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26th. April 2004
MEPs PROTEST OVER LE PEN VISIT
West Midlands Tory Euro MPs have added their voices to the chorus
of contempt over French National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen's visit
to Britain.
Le Pen was helping the launch of the BNP's European election campaign.
MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews said: "Le Pen is a disgrace in his own
country. It is a further disgrace the British National Party invited him
to ours."
HUNDREDS PROTEST AGAINST LE PEN
Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Birmingham to demonstrate
against French National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen's visit to Shropshire.
Many held placards bearing anti-BNP slogans, and chants of "BNP
out, Nazis out" filled the city's Victoria Square.
The scenes mirrored those in Manchester where Le Pen spoke at a
press conference in support of the BNP.
GARDENER DIGS UP GRENADE
A Birmingham woman has spoken of her shock after digging up a hand
grenade while tending roses in her back garden.
Vicky Vale, from Harborne, was advised to leave her home by police,
who called in Army bomb disposal experts.
A controlled explosion was carried out. "I initially thought it
was a stone, but then I realised it looked like a grenade," Mrs Vale said.
TRAFFIC FORCE TAKES TO ROAD
Dozens of civilian traffic officers in high-visibility uniforms
are taking to the region's motorways to help police Britain's roads for
the first time.
A new force of 50 officers will patrol the West Midlands road network
to tackle congestion and ensure that motorway traffic runs smoothly.
The new team of officers will begin their patrols on the M5, M6
and M42.
MAN DIES AFTER BRIDGE CRASH
A 22-year-old motorcyclist has died in hospital after his bike crashed
into a railway bridge in Warwickshire.
The man, from Exhall, near Bedworth, died shortly after the accident
on the B4115 at near Leek Wootton.
The blue-and-white 600cc Suzuki struck the bridge parapet while
travelling with another motorcycle from Coventry Road towards Chesford.
RESIDENTS EVACUATED AFTER FIRE
Residents in a Black Country terrace had to be evacuated from their
homes after fire swept through five roofs.
More than 30 firefighters fought the flames in the common roof void
of the Victorian houses in Stourbridge Road, Dudley.
West Midlands Fire Service said several adjoining roads had to be
sealed off due to the severity of the blaze.
ATKINSON DEFENDS HIS RECORD
Former Aston Villa boss and ITV pundit Ron Atkinson has defended
himself against fresh allegations that he made racist remarks to his players.
Atkinson, who also managed Coventry City said: "There are people
going around killing others and they don't get the publicity I've received.
"My record of helping black players is better than anyone else's."
SOLVENT ABUSE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
A campaign to ensure youngsters are aware of the dangers of solvent
abuse is being launched in Shrewsbury.
Up to 70 people die from glue-sniffing each year in the UK and almost
a third of those killed are first-time users.
The campaign will see leaflets from the Re-Solv pressure group and
the town's Community Substance Misuse team handed out to parents and young
people.
VILLAGE PLAGUED BY PEACOCKS
Residents in a Worcestershire village have called for action after
damage was caused to cars by a flock of peacocks.
Chris Nicholls, of Cookley, near Kidderminster, said one of the
14 creatures had landed on his house, pulling down guttering.
He said: "Although it sounds funny, it is a serious issue. The peacocks
wander around the road and could be killed."
RUGBY STARS HONOURED
Worcester's promotion-winning rugby champions have been honoured
with a civic reception in the city.
The Warriors, who clinched promotion from National Division One
to the Zurich Premiership earlier this month, were greeted by fans at the
Guildhall.
Mayor Gareth Jones said: "It's an achievement that can only be described
as marvellous."
28th. April 2004
INQUEST INTO TEENAGER'S DEATH
An inquest is opening into the death of a 15-year-old Stoke-on-Trent
boy who collapsed while being restrained by staff at a secure training
centre.
The Northamptonshire Coroner, Anne Pember, is expected to open and
adjourn the hearing into Gareth Paul Myatt's death at Northampton General
Hospital.
Gareth died at the Rainbrook training centre at Olney, Northamptonshire.
CLEANER 'CRUSHED TO DEATH'
A Birmingham contract cleaner was crushed to death in a "cherry
picker" as he worked on repairing fire damage at a garage, an inquest has
heard.
Father-of-two Paul Edwards, 38, became pinned between the device's
cage and a steel girder at the Fish Brothers garage in Swindon.
The inquest, being held in Swindon, is expected to last two days.
SACKED NURSERY NURSE WINS CASE
A trainee nursery nurse who was sacked from a Bromsgrove nursery
after falling pregnant has been awarded compensation.
A tribunal found that Rebecca Mountford, 20, was unfairly dismissed
just six months into her traineeship.
The Birmingham panel calculated damages of £7,500 by using
the national minimum wage - despite her being paid less than the level
set by the law.
ANTI-SOCIAL FINE SCHEME WIDENED
Warwickshire Police is to expand the use of fixed penalty notices
of up to £80 for anti-social behaviour across the whole of the county.
The scheme, which has been successfully piloted in Rugby and Stratford
over the last six weeks, will be introduced in the rest of the county from
next month.
A total of 15 fixed penalty notices have been issued since March
15.
TONI-ANN REPORT URGES ACTION
A Birmingham City Council review of the care of murdered schoolgirl
Toni-Ann Byfield will say action needs to be taken to better safeguard
children.
The report, due to be published on Thursday, was ordered by the
council, whose social services team was looking after Toni-Ann when she
was shot dead.
Toni-Ann, seven, was killed with her father at his London bedsit
last year.
PARENTS REMEMBER LATE SON
The family of a motorcyclist who was killed in south Warwickshire
have paid tribute to his memory.
Mark Black, of Exhall, died in hospital on Sunday after his Suzuki
collided with a bridge wall on the B4115 at Hill Wootton, near Leamington
Spa.
The 22-year-old's parents, who live in Coventry, said: "Mark was
a much-loved fiance, grandson, son and brother."
POLICE NAME M1 CRASH VICTIM
A driver from Coventry who was killed in a crash on the M1 near
Milton Keynes has been named by police.
Barry McElvenny, 51, died when his red Rover 100 was in a collision
in which two other people received minor injuries, a spokesperson said.
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous
driving has been released on police bail.
BOY, 12, KILLED IN COLLISION
A 12-year-old Black Country boy has died after a collision with
a car, police have said.
The youngster was in Amblecote Road, in Brierley Hill, when the
incident involving a Mercedes V220 happened.
The driver, a 41-year-old woman from Shropshire, was treated at
the scene for "severe shock". West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses.
TRIBUTE PAID TO CRASH VICTIM
The parents of a 17-year-old boy killed in a car crash in Crewe
have paid tribute to their "fun-loving" son.
Matthew Robbins, who was from Willaston, died in a crash at the
Bluestone traffic lights on the A51.
His parents Paul and Helen said: "Matthew was a happy, fun-loving
young man. Everyone who knew him loved him. He will be sorely missed."
ARRESTS MADE DURING RAIDS
Police in Shropshire have made a series of arrests during raids
on the homes of suspected criminals across the county.
Officers executed search warrants in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow,
Bishop's Castle, Craven Arms, Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Market Drayton and
Shifnal.
The raids by 50 officers targeted suspects involved in burglary,
handling stolen goods, car crime and drugs.
29th. April 2004
REPORT INTO SCHOOLGIRL'S DEATH
A report into the death of a schoolgirl murdered in London is expected
to highlight serious flaws in the care she was given by Birmingham City
Council.Toni-Ann Byfield, seven, was shot dead with convicted drug dealer
Bertram Byfield, 41, at his flat last year.
Serious failures by the council, her guardians and immigration officials
are believed to have been uncovered.
The mother of the murdered girl said her daughter would still be
alive if those responsible for her care at Birmingham Council had "done
their job properly". Roselyn Richards spoke out ahead of a review set to
show flaws in the city council's care for the seven-year-old.
PROBE DUE ON MENTAL HEALTH UNIT
Relatives of two elderly women who were sexually assaulted at a
Birmingham mental health unit are set to hear the findings of a probe into
its practices.
The investigation into the Avonside Unit was launched after a 74-year-old
grandmother was raped and a former policewoman suffered indecent assault.
The inquiry was ordered after nurse Albert Rampaul was acquitted
of rape.
BNP CANDIDATE TEACHER SUSPENDED
A Solihull teacher who is set to stand as a BNP candidate at the
forthcoming European elections has been suspended from his job, it has
emerged. Simon Smith, a mathematics teacher at St Peter's RC School, faced
the action after being selected as BNP candidate for the West Midlands
EU constituency.
Earlier a spokesman said the school was "shocked" to hear he was
standing.
The teaching union NASUWT is investigating the claims that
the teacher is to stand at the Euro elections. Union leaders said
they "abhorred and condemned" the far-right party and would discipline
any member bringing the union's name into disrepute.
The BNP, which condemned the union's stance, said Solihull maths
teacher Simon Smith had been selected to stand.
'REJECT BNP' BISHOP URGES
The Bishop of Shrewsbury has written to churchgoers urging them
to reject the BNP during June's Euro elections.
The Rt Rev Alan Smith has warned parishioners in the Diocese of
Lichfield that "apathy and complacency" could hand the far-right party
victory.
Bishop Smith's message was written before claims a Solihull teacher
is to stand as a BNP candidate.
NURSE 'TRIED TO KILL PATIENTS'
A "ruthless" nurse tried to kill four elderly patients in a bid
to free up beds at a hospital in Crewe, a Chester Crown Court jury has
been told. Barbara Salisbury, 47, of Pontybodkin, North Wales, denies four
counts of attempted murder against patients at Leighton Hospital between
1999-2001. The prosecution alleged she urged one patient: "Give in, it's
time to go."
'MODEL STUDENT' HANGED HIMSELF
A 16-year-old "model student" with a deep religious faith hanged
himself on the day he received a glowing report from his school, an inquest
heard. The Cirencester inquest heard Thomas Slough, of Evenlode, Gloucestershire,
was found hanging from a hook on the back of his bedroom door. Coroner
Lester Maddrell recorded a verdict of suicide on the schoolboy.
CORONER'S CALL AFTER DEATH
A coroner has called for better safety measures at plant hire firms
after a contract cleaner from Birmingham was crushed to death by a "cherry
picker". Paul Edwards, 38, was working at a Swindon garage when he became
pinned between the machine's cage and a steel girder as he was lifted into
the air. The jury at Swindon Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of misadventure.
PHOTO PLAN TO THWART CHEATS
More than 4,000 children hoping to join five top Birmingham schools
will have to submit a photo to ensure "ringers" do not take entrance exams
for them. The King Edward's schools have introduced the measure to thwart
desperate parents' attempts to ensure their children win a place. The photograph
will be checked against the pupil during assessment.
SECURITY VAN RAIDED
Armed robbers have raided a security van parked on the forecourt
of a petrol station in Birmingham. Two offenders escaped with a quantity
of cash from the vehicle as it stopped in Harborne High Street. Police
believe the silver getaway car, which was driven by two black men, may
have been stolen. Witnesses are asked to call 0845 113 500.
INNOVATIVE SCHEME FOR CHILDREN WITH LEUKAEMIA
A new scheme to support children and families going through Bone
Marrow Transplant launches at Birmingham Central Children’s Hospital today.
The Bone Marrow Journey aims to support young children undergoing
treatment by providing a way for children to document their personal journey
throughout the transplant process.
Bandai UK are supporting the scheme with the use of their Badge
It! badge maker for use by patients and staff to help them successfully
travel through their treatment journey.
Jennifer Astall, Play Co-ordinator at the BCCH believes the scheme
will have a great impact on the children’s treatment providing a positive
element to an often traumatic period of time
By recognising ten stages throughout the treatment, it is hoped
that
children and their families will feel more involved & less fearful
of
the planned treatment and, while not every child will go through
every stage of the journey, all will have to tackle some difficult hurdles
throughout their treatment.The badges represent a visual element, which
nurses can use to explain to patients and their parents what is happening
and what to expect. It also allows the patients to wear their bravery on
their sleeve as they show off their successes with pride.
30th. April 2004
COUNCIL APOLOGY OVER TONI-ANN
Birmingham City Council has apologised for "serious shortcomings
and mistakes" made in relation to social service care of
Toni-Ann Byfield who was shot alongside convicted drug dealer Bertram
Byfield at his London flat last September.
Peter Hay, strategic director of social care and health, said: "Toni-Ann
was a child in care and we let her down."
Birmingham City Council's social care and health directorate has
been criticised for failing to protect the seven-year-old.
The Birmingham Area Child Protection Committee review also criticised
two national agencies over the case.
It is vital lessons are learned from the death of Toni-Ann Byfield,
who was in Birmingham City Council's care, said children's minister Margaret
Hodge.
Ms Hodge said the council had "laid good foundations for improvement"
but its child services will be monitored.
UNION HIGHLIGHTS LACK OF STAFF
A union has said that Birmingham social services did not have enough
trained staff when Toni-Ann Byfield was murdered whilst in the authority's
care.
Harry Fletcher, of the Napo union, said that when Toni-Ann was murdered,
there were nearly 50 social work vacancies.
VERDICT DUE OVER CELL DEATH
An inquest jury is to consider its verdict after a Denbighshire
boy was found hanged at a young offenders' institution near Market Drayton.
Sixteen-year-old Joseph Scholes, from Meliden, was nine days into
a two-year term at Stoke Heath YOI when he was found hanged from a sheet
in his cell.
Coroner John Ellery will finish summing up at Shrewsbury Magistrates'
Court.
NURSE 'TRICKED DOCTORS'
A nurse at a Crewe hospital tricked doctors into needlessly prescribing
diamorphine to an OAP patient to try to kill her, Chester Crown Court heard.
Barbara Salisbury, from North Wales, is accused of the attempted
murder of four patients at Leighton Hospital.
The 47-year-old is said to have been motivated by a "ruthless efficiency"
drive to free up hospital beds.
MOBILE SENSORY UNIT UNVEILED
A unique mobile sensory unit for adults and children with disabilities
is being unveiled in Shropshire.
The £300,000 cabin includes a virtual reality suite for stimulating
the different senses and a relaxation room.
The first of its kind in Britain, the unit will tour the county
to meet the needs of 850 adults and 900 youngsters with mental and physical
disabilities.
COUNCIL BUDGET CAPPED
Telford and Wrekin District Council has had its budget capped in
a crackdown on council tax rises by the Government and West Mercia and
Northamptonshire police authorities have been warned that their budgets
are to be scrutinised by ministers.
Local government minister Nick Raynsford told the authorities that
they have 21 days to respond.
SOCIAL SERVICES CRITICISED
Social services failings have been criticised in a report into the
death of a Dudley teenager in care who was murdered by her boyfriend.
Natalie Mills, 15, died after being viciously assaulted by Craig
Shepherd.
An independent NSPCC review criticised "significant actions or non-actions"
by social services in Dudley and Torbay, which shared responsibility for
her.
UNIT FAILED PATIENTS: INQUIRY
The former managers of a Birmingham psychiatric unit where two patients
underwent "horrific" sex assaults have been castigated by an official inquiry.
A review into the running of the Avonside unit revealed a "systematic
failure" in the care of older patients.
The 47-year-old son of one of the victims said: "I have never read
anything so damning and so horrific."
EXPERT TO PROBE YOUTH'S DEATH
An expert has been appointed to conduct an inquiry into the death
of a Staffs teenager who collapsed while being restrained by secure centre
staff.
Social services expert David Gilroy's probe into the death of 15-year-old
Gareth Myatt, from Stoke, is expected to be finished by the early summer.
Gareth died after he lost consciousness as three staff were restraining
him.
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