Express and Star

In the Express and Star today:

• 'Don’t pave over our roads': Wolverhampton traders backed by 1,000-strong petition, external
• 'Investigate whinges' - Russells Hall Hospital boss under fire over complaints remark, external
• Grand Theatre lodges plans for pop-up venue at ex post office site, external

Allen Cook
BBC News

Eleven people were arrested for disorder before and during last night's Checkatrade Trophy game between Port Vale and Stoke City.

Police say "considerable damage" was caused to the away stand at Vale Park, in Stoke-on-Trent, during the match as seats, toilets and windows were broken. , external

The force says a large number of away fans tried to cause trouble during the match and they expect to make more arrests in the next few days.

Image source, West Midlands Police

Almost 4,000 Stoke fans had added to an attendance of 7,940.

In the game itself, Port Vale ended up thrashing Stoke City's under-21s 4-0 to progress to the last 16.

Rich Davis
BBC Weather presenter

It's a cloudy start to the day for the West Midlands with outbreaks of rain - here's the full forecast for Wednesday:

If you need an up-to-date forecast at any other time for your part of the region, head to the BBC Weather website.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Welcome to our live service for Wednesday.

We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather for the West Midlands.

We love to hear from you, so share your news, thoughts and photos of the area with us via email, Twitter, external and Facebook, external.

Police swoop on two vehicles after men were reported to be acting suspiciously in them.

We'll be back with our usual mix of news, sport, travel and weather from 07:00 tomorrow, but keep an eye out here for more updates this evening and into the morning.

David McGreavy, dubbed the "Monster of Worcester", was 21 when he was jailed in 1973.

Coventry Blaze have released netminder Miika Wiikman.

The 34-year-old Swede, who previously played for Nottingham Panthers and Milton Keynes Lightning, lost a month-and-a-half to injury earlier in the season and made just 11 Elite League appearances for Coventry, plus three in the cup.

Image source, Scott Wiggins

On average, he was letting in more than four goals a game and had a save percentage of 87.8%.

A Warwickshire pub is offering drivers free non-alcoholic drinks throughout December to help cut down on drink-driving.

The Boat Inn in Birdingbury calculates that while a lot of its customers have to access the venue by car, the offer wouldn't cost the business a huge amount of money.

Image source, Google

BBC Politics

Plans to make more English voters prove their identity face a challenge in court.

Five English councils took part in May 2018 trials, and 11 are due to hold a range of checks in 2019 elections.

They include voters in East Staffordshire who will have to show photo ID under the current plans.

But an Essex man is crowdfunding for a legal case, as he does not have photo ID, and would not be able to vote.

The government said the requirements were a "common-sense next step" in electoral security.

Cat allowed to roam kitchen while staff had nowhere to wash their hands, a court hears.

Crewe Chronicle

From the Crewe Chronicle:

• Supermarket 'considering all options' after Cheshire East refused plans for new Crewe store, external
• Man jailed after stealing £26k from his own grandmother, external
• Crewe and Nantwich MP to vote against Brexit withdrawal deal, external

Local Democracy Reporting Service
Stephen Topping

People in Cheshire using the services of a struggling home care provider have been told they shouldn't see disruption while new owners take over.

Image source, Getty Images

Allied Healthcare was warned last month by a regulator over its finances.

On Friday, it was bought out by home care operator CRG. , external

Cheshire East Council says it's contacted the new owner and been told current care staff are being transferred to the firm, so residents shouldn't see a change in services.

Atta Ul-Haq says refusing his request for an edge around his father's grave breaches his human rights.

Coventry Live

From Coventry Live:

• New takeaways could be banned near schools, external
• Inquest to be held into death of Coventry teen, external
• Hyperloop system could cut travel time to London, external

New accommodation is going to be created for domestic abuse victims in Cheshire, with funding coming from local authorities, the police and the fire service.

Nearly £400,000 has been secured and will be used to provide a new refuge, individual houses and specialised trauma recovery training.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC WM

Thieves have been bragging about how easy it is to steal cars in Birmingham and posting videos of their crimes online, a BBC WM investigation has found.

A group operating in the south of the city is using social media to boast about what they do.

The West Midlands police and crime commissioner says it takes these crimes to new lows. Police say they are pursuing the thieves.

Vicky Maher from Smethwick had her car stolen twice in the space of three days and said the news didn't surprise her.

"It's a game to them really. I think that social media now gives them a better social standing. It's a platform for them to brag to their friends about what they're doing."

Sara Blizzard
BBC Weather

After a freezing start, the weather is forecast to get milder over the coming days, but we're also expecting some rain.

Later in the week, the wind is also going to get stronger.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Work to demolish a derelict shopping centre in Stoke-on-Trent will start in January and take several months to complete, according to a councillor in charge of regeneration.

Image source, Daniel Jellyman

The city council is spending £4m on purchasing and knocking down the East-West precinct in Hanley.

Councillor Daniel Jellyman has toured the disused site,, external saying it is being cleared of asbestos, electrics and a huge amount of fly-tipped rubbish.

He adds the large underground area made up of loading bays and old car parks will be filled in using the concrete of the buildings above ground.

Image source, Daniel Jellyman

Image source, Daniel Jellyman

Local Democracy Reporting Service
George Makin

A threatened theatre should be saved because art improves mental health, a Black Country councillor has said.

Councillor Shaun Keasey has made a plea to preserve the Dudley Hippodrome which council officers want to be turned into a centre for driverless vehicles.

The Conservative member for Sedgley spoke out after senior council officers rejected a plan to reopen the theatre as a performance venue, in favour of building a high-tech autonomous test facility on the site.

Members of Dudley cabinet will meet on 6 December to discuss whether to accept the officers’ recommendation.