06/05/2014 Midlands Today

Hello and welcome to Midlands Today. The headlines tonight: Tributes to

two Midlands servicemen killed in Afghanistan as their bodies return

home. We'll be reporting live from

Herefordshire, where one of the servicemen grew up.

This is a close community and people will feel desperately for the

families. Also tonight, coming ever closer to

completion ` the Midland Metro extension, one of Birmingham's most

complex civil engineering projects. Where now for Birmingham City after

an injury time goal saved them from the dreaded drop?

The biggest thing is not who the manager is. It is what the ownership

situation is and the leadership going forward.

It's been running for nearly 900 years ` thousands expected at

Hereford's May Fair Festival, which starts tonight.

Has it changed much? Only the prices!

But could they be caught out by the rain? Unfortunately, blustery, heavy

showers come to the fore this week, while sunshine and climbing

temperatures take a back seat. More details of what's in store in the

forecast later. Good evening. Fresh tributes have

been paid to two Midlands servicemen killed in Afghanistan after their

bodies were flown back to the UK this afternoon. Flight Lieutenant

Rakesh Chauhan, from Birmingham, and Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas, from

Kington in Herefordshire, were passengers on board a Lynx

helicopter which crashed in Afghanistan ten days ago. The

three`man crew also lost their lives. Joan Cummins is in Lance

Corporal Thomas's home town of Kington for us this evening. A

sombre community tonight, I should imagine, Joan?

An incredibly sombre community. This is a term which knows how to honour

its sons who have fallen, here at the Memorial. Today they waited

whilst yet another son was brought home from a conflict overseas.

A tragic accident in a country too familiar with loss saw they return

home today of five dedicated servicemen. Amongst them,

25`year`old Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan, on his third tour of

Afghanistan. I think everybody knows that he knew the risks and he

willingly chose to serve in the RAF. Every time I spoke to him he was so

at peace with his decision. We were just proud of him. Pride is the

emotion that comes through the most. There are so many positives to focus

on. Hundreds offered their condolences to the family of the

Birmingham born officer over the weekend. We were overwhelmed with

the response. People who have not contacted us for years have

contacted us. It has been really helpful. Everybody who has, has been

very supportive. In Kington, the flight flew at half`mast as

Lance`Corporal Oliver Thomas began his journey home. Prayers have been

said here for Oliver Thomas and his family. He had volunteered for

deployment to Afghanistan, and on a recent visit home had told friends

and family that he was fulfilling his dreams and living life to the

full. Herefordshire is a county proud of its military connections.

And those who serve. People are shocked. I think the reality is yet

to come when the funeral takes place. This is a close community.

People will feel desperately for the family. Today people in Kington

simply wanted to quietly remember one of the town's sons. It is

thought Honda to quietly remember one of the town's sons. It is

thought pundits will line people will be lining the streets for Ollie

Thomas's funeral. One man has just spoken to us and

said he has sons serving in the Army at the moment. And this is every

parent's worst nightmare. For the town of Kington, they want to offer

their sympathies to the family. Coming up later, the election

numbers game ` just over a fortnight to go until ten political parties

battle it out for seven European Parliament seats in the West

Midlands. Transport chiefs hope, an extension

to the Midland Metro, one of the most complex civil engineering

projects ever to take place on the streets of Birmingham, will deliver

more than a thousand new jobs and a ?50 million economic boost. Track

laying is continuing to restore trams to the city centre for the

first time in more than 60 years. Our Transport Correspondent, Peter

Plisner, reports A hive of activity today, as laying the track and other

work continues at a rapid pace. Contractors admit that it's not easy

working in a centre of a city, and the street layout makes it even more

difficult. It is very challenging. The streets of Birmingham were

designed for motor vehicles. The track takes many twists and turns to

get along between the buildings. Abbeville `` dog Barney old tram

tracks yet? No. The plenty of basements. The track's being laid in

short sections to avoid too much disruption to people and businesses.

And some sections require more work than others. This is one of the most

challenging parts of the project. Trams will come down quite a steep

hill and turn quite a sharp curve. They have had to move the front of

the Waterstones book shop back three metres. This is all happening in a

busy city centre. Once complete, this is what it will look like.

Modern trams effectively gliding through the centre of the city.

Planners are hoping that this line will be the catalyst to build even

more metro extensions. We hope it is going to be the first of many

extensions. We have got the funding to carry on up to Centenary Square.

At the moment we are seeking powers to build an extension to

Wolverhampton railway station. We will continue to try to expand the

system from there. We think it is a good thing. The first vehicles in a

new fleet of trams to run on the track has already been delivered and

is being tested in the Black Country. The new extension which

will connect New Street and Snow Hill stations is expected to open in

the middle of next years. `` next year.

And Peter's in the city centre now. We're a little over 12 months away

from launch, Peter ` do you think there'll be a demand for this

service? Predictions are that about 3.5 million additional passengers

will use the Metro every year. Currently 5 million use the existing

line from Wolverhampton to Snow Hill. Pushing it through the streets

of Birmingham will make it more visible. That will attract

passengers. Taking it down to new Street station. At the moment the

existing Metro 's overcrowded at peak times. These new trams have 40%

additional capacity, so all passengers will be able to use them.

`` more passengers. Tramlines are very expensive. Will further

extensions ever happen? Is all about money. This tramlines needed a

government contribution. We are waiting in the queue for a limited

pot of money. Manchester has proved the concept. They have an entire

network. Arming and the West Midlands heading in the right

direction `` same direction, hopefully.

Police have discovered cannabis plants worth up to ?1.5 million

during a raid at a warehouse in Coventry. Officers found the plants

at the industrial unit in the Stoke Row area of the city. Two men are

helping with inquiries. In just over a fortnight, voters

will be going to the polls in the European elections. In the West

Midlands, that means choosing seven MEPs who'll represent our region.

The voting system is proportional representation, which means you vote

for a party rather than a particular candidate, and there are ten to

choose from. Elizabeth Glinka visited Solihull to find out which

if any the voters recognised. There are ten parties failing to ``

fielding candidates in the West Midlands. Some of them you will be

pretty familiar with. What about the others? Broadly speaking, all of

these parties are anti`European. How do they differ from UKIP? Do people

know anything about them? Ten different parties. Do you know what

they stand for a? UKIP I am definitely in favour of. None of

these others have I ever heard of. British National Party! That's quite

interesting that they are still going. I am undecided. That looks

like something from Einstein kind of thing! It sounds like a chemical

equation! English Democrats, I have heard of them. There are the English

Democrats. OK! They are pretty far right. For people who think that

UKIP add to wishy`washy and liberal. Does that say about? What do they

stand for a? I have no idea. He used to have a thing on television. The

American... Jerry Springer! No, that is not Jerry Springer! Both have

left UKIP and started new parties running in the upcoming elections.

I'm going to vote UKIP. UKIP as well. Purely because I believe that

we should run our own country. At the end of the day fur trade we had

to stay in rather than out. They need to renegotiate but I think we

need to stay in. A lot of parties seem to stand for the same thing as

UKIP. I am not sure what the differences. Election date is May

22. The three main parties are concerned about a surge in support

for UKIP. In the Midlands they face competition.

And you can read more about the candidates and the European

Elections themselves on our Political Editor's blog:

Up to 200 showmen and women from around the country are in Hereford

this evening for the first night of the city's May Fair Festival.

The event's been running for nearly 900 years and attracts thousands of

people. But not all city centre businesses are fans. Here's Cath

Mackie. An historic street fair needs an

historic opening ceremony. For the privilege of holding the fair, the

Showman's Guild and Council presented Hereford Cathedral with 12

and a half bushels of wheat. I am satisfied that this is a proper

measure and it is of the best tweet. The fair opened, a world away from

its roots. If there were any rides, they may have been simple and basic.

Such as swimming golds. But even that is doubtful. Live

entertainment, jugglers, Tom Veelers. `` tumblers. But the

medieval jugglers and entertainers have been replaced by 21st century

terrifying rides. It is a traditional thing and it is lovely.

I still think it is nice. Has it changed much? Only the prices! What

makes it so special is that it is in the city of Hereford in the

streets. The city comes alive. People come from all around the

county. Old footage from the 1920s show the streets packed with people

` and it still attracts thousands of people. But not everyone's pleased,

particularly some businesses. People can only spend their money once.

Once the Mayfair is here they are treating their children and having

rights themselves. Our trade goes down. Three quarters of the people

we talked to say it is the right thing to do and this is the right

venue for it. As part of the deal the cathedral's canon went on a

ride. It was fantastic. I saw the roof of my house. A lease has been

signed for the fair to be held until 2020, but it's likely that'll be

extended for many years to come. This is our top story tonight: The

bodies of two Midlands servicemen arrive back in England after their

deaths in Afghanistan. Your detailed weather forecast to come shortly

from Shefali. Also in tonight's programme, a front row seat as a

rock band performs in a fan's Black Country living room. And the

Warwickshire town taking its inspiration from Shakespeare as it

tries to take gold at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Time for sport ` Dan's here. And Birmingham City have been reflecting

on their great escape after avoiding relegation at the weekend. I think

the blues fans still blinking in disbelief. It's been a Bank Holiday

weekend that no Birmingham City fan will ever forget. Today, Lee Clark

thanked them for their support, and promptly spelt out a few home

truths. The Blues manager is warning the club might not be so lucky next

season, if the owners don't invest in quality players. Ian Winter has

been to meet him. If Saturday was crazy, then today

was calm. For Lee Clark and Paul Caddis, a nice cup of tea. And the

chance to reflect. It's not every day you avoid relegation in the most

nerve`jangling manner. If you play football until you're 90 you will

never play another game like that, would you? No, done things. That is

probably the most important goal I will ever score. I think the manager

summed it up perfectly. He told us to use that as a motivation never to

be in that situation again. I reacted the way I seen fit. It was

the relief and pride that I had done the job for the fans. That is why

ran straight to them. Have the last few weeks affected the family? It

has been very tough. I am proud to be the manager. My family love the

area. My children enjoy their school and where they live, and the life we

have had. In terms of how it has affected us, it has been extremely

tough over the last few months. On Saturday, sheer relief was the

overriding emotion. Today, it was time for a realistic view of the

future. Hand on heart, do you think you will

still be the manager next season? I have said many times I am proud and

honoured to be the manager. I have understood what is going on. The

biggest thing is not with the manager is, it is what the ownership

situation is and the leadership going forward. If there is a change

of manager with the parameters aren't changed, you might not be so

lucky next season. So Clark's message seems crystal clear ` unless

the current Blues owners, or potential new owners, invest serious

money in quality players, then flirting with relegation might not

be a one`off sporting drama. Former Wolves club captain Jody

Craddock has thanked fans for their "fantastic support" after more than

9,000 turned out at his testimonial game, including several hundred who

made a 400`mile round trip from Sunderland. Craddock's son, Toby, is

receiving treatment for leukaemia from Birmingham Children's Hospital,

and he's raising money for its ?4 million cancer unit appeal. Amy Cole

reports. A proud day for the Craddock family

as they applauded on to the pitch by thousands of Wolves and Sunderland

fans. Jody Craddock's testimonial game was always going to be a

memorable occasion. His young son, Toby ` in the blue kit ` has been

receiving treatment for leukaemia at Birmingham Children's Hospital,

which is appealing for donations for a new ?4 million cancer unit. Jody

says he was keen to give something back. For me to raise a little bit

of money and to help them out, they have helped quite a lot. It is great

to be able to give something back. Hopefully the pace will not be too

fast out there. We will enjoy it. And the fans were certainly keen to

support a man whom they felt has given so much to their clubs. It is

a very well deserved tribute to Jody Craddock. He is a very good and

talented footballer, and a very nice man. Nobody deserves it more than he

does. We travelled from London. It is late and's first Wolves game

today. He is one of my favourite players, so I'm here to support him.

It is a great cause. There is a real sense of excitement going around the

stadium as Wolves fans and Sunderland fans sit side`by`side,

united in their support for Jody Craddock. And this testimonial

match. For the record, Wolves won 2`1 with

young Toby scoring the winner from the penalty spot.

Think of major music venues in the Midlands and I'd imagine the

Symphony Hall in Birmingham and the LG Arena spring to mind. I somehow

doubt your first thoughts home in on a residential house on a cul`de`sac

in Wollaston near Stourbridge! But, for one music fan, it was the

perfect location, as one of her favourite bands turned up at her

home to play a very special gig there. Ben Sidwell had a front row

seat ` on the sofa! Red carpet down, champagne on ice

and guest list sorted. Everything in place for Danni Griffiths' once in a

lifetime concert. I am so excited. It is going to be incredible.

Wollaston has never seen anything like this, ever. On their way to the

Black Country, Uncle Frank. Fronted by Fun Lovin' Criminal Frank

Benbini. Danni had won a competition on the band's Facebook page ` the

prize an intimate gig at her home. Never had a doorman at a house gig.

I love the fact he does not break character. He is on the tour, he has

got a guest list. If you're not on the list, you're not coming in.

After a bite to eat and a quick chat with family and friends, it was

time. For almost an hour the band

entertained Danni's family and friends ` and even got the doorman

dancing. It was fantastic. I cannot believe I

am doing this in Wollaston. It is something I will remember for the

rest of my life. It is absolutely huge for this area. I don't think it

is going to be something we will forget for a very long time.

That was just a great show. It had more of a vibe than I have ever had

a massive shows I have played. It is a really cool thing. I am very

humbled. Fantastic. That was incredible. I don't think

we are going to forget it. Makes my bank holidays seem rather

tame. `` my bank holiday. Leamington Spa is about to take on some of the

world's top floral designers at the Chelsea Flower Show. An

award`winning florist has teamed up with a garden designer to create one

of the gardens in the main pavilion next month. They've taken their

inspiration from the town's parks and Shakespeare, as Lindsay Doyle

reports. Once known as the garden town of

Shakespeareland, Leamington Spa is heading going for Chelsea gold at

the famous flower show. Garden design and floristry have come

together for the first time as an award`winning floral designer and

garden designer have put their heads together and come up with an

enchanting exhibit. As much as we really wanted it, we were prepared

for the fact that may be taking a small town was not going to get us

the space. But week have got a six metre space, which is huge, until

you start to put it together. Then we start looking at it and think, it

does not look as big as we thought! Inspired by Shakespeare's famous

fairy, Queen Titania, the project has the backing of the entire town `

local businesses, sculptors and students are all mucking in to make

sure all is ready on time. Even a local teashop is lending the table

and chairs. Chelsea is the most prestigious flower show and the

world. It is a wonderful way to showcase the town. Tell people that

we are here and remind them to come up. Not only that, in the course of

delivering the project, we have had an enormous amount of publicity. The

Chelsea Flower Show attracts 160,000 visitors over the five days and more

than three million viewers on television. The Leamington design is

influenced by the town's famous Jephson Gardens, much to the delight

of its gardeners. I did see the lady come into the park last year. She

did mention that she was going to do a thing based on ideas from

different gardens. That was the last I heard of it. After Chelsea, it is

hoped the exhibition will be recreated here. Currently the

friends of the pump room gardens are applying for a Heritage lottery

grant of ?1 million to rejuvenate the area. The Pump Rooms is

celebrating its 200th anniversary. It's hoped the Chelsea exhibition

will make the perfect birthday present Time for the weather now.

And gardeners always want to know about the weather. Did you hear the

rain last night? Like a monsoon at times, wasn't it? How's it looking

for the rest of the week? Here's Shefali. It is not the first time I

have heard that word today. It will not be the last this week. More

heavy showers to come. They are stepping up a gear all the while. It

will be breezy. The winds will temper the temperatures. On the

whole they are around average or just above. They will dip at the

weekend when we see a change in wind direction. We really are up against

it this week. Battling against an artillery of France from the

Atlantic. There will be the odd one sector passing through. You can see

that wish bone formation. That will lead to a temporary spike in

temperatures. Values will be falling by the weekend. The winds will pick

up. As we have seen today, some torrential downpours in places.

Those will continue through this evening and overnight. If anything,

they will become more widespread. They will confine themselves to the

north of the region. Mostly across parts of Staffordshire and

Shropshire. Towards the tail end of the night it is looking drier. Still

plenty of cloud. The winds will pick up towards dawn. Temperatures well

above freezing. It is a reasonably mild night. This is how we start of

the day tomorrow. Quite showery, quite dull, quite cloudy. Gradually

as the showers screaming from the West and become more prolonged and

perhaps more widespread, there will be some sunshine breaking through in

between. Temperatures at 14 or 15. Brisk winds. More showers tomorrow

night. Again, fairly widespread. Cloud thickening up and filling in

once again before they fade away, leaving us with cloud and largely

dry conditions. Temperatures only around nine or ten. Some of those

showers will form longer bands of rain on Thursday. Friday 's showery

as well. Tonight's headlines from the BBC:

With fears of significant job losses, politicians step in to the

biggest corporate takeover attempt in British history.

She would hold back in court, guilty of indecently assaulting an underage

girl. And tributes are paid to two Midlands servicemen killed in

Afghanistan as their bodies return home. Just before we go, the BBC is

offering apprenticeships at its local radio stations.

Successful candidates will start there in September and, after

training, they'll work as Apprentice Broadcast Assistants. If you're over

18 this September, and you want to find out more, visit our website.

The closing date is Monday. That was the Midlands Today. I'll be

back at ten o'clock. Have a great evening. Goodbye.