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Neil Elkes

Neil Elkes

The strike rally in Victoria Square

Threat of pay strike still looms

COUNCIL workers attending a series of mass meetings have so far voted overwhelmingly to reject a new pay deal. Read

Mayor campaign: Thousands support but not enough

A CAMPAIGN to allow the people of Birmingham to decide whether or not the city is run by an elected mayor has failed to raise enough interest, it was revealed today. Read

Councillors Paula Smith, Jackie Hawthorn and Michael Wilkes with campaigners

Highfield House decision a 'disgrace'

CITY planners were branded a "disgrace" after they approved the demolition of a much loved 19th century house. Read

Councillor John Lines

Anger over Kings Norton estate cash

THE £15 million transformation of a Birmingham estate is being held up due to Government cash shortages, it was claimed today. Read

The strike rally in Victoria Square

Council workers to vote on new pay deal

THOUSANDS of city council staff were today due to begin voting on a new pay deal drawn up to end the threat of strike action. Read

The Red Route on Stratford Road.

Tough Red Route call

CITY transport chiefs have a tough decision to make over the future of the controversial Stratford Road red route, a councillor said. Also see our picture gallery on the controversial scheme. Read

Families demand crossing upgrade on road where child was hurt

A DANGEROUS road crossing where a 14-year-old boy suffered a fractured skull should be upgraded immediately, safety campaigners insisted today. Read

Strike outside Perry Barr council depot

New deadline on council strike talks

TALKS aimed at averting a strike by Birmingham City Council workers could be extended for another day in a bid to reach a settlement. Read

The Red Route on Stratford Road.

Last-ditch bid to scrap Birmingham red route

ANGRY shopkeepers admitted their battle to stop a controversial red route scheme could already be lost as they made a last-ditch attempt to force a council rethink. Read

Birmingham Council House

Payout win over botched work at Birmingham council house

A BIRMINGHAM council house tenant has won compensation over botched repairs after a successful complaint to a Government watchdog. Read

Birmingham traffic wardens in the firing line

TRAFFIC wardens patrolling Birmingham's A34 red route have been the victims of a series of violent and unprovoked attacks. Read

Go-ahead for £15m station

THE final go-ahead has been given for Birmingham's £15m coach station. Read

Architects told to re-think Birmingham city centre hotel plan

ARCHITECTS behind a "monstrous" 29-storey tower planned for central Birmingham have been told to make it less severe. Read

An artists impression of Digbeth coach station after a £15m refit.

Birmingham planners give green light to Digbeth Coach Station plans

THE final nail has been hammered into the coffin of Birmingham's 'embarrassing' Digbeth Coach Station. Read

Bus

New plan unveiled to ban buses from Birmingham city centre

BUSES could be banned from Corporation Street and city centre roads under a radical new plan for the next 20 years. Read

Buses facing a city centre ban

BUSES could be banned from Corporation Street and city centre roads under a radical new plan for the next 20 years. Read

Planning guidelines over garden developments

GREEDY developers are to be halted in their snapping up of gardens and green spaces in Birmingham's leafy suburbs under new city planning guidelines. Read

Clive Dutton

20 year plan for Birmingham

FAMILIES could be attracted back into Birmingham city centre under a radical transformation plan. Read

The comic

Comic book for Shakespeare

FANTASTIC adventures and daring exploits have long been a staple feast for comic fans. Read

Checks call on abuse cases

THE city's vulnerable elderly, disabled and adult victims of abuse need better protection according to a Government watchdog. Read

Author Profile

A local news reporter in the Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and south Staffordshire area since 1995, Neil Elkes is the local government correspondent covering the activities of Birmingham CIty Council - Europe's largest local authority. An avid reader and collector of comics Neil is writing a column on this for the Birmingham Mail website.

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