Media Watch - March 20
Top Birmingham City Council stories
‘Angry’ Cameron blames Labour council for cuts at new library (Birmingham Mail): Interview with David Cameron, in which he criticises the council’s decision to cut the Library of Birmingham’s opening hours from 73 to 40 hours.
Gridlock fears over £60m city cycle lanes revolution (Birmingham Mail): Conservative opposition leader Cllr Robert Alden states motorists should be consulted over plans to implement cycle lanes on major commuter routes, amid warnings it could lead to gridlock. Cllrs James McKay and Tahir Ali also quoted.
Don’t bank on tower yet (Birmingham Mail): Report on city planners’ decision not to approve proposals to demolish the NatWest Tower in Colmore Row.
Pay up for agency social workers (Birmingham Mail): Agency social workers hourly rate to be increased by nearly £9 from £24.54 to £33.41 to help fill 161 child protection service vacancies. The Cabinet report, where this story has come from, makes it clear the figures relate to the rate paid to the agency.
‘No parking’ signs OAP to be billed for their removal (Birmingham Mail): A Longbridge pensioner who paid for white lines and wording to be painted over her driveway is to be billed for the markings to be removed. Council spokesperson quoted.
Route chosen for city tram extension (BBC News Online): New route for the £127m Midland Metro extension will go along High Street Deritend, and also include the HS2 station, New Canal Street, Meriden Street with a proposed terminus at Adderley Street. Decision made by Centro and Birmingham City Council following public consultation.
People – senior management (The MJ): Sally Taylor, the city council’s director for education and commissioning is to leave her post on 31 July 2015. Sally Taylor quoted.
‘Blasé government’ exposes children and the elderly to toxic smog (The Times): Claims the Government failed to give sufficient warning of a cloud of smog blown over Britain from Europe. Quotes advice given by John Denley, public health consultant for Birmingham City Council.
Analysis: Budget 2015: Public sector roundup (The Guardian): References cuts to Library of Birmingham budget, reducing its opening hours from 73 to 40 hours.
Regional Headlines
Birmingham solicitor Sally Adey, 57, named as one of people killed in the terror attack on a museum in Tunis.
A 16 year old boy, hit by a police car in Sutton New Road, Erdington on Wednesday night, has died in hospital.
National Headlines
Skywatchers enjoy spectacular views of the Moon blocking out the Sun, as the solar eclipse occurs across Britain.
UKIP MEP and General Election candidate Janice Atkinson, due to stand in Folkestone and Hythe, in Kent, has been suspended “following allegations of a serious financial nature”.
