March 2009 Archives

As I drive off towards a weekend of spashing around with my kids at Alton Towers, I'm reflecting on a good, honest week of rowing for local people.

We've rowed over libraries, Mail columnist Adrian Goldberg claiming that 'business transformation' in Yardley = cuts, a view fiercely rejected by deputy council leader (and Yardley councillor) Paul Tilsley.

The result has been three or four page leads debating the isue, the last one a 450-word pledge from Coun Tilsley pledging never to cut them. On the record promise stuff. Good for local people.

We've rowed about whether the Mail should have published a 'school risk list' related to the city's gangs, the geographical areas they exist in and the threat of recruitment from said schools.

Some at the council (not all) have raged that the Mail should never have published the list. Yet the list was FIRST published by the council (but only for the eyes of teachers).

We stand by our decision that the parents of Brum need the same tools as teachers to guide them in protecting their children.

We've rowed over the proposed 'Municipal Bank', and whether or not the council have 'scrapped' their initial plan of the old-style institution (please note the council say that there has been no idea scrapped, and it is all set to come to cabinet for a decision - a criticism of our view that we have published in the Mail).

My point?

Well, the media SHOULD row with the powers that be, whoever they are (this week the council), we SHOULD keep them on their toes, we SHOULD stick up for readers' rights, services and views.

Does it mean the Birmingham Mail is always right in every view it projects? Not necessarily, but becuase we exist with balance we openly invite rights of reply and encourage readers to make their own minds up.

But it feels good to have a few passionate conversations about the city in which we live.

Now... time for that pool. I feel a big splash coming.

Great emerging news this afternoon that LDV had been in meetings with the leader of Birmingham City Council to see what possibly could be done to help rescue the firm.

If anyone can make a difference, Mike Whitby can in his role.

And what a great story it would be for Birmingham if the company is saved after his intervention. Brummies looking after Brummies, and challenging the government to step in as well.

We have to manage expectations, of course... Mike cannot change the world and it could be that it is not possible to take things forward.

But the fact that he has made the effort and found the time to meet with LDV bosses is crucial and he should be applauded for this.

The first details on this story are in tonight's City Final edition, and we will be following it up with more details, we hope, in tomorrow's paper.

I know the original posting re. this issue created interest and some debate, so I've decided to share the latest episode.

The daughter of a convicted paedophile wrote to me asking for the internet reports on the case, relating to his job at Birmingham children's homes, to be erased.

I can only imagine the pain that the criminal behaviour of the father has caused this woman and her family.

These sorts of pressure to erase conviction reports will continue. I feel it is crucial to maintain the stance of NOT removing any such cases.

My reply to the lady concerned today:

March 18 2009

Steve Dyson
Editor,
Birmingham Mail

Someone in power, somewhere, MUST make an effort to help LDV survive.

The Birmingham van firm employs around 800 workers directly - almost all Brummies, almost all with families dependent on their income.

There's another few thousand workers at component supply firms whose jobs could also be under threat if LDV collapses.

A management buy-out is the last chance, but a cash bridging loan is needed to make this a reality.

Russian owners GAZ aren't helping; the government is saying it won't, unless Gaz do; and the city council is saying it's not its place to provide any grant or loan.

But there is growing anger from many public figures and members of the public who cannot believe the apathy in terms of constructive action that means anything.

Former Northfield MP Roger King has led the verbal assault on the government and council for their blinkered approach.

The Birmingham Mail has projected his concerns in page one tempests. Readers' opinions are hardening against the power-that-be (see our letters page tomorrow).

Yet STILL no-one at the council or government is wanting to act. They seem to think LDV has already gone.

The words of MPs do not help. OK, Sion Simon and Liam Byrne say they are constantly making noises in the corridors of power. But if there is really no assistance I want to see them ANGRY.

Liam - this is your constituency. I take it that if the government allows LDV to collapse you will resign your ministerial role? You too Sion. And for God's sake, Richard Burden, let's see some passion in your comments on the affair in your motoring committee role.

And that's just government. It's time too that councillors start hammering hard at their own doors to see what they can do.

An advice bus? Don't be insulting.

Cause a ripple, Coun Ray Hassall and Coun John Lines, your real Brummies with real opinion who care for your fellow citizens. You sit on the council cabinet... let's start hearing your frustration and annoyance that the mandarins who actually run the council are not doing anything useful.

Director of Planning Clive Dutton... forget for a moment the thrills of Dubai and China and the chances of Brum's future investment from the Far East. Put it to one side and think through quickly how YOU can help LDV NOW. Same goes for you, Stephen Hughes, the city's chief exec... if not a grant, how about a gesture of assistance in kind, a tax break, SOMETHING!

And Mike Whitby, LEADER of the council, it's time for you to show your passion and leadership for Brummie jobs in Birmingham. If you really cannot legally offer a grant or loan, at least stand up and shout loudly at the Government for it's short-sightedness.

Go and meet the workers, understand fully and personally what's at issue and let us see you trying to orchestrate something meaningful.

BIRMINGHAM NEEDS TO TO ACT ON LDV NOW!

It's top curry, good discourse and fun all round tonight at The Purple Rooms, on the Stratford Road.

Proprietor Faizur Choudhury, MBE, is cooking for scores of guests on condition that all payments for entry are donated to the Birmingham Mail Charity Trust.

As well as the curry, the guests - readers, journalists and business folk alike - get to hear a passionate speech from community historian Carl Chinn on the history of the Mail and its charity.

We're hoping for a good turn-out and a resulting boost to Trust funds. I'll tell you how it goes on comments tomorrow.

The recession is biting, the chips are down, but it was great to be at an awards event last night that celebrated excellence in the face of adversity.

The Best of Broad Street Awards 2009 highlighted the best bars, clubs, restaurants, doormen, bar staff and various other categories from Birmingham's 'golden mile'.

There was fire (jugglers), glitz (you should have seen the attire of some Broad Street staff!) and champagne (not too much, but each winner and highly recommended received a bottle as part of their prize).

Buy today's paper for a wrap-up on the awards, and if you're one of the winners don't miss a full-colour picture spread in this Friday What's On section of the paper.

Videos and online coverage will be on birminghammail.net later this morning.