birminghammail--2020-02-18--School expansion plan dropped in Solihull after ferocious objections

Controversial plans to expand a Solihull primary school - which drew ferocious objections from many nearby residents - have been dropped .
The proposal to double the size of St Augustine 's Catholic Primary has been the subject of heated debate since it was published some nine months ago .
On February 5 , the planning committee had roundly rejected the scheme , fearing the impact it would have on existing traffic and road safety issues .
Education chiefs have now agreed they can not proceed , as any expansion depended on being able to build new classrooms to accommodate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the latest news from Solihull , join our Facebook group here The council must now go back to the drawing board , amid warnings from officers that the need to provide extra school places had not gone away .
Cllr Joe Tildesley ( Con , St Alphege ) said he was pleased for residents that the plans had been dropped .
`` They fought a lengthy , determined campaign which always recognised that they had no fundamental issue against the need for additional Roman Catholic places in the borough , rather that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school for such expansion . ''
He said that more work was needed to meet the future demand , but believed `` the right time '' was once the borough 's housing plans for the next 15 years had been finalised .
The decision session took place in an almost empty committee room , a sharp contrast to six days earlier when the seating area had been crowded with local people attending the critical planning meeting .
Writing on the Whitefields Action Group ( WAG ) website , resident Peter Cogley called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to relieve congestion in the area .
`` There is a great solution here for decades to come .
Yes , it requires goodwill and imagination , but why not test us all ?
`` Oppose us , underestimate us , and February 5 gets repeated .
Have the vision , the foresight to reach out to us and we can , and will , help . ''
Cllr Ken Meeson , cabinet member for children , education and skills , said he was withdrawing the proposal because it `` lacked the required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously have to keep under review the sufficiency of places with regard to faith schools , '' he said .

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Controversial plans to expand a Solihull primary school - which drew ferocious objections from many nearby residents - have been dropped.
The proposal to double the size of St Augustine's Catholic Primary has been the subject of heated debate since it was published some nine months ago.
On February 5, the planning committee had roundly rejected the scheme, fearing the impact it would have on existing traffic and road safety issues.
Education chiefs have now agreed they cannot proceed, as any expansion depended on being able to build new classrooms to accommodate the extra pupils.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Solihull, join our Facebook group here
(Image: Roger Fitton)
The council must now go back to the drawing board, amid warnings from officers that the need to provide extra school places had not gone away.
Cllr Joe Tildesley (Con, St Alphege) said he was pleased for residents that the plans had been dropped.
"They fought a lengthy, determined campaign which always recognised that they had no fundamental issue against the need for additional Roman Catholic places in the borough, rather that St Augustine's was totally the wrong school for such expansion."
He said that more work was needed to meet the future demand, but believed "the right time" was once the borough's housing plans for the next 15 years had been finalised.
(Image: Google Street View)
The decision session took place in an almost empty committee room, a sharp contrast to six days earlier when the seating area had been crowded with local people attending the critical planning meeting.
Writing on the Whitefields Action Group (WAG) website, resident Peter Cogley called on the council to now look at ways to relieve congestion in the area.
"There is a great solution here for decades to come. Yes, it requires goodwill and imagination, but why not test us all?
"Oppose us, underestimate us, and February 5 gets repeated. Have the vision, the foresight to reach out to us and we can, and will, help."
Cllr Ken Meeson, cabinet member for children, education and skills, said he was withdrawing the proposal because it "lacked the required planning consent."
"We will obviously have to keep under review the sufficiency of places with regard to faith schools," he said.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Masked screwdriver gang pull pregnant mum from bed and kick unborn baby in horror gold raid

A brutal robbery gang tore a pregnant mum from her bed before kicking her in the stomach in a sickening gold raid .
The three masked thugs , armed with screwdrivers , forced their way into a house in Highfield Road , Hall Green , on Saturday evening , February 15 .
The expectant mum , who was at home with other children in the property , was pulled from her bed and kicked in the stomach and legs at around 6pm .
Another woman inside the house tried to intervene but the thieves fled with a haul of gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your community , join our Facebook group here No-one was seriously hurt , West Midlands Police said .
Police have yet to make any arrests and urged any witnesses to come forward .
An image of the gold stolen was shared in a bid to hunt the attackers who may be selling the jewellery on .
Det Sgt Tom Lyons , from force CID , said : `` This was a nasty assault on two women , who were at home with their children .
“ Fortunately , no-one was seriously injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot worse .
`` This attack happened in the early evening , so we are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything in the area at the time to contact us , or if you saw any suspicious behaviour on the road at the time .
`` We are also appealing to anyone who sees this jewellery being sold , or if you notice jewellery appearing at your home that was not there before . ''
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime reference number 20BE/42472G/20 .

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A brutal robbery gang tore a pregnant mum from her bed before kicking her in the stomach in a sickening gold raid.
The three masked thugs, armed with screwdrivers, forced their way into a house in Highfield Road, Hall Green, on Saturday evening, February 15.
The expectant mum, who was at home with other children in the property, was pulled from her bed and kicked in the stomach and legs at around 6pm.
Another woman inside the house tried to intervene but the thieves fled with a haul of gold jewellery.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join our Facebook group here
No-one was seriously hurt, West Midlands Police said.
Police have yet to make any arrests and urged any witnesses to come forward.
An image of the gold stolen was shared in a bid to hunt the attackers who may be selling the jewellery on.
Det Sgt Tom Lyons, from force CID, said: "This was a nasty assault on two women, who were at home with their children.
“Fortunately, no-one was seriously injured, but the outcome could have been a lot worse.
"This attack happened in the early evening, so we are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything in the area at the time to contact us, or if you saw any suspicious behaviour on the road at the time.
"We are also appealing to anyone who sees this jewellery being sold, or if you notice jewellery appearing at your home that was not there before."
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference number 20BE/42472G/20.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--FA take action over West Brom striker Charlie Austin's expletive-laden tweets

Charlie Austin has been asked by the Football Association to explain his offensive comments aimed at Southampton fans on social media , the PA news agency understands .
The West Brom striker , who joined the club from Southampton last summer , responded to criticism from Saints fans on Twitter with an expletive-laden rant on Saturday .
Austin , 30 , had initially retweeted a comment on the dangers of social media , but responded to replies from two Southampton fans by mocking their club 's supporters in general .
The expletive-laden tweets have since been deleted from Austin 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be investigating the incident and has asked Austin for his observations .
In January 2019 , Austin admitted to an FA charge and was banned for two games after gesturing at Manchester City fans when substituted in Southampton 's 3-1 defeat at St Mary 's on December 30 .
Austin made over 80 appearances for Southampton , scoring 20 goals in all competitions , during a two-year spell at the club before signing for West Brom for a reported £4million in August 2019 .
He has scored nine goals in 28 appearances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are top of the Sky Bet Championship .

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Charlie Austin has been asked by the Football Association to explain his offensive comments aimed at Southampton fans on social media, the PA news agency understands.
The West Brom striker, who joined the club from Southampton last summer, responded to criticism from Saints fans on Twitter with an expletive-laden rant on Saturday.
Austin, 30, had initially retweeted a comment on the dangers of social media, but responded to replies from two Southampton fans by mocking their club's supporters in general.
The expletive-laden tweets have since been deleted from Austin's Twitter account.
The FA is understood to be investigating the incident and has asked Austin for his observations.
In January 2019, Austin admitted to an FA charge and was banned for two games after gesturing at Manchester City fans when substituted in Southampton's 3-1 defeat at St Mary's on December 30.
Austin made over 80 appearances for Southampton, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, during a two-year spell at the club before signing for West Brom for a reported £4million in August 2019.
He has scored nine goals in 28 appearances in total this season for West Brom, who are top of the Sky Bet Championship.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--'So many chances!' - Spurs ace makes honest Aston Villa admission

Harry Winks has revealed that he had all but given up hope of beating Aston Villa- and did n't think Heung-Min Son would score his 94th minute chance .
Tottenham spurned chance after chance in the second half on Sunday , with Pepe Reina rolling back the years in the Villa goal .
Son himself missed a number of one-on-ones in the second half , before he finally managed to beat Reina and lead them to a 3-2 win .
Speaking since the dramatic win , the Spurs midfielder has admitted he did n't hold out too much hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on B6 .
Asked if he thought he would miss his late , late chance , Winks said : `` After that game , yes , he missed so many chances !
`` But credit to him , he showed just how much of a world class player he is , going one-v-one and keeping his composure with the last kick of the game .
`` All game , he kept going , kept going .
He 'll be the first to admit he should have scored some of those other chances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delighted for him .
For us it was a great feeling to score in the last minute to celebrate with fans on that side of the pitch .
It was amazing .
`` I did n't think we 'd score , to be honest , '' Winks admitted .
`` We had so many chances to and I just thought we were going to have to settle for the draw at the end but Sonny , credit to him , he 's managed to put the last one away , the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one point and one place ahead of the relegation zone , whilst Spurs sit on the cusp of the top-four .

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Harry Winks has revealed that he had all but given up hope of beating Aston Villa- and didn't think Heung-Min Son would score his 94th minute chance.
Tottenham spurned chance after chance in the second half on Sunday, with Pepe Reina rolling back the years in the Villa goal.
Son himself missed a number of one-on-ones in the second half, before he finally managed to beat Reina and lead them to a 3-2 win.
(Image: PA)
Speaking since the dramatic win, the Spurs midfielder has admitted he didn't hold out too much hope that Son would prove to be the hero on B6.
Asked if he thought he would miss his late, late chance, Winks said: "After that game, yes, he missed so many chances!
"But credit to him, he showed just how much of a world class player he is, going one-v-one and keeping his composure with the last kick of the game.
"All game, he kept going, kept going. He'll be the first to admit he should have scored some of those other chances. But he was fantastic, we're delighted for him. For us it was a great feeling to score in the last minute to celebrate with fans on that side of the pitch. It was amazing.
"I didn't think we'd score, to be honest," Winks admitted. "We had so many chances to and I just thought we were going to have to settle for the draw at the end but Sonny, credit to him, he's managed to put the last one away, the most important one."
The defeat leaves Villa just one point and one place ahead of the relegation zone, whilst Spurs sit on the cusp of the top-four.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Anger over £4m for Dudley council ‘palace’ while your council tax rises

Plans to spend £4 million refurbishing Dudley Council house to create a ‘ palace ’ have been labelled a waste of money while tax payers face a 3.99 per cent increase .
Labour councillors have attacked the scheme saying it will create plush offices while the authority struggles to provide services and deal with problems like crime and anti-social behaviour .
Hitting out at the scheme Cllr Qadar Zada , Labour leader on the council , has said the council tax payers will be furious if the plan goes ahead , saying : “ The Tories have got their priorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership will have a plush office paid for by tax payers from where they can decide how to slash services further to pay for their comfort .
“ When they find out , residents will quite rightly be furious about this crass decision to frivolously throw away their money.
” The proposal for a make over of the Grade II listed building on Priory Road and its adjacent offices were revealed at last week ’ s Cabinet which also discussed a 3.99 per cent increase in council tax .
Arguing the borough was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime and anti-social behaviour , housing and social care , he added : “ We are not in support of a Conservative palace to be built in the centre of Dudley .
“ In the same evening we receive one report that increases Council Tax and the burden on local residents and a further set of cuts to local services and a few pages later the Conservative administration is proposing a ludicrous waste of money.
” But Cllr Patrick Harley , leader of the council has defended the plans saying work on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He accused the Labour leader of not checking his facts , saying : “ Before he starts criticising he wants to start by finding out what the details are .
“ He has had the report for about two weeks and he can easily found out what the plans are .
“ Responding to Labour claims it would create a ‘ palace ’ he said : “ It ’ s pretty childish and if they ’ ve got to resort to that they have already lost the argument .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial improvement works for many , many years .
“ If we didn ’ t maintain it he would be the first to criticise us for not maintaining our heritage.
” He added because of its age there could be unforeseen problems like asbestos which the council had to budget for .
“ We don ’ t what we might find and it might not cost as much as 4 million but it is better to have it in the pot if we need it , ” Cllr Harley said .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other local authority ’ s buildings close to Priory Road .

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Plans to spend £4 million refurbishing Dudley Council house to create a ‘palace’ have been labelled a waste of money while tax payers face a 3.99 per cent increase.
Labour councillors have attacked the scheme saying it will create plush offices while the authority struggles to provide services and deal with problems like crime and anti-social behaviour.
Hitting out at the scheme Cllr Qadar Zada, Labour leader on the council, has said the council tax payers will be furious if the plan goes ahead, saying: “The Tories have got their priorities wrong.
“It sounds like the leadership will have a plush office paid for by tax payers from where they can decide how to slash services further to pay for their comfort.
“When they find out, residents will quite rightly be furious about this crass decision to frivolously throw away their money.”
The proposal for a make over of the Grade II listed building on Priory Road and its adjacent offices were revealed at last week’s Cabinet which also discussed a 3.99 per cent increase in council tax.
Arguing the borough was in desperate need of cash to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, housing and social care, he added: “We are not in support of a Conservative palace to be built in the centre of Dudley.
“In the same evening we receive one report that increases Council Tax and the burden on local residents and a further set of cuts to local services and a few pages later the Conservative administration is proposing a ludicrous waste of money.”
But Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of the council has defended the plans saying work on the 1930s Art Deco building is long overdue.
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He accused the Labour leader of not checking his facts, saying: “Before he starts criticising he wants to start by finding out what the details are.
“He has had the report for about two weeks and he can easily found out what the plans are. “
Responding to Labour claims it would create a ‘palace’ he said: “It’s pretty childish and if they’ve got to resort to that they have already lost the argument.
“It’s an old building that has required substantial improvement works for many, many years.
“If we didn’t maintain it he would be the first to criticise us for not maintaining our heritage.”
He added because of its age there could be unforeseen problems like asbestos which the council had to budget for.
“We don’t what we might find and it might not cost as much as 4 million but it is better to have it in the pot if we need it,” Cllr Harley said.
He added the refurbishment would also improve and update other local authority’s buildings close to Priory Road.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Three badly hurt as Audi sent spinning off road in serious Hodge Hill crash

Three people were badly hurt after a 'high speed ' crash which sent an Audi spinning off a road and onto a resident 's driveway .
A woman and two men were trapped in two cars as they collided on Bromford Road , Hodge Hill , at around 8.30pm on Monday night , February 17 .
The drivers of the cars , both men , suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital .
The woman , a passenger in one of the vehicles , was treated for potentially serious injuries .
To keep up-to-date with the latest traffic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook group here Pictures showed a white Audi S3 , believed to be worth £37,000 , crumpled on a driveway after it swerved off the busy main road .
Police sealed off the scene while firefighters rescued the occupants and ambulance crews treated those involved .
Firefighters shared dramatic photos of the scene as they worked in 'difficult circumstances ' .
They blamed 'high speed and dangerous driving ' for the crash .
On Tuesday morning , firefighter Pete Drummond tweeted : `` Attended a challenging crasg with ( crews from ) Erdington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances to extricate three severely injured casualties from both vehicles .
An ambulance service spokesman said : “ Crews arrived to find a total of three patients following a two-car collision , all of whom had to be freed from their vehicles with help from colleagues from the fire service .
“ The drivers of both cars , both men , were treated for serious injuries .
`` One of them was then taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Birmingham , while the other was transported to Heartlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care paramedic from the MERIT team travelled individually with the patients to help continue treatment en-route to hospital .
“ The third patient , a woman , was treated for potentially serious injuries and also taken to Heartlands Hospital .
”

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Three people were badly hurt after a 'high speed' crash which sent an Audi spinning off a road and onto a resident's driveway.
A woman and two men were trapped in two cars as they collided on Bromford Road, Hodge Hill, at around 8.30pm on Monday night, February 17.
The drivers of the cars, both men, suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital.
The woman, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was treated for potentially serious injuries.
To keep up-to-date with the latest traffic and travel news across the city join our Facebook group here
(Image: WMFS)
Pictures showed a white Audi S3, believed to be worth £37,000, crumpled on a driveway after it swerved off the busy main road.
Police sealed off the scene while firefighters rescued the occupants and ambulance crews treated those involved.
Firefighters shared dramatic photos of the scene as they worked in 'difficult circumstances'. They blamed 'high speed and dangerous driving' for the crash.
On Tuesday morning, firefighter Pete Drummond tweeted: "Attended a challenging crasg with (crews from) Erdington and Ward End last night, crews worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances to extricate three severely injured casualties from both vehicles.
"High speed and dangerous driving the defining factor #speedawareness #OneTeam"
An ambulance service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find a total of three patients following a two-car collision, all of whom had to be freed from their vehicles with help from colleagues from the fire service.
“The drivers of both cars, both men, were treated for serious injuries.
(Image: WMFS)
"One of them was then taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, while the other was transported to Heartlands Hospital.
"The doctor and critical care paramedic from the MERIT team travelled individually with the patients to help continue treatment en-route to hospital.
“The third patient, a woman, was treated for potentially serious injuries and also taken to Heartlands Hospital.”


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Care home shuts after being labelled 'inadequate' in West Bromwich

A West Bromwich home for the mentally ill has shut after health inspectors labelled it inadequate and placed it in special measures .
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) gave McLaren House , in Bratt Street it ’ s lowest possible rating detailing breaches in regulations and issues not being properly addressed by its management .
Despite its concerns , the CQC allowed it to continue to operate but Sandwell Council confirmed it had now re-homed residents after being contacted by the CQC and the home ’ s owner .
The commission categorised the safety and leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while its effectiveness , care and responsiveness was rated , requires improvement .
The report said : “ People we spoke with told us they felt safe and secure at the home .
However , numerous incidents including abuse and/or allegations of abuse had not been adequately responded to and escalated to relevant partner agencies such as the local authority.
” In a summary of its findings it said : “ We saw positive interactions from staff and most people spoke positively about staff .
However , the inadequate response to safeguarding matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and the provider , failed to ensure people were always well treated and supported . ''
Inspectors said they also identified further breaches of the regulations due to the poor management of people ’ s risks , medicines , and the deployment of staff .
Despite its concerns , the CQC allowed to continue to operate placing it in special measures adding it would re-inspect within six months to check for significant improvements .
The owner of the home , Mrs Paulette Shirley speaking to Local Democracy Reporting Service denied the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspectors ’ findings .
She added the home had effectively been closed after Sandwell Council removed the residents placed in the residential unit .
A council spokesperson said : “ Following an inspection , the CQC rated the service as inadequate .
This raised considerable concerns for the council around the home ’ s ability to safely meet people ’ s needs .
“ Furthermore , the provider in response to the inspection served notice to the council to terminate the placements of the people the council funded at McLaren House .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six affected residents .
”

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A West Bromwich home for the mentally ill has shut after health inspectors labelled it inadequate and placed it in special measures.
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) gave McLaren House, in Bratt Street it’s lowest possible rating detailing breaches in regulations and issues not being properly addressed by its management.
Despite its concerns, the CQC allowed it to continue to operate but Sandwell Council confirmed it had now re-homed residents after being contacted by the CQC and the home’s owner.
The commission categorised the safety and leadership of the home McLaren House as inadequate while its effectiveness, care and responsiveness was rated, requires improvement.
The report said: “People we spoke with told us they felt safe and secure at the home. However, numerous incidents including abuse and/or allegations of abuse had not been adequately responded to and escalated to relevant partner agencies such as the local authority.”
In a summary of its findings it said: “We saw positive interactions from staff and most people spoke positively about staff. However, the inadequate response to safeguarding matters and incidents at the service, by staff and the provider, failed to ensure people were always well treated and supported."
Inspectors said they also identified further breaches of the regulations due to the poor management of people’s risks, medicines, and the deployment of staff.
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Despite its concerns, the CQC allowed to continue to operate placing it in special measures adding it would re-inspect within six months to check for significant improvements.
The owner of the home, Mrs Paulette Shirley speaking to Local Democracy Reporting Service denied the allegations saying she was taking legal advice on inspectors’ findings.
She added the home had effectively been closed after Sandwell Council removed the residents placed in the residential unit.
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A council spokesperson said: “Following an inspection, the CQC rated the service as inadequate. This raised considerable concerns for the council around the home’s ability to safely meet people’s needs.
“Furthermore, the provider in response to the inspection served notice to the council to terminate the placements of the people the council funded at McLaren House.
“Therefore, the council has re-homed the six affected residents.”


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Ironbridge residents evacuated as River Severn floodwater destroys road

Residents living near one of the Midlands ' best-loved beauty spots were ordered from their homes as rising floodwater destroyed a road .
Telford & Wrekin Council workers were going door-to-door in Ironbridge preparing householders to be moved to a rest centre in the high street .
The authority said water pressure against flood barriers was causing the road surface to crack .
The evacuation could last a number of hours , it said .
A spokesman for the council said : “ At around 8.15am council teams began to evacuate residents from the Wharfage as the water pressure from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to crack .
“ Our teams are helping residents to evacuate to a rest centre provided by Cleo ’ s café on the High Street , Ironbridge .
“ We have been working with residents overnight to keep them updated .
Sandbags are still available to collect from Station Yard car park and the Ironbridge Park & Ride site.
” The authority had previously moved more than 20 vehicles from the Wharfage and Dale car parks to the Ironbridge Park and Ride to save them from floodwater .
Motorists were being advised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where 17 roads were closed , including Coton Hill and both the English and Welsh bridges .
The Government 's flood information service released a statement saying a severe flood warning was now in force , with fears the water may 'overtop ' the flood barriers 'on the current forecast ' .
It advised residents to have a bag packed and ready , with vital items such as medication and insurance documents , and move valuables to safety .
The statement on the Government website said : `` Due to current river levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential for the Ironbridge barrier to become ineffective .
`` Flood water may overtop the Ironbridge temporary barrier on the current forecast.
” Emergency crews were also in Bridgnorth where river levels were expected to peak later today .

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Residents living near one of the Midlands' best-loved beauty spots were ordered from their homes as rising floodwater destroyed a road.
Telford & Wrekin Council workers were going door-to-door in Ironbridge preparing householders to be moved to a rest centre in the high street.
The authority said water pressure against flood barriers was causing the road surface to crack.
The evacuation could last a number of hours, it said.
A spokesman for the council said: “At around 8.15am council teams began to evacuate residents from the Wharfage as the water pressure from the river has caused the road surface to crack.
“Our teams are helping residents to evacuate to a rest centre provided by Cleo’s café on the High Street, Ironbridge.
“We have been working with residents overnight to keep them updated. Sandbags are still available to collect from Station Yard car park and the Ironbridge Park & Ride site.”
The authority had previously moved more than 20 vehicles from the Wharfage and Dale car parks to the Ironbridge Park and Ride to save them from floodwater.
Motorists were being advised to avoid driving into the town centre, where 17 roads were closed, including Coton Hill and both the English and Welsh bridges.
The Government's flood information service released a statement saying a severe flood warning was now in force, with fears the water may 'overtop' the flood barriers 'on the current forecast'.
It advised residents to have a bag packed and ready, with vital items such as medication and insurance documents, and move valuables to safety.
The statement on the Government website said: "Due to current river levels and ground conditions there is now the potential for the Ironbridge barrier to become ineffective.
"Flood water may overtop the Ironbridge temporary barrier on the current forecast.”
Emergency crews were also in Bridgnorth where river levels were expected to peak later today.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--'Unacceptable' - Aston Villa respond to supporter group racism claims

Aston Villa have promised to investigate claims that the Ghana Lions supporter group have received racist abuse on social media .
The group , based in the town of Juaben in the Ashanti region of Ghana , follow Dean Smith 's side and watched their games on a weekly basis .
Owusu Boakye Amando is the man behind the group , who developed a love of all things claret and blue from his grandfather .
However , on their Twitter account , the Ghana Lions alleged they have been sent racist comments across social media .
They said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct messages .
Most of the fans always message me that we dont worth to be Villa fans because of our skin .
We are all very sad to see such messages .
Many of the fans here are saying we should stop posting here .
We want to leave twitter . ''
Since the initial message , Villa 's customer support account @ AVFCSupport have responded and condemned the actions : `` This is unacceptable behaviour and does not represent the Club in any way .
Aston Villa is an inclusive organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism .
We truly value your incredible support all the way from Ghana . ''
BiriminghamLive caught up with Owusu last year who spoke of his love for the club and how it all came about .
“ He used to talk about a certain player – ‘ God , God , God ’ .
So me and the kids with me asked him : ‘ Grandpa who is that God you are talking about ?
Because we all know that there 's only One God and he is in heaven ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ god in football and his name is Paul McGrath.
’ “ Grandpa passed away nine years ago and I have inherited it from him and doing what he used to do for us and I 'm doing the same for the people in my village .
“ We love Villa .
We did not choose , we were chosen . ''

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Aston Villa have promised to investigate claims that the Ghana Lions supporter group have received racist abuse on social media.
The group, based in the town of Juaben in the Ashanti region of Ghana, follow Dean Smith's side and watched their games on a weekly basis.
Owusu Boakye Amando is the man behind the group, who developed a love of all things claret and blue from his grandfather.
However, on their Twitter account, the Ghana Lions alleged they have been sent racist comments across social media.
They said: "We have been receiving racial comments and direct messages. Most of the fans always message me that we dont worth to be Villa fans because of our skin. We are all very sad to see such messages. Many of the fans here are saying we should stop posting here. We want to leave twitter."
Since the initial message, Villa's customer support account @AVFCSupport have responded and condemned the actions: "This is unacceptable behaviour and does not represent the Club in any way. Aston Villa is an inclusive organisation and has a zero tolerance attitude to racism. We truly value your incredible support all the way from Ghana."
BiriminghamLive caught up with Owusu last year who spoke of his love for the club and how it all came about.
“He used to talk about a certain player – ‘God, God, God’. So me and the kids with me asked him: ‘Grandpa who is that God you are talking about? Because we all know that there's only One God and he is in heaven’.
“He said: ‘Theres a god in football and his name is Paul McGrath.’
“Grandpa passed away nine years ago and I have inherited it from him and doing what he used to do for us and I'm doing the same for the people in my village.
“We love Villa. We did not choose, we were chosen."


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Pundit explains the two reasons Aston Villa lost to Tottenham

Lapses in concentration in defence are continuing to cost Aston Villa dearly .
That ’ s the view of pundit Noel Whelan , who thinks Villa afforded Tottenham ‘ far too much space ’ to attack in Sunday ’ s heartbreaking defeat .
Villa were heading for a 2-2 draw against Spurs but Bjorn Engels ’ stoppage time mistake allowed Son Heung-min to race in behind and finish past Pepe Reina to claim all three points .
Engels was drafted into the starting line-up because Tyrone Mings was ruled out with tonsillitis and Whelan says the England international ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a massive loss not to have Tyrone Mings there because he may have covered the ground a bit better , '' Whelan told Football Insider .
“ They left so much space against very quick players .
Engels , just when you need your centre-half to keep concentration and fire the ball back up the pitch – he takes a touch .
“ When you lose that sort of leader we have seen Villa struggle before .
That one player at the back with a bit of leadership – massive , massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of the defence .
“ Maybe they will look back and think about the things that they could have done better .
They gave Tottenham far too much space and were caught not defending properly again .
It is costing Villa.
” Dean Smith 's side are one point above the relegation zone going into Saturday 's trip to Southampton .

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Lapses in concentration in defence are continuing to cost Aston Villa dearly.
That’s the view of pundit Noel Whelan, who thinks Villa afforded Tottenham ‘far too much space’ to attack in Sunday’s heartbreaking defeat.
Villa were heading for a 2-2 draw against Spurs but Bjorn Engels’ stoppage time mistake allowed Son Heung-min to race in behind and finish past Pepe Reina to claim all three points.
Engels was drafted into the starting line-up because Tyrone Mings was ruled out with tonsillitis and Whelan says the England international’s absence hurt the hosts.
“It was a massive loss not to have Tyrone Mings there because he may have covered the ground a bit better," Whelan told Football Insider.
“They left so much space against very quick players. Engels, just when you need your centre-half to keep concentration and fire the ball back up the pitch – he takes a touch.
“When you lose that sort of leader we have seen Villa struggle before. That one player at the back with a bit of leadership – massive, massive miss. Especially in that position at the heart of the defence.
“Maybe they will look back and think about the things that they could have done better. They gave Tottenham far too much space and were caught not defending properly again. It is costing Villa.”
Dean Smith's side are one point above the relegation zone going into Saturday's trip to Southampton.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Harvey Weinstein rape trial jury begins deliberations

Jurors in Harvey Weinstein 's rape trial have started deliberating on charges in the landmark MeToo case that could put the once-powerful Hollywood mogul behind bars for the rest of his life .
The panel of seven men and five women received instructions in the law from the judge before beginning to weigh charges that the film producer raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performed oral sex on another woman , TV and film production assistant Mimi Haleyi , in 2006 .
Jurors will also weigh actress Annabella Sciorra 's account of a mid-1990s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sexual predator , even though the allegation is too old to be charged on its own due to the statute of limitations .
Other accusers gave evidence as part of the prosecution 's effort to show he used the same tactics to victimise many women over the years .
A torrent of allegations against Weinstein in October 2017 spawned the MeToo movement .
His trial is seen as a landmark moment for the cause , but Judge James Burke has cautioned jurors that it is `` not a referendum on the MeToo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent a similar message in a Newsweek essay over the weekend , drawing complaints from a prosecutor who said she appeared to be trying to influence the jury .
Ms Rotunno wrote that the jurors `` have an obligation to themselves and their country , to base their verdict solely on the facts , testimony and evidence presented to them in the courtroom '' , not critical news stories , unflattering courtroom sketches or other outside influences .
Confronted about the essay in court on Tuesday , Ms Rotunno said she was writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole '' and was not speaking to the jury in Weinstein 's case .
Assistant district attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon said the essay was `` 100 % inappropriate '' .
She asked Judge Burke to instruct the jury to ignore the piece and revoke Weinstein 's bail and send him to jail because , she argued , it could not have been done without his permission .
The judge denied the prosecution request , but told Weinstein : `` I would caution you about the tentacles of your public relations juggernaut . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illuzzi said Weinstein treated the women who accused him like `` complete disposables '' and made them feel ashamed even though he was the one who was at fault .
`` What he wants to do is he wants to get them in a situation where they feel stupid .
If you feel stupid and belittled , belittled , stupid people do not complain , '' the prosecutor told jurors .
But Ms Rotunno said in her closing argument last week that prosecutors had `` created a universe that strips adult women of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Haleyi , a former Project Runway production assistant , told the trial that Weinstein pushed her on to a bed and sexually assaulted her , undeterred by her kicks and pleas of : `` No , please do n't do this , I do n't want it . ''
The woman who says Weinstein raped her in 2013 sobbed in court as she described how she sent him flattering emails and kept seeing him after the alleged rape because `` I wanted him to believe I was n't a threat '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .

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Jurors in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial have started deliberating on charges in the landmark MeToo case that could put the once-powerful Hollywood mogul behind bars for the rest of his life.
The panel of seven men and five women received instructions in the law from the judge before beginning to weigh charges that the film producer raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performed oral sex on another woman, TV and film production assistant Mimi Haleyi, in 2006.
Jurors will also weigh actress Annabella Sciorra's account of a mid-1990s rape in considering charges alleging Weinstein is a sexual predator, even though the allegation is too old to be charged on its own due to the statute of limitations.
Other accusers gave evidence as part of the prosecution's effort to show he used the same tactics to victimise many women over the years.
(Image: AP)
A torrent of allegations against Weinstein in October 2017 spawned the MeToo movement. His trial is seen as a landmark moment for the cause, but Judge James Burke has cautioned jurors that it is "not a referendum on the MeToo movement".
Weinstein lawyer Donna Rotunno sent a similar message in a Newsweek essay over the weekend, drawing complaints from a prosecutor who said she appeared to be trying to influence the jury.
Ms Rotunno wrote that the jurors "have an obligation to themselves and their country, to base their verdict solely on the facts, testimony and evidence presented to them in the courtroom", not critical news stories, unflattering courtroom sketches or other outside influences.
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Confronted about the essay in court on Tuesday, Ms Rotunno said she was writing "about the jury system as a whole" and was not speaking to the jury in Weinstein's case.
Assistant district attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon said the essay was "100% inappropriate". She asked Judge Burke to instruct the jury to ignore the piece and revoke Weinstein's bail and send him to jail because, she argued, it could not have been done without his permission.
The judge denied the prosecution request, but told Weinstein: "I would caution you about the tentacles of your public relations juggernaut."
In her closing argument on Friday, Ms Illuzzi said Weinstein treated the women who accused him like "complete disposables" and made them feel ashamed even though he was the one who was at fault.
"What he wants to do is he wants to get them in a situation where they feel stupid. If you feel stupid and belittled, belittled, stupid people do not complain," the prosecutor told jurors.
But Ms Rotunno said in her closing argument last week that prosecutors had "created a universe that strips adult women of common sense, autonomy and responsibility".
Ms Haleyi, a former Project Runway production assistant, told the trial that Weinstein pushed her on to a bed and sexually assaulted her, undeterred by her kicks and pleas of: "No, please don't do this, I don't want it."
The woman who says Weinstein raped her in 2013 sobbed in court as she described how she sent him flattering emails and kept seeing him after the alleged rape because "I wanted him to believe I wasn't a threat".
The jury will resume deliberations on Wednesday.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Lewis Capaldi addresses ex Love Island's Paige in BRITs speech

Lewis Capaldi took home his second award of the night as he won the song of the year for his single Someone You Loved .
After winning song of the year for Someone You Loved , Capaldi joked that some people thought it was about his ex-girlfriend , Love Island contestant Paige Turley .
He said : `` A lot of people think it is about my ex-girlfriend who you can now see every night on Love Island .
`` It was actually about my grandmother who sadly passed away a few years ago . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the best year of my life . ''
He took a bottle of Buckfast , a powerful alcoholic beverage popular in his home town of Glasgow , with him to the podium .
Sam Fender said that the Brit Award he won last year has been `` made into a beer pump '' at a pub near where he lives .
The Georgie singer , who was named Brits rising star in 2019 , added that former Newcastle United forward Alan Shearer had wished him good luck before this year 's ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artist .
Fender said : `` He text us before saying good luck and that , hope you win .
`` I said 'there 's nae chance of that Alan ' . ''
After winning the international female solo artist award an emotional Billie Eilish said that seeing the crowds made her `` want to cry '' .
She said : `` I have felt very hated recently .
`` When I was on the stage and I saw you guys all smiling at me it genuinely made me want to cry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` London has always felt like a second home to me . ''

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Lewis Capaldi took home his second award of the night as he won the song of the year for his single Someone You Loved.
After winning song of the year for Someone You Loved, Capaldi joked that some people thought it was about his ex-girlfriend, Love Island contestant Paige Turley.
He said: "A lot of people think it is about my ex-girlfriend who you can now see every night on Love Island.
"It was actually about my grandmother who sadly passed away a few years ago."
He added: "Thank you so much, this has been the best year of my life."
(Image: PA)
He took a bottle of Buckfast, a powerful alcoholic beverage popular in his home town of Glasgow, with him to the podium.
Sam Fender said that the Brit Award he won last year has been "made into a beer pump" at a pub near where he lives.
The Georgie singer, who was named Brits rising star in 2019, added that former Newcastle United forward Alan Shearer had wished him good luck before this year's ceremony, where he was nominated for new artist.
Fender said: "He text us before saying good luck and that, hope you win.
"I said 'there's nae chance of that Alan'."
After winning the international female solo artist award an emotional Billie Eilish said that seeing the crowds made her "want to cry".
She said: "I have felt very hated recently.
"When I was on the stage and I saw you guys all smiling at me it genuinely made me want to cry and I want to cry now."
She added: "London has always felt like a second home to me."


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Man Utd new Grealish plan and £18m Guirassy development

Welcome to Tuesday 's live Aston Villa blog , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
Thoughts are now beginning to @ @ @ @ @ clash with Southampton after the crushing defeat to Tottenham on Sunday .
Villa lost 3-2 @ @ @ @ @ 94th minute goal condemning Dean Smith 's men to another Premier League defeat .
The @ @ @ @ @ and one place outside of the relegation zone , with West Ham having played a @ @ @ @ @ They have one more league game , before the Carabao Cup final takes centre stage @ @ @ @ @ month .
We will have all the latest news and much more throughout the day @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ben Husband)

Welcome to Tuesday's live Aston Villa blog, brought to you by BirminghamLive.
Thoughts are now beginning to turn to Saturday's vital clash with Southampton after the crushing defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
Villa lost 3-2 to Spurs, with a 94th minute goal condemning Dean Smith's men to another Premier League defeat.
The result leaves Villa one point and one place outside of the relegation zone, with West Ham having played a game less below them.
They have one more league game, before the Carabao Cup final takes centre stage at the end of the month.
We will have all the latest news and much more throughout the day in our blog below.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--ITV slammed by BRIT Awards viewers after sound issues during ceremony

BRIT Awards viewers were left seething after audio issues during the broadcast of the ceremony this evening .
Viewers flocked to Twitter to hit out after Jack Whitehall 's interview with Harry Styles descended into chaos .
The Fine Line singer , 26 , was being interviewed by the comedian after performing earlier in the night .
But the sound kept cutting out - with many suggesting ITV `` had the hiccups . ''
One viewer seethed : `` What is going on with ITV ?
? ''
Another joked : `` Has itv got the hiccups ?
# thebritawards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , '' another said , referencing ITV Hub .
A fourth wrote : `` ITV I think you need to turn it off and on again hun.. '' '' Yo @ ITV I think you need to sort your sound out # Brits2020 # brits # BritAwards '' said a fifth .
Whitehall and Styles , from Worcestershire , were seen chatting following Billie Eilish winning Best International Female .
The Bad Guy singer had earlier performed her new track , No Time To Die , for the first time in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forthcoming James Bond movie .
After winning the international female solo artist award an emotional Billie Eilish said that seeing the crowds made her `` want to cry '' .
She said : `` I have felt very hated recently .
`` When I was on the stage and I saw you guys all smiling at me it genuinely made me want to cry and I want to cry now . ''
She added : `` London has always felt like a second home to me . ''
Other performers on the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stormzy , Lewis Capaldi and Dave also performed , as well as Critics Choice Award winner Celeste .

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BRIT Awards viewers were left seething after audio issues during the broadcast of the ceremony this evening.
Viewers flocked to Twitter to hit out after Jack Whitehall's interview with Harry Styles descended into chaos.
The Fine Line singer, 26, was being interviewed by the comedian after performing earlier in the night.
But the sound kept cutting out - with many suggesting ITV "had the hiccups."
One viewer seethed: "What is going on with ITV??"
(Image: PA)
Another joked: "Has itv got the hiccups? #thebritawards"
"I restarted it like 100 times," another said, referencing ITV Hub.
A fourth wrote: "ITV I think you need to turn it off and on again hun.."
"Yo @ITV I think you need to sort your sound out #Brits2020 #brits #BritAwards" said a fifth.
Whitehall and Styles, from Worcestershire, were seen chatting following Billie Eilish winning Best International Female.
The Bad Guy singer had earlier performed her new track, No Time To Die, for the first time in a live setting.
It will soundtrack the forthcoming James Bond movie.
After winning the international female solo artist award an emotional Billie Eilish said that seeing the crowds made her "want to cry".
She said: "I have felt very hated recently.
"When I was on the stage and I saw you guys all smiling at me it genuinely made me want to cry and I want to cry now."
She added: "London has always felt like a second home to me."
(Image: PA)
Other performers on the night included Styles himself, who performed Falling.
Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi and Dave also performed, as well as Critics Choice Award winner Celeste.
Lizzo performed a medley.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Micah Richards makes demand of Aston Villa boss Dean Smith

Aston Villa are paying the price for playing too expansively in the Premier League , according to Micah Richards .
Boss Dean Smith has been keen to stick to his philosophy of front-foot football having led Villa to promotion in his first season in charge .
But Sunday ’ s defeat to Tottenham was Villa ’ s 15th of the campaign with only bottom-side Norwich City having suffered more league losses .
Villa are above the relegation zone by a point as things stand but Richards thinks his former side may have to become more pragmatic in their approach as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In terms of game management , sometimes I have been there and you are screaming and shouting and you are telling people to drop in , '' the ex-defender said on BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` Sometimes , no matter what you say or do , it 's just the way football goes - I just feel like the way Dean Smith plays , he 's sometimes too offensive .
`` In the Championship , it was great because you could pick off teams , you could make mistakes but you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League , they are getting punished . ''
Villa have conceded 50 goals so far - the most of any top-flight side - but have also out-scored all of their relegation rivals .

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Aston Villa are paying the price for playing too expansively in the Premier League, according to Micah Richards.
Boss Dean Smith has been keen to stick to his philosophy of front-foot football having led Villa to promotion in his first season in charge.
But Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham was Villa’s 15th of the campaign with only bottom-side Norwich City having suffered more league losses.
Villa are above the relegation zone by a point as things stand but Richards thinks his former side may have to become more pragmatic in their approach as the battle for survival hots up.
"In terms of game management, sometimes I have been there and you are screaming and shouting and you are telling people to drop in," the ex-defender said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Sometimes, no matter what you say or do, it's just the way football goes - I just feel like the way Dean Smith plays, he's sometimes too offensive.
"In the Championship, it was great because you could pick off teams, you could make mistakes but you would always score a goal. In the Premier League, they are getting punished."
Villa have conceded 50 goals so far - the most of any top-flight side - but have also out-scored all of their relegation rivals.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Tyler The Creator's brutal swipe at Theresa May after winning BRIT

After winning the international male solo artist award at the BRIT Awards , Tyler , The Creator made fun of former prime minister Theresa May , who he said had previously stopped him entering the country .
He said : `` Thank you Theresa May .
`` I know she 's at home pissed off . ''
He also paid tribute to the UK music scene , saying : `` Shout our to all the British funk from the 80s that I try to copy . ''
American singer Billie Eilish performed the new James Bond film title track , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time .
The 18-year-old was joined on stage by her brother and co-writer , Finneas O'Connell , as well as Hans Zimmer and The Smiths ' Johnny Marr .
Eilish is nominated in the international female solo artist category .
Grime star Stormzy thanked the women in his team after collecting the male solo artist award .
He said : `` To be the best male , I have got the most incredible females in my team .
`` You lot are the greatest , the best male is nothing without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys .
`` To every single person who supported me , I love you .
Thank you guys . ''
The ceremony is being hosted by Jack Whitehall , who paid tribute to Caroline Flack , who he said was `` a member of the Brits family '' during his opening monologue .
He said the Love Island presenter , who was found dead on Saturday having taken her own life , was `` a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun '' .
`` She will be sorely missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family . ''

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After winning the international male solo artist award at the BRIT Awards, Tyler, The Creator made fun of former prime minister Theresa May, who he said had previously stopped him entering the country.
He said: "Thank you Theresa May.
"I know she's at home pissed off."
He also paid tribute to the UK music scene, saying: "Shout our to all the British funk from the 80s that I try to copy."
American singer Billie Eilish performed the new James Bond film title track, No Time To Die, live for the first time.
The 18-year-old was joined on stage by her brother and co-writer, Finneas O'Connell, as well as Hans Zimmer and The Smiths' Johnny Marr.
Eilish is nominated in the international female solo artist category.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Grime star Stormzy thanked the women in his team after collecting the male solo artist award.
He said: "To be the best male, I have got the most incredible females in my team.
"You lot are the greatest, the best male is nothing without the best females. I love you guys.
(Image: PA)
"To every single person who supported me, I love you. Thank you guys."
The ceremony is being hosted by Jack Whitehall, who paid tribute to Caroline Flack, who he said was "a member of the Brits family" during his opening monologue.
He said the Love Island presenter, who was found dead on Saturday having taken her own life, was "a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun".
"She will be sorely missed," he said.
"I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family."


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Jack Whitehall breaks BRIT Awards viewers hearts with Caroline Flack tribute

Brit Awards host Jack Whitehall paid tribute to Caroline Flack during his opening monologue , saying she was `` a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun '' .
Former Love Island presenter Flack was found dead at her home in east London on Saturday , having taken her own life .
Taking to the stage at the O2 Arena in London , Whitehall said : `` Over the weekend we had the awful news that a member of the Brits family , our friend Caroline Flack , tragically passed away .
`` She was a kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fun .
`` She will be sorely missed .
`` I 'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family . ''
Lewis Capaldi then performed his hit Someone You Loved .
Earlier in his opening speech , Whitehall took aim at Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin .
He said : `` It 's the one night of the year you get to see your pop stars in a different light , sat there nervously waiting for an envelope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Day .
`` We have nine awards in total and in between I 'm going to pop up every now and again to annoy you all like Chris Martin at Glastonbury . ''
Listing the night 's performers and nominees , he said : `` When One Direction broke up we did n't give this one a hope in hell , the runt of the litter , old plain Jane on the end , but somehow he has managed to drag himself out of Niall 's ( Horan ) shadow - Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described American singer Billie Eilish as the `` only teenager who makes Greta Thunberg look lazy '' .
He said of Sir Rod Stewart : `` Did someone order a legend ?
Thirty-one top 10 singles , 10 number one albums and eight children , meaning he is currently on tour for the rest of his life , Sir Rod Stewart ! ''
The presenter also jokingly referred to Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood as an `` inspiration to caners everywhere '' .

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Brit Awards host Jack Whitehall paid tribute to Caroline Flack during his opening monologue, saying she was "a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun".
Former Love Island presenter Flack was found dead at her home in east London on Saturday, having taken her own life.
Taking to the stage at the O2 Arena in London, Whitehall said: "Over the weekend we had the awful news that a member of the Brits family, our friend Caroline Flack, tragically passed away.
"She was a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun.
"She will be sorely missed.
"I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family."
(Image: Getty Images for Bauer Media)
Lewis Capaldi then performed his hit Someone You Loved.
Earlier in his opening speech, Whitehall took aim at Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
He said: "It's the one night of the year you get to see your pop stars in a different light, sat there nervously waiting for an envelope to appear like Boris Johnson on Father's Day.
"We have nine awards in total and in between I'm going to pop up every now and again to annoy you all like Chris Martin at Glastonbury."
Listing the night's performers and nominees, he said: "When One Direction broke up we didn't give this one a hope in hell, the runt of the litter, old plain Jane on the end, but somehow he has managed to drag himself out of Niall's (Horan) shadow - Harry Styles is here!"
Whitehall also described American singer Billie Eilish as the "only teenager who makes Greta Thunberg look lazy".
He said of Sir Rod Stewart: "Did someone order a legend? Thirty-one top 10 singles, 10 number one albums and eight children, meaning he is currently on tour for the rest of his life, Sir Rod Stewart!"
The presenter also jokingly referred to Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood as an "inspiration to caners everywhere".


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Euromillions results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Tuesday February 18

It ’ s an exciting night for Euromillions players as Camelot plans to dish out multiple prizes to players across the UK .
The huge sum of money could buy you a new home , nice car , several world trips and you could live the life you 've always dreamed of .
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 8pm .
Millionaire Maker Selection : - one UK millionaire has been created : HTGW29689 The jackpot can rise to €190million ( approximately £167million ) .
If it reaches this level , it will be capped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above €190 million will roll down to boost the prize money at the next highest tier where there are winners ( most likely the 5+1 tier ) .
This can happen four times before the €190 million must be won .
If this happens and the jackpot is still not won , the entire €190 million - plus any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above this amount - would roll down to the next highest tier where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier ) .

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It’s an exciting night for Euromillions players as Camelot plans to dish out multiple prizes to players across the UK.
The huge sum of money could buy you a new home, nice car, several world trips and you could live the life you've always dreamed of.
The EuroMillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 8pm.
Tonight's National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are: 34, 32, 11, 38, 47.
Lucky Stars are: 10, 02.
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £22 million.
Millionaire Maker Selection: - one UK millionaire has been created: HTGW29689
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 06, 10, 27, 32, 34.
The Thunderball is 02.
The jackpot can rise to €190million (approximately £167million).
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
If it reaches this level, it will be capped - if the jackpot is not won, any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above €190 million will roll down to boost the prize money at the next highest tier where there are winners (most likely the 5+1 tier).
This can happen four times before the €190 million must be won.
If this happens and the jackpot is still not won, the entire €190 million - plus any additional money in the jackpot prize fund over and above this amount - would roll down to the next highest tier where there are winners (most likely the 5+1 tier).


birminghammail--2020-02-18--‘We’re set for years’ - Manchester United fans react to Jack Grealish transfer update

Manchester United fans have sent a clear message about Jack Grealish after it was reported the Aston Villa captain is the club ’ s number one transfer target this summer .
Grealish has plenty of admirers and it is understood United hold a firm interest in signing him before the start of next season .
The Old Trafford side reportedly finalised their shortlist for the summer at the end of January , with Grealish and Leicester City ’ s James Maddison lined up as options to fill the playmaker role .
Grealish 's record of seven goals and six assists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the top-flight and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add that kind of attacking flair to his squad .
The Athletic claims the 24-year-old is now United ’ s priority target for when the window re-opens – and they could pay up to £80m for him if Villa stay up .
Borussia Dortmund 's England star Jadon Sancho , formerly of Manchester City , is also named as a target .
Christian : This is what we need to see - Fernandes brought in and now prioritising Grealish and Sancho in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give us the talent & depth to challenge again .
Sarah Donnelly : Grealish and Sancho in the summer for what ?
180m ?
I 'm OK with that .
David : We ’ ll get him , and we won ’ t pay £80m for him either .
Uday : Go all out for him and sell Pogba .
We 're set for years .
Richard Day : Utd must have the edge over city to sign Grealish , City have an abundance of midfielders , Phil Foden needs to move on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fergietime : I 'm confident we get him over the likes of City .
He ’ ll play week in week out at United but at City they ’ re depth is too good and it ’ ll affect his game time .
Sara Gallagher : Add Sancho and Grealish to this squad along with another striker , really exciting .
What a difference Bruno Fernandes has made , actually excited watching United with him in team .

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Manchester United fans have sent a clear message about Jack Grealish after it was reported the Aston Villa captain is the club’s number one transfer target this summer.
Grealish has plenty of admirers and it is understood United hold a firm interest in signing him before the start of next season.
The Old Trafford side reportedly finalised their shortlist for the summer at the end of January, with Grealish and Leicester City’s James Maddison lined up as options to fill the playmaker role.
Grealish's record of seven goals and six assists makes him the most potent English midfielder in the top-flight and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add that kind of attacking flair to his squad.
The Athletic claims the 24-year-old is now United’s priority target for when the window re-opens – and they could pay up to £80m for him if Villa stay up.
Borussia Dortmund's England star Jadon Sancho, formerly of Manchester City, is also named as a target.
Here's how United fans reacted:
Christian: This is what we need to see - Fernandes brought in and now prioritising Grealish and Sancho in the summer. Absolutely has to happen, would give us the talent & depth to challenge again.
Sarah Donnelly: Grealish and Sancho in the summer for what? 180m? I'm OK with that.
David: We’ll get him, and we won’t pay £80m for him either.
Uday: Go all out for him and sell Pogba. We're set for years.
OleOut: Swap him for Pogba.
Richard Day: Utd must have the edge over city to sign Grealish, City have an abundance of midfielders, Phil Foden needs to move on from there if he wants to progress.
Fergietime: I'm confident we get him over the likes of City. He’ll play week in week out at United but at City they’re depth is too good and it’ll affect his game time.
Sara Gallagher: Add Sancho and Grealish to this squad along with another striker, really exciting. What a difference Bruno Fernandes has made, actually excited watching United with him in team.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Aston Villa at Wembley: Trains, tubes, coaches and cars - how to get there

On the 1st March 2020 Aston Villa will take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley .
If you are a Villa fan travelling from the Midlands whether it be by car or by train here is some useful information regarding travel routes .
Direct trains will run from Birmingham to London on match day .
Trains run to both London Euston station ( from New Street ) and London Marylebone station ( from Moor Street ) .
Several trains run each hour to both of the designated stations .
The first train that leaves Birmingham New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8:25 am .
If you are returning the same day the last train home from London is at 23:24 from London Euston station arriving back at 1:22 in the morning .
All Chiltern Railways trains between Birmingham Moor Street and Marylebone will call at Wembley Stadium and additional services will operate that day .
More information can be found here : www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.chilternrailways.co.uk/tickets-and-times/changes/202003 National Express will be running coaches on match day from the Midlands to Wembley stadium .
More information can be found here : https : //www.nationalexpress.com/en Birmingham to Wembley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way ) There are two main London Underground stations that are easily accessible for Wembley stadium .
This is a 5-minute walk away from Wembley stadium .
it is the closest tube station to the ground itself .
To get to this station you should take the Metropolitan Line direct to Baker Street or the Jubilee Line direct to Baker Street and Bond Street .
This tube station is a 15-minute walk away from the stadium .
To get to this station you can take the Bakerloo Line direct to Marylebone or Baker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three main routes you can take to get to Wembley Stadium from Birmingham by road .
Most routes take around 2 hours in total .
Via the M40 is approximately 121.2 miles .
It takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes Via the M6 and M1 is approximately 113.7 miles .
It takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes .
Via the M40 and A41 is approximately 120.8 miles .
It takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes .

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On the 1st March 2020 Aston Villa will take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.
If you are a Villa fan travelling from the Midlands whether it be by car or by train here is some useful information regarding travel routes.
Train routes
Direct trains will run from Birmingham to London on match day.
Trains run to both London Euston station (from New Street) and London Marylebone station (from Moor Street). Several trains run each hour to both of the designated stations.
The first train that leaves Birmingham New Street station on the Sunday is at 8:25 am. If you are returning the same day the last train home from London is at 23:24 from London Euston station arriving back at 1:22 in the morning.
All Chiltern Railways trains between Birmingham Moor Street and Marylebone will call at Wembley Stadium and additional services will operate that day.
More information can be found here: www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.chilternrailways.co.uk/tickets-and-times/changes/202003
National Express (coach)
National Express will be running coaches on match day from the Midlands to Wembley stadium.
More information can be found here: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en
Birmingham to Wembley Stadium- 3-hour journey- no changes (1 way)
(Image: PA)
London Underground/ Overground
There are two main London Underground stations that are easily accessible for Wembley stadium.
Wembley Park Tube
This is a 5-minute walk away from Wembley stadium. it is the closest tube station to the ground itself. To get to this station you should take the Metropolitan Line direct to Baker Street or the Jubilee Line direct to Baker Street and Bond Street.
Wembley Central Tube
This tube station is a 15-minute walk away from the stadium. To get to this station you can take the Bakerloo Line direct to Marylebone or Baker Street and Oxford Circus.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
By road
There are three main routes you can take to get to Wembley Stadium from Birmingham by road. Most routes take around 2 hours in total.
Via the M40 is approximately 121.2 miles. It takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes
Via the M6 and M1 is approximately 113.7 miles. It takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Via the M40 and A41 is approximately 120.8 miles. It takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Sir Rod Stewart and son Sean deny assault case involving security guard at Florida hotel

Music legend Sir Rod Stewart and his son Sean are set to appear in a pre-trial court hearing over assault allegations .
The veteran rocker , 75 , is accused of punching a security guard at a Florida hotel on New Year ’ s Eve in a dispute over entry into a private party .
Sir Rod and Sean , 39 , have both pleaded not guilty to a charge of simple battery .
Online court documents show a pre-trial hearing has been set for April 17 .
Sir Rod did not attend a hearing in Palm Beach on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The singer and his son were charged following an alleged altercation with a guard at the Breakers Palm Beach Hotel on New Year ’ s Eve .
The hotel ’ s security guard , named as Jessie Dixon in police documents , alleges they were part of a group attempting to get into a private party in a children ’ s area .
When asked to leave , it is alleged Sir Rod and his group “ began to get loud and cause a scene ” before Sean got “ about nose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security guard claimed that Sean shoved him backwards after he put the back of his right hand on his chest , and that Sir Rod then stepped towards him and punched him in the ribs .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Keiran Southern, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Music legend Sir Rod Stewart and his son Sean are set to appear in a pre-trial court hearing over assault allegations.
The veteran rocker, 75, is accused of punching a security guard at a Florida hotel on New Year’s Eve in a dispute over entry into a private party.
Sir Rod and Sean, 39, have both pleaded not guilty to a charge of simple battery. Online court documents show a pre-trial hearing has been set for April 17.
Sir Rod did not attend a hearing in Palm Beach on Tuesday, the PA news agency reports.
The singer and his son were charged following an alleged altercation with a guard at the Breakers Palm Beach Hotel on New Year’s Eve.
The hotel’s security guard, named as Jessie Dixon in police documents, alleges they were part of a group attempting to get into a private party in a children’s area.
When asked to leave, it is alleged Sir Rod and his group “began to get loud and cause a scene” before Sean got “about nose to nose” with Mr Dixon.
The security guard claimed that Sean shoved him backwards after he put the back of his right hand on his chest, and that Sir Rod then stepped towards him and punched him in the ribs.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Harry Styles' beautiful Caroline Flack tribute on BRIT Awards red carpet

Harry Styles has appeared at the BRIT Awards 2020 - wearing a black ribbon as a sign of respect for the late Caroline Flack .
Redditch born Harry , from Worcestershire , previously dated the tragic former Love Island presenter .
Flack , 40 , was found dead at a flat in London on Saturday , February 15 .
The 26-year-old singer dated Caroline Flack in 2011 after meeting on The X Factor and the pair remained close .
The Fine Line singer was noticeably wearing a black ribbon pinned to his blazer , believed to be a symbol of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribute to Caroline .
The singer , known for his tracks Sign of the Times , Adore You , Watermelon Sugar and Lights Out , is nominated for two awards .
The pop star is nominated Best British Album for his Fine Line solo debut , and Best British Male Solo Artist .
Harry is yet to break his silence about the tragic death of Caroline .
The 40-year-old took her own life at her London flat on Saturday , just weeks before her upcoming trial .
She had been due to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with assault by beating following an alleged row with boyfriend Lewis Burton .
Caroline stepped down from her role as Love Island presenter late last year and was replaced by close friend Laura Whitmore .
The Irish presenter led the tributes along with her boyfriend and Love Island narrator Iain Stirling .

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Harry Styles has appeared at the BRIT Awards 2020 - wearing a black ribbon as a sign of respect for the late Caroline Flack.
Redditch born Harry, from Worcestershire, previously dated the tragic former Love Island presenter.
Flack, 40, was found dead at a flat in London on Saturday, February 15.
The 26-year-old singer dated Caroline Flack in 2011 after meeting on The X Factor and the pair remained close.
(Image: PA)
The Fine Line singer was noticeably wearing a black ribbon pinned to his blazer, believed to be a symbol of remembrance or mourning, in an apparent tribute to Caroline.
The singer, known for his tracks Sign of the Times, Adore You, Watermelon Sugar and Lights Out, is nominated for two awards.
The pop star is nominated Best British Album for his Fine Line solo debut, and Best British Male Solo Artist.
Harry is yet to break his silence about the tragic death of Caroline.
The 40-year-old took her own life at her London flat on Saturday, just weeks before her upcoming trial.
She had been due to stand trial on March 4 after she was charged with assault by beating following an alleged row with boyfriend Lewis Burton.
Caroline stepped down from her role as Love Island presenter late last year and was replaced by close friend Laura Whitmore.
The Irish presenter led the tributes along with her boyfriend and Love Island narrator Iain Stirling.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--'Nowhere near' - Danny Drinkwater sent savage Aston Villa message after Chelsea transfer

Darren Bent has aimed a savage dig at Danny Drinkwater , saying the Chelsea loanee is ‘ nowhere near the pace ’ for Aston Villa .
Drinkwater has struggled since joining Villa from Chelsea in the January window but boss Dean Smith has kept faith in the midfielder , bringing him back into the side for the clash against Tottenham on Sunday .
The 29-year-old endured a nervous display and was replaced by Marvelous Nakamba on the hour before Villa went on to concede a late Son Heung-min winner in a 3-2 defeat .
And Bent says it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firing line as Villa battle for Premier League survival .
“ Drinkwater , he is nowhere near the pace at the minute , ” Bent told Football Insider.
“ This is why the managers earn some of the big bucks .
I understand he wants to get Drinkwater up to speed but not at the expense of the team .
“ I like Danny , when he won the league with Leicester I thought he was absolutely brilliant .
I think for him and the manager , it ’ s going to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to go : ‘ Do I keep persisting with him until he gets fit or do I take him out and put someone else in there ?
’ “ That decision is coming sooner rather than later I think.
” Drinkwater has made four appearances for Villa having appeared only once in the Premier League while on loan at Burnley in the first half of the season .
Smith defended him after Sunday ’ s defeat at Villa Park , saying : `` His passing was OK. As I 've said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are very quick .
`` We want to be on the front foot to try and play in their half , which we did in the first 30 minutes of the game .
`` Sometimes , players can get the other side of you and can make you look like you 're a bit off it .
I have to say , the training ground has been a really good place this week . ''

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Darren Bent has aimed a savage dig at Danny Drinkwater, saying the Chelsea loanee is ‘nowhere near the pace’ for Aston Villa.
Drinkwater has struggled since joining Villa from Chelsea in the January window but boss Dean Smith has kept faith in the midfielder, bringing him back into the side for the clash against Tottenham on Sunday.
The 29-year-old endured a nervous display and was replaced by Marvelous Nakamba on the hour before Villa went on to concede a late Son Heung-min winner in a 3-2 defeat.
And Bent says it’s time to take Drinkwater out of the firing line as Villa battle for Premier League survival.
“Drinkwater, he is nowhere near the pace at the minute,” Bent told Football Insider.“This is why the managers earn some of the big bucks. I understand he wants to get Drinkwater up to speed but not at the expense of the team.
“I like Danny, when he won the league with Leicester I thought he was absolutely brilliant. I think for him and the manager, it’s going to get to a point where the manager’s going to go: ‘Do I keep persisting with him until he gets fit or do I take him out and put someone else in there?’
“That decision is coming sooner rather than later I think.”
Drinkwater has made four appearances for Villa having appeared only once in the Premier League while on loan at Burnley in the first half of the season.
Smith defended him after Sunday’s defeat at Villa Park, saying: "His passing was OK. As I've said, they've got a front four who are very quick.
"We want to be on the front foot to try and play in their half, which we did in the first 30 minutes of the game.
"Sometimes, players can get the other side of you and can make you look like you're a bit off it. I have to say, the training ground has been a really good place this week."


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Armed police swoop on Chelmsley Wood street after 'gun' discovered by pedestrian

Armed police swooped on a residential street in Chelmsley Wood after a member of the public found a suspected ‘ @ @ @ @ @ were called to Helmswood Drive at 3.30pm following the alarming discovery said to be near @ @ @ @ @ to social media to report they had seen a police riot van , cars and @ @ @ @ @ conducting a search of the road this evening and they have appealed to anyone with @ @ @ @ @ A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said : “ We ’ re investigating after a suspected @ @ @ @ @ member of the public on Helmswood Drive in Chelmsley Wood , Birmingham at 3.30pm this @ @ @ @ @ ) .
” Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact us via @ @ @ @ @ 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on @ @ @ @ @ quote log 1483 of 18 February .

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Armed police swooped on a residential street in Chelmsley Wood after a member of the public found a suspected ‘gun’.
The police were called to Helmswood Drive at 3.30pm following the alarming discovery said to be near some bins.
Locals took to social media to report they had seen a police riot van, cars and officers.
(Image: Google)
Police are still conducting a search of the road this evening and they have appealed to anyone with information to conatct them.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “We’re investigating after a suspected firearm was found by a member of the public on Helmswood Drive in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham at 3.30pm this afternoon (Tuesday 18 February).”
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log 1483 of 18 February.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Aston Villa at Wembley: Where to drink for the Carabao Cup Final

Aston Villa fans have been allocated the West side of Wembley for this year ’ s Carabao Cup Final .
@ @ @ @ @ fans can drink in before and after Dean Smith ’ s Villa take on Manchester @ @ @ @ @ for that all-important Football League Cup trophy .
Here you can find the pub addresses @ @ @ @ @ numbers .

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Aston Villa fans have been allocated the West side of Wembley for this year’s Carabao Cup Final.
There are several pubs that fans can drink in before and after Dean Smith’s Villa take on Manchester City to battle it out for that all-important Football League Cup trophy.
Here you can find the pub addresses, opening times and contact numbers.
Addresses, opening times & contact numbers:
The Green Man Pub
Dagmar Ave,
Wembley,
HA9 8DF.
Opening times: Sunday’s open 24 hours
Contact number: 0844 836 7389
The Arch
324 Harrow Rd,
Wembley,
HA9 6LL.
Opening times: Sunday’s 9am- 11pm
Contact number: 020 8127 1141
The Corner House
313 Harrow Rd,
Wembley,
HA9 6BA.
Opening times: Sunday’s 12pm- 12am
Contact number: 020 3784 2012
Station 31
299 Harrow Rd,
Wembley,
HA9 6BD.
Opening times: Sunday’s 12- 11pm
Contact number: 020 8900 0173
The Liquor Station
397A High Rd,
Wembley,
HA9 6AA.
Opening times: Sunday’s 10am–11:30pm
Contact number: 020 8903 0159
JJ Moon’s
397 High Rd,
London,
HA9 6AA.
Opening times: Sunday’s 8am- 11:30pm.
Contact number: 020 8903 4923
Flannery’s Bar
610-612 High Rd,
Wembley,
HA0 2AF.
Opening times: Sunday’s 10:30am–12:30am
Contact number: 020 8900 2947
Masti
572-582 High Rd,
Wembley,
HA0 2AA.
Opening times: Sunday’s 12–3pm, 6pm–12am
Contact number: 020 8782 2252
Boxpark
18 Olympic Way,
Wembley Park,
Wembley,
HA9 0JT.
Opening times: Sunday’s 11am-10pm
Contact number: 020 7186 8800
Events pad Fan Zone
London,
Wembley,
HA9 0WS.


birminghammail--2020-02-18--Manchester United make new decision on Jack Grealish transfer - reports

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish is Manchester United ’ s number one target for the summer transfer window , according to reports .
The Villa captain has earned plaudits for his performances in Premier League this season and United ’ s interest is no secret .
His record of seven goals and six assists makes him the most potent English midfielder in the top-flight and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add that kind of attacking flair to his squad .
Leicester City ’ s James Maddison is also on the radar at Old Trafford but the Athletic reports that Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of next season .
Reports in the national press have claimed United are willing to spend around £70m for the boyhood Villa fan , who is under contract until 2023 having penned a new long-term deal in 2018 .
Head coach Dean Smith was asked about the transfer speculation last week- with Manchester City , Real Madrid and Barcelona also linked - and said : `` I 've said many times , we 've got two magnificent owners who want to be successful at this football club .
`` They 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've collected through their hard work , their businesses and , if you want to be a successful team , you have to keep your best players .
`` They will be working very hard to make sure our best players stop at this football club .
And that 's probably the best answer I can give . ''

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Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish is Manchester United’s number one target for the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Villa captain has earned plaudits for his performances in Premier League this season and United’s interest is no secret.
His record of seven goals and six assists makes him the most potent English midfielder in the top-flight and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add that kind of attacking flair to his squad.
Leicester City’s James Maddison is also on the radar at Old Trafford but the Athletic reports that Grealish is now United’s priority target ahead of next season.
Reports in the national press have claimed United are willing to spend around £70m for the boyhood Villa fan, who is under contract until 2023 having penned a new long-term deal in 2018.
Head coach Dean Smith was asked about the transfer speculation last week- with Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona also linked - and said: "I've said many times, we've got two magnificent owners who want to be successful at this football club.
"They've got an awful lot of money which they've collected through their hard work, their businesses and, if you want to be a successful team, you have to keep your best players.
"They will be working very hard to make sure our best players stop at this football club. And that's probably the best answer I can give."


birminghammail--2020-02-18--OAP detained over woman's claims she was 'conceived by rape' in 1970s

A man has been arrested by police in the West Midlands over a woman 's claims she was conceived by rape .
The complainant alleges that her mother was a 13-year-old schoolgirl , well under the age of consent , when a family friend carried out the attack in the 1970s .
She has said her birth is proof and wants a DNA test carried out to use as evidence against her father , the PA news agency reports .
West Midlands Police confirmed a 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape .
A statement said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed last week following further evidence coming to light . ''
`` He was released on bail .
CPS ( Crown Prosecution Service ) advice will now be sought . ''
The force has previously said `` the law does not recognise her as a victim in these circumstances '' and that it had liaised closely with the CPS over the allegation but prosecutors would not support a prosecution .
Speaking to the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme , the woman said she welcomed the recent arrest and wants the definition of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conceived by rape .
`` I 'm still determined to get things changed , so that others do n't go through what I 've been through , '' she added .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Henry Vaughan, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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A man has been arrested by police in the West Midlands over a woman's claims she was conceived by rape.
The complainant alleges that her mother was a 13-year-old schoolgirl, well under the age of consent, when a family friend carried out the attack in the 1970s.
She has said her birth is proof and wants a DNA test carried out to use as evidence against her father, the PA news agency reports.
West Midlands Police confirmed a 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
A statement said: "A 73-year old man was re-arrested and interviewed last week following further evidence coming to light."
"He was released on bail. CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) advice will now be sought."
The force has previously said "the law does not recognise her as a victim in these circumstances" and that it had liaised closely with the CPS over the allegation but prosecutors would not support a prosecution.
Speaking to the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme, the woman said she welcomed the recent arrest and wants the definition of a victim to be reviewed to include people conceived by rape.
"I'm still determined to get things changed, so that others don't go through what I've been through," she added.