News

Sandwell council building workers to strike over “broken pay promise”, says Unite union
Around 100 council workers responsible for building and maintenance duties are poised to strike in February and March, raising concerns about potential disruption to housing repairs. The Unite union, representing the workers, announced the planned action, citing a broken agreement with the council.

Destruction of “iconic” Birmingham Ringway Centre to be reconsidered by council
Birmingham’s historic Ringway Centre, a brutalist landmark, has been granted a reprieve from the wrecking ball. Following strong opposition from campaigners and potential legal challenges, the city council will re-evaluate the plans to demolish the building and replace it with three towering apartment blocks.

Council investigates after Birmingham stream turns “strange” bright red, leaving locals bewildered
A stream in Birmingham has mysteriously turned bright red, leaving locals bewildered as to the source of the colour change. Visitors to Hawthorn Brook in Perry Common Meadows noticed the crimson-coloured water on Wednesday and alerted the council.

Channel 4 revive student trainee programme for Joe Lycett late-night show
Channel 4 have today announced the return of the hugely successful Trainee Programme on the second series of Late Night Lycett, which returns this spring. Award-winning comedian Joe Lycett and Rumpus Media have joined forces with the broadcaster to offer West Midlands talent the chance to work in television.

South Asian ‘Kathak’ dance performances exploring abuse and migration to be staged in Birmingham
A special performance amplifying Kathak, a south Asian classical dance, will be performed at the city’s Birmingham Hippodrome next month. Amina Khayyam Dance Company (AKDC) is returning to the venue’s Patrick Studio on 28 and 29 February with ‘ONE | BIRD’, a double-bill of high intensity Kathak.

Amazon workers strike in Sutton Coldfield over pay disparity
Workers at a recently opened Amazon warehouse in Sutton Coldfield have walked out in protest of low wages. Around 60 members of the GMB union, representing a smaller portion of the 2,000-strong workforce, joined the picket line on Thursday (25 January) morning.

Sikander Farooq and Adam Sajjad from Stechford charged after guns, ammunition and £100,000 cash found in Birmingham
Two men have been charged with firearms offences after the recovery of three guns, ammunition and more than £100,000 in cash in Birmingham. Sikander Farooq, aged 30, and Adam Sajjad, 19, both of Stechford, Birmingham, are accused of possession of a pistol, a revolver and a sawn-off shotgun, as well as five charges of possession…

Two cousins jailed for over 30 years after up to £20 million of drugs seized by police
Two cousins have been jailed for more than 30 years after police seized up to £20 million of hidden cocaine from a van in the West Midlands. Drug blocks were discovered within concealed compartments – opened by a sophisticated system – which we unearthed after stopping and searching the vehicle.

University Station opens doors to impressive new buildings this weekend
University Railway Station’s impressive new buildings open their doors to passengers for the first time this Sunday. With new wider entrances, stairways and exits serving the neighbouring University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, more open space to circulate and wait, lifts to the platforms, a larger ticket office and better customer facilities it will…

Steps announce ‘Here & Now’ musical to open at Birmingham’s Alexandra theatre
UK pop band Steps have announced the world premiere of Here & Now, a brand-new musical using their iconic tracks. Accompanied with an original book by Shaun Kitchener, the musical will open at The Alexandra theatre in Birmingham for a limited engagement from 9 – 24 November 2024.