24/01/2014 Midlands Today

Hello and welcome to the programme. The headlines: The first free school

in country with space for 400 children, but just 20 have enrolled.

At full capacity, it will be 420, and I feel confident we will reach

that. We'll ask the local MP if free schools really work. Also:

Kidderminster Harriers reach out for glory in the FA Cup.

It's an area that has suffered greatly over the last few years and

if we can help those people, that makes me feel very proud.

The secret tunnel that helped burglars get away with a series of

raids on a charity shop. Bull's`eye for Telford as it lands

firmly on the international sporting map.

And all signs point to something a little colder and more wintry next

week but first, brollies at the ready for a soggy weekend. The full

forecast coming up later. Good evening. The first free school

in the Black Country officially opened today but the school, which

can teach more than 400 pupils, has only 20 children registered so far.

Free schools are state funded but they're independent of local

authority control. In the West Midlands, there are now 14 free

schools ` nine for secondary`age pupils and five primaries. But as

the number increases, are they going to come out top of the class? Bob

Hockenhull has been investigating. Welcome to Anand Primary. It's

Wolverhampton's first free school and, with just 20 pupils, almost

certainly the city's smallest. You concerned that there are only 20

pupils? No, I'm happy because they get individual attention, which

makes it a bit better. It's a sentiment echoed outside on this

poster. This school is brilliant is the quote from one parent but with

so much being spent on so few pupils, is it really value for

money? Wolverhampton's mayor officially opened the school today

and admitted that if it was under local authority control, it would

have to close with such a small intake. There's no doubt ` in the

current climate, you couldn't survive with 20 children. But we

have to work under the government's policies and guidance. Free schools

are funded by taxpayers. The government says they create more

competition and drive up standards. Here at Anand Primary, workers about

to start on a ?1.6 million extension in anticipation of the day when the

school, which promotes seek values, which is its capacity of 420 values

`` pupils. `` Sikh pupils. This icky yellow it is the capacity of 420 and

when you put it in that light, it is value for money. But some say this

is preferential funding and local authority schools are losing out.

You've got schools that are badly funded which cost broadly the same

but you can't find places for pupils unless you want to send them to a

free school. That said, there is no doubting the enthusiasm and

commitment around free schools. At this Birmingham school, parents have

helped to convert this warehouse into what will soon become the

children's sports hall. With us now is the Conservative MP

for Wolverhampton South West, Paul apple. Free schools are very much a

fried crisp `` Paul Uppal. This is a first step and there will be

capacity for 420 pupils. We have had issues around education in

Wolverhampton and I hope this can be a beacon for educational excellence.

I think it will make up the numbers eventually. People are bit reticent.

Most of the children who go to that school are not actually tempt two.

It's open to everybody and will stretch the kids in all sorts of

ways. The parents love it there. Are free schools as a concept working?

It's going to take a bit of time. We've had real issues around

educational underachievement in Wolverhampton. If our children are

going to make their way in the 21st century, we've got given the best

opportunity. There will always be those who are sceptical but I

wouldn't be an MP if I wasn't inspired by a teacher. I'm a local

lad and went to local schools and colleges. That changed my life

completely. I enjoy going into schools, saying, "if I can be an MP

there is no limit to what you can do" . They do say that free schools

train from other state schools. I think they add to the pool of

education. They will challenge assumptions that other teachers may

have but overall, I think it will be better for the city and the country

as a whole. Coming up: Living with multiple

sclerosis ` his family accused the council of turning its back on him.

Three years ago, Kidderminster Harriers were just hours away from

administration ` but tomorrow they face Premier League Sunderland in

one of the glamour ties of the FA Cup fourth Round. It's a game which

will leave lasting memories for the fans and give the football club a

massive financial boost. Nick Clitheroe reports.

Press conferences aren't normally this crowded at Kidderminster

Harriers. But as the only non`league club left in the FA Cup, they've

suddenly found themselves at the centre of national attention. For

players who've spent years at this level it's a moment to treasure.

It's going to be a great occasion for everyone involved ` families,

friends, the town. It's massive. Everyone wants to talk to you. It's

good. It's given the town a lift. It's not just about the mass of

media interest. There was also a massive financial windfall. If there

is a gate of around 30,000 out of `` at Sunderland on Saturday, that will

be a massive windfall. In February 2011 the club was on the brink of

administration and the fans rallied round to save them. Chairman Mark

Serrell says tomorrow's game is a reward for everyone who fought so

hard for the Harriers. It's giving something back to the people of

Kidderminster. It's an area that's suffered greatly over the last few

years and if we can give those people something to be proud, makes

me very proud. Around 4,000 fans will follow the team to the North

East but exactly how strong is cup fever in Kidderminster? It may have

been market day but the signs were still there that this match has

gripped the town. Come on, Kidderminster Harriers! I think

they'll win 2 `1. No`one will give Kidderminster much chance on the

pitch but if the players want inspiration they just have to look

at the manager. 26 years ago, Andy Thorn was part of the Wimbledon team

who pulled off one of the biggest Cup final shocks of all. He'll hope

to be the giant`killer again tomorrow.

Ian Winter's here to look ahead to our fourth round ties. What are the

chances of Kidderminster toppling another giant? Sunderland are the

odds`on favourites tomorrow. But they're sure to make changes after

that gruelling midweek win over Manchester United. So Harriers are

12`1 to win. Last night, we featured Coventry City. If you fancy them to

pull off a shock away win to Arsenal this evening, the Sky Blues are a

whopping 28`1. As difficult as it's going to be, we know it's going to

be difficult. We've got to believe we can go down there and get

something out of the game. What about Birmingham City and Port Vale?

Both at home, against teams from a higher division? Yes, the Blues are

bidding to repeat their League Cup win over Swansea back in September.

Lee Clarke says his players are excited by the FA Cup. And

Birmingham will have new striker Albert Rusnak available after

joining on loan from Manchester City. Port Vale, currently eighth in

League One, might fancy their chances of an upset against

Brighton, currently seventh in the Championship. And Stoke City face a

tough trip to Chelsea. Yes, striker Kenwyn Jones and

goalkeeper Azmir Begovic could return for Stoke. Chelsea are

without the injured Fernando Torres. The fourth round kicks`off tonight.

BBC Coventry Warwickshire are live from the Emirates. Tomorrow, the

Blues are live on BBC WM. Kidderminster Harriers' game is on

BBC Hereford Worcester And BBC Radio Stoke is the place to follow

Port Vale tomorrow, and Stoke City on Sunday. What a weekend!

A charity shop says it could go out of business after being targeted in

a series of burglaries. But workers at the Re`Use Centre in Foleshill in

Coventry were left baffled ` at first ` as to how the thefts took

place Liz Copper has been finding out more.

For the charity workers at the furniture shop in Coventry, it was a

mystery how thieves were breaking in. As they replenished stock, a

series of burglaries left them puzzled. We had four or five

weekends in fairly quick succession. There was no damage to the outside

of the building, no broken windows, no forced the doors, but it was

obvious someone had been an because of ceiling damage and debris on the

floor. We had no idea how they were getting into the building. But when

police began investigations, they discovered this tunnel opening on

the piece of land opposite the charity shop. It runs all the way

underground right inside. We discovered this end of the tunnel is

inside the shop. It's sunk 12 or 15 feet down and leads directly into

the shop premises. It would give them easy access to everything we

have in the building. The shops on the site of this old factory and

it's thought the passageway was used in the manufacturing process. The

charity is now looking for new premises but, in the meantime, as

customers browse for bargains, security has been stepped up and the

secret underground tunnel into the shop has been sealed.

A round`up of other news now: 90 people have been made redundant from

a foundry in Smethwick, after it went into administration.

Incanite Foundries Limited, which was established in 1920, employed

just over 100 staff when it ceased trading last month.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of the attempted abduction

of a teenager near a school in Birmingham. Police were called after

reports of a white van acting suspiciously close to Perry Beeches

School in Great Barr. A16`year`old girl was waiting at a bus stop when

she was approached. The men, aged between 22 and 41, remain in police

custody. Police are investigating a car crash

in Coventry in which a 27`year`old man died. Two cars collided on the

Ansty Road last night. One of the drivers later died in hospital ` the

other's been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous

driving. Nearby homes were damaged by flying debris. I've just moved

and I sat down in the settee. The wife said, " Christ" ! The window

had just exploded. The cyclist bounced out and it just missed him

and hit my window. I was right behind it so I think someone was

looking out for me! Hereford United Football Club have

avoided a winding`up order after raising the money to pay their tax

arrears. The club were due to appear in the Companies Court in London on

Monday over a bill of ?35,000. The board say they've now paid that

money. However, the club are asking the fans to help raise an extra

?10,000 a month for the rest of the season.

The family of a man with advanced multiple sclerosis say his life's

being put at risk because the council's refusing to pay for

round`the`clock care. Billy Bryan is 42, but his MS means he can't feed

or wash himself. Coventry City Council sends in carers four times a

day. But his family have been keeping a record of how the care

plan is affecting him, as Sarah Falkland reports.

I've had a call`out from my brother and this is the state he is in. He

can't move his legs and he's wet through.

Mobile phone footage that Diane Bryan felt compelled to record. I

felt a bit callous videoing it, to be fair, because I felt I should be

helping him rather than doing this. But at the same time, I wanted

people to see exactly what he is going through and what we're having

to deal with. Her brother Billy is 42. He was

diagnosed with MS three years ago. Coventry City Council send round

carers to his flat in Radford four times a day. His mum and sister do

as much as they can but say he's a danger to himself when he's on his

own. He's been admitted to hospital more than half a dozen times over

the past 12 months. You to be prosecuted if you let him die but to

live like that... I worry about him at night because I know myself, if

you're lying awake and worried about something... I'm sorry. Billy says

he feels isolated and lost when's he's at home on his own. It does

make me a bit sad, because I'm a damaged person. Coventry City

Council say now Billy's case has been brought to their attention they

will take action. If we have fallen short, as a local authority, as a

city council, we apologise unreservedly. But what I'm concerned

about is not an inquest into past failings but how we can help him and

his family in the future and that means that his needs are reassessed

and a package of support is put in which makes his life a bit more

tolerable. Billy had always wanted to travel. His family realise that's

unlikely to happen now. But they're determined to make sure he's

comfortable at home for what time he has left.

The top story tonight: The first free school in the Black Country

officially opened today, with the space of 400 children ` but just 20

have enrolled so far. Rebecca is ready with your detailed

weather forecast, and also tonight: Science comes alive for youngsters

at a local school as they create a car that can go at 1000 mph.

And the screenwriter behind the spectacular London 2012 opening

ceremony ` find out why he's become patron of a Shropshire literary

festival. On this week's Sunday Politics, the

leader of Coventry City Council has said that she doesn't think there's

likely to be a solution to the ongoing stand`off between Coventry

City Football Club and the owners of the Ricoh arena very quickly. The

ongoing dispute about where the club should play in future was just one

of the topics to be debated on this week's programme, which is presented

by David Gregory Kumar. Thanks, Nick, and there was in fact

a bit of a footballing theme running through this week. Also under the

spotlight was the importance of watching what you do and say in

public life. This came up in connection with the ongoing row

about Nicolas Anelka's controversial gesture following his goal against

West Ham United last month. As we know Anelka denies the "quenelle" is

anti`Semitic and plans to put his case to the FA. Sponsors Zoopla

decided not to continue their sponsorship of West Bromwich Albion.

Andrew Webb tweeted the Sunday Politics to say he thinks it's the

media attention which has made it offensive. "Funny how there wasn't

much coverage when Anelka did it". While Lee Westwood got in touch on

Facebook to say even if one person was offended, that would be enough

for Anelka to face a penalty, "as would anybody else making a racial

gesture in public," which prompted our politicians to give us a timely

warning. It's very true ` if you're in the public eye, no matter what

job you do, you have to think very carefully about your actions and

reactions because this has caused a huge few raw. If you are an average

person on the street, that's nobody would take any notice. `` a huge

furore. We also heard from our guest about fracking. You can see the

whole thing from 11am on Sunday morning.

Well, this sounds like one of the highlights of the school term to me.

The team bidding to break the land speed record by reaching an

astonishing 1,000 miles an hour took time out to inspire the next

generation of aspiring engineers. They've been holding special

workshops in Herefordshire for school children, as Ben Sidwell's

been finding out. These children might not know it,

but they're currently learning about science and maths. Way more fun than

having ordinary science lessons. We got to make stuff and then

experiment it so it's more fun. More than 1,400 primary school

children from across Herefordshire are taking part in the workshops,

run by people who know a thing or two about speed. The team teaching

the children are part of the Bloodhound Project, a group

attempting to be the first in the world to set an one`thousand`mile an

hour Land Speed Record. Everything we're doing relates to science,

technology, engineering and maths and we have a terrible shortage in

this country and globally of engineers and scientists for the

future. So by showing this and getting the kids really interested

in what we're doing, they can follow the project from beginning to end.

Everything's going to be online and these are hopefully our engineers of

the future. And for those that excel, the chance to see what 1,000

mph is like. It's really cool to have the experience and it's just

awesome. We have some fantastic companies in Herefordshire, in

engineering and manufacturing, and they are doing very well but they

need high`level skills and enthusiastic young people to take on

apprenticeship programmes. Something like this is so exciting and I'm

hoping this will really inspire them to think again about the kind of

jobs and careers they go into. And for the best budding young engineers

` their names will be put on the tail of the actual Bloodhound car.

The speed cameras will get a shot at 1000 mph! `` a shock.

Jordanne Whiley from Halesowen has become the first British woman to

win a Grand Slam final in wheelchair tennis. The 21`year`old won the

doubles title at the Australian Open in Melbourne with her Japanese

partner Yui Kamiji. The pair were the beaten finalists in the doubles

at Wimbledon last summer. Singapore, Marrakesh, Las Vegas and

Telford! They're not four towns and cities you'd normally put in the

same sentence but this weekend, Telford is taking its place on the

world stage for archery. Hundreds of the top archers have their sights on

the town, as the Indoor World Cup is being held at the International

Centre. Joanne Writtle reports. Las Vegas may be all neon lights and

razzle`dazzle but it's also a major host for archery World Cup events.

But before competitors head there next month, they complete a leg here

` in Telford! The head of the archery's version of FIFA was full

of praise for the town. Every country and every place has its

charm. The friendly atmosphere and the fact that we are here with 40

countries shows that people like to come here. It's the first time the

event has been held in the UK. I am thinking of Jesse Broadwater but

other than that, I can't think of a name that is not here. This Olympic

silver medallist from Mexico is among the big names here at the

centre. I like England because I have a good relationship with

archers and cultures and I say, why not? I practised at the

high`performance centre. For me, it is my second house. Telford may not

have the sunshine of Marrakesh or the bright lights of Las Vegas but

here, you could be anywhere! There is no doubt the event is a big boost

for the town, with many local hotels and businesses benefiting. You will

see archers all over the place. I know many people have already come

early and done some tourism. Archery Djourou crowds during London 2012

and organisers here claim it is one of the fastest`growing sports. ``

archery drew crowds. They hope it will put this ordinary Shropshire

town on the map. A literary festival in Shropshire

has been given the best possible backing from one of the country's

most prominent writers. The island is full of noises, sounds and sweet

airs that give delight... Children's author and award winning screen

writer Frank Cottrell Boyce famously collaborated with Danny Boyle to

script the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Now he's

agreed to become the patron of the Oswestry Literary Festival. The

festival's launched this evening and our reporter Lindsay Doyle is there

now. So what have they got planned? Well, this is the fifth literary

festival in Oswestry and it will be a march to coincide with the

anniversary of the birth of Wilfred Owen in 1893, here in Oswestry. But

this year is particularly special because Frank Cottrell Boyce has

agreed to be the patron. What was it like to be involved in the Olympic

opening ceremony? An amazing adventure ride and a privilege.

Exhausting and graining and tense but fantastic. You're not from

Oswestry but you do have a connection ` what is it? The thing

is that the thing I enjoyed doing the most was the Olympics opening

ceremony and Shropshire gave the Olympics to the world so I am the

Olympics' present back to Shropshire! Oswestry library is the

best little library in Britain, unquestionably. It's like walking

into a cinema and I was really thrilled to be there so I've kept up

the link and this is a... And there is a connection with one of your

children's books. Yes, when the library was closed they had one of

my books as a reading scheme for the town. Framed is about art so they

did a sunflower growing competition. It was like stepping into the pages

of my own book. It was a completely magical thing. Do you think

festivals like this are important to encourage kids to read? Yes, and to

meet writers and meet each other and feed on the exciting atmosphere.

Thank you for joining us. The festival is in March but for now,

back to you, Nick. Another glorious January day ` cold

and damp. Any better for the weekend?

Well, you've actually summed up our weekend quite well there, Nick. It's

certainly going to be damp for the next few days, and it's slowly

getting colder. There's already rain coming down tonight ` with more to

come. Tomorrow is actually looking a little better than first thought,

with much of the day staying dry ` even some sunshine ` but I'm afraid

by Sunday we're back to the stormy weather. So that band of rain

already sitting across us. At times it will get heavy ` but eventually

it will clear away. We're pulling in some milder air, so some patchy mist

and hill fog is possible by tomorrow morning. Temperatures not falling

away too far, either. So we begin our Saturday with some rather murky

and unpleasant conditions, but things will slowly improve with the

sun managing to burn through that, and we'll even get some breaks in

the cloud to give us some sunny spells. But it won't be too long

until heavy spells of rain moving. There could be hale and thunder but

temperatures make it up to 11. That is going to be quite a breezy day,

though. The showers eventually blow away and we'll start to see things

clearing through Saturday night. A cold night, though, with

temperatures falling away. We could see a touch of frost developing but

not for long because cloud starts to spill in, head of the next weather

system coming in on Sunday. There is a deep area of low pressure and

around that, winds pick up to 40 mph. 15`25 millimetres of rainfall,

as well. It's getting colder and any showers we see through Sunday night

could be a more wintry, so into next week things are getting colder. It's

possible we could see a few more wintry showers. It all depends on

this low pressure. If it slips further south, we'll get colder air

from Scandinavia, so temperatures are tumbling at Will we see any

snow? Tonight's headlines from the BBC:

The Conservatives claim take`home pay has risen faster than inflation

in the last year. Labour accuse them of fiddling the figures.

And a major incident is declared in part of Somerset after three weeks

of flooding and more to come. And the first free school in the

Black Country with space for 400 children, but just 20 have enrolled

so far. That was Midlands Today. I'll be

back at ten o'clock with the result from Coventry City's FA cup match at

Arsenal. Have a