Updated 8:25pm 11 February 2012:

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Neil Elkes

Neil Elkes

Historic Erdington and Aston buildings go under the hammer

TWO fine historic landmark buildings are going under the hammer next month in the latest stage of Birmingham City Council’s big property sell-off.Read

Edgbaston dental hospital given the green light by city planners

AN application to build Birmingham’s new £31 million state-of-the-art dental hospital has been given a warm welcome by city planners.Read

Police and city centre developer urged to reach deal over city centre tower block

A PROPOSED 15-storey tower block earmarked for Birmingham city centre could pose a threat to national security, councillors heard.Read

Birmingham binmen call off strike in 11th hour deal

A PLANNED two day strike by council binmen due to begin tomorrow has been suspended following an 11th hour deal.Read

Cuts to Birmingham libraries - but none willl close

BIRMINGHAM’S community libraries could soon be open for just two days a week as the council aims to meet its £2.3 million budget cut.Read

Metal thieves target Perry Common Library roof for second time

METAL thieves have targeted a historic city library for a second time leaving it with a leaky roof and at risk of damage.Read

Broad Street manager bids to become West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

A HIGH-profile city politician has launched his bid to become the first ever elected West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner with a campaign against scrap metal thieves.Read

Black bags left in street of Tory councillor who described binmen as lazy

A COUNCILLOR who hit out at binmen after they announced a five-day strike, claiming they were lazy, says his rubbish has not been collected.Read

Sutton Coldfield allotments get new bee colony

A SUTTON Coldfield allotment site is buzzing after scooping a £3,500 donation to create a colony of bees.Read

Birmingham transport changes on target say city bosses

BUS, train and air passengers have been promised vastly improved journeys within four years as an £800 million transformation of Birmingham’s public transport network gathers pace.Read

Readers memories of Birmingham sought for new museum gallery

YOUR memories of the key events in Birmingham are being sought for a major exhibition in the city.Read

Birmingham City Centre buses to re-routed for Metro tram extension works

UP TO 30,000 Birmingham city centre commuters will find their route home has altered next year as bus stops are moved for work to begin on the new Metro extension.Read

Sparkbrook by-election turns dirty

A COUNCIL by-election has sprung into life with allegations of dirty tricks.Read

All-clear for polluted Sutton Park pools

TWO previously polluted pools in Sutton Park have been given the all-clear by experts.Read

Dancing on Ice stars give lessons at Birmingham City Centre ice rink

DANCING on Ice Stars took youngsters at Birmingham’s ice rink for a special training session.Read

Inspector to decide Walmley village green bid

CITY licensing chiefs are to appoint an independent inspector to decide whether a controversial village green bid should be approved.Read

West Midlands Police chief grilled by councillors over cuts

WEST Midlands Police chief constable Chris Sims gave a robust defence of cuts in staff and police station front desks under a grilling from Birmingham City councillors.Read

Americans flock to see Staffordshire Hoard

THE Staffordshire Hoard is proving a major hit with American audiences after becoming the second most popular touring exhibition at the National Geographic Museum in Washington DC.Read

Is cat found in Sparkhill really John Hemming's missing moggy Beauty?

BIRMINGHAM MP John Hemming is facing a new moggy mystery – over whether the right cat has been returned to his mistress.Read

Pictures: Cat stolen by Christine Hemming found alive in Sparkhill

Birmingham MP John Hemming and his girlfriend Emily Cox have been reunited with their long lost cat - and are planning to fit her with a radio tracking device.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.