City centre news for February 10:
- Deploy community leaders claim in riots report – Teachers and community leaders could be brought in to help police tackle future riots in Birmingham by speaking directly to young people taking part and urging them to go home, an inquiry commissioned by the city council has suggested. The city council could also be ready to arrange alternative activities for people caught up in riots and looting because of the “party” atmosphere – including official clean-up sessions or even outdoor raves complete with professional DJs.
- Consumers urged to show shops their love in bid to turn around Birmingham’s ailing high streets – Hundreds of small businesses are to take part in a campaign to save Britain’s ailing high streets inspired by a multi-millionaire entrepreneur who believes failed firms only have themselves to blame. The 14 Days of Love campaign – brainchild of Solihull-based Nigel Botterill – aims to raise awareness of the plight faced by small firms.
- Citizen Inquiry into cause of Birmingham Riots – TEENAGERS are to have their say on the Birmingham riots during a “Citizens’ Inquiry” into the violence and looting. The youngsters will be part of a team investigating the causes of the disturbances, which erupted on the city streets last summer.
- Birmingham records its highest hotel occupancy rates in four years – Hotel occupancy in Birmingham experienced an increase in the last six months of 2011, according to recently released LJ Forecaster data. November crowned a highly successful six months, reaching 74% during November 2011 – the highest rate since October 2007 – with average hotel occupancy for July to December 2011 reaching 64%, 2% higher than the same period during the previous year.
- Birmingham Mail Top Ten: The best Birmingham gigs – BIRMINGHAM is a music city – some heavy rock fans would say THE music city. For decades bands spawned in the Midlands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Duran Duran, Ocean Colour Scene and UB40 have struck out to find worldwide fame and success, and in return the greatest artists from across the globe have come here to make their mark on a scene noted for its legendary venues and passionate fans.
- Hilton Garden Inn launches in Birmingham – Hilton Garden Inn today announced the opening of its latest UK hotel in Birmingham’s prestigious Brindleyplace development. The former Mint Hotel has been converted to Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Brindleyplace and is located in the heart of the city centre within close proximity to the National Indoor Arena, International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall.
