Carriage vandalism appeal raises £10kpublished at 15:17 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
An investigation began after vandals daubed the historic train carriages with paint on Christmas Day.
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Carriage vandalism appeal raises £10kpublished at 15:17 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Engineering firm GKN rejects fresh takeover offerpublished at 15:04 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
BBC Business NewsEngineering firm GKN, which has bases in Birmingham, Telford, Redditch and Leek, has rejected an increased bid to takeover the company.
Image source, GKNMelrose Industries had offered 430.1p in cash and shares, up from an initial approach of 405p per share.
Melrose said its board "believes that the acquisition would deliver significantly greater benefits to the shareholders of GKN than GKN could otherwise achieve on its own".
But GKN has turned down the hostile bid, saying it is "effectively unchanged" from its first approach.
Quote MessageWe have already stated that the terms of Melrose’s offer fundamentally undervalue the Company and we are actively engaging with shareholders to explain how our transformation plan will provide value.”
Anne Stevens, GKN's chief executive
Doctor 'grossly abused trust'published at 14:51 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Dudley doctor convicted of sexually assaulting patients.
Read MoreFund page started for disgraced surgeonpublished at 14:51 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
A former patient says Simon Bramhall is a "man of excellence."
Read MoreGeorge Eliot's home should feature in 2021 celebrationspublished at 14:48 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
More should be done to help preserve author George Eliot's home, campaigners say.
Image source, George Eliot FellowshipMary Ann Evans lived at Bird House in Foleshill, Coventry, for eight years in the 1840s,
The building is Grade II listed, but the council's being urged to do more to protect it and open it up to visitors.
The council debated the move yesterday with suggestions it should feature in the 2021 City of Culture celebrations.
Image source, George Eliot FellowshipIn the papers: Travel firm shuts unexpectedlypublished at 14:37 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
The Shropshire Star's headlines:
Approval recommended for woodland holiday lodge planspublished at 14:24 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Vicky Breakwell
BBC Hereford and WorcesterPlans for 50 holiday lodges near the Three Counties Showground in Malvern have been recommended for approval.
Image source, GoogleThe Three Counties Agricultural Society has put forward the plans for Langdale Wood, including a reception building and parking facilities, external.
They say they are not building on public land and believe the proposals will "enhance" the local ecology.
Critics argue the plans will destroy the woodland, external and are planning a candlelit vigil outside a planning meeting later.
Poor quality rented homes targeted in new proposalpublished at 14:08 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
BBC Radio StokePlans to crackdown on poor quality private rented housing in 14 places in Stoke-on-Trent are being put forward by the city council.
Image source, PAIt says by using selective licensing, it can make sure landlords manage and maintain property to an acceptable standard, which in turn helps deal with anti-social behaviour.
More than 5,000 homes in areas including Hanley, Longport and Middleport are covered by the proposals, with selective licensing already in place on streets in Cobridge and Fenton.
The idea is now out to public consultation for 14 weeks.
Police officer confronted by gunmanpublished at 14:02 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Police release video footage of armed incident in Stourbridge.
Read MoreIn the papers: Plans for McDonalds in Warwickpublished at 14:00 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Leamington ObserverHere's some of the top stories in the Leamington Observer today:
- Warwick Hospital consultant signs letter to Prime Minister about state , externalof urgent care
- Plans for McDonalds restaurant and drive-thru to be built in, external Warwick
- Rugby player dedicates final season to children in need across Warwickshire, external
Join the race for the cup!published at 13:50 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
#FAPeoplesCup
And now for a promotional message from our friends at BBC Get Inspired. It's time to enter the FA People's Cup - the nation's free five-a-side tournament that gives you the chance to play at England's training centre at St George's Park and go to the FA Cup final.
You don't have to play regularly - like this hockey lot - or even have ever played before!
There are 18 different categories so something for everyone - find out all the details here.
Prosecution starts in James Brindley murder trialpublished at 13:40 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Joanna Tidman
BBC WMThe prosecution has begun to outline its case at Birmingham Crown Court in the trial of a teenager and a man charged with the murder and manslaughter of James Brindley (pictured).
The 26-year-old was stabbed in the heart as he walked home in Aldridge in June.
Image source, West Midlands PoliceAaron Kharod, 21, of Walsall Road, Aldridge and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, deny the charges.
The prosecution told the court that the 17-year-old admits stabbing James Brindley, but says it was in self-defence, while Aaron Kharod denies playing any unlawful part in what happened.
The trial continues.
Hull's City of Culture experts to visit Coventrypublished at 13:30 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
BBC Coventry & WarwickshireKey figures from the team that helped deliver events for Hull City of Culture 2017 will be in Coventry to give insight and advice to Coventry, who will host in 2021.
They will be visiting numerous locations before sharing what went well for Hull and what didn't.
Image source, PASpitfire taken off display in £6m museum revamppublished at 13:20 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Tim Wedgwood
BBC NewsA Spitfire housed inside a museum in Stoke-on-Trent is being taken off display and won't be on show again until 2019. , external
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's spending £6m on a glass extension , externalto the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery which will be the plane's new home.
The aircraft, designed by Staffordshire-born Reginald Mitchell, was presented to the area in 1969 and was moved inside the museum in 1986.
The aircraft will be restored before going back on display.
Quote MessageIt's going to be disassembled in the gallery and taken out through one of the windows at the front I believe. I think the wings are going to be the critical factor so it's getting them through the doors. As long as that works, everything else will come out."
Julian Mitchell, Great-nephew of Reginald Mitchell
County cricketer denies rape chargespublished at 13:09 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Alex Hepburn appeared in court in Worcester to plead not guilty to an attack on a woman in the city.
Read MoreGP sexually assaulted patientspublished at 13:01 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Joanne Writtle
BBC Midlands TodayA family doctor in the Black Country has been found guilty of sexually assaulting four patients.
Jaswant Rathore, 60, of Ploughman's Walk, Wall Heath, denied 18 charges in all, relating to eight patients, between 2008 and 2015 at Castle Meadows Surgery, Milking Bank, Dudley.
He was convicted of 10 charges against four women and cleared of eight allegations.
He was remanded into custody and told by the judge to expect a "significant prison sentence".
Blair tribute for Ed Doolanpublished at 12:52 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Former prime minister fondly remembers radio interviews with veteran broadcaster.
Read MoreWalsall coach Cutler rejoins West Brompublished at 12:43 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Walsall coach Neil Cutler leaves Bescot to rejoin West Bromwich Albion as goalkeeping coach.
Read MoreWardrobe killer shows 'no remorse'published at 12:43 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Ashley Foster is found guilty of murdering Megan Bills, 17, in his room in a Black Country hostel.
Read MoreWorcestershire cricketer Alex Hepburn denies rapepublished at 12:42 Greenwich Mean Time 17 January 2018
Allen Cook
BBC NewsWorcestershire county cricketer Alex Hepburn has appeared in court to deny rape.
The 21-year-old Australian pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault at Worcester Crown Court today.
Image source, PAThe alleged offences are said to have taken place in Worcester in April.
Judge Nicolas Cartwright set a trial date for early in 2019.
Mr Hepburn, of Priory Road, Malvern, has been suspended on full pay by Worcestershire.
