BBC Local Live: Coventry & Warwickshire

Extra money is being put into road safety in Warwickshire following a spate of fatal accidents involving cyclists.

Cllr John Horner is in charge of road safety at Warwickshire County Council and says the authority is also looking for businesses to sponsor road safety education in schools.

Former 5,000m world record holder, David Moorcroft, says he feels "saddened" by the news that his former Coventry school, Woodlands Academy, could close.

About 250 pupils demonstrated outside the school today after the current governors said it was no longer 'viable' due to dwindling student numbers.

"I understand dwindling numbers" he said, "but it almost seems that the academy structure is setting school against school and encouraging schools to run as businesses. But it's about children, it's about education and it's about the community." 

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The Met Office has cancelled its warning for ice and snow for our area, instead we can just expect rain, sleet and strong winds. 

These are the headlining stories this afternoon:

- Coventry athlete, Dave Moocroft, says he's 'saddened' by the threat to Woodlands Academy

- City council leader backs chief exec's dual role

- Delay to Warwickshire explorer's North Pole expedition

Fundraisers across the district have been praised for their commitment to Stratford Hospital’s £1million appeal.  

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Councils are sharing an extra £300m of government cash to help them cope with impending cuts.

It sparked a political row when Local Government Secretary Greg Clark announced the "transitional" cash in a statement to Parliament last month, saying he had listened to the concerns of councils.

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Labour accused the government of dishing out the grants for political reasons, which the government denied. The opposition released data suggesting only 5% of Labour-run councils would get relief funding. 

Analysis has found some areas will get up to £50 per resident in support until 2018, while others get none, including Coventry.

The leader of the city council insists there's no conflict of interest regarding Chief Executive Martin Reeves taking on a role at the proposed West Midlands Combined Authority.

He's been announced as the new interim chief executive of the proposed authority.

Anne Lucas said she had full confidence in him and wouldn't allow him to take on the responsibility if he wasn't able to "look after himself" and the city "properly".

The opposition leader John Blundell, however, says he has concerns that one individual can combine the "two huge roles".

Parents of pupils at Woodlands Academy in Coventry have been left furious after youngsters upset at the proposed closure of their school were accused of ‘mob-like behaviour’ by their headteacher.  

Coventry TelegraphCopyright: Coventry Telegraph

Nuneaton's Andy Sullivan tees-off at 16:10 in the season's first World Golf Championship at Doral in Miami which starts today.

The course is owned by American Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

These are some of the stories making the headlines:

- Coventry council leader backs chief exec over dual role

- BMW tells workers of EU 'benefit'

- Andy Sullivan to tee-off in World Championships

Improvements to the road surface of Junction 4 of the ring road mean it will be closed between 19:00 and 05:00 until Sunday 6 March.

Our breakfast presenters Jo Tidman and Trish Adudu are in training with Wasps Rugby for a Sport Relief challenge.

On 12 March they'll be taking a conversion kick at half-time during the match against Leicester Tigers.

Here's Trish's first effort.

Staff working at BMW's engine plant in north Warwickshire have been told by the firm that a British exit from the EU could harm free trade and lead to higher costs. 

The company, which also owns Mini and Rolls Royce Cars, says its employment base could be affected.  

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A former world champion cyclist from Coventry has sent a warning to fellow bike riders after a spate of fatal accidents on Warwickshire's roads. 

Since January this year there have been three deaths and at least half a dozen cycling injuries that required hospital treatment.  

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Mick Ives, who still rides at 84, emailed all his cycling contacts to make sure they're doing all they can to keep safe on the roads.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the lastest collision in which Simon Worthington died on Ufton Road. 

Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White has called for a consultation between our local authorities on the potential benefits of creating a unitary authority.

Leamington CourierCopyright: Leamington Courier

Mike Reed, the father of a year 10 student, explains why he's supporting today's action at Woodlands Academy.

A full and independent review into the law surrounding self-employed workers and their rights is "long overdue", a Coventry Labour MP says.

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Jim Cunningham told MPs "greater clarity" relating to self-employment was needed alongside a forum where individuals could query or challenge their employment status without having to go to court.

Quote Message: My Bill calls for something long overdue, a full and independent review into the law surrounding self-employed workers and their rights. The need for this was demonstrated by the collapse of City Link in my constituency and other members' constituencies." from Jim Cunningham MP for Coventry South

My Bill calls for something long overdue, a full and independent review into the law surrounding self-employed workers and their rights. The need for this was demonstrated by the collapse of City Link in my constituency and other members' constituencies."

This afternoon's main stories include:

- Around 250 pupils from Woodlands Academy in Coventry have been staging a protest over plans to close it and merge with Tile Hill Wood girls school

- Staff working at BMW's engine plant in Warwickshire have been told by the firm that a British exit from the EU could harm free trade and lead to higher costs

- Daniel Pelka is remembered 

An expedition to the North Pole, led by a Warwickshire explorer, is having to drastically change its route at the 11th hour because of dangerous Arctic conditions.  

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Mark Wood's sponsors Jupiter Marketing told us the team was due to leave on Saturday on its 600-mile journey from the Russian Arctic Coast, but have decided to put it off for a month.

Mr Wood has previously said it could be the last expedition of its kind, because of the effect climate change is having on the Arctic.