Shrimply the best!
Shrimply the best!
Prawn sandwich brigade face ticket hikes at Blues
Good morning Patchers — here is your Thursday briefing.
General election manifestos are coming in thick and fast — Labour’s is set to be released today, with a focus on green issues and the economy expected. The Green Party’s came yesterday, pledging higher taxes for the wealthy and building more homes for social rent. The Conservative Party’s 76-page whopper includes more spending on defence and a net zero target without green levies. The Lib Dems want more public spending by cracking down on tax avoidance and Reform UK’s Contract outlines tax cuts and the detention of all asylum seekers. Promises made by smaller parties and independent candidates are also available.
Also in the news: An upscaling abattoir in Warwickshire has locals up in arms due to the increase in traffic congestion and unpleasant whifs emanating from the site. Elsewhere, noses are being turned up at the eyebrow-raising rise in ticket prices for discerning Blues fans who typically watch matches from the corporate boxes. Both stories are in your briefing today alongside the creation of a new policing job to support victims of crime; BBC Gardener’s World and the Good Food Show begins today; plus get ready to see Culture Club in concert.
Until next time.
Brum in brief
😩‘The smell is horrendous’ A Warwickshire abattoir — that has existed for 100 years but recently changed ownership — has locals in a spin. The site at Rowleys Butchers on Ansley Lane previously went unnoticed but neighbours say an increase in production has caused traffic jams, congested pavements and unpleasant smells. One woman told the BBC: “I live directly opposite the abattoir and the smell is horrendous. They come with big tankers to take away the blood.” What’s more, an extension to the site was completed without planning permission although a retrospective application has been submitted. More details at the BBC.
🦐Shrimply the best: Corporate Birmingham City fans — or the “prawn sandwich brigade” as they are affectionately known — have been hit with a 60% ticket price hike despite the club’s recent relegation to the third tier. The club’s glossy American owners, Knighthead Capital, are investing £15 million to revamp St Andrew’s Stadium with plush corporate hospitality on offer — but this hasn’t come without a price. Supporters in the Legends Lounge received their renewal details this week and were astonished to find the cost had ramped up to £2,925 from £1,800 in the Championship, reports The Mirror.
🌲Park life: Today, Birmingham planning chiefs will decide whether to approve the £1.9 billion Smithfield development to build 3,500 new homes, restaurants, offices and two new parks on the former wholesale markets site near Chinatown. As we reported last Friday, campaign group CityPark4Brum are concerned about the green space offering, despite the fact the developer Lendlease has agreed to increase the minimum size of the Smithfield Park by 23%. Campaigner Jim Tucker say the decision should not be rushed and this is a “once in a generation” opportunity to provide much-needed city parks for the people of Birmingham. But, council officers have recommended the plans for approval, saying they are appropriate for a brownfield site. Read more on The Guardian and tune in to watch the planning committee meeting here from 11am.
💼Victims Advocate job opening: The West Midlands Police commissioner is hiring a Victims Advocate to lead in supporting victims of crime and antisocial behaviour. For three days a week on a pro-rated salary of between £47,814 – £52,389, the advocate will join the police Accountability and Governance board to provide oversight across the criminal justice system. The appointee will have a long and successful record in working to support victims of crime to cope and recover and will be fully aware of national victims legislation and associated policing issues. Find out more here.
🪴Eats, shoots & leaves: BBC Gardener’s World Live and the Good Food Show starts today and is on until Sunday. There are still tickets available for the green-fingered and greedy (hi, guilty) among you. Book here, from £26.
🎶Karma chameleon: The soon-to-be-renamed Resorts World Arena will welcome 80s legends Culture Club to the stage next November where they will perform their first two iconic albums, Kissing to Be Clever and Colour by Numbers from start to finish. Plus, enjoy special guests Tony Hadley and Heaven 17. Tickets go on sale this Friday from 9.30am at The Ticket Factory.
If only it was M&S, the prawn sarnies would be fantastic!
The owners of Birmingham City football club are Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company of the Cayman Islands.