Updates on Wednesday 16 December 2015
News, sport, travel and weather updates to resume at 08:00 on Thursday
Live updates for Shropshire have finished for the day but w e'll be back from 08:00 Thursday with the latest news, sport, travel and weather.
A reminder you can watch Carols in the Square online via this link, external 18:00-19:00.
Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today
The forecast is good for Carols in the Square in Shrewsbury tonight, and we are expecting a very mild night with temperatures overnight as high as 14C (57F).
BBC Midlands Today
Here's a look ahead to tonight's edition of BBC Midlands Today with Nick Owen.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
One of the leading campaigners for change after the Shrewsbury baby ashes scandal, says he's "quite encouraged" by most of the proposals put forward by the government today.
It's proposing an overhaul of legislation governing infant cremations.
Glen Perkins from Shrewsbury says there is one thing missing though, he wants a national investigation unit set up to investigate historical cases.
New evidence in the case of a former Royal Marine convicted of murdering a prisoner in Afghanistan is being handed in to the Criminal Cases Review Commission today.
Sgt Alexander Blackman from Taunton (pictured) is currently serving a prison sentence - but friends, including Dave Robb from Wrockwardine Wood, and family have been in Birmingham to campaign for his release.
Tim Page
News Editor, BBC Shropshire
The stage is set and people are starting to gather for Carols in the Square in Shrewsbury tonight.
We'll be broadcasting it live from 18:00 and you can watch it live by clicking on this link, external.
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
The MP for Shrewsbury has welcomed the proposals put forward by the government today to regulate the way babies are cremated.
The proposals include a proper definition of what we mean by "ashes", a national working group and a national code of practice.
There is also the possibility of a national inspector, something Daniel Kawczynski is in favour of.
Quote MessageThere is an inspector for crematoria in Scotland and I believe we should have one here in England so that going forward we can try to ensure uniform standards in crematoria around our country.
Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
These are our top stories this evening:
- Government proposes new plans to regulate cremations following Shrewsbury baby ashes scandal
- Almost 70 jobs under threat at AGA in Shropshire
- Cinemas in the county prepare to welcome Star Wars fans
BBC Travel
There's still a handful of roads closed by flooding in Shropshire.
Gravel Hill Lane and Sydney Avenue in Shrewsbury remain shut as does an unclassified road in Melverley.
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
A number of cinemas around Shropshire are staying open late, so that Star Wars fans can see the new film as soon as it's released at midnight.
The Force Awakens, which stars some of the previous cast, such as Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill has been getting some good reviews from the critics.
Image source, LucasfilmAndy Giddings
BBC Local Live
A rescue plan for a Donnington eyesore is being discussed by Telford and Wrekin Council tonight and if it is agreed, the site could be cleaned up in the new year.
Twenty four homes on Church Walk have lain empty and vandalised for many years after the original developer went bust.
The chairwoman of Donnington and Muxton Parish Council Lisa Dugmore, explained it's come about because a developer with experience of rescuing projects like this was showing an interest.
Quote MessageThey're seeking the removal of affordable houses which isn't ideal, but because this situation has gone on so long I think it might be a price worth paying to get this development finished.
Councillor Lisa Dugmore, Chairwoman of Donnington and Muxton Parish Council
The number of people on the dole in Shropshire has fallen once again, external, official figures have revealed.
Image source, Shropshire StarAndy Giddings
BBC Local Live
Shropshire Council will be publishing plans in February, aimed at easing congestion around Shrewsbury town centre.
Wider pavements, better cycle routes and changes to roundabouts are among the proposals.
The authority is hoping it can get more motorists using the inner ring road, instead of driving through the middle of town.
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
Shrewsbury's reward for beating Grimsby in their FA Cup replay last night is a trip to Cardiff in the third round.
And the Town manager, Micky Mellon, believes the fans will turn out in force for the match.
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
Here's a recap of our top stories this afternoon:
- The government publishes plans to regulate crematoriums following baby ashes scandal
- Up to 68 jobs could go at AGA in Shropshire
- Council plans to reduce traffic in Shrewsbury town centre
Nick Southall
Journalist, BBC Shropshire
The proposals from the government today, to shake up the regulation of crematoriums are a landmark moment for the families who've fought tirelessly for national changes.
The consultation will allow parents to share their very personal experiences and only then will the government get a clearer picture of how widespread this is.
Image source, PANot only do families want changes to legislation, they also want a national inspector of crematoriums to enforce the law, so they’ll be pleased with the proposals put forward.
And they want the government to set up a national investigation team to look into historic cases.
Andy Giddings
BBC Local Live
Just spotted this from West Mercia Police.
They've created a guide on how to protect yourself from internet crime and written it up as a Christmas menu!
Image source, West Mercia PoliceA delivery lorry had to be rescued from a farmer’s field, external in Bridgnorth after it got stuck in water.
Image source, Shropshire StarAndy Giddings
BBC Local Live
As you can see from this photo, preparations are well under way for Carols in the Square in Shrewsbury.
It will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Shropshire at 18:00 this evening.
Nick Southall
Journalist, BBC Shropshire
The government is proposing a new national inspector of crematoria in England and Wales to ensure there's not a repeat of the Shrewsbury baby ashes scandal.
It fulfils a recommendation made by an independent inquiry for Shropshire Council looking into why no ashes were handed over to parents of children under the age of one between 1996 and 2012.
The inquiry follows a two-year investigation by BBC Radio Shropshire which found 60 families were denied their child's ashes following cremations at Emstrey crematorium.
The justice minister Caroline Dinenage says the government is also seeking views on setting up a national working group as well as a national code of practice.
