birminghammail--2020-01-27--Birmingham City to seal shock transfer for Aston Villa striker - reports

Scott Hogan is set to sign on-loan with Birmingham City for the rest of the season , according to reports .
The 27-year-old , who signed for Aston Villa in January 2017 , has spent the first half of the season on-loan with Championship strugglers Stoke City .
However , he has failed to make an impact at The bet365 Stadium , playing only 425 minutes in the league and has not been included in the last seven matchday squads .
Hogan has struggled since making a switch to Villa from Brentford and has already had a loan spell with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a last term .
It is understood that Villa have a recall clause in the deal that saw him join the Potters , but up to this point it had not been exercised .
This is despite an injury crisis that has seen them line-up without a striker for nearly a month .
Blues are in the market for a forward and The Telegraph have reported that Hogan will sign at St Andrew ’ s for the remainder of the campaign .
Pep Clotet recently stated he was confident that decision makers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line in the closing days of the window .
“ I am confident the club knows how we want to go forward , they have a plan and they are working for it .
That gives me confidence , ” he explained .
“ My work is very focused on getting the best of the assets we have available - anything the club estimates can help the team is of course very welcome.
” Hogan has 32 goals in his 110 Championship games and will provide competition to first choice forward Lukas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Blues is still rare , there has recently been an increase in switches between the bitter rivals .
Last summer saw two transfers cross the city divide , with Gary Gardner joining his brother Craig at Blues , whilst Spanish midfielder Jota went the other way .

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Scott Hogan is set to sign on-loan with Birmingham City for the rest of the season, according to reports.
The 27-year-old, who signed for Aston Villa in January 2017, has spent the first half of the season on-loan with Championship strugglers Stoke City.
However, he has failed to make an impact at The bet365 Stadium, playing only 425 minutes in the league and has not been included in the last seven matchday squads.
Hogan has struggled since making a switch to Villa from Brentford and has already had a loan spell with Sheffield United at the back end of a last term.
(Image: Stoke Sentinel)
It is understood that Villa have a recall clause in the deal that saw him join the Potters, but up to this point it had not been exercised. This is despite an injury crisis that has seen them line-up without a striker for nearly a month.
Blues are in the market for a forward and The Telegraph have reported that Hogan will sign at St Andrew’s for the remainder of the campaign.
Pep Clotet recently stated he was confident that decision makers at the club would get some deals over the line in the closing days of the window.
“I am confident the club knows how we want to go forward, they have a plan and they are working for it. That gives me confidence,” he explained.
“My work is very focused on getting the best of the assets we have available - anything the club estimates can help the team is of course very welcome.”
Hogan has 32 goals in his 110 Championship games and will provide competition to first choice forward Lukas Jutkiewicz. Whilst a transfer from Villa to Blues is still rare, there has recently been an increase in switches between the bitter rivals.
Last summer saw two transfers cross the city divide, with Gary Gardner joining his brother Craig at Blues, whilst Spanish midfielder Jota went the other way.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Prince Andrew 'not cooperating' with Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking inquiry

The Duke of York has `` provided zero cooperation '' to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking inquiry , a US prosecutor has said .
Speaking at a news conference outside Epstein 's New York mansion , US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said Andrew 's lawyers had been contacted by prosecutors and the FBI who requested to interview him as part of the investigation .
Mr Berman , who is overseeing the investigation , said : `` To date , Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation . ''
Andrew stepped down from royal duties in November following a disastrous Newsnight interview in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was accused of lacking empathy for Epstein 's victims and of failing to show regret over his friendship with the disgraced financier .
Virginia Giuffre , who claims she was trafficked by Epstein , said in an interview with BBC Panorama that she was left `` horrified and ashamed '' after an alleged sexual encounter with Andrew in London in 2001 .
She claimed she danced with Andrew in Tramp nightclub , adding he was `` the most hideous dancer I 've ever seen in my life '' and `` his sweat was @ @ @ @ @ @

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The Duke of York has "provided zero cooperation" to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking inquiry, a US prosecutor has said.
Speaking at a news conference outside Epstein's New York mansion, US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said Andrew's lawyers had been contacted by prosecutors and the FBI who requested to interview him as part of the investigation.
Mr Berman, who is overseeing the investigation, said: "To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation."
Andrew stepped down from royal duties in November following a disastrous Newsnight interview in the wake of the scandal.
He was accused of lacking empathy for Epstein's victims and of failing to show regret over his friendship with the disgraced financier.
(Image: BBC)
Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by Epstein, said in an interview with BBC Panorama that she was left "horrified and ashamed" after an alleged sexual encounter with Andrew in London in 2001.
She claimed she danced with Andrew in Tramp nightclub, adding he was "the most hideous dancer I've ever seen in my life" and "his sweat was... raining basically everywhere".


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Learner driver finally passes driving test after seven years and 250 hours of lessons - by eating BA

Learner driver finally passes driving test after seven years and 250 hours of lessons - by eating BANANAS

A learner driver claims she finally passed her test after several failures - by eating BANANAS .
Katie Timms repeatedly tried for a licence but after seven years , 250-plus hours of lessons and four instructors - feared she never would .
But she claims her big breakthrough came when a friend heard the yellow fruit being described as a `` driving-test super-food '' on the radio .
And after polishing off three bananas in quick succession just before her latest test - she then sailed through the examination .
Katie , 25 , a journalist of Plymouth , Devon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might sound , I am pretty sure that I passed my driving test because I ate a banana , or three .
`` A friend suggested I ate the 'driving test superfood ' after hearing it discussed on BBC Radio 1 , so I asked my instructor if it was true .
`` He told me it was a frequent suggestion , but that if you did n't know how to drive a banana could not help you - obviously .
`` He explained that some driving instructors recommend it to their pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that just days before , he had a pupil who baked banana bread the morning of her test and passed .
`` That was all I needed , I was holding out all hope that this hopefully magical fruit could be the key to never having to walk into the test centre of doom again .
`` I then looked on Google and Twitter , which added to me believing the weird theory , as I found hundreds of people crediting passing to the banana .
`` So , the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on bananas and made a smoothie for breakfast and then ate a third banana before I left the house to go to the dreaded test centre .
`` I 'm not sure if it was the fact that I ate three bananas , or the fact that I believed that I had the secret recipe to passing the test , but it worked . ''
`` I 'm pleased to tell you that you 've passed .
`` Now I 'm more convinced than ever that a banana or three can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most failed test attempts . ''
Katie said she had several ideas given to her about how she should pass - but none had worked until the banana theory .
She added : `` Many of my lovely friends joked that I 'd end up in the Guinness World Book of Records for the most failed driving test attempts - which is 39 in the UK by the way .
Trending stories and why we write them Every day , BirminghamLive 's award-winning journalists write a variety of articles - on everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aston Villa and Birmingham City FC , breaking crime incidents and live traffic and travel updates .
But over the course of each of these days , BirminghamLive also writes stories on showbiz and television , well-known personalities , celebrities and popular figures .
These stories - `` trending '' stories - are often the sorts of articles which get social media talking , eliciting reaction across social media platforms , sparking debate and drawing response .
BirminghamLive uses analytics to decide which stories we produce - and , while these articles are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loyal readers , they can often receive negative feedback from social media .
Among the most common negative responses we receive are `` this is not real news '' or `` this is not real journalism '' .
Another complaint might be `` this is nothing to do with Birmingham '' or , `` nobody cares . ''
In response to this , it is worth re-iterating BirminghamLive uses data to decide what we write about and where to place our resources .
Trending stories are not just popular among social media users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our most regular visitors ( users who spend 15 days a month visiting the BirminghamLive website ) .
Trending news is different to other subjects we cover - be it crime , education , health , sport - but no less important to some readers , whose passions may lie in anything from Love Island and money-saving , to the latest Netflix true crime series or The Masked Singer ( seriously , give it a chance , it may change your life ) .
And while a story may not have geographically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not mean the story does not resonate with our readers .
Our stories are written by trained and experienced journalists , responding quickly to events .
Since the very first edition of the Birmingham Mail , UK and World News has been a prominent feature .
We will never stop doing so - and we 'll never apologise for serving our readers .
If you want to ask us any more questions about BirminghamLive 's trending stories , please email james.rodger @ reachplc.com .
`` I had only failed four tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had taken , the fact that I did n't always understand how roundabouts worked and my run-in with a sheep - I did n't hit it , do n't worry - it became a joke that I just could n't drive .
`` But despite the mocking , my friends and family wanted me to pass just as much as I did , which meant that everyone who knew I could n't drive told me stories about their test , what helped them pass and what I should try .
`` From the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not telling anyone and getting an early night , to the slightly odd 'wear two pairs of socks ' and 'eat a banana ' - I tried most of them .
`` Whilst I understood why an early night and rescue remedy could well help me prepare for the 40-minute drive and gain my licence , I was left baffled by being told to wear two pairs of socks , sing and eat bananas .
`` You might have guessed , but I was not convinced by the sock theory and let that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory has even been recommended by some driving instructors .
Mikes Driving School , based in Cornwall , suggests : `` Shortly before your test , eat a banana .
It ’ s well-known among driving instructors as the driving test superfood , for the following reasons – bananas are full of B vitamins , which help calm the nerves .
`` They contain tryptophan , a type of protein that the body converts into seratonin , the ‘ happy hormone ’ – which will keep your mood upbeat .
And they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When we are stressed our metabolic rate rises and potassium levels decrease .
Eating a high-potassium snack like a banana will help re-balance the levels of this important mineral , normalise your heartbeat and send extra oxygen to the brain . ''

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A learner driver claims she finally passed her test after several failures - by eating BANANAS.
Katie Timms repeatedly tried for a licence but after seven years, 250-plus hours of lessons and four instructors - feared she never would.
But she claims her big breakthrough came when a friend heard the yellow fruit being described as a "driving-test super-food" on the radio.
And after polishing off three bananas in quick succession just before her latest test - she then sailed through the examination.
Katie, 25, a journalist of Plymouth, Devon, said: "However ridiculous it might sound, I am pretty sure that I passed my driving test because I ate a banana, or three.
"A friend suggested I ate the 'driving test superfood' after hearing it discussed on BBC Radio 1, so I asked my instructor if it was true.
(Image: Devon Live / SWNS)
"He told me it was a frequent suggestion, but that if you didn't know how to drive a banana could not help you - obviously.
"He explained that some driving instructors recommend it to their pupils who struggle with nerves on the day, adding that just days before, he had a pupil who baked banana bread the morning of her test and passed.
"That was all I needed, I was holding out all hope that this hopefully magical fruit could be the key to never having to walk into the test centre of doom again.
Want to keep up to date with the latest traffic and travel news? Each day BirminghamLive journalists bring you the latest news on the roads and railways across Birmingham and the West Midlands and further afield to help keep you on the move. For the very latest updates on roads including the M6, M42, M5 and more, visit our dedicated traffic and travel news Facebook page here. You can also bookmark BirminghamLive's Traffic and Travel landing page here.
"I then looked on Google and Twitter, which added to me believing the weird theory, as I found hundreds of people crediting passing to the banana.
"So, the night before my fifth test, I stocked up on bananas and made a smoothie for breakfast and then ate a third banana before I left the house to go to the dreaded test centre.
"I'm not sure if it was the fact that I ate three bananas, or the fact that I believed that I had the secret recipe to passing the test, but it worked."
"I'm pleased to tell you that you've passed.
"Now I'm more convinced than ever that a banana or three can help you avoid becoming the record holder for the most failed test attempts."
Katie said she had several ideas given to her about how she should pass - but none had worked until the banana theory.
She added: "Many of my lovely friends joked that I'd end up in the Guinness World Book of Records for the most failed driving test attempts - which is 39 in the UK by the way.
Trending stories and why we write them Every day, BirminghamLive's award-winning journalists write a variety of articles - on everything from HS2 and city schools, to Aston Villa and Birmingham City FC, breaking crime incidents and live traffic and travel updates. But over the course of each of these days, BirminghamLive also writes stories on showbiz and television, well-known personalities, celebrities and popular figures. These stories - "trending" stories - are often the sorts of articles which get social media talking, eliciting reaction across social media platforms, sparking debate and drawing response. BirminghamLive uses analytics to decide which stories we produce - and, while these articles are among the most popular among our most loyal readers, they can often receive negative feedback from social media. Among the most common negative responses we receive are "this is not real news" or "this is not real journalism". Another complaint might be "this is nothing to do with Birmingham" or, "nobody cares." In response to this, it is worth re-iterating BirminghamLive uses analytics to help us decide what we write about and where to place our resources. Trending stories are not just popular among social media users, but also massively popular in terms of our most regular visitors. Trending news is different to other subjects we cover - be it crime, education, health, sport - but no less important to some readers, whose passions may lie in anything from Love Island and money-saving, to the latest Netflix true crime series or The Masked Singer (seriously, give it a chance, it may change your life). And while a story may not have geographically taken place in Birmingham, that absolutely does not mean the story does not resonate with our readers. Our stories are written by trained and experienced journalists, responding quickly to events. Since the very first edition of the Birmingham Mail, UK and World News has been a prominent feature. We will never stop doing so - and we'll never apologise for serving our readers. We’ve got lots of local content in Midlands News, local food and drink in What’s On, news for families in Brummie Mummies and information tailored to your postcode through In Your Area. If you want to ask us any more questions about BirminghamLive's trending stories, please email james.rodger@reachplc.com.
"I had only failed four tests, but with the amount of lessons I had taken, the fact that I didn't always understand how roundabouts worked and my run-in with a sheep - I didn't hit it, don't worry - it became a joke that I just couldn't drive.
"But despite the mocking, my friends and family wanted me to pass just as much as I did, which meant that everyone who knew I couldn't drive told me stories about their test, what helped them pass and what I should try.
"From the common suggestions like taking Rescue Remedy, not telling anyone and getting an early night, to the slightly odd 'wear two pairs of socks' and 'eat a banana' - I tried most of them.
"Whilst I understood why an early night and rescue remedy could well help me prepare for the 40-minute drive and gain my licence, I was left baffled by being told to wear two pairs of socks, sing and eat bananas.
"You might have guessed, but I was not convinced by the sock theory and let that one slide by."
The banana theory has even been recommended by some driving instructors.
Mikes Driving School, based in Cornwall, suggests: "Shortly before your test, eat a banana. It’s well-known among driving instructors as the driving test superfood, for the following reasons – bananas are full of B vitamins, which help calm the nerves.
"They contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into seratonin, the ‘happy hormone’ – which will keep your mood upbeat. And they’re also high in potassium.
"When we are stressed our metabolic rate rises and potassium levels decrease. Eating a high-potassium snack like a banana will help re-balance the levels of this important mineral, normalise your heartbeat and send extra oxygen to the brain."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--'Genius' museum worker turns empty display into art - thanks to one sign

A museum worker has been hailed a `` genius '' after turning an empty display case into 'art ' - with a sign declaring it a 'daring display ' .
Amy Judd 's 'Empty Case ' has been hailed as `` worthy of The Tate '' and `` better than a banana duct taped to a wall '' .
She had been asked to fill a vacant exhibit with a note of apology - but decided to get creative instead .
She made a notice labelled 'Empty Case ' and added a humorous description , reading : `` This daring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out and putting new ones back in '' .
A picture of the tongue-in-cheek display at the Royston Musem in Hertfordshire has since been posted online and gone viral , with many people praising Amy 's efforts .
She said : `` We just want to show we 're real people with a real sense of humour - and this gives us all a laugh . ''
The exhibit was posted on Twitter by the museum 's manager and curator , Madeline Odent .
She said : `` ArtDecider , which semi-seriously determines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'art ' or not , has labelled our display as 'art ' , so we 're fairly proud of that . ''
Other people online said the work was worth of the Tate Gallery - with one labelling it `` genius '' .
Another added : `` Better than a banana duct taped to a wall , to be honest . ''
The post had received nearly 1,500 retweets and 7,000 likes - and counting .
Amy has also created several other funny signs including one for another empty case which suggested what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a foggy day - nothing .

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A museum worker has been hailed a "genius" after turning an empty display case into 'art' - with a sign declaring it a 'daring display'.
Amy Judd's 'Empty Case' has been hailed as ''worthy of The Tate'' and ''better than a banana duct taped to a wall''.
She had been asked to fill a vacant exhibit with a note of apology - but decided to get creative instead.
She made a notice labelled 'Empty Case' and added a humorous description, reading: "This daring display represents the time between taking objects out and putting new ones back in".
A picture of the tongue-in-cheek display at the Royston Musem in Hertfordshire has since been posted online and gone viral, with many people praising Amy's efforts.
(Image: Amy Judd / SWNS)
She said: "We just want to show we're real people with a real sense of humour - and this gives us all a laugh."
The exhibit was posted on Twitter by the museum's manager and curator, Madeline Odent.
She said: "ArtDecider, which semi-seriously determines whether any given oddity in Heritage is 'art' or not, has labelled our display as 'art', so we're fairly proud of that."
Other people online said the work was worth of the Tate Gallery - with one labelling it "genius".
Another added: "Better than a banana duct taped to a wall, to be honest."
The post had received nearly 1,500 retweets and 7,000 likes - and counting.
Amy has also created several other funny signs including one for another empty case which suggested what could be seen inside as it was a foggy day - nothing.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Dean Smith's latest injury concerns ahead of Aston Villa's cup semi-final with Leicester City

Aston Villa will have had a full week of preparation by the time Tuesday night 's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Leicester City comes around .
Dean Smith rewarded his players with a day off following the dramatic late win against Watford in midweek .
The players returned for training on Thursday and Friday , with new striker Mbwana Ally Samatta linking up with his teammates for the first time .
The Tanzanian , a £8.5m buy from Racing Club Genk , has been signed as a direct replacement for the injury Wesley .
The Brazilian has been ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after rupturing knee ligaments .
Villa , meanwhile , were rocked by an injury crisis over Christmas and New Year , with John McGinn and Tom Heaton also ruled out long-term alongside Wesley .
Ahead of the second leg against Leicester - which is locked at 1-1 - here is a rundown of Villa 's current injury list .
Details : After scoring his fifth league goal of the season , Wesley 's game was ended after a heavy tackle from Burnley defender Ben Mee .
The striker has since been ruled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What Smith said : `` Young Wesley , our record signing has come in , awful lot of pressure on his shoulders , made his debut for Brazil this season and was playing really well in the game , scored a good goal and unfortunately for him he is out for the season as well . ''
Details : Davis needed to be replaced during the second half of Villa 's Carabao Cup victory over Wolves at the end of October .
The striker overstretched his hamstring and has n't been seen since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play in the same competition , when Villa meet Leicester .
What Smith has said : It 's pretty much a fully-fit squad which is very rare .
We 've got the long-term injuries out for the season .
I 've got Keinan Davis back training so he 's available for selection . ''
Details : Steer started in goal due to Tom Heaton 's absence against Wolves in November but only managed to play eight minutes before he was forced off .
The goalkeeper hurt himself after attempting a save and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith has said : `` Unfortunately Jed Steer got injured within four minutes of his first game of the season against Wolves – he ’ s out for another couple of months at least . ''
Details : McGinn pressed Southampton 's back line before brilliantly blocking Cedric 's clearance , only to fall awkwardly with his studs appearing to stick into the turf .
Scotland 's player of the year departed the field in considerable pain and was helped by two of Villa 's medical staff as he hobbled down the touchline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went away for the week and he ’ s come back , but he ’ s not got much of a tan !
It ’ s nice to have him back as he ’ s got a good bit of banter about him .
He bounces around that dressing room even though he ’ s still on crutches .
There ’ s no ( return date ) target for him yet . ''
Details : The former Burnley stopper had to come off after landing heavily when trying to stop Chris Wood 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nyland came on for Heaton , leaving Villa with only two senior 'keepers at the club .
What Smith said : `` Tom is a player I wanted to bring in at the start of the season , Premier League player , England goalkeeper , a great character and a leader .
`` He ’ s proven that in the dressing room already , I feel for him and his family because he ’ d been nailed on to go to the Euros in the summer .
Really disappointed for him .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actual extent .
I ’ ve been told they are significant knee injuries , so they will go and see the experts .
I won ’ t go into the medical terminology of what they ’ ve done I ’ ve just been told significant knee injury .
`` We ’ ve just spoken and it ’ s out for the season , that ’ s all I need to know to be honest , so I can start planning for the rest of this season . ''

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Aston Villa's battle against Premier League relegation continues on Sunday, as Dean Smith's side face a daunting trip to Liverpool.
It's the Reds' first game at Anfield since wrapping up the league title, but do come into the game on the back of a 4-0 thumping by Man City.
Villa meanwhile, will be looking to kick-start their fight for survival, after picking up just two points from the first four games following the return of football last month,
Smith bemoaned the hectic fixture schedule in the opening portion of the restart, but has now had a full week to prepare for Jurgen Klopp's champions.
Ahead of tomorrow's game here's Villa's injury list in full...
Wesley Moraes
Injury: Knee, anterior cruciate ligament
Details: Wesley was carried from the Turf Moor pitch after a heavy tackle by Burnley defender Ben Mee on New Year's Day. The striker has since been ruled out for the rest of the campaign, and while he is happy to update fans on his return, it is all eyes on next season, for Villa's record signing.
Last match: Wednesday, January 1: Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa
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What Smith said: When asked how Wesley was progressing, he replied: "As we expected them to but they won’t be ready for these 10 games."
What Wesley said: “I do my physio everyday, two times a day, so now I feel confident and I feel great,” he told VillaTV.
“I try to do some passing, but sometimes a get a bit of pain, but now the last two or three weeks I feel great.”
Expected return: Summer 2020
Tom Heaton
Injury: Knee, anterior cruciate ligament
Details: The former Burnley stopper had to come off after landing heavily when trying to stop Chris Wood's header late on at Turf Moor. Heaton has attempted to do his best in rehab, but Smith confirmed the England international is now focusing on returning at the start of next season.
Last match: Wednesday, January 1: Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa
What Smith said: Similarly to Wesley, the Villa boss confirmed, he wouldn't be available for the final 10 games, as he gave an update on his recovery claiming, "they won’t be ready for these 10 games."
(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
What Heaton has said: "I'm really pleased with the progress. It feels solid and stable. I'm back out on the grass doing a bit of running and then I am slowly going to build it up.
“In reality, it's going to be a big ask to get back in terms of this season.
“But I'm certainly hopeful to be ready to roll by the time the season kicks off next season, whenever that is going to be.”I'm really pleased with the progress. It feels solid and stable. I'm back out on the grass doing a bit of running and then I am slowly going to build it up."
Expected return: Summer 2020
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Frederic Guilbert
Injury: Knee
Details: The full-back is believed to have tweaked his knee in the hammering at Leicester City, but has been back in full training ahead of the trip to Anfield.
Last match: Monday, March 9: Leicester City 4-0 Aston Villa
What Smith said: "Freddie has trained all week and is pushing for a place."
What he's said: "I follow the (training) programme," Guilbert explained last month. "If I say no, the gaffer will kill me! I have a specific programme because I have pain on my knee. I'm working hard to be present when league restarts."
Expected return: Liverpool (a), July 5.
Matt Targett
Injury: Hamstring
Details: The defender hobbled off in the opening minutes of the defeat to Wolves. Initially, there were fears he could be out for three weeks, although Smith provided a more positive prognosis.
(Image: Getty Images)
Last match: Saturday, June 27: Aston Villa 0-1 Wolves
What Smith said: "Matt's injury isn't as bad as we feared as we're hopeful he'll be back for Crystal Palace."
Expected return: Crystal Palace (H), July 12.
Ezri Konsa
Injury: Bruised foot
Details: Konsa has started all four of Villa's games, post-suspension, but Smith has revealed he has been out of training in the week leading up to Liverpool and is a major doubt.
What Smith said: "The only one is Ezri Konsa, who had a bit of a whack on the foot and hasn't trained as of today but we're hopeful he will come through."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Claims that Government is to slash funding for Birmingham are 'misleading' say Ministers

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has dismissed reports that the Government is set to cut funding for Birmingham as `` misleading '' .
He insisted : `` This new Conservative Government will work hard to repay the trust put in us by voters at the election and make sure our local services get the funding they need . ''
It was reported over the weekend that the Government was set to cut funding from councils in the North and Midlands as part of changes to the way local councils receive money for social care .
A study by the Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could lose more than 15 % of social care funding , around £48 million .
Critics said it contradicted the Government 's claim to be `` levelling up '' the Midlands and the North , following Boris Johnson 's election victory last year which saw the Conservatives make gains in constituencies previously held by Labour .
But the Local Government Association has now clarified the comment , saying the figures refer only to one part of the funding received by councils .
And Mr Jenrick , who also has the official role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BirminghamLive : `` We are committed to fairer funding and levelling up in the Midlands , and across the whole country .
`` The figures reported over the weekend were misleading , and a helpful clarification has since been published .
We have already made an additional £1.5 billion of funding available for adult and children ’ s social care , that was welcomed by the LGA at the time for providing the certainty and stability needed for the year ahead .
`` As a proud Midlander and Midlands Engine Champion in Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region gets all of the support it needs to continue to thrive . ''

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Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has dismissed reports that the Government is set to cut funding for Birmingham as "misleading".
He insisted: "This new Conservative Government will work hard to repay the trust put in us by voters at the election and make sure our local services get the funding they need."
It was reported over the weekend that the Government was set to cut funding from councils in the North and Midlands as part of changes to the way local councils receive money for social care.
A study by the Local Government Association (LGA) suggested Birmingham could lose more than 15% of social care funding, around £48 million.
Critics said it contradicted the Government's claim to be "levelling up" the Midlands and the North, following Boris Johnson's election victory last year which saw the Conservatives make gains in constituencies previously held by Labour.
But the Local Government Association has now clarified the comment, saying the figures refer only to one part of the funding received by councils.
And Mr Jenrick, who also has the official role of Champion of the Midlands Engine, told BirminghamLive: "We are committed to fairer funding and levelling up in the Midlands, and across the whole country.
"The figures reported over the weekend were misleading, and a helpful clarification has since been published. We have already made an additional £1.5 billion of funding available for adult and children’s social care, that was welcomed by the LGA at the time for providing the certainty and stability needed for the year ahead.
"As a proud Midlander and Midlands Engine Champion in Cabinet, I will make sure that the region gets all of the support it needs to continue to thrive."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--'Absolute scenes' - police mock man arrested after being found locked INSIDE stolen car

Police could not believe their eyes when they found a suspect locked INSIDE a stolen car .
Officers could n't resist poking fun at the man - after rescuing him by smashing one of the windows with a baton .
They were sent to the unidentified location in Newtown to reports of a man acting suspiciously in a vehicle on Sunday night , January 26 .
But they could not have predicted the scene which awaited them .
And it got worse for the trapped men when checks soon revealed the car was stolen and bearing false registration plates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ night for Newtown Officers .
Called to a male acting suspicious in a car ... arrive to find him LOCKED IN the car with no way out .
Cheeky baton through window and he was again locked up..this time inside a cell as the car was stolen and on false plates . ''
Followers of the police account replied to the tweet with surprise .
@ barbaraward1211 said : `` How did he get locked in ?
Good job FR . ''
And @ AshleyJohnson83 simply tweeted : `` how ?
just how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the right side of the law again the seatbelts clicked in so the tone does n't go off . ''
A third , @ sjd_duffy , wrote : `` I didn ’ t think you could get locked in cars . ''

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Police could not believe their eyes when they found a suspect locked INSIDE a stolen car.
Officers couldn't resist poking fun at the man - after rescuing him by smashing one of the windows with a baton.
They were sent to the unidentified location in Newtown to reports of a man acting suspiciously in a vehicle on Sunday night, January 26.
But they could not have predicted the scene which awaited them.
And it got worse for the trapped men when checks soon revealed the car was stolen and bearing false registration plates.
Officers tweeted: "Absolute scenes last night for Newtown Officers. Called to a male acting suspicious in a car...arrive to find him LOCKED IN the car with no way out. Cheeky baton through window and he was again locked up..this time inside a cell as the car was stolen and on false plates."
Followers of the police account replied to the tweet with surprise.
@barbaraward1211 said: "How did he get locked in? Good job FR."
And @AshleyJohnson83 simply tweeted: " how? just how?? another sign that he's not the right side of the law again the seatbelts clicked in so the tone doesn't go off."
A third, @sjd_duffy, wrote: "I didn’t think you could get locked in cars."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Confirmed: West Brom sanction transfer for forward

West Brom young forward Callum Morton has joined Northampton Town on a loan deal until the end of the season .
The striker , who only returned last month from ten months on the sidelines because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while on loan at Braintree Town , has been playing regularly in Albion ’ s U23s and made a particularly impressive impact from the bench in the recent 4-2 win over Reading recently .
Now he ’ s been handed an opportunity to try his hand in the EFL , and Albion have sanctioned the deal that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some much needed experience of football at senior level .
Indeed Keith Curle , the Cobblers ’ boss , is pleased to be able to have given Morton a chance , as sixth placed Northampton look to press on with a return to League One by the end of the season .
“ Callum is a striker who likes to play in behind defences .
He can handle himself physically , he knows where the goal is and he can be a threat , ” Curle told Northampton ’ s website .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will chase everything and he is a real nuisance to play against .
He is desperate to make an impact , he has that hunger about him and he has got good ability .
”

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West Brom young forward Callum Morton has joined Northampton Town on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The striker, who only returned last month from ten months on the sidelines because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while on loan at Braintree Town, has been playing regularly in Albion’s U23s and made a particularly impressive impact from the bench in the recent 4-2 win over Reading recently.
Now he’s been handed an opportunity to try his hand in the EFL, and Albion have sanctioned the deal that will hopefully result in the striker gaining some much needed experience of football at senior level.
Indeed Keith Curle, the Cobblers’ boss, is pleased to be able to have given Morton a chance, as sixth placed Northampton look to press on with a return to League One by the end of the season.
“Callum is a striker who likes to play in behind defences. He can handle himself physically, he knows where the goal is and he can be a threat,” Curle told Northampton’s website.
“He has a great work ethic, he will chase everything and he is a real nuisance to play against. He is desperate to make an impact, he has that hunger about him and he has got good ability.”


birminghammail--2020-01-28--DWP taken to court by single mum after Universal Credit left her in childcare debt

The Department for Work and Pensions is being taken to court - by a single mum who claims Universal Credit forced her into debt .
The controversial benefits system was introduced as one system to replace six benefits : Child Tax Credit , Working Tax Credit , Jobseeker 's Allowance , Income Support , Employment Support Allowance and Housing Benefit .
Nichola Salvato - a professional benefits advisor -is asking for a judicial review of rules that force UC claimants to pay up-front for childcare , reports the Mirror .
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Nichola ’ s formal legal claim , backed by Save the Children , alleges the rule is unlawful , discrimination and breaches the European Convention on Human Rights .
The 48-year-old , who lives with daughter Sofia , told the Mirror she was forced to cut her hours and borrow £2,000 from payday lenders and family to cope with childcare costs .
Tell us YOUR Universal Credit stories Are you on Universal Credit , about to apply for it , or being moved across to it from existing benefits ?
We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially interested in talking to an individual or family from the West Midlands to follow your Universal Credit experiences from the beginning .
And if you 're already on Universal Credit and having problems , we want to hear from you too .
Get in touch with your name , location and contact information to : or send a message to our social media pages : UC started rolling out to Jobcentres in 2016 , at a rate of around 50 a month .
The childcare cash pays for after-school clubs for Sofia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra DWP help to stump up an advance payment , because she had earned more than £2,600 in six months .
Nichola added : “ I wouldn ’ t finish work until 5pm and it was a 45 minute commute .
“ I try to think what it ’ s like for families or lone parents with a child before nursery age .
“ If I can ’ t figure my way out of this then how is anyone else going to ?
“ I guess I thought I would be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the child care costs .
I knew that under the Tax Credits system I could apply in advance .
“ I have had to borrow and couldn ’ t have any luxuries.
” Nichola said she would have been faced with a £1,700 bill in one month if she had not cut her hours .
Some 50,000 households including 42,000 single parents were claiming childcare costs under UC last August .
But the number is rising all the time as more people join UC , and is expected to eventually reach as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission for judicial review of the law .
A decision on whether her case can proceed to a full High Court hearing is expected in the next five or so weeks .
Her legal action says the childcare policy “ disproportionately adversely affects women ” and “ disadvantages parents who lack the funds to pay the upfront costs of childcare.
” Branding the policy “ irrational ” under the law it adds : “ It stands in stark contrast to the way in which other components of Universal Credit are paid.
” Save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becca Lyon said : “ The way childcare is paid for through Universal Credit causes unnecessary hardship to parents on low incomes - the majority of whom are single mothers .
“ Mums tell us that this has left them constantly in arrears .
“ They ’ ve had to take out loans to pay nursery bills , turn down job opportunities or even resort to food banks to feed their children .
It ’ s just not right.
” Carolin Ott of law firm Leigh Day , which is representing Nichola in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minsters had “ refused ” to change the policy despite “ clear evidence ” it is a barrier to parents .
She added : “ Single parent families and therefore women are disproportionately affected and our client ’ s case is that the policy is both irrational and discriminatory . ''
The DWP said it was unable to comment on an ongoing legal case .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Dan Bloom, James Rodger)

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The Department for Work and Pensions is being taken to court - by a single mum who claims Universal Credit forced her into debt.
The controversial benefits system was introduced as one system to replace six benefits: Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance and Housing Benefit.
Nichola Salvato - a professional benefits advisor -is asking for a judicial review of rules that force UC claimants to pay up-front for childcare, reports the Mirror.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says the policy is to prevent fraud.
But Nichola’s formal legal claim, backed by Save the Children, alleges the rule is unlawful, discrimination and breaches the European Convention on Human Rights.
The 48-year-old, who lives with daughter Sofia, told the Mirror she was forced to cut her hours and borrow £2,000 from payday lenders and family to cope with childcare costs.
Tell us YOUR Universal Credit stories Are you on Universal Credit, about to apply for it, or being moved across to it from existing benefits? We want to hear YOUR stories. We are especially interested in talking to an individual or family from the West Midlands to follow your Universal Credit experiences from the beginning. And if you're already on Universal Credit and having problems, we want to hear from you too. Be sure to include the location where you are based. Write to: david.bentley@reachplc.com newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk or send a message to our social media pages: Birmingham Live on Facebook Birmingham Live on Twitter
UC started rolling out to Jobcentres in 2016, at a rate of around 50 a month.
The childcare cash pays for after-school clubs for Sofia.
But Nichola couldn’t get extra DWP help to stump up an advance payment, because she had earned more than £2,600 in six months.
Nichola added: “I wouldn’t finish work until 5pm and it was a 45 minute commute.
“I try to think what it’s like for families or lone parents with a child before nursery age.
“If I can’t figure my way out of this then how is anyone else going to?
“I guess I thought I would be able to get some kind of help in advance for the child care costs. I knew that under the Tax Credits system I could apply in advance.
“I have had to borrow and couldn’t have any luxuries.”
Nichola said she would have been faced with a £1,700 bill in one month if she had not cut her hours.
Some 50,000 households including 42,000 single parents were claiming childcare costs under UC last August.
But the number is rising all the time as more people join UC, and is expected to eventually reach as high as 500,000.
Nichola is seeking permission for judicial review of the law.
A decision on whether her case can proceed to a full High Court hearing is expected in the next five or so weeks.
Her legal action says the childcare policy “disproportionately adversely affects women” and “disadvantages parents who lack the funds to pay the upfront costs of childcare.”
Branding the policy “irrational” under the law it adds: “It stands in stark contrast to the way in which other components of Universal Credit are paid.”
Save the Children head of UK child poverty Becca Lyon said: “The way childcare is paid for through Universal Credit causes unnecessary hardship to parents on low incomes - the majority of whom are single mothers.
“Mums tell us that this has left them constantly in arrears.
“They’ve had to take out loans to pay nursery bills, turn down job opportunities or even resort to food banks to feed their children. It’s just not right.”
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Carolin Ott of law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Nichola in the Legal Aid-funded claim, said Tory minsters had “refused” to change the policy despite “clear evidence” it is a barrier to parents.
She added: “Single parent families and therefore women are disproportionately affected and our client’s case is that the policy is both irrational and discriminatory."
The DWP said it was unable to comment on an ongoing legal case.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Aviva issues apology over mistakenly calling thousands of customers 'Michael'

Insurance giant Aviva has apologised after mistakenly referring to thousands of customers as Michael in emails .
The firm said that a temporary technical error was behind the blunder - adding that there had been no wider privacy issues relating to people 's personal data .
It is understood that several thousand customers were mistaken for Michaels .
A statement from Aviva said : `` We sent out some emails last week to existing customers , which , as a result of a temporary technical error in our mailing template , mistakenly referred to customers as 'Michael ' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassured them that the only error in the email was the use of the incorrect name as a greeting .
`` There was no issue with personal data ; the remainder of the email and its content was correct . ''
One accidental Michael , whose real name is Andrew , was quoted on the BBC website as saying : `` Getting a first name wrong is one thing , but what if it was my data - my address or policy information - being sent to someone else instead ? ''
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light-hearted defence of their name as news of Aviva 's blunder emerged .
One wrote : `` I really do n't understand the problem ? ''
Another joked : `` Lucky them , I ca n't even get some people to call me Michael ( instead of Mike ) . ''
Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) figures show 869 babies born in England and Wales in 2018 were named Michael - making it the 74th most popular name for boys that year , with Oliver in first place .

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Insurance giant Aviva has apologised after mistakenly referring to thousands of customers as Michael in emails.
The firm said that a temporary technical error was behind the blunder - adding that there had been no wider privacy issues relating to people's personal data.
It is understood that several thousand customers were mistaken for Michaels.
A statement from Aviva said: "We sent out some emails last week to existing customers, which, as a result of a temporary technical error in our mailing template, mistakenly referred to customers as 'Michael'.
"We've apologised to these customers and reassured them that the only error in the email was the use of the incorrect name as a greeting.
"There was no issue with personal data; the remainder of the email and its content was correct."
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One accidental Michael, whose real name is Andrew, was quoted on the BBC website as saying: "Getting a first name wrong is one thing, but what if it was my data - my address or policy information - being sent to someone else instead?"
Some real-life Michaels took to Twitter in a light-hearted defence of their name as news of Aviva's blunder emerged.
One wrote: "I really don't understand the problem?"
Another joked: "Lucky them, I can't even get some people to call me Michael (instead of Mike)."
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show 869 babies born in England and Wales in 2018 were named Michael - making it the 74th most popular name for boys that year, with Oliver in first place.
Famous Michaels include Sir Michael Caine and Monty Python star Sir Michael Palin.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Predator met vulnerable woman on dating site and turned her into prostitute

A predator who met a vulnerable woman on a dating website and turned her into an prostitute working for him has been jailed .
Peter Drury used her and others to provide sexual services for money to men across the South East and South Wales , police say .
But he was snared by law enforcement after a 26-year-old woman living in West Sussex contacted officers in April 2019 .
Detectives found evidence that Drury had had several other women working for him as prostitutes over a six-year period , but were unable to identify most of them , Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wellfield Avenue , Neath , South Wales , was jailed for 16 months at Lewes Crown Court last Thursday , police have now announced .
He had pleaded guilty to a charge of controlling prostitution for gain between 2013 and 2019 at Crawley Magistrates ' Court on November 28 2019 .
During the time of the offence , Drury also had links to Gravesend in Kent .
To carry out his criminal operation , Drury set himself up as an online escort service and took the woman to men who had contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drury would take a 50 % cut of all she earned .
Over time , the stress of this arrangement caused her increasing distress and eventually she came to the police for help .
While there was evidence that several other women also worked for Drury , only one was identified and she did not wish to give evidence , police told the PA news agency .
Detective Constable Andy Roe , who investigated the case , said ; `` Drury systematically preyed on and exploited this very vulnerable woman for his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she came to us we immediately began enquiries and traced Drury and we are glad that this exploitative man has now been brought to justice .
`` His conviction and sentencing sends the message that we will always pursue reports of anyone having been exploited for sexual or any other sinister purpose .
`` If you or anyone you know is being exploited or assaulted , we can be contacted at any time online or by calling 101 , and arrangements can be made for you to talk to experienced investigators . ''

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A predator who met a vulnerable woman on a dating website and turned her into an prostitute working for him has been jailed.
Peter Drury used her and others to provide sexual services for money to men across the South East and South Wales, police say.
But he was snared by law enforcement after a 26-year-old woman living in West Sussex contacted officers in April 2019.
Detectives found evidence that Drury had had several other women working for him as prostitutes over a six-year period, but were unable to identify most of them, Sussex Police said.
Drury, 49, of Wellfield Avenue, Neath, South Wales, was jailed for 16 months at Lewes Crown Court last Thursday, police have now announced.
He had pleaded guilty to a charge of controlling prostitution for gain between 2013 and 2019 at Crawley Magistrates' Court on November 28 2019.
During the time of the offence, Drury also had links to Gravesend in Kent.
To carry out his criminal operation, Drury set himself up as an online escort service and took the woman to men who had contacted him for his "services".
Drury would take a 50% cut of all she earned.
(Image: PA)
Over time, the stress of this arrangement caused her increasing distress and eventually she came to the police for help.
While there was evidence that several other women also worked for Drury, only one was identified and she did not wish to give evidence, police told the PA news agency.
Detective Constable Andy Roe, who investigated the case, said; "Drury systematically preyed on and exploited this very vulnerable woman for his own financial purposes.
"As soon as she came to us we immediately began enquiries and traced Drury and we are glad that this exploitative man has now been brought to justice.
"His conviction and sentencing sends the message that we will always pursue reports of anyone having been exploited for sexual or any other sinister purpose.
"If you or anyone you know is being exploited or assaulted, we can be contacted at any time online or by calling 101, and arrangements can be made for you to talk to experienced investigators."


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Aston Villa handed boost over potential Victor Wanyama signing - reports

Tottenham could reportedly be forced into lowering their asking price for Victor Wanyama in order to shift the midfielder .
Wanyama has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho and Spurs are willing to let him go before Friday ’ s transfer deadline .
Reports surfaced over the past weekend claiming Villa are monitoring his situation with a view to potentially making a move .
Spurs wanted around £17m for the 28-year-old in the summer window but struggled to find a buyer ready to part with that kind of money , according to the Evening Standard .
They lowered their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month but may have to consider a smaller 'cut-price fee ' to entice potential suitors to make a bid , the reports adds .
Wanyama is into the final 18 months of his contract and has made just one appearance under Mourinho since the Portuguese was appointed manager in November .
It is claimed there have been enquiries from two Premier League clubs but the Kenya international ’ s wages of over £60,000-a-week is also an issue for interested sides .
Villa ’ s relegation rivals Norwich City , Serie A giants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been linked to the midfielder .

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Tottenham could reportedly be forced into lowering their asking price for Victor Wanyama in order to shift the midfielder.
Wanyama has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho and Spurs are willing to let him go before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Reports surfaced over the past weekend claiming Villa are monitoring his situation with a view to potentially making a move.
Spurs wanted around £17m for the 28-year-old in the summer window but struggled to find a buyer ready to part with that kind of money, according to the Evening Standard.
They lowered their valuation to £9m at the start of this month but may have to consider a smaller 'cut-price fee' to entice potential suitors to make a bid, the reports adds.
Wanyama is into the final 18 months of his contract and has made just one appearance under Mourinho since the Portuguese was appointed manager in November.
It is claimed there have been enquiries from two Premier League clubs but the Kenya international’s wages of over £60,000-a-week is also an issue for interested sides.
Villa’s relegation rivals Norwich City, Serie A giants AC Milan and Turkish champions Galatasaray have also been linked to the midfielder.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Mayor Andy Street to announce decision about the future of West Midlands Trains next week

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is to make a decision about the future of West Midlands Trains this weekend .
It comes as the rail service was named as one of the worst in the country , by the official watchdog representing passengers .
Just 73 per cent of passengers , fewer than three quarters , said they were satisfied with the service provided by West Midlands Trains , which runs services between Birmingham , Worcester , Staffordshire , and across the Black Country .
This was down by 11 per cent over 12 months .
Mr Street has given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to improve , saying he would ask the Department of Transport to strip it of its franchise if it failed .
This could mean that services are taken over by a Government-owned business , at least for a temporary period .
However , up-to-date performance data will be published at the end of the week and the Mayor will delay a decision until after he has seen this , with an announcement expected early next week .
In a letter earlier this month to Julian Edwards , the newly-appointed Managing director , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt be aware , rail passengers using your services in the region have faced significant problems since May , including far too many trains that have been delayed , cancelled , or are overcrowded .
Before May your services were running at around 90 % reliability , on some lines recently that has dropped below 50 % .
I am sure you would agree that is utterly woeful and can not be allowed to continue.
” Despite this , the mayor ’ s office says he has been following West Midlands Trains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation to passengers , and has not yet decided what decision to make .
The train operator also appointed a new Managing Director , Julian Edwards , earlier this month .
If he does urge the Department for Transport to strip West Midlands Trains of its franchise then it seems likely the Government will listen .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson certainly gave this impression when he was asked about the mayor ’ s ultimatum in the House of Commons earlier this month - and replied by saying “ the bell is tolling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transport Focus today published the findings of a survey which found West Midlands Trains has the second-worst satisfaction rating in the country .
The only rail service where passengers were more unhappy was the Northern Rail franchise , which is expected to be taken over by the Government shortly .
The Passenger Focus survey found just 51 per cent of West Midlands Trains passengers said they were satisfied that fares offers good value for money .
The survey found 60 per cent of passengers were satisfied with the punctuality or reliability of trains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a quarter of passengers - giving the service a “ poor ” rating in this regard .
Transport Focus Chief Executive Smith said : “ West Midlands passengers will welcome the additional compensation announced recently – and we urge them to claim everything they can , to send a strong message to the industry and to ‘ make delay pay ’ .
But ultimately the trains still need to run on time and we want to hear from the operator how it intends to get services back on track.
” Announcing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trains managing director Julian Edwards said : “ Our performance during the second half of last year was simply unacceptable .
I ’ ve put in place a clear plan of improvements which is already having an impact .
“ The number of trains arriving on time has increased by 29 per cent since Christmas with cancellations down by 39 per cent .
Overall performance has increased by over 10 per cent .
“ There is more to do , however , and we are making further timetable changes to improve performance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to only use skip-stopping as a last-resort and under extreme circumstances .
“ This year we will also introduce brand-new trains on the network while working with the Mayor on reopening stations on the Camp Hill and Wolverhampton-Walsall lines.
” The operator has announced passengers will receive a 10 per cent discount on their travel this summer as compensation for recent poor performance .
The discount will apply to the walk-up fares for every Off-Peak journey made on West Midlands Railway ( WMR ) and London Northwestern Railway ( LNR ) services throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding compensation linked to holiday periods will be made later .
These measures follow the 3 per cent reduction in the cost of weekly , monthly and annual season tickets on the network , announced last month .
There was praise in the passenger survey for Chiltern Railways , which runs services between London and Birmingham as well as trains to Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire .
It received a satisfaction rating og 90 per cent , one of the highest ratings in the country .
It meant that nine out of ten passengers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or good .
Virgin Trains , which used to run long distance services between London , Birmingham and Manchester , received a satisfaction rating of 85 per cent .
This franchise was taken over by Avanti West Coast in December , but the survey took place while Virgin was operating the service .

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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is to make a decision about the future of West Midlands Trains this weekend.
It comes as the rail service was named as one of the worst in the country, by the official watchdog representing passengers.
Just 73 per cent of passengers, fewer than three quarters, said they were satisfied with the service provided by West Midlands Trains, which runs services between Birmingham, Worcester, Staffordshire, and across the Black Country. This was down by 11 per cent over 12 months.
Mr Street has given the business a deadline of January 31 to improve, saying he would ask the Department of Transport to strip it of its franchise if it failed. This could mean that services are taken over by a Government-owned business, at least for a temporary period.
However, up-to-date performance data will be published at the end of the week and the Mayor will delay a decision until after he has seen this, with an announcement expected early next week.
In a letter earlier this month to Julian Edwards, the newly-appointed Managing director, Mr Street said: “As you will no doubt be aware, rail passengers using your services in the region have faced significant problems since May, including far too many trains that have been delayed, cancelled, or are overcrowded. Before May your services were running at around 90% reliability, on some lines recently that has dropped below 50%. I am sure you would agree that is utterly woeful and cannot be allowed to continue.”
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Despite this, the mayor’s office says he has been following West Midlands Trains’ efforts to improve and to offer compensation to passengers, and has not yet decided what decision to make. The train operator also appointed a new Managing Director, Julian Edwards, earlier this month.
If he does urge the Department for Transport to strip West Midlands Trains of its franchise then it seems likely the Government will listen. Prime Minister Boris Johnson certainly gave this impression when he was asked about the mayor’s ultimatum in the House of Commons earlier this month - and replied by saying “the bell is tolling for West Midlands Rail”.
Passenger body Transport Focus today published the findings of a survey which found West Midlands Trains has the second-worst satisfaction rating in the country. The only rail service where passengers were more unhappy was the Northern Rail franchise, which is expected to be taken over by the Government shortly.
The Passenger Focus survey found just 51 per cent of West Midlands Trains passengers said they were satisfied that fares offers good value for money.
The survey found 60 per cent of passengers were satisfied with the punctuality or reliability of trains, with 26 per cent - more than a quarter of passengers - giving the service a “poor” rating in this regard.
Transport Focus Chief Executive Smith said: “West Midlands passengers will welcome the additional compensation announced recently – and we urge them to claim everything they can, to send a strong message to the industry and to ‘make delay pay’. But ultimately the trains still need to run on time and we want to hear from the operator how it intends to get services back on track.”
Announcing a compensation package for passengers, West Midlands Trains managing director Julian Edwards said: “Our performance during the second half of last year was simply unacceptable. I’ve put in place a clear plan of improvements which is already having an impact.
“The number of trains arriving on time has increased by 29 per cent since Christmas with cancellations down by 39 per cent. Overall performance has increased by over 10 per cent.
“There is more to do, however, and we are making further timetable changes to improve performance, starting next month – with a commitment to only use skip-stopping as a last-resort and under extreme circumstances.
“This year we will also introduce brand-new trains on the network while working with the Mayor on reopening stations on the Camp Hill and Wolverhampton-Walsall lines.”
The operator has announced passengers will receive a 10 per cent discount on their travel this summer as compensation for recent poor performance.
The discount will apply to the walk-up fares for every Off-Peak journey made on West Midlands Railway (WMR) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) services throughout July and August. A further announcement regarding compensation linked to holiday periods will be made later.
These measures follow the 3 per cent reduction in the cost of weekly, monthly and annual season tickets on the network, announced last month.
There was praise in the passenger survey for Chiltern Railways, which runs services between London and Birmingham as well as trains to Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. It received a satisfaction rating og 90 per cent, one of the highest ratings in the country. It meant that nine out of ten passengers said that overall, their journey was satisfactory or good.
Virgin Trains, which used to run long distance services between London, Birmingham and Manchester, received a satisfaction rating of 85 per cent. This franchise was taken over by Avanti West Coast in December, but the survey took place while Virgin was operating the service.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Should the Union Flag be flown over Birmingham for Brexit?

The Union Flag should be flown 'proudly ' over Birmingham to mark Brexit , it has been suggested .
In what could prompt the city 's version of the Big Ben bong debate , Cllr Simon Morrall has called for the flag to be hoisted above the council house at Victoria Square on Friday , January 31 - ahead of the country officially leaving the European Union at 11pm - and throughout the following weekend .
The Leave-voting Conservative for Frankley Great Park , who once bet £20 in a public meeting that the country 's economy will be better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal request to council leader Ian Ward ( Lab , Shard End ) .
He said : `` This simple measure would be a powerful symbol of Birmingham 's intent , along with the rest of the country , to move forward together after three and half years of division and a celebration of our shared values and national identity .
`` With no , or minimal costs involved , and with the flag previously being flown in early January to celebrate the Duchess of Cambridge 's birthday ; I know this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find easy to approve . ''
Cllr Morrall added : `` I look forward to the view from Victoria Square at the end of this month as our flag flies proudly over what is arguably , the finest council house in the country . ''
Birmingham was one of the most divided places in the country during the 2016 EU referendum , with 50.4 per cent of the city voting to leave .
The council confirmed the Union Flag would only be flown in front of the council house and not above it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Union Flag will be flying outside the council house on 31 January , as it does every day .
We will continue to proudly fly the Civic Flag above the council house .
We only change this flag above the building in line with the national flag policy . ''
In November 2018 the council 's economy and skills scrutiny committee was given a presentation about 11 'key areas of concern ' for the West Midlands after Brexit ranging from the impact on security to employment sectors like the motor trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I will bet £20 that on the macro-economic figure Brexit is not going to have a significant impact on this country and it will be much better off . ''
That same month the council voted to lobby the Government for a people 's vote on the final Brexit deal after a Liberal Democrat motion was back by the authority 's ruling Labour councillors .
The move did not get the support of the opposition Conservative group .
At the time Cllr Gary Sambrook ( Cons , Kingstanding ) , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit-voting Northfield constituency in the General Election , described the idea as a 'blatant attack on democracy ' .

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The Union Flag should be flown 'proudly' over Birmingham to mark Brexit, it has been suggested.
In what could prompt the city's version of the Big Ben bong debate, Cllr Simon Morrall has called for the flag to be hoisted above the council house at Victoria Square on Friday, January 31 - ahead of the country officially leaving the European Union at 11pm - and throughout the following weekend.
poll loading Should the Union Flag be flown over Birmingham City Council house to mark Brexit? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No
The Leave-voting Conservative for Frankley Great Park, who once bet £20 in a public meeting that the country's economy will be better off after Brexit, has made a formal request to council leader Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End).
He said: "This simple measure would be a powerful symbol of Birmingham's intent, along with the rest of the country, to move forward together after three and half years of division and a celebration of our shared values and national identity.
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"With no, or minimal costs involved, and with the flag previously being flown in early January to celebrate the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday; I know this is a request that I hope you will find easy to approve."
Cllr Morrall added: "I look forward to the view from Victoria Square at the end of this month as our flag flies proudly over what is arguably, the finest council house in the country."
Birmingham was one of the most divided places in the country during the 2016 EU referendum, with 50.4 per cent of the city voting to leave.
(Image: Birmingham City Council)
The council confirmed the Union Flag would only be flown in front of the council house and not above it on Friday.
A spokeswoman said: "The Union Flag will be flying outside the council house on 31 January, as it does every day. We will continue to proudly fly the Civic Flag above the council house. We only change this flag above the building in line with the national flag policy."
In November 2018 the council's economy and skills scrutiny committee was given a presentation about 11 'key areas of concern' for the West Midlands after Brexit ranging from the impact on security to employment sectors like the motor trade.
During the meeting Cllr Morrall said: "I will bet £20 that on the macro-economic figure Brexit is not going to have a significant impact on this country and it will be much better off."
That same month the council voted to lobby the Government for a people's vote on the final Brexit deal after a Liberal Democrat motion was back by the authority's ruling Labour councillors.
The move did not get the support of the opposition Conservative group. At the time Cllr Gary Sambrook (Cons, Kingstanding), who went on to became MP for the Brexit-voting Northfield constituency in the General Election, described the idea as a 'blatant attack on democracy'.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Stacey Solomon reveals secret storage in her skirting boards

Stacey Solomon has revealed some hidden storage in her new kitchen and it 's got fans very excited .
When designing her kitchen , the mum-of-three noticed that the space under the cupboards seemed like `` such a waste of space '' and noted that `` it 's such a shame that there 's nothing under there . ''
She told her Instagram followers that her builder then suggested plinth drawers to maximise the unused space , which she declared have `` changed my life . ''
Last week Solomon revealed she stored crisps on a curtain rail in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stash , is kept in the secret storage in her skirting boards .
The Loose Women panelist from Essex has lots of tricks up her sleeve on how to keep the household tidy and it comes after she formed a close bond with cleaning guru , whose real name is Sophie .
Mrs Hinch has become a sensation this year , with her cleaning tricks , tips and hacks regularly setting social media alight .
She has thousands of followers on social media - and has spawned countless social media groups dedicated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for playdates with their babies - Stacey 's Rex and Sophie 's Ronnie .

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Stacey Solomon has revealed some hidden storage in her new kitchen and it's got fans very excited.
When designing her kitchen, the mum-of-three noticed that the space under the cupboards seemed like "such a waste of space" and noted that "it's such a shame that there's nothing under there."
She told her Instagram followers that her builder then suggested plinth drawers to maximise the unused space, which she declared have "changed my life."
Last week Solomon revealed she stored crisps on a curtain rail in the cupboard and the rest of her crisps stash, is kept in the secret storage in her skirting boards.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Loose Women panelist from Essex has lots of tricks up her sleeve on how to keep the household tidy and it comes after she formed a close bond with cleaning guru, whose real name is Sophie.
Mrs Hinch has become a sensation this year, with her cleaning tricks, tips and hacks regularly setting social media alight.
She has thousands of followers on social media - and has spawned countless social media groups dedicated to her knowledge.
They regularly meet up for playdates with their babies - Stacey's Rex and Sophie's Ronnie.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Nicholas Parsons dies aged 96 as tributes for TV quiz host pour in

Showbiz veteran Nicholas Parsons has died aged 96 after a short illness , it has been revealed .
The quiz show host clocked up numerous acting and comedy parts , but he was best known for his years as question master of TV quiz Sale Of The Century and for his role as host of BBC Radio 4 's Just A Minute , which he was still presenting well into his 90s .
Despite his glittering CV , he once said he believed he would have got more work if he had been `` more rugged-looking '' .
A statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on behalf of his family , said : `` Nicholas passed away in the early hours of January 28 after a short illness at the age of 96 .
He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital . ''
Parsons was born on October 10 1923 , in Grantham , Lincolnshire , where his father was GP to the family of Baroness Thatcher .
He found TV fame appearing with comic Arthur Haynes in his ITV show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also a regular on The Benny Hill Show .
At the tail end of 1967 , he introduced Just A Minute for the first time - and the show is still going strong today .
Within a few years , he had also become known for hosting ITV 's Sale Of The Century , with its notable opening line `` And now from Norwich , it 's the quiz of the week ... '' which launched as a regional show in 1971 , and was broadcast nationally by 1975 .
Parsons had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's series Bodger And Badger , as well as taking a cross-dressing role in a touring production of The Rocky Horror Show in his 70s , and performing a number of seasons with his one-man shows at the Edinburgh Festival .
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted : `` RIP Nicholas Parsons 96 .
A wonderful man who brought so much fun , charm , wit & pleasure to so many millions of people over so many decades .
What a life . ''

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Showbiz veteran Nicholas Parsons has died aged 96 after a short illness, it has been revealed.
The quiz show host clocked up numerous acting and comedy parts, but he was best known for his years as question master of TV quiz Sale Of The Century and for his role as host of BBC Radio 4's Just A Minute, which he was still presenting well into his 90s.
Despite his glittering CV, he once said he believed he would have got more work if he had been "more rugged-looking".
A statement issued by his agent Jean Diamond, on behalf of his family, said: "Nicholas passed away in the early hours of January 28 after a short illness at the age of 96. He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital."
Parsons was born on October 10 1923, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, where his father was GP to the family of Baroness Thatcher.
He found TV fame appearing with comic Arthur Haynes in his ITV show in the early 1960s, and he was also a regular on The Benny Hill Show.
At the tail end of 1967, he introduced Just A Minute for the first time - and the show is still going strong today.
Within a few years, he had also become known for hosting ITV's Sale Of The Century, with its notable opening line "And now from Norwich, it's the quiz of the week ..." which launched as a regional show in 1971, and was broadcast nationally by 1975.
Parsons had guest roles in Doctor Who, children's series Bodger And Badger, as well as taking a cross-dressing role in a touring production of The Rocky Horror Show in his 70s, and performing a number of seasons with his one-man shows at the Edinburgh Festival.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Nicholas Parsons 96. A wonderful man who brought so much fun, charm, wit & pleasure to so many millions of people over so many decades. What a life."