19/03/2012 Midlands Today

Hello, welcome to Midlands Today with Suzanne Virdee and Nick Owen.

The headlines tonight: Are these the green shoots? Around

this area, people still want to get up early in the morning and come to

work. Faces lit up around the region as

the Olympic torch bearers are announced. I'm hoping I don't fall

over and do anything silly. A hero for his fundraising.

Birmingham's Congolese community pray for footballer Fabrice Muamba.

And after 70 accidents last year involving horses on the road, a

petition to Parliament calling for more bridleways.

I try to stay off the main roads because it it it it is too busy.

Good evening, welcome to the start of the week with Midlands Today

from the BBC. Tonight, a big increase in the number of new

businesses starting up in the region, according to new research

commissioned by the BBC. The survey, from Experian, says more than

62,000 new businesses have been set up in this region since 2010.

That's an increase of just over 19%. Sandwell is one of the region's

growth hot-spots, but it's also one of the worst areas in the country

for business insolvency. Our business correspondent Peter

Plisner reports. A Sandwell based metal fabrication

firm. It's one of the companies that became insolvent last year.

Thankfully it's now trading again, although with a trimmed down

workforce. Quality Manager Simon Casey was one of the lucky ones.

I have worked here for 23 years. Ever already has bills to pay so it

was a difficult time. Hopefully we are looking to the future now.

And this man helped save the firm. Mike Dell is also president of the

Black Country Chamber of Commerce. He's not surprised that some firms

are still going bust. It is still very tight, so whether

trying to bar her from a bank or suppliers, it is very difficult to

get enough credit so sometimes you get squeezed. You might want to buy

materials but can't get credit from suppliers.

It is not all doom and Liam. The same research also at tells of new

businesses. In the last two years the number of

business in Sandwell has risen almost 23%, amongst the highest in

the region. According to the boss of this firm, Sandwell provides an

ideal location. We decided to set up here because of the scale of the

people within the Black Country. Metal has been such a recent

industry, there are not many people in the country that can do it. The

Black Country has always had a metal Spedding people there.

And according to operator Steve Walters, there's another reason.

They will do a job that other people were

Sandwell also has it's fair share of firms that send their projects

abroad, but the number of company's exporting appears to have fallen

and, again, Sandwell is one of the worst affected, down 0.6%. But here

there's also some good news. Part of the reason is that some work

previously done in places like China is now coming back to the UK.

All. So a mixed picture overall for

Sandwell, but the good news is all three companies we visited said

they were expected to be recruiting more staff within the next few

weeks. Peter Plisner BBC Midlands in Sandwell.

Later tonight there's a Midlands Today special on the economy on

BBC1. Presenter Mary Rhodes joins us now. Mary, what are the big

themes of the debate? It promises to be a lively debate

between decision-makers and those most affected by decisions. Firstly

unemployment continues to be a big problem here. Close to one in 10

looking for a job. Debt, personal debt and the cost of living

continuing to rise. Many people are struggling to match those bills. We

also try to be optimistic about growth. There are some reasons to

be cheerful. People looking for jobs here, what

are their prospects of the three gamble is that Peter visited a or

emigrate in the next three weeks. Particularly among young people.

One in five in the West Midlands without a job. One of the panel

members from the stone house gang try to help young people into work.

We asked him if the main problem was a lack of skills. I think it is

opposite. Our young people are keen to get jobs and they are all

completely are employable. They have the social and -- social

skills and qualifications. It is just the experience that they

sometimes lacked. What is your overriding feeling

about the economy? Cupboard is are struggling to get

credit, that is an issue. 62,000 new company is in the West Midlands

has to be good news, however we are started that a low base. Professor

David Bey in the keen to put things into context or as.

It even if we avoid double dip, at the prospects of growth are pretty

grim. We will not get back to pre- recession levels of output.

The Independent egg etc. In the West Midlands than anywhere else

that the country so we can end are an optimistic note.

And you can see tonight's programme, Our Economy: The Midlands Today

Debate here on BBC One at 11:05pm. Still to come tonight: After metal

thefts from hospitals, railways and churches, now car exhausts are

Hundreds of people are celebrating after being confirmed as London

2012 Olympic torch bearers when the flame visits the region. The torch,

which is being made in Coventry, will be carried by around 800

people as it passes through our region. It'll include the youngest

torch bearer anywhere in the UK. Dan Pallett reports.

He's the schoolboy with the eyes of the world on him. Dominic MacGowan

took centre stage at the Olympic torch route launch today. Rubbing

shoulders with Boris Johnson and Jonathon Edwards. This summer

around 8,000 people will carry the Olympic flame. And the 12-year-old

from Halesowen will be the youngest. I am just hoping I don't fall over

or do something silly. I'm confident and I hope it goes well.

And this man's he's not just another jogger. Peter Frazier is a

ground breaker. The 61-year-old from Leamington Spa

created history in 1981 when he became the first transplant patient

to run a marathon. He'd had a kidney replacement three years

earlier. Now he's to become an Olympic torch bearer.

The Olympics are such a big event a world come a run together in my

lifetime. I am at 61 now, but I did not even see the previous Olympics.

21-year-old Zakia Begum from Walsall cried when she learnt that

she will be a torch bearer. She has congenital muscular dystrophy.

Having a disability is not a bad thing and I don't want anyone to

think that it is. You can do anything.

Today we fouled out exactly where the torch will be going and that

included unusual places. The Erlstoke Manor will take the

torch and hundreds of school children along the Severn Valley

Railway from Bewdley to Kidderminster.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only for the

country, but for the Severn Valley Railway. We are looking forward to

the opportunity. Jack Picken will have to do the

leg-work himself. But that's no problem for him. The 12-year-old

from Sneyd Green on Stoke-on-Trent was chosen for his commitment to

physical education. Are really are good because only a

few people in the country have been chosen. I'm really excited, but I

am nervous at the same time. And while doctors thought 14-year-

old Matthew Clarke from Bishop's castle, in Shropshire, may never

learn to walk, he's overcome a number of health problems to earn

his place as a bearer. The teacher came into my lesson and

said, can I borrow Matthew, please. I was thinking I had done something

that didn't know whether it was good or bad. I saw my sister and my

mum there and I thought, what have I done. They said and had been

picked to run with the Olympic flame.

This year's annual dash around Lichfield Cathedral will also be

combined with the torch route. 2012 will see remarkable Midlanders

doing remarkable things. One of the major Olympic torch

events in our region will be in Worcester on Thursday May 24th.

Thousands of people are expected at the home of Worcestershire County

Cricket Club - and that's where we find Sarah Falkland this evening.

Sarah, how is planning going? It is very tranquil and so read

here tonight. The Cathedral lit up behind me. Come May 24th, this will

be an Olympic Party Central. There will be a massive stage at the back

with a cauldron that will be lit by the torch. A Georgia, tell us about

the party night. There will be a couple of hours of

celebration including our community choir at they will be singing in

unique vision is a bore it. It is free? It certainly is. Head of will

have to apply for tickets in the next couple of weeks.

Caroline, you have been aroused as a torch-bearer, how happy I you?

Really excited, it is a real honour. You are up he teacher and former PE

teacher for the Sunday Times? I was nominated by a past students

he was a Premiership football player. Do you know which bits you

will be doing? I don't know yet. I know it is about 300 metres.

might get the leg that brings you here into the cricket ground.

would be amazing. You could be lighting the cauldron. That would

be a dream come true. Thank you very much from both of you. There

are other parties across the Midlands at that time in Cheltenham,

Birmingham, Stoke and Coventry. We will be doing a special broadcast

here for the Worcester party. A huge amount of excitement, isn't

there? And all the information about where

you can see the torch in your part of the region is on our Facebook

page. The Congolese community in

Birmingham today joined well wishers from around the world in

praying for former Blues footballer Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a

cardiac arrest at the weekend. Muamba was a popular figure among

Congolese ex-pats during his two years at St Andrew's, helping local

charities and churches. Giles Latcham reports

In Lozells in Birmingham a salute for a hero. It's nearly four years

since he left Blues for Bolton, but when Fabrice Muamba needs a haircut

this is where he comes. He is a very, very good guy. A good guy for

everyone. Fabrice Muamba was at his wedding

to her regularly hands out tickets. I pray that everything will be

alright. Fabrice Muamba played 17 times. He

forged links in this city that have endured despite his transfer.

When he arrived in Birmingham he became part of the congregation

here in a stunt. He still worships here.

A boyhood friend travels to all of his games. He says his collapses

shocking because in the Congolese community he is the biggest name.

For the English, David Beckham is the biggest off. For me and our

whole community, we love Fabrice Muamba. Everyone. He is always

smiling, always happy, always speaking everyone. We recognise

that and that is why we support him. We wish him the best.

At Molineux yesterday, players and supporters joined in applause. A

lot of man -- a lot of praise for Aric man.

A man has been injured after an accident on the red before 2pm this

afternoon. The van collided with a lorry and a car, the driver was

taken to hospital in Coventry. We've heard lots about metal thefts

from hospitals, war memorials, railways and even church roofs, but

the latest targets are our cars. Thieves are cutting out catalytic

converters, which are part of the exhaust system to get the rare

metals they contain. And it's drivers who are left counting the

cost. Cath Mackie reports. Cathy Chesworth got in her car the

other morning, switched on the engine and was horrified. There was

a big cloud of white smoke pass the passenger door which did not seem

right. I tried again and it did start.

Overnight, thieves had stolen the catalytic converter from the car

parked outside her house in Ewyas Harold in Herefordshire. Absolutely

gobsmacked to the village like this. This is what the thieves are after.

The cat, as it's sometimes known, which filters the emissions, is

lined with precious metals such as platinum. In all, five cars were

attacked here last week, and in another village, six cars had their

catalytic converters stolen. Car mechanic Paul Oliver has seen

the damage first hand caused by catalytic converter thefts. They

are cutting run out at the front and back ends. By I have seemed

generally fall by four cars and minibuses and vans. Easy access.

Inspector Paul Gebbie is another victim. Thieves stole his catalytic

converter 18 months ago, leaving him with a �500 bill. It is a are

rebelling problem. It fits in with a larger picture of metal theft

that a whole country is experiencing. When you commit these

crimes, you will make a noise so if you ever hear anything please call

immediately. As for Cathy Chesworth, she now has

a repair bill of over �300. Still to come tonight: Can you help

unravel the mystery of up to 45,000 photographs gathering dust in

Shropshire? And with Spring on the way and

longer days ahead, do we have the weather to match? I'll be telling

you later. It's estimated that four million

people enjoy horse riding in the UK, but there are increasing fears

about the safety of horses on busy roads. Many riders now feel that

drivers no longer understand about horses and may not give them a wide

enough berth. Now a petition is underway calling for more

bridleways where horses can be ridden in safety. Kevin Reide's

report contains images which some people may find upsetting.

Over the last year there have been around 70 accidents involving

vehicles and horses on roads in the Midlands, a fact many riders, like

Kayleigh Strangewood from Shropshire, are becoming

increasingly concerned about. friends horse has had a card drive

so close that it chipped up pebbles at it and it then fell over and

fell underneath the car and caused severe injury.

A long running poster campaign has been highlighting the dangers, but

now an online petition has been set up to lobby parliament. It calls

for the number of bridleways to be increased from 20,000 miles to

91,000, in line with the number of public footpaths.

The British Horse Society now records all road accidents

involving horses on their website and this map shows some of the

hotspots - for example in this area near Sutton Coldfield there were

four accidents in the last year. Accidents are only recorded by

police if the person involved gets taken to a hospital. There are

numerous accidents where people and horses are injury at -- injured,

but they do not want to leave Ed Balls alone. A lot of accidents do

not get it all did. More than 12,000 have signed the

petition and hope a leisurely ride in the future can be just that.

Sport now, Dan's back and after the excitement of the Olympic torch

bearer announcements, it's football that dominates tonight.

Stoke City's Premier League game at Tottenham on Wednesday will go

ahead as planned. Postponement had been a possibility following

Fabrice Muamba's collapse during Saturday's game at White Hart Lane.

Yesterday, 6,000 Stoke fans travelled to Anfield, but tasted

defeat in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Luis Suarez scored first for

Liverpool. Peter Crouch made it 1-1 before half-time but there was to

be no repeat of last season's trip to Wembley. Stewart Downing

clinched Liverpool's place in the semi-finals, mid-way through the

second half. The Wolves chief executive, Jez

Moxey, has called for a sense of perspective after yesterday's five-

goal mauling by Manchester United saw the Molineux side drop to the

bottom of the Barclays Premier League. Moxey said the long term

goals for the club would not be "damaged" by a turbulent few weeks.

Nick Clitheroe reports. When West Bromwich Albion were held

to a draw at Wigan on Saturday afternoon it dropped Black Country

rivals Wolves to the foot of the Premier League. Only the most

optimistic fan would have turned up at Molineux expecting their team to

beat Manchester United and climb away from the bottom, but only the

most pessimistic was expecting another five goal mauling. After

all, United may be top, but they went out of Europe midweek. For 20

minutes the game was fairly even until Jonny Evans put the leaders

in front. But it was the rush of blood which saw Ronald Zubar sent

off for two yellow card challenges which really started the rot. By

half-time it was three as confidence visibly drained from the

Wolves players. Even the simplest principles of marking went out the

window as Javier Hernandez was gifted two further goals at the

start of the second half. But with the vocal backing of fans, who were

determined to try and lift their team, Wolves at least made it

through to full-time without any further punishment.

They had a awful lot to swallow this season and took out their

frustrations on management rather than players which shows an

admirable level of support to the squad. Those fans appreciate it is

not their fault. The pundits on Match of the Day 2

were in no mood to offer false hope. It is concentration and wanting to

do your job. The prospects look very bleak.

Wolves have taken just 15 points from the last 78, they've lost six

in a row at Molineux for the first time since 1951 and conceded 19

goals in five games. But there is hope. They're still just one point

adrift of safety and with games to come against Norwich and Bolton.

Nick Clitheroe BBC Midlands Today. If Wolves do go down, then

Birmingham City could take their place in the Premier league.

They're up to fourth in the Championship. One of five teams

separated by just a point in the race to make the play-offs with

only ten games left. Blues climbed back into those

playoff places with Saturday's 3- nil home victory against promotion

rivals Middlesbrough. This was Birmingham's 50th game of the

season already and they were rarely threatened after Nikola Zigic put

them in front at St Andrews. Marlon King ensured the victory with a

second just before the hour. But the pick of the goals was scored by

Irishman Keith Fahey who celebrated St Patrick's Day with a fine solo

third for the Blues. Anybody that puts it a good run is

capable of getting in the play-offs. There are -- they are 10 a very big

games and we are always looking at other results, but the more

important are our own. If we can perform like today a on Tuesday, we

will give ourselves a chance. Burton Albion's search for a new

manager is well underway after the club sacked Paul Peschisolido on

Saturday. Their 4-1 home defeat by Torquay was their sixth straight

defeat. And their 14th game in a row without a win. Gary Rowett and

Kevin Poole will take charge for tomorrow's home game against

Northampton. You can see all the Football League

goals on the BBC sport website. And tomorrow, we'll have a special

feature on the Shrewsbury Town Graham Turner, before their home

match against Cheltenham. That is an important game, isn't

Shropshire's Archive Service has a problem. Their collection of 45,000

photographs charts the history of the county from Victorian times

until the present day. But nobody's sure exactly what pictures the

collection holds, because it's never been fully catalogued. Now

they're hoping the public will step in and help them uncover some

hidden gems. Here's James McDonald. More than a century of Shropshire's

photographic history is contained in these boxes. And this archive

needs help. They want volunteer members of the public to sort

through the entire collection. we are offering essentially is to

go on a journey of discovery and take a lead of a box and see what

they find. A flick through a random folder

reveals snapshots of daily life long since forgotten. Who were

these women, dancing in the grounds of Shrewsbury Castle? Lord & Lady

Barnard, but does anybody know more about them? An Edwardian crowd

looks on as two gas balloons take off, but where was this event?

a photographic collection particularly, people have looked at

them but never had the time to study them. Who knows what might be

in there. Volunteers can choose their own

village or area to investigate, their local knowledge helping to

bring the old photographs to life. You get the feeling that people

living in a market out in the centre of the county are still

doing the same sort of things and have the same problems that we used

Today Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury is a busy street - in that sense not so

different to the scene 80 or 90 years ago. This Ironmongers used to

stand at number two, today it's an opticians.

We have never seen a photo of the shop, we have seen the street, but

lot of photo of our premises. There's at least three years of

work for the volunteers, perhaps longer. The end result should give

us a new view of the county's past. James McDonald BBC Midlands Today

in Shrewsbury There'll be a special event at

Shrewsbury Library on March the 27th - and there's further

information on the Midlands Today We were there for the royal wedding

last year. There will be a special event at

Shrewsbury library on 27th March. There is further information on the

Midlands Today Facebook page. And Midlands Today Facebook page. And

now the weather.. I sensed things are picking up and

the week has barely begun. Tomorrow is the official start of spring and

we will be in the British summertime by the end of the week.

I can hear some of these saying already, forget about that, where

is the rain? I am afraid that is still elusive. We have this high-

pressure taking place looming and dominating this week. It will fend

off anything remotely wet. So tonight is looking dry with clear

spells to begin with. The wind will pick up from the West and introduce

cloud across the region. Before that arrives we will see pockets of

mist. We then have the odd spot of drizzle out of their care cloud,

but mild tonight a run five to six Celsius. Moving on to tomorrow, a

great start. Overall at cloudier day for the first day of spring,

but we will see it breaks in the cloud through the afternoon. Not as

much as today. Temperatures are a well on their own, up to 13 or 14

Celsius. It goes through the week and depends on the wind direction

and as to what the temperatures will be. We have a cool breeze

coming in through the English Channel Wednesday, but in the

sunshine temperatures shoot up to sunshine temperatures shoot up to

Very nice. A look at tonight's main headlines:

A hit and run gunman leaves four dead at a Jewish school in southern

France. Three of the victims were children.

And are these the green shoots? 62,000 new businesses have started

up in the region in the past year. That's all from us this evening,