Birmingham Mail

Protesters in Bid to Save Swimming Pool

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a Black Country swimming baths were staging a big protest today. Coseley Baths, in Pear Tree Lane, was being closed forever today after Dudley Council pulled the plug on the popular facility.

Golf Price Cuts to Lure Players ; Sport: Winter Reductions Brought Forward On City Courses

GREEN fees are being cut early at Birmingham's seven municipal golf courses despite their under par financial performance. City sports and leisure chief Martin Mullaney today announced the cut, hoping to encourage more people to tee off in a last ditch attempt to close the massive funding deficit which has threatened the future of the council owned facilities.

Inside Today

Staff Dread Work Return

Fury at Ramadan Ruling

A RESPECTED Tory Muslim, found guilty of racial harassment, has accused the probation service of prejudice after a request to postpone his community service during Ramadan was refused. Gulfram Khan, from Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, was ordered to carry out 270 hours' community work after admitting racially abusing an Irish policeman - and a second offence of harassing a judge.

Race Is On to Find Big Race Helpers ; Leisure: Hundreds Needed to Ensure City's Half Marathon Runs Smoothly

THE search has begun for hundreds of volunteers to ensure this year's EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon goes smoothly. A team of helpers is needed for the run on Sunday, October 11, which will see thousands of runners tackle the 13.1-mile course.

Stab Attack Soccer Star On the Mend

FORMER Midland footballer Calum Davenport, who was stabbed in the legs at his mum's home, has been moved out of intensive care. West Ham United star Davenport needed emergency surgery after the attack at the house in Bedfordshire last weekend.

Wulfs Put the Bite On Chase ; Fa Cup

THERE were plenty of surprises in the preliminary round of the FA Cup - none bigger than West Midlands League minnows AFC Wulfrunians, who held Chasetown to a 1-1 draw. Only two years ago, Chasetown reached the third round proper before going out to finalists Cardiff City.

Have a Ball for Charity

A WALSALL charity which helps people to become self-employed is holding a fund-raising event at Packington Moor Farm, near Lichfield. Tickets for the enterprise ball at 7.30pm on Friday, October 16, can be booked through organisers Breathing Spaces on 01922 213213.

Petrol Price Duty Up 2p

MOTORISTS already facing rising pump prices will be hit by another Government fuel duty increase this week. Despite intense lobbying to get it to reverse its decision, the Government is pressing ahead with a planned 2p a litre rise in fuel duty tomorrow.

Story of the Fight to Save Triumph Plant ; Industry: Welder-Turned-Chairman Pens Own Account of Famous Workers' Co-Op

WELDER-turned-businessman John Rosamund has written the first inside account of the famous workers' co-operative that took over the Triumph motorcycle works at Meriden in the 70s. The book, named Save the Triumph Bonneville!, is published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the legendary British motorbike.

Premier League Football Dvd!* *(Pounds 1.P+P)

SCORE a FREE football DVD with today's great offer from the Birmingham Mail. Every reader can net a copy of '100 Goals from the Premier League Volume 1', which usually retails at pounds 9.99, absolutely FREE. All you have to pay is pounds 1.99 to cover postage.

Inside

Go Back to School with Bargain Buys ; Follow the Mail's Guide and You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune This Week

Alooms, it seems that more than half of parents are struggling with 'back to school' costs, according to research by charities Save the Children and Family Action. The majority of parents (51 per cent) with an income of pounds 30,000 or less - the national average is pounds 28,000 - are concerned about the cost of school supplies, and 28 per cent are worried that their children's education will suffer as a result of financial hardship.

Hedblom's Relief at Avoiding Play-Off ; Golf

SWEDE Peter Hedblom breathed a huge sigh of relief at Gleneagles after winning the Johnnie Walker Championship. The 39-year-old's ecstasy was not just that he had grabbed only his third European Tour victory in 364 starts, but also that he did not need a play-off.

Victory Is Extra Sweet for Drury ; Speedway

BIRMINGHAM 55 KING'S LYNN 36 GRAHAM Drury could afford a wry smile after putting one over his greatest rivals in the sport last night. The Birmingham boss saw his side tear apart champions elect King's Lynn in a terrific night of action at Perry Barr.

Button Smiling Despite Setback ; Motorsport

JENSON Button was left breathing a sigh of relief after a Belgian Grand Prix that lasted just 40 seconds for the championship leader. Despite failing to score any points in a race for the first time this year after being shunted into retirement by Renault's Romain Grosjean, Button was still smiling. The 29-year-old went on to watch the remainder of the race from the Brawn GP pit wall, at the end of which his title lead had only been cut by two points, with team-mate Rubens Barrichello now 16 ...

Murray's Glad He's in an Era of Greats ; Tennis

ANDY Murray believes playing in the same era as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is a blessing rather than a curse. Murray will today begin his quest to join the dominant players of his generation as a grand slam winner when his US Open campaign gets under way at Flushing Meadows with a first-round tie against Ernests Gulbis of Latvia.

You're Hired, Lord Sugar Tells Karren ; Apprentice: Blues Chief Executive Lands Plum Tv Role As Sir Alan's Sidekick

BLUES chief executive Karren Brady has seen off competition from some of the country's leading businesswomen to a secure a starring role in The Apprentice. The 40-year-old mother of two -who was the youngest and first ever female to run a football club when she was appointed in 1993 - will take over from Margaret Mountford as Lord Sugar's new "eyes and ears" in the forthcoming series of the hit BBC series.

Police Hunt for Jewel Store Raiders

DETECTIVES were today still hunting an armed gang which is believed to have escaped with thousands of pounds worth of goods from a Birmingham jewellery shop. Four masked raiders armed with a gun and sledge hammers struck at Rudell's Jewellers, in High Street, Harborne, on Friday afternoon.