Local Democracy Reporting Service

The number of empty homes in Coventry has doubled to more than 3,000 in 18 months, figures reveal.

The city council, which has been taking action to address the problem, said the pandemic was partly to blame as many student properties had been “unoccupied since July last year”.

Councillor David Welsh said it was a problem in cities “across the country”.

Image source, Getty Images

In February, Coventry had 3,212 homes which had been empty for six months or longer, compared to 1,451 in October 2019, a Freedom of Information request to the council found.

“We are working hard to bring unused and empty properties into use as it’s such a key priority for the council – and a home where families can move into is absolutely vital,” Me Welsh said.

Police will be able to cross-reference data with crime reports to see if offenders were in the area.

Vinnie, aged four, has had three open heart surgeries but is now in heart failure, his family says.

Cardiff and Stoke City settle for a point apiece in a drab 0-0 draw that does little to help either side in their bid to reach the play-offs.

James Bree and Elijah Adebayo get the goals as Luton Town ease to victory over 10-man Coventry City at Kenilworth Road.

Lee Bowyer is appointed as Birmingham City's new boss after Aitor Karanka steps down as head coach of Championship strugglers.

Bea Jones has been left "distressed" by the similarities with the murder of her daughter Moira in 2008.

People over the age of 16 are being asked to get tested even if they have no symptoms.

A Birmingham man convicted of possessing cannabis in India more than 15 years ago has won a High Court fight against extradition.

Ivor Fletcher, who is in his late 50s, said he should not be extradited because he had long-term, ongoing mental health issues and his health and life could be at risk if he had to go into an Indian prison.

The court heard Fletcher was arrested in 2002 while travelling in Kullu where officials said he was in possession of 10kg of the drug.

He was detained in custody before being acquitted the following year and returned to the UK.

Indian authorities appealed and he was convicted in his absence and given a 10-year jail term.

Fletcher was arrested in the UK in 2018, and government ministers subsequently ordered his extradition.

James Stansfeld, representing the Indian government, told the court Fletcher was "a fugitive from proceedings in India".

But Mr Justice Chamberlain said the Indian government had not provided information to show that there was "a credible treatment or protection regime" in Indian prisons and ruled in Fletcher's favour.

Birmingham Live

Here are some of the stories on the Birmingham Live website today:

• Nearly 90 different postcodes across the West Midlands have now suppressed Covid-19 , external
• West Midlands Police chief constable calls for law change to allow 'freedoms expected' at UK protests, external
• Arsonists set fire to shop in Kingstanding Shopping Centre, external

Rural bus services in the West Midlands are being given £2m by the government, to help them become more "innovative".

The money is being split between Staffordshire County Council, which will receive £1,038,090 and Warwickshire County Council, which will get £1,020,000.

Image source, Getty Images

Staffordshire plans to use the money to pay for on-demand minibus services for Leek, Ashbourne and Buxton.

Warwickshire County Council plans to buy four vehicles to serve Kenilworth and in rural Warwick.

The chief constable of West Mercia Police has announced he will retire in September.

Image source, West Mercia Police

Anthony Bangham, who joined the force as a constable 30 years ago, said he had enjoyed an "amazing career with every day bringing new challenges".

"I have served as a police officer across West Mercia in many roles and different ranks and have always done so with great pride," he said.

Mr Bangham, who was assistant chief constable for the Avon and Somerset force, said he had been "delighted" to finish his career with West Mercia, serving the area where he had spent most of his life.

The force's Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion praised Mr Bangham as "a determined leader in challenging times" and said he had always put the public at the heart of his work.

Bob Allison had a stroke while abroad and his family set up a fundraising page to help get him home.

In total, eight people face modern slavery and theft charges following an investigation, police say.

It is impossible to find out how she died, a pathologist tells the trial of her alleged murderer.

A new 700-metre path through a Stoke-on-Trent wood is a "big hit" with school children and dog walkers, the city council said.

The "safe off-road" route through Weston Woods brings people closer to nature and links to employment and education sites in the Weston Coyney and Meir areas.

Image source, Stoke-on-Trent City Council

The work, funded by the area's Local Enterprise Partnership, took 12 weeks and is based on existing public right of way through the site.

The council's Daniel Jellyman said: "Before the path, it could get quite muddy for people trying to follow the right of way through the woods, but dirty trainers and clothes should now hopefully be a thing of the past."

Police forces are challenged for being "over tolerant or cracking down too hard," Sir David says.

Charity volunteers from Coventry who travelled to Dover to take food to lorry drivers stuck in queues at the border over Christmas have been shortlisted for an award.

Langar Aid took about 1,000 food parcels to Kent to feed the lorry drivers who found their passage to mainland Europe blocked by the travel ban between the UK and France.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has shortlisted the organisation for a Community Organisation Hero Award at this year’s Outstanding Citizens Awards, which will take place on Friday.

Image source, Getty Images

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Waheed Saleem, said: "Not only have they supported the people of Coventry and the West Midlands, but they also went out of their way to deliver food for the lorry drivers who were stuck in Dover over Christmas."

Avtar Kaur Project Manager for Langar Aid said: "All of our volunteers have gone out of their way to provide food and support for the vulnerable and isolated."

Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio is "conscious" and "going to be OK" after his head injury against Liverpool, says boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Kathryn Stanczyszyn
Political Reporter, BBC Radio WM

Police are at Birmingham New Street today as part of a knife crime initiative.

A knife arch has been set up inside the station which can detect the weapons and has already led to the arrest of one person who was found to be carrying a blade, West Midlands Police said.

BBC Radio WM launched its Knives Cost Lives campaign yesterday and has joined with the force to install two knife bins - in Bordesley Green and Halesowen.