birminghammail--2020-10-02--Piers Morgan's brutal 1-word message to Trump critics after Covid diagnosis

`` Despicable '' - that 's the message from Piers Morgan to anybody celebrating Donald Trump 's coronavirus diagnosis .
The Good Morning Britain presenter Piers was a former close friend of the Preisdent .
But he has taken to criticising Mr Trump over his Covid-19 handling .
Today , Piers blasted `` despicable '' Trump critics rejoicing as he gets Covid alongside his wife Melania .
Morgan called the trolls 'despicable ' in a furious Twitter rant after Donald Trump announced he and Melania have tested positive .
`` Interesting to see those who ’ ve spent the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uncaring , heartless empathy-devoid b*stard now spewing their gleeful joy that he & his wife have a deadly virus , '' Piers said .
`` They ’ re no better than the man they loathe .
`` It ’ s the ecstatic glee I am witnessing that is so distasteful & hypocritical from those who preach about tolerance and kindness .
`` We saw the same when Boris Johnson nearly died .
It ’ s vile . ''
Questions have been raised over US President Donald Trump 's attitude towards the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Trump announced that he and his wife Melania had been diagnosed in the early hours of Friday after one of the president 's top aides , Hope Hicks , tested positive .
The US president has speculated on the use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine , which Oxford University researchers found to have no clinical benefit .
Mr Trump said his doctor did not recommend the drug to him but he requested it from the White House physician .
`` I started taking it , because I think it 's good .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories , '' Mr Trump said .

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"Despicable" - that's the message from Piers Morgan to anybody celebrating Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis.
The Good Morning Britain presenter Piers was a former close friend of the Preisdent.
But he has taken to criticising Mr Trump over his Covid-19 handling.
Today, Piers blasted "despicable" Trump critics rejoicing as he gets Covid alongside his wife Melania.
Morgan called the trolls 'despicable' in a furious Twitter rant after Donald Trump announced he and Melania have tested positive.
"Interesting to see those who’ve spent the last few years screaming that Trump’s an uncaring, heartless empathy-devoid b*stard now spewing their gleeful joy that he & his wife have a deadly virus," Piers said.
"They’re no better than the man they loathe.
"It’s the ecstatic glee I am witnessing that is so distasteful & hypocritical from those who preach about tolerance and kindness.
"We saw the same when Boris Johnson nearly died. It’s vile."
Questions have been raised over US President Donald Trump's attitude towards the coronavirus pandemic after he tested positive for Covid-19.
Mr Trump announced that he and his wife Melania had been diagnosed in the early hours of Friday after one of the president's top aides, Hope Hicks, tested positive.
The US president has speculated on the use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, which Oxford University researchers found to have no clinical benefit.
Mr Trump said his doctor did not recommend the drug to him but he requested it from the White House physician.
"I started taking it, because I think it's good. I've heard a lot of good stories," Mr Trump said.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Dean Smith happy with transfer window & answers shortage question

Dean Smith admits he 's more than content with his squad of Aston Villa players ahead of transfer deadline day .
The head coach has added five impressive recruits - the last of which was this week 's exciting loan signing of Ross Barkley from Chelsea .
The England midfielder will make his debut against Liverpool on Sunday - yet Smith will be reluctant to change the XI that handsomely beat Fulham 3-0 on Monday .
Villa , of course , spent £75 million on Matty Cash , record-buy Ollie Watkins , new No.1 Emi Martinez and winger Bertrand Traore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's happy with what he 's got to work with .
`` It feels like a really good window , '' Smith said .
`` It ’ s a lot easier when you only have a handful of signings to do rather than the 13 we had to do last year .
`` I believe we ’ ve added quality to a more experienced team in the Premier League , having found it tough in the first season .
`` I said at the end of last season that I saw an improvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now we ’ ve added quality to that core of the team .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for transfer updates before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' Overall , I ’ m really pleased with where we ’ re at . ''
Smith was forced to play Ahmed Elmohamady at centre-back against Stoke on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustaining a thigh injury .
Fellow centre-back Kortney Hause hobbled off just before the hour-mark too after tweaking his groin .
Smith , though , believes he 's well-stocked in defence knowing he 'll start with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings for the foreseeable future .
`` We have only conceded two goals this season , '' Smith said .
`` It just shows that , defensively , we ’ ve continued what we did at the end of last season so , defensively , we have a really sound structure at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do much more in the transfer window which closes on Monday , October 5 .
There 's an extended window for Premier League clubs to do deals with Championship teams , though , and that closes on Friday , October 16 .
Villa could add a striker should one suddenly become available but , at this stage , it appears unlikely .
You can read the latest injury update ahead of Liverpool HERE .

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Dean Smith admits he's more than content with his squad of Aston Villa players ahead of transfer deadline day.
The head coach has added five impressive recruits - the last of which was this week's exciting loan signing of Ross Barkley from Chelsea.
The England midfielder will make his debut against Liverpool on Sunday - yet Smith will be reluctant to change the XI that handsomely beat Fulham 3-0 on Monday.
(Image: Getty Images)
Villa, of course, spent £75 million on Matty Cash, record-buy Ollie Watkins, new No.1 Emi Martinez and winger Bertrand Traore. As for the manager, Smith's happy with what he's got to work with.
"We're quite happy with what we've got at the moment," Smith explained. "We set a target of the players and positions and we're comfortable with that. We'll have to keep our finger on the pulse if anyone comes in for our lads because if there are outs there's possibility of ins after that as well.
"It feels like a really good window. It’s a lot easier when you only have a handful of signings to do rather than the 13 we had to do last year.
"I believe we’ve added quality to a more experienced team in the Premier League, having found it tough in the first season. I said at the end of last season that I saw an improvement from the majority of our players and now we’ve added quality to that core of the team.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up? Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1. You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up . If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"Overall, I’m really pleased with where we’re at."
Smith was forced to play Ahmed Elmohamady at centre-back against Stoke on Thursday knowing Bjorn Engels is still unfit after sustaining a thigh injury. Fellow centre-back Kortney Hause hobbled off just before the hour-mark too after tweaking his groin. Smith, though, believes he's well-stocked in defence knowing he'll start with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings for the foreseeable future.
"We have only conceded two goals this season," Smith said. "It just shows that, defensively, we’ve continued what we did at the end of last season so, defensively, we have a really sound structure at the moment."
Villa aren't expected to do much more in the transfer window which closes on Monday, October 5. There's an extended window for Premier League clubs to do deals with Championship teams, though, and that closes on Friday, October 16. Villa could add a striker should one suddenly become available but, at this stage, it appears unlikely. Smith, meanwhile, confirmed Villa aren't in for Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca.
You can read the latest injury update ahead of Liverpool HERE.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--How Dean Smith can use a Chelsea outcast to hurt Liverpool

Aston Villa have strengthened their squad this summer , with a particular emphasis placed on bolstering the attacking department .
Jack Grealish has signed a new long-term contract , Ollie Watkins joined from Brentford and more recently , Bertrand Traore moved from Lyon .
Dean Smith has used 4-3-3 in both Premier League matches so far , with six points gained from a possible six against Sheffield United and Fulham .
This weekend , Villa Park is set to host Liverpool , with the current champions of England perhaps acting as inspiration for Smith as he shapes his new attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thing - click here to sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter The Reds have performed to a remarkable standard for over two years now , with much of the success down to Jurgen Klopp and his usage of Sadio Mane , Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah .
The infamous front three have scored a total of 199 goals for the Anfield club in England 's top flight , while acquiring Champions League and Premier League titles along the way .
The progress of Klopp 's attacking trio largely derives from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it poses to opposing teams .
Mane and Salah are wide attackers , both of whom operate on the opposite flank to their preferred foot .
This allows them to cut inside , operate centrally and shoot , rather than darting down the wing before crossing .
Firmino complements the pair seamlessly , by operating in a central position and regularly withdrawing himself from the areas in which Mane and Salah wish to sprint into from the flanks .
The trident create the perfect storm to disrupt opposing defences as their traits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition with two constant problems to solve as a result of Firmino 's tendency to drop off and Salah and Mane 's preference to run in behind .
Simplistically , from the perspective of an opposing central defender , he will often have the option to go with Firmino into a deeper zone , or keep his position , as pictured below .
If Firmino is n't followed , then he has time and space to receive and turn with the ball , whereas if he is followed , then one of Salah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will have opened up .
This makes Liverpool very difficult to defend against as they drag opposing defences forwards , backwards and sideways , and create uncertainty for defenders caught up in their attacks .
With Traore now at Villa , a similar dynamic could be created by Smith this season .
Grealish - although he is n't quite as quick and is a slightly different type of player - and Traore could essentially fulfil the Mane and Salah roles .
The former is right-footed while the latter prefers his left , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating on opposite flanks while driving inwards to provide a goal threat .
Meanwhile , Watkins could operate similarly to how Firmino does for Liverpool .
The English striker is well-rounded enough to operate as a provider at times by dropping deeper , holding up the ball and connecting with his teammates in a similar manner to the Brazilian .
Considering the composition of Smith 's squad with Traore signed - as well as the recent success of Liverpool - it would make a great deal of sense for the Villa boss to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack between his three key forwards this season .

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Aston Villa have strengthened their squad this summer, with a particular emphasis placed on bolstering the attacking department.
Jack Grealish has signed a new long-term contract, Ollie Watkins joined from Brentford and more recently, Bertrand Traore moved from Lyon.
Dean Smith has used 4-3-3 in both Premier League matches so far, with six points gained from a possible six against Sheffield United and Fulham.
This weekend, Villa Park is set to host Liverpool, with the current champions of England perhaps acting as inspiration for Smith as he shapes his new attack.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter
The Reds have performed to a remarkable standard for over two years now, with much of the success down to Jurgen Klopp and his usage of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
The infamous front three have scored a total of 199 goals for the Anfield club in England's top flight, while acquiring Champions League and Premier League titles along the way.
The progress of Klopp's attacking trio largely derives from the dynamic that they provide and the problems it poses to opposing teams.
Mane and Salah are wide attackers, both of whom operate on the opposite flank to their preferred foot. This allows them to cut inside, operate centrally and shoot, rather than darting down the wing before crossing.
Firmino complements the pair seamlessly, by operating in a central position and regularly withdrawing himself from the areas in which Mane and Salah wish to sprint into from the flanks.
The trident create the perfect storm to disrupt opposing defences as their traits and tendencies blend perfectly together, providing the opposition with two constant problems to solve as a result of Firmino's tendency to drop off and Salah and Mane's preference to run in behind.
Simplistically, from the perspective of an opposing central defender, he will often have the option to go with Firmino into a deeper zone, or keep his position, as pictured below.
If Firmino isn't followed, then he has time and space to receive and turn with the ball, whereas if he is followed, then one of Salah or Mane can dart into the channel that will have opened up.
This makes Liverpool very difficult to defend against as they drag opposing defences forwards, backwards and sideways, and create uncertainty for defenders caught up in their attacks.
With Traore now at Villa, a similar dynamic could be created by Smith this season.
Grealish - although he isn't quite as quick and is a slightly different type of player - and Traore could essentially fulfil the Mane and Salah roles. The former is right-footed while the latter prefers his left, meaning that they would be capable of operating on opposite flanks while driving inwards to provide a goal threat.
Meanwhile, Watkins could operate similarly to how Firmino does for Liverpool. The English striker is well-rounded enough to operate as a provider at times by dropping deeper, holding up the ball and connecting with his teammates in a similar manner to the Brazilian.
Considering the composition of Smith's squad with Traore signed - as well as the recent success of Liverpool - it would make a great deal of sense for the Villa boss to work towards forging a similar plan of attack between his three key forwards this season.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Driver killed trying to break 207mph land speed record named

A driver who died after a horror crash while trying to break a 207mph land speed record has today been named as millionaire “ speed freak ” Zef Eisenberg .
The ultra-speed motorbike racer was killed in a high speed crash at Elvington Airfield yesterday ( Thurs ) .
The 47-year-old holds roughly 50 British and world land speed records , a Guinness world record and ousted actor Idris Elba for the fastest ever mile in 2019 .
His family confirmed his death to the BBC today .
In his last post on Facebook on Tuesday , he wrote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ records and speeds ” .
It read : “ We are back at our Southampton workshop .
Totally exhausted from endless testing , hundreds of miles of driving , late night tweaks and racing .
“ The latest version of the EISENBERG V8 stretched its legs for the first time and boy did it perform well .
“ Flawlessly , tons of power and speed , with nothing more than unleaded pump fuel .
The latest tweaks to the turbine bike performed well also .
“ We 've got some more racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will update shortly on records and speeds.
” He had previously survived a near-fatal crash while traveling at 230mph on a jet turbine powered motorcycle at the same location in 2016 in a bid to set a new world record .
He was rushed to hospital with 11 broken bones and was presumed dead .
Mr Eisenberg still holds the fastest wheel-powered vehicle ( bike or car ) at Pendine , in Wales , at 201.5mph , which is also the fastest motorbike on sand world record .
Speaking ahead of the attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired by someone asking what was next after his successful motorbike attempt last year .
He added : `` That 's not good to say to someone like me and I thought let 's get the outright sand record for a car and a bike .
`` When you try something that no-one has done before , there is some trepidation and fear .
`` The car has a roll cage and I wear all the protection you can buy , but if the wheel sticks in the sand and the car flips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over . ''
Mr Eisenberg ran the Madmax Race Team , which attempts speed records with motorbikes and cars .

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A driver who died after a horror crash while trying to break a 207mph land speed record has today been named as millionaire “speed freak” Zef Eisenberg.
The ultra-speed motorbike racer was killed in a high speed crash at Elvington Airfield yesterday (Thurs).
The 47-year-old holds roughly 50 British and world land speed records, a Guinness world record and ousted actor Idris Elba for the fastest ever mile in 2019.
His family confirmed his death to the BBC today.
In his last post on Facebook on Tuesday, he wrote that there would be an update shortly on “records and speeds”.
It read: “We are back at our Southampton workshop. Totally exhausted from endless testing, hundreds of miles of driving, late night tweaks and racing.
“The latest version of the EISENBERG V8 stretched its legs for the first time and boy did it perform well.
(Image: Mad Max Racing /SWNS.COM)
“Flawlessly, tons of power and speed, with nothing more than unleaded pump fuel. The latest tweaks to the turbine bike performed well also.
“We've got some more racing in the next 48 hours, so will update shortly on records and speeds.”
He had previously survived a near-fatal crash while traveling at 230mph on a jet turbine powered motorcycle at the same location in 2016 in a bid to set a new world record.
He was rushed to hospital with 11 broken bones and was presumed dead.
Mr Eisenberg still holds the fastest wheel-powered vehicle (bike or car) at Pendine, in Wales, at 201.5mph, which is also the fastest motorbike on sand world record.
Speaking ahead of the attempt in 2019, he said he was inspired by someone asking what was next after his successful motorbike attempt last year.
He added: "That's not good to say to someone like me and I thought let's get the outright sand record for a car and a bike.
"When you try something that no-one has done before, there is some trepidation and fear.
"The car has a roll cage and I wear all the protection you can buy, but if the wheel sticks in the sand and the car flips 360 degrees, it could be game over."
Mr Eisenberg ran the Madmax Race Team, which attempts speed records with motorbikes and cars.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Mystery surrounds picture of plane  - with huge smoke cloud behind it

Mystery surrounds a picture that appears to show smoke billowing from a plane flying over Sheldon .
Jo Parlett , 36 , took the picture at 9.10am today ( Friday ) on Mapledene Road as the plane flew overhead .
She took to Twitter saying the plane had 'caught fire and had to go back and land ' at Birmingham Airport .
However , Birmingham Airport told BirminghamLive there had been no incidents at the airport today and West Midlands Fire Service were also not called to the airport .
She told BirminghamLive : `` It did n't look like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see any branding on it .
There were no flames just lots of black smoke .
I did n't see it actually land because of the trees but it must have . ''
People reacted with shock on Twitter with speculation the incident could have been caused by a bird strike .
T J Patterson posted : `` Omg hope everyone is ok. '' Chris Goulding said : `` Hopefully just a birdstrike .
Hope all are ok. '' Graham Campbell tweeted : `` Looks like a bird strike in the engine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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Mystery surrounds a picture that appears to show smoke billowing from a plane flying over Sheldon.
Jo Parlett, 36, took the picture at 9.10am today (Friday) on Mapledene Road as the plane flew overhead.
She took to Twitter saying the plane had 'caught fire and had to go back and land' at Birmingham Airport.
However, Birmingham Airport told BirminghamLive there had been no incidents at the airport today and West Midlands Fire Service were also not called to the airport.
She told BirminghamLive: "It didn't look like a passenger plane. I couldn't see any branding on it. There were no flames just lots of black smoke. I didn't see it actually land because of the trees but it must have."
People reacted with shock on Twitter with speculation the incident could have been caused by a bird strike.
T J Patterson posted: "Omg hope everyone is ok."
MarkPBCFC tweeted: "Scary stuff. Hope everyone ok."
Chris Goulding said: "Hopefully just a birdstrike. Hope all are ok."
Graham Campbell tweeted: "Looks like a bird strike in the engine. Likewise I hope everyone is ok."
Michael Prince posted: "Bird strike i bet."


birminghammail--2020-10-02--New MRI unit set for hospital

New MRI unit set for hospital

A new MRI unit is to be installed at Wolverhampton 's New Cross Hospital to meet a growing demand for services .
City of Wolverhampton Council planners gave the green light to a proposal submitted by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to provide a new modular building .
It will be based on the car park next to the existing Radiology unit , with the lost spaces and a parking ticket machine being relocated elsewhere on the hospital site .
In their application , the NHS Trust said the MRI unit will be in operation between 8am and 8pm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the modular building will consist of a lobby , scan room , control room , changing and cannulation area and it will be .
They said : `` The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest acute and community providers in the West Midlands having more than 800 beds on the New Cross site including intensive care beds and neonatal intensive care cots .
`` As the second largest employer in Wolverhampton the Trust employs more than 8,000 staff .
`` The new building consists of a single storey modular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The new modular build is required to provide an additional MRI unit to meet an expanding demand for such diagnostic facilities .
`` Specific existing car parking spaces and park/ display machine must be relocated within the Radiology car park . ''
Planning officer Martyn Gregory granted permission for the scheme and said : `` The position and scale of the proposed moulder MRI unit is considered to be appropriate with no significant detriment to visual amenity .
`` The proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows for the loss of car parking spaces to be provided within the site . ''

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A new MRI unit is to be installed at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital to meet a growing demand for services.
City of Wolverhampton Council planners gave the green light to a proposal submitted by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to provide a new modular building.
It will be based on the car park next to the existing Radiology unit, with the lost spaces and a parking ticket machine being relocated elsewhere on the hospital site.
In their application, the NHS Trust said the MRI unit will be in operation between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.
Agents RPS Group said the modular building will consist of a lobby, scan room, control room, changing and cannulation area and it will be .
They said: "The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest acute and community providers in the West Midlands having more than 800 beds on the New Cross site including intensive care beds and neonatal intensive care cots.
(Image: Google Maps)
"As the second largest employer in Wolverhampton the Trust employs more than 8,000 staff.
"The new building consists of a single storey modular building within the existing Radiology car park.
"The new modular build is required to provide an additional MRI unit to meet an expanding demand for such diagnostic facilities.
"Specific existing car parking spaces and park/ display machine must be relocated within the Radiology car park."
Planning officer Martyn Gregory granted permission for the scheme and said: "The position and scale of the proposed moulder MRI unit is considered to be appropriate with no significant detriment to visual amenity.
"The proposed development would not harm the character and appearance of the area or highway safety. The scheme allows for the loss of car parking spaces to be provided within the site."


birminghammail--2020-10-02--The 18 sites in Solihull set for THOUSANDS of new homes

Solihull needs to build more than 900 houses a year over the next 16 years to keep on top of growing demand , the council calculates .
Proposals to provide the 15,000 properties are set out in the latest draft of the Local Plan , which took a major step forward this week .
Cabinet endorsed plans to give residents one last say on the blueprint before it is passed to an independent inspector .
Although there are warnings that the document - which has identified more than a dozen green belt sites to be built on - is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This will be a blow to many residents , who have fought long campaigns to defend some of the areas at-risk and had hoped to force a major rethink .
Solihull 's ruling Conservative group has admitted the plan has meant taking hard decisions , but warned that failing to identify sites risked allowing developers to pick off those that they wanted .
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz , cabinet member for climate change , planning and housing , said : `` At the moment our housing supply is less than five years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is reducing .
`` So the advice we have received is that , with regret , we have to give up green belt .
`` Some sites are more difficult than others but it is important that we as a council take control where those sites are ... instead of leaving ourselves at risk of planning by appeal . ''
Cllr Ken Meeson , cabinet member for children , education and skills , said : `` We have to remind people yet again that if we do not get this right , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are required to make , it will be taken out of our hands .
`` And it will be then be down to developers to develop where they want to develop . ''
Although opposition councillors argued the Tories were not allowing enough scrutiny in the crucial final stages .
They called for the public consultation to be longer than the six week statutory minimum and , come what may , for Full Council to get a final chance to `` rubber-stamp '' once this was completed .
Cllr Steve Caudwell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was puzzled by `` the resistance '' to a longer consultation in the middle of a pandemic .
`` The plan is complex reading , unavoidably so because it sets out what the next 15 years looks like for us .
And that ca n't be easily summarised .
`` As you said this has been in the works for five years , which is longer than I 've been a councillor , so we ca n't I think reasonably assume that our residents are as au fait with the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are . ''
Cllr Ade Adeyemo , leader of the Lib Dems , said that elected representatives must be challenged and scrutinised by fellow members and the public .
`` This is one of the most important issues that this council will decide on , '' he added .
Council leader Ian Courts argued that there had already been considerable debate since the process was set in motion towards the end of 2015 .
There has subsequently been significant work done to protect the document from any future attempt to unpick the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful challenge was brought against its predecessor .
Responding to calls for a vote by all 51 councillors after the consultation , officers advised this was only necessary if there had been major changes made to its contents .
If not , the final draft will be tweaked by Cllr Mackiewicz and senior officers before being submitted to the inspector .
His examination is the final hurdle before the document can be adopted .
Ahead of last night 's cabinet meeting , several groups had had their say about the plans on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampton Parish Council , said there was some concern locally that one site earmarked for 700 homes was described as being `` East of Solihull '' - when in fact it fell within the parish .
He said the label was `` disingenuous '' and could give an impression of an urban area , rather than a sizeable green space .
On the plan more broadly , he said : `` Our great concern is that there will be some , particularly the developers , who say this still is n't enough houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sufficient .
`` And we could find that it goes back to court again and it will run and run . ''
While Wendy Wilson , from the BARRAGE action-group , which is campaigning to protect sites south of Balsall Common , said proposals would have a `` devastating '' impact .
`` I am shocked and dismayed at the council 's decision to press ahead with Site 3 - albeit with reduced numbers , '' she said earlier this week .
`` We have demonstrated , with copious amounts of evidence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following cabinet , the draft Local Plan will be discussed at Full Council next Tuesday ( October 6 ) and , if approved , a consultation is then set to start towards the end of this month .
A council spokeswoman has said that the exact dates are yet be confirmed .

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Solihull needs to build more than 900 houses a year over the next 16 years to keep on top of growing demand, the council calculates.
Proposals to provide the 15,000 properties are set out in the latest draft of the Local Plan, which took a major step forward this week.
Cabinet endorsed plans to give residents one last say on the blueprint before it is passed to an independent inspector.
Although there are warnings that the document - which has identified more than a dozen green belt sites to be built on - is only set to receive "minor" tweaks.
This will be a blow to many residents, who have fought long campaigns to defend some of the areas at-risk and had hoped to force a major rethink.
Solihull's ruling Conservative group has admitted the plan has meant taking hard decisions, but warned that failing to identify sites risked allowing developers to pick off those that they wanted.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change, planning and housing, said: "At the moment our housing supply is less than five years and our ability to protect the green belt is reducing.
"So the advice we have received is that, with regret, we have to give up green belt.
Where will the new homes go? Solihull has allocated 18 sites for new homes - as pictured in the slideshow above - all but two of which are in the green belt. Together these could provide for up to 5,270 new houses across the borough. The remainder of the roughly 15,000 set to be built between now and 2036 are drawn from various places, includes schemes which have already received planning permission, the brownfield land register and development near the HS2 Interchange Station.
"Some sites are more difficult than others but it is important that we as a council take control where those sites are ... instead of leaving ourselves at risk of planning by appeal."
Cllr Ken Meeson, cabinet member for children, education and skills, said: "We have to remind people yet again that if we do not get this right, if we do not make the provision that we are required to make, it will be taken out of our hands.
"And it will be then be down to developers to develop where they want to develop."
Although opposition councillors argued the Tories were not allowing enough scrutiny in the crucial final stages.
They called for the public consultation to be longer than the six week statutory minimum and, come what may, for Full Council to get a final chance to "rubber-stamp" once this was completed.
Cllr Steve Caudwell, leader of the Green Party group, said he was puzzled by "the resistance" to a longer consultation in the middle of a pandemic.
"The plan is complex reading, unavoidably so because it sets out what the next 15 years looks like for us. And that can't be easily summarised.
"As you said this has been in the works for five years, which is longer than I've been a councillor, so we can't I think reasonably assume that our residents are as au fait with the key details as the members and the officers are."
(Image: Cllr Steve Caudwell)
Cllr Ade Adeyemo, leader of the Lib Dems, said that elected representatives must be challenged and scrutinised by fellow members and the public.
"This is one of the most important issues that this council will decide on," he added.
Council leader Ian Courts argued that there had already been considerable debate since the process was set in motion towards the end of 2015.
There has subsequently been significant work done to protect the document from any future attempt to unpick the plan in the courts, given that a successful challenge was brought against its predecessor.
Responding to calls for a vote by all 51 councillors after the consultation, officers advised this was only necessary if there had been major changes made to its contents.
(Image: Solihull Council)
If not, the final draft will be tweaked by Cllr Mackiewicz and senior officers before being submitted to the inspector. His examination is the final hurdle before the document can be adopted.
Ahead of last night's cabinet meeting, several groups had had their say about the plans on the table.
Mike Blomer, chair of Hampton Parish Council, said there was some concern locally that one site earmarked for 700 homes was described as being "East of Solihull" - when in fact it fell within the parish.
He said the label was "disingenuous" and could give an impression of an urban area, rather than a sizeable green space.
On the plan more broadly, he said: "Our great concern is that there will be some, particularly the developers, who say this still isn't enough houses in Solihull, that it's not sufficient.
"And we could find that it goes back to court again and it will run and run."
While Wendy Wilson, from the BARRAGE action-group, which is campaigning to protect sites south of Balsall Common, said proposals would have a "devastating" impact.
"I am shocked and dismayed at the council's decision to press ahead with Site 3 - albeit with reduced numbers," she said earlier this week.
"We have demonstrated, with copious amounts of evidence, why this site is unsustainable."
Following cabinet, the draft Local Plan will be discussed at Full Council next Tuesday (October 6) and, if approved, a consultation is then set to start towards the end of this month.
A council spokeswoman has said that the exact dates are yet be confirmed.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Aston Villa fans pile in as Rhian Brewster nears Sheffield United move

Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Rhian Brewster 's impending move to Sheffield United .
According to reports , the Liverpool striker is set to move to Bramall Lane despite interest from Premier League rivals Villa and Crystal Palace .
Brewster is set to cost around £23.5 million , with a 15 per cent sell-on clause attached and with a buy-back clause that expires in three years .
Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion had also been credited with an interest in Brewster , who scored 11 goals on loan at Swansea City last season .
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Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Villa might be on the lookout for another striker despite adding Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore from Brentford and Olympique Lyon respectively .
And Villa supporters have had their say on Brewster 's decision to move to United despite supposed interest from Villa .
`` Prefer to get Tammy Abraham back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` United are welcome to him '' another fan said .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here A third supporter said : `` We need someone , back-up is not good enough . ''
`` If we had wanted to really sign him the deal would have been done , '' said another .
`` I said all window we should try and sign this guy , '' a fifth fan said .
`` We missed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him last year ! ''

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Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1.
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.
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birminghammail--2020-10-02--Motorbike thieves threatened to stab pub manager with screwdriver

A hunt is underway to find two thieves who threatened to stab a pub manager near Kidderminster and grappled with a woman to seize a bike .
The attack took place at The Island Pool in Wolverhampton Road , Cookley near Kidderminster on Sunday ( September 27 ) at around midday .
The motorbike-jackers who arrived on a scooter attempted to steal a silver Yamaha motorbike worth around £12,000 from the car park when the owner ’ s partner saw the incident and rushed to grab hold of the bike .
The pub ’ s manager , Tony Cullwick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervene .
The 33-year-old told Worcestershire Live : “ The owner had just come back on his bike and went to his flat .
“ I was out the back and heard screaming , which was the owner ’ s partner .
“ The thieves had snapped the bike ’ s steering lock and she had seen it from a car opposite .
“ She went over and grabbed the bike , so they couldn ’ t take it and started screaming for help .
“ I was having a fag out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her off the bike as she was holding the handlebars .
I kicked one off his bike and they rode off and came back with one holding a six or seven-inch screwdriver .
“ I thought it isn ’ t worth getting stabbed over .
They then stole the bike and rode off in the direction of Dudley .
They were both with black helmets and gloves .
“ I have managed here five or six years and you don ’ t get grief , but it ’ s constant thieves.
” West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
A spokeswoman said : “ We are appealing for information after a motorcycle was stolen from a car park on Wolverhampton Road , Kidderminster “ At around midday on Sunday ( September 27 ) two men on a scooter attempted to steal a Silver Yamaha motorcycle from the car park at The Island Pool , a woman intervened and received a minor injury to her arm which did not require medical treatment .
“ The two men then left the car park .
“ A few minutes later the two men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAM was stolen and they fled towards Wolverhampton along the Wolverhampton Road .
“ They are described as around 5ft 11ins tall , of medium build wearing green biker jackets and dark coloured helmets .
“ If you have any information or have seen the pictured motorcycle since Sunday please contact DC Sarah BYTHEWAY from Kidderminster on 01562 826192 quoting reference 22/82683/20 .
”

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A hunt is underway to find two thieves who threatened to stab a pub manager near Kidderminster and grappled with a woman to seize a bike.
The attack took place at The Island Pool in Wolverhampton Road, Cookley near Kidderminster on Sunday (September 27) at around midday.
The motorbike-jackers who arrived on a scooter attempted to steal a silver Yamaha motorbike worth around £12,000 from the car park when the owner’s partner saw the incident and rushed to grab hold of the bike.
The pub’s manager, Tony Cullwick, heard her screams and rushed out to intervene.
The 33-year-old told Worcestershire Live: “The owner had just come back on his bike and went to his flat.
“I was out the back and heard screaming, which was the owner’s partner.
“The thieves had snapped the bike’s steering lock and she had seen it from a car opposite.
“She went over and grabbed the bike, so they couldn’t take it and started screaming for help.
“I was having a fag out the back. They were trying to rip her off the bike as she was holding the handlebars. I kicked one off his bike and they rode off and came back with one holding a six or seven-inch screwdriver.
“I thought it isn’t worth getting stabbed over. They then stole the bike and rode off in the direction of Dudley. They were both with black helmets and gloves.
“I have managed here five or six years and you don’t get grief, but it’s constant thieves.”
West Mercia Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “We are appealing for information after a motorcycle was stolen from a car park on Wolverhampton Road, Kidderminster
“At around midday on Sunday (September 27) two men on a scooter attempted to steal a Silver Yamaha motorcycle from the car park at The Island Pool, a woman intervened and received a minor injury to her arm which did not require medical treatment.
“The two men then left the car park.
“A few minutes later the two men returned and the motorcycle, registration MT10 SAM was stolen and they fled towards Wolverhampton along the Wolverhampton Road.
“They are described as around 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build wearing green biker jackets and dark coloured helmets.
“If you have any information or have seen the pictured motorcycle since Sunday please contact DC Sarah BYTHEWAY from Kidderminster on 01562 826192 quoting reference 22/82683/20.”


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Nakira nightclub has licence suspended over 'life or death' breaches

A Birmingham city centre night club has had its licence suspended after police discovered around 70 people attending a party - and after council chiefs said it was 'potentially a matter of life or death ' .
Nakira nightclub , at 121 Suffolk Street , Queensway , could now see its licence permanently revoked after it was suspended following breaches of Coronavirus guidelines .
Police called for an expedited review of the premises ' licence following a number of breaches , with the most recent of these being on September 26 when officers found it was operating past the 10pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue at 12.40am .
This followed on from an earlier incident in August , when officers reported seeing between 50 and 70 people at the premises in the early hours of the morning with no social distancing in place .
Licensing Sub Committee A suspended the premises licence yesterday ( October 1 ) following the review , and also asked that Anton Gasparov be removed as the Designated Premises Supervisor .
A full review will be held within 28 days as to what the next steps should be , with full revocation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the committee .
And , speaking after the decision yesterday , Chair of Licensing Sub Committee A , Cllr Philip Davis ( Lab , Billeseley ) said that the committee had little choice but to suspend the club 's licence in the interim .
“ All businesses have a responsibility - not only to their staff and customers - but to the wider community and there must be consequences when Covid-19 guidance is simply ignored , '' he said .
`` This is potentially a matter of life or death and Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police to enforce the guidelines .
“ It is clear that Nakira ’ s management failed to follow Government guidance and the club was operating with no regard for social distancing or public health .
“ The way in which this premises was being run was endangering the public by risking the spread of Covid-19 .
It is this kind of behaviour that has contributed to restrictions being placed on Birmingham to try and control the sharp rise in cases in the city.
” Police earlier this week revealed that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars on Friday and Saturday nights , and that eight venues were at risk of being shut down because of Covid breaches .

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
A Birmingham city centre night club has had its licence suspended after police discovered around 70 people attending a party - and after council chiefs said it was 'potentially a matter of life or death'.
Nakira nightclub, at 121 Suffolk Street, Queensway, could now see its licence permanently revoked after it was suspended following breaches of Coronavirus guidelines.
Police called for an expedited review of the premises' licence following a number of breaches, with the most recent of these being on September 26 when officers found it was operating past the 10pm curfew, with customers still inside the venue at 12.40am.
This followed on from an earlier incident in August, when officers reported seeing between 50 and 70 people at the premises in the early hours of the morning with no social distancing in place.
Licensing Sub Committee A suspended the premises licence yesterday (October 1) following the review, and also asked that Anton Gasparov be removed as the Designated Premises Supervisor.
A full review will be held within 28 days as to what the next steps should be, with full revocation of the licence one of the options available to the committee.
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And, speaking after the decision yesterday, Chair of Licensing Sub Committee A, Cllr Philip Davis (Lab, Billeseley) said that the committee had little choice but to suspend the club's licence in the interim.
“All businesses have a responsibility - not only to their staff and customers - but to the wider community and there must be consequences when Covid-19 guidance is simply ignored," he said.
"This is potentially a matter of life or death and Birmingham City Council will continue to work with West Midlands Police to enforce the guidelines.
“It is clear that Nakira’s management failed to follow Government guidance and the club was operating with no regard for social distancing or public health.
“The way in which this premises was being run was endangering the public by risking the spread of Covid-19. It is this kind of behaviour that has contributed to restrictions being placed on Birmingham to try and control the sharp rise in cases in the city.”
Police earlier this week revealed that there had been a crackdown on pubs and bars on Friday and Saturday nights, and that eight venues were at risk of being shut down because of Covid breaches.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--DWP confirms £1,000 cut for millions on Universal Credit is now 'under review'

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed it is reviewing a a major change to Universal Credit that would cut millions of people 's benefits by over £1,000 .
Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits claimants were warned they face an `` income shock '' when their payments are slashed next year .
As the coronavirus pandemic gripped the UK , the Government announced a special increase in April to help people during the crisis .
This is £1,040 a year on top of the standard allowance for Universal Credit - equivalent to just under £90 a month in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus boost was given to those on Working Tax Credits , with the basic element going up by £1,045 per year .
But these extra amounts are due to come to an end in April 2021 .
Anti-poverty organisations warned of dire consequences if the increase is not retained beyond next April .
Helen Barnard , Acting Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , said : `` Even with this increase , many families have struggled through the last few months , cutting back on essentials and getting into debt , but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads above water and helped prevent a surge in poverty .
`` Our new analysis shows that whipping away £20 a week will mean around 16 million people lose £1,040 from their annual budget overnight , and 700,000 more people are likely to be pulled into poverty .
`` People already in poverty and already struggling to stay afloat will face severe hardship , with half a million more likely to be plunged into deep poverty ( more than 50 per cent below the poverty line ) . ''
Torsten Bell , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Chancellor to shelve plans to cut back Universal Credit payments .
But the Autumn Budget has been scrapped , leaving claimants worrying what might happen .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey was this week asked about the issue and gave some assurances to benefit recipients and campaigners by admitting it is `` under review . ''
It came in response to questions from Stephen Timms MP , chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee .
Mr Timms said : `` The Committee welcomed the £20 a week increase in Universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic and at the moment that ’ s due to be removed in April , but wouldn ’ t it be inconceivable to cut everybody ’ s benefit before the pandemic is over ? ''
Ms Coffey replied : `` Well Mr Chairman , you ’ ll be aware it was a one-year measure introduced by the Chancellor as part of the £9.4m injection into the welfare support for people in this difficult time.
” '' As it stands , I think it ’ s fair to say the legislation does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will be open with you in that a lot of these discussions on what we continue to do with welfare support are still in active discussions with The Treasury . ''
Mr Timms sought clarification and asked : `` So that particular point remains under review at the moment ? ''
Ms Coffey confirmed that it was , explaining : `` Yes , there ’ s a number of different elements and I think more broadly , we ’ ve been thinking carefully about our spending review which is under way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally be the time for discussing the issue but as it has been postponed until `` early 2021 '' , the DWP would need to have a `` separate process in how we take that forward in our consideration . ''
The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has also called for the boost to be made permanent , among a raft of suggested changes .
Find job vacancies in your area by typing your postcode into the box below : Campaigners are also urging the DWP to apply the £1,000 a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Support Allowance , Jobseeker ’ s Allowance and Income Support .
Helen Barnard , of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , pleaded : `` The majority of people claiming these benefits are sick or disabled and carers who – for a long time – have unjustly faced a much greater risk of poverty and have been most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` By extending this lifeline to those of us on legacy benefits , the Government can boost the incomes of 1.5 million people , including 300,000 children in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
`` As we feel the impact of the pandemic on jobs and incomes , it ’ s clear that we can not afford to cut this lifeline at precisely the time when unemployment is rising , and many of us are facing a growing risk of poverty . ''
What were the Universal Credit increases ?
Universal Credit got an inflation boost of 1.7 per cent in April at the end of the benefit freeze and then a further £80-£90 a month was added to help claimants during the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 25 , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £251.77 to £256.05 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £342.72 .
For a single Universal Credit claimant aged 25 or over , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £317.82 to £323.23 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £409.89 per month .
For a couple where both Universal Credit claimants are under 25 , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £395.20 to £401.92 and then the coronavirus boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed it is reviewing a a major change to Universal Credit that would cut millions of people's benefits by over £1,000.
Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits claimants were warned they face an "income shock" when their payments are slashed next year.
As the coronavirus pandemic gripped the UK, the Government announced a special increase in April to help people during the crisis.
(Image: BBC)
This is £1,040 a year on top of the standard allowance for Universal Credit - equivalent to just under £90 a month in the usual monthly payment.
A similar coronavirus boost was given to those on Working Tax Credits, with the basic element going up by £1,045 per year.
But these extra amounts are due to come to an end in April 2021.
Anti-poverty organisations warned of dire consequences if the increase is not retained beyond next April.
Helen Barnard, Acting Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Even with this increase, many families have struggled through the last few months, cutting back on essentials and getting into debt, but this lifeline has allowed them to keep their heads above water and helped prevent a surge in poverty.
"Our new analysis shows that whipping away £20 a week will mean around 16 million people lose £1,040 from their annual budget overnight, and 700,000 more people are likely to be pulled into poverty.
"People already in poverty and already struggling to stay afloat will face severe hardship, with half a million more likely to be plunged into deep poverty (more than 50 per cent below the poverty line)."
Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, called for the Chancellor to shelve plans to cut back Universal Credit payments. But the Autumn Budget has been scrapped, leaving claimants worrying what might happen.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey was this week asked about the issue and gave some assurances to benefit recipients and campaigners by admitting it is "under review."
It came in response to questions from Stephen Timms MP, chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee.
Mr Timms said: "The Committee welcomed the £20 a week increase in Universal Credit that was introduced at the start of the pandemic and at the moment that’s due to be removed in April, but wouldn’t it be inconceivable to cut everybody’s benefit before the pandemic is over?"
Ms Coffey replied: "Well Mr Chairman, you’ll be aware it was a one-year measure introduced by the Chancellor as part of the £9.4m injection into the welfare support for people in this difficult time.”
"As it stands, I think it’s fair to say the legislation does automatically come to an end, but I will be open with you in that a lot of these discussions on what we continue to do with welfare support are still in active discussions with The Treasury."
Mr Timms sought clarification and asked: "So that particular point remains under review at the moment?"
Ms Coffey confirmed that it was, explaining: "Yes, there’s a number of different elements and I think more broadly, we’ve been thinking carefully about our spending review which is under way."
She said the Autumn Budget would normally be the time for discussing the issue but as it has been postponed until "early 2021", the DWP would need to have a "separate process in how we take that forward in our consideration."
The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has also called for the boost to be made permanent, among a raft of suggested changes.
Find job vacancies in your area by typing your postcode into the box below:
Campaigners are also urging the DWP to apply the £1,000 a year boost to other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support.
Helen Barnard, of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, pleaded: "The majority of people claiming these benefits are sick or disabled and carers who – for a long time – have unjustly faced a much greater risk of poverty and have been most at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"By extending this lifeline to those of us on legacy benefits, the Government can boost the incomes of 1.5 million people, including 300,000 children in some of the families who are most at risk.
"As we feel the impact of the pandemic on jobs and incomes, it’s clear that we cannot afford to cut this lifeline at precisely the time when unemployment is rising, and many of us are facing a growing risk of poverty."
What were the Universal Credit increases?
Universal Credit got an inflation boost of 1.7 per cent in April at the end of the benefit freeze and then a further £80-£90 a month was added to help claimants during the coronavirus crisis.
For a single Universal Credit claimant under 25, the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £251.77 to £256.05 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £342.72.
For a single Universal Credit claimant aged 25 or over, the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £317.82 to £323.23 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £409.89 per month.
For a couple where both Universal Credit claimants are under 25, the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £395.20 to £401.92 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £488.59.
For a couple where either of the Universal Credit claimants are 25 and over, the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £498.89 to £507.37 and then the coronavirus boost took it up again to £594.04.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Airport workers in strike vote over Covid-19 pay cut claims

Airport workers could strike in a dispute over pay with staff set to vote on whether to take industrial action .
Members of the Unite union at Heathrow , including security officers , engineers , airside operatives and firefighters , are being balloted on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action .
Voting will start on October 8 and close in early November .
The union has accused Heathrow of using the coronavirus crisis to attempt to cut the pay of 4,000 workers .
Unite officer Wayne King said the airport was trying to impose pay cuts whilst blaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ These pay cuts are so great that workers face losing their homes with hard-working families being plunged into poverty .
`` Heathrow ’ s directors and shareholders must look to their consciences , not just their riches , and step back from this now.
” Heathrow has said that Covid-19 has “ decimated ” the aviation industry which has led to an unprecedented drop in passenger numbers at the airport .
However , airport officials said it was still guaranteeing a job at the airport for anyone who wishes to @ @

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Airport workers could strike in a dispute over pay with staff set to vote on whether to take industrial action.
Members of the Unite union at Heathrow, including security officers, engineers, airside operatives and firefighters, are being balloted on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.
Voting will start on October 8 and close in early November.
The union has accused Heathrow of using the coronavirus crisis to attempt to cut the pay of 4,000 workers.
Unite officer Wayne King said the airport was trying to impose pay cuts whilst blaming the effects of the pandemic.
He said: “These pay cuts are so great that workers face losing their homes with hard-working families being plunged into poverty.
"Heathrow’s directors and shareholders must look to their consciences, not just their riches, and step back from this now.”
Heathrow has said that Covid-19 has “decimated” the aviation industry which has led to an unprecedented drop in passenger numbers at the airport.
However, airport officials said it was still guaranteeing a job at the airport for anyone who wishes to stay.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Cycle lane loss for Sutton Coldfield will make route 'more dangerous'

The loss of a temporary Sutton Coldfield cycle lane will make cyclists ' route in and out of the town centre more dangerous , residents have warned .
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported this week Birmingham City Council had decided to remove a pop-up cycle lane from Brassington Avenue .
The move followed pressure from Cllr Ewan Mackey and Cllr David Pears , as well as Sutton Coldfield Town Council and MP Andrew Mitchell .
But residents commented online that a petition with more than 500 signatures had called for the cycle lane to stay .
Rich Forrest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sutton Coldfield , said : “ Without it , we would go back to cycling on Brassington Avenue without protection or segregation .
“ It ’ s effectively two or three lanes and quite fast-moving traffic .
“ I have two young daughters and would like to cycle with them in the back , but it ’ s quite a dangerous route .
“ I am not sure they have the funding for the masterplan yet .
This scheme had been funded .
“ It would be good to use this as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than leave the idea completely.
” Martyn Hood , 37 , a human resources director who lives in Mere Green , started the petition calling for the lane to be kept .
Mr Hood has handed it to Birmingham City Council and Sutton Coldfield Town Council .
He said : “ I am not an eco-warrior but felt this is a step backwards .
“ I really am passionate about my home town and when improvements are made I really do welcome it.
” He said the pressures of the pandemic mean more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walking .
He said : “ From my point of view , we need to provide space to allow for cleaner and safer transport.
” Cllr David Pears ( Con ) , representing Sutton Trinity ward previously said : “ We heard lots from local residents and businesses about the negative impact this poorly-thought-through scheme would have , including safety concerns about poor visibility for cyclists and motorists when passing the Gracechurch centre car park ramp .
“ I am relieved that Birmingham City Council have finally relented and listened to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a shame they had to first waste public money on putting it in place .
“ That could have been avoided had they engaged properly from the outset and that money could instead have been spent on schemes that would have led to genuine improvements to cycle safety.
” He added a petition against the cycle lane he and Cllr Ewan Mackey had started gained in excess of 300 signatures but had been done in a short period of time .
The lane was part of wider work the city council is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its Emergency Transport Plan .

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The loss of a temporary Sutton Coldfield cycle lane will make cyclists' route in and out of the town centre more dangerous, residents have warned.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported this week Birmingham City Council had decided to remove a pop-up cycle lane from Brassington Avenue.
The move followed pressure from Cllr Ewan Mackey and Cllr David Pears, as well as Sutton Coldfield Town Council and MP Andrew Mitchell.
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But residents commented online that a petition with more than 500 signatures had called for the cycle lane to stay.
Rich Forrest, 33, an investment consultant who lives in Sutton Coldfield, said: “Without it, we would go back to cycling on Brassington Avenue without protection or segregation.
“It’s effectively two or three lanes and quite fast-moving traffic.
“I have two young daughters and would like to cycle with them in the back, but it’s quite a dangerous route.
“I am not sure they have the funding for the masterplan yet. This scheme had been funded.
“It would be good to use this as an opportunity to build something better rather than leave the idea completely.”
Martyn Hood, 37, a human resources director who lives in Mere Green, started the petition calling for the lane to be kept.
Mr Hood has handed it to Birmingham City Council and Sutton Coldfield Town Council.
He said: “I am not an eco-warrior but felt this is a step backwards.
“I really am passionate about my home town and when improvements are made I really do welcome it.”
He said the pressures of the pandemic mean more and more people are turning to bicycles and walking.
He said: “From my point of view, we need to provide space to allow for cleaner and safer transport.”
Cllr David Pears (Con), representing Sutton Trinity ward previously said: “We heard lots from local residents and businesses about the negative impact this poorly-thought-through scheme would have, including safety concerns about poor visibility for cyclists and motorists when passing the Gracechurch centre car park ramp.
“I am relieved that Birmingham City Council have finally relented and listened to the people of Royal Sutton Coldfield but it is a shame they had to first waste public money on putting it in place.
“That could have been avoided had they engaged properly from the outset and that money could instead have been spent on schemes that would have led to genuine improvements to cycle safety.”
He added a petition against the cycle lane he and Cllr Ewan Mackey had started gained in excess of 300 signatures but had been done in a short period of time.
The lane was part of wider work the city council is doing to promote active travel as part of its Emergency Transport Plan.


birminghammail--2020-10-02--Maps of 18 Solihull sites earmarked for 1000s of new homes

Maps of 18 Solihull sites earmarked for 1000s of new homes
Concept masterplans of what new estates might look like
(Image: Solihull Council)
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birminghammail--2020-10-02--Asda sold in £6.8 billion deal

Asda sold in £6.8 billion deal

Walmart has agreed to sell supermarket giant Asda to a group led by billionaire petrol station tycoons Mohsin and Zuber Issa in a £6.8 billion deal .
A Walmart spokesman said it was the `` right time '' to revive the talks .
Asda is one of the country 's so-called Big Four - alongside Tesco and Sainsbury 's , as well as Morrisons .
`` Walmart and Asda have restarted conversations with a small number of third-party investors who are interested in acquiring a stake in Asda and partnering with Walmart , following renewed inbound interest , '' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it will introduce 1,000 new Covid-19 marshals on the doors of its supermarkets to ensure customers wear masks properly .
In 2018 , it announced plans to merge Asda - which owns 15 % of the UK grocery market - with Sainsbury 's in a deal in which would allow it to retain 42 % of the combined business .
But regulators blocked the deal over concerns of higher food and fuel prices .
Stuart McIntosh , chair of the CMA 's inquiry group , said it had a `` responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered them a fair deal .
`` It ’ s our responsibility to protect the millions of people who shop at Sainsbury ’ s and Asda every week , '' a statement said at the time .
`` Following our in-depth investigation , we have found this deal would lead to increased prices , reduced quality and choice of products , or a poorer shopping experience for all of their UK shoppers .
“ We have concluded that there is no effective way of addressing our concerns , other than to block the @ @ @

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Walmart has agreed to sell supermarket giant Asda to a group led by billionaire petrol station tycoons Mohsin and Zuber Issa in a £6.8 billion deal.
A Walmart spokesman said it was the "right time" to revive the talks.
Asda is one of the country's so-called Big Four - alongside Tesco and Sainsbury's, as well as Morrisons.
"Walmart and Asda have restarted conversations with a small number of third-party investors who are interested in acquiring a stake in Asda and partnering with Walmart, following renewed inbound interest," a spokesman at the time added.
Asda has said it will introduce 1,000 new Covid-19 marshals on the doors of its supermarkets to ensure customers wear masks properly.
In 2018, it announced plans to merge Asda - which owns 15% of the UK grocery market - with Sainsbury's in a deal in which would allow it to retain 42% of the combined business.
But regulators blocked the deal over concerns of higher food and fuel prices.
Stuart McIntosh, chair of the CMA's inquiry group, said it had a "responsibility" towards shoppers to ensure the market offered them a fair deal.
"It’s our responsibility to protect the millions of people who shop at Sainsbury’s and Asda every week," a statement said at the time.
"Following our in-depth investigation, we have found this deal would lead to increased prices, reduced quality and choice of products, or a poorer shopping experience for all of their UK shoppers.
“We have concluded that there is no effective way of addressing our concerns, other than to block the merger.”


birminghammail--2020-10-02--ADVERTORIAL: How this family found the process of buying their new home in Essington

Second-stepper Emma Lissmore immediately fell in love with her new-build home at The Steadings location in Essington .
Here , she describes why it ’ s perfect for her family .
Emma says she “ still pinches herself ” that the family 's Bovis Homes property is theirs .
She has documented the whole journey – from reservation to moving in – on Instagram , @ aspenhousex .
Why did you choose a Bovis Homes ‘ Spruce ’ house type ?
We initially wanted a Bovis Homes detached Cypress house type as we thought the Spruce was a four-bedroom home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fell in love and the rest is history .
Why did you choose a new-build at The Steadings in Essington ?
I just fell in love with the idea of buying a new-build home that fits and meets all of our needs as a family .
Funnily enough , we only visited Essington to view the development as we had never heard of Bovis Homes and were originally interested in the housebuilder ’ s Fletchers Rise location in Wombourne .
We visited the development several times and the more we saw it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it felt right and felt like it could be home .
Not to mention the lovely countryside and amazing school on the doorstep .
Why did you document your journey about the buying process ?
I chose to document our new-build journey as there is a lot of negative stigma around new-builds .
Our journey from start to finish has been amazing and we ’ ve really built a great relationship with the site and sales teams !
That was the only sad part of the process : finishing it .
What kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new-build home ?
I remember the first day we went into the sales office armed with a list of questions , from the estate charges to the land the houses are built on .
Also , the leasehold of the house and , more generally , the plots that would be available .
The sales advisor answered my very long list of questions and that day we walked out of the sales office , we knew buying with Bovis Homes was the right move .
What was the best part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question as the whole process has been my favourite part .
If I had to narrow it down , it would be the first time we visited our plot and realised this would be our home soon !
My favourite memory will always be that first time we walked into the sales office – just to have a look – and walked out having reserved our forever dream home !
I still look at the house now and have to pinch myself that it ’ s ours !
How often did you visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
We visited our plot a few times during the build process as I wanted to document the progress .
When we couldn ’ t get to the plot , we had updates from sales and site guys , which was amazing , so we didn ’ t miss a single stage .
It was magical visiting our plot each time , watching it change and grow into the beautiful home it is today .
How long was it from choosing your home to your moving in date ?
We reserved our home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completion date was June 2020 , but with the Coronavirus lockdown , it was ready by July 31 .
How did you choose the design theme and colours in your new home ?
The design and colours came from a lot of ideas on social media platform Pinterest , plus homes I follow on Instagram .
I created mood boards for each room to help me envisage what it would look like together .
What does your son , Oliver , think of his new home ?
Oliver absolutely loves the garden and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve started to accessorise his room with a Disney theme – he loves cars and Toy Story .
What was the least likeable part of the journey that you would rather forget ?
I don ’ t really have a least likeable part but , if I had to say one , it would be the delays caused by Coronavirus and the uncertainty .
But this is not something Bovis Homes could control and they soon pulled it back out of the bag .
Summing up your experience , how do you feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel amazing about buying our new-build home .
There have been a few snags here and there , but nothing unusual .
All have been , or are being , rectified by the amazing assistant site manager , Pete .
Name five things in your new home that excite you and why ?
The ‘ Smart Home ’ features , the different options for kitchen design , the decor of the bedroom , the exciting projects we ’ ve got planned for the garden and the amazing positioning of the house itself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to anyone looking to buy a new home ?
Ensure the garden is in a good position for the sun , upgrades are there for a reason and they ’ re totally worth it if you can afford it , and do your research on the area , drive up and look around , don ’ t be afraid to ask questions .
How important was the open green space on the development in your purchasing decision ?
To be honest , green space wasn ’ t a deal-breaker for us .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space for lovely walks with our son and dog , but it wasn ’ t something that was essential on our list – it was a nice added extra for us .
Finally , what ’ s your favourite thing about your new home ?
My favourite thing is the whole house .
It ’ s absolutely stunning and we ’ re so looking forward to showing it off to all our family and friends .
For more information or to find your dream new home with Bovis Homes , head to the @ @ @ @

Second-stepper Emma Lissmore immediately fell in love with her new-build home at The Steadings location in Essington. Here, she describes why it’s perfect for her family.
Emma says she “still pinches herself” that the family's Bovis Homes property is theirs. She has documented the whole journey – from reservation to moving in – on Instagram, @aspenhousex.
Why did you choose a Bovis Homes ‘Spruce’ house type?
We initially wanted a Bovis Homes detached Cypress house type as we thought the Spruce was a four-bedroom home. We viewed the Spruce show home, fell in love and the rest is history.
Why did you choose a new-build at The Steadings in Essington?
I just fell in love with the idea of buying a new-build home that fits and meets all of our needs as a family.
Funnily enough, we only visited Essington to view the development as we had never heard of Bovis Homes and were originally interested in the housebuilder’s Fletchers Rise location in Wombourne. We visited the development several times and the more we saw it and the show home, the more it felt right and felt like it could be home. Not to mention the lovely countryside and amazing school on the doorstep.
Why did you document your journey about the buying process?
I chose to document our new-build journey as there is a lot of negative stigma around new-builds. Our journey from start to finish has been amazing and we’ve really built a great relationship with the site and sales teams! That was the only sad part of the process: finishing it.
What kind of questions did you have about buying a new-build home?
I remember the first day we went into the sales office armed with a list of questions, from the estate charges to the land the houses are built on. Also, the leasehold of the house and, more generally, the plots that would be available. The sales advisor answered my very long list of questions and that day we walked out of the sales office, we knew buying with Bovis Homes was the right move.
What was the best part of the build process?
This is a hard question as the whole process has been my favourite part. If I had to narrow it down, it would be the first time we visited our plot and realised this would be our home soon!
My favourite memory will always be that first time we walked into the sales office – just to have a look – and walked out having reserved our forever dream home! I still look at the house now and have to pinch myself that it’s ours!
How often did you visit your new home during the build process?
We visited our plot a few times during the build process as I wanted to document the progress. When we couldn’t get to the plot, we had updates from sales and site guys, which was amazing, so we didn’t miss a single stage. It was magical visiting our plot each time, watching it change and grow into the beautiful home it is today.
How long was it from choosing your home to your moving in date?
We reserved our home on December 9 last year. Our completion date was June 2020, but with the Coronavirus lockdown, it was ready by July 31.
How did you choose the design theme and colours in your new home?
The design and colours came from a lot of ideas on social media platform Pinterest, plus homes I follow on Instagram. I created mood boards for each room to help me envisage what it would look like together.
What does your son, Oliver, think of his new home?
Oliver absolutely loves the garden and his new big-boy bedroom! We’ve started to accessorise his room with a Disney theme – he loves cars and Toy Story.
What was the least likeable part of the journey that you would rather forget?
I don’t really have a least likeable part but, if I had to say one, it would be the delays caused by Coronavirus and the uncertainty. But this is not something Bovis Homes could control and they soon pulled it back out of the bag.
Summing up your experience, how do you feel about buying a new-build home?
I feel amazing about buying our new-build home. There have been a few snags here and there, but nothing unusual. All have been, or are being, rectified by the amazing assistant site manager, Pete.
Name five things in your new home that excite you and why?
The ‘Smart Home’ features, the different options for kitchen design, the decor of the bedroom, the exciting projects we’ve got planned for the garden and the amazing positioning of the house itself.
Can you give three points of advice to anyone looking to buy a new home?
Ensure the garden is in a good position for the sun, upgrades are there for a reason and they’re totally worth it if you can afford it, and do your research on the area, drive up and look around, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
How important was the open green space on the development in your purchasing decision?
To be honest, green space wasn’t a deal-breaker for us. We love it as there is plenty of space for lovely walks with our son and dog, but it wasn’t something that was essential on our list – it was a nice added extra for us.
Finally, what’s your favourite thing about your new home?
My favourite thing is the whole house. It’s absolutely stunning and we’re so looking forward to showing it off to all our family and friends.
For more information or to find your dream new home with Bovis Homes, head to the website, bovishomes.co.uk.