birminghammail--2020-05-27--Coronavirus cost for Solihull will 'easily' exceed £11m

The cost of the coronavirus crisis in Solihull will `` easily '' exceed £11 million , the council 's head of finance has said .
Within weeks the local authority is set to confirm it has got through all the money provided by central government to help cope with the pandemic .
Officially the council has spent just over £8 million of the £11.5million made available in hand-outs .
But with many of the sums still being done and services set to face disruption and extra demand for some time to come , it is expected to be announced next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gone .
At a scrutiny meeting this week it was confirmed that the council was pressing the Department for Housing , Communities and Local Government for further support .
Explaining the current position , Paul Johnson , director of resources and deputy chief executive , said : `` There 's a number of significant items we are working on with a view to adding those extra items into the overall calculation .
`` And I think we can safely say that we 'll exceed that sum of £11.5 million quite easily .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallout from Covid-19 will go to cabinet in a fortnight 's time .
A lot of the original estimates were made on the basis that the impact would be felt for around 12 weeks , although it is now certain to be a considerable period before things return to normal .
Future pressures are likely to include a continued loss of income from the likes of parking charges , a `` sizeable '' reduction in business rates and work linked with getting the test , track and trace system up-and-running .
Cllr Bob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had been `` a very difficult period '' but that the response of staff - many of whom had been redeployed to new roles - had been `` absolutely first class . ''
`` Obviously until this matter is fully resolved - and no-one knows when that will be - the collection of that [ financial ] data is absolutely significant and important to the council . ''
It has been confirmed that around £23 million had been paid to almost 1,700 borough businesses by mid-May , from a separate pot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shore up firms .
And as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) last week , officers are also processing an increased number of council tax reduction claims from struggling residents .
Cllr Maggie Allen ( Green , Shirley West ) echoed Cllr Sleigh 's comments that the workforce had done a huge amount of work in recent weeks .
`` They have practically turned themselves inside out to keep things going , '' she said .

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The cost of the coronavirus crisis in Solihull will "easily" exceed £11 million, the council's head of finance has said.
Within weeks the local authority is set to confirm it has got through all the money provided by central government to help cope with the pandemic.
Officially the council has spent just over £8 million of the £11.5million made available in hand-outs.
But with many of the sums still being done and services set to face disruption and extra demand for some time to come, it is expected to be announced next month that the remainder of the funding has gone.
At a scrutiny meeting this week it was confirmed that the council was pressing the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government for further support.
Explaining the current position, Paul Johnson, director of resources and deputy chief executive, said: "There's a number of significant items we are working on with a view to adding those extra items into the overall calculation.
"And I think we can safely say that we'll exceed that sum of £11.5 million quite easily."
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An updated summary of the financial fallout from Covid-19 will go to cabinet in a fortnight's time.
A lot of the original estimates were made on the basis that the impact would be felt for around 12 weeks, although it is now certain to be a considerable period before things return to normal.
Future pressures are likely to include a continued loss of income from the likes of parking charges, a "sizeable" reduction in business rates and work linked with getting the test, track and trace system up-and-running.
Cllr Bob Sleigh, cabinet member for resources, said it had been "a very difficult period" but that the response of staff - many of whom had been redeployed to new roles - had been "absolutely first class."
"Obviously until this matter is fully resolved - and no-one knows when that will be - the collection of that [financial] data is absolutely significant and important to the council."
It has been confirmed that around £23 million had been paid to almost 1,700 borough businesses by mid-May, from a separate pot of government cash specifically allocated to help shore up firms.
And as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) last week, officers are also processing an increased number of council tax reduction claims from struggling residents.
Cllr Maggie Allen (Green, Shirley West) echoed Cllr Sleigh's comments that the workforce had done a huge amount of work in recent weeks.
"They have practically turned themselves inside out to keep things going," she said.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Birmingham Airport won't get support package after flights grounded

Birmingham Airport will not get a support package from councils across the West Midlands to help address the financial impact of Covid-19 , bosses have said .
The seven local authorities which make up the West Midlands will not follow the move by Greater Manchester ’ s councils to provide £250m for the Manchester Airport Group .
The news comes after it was reported the airline industry is predicted to lose £253bn globally this year , according to the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) .
The UK government announced in March it would not provide a single industry-wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a case-by-case basis .
It has since provided a £5.7m support package to support the last two air passenger services operating between London and the Northern Ireland airports of Belfast and City of Derry .
It has been reported at the height of the lockdown there was a 98 per cent drop in take-offs from Birmingham Airport , while nine out of ten flights across other airports nationally were grounded .
In one week in April , just eight departures were recorded from the Solihull-based airport by the website Flightradar24 - down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began .
By the week beginning April 27 , there were 71 flights scheduled from the airport according to the site - and this rose to 335 last week .
The airport has not confirmed what the financial shortfall of the crisis will be , but a spokesperson said there were no plans for a support package .
Birmingham and Solihull councils confirmed there were no plans from the authorities to provide extra funding .
The West Midlands councils reportedly own 49 per cent of the airport .
The GMB union has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that among 770 employees of Swissport who provide ground services at the site , 95 per cent had been furloughed .
The union has previously said workers are “ fearful ” for their livelihoods when the furloughing scheme ends .
The councils ’ decision not to provide extra support for the airport was welcomed by Birmingham Friends of the Earth , who oppose the growth of air travel on environmental grounds .
Martin Stride of Birmingham Friends of the Earth said : `` In 2019 the city council , in common with many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions to avoid catastrophic climate change .
“ Aviation is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions , so the council would be contradicting its own policies if it gives financial support to highly-polluting businesses such as the airport .
“ It would be ill-judged and inappropriate if Birmingham City Council were to hand out money to the airport .
“ Public money should be prioritised for improving people 's lives , cutting air pollution and protecting our climate .
“ For example , it should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs ( such as in green energy , insulating buildings ) and investing in walking , cycling and public transport .
“ We appreciate that the airport is a large employer , but job losses are occurring across many other sectors .
“ Support should be given to people who have lost their jobs , to enable them to transfer to green jobs in other industries rather than funding the airport .
Improving people ’ s lives and saving the climate should be at the heart of any recovery . ''

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Birmingham Airport will not get a support package from councils across the West Midlands to help address the financial impact of Covid-19, bosses have said.
The seven local authorities which make up the West Midlands will not follow the move by Greater Manchester’s councils to provide £250m for the Manchester Airport Group.
The news comes after it was reported the airline industry is predicted to lose £253bn globally this year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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The UK government announced in March it would not provide a single industry-wide support package but would decide on help on a case-by-case basis.
It has since provided a £5.7m support package to support the last two air passenger services operating between London and the Northern Ireland airports of Belfast and City of Derry.
It has been reported at the height of the lockdown there was a 98 per cent drop in take-offs from Birmingham Airport, while nine out of ten flights across other airports nationally were grounded.
In one week in April, just eight departures were recorded from the Solihull-based airport by the website Flightradar24 - down from 345 flights in the week before lockdown began.
By the week beginning April 27, there were 71 flights scheduled from the airport according to the site - and this rose to 335 last week .
The airport has not confirmed what the financial shortfall of the crisis will be, but a spokesperson said there were no plans for a support package.
Birmingham and Solihull councils confirmed there were no plans from the authorities to provide extra funding.
The West Midlands councils reportedly own 49 per cent of the airport.
The GMB union has previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that among 770 employees of Swissport who provide ground services at the site, 95 per cent had been furloughed.
The union has previously said workers are “fearful” for their livelihoods when the furloughing scheme ends.
The councils’ decision not to provide extra support for the airport was welcomed by Birmingham Friends of the Earth, who oppose the growth of air travel on environmental grounds.
Martin Stride of Birmingham Friends of the Earth said: "In 2019 the city council, in common with many other councils, declared a Climate Emergency, committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions to avoid catastrophic climate change.
“Aviation is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, so the council would be contradicting its own policies if it gives financial support to highly-polluting businesses such as the airport.
“It would be ill-judged and inappropriate if Birmingham City Council were to hand out money to the airport.
“Public money should be prioritised for improving people's lives, cutting air pollution and protecting our climate.
“For example, it should be spent on essential services, creating green jobs (such as in green energy, insulating buildings) and investing in walking, cycling and public transport.
“We appreciate that the airport is a large employer, but job losses are occurring across many other sectors.
“Support should be given to people who have lost their jobs, to enable them to transfer to green jobs in other industries rather than funding the airport. Improving people’s lives and saving the climate should be at the heart of any recovery."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Wolves target set to leave club amid £110m Liverpool transfer bid

Boubakary Soumare is expected to leave Lille at the end of the season , with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly chasing his signature .
Wolves have been extensively linked with the 21-year-old midfielder , with claims they were one of two teams from England to launch a bid for him in January .
The other team was Newcastle United , with Steve Bruce confirming they failed in their attempt to sign the player .
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Google Play Store and App @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would have nearly got us to our record transfer eight days ago , but the player wanted to stay where he was , '' Bruce revealed back in February .
As well as those two ; Manchester United , Chelsea and Liverpool are all believed to be tracking Soumare , who fell out of favour with the French club after rejecting moves in the most recent window .
Reports in the national press have claimed that Liverpool could launch a bid in the region of £110m for Soumare and his teammate Victor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the season .
And according to beIN Sports , Soumare ‘ should logically ’ leave Lille when European windows opens , with the French league already curtailed .
The report states that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , the Ligue 1 outfit will be unable to reinvest any funds raised by the sale of Soumare.could launch a bid in the region of £110m

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Boubakary Soumare is expected to leave Lille at the end of the season, with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly chasing his signature.
Wolves have been extensively linked with the 21-year-old midfielder, with claims they were one of two teams from England to launch a bid for him in January.
The other team was Newcastle United, with Steve Bruce confirming they failed in their attempt to sign the player.
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
"We had a bid accepted that would have nearly got us to our record transfer eight days ago, but the player wanted to stay where he was," Bruce revealed back in February.
As well as those two; Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all believed to be tracking Soumare, who fell out of favour with the French club after rejecting moves in the most recent window.
Reports in the national press have claimed that Liverpool could launch a bid in the region of £110m for Soumare and his teammate Victor Osimhen, when the window opens at the end of the season.
And according to beIN Sports, Soumare ‘should logically’ leave Lille when European windows opens, with the French league already curtailed.
The report states that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Ligue 1 outfit will be unable to reinvest any funds raised by the sale of Soumare.could launch a bid in the region of £110m


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Arg fights back tears in emotional This Morning interview on drug addiction

James 'Arg ' Argent has opened up on his battle with cocaine in an emotional interview on This Morning .
The former Only Way Is Essex star has battled drug addictions and food addictions over the past few years .
Today , he appeared on the ITV1 daytime programme via video link , where he discussed his demons with Ruth Langsford .
Ruth was presenting the show alongside husband Eamonn Holmes and the pair welcomed the former reality TV star , who left the show following a failed drugs test , from his garden .
He said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst kept secret over the past few years .
`` It was quite apparent to everybody I had had various trips to rehab and stuff .
`` I kind of felt ...
I never wanted to come out and own it and admit to my problems .
`` I thought people would judge me , people would cast opinions on me and people would look down on me . ''
Speaking further on the subject , Arg - who is best pals with fellow TOWIE cast member Mark Wright - said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I kind of feel ... when I look at it , some of my heroes - Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones , Robbie Williams , Russell Brand and Davina McCall - if they can have similar problems to myself and move forward and get themselves health and happy and achieve amazing things , I think 'that 's what I want to do as well ' . ''
He spoke of his relationship with Diva Forever babe Gemma , saying : `` I really feel for her because she 's had to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was deep in my addiction I would hate Gemma because I 'd be like , 'Why are you telling my family ?
Why are you telling bosses ?
You 're going to ruin my career . '
`` But she refused to lie for me , she would never cover up , she 'd never want to enable me to continue my addiction .
`` At the time , I hated her .
I wanted to be left alone to get on with it . ''
He added : `` She gave me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me thank God she was .
If it was n't for her calling the ambulances to my house , God knows what could 've happened . ''

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James 'Arg' Argent has opened up on his battle with cocaine in an emotional interview on This Morning.
The former Only Way Is Essex star has battled drug addictions and food addictions over the past few years.
Today, he appeared on the ITV1 daytime programme via video link, where he discussed his demons with Ruth Langsford.
Ruth was presenting the show alongside husband Eamonn Holmes and the pair welcomed the former reality TV star, who left the show following a failed drugs test, from his garden.
He said: "I kind of feel like it was the worst kept secret over the past few years.
"It was quite apparent to everybody I had had various trips to rehab and stuff.
"I kind of felt... I never wanted to come out and own it and admit to my problems.
"I thought people would judge me, people would cast opinions on me and people would look down on me."
(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking further on the subject, Arg - who is best pals with fellow TOWIE cast member Mark Wright - said: "I was ashamed and embarrassed.
"I kind of feel... when I look at it, some of my heroes - Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, Russell Brand and Davina McCall - if they can have similar problems to myself and move forward and get themselves health and happy and achieve amazing things, I think 'that's what I want to do as well'."
(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
He spoke of his relationship with Diva Forever babe Gemma, saying: "I really feel for her because she's had to go through so much.
"When I was deep in my addiction I would hate Gemma because I'd be like, 'Why are you telling my family? Why are you telling bosses? You're going to ruin my career.'
"But she refused to lie for me, she would never cover up, she'd never want to enable me to continue my addiction.
"At the time, I hated her. I wanted to be left alone to get on with it."
He added: "She gave me some tough love and was hard on me thank God she was. If it wasn't for her calling the ambulances to my house, God knows what could've happened."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Paul Ince made this request after signing for Wolves

The vital roles Manchester United icons Paul Ince and Dennis Irwin played in Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ 2003 promotion has been revealed .
Ince and Irwin were both approaching the twilight of their careers in 2002 when they signed for Wolves , but they became popular figures at Molineux .
They starred in the club ’ s play-off final victory over Sheffield United at the Millenium Stadium as the club sealed promotion to the Premier League .
Irwin would only spend two seasons at Wolves , while Ince - who captained the club - stuck around for four years before leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has revealed that during Ince 's time at Wolves he insisted that his teammates addressed him by the nickname he earned whilst playing for United , Liverpool and England .
Speaking on Wolves ’ play-off final rerun on YouTube , Jones said : “ Incey told me he was called the guv ’ nor - I told him he could be called anything he wants as long as he performs .
“ When he started training he only wanted to train two days a week .
He saw how the players trained and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wouldn ’ t play .
We had good players who could quite easily have gone in and filled his boots .
“ Dennis never missed a day ’ s training .
His standards were so high , he dragged the players up to that standard and then Incey followed .
They demanded an awful lot.
” Matt Murray , who kept goal for Wolves at the time , added : “ They were so different as characters .
“ Dennis just led by example , all he did was come in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash bag , everything .
If he wasn ’ t playing the best he ’ d give you a little look .
“ Incey , sometimes he would give it to you , he ’ d demand from you .
But he ’ d been there and he ’ d done it .
He wasn ’ t one who just moaned at you and then didn ’ t do the job himself , he performed .
“ The gaffer had sort of set this dressing room up that policed us .
”

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The vital roles Manchester United icons Paul Ince and Dennis Irwin played in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2003 promotion has been revealed.
Ince and Irwin were both approaching the twilight of their careers in 2002 when they signed for Wolves, but they became popular figures at Molineux.
They starred in the club’s play-off final victory over Sheffield United at the Millenium Stadium as the club sealed promotion to the Premier League.
Irwin would only spend two seasons at Wolves, while Ince - who captained the club - stuck around for four years before leaving in 2006.
And manager Dave Jones has revealed that during Ince's time at Wolves he insisted that his teammates addressed him by the nickname he earned whilst playing for United, Liverpool and England.
Speaking on Wolves’ play-off final rerun on YouTube, Jones said: “Incey told me he was called the guv’nor - I told him he could be called anything he wants as long as he performs.
“When he started training he only wanted to train two days a week. He saw how the players trained and knew if he didn’t perform he wouldn’t play. We had good players who could quite easily have gone in and filled his boots.
“Dennis never missed a day’s training. His standards were so high, he dragged the players up to that standard and then Incey followed. They demanded an awful lot.”
Matt Murray, who kept goal for Wolves at the time, added: “They were so different as characters.
“Dennis just led by example, all he did was come in, train, do his stuff, modest wash bag, everything. If he wasn’t playing the best he’d give you a little look.
“Incey, sometimes he would give it to you, he’d demand from you. But he’d been there and he’d done it. He wasn’t one who just moaned at you and then didn’t do the job himself, he performed.
“The gaffer had sort of set this dressing room up that policed us.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--John Lewis to reopen Solihull branch - but not Grand Central yet

John Lewis Partnership has revealed the locations of the first department stores it plans to reopen from Monday June 15 , with several new social distancing measures set to be introduced , the company said .
Branches opening in the first stage will be Kingston and Poole on June 15 , and from Thursday June 18 in Bluewater , Cambridge , Cheadle , Cheltenham , High Wycombe , Horsham , Ipswich , Norwich , Nottingham , Solihull and Welwyn , John Lewis said .
The chain said branches in Poole and Kingston will be the first to reopen on June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 18 .
Sharon White , chairman of the John Lewis Partnership , said : `` The momentous events of the last few months have tested our resilience as a business , but our resourcefulness , innovation and the spirit of cooperation between Partners has really shone through .
`` It ’ s been heartwarming to see John Lewis Partners stepping into different roles to support our Waitrose supermarkets and to keep johnlewis.com running and I ’ m proud of everything our Partners across both our brands have done to help us get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening , each shop will undertake a four-week reopening preparation programme .
This will include counting stock , replenishment , preparation of systems , merchandising , deep cleaning , the introduction of social distancing measures , Partner training and final pre-opening checks .

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John Lewis Partnership has revealed the locations of the first department stores it plans to reopen from Monday June 15, with several new social distancing measures set to be introduced, the company said.
Branches opening in the first stage will be Kingston and Poole on June 15, and from Thursday June 18 in Bluewater, Cambridge, Cheadle, Cheltenham, High Wycombe, Horsham, Ipswich, Norwich, Nottingham, Solihull and Welwyn, John Lewis said.
The chain said branches in Poole and Kingston will be the first to reopen on June 15, followed by 11 more on June 18.
Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: "The momentous events of the last few months have tested our resilience as a business, but our resourcefulness, innovation and the spirit of cooperation between Partners has really shone through.
"It’s been heartwarming to see John Lewis Partners stepping into different roles to support our Waitrose supermarkets and to keep johnlewis.com running and I’m proud of everything our Partners across both our brands have done to help us get to this point."
Prior to opening, each shop will undertake a four-week reopening preparation programme.
This will include counting stock, replenishment, preparation of systems, merchandising, deep cleaning, the introduction of social distancing measures, Partner training and final pre-opening checks.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--SpaceX Falcon 9 launch postponed just moments before lift-off

Nasa has postponed its first launch of astronauts from US soil in nine years due to bad weather , just minutes before lift-off .
Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley were set to travel to the International Space Station ( ISS ) on a rocket and capsule system built by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk 's firm SpaceX .
An estimated 1.7 million people from around the world tuned in to the launch from The Kennedy Space Centre in Florida .
But as the weather conditions became worse , the US space agency `` scrubbed '' the mission for safety reasons less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocket was due to take off along with the Crew Dragon spacecraft .
The launch was cancelled due to three violations of weather rules - natural lightning , electric fields in the atmosphere and thunderstorm clouds .
The US Air Force 's 45th Weather Squadron , which monitors the weather for air and space operations , had forecast between a 40 % and 60 % chance of favourable conditions at the launch site in Florida .
The earliest the astronauts can depart is this weekend , with potential launch windows available on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` What a shame - @ SpaceX launch is scrubbed , but the rules are there in the interest of safety .
`` A great rehearsal and reset for the next launch attempt in 3 days , Sat 30th at 15:22 ( ET ) . ''

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Nasa has postponed its first launch of astronauts from US soil in nine years due to bad weather, just minutes before lift-off.
Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley were set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on a rocket and capsule system built by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's firm SpaceX.
An estimated 1.7 million people from around the world tuned in to the launch from The Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
But as the weather conditions became worse, the US space agency "scrubbed" the mission for safety reasons less than 17 minutes before the Falcon 9 rocket was due to take off along with the Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The launch was cancelled due to three violations of weather rules - natural lightning, electric fields in the atmosphere and thunderstorm clouds.
The US Air Force's 45th Weather Squadron, which monitors the weather for air and space operations, had forecast between a 40% and 60% chance of favourable conditions at the launch site in Florida.
The earliest the astronauts can depart is this weekend, with potential launch windows available on Saturday and Sunday.
British astronaut Tim Peake said: "What a shame - @SpaceX launch is scrubbed, but the rules are there in the interest of safety.
"A great rehearsal and reset for the next launch attempt in 3 days, Sat 30th at 15:22 (ET)."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Aston Villa boss Dean Smith's father dies aged 79

Aston Villa have announced the passing of Ron Smith , the father of manager Dean , on Wednesday evening .
Ron , who was 79 , had been living in a care home after being diagnosed with dementia six years ago , contracted coronavirus around a month ago and , having been moved to hospital for treatment , he died with his family surrounding him .
Ron was a lifelong Villa supporter and was also a steward at Villa Park while Dean was a youngster - it is from his father that the current Villa boss developed his love for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store In an interview with the Times last year , Smith explained the sad situation : “ He ’ s been in a home the last three years .
He doesn ’ t know who I am .
Unfortunately , he doesn ’ t know I ’ m Villa manager .
“ My dad ’ s dad was a Villa fan .
My dad was brought up in Aston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a factory all his life .
He was a steward at Villa , loved the club.
” Villa , in a short statement adeed : “ The thoughts of everyone at the football club are currently with Dean and his family at this most distressing of times and would kindly ask for the family ’ s privacy to be respected.
” Everyone at BirminghamLive and the Birmingham Mail would like to pass on their deepest sympathies to Dean and the Smith family at this difficult time .

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Aston Villa have announced the passing of Ron Smith, the father of manager Dean, on Wednesday evening.
Ron, who was 79, had been living in a care home after being diagnosed with dementia six years ago, contracted coronavirus around a month ago and, having been moved to hospital for treatment, he died with his family surrounding him.
Ron was a lifelong Villa supporter and was also a steward at Villa Park while Dean was a youngster - it is from his father that the current Villa boss developed his love for the club.
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In an interview with the Times last year, Smith explained the sad situation: “He’s been in a home the last three years. He doesn’t know who I am. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know I’m Villa manager.
“My dad’s dad was a Villa fan. My dad was brought up in Aston, he was a toolmaker, worked in a factory all his life. He was a steward at Villa, loved the club.”
Villa, in a short statement adeed: “The thoughts of everyone at the football club are currently with Dean and his family at this most distressing of times and would kindly ask for the family’s privacy to be respected.”
Everyone at BirminghamLive and the Birmingham Mail would like to pass on their deepest sympathies to Dean and the Smith family at this difficult time.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday

No-one scooped Wednesday 's jackpot in the National Lottery draw , but six ticketholders won £1 million each .
It means that Saturday 's top prize will be an estimated £7.4 million jackpot .
Wednesday 's Lotto numbers were 07 , 23 , 04 , 34 , 19 , 38 and the bonus number was 46 .
The draw machine was Guinevere and set of balls number seven was used .
No ticket-holders matched all six balls to take home Wednesday 's jackpot while there were six winners of the £1 million prize who matched five numbers and the bonus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after matching five out of six main balls , while 5,651 players scooped £140 for matching four numbers .
No-one won the £350,000 jackpot for Lotto HotPicks , which uses the same numbers as Lotto 's draw , but 11 players won £13,000 for matching four numbers .
Wednesday 's winning Thunderball numbers were 07 , 36 , 23 , 20 , 14 and the Thunderball number was 11 .
There was one player who won the £500,000 top prize by matching five balls and the Thunderball , while four ticketholders scooped £5,000 @ @ @ @ @

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No-one scooped Wednesday's jackpot in the National Lottery draw, but six ticketholders won £1 million each.
It means that Saturday's top prize will be an estimated £7.4 million jackpot.
Wednesday's Lotto numbers were 07, 23, 04, 34, 19, 38 and the bonus number was 46.
The draw machine was Guinevere and set of balls number seven was used.
No ticket-holders matched all six balls to take home Wednesday's jackpot while there were six winners of the £1 million prize who matched five numbers and the bonus ball.
Some 110 ticketholders won £1,750 after matching five out of six main balls, while 5,651 players scooped £140 for matching four numbers.
No-one won the £350,000 jackpot for Lotto HotPicks, which uses the same numbers as Lotto's draw, but 11 players won £13,000 for matching four numbers.
Wednesday's winning Thunderball numbers were 07, 36, 23, 20, 14 and the Thunderball number was 11.
There was one player who won the £500,000 top prize by matching five balls and the Thunderball, while four ticketholders scooped £5,000 for matching five balls.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Road closed after police incident in Erdington

Police are currently at the scene of an incident in Erdington .
Gravelly Hill North has been closed from Fentham @ @ @ @ @ .
Police have sealed the road off with police tape while the incident is dealt @ @ @ @ @ Roberts posted a video on Twitter and tweeted : `` Major incident on Gravelly Hill @ @ @ @ @ '' Ambulance crews and police were called to the scene on the A5127 at 8.30pm @ @ @ @ @ .
The air ambulance was also alerted , and landed on playing fields at the @ @ @ @ @ The air ambulance was on the ground for 20 minutes before taking off .
Witnesses @ @ @ @ @ being put on a stretcher and placed in an ambulance .
The incident happened just @ @ @ @ @ on Hunton Hill .
Armed police had swooped to arrest 'several men ' with weapons @ @ @ @ @ Hunton Hill , just before 3pm to deal with the incident .
It is not @ @ @ @ @ are connected .
West Midlands Police has been approached for comment .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sarah Probert, Andy Richardson, Oprah Flash)

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Police are currently at the scene of an incident in Erdington.
Gravelly Hill North has been closed from Fentham Rd down to Hunton Hill.
Police have sealed the road off with police tape while the incident is dealt with.
Eyewitness Sarah Ann Roberts posted a video on Twitter and tweeted: "Major incident on Gravelly Hill Air ambulance in attendance."
Ambulance crews and police were called to the scene on the A5127 at 8.30pm tonight (May 27).
The air ambulance was also alerted, and landed on playing fields at the top of Hunton Hill.
The air ambulance was on the ground for 20 minutes before taking off. Witnesses said they saw a patient being put on a stretcher and placed in an ambulance.
The incident happened just hours after disorder broke out on Hunton Hill.
Armed police had swooped to arrest 'several men' with weapons.
Police were called to Hunton Hill, just before 3pm to deal with the incident. It is not known if the two incidents are connected.
West Midlands Police has been approached for comment.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Pep speaks out on quartet who are departing Blues

Pep Clotet has wished well the four players who have been informed that their Birmingham City stay has come to an end .
Blues have announced during lockdown that the out of contract quartet of David Stockdale , Cheick Keita , Jacques Maghoma and Jonathan Grounds will be leaving the club when their deals expire .
Left-back Grounds was signed by Lee Clark in 2014 , winger Maghoma arrived under Gary Rowett in 2015 , Grounds ’ fellow left-back Keita in January 2017 under Gianfranco Zola and goalkeeper Stockdale in the summer of 2017 under Harry Redknapp .
All will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with loanee Jefferson Montero who will be returning to parent club Swansea City , but Clotet hopes they find favourable pastures elsewhere .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ They ’ re the decisions that have been made by the club , ” Clotet said .
“ The club has communicated that to the players .
“ My opinion is to thank them for their efforts towards the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve done while I ’ ve worked with them in these years .
“ I have a very good image of them as players , and as people as well .
On behalf of the fans , too , I would like to thank them for their efforts at the club and wish them the best and hope that they find a project which suits them , where they can be happy and where they can play as long as they can.
” In the meantime , Blues - who are back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have called upon a number of prospects in the club ’ s professional development squad to help make up the numbers at senior level .
“ Not only have we been training with the professional squad , but we ’ ve included a few young lads from the 23s to be ready in case we need them , ” Clotet confirmed .
“ It ’ ll help them to keep developing and help us to fill some of the positions in case we ’ re going to need it .
We treat everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not leaving anyone behind .
“ When it comes to training , and to perform and to earn your right to play - that ’ s a little bit our plan to fill those spots .
”

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Pep Clotet has wished well the four players who have been informed that their Birmingham City stay has come to an end.
Blues have announced during lockdown that the out of contract quartet of David Stockdale, Cheick Keita, Jacques Maghoma and Jonathan Grounds will be leaving the club when their deals expire.
Left-back Grounds was signed by Lee Clark in 2014, winger Maghoma arrived under Gary Rowett in 2015, Grounds’ fellow left-back Keita in January 2017 under Gianfranco Zola and goalkeeper Stockdale in the summer of 2017 under Harry Redknapp.
All will now depart St Andrew’s, along with loanee Jefferson Montero who will be returning to parent club Swansea City, but Clotet hopes they find favourable pastures elsewhere.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City 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
“They’re the decisions that have been made by the club,” Clotet told Blues TV. “The club has communicated that to the players. “My opinion is to thank them for their efforts towards the club, and all the work they’ve done while I’ve worked with them in these years.
“I have a very good image of them as players, and as people as well. On behalf of the fans, too, I would like to thank them for their efforts at the club and wish them the best and hope that they find a project which suits them, where they can be happy and where they can play as long as they can.”
In the meantime, Blues - who are back in group training amid the coronavirus pandemic - have called upon a number of prospects in the club’s professional development squad to help make up the numbers at senior level.
“Not only have we been training with the professional squad, but we’ve included a few young lads from the 23s to be ready in case we need them,” Clotet confirmed.
“It’ll help them to keep developing and help us to fill some of the positions in case we’re going to need it. We treat everyone as one club - we’re not leaving anyone behind.
“When it comes to training, and to perform and to earn your right to play - that’s a little bit our plan to fill those spots.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--'Inconsiderate parking' at beauty spot delays crews from tackling fire

Firefighters have condemned ‘ inconsiderate ’ drivers who caused a 20-minute delay when battling a large fire .
Thick grey plumes of smoke were spotted billowing over the Chasewater after a grassland caught fire .
A team of seven firefighters tackled the blaze , which broke out near the railway station at around 6.45pm today ( May 27 ) .
While crews worked tirelessly to dampen the ferocious blaze , they were delayed by 20 minutes as they were blocked by a row of parked cars .
The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue team tweeted : “ We currently have crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Water .
Unfortunately , they are unable to gain access due to a large number of cars parked on the access roads .
“ Inconsiderate parking has caused us delays of 20 minutes to actually started fighting the fire.
” A spokesman for the service added : “ We were called at 6.45pm to fire at Chasewater Country Park .
The fire involved 50m x 100m of grassland by the railway .
“ One crews from Cannock and an off-road vehicle were sent to the scene with a total of seven firefighters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the fire under control .
”

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Firefighters have condemned ‘inconsiderate’ drivers who caused a 20-minute delay when battling a large fire.
Thick grey plumes of smoke were spotted billowing over the Chasewater after a grassland caught fire.
A team of seven firefighters tackled the blaze, which broke out near the railway station at around 6.45pm today (May 27).
While crews worked tirelessly to dampen the ferocious blaze, they were delayed by 20 minutes as they were blocked by a row of parked cars.
The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue team tweeted: “We currently have crews en-route to a large fire at Chase Water. Unfortunately, they are unable to gain access due to a large number of cars parked on the access roads.
“Inconsiderate parking has caused us delays of 20 minutes to actually started fighting the fire.”
A spokesman for the service added: “We were called at 6.45pm to fire at Chasewater Country Park. The fire involved 50m x 100m of grassland by the railway.
“One crews from Cannock and an off-road vehicle were sent to the scene with a total of seven firefighters.
“The team are still trying to get the fire under control.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Prince Andrew accused of 'romp' in pool in new documentary

A revealing new Netflix true crime documentary has alleged Prince Andrew was seen frolicking with a topless woman in a swimming pool belonging to disgraced Jeffrey Epstein .
`` Jeffrey Epstein : Filthy Rich '' claims that the Duke of York was seen getting close to a young woman on Epstein Island in the Caribbean .
The four-part series interviews people who were close to the billionaire including new witness Steve Scully .
The allegation by Mr Scully , a former employee of Jeffrey Epstein , reveals he saw Andrew and Virginia Giuffre romping on Epstein 's private island .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts , has alleged previously that she had sex with the Duke in 2001 after being trafficked to the UK by Epstein .
She also claims the Prince had sex with her on three separate occasions , including when she was 17 and a minor under US law .
The Duke has always denied any sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre .
Mr Scully said : `` Jeffrey hung out with a lot of powerful and well known figures , both politically and financially and British royalty .
`` It was probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was at the pool , he was with , at that time , an unknown girl to me , she was young , she did n't have any top on , they were engaged in foreplay , he was grabbing her and grinding against her . ''
`` Jeffrey Epstein , he was a guy that concealed his deviance very well , but he did n't conceal it that well . ''
The Duke relinquished his royal duties last November following a Newsnight interview about his friendship with the billionaire .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre and had a medical condition at the time that meant he did not sweat .
In the Netflix documentary , Ms Giuffre says : `` This guy did n't have any remorse at all .
His arrogance about it , I mean the whole I do n't sweat thing , this guy was profusely sweating all over me . ''
A spokeswoman for the Duke of York 's lawyers , said : `` As we have said many times before , the Duke has absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts . ''
Jeffrey Epstein : Filthy Rich is available now on Netflix .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (PA, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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A revealing new Netflix true crime documentary has alleged Prince Andrew was seen frolicking with a topless woman in a swimming pool belonging to disgraced Jeffrey Epstein.
"Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich" claims that the Duke of York was seen getting close to a young woman on Epstein Island in the Caribbean.
The four-part series interviews people who were close to the billionaire including new witness Steve Scully.
The allegation by Mr Scully, a former employee of Jeffrey Epstein, reveals he saw Andrew and Virginia Giuffre romping on Epstein's private island.
Ms Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, has alleged previously that she had sex with the Duke in 2001 after being trafficked to the UK by Epstein.
She also claims the Prince had sex with her on three separate occasions, including when she was 17 and a minor under US law.
(Image: PA)
The Duke has always denied any sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre.
Mr Scully said: "Jeffrey hung out with a lot of powerful and well known figures, both politically and financially and British royalty.
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"It was probably around 2004 I saw Prince Andrew, he was at the pool, he was with, at that time, an unknown girl to me, she was young, she didn't have any top on, they were engaged in foreplay, he was grabbing her and grinding against her."
"Jeffrey Epstein, he was a guy that concealed his deviance very well, but he didn't conceal it that well."
The Duke relinquished his royal duties last November following a Newsnight interview about his friendship with the billionaire.
During the BBC news show, the duke insisted he did not recall meeting Ms Giuffre and had a medical condition at the time that meant he did not sweat.
In the Netflix documentary, Ms Giuffre says: "This guy didn't have any remorse at all. His arrogance about it, I mean the whole I don't sweat thing, this guy was profusely sweating all over me."
A spokeswoman for the Duke of York's lawyers, said: "As we have said many times before, the Duke has absolutely no recollection of ever having met Virginia Roberts."
Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich is available now on Netflix.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Aston Villa 'face £11m bill' despite Liverpool protest

A group of Premier League clubs are preparing to argue against paying rebates to broadcasters at Thursday 's meeting .
Football has been suspended in England for well over two months due to the coronavirus pandemic , with the most recent top-flight fixture being played on March 9 .
That was Aston Villa 's 4-0 defeat at Leicester City , a result that left Dean Smith 's side two points from safety .
Broadcasters such as Sky Sports want some of their money back because of contractual obligations going unfulfilled after matches were called off .
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Google Play Store and App Store All 20 clubs including Villa were officially informed on Wednesday of the £340m sum they face paying , t he Guardian reports .
But because of the way the television rights deal is structured , top clubs face landing a bigger percentage of the bill than those below them .
50 percent of the money is divided equally while 25 percent is awarded for live appearances , but the other 25 percent is dependent on final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially pay back nearly treble the amount of other teams .
They are being asked to pay back £30m while the rest of the league , including Villa , are facing a bill of just under £11m .
Liverpool are reportedly leading a group of clubs who will argue against paying the rebate at the meeting and have support from Tottenham and West Ham United .
The Premier League 's head of broadcasting Paul Molnar will lead negotiations with broadcasters also believing the product they paid out for has been devalued because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors .
David Kogan , who previously advised the top-flight on media rights , says clubs will have to pay up .
He told the Guardian : “ The clubs are going to have to pay it whatever it is and there will be a formula that will be followed .
Sooner or later they ’ re just going to have to pay the money out .
They ’ ll have insurance , I imagine , to do that .
”

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A group of Premier League clubs are preparing to argue against paying rebates to broadcasters at Thursday's meeting.
Football has been suspended in England for well over two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the most recent top-flight fixture being played on March 9.
That was Aston Villa's 4-0 defeat at Leicester City, a result that left Dean Smith's side two points from safety.
Broadcasters such as Sky Sports want some of their money back because of contractual obligations going unfulfilled after matches were called off.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox 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
All 20 clubs including Villa were officially informed on Wednesday of the £340m sum they face paying, t he Guardian reports.
But because of the way the television rights deal is structured, top clubs face landing a bigger percentage of the bill than those below them.
50 percent of the money is divided equally while 25 percent is awarded for live appearances, but the other 25 percent is dependent on final league position and the top six could potentially pay back nearly treble the amount of other teams.
They are being asked to pay back £30m while the rest of the league, including Villa, are facing a bill of just under £11m.
Liverpool are reportedly leading a group of clubs who will argue against paying the rebate at the meeting and have support from Tottenham and West Ham United.
The Premier League's head of broadcasting Paul Molnar will lead negotiations with broadcasters also believing the product they paid out for has been devalued because the remaining games will be played behind closed doors.
David Kogan, who previously advised the top-flight on media rights, says clubs will have to pay up. He told the Guardian: “The clubs are going to have to pay it whatever it is and there will be a formula that will be followed. Sooner or later they’re just going to have to pay the money out. They’ll have insurance, I imagine, to do that.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--New test and trace system will 'reassure' parents as kids head back to school

Concerned parents anxious about their children heading back to the classroom next week have been reassured by the Government that its new test and trace system would identify an outbreak of coronavirus in schools .
The latest press briefing , led by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock and supported by Baroness Dido Harding and Professor Van Tam , focused on the new NHS coronavirus test and trace programme which will launch across England from May 28 .
The programme is designed to let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who later reports positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to easing up social distancing measures .
Children under five will be able to get tested from tomorrow ( Thursday , May 28 ) so that immediate action can be taken .
Mr Hancock sought to allay fears over safety as youngsters in Reception , Year One and Year Six prepared to return to school after two months in lockdown .
Dan Martin , from our sister title Leicestershire Live , asked the Health Secretary : `` What more can and should the government be doing to reassure parents about schools reopening ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have made the decision unless it was 'safe ' .
He added that the impact of coronavirus is 'very , very low ' in children and that clear measures had been put in place by the department of education and schools to make sure that schools are safe .
He said : `` I would urge parents to take that very seriously . ''
`` With the NHS test and trace programme in place it means that we will be able to be more targeted in finding those positive cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contacts that they may have infected and passed the disease on to . ''
Baroness Harding said the initiative would act as an 'early warning ' system for local communities to spot growing number of cases in a school meaning 'immediate action ' could be taken .
She explained : `` So it 's not just that we will be contacting , identifying and isolating very quickly , it 's also that we will be able to spot that an outbreak is starting .
`` So I think that parents across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have got a system that 's got their back . ''
There are 25,000 contact tracers ready to start work on tracking the coronavirus from tomorrow .
The Health Secretary said : “ This will be voluntary at first because we trust everyone to do the right thing .
“ But , we can quickly make it mandatory if that is what it takes .
“ Because , if we don ’ t collectively make this work , then the only way forward is to keep the lockdown.
” He added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get a test .
“ If you are contacted by NHS test and trace instructing you to isolate , you must .
“ It is your civic duty , so you avoid unknowingly spreading the virus and you help to break the chain of transmission.
” In Solihull , Coventry and Warwickshire local councils are taking part in a pilot scheme , giving them the powers to impose local lockdown plans .

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Concerned parents anxious about their children heading back to the classroom next week have been reassured by the Government that its new test and trace system would identify an outbreak of coronavirus in schools.
The latest press briefing, led by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock and supported by Baroness Dido Harding and Professor Van Tam, focused on the new NHS coronavirus test and trace programme which will launch across England from May 28.
The programme is designed to let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who later reports positive for Covid-19 and could be a key to easing up social distancing measures.
Children under five will be able to get tested from tomorrow (Thursday, May 28) so that immediate action can be taken.
Mr Hancock sought to allay fears over safety as youngsters in Reception, Year One and Year Six prepared to return to school after two months in lockdown.
Dan Martin, from our sister title Leicestershire Live, asked the Health Secretary: "What more can and should the government be doing to reassure parents about schools reopening?"
Mr Hancock said the government wouldn’t have made the decision unless it was 'safe'.
He added that the impact of coronavirus is 'very,very low' in children and that clear measures had been put in place by the department of education and schools to make sure that schools are safe.
He said: "I would urge parents to take that very seriously."
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"With the NHS test and trace programme in place it means that we will be able to be more targeted in finding those positive cases and be able to find out more of the contacts that they may have infected and passed the disease on to."
Baroness Harding said the initiative would act as an 'early warning' system for local communities to spot growing number of cases in a school meaning 'immediate action' could be taken.
She explained: " So it's not just that we will be contacting, identifying and isolating very quickly, it's also that we will be able to spot that an outbreak is starting.
"So I think that parents across the country can feel really confident that we have got a system that's got their back."
There are 25,000 contact tracers ready to start work on tracking the coronavirus from tomorrow.
The Health Secretary said: “This will be voluntary at first because we trust everyone to do the right thing.
“But, we can quickly make it mandatory if that is what it takes.
“Because, if we don’t collectively make this work, then the only way forward is to keep the lockdown.”
He added: “If you get symptoms, isolate immediately and get a test.
“If you are contacted by NHS test and trace instructing you to isolate, you must.
“It is your civic duty, so you avoid unknowingly spreading the virus and you help to break the chain of transmission.”
In Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire local councils are taking part in a pilot scheme, giving them the powers to impose local lockdown plans.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Police called after armed thugs start fighting in Erdington

Armed police swooped to arrest men armed with weapons after disorder broke out in Erdington .
Police were called to @ @ @ @ @ 3pm today ( Wednesday .
May 27 ) , following reports a fight had broken @ @ @ @ @ were wielding weapons .
Martina Salatekova took a picture of the police scene showing the @ @ @ @ @ and officers .
She told BirminghamLive : `` I could hear a lot of loud @ @ @ @ @ direction of Gravelly Hill Station .
Armed police then arrived followed by three more police @ @ @ @ @ I am not sure what had happened . ''
Detectives were going house to house @ @ @ @ @ obtain CCTV which could provide vital evidence .
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed 'several @ @ @ @ @ by armed police .
She confirmed that armed police had been called and that weapons @ @ @ @ @ any information should ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .

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Armed police swooped to arrest men armed with weapons after disorder broke out in Erdington.
Police were called to Hunton Hill, just before 3pm today (Wednesday. May 27), following reports a fight had broken out with several men who were wielding weapons.
Martina Salatekova took a picture of the police scene showing the road flooded with police cars and officers.
She told BirminghamLive: "I could hear a lot of loud arguing and shouting from the direction of Gravelly Hill Station. Armed police then arrived followed by three more police cars and a van. I am not sure what had happened."
Detectives were going house to house making enquiries and trying to obtain CCTV which could provide vital evidence.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed 'several' men had been detained by armed police.
She confirmed that armed police had been called and that weapons were involved.
Anyone with any information should ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--PL aim for mid-September for new season as Albion eye promotion

The Premier League are set to tell their participating clubs that they intend to begin the new season by the middle of September at a meeting scheduled for Thursday .
That could be of interest to West Bromwich Albion , who alongside Leeds United are hoping to secure promotion back to the top flight one way or the other in the coming weeks .
There remains hope that the current campaign , suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic , can be completed safely in the next couple of months , with phase one of Project Restart largely deemed a success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to stay on top of all the West Bromwich Albion news with our daily newsletter .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store There have , though , still been some positive cases of Covid discovered during various rounds of testing - Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa have been among them .
Should there be another spike in positive cases , it could curtail the league ’ s plans to complete the remaining fixtures - but they ’ re still set to inform clubs that the 2020-21 campaign will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season is able to be finished or not .
According to the Daily Mail , the league are aiming for the new kick off on the weekend of September 12-13 .
Albion and Leeds , who like many other clubs at the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship don ’ t know as things stand which division they ’ ll be in for the new term , currently lead the way at the summit of the second tier - where they ’ ve found themselves since November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points clear of Fulham .
At the bottom of the Premier League , it ’ s less straightforward - Aston Villa , down in 19th and two points adrift of safety , have a game in hand that would lift them out of the drop zone if they were to win it .
Should the season not be completed because of Covid , then clubs will be asked to approve the remainder of the campaign being determined by a points per game average .

The Premier League are set to tell their participating clubs that they intend to begin the new season by the middle of September at a meeting scheduled for Thursday.
That could be of interest to West Bromwich Albion, who alongside Leeds United are hoping to secure promotion back to the top flight one way or the other in the coming weeks.
There remains hope that the current campaign, suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, can be completed safely in the next couple of months, with phase one of Project Restart largely deemed a success.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just 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 by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
There have, though, still been some positive cases of Covid discovered during various rounds of testing - Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa have been among them.
Should there be another spike in positive cases, it could curtail the league’s plans to complete the remaining fixtures - but they’re still set to inform clubs that the 2020-21 campaign will go ahead on time, irrespective if this season is able to be finished or not.
According to the Daily Mail, the league are aiming for the new kick off on the weekend of September 12-13.
Albion and Leeds, who like many other clubs at the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship don’t know as things stand which division they’ll be in for the new term, currently lead the way at the summit of the second tier - where they’ve found themselves since November. They’re six and seven points clear of Fulham.
At the bottom of the Premier League, it’s less straightforward - Aston Villa, down in 19th and two points adrift of safety, have a game in hand that would lift them out of the drop zone if they were to win it.
Should the season not be completed because of Covid, then clubs will be asked to approve the remainder of the campaign being determined by a points per game average.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Man left with fractured skull after fight breaks out at Walkabout bar

A man has been left with a severe head injury after a brawl broke out at a Lichfield bar .
@ @ @ @ @ skull after he was attacked in Walkabout .
It is believed the disorder happened in @ @ @ @ @ morning on January 11 .
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they @ @ @ @ @ connection with the vicious attack .
Anyone with information about the incident has been advised @ @ @ @ @ email or by calling 101 .
Officers launched the appeal today ( May 27 ) @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for Lichfield Police said : `` Do you recognise this man ?
We want @ @ @ @ @ a fight at Walkabout on Bird Street on January 11 .
`` A man suffered @ @ @ @ @ assaulted just before 2am .
Anyone with info should call 101 or email Andrew.Bromley2 @ @ @ @ @ @ bar is based in Bird Street , a popular location for revellers and restaurant-goers .
@ @ @ @ @ line with government guidelines on curbing the spread of the coronavirus .

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A man has been left with a severe head injury after a brawl broke out at a Lichfield bar.
The victim suffered a fractured skull after he was attacked in Walkabout.
It is believed the disorder happened in the early hours of the morning on January 11.
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the vicious attack.
Anyone with information about the incident has been advised to contact the force via email or by calling 101.
Officers launched the appeal today (May 27) on social media.
A spokesman for Lichfield Police said: "Do you recognise this man? We want to speak to him after a fight at Walkabout on Bird Street on January 11.
"A man suffered a fractured skull after being assaulted just before 2am. Anyone with info should call 101 or email Andrew.Bromley2@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk."
The sports bar is based in Bird Street, a popular location for revellers and restaurant-goers.
Walkabout is currently closed in line with government guidelines on curbing the spread of the coronavirus.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--EFL chairman gives boost to West Brom fans with hopeful prediction

Fans could soon be allowed back into stadiums to watch games , one EFL chairman is predicting .
Supporters in England have been starved of football since early March and it could be another month before the season resumes .
West Bromwich Albion 's bid for promotion is set to restart in June under the EFL 's plan for completing the campaign .
Slaven Bilic 's side trail Leeds United by a point in the race for the title .
The remaining fixtures this season will be played behind closed doors but Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann has revealed there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds later this year .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the West Bromwich Albion news with our daily newsletter .
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You can also get all the latest updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 He told GrimsbyLive : “ The beginning of August will be difficult ( to start the new season ) , so you are probably looking at September at the earliest which is another three months .
“ That is going to be tough for clubs to survive .
If it ’ s the beginning of September , most clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July to help get us through until then .
“ We are hoping it is September – and there is also talk of some semblance of crowds coming back if we can get our stadium in a position to do that .
We will work as hard as we can in the coming months to have something in place so we can keep some sort of distance between the fans .
“ At least if we can get 2,000 in , or even 2,500 in , it ’ s a big help – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something we have really got to look at .
`` We have got the car parking space to have one every other space to keep people apart .
I am sure we can put barriers up and systems in place so people can into the ground okay . ''
Albion have nine matches remaining this season , against Birmingham City , Brentford , Sheffield Wednesday , Derby , Blackburn , Fulham , Huddersfield and Queens Park Rangers .
By the time those are played they will hope to have secured a return @ @ @ @ @

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Fans could soon be allowed back into stadiums to watch games, one EFL chairman is predicting.
Supporters in England have been starved of football since early March and it could be another month before the season resumes.
West Bromwich Albion's bid for promotion is set to restart in June under the EFL's plan for completing the campaign. Slaven Bilic's side trail Leeds United by a point in the race for the title.
The remaining fixtures this season will be played behind closed doors but Scunthorpe United chairman Peter Swann has revealed there is 'talk' over allowing fans into grounds later this year.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just 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 by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
He told GrimsbyLive: “The beginning of August will be difficult (to start the new season), so you are probably looking at September at the earliest which is another three months.
“That is going to be tough for clubs to survive. If it’s the beginning of September, most clubs in this division will need money in July to help get us through until then.
“We are hoping it is September – and there is also talk of some semblance of crowds coming back if we can get our stadium in a position to do that. We will work as hard as we can in the coming months to have something in place so we can keep some sort of distance between the fans.
“At least if we can get 2,000 in, or even 2,500 in, it’s a big help – and that is a possibility. It is something we have really got to look at.
"We have got the car parking space to have one every other space to keep people apart. I am sure we can put barriers up and systems in place so people can into the ground okay."
Albion have nine matches remaining this season, against Birmingham City, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Blackburn, Fulham, Huddersfield and Queens Park Rangers.
By the time those are played they will hope to have secured a return to the Premier League.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Solihull Moors raise over £25,000 with help of ex-Aston Villa and West Brom stars

Solihull Moors have said a big thank you after more than £25,000 was raised from their ‘ The Moors 4s ’ challenge - and members of the public who are able to do so have been urged to donate towards the fund which is for two great causes .
Moors boss Jimmy Shan has led from the front in these challenges , which have been raising much needed money for both the NHS Charities Together and The Village of Forgiveness , amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The latter charity , which many will be forgiven for not having heard of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious projects which directly assist in the integration and education of excluded and vulnerable people in challenging locations worldwide .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Birmingham City news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 The specific fundraising event will help launch the charity ’ s first UK based project which will be in partnership with the Solihull Moors Foundation and will be based in Chelmsley Wood .
Over 50 people took part in the challenge to run or walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours on Saturday 23rd May 2020 .
Well over £25,000 has already been raised online across the two donation sites and the Moors have urged the public and local football supporters for help in getting that total even higher .
Boss Shan , his assistant manager Richard Beale , chairman Darryl Eales , vice-chairman Tim Murphy and club captain Darren Carter took part in the 24-hour challenge .
Many more participated ranging from club staff to local footballers including former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and ex-West Brom midfielder James Morrison .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us show our appreciation of the NHS by clicking here or by clicking here .

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Solihull Moors have said a big thank you after more than £25,000 was raised from their ‘The Moors 4s’ challenge - and members of the public who are able to do so have been urged to donate towards the fund which is for two great causes.
Moors boss Jimmy Shan has led from the front in these challenges, which have been raising much needed money for both the NHS Charities Together and The Village of Forgiveness, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The latter charity, which many will be forgiven for not having heard of, is a new charity which supports ambitious projects which directly assist in the integration and education of excluded and vulnerable people in challenging locations worldwide.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City 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
The specific fundraising event will help launch the charity’s first UK based project which will be in partnership with the Solihull Moors Foundation and will be based in Chelmsley Wood.
Over 50 people took part in the challenge to run or walk 4 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours on Saturday 23rd May 2020.
Well over £25,000 has already been raised online across the two donation sites and the Moors have urged the public and local football supporters for help in getting that total even higher.
Boss Shan, his assistant manager Richard Beale, chairman Darryl Eales, vice-chairman Tim Murphy and club captain Darren Carter took part in the 24-hour challenge.
Many more participated ranging from club staff to local footballers including former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and ex-West Brom midfielder James Morrison.
You can still make a donation here and help us show our appreciation of the NHS by clicking here or by clicking here.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Premier League eyeing mid September start for 2020-21 season

The Premier League are set to tell their participating clubs that they intend to begin the new season by the middle of September at a meeting scheduled for Thursday .
Aston Villa are back in group training at Bodymoor Heath as they prepare for the resumption of their relegation fight on the pitch in the near future ; the chances of that happening increased this week after the top flight confirmed that full contact training among players can get going again .
There remains hope that the current campaign , suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic , can be completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with phase one of Project Restart largely deemed a success .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 There have , though , still been some positive cases of Covid discovered during various rounds of testing - Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa have been among them .
Should there be another spike in positive cases , it could curtail the league ’ s plans to complete the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still set to inform clubs that the 2020-21 campaign will go ahead on time , irrespective if this season is able to be finished or not .
According to the Daily Mail , the league are aiming for the new kick off on the weekend of September 12-13 .
Villa , who like many other clubs at the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship don ’ t know as things stand which division they ’ ll be in for the new term , currently sit down in 19th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand against Sheffield United would lift them out of the relegation zone .
Should the season not be completed because of Covid , then clubs will be asked to approve the remainder of the campaign being determined by a points per game average .

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The Premier League are set to tell their participating clubs that they intend to begin the new season by the middle of September at a meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Aston Villa are back in group training at Bodymoor Heath as they prepare for the resumption of their relegation fight on the pitch in the near future; the chances of that happening increased this week after the top flight confirmed that full contact training among players can get going again.
There remains hope that the current campaign, suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, can be completed safely in the next couple of months, with phase one of Project Restart largely deemed a success.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox 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
There have, though, still been some positive cases of Covid discovered during various rounds of testing - Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Watford defender Adrian Mariappa have been among them.
Should there be another spike in positive cases, it could curtail the league’s plans to complete the remaining fixtures - but they’re still set to inform clubs that the 2020-21 campaign will go ahead on time, irrespective if this season is able to be finished or not.
According to the Daily Mail, the league are aiming for the new kick off on the weekend of September 12-13.
Villa, who like many other clubs at the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship don’t know as things stand which division they’ll be in for the new term, currently sit down in 19th but a victory in their game in hand against Sheffield United would lift them out of the relegation zone.
Should the season not be completed because of Covid, then clubs will be asked to approve the remainder of the campaign being determined by a points per game average.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Premier League confirm four new positive tests as Villa return looms

The Premier League has confirmed four more positive tests for coronavirus .
Over 1,000 players and staff were tested on Monday and Tuesday after clubs returned to training last week .
Aston Villa reported back to Bodymoor Heath to train in groups of up to five while maintaining social distancing .
A statement from the top-flight has now confirmed four positive results from three clubs in the latest round of testing .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest Villa 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can today confirm that on Monday 25 May and Tuesday 26 May , 1008 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 .
Of these , four have tested positive from three clubs .
`` Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days .
`` Previously , between 19-22 May , 996 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 , of which two tested positive from two clubs .
Some 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 on 17-18 May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For the fourth round of testing , the number of tests available to each club will be increased from 50 to 60 .
`` The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency .
No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing . ''
There have been 12 confirmed cases across the three rounds of testing .
The Premier League are hoping to resume fixtures next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being targeted .

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The Premier League has confirmed four more positive tests for coronavirus.
Over 1,000 players and staff were tested on Monday and Tuesday after clubs returned to training last week.
Aston Villa reported back to Bodymoor Heath to train in groups of up to five while maintaining social distancing.
A statement from the top-flight has now confirmed four positive results from three clubs in the latest round of testing.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox 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
It reads: "The Premier League can today confirm that on Monday 25 May and Tuesday 26 May, 1008 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, four have tested positive from three clubs.
"Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.
"Previously, between 19-22 May, 996 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19, of which two tested positive from two clubs. Some 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 on 17-18 May, with six testing positive from three clubs.
"For the fourth round of testing, the number of tests available to each club will be increased from 50 to 60.
"The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing."
There have been 12 confirmed cases across the three rounds of testing.
The Premier League are hoping to resume fixtures next month with a June 12 return date currently being targeted.