102 Touch FM: Local News

Police prepare for EDL march in Redditch

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:16:30 +0100

West Mercia Police say they'll have a significant presence on the streets of Redditch when a march by the English Defence League takes place this weekend.

The group is holding a rally there on Saturday.

A previous event organised in April was called off after the intervention of a local churchleader.

The Force says they want to make sure the march doesn't cause any disruption to the people of Redditch.

BREAKING NEWS: Charges dropped against Warwickshire fire service manager

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:54:38 +0100

A fire service manager on trial in connection with the deaths of four Warwickshire firefighters in a warehouse blaze has had the charges against him dropped.

Paul Simmons was accused of gross negligence manslaughter but today a judge at Stafford Crown Court ordered the jury to acquit him.

Two other fire service managers, Adrian Ashley and Timothy Woodward, remain on trial in connection with the deaths of Ashley Stephens, Darren Yates Badley, Ian Reid and John Averis in the warehouse fire in Atherstone on Stour back in November 2007.

Charity for fallen soldier marks six month anniversary

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:02:28 +0100

The family of a Claverdon soldier killed in Afghanistan have raised £100,000 for injured troops - 6 months on from launching a charitable organisation in his name.

Private Conrad Lewis was shot dead in Helmand Province in February 2011.

He was the 353rd soldier killed in the conflict.

353 is the non for profit organisation set up by his family to support charities including Troop Aid, Nowzad Dogs and the Afghanistan Trust.

Troops honoured in Warwick

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:45:19 +0100

Up to two thousand people are expected to pack into Warwick Castle today (Friday) to honour local troops.

Many more people are due to line the streets as soldiers from MOD Kineton are given the Freedom of the town.

A parade's taking place ahead of a military service at St Mary's Church.

There will be temporary road closures in the town centre while the parade takes place.

New road safety campaign for Warwickshire

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:43:45 +0100

Police are concerned about the number of pedestrians being knocked over and killed on Warwickshire's roads.

Officers say mobile phones and MP3 players are becoming a major distraction.

Last year 33 people were killed on the county's roads - although there are no figures on how many of them were using such devices.

Warwickshire Police Head of Incident Resolution, Superintendent Adrian McGee said:

"This may appear to be a trivial issue to some but the risks are clear. It is all too easy for an inattentive pedestrian using a mobile phone to take a quick glance before stepping off the kerb to cross when they should take the time to look both ways properly. This makes it easy to miss an approaching vehicle.

Similarly a pedestrian listening to music impairs their ability to hear approaching traffic. Pedestrians need to be aware of the risks they are unknowingly taking and ask themselves how important is that text, everyone needs to take more responsibility for their personal safety"

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, portfolio holder for community protection added:

"The immense popularity of mobile phones and other portable devices presents a major risk to pedestrian safety. It's not uncommon to see pedestrians so completely absorbed in their phones that they are entirely oblivious to where they are and what's going on around them.

People are increasingly using mobile phones on the move to perform complex tasks that demand a huge amount of attention, such as texting, accessing emails and the internet, updating social media or making use of apps. If you are focused on texting or selecting a play list you can't be fully aware of traffic. It's a recipe for disaster"

Mum speaks out about Barford boat tragedy

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:17:33 +0100

A Barford woman who lost her husband and youngest son in a boating tragedy at the weekend has spoken for the first time about her ordeal.

Emma Mynott says her family is 'devastated' by the deaths of forty two year old Julian and three year old Freddie when their boat overturned on Saturday afternoon on the River Avon.

In a statement released by Warwickshire Police Mrs Mynott has also praised the support from local people and thanked emergency services for their role in helping the family.

Mrs Mynott's 7 year old son and 6 year old daughter were rescued from the water and are making a good recovery.

Here's Emma Mynott's full statement:

"We are all devastated by what has happened, but I want to thank my neighbours and all the people from the community who have helped and offered support, and the many people who have sent good will messages.

"The children’s school in particular has been very helpful and supportive at this difficult time, for which we are very grateful.

"I would also like to express my immense gratitude to everyone involved in the massive effort on Saturday evening to rescue my family. I would like to thank all the emergency services and all other agencies who were there, and who have become involved since.”

"Our appeal now is to be allowed our privacy, which we know that many people have already respected, in order that we can be allowed to grieve and to come to terms with what has happened.”

Latest following Barford boat tragedy

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:10:56 +0100

A girl involved in a boating accident that killed her father and brother in Barford remains in hospital - but is said to be out of immediate danger.

The six year old was one of four people on board a rowing boat that capsized in Barford on Saturday evening.

42 year old Julian Mynott and his three year old son Freddie both died.

A seven year old boy was taken to hospital but has since been allowed to go home.

The children's mother was not on the boat. She is now at her daughter's bedside as she continues to receive treatment.

Redditch United name new manager

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:01:46 +0100

Redditch United have named Simon Redhead as their new manager.

He returns to the club for a second spell in charge as replacement for Graham Hyde.

He spent a brief spell as manager a year ago but left after the Reds were relegated from the Conference North.

He will be assisted by former United player Asa Charlton.

Guilty verdict over Warwick Castle death

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:47:31 +0100

The company running Warwick Castle has been found guilty of two counts of failing to protect visitors following the death of a man there five years ago.

Merlin Entertainments has been fined more than £350,000 in connection with George Townley's death, after he fell over a bridge into a dry moat in 2007.

Warwick District Council who brought the prosecution say they're pleased with the outcome.

Merlin Entertainments has issued a statement saying it takes the safety of visitors extremely seriously.

HS2: Listen again to our documentary

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:13:32 +0000

Find out more about the high speed railway here.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening has given the green light to the £32 billion project. The scheme known as 'HS2' will cut journey times between London and Birmingham to 49 minutes but will could change some of our communities forever as it ploughs through the countryside on its route.

The first phase is expected to be complete by 2026 with an extension north of Birmingham complete by 2032/2033.

Last year our reporter Nick Jewers spoke to people involved in the HS2 project....those who want it built and those who could lose their homes because of it.

Listen again to the documentary here...

Part 1

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Part 2

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