Plan ahead for Xmas rail travel

Festive advice from train operator.

Politicians back Birmingham food bid

A bid by the Birmingham Balti Association to gain the European Union’s coveted Traditional Speciality Guaranteed status has gained approval in the European Parliament.

Birmingham Airport welcomes recognition from Davies Commission

But air report criticised by marketing chiefs.

Cammo: Emission Accomplished

From Howard Elston with the Prime Minister of Engerland Dave C as he visits the troops in Afghanistan.

Call for government action on shell companies

Local MP amongst group seeking to end corporate anonymity.

City events stalwart retires after 25 years

Reflects on business tourism career spanning quarter of a century

It’s come round quickly again

Dave Woodhall on Villa’s annual defeat at home to Manchester United.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul

Does Birmingham city council spend wisely? Alan Clawley thinks not.

Battered but not beaten

Andy Munro on Blues’ successful trip to the seaside.

Screengrab: Laughs Amid the Rubble

Richard Lutz plunders the Christmas listings to find a gem of a movie on the box this week.

Throwing it away

Alan Clawley on a lack of council service.

Ten top tips for driving in flood conditions

With torrential rain accompanied by gale force winds forecast in the run up to Christmas, DriveSafe is warning motorists about the dangers of flooding.

Charity passes on its sympathies

Steve Dayman of the charity Meningitis Now writes about a recent tragedy.

Businesses invited to kick-start the New Year

Seminar aims to help city business chiefs.

Life saver or time waster?

Murray MacGregor from West Midlands Ambulance Service tells us when and when not to dial 999.

Clampdown on ‘rogue’ cabbies as police urge partygoers to stay safe

“Be booked, be safe” is the message.

Christmas is coming to Southside

Birmingham’s most diverse district is spreading Christmas joy to its visitors this season with an array of festivities.

Birmingham student becomes city’s Young Poet Laureate

Local girl chosen for literary honour.

Bristol Street renovation reaches completion

Commercial opportunities still available.

Bathing beauty

Richard Lutz wants Moseley Road Baths closed. Steve Beauchampé, author of the book Pool of Memories, A History of Moseley Road Baths, takes issue.

The Banks That Like To Say ‘Theft’

Lloyds Bank has been fined £28 million for bullying staff to hit targets for seliing dubious financial packages to unwitting customers. RICHARD LUTZ says our banks just can’t keep their noses out of the sewer.

Midlands universities and businesses urged to apply for new EU funding

The European Commission has announced that from today, universities and businesses across the UK can apply for £12.5 billion worth of European funding in the first round of the EU’s latest research programme. 