Rachel Stretton, Coventry Live Journalist Profile

Articles

Policing minister's handbag stolen on visit to Warwickshire

Sep 13, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Helen Corbett |Nina Lloyd |Nina LloydPa

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson fell victim to theft while attending a conference of senior police officers, it has been revealed. Dame Diana was delivering a speech at the annual Police Superintendents' Conference on Tuesday, outlining the Government's plans to enhance neighbourhood policing. Warwickshire Police is currently investigating a report of a purse theft at a hotel on the B4115 in Kenilworth.
New 'alternative to HS2' railway line plans unveiled in West Midlands

Sep 12, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Neil Lancefield

A new proposal has been put forward to construct a 50-mile railway line as a slower, more cost-effective alternative to a previously scrapped section of HS2. The report, commissioned by the mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, emphasises the importance of a new rail link between the Midlands and the North West for both passenger and freight transport.
Birmingham Airport live as queues and 'chaos' once again at security

Sep 12, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Harry Leach

A lengthy line for security has snaked its way outside Birmingham Airport today (September 13), with frustrated travellers taking to social media to report a return to the "usual chaos" after earlier disruptions this year. One of those caught in the turmoil, passenger James Bailey tweeted that there's a 500-strong crowd waiting to enter. His take on the situation: "BHX back to its usual chaos." Detailing the ordeal, Bailey added: "One hour queue to get to security.
Overcrowding in Coventry's closest jails as prisoners released early over crisis

Sep 11, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Richard Ault

Both prisons closest to Warwickshire are running at above 100% capacity amid a jails crisis that has seen the ruling Labour government take drastic action. Thousands of prisoners are being released from jail early as a map shows just how packed our prisons have become. There are no prisons in Coventry or Warwickshire - but two are based close to Rugby, just over the county border in West Northamptonshire.
'HS2 building works make my house shake - it's like living in hell'

Sep 7, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Adam Dutton |Rachel Stretton

Residents in Meriden, described as the historic centre of England, are up in arms over 'hellish' HS2 construction works that have shattered their rural peace, with houses trembling through the night due to the disturbance. The irate locals in Meriden, just 15 minutes from Coventry, argue that the relentless noise and the encroachment of a 'giant building site' have turned their lives into an unbearable ordeal.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver puts his vintage car collection up for auction in Warwickshire

Sep 7, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Dean Murray

Celebrity chef and well-known car enthusiast Jamie Oliver is set to auction off three of his prized classic cars. The 49 year old TV personality is parting with a trio of vintage vehicles, including a Ford Capri, a VW Beetle, and a Fiat, which are sure to catch the eye of collectors. Oliver's beloved 1970 Ford Capri 3000GT, often referred to as his "go-to car", has featured on the popular show 'Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast'.
Four 'outstanding' schools in Coventry that are set to lose their Ofsted rating

Sep 4, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Richard Ault

Four schools judged ‘outstanding’ in Coventry are set to lose their rating under a huge overhaul of Ofsted. There are currently four schools in the city that have been rated ‘outstanding’ in recent years. These are: President Kennedy School Academy, Eden Girls School, Barr’s Hill School and Finham Park School.
Paralympics: Thousands turn out to welcome flame

Sep 3, 2024 | dorsetecho.co.uk | Rachel Stretton

Maria Lochrie carries the Flame at Portland THOUSANDS turned out to cheer as Weymouth and Portland prepares to host the Paralympic Sailing events. The English Flame toured the borough yesterday, beginning its journey in Portland , and travelling to the resort on the MV Freedom boat, where it was met by crowds of tourists and locals. The arrival of the Flame marks the start of the programme of events designed to welcome the Games to the area.
Disabled woman who is 'last person' living at care home faces court battle over eviction process

Sep 3, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Adam Dutton

A disabled Coventry woman is set to go to court amid a battle to evict her from a former Coventry care home. As previously reported by CoventryLive Jackie Kennedy is the last person living at Blue Ribbon assisted living complex. Jackie, aged 53, who suffers from a range of chronic health conditions including a damaged spine, spondylitis, and fibromyalgia, moved into the Blue Ribbon assisted living complex in January 2023.
The part of Coventry and Warwickshire that has more internet trolls than anywhere else

Aug 31, 2024 | coventrytelegraph.net | Rachel Stretton |Richard Ault

Nuneaton and Bedworth have the highest rate of internet trolls in the local area according to new figures. Over the last five years there have been 25.4 recorded crimes of malicious communications in the borough per 1,000 people. That’s more than in Coventry where the rate stands at 23.2. There have been more than 8,000 recorded instances of malicious communications in the city since 2020 - more than four every single day.