Tuesday, November 24, 2009

CITY CLIMBING GREEN LIST

COVENTRY has just missed featuring in the top 10 list of being one of the most sustainable cities in the country.

But coming in at 11th, Coventry has risen three places from last year and is top of the table for cities representing the West Midlands.

The third annual Sustainable Cities Index by Forum for the Future published last week also shows the city is making a steady progress, as in 2007 Coventry was 17th.

Every year Forum for the Future, a sustainable development charity, tracks the progress on sustainability of Britain’s 20 largest cities.

Cities are ranked according to their performance against 13 indicators based on environmental performance, quality of life and planning for the future.

On environmental performance the city was ranked fifth due to its strong performance on ecological footprint, in particular on biodiversity as 49 per cent of sites in the city have undergone conservation in the past five years.

In the area of quality of life, the city improved its performance from 18th to 13th because of an improvement in the accessibility of public services such as schools and GPs via the transport network.

Councillor Nigel Lee, cabinet member for climate change, housing and sustainability, said: “I’m very pleased Coventry has continued to improve its sustainability performance against the other major cities in Britain.

“We recognise we still have a long way to go.

“It’s critical Coventry is seen as a sustainable place to live, work and invest so we can both, raise the quality of life for residents and attract new businesses to transform the city.

“I look forward to seeing our ranking in this sustainability league improve further next year as initiatives like the blue bin recycling scheme and our activities on climate change really start to feed in to the assessment process.”

On how well-prepared the city is for the future and how central sustainability issues are to the city’s plans, Coventry was ranked 10th improving from 16th in 2007.

PUB UNDER MACHETE ATTACK

TWO men wielding a machete and a sword burst into a Coventry pub.

Around 35 people were enjoying a Saturday night drink in the Devonshire Arms, in Seawall Highway, Wyken, when the two men stormed in wrestling the doormen.

An eye-witness, who had been at the pub with friends contacted the Times.

The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “It was about half-past 10 when two men burst into the pub, fighting off the security guards at the door.

“One was carrying either a machete or a large sword and the second guy was definitely carrying a machete.

“There was a great, big, kerfuffle at the door, but the management were just fantastic.

“They managed to keep everyone calm and some of the customers even helped the bouncers push the men back out.

“It happened quite quickly, it was over in five minutes, but I didn’t feel threatened.

“The men were shouting something, but because of the music we couldn’t hear what they were saying.”

A spokesman for the pub said: “The Devonshire Arms is a popular and friendly local pub and this was a completely isolated and unmotivated incident involving a small group that had been refused entry by our door supervisors.

“Some of the group used force to temporarily enter the pub, but were quickly made to leave by the quick actions of the door team.

“We have contacted Police and provided CCTV footage to them to help with their investigations.”

FIREFIGHTER'S FUNERAL

HUNDREDS of firefighters are set to line the streets of Coventry to pay their respects to city fireman Paul Gibbons.

Up to 200 West Midlands Fire Service officers, dressed in ceremonial uniform, are expected to form a guard of honour at Mr Gibbons’ funeral at Holy Family RC Church, in Parkgate Road, on Thursday.

A small contingent of firefighters will accompany the coffin inside the church.

A representative from the service will also be among those speaking at the service, which is due to begin at 11am.

Mr Gibbons died after an attack at Millsy’s Cafe Bar in Earlsdon Street, Earlsdon on Sunday October 25.

The husband and dad-of-two died the next day, as a result of his injuries.

The 41-year-old joined West Midlands Fire Service 12 years ago after a career in the navy.

He was stationed at Canley Fire Station which was inundated with flowers and messages left by those wanting to pay their respects.

Mr Gibbons was also a manager at city football club Sphinx FC.

Coventry operations commander Simon Shilton explained there will be a large fire service presence at the funeral upon the request Mr Gibbons’ family.

He said: “Paul was very well respected and very popular within the service – he had many, many friends.

“We are expecting a high turn out.”

Mr Gibbons’ family have requested that donations, if desired, should be made payable to A J Lloyd Charity Account to be distributed between a trust fund for Mr Gibbons’ children and The Fire Fighter Charity. A J Lloyd can be contacted by calling 024 7633 1900.

Shane Walford – also known as Shane Junior – aged 33, has been charged with the murder of Mr Gibbons.

He is due to appear at Warwick Crown Court in the New Year.

KIDNAP WARNING

A KIDNAP warning has gone out to parents after a nine-year-old Coventry schoolgirl was approached by a strange man in a car.

Police are investigating the incident that happened near Alderman’s Green Primary School, Alderman’s Green Road, between 8.30am and 8.50am last Thursday.

The girl was approached by a man in a blue car but she made off and told a teacher.

Anyone with information should call Coventry police on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

OFFICE STAR TO SWITCH ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

THE Office star Martin Freeman will be switching on Coventry’s Christmas lights this year.
The 38-year-old actor will join Midlands soul queen Beverley Knight and Coventry acts Harmony Hood and Eliot Evans on Sunday November 29.
Freeman, who is also noted for his role as Arthur Dent in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, is no stranger to the city.
He is one of the lead characters in Coventry-born director Debbie Issit’s Christmas blockbuster called Nativity that was filmed in and around the city.
He plays Mr Maddens, the headteacher of a primary school that rivals a private school and desperately wants his kids to have the best nativity play.
Mick McLaughlin, marketing and communications manager for city centre manager CV One, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Martin Freeman is returning to Coventry to switch on the Christmas Lights this year.
“It really is fitting as he’s appearing in the Christmas blockbuster Nativity which was filmed right in the heart of the city. It really is the icing on the cake for what promises to be a spectacular day of family entertainment.”
The musical showcase will take place on the Travelodge as Merica FM presenters kick things off at 3.30pm. It follows an array of live performances and entertainment before the lights are switched on at 5pm.

NEW PLANS FOR OLD JAG SITE

THE former Browns Lane Jaguar site is to be renamed Lyons Park and turned into a high-tech business and industrial park.
The development is named after Sir William Lyons, founder of the Swallow Sidecar Company, which evolved into Jaguar Cars after the Second World War.
Developers Goodman, who bought the site in 2007 and Advantage West Midlands, have put the plans together.
Plans for the 39 hectare site include 800,000 sq ft of space for industrial and distribution use, 75,000 sq ft of office space and 172 homes.
Graham Pardoe, Goodman’s development director for UK Logistics, said: “Coventry has a long and proud legacy as a city of innovation, industry and technology.
“Lyons Park will provide the opportunity for organic growth of this heritage, offering the opportunity for small to medium businesses as well as national companies to locate to a first class development.
“In re-branding the site we were determined to create a new identity while recognising the site’s heritage. We feel that Lyons Park is a fitting name which gives the development a strong identity.”
Steve Holland, head of asset management at AWM, added: “The planning permission for the development of Lyons Park marks another important milestone in the regeneration and redevelopment of Coventry.
“Alongside other major projects such as Ansty Park, Lyons Park will play an important part in strengthening the city’s contribution to the West Midland’s economy by attracting manufacturing companies to the region and creating more jobs for local people.”
Consultations with Coventry City Council have been held and work on the site’s infrastructure is expected to be finished by April 2010.
Jaguar Land Rover director Julian Hetherington said: “It is excellent news that the plans to redevelop the former Jaguar site at Browns Lane in Coventry have been approved and we are of course delighted that Sir William Lyons’ achievements are remembered with the choice of name for the development.”

THIRD SECTOR COULD BE SILENCED

CHRISTMAS parties and fundraising events could be
silenced by music scrooges who will charge voluntary organisations for playing music.

A new system, which starts in April 2010, means community groups will have to apply for a licence that pays for artists’ royalty fees – or not play music at all.

The fee, which is still being
decided, will go towards to the composers, protected by the Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and performers protected by the Performance Rights Society (PRS for
Music).

But it has left small groups outraged that precious money raised to help their cause will be wasted on buying the licence.

The Mercia MS Therapy Centre, in Macefield Close, Aldermans Green, needs around £130,000 a year to run its centre for people with multiple sclerosis.

Terina Fellows, centre administrator, said: “It’s always difficult to raise money, but this year we are finding it even harder.

“It’s not fair that charitable groups have to pay. Even if it doesn’t cost much, it will soon add up.

“We regularly have get-togethers with ex-members or Christmas
parties where we play music.

“I guess we’ll have to have the party in silence or sing to ourselves if we can’t afford the licence.”

And homeless charity Emmaus, based in Brinklow Road, Binley, echoed these thoughts.

Kieron Dunne, of Emmaus, said: “We want any money we raise to go to our cause and not to pay the
artists.

“I guess they have been hit hard
because of downloads and I can appreciate they need to claw back money from that, but it seems
harsh they’re targeting charities.

“We want to be law-abiding, but if the price is quite high then we might have to re-think any summer fetes or events we were planning that would involve music.”

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is asking for PPL and PRS to review the decision.

Stuart Etherington, chief executive
of NCVO, said: “It is shameful that money intended for charitable causes will go on paying royalties for
playing music.

“Events like these often raise no more than a few hundred pounds but this is vital income for charities.

“This scheme will make it
impossible for small community-based charities or organisations to play music at their social and fundraising events because of the cost involved.

“It will effectively spell the death of the charity tea dance in a village hall or a fund-raising disco in aid of a good cause.

“We call on PPL and PRS for
Music to review this decision and not charge organisations who are fundraising for the good of their com-munity.”

But the music companies have
defended their decision and said they are conforming to EU laws that were passed in the ’90s.

Fran Nevrkla, PPL’s chief executive
officer, said: “This is a welcome move by the government which gives our performers and record companies equivalent rights to those enjoyed throughout the rest of Europe.

“We have already started the
dialogue with the charity umbrella organisations and we are determined to reach an agreement with them which is both easy to administer
and fair to the charities and to the musicians and labels who produce the music they wish to use.”

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

TASER GUNS USED TWICE IN CITY

POLICE used their Taser guns on two suspects during the first week of a city-wide roll out.

Officers say two potentially violent incidents were calmly resolved in the Wood End and Willenhall areas of the city after the Tasers were deployed.

On Thursday November 12 cops were called to a third-floor flat in Willenhall following reports of a man smashing windows.

The man, who is understood to have mental health problems, at first refused to leave his flat.

When he did come out onto the landing, the man threatened to harm officers and himself, prompting officers to use the device.

Two days earlier one of the devices were used by officers in Wood End.

Officers were called to a house in Winston Avenue after a man was seen brandishing two large knives.

Police arrived at the scene just after 11.30pm and attempted to get the man to leave the house.

Officers deemed the man was a danger to himself, the public and to police and a Taser was used.

Once the situation was resolved the man was arrested and later charged in connection with the incident.

Previously the 50,000 volt device, which temporarily incapacitate targets and cause them to “freeze” or fall to the ground, had only been used by firearms officers.

But from November, 80 Pcs have been trained to use the weapons, which means officers in Coventry now have 24-hour access to them for use in certain situations.

The Taser uses an electrical current to temporarily disrupt the control of a suspect’s muscles.

But a spokesman for the force says in nearly half of the cases, the mere presence of the Taser was enough to deter a violent offender from becoming more aggressive.

Chief Superintendent Steve Glover, of Little Park Street police station, said: “These are two incidents that have been resolved with no-one getting hurt.

“Before Tasers officers used batons and incapacity spray.

“Officers think they are wonderful - they allow them to keep a safe distance between them and the suspects.

“And no-one has been hurt, which is what we want.”

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

SHOOTING UPDATE

FOUR people have been quizzed by detectives investigating the attempted murder of a businessman that was shot in the legs.

In the horrific attack, the 28-year-old dad was blasted as he sat in his car outside his home in Narrowboat Close, Longford.

He was fired at in the leg four times.

The shooting happened just after 9am on Saturday October 10. Detectives believe the attacker waited for more than two-and-a-half hours for the victim to come out of his house and get in to his car.

They say the gunman strolled over to the car, smashed the driver’s window and shot him four times in his right leg.

The attacker drove away in a red Ford Focus Flight, which was discovered abandoned the following day.

The close-range shooting left the victim’s leg broken.

After a several weeks in hospital he was allowed to return home, but is still receiving medical treatment.

A visible police presence has remained in the quiet residential area ever since.

On Monday three men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit murder and were being questioned by Warwickshire detectives.

Two of the men - aged 26 and 24 - were arrested in Solihull, while a third, aged 24, was arrested in Winson Green, Birmingham, and a 26-year-old woman from Edgbaston in Birmingham was also taken into police custody.

While the suspects are being questioned, officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the shooting to come forward to help them with the inquiry.

Anyone with information is urged to call Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000.

Information can also be passed to police in confidence via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

TRADERS WELCOME RE-OPENING OF ROAD

A CITY centre road that has been shut for two years was re-opened at the weekend to the delight of traders in the area.

After a lengthy campaign by retailers in the Lower Precinct, City Arcade and Coventry Market, the city council has re-opened Croft Road’s junction with Queen Victoria Road.

The junction next to Ikea was closed to traffic, except buses and taxis, when the Swedish furniture giant moved in.

The intention was to divert all traffic apart from Ikea customers to the next junction of the ring road amid fears there could be traffic chaos with scores of customers visiting the store.

But traders and shoppers who signed a petition for the road to be re-opened said that its closure cut off the south part of the city centre to traffic and damaged trade.

Shop owners are now happy about the decision.

Kewal Talwadia, joint partner of natural health shop Drop In The Ocean, in the City Arcade, said: “This is a positive step and I thank the council for re-opening the road.

“When it closed two years ago we definitely noticed fewer numbers of people coming through but hopefully this will increase footfall again.”

Jackie Logan, manager of Silver Glade jewellery store in the City Arcade, added: “This will help get people into this area of the city centre. We needed to get the traffic flowing to this part and get some life back.”

The petition, which will be considered at a council meeting in the new year, also calls for other measures to help reverse a decline in business, including a circulatory bus route in the city centre.

Councillor Gary Ridley, cabinet member for city development, said the opening of Ikea had not generated the high levels of traffic predicted or led to tailbacks on the ring road and Allesley Old Road.

He said.: “There hasn’t been the level of traffic we initially expected and so we’ve decided to re-open Croft Road again.

“It won’t take long to change road markings and signs, so hopefully footfall will increase.”

LANDLORD LINE

LANDLORDS that suspect their tenants are involved in criminal activity can now report information anonymously via a new police hotline.

Around 2,500 landlords across Coventry have received letters encouraging them to participate in the ‘Tenant Watch’ scheme.

Information provided this year by property owners has led to lodgers being prosecuted for a range of crimes, including drugs offences, identity fraud, vehicle crime and prostitution.

But Coventry police believe the number will persuade more landlords to come forward and voice any concerns.

Acting Sergeant Carolyn Witts, of Chace Avenue police station, said: “There is a lot of shared accommodation in the city; landlords may well stumble across evidence of, or hear about, criminal activity.

“I know of landlords who have seen stolen goods, weapons or drugs when visiting their properties. Tenant Watch makes it easier for them to reach a specialist officer and offers anonymity so they can speak to us in confidence.

“We’re not asking landlords to spy on tenants. We simply want them to be aware of what’s going on in their properties and to let us know if they’ve any concerns over their tenants’ activities or behaviour.”

Sgt Witts also said that there had been strong interest from landlords in the initiative, and has stressed they have nothing to fear from reporting criminal activity discovered in a property they own.

She added: “It seems some landlords believe they could be liable for anything untoward found at one of their properties. This is absolutely not the case and, similarly, it won’t damage their standing as an accredited landlord.

“We just want to offer a single point of contact and an opportunity for landlords to develop a relationship with our Tenant Watch officer.”

Shared accommodation tenants can also use the scheme to report issues or concerns they have with housemates.

The hotline number is 024 7653 9112 or contact crime reduction officer PC Mick Walters, who will oversee Tenant Watch, via email at m.walters@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.

EU FUNDS COULD HELP ERICSSON WORKERS

A MIDLANDS MEP is urging the government to apply for an EU fund to help the 700 people facing redundancy at Ericsson to find another job.

Liberal Democrat Liz Lynne has said that “UK has been dragging its feet” when it comes to applying for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

It allows EU governments to apply for millions of pounds to support specialist retraining and advice for workers being made redundant due to the financial crisis.

Ms Lynne said: “This announcement by Ericsson is terrible news for Coventry and for the 700 workers affected.

“The recently reformed globalisation adjustment fund could offer real help to staff in finding other work. The threshold for applications was recently cut from 1,000 job losses to 500 and the total amount of money available to governments to fund retraining was increased.

“To qualify, redundancies must affect staff in permanent contracts, not temporary workers.

“From all the information Ericsson has released, it looks as if these conditions would be met and funding could be available, but the UK government must apply for it.

“If accepted, the EU would meet three quarters of the cost of retraining programmes, as long as the government undertakes to fund the rest.

“This would offer a real chance for staff facing redundancy to get top quality retraining and help to find new work suiting their skills as soon as possible.”

It comes after Ericsson announced it would be pulling the plug on its Research and Development site in Ansty Park.

It opened four months ago, but Ericsson wants to relocate to cheaper countries.

Public and private sector organisations came together last week to plan the taskforce in a bid to limit further damage to the region’s economy.

The meeting, chaired by the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Partnership (CSWP), came as the city’s MPs met with trade union Unite to plan a fight for favourable redundancy terms, and to save as many jobs as possible.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson is urging more talks with the Swedish telecommunications giant in a government attempt to alter its cost-cutting plans to move its research and development work abroad.

The taskforce, similar to one set up when French car giant Peugeot pulled the plug on its Ryton factory, will help match any redundant workers to vacancies and provide re-skilling and training.

WORK BEGINS AT SIDNEY STRINGER

A £27 million project to transform a Coventry secondary school began this week.

Work at Sidney Stringer School, in Cox Street, Hillfields, started on Monday by Kier Moss after they won the contract to build the school.

The new academy , which will primarily be funded by government grant, is being delivered through the national academy programme.

The main sponsors of the academy, which is due to open in September 2011, are City College, Coventry City Council, supported by Coventry University and Jaguar Cars.

It will boast features such as a large auditorium with retractable seating, new dining facilities, terracing to allow outdoor performances, an ecological area and a variety of gardens.

In addition students at Sidney Stringer Academy will benefit from the latest technical facilities and be open for the community to use.

The main academy building will be linked to a new sports centre housing a four-court sports hall and fitness suite and traversing wall.

The Academy will also have an “Enterprise and Innovation Centre” in Primrose Hill Street for students aged 14 to 19.

Wendy Tomes, Principal Designate of the new Sidney Stringer Academy, said: “It is wonderful to see work now underway in creating a new building with the facilities that young people in this area deserve.”

Sustainability is a key feature with many environmentally friendly measures, such as energy saving heating and lighting, solar control glazing and renewable sources of energy, included in the design.

LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX

SEX education needs to be brought more into the open and not be “provocative” - that’s the message given by Coventry’s children’s councillor.

It comes after the secretary of state for children, Ed Balls, announced compulsory sex ed classes for children aged 15 from 2011.

Currently parents have the right to pull their children out of classes until they are 19.

The change is to ensure pupils get at least 12 months of sex education before finishing schooling.

And Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for children, learning and young people, has backed this but also said there needs to be a shake-up of how sex education is taught.

He said: “Currently the sex ed message is failing.

“The term is provocative and could be offensive to certain religious organisations.

“To me the discussion of relationships and the world at large is more important.

“Sex education needs to be a wider subject so it can prepare pupils to move on to the adult world.”

A pilot scheme, changing the way relationship and sex education classes are taught, should be finalised by the end of this month and carried out in four secondary schools across the city.

It comes after a 10 year government strategy costing £2.6 million to reduce teen pregnancy rates in Coventry failed.

During that time there was only a decrease of 1.7 per cent. In the same period towns such as Oldham and Southend slashed their numbers of teen mums by more than a quarter.

In 1998 there were 352 under 18s pregnant, this peaked to 381 in 2002.

And the latest figured also show teen pregnancies have been rising in the city for four consecutive years.

A Christmas and new year safer sex and alcohol campaign will be launched in early December to enforce the message that Coventry promotes safer sex.

A joint statement from Coventry City Council and NHS Coventry said: “We are confident that the measures we are putting into place will reduce the under-18’s conception rate.

“All of our work continues to be reviewed and influenced by what works elsewhere and by what young people and parents or carers are telling us.”l sh

HAWKER SUSPECT REFUSES FOOD

THE prime suspect in the murder of Coventry teacher Lindsay Hawker has refused to eat since he was captured at a ferry port in Japan.

According to Japanese police, Tatsuya Ichihashi has accepted only water and green tea and “has not eaten at all” since he was taken into custody on Tuesday November 11.

The local media is also reporting the 30-year-old has remained silent and is refusing to answer officer’s questions during interrogation.

A Gyotoku Police Department spokesman said: “The suspect has remained silent about the case after he initially told us he has nothing to say.”

They may now have ask a doctor to examine him if he continues to refuse food.

Officers said he could be questioned for up to 20 days before prosecutors decided on a charge.

Ichihashi was arrested on a charge of abandoning a body, rather than the more serious crime of murder and a senior police official described him as “depressed by the shock of being arrested.”

In Japan murder can be punished with the death penalty by hanging, but is usually reserved for cases of multiple homicide.

Ichihashi, who recently underwent plastic surgery to alter his appearance, was arrested as he tried to take a ferry from Osaka to the southern island of Okinawa.

The body of 22-year-old Miss Hawker was found in a sand-filled bathtub in Ichihashi’s Tokyo flat in March 2007.

The fugitive had been on the run for more than two years since he fled the scene.

Miss Hawker’s parents Bill and Julia held a press conference at their home in Brandon, near Coventry.

Bill said: “This has been a long hard battle for the Hawkers, and the battle is over.

“We worked tirelessly as a family. We have never given up for our daughter. We have never given in. We wanted justice and we have finally got justice. We are so relieved that this part of our life is over.”

Miss Hawker’s parents have also told how they asked the Japanese mafia to help them find the only suspect in their daughter’s murder case.

They told the Mail on Sunday a TV crew arranged a meeting with the top families of the notorious Yakuza in Japan to ask for their help in finding Ichihashi.

Mr Hawker said he met with the mafia in a bar, gave them two bottles of whiskey as a present and asked for their help.

Meanwhile the reward of 10 million Yen (£66,500) for the capture of Ichihashi will be paid to several people who helped with his arrest.

This includes the person at the ferry terminal who tipped off police and the doctor who provided a photo of the suspect after surgery.

The payout will be the first of its kind since the country introduced the bounty system in 2007 and will be paid by the National Police Agency.

Ichihashi’s parents told reporters they were relieved their son had been captured.

Friday, November 13, 2009

WOMAN DRAGGED FROM POND

A WOMAN was dragged to safety after she fell into a pond in the city.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a woman who was in a pond off Swanswell Street, in the city centre, just before 2am on Friday November 13.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival at the scene, crews found a woman who had been pulled out of a large pond by two passers by.

“The woman was very wet and cold following the incident. Crews treated her at the scene, wrapped her in a blanket to keep her warm and monitored her condition before taking her by ambulance to University Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“Without the swift actions of the two passers by, the outcome of this incident had the potential to be much more serious.”

MEMORIAL FOR BLITZ VICTIMS

A MEMORIAL to remember civilians that died during the Coventry Blitz is being planned as a key part of the rebuilding of the city centre.

Coventry City Council have announced plans for the city’s first memorial to the universal suffering of ordinary Coventrians who experienced the Blitz by Nazi bombers on November 14, 1940.

The aim is for a high-profile sculpture, as significant as the Lady Godiva statue in Broadgate, to be build around the Bullyard area of the city centre.

It would be part of the £1bn regeneration plan drawn up by US architects Jerde.

The idea has come from Conservative Councillor Gary Ridley, who said that neither of the city’s two Second World War memorials mark the suffering of all ordinary civilians.

The cabinet member for city development said: “I can understand why in the 1950s nothing was done because the issue was too sensitive for people to think about.

“We now have an excellent opportunity to build a city centre fit for the 21st century, but also to recognise what took place all those years ago.

“It needs to be something quite big, not a plaque that people will just end up walking past and might get pulled down in another city regeneration scheme, but something permanent like the Lady Godiva statue.

“The Bullyard area was one of the worst-hit during the Blitz which is why it would be a fitting place for the memorial.

“It would provide a sense of continuity and community for past, present and future generations.

“But it’s up to the people of Coventry to come forward and tell us what they want, and I want people who lived through it to play a part too.”

Early next year residents will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas on a memorial and its exact location for an artist to work to.

The public will then be asked to choose a favourite design from a shortlist.

Cllr Ridley added: “If people have an idea about what they would like to see then I would welcome them to come see me in the Council House and share their ideas.”

What do you think? Write to Times Letters, Coventry Times, Times Series, Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1FP or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

BEWARE OF POSTAL PHONE NUMBER SCAM

COVENTRY residents are being warned not to be duped by a postal premium phoneline.

The Trading Standards Office is reminding people not to call a number that is posted through your letterbox from a company called Parcel Delivery Service.

A note is delivered from PDS suggesting they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 - a premium rate number that if dialled can land you with a £15 bill.

Trading Standards officers have advised not to call the number as it is a mail scam originating from Belize two years ago.

Since a warning was sent out during the winter months last year there have been no new cases of people falling victim to the scam.

If you do receive a card with these details then contact Royal Mail Fraud on 0207 239 6655 or visit premium rate service regulator website www.icstis.org.uk.

BOGUS POLICE OFFICERS

BOGUS police officers have been operating in certain parts of Coventry and stealing from residents.

And West Midlands Police are warning everyone, particularly elderly people, to be wary of the scam.

A series of burglaries were reported on Wednesday November 11, where two men, claiming to be police officers, called at the home of residents in the Stoke and Wykem areas of the city.

Four incidents were reported between 9pm and 11pm.

On each occasion, two males gained entry to houses posing as plain clothed officers investigating a crime in the area. Once inside they have stolen cash and jewellery.

One of the offenders was described a white man, aged in his 20s, between 5ft 10in and 6ft in height. His accomplice is also white but is believed to be aged approximately 40 years and smaller in height.

Both were wearing dark clothing and one of them produced a silver badge to gain entry to a victim’s home.

Bob Pettipher, acting detective chief inspector from Chace Avenue police station, said: “Residents are reminded to check identification of anyone unexpectedly calling at their door, attempting to gain entry.

“If residents are in any doubt as to the authenticity of the identification we advise them to refuse entry.

“Any legitimate official, whether they may be a police officer or from a utility company, will gladly call back at a later time if they are conducting a genuine enquiry.”

Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents, or anyone with information is urged to call CID at Chace Avenue police station on 0845 113 5000.

SWAINS GIG

POPULAR city band The Swains are holding a fundraising gig at the Standard Triumph Club.

The event, which takes place on Friday (tomorrow) November 20, will go towards Coventry Sphinx under 14s Blue team, while a donation is also set to be made in memory of city firefighter Paul Gibbons.

The 41-year-old, known to friends and family as Gibbo, died as a result of injuries sustained in a street attack in Earlsdon last month and coached young footballers at Coventry Sphinx.

Frontman Martin Swain said: “Gibbo was a really popular member of Coventry Sphinx, and his death has shaken the club to the core.

“It was a very difficult decision for us to go ahead with what we intend to be a fun night in such circumstances, but after discussions with the club and Gibbo’s family we have decided to carry on.

“Hopefully we will get a really good turn-out which will help raise money for the team, and a donation we are planning to make to a cause of Gibbo’s family’s choice.”

The night will also feature a debut from The Kontours – a new young band led by one of the Sphinx team’s rising stars, Ollie O’Sullivan who will be providing support on the night.

Doors open at 8pm. To buy tickets, which cost £5, call the Standard Triumph Club on 024 7667 5186.

OPEN DAY IN HILLFIELDS

HILLFIELDS Readers Group is holding it’s annual open day at the Hope Centre with a wide range of activities for all.

The free event takes place on Saturday November 21 at the Sparkbrook Street venue.

Activities will include a second hand book sale to raise money for Hillfields charities, book quizzes with prizes, food and refreshments, author talks, poetry performances, craft workshop, and a storytelling event for children and families.

For more information please contact Colin Scott on 024 7683 2457 or email colin.scott@coventry.gov.uk.

SWINE FLU ADVICE

HEALTH bosses are encouraging anyone who suspects they have swine flu to make sure they seek treatment, as hospitals across the UK are noticing a rise in the number of patients being admitted with complications.

Over the past few weeks NHS Coventry has noted a steady rise in the number of people who are using their family GP as the first port of call, rather than the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) when they have swine flu symptoms.

Coventry residents are also being reminded of what steps most people should take to get the best treatment.

Richard Hancox, flu director for NHS Coventry, said: “It is important that people with flu like symptoms should stay away from the GP practice for fear of spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients or healthcare workers.

“Patients who have an underlying health condition, babies under one year old and pregnant women who suspect they have swine flu should however contact their GP in the usual way. By using the NPFS service will free up GPs, enabling them to deal with other illnesses that need their urgent attention.

“People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is. They should then ask a flu friend - a friend or relative who doesn’t have swine flu - to go and pick up their antivirals.”

For more information visit www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or call 0800 1513 100.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

HAWKER SUSPECT FOUND

THE only suspect in the murder of Coventry teacher Lindsay Ann Hawker has been arrested by Japanese police.

Japanese media reported that officers detained 30-year-old Tatsuya Ichihashi at the ferry port in Osaka city after receiving an emergency call on Tuesday.

It was suggested he was waiting for a ferry bound for the island of Okinawa in the far south-west of Japan and was reported to have told officers: “I am Ichihashi.”

The fugitive disappeared after Lindsay’s body was found on his balcony in Tokyo in March 2007.

The 22-year-old former Ernesford Grange and King Henry VIII pupil had been teaching Ichihashi English in a coffee shop before she went to his house.

Ichihashi fled from police just minutes before detectives found the teacher’s body in a sand-filled bath.

At a press conference at the Hawker’s home in Brandon, near Coventry, Lindsay’s father Bill, said: “The chief investigator office told me we always get our man and they have done. This has been a long, hard battle. We have worked tirelessly as a family and have never given in for our daughter.

“We have wanted justice and we have finally got it.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are glad and relieved that the only suspect in this case, Tatsuya Ichihashi, has been found and is now in police custody.”

Earlier this month images were released of Ichihashi of how he might look after it was reported he had undergone plastic surgery.

It is thought he invested in cheek implants and lip-thinning treatments in an operation a fortnight ago.

COV KID TO BE NAMED AFTER F1 HEROES

A FANATICAL Formula One couple from Coventry are planning to name their baby boy after two racing champions.

Motor-mad Trevor Sutton and his partner, Mandy Smith, 35, of Longfellow Road, Wyken, will be naming their tot Jenson Lewis.

It pays homage to Brit-racers Jenson Button, winner of the F1 World Champion title this year and previous winner Lewis Hamilton.

Trevor, 37, has been a fan of the sport for 25 years and is a passion he shares with his partner, who are engaged.

Trevor, who works as a controller for Rico Logistics, said: “We had already thought about names and were going to name him after a friend, but when Button won the championship we decided we should name him Jenson to celebrate him winning.

“We already think he’s going to be into his racing as we had a 4D scan and in one of the photos he looks like he’s holding a steering wheel.

“Family and friends don’t know that we’ve decided to name him Jenson Lewis so it will come as a surprise to them when they read it in the paper.”

Neither of the pair are new to parenthood as between them they have 10 children, but the baby expected to arrive on November 22 will be the first to be named after a racing driver.

“If we were able to meet Jenson that would be unbelievable,” added Trevor.

“We saw Lewis at the British Grand Prix, we were in the crowd and he was giving a speech, so the opportunity to get the two Jensons together at the show would be amazing.”

Baby Jenson Lewis will get his first taste of live motorsport at next season’s British Touring Car Championship meeting at Silverstone.

Before that Sutton and baby Jenson will see his namesake at Autosport International, which takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham from January 14 to 17, 2010.

For more information on Autosport International visit www.autosport-international.com.

PROTEST AT HOMES 'ATTACK'

HUNDREDS of protesters against swathes of green belt land being bulldozed over for housing will be walking through the city centre on the anniversary of the Blitz.

The rally is taking place on Saturday November 14 as residents across Coventry are uniting to battle plans for 33,000 new homes in and around the city.

It is part of the government’s Regional Spatial Strategy that states 82,000 new homes need to be built across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull by 2026.

Around 33,000 homes are earmarked for Coventry and its surrounding green fields.

The rally has been organised by Keresley residents, who might see a 3,300-home “eco-town” built on nearby green belt land.

Sandra Camwell, vice-chairman of Keresley Parish Council, said that holding the rally on the anniversary of the Blitz is poignant because mass house building plans are a modern-day attack on Coventry.

She said: “We feel it’s quite poignant to have our rally on the 14th as Coventry was bombed by the Germans and now we are being attacked by the council.

“The Germans thought they could do us down but we survived that attack. Now the council thinks they can do us down but Coventry will survive this attack too.

“We will be holding a peaceful protest, but we want to get our message across, our green belt land is sacred and it shouldn’t be built over.”

Members of the rally will meet outside Central Methodist Hall, in Warwick Lane, at 11.15am. People will then walk to Speaker’s Corner outside the New Council House, in Earl Street, to arrive for the rally by noon.

They will be joined by protesters from Finham, who are opposing a Warwick District Council proposal to build 3,000 new homes near Finham.

Bob Fryer, chairman of the Finham Residents Association, said: “We urge as many residents as possible to join us in this campaign – it’s green belt land being grabbed all over the place.”

An examination of the sites by government inspectors began on Tuesday this week and will go on until Friday December

ERICSSON ANNOUNCE JOB LOSSES

ERICSSON have announced it is pulling nearly all its operations out of Coventry taking up to 700 jobs with it.

Staff at the Swedish firm’s base, in Ansty Park, near Walsgrave, were given the news on Tuesday November 10.

It’s a huge blow for the city’s hopes to develop its economy with advanced manufacturing jobs at Ansty Park.

Ericsson became its first “anchor” tenant earlier this year and Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid a visit.

Thousands more jobs were expected to follow.

Ericsson says it intends to withdraw its UK-based research and development and global service delivery activities from Coventry.

A company statement said: “Some 700 employees are expected to be affected by the proposed withdrawal, which is expected to be implemented by mid-2010.

“The announcement is part of Ericsson’s ongoing global cost reduction activities and are subject to consultations with trade unions and employee forums.

“Staff have been informed.”

Worker’s union Unite described the announcement as a “bolt out of the blue”.

Peter Skyte, Unite national officer, said: “This has come as a bolt out of the blue for the workforce and their families who were looking forward to a promising future in this newly opened site.

“The former Marconi entity acquired by Ericsson a few years ago was among the top ten investors in research and development in the UK and successive governments have maintained the illusion that the country of ownership of a company is immaterial.

“But this decision by Ericsson to close the Ansty Coventry site and withdraw its research and development work from the UK now shatters this illusion, throws highly skilled workers out of work, and robs the UK of key technological development vital for its future.”

SCHOOLBOY'S FOOT CRUSHED BY BUS

A TEENAGER’S foot was crushed after he collided with a double decker bus.

The incident occurred on Monday November 9, in Quorn Way, Willenhall.

At around 6.20pm it is believed the 12-year-old victim was attempting to board the bus when he fell from the stairs and collided with the bus.

The boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his foot. He remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police are appealing for any witnesses of the collision to come forward and contact the road policing unit at Fletchamstead Highway on 0845 113 5000.

ILLUSTRATED TALK

A MINI tour of the islands around Britain will be given in Coventry on Wednesday November 18.

Keith Cattell, a retired architect, is to give an illustrated talk taking in features of islands from Skye to the Scillies.

It will be hosted by the Coventry HF Rambling and Social Club and takes place at the Friends’ Meeting House, in Hill Street, city centre, at 7.45pm.

STOLEN IPODS

POLICE officers are hunting three men following the theft of two ipods from a Coventry store.

CCTV images have been released of the offenders who walked into the Halfords store in Airport Retail Park, London Road, at around 5pm on October 14.

They opened the case containing the ipods, picked two up worth a total of £250 and then walked out of the shop.

Police are keen to speak to anyone with information, or the men pictured, at Chace Avenue police station on 0845 113 5000.

Monday, November 09, 2009

APPEAL FOR UNKNOWN IDENTITY

BRITISH Transport Police have still not been able to identify the body of a man who was killed after being hit by a train near Coventry.

The accident occurred on Wednesday October 21 at around 12.30pm, not long after the train had pulled out of the station, near the Quarry-field Lane bridge, in Cheylesmore.

The man is thought to have climbed on to the track before being hit by the highspeed train and his identity still remains anonymous.

Ambulance crews attended the incident but despite the efforts of paramedics he was confirmed dead at the scene.

He is described as being white, around 25 to 35-years-old, of average build, with longish light brown/ginger hair and a similar coloured beard.

He was wearing a black fleece top, black jeans and a grey canvas belt.

A British Transport Police spokesman said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

He was struck by the 11.45am Wolverhampton to London Euston Virgin train.

Anyone with information can call the BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting log 232 of 21/10/2009 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

SIKH PEACE WALK

COVENTRY’S Sikh Union is holding its annual charity 17km walk this weekend.

The Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji charity walk starts from Ramgarhia Gurdwara in Foleshill Road at 9am, on Sunday November 15.

The walk commemorates the martyrdom of the Sikhs ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for freedom of expression of speech.

It will move towards the city centre and onto Coventry Cathedral, before returning back through Hillfields, Stoke and then Foleshill Road to complete the charity walk.

Enroute walkers will calls at all gurdwaras, temples, mandirs and Coventry Cathedral.

Bali Singh Panesar, Sikh union’s events coordinator, said: “It is hoped that at least 200 people will take part. It is open to people of all ages, in the past we have had mums and dads with their young ones in pushchairs taking part along with grandparents.

“We urge all members of the community to come along and take part in this charitable event.”

The charity walk is to raise funds to sponsor another eye camp in India. It follows the opening of an eye camp in March this year, which as treated more than 700 patients, from minor aliments to cataract removal surgery.

Funds will also be donated to Myton Hospice, Coventry Kidney Fund and Sikh union youth academy.

People can register for the free event on the day, free hot food and refreshments will also be provided.

For more information visit www.sikhunion.co.uk.

WOMEN BEING URGED TO GET SCREENED

WOMEN in Coventry are being urged to take advantage of a potentially life-saving breast cancer screening programme.

NHS Coventry is encouraging female residents who are eligible for screening to get checked out by the Warwickshire, Solihull and Coventry Breast Screening Service.

A survey by NHS Coventry revealed that around 30 per cent of women who were invited to be screened between 2004 and 2007 failed to go along for their appointment.

The breast screening service, based at University Hospital, in Walsgrave, is one of six national pilot sites to extend the age range of women who can be screened for breast cancer.

The service, which used to screen women aged 50 to 70, now covers women aged between 47 and 73.

Dr Caron Grainger, joint director of public health, said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females in the UK, which is why we encourage all women to attend for breast screening when invited.

“Screening is vital as it can detect cancers at a very early stage when treatment is most likely to be effective.

“Our research shows that out of the 33,113 Coventry women who were invited to attend for breast cancer screening between 2004 and 2007, only 23,484 attended.

“This means a significant number of our female residents are potentially putting themselves at risk by not getting checked.

“Breast screening can save lives and we urge everyone who is invited to attend to go along to their appointment.”

Anita Stanton, superintendent radiographer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said: “Breast screening saves lives and the women in Coventry were already some of the first in the country to benefit from digital mammography equipment when that was introduced at University Hospital in 2006.

“We would urge any women invited for a scan to come along - it is quick, easy and could save your life.”

FACE YOUR PET FEARS

RESIDENTS are being asked to face their fears at Coventry Market this weekend.

The city centre market is hosting a ‘face your fears day’ on Saturday November 14 from 10am to 3pm.

Company Petwise Zoo has put together a zoo display.

People are being told to brace themselves for a selection of scary animals including, snakes, lizards, 4ft monitor lizard, tarantulas, scorpions, bugs, cockroaches, giant snails, toads and millipedes to help market customers learn about some of the less attractive members of the animal kingdom.

For those that can brave it there will be plenty of opportunities to handle the critters and a chance for market customers to face their phobias and handle the animals under expert supervision.

The day also includes animal handling, phobia sessions, lizard walks, feeding times, talks and even cockroach racing.

For more information then please visit www.petwisezoo.co.uk.

POLICE WARNING OVER OFF-ROAD BIKES

PARENTS are being urged by Coventry police to think twice before buying off-road bikes for their children this Christmas.

They are also warning that the gift could be seized by police and crushed by New Year if ridden recklessly.

Off-road bikes that do not comply with road traffic rules, which means they cannot be taxed or insured, are not allowed to be ridden in public places such as roads, pavements, parks or wasteland.

They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Officers have said that any inappropriate use will not be tolerated and are asking residents to report any anti-social biking.

Sergeant Ferris Hatherson, of Chace Avenue police station, said: “This is the time of year when parents are thinking about what to buy children for Christmas.

“Off-road bikes don’t make good Christmas presents, they can cost up to £200 yet there are very few places where they can be ridden legally.

“Off-road motorbikes endanger the safety of residents, are noisy, and generally a nuisance when ridden illegally and recklessly; we won’t hesitate to seize and dispose of illegal bikes and prosecute users.

“Most people don’t appreciate that they can only be ridden on private land – so unless your garden runs to several acres, or you’ve a very accommodating landowner nearby, you won’t be able to ride them legally.”

Coventry police are encouraging residents to let them know if any bikes are being ridden in their neighbourhood.

To report any problems, call 0845 113 5000, visit your local police station, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

REMEMBERANCE SERVICE

THIS year’s annual Service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday November 8 at the War Memorial Park.

The Parade will start at 10.20am from Spencer Road and proceed to the War Memorial in the city centre park for the Service of Remembrance at 10.55am.

The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, will lead the service.

There will be representatives from groups and organisations including, Coventry Ex Servicemen, the armed and civilian services, The Royal British Legion, members of the uniformed services, St. John’s Ambulance, the British Red Cross, the Sea Cadets, and Coventry Scouts.

Lord Mayor Councillor Jack Harrison said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important day for us all. It’s a time when we can come together and pay our respects to those involved in conflict be it past or present.”

POLICE APPEAL FOLLOWING SERIOUS SEXUAL ASSAULT

A WOMAN was subjected to a “horrific” sexual assault after her attacker took her into a property in Coventry.

The incident occurred at an address in Trentham Road in the early hours of Saturday October 24.

The offender, who is described as a white man who spoke very little English, was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a stripy grey hooded top. He attacked the 28-year-old woman between midnight and 3am.

Police have launched an appeal for any witnesses to come forward.

Officers would particularly like to hear from a taxi driver who is believed to have picked up the offender from Harnell Lane East before dropping him at his address, near to where the crime took place.

Detective Constable Zoe Askew from CID at Little Park Street police station, said: “This was a horrific incident where the victim was subjected to serious sexual assault.

“We believe the male offender had been dropped off at his address in a new style black cab. It is also believed the driver of the taxi was Asian and may have witnessed the offender and victim together close to the address where the crime took place. The offender got into the taxi at Harnell Lane East.

“We would urge this driver to come forward as he may hold vital information to assist with the inquiry.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call police on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Monday, November 02, 2009

WARDEN CUTS "TO BLAME FOR CRIME"

CRIME and anti-social behaviour has shot up in the city centre since the council scrapped its wardens team, a crime reduction boss claims.

Conservative councillors pushed through changes to neighbourhood warden patrols citywide, which included losing the five city centre wardens in January.

Since the changes from early this year Trevor Pepper, crime reductions operations manager for city centre management company CV One, says that there has been a rise in anti-social behaviour since the wardens were taken off the streets.

He said: “There has been an increase in anti-social behaviour overall in the city centre since the loss of the city centre warden team.

“CV One does not have the staff to deal with these types of issues. A lot could be done with four wardens dedicated to the city centre/ Gosford Street area, addressing these issues and turning round the increase in anti social behaviour in these areas.”

Labour councillor Jim O’Boyle, whose St Michael’s ward includes the city centre, said Lady Herbert’s Garden had become another problem area, where, over 12 months, CV One recorded 105 complaints and police received 35 calls about litter, people drinking and sleeping rough in the garden, noise, verbal abuse, and couples having sex in public.

Cllr O’Boyle said “I warned this would happen. This decision has stretched police and CV One resources leaving problem people and problem areas in the centre unchallenged.

“This proves CV One does not have the staff to cover the work the wardens did previously.”

The re-organisation of warden patrols citywide meant reducing the team from 75 to 56 and produced £173,000 savings.

Councillor Andrew Williams, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community services, has said that anti-social behaviour is a police matter and not one for wardens.

He said: “Wardens from Hillfields walk through the Lady Herbert gardens so there is representation.

“But the anti-social behaviour is a police matter.

“CV One said their ambassadors can’t deal with anti-social behaviour - well it’s the same situation for wardens.

“To say there has been an increase in activities because wardens have been removed is not correct.”

A newly trained team of eight neighbourhood impact officers, which should be implemented next month, would be responsible for covering the whole city.

They will be drafted into the city centre at peak times on Saturdays backed up by police community support officers.

GRADE II STATUS OF COVENTRY MARKET MIGHT BE INACCURATE

COVENTRY Market’s controversial Grade II listing is to be reviewed after “factual inaccuracies” were found in English Heritage’s case.

The listing, rubber-stamped by the government, will now be examined again by English Heritage, then by a panel of independent experts.

Coventry market traders had formally appealed against the listing of the building, which celebrated its 50th birthday last year, as a national monument of historic and architectural importance.

If the current status remains then it threatens to scupper huge rebuilding plans for the south half of the city centre under the city council and US architect Jerde’s £1bn vision.

But the Coventry market traders association, whose members are keen to move to a new circular market building nearby, spotted errors in English Heritage’s report on aspects of the building’s history and architecture.

English Heritage has now written back to Coventry North west Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson, who backed the traders, to confirm a review had highlighted “factual inaccuracies” in English Heritage’s report to the Government.

The letter does not specify what those errors were and Coventry market traders are still waiting to hear if their appeal will be upheld.

But English Heritage’s letter, seen by the Times, said: “A review has been received by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and they will ask us to consider its claims carefully.

“Some factual inaccuracies have indeed been identified, and some challenges made to our claims to assessment.

“We will address these with the greatest care, and will seek external validation for our conclusion by referring the case to our advisory committee, made up of external experts.”

Councillor Gary Ridley, cabinet member for city development, said: “We were disappointed with the decision the make the market a listed building and that it went against the wish of the traders.

“The building is not fit for purpose and Coventry Market will be moving. It would be a shame to see the building stay if it cannot be used for anything else because of its state.

“The Jerde plan will go ahead, even if it means working around the market site, but we hope the status will be reconsidered.”

If the listing is upheld, Coventry City Council hopes to persuade the government and English Heritage the building is run-down and is no longer viable in any capacity, so should be demolished despite the listing.

TIMELY CO-OPERATION

THE Coventry Watch Museum has opened its doors to the public after receiving £2,000 from the Heart of England Co-op.

Given in two donations of £1,000, some money was used to secure the site in Spon Street, where the museum is set up, while the rest helped towards providing facilities for the disabled.

Paul Shufflebotham, chairman of the Watch Museum project, said: “The Heart of England Co-operative Society are fantastic.

“Their help has given us the funding and support we need.”

And to help repay the favour the museum has started to restore the large clock at the Society’s Corporation Street store.

Paul added: “It was in a real mess, but it is almost finished now and we will have it back to them in no time.”

The money comes from an appeal set up by the society nine years ago called Helping Hearts.

The appeal has raised £500,000 since it started from profits made on tobacco sales to help local charities.

Ali Kurji, chief executive of the society, said: “The very foundations of this society are built on our pride as an ethical retailer.

“We hope our profits help to improve the lives and quality of life of our customers and members, their children and their communities.”

NINTH 2-TONE PLAQUE TO BE UNVEILED

THE old Heath Hotel will be the ninth location where a plaque will be unveiled to celebrate the city’s 2-Tone musical history.

The venue, in Foleshill Road, which is currently the Wonder Years Day Nursery, will see The Specials original drummer Silverton Hutchinson unveil the plaque.

The event takes place on Friday (tomorrow) November 6, at 3pm.

It was an historic venue for The Specials, as it was the very first place the band, known as the Automatics, ever played in 1977.

They were supported by punk bands Urban Blight, Certified, The Wild Boys and Squad.

In his diary of the time, Jerry Dammers, said of the venue: “The organ wouldn’t fit on the stage, so I played in the audience, facing the band”.

From 8pm the General Wolfe pub will host a celebration night, featuring DJ Cardboard, Coventry band The Tones and Dub.Jam.Force, plus some other guests.

For more information go to www.2-toneat30.info.

COV COPS TO GET 24 HOUR ACCESS TO TASERS

A NUMBER of police officers in Coventry will now have 24-hour access to Taser guns.

Officers in the West Midlands Police Force’s Operations Support Unit (OSU) were issued with the equipment at the start of October.

Until now only firearm officers have been able to use Tasers, but since Monday November 2, some PCs have been introduced to them.

Firearms officers have used the equipment 93 times in the West Midlands since 2004, with increased safety and compliance from offenders reported by officers.

Now the taser is to be issued to specially trained PCs in the city for use in strictly-controlled situations.

The taser uses an electrical current to temporarily disrupt the control of a suspect’s muscles, allowing police to make an arrest.

But the force reports that in nearly half of the cases the presence of the taser was enough to deter a violent offender from becoming more aggressive.

It is now widely regarded as a ‘reduced risk’ alternative to the metal batons and CS sprays used by officers.

Officers with the OSU have drawn the equipment twice since being issued with it at the start of last month, but have not fired it.

Chief Supt Steve Glover, Coventry police commander, said: “I anticipate the use of the taser being minimal but it will be a valuable addition to our options.

“Just the production of a taser has been enough on both occasions the OSU have deployed it to stop a situation developing.

“My officers have undergone extensive training in how and when to use the taser and their supervisors have also been trained in which situations it should be issued under.”

DRUGS SMUGGLER GETS 10.5 YEARS IN PRISON

A COVENTRY man has been jailed for 10-and-a-half-years for his role in a plot to smuggle cocaine worth £300,000 into the country.

Lee Wilson, of Elsmore Close, Ernesford Grange, was found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of cannabis.

The 6kg of the Class A drug was flown from the Dominican Republic, hidden in a shipment of books.

The 38-year-old was one of a five-strong gang convicted for their parts in the plot, uncovered by West Midlands Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

During a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday October 30, the five were jailed for a combined total of 48 years.

Paul Price, aged 39, from Staffordshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply and conspiracy to import cocaine, he received a sentence of 10 years-and-nine-months.

Kwong On Man, aged 50, from Sunbury-on-Thames, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply and conspiracy to import cocaine and was jailed for 12 years.

Cecilia Ci Ci Ying, aged 28, from Ashford, was found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine, for which she got a 10-year sentence.

And Richard Williams, aged 45 from Aldridge, was found guilty of two counts of money laundering. He was also found guilty in a separate trial for smuggling more than 2.2 million counterfeit cigarettes. He received a total sentence of five years.

The West Midlands Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit was set up in 2008.

CYCLIST COLLIDES WITH CRASH BARRIER

A CYCLIST is “lucky to have not suffered further injuries” when he collided with a crash barrier in the city centre.

The 34-year-old man was left with a nasty flesh wound on his chest in the early hours of Sunday morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Ringway Hill Cross, near the Hollyhead Road and at the rear of the Skydome.

A spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a man who was wrapped in a foil blanket being cared for by police.

“On opening the blanket, crews discovered the 34-year-old man had suffered a very nasty flesh wound to his chest.

“Crews treated the man at the scene and dressed his wound before taking him on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further assessment and treatment.

“The man had reportedly been riding his bicycle on the elevated stretch of the ring road when he lost control and ended up sliding down a crash barrier, making contact with the sharp end of another barrier.

“Given the nature and location of the incident, the man was very lucky not to have suffered more serious injuries.”