Latest news with #BirminghamLive
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Knife crime expert's key advice to parents as kids 'terrified everyone is carrying a weapon'
Birmingham kids are terrified of other young people and carry knives in a misguided fear 'everyone their age is armed', a knife crime expert explained. Fuelling this idea, in part, is the social media content and music videos these children can be exposed to, desensitising them to violence and stabbings regularly posted online. Other youths, particularly in deprived areas, may be turning to robberies in a bid to secure money, or a lifestyle they otherwise feel is out of reach, says Natasha Pope. Read more: Reality of Birmingham knife crime as 'kids kill kids' and children groomed into life of crime with 'trainers and fast cash' And these problems come amid trust issues with police too, with some youths reluctant to seek help in the event of a confrontation - falsely believing it's better to defend themselves. For parents, understanding these key issues impacting young people here in 2025 is vital, suggests expert Natasha Pope. She spoke to BirminghamLive as part of our Deep Cuts project - a wider look at the problem of knife crime which you can read in full here. A mum to two teenage boys herself, she's currently heading-up research into knife crime and serious youth violence - which will later help inform the police approach of the best way forward. "Young people are very, very scared of other young people, a lot of that's to do with this anticipation that they're going to come to harm directly," says Natasha, who has previously worked with West Midlands Police. "They do believe that all people their age are carrying knives. So it's fuelling this misconception that: 'Everybody else is carrying so I need to do something to protect and defend myself.'" Music videos online and social media posts - such as stabbings or youths posing with knives - also fuel the fears everyone is armed. But in reality, research suggests it's more like four per cent of young people carrying weapons. "If young people are consistently exposed to social media inputs, it can also increase the fear or perception that young people are carrying a knife," she says, "or that there's a very strong likelihood of this perhaps befalling them. "Again it's a desensitisation as well, not only it's a risk it could be normalising it, but also potentially desensitising them to this. They see what happens online and it almost becomes a script - seeing someone has a knife and thinking 'they could use it against me'. "It's what they're exposed to, seeing things online, all the discussions they're privy to, all this kind of reinforces that it is a problem, For young people, if we look at music videos, it's what they're involved in and exposed to in their environments." Research shows young people between the ages of 10-14 are more influenced by peers than their own parents. "If they're involved or affiliated with anti social friends then there is that increased risk as well," she went on. A lack of strong relationships, or trust with police is also perpetuating the problem. She continued: "They don't trust the police to actually be there to support them, first of all if an incident is happening as it's going to take the police time to respond and get to that event. "Secondly, they have this mindset or thought that if they carry a knife, they're able to defend themselves in the immediate moment." For under 25s in particular, it's argued they lack this "consequential or long term thought", she adds. Anti-police narratives too, especially during the pandemic, have only exacerbated negativity towards officers. "They are very reluctant to seek help and when you link that in with youth services, they don't have a youth worker as a middle person to really go to," she says. For youths in Birmingham the outlook is particularly bleak, with council spending far less per head than the national average. Kids here have just £11 per person, compared with the healthier sum of £34pp across England. - where else has £34? To top it off, the bankrupt council's spending on young people's services has fallen by 57 per cent in real terms since 2019/20 - dropping from £7.5 million (adjusted for inflation) to £3.2 million in 2024/25. Our investigation found there were 3,450 knife crime offences in Birmingham last year, the largest proportion of these were Robbery of Personal Property, 35.8% of offences. "If young people are living in very deprived communities, they may not feel they have another way out," says Natasha, offering a possible explanation for the increase in robberies. "Or there may not be another way for them to actually obtain these resources or money for example. They will perhaps use these means as a way of achieving that." Ensure young people have a safe space to share fears Open up a 'two-way' conversation Be empathetic Understand the pressures and challenges for young people Asked her advice, for speaking to our children around knife crime, she suggests: "It's about having a more empathetic conversation, understanding the pressures and challenges their young person is facing or what they're engaging in, their friendship groups. "Making sure that young person feels it's a safe space to confide in and share their feelings and concerns. "It's about opening up the conversation and not making them so overly concerned and worried about how their parents are going to react, as that could deter them from coming forward." This piece forms part of our Deep Cuts investigation, a three-month investigation into knife crime in the West Midlands, which can be read in full here. BirminghamLive has contacted Birmingham city council for a response on the youth cuts data.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Majorca struggles as tourist hotspot amid warning of 'sad reality' for UK tourists
British tourists have been warned over the reality of life in the Balearic Islands UK tourists in Majorca have been warned about the "sad reality" behind their dream holidays, which are turning out to be disappointing. European Union holidaymakers are also being cautioned about what to really expect from the Balearic Islands. Taking to Instagram, social media star Olly Bowman warned people of overcrowding at the beaches along the Majorcan coastline. Speaking on a video, he laughed: "The reality of beaches in Mallorca," while panning the camera towards the sand. He continued: "There is zero space on the sand." Before he took to the water and explained: "All of majorca has these little alcoves of beaches, there's a tiny bit of sand and it's packed with people." Fans and followers of the vlogger were quick to rush to the comment section, giving their own experiences of over tourism and crowding in holiday hotspots like Majorca, Menorca, Gran Canaria, Ibiza and more, like Lanzarote and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Birmingham Live reports. One Instagram follower wrote: "Guys I understand the mass turism situation in most of Spain but what do you expect turist to do? Of course they will visit to see the beach, him providing the beach name will do NOTHING. It's already well known." As a second, who lived in Mallorca voiced their opinion, stating: "Look, I like your content, but I lived in Mallorca for a few years. I left because of gentrification and mass tourism. These videos don't help at all. The people there can't sustain that, nor can nature." "I simply invite you to reflect on the impact we have on this world, because you really seem like a good guy," they pleaded. While a third said: "If it's so crowded why do you keep going and sharing posts about it. Imagine for the people living in Mallorca..," Another said: "Mallorca as always being extremely affected by mass tourism, this may be a beautiful beach but it has been ruined for the locals who can't even go down to swim there anymore." A fifth had said that Olly's video showed the "sad reality" of life and holidaying in the Balearics now. The Instagram video gained over 11,000 likes after Olly posted it. This comes after authorities in Spain's Balearic Islands announced they will stop using social media influencers to promote lesser-known destinations and hidden spots, stating that "selfie tourism" is taking a toll on the region's most popular areas. In an effort to ease the pressure caused by over tourism, officials had hoped that social media influencers - many with hundreds of thousands of followers - could help by encouraging tourists to explore quieter, less-visited areas. The idea was that by showcasing alternative locations, influencers might reduce the crowds at the islands' most popular and overcrowded spots.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Dunelm 'non-iron' £18 bedding praised by shoppers for feeling 'almost like silk'
'Is perfect for warmer evenings and very slinky. Looks good too, easy to wash and dry too.' While Dunelm's major summer sale may be over, this doesn't mean shoppers can't still grab some exciting discounts from the homeware retailer. If shoppers are looking to add some new decor to their home, it may be worth having a nosey at the clearance items. For those looking for a new set of bedding that is suitable for warmer nights, you are in luck as Dunelm has slashed 30 per cent off the Westley Seersucker Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, which is available in olive green or ochre yellow. Usually priced between £12 and £26 depending on the size of bedding a customer requires, shoppers can now grab the bedding for the bargain prices of between £8.40 and £18.40. However, shoppers may need to be quick as this bedding is in the clearance event, so it may not be restocked once it has sold out. Crafted with a high-quality microfibre, this seersucker duvet set features a textured design which is said to combine a sophisticated look with a superb sleep, reports Birmingham Live. While the set is machine washable and contains fast-drying properties, maintenance of the bedding is made even easier due to the seersucker fabric, which does not require ironing. This means once the elegant set is dry, shoppers can easily chuck it right back onto their bed. Westley Seersucker Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set £8.40 - £18.20 Dunelm Buy Now Product Description In terms of bed sizes and their prices, shoppers can purchase a single for £8.40 and a double for £12.60. For those with a king size bed, the set is priced at £16.80 and the superking size is £18.20. Overall, shoppers will be able to purchase an elegant and high quality bed set for a cracking price with this deal. Another popular bedding set on Dunelm is the Fogarty Soft Touch Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set. Retailing for between £7.50 and £30, this set is available in a whopping 16 colours. Made with 100 per cent polyester, this set is perfect for anyone who loves a little simplicity. Alternatively, shoppers can head to the Next website and buy the Textured Embossed Square Pattern Bedding Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set. Available in white, blue navy and green sage, this set is priced between £28 for a single and £58 for a super king. Back to the seersucker bedding, Dunelm shoppers have awarded the set an impressive 4.4 star rating. Many shoppers praised the set for its 'luxurious' feel, as well as not needing to be ironed. One delighted shopper wrote: "Soft and luxurious, absolutely astounding for the price, very pleased with this." With another five-star reviewer adding: "Perfect for warmer evenings and very slinky. Looks good too, easy to wash and dry too." However, some shoppers has a few gripes about the bedding set. One person wrote: "Colour much duller than picture, but it is good quality." While another noted: "Looks lovely, material is on the thin side but because of the price( in sale) it is well worth the money." On the flip side, a top reviewer commented: "What a fantastic product. Haven't had white bedding for years, this is perfect. Washed well, no ironing needed, has a wonderful feel, almost like silk, and, best of all, so easy to put on the duvet." With a sixth shopper adding: "Lovely lightweight seersucker fabric that won't need ironing. I ordered the white set and very pleased especially as purchased during the sale." To buy the Westley Seersucker Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I have to knock down my swish bungalow because neighbours say it looks ‘alien' & breaches privacy… it's ridiculous
A DAD claims he faces homelessness after he was ordered to tear down a bungalow in his ex-wife's back garden in a planning row. Mark Jones, 55, spent £180,000 building the home in Sutton Coldfield but now has until the end of June to demolish the mini property. 5 5 5 He accused Birmingham City Council of "bullying" him and said he would move to Spain if it had to be bulldozed. He began the build without planning permission in March 2019, hoping his late father could move in. But his father died that October and Mark's daughter and her boyfriend used it during the pandemic before he moved in himself. But a neighbour had already complained and Mark was told by a council officer that he needed planning consent. Six years on, Mark, who initially believed he could build the bungalow under permitted development rules, has less than a fortnight to meet the demolition deadline having twice been refused planning permission and lost an appeal. He told BirminghamLive: 'We thought we could do permitted development, two bedrooms and a bathroom, and a dining room/living space. 'It was a separate building within the permitted development size. "But a planning officer came out and said I could not continue and needed planning permission." The planning officer initially came out in April 2019 - and the application was ultimately rejected in late 2019 and again in 2020. Mark added: "My dad died in October 2019. At the time, my daughter was training to be a paediatric nurse and moved into the bungalow with her boyfriend because of Covid. I came home to find my nightmare neighbour knocking down my DOOR – he claimed it was his right to do it 'We had a date to have the building down by March 14, 2022. We put our head in the sand.' Mark said he initially continued building despite his planning problems because his dad was gravelly ill and he was convinced he would eventually secure consent. His first application was rejected in October 2019, the same month he lost his father, because the "siting, design, appearance and plot layout would adversely affect the established mature character of the existing residential area". The development work continued with the roof and windows completed at the end of November. A second application - also refused - was submitted that month, for the retention of the bungalow with a kitchen/dining area, two bedrooms (both approximately 12 square metres), bathroom and a store. 5 5 There were three objections from residents raising parking issues, privacy and light concerns, and concerns from Walmley Ash Allotment Association. The residents said the building in a back garden was 'over-intensive', 'contrary to planning law' and would 'set a poor precedent for other home owners in the area'. Undeterred, Mark completed the internal works in June 2020 and appealed to The Planning Inspectorate. But in February 2021 inspector, Samuel Watson refused the 'backland' development. He said homes in Walmley Ash Road mainly featured undeveloped gardens and described the bungalow as 'alien '. In November 2021, Mark was told to take the bungalow down by March 14, 2022. He submitted a new permitted development certificate application for a single-storey outbuilding but that has yet to be decided. He said he was told even if it were granted, and he was convinced it should be, he would need to pull down the original bungalow and build it again. He said: 'We were told it's got to come down by the end of June.. The council is taking me to court. 'My ex-wife is a midwife and can't get a criminal record. The council is supposed to have done things it hasn't done." Mark added: 'It's bullying. It wants us to knock a house down that's perfectly reasonable. "From the street or a neighbour's garden, you wouldn't see anything. You can't see into windows. 'We back onto an allotment and I have offered to plant trees. There was a garage there before. 'The council made silly comments like it was not the right shape for the area. 'My dad was dying and the urgency was there. In all honesty, I wouldn't do it again.' 'Council should've put an enforcement notice to stop me building it' Mark claims the bungalow is "100 per cent within permitted development certificate limits" and pointed to the fact it doesn't have separate water or internet. He said: "We don't pay separate council tax. We can't have all three utilities until we have planning permission. 'Every single thing has been refused by Birmingham City Council. 'I don't want to knock it down. It's a waste of time and money. If I get the permitted development certificate, we are going to sell the house with an annex. 'The council should have put an enforcement on me to stop me building it. If I lose, I am moving to Spain and I will take the house down. 'Ultimately, I acknowledge I am at fault. However, I believe the council also bears significant responsibility due to the initial misguidance, followed by a severe lack of communication, support, and adherence to its own procedures.' A spokeswoman for Birmingham City Council said 'Mr Jones is currently in breach of the enforcement notice that was served to him in 2021, and we have given him ample time to comply with the notice by the end of June 2025. 'A decision will be made imminently on the lawful development certificate that Mr Jones has submitted, and a case officer will then be in contact with him to advise further.'
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Dunelm bedside table in 'fab colours' that 'looks more expensive' now £39 in clearance sale
The table gives a 'retro' vibe and is available in three colours. One of the most convenient homeware items for a bedroom is a bedside table. With space to hold your favourite pieces of decor as well as a lamp and an alarm, these handy tables usually come with a drawer where users can stash all their chargers and important items to give the room a tidier appearance. While there are many bedside tables on the market, homeware giant Dunelm has cut 50 per cent off one that will add a pop of colour to any room. However, shoppers may need to be quick as the table is part of the retailer's clearance event, so may not receive a restock in the future. The Elements Griffin Compact Bedside Table currently boasts a 4.8 star rating from shoppers and is available in three colours. Normally retailing for £79, shoppers can now snatch the table up for £39.50. Available in black, blue, or burnt orange, the bedside table features a 'retro' design that many shoppers love, reports Birmingham Live. From looking at the images, many people would assume that the table is made of wood, but it is in fact crafted with a durable metal. Including a drawer and a shelf, this unique table will provide ample storage space for all your nighttime essentials. With an open shelf perfect for books and decor, the drawer is situated in a discreet spot to keep any personal items out of sight. Elements Griffin Compact Bedside Table £79 £39.50 Dunelm Buy Now Product Description Designed with a compact size to make it ideal for small spaces - with dimensions of H 56.5cm x W 45.5cm x D 39.5cm - this bedside table is said to give the coziest bedrooms the benefits of stylish functionality. Looking for something even more unique? Dunelm is also selling the Helga Metal Bedside Table. Designed to look like a locker, the online retailer has slashed the price from £35 down to £24.50. In order to match a variety of decors, shoppers can choose between five colourways - air (blue), black, heather, natural and sage. Alternatively, Argos is selling their Home Seville 1 Drawer Bedside Table for £30. Available in white, black, grey and oak, this table features a shelf and a drawer. This table is relatively compact as it has dimensions of H42, W36, D33cm. Back to the Elements Bedside Table, many shoppers have left raved reviews over the sturdiness and design of the table. However, some reviewers had contrasting views on how easy the table was to assemble. One five-star reviewer said: "Very nice sturdy and looks nice. Didnt realise it was metal. The wood effect on the top is very nice too." With another delighted shopper adding: "This was easy to put together and much heavier than expected. Quite a quirky design, which I like." However, one shopper struggled a bit with the assembly. They wrote: "Beautiful tables - hard to assemble legs though. "The screws underneath the table were painted in the same color orange as the actual table which meant screwing on the bolts were difficult, luckily we were able to make it work after a while." With another noted a different issue: "Fab colour, good looking bedside table. Heavy and sturdy and good value. The drawer is a little stiff to close." One the flip side, one reviewer praised: "Really good quality and well packaged. Stylish and contemporary colour for my teenage son's bedroom." While a further shopper added: "Great quality, quite heavy and very sturdy. Looks more expensive than it was. Great design love the shelf." To buy the Elements Griffin Compact Bedside Table, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
