National Express West Midlands fare increases
From today, new fare increases will come into force for National Express West Midlands services.
West Midlands drivers urged to drive below 20mph
A road safety charity, is appealing to drivers to slow down to 20mph or below in communities.
Thousands of pets in danger of becoming more aggressive
Thousands of pets in the West Midlands are in danger of becoming more aggressive, overweight and prone to illness than ever before.
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One smoke alarm needed on 'every level' of your home
“The vast majority of us now have at least one smoke alarm in our homes,” said Pete Wilson, Head of Community Safety for West Midlands Fire Service. “Early detection and warning is vital, to reduce the devastation a house fire can cause."
“If you’re spring cleaning or moving house at the moment, it’s the perfect time to have a think about the alarms you’ve got fitted, and check you know how they work. You should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and on landings.
“It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might be OK, but the mechanism deteriorates with time. So whether they’re battery operated or mains-wired, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years.”
West Midlands Fire: test your smoke alarm
West Midlands Fire Service is urging people to make sure that their household smoke alarms are fitted in the best places.
One of the main reasons for smoke alarms not going off when there is a fire is because they are too far away - meaning people could be depriving themselves of vital seconds to get out of their home and call 999.
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West Midlands Fire Service: Check your relatives' smoke alarms
West Midlands Fire Service are asking carers and people who keep an eye on less able relatives, friends and neighbours to check that they have enough smoke alarms fitted in the right places and that they work.
Some smoke alarm-fitting tips:
install one on every level of your home, and test them weekly (even if mains-powered)
the ideal position is on the ceiling - in the middle of a room, or on a hallway or landing
consider fitting alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances
don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident
replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
Husband pleads guilty to murdering wife
An estranged husband who cut the throat of his wife at the family home in Alum Rock and left her to die has pleaded guilty of her murder at Birmingham Crown Court.
On Monday 19 November 2012, Shoukat Ali, aged 38, arrived at the family home where the 33-year-old victim, Shaista Khatoon lived with three of her five children.
He broke into the family home and attacked his wife with a knife which resulted in her throat being cut.
The victim would later die from her injuries at Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham.
Bumpy start to the opening of restored canal lock
An historic canal lock has been restored after years of decay and vandalism. It's so important it has been listed as a "scheduled monument".
Today the renovated structure was unveiled by the actor and canal enthusiast Timothy West. Our transport correspondent Keith Wilkinson has been taking a look. And as he found - it didn't all go quite to plan.
Bumpy ride for Timothy West at re-opening of lock
by Keith WilkinsonAn historic canal lock, the Guillotine Lock on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal near Kings Norton, has been restored after years of decay and vandalism. It's so important it has been listed as a "scheduled monument".
The renovated structure was unveiled by the actor and canal enthusiast Timothy West.
But the boat the actor was on, the West Midlands' historic working boat Scorpio, bumped into the lock, to the amusement of all the passengers on board.
Our transport correspondent Keith Wilkinson reports.
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More people forced to turn to food banks
More and more people are being forced to queue up for emergency food handouts according to a charity that runs most of the food banks in the country.
The Trussell Trust says the number of people using its services almost doubled last year, and it believes that here in the Midlands, thousands are being affected by the recession and welfare reforms.
Prime Minister: 'pretty distasteful' reaction to Baroness Thatcher's death
The Prime Minister says the reaction of some people to the death of Margaret Thatcher is 'pretty distasteful'.
Speaking on a visit to Rolls Royce in Derby, David Cameron said he thought most of the country mourned her loss. Phil Brewster reports.
David Cameron on 'pretty distasteful' reaction to Baroness Thatcher's death
David Cameron arrives at Rolls-Royce in Derby
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