17/01/2014 Midlands Today

Welcome to Midlands Today. The headlines: A unique opportunity to

rebalance the economy, says the new boss of the HS2. Business is too

concentrated in London. It must be distributed to the north.

But oents say that high`speed rail link will only benefit the cities.

Also: Tackling youth unemployment, military style. Helping young people

to find work. A possible solution to bed`blocking.

A recovery for the frail and elderly. That looks nothing like a

hospital. 348 days to Christmas but filming is under way for Nativity 3.

Starring Martin Clunes and Katherine Tate.

It has been such fun. A lot of laughs. And flying by the seat of

your pants. And a dry day with sunshine to boot,

but is it too good to last? Your full weekend forecast, coming up.

Good evening. The man charged with overseeing the HS2 claim it is will

spread prosperity away from London to the Midlands and beyond. Sir

David Higgins says that Birmingham could be the venue for a new

engineering college to boost jobs and skills, but those living along

the route says that prosperity for others will mean ruin for them.

He is the Australian who delivered the 2012 Olympics. The next

challenge for Sir David Higgins, delivering the ?43 high`speed rail

link. He was in Birmingham, among friends. The leaders of big cities

like Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester, who agree with him that

prosperity in the south`east will travel to the north up the HS2.

Business is too concentrated in London. You have todies bute it to

the north. So when we have less than 40 minutes from BRUM International

to York, those connections will transform how this, not only relates

to London but transform how the north talks to each other.

A college to train the eng niece that build the line could be here at

Washward Heath. Have a look at France and Germany.

Look at what happened when HS2 was introduced there. A network of the

lines in Germany and France. It helped to balance the economy. It

will happen in England. It is here that high`speed rail link

will arrive in Birmingham city centre but should we be looking at

this as less of a gateway, more of a bridge, spanning a north/south

divide? Not according to this opponent of high`speed rail link.

The line would run within yards of his home, slashing its value in a

stroke. I think that the business will still

go to London. Creating more wealth. I accept that some cities will gain

a little, but the areas such as staffed and Stoke`on`Trent are

looking to lose. What of the towns rather than the

big cities? In staffed, they are far from convinced? There is a fear that

these areas will lose out as a consequence of high`speed rail link.

Investment going to Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, maybe at the

expense of Stafford. The bill to build high`speed rail

link is still to clear Parliament, but with its Olympic background, Sir

David Higgins understands, that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Lots

more ahead including the Black Country group that forged theet call

careers for 30 years is under threat of closure as the funding is cut.

A couple who have been arrested by West Midlands Police, investigating

the death of their baby daughter in Wolverhampton. The child died at the

city's New Cross Hospital. Our reporter is interest for us.

`` our reporter is there for us. This involved a nine`month`old baby

girl. She, sadly, died here. Her parents, a 35`year`old woman and a

32`year`old man, both from Wolverhampton, were questioned by

the detectives in Wolverhampton. While they were interviewed they

were arrested on suspicion of her murder. They have since been

released on police bail, pending enquiries, we don't yet know the

baby's identity. Ben is there information surrounding

the cause of the death? It is an early stage at the inquiry. We know

that there has been a postmortem examination but it has not yet

determined the exact cause of death. More tests will be conducted.

Speaking to the authorities today, I was told that the family, that this

baby, it was not known to the Social Services. However, when there is a

child death in the city like there has been here it is up to the

safeguarding children's board to determine the cause of death

themselves and to decide if there should be a Serious Case Review.

That is if one or a number of agencies may have been involved with

the family in the lead up to a death. So in the early stages of the

investigation we will know more. A supermarket chain launched an

investigation after a video emerged allegedly showing a cashier racially

abusing a Muslim customer. Footage was posted on the internet after an

argument at a store in Birmingham. Are you having a bad day? This was

the moment when an altercation between a customer and a cashier got

out of hand. A member of the public began filming the argument between

the man and the woman. The woman of Asian appearance, allegedly shouted:

Go on, you Muslim, dime. The video was shot here in Borstal Heath,

Birmingham. The police are concerned and are looking into the stishg

stances. The company here expect a high level of customer service from

the staff. They are disappointed by what appears to be shown in the

video. They also say that they do not condone such behaviour.

Lidl add that they apologise to anyone who has been offended or

upset by the case. Lidl has launched its own investigation. The customers

at the store are mainly Muslim. Three local men told me they were

astonished by the video. I have been shopping there for a

lodge time now. I have never had such a complaint or anyone come up

to me to be abusive. Nothing. It is nothing to do with the religion.

Probably had a bad day. Started arguing, then something happened

after that. So, it is basically, she had a hard day.

The argument between the two people who have not been named apparently

began over plastic shopping bags. A group which helped young people

forge theatrical careers over 30 years is facing closure after the

council that helped to pay for it announced plan to axe the funding.

The City Council is facing cuts of ?123 million. And it say it is can

no long afford to subsidise it. Three years ago this was the UK's

only youth theatre to be awarded a grant of ?100,000, ahead of the

London Games, but today, Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre

is facing the loss of its ?13,000 council grant.

We raised up to ?22,000. We have created employment opportunities for

young people. Training and apprenticeships, which is so

important at this point when young people are out of work. I would not

want to run a group that is not successful for young people. That is

my life's work. These former members have gone on to

work in the industry as writers and directors.

We literally put Wolverhampton on the map across Europe. There were

boards when we were at a theatre festival in Austria. Without the

impact that the youth theatre had on my life, I can't imagine what I

would be doing now. In the face of ?123 million in

council cuts, one councillor told us there was little choice.

The Government's funding cuts are driving us to make some of the most

difficult and unpalatable decisions we have had to make.

This group in Birmingham is inventive when it comes to funding.

Stage 2 has been going for at that years.

Charitable trusts give us grants, but when putting on a play, one time

we needed lots of toilet paper for a riot scene, we asked a company for

them instead. Back in Wolverhampton, people urged

councillors to rethink. That's the biggest investment you

can make, really, into investing into the young people, they are the

future society for Wolverhampton at the end of the day. They will grow

up and do something great. Of course I care about it. It is important for

our children, for the teenagers. Anything to help them, to help bring

them forward in the future for a better life, of course it is

important. Last year the Central Youth Theatre

travelled to Monaco. They say without public funding to match

other funds that they raise, their future is bleak.

There has been more criticism of the controversial Channel 4 documentary,

Benefits Street. The series, filmed in the Winston Green area of

Birmingham has been condemned for its portrayal of benefit claimants.

There is a lot of political debate around this programme? There was

indeed. Yes, our MPs on the Sunday Politics were keen to talk about the

residents of James Turner Street you don't see. And they were critical of

Channel 4. I feel sorry for the other people

living there. They are hard`working people, that have to live in an

environment where there are obviously people living off the

state, and not having any intention of getting to work.

The film people, preparing to go shoplifting, that is outrageous and

not responsible broadcasting. David, so much comment has been on

social media. A well`known figure on Twitter has been wading in? This is

controversial indeed. Joey Barton has been playing in the Premier

League with Manchester City, Newcastle. He plays for QPR, but he

is a big name on Twitter with 2.4 million followers. This is what he

said as episode two of this programme was aired: Strong evidence

to support the breeding licence theory. And he said that the council

were expected to support them. We put his views on the Facebook

page, fair to say, not a lot who polarise his opinion.

This woman said: So, it is clear Benefits Street has

sparked a major debate. There is more at am Sunday morning.

The army has been running a training scheme in Stoke`on`Trent aimed at

tackling high youth unemployment. Of the seven in the training, five have

been offered work. One is in the process of joining the Reserves. It

is hoped that the four`week course could be launched across the

country. Craig Taylor had not worked for more than a year. The door

opened for him in Stoke`on`Trent, after proving himself during a

week's work experience. It was organised through a pilot army

reserve scheme. I would recommended it. Without the

course I would still be on jobseeker's allowance.

They are keen to get back into the workplace. That showed enough with

the time keeping aspect and how they aplayed themselves to the jobs that

they were given. The army s Midlands Spear Project

was launched in October. During four weeks, recruits were taught

communication, team building and ememployability skills. The aim to

tackle unemployment in the area and recruit for the Reserves.

We gave them the tools to believe in themselves, to motivate and to make

better of themselves. People want to gain employment immediately. I

understand that and get that but sometimes you have to go that little

bit further, especially in a competitive market.

Shaun had not worked for 18 months. He admits he had lost his

confidence. He is grateful for the opportunity.

I was stressing out as I could not find a job. It was very hard.

Thankfully, the course got me the job! Out of seven candidates on the

first course, five people have been given jobs. There is a potential for

a further 20 to gain employment on a second course in March.

It is time for the headlines: A unique opportunity to balance the

economy, says the boss of the HS2. The weather and also ahead:

Three`and`a`half minutes... If you ever truly think. It could change

her life. Lucy May prepares for the final of Open Mic UK. And just

finished off the Christmas cake? We bring a taster of a nativity film to

hit the big screen later this year. Now every year many people are

discharged from hospital to be re`admitted as they were not ready

to go home. Esther Rantzen has opened a new ward run by a hospital

Trust and housing Association it is hoped to prevent bed`blocking around

the country. Great`grandmother Irene from

Birmingham ended up in hospital after a fall. Instead of being

discharged she has come to what the staff here are calling a

reenablement ward. Helping her to regain confidence and preparing for

going home. It has been fabulous. It has.

Nothing's too much trouble for the people at that work here. I have

loved every minute of it. Loved efr minute. I don't want to go home,

really! The converted ward is at the Good Hope Hospital. It caters for 29

ex`patients. They have their own living space and can interact with

others. It is cheaper than keeping people in hospital beds.

People are frail after an episode of pneumonia or illness. We can offer

something that is a transition. We can be more comfortable as can the

patient that they will be able to cope with they get home.

The centre even has its own garden. When the weather is warmer, the

patients are encouraged to come outside, maybe have a barbecue, or

plant some flowers. Today, a champion for the elderly, Esther

Rantzen, opened the facility. She wants all hospitals to adopt the

same approach. It is a different culture here. It

is not the clinical staff helping people but the care staff. There is

a carpet instead of linow and curtains on the windows and pictures

on the wall. It is a domestic steting `` setting. That is

difficult for the hospitals to adjust their brains to.

The ward is jointly run by a housing Association. It has witnessed many

tennants going back and forth to hospital. It was anxious to stop the

growing trend. We have practical things, a variety

of surfaces, carpets, wood, so that people can get used to using walking

aids. It is a venture improving an

important stepping stone for many on the road to resuming normal life.

To sport and villa fans are hoping to see two new faces tomorrow. Good

evening. A place in the starting line`up for Ryan Bertrand. He is

from Chelsea. And the important away game to Liverpool. And Halt has

arrived. And Paul Lambert will try to end a disappointing run.

Ryan Bertrand has played once in the Premier League for Chelsea. So Jose

Mourinho believes he will benefit from playing regular first`team

football with Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

It is a fantastic option to come to this club. A massive history and

great fan base. To play a few games here will be a good step.

Ryan is 24, but in the words of Paul Lambert, he has the big game

experience. Last season helping chepz to win the Europa League, the

year before, the champions league. Now is different challenge in the

Premier League, bu as Villa are only five points clear of relegation.

What a debut for him, Liverpool away? Liverpool away... Yeah, well,

I don't envy him to be honest with you! I wish him all the best. I am

holding we can hold up for a draw, but it does not look so good.

Villa's other loan signing, Grant Halt has scored well previously.

The onus is for them to come out and beat us. We have a game plan. If we

stick it, we should be difficult to beat.

The Villa boys, could hardly wish for a more challenging debut.

And interesting with Stoke City, the head`to`head with Tony Pulis and I

understand that there is news on the ownership of Birmingham City? Yes,

they are having talks with an unnamed third party about possibly

selling 24% of the Football Club. Recently Younger said he was not

keen on selling up completely. Now it seems that much`needed investment

could be coming to St Andrew's. And Brentford, and no game for the

Wolves, the pitch is water`logged. Now a few months ago, Lucy May from

Redditch was at university finishing her degree. Tomorrow she is to take

the stage at the NEC in the final of the Open Mic UK. One of the

country's biggest competitions, having beaten thousands of singers

along the way. # If you ever truly think... It is

three`and`a`half minutes that could change Lucy's life forever. Having

seen off 8,000 people already, just 25 now stand between the 21`year`old

from Redditch and the title of Open Mic UK, winner.

It is a big deal. To win would be just ridiculous! I can't explain how

amazing that would be! We would love to be able to see her name up there.

Getting something at the end of it. # You only need the light when its

burning low... With so much at stake, the choice of song is vital.

Lucy's decision, Let It Go. You have to hit the audience with

what you are doing. Previously held in London, the

finals have been moved to the NEC in Birmingham. Although it does not

have the professional of X Factor, Open Mic has been a help for a

number of artists. Like Birdie. And Germane. They have

both had top ten albums. This is a talent rather than a

sub`story. I'm sure I could rustle up a sob story but I don't have one.

I'm not about the story, I'm about the music. I want to be recognised

as an artist. Lucy has been asked to be a part of

a charity single, and hopes, win or lose, that someone watching

tomorrow, will be able to give her the chance to fulfil her dream.

Now, a donkey, Katherine Tate and Martin Clunes. A few of the cast

members who have started working on the third stallment of Nativity.

The film is back and the cameras are rolling in Leamington Spa.

It is meant to be mid`town Manhattan. The bride is Katherine

Tate. I am playing Sophie. She is torn

between two lovers. Basically. You may recognise one of the men at

the alter. I am kicked in the head by the

donkey early on. I lose all of my memory.

Welcome to the mad cap world of the Nativity films. If you saw the

first, you know it was about the children of a school competing for

the best Christmas play. So what is the theme this time? It is flash

mobbing, baby. That is basically singing and dancing and surprising

people in public spaces. For the covery`based director, it is

a family affair. Her mum, dad, sister and daughter are . Her

husband Nick, has co written the music with her. Of course, there are

no scripts. This is an improvised film.

From the spur of your moment, you are thinking on your feet. Trying to

think of something to say. I prefer it, I don't prefer it, I don't hate

it as much as I thought I would. There are familiar faces, Archie the

donkey. It is him that has given the film its title, Nativity 3: Dude,

Where's My Donkey? . At Christmas time you want to feelgood. That

human beings are really nice people, that there is hope.

For this choir for Coventry, University it is the chance of a

lifetime. I have seen a few celebrities so

far. I am taking it as I go. Enjoying the fact I am here with the

choir and stuff. Yeah. During the course of filming they

flash mob everywhere from the Empire State Building in New York to the

live, but who marries who? Does Mr Shephard get his girl? All I can

tell you is that I am currently at the alter with another man...

Actors, they never give much away! That looks like great fun. Now, what

is the chance of a little bit of dry weather over the weekend? Rebecca is

here with the forecast. It could be possible but no sooner

does it dry out than things get wet once again.

It has been glorious, we have seen some wonderful scenes like this

picture from James Roberts. But I don't think it will surprise

you to know that so far in January, we have seen a I above average

rainfall. The temperatures have been two

degrees above where we expect them to be for the time of year. It is a

return to form through the weekend. More rain to come on Saturday. By

Sunday it starts to change a little. Colder. We may see the sun at times.

Tonight it has been a largely dry end to the day. Still some rain.

Clear spells to come. In the clear spells there is mist and fog patches

developing, but not sticking around too long. The rain moves up from the

south. The cloud and the rain to lift the temperatures a little

tomorrow morning. So not so cold a start. The rain does not go anywhere

through the day. Heavy pulses in the morning. A brief lull with dry

spells and the rain to make its way back through after the lunch time.

Temperatures similar to today. Ranging between 8 to 10 Celsius. The

winds are stronger. More rain to come through the night it does not

go anywhere. By midnight it moves to the north. Behind that, the skies

will clear. The wind direction changes to a south`easterly. So it

gets colder. The wind is dropping out. We get widespread frost and fog

patches and icy stretches through Sunday morning. A cold start, the

freezing fog will be difficult to lift. So a cold winter's day to come

on Sunday. In the east we could get patches of sunshine in the day. On

Monday it will be a cold winter day but guess what, the rain is back by

Tuesday. What a surprise. The headlines: The

hunt for the missing three`year`old in Edinburgh, the police say there

was a potential sighting of the little boy. A opportunity to

rebalance the economy says the boss of high`speed rail link.

That was the news from Midlands Today. Have a good evening. Goodbye

for now.