'Sing its praises louder' - We ask Brummies what changes they want to see in Birmingham in 2024

The last few years has seen Birmingham as a city grow and grow, and up until the council's financial disaster last year the vision for the future appeared to be endless. I'm here today in the city centre to find out what changes people want to see in Birmingham this year.

George says: “I think the thing that I would like to see change most about Birmingham is the traffic situation. It seems ever since I've come here that there's been constant work, which is great for the city, but it's constantly impacting on how you drive. There's constant changes to lanes everywhere you go. I feel like I have to take a different route home every time I come back, almost.”

Rachel says: “I think it should sing its praises more loudly, and I think the people here are some of the best in the world. It's got a great arts culture, it's got great sports. I mean, not everyone supports all the teams, but it's got such a lot to offer, and I'd like to see Brummies really shout loudly about what it is to be a Brummie”

David says: “The city centre could do with some more independent shops to try to find ways to support as many independent businesses as possible, I mean, as well as the chain stores and things.

"It's not always clear where the good independent shops are, so try and really promote that - attract people in. Think about all the age ranges of people, so what have you got for, you know, people my age, you know, people younger, people older. Try and make sure you get a lot of people in. Really just promote the city centre, get people in, get them spending money.”

Still a city in progress, hopefully the recent financial situation faced by the council won't impede the opportunities that have arisen the past few years. On the horizon - the much anticipated reopening of the Museum and Art Gallery, as well as improvements to transport with faster security at the Airport and of course the expansion of the Metro to reach Dudley, fostering greater connectivity and unity within the West Midlands region.