birminghammail--2020-05-22--When Aston Villa refused to bid over £1.5m for World Cup winner

Aston Villa were once in the running to sign Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva - but for then-chairman Doug Ellis to pull the plug .
The Brazilian , then aged 25 , was at Atletico Mineiro in 2002 when Villa boss Graham Taylor jotted the midfielder 's name down on his summer transfer wish-list .
Taylor had witnessed Gilberto star in the World Cup in Japan and Korea and was extremely close with an associate of the Brazilian at the time , former Liverpool , Spurs and Watford striker Ronny Rosenthal .
Rosenthal , the player behind THAT open-goal miss in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , knew Gilberto 's agent Angelo Pimentel really well and was at the forefront of arranging meetings in London and in Birmingham between Atletico Mineiro and those interested in taking Gilberto , Arsenal and Aston Villa .
A High Court document reveals how Atletico Mineiro representatives - Alexandre Kalil and Dr Ricardo Guimaraes - had met with Arsenal and vice-chairman David Dein on July 3 and Aston Villa on July 4 .
At Villa Park , Kalil and Guimaraes met with chairman Ellis and then-manager Taylor .
Advisor Rosenthal , meanwhile , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £6million - or slightly less - would get a deal done to sign Gilberto from Mineiro .
However , chairman Ellis , according to the report , was unwilling to go over £1.5million for Gilberto and , after frank talks in B6 , no formal bid was ever made by Villa .
The report states : `` Kalil and Guimaraes felt that the meeting had been a waste of time ; that all that had happened was they had exchanged pleasantries and had been given a tour of Aston Villa 's impressive stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined Arsenal for a fee of £4.5million where he 'd go on to win two FA Cups and a Premier League winners ' medal in 2004 .
Villa , meanwhile , snapped up Mark Kinsella from Charlton instead for £1million .
This week , Gilberto 's Brazilian teammate Roberto Carlos revealed how Aston Villa were in for him in 1995 .
Again , though , Ellis balked at the price with Carlos moving from South America to Inter Milan for £3.14million .
`` I was still playing in Brazil with Palmeiras when Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they could n't afford the deal , '' Carlos said .
`` After that , I went to Inter . ''
Another Brazilian , Juninho , came agonisingly close to joining Aston Villa in 1999 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ashley Preece, James Rushton)

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Aston Villa were once in the running to sign Arsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva - but for then-chairman Doug Ellis to pull the plug.
The Brazilian, then aged 25, was at Atletico Mineiro in 2002 when Villa boss Graham Taylor jotted the midfielder's name down on his summer transfer wish-list.
Taylor had witnessed Gilberto star in the World Cup in Japan and Korea and was extremely close with an associate of the Brazilian at the time, former Liverpool, Spurs and Watford striker Ronny Rosenthal.
Rosenthal, the player behind THAT open-goal miss in front of the Holte End in 1992, knew Gilberto's agent Angelo Pimentel really well and was at the forefront of arranging meetings in London and in Birmingham between Atletico Mineiro and those interested in taking Gilberto, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
A High Court document reveals how Atletico Mineiro representatives - Alexandre Kalil and Dr Ricardo Guimaraes - had met with Arsenal and vice-chairman David Dein on July 3 and Aston Villa on July 4.
At Villa Park, Kalil and Guimaraes met with chairman Ellis and then-manager Taylor. Advisor Rosenthal, meanwhile, had previously told Taylor a price of around £6million - or slightly less - would get a deal done to sign Gilberto from Mineiro.
However, chairman Ellis, according to the report, was unwilling to go over £1.5million for Gilberto and, after frank talks in B6, no formal bid was ever made by Villa.
The report states: "Kalil and Guimaraes felt that the meeting had been a waste of time; that all that had happened was they had exchanged pleasantries and had been given a tour of Aston Villa's impressive stadium."
A month later, Gilberto joined Arsenal for a fee of £4.5million where he'd go on to win two FA Cups and a Premier League winners' medal in 2004. Villa, meanwhile, snapped up Mark Kinsella from Charlton instead for £1million.
This week, Gilberto's Brazilian teammate Roberto Carlos revealed how Aston Villa were in for him in 1995. Again, though, Ellis balked at the price with Carlos moving from South America to Inter Milan for £3.14million.
"I was still playing in Brazil with Palmeiras when Aston Villa came in for me in 1995 but they couldn't afford the deal," Carlos said. "After that, I went to Inter."
Another Brazilian, Juninho, came agonisingly close to joining Aston Villa in 1999.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Cops stop drivers on M6 with £63k cash stuffed in glovebox

Police have seized a huge cash haul totalling almost £63k after rumbling a trio on a major city motorway during lockdown .
Officers uncovered almost £62,700 while raiding two cars both driving on the M6 on Thursday evening , May 21 .
A man , 27 , and woman , 24 , were travelling together at junction 10 when they were stopped by Central Motorway Police Group officers .
Cops found £2,700 cash on the woman and a further £30,000 was discovered in the glovebox of the car .
West Mercia Police officers later stopped a second car near to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further £30,000 cash was found in his boot before they arrested a 32-year-old man .
The cash was seized as part of an operation into drugs supply and money laundering in Birmingham , the National Crime Agency said .
All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering .
They all remained in custody for questioning on Friday , May 22 .
National Crime Agency Operations Manager , Jim Cook , said : “ Seizing cash has a major impact on criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminality .
“ Thanks to the support of our the Central Motorway Police Group and West Mercia Police we have what we believe is criminal cash .
We will continue to work with partners to protect the public .
”

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Police have seized a huge cash haul totalling almost £63k after rumbling a trio on a major city motorway during lockdown.
Officers uncovered almost £62,700 while raiding two cars both driving on the M6 on Thursday evening, May 21.
A man, 27, and woman, 24, were travelling together at junction 10 when they were stopped by Central Motorway Police Group officers.
Cops found £2,700 cash on the woman and a further £30,000 was discovered in the glovebox of the car.
West Mercia Police officers later stopped a second car near to junction 5 of the motorway.
A further £30,000 cash was found in his boot before they arrested a 32-year-old man.
The cash was seized as part of an operation into drugs supply and money laundering in Birmingham, the National Crime Agency said.
All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering.
They all remained in custody for questioning on Friday, May 22.
National Crime Agency Operations Manager, Jim Cook, said: “Seizing cash has a major impact on criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and prevents them from reinvesting their profits in criminality.
“Thanks to the support of our the Central Motorway Police Group and West Mercia Police we have what we believe is criminal cash. We will continue to work with partners to protect the public.”


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Cyprus will not allow Brit holidaymakers due high UK death toll

Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said the country will allow direct flights from 19 countries starting on June 9 but the UK is not one of them .
All the countries on the list have been chosen because of their latest figures on coronavirus cases and deaths , reports the Mirror .
Mr Karousos said that Cyprus will initially allow flights from Greece , Malta , Bulgaria , Norway , Austria , Finland , Slovenia , Hungary , Israel , Denmark , Germany , Slovakia and Lithuania .
Switzerland , Poland , Romania , Croatia , Estonia and the Czech Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a second stage from June 20 .
Visitors from the initial thirteen countries , will have to test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their flight if they want to be accepted .
But from June 20 , those holidaymakers they won ’ t have to take the test .
Mr Karaousos said the list would be updated by the Health Ministry as time went on and new coronavirus data was received .
The news follows Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis announcement that a list of countries that can visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of weeks .
However the UK is not one of them , Mr Theoharis added that he would be 'waiting for the figures in UK to improve ' before allowing Brits to holiday there again .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Andy Rudd, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Cyprus has delivered latest blow to UK holidaymakers.
Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said the country will allow direct flights from 19 countries starting on June 9 but the UK is not one of them.
All the countries on the list have been chosen because of their latest figures on coronavirus cases and deaths, reports the Mirror.
Mr Karousos said that Cyprus will initially allow flights from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia and the Czech Republic will all be allowed into Cyprus as part of a second stage from June 20.
Visitors from the initial thirteen countries, will have to test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their flight if they want to be accepted.
But from June 20, those holidaymakers they won’t have to take the test.
Mr Karaousos said the list would be updated by the Health Ministry as time went on and new coronavirus data was received.
The news follows Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis announcement that a list of countries that can visit Greece will be announced within the next couple of weeks. However the UK is not one of them, Mr Theoharis added that he would be 'waiting for the figures in UK to improve' before allowing Brits to holiday there again.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Wolves issue key ticket update to fans ahead of Molineux return

Wolverhampton Wanderers have started to contact ticket holders regarding purchases for their remaining Premier League matches at Molineux .
Wolves ’ season has been suspended for more than two months now due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Discussions are well underway for the Premier League to resume in the coming months but football isn ’ t likely to return as we know it .
Four of Wolves ’ nine remaining Premier League fixtures were set to be staged in front of a packed out Molineux against Bournemouth , Arsenal , Everton and Crystal Palace .
Those matches are now poised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fans aren ’ t expected to be allowed inside football grounds for the foreseeable future .
And the club has begun communicating with supporters to offer compensation for tickets which have already been bought .
A letter seen by BirminghamLive reads : “ It is with a heavy heart that we begin to communicate with existing match ticket holders , ahead of a future announcement for season ticket holders , regarding games that have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
“ While it is yet to be confirmed officially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League season will be played without supporters present in stadia , it is now widely accepted that this is an inevitability if the season is to resume in the coming weeks and months.
” Wolves have told those who have purchased match tickets that a credit will be added to their supporter number which 'can be redeemed in the future for the same stand and price category once fans are permitted to attend home fixtures ' .
The letter sent to BirminghamLive also offers fans a refund , though requests must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concludes : `` Everyone at Wolves shares the deep disappointment of our supporters at the prospect of playing matches at Molineux , or away from home , without our incredible fans in the stadium and we very much look forward to welcoming you back to Molineux as soon as we can.
” Season ticket holders are also set to be updated imminently by the club .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have started to contact ticket holders regarding purchases for their remaining Premier League matches at Molineux.
Wolves’ season has been suspended for more than two months now due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Discussions are well underway for the Premier League to resume in the coming months but football isn’t likely to return as we know it.
Four of Wolves’ nine remaining Premier League fixtures were set to be staged in front of a packed out Molineux against Bournemouth, Arsenal, Everton and Crystal Palace.
Those matches are now poised to be played behind closed doors, and fans aren’t expected to be allowed inside football grounds for the foreseeable future.
And the club has begun communicating with supporters to offer compensation for tickets which have already been bought.
A letter seen by BirminghamLive reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we begin to communicate with existing match ticket holders, ahead of a future announcement for season ticket holders, regarding games that have been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“While it is yet to be confirmed officially that all rescheduled matches of the 2019/20 Premier League season will be played without supporters present in stadia, it is now widely accepted that this is an inevitability if the season is to resume in the coming weeks and months.”
Wolves have told those who have purchased match tickets that a credit will be added to their supporter number which 'can be redeemed in the future for the same stand and price category once fans are permitted to attend home fixtures'. The letter sent to BirminghamLive also offers fans a refund, though requests must be submitted within the next week.
It concludes: "Everyone at Wolves shares the deep disappointment of our supporters at the prospect of playing matches at Molineux, or away from home, without our incredible fans in the stadium and we very much look forward to welcoming you back to Molineux as soon as we can.”
Season ticket holders are also set to be updated imminently by the club.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Cops raid factory after tracing stolen car - and find chop shop

Cops have raided a chop shop where vehicles were being stripped for parts in Handsworth .
Officers forced their way into the unit in Factory Road on Friday morning after receiving intelligence about a Ford Kuga which was stolen from the Erdington area , hours earlier .
They discovered the vehicle together with the frames of two other stripped down cars and a host of broken-up parts .
No one was arrested and an investigation has been launched .
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them .
A spokesman said : “ We ’ ve recovered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle parts after swooping on a chop shop in Birmingham today ( 22 May ) .
“ We carried out a raid on a unit in Factory Road , Handsworth , just before midday after acting upon information around a car stolen in the early hours of the morning .
“ Officers found the Ford Kuga which had been taken from Erdington and the shells of two other stolen vehicles along with a range of parts.
” Images tweeted by the scene show the Kuga alongside the shell of another car and parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell stolen cars , sometimes taken in violent car jackings , to chop shops , where they are stripped down into parts .
If the parts aren ’ t used to ‘ repair ’ an existing vehicle , the serial numbers are often removed and the parts sold on websites to unwitting buyers .
Sometimes , these parts are then used to repair a car that ’ s been written off by an insurance company and bought by the chop shop as salvage .
West Midlands Police ’ s ‘ Shop a Chop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 premises shut down .
The spokesman added : “ We urge members of the public to report garages or units they believe could be taking stolen vehicles and stripping them down for spare parts.
” Information can be provided to us via Live Chat on our website between 8am and midnight .

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Cops have raided a chop shop where vehicles were being stripped for parts in Handsworth.
Officers forced their way into the unit in Factory Road on Friday morning after receiving intelligence about a Ford Kuga which was stolen from the Erdington area, hours earlier.
They discovered the vehicle together with the frames of two other stripped down cars and a host of broken-up parts.
No one was arrested and an investigation has been launched.
(Image: @ResponseWMP)
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
A spokesman said: “We’ve recovered a stolen car and discovered a haul of vehicle parts after swooping on a chop shop in Birmingham today (22 May).
“We carried out a raid on a unit in Factory Road, Handsworth, just before midday after acting upon information around a car stolen in the early hours of the morning.
“Officers found the Ford Kuga which had been taken from Erdington and the shells of two other stolen vehicles along with a range of parts.”
Images tweeted by the scene show the Kuga alongside the shell of another car and parts strewn across the ground.
Criminals often sell stolen cars, sometimes taken in violent car jackings, to chop shops, where they are stripped down into parts. If the parts aren’t used to ‘repair’ an existing vehicle, the serial numbers are often removed and the parts sold on websites to unwitting buyers.
Sometimes, these parts are then used to repair a car that’s been written off by an insurance company and bought by the chop shop as salvage.
West Midlands Police’s ‘Shop a Chop Shop’ campaign has seen more than 100 premises shut down.
The spokesman added: “We urge members of the public to report garages or units they believe could be taking stolen vehicles and stripping them down for spare parts.”
Information can be provided to us via Live Chat on our website between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--14-day quarantine for everyone coming into UK from overseas

Anyone travelling into the UK from overseas will be forced to go into quarantine for 14 days - and face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to comply .
It includes British people who take holidays overseas .
The quarantine plans were confirmed by Home Secretary Priti Patel , at the daily Downing Street press conference .
She said : `` I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures .
But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said they would be impossible to enforce and would damage the struggling travel industries .
New rules coming into force on June 8 will require anyone arriving by air , sea or rail to head to their accommodation - and stay there for 14 days .
They will not be allowed to accept visitors , unless they are providing essential support , and should not go out to buy food or other essentials “ where they can rely on others ” .
Passengers will have to fill in a form providing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be traced if infections arise .
And they will face spot checks from public health authorities , to ensure their compliance .
A few people will be exempt , including people coming from Ireland , medics tackling Covid-19 coronavirus and seasonal agricultural workers .
Ms Patel said : `` As the world begins to emerge from what we hope is the worst of the coronavirus pandemic , we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border .
“ We are introducing these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate down and prevent a devastating second wave . ''
But the quarantine plans were condemned by the airline industry .
A Ryanair spokeswoman said : “ Ryanair is strongly opposed to ineffective non-scientific measures such as the UK ’ s ‘ quarantine ’ , which is completely unenforceable .
“ This isolation measure simply does not work unless passengers arriving in international UK airports are detained in airport terminals or hotels for the 14-day period .
“ Once these arriving passengers have travelled on the crowded London Underground , or the Heathrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxis to their destination , the subsequent quarantine is pointless .
“ If this measure had any basis in ‘ science ’ , then the Irish visitors would not and could not be exempt . ''
Tim Alderslade , chef executive of trade body Airlines UK , said : “ Introducing a quarantine at this stage makes no sense and will mean very limited international aviation at best .
“ It is just about the worst thing Government could do if their aim is to restart the economy .
“ Thousands of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on re-establishing air links as soon as possible . ''
In other news , Downing Street has confirmed that London could come out of lockdown before the rest of the country .
Asked whether the capital could see measures eased quicker , the Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : “ As we are able to gather more data and have better surveillance of a rate of infection in different parts of the country then we will be able to lift measures quicker in some parts of the country quicker than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to put the brakes on in some parts of the country while not having to do so in other parts.
” The number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK has passed 45,000 , according to an analysis by the PA news agency .
Friday ’ s figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency showing that 664 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Northern Ireland up to May 20 follow figures on Wednesday from the National Records of Scotland that showed 3,546 deaths involving Covid-19 had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics , published on Tuesday , showed 39,071 deaths involving Covid-19 occurred in England and Wales up to May 8 ( and had been registered up to May 16 ) .
Together , these figures mean that , so far , 43,281 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate , including suspected cases .
A further 1,832 hospital patients in England who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between May 9 and May 21 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England – which , together with the total figure of 43,281 registered deaths , indicates the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 45,000 .

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Anyone travelling into the UK from overseas will be forced to go into quarantine for 14 days - and face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to comply.
It includes British people who take holidays overseas.
The quarantine plans were confirmed by Home Secretary Priti Patel, at the daily Downing Street press conference.
She said: "I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures. But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others.”
The plans were concemned by airlines, who said they would be impossible to enforce and would damage the struggling travel industries.
New rules coming into force on June 8 will require anyone arriving by air, sea or rail to head to their accommodation - and stay there for 14 days.
They will not be allowed to accept visitors, unless they are providing essential support, and should not go out to buy food or other essentials “where they can rely on others”.
Passengers will have to fill in a form providing their contact and travel information so they can be traced if infections arise. And they will face spot checks from public health authorities, to ensure their compliance.
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A few people will be exempt, including people coming from Ireland, medics tackling Covid-19 coronavirus and seasonal agricultural workers.
Ms Patel said: "As the world begins to emerge from what we hope is the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border.
“We are introducing these new measures now to keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave."
But the quarantine plans were condemned by the airline industry.
A Ryanair spokeswoman said: “Ryanair is strongly opposed to ineffective non-scientific measures such as the UK’s ‘quarantine’, which is completely unenforceable.
“This isolation measure simply does not work unless passengers arriving in international UK airports are detained in airport terminals or hotels for the 14-day period.
“Once these arriving passengers have travelled on the crowded London Underground, or the Heathrow and Gatwick Express, or buses or taxis to their destination, the subsequent quarantine is pointless.
“If this measure had any basis in ‘science’, then the Irish visitors would not and could not be exempt."
Tim Alderslade, chef executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: “Introducing a quarantine at this stage makes no sense and will mean very limited international aviation at best.
“It is just about the worst thing Government could do if their aim is to restart the economy.
“Thousands of jobs and the recovery of the UK economy depend on re-establishing air links as soon as possible."
In other news, Downing Street has confirmed that London could come out of lockdown before the rest of the country.
Asked whether the capital could see measures eased quicker, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “As we are able to gather more data and have better surveillance of a rate of infection in different parts of the country then we will be able to lift measures quicker in some parts of the country quicker than in others.
“And equally we will be able to put the brakes on in some parts of the country while not having to do so in other parts.”
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
The number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK has passed 45,000, according to an analysis by the PA news agency.
Friday’s figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency showing that 664 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Northern Ireland up to May 20 follow figures on Wednesday from the National Records of Scotland that showed 3,546 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to May 17.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, published on Tuesday, showed 39,071 deaths involving Covid-19 occurred in England and Wales up to May 8 (and had been registered up to May 16).
Together, these figures mean that, so far, 43,281 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases.
A further 1,832 hospital patients in England who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between May 9 and May 21, according to figures published on Friday by NHS England – which, together with the total figure of 43,281 registered deaths, indicates the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 45,000.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Black and Asian people in Birmingham "too scared to go back to work and school"

The prospect of returning to the workplace and sending kids to schools has been `` too much too soon '' for some traumatised people in black and Asian families in the city , a Birmingham councillor said today .
Cllr Paulette Hamilton said for some people the easing of lockdown restrictions - including calls to go back to work for those whose jobs ca n't be done from home - had come too soon for people with continued anxiety about the health fears .
Research has repeatedly suggested that people from some communities - particularly black and some south Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming seriously ill or dying if they get the virus .
Cllr Hamilton , the city 's cabinet lead on health and social care , has led calls for a full public inquiry into the issue and is part of a regional taskforce set up to hear testimony from those directly affected .
A national review , led by Public Health England , is currently under way to analyse the data and is expected to report its preliminary findings soon .
Earlier this week , the city council 's leader Ian Ward and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more guidance for schools with large black and Asian populations , amid fears about increased infection and death rates from the virus in BAME communities .
The vast majority of parents of black pupils in particular have said they `` will not be returning their children to school on June 1 , '' says the letter .
Addressed to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson , the letter draws on new guidance issued by the Government on Friday that said schools needed to be `` especially sensitive to the needs and worries of BAME members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The city has a BAME population of 42 % - so the `` sensitivity '' applies to hundreds of schools and thousands of kids and their families .
`` In our discussions with school leaders there are real concerns relating to the disproportionately negative impact that Covid-19 is having on BAME men and women , especially those from the black community , '' says the letter .
Speaking today ( Friday May 22 ) at a regional briefing hosted by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street , Cllr Hamilton said the same fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
She said : `` The way we came out of lock-up was quite sudden , to go overnight from 'stay home ' to 'stay alert ' has just not got through .
`` People in the BAME ( black , Asian , minority ethnic ) community believe , or this is their perception , that if they get Covid-19 they are not going to recover .
`` They say 'you want me to take my children back to school , you want me to go back to work , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I have underlying health issues ' , and nobody has explained how they are going to be risk assessed , or protected , if they go back into the workforce or to school . '
`` It is too much , too soon .
Many just do not trust it . ''

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The prospect of returning to the workplace and sending kids to schools has been "too much too soon" for some traumatised people in black and Asian families in the city, a Birmingham councillor said today.
Cllr Paulette Hamilton said for some people the easing of lockdown restrictions - including calls to go back to work for those whose jobs can't be done from home - had come too soon for people with continued anxiety about the health fears.
Research has repeatedly suggested that people from some communities - particularly black and some south Asian groups - are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if they get the virus.
Cllr Hamilton, the city's cabinet lead on health and social care, has led calls for a full public inquiry into the issue and is part of a regional taskforce set up to hear testimony from those directly affected.
A national review, led by Public Health England, is currently under way to analyse the data and is expected to report its preliminary findings soon.
Earlier this week, the city council's leader Ian Ward and education chief Cllr Jayne Francis called for more guidance for schools with large black and Asian populations, amid fears about increased infection and death rates from the virus in BAME communities.
The vast majority of parents of black pupils in particular have said they "will not be returning their children to school on June 1," says the letter.
Addressed to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, the letter draws on new guidance issued by the Government on Friday that said schools needed to be "especially sensitive to the needs and worries of BAME members of staff, parents and pupils."
The city has a BAME population of 42% - so the "sensitivity" applies to hundreds of schools and thousands of kids and their families.
"In our discussions with school leaders there are real concerns relating to the disproportionately negative impact that Covid-19 is having on BAME men and women, especially those from the black community," says the letter.
Speaking today (Friday May 22) at a regional briefing hosted by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, Cllr Hamilton said the same fear was also impacting those keen to return to work.
She said: "The way we came out of lock-up was quite sudden, to go overnight from 'stay home' to 'stay alert' has just not got through.
"People in the BAME (black, Asian, minority ethnic) community believe, or this is their perception, that if they get Covid-19 they are not going to recover.
"They say 'you want me to take my children back to school, you want me to go back to work, but I'm in a multi generational family, I have underlying health issues', and nobody has explained how they are going to be risk assessed, or protected, if they go back into the workforce or to school.'
"It is too much, too soon. Many just do not trust it."


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Mixed messages issued about visiting Malvern Hills this bank holiday weekend

People thinking of taking a lockdown stroll in Worcestershire 's beauty spots over the Bank Holiday have been given mixed messages by council chiefs .
Tourism bosses in Malvern are asking non-local people to stay away from the town and its hills .
But across the rest of Worcestershire , families are being encouraged to get out and about and take in some fresh air .
Last week Malvern District Council issued a plea for visitors not to visit the town during lockdown for fears of over-crowding .
And they said so far , people seemed to be obeying their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy and environment for Malvern Hills District Council , said recently although many people had visited the hills , it was not as busy as expected .
`` The majority of people were observing social distancing and we thank them for that .
But we reiterate that hospitality services are very limited and public toilets remain closed , '' he said .
`` We are not encouraging tourists to come to our district ’ s beauty spots or other attractions in the short term .
Our message to the public right now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces for exercise and continue to help limit the spread of the virus and save lives .
We look forward to welcoming back tourists in the future .
” Meanwhile , Worcestershire County Council is encouraging people to get out and about this weekend .
It manages lots of parks and nature reserves across the county .
These include Worcester Woods Country Park , Waseley Hills Country Park and Hartlebury Common .
Coun Lucy Hodgson , cabinet member with responsibility for communities , said : `` With Government guidelines now stating that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than once a day , it is the perfect time to get out and explore our beautiful county .
“ The teams who manage our country parks and greenspaces in Worcestershire have been working hard to make sure that the areas are safe and looking their best ready for visitors .
We urge everyone to follow the Government guidelines to keep everyone safe.
” If you are thinking of heading out this weekend , here 's the bank holiday weather forecast .
Worcestershire Live is a digital-only news service for the county .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see covered ?
Please let us know .
You can find our channel on the Birmingham Live website , which you can reach directly here .
Find us and message us on Facebook here and on Twitter here .

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People thinking of taking a lockdown stroll in Worcestershire's beauty spots over the Bank Holiday have been given mixed messages by council chiefs.
Tourism bosses in Malvern are asking non-local people to stay away from the town and its hills.
But across the rest of Worcestershire, families are being encouraged to get out and about and take in some fresh air.
Last week Malvern District Council issued a plea for visitors not to visit the town during lockdown for fears of over-crowding. And they said so far, people seemed to be obeying their wishes.
Phil Merrick, director of economy and environment for Malvern Hills District Council, said recently although many people had visited the hills, it was not as busy as expected.
"The majority of people were observing social distancing and we thank them for that. But we reiterate that hospitality services are very limited and public toilets remain closed," he said.
"We are not encouraging tourists to come to our district’s beauty spots or other attractions in the short term. Our message to the public right now is to continue to use local, open spaces for exercise and continue to help limit the spread of the virus and save lives. We look forward to welcoming back tourists in the future. ”
Meanwhile, Worcestershire County Council is encouraging people to get out and about this weekend. It manages lots of parks and nature reserves across the county. These include Worcester Woods Country Park, Waseley Hills Country Park and Hartlebury Common.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for communities, said: "With Government guidelines now stating that you can leave your house to exercise more than once a day, it is the perfect time to get out and explore our beautiful county.
“The teams who manage our country parks and greenspaces in Worcestershire have been working hard to make sure that the areas are safe and looking their best ready for visitors. We urge everyone to follow the Government guidelines to keep everyone safe.”
If you are thinking of heading out this weekend, here's the bank holiday weather forecast.
Worcestershire Live is a digital-only news service for the county. What are the issues you want to see covered? Please let us know. You can find our channel on the Birmingham Live website, which you can reach directly here. Find us and message us on Facebook here and on Twitter here.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Solihull chosen to help pilot 'test and trace' project to end lockdown

Solihull has been chosen as a pilot for the Government 's `` test and trace '' programme , which is designed to keep people safe from the Covid-19 coronavirus without needing a lockdown .
Local authorities in Solihull , Warwickshire and Coventry will work together as one of 11 areas in England to pilot the £300m scheme .
The aim eventually is to ensure anyone who has been in contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus is traced , so that they can be warned that there is a risk they were infected .
They can then be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is any doubt about whether they have the virus .
It could mean society returning to something closer to normal , as there will be less need for other people to follow social distancing rules .
Andy Street , the Mayor of the West Midlands , said : “ Track and trace is going to be absolutely pivotal to the West Midlands as we look to move to the next phase of this pandemic , and I am pleased that this afternoon it has been confirmed the West Midlands will be among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , with a pilot taking place in Coventry , Solihull , and Warwickshire .
`` With the rate of new infections currently very low in the West Midlands – just 53 new cases were confirmed yesterday - now is the perfect time to use track and trace in the region to suppress Coronavirus one case by one case .
“ Not only will having an effective system like this in place allow more businesses to return , but it will also give people confidence to start returning to some form of pre-Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to re-booting the economy and getting people back into work.
” Each local authority will be given funding to develop tailored outbreak control plans , working with local NHS and other stakeholders .
Work on the plans will start immediately .
Their plans will focus on identifying and containing potential outbreaks in places such as workplaces , housing complexes , care homes and schools .
As part of this work , Local Authorities will also need to ensure testing capacity is deployed effectively to high-risk locations .
Local Authorities will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , local NHS and other partners to achieve this .
Data on the virus ’ spread will be shared with Local Authorities through the Joint Biosecurity Centre to inform local outbreak planning , so teams understand how the virus is moving , working with national Government where necessary to access the testing and tracing capabilities of the new service .
Health Minister Nadine Dorries said : “ Local Authorities will be vital in the effort to contain Covid-19 at a community level .
The pandemic requires a national effort but that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local Authorities , working hand in hand with Public Health England and contact tracers to focus on the containment of local outbreaks , in order to control the transmission and the spread of the virus .
“ For contact tracing to be effective when it is rolled out , we will need people to continue to follow guidelines and stay at home if they have symptoms.
” A new National Local Government Advisory Board will be established to work with the Test and Trace Service .
This will include sharing best practice between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share lessons learnt will be led by a group of 11 Local Authorities from the breadth of the UK , representing rural and urban areas , who have volunteered to help localise planning .
• Camde , in London , lead in collaboration with Hackney , Barnet and Newham • Norfolk , with Norwich and districts Breckland , Broadland , Great Yarmouth King 's Lynn and West Norfolk , North Norfolk and South Norfolk

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Solihull has been chosen as a pilot for the Government's "test and trace" programme, which is designed to keep people safe from the Covid-19 coronavirus without needing a lockdown.
Local authorities in Solihull, Warwickshire and Coventry will work together as one of 11 areas in England to pilot the £300m scheme.
The aim eventually is to ensure anyone who has been in contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus is traced, so that they can be warned that there is a risk they were infected. They can then be tested themselves, or stay at home if there is any doubt about whether they have the virus.
It could mean society returning to something closer to normal, as there will be less need for other people to follow social distancing rules.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Track and trace is going to be absolutely pivotal to the West Midlands as we look to move to the next phase of this pandemic, and I am pleased that this afternoon it has been confirmed the West Midlands will be among the first regions to role this system out, with a pilot taking place in Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire.
"With the rate of new infections currently very low in the West Midlands – just 53 new cases were confirmed yesterday - now is the perfect time to use track and trace in the region to suppress Coronavirus one case by one case.
“Not only will having an effective system like this in place allow more businesses to return, but it will also give people confidence to start returning to some form of pre-Coronavirus normality. Both will be absolutely critical when it comes to re-booting the economy and getting people back into work.”
Each local authority will be given funding to develop tailored outbreak control plans, working with local NHS and other stakeholders.
Work on the plans will start immediately. Their plans will focus on identifying and containing potential outbreaks in places such as workplaces, housing complexes, care homes and schools.
As part of this work, Local Authorities will also need to ensure testing capacity is deployed effectively to high-risk locations. Local Authorities will work closely with the Test and Trace service, local NHS and other partners to achieve this.
Data on the virus’ spread will be shared with Local Authorities through the Joint Biosecurity Centre to inform local outbreak planning, so teams understand how the virus is moving, working with national Government where necessary to access the testing and tracing capabilities of the new service.
Health Minister Nadine Dorries said: “Local Authorities will be vital in the effort to contain Covid-19 at a community level. The pandemic requires a national effort but that will only be effective as a result of Local Authorities, working hand in hand with Public Health England and contact tracers to focus on the containment of local outbreaks, in order to control the transmission and the spread of the virus.
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
“For contact tracing to be effective when it is rolled out, we will need people to continue to follow guidelines and stay at home if they have symptoms.”
A new National Local Government Advisory Board will be established to work with the Test and Trace Service. This will include sharing best practice between communities across the country. Work to share lessons learnt will be led by a group of 11 Local Authorities from the breadth of the UK, representing rural and urban areas, who have volunteered to help localise planning.
The 11 pilot areas are:


birminghammail--2020-05-22--The most notorious unsolved murders in Worcestershire

These are the most notorious unsolved murders committed in the county which have puzzled police .
Decades later , they remain unsolved and have now become part of local folklore .
In total there are three cold cases in Worcestershire , all committed within the last century and in brutal circumstances .
Sadly , because so much time has passed in each case , the killers are most probably dead and are therefore unlikely to ever be identified .
But no doubt there are still many who would like to know the truth behind these tragic deaths .
The mere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to anyone in north Worcestershire is sure to send a chill running down their spines .
This grisly murder has been the basis of many a child 's nightmare for decades .
In 1943 , the body of a woman was found stuffed inside a hollow tree - tragically , she has never been officially identified and the case is now cold .
It all began in 1943 when four boys were playing in Hagley Woods , Worcestershire .
After deciding to climb a tree , they stumbled across the remains of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At first they were all too traumatised to tell anyone .
But eventually the youngest lad confided in his parents who rang the police .
When the body was examined , experts estimated that the victim was a woman around 35 years old and had been dead for approximately 18 months .
Even though there were signs of struggle on the body , it was believed she was murdered by asphyxiation when taffeta , a type of lustrous fabric , was stuffed into her mouth .
And then the plot thickened : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying “ Who put Bella down the wych elm ?
” Even though they have dental records and know a bit about the woman ’ s appearance , police have never been able to identify the body .
There have been multiple theories about who the victim could be .
One theory is that she was German actress Clarabella Baurele ( Bella is short for Clarabella ) .
A Gestapo spy was taken in for questioning , but never charged .
Another rumour which circulated was that Bella was killed for being involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to the ritualistic nature of the slaying .
In 1944 , a tip-off was given to police by a Birmingham prostitute who claimed that Bella was her friend , a fellow street-walker , who had gone missing three years previously after working on the Hagley Road .
Another suspect was considered in 1953 when a woman told police tha2t her cousin had confessed to the crime .
But this was subsequently discounted as the cousin was admitted to a hospital for people with mental health problems .
And in 2015 a social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old diary entry from their grandfather that might unlock the case .
On one one of the pages , the words “ I PUT BELLA IN THE WYCH ELM ” were scrawled in maniacal writing .
But this line of enquiry was never pursued .
And now the case has gone stone cold and 77 years on , it remains a mystery .
Florrie Porter was 33 , unmarried and living in Lickey End , Bromsgrove , when she was killed in 1944 .
To this day , her killer has never been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , 1944 , Florrie walked into the centre of Bromsgrove with her sister Doris , telling her she was going to meet a man named Hal .
Florrie lived with her mother and worked in the wages department of the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge .
Several people later saw Florrie in the company of an American officer in the smoke room of the town ’ s George Hotel .
The couple left the pub just before 10pm and were seen walking away .
That was the last time Florrie was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was spotted beneath a veranda at Lickey End Village School by two young boys cycling past .
She had been brutally knifed to death .
A pathologist later suggested that Florrie was first punched and then stabbed multiple times as she was unconscious on the ground .
The main suspect became the American officer `` Hal '' .
At the time of the Second World War , there were large numbers of American GIs in the area and they were very popular with the local girls .
The US military assisted local police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
But despite using Army metal detectors , they never found the knife which killed Florrie .
They had a good description of `` Hal '' but despite that and several ID parades being held , he was never found .
Locals speculated that the US military knew who Hal was and he had been quickly transferred out of the area .
In the 1990s , West Mercia Police reopened the file and said there was no evidence of a US serviceman being `` spirited away '' .
A TV programme was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the George Hotel claimed her mother recognised `` Hal '' in an ID parade .
She refused to pick him out , claiming her family had been threatened .
So 74 years on , the murder remains unsolved and Florrie Porter appears to have been collateral damage of a war long gone .
In 1961 the murder of Irish labourer Patrick Mulligan shocked the city of Worcester .
Just before midnight on April 8 that year , 22-year-old Mulligan was seen staggering along Commandery Road near Worcester Cathedral .
Passers-by assumed he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - he had been stabbed and was stumbling towards his death .
He collapsed on the pavement with blood streaming from a wound in his chest .
He was taken to Worcester Royal Infirmary but died without regaining consciousness .
Following the trail of blood , police were able to establish where he had been stabbed - a block of public toilets in Bath Road .
After inquiries were made , the police 's chief suspect was a tramp seen near the toilets around the time of the attack .
A description was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So serious was the case that Scotland Yard in London dispatched one of its murder squad detectives to help out Worcester police .
Appeals were made both in the press and on national TV .
Just over a month later a homeless man , Clifford Newsham , was arrested in London .
Despite his protestations he had never been to Worcester in his life , Newsham was charged with Mulligan ’ s murder .
Legal aid was granted for his defence and Newsham was lucky enough to get one of Worcester 's best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to sow the first seeds of doubt about Newsham 's alleged guilt .
He pointed out that the police had previously claimed they were looking for a 50-year-old man at least 6ft tall - whereas Newsham was 39 and considerably shorter .
He also said that if a photo of his client was published nationally then this would bring an alibi , proving that Newsham was in London at the time .
During committal proceedings , the prosecution case began to crumble .
Although there were several positive identifications of Newsham in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the attack , there was no forensic evidence .
And the forensic laboratory in Birmingham could find nothing on Newsham ’ s person , cushion or clothing to connect him to the attack and he bore no signs of a recent struggle .
Despite this , Newsham stood trial for Mulligan 's murder , but the trial was short-lived .
A senior transport policemen testified seeing Newsham at a railway station a long way from Worcester at the time of the crime and the case collapsed .
To date , no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder of Patrick Mulligan .

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These are the most notorious unsolved murders committed in the county which have puzzled police.
Decades later, they remain unsolved and have now become part of local folklore.
In total there are three cold cases in Worcestershire, all committed within the last century and in brutal circumstances.
Sadly, because so much time has passed in each case, the killers are most probably dead and are therefore unlikely to ever be identified.
But no doubt there are still many who would like to know the truth behind these tragic deaths.
"Bella" in Hagley Woods - 1943
The mere mention of "Bella of the Woods" to anyone in north Worcestershire is sure to send a chill running down their spines.
This grisly murder has been the basis of many a child's nightmare for decades.
In 1943, the body of a woman was found stuffed inside a hollow tree - tragically, she has never been officially identified and the case is now cold.
It all began in 1943 when four boys were playing in Hagley Woods, Worcestershire. After deciding to climb a tree, they stumbled across the remains of a woman inside the hollow wych elm.
At first they were all too traumatised to tell anyone. But eventually the youngest lad confided in his parents who rang the police.
When the body was examined, experts estimated that the victim was a woman around 35 years old and had been dead for approximately 18 months.
Even though there were signs of struggle on the body, it was believed she was murdered by asphyxiation when taffeta, a type of lustrous fabric, was stuffed into her mouth.
And then the plot thickened: graffiti began appearing in the region, saying “Who put Bella down the wych elm?”
Even though they have dental records and know a bit about the woman’s appearance, police have never been able to identify the body.
There have been multiple theories about who the victim could be.
One theory is that she was German actress Clarabella Baurele (Bella is short for Clarabella). A Gestapo spy was taken in for questioning, but never charged.
Another rumour which circulated was that Bella was killed for being involved in black magic - a suggestion put down to the ritualistic nature of the slaying.
In 1944, a tip-off was given to police by a Birmingham prostitute who claimed that Bella was her friend, a fellow street-walker, who had gone missing three years previously after working on the Hagley Road.
Another suspect was considered in 1953 when a woman told police tha2t her cousin had confessed to the crime. But this was subsequently discounted as the cousin was admitted to a hospital for people with mental health problems.
And in 2015 a social media user claimed they had found an old diary entry from their grandfather that might unlock the case.
On one one of the pages, the words “I PUT BELLA IN THE WYCH ELM” were scrawled in maniacal writing. But this line of enquiry was never pursued.
And now the case has gone stone cold and 77 years on, it remains a mystery.
Florrie Porter - 1944
Florrie Porter was 33, unmarried and living in Lickey End, Bromsgrove, when she was killed in 1944. To this day, her killer has never been caught.
On the evening of October 26, 1944, Florrie walked into the centre of Bromsgrove with her sister Doris, telling her she was going to meet a man named Hal.
Florrie lived with her mother and worked in the wages department of the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge.
Several people later saw Florrie in the company of an American officer in the smoke room of the town’s George Hotel. The couple left the pub just before 10pm and were seen walking away.
That was the last time Florrie was seen alive. The following morning her body was spotted beneath a veranda at Lickey End Village School by two young boys cycling past.
She had been brutally knifed to death.
A pathologist later suggested that Florrie was first punched and then stabbed multiple times as she was unconscious on the ground.
The main suspect became the American officer "Hal". At the time of the Second World War, there were large numbers of American GIs in the area and they were very popular with the local girls.
The US military assisted local police in a very detailed search of the area. But despite using Army metal detectors, they never found the knife which killed Florrie.
They had a good description of "Hal" but despite that and several ID parades being held, he was never found.
Locals speculated that the US military knew who Hal was and he had been quickly transferred out of the area.
In the 1990s, West Mercia Police reopened the file and said there was no evidence of a US serviceman being "spirited away".
A TV programme was then made , during which a barmaid at the George Hotel claimed her mother recognised "Hal" in an ID parade. She refused to pick him out, claiming her family had been threatened.
So 74 years on, the murder remains unsolved and Florrie Porter appears to have been collateral damage of a war long gone.
Patrick Mulligan - 1961
In 1961 the murder of Irish labourer Patrick Mulligan shocked the city of Worcester.
Just before midnight on April 8 that year, 22-year-old Mulligan was seen staggering along Commandery Road near Worcester Cathedral.
Passers-by assumed he was drunk, but he wasn't - he had been stabbed and was stumbling towards his death.
He collapsed on the pavement with blood streaming from a wound in his chest. He was taken to Worcester Royal Infirmary but died without regaining consciousness.
Following the trail of blood, police were able to establish where he had been stabbed - a block of public toilets in Bath Road.
After inquiries were made, the police's chief suspect was a tramp seen near the toilets around the time of the attack. A description was circulated and a nationwide search began.
So serious was the case that Scotland Yard in London dispatched one of its murder squad detectives to help out Worcester police.
Appeals were made both in the press and on national TV. Just over a month later a homeless man, Clifford Newsham, was arrested in London.
Despite his protestations he had never been to Worcester in his life, Newsham was charged with Mulligan’s murder.
Legal aid was granted for his defence and Newsham was lucky enough to get one of Worcester's best criminal solicitors Hugh McNaught.
(Image: Getty Images)
The lawyer managed to sow the first seeds of doubt about Newsham's alleged guilt. He pointed out that the police had previously claimed they were looking for a 50-year-old man at least 6ft tall - whereas Newsham was 39 and considerably shorter.
He also said that if a photo of his client was published nationally then this would bring an alibi, proving that Newsham was in London at the time.
During committal proceedings, the prosecution case began to crumble. Although there were several positive identifications of Newsham in and near the toilets at the time of the attack, there was no forensic evidence.
And the forensic laboratory in Birmingham could find nothing on Newsham’s person, cushion or clothing to connect him to the attack and he bore no signs of a recent struggle.
Despite this, Newsham stood trial for Mulligan's murder, but the trial was short-lived.
A senior transport policemen testified seeing Newsham at a railway station a long way from Worcester at the time of the crime and the case collapsed.
To date, no one has been brought to justice for the murder of Patrick Mulligan.


birminghammail--2020-05-22--Roads set to be closed for vital A38 work

A busy sliproad onto the A38 is set to be closed overnight to allow for vital resurfacing work to be carried out .
Drivers who use the sliproad at Alrewas to get on and off the A38 on the southbound carriageway are being warned that it is set to be closed for the completion of resurfacing and road marking work .
It will take place from 8pm to 6am on Friday , June 5 .
The exit sliproad at Barton under Needwood will also be closed tonight , Monday , May 25 , from 8pm to 6am , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be applied to the road .
It is part of work will be taking place along the route around Barton until the end of the year .
A spokesman for Highways England said it had delayed the work on the Toyota Island sliproad at Burnaston for now but it would keep people updated on when this project will start .
Highways England is carrying out resurfacing , drainage upgrades and bridge repairs between the A50 and the A5 , south of Lichfield on the A38 .
This will take around a year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the A38 around Barton under Needwood 24 hours a day , seven days a week , for the duration of the work which will last the rest of the year .
The restrictions will include narrow lanes on the southbound carriageway through Barton Turn and 50mph speed limits enforced by speed cameras .
On the road above the A38 at Barton Turn - the B5016/Station Road - three-way temporary traffic lights are in place while repairs are carried out to the bridge .
Work over the next two weeks will continue further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the road markings will be renewd on the roundabout .
This will mean the exit sliproads will be closed overnight from 8pm to 6am from Monday , May 25 , until Saturday , June 6 .

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A busy sliproad onto the A38 is set to be closed overnight to allow for vital resurfacing work to be carried out.
Drivers who use the sliproad at Alrewas to get on and off the A38 on the southbound carriageway are being warned that it is set to be closed for the completion of resurfacing and road marking work.
It will take place from 8pm to 6am on Friday, June 5.
The exit sliproad at Barton under Needwood will also be closed tonight, Monday, May 25, from 8pm to 6am, on the northbound carriageway for an anti-skid surface to be applied to the road. It is part of work will be taking place along the route around Barton until the end of the year.
(Image: Burton Mail)
A spokesman for Highways England said it had delayed the work on the Toyota Island sliproad at Burnaston for now but it would keep people updated on when this project will start.
Highways England is carrying out resurfacing, drainage upgrades and bridge repairs between the A50 and the A5, south of Lichfield on the A38.
This will take around a year to complete.
Restrictions will be in place on the A38 around Barton under Needwood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the duration of the work which will last the rest of the year.
The restrictions will include narrow lanes on the southbound carriageway through Barton Turn and 50mph speed limits enforced by speed cameras.
On the road above the A38 at Barton Turn - the B5016/Station Road - three-way temporary traffic lights are in place while repairs are carried out to the bridge.
Work over the next two weeks will continue further down the A38 at the Swinfin roundabout where the road markings will be renewd on the roundabout.
This will mean the exit sliproads will be closed overnight from 8pm to 6am from Monday, May 25, until Saturday, June 6.


birminghammail--2020-05-23--When IKEA in Wednesbury reopens to the public

The IKEA store in the Black Country is set to reopen to the public from June 1 .
It is @ @ @ @ @ England and Northern Ireland that will be opening its doors next week .
Shoppers have @ @ @ @ @ measures and social distancing procedures will be put in place .
Wardens will patrol the @ @ @ @ @ and the number of customers will be limited .
A spokesman for IKEA said : @ @ @ @ @ to announce that from June 1 we will be welcoming you back to our IKEA @ @ @ @ @ Ireland. '' Of course , the safety of our customers and co-workers remains the highest @ @ @ @ @ working hard to welcome you back safely .
`` We ’ ve introduced new measures @ @ @ @ @ safe and comfortable shopping experience . ''

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The IKEA store in the Black Country is set to reopen to the public from June 1.
It is one of 19 stores across England and Northern Ireland that will be opening its doors next week.
Shoppers have been warned that new safety measures and social distancing procedures will be put in place.
Wardens will patrol the store to maintain social distancing and the number of customers will be limited.
A spokesman for IKEA said: "We’re excited to announce that from June 1 we will be welcoming you back to our IKEA stores in England and Northern Ireland.
"Of course, the safety of our customers and co-workers remains the highest priority so we have been working hard to welcome you back safely.
"We’ve introduced new measures so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable shopping experience."


birminghammail--2020-05-23--Jack Grealish 'worth every penny' of £80million price tag

Aston Villa have reportedly slapped an £80million price tag on Jack Grealish - and former teammate Alan Hutton believes `` he ’ s worth every penny '' .
Manchester United are well-known long-term admirers of Grealish with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poised to make a move when the next transfer window opens .
The 24-year-old , who returned back to Bodymoor Heath this week , will look to pick up from where he left off when football resumes after a scintillating season back in the Premier League .
Grealish has scored seven goals this year while assisting six for relegation-threatened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the quality to star for `` a top-four team '' .
Hutton told Football Insider : `` Obviously it ’ s a massive price tag but in my opinion , he ’ s worth every penny , he ’ s that good .
“ He could be a team ’ s game-changer and that ’ s no disrespect to anyone at Aston Villa , you know I love them to bits , but for him to be playing with a top-four team I think he ’ d be outstanding .
“ Everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would see his quality and I think he would only grow in stature so I totally understand the price tag .
Whether what ’ s happened is going to affect it , I ’ m not too sure because it ’ s going to happen to every club . ''
Earlier this week , meanwhile , Grealish welcomed a new edition to his family by revealing his paw-some new guard dog , a Belgian Malinois .

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Aston Villa have reportedly slapped an £80million price tag on Jack Grealish - and former teammate Alan Hutton believes "he’s worth every penny".
Manchester United are well-known long-term admirers of Grealish with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poised to make a move when the next transfer window opens.
The 24-year-old, who returned back to Bodymoor Heath this week, will look to pick up from where he left off when football resumes after a scintillating season back in the Premier League.
Grealish has scored seven goals this year while assisting six for relegation-threatened Villa - and Hutton thinks the skipper has the quality to star for "a top-four team".
Hutton told Football Insider : "Obviously it’s a massive price tag but in my opinion, he’s worth every penny, he’s that good.
“He could be a team’s game-changer and that’s no disrespect to anyone at Aston Villa, you know I love them to bits, but for him to be playing with a top-four team I think he’d be outstanding.
“Everybody would be buzzing off him, they would see his quality and I think he would only grow in stature so I totally understand the price tag. Whether what’s happened is going to affect it, I’m not too sure because it’s going to happen to every club."
Earlier this week, meanwhile, Grealish welcomed a new edition to his family by revealing his paw-some new guard dog, a Belgian Malinois.


birminghammail--2020-05-23--Tributes pour in for well-loved Walsall health visitor Judith Nembhard

Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of a popular and well-loved health care visitor from Walsall .
Judith Nembhard had been working for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust as a Professional Lead Health Visiting/Care Group Manager .
She was battling a terminal illness and tragically passed away on Tuesday evening ( May 19 ) .
Throughout her career , she has been praised for her drive to be “ voice for those that have no voice ” by supporting the poorest and most disadvantaged patients in the community .
She also worked as a care group manager and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visiting .
A spokesman for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said : “ Judith was an extremely valued member of the organisation and had worked in the trust for nearly seven years as a professional lead for Health Visiting .
“ She had a high national profile in her field as a Fellow of the Institute of Health Visiting and was well respected within the group .
She also worked closely with all of her divisional colleagues and with Public Health who commissioned the service .
“ Our thoughts are with her family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleague , Su Lowe said : “ We have lost a colleague a sister and friend to many .
She was an inspirational leader who was always prepared to be inspired by others .
“ She was a strong defender and a challenging advocate for our profession and the families we serve .
Judith ’ s loss will be felt across the West Midlands and nationally as her influence spread far and wide .
RIP ” Jas Kaur added : “ Judith was lovely when I worked with her , always had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Very sad news to hear .
Thoughts are with her family.
” A spokesman from the Institute of Health Visiting described the healthcare professional as “ passionate ” and “ a force for good ” .
In tribute , the group said : “ Judith , we will miss you – you were a force for good in this world .
May you rest in peace and know that your health visiting family will pick up your baton to challenge inequality and ensure every child has the best start in life .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We send our deepest condolences to her family , friends and colleagues .
”

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Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of a popular and well-loved health care visitor from Walsall.
Judith Nembhard had been working for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust as a Professional Lead Health Visiting/Care Group Manager.
She was battling a terminal illness and tragically passed away on Tuesday evening (May 19).
Throughout her career, she has been praised for her drive to be “voice for those that have no voice” by supporting the poorest and most disadvantaged patients in the community.
She also worked as a care group manager and a leadership mentor for the Institute of Health Visiting.
A spokesman for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “Judith was an extremely valued member of the organisation and had worked in the trust for nearly seven years as a professional lead for Health Visiting.
“She had a high national profile in her field as a Fellow of the Institute of Health Visiting and was well respected within the group. She also worked closely with all of her divisional colleagues and with Public Health who commissioned the service.
“Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues at this sad time.”
Her colleague, Su Lowe said: “We have lost a colleague a sister and friend to many. She was an inspirational leader who was always prepared to be inspired by others.
“She was a strong defender and a challenging advocate for our profession and the families we serve. Judith’s loss will be felt across the West Midlands and nationally as her influence spread far and wide. RIP”
Jas Kaur added: “Judith was lovely when I worked with her, always had a chat when I bumped into her. Very sad news to hear. Thoughts are with her family.”
A spokesman from the Institute of Health Visiting described the healthcare professional as “passionate” and “a force for good”.
In tribute, the group said: “Judith, we will miss you – you were a force for good in this world. May you rest in peace and know that your health visiting family will pick up your baton to challenge inequality and ensure every child has the best start in life. You leave big shoes to fill.
“We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.”


birminghammail--2020-05-23--Muslims around world get ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2020 despite Covid-19

Muslims across the world will celebrate one of their biggest holidays under the shadow of coronavirus , with millions confined to their homes and others gripped by economic concerns during what is usually a festive time of shopping and celebration .
The three-day Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for the world 's 1.8 billion Muslims .
People usually celebrate by travelling , visiting family and gathering for meals all of which will be largely prohibited as authorities try to prevent new virus outbreaks .
The holiday begins on Sunday May 24 for many , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham - though it 's starting on Saturday May 23 in some locations .
Some countries , including Turkey , Iraq and Jordan , will impose round-the-clock curfews for the duration of the holiday .
In Saudi Arabia , home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina , people will only be allowed to leave their homes to buy food and medicine .
Most restrictions have been lifted in Jerusalem , but the Al-Aqsa mosque compound , the third holiest site in Islam , will remain closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Old City , which has been emptied of tourists and pilgrims since March , are reeling from the effects of six weeks of lockdown .
The Jafar family 's famous sweets shop in the Old City is normally a hive of activity , with tourists and locals enjoying knafeh , a syrupy cheese-filled pastry .
These days the seating area is empty and dark as only takeout is allowed .
`` It had a huge impact on us , '' said Ali Jafar , one of the owners , as he worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped by more than two thirds , forcing them to lay off 10 workers .
In Egypt , authorities have extended the nighttime curfew , which will now begin at 5pm instead of 9pm , and halted public transportation until May 29 .
Shopping centres , beaches and parks , which would ordinarily be packed , will be closed .
Manal Zakaria , who lives in the city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast , said her family usually celebrates by gathering for big meals , singing , dancing and taking group photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very sad because I will not be seeing my siblings and their children , '' she said .
`` No matter how much we talk over the phone , there is nothing like coming together . ''
In Indonesia , the largest Muslim-majority country , President Joko Widodo said restrictions would remain in place through the holiday .
The country , with a population of 270 million , has reported more than 18,000 cases , including around 1,200 deaths .
`` I emphasise , there is no relaxing the policy of large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said during a virtual Cabinet meeting on Monday .
Since the start of the Ramadan , the government has imposed an outright ban on mudik , a holiday tradition in which millions of Indonesians living in big cities flock to their home towns to celebrate with relatives .
Health experts had warned it could set off a wave of new cases .
`` This ongoing pandemic has changed our tradition , separated us in celebrating Eid , '' said Noor Hidayat Asri , a civil servant in Indonesia 's capital , Jakarta .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ merciless and invisible enemy this time around . ''
Malaysia will allow people to visit relatives who live nearby , but such gatherings are limited to 20 people .
Visitors are urged to wear face masks and to refrain from hugging , kissing and sharing plates .
Some mosques have reopened , but congregations are limited to 30 people .
India 's 172 million Muslims are also preparing for a subdued holiday , with large gatherings banned .
They have faced heightened stigma , threats and boycotts by many Hindus , who blame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Islamic missionaries held in March .
In some states , Indian Muslims have launched campaigns urging people to refrain from buying new clothes for the holiday and instead give to the needy .
In Iran , which has endured the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East , authorities have imposed few restrictions ahead of the holiday aside from cancelling mass prayers in Tehran traditionally led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
Iran has faced criticism for not imposing the kind of lockdown seen elsewhere in the region , but authorities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an economy eviscerated by US sanctions .
Iran has reported nearly 130,000 cases and more than 7,000 deaths , but the rate of new infections has declined in recent weeks .
In Iraq , the government has allowed most businesses to reopen in the last few weeks but plans to reinstate a 24-hour curfew over the holiday .
The streets were busy in the days leading up to Eid as people shopped for clothes , toys and home appliances .
`` Many people buy presents for Eid .
It 's good business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he arranged bicycles outside his shop .
`` The past few months have been difficult . ''
In war-ravaged Somalia , authorities have urged the cancellation of large gatherings and celebrations , but it 's unclear whether that will be enforced .
Shoppers have packed into markets and shopping centres in the capital , Mogadishu , in recent days .
In the United Arab Emirates , home to the futuristic commercial hub of Dubai , parks and private beaches will be open but groups will be limited to five people .
Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barred from shopping centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi , and other restrictions limit the number of people allowed inside .
Restaurants can only operate at 30 per cent of capacity .
Despite the more relaxed approach aimed at buoying the economy , the government announced a nationwide curfew during Eid al-Fitr lasting from 8pm to 6am .

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Muslims across the world will celebrate one of their biggest holidays under the shadow of coronavirus, with millions confined to their homes and others gripped by economic concerns during what is usually a festive time of shopping and celebration.
The three-day Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for the world's 1.8 billion Muslims.
People usually celebrate by travelling, visiting family and gathering for meals all of which will be largely prohibited as authorities try to prevent new virus outbreaks.
The holiday begins on Sunday May 24 for many, as announced by Saudi Arabia officials and by Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham - though it's starting on Saturday May 23 in some locations.
(Image: AP)
Some countries, including Turkey, Iraq and Jordan, will impose round-the-clock curfews for the duration of the holiday.
In Saudi Arabia, home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, people will only be allowed to leave their homes to buy food and medicine.
Most restrictions have been lifted in Jerusalem, but the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, the third holiest site in Islam, will remain closed until after the holiday.
(Image: Getty Images)
Shopkeepers in the Old City, which has been emptied of tourists and pilgrims since March, are reeling from the effects of six weeks of lockdown.
The Jafar family's famous sweets shop in the Old City is normally a hive of activity, with tourists and locals enjoying knafeh, a syrupy cheese-filled pastry.
These days the seating area is empty and dark as only takeout is allowed.
"It had a huge impact on us," said Ali Jafar, one of the owners, as he worked the counter.
(Image: Getty Images)
He said business has dropped by more than two thirds, forcing them to lay off 10 workers.
In Egypt, authorities have extended the nighttime curfew, which will now begin at 5pm instead of 9pm, and halted public transportation until May 29.
Shopping centres, beaches and parks, which would ordinarily be packed, will be closed.
Manal Zakaria, who lives in the city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, said her family usually celebrates by gathering for big meals, singing, dancing and taking group photos.
"I am very, very, very sad because I will not be seeing my siblings and their children," she said.
"No matter how much we talk over the phone, there is nothing like coming together."
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In Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority country, President Joko Widodo said restrictions would remain in place through the holiday.
The country, with a population of 270 million, has reported more than 18,000 cases, including around 1,200 deaths.
"I emphasise, there is no relaxing the policy of large-scale social restriction yet," Mr Widodo said during a virtual Cabinet meeting on Monday.
Since the start of the Ramadan, the government has imposed an outright ban on mudik, a holiday tradition in which millions of Indonesians living in big cities flock to their home towns to celebrate with relatives.
Health experts had warned it could set off a wave of new cases.
"This ongoing pandemic has changed our tradition, separated us in celebrating Eid," said Noor Hidayat Asri, a civil servant in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.
"We are like dealing with a merciless and invisible enemy this time around."
Malaysia will allow people to visit relatives who live nearby, but such gatherings are limited to 20 people.
Visitors are urged to wear face masks and to refrain from hugging, kissing and sharing plates.
Some mosques have reopened, but congregations are limited to 30 people.
India's 172 million Muslims are also preparing for a subdued holiday, with large gatherings banned.
They have faced heightened stigma, threats and boycotts by many Hindus, who blame the local outbreak on a three-day convention of Islamic missionaries held in March.
In some states, Indian Muslims have launched campaigns urging people to refrain from buying new clothes for the holiday and instead give to the needy.
In Iran, which has endured the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East, authorities have imposed few restrictions ahead of the holiday aside from cancelling mass prayers in Tehran traditionally led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has faced criticism for not imposing the kind of lockdown seen elsewhere in the region, but authorities have said they had to weigh the effects on an economy eviscerated by US sanctions.
Iran has reported nearly 130,000 cases and more than 7,000 deaths, but the rate of new infections has declined in recent weeks.
In Iraq, the government has allowed most businesses to reopen in the last few weeks but plans to reinstate a 24-hour curfew over the holiday.
The streets were busy in the days leading up to Eid as people shopped for clothes, toys and home appliances.
"Many people buy presents for Eid. It's good business for us," Ahmed Hashem said as he arranged bicycles outside his shop.
"The past few months have been difficult."
In war-ravaged Somalia, authorities have urged the cancellation of large gatherings and celebrations, but it's unclear whether that will be enforced.
Shoppers have packed into markets and shopping centres in the capital, Mogadishu, in recent days.
In the United Arab Emirates, home to the futuristic commercial hub of Dubai, parks and private beaches will be open but groups will be limited to five people.
Children under 12 and adults over 60 are barred from shopping centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and other restrictions limit the number of people allowed inside.
Restaurants can only operate at 30 per cent of capacity.
Despite the more relaxed approach aimed at buoying the economy, the government announced a nationwide curfew during Eid al-Fitr lasting from 8pm to 6am.