The festive season is in full swing, with Mariah Carey's melodies filling the air and mince pies at the ready. For those still at their desks, we offer a salute and a digestible round-up of the latest from Birmingham, keeping things light as the holidays approach.
Birmingham's Bold Ambition: Learning from Barcelona
The city's new lead commissioner has set out a lofty vision for Birmingham's future, suggesting it should aspire to become the Barcelona of Britain. Tony McArdle, who replaced the retired Max Caller in July, now heads a team of seven government-appointed executives tasked with fixing the city council's finances. McArdle, former chief executive of Lincolnshire County Council, admitted he had rarely visited Birmingham before this year but always felt the city was not 'punching the weight that you expected it to'.
In his first interview since taking the role, he pointed to Spain's coastal metropolis as an inspiration. He described Barcelona as a 'fantastic place' and a 'major force, on a par with Madrid,' suggesting Birmingham could emulate its status, if not its climate. The comment has sparked imaginations, perhaps of future sangria-sipping scenes on Broad Street.
Community and Crime: A Mixed Picture
In less cheerful news, West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was fatally stabbed on Swanage Road in Small Heath on Saturday evening. A 28-year-old man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.
Separately, a second person has been charged in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Yassin Alama, who was stabbed on Hutton Road in Handsworth on 16 November. A 17-year-old boy was charged last month, and 20-year-old Oliver Gibbins was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender.
In a heartwarming counterpoint, a three-year-old cat described as 'very scared' was rescued after being listed for sale on the second-hand shopping app Vinted. Abi Left, of Left Paw Cat Rescue in Kings Heath, spotted the advert and intervened to give the cat a new home. She revealed the seller asked no questions and was simply 'very very happy to hand her cat over'. Vinted has since reiterated that selling animals on its platform is prohibited.
Business and Transport Updates
On the business front, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has claimed that the ongoing bin strikes will not harm investment in the city. His comments seek to reassure businesses and residents amid the disruptive industrial action.
Meanwhile, industry experts have issued warnings about the scaled-back HS2 project. Trains running on the new high-speed line between London and Scotland are expected to be initially smaller and slower than originally planned due to project delays and cuts. A report notes that the line, once slated for completion in 2026, may now not be finished until 2033, with significant consequences for its initial service.
Residents are also reminded to check their altered bin collection timetables over the Christmas and New Year period, as schedules are 'skew whiff'.
Festive Highlights and Local Success
In brighter news, young darts player Matt Dennant from Walsall was 'chuffed to bits' after qualifying for the World Darts Championship on Friday. The city's cultural calendar remains busy, with events like a live performance of Radiohead's 'The Bends' at the Hare and Hounds, a full-orchestra screening of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' at Symphony Hall, and a candlelit performance of Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' at St Phillip's Cathedral.
The Dispatch's popular Saturday read, which went behind the scenes of Birmingham's Santa grottos, was a hit with readers, sparking fond memories. Editors Kate and Sam will be on leave over Christmas, but editions will continue on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Finally, a last-chance reminder: a heavily discounted Christmas gift subscription to The Dispatch offers 38% off an annual subscription, with six and three-month options also available—a gift that keeps Brum residents connected all year round.
