605.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98261131.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfers: Sporting Lisbon in at the business end with Albion | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | William Carvalho of Portugal controls the ball on his chest during the EURO 2016 match against Austria
West Bromwich Albion 's pursuit of William Carvalho has suffered a setback after Manchester United ace Bastian Schweinsteiger knocked back Sporting Lisbon.
Sporting have begun their search for a replacement after West Brom made a £21 million bid for Carvalho.
The Portuguese club have made United's German World Cup winner the top target.
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Yet despite the lure of Champions League football and mouth-watering ties against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, Schweinsteiger is thought to have snubbed the offer.
Sporting still have time to find cover for Carvalho, with the transfer window in Portugal not closing until September 22.
But last season's Primeira Liga runners-up only have until tonight to land anyone from the big five leagues and several others across Europe.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Germany tackles Islam Slimani of Algeria
The Birmingham Mail understands Sporting are still considering Albion's bid and have not rejected it, contrary to some reports.
Sporting's stance on Islam Slimani, another one-time Albion target, is also likely to have repercussions for West Brom.
Leicester City are close to tying up a £30 million deal after the Baggies were priced out of the chase.
If the deal goes through, Leicester will be even more willing to sell Leonardo Ulloa, who Albion would like to add to their options up front.
And the Argentine, who would be sixth-choice striker at the King Power, would be even more likely to want to leave. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-transfers-sporting-lisbon-11822031 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/fdb36fa2fbf284c252d431f26cb8af23155b71ee450f812238b38e19f9569f52.json |
[
"Charlotte Paxton"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:04 | null | 2016-08-26T10:01:52 | Survey recently ranked the town as one of the worst places to live in the UK, but we say it's bostin' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fnews-opinion%2Fsix-reasons-walsall-isnt-miserable-11802729.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11802838.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS69571564.jpg | en | null | Six reasons why Walsall isn't that miserable a place to live | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Last week, property website Rightmove revealed results of their annual Happy at Home poll.
The damning survey ranked Walsall as one of the most miserable places to live in the country. Miserable!
I hate to say it. As a resident of 30 years the town is dear to my heart and I want to champion the things that make it good.
1. The Arboretum
Graham Young/BPM Early morning view across the main lake, at Walsall Arboretum
More than 70 hectares of beautiful parkland just a stones throw from the town centre. It’s an oasis of calm in the midst of our bustling metropolis. A recent cash injection means it now boasts a new visitor centre, train and bandstand, alongside a giant play area and splash pad – a haven for Walsall kids in the summer. It’s the town’s equivalent to Central Park.
2. Glorious parks
The country park side of Walsall Arboretum
Speaking of parks, did you know there are over 200 parks and green spaces within the borough of Walsall? Want space for your game of football? A quiet spot for a picnic? You’ll be spoiled for choice!
3. We love Primark
Iain Findlay The grand opening of the new Primark Store in Walsall town centre
Primark – Yes – we know they are ten a penny, but the opening of our very own Primark was greeted with massive fanfare this time last year. Crowds flocked as the doors were thrown open on the 22,000 sq ft High Street store. It heralded the start of a major shopping centre redevelopment in an area which had remained largely derelict for years. It’s also bargain shopping heaven for us Walsall folk. Add to that Outfit, River Island, Dorothy Perkins and a massive Tesco, why would you ever want to leave?
4. Seeing The Light
The Light Cinema in Walsall
The Light Cinema – The investment continued this year with the opening of a brand new cinema. Gone are the days of having to travel (the admittedly fairly short distance) to Bentley, or further afield to Brum, we can now watch the latest blockbusters on our very own doorstep. After that you can dine in one of the new restaurants our fine town has to offer. Frankie and Bennys? TGI Fridays? Bella Italia? Take your pick, bab.
5. Our famous friends
PA Erin O'Connor
Famous folk – Walsall was the birthplace of supermodel Erin O’Connor. That’s right, we produced an actual model. The 6ft stunner – once the face of Marks and Spencer - hails from Brownhills, also home to a 30 ft sculpture of a miner. Other famous folk who hail from Walsall include DJ, musician and actor Goldie; musician Noddy Holder and actress Sue Nicholls. Comedian Meera Syal was born in Wolverhampton but grew up in Bloxwich (Blocko, to the locals). Look at how happy they all look!
6. Brightening our horizons
Graeme Young Walsall Leather Museum and Garden, Littleton Street West
Culture – You want culture? We have bags of it. A brilliant art gallery which towers over the town and a whole museum dedicated to leather (steady on – it’s child friendly).
It might not be paradise but our little corner of the Black Country isn’t all doom and gloom. Us locals might even say it’s bostin’. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/news-opinion/six-reasons-walsall-isnt-miserable-11802729 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/942457187fe8ae31d5c958dd0749f56fa9886d1d697f6086f9e08fe64cf60763.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:12 | null | 2016-08-31T13:31:26 | Birmingham City have completed a deal for Bournemouth left-back Rhoys Wiggins | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fbirmingham-city-announce-signing-rhoys-11823807.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article10654554.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS79351674.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City announce signing of Rhoys Wiggins from Premier League side Bournemouth | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmingham City have completed the signing of defender Rhoys Wiggins from Bournemouth.
The left-back has signed a six-month loan deal with Blues and will provide competition for current first choice Jonathan Grounds.
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Gary Rowett has made finding a left-back his priority all summer and has found his man in the form of Wiggins.
The Welshman becomes the club's second signing of Transfer Deadline Day after the earlier announcement of Lukas Jutkiewicz on the exact same deal.
Wiggins has signed for parent club Bournemouth four times during his career with spells at Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday featuring in the middle.
The defender has plenty of experience in the second tier and played a vital role in establishing Bournemouth when they were promoted from League One. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-announce-signing-rhoys-11823807 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/dca0b290f8dd17b76a78c5867bd8e9a539188d2c79fbe5daaeea4efaf4508cba.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-27T18:47:59 | null | 2016-08-27T18:54:57 | BCFC boss Rowett credited the striker for showing guts | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fgary-rowett-nerves-clayton-donaldson-11809710.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809109.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98079530.jpg | en | null | Gary Rowett on his nerves when Clayton Donaldson stepped up for the penalty | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Gary Rowett admitted he had misgivings when Clayton Donaldson stepped up to take today’s crucial penalty.
Blues were nursing a slender 1-0 lead and Norwich were pressing them back when the Jamaica striker was felled by Steven Whittaker.
He picked himself up and placed the ball on the spot, which evoked memories of last week’s spot-kick horror against Wigan.
Brian Dick's verdict as Blues win 3-0
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That evening the 32-year-old hit a weak attempt that was easily saved by Adam Bogdan.
But this time he made no mistake as he sent Michael McGovern the wrong way.
“I was a bit nervous when he picked the penalty up because he missed one against Wigan,” Rowett conceded.
“But again they’ve got to sort that out for themselves and if he was confident enough to take it, then fair play to him. He showed some guts.
Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson celebrates after scoring from a penalty to make it 2-0
“With Clayton going away next week, I’m always a little bit edgy when the international breaks come up and I felt that might have been in the back of his mind.
“He is another one who has come under a bit of criticism for not scoring but I thought he was magnificent today, him and Che [Adams].
“They did it for the first 45 minutes against Wolves, signs of a good partnership. they did it really well for the 90 minutes today.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-nerves-clayton-donaldson-11809710 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/72a6285dad09ece5a3a2c5cc768f883bb843ca8d6ec0a52cc53ce7959782821c.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-31T08:47:54 | null | 2016-08-31T08:55:38 | Caretaker jailed after converting secret Drakelow Tunnels complex | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fcaretaker-turned-nuclear-bunker-cannabis-11821647.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11821728.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/drakelow-tunnels-cannabis.jpg | en | null | Caretaker turned nuclear bunker into a cannabis farm | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | More than 850 cannabis plants were discovered by police at the historic Drakelow Tunnels site
The caretaker of a former nuclear bunker in the Midlands has been jailed for allowing more than 850 cannabis plants to be grown in the secret historic shelter.
Plants with an estimated street value of £78,000 were found in Drakelow Tunnels , in Worcestershire, when police swooped on the premises in November 2013.
Caretaker Wayne Robinson, of Marlpool Lane, Kidderminster, was jailed for 14 months after being found guilty of permitting production on a Class B drug at Worcester Crown Court following a retrial.
Wayne Robinson was found guilty of growing cannabis
Robinson, who called himself Sid, was also sentenced to nine months in prison, having pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and six months in prison for possessing a shotgun without a certificate. The sentences will all be served concurrently.
The caretaker denied any involvement in the growing of cannabis claiming he received £200 a month in rent and did not know what was going on behind the doors of the former shelter.
Hundreds of cannabis plants were found at Drakelow Tunnels
He was previously found not guilty of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, namely a JCB.
Accomplice Jason Whiley was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison last December at Hereford Crown Court in December 2015. The 42 year-old of Thorns Avenue, Brierley Hill, was found guilty of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug.
Jason Whiley sentenced to two and a half years in jail
West Mercia Police officers raided the premises following a long and complex investigation.
Det Insp John Cashion, of West Mercia Police, said: “The sentencing of these two men concludes a lengthy and complex investigation into the large-scale cultivation of cannabis at one of Britain’s historic locations. Drakelow Tunnels
“It was clear that this was a sophisticated set-up, involving high-powered lamps and timers in order to provide an ideal artificial environment for the growth of cannabis for commercial purposes.
“It would have cost several thousand pounds to buy the equipment which was being used.”
Originally built as a factory for making aircraft engine parts in World War Two, the tunnels were earmarked as a possible base for regional government in the event of a nuclear attack in the UK.
The 285,000 sq ft network of tunnels stretches for about three miles.
They were also used by the Ministry of Supply throughout the 1950s for storage, and much of the original equipment is still in place.
Judge Abbas Mithani QC was told the production was a “highly-sophisticated” operation that could have developed into a substantial new supply chain. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/caretaker-turned-nuclear-bunker-cannabis-11821647 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3537a259cedf16ac73b5e826b9a6483b6a1ab421b875bfe587b9803a79fe22dd.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-26T14:46:11 | null | 2016-08-26T14:57:22 | The worst congestion hotspots and how to stay cool in a jam | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fbank-holiday-traffic-chaos-forecast-11804994.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11318887.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/BP3314600.jpg | en | null | Bank Holiday traffic chaos forecast | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
Above: Friends play rugby on the M5 during a traffic jam
Thirteen million drivers are set to hit the roads this Bank Holiday weekend – sparking a “mad scramble” as families make the most of the late summer sun.
The prediction was issued by the AA, which said ten million drivers would be out and about on Saturday alone.
Max Holdstock, AA patrolman of the year, urged motorists to carry extra water in their vehicles.
“August Bank Holiday weekend is always a bit of a mad scramble on the roads,” he said.
“Traffic is likely to build up on Friday evening as people set off early to make the most of the weekend, and will be busy again for the return on Monday afternoon – so allow plenty of extra time if you’re travelling then.
“Routes to the South West and the coast are usually among the busiest, particularly with hot weather forecast; and there will be localised congestion around events, especially at finish time.
Drivers face major delays this weekend.
“It’s a good idea to plan an alternative route in case of delays and carry plenty of water – at least a litre per person.”
Highways England announced that almost 98 per cent of England’s motorway and major A roads would be clear of roadworks over the weekend.
Miles of roadworks were either completed or suspended ahead of the holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of people will travel by coach, with Birmingham-based operator National Express set for its busiest weekend of the year.
On the railways, track replacement projects will disrupt services on the West Coast Main Line that links the West Midlands to London.
Work is taking place between Milton Keynes and Rugby.
Travel organisation Abta estimated two million Britons will head abroad between Friday and Monday.
The top 11 congestion hotspots to avoid over the bank holiday weekend, according to traffic data service Inrix:
1. M25 between J9 Leatherhead and J21 Winch Hill Wood (90 minute predicted delay)
2. M5 southbound from J14 Thornbury and J22 Highbridge (90 minutes)
3. M25 between J4 Orpington and Dartford Tunnel (50 minutes)
4. M27/A31 between Southampton and Ringwood (50 minutes)
5. M4 westbound from London to the West Country (50 minutes)
6. M6 between J19 Knutsford and J22 Warrington (45 minutes)
7. M6 northbound from Keele to Knutsford (40 minutes)
8. A303 westbound from Andover to Amesbury (40 minutes)
9. M5 between J4a Bromsgrove and J7 Worcester (30 minutes)
10. M25 between J29 Codham Hall Wood and the QEII Bridge (30 minutes)
11. M60/M62 between J8 Carrington and J20 Rochdale (20 minutes) | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/bank-holiday-traffic-chaos-forecast-11804994 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/65b4e0c5fd0c18c5406c43ecd852396f7f8f792d04f1902a7ba38d792f371f06.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-30T14:47:47 | null | 2016-08-30T14:06:00 | He suffers face and arm injuries in the incident | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fpassenger-stabbed-twice-terrifying-late-11818580.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11818711.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/newbus.jpg | en | null | Passenger stabbed twice in terrifying late night bus attack in Handsworth | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Police want to identify and trace these people
A passenger was stabbed twice and his mobile phone was stolen in a terrifying robbery on the top deck of a late night bus as it travelled through Handsworth.
The victim suffered wounds to his face and arm during the incident on the number 74 service just after midnight on Sunday.
Police said the 28-year-old victim initially had his phone snatched from his hand by a woman also travelling on the bus.
He was then approached by a man who stabbed him twice before the pair got off the bus and fled the scene.
He required surgery for his injuries but they were not described as serious.
West Midlands Police has issued CCTV images of a man and a woman officers wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
Information can be passed to police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Passengers using public transport can report crime or anti-social behaviour by texting ’bus’, ’metro’ or ‘rail’ followed by a space and then details of the incident including time, date, location and route number to 83010.
In the case of an urgent crime or an emergency, always dial 999. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/passenger-stabbed-twice-terrifying-late-11818580 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/70b963915949c0f9f7f2f81f4a1b10d0746030cdbc04bfe4a9e72958731efa5f.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:44 | null | 2016-08-29T10:00:00 | Ian Murphy to star in Channel 4's Joe Wicks: The Body Coach | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fshowbiz-tv%2Fwatch-how-brummie-firefighter-shed-11812489.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11812525.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98147429.jpg | en | null | Watch how a Brummie firefighter shed three stone with Joe Wicks | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A Birmingham firefighter is going on TV tonight to show how he lost almost three stone in just three months.
Ian Murphy’s amazing weight loss success will feature in the new Channel 4 show The Body Coach.
It’s presented by Joe Wicks, who has helped thousands transform their bodies with his eat more, exercise less fitness regime.
In this one-off show he aims to get fit with his fast tasty recipes and short intense workouts.
Watch Ian's transformation in the trailer
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The Instagram sensation, whose Lean In 15 recipe book beat Delia Smith’s for first-week sales, proves it can be done by transforming a couple who want to lose weight for their honeymoon, a police officer who worries her collegues use the word ‘bubbly’ as code for ‘fat’, and fireman Ian.
Ian, 33, works at Perry Barr fire station on Blue Watch.
He lost the weight by following a 90-day exercise regime and diet of lean protein and vegetables.
He signed up for the TV show, made by Birmingham-based Full Fat TV, just a few months before his first child was due.
The Body Coach Joe Wicks
He says: “I’d been following Joe on Instagram for a while and we started to use some of his recipes on station. They seemed popular, and the food was tasty and healthy.
“Although I carried a bit of weight, it never affected my life or job. I was fit and healthy but I love a challenge, so thought I’d give Joe’s ‘shift, shape and sustain’ plan a go.
“The timing seemed ideal and my wife was very encouraging.
“We have gyms at all of our fire stations, and I found that training before my shift was the best way as then it was done for the day.
“After the first 30 days the weight seemed to be falling off. As the plan progressed I started to enjoy the training more and more.
“Having the added pressure of being on TV did help if I was tempted to skip the gym or eat something I shouldn’t!
“I’ve been able to enjoy the odd ‘cheat meal’ as well, which is what Joe encourages – have your treats, but earn them.”
Joe Wicks: The Body Coach is screened on Channel 4 on Monday at 7.10pm | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/watch-how-brummie-firefighter-shed-11812489 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/988d7b8607af96b6fadffb51b77458a9f9e321ec806bc9fa401401a1cba4423e.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-30T14:47:06 | null | 2016-08-30T13:30:14 | Two firms battling it out to take on new West Midlands Rail franchise from October 2017 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Ffree-wi-fi-more-peak-11818203.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11158620.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/London-Midland-train.jpg | en | null | Free wi-fi and more peak time trains into Birmingham under new rail contract | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Free wi-fi will be available to passengers on all West Midlands rail services by 2019.
The commitment has been made in plans described as a ‘game changer’ for public transport in the region.
Rival rail companies hoping to secure the London Midland rail franchise from next year will also be told to outline how they will massively increase the number of peak time trains running in to Birmingham and increase the number of Sunday services.
Details of the improvements demanded are outlined in a tender document published by West Midlands Rail (WMR) - a coalition of 14 West Midlands councils along with the Department for Transport.
Two companies are battling it out for the contract which is due to begin in October 2017.
As a minimum they will have to guarantee:
• Free wi-fi on all trains by 2019
• 30,000 extra peak time passenger journeys into Birmingham per day
• Sunday services to be increased to Saturday levels across network
• Increased services between Bromsgrove and Birmingham and Rugeley using newly electrified lines
• New hourly service from Birmingham and Wolverhampton to Crewe via Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent
• Doubling of off-peak service between Birmingham and Shrewsbury
• New direct peak time service from Walsall to London
• Expansion of Oyster style smart ticketing
Watch below: London to Birmingham in five minutes aboard Virgin Train
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The tender document makes it clear these are minimum requirements and companies can improve on them. The network up for grabs includes the Cross City line and local services to Worcester, Coventry, Stafford and Shrewsbury.
In a separate consultation over the West Coast Main line WMR has also today called Birmingham International station to be renamed as Birmingham Airport and NEC.
West Midlands Rail chairman Cllr Mark Winnington, who is also a member of Staffordshire County Council, said: “Today’s announcement is a game changer in that it is the first time the region has had this level of involvement in shaping what a train company has to deliver for local passengers.
“The region has come together to grab this devolution opportunity with both hands and we believe that together with the Department for Transport we have set out a railway that brings real benefits not only for passengers but also for local businesses while supporting economic growth and jobs.
“The authorities of the West Midlands are united in this and believe the region better understands what it needs from its railway and that having greater responsibility for its management is good for passengers, good for the economy and good for taxpayers.”
The two shortlisted bidders are:
• London and West Midlands Railway, a subsidiary of Govia Limited (a joint venture between Keolis and Go-Ahead Group).
• West Midlands Trains, currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Abellio Transport Group with East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co as minority partners.
Bidders for the West Midlands franchise have until November 29, 2016 to submit their bids. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/free-wi-fi-more-peak-11818203 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/73e49823bf648e10da17f489245f5438f528f15695cf8162961471ed36ed8261.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-27T18:48:09 | null | 2016-08-27T17:06:30 | Gregg Evans' match report from Ashton Gate | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fbristol-city-3-aston-villa-11808516.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11808921.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98075122.jpg | en | null | Bristol City 3 Aston Villa 1: Match in a minute as Villa collapse following Jack Grealish's goal | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Aston Villa just can't shake off their long-standing problems.
Ahead and in complete control at Ashton Gate, they wilted under the first sign of any real pressure and succumbed to yet another away defeat.
It’s now 12 months and counting since Villa last won on the road in the league and there’s a real fear that this unwanted run could continue.
When Jack Grealish volleyed the visitors into the lead after just three minutes there was a real swagger about the claret and blues.
Yet missed chances from Jordan Ayew, Leandro Bacuna and Ross McCormack gave the visitors a chance to get back into the game after the break and how they took advantage.
Tammy Abraham levelled on 59 minutes when Pierluigi Gollini palmed a shot perfectly into his path, once against questioning the young Italian’s qualities in goal.
Then two minutes later Joe Bryan made Villa pay with a fine individual goal that completely changed the dynamic of the game,
Villa could never recover and when Lee Tomlin curled in a sublime free-kick late on it sparked a mass exodus in the away end as Villa’s wait for a victory on their travels goes on.
ANALYSIS
When the going gets tough Villa have no answers. This is a game they should have killed off in the first half. Bacuna shot straight at Richard O'Donnell when he should have buried his close-range effort and both Ayew and McCormack saw efforts fly inches wide.
When City levelled, Villa failed to re-group. They looked unorganised and the hosts pounced.
Aston Villa's Jack Grealish celebrates opening the scoring at Bristol City
TEAMS
Villa: Gollini, De Laet (Koza, 72) Elphick, Chester, Cissokho (Amavi, 17), Jedinak, Westwood, Grealish, McCormack, Bacuna, Ayew. Subs: Bunn, Baker, Hutton, Gardner, Green.
Bristol City: O’Donnell, Little, Flint, Magnusson, Golbourne, Reid, O’Neil, Freeman (O’Dowda, 70) Tomlin, Bryan (Pack, 70), Abraham. Subs: Fielding, Moore, Brownhill, Wilbraham, De Girolamo.
Aston Villa's Ross McCormack during the match at Bristol City
CROWD WATCH
Another packed out away end, another disappointed set of travelling supporters. Villa made good noise until they went behind then the home following at Ashton Gate really came to life.
Attendance: 21,099 (2551)
BIGGER PICTURE
Villa now go into the international break on the back of a morale-boosting win. They take on Nottingham Forest on September 11. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/bristol-city-3-aston-villa-11808516 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/798206e170d1d9029fee403c795713d3d791a781976691f630a98bda0d00df4c.json |
[
"Annette Belcher"
] | 2016-08-30T18:47:18 | null | 2016-08-30T18:30:00 | Grieving widower says he wouldn't wish procedure on 'worst enemy' | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Ftipton-woman-died-days-after-11819485.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11820192.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/gastric_02.jpg | en | null | Tipton woman died days after having gastric band fitted | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The grieving widower of a woman who died days after having a gastric band fitted said he would not wish the procedure ‘on his worst enemy.’
Lisa Twining from Tipton, who was classed as ‘morbidly obese’ at the time of the surgery, died after the band became infected.
The 49-year-old had a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 60, where a normal BMI should be around 25.
Her inquest, held at Birmingham Coroner’s Court on Thursday, heard that the mum-of-three decided to have a gastric band fitted because she was struggling to control her weight.
Lorne Twining's wife Lisa Twining died after going into hospital to have a gastric band fitted. Lorne and Lisa in 2004 approx. 30/08/16
“Lisa always said if she had the money, she would have a gastric band,” husband Lorne said.
“She was pretty determined from the outset to have it done and when it was offered by the doctor, she said yes straight away.
“She even lost quite a bit of weight in order for her to have it done and she was so pleased with how much weight she had already lost.
“I just can’t help thinking that she should have been encouraged by the professionals to carry on losing the weight in the way that she had been.
“Had I have known what would have happened to my wife, there is no way I would have allowed her to have had this done.”
Mrs Twining had surgery on June 26 and was discharged the same day.
He said Mrs Twining, of Laurel Drive, Tipton, then returned to Sandwell Hospital, complaining of abdominal pain.
Doctors discovered the gastric band had become infected and she was operated on at Heartlands Hospital.
But Mrs Twining’s condition deteriorated and she died on July 5.
Lorne Twining's wife Lisa Twining died after going into hospital to have a gastric band fitted. Lisa in 2009 with children L-R Martin Dawes and Sarah Dawes. 30/08/16
“The doctor called me and said I should come back to the hospital as Lisa didn’t have long left,” Mr Twining, who has been married to Mrs Twining for 13 years, added.
“During my last conversation with her, I told her I loved her and I am so glad I said that.
“I would urge anyone thinking of having this procedure to think very long and hard.”
Rishi Singhal, consultant at Headlands Hospital, gave evidence at the inquest.
He said Heartlands Hospital is a ‘world leader ‘ in performing gastric band operations, with around 300 being performed each week.
“Infection as a result of a gastric band is not uncommon, he said.
“But I have never experienced a death as a result of an infected gastric band, until now.
“Mortality rates internationally are around one in 1,000.
“Gastric bands are a very routine procedure, particularly at Heartlands but I had never seen anyone as unwell as Lisa as a result of an infected band.
“I discovered that Lisa had been feeling unwell a few days before she presented herself at Sandwell Hospital and if she had attended as soon as she felt unwell, things may have been different.
“That is possibly the only thing that could have been done differently.”
Lorne Twining's wife Lisa Twining died after going into hospital to have a gastric band fitted. Lorne and Lisa on their wedding day, April 12th 2003. 30/08/16
What the coroner said
Recording a narrative verdict, area coroner for Birmingham, Emma Brown, said: “Death was a result of a recognised complication of an elective medical procedure.
“I am aware that Mrs Twining had other medical complications like diabetes and obesity but this was not uncommon in patients fitted with gastric bands.
“I am aware and accept that the mortality risk is low and it is extremely unfortunate that Mrs Twining should be the one in 1,000 who would die as a result of this procedure.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/tipton-woman-died-days-after-11819485 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3a704f20d05cd7985ba049990677ddb902a53ae917180a225933a0ff4ba2d6aa.json |
[
"Agency Staff"
] | 2016-08-31T08:49:34 | null | 2016-08-31T07:33:02 | The latest news from Briton and around the world | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-news%2Fmorning-news-headlines-theresa-meet-11821530.json | http://i2.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11821529.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98118402.jpg | en | null | Morning news headlines: Theresa May to meet Cabinet Ministers for Brexit discussions; 'Unacceptable level of discrimination' against pregnant women in workplace | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Theresa May holding the first Cabinet meeting of the new government
THERESA MAY TO MEET CABINET MINISTERS FOR BREXIT DISCUSSIONS
Theresa May is set to meet senior Cabinet ministers to discuss department-by-department Brexit action plans.
The meeting is due to take place at the Prime Minister's country retreat Chequers and working on the UK's divorce from Brussels will be at the top of the agenda.
Mrs May has tasked her colleagues with setting out the opportunities that leaving the European Union will create in each of their portfolios.
'UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF DISCRIMINATION' AGAINST PREGNANT WOMEN IN WORKPLACE
Urgent action is needed to give pregnant women and new mothers more protection at work, after research revealed a "shocking" increase in discrimination over the past 10 years, a parliamentary report has said.
MPs on the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee called for a German-style system which would ban employers from making women redundant during and after pregnancy except in specific exceptional circumstances.
The committee also called for a "substantial" cut in the £1,200 fee for women taking a pregnancy-related discrimination case to an employment tribunal, and said rights to paid time off for antenatal appointments should be extended to casual, agency and zero-hours workers.
BUSINESSES SHOW FLICKER OF CONFIDENCE AFTER POST-BREXIT VOTE SLUMP
Business confidence has shown signs of recovery from the slump seen in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, a report has revealed.
The Lloyds Bank business barometer found that UK business confidence dropped by 13 points to 16% in August, but remained higher than the reading taken in the days after Britain's voted to leave the European Union.
It said the net balance for companies expecting trading to improve slipped to its lowest level since December 2011, falling 22 points to 19% in August.
POLL BOOST FOR JEREMY CORBYN IN LABOUR LEADERSHIP BATTLE
Jeremy Corbyn has a 24-point lead over Owen Smith in the Labour leadership contest, according to a poll.
A YouGov survey for The Times of those entitled to vote in the contest puts the current Labour leader on 62% with Mr Smith trailing on 38%.
Mr Corbyn received just shy of 60% of the vote when he was elected to the job in September 2015.
CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS THREE 'WORRY ABOUT BEING FAT OR UGLY'
Children as young as three are showing signs of being unhappy with their appearance and bodies, a survey of childcare professionals has suggested.
Almost a third of nursery and school staff said they had heard a child label themselves fat while 10% said they had heard a child say they felt ugly.
Nearly a quarter said they had "seen signs" that children aged between three and five were "unhappy with their appearance or bodies" and this figure almost doubled to nearly half of six to 10-year-olds.
NINETEEN NHS TRUSTS TO REVIEW CHEMOTHERAPY OVER HIGH DEATH RATES
Nineteen hospital trusts have been told to review their cancer treatment after data showed too many patients died within a month of receiving chemotherapy.
The research, published in The Lancet Oncology Journal, found the trusts had higher rates of 30-day mortality after chemotherapy for lung and breast cancer than expected.
Age, general wellbeing and other factors affected the death rate following treatment, the study of more than 30,000 patients in England suggested.
ISLAMIC STATE SPOKESMAN 'KILLED IN SYRIA BY US AIR STRIKE'
Islamic State has said that its spokesman and senior commander has been killed while overseeing military operations in northern Syria.
The IS-run Aamaq news agency said Abu Muhammed al-Adnani was "martyred while surveying the operations to repel the military campaigns in Aleppo".
His death, if confirmed, would be the latest blow to the group, which has been on the retreat in Syria and Iraq, where it declared a self-styled Islamic caliphate straddling both countries.
CHRIS BROWN ARRESTED IN LA ON SUSPICION OF ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
Singer Chris Brown has been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Chris Ramirez said Brown was being taken to central Los Angeles for booking after a lengthy search of Brown's home.
Baylee Curran told the Los Angeles Times that Brown pointed a gun at her face in his home early on Tuesday. She said another man at his home and Brown became angry with her when she admired the man's diamond necklace.
HOSTEL KNIFE ATTACK HERO TOM JACKSON NOMINATED FOR POSTHUMOUS BRAVERY AWARD
A British backpacker who died a week after he was stabbed trying to save a fellow traveller as she was attacked at an Australian hostel has been nominated for a posthumous bravery award.
Tom Jackson, 30, died a week after he was critically injured as he tried to shield Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, during a knife attack at Shelley's Backpackers in Home Hill, Queensland.
Mr Jackson, from Congleton, Cheshire, died in Townsville hospital on Tuesday, and his family said they were "indescribably proud" of what he had done.
CHALLENGE TO DECISION NOT TO PROSECUTE SIR CLIFF RICHARD IN ABUSE CASE
The decision not to press charges in the abuse case against Sir Cliff Richard is being reviewed.
The singer was the subject of a long-running South Yorkshire Police investigation which centred on sexual assault accusations dating between 1958 and 1983 made by four men.
The 75-year-old was never arrested or charged and his case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in June on the grounds of insufficient evidence, but at the beginning of August an application under the victims' right to review scheme was lodged by an accuser, challenging the decision by the CPS not to pursue the case. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/morning-news-headlines-theresa-meet-11821530 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d056af3b9cc7cf30619073796efae99fbf4f8b6ea54c5af0d8c01c5714005a70.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-30T12:46:55 | null | 2016-08-30T12:58:00 | Bystanders joined medics in battle to save him | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fman-questioned-after-motorcyclist-dies-11817950.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article4887417.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/ambulance.jpg | en | null | Man questioned after motorcyclist dies in Bank Holiday road crash | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Paramedics battled in vain to save the motorcyclist
A Birmingham man has been quizzed by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a motorcyclist was killed in a Bank Holiday road tragedy.
The motorcyclist was flung from his machine after colliding with a barrier despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics to save him.
It happened in Redhill Lane, Rubery, near Bromsgrove on Monday afternoon.
Police said a 48-year-old man from Birmingham was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He was released on police bail until October 8.
The motorcyclist has not yet been named.
It is the second fatal road accident in the region over the Bank Holiday period.
In the first, on Saturday, August 27, a 62-year-old man died after being in collision with a lorry in Tyburn Road, Erdington.
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Watch: Air ambulance landing in Tyburn Road after a separate Bank Holiday road accident
On Monday, onlookers and ambulance transport service teams tried desperately to resuscitate the motorcyclist using CPR after his machine collided with a barrier and he was flung on to the central reservation at 2.25pm.
Despite prolonged attempts of bystanders and medical teams to keep the motorcyclist alive, he died at the scene of the crash.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer to the scene.
A spokesman said: “On arrival, crews were told that the man, who had come to rest on the central reservation, had initially collided with a barrier.
“One of the trust’s patient transport vehicles had already stopped to offer assistance and together with bystanders were administering CPR on the man.
“Ambulance staff took over but unfortunately it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“It is not believed any other vehicles were involved in the incident.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have details about the collision should contact West Mercia Police on 101. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/man-questioned-after-motorcyclist-dies-11817950 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c48e52bea59565f659137c46ca4402ad22f3111f5acf70b884583ad5de31e563.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-26T14:48:19 | null | 2016-08-26T15:00:12 | The Baggies will make a decision on the 17-year-old wide man early next week | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-trialist-tyrell-robinson-11804811.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11699351.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/The-Hawthorns-West-Bromwich-Albion-FC.jpg | en | null | West Brom trialist Tyrell Robinson has one last chance to impress | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | West Bromwich Albion will give Tyrell Robinson one final chance to shine for the Under 23s in tonight's Black Country derby before deciding whether to offer him a deal.
Robinson, on trial from Arsenal, is expected to start for Jimmy Shan's U23s against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux tonight.
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Albion will then decide early next week whether to move for the 17-year-old winger, who scored in the Premier League 2 win over Fulham at Aggborough on Monday night.
He is understood to be keen on a permanent move after growing frustrated at Arsenal's tendency to play him at full-back rather than on the wing.
Robinson held talks with West Ham earlier this summer, but nothing materialised.
Andre Wright capped a fine individual display with a goal in the 2-1 win over Fulham.
Wright was on loan at non-league sides Kidderminster Harriers and Torquay United last term.
But Shan believes the 19-year-old striker is ready to make the step up with an English Football League side.
"He's at a stage where he's probably looking at a league loan," Shan said.
"For me, he does everything right.
"His hold-up play is very good, his movement's good, his feet are good and his contribution for our first goal (against Fulham) was excellent.
West Brom transfer news: Path clearing for Rodriguez loan deal
"He had a snap shot from distance and struck it hard and clean.
"I thought his performance was very good.
"He was excellent.
"And he was probably the pick of our players in last week's performance (at Swansea)."
Callum McManaman, Sebastien Pocognoli and Cristian Gamboa all played against Swansea and Fulham and could get another run out at Wolves. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-trialist-tyrell-robinson-11804811 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/fa83f58df23cc8621e99e05f269d505fe65ad9ef75b162a332832c4874dff08f.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-27T18:47:29 | null | 2016-08-27T18:47:19 | Italian stopper was involved in Bristol City's equaliser as Villa lost at Ashton Gate | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fpierluigi-gollinis-manager-leaps-aston-11809840.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11684324.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Aston-Villas-Pierluigi-Gollini.jpg | en | null | Pierluigi Gollini's manager leaps to the Aston Villa goalkeeper's defence | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Roberto Di Matteo has leaped to the defence of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
Gollini, who contributed to crucial concessions against Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield, came in for more criticism at Bristol City today.
The 21-year-old Italian stopper was involved in the equaliser as the Robins came from a goal down to win 3-1.
Gollini failied to divert a Lee Tomlin shot away from danger, instead palming it into Tammy Abraham’s path, allowing the in form Bristol striker to score a tap-in that changed the dynamic of the game.
“He had a lot of bodies in front of him (for the first goal)," said Di Matteo in defence of Gollini.
“We could have done better to block it because we had a lot of people around it.
“It’s on the edge of the box. He got his hand to it, unfortunately it bounced in front of their striker.
“We didn’t react to kick it away. You expect us as a team to react with it.”
Villa supporters pay tribute to fellow fan Will Falck, who died last week | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pierluigi-gollinis-manager-leaps-aston-11809840 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d73398b8f9120b3287b549de1f13fceff47acc886d34fceefd607a683abef388.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-30T16:47:47 | null | 2016-08-30T15:22:33 | The Lazio midfielder has been linked to Villa all summer | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-end-ravel-morrison-11819437.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article7577708.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/ravel.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa end Ravel Morrison speculation once and for all | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
Aston Villa will definitely not be signing Ravel Morrison, owner Tony Xia has confirmed.
The former Manchester United youngster and Birmingham City loanee has been made available for transfer by Italian club Lazio.
Morrison has been linked with a move to Villa all summer, but Xia has moved to end the speculation once and for all.
The 23-year-old midfielder, whose last spell in England was at West Ham, has the baggage of a bad boy reputation.
And Xia said Morrison was not the type of player he wanted at Villa.
Jonathan Kodjia became Villa's eighth signing of the summer when the striker completed his switch from Championship rivals Bristol City today. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-end-ravel-morrison-11819437 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/763841e05dcc63f592bcd46070e576beb62369a4dcec99d19d7ad4367bbfc64d.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-27T12:48:08 | null | 2016-08-27T12:09:02 | Could this man be the latest to leave Aston Villa this window? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-transfer-news-defender-11808005.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article8353837.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Aston-Villa-fans-at-Villa-Park-for-the-draw-against-Sunderland.png | en | null | Aston Villa transfer news: Defender set for medical abroad; two players incoming | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Jores Okore appears to be the latest man heading out of Aston Villa.
The Danish centre-back, brought in by Paul Lambert in 2013, looks set to move back to his home country and FC Copenhagen, according to The Sun.
Okore, 24, is thought to have had a medical last night in Denmark as Roberto Di Matteo continues his significant overhaul of the squad.
James Chester, Ritchie De Laet and Tommy Elphick have all arrived at Villa Park this summer to shake up the Villans' defence, and those additions have pushed Okore further down the pecking order.
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He played in the 3-1 defeat to Luton in EFL Cup earlier this month, scoring a comical own goal, and like Joleon Lescott, he seems to be surplus to requirements.
Di Matteo is clearly hopeful of another couple of arrivals before the deadline, with one signing imminent.
Owner Dr Tony Xia tweeted last night: "Re transfer: An attacking mid/winger is close to done, working hard for the striker before the deadline. The loan is unpredictable. #UTV." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-defender-11808005 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/74320fc86bd8a99f442dca8ff7444619ac09b7d7c4b3239553e6584ca9a09439.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-30T20:46:48 | null | 2016-08-30T20:36:36 | Villa set to lose silky-skilled Spaniard attacker on deadline day | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-transfer-news-middlesbrough-11821178.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11763343.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96963632.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa transfer news: Middlesbrough in advanced talks with winger Adama Traore | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Aston Vila winger Adama Traore.
The former Barcelona man, 20, is understood to be heading to Boro's training ground tonight ahead of a potential medical tomorrow with the Gazette reporting that Boro are confident of getting the deal done ahead of the deadline.
Traore joined Villa from Barca for £7million last summer but endured a frustrating campaign, appearing just 11 times and scoring once.
He missed a chunk through injury but struggled to impress Villa's three different bosses when fit.
The explosive attacker has made one appearance for Villa in the Championship this season, coming off the bench in the 3-0 win over Rotherham United.
But it appears he's now set for a swift return to the Premier League as Boro look to resurrect his career.
Barcelona do have first refusal as part of the deal that took him to Villa Park but they are unlikely to invoke the clause. Villa will be hoping to recoup most of the fee they paid out for the silky-skilled Spaniard last summer.
Watch Gregg Evans on Traore | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-middlesbrough-11821178 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e7a9eb5d52491c13ac07b1325156f4044a6061fed3b8493c302566b52ba7f7ad.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:38 | null | 2016-08-26T12:11:45 | New charity also launched with £100,000 cash pot to promote and fund safer school travel schemes such as walking buses | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fannual-threat-birmingham-lollipop-ladies-11803268.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article8612857.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Save-our-Lollipop-campaign.jpg | en | null | Annual threat to Birmingham lollipop ladies lifted after education chiefs agree £750,000 funding deal | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Watch above: Lollipop campaigners celebrate reprieve last year
The axe has been lifted from over the heads of Birmingham’s lollipop ladies after funding was found to halt the annual threat to their jobs.
Birmingham City Council bosses have agreed to guarantee £750,000 per year funding for the school crossing patrol service over the next few years, easing the pressure after a series of high-profile job threats.
It is a marked change as the service was threatened with the axe in the last two budget rounds , only to be reprieved following public outcry , a political backlash and a campaign from the Birmingham Mail .
The funding is short of the £880,000 currently spent on the service – but council bosses have guaranteed that patrols at all priority crossings, ones where there are no alternative pelican or zebra crossings, will be maintained.
It means that the majority of the 180 wardens will not be facing redundancy when the 2017 budget plans are unveiled early next year.
Alongside the guaranteed funding the city council is launching a new Active Children Trust to support safer travel to schools for the city’s children. The charity will provide small grants to pay for training and equipment - such as fluorescent bibs for walking buses or warning signs.
Anti-cuts protest in Perry Common ahead of city council's 2015 budget u-turn
Labour council leader John Clancy, who announced plans for a Trust in the spring after the warden service was spared the axe for a second year running, said: “Ensuring that our children can travel in a safe and healthy way when out and about in Birmingham is of great importance to me.
“That’s why we are looking at how we can encourage parents, pupils and staff to adopt alternative ways of travelling to school to reduce car journeys, and improve not only their health but that of the wider community – with reduced road danger, and less air pollution and traffic congestion in local neighbourhoods.
“As a council we’ve done lots such as the work to introduce 20mph limits, traffic calming measures and the development of better cycling and walking routes but we know that there will be some very specific things needed to address local circumstances – the new trust will give citizens a way to unlock funding for measures other than physical highways improvements that make their areas better places in which to live.”
The Trust is being kick started with £75,000 from the council plus a £25,000 donation from a major corporate sponsor - due to be confirmed in the next few weeks. Schools and parents will be able to bid for grants of up to £1,000 for initiatives.
According to the GMB union , which represents wardens, statistics gathered in 2014 showed that, out of 2,628 road accidents recorded in Birmingham, only five occurred near crossings operated by School Crossing Patrol Wardens. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/annual-threat-birmingham-lollipop-ladies-11803268 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/1a47b9458c2e523436c3fe166c9f0fd653b4976fbba9b801ddd22c13b68525be.json |
[
"Birmingham Mail"
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:24 | null | 2016-08-31T08:41:20 | Birmingham offenders that have been locked up by the courts in August are named and shamed | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Flocked-up-august-see-birmingham-11756450.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7909457.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/locked-up.jpg | en | null | Locked up in August: See the Birmingham criminals jailed by the courts this month | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The Birmingham Mail is naming and shaming criminals convicted of serious offences.
We are publishing a list of offenders who have been convicted and jailed by our courts in August.
They include Matthew Bennett who inflicted 20 knife wounds on his mum in a cocaine-fuelled frenzy, David Cookson who subjected his 65-year-old lover to a terrifying three-day domestic abuse attack, drug addict Mahmood Keshavarzi who threw a stolen English Bulldog puppy to his death from his seventh floor flat, Carl Gamble who repeatedly slashed a man with a machete in a sickening attack in front of terrified children on their way to school, paedophile, Dwayne Kesto, who assaulted two girls over a number of years, telling them his sick attacks were "their secret" and David John Green who has finally been brought to justice for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl more than 30 years ago.
Other's jailed this month include a thug who pushed his former lover from a third floor bathroom window and then peeled her fingers from a ledge as she clung on for dear life, six aggressive beggars who intimidated revellers in Broad Street and Brindleyplace, a bungling dealer who tried to sneak through Birmingham Airport with a wrap of heroin in his cabin baggage, a desperate motorist who mounted a crowded pavement trying to outrun police in a high-speed chase through Birmingham city centre and a former football club worker who was caught sending explicit messages to fake girls in a police sting.
See more Birmingham Mail crime stories here
Click on the links below to see the offenders and details of their crimes.
David Tonks
David Tonks knew he was infected with hepatitis C, the court heard.
A dad has been jailed for smearing his ex-lover with his own blood – despite knowing he was infected with hepatitis C.
David Tonks slashed his arm and also threatened the victim, the mother of his baby, with a knife in the street.
The 36-year-old, of Smith Lane, Wilnecote, Tamworth , was jailed for a total of 35 weeks.
Bashir Souliman
Bashir Souliman was jailed for 28 weeks.
A dad has been jailed for 28 weeks over a £10,800 benefits scam – after claiming he was kidnapped in Syria.
Bashir Souliman said he was snatched by rebels when he returned to his home town of Homs from Birmingham in 2014.
He said he planned to stay just four weeks in the war-ravaged country but was abducted on January 30 and held until October 5.
Below: Watch as a couple who claimed disability benefits life heavy hanging baskets
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Watch: Couple who claimed £64k benefits lift heavy hanging baskets
Ishaaq Hussain
Ishaaq Hussain
A convicted Birmingham terrorist suspected of trying to go to Syria has been jailed for 20 months for misleading police about his travel plans.
In July 2012, Ishaaq Hussain, 24, was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment after admitting an offence of preparing to commit a terrorist act by attending a training camp in Pakistan.
At an Old Bailey hearing on Friday, Hussain pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of foreign travel plans on three occasions between January and March this year, contrary to requirements following his earlier conviction.
Below: Watch bomb disposal teams in Birmingham city centre after five men held on suspicion of terror offences
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Darren Nesbitt
Twisted Darren Nesbitt has been jailed for 12 years.
A sex beast who repeatedly raped a woman as his girlfriend slept in the next room has been jailed for 12 years.
Twisted Darren Nesbitt, 44, of Dorridge, invited the victim to stay at the Solihull house he shared with his partner after a leak left her without running water.
But police said the heavy drinker plied her with booze and groped her as they smoked cigarettes in the garage. He then forced himself on the 49-year-old victim in a spare bedroom as his partner slept.
Sharaz Shafi
Sheraz Shafi was jailed for six years.
A waiter has been jailed for six years for robbing a terrified woman at knifepoint – before threatening to hurt her family unless she dropped the case.
Sheraz Shafi jumped in the back of the victim’s Range Rover and threatened her with a kitchen knife at Stechford Retail Park on April 27.
He shouted: “You’re going to get hurt – do what I say.” The woman fled the car screaming for help, while Shafi snatched her handbag containing an iPhone, £400 in cash and valuable Asian gold jewellery.
Carl Brookes
Carl Brookes, a brick of cocaine and industrial press
A drug dealing dad was caught with a brick of cocaine worth £185,000 in a picnic bag when he was snared on a family day out with his daughter in Birmingham.
Carl Brookes was detained as he came out of Five Ways railway station on April 14 with the three-year-old girl.
Officers found a kilogram of the compressed 93 per cent pure Class A drug contained in the bag he was carrying.
He was jailed for eight years and seven months at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Dillon Mendez
Dillon Mendez.
A drunk restaurant boss drove at more than 115mph as he was chased through Birmingham by police before crashing into a wooden fence.
Dillon Mendez lost control of the £25,000 Mercedes Benz and smashed it leaving his passenger seriously injured.
Mendez, 24, of Westhill Close, Selly Oak, who had previously admitted dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving with excess alcohol, using a vehicle without insurance and failing to stop when required, was jailed for 14 months. He was also banned from the roads for five years.
Dzemail Trstena
A group of fraudsters who travelled to the West Midlands from London to take driving tests for other people in exchange for hefty fees have been jailed.
The group, headed by Dzemail Trstena, aged 45, from Belgium, charged provisional licence holders up to £2,500 to sit theory or practical driving tests for them at centres in the West Midlands and Home Counties.
A joint investigation between the NCA and Met Police’s Organised Crime Partnership (OCP) and the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) identified that the same person, Emil Petkov, aged 30, from Bulgaria, was the subject of a large number of impersonation reports being filed by test centres.
Matthew Bennett
Matthew Bennett and police at the scene in Sutton Coldfield in March
A son who inflicted 20 knife wounds on his own mum in a cocaine-fuelled frenzy has been jailed for six years.
The term was described by a judge as an exceptional departure from sentencing guidelines after he heard how Matthew Bennett, 32, left mum Vivian Wilde, 63, fighting for her life in the frenzied attack.
But his mother refused to make a complaint against her son and even pleaded in a letter to the court to show him mercy.
Watch police at the scene in March
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Bikram Singh Mahli
A boss has been found guilty of manslaughter four years after an employee died in an accident in Willenhall.
Jagpal Singh suffered head injuries when he fell from a skip at Bilston Skips in Bilston Road on June 28, 2012. The 24-year-old, who had been compressing waste at the time, died a short while later in hospital.
Bilston Skips owner Bikram Singh Mahli, from Yale Road in Willenhall, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence at Wolverhampton Crown Court and was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years and banned from being a director of a company for ten years.
The 44-year-old also pleaded guilty to failing to discharge a duty by ensuring the safety and welfare of employees.
David Cookson
David Cookson, who got a 17-year sentence for a brutal attack on his pensioner lover.
A thug has received a 17-year sentence for beating up his OAP partner in one of the worst cases of domestic violences police had ever seen.
David Cookson, 47, set about his 65-year-old lover in a terrifying three-day attack in which she later told hospital staff she “thought she was going to die”.
Heroin and crack-cocaine addict Cookson poured boiling water over the woman, beat her with a hammer, tied her up and hacked at her with an axe and then tried to hang her, Birmingham crown court heard.
Carl Gamble
Carl Gamble has been jailed for 14 years
An angry teenager repeatedly slashed a man with a machete in a sickening attack in front of terrified children on their way to school in Chelmsley Wood.
Carl Gamble was furious that the 51-year-old victim had commenced a relationship with his mother and he flew into a rage when the man arrived at his house in Lowerstack Road, on January 26 in a bid to clear the air.
Birmingham Crown Court heard how Gamble chased the man into nearby Tile Cross Road with the machete. The victim suffered serious slash wounds, with one laceration to an arm cutting down to the bone, while his right ear was almost completely severed.
He was jailed for 14 years having been found guilty of wounding and possessing an offensive weapon.
Below: Watch Making a Murderer's Brendan Dassey confess to helping his uncle Steven Avery
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Broad Street beggars
Six aggressive beggars have been named and shamed after being jailed for intimidating revellers in Broad Street and Brindleyplace.
The men include drug addicts and alcoholics who have become violent when challenged by street wardens.
Peter Greatrex, Andrew Martin, Lee Pearce, David Dyke, David Moody an Nathan Davies have all been jailed after the granting of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) following a crackdown by police and business leaders.
Watch as Mike Olly talks about the beggars on Birmingham's Broad Street
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James Lee
James Lee
A thug who slashed a drinker’s throat with a Stanley knife in a booze-fuelled fight at a Birmingham pub has been jailed for ten years.
The victim suffered ‘catastrophic’ blood loss after James Lee lashed out with the blade at The Cross Keys in Erdington High Street on June 3.
Lee refused to answer questions at a police interview but was charged with attempted murder. The 57-year-old later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Dwayne Kesto
Rapist Dwayne Kesto jailed for 16 years
A Birmingham rapist, who told two girls that his sick assaults were “their secret” so he could continue to sexually abuse them, has been jailed for 16 years.
Paedophile Dwayne Kesto, of Parkfield Avenue, Harborne, assaulted the girls over a number of years. The 40-year-old’s reign of terror continued until one of them confided in a teacher.
As soon as he had been exposed, Kesto went on the run for three years, but he was eventually snared by police in March.
Majid Hussain
Drug dealer Majid Hussain, jailed for 12 years
A bungling dealer who tried to sneak through Birmingham Airport with a wrap of heroin in his cabin baggage has been jailed for 12 years.
Drugs kingpin Majid Hussain, of Nansen Road, Saltley, is thought to have forgotten about the quantity of Class A drugs in his carry-on bag as he tried to board a flight to Pakistan in February.
He was rumbled after a scrupulous member of security staff made the find during a routine check.
Below: Watch the moment gunmen raided Digbeth business and owner shot dead
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Sunmuklal Patel
Sunmuklal Patel
A fraudster who tricked pensioners around the Midlands into handing over their life savings has been jailed for five years.
Sunmuklal Patel stole more than £81,000 from elderly residents across Wolverhampton and Staffordshire in less than six months through a ‘courier fraud’ scheme.
The 47-year-old, of St Marks Road in Chapel Ash, made ‘phishing’ calls to landline numbers and posed as a police officer claiming his victims’ bank accounts had been hacked. He would then trick them into surrendering their bank cards and handing over their PIN numbers.
David John Green
Evil David John Green has been jailed for nine years.
A monster has been jailed for nine years for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl – more than 30 years after he committed his sick crimes.
David John Green, aged 60 and from Moseley, left his 15-year-old victim fearing she would die when he snatched her from the seafront in Weston-super-Mare in July 1983.
She was caged in a storeroom and left “too scared to scream” during her ordeal.
Watch: Callous David John Green answers: 'No comment' as detectives quiz him over his crimes
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Michael Johnson, Tony Walker
Tony Walker, left, Michael Johnson, right
Two bungling taxi thugs have been jailed after robbing a cabbie - after asking him to drop them near home.
Career crooks Michael Johnson, 29, and Tony Walker, 23, were arrested after threatening the driver with a knife and stealing cash.
Officers arrived within minutes and arrested the pair at Walker's home in Somervile House, Chelmsley Wood.
Walker was jailed for four years and six months for the robbery and Johnson, 29, of Audley Road, Stechford, was sentenced to five years.
Below: Watch as a man falls onto the tracks in shocking brawl at railway station
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Kazim Mahmood Ibrahim
A desperate motorist hit double the speed limit and mounted a crowded pavement as he tried to outrun police in a high-speed chase through Birmingham city centre.
Kazim Mahmood Ibrahim, of Haringey, North London, failed to stop his black Mercedes on July 5 when it was flagged up by an in-car number plate recognition system as having been used in a crime.
Footage released by West Midlands Police showed Ibrahim hit 65mph in a 30mph zone as he performed a U-turn and dodged through traffic on Bristol Street.
Ibrahim appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday and was jailed for eight months after admitting dangerous driving, having no licence, no insurance and possession of cannabis.
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Marlon Bills
Marlon Bills was jailed for 29 years and ordered to pay £10,000 compensation.
A thug who pushed his former lover from a third floor bathroom window – and peeled her fingers from a ledge as she clung on for dear life – has been jailed for almost 30 years.
The victim suffered a fractured spine and ankle as she plunged 16ft to the ground.
Callous Marlon Bills then tried to stab two police officers who were sent to his Dudley flat to arrest him.
Tony Shiels
Former Coventry City academy Kitman Tony Shiels
A former football club worker who was caught sending explicit messages to fake girls in a police sting has been jailed for 20 months.
Tony Shiels sent pornographic images of himself and also had indecent images of children on his mobile phone.
Shiels, 53, formerly of Lime Tree Road, Ward End, had worked for Coventry City’s academy as a kitman. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Below: Watch as a prostitute confronts punter after being offered £2 for sex
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Mohib Tasharat
A teenager drove “like a maniac” round streets in Birmingham at nearly 100 mph as he tried to get away from police.
The pursuit lasted for almost 15 minutes until Mohib Tasharat was boxed in by officers.
In the early hours of April 27 this year Tasharat had popped out in his brother’s car to get a take away. When police tried to stop him in College Road, Perry Barr , he sped off. At times he was driving at 70 mph on roads with a 30mph limit going through a number of red lights.
Tasharat, 19, of Wenlock Road, Perry Barr, who had previously admitted dangerous driving and driving while uninsured was jailed for 10 months and banned from the roads for two years and five months.
Below: Watch police pull over boy racers in Operation Hercules
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Zafran Khan
Zafran Khan
A violent burglar has been jailed for 11 years after imprisoning a man in his own home on a Bank Holiday Monday - so he could extort cash the following day.
Zafran Khan, 33, from Park Road, Sparkhill, broke into the 62-year-old’s flat on Stratford Road in the early hours of May 30 hoping to force him to withdraw bank funds.
But after threatening to stab him with a screwdriver and a craft knife he realised he would not be able to get cash from the closed bank - and so calmly waited for the next day to complete his plan.
Mahmood Keshavarzi
Mahmood Keshavarzi threw Zeus the dog from the seventh floor of tower block
A drug addict who stole an English Bulldog to protect himself from dealers has been jailed for 26 weeks for throwing the puppy to his death from his seventh floor flat.
Mahmood Keshavarzi, 37, panicked when Mitchell Jagger, the owner of 15 month old pet Zeus had banged on his door demanding the animal back.
He threw Zeus from the seventh storey of his Drews House flat, Druids Heath, to the horror of people gathering below. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/locked-up-august-see-birmingham-11756450 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/584c4b851c5463d2e18b2d1cbe95931ab57b626de29336d9928ed7d7800c48d4.json |
[
"Mary Griffin",
"Sarah Probert"
] | 2016-08-28T14:46:45 | null | 2016-08-28T15:35:00 | How many have you eaten at? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2F50-birmingham-restaurants-you-should-8927970.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article10568103.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Original-Patty-Men-restaurant-17.jpg | en | null | 50 Birmingham restaurants you should try | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Restaurants we think you should try
Birmingham has more restaurants than you can shake a stick at.
But sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees.
If you're craving inspiration for the next time you head out to dinner, these are the 50 restaurants we reckon Birmingham should boast about.
We’ve been strict with the criteria, leaving out the multitude of cafes, pubs and bars serving fantastic food (as well as the stacks of superb street food enterprises) to focus purely on restaurants.
How many have you tried?
Carters of Moseley
St Mary's Row, Moseley
Not only one of the best in Birmingham, this is one of the best in the country, winning The Good Food Guide 2015 Readers’ Restaurant of the Year and recently awarded its first Michelin star.
Praised by Michelin and Hardens food guides, Carters is also roundly loved by Birmingham’s chefs and restaurateurs.
Expect top-class food with no pretension. And look out for occasional pop-up nights and collaborations with favourites from Birmingham’s street food scene.
A dish from Carters of Moseley
See pics from our five-star review here
Bistro 1847
Great Western Arcade, Birmingham
While vegetarian restaurants often take a rustic and frugal approach, this one in the gorgeous Great Western Arcade pulls out all the stops.
Whether you opt for a tasting menu or a la carte you’ll be wowed by inventive flavour combinations and stunning presentation without worrying about breaking the bank.
Burnt Toast Crackling at Bistro 1847 is meaty wild mushrooms with a crisp, salty potato shell and smoked mayonnaise
Read our review here
Sushi Passion
Great Western Arcade, Birmingham
He’s a Polish chef specialising in Japanese food in a quintessentially English arcade.
Adam Glamacinsk made a name for himself running a tiny sushi stall in the Bullring Indoor Market and this more formal restaurant is just as good for a romantic evening meal as a quick lunch.
The Sushi Passion menu looks like an edible comic book strip and the platters of sushi and sashimi are like works of art.
Read our review here
Opus
Cornwall Street, Birmingham
One of the daddies of the Birmingham fine dining scene, Opus has a reputation for valuing top-quality ingredients and serving them without the usual fine dining fluff or frills.
Warm goat's cheese custard with caramelised shallot purée from Opus.
Opus also boasts a little sister and brother with Cafe Opus at Ikon Gallery providing lunch time and post-work food and drinks for the Broad Street and Brindleyplace crowds, and newest addition Bar Opus at One Snowhill serving Colmore district.
Read what we thought here:
Adam’s
Waterloo Street
Tables where special rolled bolster cushions will make the banquettes even more comfortable. Five days before it opens to the public, a sneak preview of Adam's Restaurant in Waterloo Street, Birmingham.
Since launching in April 2013 Adam’s has not only won a star from the Michelin inspectors (the fourth for Birmingham) but also a loyal following in the city, with diners eager to take to social media to spread the word.
Adam recently moved here from his tiny restaurant in Bennetts Hill.
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Read all about our visit here:
The Wilderness
Dudley Street, Birmingham
Graham Young Real but preserved moss on the walls of The Wilderness
Formerly Nomad, but forced to change its name after a legal threat by a restaurant in the US.
This place has undergone a complete transformation including preserved moss on the walls, a theatrical-style leafy canopy and water drips like rain into a windowsill trough of plants you can eat.
Run by Alex Claridge, who brought us such great things at Nomad, we have high hopes of this place.
Don't expect standard fodder here. This will be a true dining theatre experience - and you might even get to try ants!
Although early days for the team, this restaurant earns a place in our top 50 list because we loved it as Nomad and pretty confident it will be even better now.
More: Watch! New Birmingham restaurant The Wilderness has ants on the menu - but what do they taste of?
Manchester Seafood
Wrottesley Street, Chinatown
A restaurant like no other, this place feels somewhere between an aquarium and a fishmongers as you enter.
Pass the tanks of live crabs, carp and eels and take a seat in the window-less dining room at the back.
Try the butterflied tiger prawns, the blue crab ginger and spring onion or the steamed eel in black bean sauce.
Butterflied Tiger prawns with garlic and vermicelli.
See more pictures of the restaurant and food here:
Yaki Nori
Grand Central and Selly Oak
Luke Beardsworth Teriyaki sirloin steak at Yaki Nori at Grand Central (£13.95)
There was much anticipation when this popular Japanese place, much loved in Selly Oak, opened up in Grand Central.
In Grand Central is offers an intimate atmosphere that feels more authentic to what you might experience in Japan.
We loved the teriyaki sirloin steak with noodles.
See our review here.
Two Cats Kitchen
Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter
Soft shell crab with burnt kale, mooli, juniper and sourdough batter
This restaurant started out as a pop up, having residencies at various venues around the city.
Delivering what they describe as "new Baltic cuisine" - that's food from the Baltics and Russia NOT a variation of a balti, this place is tucked away in the Jewellery Quarter and sets itself apart with its rather elegantly crafted menus.
Dishes include reindeer moss, bacon, egg, baked coffee; fresh ricotta in ashes, wild garlics; bowl of duck and ewe curds, sea buckthorn, treacle oats.
It is fine dining but expect the unexpected.
More: Nine quirky places where you wouldn't expect to eat in Birmingham
Lasan
St Paul's Square
Chamon Punjabi at Lasan
Over the 13 years Lasan has sealed its reputation as one of the finest Indian resturants in Birmingham, the UK and the world, winning best local restaurant in Ramsay’s Channel 4 F-Word show and chef director Aktar Islam cooked to victory in the Great British Menu.
Lasan (or “posh spice” if you will) is a sister restaurant to Raja Monkey (see below), specialising in Indian street food, and Argentinian steak house Fiesta Del Asado.
And the Lasan Group are soon to launch lobster and beer venue Nosh and Quaff in Colmore Row.
Read our review here
Purnell’s
Cornwall Street
Self-titled Yummy Brummie Glynn Purnell is shooting for his second star at his Cornwall Street restaurant.
Scotch hens egg, grilled black pudding, cream of onion soup and sour apple at Purnell's Bistro
As well as appearances on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, running a bistro around the corner (see below), publishing his first cook book and being an all-round ambassador for Brum, the chef has maintained his position at the helm of one of the most highly praised restaurants in the city (by critics, industry insiders and laymen alike).
He now has his eye on becoming the first restaurant in Birmingham to gain two.
Original Patty Men
9 Shaw's Passage, Birmingham B5 5JG
The Original Patty Men restaurant on Shaw's Passage in Digbeth, Birmingham.
Tom Maher and Scott O’Bryne built their reputation serving their street food burgers at Digbeth Dining Club.
They became so popular they decided to make the leap into the restaurant business and it is working out pretty well so far.
Don't expect glamour at this place. It is pretty rustic with an industrial feel but the burgers are pretty special.
Most come in a yoghurt and buttermilk bun with some exceptions. They’re all made with aged beef patty, unless you go for the vegetarian option which is a slow cooked and shredded portobello mushroom.
Sides are fries with a variety of slaws and toppings including the OPM spice mix.
Currently opens Thursdays -Sundays.
The Atrium at UCB
Summer Row
It may have passed you by but The Atrium at University College Birmingham is serving up a first-rate food experience in its Summers Row dining room.
The chefs and waiting staff are students and the elegant restaurant has a buzzing atmosphere.
And while the quality is sky-high the cost is much lower. Fine dining at bargain prices.
Read our review here
Al Frash
Ladypool Road
Al Frash
In the heart of Birmingham’s Balti Triangle is Al Frash (meaning “butterfly”), a simple-looking curry house with a BYOB policy.
But its emphasis on fresh ingredients cooked simply has won the Ladypool Road restaurant a reputation as one of the city’s best balti houses.
Read our review here
Watch Al Frash cook a quick balti below
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Byzantium
York Road, Kings Heath.
In Kings Heath’s York Road, this restaurant has become a favourite thanks to its Mediterranean sea sharing plates.
It’s a tapas-style feast with European, north African and Middle Eastern influences and the price and atmosphere make it a great choice for group bookings.
Read our review here
Turner’s
Harborne
Perhaps the least imposing of Birmingham’s four Michelin starred restaurants, Turners occupies a fairly inconspicuous high street venue out in the suburbs.
The restaurant is currently closed until August 25, 2016 and will reopen as Turner's at 69 after chef Richard Turner decided to ditch his tasting menus and radically re-design the food offering.
The respected restaurateur has said the city is in need of good quality middle market food and plans to re-launch with a new offering.
We can't wait to see what he comes up with.
Selection of cheese at Turner’s restaurant
Pushkar
Broad Street
A good place to escape the chaos of Broad Street’s Golden Mile.
Generous portions, delicate spicing and killer cocktails make this a favourite.
And it is now welcoming a new sister restaurant to the scene - Praza by Pushkar in Edgbaston.
More: Restaurants being 'pushed out' of Birmingham city centre by big chains
Asha’s
Newhall Street
Asha's, 12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham
This is one of the best curry houses in a city with no shortage of gems.
Expect inventive dishes, generous portions and slick service.
We recommend the vindaloo.
Fumo
Waterloo Street
Unusual among Italian restaurants, Fumo specialises in “ciccheti” (Venetian-style tapas).
This little sister to next door neighbour San Carlo, has more refined, less gaudy decor, including a marble bar with a knock-out range of cocktails. Mama mia!
Selection of desserts, or cicchetti pasticcini, at Fumo
Read our review here
Simpsons
Edgbaston
New head chef at Simpsons, Nathan Eades
The daddy of Birmingham’s Michelin star scene, Simpsons has been in the city since 2004/5 (the same year that Glynn Purnell, who previously worked at Simpsons, won a star at his restaurant Jessica’s) when it moved from Kenilworth, where it first won a Michelin star in 2000.
A beautiful detached building in Edgbaston, Simpsons offers supreme sophistication delivered by a down-to-earth team who are genuinely passionate about the food they’re cooking and serving.
Read our review here
Chung Ying
Arcadian
This 33-year-old restaurant existed before Chinatown’s Arcadian.
It now boasts sister restaurants Chung Ying Garden in Thorpe St and Chung Ying Central in Colmore Row.
Some of the amazing noodle and Dim Sum dishes at The Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant in Birmingham's China Town.
Ask for the alternative (Chinese) menu and you’ll find Cantonese treats including roast meats, seafood and braises. Try the dim sum at lunchtimes.
Read Brum food guru Lap-fai Lee’s guide to Chinatown’s best restaurants here
Nosh and Quaff
Colmore Row
The new Nosh and Quaff restaurant in Colmore Row, Birmingham.
This new lobster and beer restaurant opened in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building in Colmore Row at the end of July 2015.
Perch yourself on the red and brown leather American diner-style seating and booths and savour the fresh lobster dishes or beef ribs.
Read more here
Anderson’s Bar and Grill
St Paul's Square
Anderson's Bar and Grill
A Jewellery Quarter restaurant squirreled away in a beautiful old building in a corner of St Paul’s Square
Expect precisely-cooked steaks in this atmospheric cellar diner. And try the ribeye.
Read our review here.
El Borracho
Harborne Road, Edgbaston
Kings prawns at Don Diego
After selling their restaurant Don Diego in Sutton Coldfield, Alfonso and Emma Yufera-Ruiz (who met while working at Simpsons restaurant) have set up in Harborne Road, Edgbaston.
They are firmly focused on quality ingredients and truly authentic tapas.
They are serving continental breakfasts, drinks and tapas, and an authentic Spanish menu with traditional trolley service.
The Karczma
Bordesley Street, Digbeth
Zurek w chlebku (rye soup with smoked sausage, potato and boiled egg) at Digbeth's Karczma Polish restaurant
This squat seventies brick building filled with a mish-mash of trinkets transports diners from inner-city Digbeth to a Polish hunting lodge on the slopes of the Tatra Mountains.
Try the Placek po Zbojnicku (melt-in-the-mouth slow cooked beef stew served on a giant potato pancake, fried and crisped around the edges) or the Zurek w chlebku (a hearty rye soup with smoked sausage, potato and boiled egg, served with a rustic wow factor in a hollowed out loaf of crusty bread).
And definitely finish with a shot of Zoladkowa, served neat.
Mughal e Azam
Stratford Road
Situated in a converted united reformed church, this is one of Birmingham’s best looking curry houses with a menu that's equally impressive (and a BYOB policy).
Mughal e Azam, Sparkhill
Try the salmon tikka starter, explore the chef’s specials for mains and, whatever you do, do not leave without ordering the gajar halwa for pudding.
Read our review here
The Warehouse Cafe
Allison Street, Digbeth
This little place in Digbeth may be called a “cafe” but it transforms into a restaurant in the evening.
With a loyal following, it was sorely missed when it closed down in early 2013 before reopening only a few months later.
The Warehouse Cafe is run as a not-for-profit community interest company (CIC) serving meat-free food in the Friends Of The Earth building in Allison Street.
Well worth tracking down. BYOB.
Read our review here
Fiesta del Asado
Hagley Road
Another offering from Birmingham’s Lasan Group, this Argentinian steak house in Hagley Road has a loyal following.
Launched in late 2012, it boasts a powerful wood-fired grill at the front of the open-plan kitchen. It is all about the meat.
Steak from Fiesta Del Asado on the Hagley Road in Edgbaston
Think: smoky blood sausage, jambon iberico and various cuts of beef cooked to perfection.
Read our review here
Minmin
Bromsgrove Street
You’ll find Minmin in a friendly, vibrant corner of the Latitude Building in Bromsgrove Street, Chinatown.
Expect fantastic noodles and other Far Eastern dishes, many with a Vietnamese influence, at the right price.
Read our review here
Seaweed rolls from Minmin Noodle Bar in Birmingham City Centre.
Bodega
Bennett's Hill
Don’t expect fine dining - that’s not what this place is about.
Bodega, one of Birmingham’s fantastic Bitter’n’Twisted venues, is perfect for an after-work bite-to-eat, a relaxed date or a meal with a group of friends, offering filling, tasty grub with good value and no fuss.
Try the burritos, of course.
Andy Hare Nachos at Bodega Bar and Cantina
Read our review here
Purnell’s Bistro
Newhall Street
Don’t venture to Purnell’s Bistro expecting a sort of “lite” version of Glynn’s flagship restaurant just around the corner.
The bistro isn’t trying for Michelin stars. The food is simpler and less experimental, the service more relaxed and the prices lower.
But it shares Purnell’s commitment to high quality ingredients creating wonderfully flavoursome dishes.
Read our review here
Purnell's Bistro 8oz rump with hand cut chips
San Carlo
Temple Street
Fumo’s sister restaurant, San Carlo is a good place for a bit of celebrity spotting.
If you’re more interested in the food than your fellow diners, try the calves’ liver and the salmon ravioli flambeed in vodka.
Read our review here:
A Tobacco Pancake Delight, flavoured with tobacco leaves in the sauce, at San Carlo, Temple Street, Birmingham
Sabai Sabai
South Birmingham is a lucky place to be. There are two Sabai Sabais, one in Moseley, one in Harborne.
Both serve authentic Thai food such as kao pode tord, geng deng and pad gra prao.
Expect well-priced food and slick, friendly service.
Read our review here
The Pickled Piglet
Gas Street
A hidden gem in city centre dining, the Pickled Piglet is well hidden off Broad Street, down Gas Street.
You’ll find small plates to share as well as sharing boards.
Try the sirloin steak and hand-cut chips.
Pickled Piglet in Gas Street, Birmingham.
Hotel Du Vin and Bistro
Church Street
Good simple French food is the focus at this opulent dining room in the former Birmingham Eye Hospital in Church Street.
Expect attentive, friendly, efficient service in a dining room draped in Parisian chic.
Read our review here
Bistro Du Vin
Punjabi Rasoi
Acocks Green
Punjabi Rasoi occupies an airy and light space in a building a little way out of Acocks Green Village.
This is a place with a short menu rather than a tome listing numerous dishes, most of them based on a couple of stock sauces to which ingredients are chucked, and it’s great value for money.
Read our review here
Topokki
Highgate
Commendably cheap with portions that are both generous and filling.
This Korean restaurant has a gained a huge following since opening three years ago, serving nicely priced, flavoursome food just a stone’s throw from the monotonous chain outlets of the Bullring.
Try a spicy pork stir fry with sticky rice or kimchi dumplings. Alternatively, try the ultimate comfort food, bibimbap.
Jyoti’s
Jyoti's
Stratford Road
This is a long-established, busy and charming family-run eatery in Stratford Road.
It’s unlicensed, serving unfussy South Indian food (including dosa) and when he was in Birmingham this is where Jamie Oliver chose to eat with 30 of his mates.
There’s also a sweet centre if you want to treat yourself to a box of treats from the counter on the way out.
More: Need a decent vegetarian curry in Birmingham? Here's where to go
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Raja Monkey
Veggie shakarkand Thali at Raja Monkey
Stratford Road
This venue used to be known as Lasan Eatery, but has been reinvented, serving street food influenced by the cuisine of southern India rather than the Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Kashmiri dishes to which we Brummies are accustomed.
The rustic decor and food is far removed from parent restaurant, Lasan, but the commitment to quality ingredients and cooking is shared.
Read our review here
The Bartons Arms
Tod mun talay fish cakes with a sweet chilli, ginger, lemongrass, peanuts and tamarind dip at The Bartons Arms
High Street, Aston
If enjoying great beer and good food in stunning surroundings isn’t your bag, the Bartons Arms probably isn’t for you.
For everyone else, this historic pub is your Mecca.
With its own name, and sitting separately from the rest of the pub in the former Smoking Room, Oaka makes the grade as a standalone restaurant.
Landlords Siriporn and Wichai Thumjaroen, who moved to Britain from Thailand nine years ago, turned the former smoking room into Oaka, including Anglicised versions of Thai food as well as authentic Thai flavours.
Try the Tuesday two-courses-for-£10 deal.
Read our review here
Antep
Ladypool Road
This relatively new Turkish restaurant at the southern end of Ladypool Road (near Brighton Road) is a bit of a find.
A huge charcoal grill facing the restaurant is the ultimate open kitchen.
Try the Yogurtlu Adana (£8.45) with really naughty fried bread pieces beneath chargrilled spicy lamb in Anatolian sauce with a cooling yoghurt. Excellent.
Dehli 6
Streetly
A small, smart restaurant in Burnett Road, Streetly, serving food cooked with skill and care.
Expect smart decor, attentive, charming and efficient service and food that is well-crafted, imaginative and, most importantly, great to eat.
Try the murgh malai kebab, tarang-e-king prawn or lamb travancore.
Read our review here
Shiraz
Hagley Road
A small, atmospheric, family-run Persian restaurant not far from the Plough and Harrow in Hagley Road, Edgbaston.
It’s a treasure trove of authentic dishes that are rare to find in Birmingham.
Cielo
Oozell's Square
Cielo in Brindleyplace
Not one of your standard Italians offering identikit menus and swaggering waiters brandishing over-sized pepper grinders.
Cielo, in Oozell’s Square is widely held as one of the best restaurants in the Broad Street area, offering lighter, more modern dishes with polished service and convivial ambience.
Read our review here
Istanbul
Stockwell Road
Don’t be put off by the plain appearance of this place in Stockwell Road, Handsworth. The focus here is on the food - top Turkish cuisine.
The old woman sitting patiently by the window making bread by hand knows her stuff.
If you want a higher class kebab - cooked on coals - this is the place.
Bader
Ladypool Road
Bader (has a sister restaurant in Small Heath’s Coventry Road) brings Middle Eastern cuisine to Ladypool Road, the heart of the Balti Triangle.
Lebanese leads the menu at this place, which is beautifully decorated with Arabian fabrics, tiles and mosaics.
Try the tabbuleh (enough parsley for you?), the meaty flatbreads or the lamb shank (which is enough to feed a family of four).
Bank
Brindleyplace
Bank in Brindleyplace, Birmingham
Ok, this place can feel a bit “trendier than thou” but that doesn’t stop it turning out carefully cooked and nicely presented dishes.
And warm and professional service make this a go-to for a good quality and hassle-free dinner in Brindleyplace.
Shanghai Shanghai
Arcadian
Perched upstairs in a hard-to-find and distant corner of the Arcadian stands Shanghai Shanghai.
It’s high on quality and high on interest with goodies such as Arctic surf clams and ham hock.
Read our review here
Edmunds
Brindleyplace
Didier Philipot aims high with his cooking and this is unmistakably a fine dining restaurant, with service and prices to match.
Edmunds fine dining on Brindley Place, Birmingham
Expect food unashamedly in the classic tradition and influenced by his native France.
Read our review here
Kababish
A Moseley institution, a fine restaurant that’s consistent and a top place for a good curry. Serving authentic Pakistani dishes try the paneer shashlik for a subtle joy.
Need a decent vegetarian curry in Birmingham? Here's where to go
A rewarding reasonably priced experience, plus they have great cocktails and lovely friendly service. Food made with passion.
Sign up to the what's on email here http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/newsletters/whats-on-bulletin/ | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/50-birmingham-restaurants-you-should-8927970 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e017332558f6457967c5e24a1ad2871597768be2dcebe98ce092192e0a7bcdbb.json |
[
"David Bentley"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:39 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:00 | Can you see yourself in our video slideshow from Velvet Music Rooms, Suds ‘n’ Duds, Brasshouse and more? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Fbest-birmingham-clubbing-pictures-august-11820572.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11820558.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/sluglettuce.jpg | en | null | The best Birmingham clubbing pictures from August Bank Holiday weekend | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The video will start in
Above: Are you in our Birmingham clubbing gallery from the bank holiday weekend?
Beautiful weather brought out the crowds on August Bank Holiday in Birmingham.
Can you see yourself in our video slideshow above?
The city’s bars and clubs were packed with revellers enjoying a drink and a dance over the three-day break.
Many were in fancy dress - for hen nights, theme nights or just because they were in party mood for the weekend.
Our photographer visited the city centre bars including those in Broad Street and Brindleyplace.
He captured the fun in Velvet Music Rooms, Slug & Lettuce, Suds ‘n’ Duds, 6 On Broad Street, Brasshouse, Reflex and Lloyds Bar.
We also went to Walkabout, O Bar, Revolution, Be At One, Popworld and Players Bar. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/best-birmingham-clubbing-pictures-august-11820572 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/ed184c582a200139cb1103ed4765dbdedd649e88d001ab9b26a28ac647a50db1.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-27T08:46:13 | null | 2016-08-27T08:54:00 | How to order cocktails, wine and beer from the comfort of your own sofa | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Fbirmingham-bars-doing-home-delivery-11800462.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11720618.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/GT.jpg | en | null | These Birmingham bars are doing home delivery | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | You know the feeling. You’re celebrating the long bank holiday weekend with a party, but you’re running out of booze.
The off licence is too far away and everyone has too much to drink to drive.
So what do you do? There’s now an answer – because home delivery service Deliveroo is doing drinks as well as food.
You can’t order something to eat from bars like 40 St Paul’s and Brewdog, but you can order cocktails, bottles and pints.
Granted, it’s an indulgence. It’s a lot more expensive than the offy but it’s a lot more convenient. You don’t have to leave the party and orders are usually delivered within half an hour – and cocktails are already mixed.
Deliveroo riders in Birmingham
As with all Deliveroo orders, there is a minimum order of £15 and a charge of £2.50, so it’s not worth doing just for one bottle or cocktail.
And the delivery area is limited to close to the city centre.
Watch below what happened when we ordered the Deliveroo Express lunch in the park at Birmingham Cathedral
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ID will be requested for anyone looking under 25 but non-alcoholic drinks are also proving popular, with juices from U-Juice and Boost Juice Bars, Lassi Mango from Wrapchic and bubble tea from Cafe Soya.
Deliveroo are also delivering picnics to Pigeon Park, aka St Phillip’s Cathedral, during August.
Here are the Deliveroo.co.uk Birmingham bars offering home delivery
The Wellington
The Wellington
The pub in Bennetts Hill is famous for its great range of beers and now you can get them in the comfort of your own home. There is a selection on offer for you to order.
Expect to pay two pints of Purity Mad Goose for £9, a 330ml bottle or a 500ml bottle of Erdinger Dunkel for £5.10.
40 St Paul’s
Selection at 40 St Pauls
The gin bar in 40 Cox Street in the Jewellery Quarter only has 24 seats so it fills up quickly. But it serves 60 different types of gin and you can experience some of those in the comfort of your own home with Deliveroo.
They offer 250ml bottles (a quarter of a litre bottle but enough for 10 small servings) of unusual Eton Mess Gin (£18), Elephant Gin (£24, 10% of proceeds goes to elephant conservation) and Monkey 47 (£36).
A litre bottle of Hockley Tonic costs £8.
Brewdog
The bar in John Bright Street sells in packs of four 330ml bottles – the most popular are Punk IPA (£11) and Jack Hammer (£15.99).
Loki Wine
Loki Wine
The wine merchant in Great Western Arcade delivers Birmingham’s most popular Deliveroo drink, a £31 bottle of Francois Parent Bourgogne Pinot described as “silky and stunning”.
More affordable options include a bottle of Il Pumo Sauvignon Blanc for £12, or you can get bubbly with a Ruggeri Argeo Prosecco for £18.
Rub Smokehouse
American Vice cocktail at Rub Smokehouse
The bar and restaurant in Regency Wharf has £8 cocktails like Papa Don’t Peach (vodka, peach and Earl Grey tea) and Coney Island Cooler (gin, strawberry and vanilla candy floss syrup).
Or you can order £20 bottles of Prosecco or bottles of gin, vodka and rum from £35.
Hen and Chickens
Hen and Chickens, 27 Constitution Hill, Hockley
The pub in Constitution Hill offers bottled beer, ciders, wine and soft drinks.
A 500ml bottle of Old Mout Cider is £4.50, a 330ml bottle of Peroni is £3.75 and a bottle of Casillero Del Diablo Shiraz is £14.95.
Frizzenti
Frizzenti at Grand Central Birmingham
This Grand Central bar popular with shoppers is also offering home delivery but it has just one item you can buy – their own Vino Frizzante Prosecco for £25.
Birmingham’s Top 10 delivered drinks
1. Francois Parent Bourgogne Pinot Noir – Loki Wine
2. Punk IPA - Brewdog
3. Very Berry – U-Juice
4. Gym Junkie – Boost Juice Bars
5. Singha Beer – Chi Kitchen
6. Grapefruit Lemon Smoothie – Happy Lemon
7. Frizzenti Vino Frizzante (DOP Italy) – Frizzenti
8. Lassi Mango – Wrapchic
9. Strawberry Milkshake – Gourmet Burger Kitchen
10. Original Bubble Tea – Café Soya | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/birmingham-bars-doing-home-delivery-11800462 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a66876ba9be9ae56ca58fab4f992e1f4a06d046d2338e9bf3c388adf9cae033b.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-27T10:46:24 | null | 2016-08-27T08:00:00 | The Baggies boss says he is working with a set of players predominately inherited | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Ftony-pulis-still-hoping-stamp-11807209.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11747846.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97017706.jpg | en | null | Tony Pulis still hoping to stamp his mark on West Brom squad | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Tony Pulis believes he has still not stamped his mark on the West Bromwich Albion squad - despite taking over 19 months ago.
The Welshman is nearing the end of his fourth transfer window - and arguably his most frustrating - as Albion boss.
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He has made eight permanent signings since January 2015, although James Chester has moved on to Aston Villa.
But Pulis still feels the squad is not yet one of his own making.
"I don't think it is," he said.
"Sixteen players who we took away (to Austria) were here when I joined.
"The same players and now we're two years forward.
"It's a lot of players.
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis during the match against Everton
"They're good lads and I’m not complaining about them.
"Players have re-signed or keep signing new contracts.
"That’s gone on with players that have been here a long time.
"They've re-signed, but I need to bring players in now, fresh players."
Matt Phillips and Brendan Galloway, who is in contention to make his Premier League debut for West Brom against Middlesbrough on Sunday, are Albion's only signings this summer. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tony-pulis-still-hoping-stamp-11807209 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d08c7391a13795ad407988c4af92356dbc807cded3628ad69168c386cf5d2ffd.json |
[
"Adam Jones"
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:14 | null | 2016-08-26T16:52:47 | Will these new transfers be big point-scorers for your side? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fshould-you-include-new-summer-11804815.json | http://i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11804736.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Transfers.jpg | en | null | Should you include these new summer signings in your Fantasy Football team? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Will you include any of these summer signings in your team? (Pictures via Getty images)
Whilst the transfer window still being open whilst the Premier league season has started – it doesn’t exactly make things easy for fantasy football players, does it?
Just when you think you’ve got a good spine of a team set up after a couple of games and you’re ready to take on the world – a club makes a big new signing.
Then you’re left with a choice on your hands – do you put the new man in or do you stick with what you know?
Here are three signings that have been made since Gameweek Two – and some advice on whether you should include them in your side.
Not got a fantasy football team yet? Then download our FREE Fantasy iTeam app and set up your squad today. To download for IOS click here or for Android click here .
Claudio Bravo
Claudio Bravo of Barcelona in action. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
One of the worst kept secrets in the Premier League recently has been that Manchester City have been interested in bringing Claudio Bravo to the club.
The move finally went through this week – seemingly putting the final nail in the coffin for Joe Hart’s career at the Etihad.
If you still have the England No. 1 in your side and were expecting him to oust Willy Cabellero again, it’s probably best to cut your losses and go for a new goalkeeper.
And Bravo could be the perfect replacement.
Coming in at the same price as Hart at £6.2million, Bravo represents better value than Petr Cech and the same value as Thibault Courtois and Kasper Schmeichel.
Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, granted – but the addition of the Chilean international Could be a major step towards a stronger defence.
However, perhaps hold off for one more week before putting Bravo in - as Guardiola has confirmed that the keeper will not make his debut against West Ham.
Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke has moved from Liverpool to Crystal Palace. Photo: Nick Potts/PA Wire.
This deal technically did go through just before Gameweek Two – but this week represents the first time Christian Benteke has been available for a Premier League match in a Crystal Palace shirt.
Again, there was no secret made that the Eagles were interested in the Belgian striker, so the more astute of you might have been prepared for this move to happen.
Whilst at Liverpool, Benteke didn’t exactly light up Anfield and his goal return certainly wasn’t anywhere close to his time at Aston Villa.
However, Alan Pardew’s side could provide Benteke with a chance to thrive once more.
With service from the likes of Cabaye, Puncheon and Townsend – the 25-year-old will certainly have chances to impress.
With a current price of £6.8million, Benteke could prove to be a good budget striker if he re-finds his form at Palace.
Daryl Janmaat
Daryl Janmaat of Newcastle holds off pressure from Floyd Ayite of Fulham. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Getting the perfect defence can sometimes be frustrating.
Yes, you want your defenders to keep clean sheets, but if they can pick up points for goals and assists as well, then that’s what will elevate you higher up your mini league.
For the former, Daryl Janmaat may not be the best option.
But it’s not necessarily just for his defensive work that Janmaat has been signed, it’s his ability to get forward at the other end of the pitch as well.
His two seasons with Newcastle in the Premier League yielded three goals and 10 assists – which is really not bad for a defender.
If you’re perhaps looking to save money in your defence, then at £5.4million you can’t go far wrong with Janmaat.
However, if you’re looking for clean sheets and big points, it might be best to look elsewhere.
Join our free fantasy football game now. To download for IOS click here or for Android click here . | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/should-you-include-new-summer-11804815 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/5a98ec10de383f745bcfb9a2a4bcf3c0736e67fc0c096dc52e573124804daf07.json |
[
"Sanjeeta Bains"
] | 2016-08-30T10:46:54 | null | 2016-08-30T10:12:19 | Domino's have made our pizza-ordering lives so much easier - and here's how to do it | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Fyou-can-now-order-dominos-11817060.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/article11225133.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/GD19516404.jpg | en | null | You can now order Domino's pizza in Birmingham just by using an emoji | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Domino's have come to our rescue
There are few things more comforting in life than a pizza delivered straight to your door when you’re feeling a little fragile.
But it does take some effort to pick up the phone and speak to someone and even opening up your laptop.
Not anymore! Those kind people at Domino's have launched a special emoji to help Birmingham hungover folk to order their pizza with the minimum hassle.
Now all we need to do is to type it in Facebook Messenger to get our favourite pizza.
Special delivery - pizza and some salad cause we are trying to be healthy!
But there are important steps you need to carry out before you are welcomed into a lifetime of lazy pizza ordering.
Firstly set up an Easy Order account at Dominos.co,uk where you tell them your favourite pizza order and pair it with your Facebook account.
Next open up the Facebook Messenger app on your iPhone or Android smartphone, tap on “People” tab and search for “Dom” under “Bots and businesses”.
We tried Deliveroo's express lunch service and this is what happened
Finally post the pizza emoji (or just type the word PIZZA) in a message to “Dom” and voila - your triple cheese feast, or whatever your pizza fave is, will soon be making its way to you. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/you-can-now-order-dominos-11817060 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e0a9c305290788fd29f4054d6a4290e5ab4df53ebf2f47dd595b33cf2fc17a29.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-28T16:46:36 | null | 2016-08-28T15:45:54 | The on-the-whistle report from Paul Suart at The Hawthorns | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fwest-brom-0-middlesbrough-0-11811472.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811944.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98138725.jpg | en | null | West Brom 0 Middlesbrough 0: Full-time match report as Albion play out bore draw | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | West Bromwich Albion picked up their first home point of the Premier League campaign after a game low on quality and chances.
It had all started so promisingly when Albion’s Premier League debutant Brandan Galloway forced Daniel Ayala into a last-ditch foul after just two minutes in.
The subsequent free-kick lacked the precision to cause problems - much like West Brom as an attacking force.
James McClean took on the entire Boro defence, but lacked the finishing instinct on his weaker right foot.
West Bromwich Albion's James McClean (centre) gets away from Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton (right)
Brad Guzan then blocked with his feet when McClean stabbed a shot towards goal following a flowing Albion move.
Salomon Rondon headed wide from a corner and Brendan Galloway sent a low shot down Guzan’s throat as the Baggies ended the first half on top, but with no reward.
Albion lacked the same urgency after the break with Boro fashioing the best moments.
Gaston Ramirez fired into the side netting with one of the few chances of the second half.
West Bromwich Albion's Brendan Galloway (left) and Middlesbrough's Gaston Ramirez
Daniel Ayala prodded a shot shot at Ben Foster, following a scamble in the six-yard box, and Stewart Downing fired wide as Boro seized the intiative.
Albion created nothing in the second period and were booed off the pitch by certain sections of the home support after a drab draw many had predicted.
ANALYSIS
In possession, Darren Fletcher pushed on to support Salomon Rondon up top, while Matt Phillips and James McClean hugged the touchline.
Brendan Galloway, on his Premier League debut for West Brom, was given more licence to drive forward from full-back than Craig Dawson on the other flank.
West Bromwich Albion's Darren Fletcher (right) and Middlesbrough's Adam Forshaw
Out of possession, Fletcher was the main press as Boro’s back four knocked the ball between them.
When Boro advanced into Albion’s half, Rondon was the only West Brom player ahead of the ball.
In pushing Galloway forward, it occasionally left space, but Boro did not have enough quality in the final third to exploit it.
Saido Berahino was initially employed as a right winger in a straight swap for the injured Jonathan Leko.
But Tony Pulis pushed the forward into a striker role when Craig Gardner was introduced 15 minutes from time.
Tony Pulis
CROWD WATCH
“We’ve got a left-back in the pitch,” the Smethwick End chanted after Brendan Galloway galloped down the left flank before being upended by Daniel Ayala.
Brad Guzan, as was to be expected, got flak every time he touched the ball.
His Villa association still fresh in fans’ minds.
With Saido Berahino’s penalty miss and wastefulness still haunting some supporters, he was given short shrift following his second half intoduction.
Inescapable boos rang out after Berahino dwelt on the ball on the right flank and was easily dispossessed.
Saido Berahino on as a substitute for Jonathan Leko
BIGGER PICTURE
It was not the result Albion wanted, but it does at least mean Albion sign-off for the international break in the top half of the table.
A second clean sheet should not be sniffed at either, but a lack of ideas and imagination in the final third was there for all to see.
Bookings
Yacob (foul, 65) - Albion
Ayala (foul, 2), Ramirez (foul, 47) Barragan (dissent, 77) - Boro
Gaston Ramirez of Middlesbrough challenges Claudio Yacob of West Bromwich Albion
Albion: (4-5-1)
Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Galloway, Phillips, Yacob, Fletcher (c), Field (Gardner, 76), McClean (Leko, 64) (Berahino, 71), Rondon.
Subs not used:
Rose, Olsson, Lambert, Wilson.
Middlesbrough: (4-2-3-1)
Guzan, Ayala, Gibson (c), Barragan, Nsue, Clayton, Forshaw, Ramirez (Nugent, 84), Stuani (Fischer, 90), Downing, Negredo.
Subs not used:
Konstanpoulos, Espinosa, Rhodes, Reach, de Sart. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/west-brom-0-middlesbrough-0-11811472 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a2b497dec1bf7cc7fe0092380ea6912ce4d271eab9e617e9d75585b09fd53e64.json |
[
"Darren Campbell"
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:22 | null | 2016-08-26T17:19:50 | Woman taken to hospital with serious leg injury after accident on Alcester Road South | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Falcester-road-closed-after-woman-11806542.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11806646.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/PM2914348.jpg | en | null | Alcester Road closed after woman hit by 4x4 in King's Heath | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The air ambulance at a different incident in Sheldon.
An elderly woman suffered a serious leg injury after being hit by a 4x4 in King’s Heath.
The accident happened on Alcester Road South shortly before 3pm on Friday afternoon. An ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and a rapid response paramedic were sent to the scene along with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford.
Fire crews also attended and helped to free the woman who had become trapped under the vehicle before she was taken to hospital by land ambulance.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews discovered a patient who was partly trapped underneath the vehicle.
“The woman, who is thought to be in her 80s, was conscious and had to be freed with the help of the fire service.
“Ambulance staff assessed her and administered emergency treatment for a serious left leg injury.
“The doctor from the air ambulance, which had landed in a nearby cricket club, administered pain relief before travelling with the patient on a land ambulance in order to continue treatment en-route to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
“Nobody else was injured in the collision.”
Alcester Road South was closed at Woodthorpe Road while emergency crews worked at the scene.
MORE - Car demolished front of estate agent shop in Pershore Road: | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/alcester-road-closed-after-woman-11806542 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d483039822ec45d00b7db223312fe57a68341aeff151c58e01c6674148164b60.json |
[
"Alison Stacey"
] | 2016-08-27T16:48:30 | null | 2016-08-27T17:24:22 | Darren Nesbitt, 44, of Dorridge, jailed for 12 years | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Frapist-attacked-woman-girlfriend-slept-11808645.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11809333.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Darren-NesbittJPG.jpg | en | null | Rapist attacked woman as his girlfriend slept in next room | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Twisted Darren Nesbitt has been jailed for 12 years.
A sex beast who repeatedly raped a woman as his girlfriend slept in the next room has been jailed for 12 years.
Twisted Darren Nesbitt, 44, of Dorridge , invited the victim to stay at the Solihull house he shared with his partner after a leak left her without running water.
But police said the heavy drinker plied her with booze and groped her as they smoked cigarettes in the garage.
He then forced himself on the 49-year-old victim in a spare bedroom as his partner slept.
Nesbitt was arrested when she confided in a colleague and then told police about the attack, which happened on August 22, 2014.
He claimed the allegation was false but detectives traced another woman who said Nesbitt sexually assaulted her at his home in the same year.
He was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court after being found unanimously guilty by a jury of three counts of rape and one of attempted rape.
Nesbitt must also sign the sex offender register for life.
Investigating officer, Det Con Jon Barker, of West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said: “Nesbitt invited the woman into his home and offered her his hospitality by cooking and plying her with alcohol.
“Then he attacked the woman while his partner retired to bed.
“It’s a shocking breach of trust and left the victim hugely distressed and struggling to come to terms with what happened.
“She did the right thing in disclosing the offences to us.
“The victim was a very credible witness at court and conducted herself impeccably.
“Nesbitt, on the other hand, kept changing his story and this clearly struck the jury.
“This case should act as reassurance to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted that we take all reports seriously and allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”
Mr Barker said Nesbitt’s victim was supported by specialist officers and RSVP in Birmingham – a charity that offers support and help to sexual violence survivors. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/rapist-attacked-woman-girlfriend-slept-11808645 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/9809eb3e2980dd12c8c1aa5b94278285ad67f8640141d266c25c7d05801a0a03.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:05 | null | 2016-08-30T12:57:56 | Cristian Gamboa has left the Baggies after failing to impress Tony Pulis | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fexiled-west-brom-defender-completes-11817886.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11785418.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97746888.jpg | en | null | Exiled West Brom defender completes switch to Celtic | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Cristian Gamboa has finally put an end to his frustrating West Bromwich Albion career by joining Scottish champions Celtic.
The Costa Rican defender penned a three-year deal after issues with his work permit were resolved.
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The 26-year-old, who has moved for a fee of around £500,000, is Brendan Rodgers' fifth signing as Celtic boss.
The switch ends what was an immensely disappointing spell at the Baggies for the right-back.
Signed by Alan Irvine in the summer of 2014, Gamboa never really got a look in after Tony Pulis took over in January 2015.
He made only four appearances under Pulis, featuring more for his country than his club over the last 18 months.
Gamboa, who has played two games for West Brom's Under 23s this season, completed a medical in Glasgow last night.
And his transfer was rubber-stamped after a work permit was sorted and the two clubs had settled on a sell-on clause written into the deal.
West Brom, and Jeremy Peace in particular, have profited from sell-on clauses and recently picked up £1.2 million from former academy player Kemar Roofe's £5 million move from Oxford United to Leeds United.
Gamboa, who will compete with Mikael Lustig for a place at right-back, will already be popular among Celtic fans.
He was part of the Costa Rica team that topped England's group at the 2014 World Cup and denied the Three Lions a consolation win before departing the tournament. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/exiled-west-brom-defender-completes-11817886 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8fe4db1a2b83e7273009b0d82b12b1e9a2d073307249ac0f3b1f0eefd17f02e0.json |
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