Top 12 spots near Birmingham where you'll hear a true Brummie accent
Birmingham is a favoured city in the UK, attracting individuals annually due to career prospects, a lively city centre, and top-tier universities. While the city undergoes continuous evolution, the distinctive Brummie accent remains prevalent. Notable figures and series like Ozzy Osbourne, UB40, and Peaky Blinders have popularised it globally. Although the accent isn't universal across the city, there are certain areas where it's more likely to be heard.
The annual Great North Run in South Shields attracted 60,000 participants, marking an end to months of training and fundraising. Celebrations were dampened by extreme weather in the North East, resulting in floods and stranded finishers. The Metros' temporary suspension led to delays and record-long queues. However, amidst the chaos, there were moments of triumph, captured in 32 remarkable photographs of runners crossing the finish line.
The Beaufort Arms, a well-liked pub in Stoke Gifford, has reopened after a thorough three-week refurbishment. The pub's transformation includes new soft furnishings and an enhanced dining area, giving it a fresh and bright appearance. General manager Paige Chance expressed the team's excitement over unveiling the new look. The Beaufort Arms, maintaining its cosy atmosphere, now offers a fixed-price menu and a range of popular dishes. Three-course meals are available for £11.79 from 12pm-5pm, Monday-Friday and £14.29 after 5pm.
A gang of four burglars, responsible for over 50 home invasions across Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall, were sentenced to 48 years in prison. They stole £300,000 in cash and jewellery between November of the previous year and January. The gang, originally from Ireland, was caught after detectives reviewed extensive CCTV footage and phone records, implicating them in the crimes. The members were arrested in February and convicted for conspiracy to burgle at Birmingham Crown Court.
Transport for Greater Manchester's Bee Network and a new travel app are set to launch soon. The app will offer ticketing and information across the new 'London-style' transport network, aiming to provide low-fare travel and support Manchester's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2038. The Bee Network will integrate new bus services with existing trams and provide real-time departure information, navigational aids and ticket purchasing options. The network will launch on 24 September, with a fleet of yellow electric buses recently unveiled by the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The app is being developed by Softwire.
Greater Manchester's Bee Network is soon to launch a new travel app offering ticketing and real-time information services. The 'London-style' transport scheme aims to deliver affordable fares, supporting Manchester's objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. The app, developed by TfGM and Softwire, will integrate new bus and existing tram services, offering navigational aids and ticket purchases. The Bee Network will roll out on 24 September, marked by Mayor Andy Burnham's launch of a fleet of 50 new yellow, electric buses in August.
Police are investigating a drive-by shooting on Quinton Road West in Quinton on Sunday, 10 September. The incident, occurring around 5.45pm, involved three men in balaclavas on scrambler-style e-scooters shooting at a white saloon car. No injuries were reported. The police urge anyone with information to contact them or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Motorists around Merseyside face 19 road closures on all regional motorways this week, due to National Highways works, causing delays of up to 30 minutes. Ongoing projects include works on M57, M62 and A580. Further disruptions are set to begin on motorways M6, M53, M57, M58, A41, A59 and A5036 over the next two weeks. Motorway lane and carriageway closures are primarily due to maintenance, improvement, and electrical works. Slight delays under 10 minutes are expected for some works. Only disruptions on major A-roads and motorways are included, as National Highways does not manage smaller roads.
Transport for London (TfL) plans to implement 65 km of new 20mph speed limits in eight London boroughs by year's end, as part of the mayor's Vision Zero initiative to eliminate serious injuries and deaths from the city’s transport network. The new speed limits, accompanied by road signs and markings, will be introduced in stages over the final four months of the year. TfL is also launching a road safety campaign to tackle speeding, with a new TV advert in October, ahead of Road Safety Week (19-25 Nov). The initiative also aims to promote walking and cycling in the capital.
Scorching temperatures recently hit Birmingham and the West Midlands, reaching up to 29 degrees. Despite the sunny weather, a thunderstorm warning was issued for seven UK regions, including the West Midlands. Temperatures are set to stay high though periodic rainfall is expected. The coming week will bring typical autumn weather, featuring cloud cover and light rain. The Met Office predicts a mostly cloudy Monday with potential heavy rain and thunderstorms. The weather will be more varied from Tuesday to Thursday, with rain, sun, and stronger winds forecasted. Weekend temperatures are anticipated to be around 19 degrees, under overcast skies.
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