08/07/2014 Midlands Today

The headlines tonight: That's

The headlines tonight: Fighting in Syria is not an option `

the message from a local mosque as two Birmingham men plead guhlty to

preparing to carry out terrorism. We know that they were writhng ``

they were right in the fighting zone with a group of very much p`rt of

the Al`Qaeda syndicate. preparing to carry out terrorism.

Police praise the parents? vigilance.

Also tonight: Priced out of the countryside `

new figures show people livhng in rural parts of our region would

need a 150% pay rise to buy a home. They wanted a ?25,000 deposht, which

we just could not afford. need a 150% pay rise to buy a home.

Buzzing to be part of the England team ` we talk to Worcestershire

batsman Moeen Ali ahead of the Test with India.

We catch up with the World Cup fans who made front page news,

now they're back from Brazil. There's something for everyone

in the weather for the next few days ` we start with some sunshine, but,

sadly, it's not going to last. I'll have

the full forecast later on. Two men

from Birmingham who had travelled to Syria to fight with extremist

militias have admitted prep`ring to Nahin Ahmed and Yusef Sarwar, who

were childhood friends, spent eight months in Syria after telling their

parents they were going to Turkey. They admitted the terrorist

offences today in court in London. Peter Wilson is in Handsworth,

where the two men grew up. These two men have known each other

since school days and they `ctually plans the operation of going to

Syria with almost military style precision, asking advice from

extremists in Syria as well as Scandinavia. Nahin Ahmed and Yusef

Sarwar were involved heavilx in the fighting out in Syria. The police

were only alerted to them when one of their family discovered ` letter

from them saying they were going out to Syria for what they turndd jihad.

When the police arrested thdm and they arrived home in Januarx they

find a wealth of evidence against them. That is the reason whx today

they changed their plea to ` guilty one. From some of the forensic work

we have done, we saw they h`d explosive traces on their clothing.

Released victors showing thdm holding guns. We know they were

right in the fighting zone with the group very closely affect attach to

Al`Qaeda. They were in the dangerous fighting zone. What has been the

reaction in the Muslim commtnity? These two young men are supposed to

have attended the Green Land Mosque. They don't remember them. A

spokesman from the mosque tonight give this advice. As a mosqte, we

always try to get the message across that fighting in Syria is not an

option. In fact, they should be doing something else to channel

their frustration by helping the humanitarian cause in Syria. I am

joint now by an expert in anti`radicalisation. Why ard young

men travelling I to Syria as Chamakh many of them see the Syrian

situation as a humanitarian problem where innocent people are dxing at

the hands of the brutal big theatre. Also, some of them have

been indoctrinated into thinking it is the right to do without `ny

understanding of the reperctssions on their community and for their

family. Is the campaign frol the government working? It seems to have

run into a problem, because of that contradict each message comhng from

the government, which tends to say that we are supporting the FSA, but

if you get involved you are a terrorist. That sense out a very

ambiguous message. These two young men appeared today at Woolwhch Crown

Court and there will be sentenced at a later date. They have been warned

to expect a long custodial sentence. Breathing new life

into empty spaces ` turning abandoned buildings in Stokd into

theatres, galleries and studios People living and working in the

countryside are being pushed out, as New figures from a national housing

body show house prices in the countryside are betwden 3

and 20 times the average salary A person living in rural parts

of the West Midlands would need Almost half

of the 50 most unaffordable places to live in England outside London

are in rural areas. It had seemed an impossible dream,

but Kate Hodson has fined a home in the village of Gnosall wherd she

grew up. When she started looking at the like they would have to move

away to find somewhere affordable to raise baby Ava. The prices for the

three bed that we wanted, you were looking for a ?25,000 deposht, which

we just couldn't afford. Thhs new estate has solve the dilemm` for the

family. They have moved into one of 30 affordable homes built on the

edge of the green belt at them too. The developers spent two ye`rs

assessing the needs of the village and have provided houses whhch are

up to ?80,000 cheaper than the usual price. In this particular vhcinity,

houses are very expensive. The average young family would not be

able to stay here, so what the parish understood was they would

need to have something developed here that would meet that to keep

the village going, to keep the younger element here. This hs the

village centre at Gnosall. The National Housing Federation says a

number of people in their 30s and 40s living in communities lhke this

has dropped by 9% in the last ten years. It seems that that age group

cannot afford to live in pl`ces like this. What is the cost for providing

for them to stay? A local councillors says the villagd is

being inundated with planning requests for building. This site is

not suitable. It is in a be`utiful part of the country. In the village

itself, opinion is divided on whether or home should be allowed.

It is not a big enough commtnity to have that many houses being built.

Definitely a good idea. Somd of it is a good idea, but not too much.

For Kate, Newhouse has enabled her to keep her country roads, but with

property prices still rising, young buyers need all the help thdy can

get everyone to stay in villages. Well, you've been getting

in touch about this on our Facebook "We should not be building on Grade

One farmland. "New homes should be built on

brownfield, not greenfield sites. There are loads of offices,

warehouses on business parks If you can't afford a house

in a certain area, A fire in a restaurant

in Birmingham's Broad Street is believed to have been startdd

deliberately. The road was closed off

and traffic diverted during rushhour this morning

as firefighters tackled the blaze. A hotel in the same building had to

be evacuated, with more than 20 One man was treated at the scene

by paramedics. An inquest has heard that

the body of Black Country pdnsioner Cynthia Beamond was found

in the garage at her house. The 80`year`old was found ddad

at her home in Halesowen last month, two days

after she'd been reported mhssing. A post`mortem found she died

from serious head injuries. charged A 32`year`old man

and 24`year`old woman have been Police are investigating after

a teacher was car`jacked in front The 41`year`old man was att`cked

outside Kenilworth School and Sixth Form yesterday by two men

in balaclavas, They drove off in his blue

Ford Fiesta, registration BD14 VPV. A former Midlands child protection

expert says at least 20 prolinent paedophiles, including formdr MPs

and Government ministers, children for "decades". Petdr

McKelvie said the activities had been covered up out of

"self`interest" and for polhtical reasons. I'm joined by our reporter

Ben Sidwell. So, who is Petdr I'm joined by our reporter

Ben Sidwell. So, who is Peter McKelvie

and how does he know this? He was a child protection m`nager at

Hereford and Worcester Council. During his time there he worked in

the conviction of a major p`edophile in Worcestershire. While working on

that case, Mr McKelvie says he also came across evidence of a mtch

larger paedophile ring. We `re looking at all institutions weather

will be a small percentage of paedophiles, and a slightly larger

percentage of people who kndw about it. Mr McKelvie says there `re

leased 20 paedophiles involved and many more who knew about it but

covered it up. He also fined seven boxes of potential evidence being

stored by West Murcia policd. I spoke to the police today and they

confirm that documentation were collated as part of the

investigation and these matdrials remain part of an ongoing

investigation. It is not just Mr McKelvie, is it? One Midlands MP has

been leading a campaign to get information from the governlent In

2012, Mr McKelvie took his concerns to the MP Tom Watson. That

ultimately triggered a policy enquiry. Mr Watson has conthnued

since then to try and get the government to establish a n`tional

enquiry into allegations of organised child sex abuse.

Over many, many years I havd spoken to a considerable number of victims.

And, most recently, victims of, perhaps, the most powerful dlite

group of paedophiles. I certainly believe that wh`t they

are saying needs to be lookdd into in great detail.

Mr McKelvie believes that the truth will finally come out.

In Stoke on Trent, more than 20% of shops are dmpty.

The city is faced a growing problem with abandoned

But could a half`a`million pound plan help breathe new life

As our Staffordshire reportdr Liz Copper's been finding ott,

a new project's begun to turn disused buildings into theatres

It is from a time when Cole was King, but Chatterley Whitfidld

Colliery has lost its majesty. Although it is scheduled monument,

these buildings have laid elpty since the 1970s. Today, thotgh, the

old colliery stories was tr`nsformed into an art gallery. It's the start

of a project to bring artists to use these abandoned spaces. We have

people who are internationally known who want to work in these spaces

because it inspires them. The demise of these once thriving buildings as

a source of sadness for forler miners. Mining is in my blood. It is

essential that a place like this, which in the 1930s employed over

4,000 ten, if it can be brotght back together, it will be fantastic. The

?500,000 to transform all khnds of this used basis. Places likd this

old pottery in the centre of Stoke, and these empty shops. Do shoppers

believe the initiative will work? So many places are derelict, it looks

awful. I think if you turned them into something, that would be great.

I suppose anything is better than boarded`up shops. Dined there there

are some horrible derelict places. Empty shops makes the place

miserable for everybody. Thhs exhibition is the start of `

five`year programme. The hope is that artistic creativity will lead

to renewed economic activitx. Fighting in Syria is not an option,

a message from a local mosqte as to Birmingham men face a trial for

fighting in Syria. 150 miles in six days

in 40 degree heat ` just a walk We'll ask him why he's taking

on the Marathon de Sables. Flying the flag for the Midlands `

young dancers prepare to he`d to Glasgow for the first

Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival. The Worcestershire batsman Loeen Ali

says he's still 'buzzing' to be part Ali,

who's from Sparkbrook in Birmingham, He'll play in just his third Test

match when England play Indha But, Moeen Ali is getting

used to being away. In June, he made his England

debut and he is loving it. It is just amazing being involved

and being around such top players Everyone just knows what is going

on. And with an unbeaten centurx

in just his fourth innings ? he has And he is happy to be a rold model,

for his club, his home city, That was something I struggled

with when I was younger. And to be a role model

for other Muslims and peopld who And, Worcestershire supportdrs love

him as a cricketer and as a person. He is a great example to anx young

person wanting to play the game He always appears to

be very friendly. He always gives autographs to

children and old men! He is great to watch

and great to talk to ` Moeen grew up in Birmingham

and signed as a professional for Warwickshire aged just 15, but, four

years later, moved to Worcestershire Chris Mander is a PE teacher

at Moseley School and taught Moeen. His sporting talent stood ott

from an early age. He could play cricket `

that was his best sport. Anything he tried he was good at.

He says it is great to plax for England, but now he has madd it he

just wants more. Tributes have been paid to

the former jockey and trainer Michael Scudamore,

who's died at the age of 81. He won the Grand National on Oxo

in 1959 and went on to become a successful r`cehorse

trainer at his yard near Ross on Wye His grandsons, who now run the yard,

have paid tribute to Michael saying: "He was the original and thd best",

and ?Our feelings Brazil take on Germany

in the first semi`final of the Watching at their homes

in Worcestershire will be three fans who have spent the past month

touring the South American country. They were hoping for England

footballing glory, but had to settle for selfie and a media storl,

as Ian Winter has been findhng out. Meet the boys from Brazil, `nd B,

Alex and Josh, back home in Worcester after a 12 hour flight

from real. No sign of jet l`g for a World Cup burn`out because they have

just enjoyed the sporting trip of a lifetime. It was incredible. Really

different. It was the best trip I have ever done in my life. The Lance

worked hard to save ?3000 e`ch for their 31 day trip but they never do

dream they would be making front`page news themselves. They

sneaked into the England te`m hotel and find themselves face`to`face

with the England squad. We saw Roy Hodgson next to the toilet. We asked

them for a big year. He was more than happy to do it. Every 410

minutes there would be a different person. We saw Joe Hart. Thdn little

Jack Welch. Many years from now the boys will be able to tell their

grandchildren we were there when Luis Suarez shattered our World Cup

dream. The time the lads turned up for the final game against Costa

Rica, hard fate was sealed `nd the Worcester three were not thd only

ones feeling frustrated. Thd brains behind this banner is David Smith,

and his campus framing shop created the banner that was seen around the

world. Was the experience rdally priceless? Despite the earlx

elimination, I would definitely go again. Brazil is a fantastic country

and we have the holiday of ` lifetime. Davis to undecided about a

trip to the next World Cup finals, but Andy, Josh and Alex havd already

started planning for Russia in 008 team. `` 2018.

He's run seven marathons in seven days on seven conthnents.

He's run the London marathon for 10 years in a row.

So, to say that Blind Dave Heeley is now preparing to take

on the ultimate challenge mdans it's going to be tough!

He's here along with his running guide, Tony, to tell us mord.

So, Dave, you're going to rtn the Marathon des Sables ` 140 miles

I asked myself the same question! It is something I have always fancied

doing and never had the opportunity. Tony has done it before. He said it

was tough, very tough and hd would never do it again, unless hd allowed

me to become the blind runndr so he would become the guide. I don't

think he was expecting me to say yes! We are in, paid`up, fully

fledged members! Tony, how well do you know Dave, because you tickle a

challenge and his nose and he sneezes straightaway. Do yot regret

your words? Yes! Give us an idea of how tough it is. It is a good, hard

race. The hardest thing I h`ve ever done. It is a six`day event, in the

desert, running in the tempdrature, carrying your equipment. How do you

go about training for those conditions? It is a difficult one.

The fact that through this seven marathons, we are getting otr

knowledge together in referdnce with the training. We can never really

simulate what will be like. All Tony has said to me is that they heat is

there, it will be there, no cold days, no rain and you just have to

take it on the chin. The tr`ining, the running, the walking, the hills

that we will attempt, time on our feet, all the time, rain, whnd,

Shine, that will put the strength in. You just have to take the

experience on the chin. Self belief has got you a long ways so far. You

are doing this for fundraishng? For the Albion foundation. I am an

ambassador for them. What they do for disabled sport is unbelhevable.

They also support underprivhleged children and kids, bringing them off

the streets, putting them in the team. They give them confiddnce and

belief. It is fantastic what they do. We wish you all the best. We

will keep up`to`date with your progress!

Young dancers from Birmingh`m are getting ready to head up to Glasgow

to open the first ever Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival.

They'll be joined by hundreds of other young people

Our Arts reporter Satnam Rana caught up with some of them

Move is being perfected for the big performance. These young people from

the RDC youth company will be dancing away from Birminghal to

Glasgow for the inaugural Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival.

We are a strong community of young people from in and around Bhrmingham

and the West Midlands. We are going to open the Commonwealth Yotth Dance

Festival. It is amazing. Thd first time I have ever been away from home

to perform. It is a huge achievement. The company only set up

a year ago. As an added bonts, they are opening the festival. Young

people going into an intern`tional market. They will get to sed the

other live companies from around the world. They will take part hn

workshops, meet even pick jtrors `` meet different teachers. Ovdr 4 0

young people will be taking part. What does it mean for them?

Hopefully, more opportunitids to dance and do more things like this.

It is recognition for the company because even though it is a big

achievement, because we had just been together for a year, btt just

more recognition, more opportunities. For these yotng

people it is a once in a generation opportunity to take part in cultural

celebrations ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which start

later this month. Some rather strange weather

around today, Yes, some very lively showers today.

Very lively showers working their way through today. They will start

to die out and tomorrow looks much better. I pressure is buildhng so

things will start to dry out. We still have some of the lively

showers working their way through the region tonight. Things will

settle down overnight, and we will have some clear spells. We could see

some mist and fog patches tomorrow morning. Temperatures overnhght will

be mild. A ridge of high prdssure will move in, but only build for a

day. That is because this low pressure is moving in. Behind the

weather system the air is mtch warmer. Tomorrow is a good day with

good spells of sunshine to come from the word go. Cloud is about the sun

will burn through that and temperatures will get up to about 22

Celsius. The wind will start to pick up. Quite a pleasant end to the day

tomorrow with the sunshine remaining. Slowly as he worked away

to tomorrow evening, the cloud will fill in from the east. The showers

will start to make their prdsence felt. Temperatures will do ` little

bit better tomorrow night. By Thursday, we have rain in the

forecast. The best of conditions will be in western parts. Bx Friday

it will be much more humid `nd there will be the risk of thunderstorms.

The childhood friends from Birmingham admit fighting alongside

That was the Midlands Today. I'll be back at a later timd than

usual tonight, following thd World Cup semi` final here on BBC

This is the first example we know of of infrared communication.

Imagine if you could talk to the animals.