birminghammail--2020-08-22--Flyover demolition WILL displace traffic and hit Lozells says transport boss

The city 's top roads ' boss has admitted that demolishing the Perry Barr flyover will push traffic IN to Lozells - even though he will be battling to keep drivers OUT of his own ward at the same time .
The flyover was officially opened on December 4 , 1970 so work to begin knocking it down later this year will coincide with its 50th birthday .
But , in our exclusive video above , Cllr Waseem Zaffar offers no sentiment for `` the bridge '' even though roadworks on the A34 's nearby Birchfield Road underpass began this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dual carriageway in both directions for six months .
Instead , Cllr Zaffar is trying to reconfigure driving habits across the city via a government-backed , Covid-19 powered Emergency Transport Plan to introduce a series of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods ( LTNs ) .
Both Kings Heath and his own Lozells ward are being divided up into four LTN cells to force drivers heading somewhere else to drive all the way around the edge of each quarter rather than along `` rat run '' side streets .
At the same time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment hopes that restricting access to and from those side roads will see a sharp reduction in the number of `` short '' journeys that locals often make on their home turf .
Even if he only halves that figure , Cllr Zaffar is convinced it will result in a cleaner , safer environment for all while not impacting on the trade of local businesses .
But in an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive , Cllr Zaffar admitted the decision to knock down the Perry Barr flyover near to the One Stop Shopping Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards Lozells where he 's trying to keep cars away with the council 's `` People and Places '' initiative he 's currently promoting .
Birmingham City Council said in a back-up statement : `` The Perry Barr regeneration scheme is more than just the demolition of the flyover .
`` It has been designed to make Perry Barr one of the most well-connected areas in the region .
“ The scheme is on track to be completed by late 2021 , with the flyover scheduled to be demolished in late 2020/early 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local people twice so they are aware of what is happening and who to contact if they have concerns .
`` More broadly , we are working with our colleagues at Transport for West Midlands ( TfWM ) to promote and publicise the work as appropriate .
“ Going forward there will continue to be a range of traffic management measures as the scheme progresses and this means there will inevitably be some degree of disruption .
`` We thank people for their patience and apologise for any disruption that is caused , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-term inconvenience.
” Local resident Asaf Khan , 48 , disagrees - he has started a petition against the 'Low Traffic Neighbourhood ; proposals because of the way they are being imposed .
`` If the wider community want it , even if I disagree with them , I will be happy to go ahead with them because at least that is democracy .
But at the moment it ’ s just like a dictatorship . ''
On August 11 , the council admitted it could not fulfil its promise to build an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in 2022 .
The athletes will now be dispersed across sites including the University of Birmingham 's halls of residence on The Vale site in Edgbaston , Warwick University and the NEC .
The £500m residential plan on the now former Athletes ' Village site will still go ahead complete with government funding worth almost £150 million .
This scheme will deliver the first of 2,000 homes out of 5,000 planned for the wider neighbourhood .
Labour leader Cllr Ian Ward ( Shard End ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` look Games ready '' in July , 2022 .
But by not housing athletes there , the properties would not then need to be `` retro fitted '' before people could move in .
During a media briefing on August 12 , the day after the Athletes ' Village plan had been declared dead , Cllr Ward said the flyover would still be demolished .
`` Taking it down was the key to the creation of place and a great environment , '' he said , adding that TfWM would continue its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus network ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham .
Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Jon Hunt ( Perry Barr ) condemned the move , saying : `` The demolition of the Perry Barr flyover which will have a devastating impact on the local economy and access to jobs just as people are trying to get back to work over the coming months .
“ If Cllr Ward wants to regenerate Perry Barr he needs to work with the local community not against it.
” After members of the A34 Safety Action Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court to seek permission to apply for a judicial review of the city council ’ s A34 Perry Barr highway improvement scheme they were told in late May 2019 they would have to pay £4,000 in costs .
One of those liable is local community campaigner Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo who said : `` Who is going to take responsibility for these failings and do the right thing by resigning ?
`` Myself and colleagues are still being asked to pay court costs for challenging the council in terms of the A34 flyover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Now Coun Zaffar admits that work to demolish the flyover will displace A34 traffic towards and in to Lozells .
Even the Lozells traffic modifications kick in and before work starts to demolish the Perry Barr flyover , the area is already being hit by congestion .
On Monday , August 17 traffic in the nearby A34 Birchfield Road underpass was reduced from two lanes in each direction to just one and that work will last for six months until February , 2021 .
Now , Cllr Zaffar has told BirminghamLive he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brunt of that disaplacement from the now reduced capacity dual carriageway that links Birmingham city centre with Walsall , Great Barr and the north west side of Sutton Coldfield .
Cllr Zaffar told us : `` During the period of the project there will be issues on the neighbouring areas to the Perry Barr flyover which is the bridge to the One Stop Shopping Centre .
`` A lot of my constituents think that the Perry Barr flyover starts from the Aston Six Ways Island , but it does n't .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
`` We are working very , very hard with key partners such as the bus operators , Transport West Midlands , to mitigate that as best possible .
`` But the result of moving that bridge , that flyover next to the One Stop Shopping Centre will mean a better flow in and out of the centre for those who use private cars , better bus priority , segregated cycling lanes , better access to the train station there , better access to the bus station next door , better walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this particular project hugely outweigh the short period of time we will get in terms of displacement .
`` I am very , very confident that we will deliver this project before the Commonwealth Games arrive here .
`` This project is n't about the Commonwealth Games which has been a catalyst to bring in the funding to deliver this project .
`` But the real issue is , how can we benefit those people who travel on sustainable modes of transport , and some by private car through the north of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way ? ''

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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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The city's top roads' boss has admitted that demolishing the Perry Barr flyover will lead to traffic being displaced.
The flyover was officially opened on December 4, 1970 so work to begin knocking it down later this year will coincide with its 50th birthday.
But, in our exclusive video above, Cllr Waseem Zaffar offers no sentiment for "the bridge" even though roadworks on the A34's nearby Birchfield Road underpass began this week that will halve the capacity of the dual carriageway in both directions for six months.
Instead, Cllr Zaffar is trying to reconfigure driving habits across the city via a government-backed, Covid-19 powered Emergency Transport Plan to introduce a series of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs).
Both Kings Heath and his own Lozells ward are being divided up into four LTN cells to force drivers heading somewhere else to drive all the way around the edge of each quarter rather than along "rat run" side streets.
(Image: Darren Quinton / BirminghamLive)
At the same time, the Labour cabinet member for transport and the environment hopes that restricting access to and from those side roads will see a sharp reduction in the number of "short" journeys that locals often make on their home turf.
Even if he only halves that figure, Cllr Zaffar is convinced it will result in a cleaner, safer environment for all while not impacting on the trade of local businesses.
But in an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive, Cllr Zaffar admitted the decision to knock down the Perry Barr flyover near to the One Stop Shopping Centre on the A34 would send traffic over towards Lozells where he's trying to keep cars away with the council's "People and Places" initiative he's currently promoting.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Birmingham City Council said in a statement: "The Perry Barr regeneration scheme is more than just the demolition of the flyover.
"It has been designed to make Perry Barr one of the most well-connected areas in the region.
“The scheme is on track to be completed by late 2021, with the flyover scheduled to be demolished in late 2020/early 2021.
"We have previously written to local people twice so they are aware of what is happening and who to contact if they have concerns.
"More broadly, we are working with our colleagues at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to promote and publicise the work as appropriate.
“Going forward there will continue to be a range of traffic management measures as the scheme progresses and this means there will inevitably be some degree of disruption.
"We thank people for their patience and apologise for any disruption that is caused, but the long-term benefits far outweigh any short-term inconvenience.”
Local resident Asaf Khan, 48, disagrees - he has started a petition against the 'Low Traffic Neighbourhood; proposals because of the way they are being imposed.
"If the wider community want it, even if I disagree with them, I will be happy to go ahead with them because at least that is democracy. But at the moment it’s just like a dictatorship."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
What's happening?
On August 11, the council admitted it could not fulfil its promise to build an Athletes' Village close to Alexander Stadium in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The athletes will now be dispersed across sites including the University of Birmingham's halls of residence on The Vale site in Edgbaston, Warwick University and the NEC.
The £500m residential plan on the now former Athletes' Village site will still go ahead complete with government funding worth almost £150 million.
This scheme will deliver the first of 2,000 homes out of 5,000 planned for the wider neighbourhood.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Labour leader Cllr Ian Ward (Shard End) said he still wanted the village to "look Games ready" in July, 2022.
But by not housing athletes there, the properties would not then need to be "retro fitted" before people could move in.
During a media briefing on August 12, the day after the Athletes' Village plan had been declared dead, Cllr Ward said the flyover would still be demolished.
"Taking it down was the key to the creation of place and a great environment," he said, adding that TfWM would continue its £110 million investment to build the rapid bus network ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
(Image: Birmingham Mail / Darren Quinton)
Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Jon Hunt (Perry Barr) condemned the move, saying: "The demolition of the Perry Barr flyover which will have a devastating impact on the local economy and access to jobs just as people are trying to get back to work over the coming months.
“If Cllr Ward wants to regenerate Perry Barr he needs to work with the local community not against it.”
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
After members of the A34 Safety Action Group failed in their application to the High Court to seek permission to apply for a judicial review of the city council’s A34 Perry Barr highway improvement scheme they were told in late May 2019 they would have to pay £4,000 in costs.
Community campaigner Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo said: "Who is going to take responsibility for these failings and do the right thing by resigning?
"Myself and colleagues are still being asked to pay court costs for challenging the council in terms of the A34 flyover demolition and their lack of consultation."
Now Coun Zaffar admits that work to demolish the flyover will displace A34 traffic towards and in to Lozells.
(Image: Birmingham City Council / Cllr Waseem Zaffar)
Lozells
Even the Lozells traffic modifications kick in and before work starts to demolish the Perry Barr flyover, the area is already being hit by congestion.
On Monday, August 17 traffic in the nearby A34 Birchfield Road underpass was reduced from two lanes in each direction to just one and that work will last for six months until February, 2021.
Now, Cllr Zaffar has told BirminghamLive he expects Lozells to bear part of the brunt of that displacement from the now reduced capacity dual carriageway that links Birmingham city centre with Walsall, Great Barr and the north west side of Sutton Coldfield.
Cllr Zaffar told us: "During the period of the project there will be issues on the neighbouring areas to the Perry Barr flyover which is the bridge to the One Stop Shopping Centre.
"A lot of my constituents think that the Perry Barr flyover starts from the Aston Six Ways Island, but it doesn't.
"There will be displacement during this period of time.
"We are working very, very hard with key partners such as the bus operators, Transport West Midlands, to mitigate that as best possible.
"But the result of moving that bridge, that flyover next to the One Stop Shopping Centre will mean a better flow in and out of the centre for those who use private cars, better bus priority, segregated cycling lanes, better access to the train station there, better access to the bus station next door, better walking facilities.
"So the benefits of this particular project hugely outweigh the short period of time we will get in terms of displacement.
"I am very, very confident that we will deliver this project before the Commonwealth Games arrive here.
"This project isn't about the Commonwealth Games which has been a catalyst to bring in the funding to deliver this project.
"But the real issue is, how can we benefit those people who travel on sustainable modes of transport, and some by private car through the north of the city, in a far more efficient way?"


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Simon Cowell won't return for Britain's Got Talent finals next month

The delayed finals of Britain 's Got Talent will not feature Simon Cowell after he broke his back .
It has been revealed that Cowell will not appear in the show at all - either in person or via a satellite link .
Originally ITV bosses had hoped he could still play a part in the finals next month , despite his devastating accident in America earlier this month .
But The Mirror reported that the TV judge 's doctors had blocked any plans for him to take part , saying it would hinder his recovery .
Doctors have ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and fully recover from the electric bike accident which left him with a broken back .
But the decision has left ITV bosses searching for a replacement for the Saturday night show , which records in two weeks ' time .
Cowell 's recovery was said to be going well , with the music mogul walking more every day and diligently carrying out his physio exercises .
“ Everything is fixed , he just needs healing time , ” one friend said .
“ Flying halfway across the world is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has agreed to put his health first.
” It had been hoped that Cowell might have been well enough to attend at least some of the filming dates next month , which cover the semi-finals and the final .
Plans to beam Cowell nto the UK show via satellite were understood to have fallen by the wayside after bosses decided it might be bad for him , and tough for viewers to deal with .
The shows , which normally air live across a week in May , is already compromised by Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual and all the acts , presenters and crew have to remain socially distanced .
“ It was decided the idea of having him judge the BGT finalists via a link was just not feasible – nor sensible , ” the friend added .
An early notion to draft in Piers Morgan was quickly vetoed after bosses realised he and David Walliams have a long-running spat , meaning working together was out of the question .
Now the race is on to find a suitable stand-in for Cowell , whose production company makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were aired in April , but the semi-finals and finals had to be postponed because of coronavirus .
Now they will be pre-recorded and shown on Saturday nights across the autumn in the former X Factor slot , with ITV chiefs hoping to end before Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC1 in October to avoid a clash .
Coronavirus restrictions mean some of the BGT acts which are based abroad , or who have vulnerable members , will be filmed outside the studio for reasons of safety or because of travel bans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new electric motorbike in the courtyard of his Malibu home earlier this month .
It was witnessed by his partner Lauren Silverman , her teenage son Adam and their shared son Eric , six .
On August 8 he had an operation that involved having a metal rod put in his back during a five-hour procedure to mend the three broken vertebrae .
Bosses should perhaps look no further than David Walliams ' former Little Britain sidekick Matt Lucas .
He would provide endless fun and warmth – but might be restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big debut on C4 's Great British Bake Off .
Other options to maximise the laughs would be Alan Carr or Romesh Ranganathan who each have plenty of TV experience and mainstream appeal .
Ashley Banjo would be a great choice – he was made famous himself by winning the third series of BGT with dance troupe Diversity and has since got plenty of experience as a judge thanks to Dancing on Ice and Sky 's Got to Dance .
If a female-heavy panel was favoured , then Dawn French or Ruby Wax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amanda Holden .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nicola Methven, Jane Tyler)

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The delayed finals of Britain's Got Talent will not feature Simon Cowell after he broke his back.
It has been revealed that Cowell will not appear in the show at all - either in person or via a satellite link.
Originally ITV bosses had hoped he could still play a part in the finals next month, despite his devastating accident in America earlier this month.
But The Mirror reported that the TV judge's doctors had blocked any plans for him to take part, saying it would hinder his recovery.
Doctors have ordered Cowell, 60, to stay in the United States and fully recover from the electric bike accident which left him with a broken back.
But the decision has left ITV bosses searching for a replacement for the Saturday night show, which records in two weeks' time.
Cowell's recovery was said to be going well, with the music mogul walking more every day and diligently carrying out his physio exercises.
“Everything is fixed, he just needs healing time,” one friend said. “Flying halfway across the world is not part of the plan and he has agreed to put his health first.”
It had been hoped that Cowell might have been well enough to attend at least some of the filming dates next month, which cover the semi-finals and the final.
Plans to beam Cowell nto the UK show via satellite were understood to have fallen by the wayside after bosses decided it might be bad for him, and tough for viewers to deal with.
The shows, which normally air live across a week in May, is already compromised by Covid-19 restrictions which mean the audience will be virtual and all the acts, presenters and crew have to remain socially distanced.
“It was decided the idea of having him judge the BGT finalists via a link was just not feasible – nor sensible,” the friend added.
An early notion to draft in Piers Morgan was quickly vetoed after bosses realised he and David Walliams have a long-running spat, meaning working together was out of the question. Now the race is on to find a suitable stand-in for Cowell, whose production company makes the hit ITV show.
The auditions were aired in April, but the semi-finals and finals had to be postponed because of coronavirus.
Now they will be pre-recorded and shown on Saturday nights across the autumn in the former X Factor slot, with ITV chiefs hoping to end before Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC1 in October to avoid a clash.
Coronavirus restrictions mean some of the BGT acts which are based abroad, or who have vulnerable members, will be filmed outside the studio for reasons of safety or because of travel bans.
Cowell's accident happened as he tested a new electric motorbike in the courtyard of his Malibu home earlier this month. It was witnessed by his partner Lauren Silverman, her teenage son Adam and their shared son Eric, six.
On August 8 he had an operation that involved having a metal rod put in his back during a five-hour procedure to mend the three broken vertebrae.
Who could replace Simon Cowell?
Bosses should perhaps look no further than David Walliams' former Little Britain sidekick Matt Lucas. He would provide endless fun and warmth – but might be restricted as he is about to make his big debut on C4's Great British Bake Off.
Other options to maximise the laughs would be Alan Carr or Romesh Ranganathan who each have plenty of TV experience and mainstream appeal.
Ashley Banjo would be a great choice – he was made famous himself by winning the third series of BGT with dance troupe Diversity and has since got plenty of experience as a judge thanks to Dancing on Ice and Sky's Got to Dance.
If a female-heavy panel was favoured, then Dawn French or Ruby Wax would fit in well alongside Alesha and Amanda Holden.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Aston Villa learn new Rashica update as negotiations 'on hold'

RB Leipzig 's pursuit of Milot Rashica from Werder Bremen has hit an impasse , according to reports .
Rashica , 24 , is a transfer target for Aston Villa this summer with Dean Smith keen to add to his attacking options for next season .
Villa have been hot on Rashica 's trail for several months having first looked at the Kosovo international ahead of the January transfer window .
It has been claimed Villa have met Werder 's asking price but Rashica is thought to favour a move to Leipzig , who will play in the Champions League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa newsletter for Milot Rashica transfer updates Why should you sign up ?
Villa have been strongly linked with a move for the Werder Bremen star , with fans excitedly awaiting his possible arrival .
With that in mind , we will bring you all the news around the Albanian winger 's future .
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 ?
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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 newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 But Bild reports negotiations between the two Bundesliga clubs are 'on hold ' because of the winger 's 25m euros ( £22.5m ) asking price .
Leipzig are in a position to stump up the extra cash having earned a significant amount of prize money from UEFA for reaching the semi-final of the Champions League but are reluctant to meet that fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week Rashica , who scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the league last term , has requested to leave the club .
`` We 're strong enough to say we wo n't sell it at any price - just as we say that no player is unsalable , '' Bode said .
`` Milot has clearly registered his change request with us .
`` That 's why we 're not naive and take into account that Milot wo n't play for us for the entire next year . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first senior signing of the summer window with CEO Christian Purslow , sporting director Johan Lange and head coach Smith hard at work .
Smith is understood to be keen to sign attacking reinforcements , with a winger and a centre-forward high on his wish-list .

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RB Leipzig's pursuit of Milot Rashica from Werder Bremen has hit an impasse, according to reports.
Rashica, 24, is a transfer target for Aston Villa this summer with Dean Smith keen to add to his attacking options for next season.
Villa have been hot on Rashica's trail for several months having first looked at the Kosovo international ahead of the January transfer window.
It has been claimed Villa have met Werder's asking price but Rashica is thought to favour a move to Leipzig, who will play in the Champions League next season.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Morgan Sanson transfer updates Why should you sign up? Villa have been strongly linked with a move for the Marseille star, with fans excitedly awaiting his possible arrival. With that in mind, we will bring you all the news around the French midfielder's future. 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 here. 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
But Bild reports negotiations between the two Bundesliga clubs are 'on hold' because of the winger's 25m euros (£22.5m) asking price.
Leipzig are in a position to stump up the extra cash having earned a significant amount of prize money from UEFA for reaching the semi-final of the Champions League but are reluctant to meet that fee.
Werder's chairman Marco Bode confirmed earlier this week Rashica, who scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the league last term, has requested to leave the club.
"We're strong enough to say we won't sell it at any price - just as we say that no player is unsalable," Bode said. "Milot has clearly registered his change request with us.
"That's why we're not naive and take into account that Milot won't play for us for the entire next year."
Villa are still waiting to seal their first senior signing of the summer window with CEO Christian Purslow, sporting director Johan Lange and head coach Smith hard at work.
Smith is understood to be keen to sign attacking reinforcements, with a winger and a centre-forward high on his wish-list.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Aston Villa star Conor Hourihane issues stark transfer warning

Irish midfielder Conor Hourihane has issued a direct Aston Villa transfer message , saying : `` We need more quality in the squad and there is no hiding away from that . ''
The 29-year-old , currently with Villa down at their south Wales training camp , has detailed how Dean Smith 's men should be nowhere near the relegation places for the upcoming campaign .
Hourihane returned back to fine form for last season 's run-in and helped Villa crawl over the survival line thanks to a final-day 1-1 draw at West Ham .
Fast-forward four weeks and Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Smith , chief executive Christian Purslow and new sporting director Johan Lange are working to bring in talented new recruits .
High on Villa 's agenda is , of course , a goal-scorer with Ollie Watkins top of the list .
A winger is desperately needed , too , while Smith is also keen to add a new No.8 to his midfield and , possibly , a goalkeeper to rival Tom Heaton given the severity of his knee ligament injury .
In an interview with the Express & Star , Hourihane had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad : `` We need more quality in the squad and there is no hiding away from that .
`` The club needs to take strides forward , there can be no looking back , 17th is not good enough for Aston Villa .
We need to move forward because the club and the fans and everyone is craving that .
There is an opportunity now in front of us and we need to take it .
`` The club needs to keep moving forward , add quality and have a good solid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down and around the relegation battle . ''
Hourihane added : `` More quality is great to see coming through the door .
It gives everyone a lift and it is down to people like myself , who have been here a while , to keep proving themselves , even though sometimes I think I don ’ t have much more proving to do because I always come back .
`` Whatever happens , I ’ m sure I will be right in the mix . ''
As for the Cork-born star , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his three-and-a-half years at the club have struggled to cope with the pressure of donning the claret and blue of Aston Villa .
`` There is always pressure playing for this club , ” he explained .
`` People demand so much from you all of the time because they are never satisfied .
`` They always want more and that is a natural thing because it is such a big club .
Some lads can handle that and some can ’ t .
`` Since I ’ ve signed there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found it too big , if I am being honest with you . ''

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Irish midfielder Conor Hourihane has issued a direct Aston Villa transfer message, saying: "We need more quality in the squad and there is no hiding away from that."
The 29-year-old, currently with Villa down at their south Wales training camp, has detailed how Dean Smith's men should be nowhere near the relegation places for the upcoming campaign.
Hourihane returned back to fine form for last season's run-in and helped Villa crawl over the survival line thanks to a final-day 1-1 draw at West Ham.
(Image: Getty Images)
Fast-forward four weeks and Villa are amidst the crucial summer transfer window as Smith, chief executive Christian Purslow and new sporting director Johan Lange are working to bring in talented new recruits.
High on Villa's agenda is, of course, a goal-scorer with Ollie Watkins top of the list. A winger is desperately needed, too, while Smith is also keen to add a new No.8 to his midfield and, possibly, a goalkeeper to rival Tom Heaton given the severity of his knee ligament injury.
In an interview with the Express & Star, Hourihane had the following to say regarding Villa's squad: "We need more quality in the squad and there is no hiding away from that.
"The club needs to take strides forward, there can be no looking back, 17th is not good enough for Aston Villa. We need to move forward because the club and the fans and everyone is craving that. There is an opportunity now in front of us and we need to take it.
"The club needs to keep moving forward, add quality and have a good solid season in the Premier League without being down and around the relegation battle."
Hourihane added: "More quality is great to see coming through the door. It gives everyone a lift and it is down to people like myself, who have been here a while, to keep proving themselves, even though sometimes I think I don’t have much more proving to do because I always come back.
"Whatever happens, I’m sure I will be right in the mix."
As for the Cork-born star, Hourihane also told how previous signings during his three-and-a-half years at the club have struggled to cope with the pressure of donning the claret and blue of Aston Villa.
"There is always pressure playing for this club,” he explained. "People demand so much from you all of the time because they are never satisfied.
"They always want more and that is a natural thing because it is such a big club. Some lads can handle that and some can’t.
"Since I’ve signed there have been a lot of lads who have just found it too big, if I am being honest with you."


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Police name suspect after string of violent attacks on women

Police have named a man wanted in connection with a series of violent attacks on elderly women in Harborne .
Thomas Cahill , 41 , is sought by cops investigating a string of robberies on vulnerable women in the area .
In the first known incident , on August 14 , Cahill is suspected of breaking into a 78-year-old woman 's home before escaping with cash and bank cards .
Two days later , another 78-year-old woman was dragged to the ground during a violent bag snatch in the street .
The pensioner suffered a broken hip in the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he remains at large .
Now police are urging anyone with information on where he might be to get in touch .
A West Midlands Police appeal today - August 22 - read : `` We ’ ve issued an urgent appeal to trace a man wanted for questioning over two robberies on elderly women in Birmingham .
`` Thomas Cahill is sought over attacks on pensioners on August 14 and August 16 in Harborne .
He ’ s suspected of breaking into a 78-year-old woman ’ s home on August 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And two days later another 78-year-old woman suffered a broken hip after being dragged to the ground during a violent bag snatch in the street .
`` We ’ ve carried out several arrest attempts but the 41-year-old is currently still at large .
`` If anyone believes they ’ ve seen Cahill , or knows his whereabouts , they are urged to call us on 101 or message us on Live Chat via our website .
Please quote crime ref 20BW/193391K/20 . ''

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Police have named a man wanted in connection with a series of violent attacks on elderly women in Harborne.
Thomas Cahill, 41, is sought by cops investigating a string of robberies on vulnerable women in the area.
In the first known incident, on August 14, Cahill is suspected of breaking into a 78-year-old woman's home before escaping with cash and bank cards.
Two days later, another 78-year-old woman was dragged to the ground during a violent bag snatch in the street.
The pensioner suffered a broken hip in the attack.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Despite repeated attempts to arrest Cahill, he remains at large. Now police are urging anyone with information on where he might be to get in touch.
A West Midlands Police appeal today - August 22 - read: "We’ve issued an urgent appeal to trace a man wanted for questioning over two robberies on elderly women in Birmingham.
"Thomas Cahill is sought over attacks on pensioners on August 14 and August 16 in Harborne. He’s suspected of breaking into a 78-year-old woman’s home on August 14 before stealing cash and bank cards.
"And two days later another 78-year-old woman suffered a broken hip after being dragged to the ground during a violent bag snatch in the street.
"We’ve carried out several arrest attempts but the 41-year-old is currently still at large.
"If anyone believes they’ve seen Cahill, or knows his whereabouts, they are urged to call us on 101 or message us on Live Chat via our website. Please quote crime ref 20BW/193391K/20."


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Wolves fans react to Ainsley Maitland-Niles transfer reports

Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a transfer target for Wolverhampton Wanderers , according to reports .
Sky Sports report Wolves are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Molineux this summer .
Maitland-Niles is naturally a midfielder but he has excelled at both right wing-back and left wing-back for Arsenal and recently made his 100th appearance for the club .
Wolves are in need of a wing-back with Jonny Castro Otto in the early stages of his recovery from a long-term knee injury .
Midfield is another area Wolves could strengthen and Maitland-Niles ' versatility is bound to appeal to Nuno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store That versatility also appeals to Tottenham , according to the Daily Mail , with Spurs preparing a £20m bid to raid their north London rivals .
Brighton and Newcastle United are two more of the many teams supposedly interested .
Arsenal are thought to be willing to listen to offers for the former England under-21 international , who joined the club aged 16 .
Wolves fans reacted positively on social media , with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bags of potential .
Do n't know why [ Mikel ] Arteta would let him go though . ''
`` If he comes to Wolves and takes everything on board what Nuno says like Adama has we will have a very special player , up to him .
All managers need players with talent , '' said another .
A third posted : `` Thought he played well against us , decent shout at that price . ''
`` I can see this as he can play in a number of positions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Think he will do well with help of back room staff . ''
`` I like this one , '' wrote another .

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Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a transfer target for Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to reports.
Sky Sports report Wolves are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Molineux this summer.
Maitland-Niles is naturally a midfielder but he has excelled at both right wing-back and left wing-back for Arsenal and recently made his 100th appearance for the club.
Wolves are in need of a wing-back with Jonny Castro Otto in the early stages of his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Midfield is another area Wolves could strengthen and Maitland-Niles' versatility is bound to appeal to Nuno.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
That versatility also appeals to Tottenham, according to the Daily Mail, with Spurs preparing a £20m bid to raid their north London rivals. Brighton and Newcastle United are two more of the many teams supposedly interested.
Arsenal are thought to be willing to listen to offers for the former England under-21 international, who joined the club aged 16.
Wolves fans reacted positively on social media, with one saying: "Great young player with bags of potential. Don't know why [Mikel] Arteta would let him go though."
"If he comes to Wolves and takes everything on board what Nuno says like Adama has we will have a very special player, up to him. All managers need players with talent," said another.
A third posted: "Thought he played well against us, decent shout at that price."
"I can see this as he can play in a number of positions," wrote one supporter.
A fifth said: "Think he will do well with help of back room staff."
"I like this one," wrote another.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Douglas Luiz not training at Aston Villa after returning to Brazil

Aston Villa star midfielder Douglas Luiz is not part of the club 's training camp in Wales - because he 's self-isolating after returning back home to Brazil .
The 22-year-old enjoyed an incredible run of form for Dean Smith 's side for Villa 's final 10 games of the 19/20 campaign , coming to the fore at a time of real need to help Villa clinch Premier League survival .
The ex-Man City man returned to Birmingham from his hometown of Rio on Monday ( August 17 ) , before quickly checking in at Bodymoor to take part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was not on the team bus that travelled down to The Vale Resort in south Wales in midweek for Villa 's pre-season training camp and , instead , is now in quarantine in line with UK government advice .
After helping Villa secure their top-flight status , the midfielder flew back home to Rio to see family and friends for a much-needed break .
Douglas had stayed in Birmingham throughout the painstakingly-long lockdown period ever since Villa 's defeat to Leicester way back in March and , instead of returning home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his fitness levels which , in the end , proved dividends .
In comparison , Douglas ' Villa and Brazil compatriot Wesley travelled back to Juiz de Fora as the striker continued on his rehab alongside personal physiotherapist Cristiano Davila .
As for Wesley , he was back celebrating with his teammates on the final day at the London Stadium , with rehab now continuing back in the UK .
The 22-year-old is still short in terms of recovery .
Back to Douglas and , as per government guidelines , he 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of 14 days and will be due back at Villa training on August 31 / September 1 .
As for Brazil it 's among the worst for Covid-19 deaths and cases .
The South American country is second to the USA for deaths ( 113,454 ) and cases ( 3.5 million ) .
The UK , by comparison , has 41,405 reported deaths and 323,313 confirmed cases .
Earlier this week , BirminghamLive reported on how Villa could look to hand Douglas a new and improved contract in a bid to wipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement which remains active until June 2021 .
At present , though , City have no plans to exercise that transfer .

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Aston Villa star midfielder Douglas Luiz is not part of the club's training camp in Wales - because he's self-isolating after returning back home to Brazil.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an incredible run of form for Dean Smith's side for Villa's final 10 games of the 19/20 campaign, coming to the fore at a time of real need to help Villa clinch Premier League survival.
The ex-Man City man returned to Birmingham from his hometown of Rio on Monday (August 17), before quickly checking in at Bodymoor to take part in social-distanced fitness check-ups.
(Image: Paul Ellis/PA Wire/NMC Pool.)
Douglas, meanwhile, was not on the team bus that travelled down to The Vale Resort in south Wales in midweek for Villa's pre-season training camp and, instead, is now in quarantine in line with UK government advice.
After helping Villa secure their top-flight status, the midfielder flew back home to Rio to see family and friends for a much-needed break. Douglas had stayed in Birmingham throughout the painstakingly-long lockdown period ever since Villa's defeat to Leicester way back in March and, instead of returning home to South America, stayed and worked hard on his fitness levels which, in the end, proved dividends.
In comparison, Douglas' Villa and Brazil compatriot Wesley travelled back to Juiz de Fora as the striker continued on his rehab alongside personal physiotherapist Cristiano Davila. As for Wesley, he was back celebrating with his teammates on the final day at the London Stadium, with rehab now continuing back in the UK. The 22-year-old is still short in terms of recovery.
Back to Douglas and, as per government guidelines, he'll now self-isolate here in Birmingham for a period of 14 days and will be due back at Villa training on August 31 / September 1.
As for Brazil it's among the worst for Covid-19 deaths and cases. The South American country is second to the USA for deaths (113,454) and cases (3.5 million). The UK, by comparison, has 41,405 reported deaths and 323,313 confirmed cases.
Earlier this week, BirminghamLive reported on how Villa could look to hand Douglas a new and improved contract in a bid to wipe out Man City's £25 million buy-back agreement which remains active until June 2021. At present, though, City have no plans to exercise that transfer.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Birmingham lockdown threat branded 'lunacy' with ZERO cases in most of city

Birmingham 's residents are being blamed over rising infection rates - yet there are ZERO cases in most neighbourhoods .
That 's the controversial view of former city council leader and professor John Clancy , who says a city of 1.1 million people should be `` congratulated not warned '' over its response to Covid restrictions .
And he blames local authority figures for `` ridiculously '' putting the whole city on standby for a local lockdown , when the evidence does n't stack up - and when doing so could cost lives .
Instead he calls for a 'hyperlocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern , rather than widescale restrictions for all .
In a hard hitting blog , Prof Clancy writes that out , of 132 neighbourhoods across the city , 87 of them - home to 716,000 Brummies - have not had a single case for a week .
And 53 have not recorded a single positive coronavirus case for four weeks - and most of those ( 47 ) have not seen a case in eight weeks .
Yet the entire city is now being `` threatened ' with potential lockdown and their behaviour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
Prof Clancy spoke out as the city was placed on the national watch list by Health Secretary Matt Hancock , and rated in need of `` enhanced support '' to help prevent a restrictive local lockdown .
With an infection rate hovering around 30 cases per 100,000 people - the equivalent of around 320 new cases a week - and an increasing positivity rate ( the proportion of people testing positive is now at 4.3 per cent ) , the Government and city decided it needed to act .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a partial restriction on households meeting together .
The restrictions that were set out to Mr Hancock yesterday are : • Each household can only host up to TWO people from another household at any one time • No more than 30 people to gather anywhere , except for congregational prayer • Face coverings to be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles by driver and passengers , except where there is a clinical exemption • Plans to reopen more business and hospitality sectors put on hold • Homeless people to be sheltered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions included are voluntary , and the city has , as yet , been given no extra powers to enforce breaches of the new rules .
We are still waiting for confirmation from the council and the Department of Health about exactly what plan has been agreed , and are told nothing new will be advised until after the weekend .
Adding Birmingham to the watch list was a blow to city retailers and the hospitality sector , already reeling from a loss of confidence in visiting shops , pubs and restaurants - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out to Help Out scheme .
A stark image posted on Twitter yesterday by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce committee member Andrew Dawson , of a deserted street normally bustling with workers , emphasised the dramatic downturn in footfall across the city .
He wrote : `` Good for R number , but not so good for the city .
A very difficult balance , but we can ’ t afford more lockdown measures , so a big collective responsibility . ''
The message from local politicians , public health chiefs , business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to pull together and do the right thing , and acting now will prevent a damaging lockdown .
Speaking yesterday , Coun Ian Ward said : `` If our previous warnings to keep doing the basics have n't been enough , this has to be the wake-up call for everyone . ''
Mayor Andy Street also supported the measures : `` The number of new infections are on a worrying trend in Birmingham , and I fully support the Government ’ s decision to put the city on its national watchlist to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now clearly at the stage where additional Government assistance is needed to help get a grip of the virus in the city , and I have spoken to the Health Secretary to ensure Birmingham gets all the support it needs . ''
Writing for the Centre for Brexit Studies , Prof Clancy - who was leader from 2015 to 2017 before resigning over the damaging bin strikes and is no longer involved in local politics - said : `` Birmingham is a city which has done significantly better than other cities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In the biggest city outside London , a place of 1.2 million people , people have responded and behaved appropriately throughout , '' he writes .
`` The citizens of Birmingham should be congratulated , not warned .
Other big cities and population areas have fared far worse than Birmingham .
`` But local authority figures in Birmingham are ridiculously putting the city on standby , it would appear , for a local lockdown , '' he added .
`` We know lockdowns cause non-Covid19 death too .
And where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lockdown will cause deaths in Birmingham , not prevent them . ''
He draws on government data that reveals that , as of Thursday , 87 of the city 's 132 neighbourhoods ( called MSOAS - middle layer super output areas ) did not record a single positive case of Covid-19 in the last week .
`` So 716,000 Brummies live in a neighbourhood where there were no positive tests in the last week , '' he said .
He adds : `` 53 of the neighbourhoods ( 418,000 people ) have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last four weeks , and 46 neighbourhoods ( 371,000 people ) have not recorded a single case in the last eight weeks . ''
He concludes : `` Birmingham can not , as a city , be in any way regarded as a Covid-19 hotspot .
And rounding up from specific neighbourhoods where testing is now showing an increase and applying that to Birmingham as a whole simply won ’ t wash. '' We reported earlier this week on the `` hotspots '' around the city , highlighting the parts of the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Prof Clancy 's analysis also cuts into the reality of the rising rate of infections , arguing that while the rate is rising , the number of people affected in a city of Birmingham 's size is minimal .
`` When you are dealing with such low ( and unreliable ) numbers , small changes might seem to become spikes .
So the rate of infection per 100,000 in Birmingham went up from 16 per 100,000 people two weeks ago to 22 per 100,000 last week .
`` That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent .
But it ’ s actually just six more people in 100,000 .
These are micro-numbers ... it is certainly not enough to spark policy change . ''
He also throws shade over the national testing system and regime - we have reported previously the concerns of public health directors and medics about the quality and effectiveness of the national Test and Trace system , which has been mired in controversy over its cost and contact tracing rate .
He adds : `` So-called ‘ spikes ’ are occurring here , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country because new testing regimes are causing them - either with false positives , picking up residual infections or ... suddenly increased testing in specific areas .
`` Covid-19-related deaths are the only real reliable figure throughout this pandemic .
Where a local area is showing a significant increase in deaths , there is a problem that needs national intervention .
`` You can ’ t let local officers and politicians who by definition look at very local contexts to over-react .
Which is what they have started to do .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved , the decision has to be made by national government .
`` What you can ’ t have is local lockdown panic without a wider context .
Otherwise you ’ ll get ridiculous decisions to lockdown completely unrelated to the actual risk . ''
He is not the first to make this observation .
City intensive care medic Dr Ron Daniels , who works at University Hospitals Birmingham , said it was damaging to panic the city when there was no obvious sign of illness and death - while also emphasising the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health messages .
Speaking earlier this week , he said the number of critically ill people has continued to be negligible , with zero deaths reported for days - and says that this is the measure that should determine what happens next .
Relying on testing and positivity data - which he says is misleading - could push the city into an 'unnecessary ' lockdown .
He also spoke of the virus becoming `` less virulent , less angry '' in this interview here .
He has posted a new video in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , highlighting his continued concerns that the messages are likely to cause unnecessary panic .
In it he says : `` It 's true that cases are rising ... we are testing a lot more people , but people do n't seem to be getting as sick .
People are not needing hospital admissions ... and we would expect to have seen an increase by now .
`` So I do n't think we need to panic - I do n't see a second wave . ''
His viewpoint was countered by public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Dr Ian Sykes , who said caution now was vital to prevent rising infections .
`` Unlike in the earlier stages of the pandemic , most cases are concentrated within the 25 to 50 age group '' said Dr Sykes .
`` As this group is less likely to have other concurrent illness , this helps to explain why , very fortunately , there has not yet been any significant increase in people presenting either to their GP or local hospital . ''
Prof Clancy calls for 'hyper local intervention in very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says is a much better way forward , rather than the current city wide approach .
`` If the so-called spikes in places like Birmingham lead to reported Covid-19 hospital admissions or reported Covid-19 deaths , then there is cause for alarm .
`` So we need to know if this is the case .
`` But the reality is that increased and more widespread testing is leading , oddly enough , to finding more cases .
This has not broadly led to increases in Covid-19 related deaths and hospital admissions in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at play .
`` Until we get our testing , and track and tracing system , into proper , reliable shape we should not be basing policy on it . ''
And he warns : `` Just-in-case lockdowns are simply not an acceptable response to dodgy data .
And lockdowns cause deaths . ''
He is the former political leader ( 2015–2017 ) of Birmingham City Council , and was a councillor representing first Hodge Hill and then Quinton .
Clancy espoused the concept of Municipal Socialism , with a nod to Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council to become an active economic participant in the local economy .
He is a visiting professor at Birmingham City University Business School and a qualified solicitor .
Clancy stepped down as leader of the city amid a dispute over the ending of the bin strike that had brought rubbish chaos to the city in 2017 .
A subsequent report into the whole affair blamed Clancy for acting `` without authority or power '' when he struck a deal with union representatives to bring the summer strike to a swift end .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and questioned the motives of those involved in the report , including leader Ian Ward , who had previously been his deputy .
He quit his role as councillor representing Quinton in March this year .

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Birmingham's residents are being blamed over rising infection rates - yet there are ZERO cases in most neighbourhoods.
That's the controversial view of former city council leader and professor John Clancy, who says a city of 1.1 million people should be "congratulated not warned" over its response to Covid restrictions.
And he blames local authority figures for "ridiculously" putting the whole city on standby for a local lockdown, when the evidence doesn't stack up - and when doing so could cost lives.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Instead he calls for a 'hyperlocal' approach, targeting local areas of concern, rather than widescale restrictions for all.
In a hard hitting blog, Prof Clancy writes that out, of 132 neighbourhoods across the city, 87 of them - home to 716,000 Brummies - have not had a single case for a week. And 53 have not recorded a single positive coronavirus case for four weeks - and most of those (47) have not seen a case in eight weeks.
Yet the entire city is now being "threatened' with potential lockdown and their behaviour challenged, adding to mounting anxiety, he says.
Prof Clancy spoke out as the city was placed on the national watch list by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and rated in need of "enhanced support" to help prevent a restrictive local lockdown.
With an infection rate hovering around 30 cases per 100,000 people - the equivalent of around 320 new cases a week - and an increasing positivity rate (the proportion of people testing positive is now at 4.3 per cent), the Government and city decided it needed to act.
The measure that will affect most people is a partial restriction on households meeting together.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The restrictions that were set out to Mr Hancock yesterday are:
Each household can only host up to TWO people from another household at any one time
No more than 30 people to gather anywhere, except for congregational prayer
Face coverings to be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles by driver and passengers, except where there is a clinical exemption
Plans to reopen more business and hospitality sectors put on hold
No care home visiting allowed
Homeless people to be sheltered again under the Everyone In scheme
The restrictions included are voluntary, and the city has, as yet, been given no extra powers to enforce breaches of the new rules.
We are still waiting for confirmation from the council and the Department of Health about exactly what plan has been agreed, and are told nothing new will be advised until after the weekend.
Adding Birmingham to the watch list was a blow to city retailers and the hospitality sector, already reeling from a loss of confidence in visiting shops, pubs and restaurants - despite the positive impact of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
A stark image posted on Twitter yesterday by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce committee member Andrew Dawson, of a deserted street normally bustling with workers, emphasised the dramatic downturn in footfall across the city.
He wrote: "Good for R number, but not so good for the city. A very difficult balance, but we can’t afford more lockdown measures, so a big collective responsibility."
The message from local politicians, public health chiefs, business and community leaders was clear: we need to pull together and do the right thing, and acting now will prevent a damaging lockdown.
Speaking yesterday, Coun Ian Ward said: "If our previous warnings to keep doing the basics haven't been enough, this has to be the wake-up call for everyone."
Mayor Andy Street also supported the measures: "The number of new infections are on a worrying trend in Birmingham, and I fully support the Government’s decision to put the city on its national watchlist to help tackle the outbreak.
"We are now clearly at the stage where additional Government assistance is needed to help get a grip of the virus in the city, and I have spoken to the Health Secretary to ensure Birmingham gets all the support it needs."
Writing for the Centre for Brexit Studies, Prof Clancy - who was leader from 2015 to 2017 before resigning over the damaging bin strikes and is no longer involved in local politics - said: "Birmingham is a city which has done significantly better than other cities in the UK when it comes to Covid19.
"In the biggest city outside London, a place of 1.2 million people, people have responded and behaved appropriately throughout," he writes.
"The citizens of Birmingham should be congratulated, not warned. Other big cities and population areas have fared far worse than Birmingham.
"But local authority figures in Birmingham are ridiculously putting the city on standby, it would appear, for a local lockdown," he added.
"We know lockdowns cause non-Covid19 death too. And where the disease itself is not causing death, a lockdown will cause deaths in Birmingham, not prevent them."
He draws on government data that reveals that, as of Thursday, 87 of the city's 132 neighbourhoods (called MSOAS - middle layer super output areas) did not record a single positive case of Covid-19 in the last week.
"So 716,000 Brummies live in a neighbourhood where there were no positive tests in the last week," he said.
He adds: "53 of the neighbourhoods (418,000 people) have not recorded a single case in the last four weeks, and 46 neighbourhoods (371,000 people) have not recorded a single case in the last eight weeks."
He concludes: "Birmingham cannot, as a city, be in any way regarded as a Covid-19 hotspot. And rounding up from specific neighbourhoods where testing is now showing an increase and applying that to Birmingham as a whole simply won’t wash."
We reported earlier this week on the "hotspots" around the city, highlighting the parts of the city that are seeing the most cases right now.
Prof Clancy's analysis also cuts into the reality of the rising rate of infections, arguing that while the rate is rising, the number of people affected in a city of Birmingham's size is minimal.
"When you are dealing with such low (and unreliable) numbers, small changes might seem to become spikes. So the rate of infection per 100,000 in Birmingham went up from 16 per 100,000 people two weeks ago to 22 per 100,000 last week.
"That’s seems a jump of almost 40 per cent. But it’s actually just six more people in 100,000. These are micro-numbers...it is certainly not enough to spark policy change."
He also throws shade over the national testing system and regime - we have reported previously the concerns of public health directors and medics about the quality and effectiveness of the national Test and Trace system, which has been mired in controversy over its cost and contact tracing rate.
He adds: "So-called ‘spikes’ are occurring here, there, and everywhere up and down the country because new testing regimes are causing them - either with false positives, picking up residual infections or...suddenly increased testing in specific areas.
"Covid-19-related deaths are the only real reliable figure throughout this pandemic. Where a local area is showing a significant increase in deaths, there is a problem that needs national intervention.
"You can’t let local officers and politicians who by definition look at very local contexts to over-react. Which is what they have started to do.
"And where severe curtailing of civil liberty is involved, the decision has to be made by national government.
"What you can’t have is local lockdown panic without a wider context. Otherwise you’ll get ridiculous decisions to lockdown completely unrelated to the actual risk."
Contact Me Have you been affected by this story? Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you. I am the Birmingham Mail/Live team's Politics and People Editor and I try shine a light on stories and issues that affect people and communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Got a story you want me to investigate, or want to tell me how the proposals or decisions of politicians are affecting you? Let me know, in complete confidence, by emailing jane.haynes@reachplc.com, or send me a Tweet @janerockhouse. You should also sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, which you can do here. Twitter: @janerockhouse Email: jane.haynes@reachplc.com Read more by Jane Haynes HERE
He is not the first to make this observation.
City intensive care medic Dr Ron Daniels, who works at University Hospitals Birmingham, said it was damaging to panic the city when there was no obvious sign of illness and death - while also emphasising the need to be vigilant and follow public health messages.
Speaking earlier this week, he said the number of critically ill people has continued to be negligible, with zero deaths reported for days - and says that this is the measure that should determine what happens next.
Relying on testing and positivity data - which he says is misleading - could push the city into an 'unnecessary' lockdown.
He also spoke of the virus becoming "less virulent, less angry" in this interview here.
He has posted a new video in response to Birmingham going on the watch list, highlighting his continued concerns that the messages are likely to cause unnecessary panic.
In it he says: "It's true that cases are rising...we are testing a lot more people, but people don't seem to be getting as sick. People are not needing hospital admissions...and we would expect to have seen an increase by now.
"So I don't think we need to panic - I don't see a second wave."
His viewpoint was countered by public health director Dr Justin Varney and GPs leader Dr Ian Sykes, who said caution now was vital to prevent rising infections.
"Unlike in the earlier stages of the pandemic, most cases are concentrated within the 25 to 50 age group" said Dr Sykes.
"As this group is less likely to have other concurrent illness, this helps to explain why, very fortunately, there has not yet been any significant increase in people presenting either to their GP or local hospital."
Prof Clancy calls for 'hyper local intervention in very local areas of concern' which he says is a much better way forward, rather than the current city wide approach.
"If the so-called spikes in places like Birmingham lead to reported Covid-19 hospital admissions or reported Covid-19 deaths, then there is cause for alarm.
"So we need to know if this is the case.
"But the reality is that increased and more widespread testing is leading, oddly enough, to finding more cases. This has not broadly led to increases in Covid-19 related deaths and hospital admissions in other so-called hotspots.
"Something else it at play.
"Until we get our testing, and track and tracing system, into proper, reliable shape we should not be basing policy on it."
And he warns: "Just-in-case lockdowns are simply not an acceptable response to dodgy data. And lockdowns cause deaths."
Who is John Clancy?
He is the former political leader (2015–2017) of Birmingham City Council, and was a councillor representing first Hodge Hill and then Quinton.
Clancy espoused the concept of Municipal Socialism, with a nod to Birmingham’s Joseph Chamberlain, encouraging the council to become an active economic participant in the local economy.
He is a visiting professor at Birmingham City University Business School and a qualified solicitor.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Clancy stepped down as leader of the city amid a dispute over the ending of the bin strike that had brought rubbish chaos to the city in 2017.
A subsequent report into the whole affair blamed Clancy for acting "without authority or power" when he struck a deal with union representatives to bring the summer strike to a swift end. He retorted it was a "whitewash" and questioned the motives of those involved in the report, including leader Ian Ward, who had previously been his deputy.
He quit his role as councillor representing Quinton in March this year.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Two areas see spike in coronavirus cases

Coronavirus case rates continue to rise in Worcestershire with August 's numbers already close to the total for the entire month of July .
The county recorded 35 cases in the week to August 19 , with 13 on August 19 , repeating the 13 seen on August 10 .
Prior to this month , the last time a daily total was at 13 was on June 2 .
The 35 cases compared to 27 in the week to August 12 ( revised up from a figure of 22 as reported last week , with the data incomplete ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ double the 19 cases reported in the week to August 5 , indicating a rise in rates .
The total positive Covid-19 cases in Worcestershire in August stands at 78 , which is approaching the total for July of 87 , with some way still to go this month .
Two areas in the county in particular saw a jump in positive Covid-19 cases in the past seven days with Redditch recording 15 cases and 11 in just one day on August 19 .
Wyre Forest , which includes Kidderminster , Stourport and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for almost three weeks from July 26 to August 12 recorded eight cases in the week to August 19 .
Wychavon , which has the towns of Evesham and Droitwich , saw five cases in the week to August 19 , Bromsgrove three , with Malvern Hills and Worcester both recording two cases apiece .
Both Bromsgrove and Redditch have had the highest number of cases so far this month – both with 19 , Wychavon has had 17 , Worcester 11 , Wyre Forest eight ( all in the last week ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had 2,506 positive Covid-19 cases recorded since the pandemic began – with the first case on March 9 .
Bromsgrove leads the way in the total number of coronavirus cases recorded in the county with 559 , Wychavon has seen 451 , Worcester has had 425 positives , slightly ahead of Wyre Forest with 423 , then Redditch with 413 and Malvern Hills has had the fewest positives with 235 .
The monthly Covid-19 positives since the pandemic began are 324 in March , 1,275 in April , 591 in May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 78 so far in August – so after a rise and fall they are rising again .
To put that in context neighbouring Birmingham , which has now been placed on a national Government watch list has seen 261 cases in the week to August 19 .
It has a rate of 29.1 cases per 100,000 people .
The highest area in Worcestershire was Bromsgrove with seven per 100,000 , although those figures pre-dated Redditch ’ s jump on Wednesday .
Dr Kathryn Cobain , Worcestershire ’ s Director of Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in coronavirus cases in Birmingham but here in Worcestershire we have not seen a similar increase .
“ The advice remains the same - avoid crowded places , use face coverings and regularly wash your hands when out and about.
” Dr Cobain also advised against car sharing with those outside their household .
The coronavirus spreads more quickly in enclosed spaces like cars and public transport .
Dr Cobain added : “ If you have to share a car journey with anyone else , the advice is : Share with just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Wear face coverings for the duration of the journey .
`` Maximise the distance between driver and passengers - with the passenger sitting in the back on the opposite side from the driver ; Keep windows down when travelling and clean the car between journeys , particularly wiping down all contact points that people may have touched “ Most importantly , do not car share if you have any coronavirus symptoms.
” The number of Covid deaths in the county remains low now .
According to the latest Office for National Statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the week to August 7 – the latest data across all settings , and that was of a Bromsgrove resident in a hospital .
There have now been 529 deaths registered in the county where there is any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate .
Of those 134 were of Bromsgrove residents , 75 in hospital,54 in a care home , four elsewhere and one in a communal establishment .
Wyre Forest has had 115 Covid deaths of its residents with 65 in hospitals , 39 in care homes , nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings .
There have been 110 deaths now of Wychavon residents : 49 in hospital , 48 in care homes , five at home , one elsewhere , two in hospices and four in other communal settings .
Worcester has had 63 deaths : 29 in hospitals , 27 in care homes , four in a home , one in a hospice and two other communal .
Redditch has had 60 deaths related to the pandemic ’ s disease- there have been 49 hospital Covid deaths , eight in care homes , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Malvern Hills has had 47 Covid deaths – 24 in hospitals , 20 at a care home , two at home and one other communal .
There have been no deaths at Worcestershire 's two hospital trusts for more than three weeks .
The last recorded death was at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust on July 27 and the last at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust was on June 1 .
There have been 306 deaths where a positive Covid-19 test has been recorded - 278 at the acute hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nationally the excess deaths figure – considered the true measure of the effects of the pandemic – was below the five-year-average for the eighth-week running .

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Coronavirus case rates continue to rise in Worcestershire with August's numbers already close to the total for the entire month of July.
The county recorded 35 cases in the week to August 19, with 13 on August 19, repeating the 13 seen on August 10. Prior to this month, the last time a daily total was at 13 was on June 2.
The 35 cases compared to 27 in the week to August 12 (revised up from a figure of 22 as reported last week, with the data incomplete). And the latest weekly total is almost double the 19 cases reported in the week to August 5, indicating a rise in rates.
(Image: AP)
The total positive Covid-19 cases in Worcestershire in August stands at 78, which is approaching the total for July of 87, with some way still to go this month.
Two areas in the county in particular saw a jump in positive Covid-19 cases in the past seven days with Redditch recording 15 cases and 11 in just one day on August 19.
Wyre Forest, which includes Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, had gone without any cases for almost three weeks from July 26 to August 12 recorded eight cases in the week to August 19.
Wychavon, which has the towns of Evesham and Droitwich, saw five cases in the week to August 19, Bromsgrove three, with Malvern Hills and Worcester both recording two cases apiece.
Both Bromsgrove and Redditch have had the highest number of cases so far this month – both with 19, Wychavon has had 17, Worcester 11, Wyre Forest eight (all in the last week) and Malvern Hills has four.
Worcestershire has had 2,506 positive Covid-19 cases recorded since the pandemic began – with the first case on March 9.
Bromsgrove leads the way in the total number of coronavirus cases recorded in the county with 559, Wychavon has seen 451, Worcester has had 425 positives, slightly ahead of Wyre Forest with 423, then Redditch with 413 and Malvern Hills has had the fewest positives with 235.
The monthly Covid-19 positives since the pandemic began are 324 in March, 1,275 in April, 591 in May, 151 in June, 87 in July and 78 so far in August – so after a rise and fall they are rising again.
To put that in context neighbouring Birmingham, which has now been placed on a national Government watch list has seen 261 cases in the week to August 19. It has a rate of 29.1 cases per 100,000 people. The highest area in Worcestershire was Bromsgrove with seven per 100,000, although those figures pre-dated Redditch’s jump on Wednesday.
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Dr Kathryn Cobain, Worcestershire’s Director of Public Health said: “There has been an increase in coronavirus cases in Birmingham but here in Worcestershire we have not seen a similar increase.
“The advice remains the same - avoid crowded places, use face coverings and regularly wash your hands when out and about.”
Dr Cobain also advised against car sharing with those outside their household. The coronavirus spreads more quickly in enclosed spaces like cars and public transport.
Dr Cobain added: “If you have to share a car journey with anyone else, the advice is: Share with just one other person from outside your household; Wear face coverings for the duration of the journey.
"Maximise the distance between driver and passengers - with the passenger sitting in the back on the opposite side from the driver; Keep windows down when travelling and clean the car between journeys, particularly wiping down all contact points that people may have touched
“Most importantly, do not car share if you have any coronavirus symptoms.”
The number of Covid deaths in the county remains low now.
(Image: Google)
According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures there was one registered Covid death in the week to August 7 – the latest data across all settings, and that was of a Bromsgrove resident in a hospital.
There have now been 529 deaths registered in the county where there is any mention of Covid-19 on the death certificate.
Of those 134 were of Bromsgrove residents, 75 in hospital,54 in a care home, four elsewhere and one in a communal establishment.
Wyre Forest has had 115 Covid deaths of its residents with 65 in hospitals, 39 in care homes, nine at home and two in other communal settings.
There have been 110 deaths now of Wychavon residents: 49 in hospital, 48 in care homes, five at home, one elsewhere, two in hospices and four in other communal settings.
Worcester has had 63 deaths: 29 in hospitals, 27 in care homes, four in a home, one in a hospice and two other communal.
Redditch has had 60 deaths related to the pandemic’s disease- there have been 49 hospital Covid deaths, eight in care homes, two at home, one other communal.
While Malvern Hills has had 47 Covid deaths – 24 in hospitals, 20 at a care home, two at home and one other communal.
There have been no deaths at Worcestershire's two hospital trusts for more than three weeks.
The last recorded death was at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust on July 27 and the last at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust was on June 1. There have been 306 deaths where a positive Covid-19 test has been recorded - 278 at the acute hospitals and 28 and the health and care sites,
Nationally the excess deaths figure – considered the true measure of the effects of the pandemic – was below the five-year-average for the eighth-week running.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Aston Villa 'quoted fee' to sign Marko Grujic from Liverpool

Aston Villa must fork out £20m to sign Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic , according to reports .
Grujic , 24 , has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Villa this summer having been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield .
The Serbian international returned to the Premier League champions from a two season-long loan spell at Hertha Berlin , where he impressed in the Bundesliga .
Hertha want to take Grujic back to the German capital but Liverpool would rather sell than loan him out again .
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Google Play Store and App Store According to Goal , the Reds are willing to negotiate a deal worth around £20m with interested clubs , of which there are said to be many .
Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top-flight sides keen on Grujic , while in Germany Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach are also interested as well as Serie A side Atalanta .
Grujic was Jurgen Klopp 's first signing as Liverpool boss , arriving from Red Star Belgrade in January 2016 , but his most recent competitive appearance for the club came almost three years ago .
Villa are also being linked with Bournemouth midfielder Phillip Billing .
Billing played 35 times for Bournemouth last season , his first since joining them from Huddersfield Town - and has been relegated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 24-year-old was born in Denmark but signed a youth contract with the Terriers as a teenager before coming through the ranks to make 91 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit .

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birminghammail--2020-08-22--Red Hot Chili Peppers' guitarist Jack Sherman has died aged 64

Jack Sherman from the Red Hot Chili Peppers has died aged 64 .
The band announced the death of its former guitarist , who passed away of unknown causes .
Mirror Online reported that he was thought to have died on August 18 , but the news was n't made public until Friday night .
In a tribute post confirming his death , the band hailed him as `` unique '' .
`` We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond , for he has passed , '' they said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA .
He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good , bad and in between .
Peace on the boogie platform . ''
Jack had joined the band in time for their debut album in 1983 , replacing on/off guitarist Hillel Slovak .
He then co-wrote a large proportion of their second studio offering `` Freaky Styley '' in 1985 , but was replaced in turn by Hillel by the time the album came out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ later work , including Mother 's Milk and The Abbey Road EP .
Jack was n't included in the band 's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2012 - a decision that left him bitterly disappointed .
He told Billboard that year : `` I 'm being dishonoured , and it sucks .
It 's really painful to see all this celebrating going on and be excluded .
I 'm not claiming that I 've brought anything other to the band , but to have soldiered on under arduous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , and I think that 's what you do in a job , looking back .
And that 's been dishonored . ''
As well as his work with Chili Peppers , Jack took the lead guitar role on Tonio K 's Notes From The Lost Civilization album and Bob Dylan 's Knocked Out Loaded .
He remained in high demand and worked as a session player during the late 1980s and early 1990s .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emmeline Saunders, Jane Tyler)

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Jack Sherman from the Red Hot Chili Peppers has died aged 64.
The band announced the death of its former guitarist, who passed away of unknown causes.
Mirror Online reported that he was thought to have died on August 18, but the news wasn't made public until Friday night.
In a tribute post confirming his death, the band hailed him as "unique".
(Image: Instagram)
"We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed," they said in an Instagram statement.
"Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA. He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform."
Jack had joined the band in time for their debut album in 1983, replacing on/off guitarist Hillel Slovak. He then co-wrote a large proportion of their second studio offering "Freaky Styley" in 1985, but was replaced in turn by Hillel by the time the album came out.
He still made further appearances on their later work, including Mother's Milk and The Abbey Road EP.
Jack wasn't included in the band's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2012 - a decision that left him bitterly disappointed.
He told Billboard that year: "I'm being dishonoured, and it sucks. It's really painful to see all this celebrating going on and be excluded. I'm not claiming that I've brought anything other to the band, but to have soldiered on under arduous conditions to try to make the thing work, and I think that's what you do in a job, looking back. And that's been dishonored."
As well as his work with Chili Peppers, Jack took the lead guitar role on Tonio K's Notes From The Lost Civilization album and Bob Dylan's Knocked Out Loaded. He remained in high demand and worked as a session player during the late 1980s and early 1990s.


birminghammail--2020-08-22--Two charged with murder following park attack

Two men have been charged with murder after a man died nearly three weeks on from an attack in a @ @ @ @ @ known locally as “ Goughy '' - suffered serious injuries during the assault in Victoria @ @ @ @ @ around 11am on July 26 .
He later arrived at a relative ’ s address @ @ @ @ @ was taken to hospital .
But the 50-year-old 's condition deteriorated and he was pronounced @ @ @ @ @ nearly three weeks after the incident .
Mr Bird had suffered serious facial injuries , @ @ @ @ @ a broken neck .
Steven Bennett , aged 37 and from Bevan Road , Tipton @ @ @ @ @ , aged 33 and from Shore Road , Tipton , were arrested on Thursday and @ @ @ @ @ Mr Bird ’ s murder .
They were due to appear before Wolverhampton magistrates today @ @ @ @ @ .
A 33-year-old woman also arrested in connection with Mr Bird ’ s death has @ @ @ @ @ .

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Two men have been charged with murder after a man died nearly three weeks on from an attack in a park.
Anthony Bird − known locally as “Goughy" - suffered serious injuries during the assault in Victoria Park, Tipton,at around 11am on July 26.
He later arrived at a relative’s address with serous facial injuries and was taken to hospital.
But the 50-year-old's condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead on August 12, nearly three weeks after the incident.
Mr Bird had suffered serious facial injuries, a fractured eye socket and a broken neck.
Steven Bennett, aged 37 and from Bevan Road, Tipton, and Suni Singh Gill, aged 33 and from Shore Road, Tipton, were arrested on Thursday and have now been charged with Mr Bird’s murder.
They were due to appear before Wolverhampton magistrates today, Saturday, August 22.
A 33-year-old woman also arrested in connection with Mr Bird’s death has been released on police bail.