Fire talks hope

THE West Midlands Fire Brigade Committee met the West Midlands Fire Authority today to consider the latest proposals to resolve the issues of the current trade dispute.

The Brigade Committee said in a statement that it acknowledges the concessions made by the Authority and believes it could form the possible basis of a resolution to the dispute.

Cadbury deal

CADBURY Schweppes agreed the sale of its European soft drinks business after securing a price towards the upper end of expectations. Brands including Schweppes and Oasis were part of the £1.85bn deal with private equity firms Blackstone and Lion Capital.

, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.