Updated 7:22pm 21 November 2009:

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Neil Elkes

Neil Elkes

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt and Jamaica to use Birmingham as pre-2012 Olympics base

THE family of the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt have been promised the red carpet treatment when they visit Birmingham.Read

Broad Street

Police bid to halt two more applications for drinks licences on Broad Street

WEST Midlands Police say Broad Street and Brindleyplace have reached alcohol saturation point as they battle applications for two fresh drinks licences.Read

Comic artist at screening

THE co-creator of Watchmen, the most critically acclaimed comic of all time, will be introducing the big screen adaptation at Birmingham’s IMAX Cinema next month.Read

BIRMINGHAM planning bosses have agreed to extend public consultation periods on controversial developments following complaints that their phone lines are out of order.

The planning department telephone and computer system is undergoing a major overhaul and will be out of order until Monday.Read

Taxi drivers call for security measures after murder

SECURITY cameras, safety screens, a police hotline and a citywide black list of violent customers were among measures called for to protect cab drivers.Read

Eco drivers wanted for green car tests

By Neil ElkesRead

Kids get into the swing of things at new £175,000 Highgate play area

INNER city youngsters were climbing, swinging and jumping for joy as their new £175,000 playground was opened.Read

New Street revamp work close to starting

THE £600 million transformation of Birmingham’s notorious New Street Station begins next month when workmen arrive on site.Read

Aston Villa's loss could be Birmingham City's gain

BIRMINGHAM City FC should step in to host Olympic football following the withdrawal of Aston Villa, it was today claimed.Read

New Street revamp work close to starting

THE £600 million transformation of Birmingham’s notorious New Street Station begins next month when workmen arrive on site.Read

Planners refuse Birmingham crash victim’s plea

A BIRMINGHAM father stuck in a hospital bed since being paralysed in a car accident 18 months has been refused an extension which would allow him to return home.Read

Firm's collapse paves way for council to take over 'Brum's worst road'

A ROAD dubbed ‘the worst in Brum’ could be taken under council control and repaired after its private owner went bust.Read

New logo for Birmingham council houses

CITY housing bosses have given the thumbs up to a new logo to help kick-start the mass building of new council houses in the city. The Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust was launched in May to bring back council house construction to the city for the first time in more than a generation.Read

Birmingham City Council turns spotlight on rogue traders

COWBOY builders and dodgy repair companies, who are responsible for generating thousands of consumer complaints each year, will be targeted in a new ‘Nail the Rogues’ campaign.Read

Birmingham council is slammed by Unison for backing out of an agreed pay deal

BIRMINGHAM City Council bosses are being accused of ‘cynically’ turning their backs on an agreed pay deal to impose a freeze on all staff salaries this year.Read

Comic strip Carter's Column ready for web debut

A CLASSIC British sci-fi comic strip which follows the action-packed adventures of a roving reporter of the future is set to make its internet debut on the Birmingham Mail website.Read

Parking restriction scares off shoppers at the parade on Queslett Road/Beacon Road

ANGRY small shopkeepers say that new double yellow lines and parking restrictions outside their parade has scared off customers.Read

Compulsory purchase approval over New Street Station revamp plans

GOVERNMENT ministers have backed the compulsory purchase of a few remaining flats and shops standing in the way of the £600 million redevelopment of New Street Station.Read

Erdington in hunt for the best street

A CITY suburb has launched a competition to find the neighbours who take pride in their homes, gardens and roads.Read

SCENES of panic-stricken Birmingham residents being evacuated from their homes following a major catastrophe feature in a new public information film being released today.

Birmingham’s emergency services teamed up for the film, which tells citizens how to prepare for disasters from fire and floods to terror attacks and tornadoes.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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