Media Watch - July 18
Top Birmingham City Council Stories
Trojan Horse: Exclusive 'Trojan Horse' schools condemned (The Guardian has a major feature, shorter articles also appear in The Independent, The Times and Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph online, BBCWM) Leaked draft of report commissioned by Michael Gove and written by Peter Clarke.
Trojan Horse: 'Trojan Horse' report to be released (BBC online, BBCWM) Ian Kershaw inquiry into 25 schools in Birmingham investigated over the alleged 'Trojan Horse' plot is due to publish its findings later.
Ex-head altered pupils' test papers (BBC online, Birmingham Mail) The former head teacher of a Birmingham school has admitted doctoring Year 6 Sats exam papers - Tina Ireland at Regents Park Community Primary School.
Welcome to Burning-ham! (Birmingham Mail) Piece on yesterday's weather, quotes Cllr John Cotton warning people to stay out of ponds, lakes and canals.
City's binmen on strike in row about overtime (Birmingham Mail) Birmingham binmen were due to stage a two-hour walkout in a pay dispute today. Quotes council spokesperson saying the industrial action is regrettable and warning people that there will be some disruption to services.
City tunnels close again for major works (Birmingham Mail) Further coverage of the tunnels closure which starts tonight.
'Farce' of £3.7m police election (Birmingham Mail) The taxpayer will have to shell out at least £3.7 million for the by-election of a police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands. Quotes Robert Connelly, head of electoral services, warning that 136 polling stations will be unavailable due to the timing of the elections.
New licenses for scrap dealers in bid to stop metal thefts (Birmingham Mail) More than 300 scrap metal collectors and dealers in Birmingham have applied for new licenses designed to put a halt to thefts of cables and lead roofing. Quotes Cllr Tony Kennedy saying that too many collectors will remain unregulated and a council spokesperson saying that by licensing the industry we hope to see a reduction in the trade of stolen materials.
School meals revolution will give pupils food for thought (Birmingham Mail) The average family spends more than £400 per child on lunches every year - but from September all children in the first three years of school will get free meals. Report includes interview with Chad Vale head teacher Robin Haselgrove and quotes council spokesperson.
More council tax owed in Brum than whole of Wales (Birmingham Mail) Continued coverage of uncollected council tax. Quotes council spokesman saying that Birmingham is in line with many other local authorities.
Harry Potter twins set for food fight at festival (Birmingham Mail) Harry Potter twins James and Oliver Phelps are set to add a touch of magic to the Colmore Business District Food Festival.
Regional Headlines
‘Trojan Horse’ report to be released - An inquiry into the alleged “Trojan Horse” schools plot in Birmingham is to publish its findings, amid claims another report has found “damning” evidence.
Road tunnels closed for second year - Road tunnels through Birmingham City Centre close later for six weeks for the second summer in a row.
Police force to stage gun amnesty - A gun amnesty is to be launched by West Midlands Police in a bid to cut the number of firearms on the street.
National Headlines
Ukraine rebels ‘allow crash access’ - Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine will allow investigators access to the crash site of a Malaysia Airlines jet, international mediators say.
Israel starts Gaza ground offensive - The Israeli military begins a ground offensive against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, extending its Operation Protective Edge.
Bolivia lowers working age to 10 - Bolivia approves legislation to allow ‘self-employed children’ to work from the age of 10 provided they go to school and get parental supervision.
